So I'm writing this in Word. I'm trying to make each chapter be 10 MS Word pages and paragraphs be at least 8 MS Word lines (two lines here) but no promises. Remember I made Kurama's dialogue bold. Italicized is Kira and "quoted is him talking directly to Kurama through their connection" so no one around hears it – Just "quotes as normal" is dialogue for anyone else while plain text is narration and Bold with "" is Kurama talking "directly to Kira". OKAY ENOUGH OF A READING LESSON! ON WE GO!

Chapter 2 – Battle of Might and Emotions

And so it was that Kurama was seemingly destined to live with the young Uchiha. Albeit one that really DID act more like Naruto. It was kind of creepy, honestly. The wonder of discovering a supposed last of its kind fox that looked eerily like the 9-tailed fox beast from the Naruto legend (but with no one accepting that as a reality) had died down, with Kira returning to school. Except things weren't the same. For example, Hakudoshi was avoiding Kira. Even when he'd give a glare to his former punching bag, Kira's stare back at him was…more deadly. Hakudoshi did try to sneak up on Kira once, but with his now heightened senses, he made an easy target for Kira's now fierce punch. Everyone at school, in fact, wondered how the heck he was getting so buff and healthy all of a sudden. What was his motivation? It couldn't really be his search for the non-existent entity known as the 9-tails, seeing as he had once again swore off of that search, claiming his this rare species of fox he found to be close enough for him.

Even Kira's parents were surprised by how committed Kira was to health all of a sudden. "Kira um…Can we ask: What happened?" Sick of being bullied. There's no Kurama. Just this fox that looks like him. That's pretty cool and good enough. And that helped me realize I have to take action myself. Decided to get healthy, strong and do something about it. You know, like Naruto? Mom: "Oh Enough of this Naruto crap! It's weird enough we have a…a…9 tailed fox as a pet." Dad: "I don't know, maybe he's secretly the real deal." Mom: "Oh no no no we are NOT having Kira going around toting THAT. He's obviously just some special mutation of a fox with…9 tails…POINT IS it's not him. If it was he'd be speaking and smart" And the world would freak out. "Right". Silence. "Wait…WHO SAID THAT?". Realizing Kurama's giant mistake, Kira lowered his voice to do his best Kurama imitation. I did. Duh.

Meanwhile, Kurama was at Kira's instruction, no longer "speaking" out loud, only talking with via their direct link. And hating every minute of it. "God Kira, couldn't you at least tell her I'm not an idiot. You know, a smart fox?" "Sorry, but we have to keep up your mild-mannered pet routine until I figure out how to get that reality bending stone to work to send you home"." Oh come on I-" "NO." But Kurama and Kira were both oblivious to the new enemy, Warui.

XXX

One day when they were walking home, Warui finally made his move. "Hello, you two". "Kira, run!" WHAT? RUN! THAT'S WARUI. SHIT! Kira bolts for cave but Warui follows. Kira jumps into the cave. Warui chases. Kira gets in there and DO IT! But we haven't even practiced that yet! See any other options? Kira realizes it Fine! Transformation jutsu: KYUUBI FORM! Warui looks confused…Until Kira grabs Kurama's paw and the two go into…"BIJUU MODE?" Yep. Now reconsider your- Warui fires a blast at Kurama, which he and Kira together dodge. Ha! Kurama told me about you! Don't think just because this is my first time battling in bijuu mode that I'm gonna be a pushover! Easy Kira…This is all new to you. Remember you haven't mastered any of the moves yet. Doesn't matter! I've studied the moves so much...And we already tested going bijuu mode so…With you here I'm sure to be okay! Let's go! Kira, in the mindscape gestures forward as Kurama charges. Together the two attack Warui. "Fools. Thinking you can-" But amazingly enough Kurama's giant hand impacts Warui. "Why you-". Kira, should we try it? No choice. Okay. But hold on tight.

Kurama positions himself and Kira, in Kurama's mindscape, braces himself. He focuses. Outside, Kurama is preparing…"A tailed beast ball? Then…You formed a temporary contract with this kid?" You'd better believe it! I didn't really have a choice. This world thinks we're just a story and I have to keep it that way – Which means defeating you no matter what! Kurama shoots his tailed beast ball at Warui. He dodges, but the effect is noticeable as the cave crumbles and a giant boulder hits him. "Kira. You've studied all the books on Naruto. Does you think you could manage a tailed beast rasengan using only my chakra instead of the normal sage chakra?" "I can try!"

Kira takes a stance in the mindscape that Kurama matches on the outside, and a giant ball forms in between the 9-tails hands. "No…" But yes. A rasengan is actually forming, albeit red instead of blue, clearly formed from Kurama's chakra, not Kira's. They toss it at Warui and it's impact deals him a serious blow. "This…This isn't supposed to happen. I just want that damn stone". What? The stone? What could you possibly want with that? To go home? "No you fool. I may not know it's power yet but it is a great power that I can use to destroy the weakness of the world." No way in hell! They charge in. Kurama I have an idea! (To Kurama only) "Let's do some physical attacks. That way the cave won't collapse and I won't have to worry about using up your chakra." "I hate to admit it but for now, that's a good idea. No telling how much longer you'll be able to hold this form. In our tests it's only been minutes." A worried Kurama makes another charge.

