Author's Note:
I did not thought that this fic would be well-received by some of you guys. First of all, I'd like to thank you guys who have fav, followed, and reviewed the first chapter of the story. It really motivated me to make the next chapter. I appreciate the reviews, especially those that contained information and constructive reviews. It really helps.
Secondly, to those who are somehow miffed, confused and pissed about the fact that Naruto is weaker than Great Red, I purposely made it that way. You guys should know that I'm with you as well when it comes to Naruto being stronger than any beings of the DxD universe, but let's face the power levels rationally. The moment the 4th war ended, Naruto could probably destroy many continents with his destructive techniques. But in the DxD, Ddraig himself stated that he could destroy the whole world with only his brute force. Naruto can't do that, maybe "The Last Movie Naruto" or "Boruto Movie Naruto", I'm not sure. But "4th war Naruto", I don't think so, continents, maybe, but the whole world, meh. Going back to the subject, Ddraig said that he can destroy the whole world himself if he wanted, yet he was not the ranked one in the "Top 10 Strongest Beings" in the DxD universe. Of course, Ddraig was talking about his strength when he was on his prime and he when was not sealed and it was stated that Great Red was even stronger than Ophis who was at rank 1 of the list. If Ddraig can destroy the whole world yet he is not ranked one, then what about Ophis who is ranked one. Especially, Great Red who was known for being the Strongest Being in the whole universe even though he doesn't fight at all. So how strong is Great Red? No one knows exactly, that is why some of the fics are weakening Great Red or they thought Great Red was weaker than Naruto, because they don't have any data on him and they don't know Great Red's full capability. But in here, I've made a speculation that if Great Red and Trihexa (666) were to fight each other, the whole universe would probably be destroyed. Make no mistake, I enjoyed those fics where Naruto was so OP, he was even stronger than Great Red. But I've made my Naruto to be weaker than Great Red and to be still stronger than most characters so that it would satisfy you guys. And he would still be in the Top 10 strongest beings along with Sasuke. But he can't take on Great Red, at least in my fic. I have a plan for Great Red as well. Anyway, that's my explanation. If you guys can't accept that, either don't read this fic, or just think that I've made Great Red stronger than ever.
Thirdly, those who are annoyed, angry at my statement of Kaguya being weaker than Great Red, the same explanation as above, Great Red is the strongest being in DxD universe, do you think that he's just gonna sit still while Kaguya uses her All-Killing Ash Bones against him, I think not. Even if Great Red was an easy target because he was big, he would probably have some counter against sure-kill techniques, he is not the strongest being for nothing after all. Just like my earlier suggestion, if you guys can't accept that, you guys should either think that I've made Great Red stronger or just don't read this fic.
Lastly, those who are making a fuss over Great Red's size, I'm sorry about the fact that I stated Great Red being larger than the Ten-Tails, that was wrong, I admit so I changed the Ten-Tails in the chapter 1 to Nine-Tails so him being bigger than Kurama. I think that's just correct. How? I used the Attack on Titan as my size reference. Some of the guys over the internet are arguing about Kurama's real size since he was split into half by Minato, blah blah blah. But if you guys remember when Obito released Kurama from Kushina's seal, he was complete. He did not have his yin or yang chakra split so that should be his full size. Gamabunta was only a little bit smaller than Kurama. Gamabunta even pounced at Kurama so I don't think Gamabunta would exceed sixty meters, and since Kurama was just slightly bigger than him, Kurama is probably about 70-80 meters. That's my reasoning.
Nxkris - thanks for the review. Regarding about Naruto, not being a Jinchuuriki, it would be explained in this chapter, though his whole past would be revealed little by little.
Skg1991 - the profile about Naruto would probably be posted after chapter 4 or 5 where the story is starting to develop and you guys would know some of his abilities so that you guys won't be confused.
Mas2009 – The reason I brought Naruto's parents was that because they were needed for Naruto's character development.
WindyCitySlayer1 – regarding the pairing, I already have a planned pairing or pairings, whatever you guys think for him, though I would not be mentioning anything.
Once again, I thank you guys for the fav, follows, and reviews and I hope you guys continue on doing so. If you guys have any questions, PM it to me or post it as reviews, I'll answer it in the next chapter.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Without anymore explanation, Chapter 2, start.
P.S. I've made this into a first person point-of-view. Though, there would be occasional third person point-of-views.
Chapter 2 – The Answer to One's Question
I stifled a groan as I regained my consciousness. My whole body was aching in pain and I could feel a throbbing pang of hatred in my mind as I move my body, trying to stand up from my sprawled up position in the ground. I could understand the pain from my sore and broken body which just traversed from one dimension to another, the process should've even decimated my whole body in the process, which surprisingly doesn't.
But I don't understand the heavy feeling of irritation and anger. I wouldn't even have this feelings normally, but right now, I'm sure that this emotion is really anger. I wanted to lash out against something and preferably someone. However I held my body forcibly to stop that from happening. My body was convulsing harshly I even used a binding seal to somehow stop my body and try to calm it down. After my whole body cooled off and I began to relax, I could feel a tingling sensation pricking my skin, making me shiver slightly.
My whole body was sitting still and I started to draw the nature energy lingering in the atmosphere. In an instant, I could feel the Sage marks started to appear and the gathered nature energy was balanced inside of my body. It was then that I realized the overflowing hatred and bitterness seeping from the nature. And I gathered them inside my body, no wonder I was feeling anger and overwhelming hatred. The nature was using my body as a medium since it was accustomed to gather nature energy.
No wonder I was feeling irritated earlier, and the prickling sensation all over my body. The nature energy was trying to find a good medium to use so that nature would be able to vent its anger towards the world.
Any normal sage that would've gathered this nature energy would probably go mad and be driven insane without any coherent thoughts. They would not even realize that nature was using their body as a way to lash out from the beings who were continuing to destroy the nature.
