Prologue Part 2
Removing the last piece of my clothes, I stepped into the cold shower desperate to rinse the blood from my thick black hair and that dried to my skin. I had to lie, since I didn't have much proof to begin with and I was completely out of control. When they mentioned killing Kakashi I didn't think, I didn't hesitate from that moment on I couldn't regard them as family. My eyes deceived me as my hands continued to be drenched in Rina's blood and I slammed my fist against the tile wall.
"Nanami". Kakashi called out softly from the other side of the glass. I didn't even realize I was screaming until my voice got caught in my throat. He held out a towel and told me, "you'll catch a cold".
"Thanks". I mumbled and wrapped it around my body before stepping out.
As he reached out for the knob, I caught him by the wrist on pure instinct. Don't leave. I don't know why it just dawned on me until now, but Kakashi is the only family I have left. Stepping closer, I let my head fall against his chest as he backed up into the counter. I knew he felt uncomfortable and he's not known to comfort someone with physical contact, but he'll just have bear with it for now.
"I think I should-".
"We're friends right"?
"I'd like to think so but Nanami you should really-". He stopped talking when our eyes met.
"Are you stupid? I'm not asking you to hug me, just don't move", my voice turned to a low whisper as I avoided his gaze, "Don't go anywhere".
Kakashi sighed in defeat, letting his tense muscles relax, "I wasn't planning to".
"Good now stop trying to escape". I paused for a moment then pulled away from him and asked, "can you help me with something"?
"Anything".
"I want to get rid of this place, burn it to the ground maybe".
"But it's your home".
"It hasn't felt like home in years", I stated leaning against the door with my arms crossed and stared down at my feet, "It's my fault. It's all my fault".
Nine months later-
Even after killing my parents, there was still this uneasiness that I couldn't get rid of. I've looked for anything in every village that would raise questions but nothing. Not a damn thing. I've even tried finding that man, again nothing. So what the hell am I supposed to be looking out for? Opening the door to my home, I was ambushed by Kushina who wrapped me in her arms and squeezed tightly,
"Nanami-chan, can you believe it?! I'm gonna be a mother, ya know"!
"While I-I am very happy… for you I-I can't breathe". I choked out.
"Right, sorry I'm just very excited. Also Minato and I have been talking we think you should be the god mother".
"What?! You can't be serious"!
"Very", Minato added, "we've seen how great you are with children and there's no one else I trust more with Naruto's life".
"I honestly don't know what to say, other than I'm very honored".
"Aoyama-san".
"Lord Hokage… Sorry. I didn't realize you and Lady Biwako were here as well". I said greeting them both with a bow.
"No need to be so formal Nanami", Biwako stated with a smile, "there are a few things we need to talk about. Take a seat".
"As you know Kushina has the Kyuubi sealed inside of her, this also happened to Lady Mito, the previous Jinchuriki. During her labor, the Nine Tails' seal was nearly broken".
My eyes widened at the information, if this is how my parents planned on releasing Kuruma, then there's a slight possibility that whoever they were working with could show up. Just what the hell is he after?
"Nanami-chan, are you okay"? Kushina asked me and I nodded, unlcenching my fist,
"Long night", I answered while feeling the claw marks in my hand heal and I stated, "So, as a precautionary measure you wish for Kushina to deliver her child somewhere away from the village".
"Yes, inside a barrier and we'd like you to be there in case the seal is broken".
"I was going to go anyway, I wouldn't miss my godson's birth for the world".
"Also, I will send my wife to accompany you three and this is to be done in the utmost secrecy. I know you tell Kakashi everything". The third Hokage told me.
"I can at least tell him I'm a godmother right"? I asked only to receive a glare, "All right after. I will tell him after". I should probably assign ANBU Black Ops. To safe since I have no idea what kind of power the masked man holds.
"Nanami and I will take you there", Biwako told Kushina, "we should go soon".
"Yes, I appreciate it".
"Have you talked to Kakashi"? Kushina asked me, as we walked through the streets.
"I've been keeping him at a distance lately, it's not just because I'm afraid of losing him. There's a lot more to it than that".
"I know it hurts to lose the people you love, but you can't push the ones who already care about you away out of fear. You'll end up alone".
"Maybe it's best. Death always seems to follow me".
That night-
"It hurts, ya know"! Kushina screamed as she pushed and I smiled at her assuringly,
"Just take deep breaths between each contraction. You're almost there". Removing the cloth from her face, I turned my head towards the entrance. Someone broke through the barrier.
"What is it? Do you sense something wrong"? Minato asked.
"Just concentrate on keeping Kuruma sealed. I'll be right back". I assured before appearing outside and knelt down next to a dead body. He's here but his chakra there's something familiar about it like I've actually met him. How in the hell did he even get past the barrier?
"Get away from the Jinchuriki. Otherwise, this child's life will end in-". A low growl came from behind the masked man and I pressed my blade closer to his neck warning,
"I suggest you let go of my godson".