Kira swings himself around in the mindscape while the Kurama avatar matches, swinging all 9 tails to hit Warui. We're in perfect sync, Warui! Give up now! "Never." Warui charges an attack of his own. "Kira means beam of light, right? Well, let's see how you handle my own jutsu! Lightning style – Shocking Flash!" A giant explosion of lightning hits the two and they are thrown back, paralyzed. N-no… Kurama! Are you okay? "No more close range attacks Kira." Ya! Let's charge right in. Hey I said- Kurama gets it. Fine. Just one second. "Idiots." Kurama gets ready and charges again. "Now Kurama." Warui charges up for a second lightning attack, heading straight for them, but hey jump high into the air before they meet in the middle and…hit the ceiling. Kurama comes down hard on Warui with another tailed beast rasengan. More rocks feel hitting them both. Kurama can take it but has to brace himself, while every impact does damage to Warui. Hold on, Kurama! Relax kid, I got it!

Do you see now? I'm no pushover! Sorry Warui but you aren't going to be able to stop us. Warui laughs. "Idiot. I haven't even begun to use my full power". Warui starts charging up a major attack. Kira…be ready. I am ready. I've been ready my whole life. "Now – Lightning Style – RAINING THUNDER!" What kind of name is- Suddenly lightning explodes all throughout the cave. It hits Kurama and he and Kira feel the pain. They try to attack again but realize this time they are weakening. DAMN IT! I'M LOSING IT! Focus Kira! You have to hold on to my chakra just a little more! Okay…Okay…They forming another tailed beast ball. Once again it is small and weak, nothing like the mountain leveling balls he and Naruto could form. They fire and it hits Warui dead on this time.

"No! You won't stop me! I'll-" He stops and grins at the beast…who now has 8-tails. And has shrunk. Shit! Naruto…I mean Kira. You need to hurry! Go! The two rush at Warui and crash into him head on, with them leading it with a punch and a weak tail swing, again careful not to destroy the cave. "You realize if you were fighting at full power you would have won already?" Kurama is shocked. You…YOU PLANNED THIS. YOU KNOW I CAN'T USE MY FULL POWER OR I'LL DESTROY THE AREA AROUND ME! "The city. The ground. The environment. Destruction is all you tailed beasts are good for. Even Naruto knew that. Think about it. When were you ever actually useful in battle? When Naruto needed to destroy a powerful foe…AND DIDN'T CARE IF THE AREA AROUND HIM WAS DESTROYED. THE FIGHT WITH SASKE DESROYED THE VALLEY. YOUR FULL STRENGTH TAILED BEAST BALL AND TAIL SWING LEVELS MOUNTAINS. NARUTO USED YOUR POWER TO SURVIVE AN ATTACK THAT CUT THE MOON IN HALF."

Hallow moon. "Huh?" The moon in our world is hollow. "And it's not here?" Apparently not. Though I could probably cut if I wanted to. It just might take a few moves... "ENOUGH! BEING IN THIS WORLD WILL BE NOTHING BUT-"

Shut up! Huh?/"Huh?" Idiot. I'm not weak. It's simply that Kurama can control his power I'm sure of it. Who says he HAS to destroy a mountain range? Or a valley? Who says he…WHO SAYS HE CAN'T FOCUS ALL that destructive power in just one spot – RIGHT AT YOU! "What?". "Trust me. There must be a way. You have to somehow be able to focus all your power in a direct attack at him! Wait. That's it…Kurama, let me restore down to KCM mode!" "WHAT?" "Just trust me!" Kurama obliges. Kira shrinks down back to his normal size, but it glowing like Naruto with the chakra cloak of Kurama still covering him. "What are you up to?" Kira smiles. Control. Now with less wild untamed power, Kira focus. A red rasengan made from Kurama's chakra forms again, smaller than the tailed beast ball version yet larger than normal. Kira charges forward and attacks Warui with it.

Warui tries to dodge but is hit. You don't get it yet, do you? Kurama warned me about you so we've had a few weeks to prepare. That might have been my first time battling in bijuu mode, and it sucked so sorry about that, but I'll get stronger and learn that too…Just as I mastered this! Mastered might be going a little overboard. After all don't forget this isn't a real rasengan since it's made from MY chakra, not nature chakra. It doesn't matter. Besides weren't you created by a sage? So technically it's still sage jutsu! I don't know about THAT… Well in any case, It does the same thing – Destroys enemies! Warui dodges the attacks then counters with one of his own. "I said enough! This ends now!" The two erupt in battle – Warui with strikes of lightning. Kira with his version of rasengan using Kurama's chakra. Kira punches and kicks to some of which hit others of which Warui easily dodges until…The two collide. But Kira shocks Warui…by opening his mouth to reveal a miniature tailed beast ball, which he spits a Warui…and its explosion send each combatant flying back. Warui has taken more damage while Kira seems protected by Kurama.

Ha! Whether he can use my full attack power of not doesn't matter – I can still provide Kira my full defense so long as he is under my chakra! "N-No…I can't…This is…I won't be beaten by some brat with a week of training just because some damn tailed beast decided to get friendly with him and lend him his power, you hear me?" Oh will you just- *Gasp Gasp* Kira? What's going…Uh oh. Kira has run out of time. He starts to lose his form. Warui smiles again a devilish smile "Ha ha ha. Looks like he couldn't hold it together". He gets up and raising his fist. Lightning dances around it. "Say goodbye, Kira…Kira…What was your last name again?" N-not important. Look out Warui. He's not done yet. He's an Uchiha. "S-Sorry what?" Warui laughs. A lot. "An Uchiha? This pipsqueak? This weakling? He's an Uchiha? No no no no no. NEVER!"