To describe the nature energy at this place in simple words, it's tainted, it's corrupted, it's foul, but most of all, it's dangerous, especially for those who are attempting to gather nature energy without any practice and training. Fortunately, I am a master, so I am able to regulate this surprisingly more potent nature energy and purify them.
I felt disgusted at the feeling of regulating the nature energy. By being a master, I can feel the damage that has been done towards nature and I could see vivid images running through my mind as I saw uncountable means on how this world treats nature. I could do nothing but be sickened on how nature was being handled, mostly by humanity in this dimension.
They were polluting the air by smoke and unpurified air chemicals, the bodies of water, which are spread throughout the whole globe was polluted by garbage, trash and dangerous liquidize chemicals that can kill anything living in the waters, the countless trees and bountiful forests in this world was being cut and not even replaced. Even the land itself was deteriorating so fast I can feel the earth's soil becoming hard and brittle. This world is approaching its death faster than it was supposed to be, and no one is even doing anything about it, those who do so are being half-assed on it.
But by seeing the nature's treatment, I was also able to saw the state of technology in this world. I saw countless vehicles used for travelling long distances, some were even used to travel air itself. I would've been in a state of awe if not for the fact that these vehicles were destroying the world. But what made me curious was the fact that I sense humanity in this world did not have any chakra at all. Though, the only reason why we, the humans from the Elemental Nation could use chakra was because the Sage of Six Paths himself, spread out the Chakra through a practice called Ninshu, but humanity just trampled on his hopes and made the Ninshu into Ninjutsu, a weapon of war.
"Yeah, you're right about that. You humans squashed father's dream of peace." I heard a snort inside of my head as I was halted from my thoughts. The voice was probably aggravated from my comment earlier about Ninshu. This guy inside of my mind is the Sage of Six Paths' child after all. Asura Otsutsuki, the ancestor of the Senju and Uzumaki Clans. Unfortunately for me, his voice is something that would never leave my head until the moment the life in me is snuffed out.
"Do you really have to be a jerk just like that?" Asura cried out in disbelief as shrug him off while thinking of him as nothing but an annoyance, which unfortunately for me is something true.
"Be like that, you moron."
"Of course, I would be like this, you didn't even thank me when I saved your siblings and decided to put extra voices in my head so that you won't be alone." I held back a low growl as the voice inside of me retorted back.
"You would've taken them anyway since you do anything for a new power." I felt insulted at his words but I didn't even deny them. Why should I, when it was nothing but the truth, denying so would just be contradicting my very self. Asura asked no one in particular. "You don't even accept peace, so why did you have to be my reincarnation? With your power-hungry tendencies, you should've been Indra's reincarnation instead. At least Hashirama was an okay person in my book."
"I accept peace, you moron. But what you're talking about is different. My reasons are justified." I did not rebut the power-hungry tendencies he was talking since it was true, though the keyword is WAS. By becoming the strongest ninja besides Sasuke in Elemental Nations, I have no drive in pursuing further strength any longer.
"Yeah, what I'm talking about is different, but it is still peace. And no, there's no justification at all. You're just being a child throwing a tantrum." Asura himself knew as well that I am no longer trying to find power since I was already one of the strongest being in the world so he didn't mentioned anything about that.
"Whatever, just go back to sleep with your siblings and I'll just purify the forest of the taint."
"I hope you realize how wrong you are, even though they have wronged you, they wanted to do nothing more than to make amends, but before they could, you leave them in the dust, making them wallow in regret and sorrow. Though, I agree with you in purifying the forest, I feel dirty. Clean up the place as soon as possible." Asura replied before cutting our connection off. He was probably going back to sleep or possibly annoy one of his siblings who were also inside of my head, sleeping.
How wrong am I, huh? I looked in the blue sky as I gave a loose sigh. I could still hear his words echoing through my whole mind, repeating endlessly. I know I am wrong, but I have and will always have a firm belief of forgiving someone, yet not giving them any second chances and only those people who are being used and manipulated by others should be given one.
Just like with Sasuke, he was manipulated by his brother ever since the Uchiha Clan Massacre. Just like with Obito who was manipulated by Madara and become nothing but a pawn. Lastly me, who was manipulated by the Third Hokage to become a weapon for Konoha, while I know he loved me just as a true grandson, he also wanted to tie me down to Konoha, and by my father who just used me as a bait for Madara to think that I was a Jinchuuriki by announcing me as one at my birth when I was not one and there's nothing more I hate than being used. If I didn't go with Sasuke and Orochimaru when they decided to revive the past Hokages, I wouldn't have known the truth.
= = = = = =
Flashback
= = = = = =
I was observing in the sidelines as I saw Itachi and Sasuke fighting Kabuto inside the cave where Kabuto was controlling the undead shinobis by using the S-Rank Kinjutsu, Kuchiyose: Edo Tensei (Summoning: Impure World Resurrection). Truth to be told, I think that Kabuto is truly a genius when it comes to being Orochimaru's apprentice. He was able to summon many ninjas, most of them were famous and even some were in the Kage level.
Normally, I wouldn't even bat an eyelash on whoever insults me but I spat a mocking insult the moment I heard Kabuto spouting some nonsense about achieving a perfect Sage Mode. "You call that creepy transformation of yours a complete sage mode? Bullshit." I was sneering at him when he looked at me, a little flabbergasted and surprised that I was there. The guy was not even able to sense me when I was just laid down in the sidelines with my left hand cupping my head as I was watching them fight it all out. But it was understandable since I was using a unique sage technique where I blend my chakra with the outer nature energy, allowing myself to take the presence as the same as the lingering nature chakra in the atmosphere, which meant that I was just there with the same aura of nature, something that would make go unnoticed by everyone except those who are masters adept in using nature energy. I would've just ignored fhim if not for the fact that he mentioned that disgusting appearance of his as a perfect Sage Mode. That's not one, it's just an imperfect one, like the one Jiraiya uses. But this one is even uglier though.