He slowly lowered his weapon and went to hand Naruto over to me only he tossed him up into the air, but Minato and I were faster. He caught his son just in time, as I grabbed the blade with my hand that the masked man was going to use on Naruto.
"Oh, your speeds aren't just rumors but I wonder about his next one".
Damn it, paper bombs!
"Naruto"! Kushina shouted.
"Nanami, get her out of here". Minato ordered as he pulled off the blanket and flew out the entrance of the building.
When trying to grab Kushina, I was slammed into the floor with his hand wrapped tightly around my neck. Looking into the small hole of his mask the light red shown brightly in the darkness. Sharingan, so that's how he's going to tame Kuruma.
"You're an Uchiha".
"Who I am isn't important but it's what you have inside of you. You're parents were right about one thing if I could just control you…". Before I could be dragged into another dimension, I performed seals with one hand with increased speed,
"Raiton: kuropansa". Using the lightning as coverage, I was able escape and appeared in the living space of our home. "He's succeeded in separating us from Kushina and we shouldn't underestimate him either", I told Minato as he gently placed Naruto in the crib, "we have to hurry".
"I have feeling you know why he's after her".
"He's using Kushina's weakened state to release Kuruma out onto the village".
"What?! How long have you known about this"?
"My parents, were working with the masked man", I admitted with shame, "they wanted this too".
"Your parents"?
"Unfortunately. Listen there's not enough time to explain but someone has to deal with a Kuruma". I told him before disappearing and just as Kuruma's paw could crush Kushina, I blocked it with my sword. He's strong, I won't be able to keep this up for long. The metal began to crack as Kuruma pushed harder and looking up at the demon fox, my blue eyes changed to golden amber.
"You're… I remember those eyes". He growled at me.
"Do you trust me"? I asked Kushina and once she nodded, I grabbed her by the wrist and threw her towards Minato's direction. I then lost my footing as the rock crumbled to pieces and was forced into the water below, my consciousness quickly fading.
"Nanami-chan"! Kushina shouted.
Pulling myself onto the surface of the water, a black chakra began to ooze out around me like a second coat of skin. I've never felt this kind of power before, every nerve was tingling with it. I screamed out in agony as my skin peeled off in pieces, that was turning into a thick smoke mixed with blue lightning and heavily surrounded the area around me. I could feel my bones shift and break in multiple places as my body took on the shape of a large, demonic wolf.
"Why don't we just do rock-paper scissors again"? Kakashi suggested not all that interested in another rival match with Guy.
"Not that again! Think of something more exciting. How can you call yourself my rival"?
"Nanami and I have an early start tomorrow, so let's pass for tonight".
"Don't use a mission as an excuse! I have all this pent up energy inside of me. Now is the time for diligent training. Honest to goodness discipline and hard work lead to success in future missions! Are you listening to me"?!
"Say Guy… do you sense anything weird? There's been a chill in the air and I feel like I've sensed it before".
"It's your attitude that's causing it! If you're so worried about Nana-chan, then go talk to her already! We're only young once"!
Taking Kuruma off guard, I rammed him into the mountainside, sinking my fangs into his neck as he tried to snap at me. My eyes narrowed in on Kakashi and Guy standing only a few blocks away. He shouldn't be here, not now of all times. I hadn't realized my grip on Kuruma loosened until I was hit with one if his tails and completely thrown back.
"What? A ten tailed? That's not… did it just protect us"?
"Damn you, kyuubi! This the moment I release my pent up power"!
"Don't be so hasty Guy! This is a fight between two beasts you'll get killed. If anything we should stay out of it".
"Oi, Kakashi! Where are you going"?
"To find Nanami". He answered simply before jumping over rooftops and Guy followed after.
Standing to my feet, I shook out the debris and dirt from my fur but then I felt someone standing between my ears. Minato! You're late. But I could sense his fear towards me, with my teeth bared I growled lowly and he asked,
"Nanami can you hear me"? Glancing up at him was the only thing I could do in response and his concerned expression was replaced with relief. It surprised me and I realized I mistook his worry for fear when he stated, "I'm glad I was afraid this side of you took control. Now, I need you to pin the kyuubi down while I separate it from the masked man. But be careful, the kyuubi will become more powerful once it's released. Ah, it's already taken notice of us".
Shit, a chakra bomb! Be careful where you send it.
"I won't let you have your way here"! Using the teleportation barrier, it was sent off deep into the hills and exploded in a bright light.
"Can you do something like that"? He asked me. "I'm guessing it's more powerful so be a little careful when using your abilities".
I figured as much. My eyes widened at another familiar presence that appeared behind Minato,
"I'm your opponent… and it's all over".
"Don't worry about me Nana, I'll be fine. Just handle the kyuubi while I'm gone".
"He flew away. He's fast. I won't let him get away next time the instant we make contact. And you... Tell me something Nanami, does Kakashi know what really happened to your parents"?