Kira looks angered. I'm not…an Uchiha. It's just…a name. I am…the…Naruto of…this universe. Now Warui burst out laughing uncontrollably. "Oh. Oh, that is PRICELESS. Kurama, where the hell did you find this kid?" Kira is getting angrier. "I mean really. How in the hell are YOU supposed to be like Naruto? Or Saske for that matter?" And angrier. "No. You're just someone who thinks they stand a chance. But you don't." He kicks Kira clear across the cave. I'm…NOT…DONE YET! KIRA? One more explosion and Kira deforms into…4 tails mode. A dark red chakra envelops him. He looks just like Naruto did in that state. And that means…

Mini-tailed beast balls started flying everywhere. The cave in falling into pieces. Above the ground people are confused by what is causing this sudden earthquake. This monster takes aim at Warui and shoots a barrage of balls at him. Kira has lost control. But whereas Naruto had lost control because Kurama has always tried to take him over…After a few moments Kira re-gains human form, with Kurama instead taking his own miniature. Enough! One more second like that and you would have killed yourself. Trust me I know. Just be glad that contract is in there or you WOULD be dead. Not done. What? "Huh?" I said…I'm not done. Kira slowly rises. He reaches out his hand. A small ball forms. Warui notices Kira is still somehow channeling chakra through him from Kurama. I have…so many ways to win. You were right. My name is Kira. Beam of light. Kira fires the ball…but it is NOT a ball. It is indeed a beam. Of light. And it goes lightspeed too. "It must-" IT HITS WARUI DEAD ON BEFORE HE CAN DODGE.

Attack after attack the two move close. Kurama can feel Kira's stress while pulling chakra from him, pushing his limit all to finish this. Kira watch it! You can't do this forever! I don't have to...They are both on the edge. But Kira is weak and can't deal another blow. Warui slowly heads for him and-

Suddenly, a flash of light interrupts the battle. A green light. And who should step through but none other than…NARUTO UZAMAKI. "No!" Warui bolts, leaving Kira and Kurama. "Get back here Warui, this is not where you belong! Damn it. I'm gonna have to chase him down and-" Kira notices what is happening. He knows where this will go. He knows how this end up – With HIM ALONE. AGAIN. Already on edge, HE. GOES. TOTALLY. CRAZY. No! That's our job! SH! "Kurama. Who…who is that?" My name is Kira and Kurama's my new brother! I'm sorry what? And we'll handle Warui. You just go back to Konoha. I've gotten Kurama taken care of! "Hey, Kurama is MY FRIEND got it? What's all this brother stuff?" Um…I'd like to know too. This was just until I could go home, remember? O come on Kurama! You really want to go back with THIS GUY? KIRA WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH YOU? Hey Naruto tell me! Why have you never told Kurama flat out that you forgive him for killing your parents when he was misused, huh? Do you?

Naruto actually considers it. "Well…I always though in becoming his friend that was implied…" Ya right. Kira loses it. I can be better for Kurama! Um…guys? I challenge you! Winner gets to keep Kurama! Hey! I'm not some trophy to be won! No I know but…If I beat Naruto it will prove you're better off with me! Naruto: "ARE YOU NUTS? Look at how weak you are! You-" It's too late as Kira charges, a small rasengan from the remaining power in hand. Kira stop! It only takes one blow. Kira is thrown back. Amazingly enough though he stands back up. Ha! Kurama has a contract with me right now! I can do this! Come on Kurama! Let's fight! I'm not gonna fight my friend! Fine! Then I will! Kurama finally realizes something is wrong. Kira, this isn't you. I know it sucks to lose your dream but you should just be glad you got to meet me at all! Come on! Please! I can do this!

Now Naruto sees something is wrong as well. This is no ordinary battle. "Oblige him". WHAT? "Let me see what this boy is made of." Gr…Okay. But I'm only coming home with you because I want to and NOT because you win. Granting more chakra to Kira, Kira charges, again in KCM mode. Except this time with speed and a stronger rasengan. Naruto is actually forced to dodge! But no sooner does he dodge that Kira follows with speed, and lands the hit on Naruto. Naruto hits back but despite taking a blow, Kira stays up this time. Then he starts dodging. AAAHHH! You want to see how much better for Kurama I am? Kira gets down on all fours as Naruto approaches for another attack. The unmistakable 9-tails cloak come out. Except…Instead of 4 tails the cloak has all 9. Even Kurama is shocked. How…did he… Naruto uses a rasenshuriken on him. When the dust clears…No effect. Just a smiling Kira. He braces himself. Now Naruto, watch this! Kira don't go there! You can't handle it without me and Bijuu mode! You've got to- Too late. Naruto watches in awe as Kira forms a miniature tailed beast ball. "How in the world did you…" The ball grows bigger until it's the size of the full thing. Kira fires it. It hits Naruto dead on. It's not as powerful as the real deal, but it does some damage. "Damn it" Naruto rushes Kira. "Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu!". Now Naruto is serious. As they all jump into the air "RASENGAN!"