The guy was deluded too much that he thought he was a complete sage. As far as I recall, there are currently five people who became complete sages. These people were The Sage of Six Paths, Asura Otsutsuki, Hashirama Senju, Minato Namikaze, and lastly, me. Most of the other sages before and after the Warring States era were all incomplete. For them to be become complete, they must have an affinity with nature itself and since people having an affinity with nature is scarce, they would only be able to use senjutsu through the incomplete Sage Mode, but by using it, they would either need the cooperation of their summons or either gather the nature energy but they would have parts of their body changed into one that is of animals.
My trail of thoughts was stopped when I heard a dark voice coming from Sasuke, interrupting me in my memory lane. It seems that he didn't like being forced to stop in fighting or something like that.
"Naruto, need I to remind you that me and Itachi are currently fighting him, and don't even try to intervene in our fight. I want answers from Itachi." Sasuke spoke as he admonished me with a stern tone in his voice.
"Hai hai. Just finished it as soon as possible, we were only here at first because you wanted answers from Itachi, I didn't think that you would be fighting Kabuto right there." I just shrugged off his scolding as I diluted my presence in the nature energy coating the whole cavern. I gathered the nature energy instantly, making my presence the same as nature, allowing it to disappear.
After eight hours, which was actually less than twenty minutes, Sasuke and Itachi defeated Kabuto by placing him in an endless loop of a genjutsu that could only be broken by Kabuto if he decided to accept himself, the technique was called Izanami or something like that.
While I could replicate the technique, instead of being a S-Rank technique, it would most likely become a B-Rank or probably C-Rank since the technique needed to be powered up by the Sharingan. And since I didn't have that, it would be nothing but a rip-off technique supplemented by a weak genjutsu. And since genjutsu is not really one of my fortes, I decided it would be nothing but a bother.
Itachi was starting to disappear into bits of light when he stared at me with a knowing look. "Naruto, thanks for taking care of Sasuke." He gave a slight nod of acknowledgment at my direction as I gave out my reply.
"No problem, I'd do anything for a friend. Since I only have three people that I could truthfully call a friend and one of them is this guy. Most are nothing but acquaintances." I gave a respecting nod at him as I placed my arm on Sasuke's shoulder in which Sasuke just gave a rasp, completely annoyed. Itachi just smiled at my action, though I can see in his eyes looking at me in pity.
He also knew of my predicament of not being actually a jinchuuriki, he was one of my ANBU guards when I was a child after all. He was always looking out for me whenever I would be in danger. I totally respect him, though I can't exactly say that we were friends.
Sasuke was my best friend since no one can understand my pain besides him. We were both used and manipulated by many people. And we were also rivals when we were both children.
Haku, the boy(?) I met when Team 7 went to a mission in the Wave. He gave me the philosophy and belief that I would become stronger if I had something or someone I truly want to protect, guessed that he was right. Though, I don't know where he is now. As far as I know, they left after we defeated and killed Gato and removed the tyranny reigning over the Wave Country.
Lastly, Gaara. The Fifth Kazekage of Sunagakure. After I saved him from loneliness of being a jinchuuriki and being captured by Akatsuki, we became friends and whenever I needed something useless, he always helps me out, even though I was a missing-nin that is the top priority to be captured by Konoha. Apparently, he cared more for his friend rather than alliances.
I saw Itachi looking directly at Sasuke in the eye as he started speaking to him."Just like how how Danzo and Tobi explained it to you. Everything they said was true. Let me show it to you." The moment he said that, I knew Sasuke was wrapped inside a genjutsu after he spoke those words.
I don't know what Sasuke saw in the genjutsu but when it was finished, I can see that he was really speechless at what he just witnessed.
"I have always lied to you, since I did not want to get you involved, but if I had faced you from the start, maybe you could've change father and mother. You would've changed the Uchiha."
"But I failed. I won't put myself above you and tell you this or that, it's already too late. So this time for once, let me tell you one small truth. It's all right even if you never forgive me, but no matter what happens and no matter what kind of person you become…" Itachi grabbed Sasuke's head gently as he connected the both of their foreheads as he look at Sasuke in the eye before speaking his last words.
"I will always love you."
After Itachi's last words were spoken, I saw him disappearing with a smile on his face before he disappeared in bits of white light and the body used for him turned to dust.
Sasuke was just standing there completely stupefied. His body was completely still, and if he was a sage, he would've drained the nature energy in the cave. I held back a groan at that bad pun of mine. I was always bad in making puns, yet I still make them.
"Naruto, what is a clan?" Sasuke asked me with the hopes that I have the answer, unfortunately I do not. Yet he still continued. "What is a shinobi?" It seems that this meeting with Itachi left Sasuke with nothing but questions which even I cannot answer. I was broken just like him. Right now, he is lost, he doesn't have any answers to any of his questions, and I do not have any answers to any of my questions as well, I was completely alone, walking in a path which is surrounded by nothing but darkness, the only light visible was the one ending in my path.
Yet, I do not give up. My life might've been nothing but a sham. But until I've walk this path, I will not waver. I will accomplish my dream or die trying. So, Sasuke do not give up. Try to find your answers and move forward.
"Sasuke, I–" The top of the cavern where Sasuke was standing started to crumble before falling down on him. Sasuke dodged the rubbles falling on him as light reached the cave, then we heard a loud voice, accompanied by two people who was visible after that part of the cavern gave in.
We saw Suigetsu and Jugo coming out of the hole of the cave. "Found you!" Suigetsu's voice echoed in the whole cave
Sasuke and I were just sitting there while Suigetsu continued to talk. Suigetsu saw Kabuto who was just standing there, unconscious and rushed towards his direction and judging by his face, his really grossed out in Kabuto's appearance. That's why his proclamation of being a complete sage is bullshit. The disgusting form of him is nothing but a fake, how could he be complete when his body changed dramatically?