The masked man disappeared, chasing after Minato, before I could even land a scratch in him. Then dodging Kuruma's tails just in time, I sank my fangs into one dragging him to the ground and lightning coursed through his body, causing him to roar out in pain. I have to push him outside of the walls of Konoha to reduce any further casualties. Minato you need to hurry, I'm not sure how long I can stay in this form. And I don't know what I'm capable of. I could end up destroying the entire village. However if I don't do anything to stop…
Tackled to the ground, Kuruma's claws dug into my throat and he opened his mouth wide aiming a chakra bomb at my face. Snarling at him, lightning crackled from each of my tails and I wrapped two of them around his legs, managing to flip us over. "Damn you"! He roared as lightning struck through his body and pinned him to the ground. The slits in his eyes returned and digging my claws into his skin, a surge of lighting shot through him, paralyizing his nerves.
"Nana, hold down the Kyuubi for a little longer", Minato ordered as he appeared on top of my head once again, "In order to transport the two of you I'll need just as much as chakra".
What?! You shouldn't do something so reckless.
The blast from the bomb caused the Kyuubi and I separate. While my body formed back into a human, I crashed through trees and slammed into the ground at The Third Hokage's feet.
"Aoyama-san".
"I'm fine", I assured him sitting up on my elbows, "That damn Minato, of course he'd use the Reaper Death Seal".
"Wasn't he going to seal it? It's gotten smaller but…".
"No. He only sealed half of it inside of him. Minato plans to seal the rest inside Naruto".
"The ritual alter? Does he plan on sealing me again? Furthermore… inside that baby"?
"Kuruma don't"! I shouted and vanished only to reappear, standing over the alter. I stopped his claw from piercing into Naruto with my bare hand but once I glanced up through my eyelashes, I gasped. Minato and Kushina had both shielded their child, being impaled through their stomachs.
"I said it was my duty as his father".
"Then all the more, since I'm his mother".
"You idiots", I mumbled with a shaky voice, "you're both honorable idiots".
Kushina just smiled at me, "You know this is the first time I lost an argument with. Okay, I understand that you're determined to do this".
At some point I started to ignore their conversation and realized just how much pain I was actually in. I was surprised at how I could even have this much strength left, let alone stand. I laughed slightly at Minato's comment about her being a nagging mother. I would've liked to have had one growing up. A metallic taste came up from the back of my throat and I puked up blood.
"Nanami-chan"? Kushina asked confused.
"What's happening"? Minato questioned.
"To ignore the complicated reasons as to why, I'm going to put this simply. I'm dying".
"What"?
"I'm sorry. I wanted to be in Naruto's life and watch him grow into a man that I know you both would've been so proud of. You were right, Kushina, I shouldn't have kept Kakashi at a distance. I regret it more than anything but I was afraid that he'd end up like Rina. If I was the cause of his death, I'd never be able to forgive myself. You know how I like to keep my promises but it..."
"It's okay, we know how much Kakashi and this village mean to you. The only thing stopping the kyuubi from killing my son is you, you're the one keeping him alive. Thank you Nanami".
"Well, of all the decisions I've made in the last ten months, I don't regret this one. Thank you for taking me in when no one else would. Thank you both for being the parents I always wished of having. I love you both".
"Maybe you'll be able to say goodbye to him". Minato said.
"I doubt I'll be that lucky".
After Kuruma had been sealed inside Naruto, I cradled him in my arms as he started crying and placed my thumb in his tiny hand. He looked up at me with a curious expression, I think my eyes started to glow a bright gold because he started smiling. I fell against the alter as Lord Hokage knelt down at my side,
"We need to get you to the hospital".
"No. There's nothing they can do, forming into Ookami was a risk. Listen, at the other house there is a letter you will find in a chest. It explains what really happened to Hitoshi and Mirai that night. No one can read it but you so burn it when you're finished".
"What really happened"? He asked confounded.
"You'll understand everything once you read that letter. There isn't enough time, can you do me one favor Lord Hokage"?
Once he nodded, I removed a small diamond necklace I had given to Rina on her fifth birthday, sadly that was two days before she died. I smiled at the fond memory. I dragged Kakashi everywhere that day trying to find the right gift and honestly, I think I had more fun than he did.
"Give this to him. Anyone else having this doesn't sit well with me and tell Kakashi that I'm sorry. I don't mean to leave him like everyone else has, it's the last thing I want".
"Of course".
I genuinely smiled down at Naruto, as he made a small giggle while playing with my hair and he grabbed a fist full before pulling down roughly. I laughed, prying his hand away and told him,
"That's quite a grip you got there little guy. If Minato is right about you, I believe you would make a great Hokage one day. Maybe that will be your dream".
Author's Note:
Ahh this one is pretty long and a little difficult for me to right. If you want to leave a review please go ahead I'd like to know your thoughts!