Multiple rasengan rain down on the cloaked Kira. He can't handle it much longer and as it finishes, the cloak fades. But not before his last attack. Kira again prepares to a tailed beast ball. But Kurama realizes: Kira no! YOU COULDN'T EVEN PULL THAT OFF IN BIJUU MODE WITH ME! Worried, Kurama decides to poor more chakra into the foolish boy. The boy grabs the ball just as he loses his cloak. He holds it like a rasengan but he is clearly struggling! See! I did in days what took you years! Kira stop it now! It's only because I provided you the chakra you can even attempt this but you are not stable with this much power yet! NO! It's my will and by my will it WILL be my victory! Kira throws the giant rasengan at Naruto and there is a giant explosion as it hits him. Naruto is weakened "You…You really know how to use his power huh?" I will...I will…I WILL Kira charges again. But he's lost his nerve. And his energy is low. Naruto gives him a single kick, no ninjutsu need. Yes, Naruto had taken damage…but it was still nothing compared to the damage he did to Kira…And Kira did to himself. And Kira falls: KIRA! Naruto notices Kurama's concern. You can't have him back! He's my friend now! It's better this way! At Naruto's feet, Kira, cloak lost, throws a few weak, incomplete rasengans into his face. Naruto just starts dodging. Moving left to right easily. Not one touches him now. "Stop humiliating yourself".

Kira does just that. "It's amazing in a few days how you too have become a friend to Kurama. AND managed to learn the basics of how to use his powers. But I just defeated you without even using them at all." Kira goes wide eyed. He realizes if Naruto had been using Kurama's power as well, he would have stood no chance. "Let me ask you this. If Kurama really is your friend now, wouldn't you let him go home to his family?" But…I'm his new brother. "Says you." Silence. Then: I'm…I'm sorry I just…I don't want to lose another brother. My real brother is always busy with college these days. I thought maybe…Maybe we could be the heroes for once. Naruto looks at Kira. "Hey don't take it the wrong way. And you still can be. You just have to find your OWN path". Kira looks down at the ground. Ya ya your own path. That's what they all say. But…I thought this was it. Something told me this was it. I thought it was destiny he came to me. But I guess not. I'm sorry…Kurama. Go.

Kurama walks over to the two as Kira stands up. He actually manages a half smile to say: It was…nice while it lasted. Naruto, what about Warui? "It's tht stone you have that he's after. No clue why. Wants whatever its power is. That's my guess. Anyway we'll leave the portal open just long enough to figure it out then drag him back". But…You can't. This world thinks we're nothing more than a fictional story! That's why Kira and I were fighting down here. "Oh no. Whatever we'll think of something. But for now, let's go home". Kurama starts walking to the portal with Naruto. But something STILL wasn't right. Through the portal, Kurama could see Saske holding it open, surprisingly grinning. Perhaps Saske was actually happy about the sacrifice after all. But…was HE happy with present events? That battle had been pretty eye opening even if it was short. It was now or never. He looks back at Kira. Standing there not so much as in defeat anymore as much as depression. His wildest dream being realized only to be yanked away. And honestly...Naruto. "Ya, Kurama?" I…I can't go back with you. Naruto stops and turns around to look at his friend. Kira stops moping for a second. Confused, Naruto says: "Wait, what?! I cross universes to save you and you won't come back?.

It…It doesn't matter that Kira lost. I told you I was seeking a purpose. Well WHAT IF THIS IS IT? We'll have to deal with Warui here if I stay, I know, but Kira's world is so full of hate. And you saw what he can do just after a few days. Imagine him after two years! All he wants is to rid his world of hate…Just like you are doing but…He needs help. There's nothing but taijustsu in this world, but from what I know what weapons they do have and their wars are very destructive. What if this is why I was sent here? What if THIS is the PURPOSE I was looking for? MY chance to be a hero. To understand what it truly is to have not only a friend, but…a brother.

Kira has to sit down on the ground he's so in shock. Naruto thinks and then just smiles. "Is that really what you want? You are free to make your own decision, after all." He looks back at Kira one more time. Yes. Without warning, Kira comes careening up to him and grabs him tight, bawling. Hey! Stop that or I'm changing my mind! But Naruto just laughs. "Wow. I can't believe it". Kira: Through tears O ya? Well I'm gonna become even stronger than you someday, at least as far as sharing Kurama's power goes...Believe it! Naruto recognizes the catch phrase. He's shocked but just smiles "Ok then. Kira. Make me a promise." Kira stops and turns. Anything. "As soon as you figure out how to work that universe bending stone safely,-" Reality bending stone. That's it's real name. "Whatever. Once it's safe come visit me and show me that you and Kurama have grown stronger in both strength AND brotherhood. And we'll fight again then." I will.

Saske: "Wait, so we did this for nothing?" Not nothing, Saske. In fact deny it as you may, the legend in this world says on the night I disappeared, you acknowledged my act of heroism! Saske frowns. Actually you'll get a kick out of THIS: Kira has an older brother that's never really around as he said. In fact, I haven't even met him yet, but loves his little brother and would do anything for him and- Kira panics! KURAMA DON'T! Kira's last name is Uchiha! Saske's eyes go wide at this. As do Naruto's "Um…WHAT?" Kira instantly switches from crying happy tears to, well: I TOLD YOU I'M CAPABLE OF BEING BOTH NARUTO AND SASKE! IT'S JUST A NAME!