"This thing coming out from his stomach looks like a big…" I groaned in annoyance as I realized what Suigetsu was trying to say. Luckily, Sasuke stopped him and we heard Jugo spoke. "Sasuke, Naruto, this woman is alive."
Oh, so Anko was still alive. I thought that Kabuto would've killed her already. I didn't know why Kabuto left her like that. I looked at Jugo's direction and saw an unconscious Anko along with her battered body, taking a beating from Kabuto, obviously.
Sasuke spoke darkly at the two newcomers as he questioned them. "What could the two of you want from me now?" Sasuke just treated them as nothing but people to be used and thrown away. I'm not in any position to argue, seeing that I also did that before. "Did you really spend all this time looking for me?" He motioned his hand towards them as he looked at Jugo and Suigetsu's direction before Suigetsu answered. "Yep! By the way, we found one hell of a hideout."
Jugo was approaching us with Anko's unconscious body was slung on his right shoulder. He spoke as he was making his way towards us. "You guys said that Itachi stopped Kabuto's EdoTensei, right?" After Sasuke nodded, the words Jugo spoke of left us shocked. "But the EdoTensei on the man named Madara hasn't been released.
Madara Uchiha's Edo Tensei still hasn't stopped which means that he was still moving fighting in the war happening right now. Unless the Alliance had Hashirama on their side, they're just delaying the inevitable, though it might be possible for my sister to stop Madara, she have a sliver chance of stopping him, but defeat him, no way that's possible.
"I see. So he's still moving." Sasuke spoke darkly as he recollected his thoughts on whatever he's thinking earlier.
Suigetsu yelled at Jugo comically, and then he reached out on his long sleeve and held out a black scroll at Sasuke who just raised an eyebrow at the scroll held out in front of him.
Sasuke opened the black scroll as he started to read the contents written. Jugo was quiet and curiously, I took a peek and it left me in surprise at the sudden revelation. To think that Orochimaru!
Suigetsu exclaimed loudly as he spoke. "Awesome, right?! We can use this and Taka (Hawk) will be able to rule the entire wor…" Suigetsu stopped speaking when we heard Sasuke spoke. "This is it."
That left us in confusion. I even tilted my head sideways when I heard his words. What did he mean? He's not planning on using that, right? His words left me in a state of worry and confusion. While I can read Sasuke as well as he can read me, Even I don't know what he's planning when he's brooding like that.
"He knows everything." Sasuke just stood up as he continued. "There's someone I have to meet now. "
"Sasuke, who?" I asked even if I already knew the answer. He's planning on finding Orochimaru, even though he already killed him. The question in my mind is how to meet Orochimaru when he's already dead. It might be possible if Sasuke would use the Edo Tensei, but I know Sasuke won't use that vile technique, no matter what happens.
"Orochimaru. Why are you asking when you already know the answer, Naruto?" Sasuke look at me but I just raised my shoulders slightly, shrugging off his inquiry. He didn't bother me anymore as Suigetsu just asked in disbelief.
"What are you two talking about?! You already killed Orochimaru's ass haven't you, Sasuke?!"
"You know that man is so resilient, he won't die easily." Sasuke spoke as he looked at the cursed seal in Anko's neck. I see. So that's how he plans to. A chip of Orochimaru's soul is imbedded in every single cursed seal he created. By extracting that soul, Orochimaru would obviously come back to life.
"I have questions that need answers, and only that bastard knows how these questions can be answered. The clan, the village, I need answers in my questions."
"What… This makes no sense." Suigetsu just mumbled under his breath, trying to understand how Sasuke's complicated thinking works.
"Suigetsu, you underestimate Orochimaru too much." Sasuke spoke to him. Orochimaru was a man who was known to pursuing immortality, does he really think that the bastard would just die like that?
Suigetsu just denied Sasuke's words and he retorted back. "I don't! It's the complete opposite! You're the one who's underestimating him! Even if you revived him…" Suigetsu trailed off when he realized that he was just being ignored by Sasuke who was making numerous hand seals in front of Anko's body. "Whatever! Do what you want!" Suigetsu grumbled as he just watched Sasuke, who decided to talk to Jugo. "Jugo, scoop me a piece of Kabuto's body." Jugo just complied and made his way towards Kabuto's body. Suigetsu yelled at him. "You sure about this Jugo?! He's gonna revive Orochimaru!" He just scowled at the response he got from Jugo. "Sasuke's will is Kimimaro's will. I just obey."
Jugo's skin started to change, turning into brownish and he held out his hand on Kabuto's chest and a makeshift flesh containing Kabuto's essence was probably in it. He grabbed the makeshift flesh as he turned back at Anko's direction and he placed the flesh at Anko's cursed seal.
Sasuke finished his handseals and he placed his hand on the cursed seal. Kaija Houin! A huge snake appeared in Anko's cursed seal and inside the snake's mouth was Orochimaru himself.
Suigetsu bolted out and he used Kabuto's body as cover when Orochimaru was now standing as he came out of the snake's mouth. He observed the surroundings and he looked at Sasuke. "…To think that you would be the one to revive me." Orochimaru smiled ominously at Sasuke and he looked at me. "And you're also here, Naruto-kun." A sinister smile crept up on Orochimaru's face as he stared at me. I held back a shiver from the inauspicious gaze he was giving me.
"There's something I need you to do for me. Orochimaru." Sasuke demanded from Orochimaru who just waved off Sasuke's words as he replied. "I don't need an explanation for such a menial fact."
"I've been watching the whole time in Anko's seal. As I split my soul in every single cursed seal, it also contained my consciousness."
"Then, you know about the war?" I asked Orochimaru. "Of course, Naruto-kun. And before you ask, I have no interest in this war."
"It is a war started by someone else, so why should I bother to do so? What I'm interested is…" Orochimaru grinned at Sasuke as he pointed at him. "That young body of yours, Sasuke-kun!" He licked his lips creepily, making Suigetsu shiver in fear. "And that mind of yours, Naruto-kun!" He pointed at me as he added.
"Naruto-kun's mind which is a trove of ideas and concepts regarding to seals along with Sasuke-kun's eye, I would be an unstoppable force." He started to laugh maliciously, making me and Sasuke on our guard but it relax as soon as Orochimaru added. "Although, I don't have enough power to steal it yet."
I wonder about that, you slippery bastard. Someone who was able to chorus an invasion and fought the Third Hokage in a standstill by summoning the past Hokages before getting beaten, you still have too many tricks on your sleeve.
Sasuke just approached Orochimaru before handing out the black scroll from earlier, making Orochimaru give Sasuke a calculative look as he spoke. "Why do you want to meet them?" A discerning gaze was visible in Orochimaru's eyes, making Suigetsu flinched, but Sasuke and I weren't that bother by it. Sasuke replied back at him. "I don't know much, but I want to hear everything from them."
Orochimaru just dismissed Sasuke's words and he spoke. "Everything…? You don't need to know all of that, you're still a child."
Sasuke was just quiet when Orochimaru spoke, probably contemplating on every single thing that has happen on him from the beginning up until now, making me thought of everything that happened to me as well. Right now, if Orochimaru were to summon the past Kages, my questions would've been answered as well. What I only needed to know is the truth in my past, I don't know everything, the only thing I knew was that my parents were alive and I was not a jinchuuriki. I don't know why they abandoned me, and what I want is the answer to that, though, I already have an inkling assumption on that, and if it's true… The only person I should really hate would be the Third Hokage for lying, my father for using me, my mother who agreed, but not my sister.
Sasuke gave Orochimaru a blank stare before speaking. "I'm no longer a child… I can't be one anymore. What kind of actions should I take? After reuniting with Itachi, my hatred against Konoha only grew stronger…" Sasuke paused a little bit before continuing.
"But… The feelings of my brother, Itachi Uchiha who became a traitor and died to protect the village as a Konoha Shinobi…"
"What was Itachi, then? Our clan? The village? I don't know, that's why I want to know everything. So that I can arrive at my answer and know what must be done." All Sasuke wanted to know right now is what should he do. Being manipulated by Itachi all of his life, losing everything, sacrificing everything, not knowing anything, all because he was manipulated. Orochimaru was discerning Sasuke before turning his back at him, moving towards Kabuto who has still not broken the genjutsu casted on him.
With my Sage Mode activated instantly, I can see Orochimaru's sage chakra inside Kabuto returning to him. Orochimaru was absorbing his chakra that was inside Kabuto, leaving Kabuto with only his original chakra inside.
Suigetsu, with his annoying voice spoke loudly. "Look, he stole Kabuto's power!"
"No, that's not what happened. Orochimaru just retrieved his own chakra that was inside Kabuto, and Kabuto's chakra was untouched." Jugo retorted back at Suigetsu who was shaking his head violently, not believing a word Jugo just said.
Orochimaru just spoke at Sasuke. "The way you are now, it's not bad. I'll assist you. Just follow me." Orochimaru did not bother looking back as he started to make his way towards the cave's exit. Sasuke, who started to follow him along with Jugo and Suigetsu, asked. "Where?"
Orochimaru just replied. "To a place you know well. By the way, Naruto-kun… Are you going to come as well? The questions you have can be answered as well. Sarutobi-sensei, while being kind man, was a shrewd person after all."
"Fine. I don't have anything better to do anyway." I just stood up, starting to follow them as well, leaving Kabuto alone in the cavern.
[Scene Break]
We arrived at the village I used to love, and now the village I don't care about. Orochimaru said that the place where we were going was somehow near to the village so we took a detour to the village. After a couple of minutes, walking near the village, we saw a temple in a broken state. The entrance was barely open, due to the fact that the roof of the entrance was giving in, barely holding on.
The shrine belongs to the Uzumaki Clan, which was located in the outskirts of Konoha. The entrance of the place is a giant replica of the clan's symbol. Though, it is of no importance to me, even if I belong to the Uzumaki Clan. The clan was already destroyed anyway.
We entered the temple when we stumbled upon many masks hanged upon one side of the wall. For Orochimaru to revive the past Hokages, he needed the Shinigami Mask which would allow him to release the souls sealed inside the Shinigami's stomach.
"Which one is it?" Sasuke asked, he obviously wanted answers as soon as possible. Orochimaru just stared in the masks hanging upon the wall, trying to find the Shinigami Mask. After a few seconds of waiting, Orochimaru's snake grabbed the one which looked like the face of Shinigami.
"It's kinda creepy… so now that you found it, let's go." Suigetsu said as I saw him trying to suppress a shiver running through him. "Yeah, let's go, to the place where all the secrets lie."
After that, we left the shrine and started heading out towards the village's entrance. We were wearing black cloaks as we arrived in the village, making our way inside. We are still wanted in Konoha after all. Even though, there's a war currently going on right now. After a couple of walks inside, I saw Sasuke jumped and I decided to follow him, jumping as well and landing on a high platform, making the whole village, visible no matter where we look at. The Hokage Monument was up there, with five faces belonging from the First Hokage up to the Fifth Hokage.
"Naruto, the place has changed quite a lot, huh?" I heard Sasuke mutter under his breath as he spoke clearly. He's being sentimental since he will probably be making his decision after we get our answers from the Hokages. "Yeah. Indeed it has." I replied as I think about what would I do the moment I get my answers. I don't have any attachment to the place anymore.
[Scene Break]
We arrived at the Naka Shrine belonging to the Uchiha Clan, though the place was already wrecked and destroyed from Pein's invasion, only a stone door was visible as Sasuke used a jutsu to open the door. Only Uchiha would probably be able to open that. Stone stairs were revealed, making its way downwards, clearly underground where the tablet of Uchiha was located.
After arriving at the stone monument, Orochimaru spoke loudly, making his words echo in the small room located underground. "I will start. Stay back." The moment Orochimaru wore the Shinigami Mask, we saw Orochimaru being shrouded by a dark chakra and felt the intensity it held.