"Never. Say that again." All turn to see a more serious Saske now. "If you want to be like Naruto as well fine. I myself have strived to be a little more like him ever since that fateful battle we had. But I never once forgot I was also an Uchiha. Don't let down our family name, Kira." Kira is shocked to be called family by Saske! Kira. As far as Uchihas go…you're probably the nicest one I've met so far. "HEY! I'm right here!" I know you are. Are you gonna deny it? Kira isn't gonna brood over the fact I exist. In fact, he rejoices about it. The 9-tails laughs at Saske and Kira joins in. "Kurama…" O calm down Naruto. Just a joke. Ya. And it's true. Fact is…this is the greatest thing to happen to me in my life. Kurama stops laughing and looks at the boy. Even Naruto looks at him like this was meant to be now. "Hm. So there's someone out there who formed an even stronger relationship with Kurama than mine." Now Kira's looking at him. "Okay. Last chance. Kurama?" He takes a step toward the portal. Kurama takes a step away. Naruto smiles, turns and all 3 are silent as Naruto walks to and through the portal. "By the way Kurama. If it for any reason it wasn't clear…You were forgiven for everything. By me anyway. Years ago. Even my parents death." I still don't get how you didn't hold that grudge against me forever… I'll teach you. Sometimes when people make mistakes and they change…"Makes sense. Abused for years. I'm kinda surprised you changed over so easily. Guess you really were just that desperate to not be hated for once!" Naruto smiles. HEY! "Anyway we're both at fault. You forgave the village that saw you as nothing but a weapon so why not me forgive you?" Saske: "Naruto. The portal! I can't hold it! Come back soon Kyuubi. This talk isn't finished". "I guess…neither is ours. Maybe we should have had a few more words about the past than we had. Next time we'll-" The portal closes on him.

XXX

Over the next few months a few events would happen that aren't important to the story right now, but maybe be recurring over my series or even important plot points in the future (hint hint). But all could be argued to at least be important to the characters themselves so I'll do it quick. For starters a now free Kurama would be sick of eating pet food. When Kira asks what Kurama normally eats he would shock the boy by revealing anything he eats just turns to pure chakra like him, so he has never actually eaten before. This also caused an issue with his parents wondering why they never saw Kurama…well…

Any way let's not focus on that or the solution Kira had to come up with. On the lighter side of that, Kurama hated the food he had to eat in front of Kira's parents so much Kira decided the 9-tails should at least try real food. Interestingly enough, Kurama actually did come to enjoy certain foods, apparently having the ability to taste using his senses…somehow. Just a wonder that didn't need explaining. He was actually even excited to taste ramen, as he had seen Naruto loving it for so many years. Kurama had even actually fallen in love with beef. You just had to fall in love with one of the most expensive meats… Kira was referring to Kurama's preference for choice steak over Kira's more budgeted decision of hamburger. On the bright side both found a similar taste in the uncommon preference of vanilla over chocolate. I won't go on too much about this but…It was a good bonding experience for Kira and one way for Kurama to come to understand the world through an experience he never thought he'd have – food.

On another occasion Kurama followed Kira to the river to practice, trying to get him to sense the water and wind to see if there was ANY way to get him using nature energy and/or ninjutsu. But after some failure Kira decided to hop into the water for a dip and a swim instead. Annoyed, Kurama went after him and…Well…Ah!...Help!...Can't….Can't swi- What the hell? The ultra-powerful 9 tails fox. And he can't swim. Kira had to rescue Kurama from drowning (which wouldn't have killed him but still) and couldn't help but laugh at the fox. The LEGENDARY KYUUBI. And he's brought down by SWIMMING! More laughter. Eventually though Kira tried to teach the fox if for no other reason then to say he could swim. It failed for a while until Kira, in desperation, made a setup where he himself pretended to be drowning. Kurama was so worried that: No! I MUST rescue him! he dove in anyway and put all Kira's lessons to use to save the boy. Phew! That was a close call! You almost drowned like I did! And you wouldn't have come back! Um…Actually that was acting. WHAT? Ya. I figured if I was in a life-threatening situation you would succeed no matter what so…I faked one. So…you were never in real danger? Nope. Kurama whacks the boy back into the deep water. Kira just starts backstroking around. Show off.

Now the more important ones that WILL DEFINITELY be important facts to know:

Kira's brother Yuko was planning a trip to visit his brother around that same time. But he wasn't leaving yet. So he wouldn't be the second person to learn the truth of Kurama (He would become the third in the next arc). Anyway, a festival of spirits rolled around at school and Kira wanted to, much to his teachers' dismay, do a display on the 9-tails of course. People got set up in front of the stage to watch as Kira and Kurama (in his mini form) came out. Kira talked a bit about the legend of Naruto again and again people were annoyed and bored…UNTIL:

Akari (Kira's friend from Chapter 1) is backstage. He's kind of excited to be helping with the special effects. He starts the smoke that's supposed to disguise Kira running off stage as a fake giant Kurama robot or cutout or something comes on, right? That must be it. How else is a giant fox going to appear? And Kira had told Akari to stay back once it began as it would be unsafe. Despite this, Akari realizes Kira, speaking of safety, forgot a safety guide to help him safely get off stage as the giant mech or prop came out…except…As Akari decides to run out into the smoke with a guide to come to Kira's rescue despite it being supposedly unsafe, he notices once he's close, despite all the lights and smoke and everything…THERE ARE NO MECHS OR PROJECTORS OR OTHER SPECIAL EFFECTS HERE. Just that smokescreen he just deployed. He watches his friend's shadow take the hand of the fox – and transform. The smoke clears and everyone now sees Kurama in a reduced size bijuu mode, sure it's just a special effect marvel. Sure that Kira disappeared into a trap door or something. But not Akari. After the show Akari confronts Kira, and asks for Kira to be honest with him. He seems disappointed in his friend. Kira admits that this is indeed THE 9-tails…AND AKARI GOES NUTS "Oh my god this is so cool you have no idea I mean realize Kurama is real I can't believe the 9-tails really I mean really real just-" HE RAMBLES ON AND ON IN EXCITEMENT. Kira and Kurama are shocked by the reaction until: Hey! You can't tell anyone! "What?" Kurama's right, Akari. I'm glad you love this and all but…Others might not. Please, for now don't tell ANYONE. "Oh…Oh all right. But no more secrets from me Kira, got it?" Got it. Sorry. "Wow. So…Kira was right. You're real". Yep.