"Gwaaahh!" Orochimaru screamed from the sudden possession of the Shinigami as he held out both of his arms, the Shinigami manifested behind him as we saw the Shinigami had its blade in its right hand, cutting its stomach. The souls sealed inside the stomach was released along with Orochimaru's arms.
When Orochimaru recovered his arms, Jugo immediately placed his hand at Sasuke, releasing the six Zetsu which was inside of Sasuke's body. I rushed forward, binding the six Zetsu with my seals, making them halt in their movement, completely stiff.
Orochimaru said that he has DNA from the past Hokages. He used four of the Zetsus as sacrifices so the souls would have a body to inhabit. He made numerous hand seals before he slammed his hand towards the seal he drew in the floor. "Kuchiyose: Edo Tensei" After that, he bolted out of his old body which was bleeding huge amount of blood and used one of the Zetsus as a new one.
The fours Zetsus right now were screaming in pain as the four Hokages started to form in their bodies. I was just standing in there, waiting for the Four Hokages to appear along with Sasuke who wants answers.
Orochimaru chuckled darkly as he spoke. "The people who know everything. The previous Hokages." He introduced the four of them even though we already knew who they were.
There stood the Shodaime, Hashirama Senju; the Nidaime, Tobirama Senju; the Sandaime, Hiruzen Sarutobi; lastly, my father, the Yondaime, Minato Namikaze.
We just stood there, waiting for someone to break the moment of silence. Unexpectedly, it was Suigetsu who spoke. "The first Hokage, the man who was said to be the God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju." Suigetsu pointed at Hashirama's direction who looked back at him.
I saw a confused expression plastered on the Hokages' faces. They were probably wondering as to how they were revived again. They all observed their surroundings and saw Orochimaru. Tobirama spoke in disdain when he glared at Orochimaru. "This Orochimaru guy again!"
"What do you mean?" Hashirama asked his brother when it was the Sandaime who replied. "He probably removed the seal of the Shiki Fujin that was trapping us and he used the Edo Tensei." He spoke grimly as he answered Hashirama. He looked at the whole group and I saw a slight recognition on his expression when he saw me.
He was gaping in disbelief the moment he saw me. He was obviously not expecting me being with Orochimaru. "Naruto, why are you with Orochimaru?" He asked. But I did not answer, My father was looking at me, wide-eye when he heard the Sandaime questioned me. "You're Naruto?" I just responded with a simple nod. I don't know how to respond to my father who was talking to me right now, so I just gave a simple nod.
I glanced at Sasuke, who was just watching right now with an unreadable expression. I know that what he wants right now was answers but it seems that he's willing to let me go first. Though, I think he also wants to know about my past. The Sandaime tried to press on, quite agitated that I ignored his question, but before he could ask, my father was the one who gave a statement. "You're so big now, I only saw you when you were a newborn." My father exclaimed with a happy expression on his face, in which I saw the Sandaime only grimaced, probably because the talk about how I was treated in Konoha will come.
My father continued, trying to contain his excitement as he asked a few questions at me. "Did you learn the Rasengan (Spiralling Sphere)?" After seeing my nod, he asked. "Did you complete it then?" I gave a reluctant nod, I don't really want to give out what kind of techniques I learned but it was my father who created it, so as a part of thanks, I just gave another nod.
"Amazing! You really are my son!" He just moved towards me as he smiled cheerfully at me before ruffling my hair in an affectionate manner. If my mind was still the same as before, the one longing for affections and love, I would've probably start crying and respond with a hug. But I've already come into terms with my ideals and beliefs. I've come far with this, and I'd be damn to hell before I throw them away just because of a simple affectionate action. The ruffle of hair was stopped when Hashirama looked at my father before asking.
"Who are you?" Hashirama asked with a curiosity-filled voice, my father just turned his back, revealing a kanji of Fourth." The Fourth Hokage."
"Oh! A fourth!" Hashirama said in glee which made us stand in silence. Honestly, I expected more from First Hokage. I somehow expected him to be stern, serious, even strict, because it was obvious that the First Hokage should be the one to show promise, not idiocy. Granted, I'm like that before. Though, I did not expect a happy-go-lucky person in front of me. He knows that he's being controlled by Orochimaru, yet he's not even taking it seriously.
"So the village has been stable for a long time." He just spoke sagely without even an ounce of worry and all. If he's a sensor like the books say, shouldn't he already feel that there is a war going on right now?
"I'm not really sure whether the village is stable or not. I actually died before the third died and was sealed." My father just rubbed the back of his head as he chuckled sheepishly
"Really?! So you weren't sealed with Sarutobi?!" Hashirama asked. "Yes. It's a different case actually." My father just closed his eyes as he smiled at Hashirama.
"Who's the fifth, then?" He asked us, hoping for an answer to come. It was Orochimaru who replied. "your granddaughter, Princess Tsunade."
When Hashirama heard that, he slump his shoulders as his mood suddenly darkens. "Tsuna? Is the village all right?" He muttered loudly, a tone of worry was coating his voice.
"Er, are you worried?"
Hashirama's mood changed from the dark one to a bright and cheerful one. He laughed in joy as he spoke. "I really spoiled her. She even learned gambling from me. Hahahaha!" Really? This laid-back man is the First Hokage who was supposed to be the God of Shinobi. His really different from what I thought.
"Edo Tensei again?" Tobirama asked in disbelief as Orochimaru replied. "It wasn't that much of a complicated jutsu after all. Even your political measures and the jutsus you invented create too many troubles afterward." Orochimaru smiled as he answered Tobirama.
I heard Hashirama gave a tired sigh as he placed his left hand on his temple. "Hah… The world is always fighting, no matter what." He continued as he pointed a finger at his brother. "Tobirama… That's why I told you…"
"Be quiet, brother." He chided Hashirama who tried to retort back. "But…" and was interrupted. "Silence." Tobirama stared at his brother with an unwavering gaze. Hashirama's mood began to darken again and he slump his shoulders in defeat.