The last and most important event to happen during this little break was Kurama faced one more challenge with his own self. In training with Kira, he found himself wondering what he was doing here, still doubting his life. At night: You know, you COULD sleep on my bed instead of that dog bed…Much more comfy. As if. But this soon caused a split in Kurama. Inside his own mind Kurama saw a division forming. His Ying and Yang halves were fighting for the first time in a while...But it was totally different this time. His Yang half was having trouble accepting this new version of him that wished to be a brother. He was fine with sucking it up and being a hero but said he didn't need Kira for it to the Yin half. In practices Kira began to notice Kurama failing to teach for a while because he was…Too troubled. That was because the Yin half was trying to justify all the changes. The heroism. The sacrifice. The…brotherly love he had to learn to receive and give. BUT THAT WAS A KEY MOMENT. A few days before the return of Warui the Yin and Yang halves again met in Kurama's own mind. Yin-Kurama insisted that this was just who they were now – Hero. BROTHER. And they were going to HAVE to change. Kurama woke up. In his head he heard one final echo from his Yang half: "PROVE IT."

Kira wakes up. There's a 9-tailed fox cuddled by his feet sleeping on his bed. I knew you'd come around eventually…My Brother Kurama. (Title Drop Intended) In the mindscape Yang-Kurama looks on. "So…This is who I am now…" and he merges back with his Yin half.

Next morning Kurama wakes up still on the bed. Ah! I have to get off before Kira sees and realizes I- Too late, brother. Kira just smiles. It's official. This is a new Kurama.

XXX

Not that it would stop Kurama from having an attitude, of course. Take the next battle for example. 9-tails comes in slapping Kira in the face but the 9-tails, the size of a large dog, is caught off guard by the boy's rasengan. The beast prepares a mini-tailed beat ball. He fires and it hits the boy dead on. But with the boy's NEW chakra cloak on, he can take the hit, and unleashes a rasen-shuriken. It took him only weeks to learn what took Naruto months...But that's all thanks to Kurama's chakra, help and Kira's already completed obsessive research into it. Once again though it was different in that it was a chakra made of pure tailed beast chakra. They hadn't figured out a way to give Kira elemental powers yet but so long as Kira was with Kurama he didn't seem to need them. But this was a time to FIGHT the 9-tails not thank him. Using all he knows, he charges Kurama, and Kurama does the same with a bash of his tail. But the boy disappears. No…No THAT CAN'T BE. A SHADOW CLONE?

Behind him the boy attacks with his red rasengan. An explosion. That's 8 hits each! NEXT ONE WINS! Kurama prepares one final mini-tailed beast ball. Enough to knock out Kira though not to harm him. Kira does the same, going into his mini-beast mode, and the two charge. Then…KIRA FALLS. Kurama stops. Kira! Damn it we pushed too hard. O well guess that means I'm the- Hahahahahaha! Behind him another clone. A whack of the nine tails and he's gone. -victor. You sneaky little- But the boy on the floor, now out of mini 9-tails mode, is still just lying there. A RUSH AS HE JABS HIS HAND IN KURAMA. A SUDDEN RANDOM SHOT FROM KURAMA. KIRA AND HE ARE FLUNG TO OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE CAVE. Why you- Kira starts laughing. Can't help it. He's just laughing. What the- But then…He thinks he gets it…Finally he gets it. And Kurama…Starts laughing too. To HIMSELF: You really are gonna be a pain – Even more than he was. Maybe that means…You can surpass him after all.

SADLY, THAT'S NOT THE END OF THIS CHAPTER. There's an explosion from behind them. "So…Naruto left you here three months ago? No wonder he didn't come after me. Bad idea on his part. Because now you're mine!" Kira runs. Kurama runs. Warui chases. We must win. We haven't trained all this time for nothing. And it's time, ready or not, to… Kira stands up straight. I'm ready. Let's get outside of town first. Then, Warui is in for a nasty little surprise.

XXX

Outside of town: Tansformation Jutsu: Kurama – Bijuu Form! Time to end this! "Not this again. You can't win Kira!" But Kurama actually smashes him with a hard punch and prepares a tailed beast ball seconds later. "What? How are you so fast now?" When Naruto trained for 2 years it was because he was FIGHTING my power. And you…Gr…Yes fighting me too. Anyway Kira could do a lot more in three months with the HELP of my power and me coaching him instead on how to use it. Oh…you're in trouble now. "And Naruto?" I decided to stay but he went back to Konoha. Figured Kira might be a good person to help destroy you…Even if he is still pretty weak. HEY! I'll show you just how weak I am! We're outside of town and no one's around so finally I can really let go! "Damn it. So that's why you brought me all the way out here. Anything you do they'll think was just a freak force of nature or something". Bingo. Mind you I'll still be controlling my power, but this new trick I have to focus all that power in one spot – Kira and I call it the tailed beast beam. Ya! All the power of the tailed beast ball but focused into one spot! Imagine, the power to level a mountain range…ALL COMING RIGHT AT YOU AT ONCE! "Enough! That's malarkey and you know it!" Try me.

And try him Kira did. He and Kurama blasted Warui with the beam, their new move. And it hit…AND IT HURT. "What…How?" Kurama go! The nine tails blasted forward rushing in for an attack on a dazed Warui. He responded by throwing some of his own attacks. "Die, Kyuubi!" Warui launched a fierce fireball jutsu at Kurama, but it seemed to have no effect. He next tried a jutsu allowing him to seem to breathe fire at the 9-tails simply called "FIRE JUTSU: BURNING BREATH!" Kira and Kurama were caught off guard as the jutsu actually managed to be painful to them. Is this…GENJUTSU? "As if. No, this is not Genjustsu, but it does remind you of a certain move, doesn't it?" Am…Amaterasu? Warui laughs. "Yes. The flame so hot it burns other flames. WELL MEET A FIRE EVEN HOTTER THAN THAT."

Kurama is buckling. How…How can- "Oh, you poor monster. DON'T YOU GET IT? NO MATTER HOW POWERFUL YOU BECOME SOMEBODY CAN ALWAYS BECOME STRONGER. I trained for years developing this jutsu. And while I never thought I would have to use it so soon…Here we are. BEHOLD, THE GREAT 9-TAILS…FALLING AT MY HANDS! I bet you wish Naruto was here now, huh? This boy you chose to partner with Kyuubi? He will die because of you! And I hear you don't want that anymore, right?"

In the mindscape, Kira is set off by this. I'm not gonna give up. "Huh?" I'm not gonna die. Something's going on. I'm not going to let you hurt my world! Kira is starting to get mad…I'M THE ONE WHO WILL SURPASS NARUTO, NOT YOU. Suddenly Warui backs of a little. His fire…It's engulfing Kurama in flame…BUT HE ISN'T BUCKLING IN PAIN ANYMORE. Kurama's face….It's reflective of what Kira is saying now. As if Kira took control. But he couldn't…COULD HE? To be safe, Warui, blasts more fire at the beast. AH! KIRA WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING? DODGE! No, that is still the 9-tails. And yet. NO. I'm…I'M NOT DONE!

From out of nowhere comes an explosion as the fire starts swirling around Kurama, still on him too. OW! DAMN IT KIRA WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! "Ha! It seems your new 'brother' is a very sore lo-" Warui stops. Kira and Kurama have raised there hands as if to do a rasengan. The fire swirls around Kurama, still in Bijuu mode, and forms into a giant ball of fire in his hands." I don't want your attack. TAKE IT BACK!" They throw the attack's power with force back at Warui. Now infused with chakra of the 9-tails, the explosion deals Warui a massive blow. WHOA! Kira that actually worked! Again, Kurama. Right now! We will use your power to form a mock rasengan!

They do just that and throw it again. Kurama follows up with another tailed beast beam, which though it does damage, still isn't enough. Kurama, hit him! What? HIT HIM! The beast lashes out at Warui several times. Warui, now having to dodge while he recovers: "Damn it! How could this brat get so powerful?" Finally a punch from Kurama connects driving Warui into the ground. He recovers but as he pops out receives a smacking from one of Kurama's giant nine tails. All right! Well I'll be damned…This is going well! Warui, furious now, launched the fire attack at them again. Surely they were worn down now? Nope. Kurama…CATCHES THE ATTACK and again returns it. Warui dodges this time. "No choice…" Warui stops and laughs.

"I must admit kid. I underestimated you. Not that I believe you can ever surpass Naruto but your actually proving to be quite a threat with Kurama on your team…But the time has come to end it." What?/WHAT? Warui begins to form an inferno around him. "YOU may care about collateral damage, but I sure as hell don't". It grows bigger and bigger. NO! Kira… INSIDE THE MINDSCAPE, THE TWO MEET IN PRIVATE FOR A BRIEF MOMENT.

"I know you don't want to do it. I know it would cause major damage. But the truth is even with all the new moves, the tailed beast beam, the rasengan using only my chakra, and the ability to catch and return certain enemy attacks infused with our chakra…These attacks still need work from you. And what's more they can all be dodged. I admit physical attacks were a thing of brilliance, but Warui reached a point where he doesn't care anymore. We HAVE to." Kira stands there for a moment, in thought. "No other choice, huh? Be careful…Kurama." "Hey, don't worry. I'll do my best to focus it like we did with the beam".

Now, a brilliant white light is forming in front of Kurama "Another tailed beast beam, Kurama?" It starts taking in matter. And growing larger. "NO WAIT. It's white but-" He realized it too late. Despite being disguised as a white tailed beast beam, it is none other than a MINITURE TAILED BEAST BALL! Kurama, that's brilliant! Using the mini ball instead of the full thing! Thanks. The mini-tailed beast ball travels faster. Too fast for the caught-off-guard Warui to dodge. Fire another! Kira doesn't notice the damage being done. Neither does Kurama. They have the upper hand again. Ball after ball hit after hit explosion after explosion the smaller balls are flying out at rapid fire. A wary Warui takes them all. But he can't for TOO much longer. "No…No how could I…" A fire explodes around him again but this time in a giant ball. Kurama's own mini ball fails to penetrate it.