Orochimaru just spread out his arms before replying back at Tobirama. "I'm not planning on attacking Leaf. That's why I'm not even blocking your personalities." He moved towards mine and Sasuke's direction as he continued. "This time, I simply wanted to create a moment for the both of these two boys to have their questions answered."
He motioned his hand at the both of us. Sneaking a quick glance on Sasuke who was just there with an unreadable expression, seeing that Sasuke wanted me to ask first, I started on asking. "I am Naruto Namikaze. And all I want to know is why did you proclaimed me as a jinchuuriki when I was not, father? Why did my sister and mother left me alone in Konoha, making me suffer in the mental and physical pain I received from the villagers?" I spoke coldly as I spat the word father like poison, barely containing my anger when I recalled that he abandoned me along with mother and my sister.
"What do you mean you suffered? Didn't the Sandaime tell you the truth?" He asked with a somehow surprised and confused expression plastering on his face. I can see the Sandaime shifting nervously who was besides the other Hokages.
"No, he never spoke a word." I answered as I held onto my stoic demeanor. My emotionless façade was starting to break from my barely contained hostility, but Sasuke just patted me on the shoulder. Making me calm down, I gave a silent thanks at Sasuke who just nodded at me.
My father glared at the Sandaime before asking with displeasure on his voice. "What's the meaning of this, Sarutobi?" the Sandaime just replied nervously before retorting back. "You don't understand, Minato. If I told him, he would've just spoken that his family is actually alive."
"I told you to tell him about his parents and what we have planned to do the moment he can form coherent thoughts. You don't have the right to ignore that." He stated harshly at the Sandaime. I interrupted their talk, asking about the plan my father mentioned. "Care to enlighten me about that plan of yours?" I asked at my father who was still angry at the Sandaime.
"Yeah, since you don't know what actually happened at that time, you see, your sister was born three years earlier than you. And when she reached the age of three, she can already manifest chakra chains just as durable and just as strong as the one your mother creates. So while both I and your mother were happy for her, I already formulated a plan inside my mind to seal the Kyuubi inside her should it escape from Kushina since she was pregnant with you."
"And I copied the seals that the Uzumaki used on your mother when she became a jinchuuriki. But it was a very intricate seal that probably takes a lot of time to be used. So when the masked man attacked Konoha and released the Kyuubi that was inside of your mother the time you were born, I fought and released the hold of the masked man on the Kyuubi. I told you that I was planning on sealing the Kyuubi in your sister, but since I can't use the seal used on your mother since it takes a lot of time, and I don't want Konoha to be destroyed, I settled for the faster method, I sealed the Kyuubi in your sister using the Shiki Fujin. After that, I still had probably a couple of seconds before my soul gets taken by the Shinigami, I used a genjutsu on the Sandaime and your mother to show them what I was planning."
"My plan was for Sarutobi to announce you had taken the mantle of being a jinchuuriki but he should've proclaimed you as Konoha's Hero as well, as for why, it because people will obviously ask what became of the Kyuubi. Then the masked man would take notice of you, thinking that you are the jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi. When in truth it was sealed in your sister who would be trained by your mother to control the chakra of the Kyuubi to fight him in the future. They would leave Konoha to train while the masked man thought of you as a jinchuuriki. And they would be announced as dead. Though, convincing Kushina was actually hard. He didn't want to leave you alone. But it was needed if we want to defeat the masked man. So she accepted."
"Since the masked man was planning on gathering the Bijuu and based on what Jiraiya and I knew from Jiraiya's spy network, there was a group having a clear intent of collecting the Bijuu, it also connected when the masked man said that he was planning on taking the Kyuubi. So, he would be delayed should he capture you. And since the world thought of you as a jinchuuriki, Konoha would obviously never release their hold of you, seeing that you're they're weapon. As a bonus, you would be trained and when your sister came back, you, who were trained early, and your sister who was trained to control the Kyuubi's chakra. The two of you would fight against the masked man's level the next time he tries to take back the Kyuubi."
"Also, at the moment you could form coherent thoughts, Sarutobi was suppose to tell you the truth. But it was obvious that he didn't do so." My father finished his explanation that just left me standing there in silence. My assumption was actually correct. By announcing me as a jinchuuriki, the Akatsuki would continue hunting me, when in truth, I didn't actually have it, they would be delayed and my sister would continue on training until she can fight on the Akatsuki's level.
All in all, it was a sound plan. No one would actually think that I had a family if they were to be proclaimed as dead. That left me hanging there with my mind, hearing his words echoing in my mind. My thoughts were completely stopped when I heard a smart-ass comment coming from Suigetsu. "Wow! You have one crazy father haven't you, blondie?" I stopped myself from retorting back, but he continued. "It was a good plan. Spoken like a true shinobi." He smiled mockingly towards my father, to prove his point, he even made a mocking sound like 'nin-nin' while making a Seal of Confrontation. He asked me, "Did he really think that you would just accept that?" Suigetsu grinned, showing his sharpened shark-like teeth. While I really wanted to reply at his question, I ignored him and started to stare at my father.
"I see." I just stated at my father while I look at him blankly. I can see a somehow nervous expression marring his face as he realized the words he just said. While the plan may sound good and it was actually good, he should have taken in of account how the people needed on his plan would feel towards it. No one would just accept after being said that they were bait for a group filled with nothing but S-Rank Shinobis, especially if they were just a child.
I saw Hashirama having a shocked look on his face, obviously when my father just stated to use me as bait against people who were targeting the Bijuu. From what I saw of him, I can tell that he's a compassionate person that values friends, comrades, and family. So, a face of disbelief would be just appropriate when he heard what my father planned for me.