Warui is losing it. He lashes out at the bijuu Kurama. Fire left and right. "I DON'T UNDERSTAND! HOW CAN YOU HAVE ALL THIS POWER? YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE NINJUTSU!" Idiot. He doesn't need his own ninjutsu. He can use mine. Don't you get it? All this power you see - HE IS USING MY CHAKRA! That is how he is able to still do a version rasengan. Or did you forget? I am a creation of the legendary Sage of the Six Paths! "But…then…" Anyone can be a hero. Naruto taught me that. I can be a hero. A tailed beast can be a hero. And some day my world will come to believe that too. I AM the one who will surpass Uzumaki Naruto. The one who will be the one to be able to use Kurama's true power. You…YOU DON'T STAND A CHANCE! Should we try it then, Kira? Kurama smiles, and gets on his hind legs in a half standing position. A ball is forming, but it is not a rasengan. "S-SAGE JUTSU?" No doubt now. Kira and Kurama are struggling, but the ball has the shape of a shuriken forming in it. It explodes out, and spins around the ball as if in orbit. "No! I will not go down!" Warui charge in a blaze of fury at Kurama, but is tripped by a tail and caught off balance, failing to doge this final attack.

Tailed Beast Rasenshuriken!/Tailed Beats…Rasenshuriken!

The attack hits Warui head on. There is a giant explosion. It is even bigger than the mini-tailed beast ball. DAMN IT THAT WAS TOO MUCH! We have to finish up and RUN RUN RUN. When the dust clears, Warui remains standing…Battered and bruised "I won't…I can't…You-" An immense punch hits Warui hard. Drives him in the ground. Did…Did we win? I don't sense anymore negative emotions. Or any of his chakra for that matter…Of in the distance they hear sirens, clearly coming to investigate. AH! LOOK AT ALL THE DAMAGE YOU DID! ME? IT'S YOUR FAULT YOU CAN'T CONTROL A TAILED BEAST BALL YET! ARE YOU NUTS? A TAILED BEAST BALL WOULD HAVE DESTROYED THIS LAND AND THE TOWN! More sirens. Ah, we'll argue later Kira. I assume you're not quite ready to reveal my existence? O shoot! No! Run! But make sure he's good and dead. Kurama stares down at a lifeless body…Then sticks one of his claws through it for good measure Yep. He's dead. A little overkill there, Kurama… Better to be sure, Kira...They restore down and run off.

XXX

From his house, Kira watches the news. The news reporters and police are trying to find out what happened. The whole area was destroyed. One policeman is being interviewed. "There used to be buildings here. Yes, the buildings were condemned and unused, and yes there was nobody living here, but still. What about all this empty land? This could have become a park. Now it's just a wasteland! Mark my words – We will find the terrorists who blew up this area!" TERRORIST? WHY YOU NO GOOD- The reporter interrupts "Oh! Hold on there! We have an update! A body has been found! We are about to bring you footage of…Oh no. No we're not. Point is a body was found but it has apparently has a giant hole through...Um...Nevermind. Was this the cause of the explosion?" Policeman: "No. It had to be multiple people. There are explosion markings craters all over. In fact, we're lucky this wasn't worse…" You can say that again. Ya. That was nothing compared to a full strength tailed beast ball…I even had to hold back my tail swings. Don't forget that a swing of my tails at full strength can- Ya yay a. Level a mountain range. And a tailed beast ball can be as powerful as you want as long as an 8:2 dark to light ratio can be maintained. Hey, I know we had to hold back today but do you…Do you think that could…Destroy a planet? Planet? Ha! It could destroy a whole galaxy if I wanted to. You mean…IF you had that much control? Kira starts laughing! Hey! Stop it. Or a swear I'll do just that! Kira stops. Not without me you won't. But someday you'll have a ball with infinite power in it…And won't have to use it. Kurama contemplates this. You actually believe my tailed beast ball could destroy planets? Why not? Goku can. HOLY SMOKES I WONDER IF GOKU IS REAL TOO! Goku? You mean Son Goku? Yes but NOT THE FOUR TAILS…He's a Super Sayin from another legend. He can already destroy planets and there's also a god in his legend that destroys entire universes. WHAT? Oh well. That's not real is it? No, of course not. Then again...He looks at Kurama…You…shouldn't be real either…

The two look at each other. TOGETHER: LET'S FIND A WAY TO MAKE THE TAILED BEAST BALL STRONG ENOUGH TO DESTROY UNIVERSES…JUST IN CASE.

And so it was. While they hoped they would never have to fight anyone like Warui again, they set of fto train. I wonder if we can get to the moon like Naruto...Let's focus on getting you to Naruto's level first Kira. I'd LOVE to get more power, but one step at a time. Besides…We don't have any enemies right now anyway… As they walk away, ON THE TV: "And now we will speak to the man who arrived just minutes after the explosions stopped..."

Meanwhile back at the destroyed site of their now completed battle, one man was surveying the damage. And he says to himself "Kurama…looks like you're the real deal after all…And Kira? Well…I'll see you being seeing you both…VERY SOON."

Uh oh…

THANKS FOR WAITING! I HAVE A LOT OF PLANS FOR THIS SERIES SO I FEELS GREAT TO GET ANOTHER CHAPTER DONE! And no those plans do NOT include a Goku vs Kira/Kurama fight.