Tobirama had an appraising look at my father before giving me a calculative look, he was probably wondering on whether I played my part on father's plan. The Sandaime was just there standing, but I don't really care. He didn't even bother to tell me about my parents, so why should I? My father had a pleading look in his face as he stare at me, I can see that he was thinking about what to say in this situation.
He started to speak as he gave a look of a person who wants to be forgiven. "I know that it was too much of a task for a child, but you have to understand, Naruto. The masked man would be a threat if they would be left alone, so I created this plan. And if you had any assumption that I do not love you, you're wrong. I love you, just like how your mother and your sister does. That's why we need to make hard decisions for our loved ones, if we had let the masked man alone, then he would've threaten your mother and sister since they hold the Kyuubi. So please, Naruto. Understand." He just looked at me with a pleading stare boring on my very eyes.
"Don't worry father, as a shinobi myself I understand." I wore an unreadable face at my father who has now an expression of relief on his face. Of course I understand, he was a Hokage so he had to do what he needs to do. I respect his decision as a shinobi, no doubt it was a good plan to trick the masked man into thinking that I was a jinchuuriki. But I continued. "However, as your child, I don't. So do not think that we will still be able to bond like father and son, or even as a parent or child." As his child, I do not respect that decision. Someone who just used a child like that, especially their own child… My anger towards him only grew larger and larger but thanks to my training as a sage who would control the nature energy which not only contained the essence of the nature, but also its emotions, I held on and controlled my anger.
"Naru–" My father tried to speak as he called out on me but I just turned my back at him and started making my way towards the underground's stairs. Sasuke who saw my face just only nodded solemnly at me as I continued walking upwards from the stairs.
"Kukuku…" I heard Orochimaru chuckling ominously as I got outside of the hidden room in the underground of the Naka Shrine. It was Sasuke's turn now, so me being there would only hinder the questions he had.
= = = = = = = =
Flashback End
= = = = = = = =
Right now, I should gather information as much as I could, being stranded in a new dimension with a different culture, and possibly different language will make this hard for me. My completely stilled body which was currently purifying the tainted energy lingering in this place just finished doing so. I stood up, and decided to make a single hand sign. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shadow Clone Technique)"
With a poof of smoke, four clones appeared in front of me as I ordered them. "Guys, find any information you could get, especially information about other beings besides human. It might be possible for this place to have other beings besides mankind. After you guys think you found enough information, just disappear in a poof. Though, be subtle and try not to be noticed by anyone, if possible."
The clones only answer in a simple hand sign followed by their disappearance in a swirl of leaves. I'm not really sure whether this dimension has demons like the Bijuu or the Satori, but it's better to be prepared. What I need the most right now is information in this place before trying to settle down.
After that, I started to relax when I remembered. Shit! I forgot to lower my presence and aura! The other people would've felt my massive energy circulating in this forest. A huge energy like mine won't probably go unnoticed. I need to leave this vicinity as soon as possible.
After taking a quick glance and a quick absorption of the nature energy in this forest whether the place is already purified, I immediately bolted out of the forest as I made my presence diluted and became one with nature.
[A few minutes later]
A man with blond and black streaks adorning his hair was currently taking a walk in the forest where he felt the sudden burst of pure energy was earlier. The moment he step foot on the forest, he immediately adopted a discerning mind when he felt that he forest was somehow clean and purer than it was before.
He didn't know why but the pure energy that was bursting earlier was now circulating around the whole forest, as if the energy was maintaining the forest's cleanliness. The energy that was lingering in the place was so warm and calming to the point where he gave a relax sigh and just wanted to go to sleep. The energy was so pure it felt like the forest was welcoming anyone in its embrace.
He drove away those lazy thoughts as he spoke out loud to no one. "Someone did this. Probably one who can use senjutsu. What I want to know is how?" He trailed off as he left the forest with a calm mind and a relaxed posture.
A petite black haired girl appeared a couple of seconds later after the yellow-haired man left. The girl glanced in every nook and cranny of the forest, trying to find the familiar feeling from earlier. "Ah. I could feel it. The Gap." She spoke in a monotone voice at no one in particular. She just felt the feeling of the Dimensional Gap oozing in the forest, but she didn't know why. She just went there when she felt the familiar presence of her home.
A man with yellow hair watching above the clouds was pondering on his thoughts as he felt the burst of clean energy from the forest which was in the territory of the devils. When he took a glance below, he saw the blonde haired man which he deduced as Azazel left the place and after a couple of seconds, what he saw nearly made him faint.
The Dragon-God Ophis was observing the place where the clean energy was. And nothing good comes when the Dragon-God took notice of something. Only destruction and chaos comes next, and his thoughts earlier about the pure energy disappeared, only to be replaced by the havoc that would happen now that he saw the Dragon-God.
Ajuka Beelzebub who was chatting with Sirzechs Lucifer was disturbed when he heard a beeping alarm happening. When one of his people said that there was some news that was needed for him. When he read the report, the contents it contained made him blinked twice. The report stated that there was a forest in Kuoh that suddenly released a large burst of energy. The place was seen to be visited by the Governor of Fallen Angels, Azazel and the Dragon-God, Ophis.
"This is…" Ajuka heard a voice behind him, indicating that Sirzechs sneaked a peek at the report he just received. "Yeah, there was a sudden surge of energy in your sister's territory. And if the report that Azazel and Ophis were really true, then it means that there is a new power lurking out there, and if it grabbed the Dragon-God's attention, it's something big."
Unknown to Naruto, the moment he traverse the new dimension, his very presence already broke the balance of the world with his appearance. It would only be soon before he is sought by those who want his power.
Author's Note:
Though, it was somewhat anticlimactic, I hope you guys enjoyed that. This chapter is completely dedicated to answer some of your questions regarding about Naruto's history. If you guys still have any questions, I hope you PM them to me or post it as reviews. I'll answer them on the next chapter.
Once again, I appreciate the fav, follows and reviews, especially constructive ones and I hope you guys continue on doing so.
Thanks a lot, and I hope you guys continue on reading this fic.