AN: Sorry its been so long guys. I even had a few emails asking if I had died or something similar. Well I assure you I am mostly alive. I don't count the undead part really so its all good. This chapter isn't super action oriented, so sorry if it's not what you were hoping for. Next one will be back to blood, gore, and chaos again. I'll try to throw some semblance of a plot into it if I have time too *wink*. Don't forget reviews! They feed me, and force me to actually finish chapters.
Angels are Slavedrivers
Naruto eagerly snuck through the bushes toward his goal. A small hole that was located in the outer wall of the Hyuuga compound. Even though there were regular sweeps to make sure it was secure, this hole was located just so it was impossible to see unless you knew where it was. The bloodline limit of the Hyuuga family was known as the Byakugan. It allowed the user to see in 360 degree radius around them, through virtually any object... when it was activated. For various reasons, the clans council disallowed the use of the Byakugan inside the compound itself, except for in designated areas, which were used for training.
The Hyuuga were very strict on protocol therefore this breach in their security went unnoticed. However even so the hole was small enough no one but a very small child could fit through anyways. The small child taking advantage of this was Naruto.
He had met a young girl from the Hyuuga main family a two years back, and they had become fast friends. Now they met as regularly as they could, without getting caught by the family itself. Often times they would meet and he would tell jokes, or she would talk about the clan and its rules, at which he would nod his head about some things and crack more jokes about others. Sometimes they would meet just for the company.
Neither of them had any other friends, him because the majority of the village despised him, although he didn't know why. She had no other friends because "The Hyuuga did not associate with the other clans for social functions." And the branch family existed only to serve the main family, therefore being friends with them would not be allowed. Friends were an option that the Hyuuga council considered unnecessary for their heiress. This time they were meeting in a section of the garden that was rarely used.
There was one other "Activity" that Naruto and Hinata engaged in when they simply wanted eachothers company. Sometimes they "Hold" eachother. For one such as him who had never received affection from a parent, or any other source she was almost like the sister he never had. For her who commonly received compliments from people who really didn't know her, false smiles from strangers, and a pat on the head in passing from someone simply because it was the thing to do, real affection such as she got from Naruto was one of a kind, and irreplaceable.
Today was one such day. When they met up in the back they sat down behind some bushes and simply held eachother. Naruto had no jokes to tell, and Hinata had no stories about the clan, so they just sat there together, enjoying eachothers company. After a while Hinata spoke up. "My father told me that I'm going to start school soon. He has really high expectations of me, I don't know if I can do as good as he wants me to."
Naruto was quiet for a moment then he spoke. "Old man Hokage said something about that to me a few days ago. I blew him off at the time, but if your going to do it then I will to. Even if alone we don't do to great, together I'm sure we can do awesome! That and if we are classmates then I'm sure we will have an excuse to spend more time together."
Hinata nodded her head. Looking at it that way, she was sure they could do it. And with Naruto's help she might even be able to impress her father. Silence once again settles between them, and peaceful contentment settled over them both. Slowly but surely they drifted off to sleep.
Awhile later they woke to hear voices calling for her. One last hug goodbye and they parted ways, him creeping silently through the bushes, and her sneaking along the paths so as to come out in a different location so as not to give away their hiding spot. From there Naruto headed straightaway to the Hokages tower. Stopping just long enough to grab a toad from a creek along the way.
Reaching the receptionists office he stealthily got behind a potted plant, then launched the toad at the receptionist. It landed in her lap. A shrill shriek filled the air and she could be seen sprinting from the room calling for the closest ninja, saying a monster had appeared out of thin air. Naturally the chunnin who showed up was mildly disappointed to find a toad smaller than a mouse croaking away on the floor, a bit alarmed at the state of panic. Placing the toad outside he assured the young lady that the "Monster" was indeed gone. After several minutes she finally took her seat again. This was the third time this week she had been "Assaulted" by a toad. She was sure they were conspiring to get her.
In the confusion a certain blond haired little boy had slipped past unnoticed and was heading to the Hokages office. Reaching the door he took a deep breath, let it out, then he jerked the door open and jumped to the side. Piles of paperwork came falling out on the spot where he had been standing. He was almost completely certain that the old man was spending more time piling all the paperwork against the door, than he spent actually working on it.
Maneuvering his way through the piles of fallen paper he saw the Hokage in all his glory... taking a nap. Well this certainly wouldn't do, he needed to talk to him. Walking up to his desk, Naruto blew in his ear. Seeing no reaction he licked his finger and was about to stick it in his ear, then though better of it. Taking a piece of paper he put it in his mouth and began to chew on it, afterwards he rolled it in a ball, then applied his finishing touch. He worked up a lugi of incredible proportions and spat it on the paper ball. Taking his slimy spitwad, he attempted to thrust it in the sleeping mans ear.
At the last possible moment the Hokage caught his hand and said "Now now, where exactly were you planning on putting that may I ask? The old man turned his face to him with a smile, showing he had been awake the entire time.
Naruto snorted. "Payback for trying to kill me with that mountain of paperwork at the door."
The Hokage shook his head. "Don't blame me, blame all those people that try to kill an old man by working him to death. Their the ones who keep putting more and more paperwork in here. Besides how many times do I have to tell you, don't jerk the door open. Open it gently and the paperwork won't fall."
Naruto didn't believe him. "If I open it slow then I won't have time to get out of the way. I bet the food here is so awful you just want a flat Naruto for dinner instead."
The Hokage laughed. "Oh you caught me. Guess I'll have to find another way to skip out on the food here. Well anyways what brings you here this time? Young kids like you should be getting home before it gets dark out."
Naruto replied "Hey I'm not young! I'm just not old like you. I'm seven and a half! And I thought it over and since you seem to want me in your precious school so bad, I guess I'll go. But only if I get to pick where I sit." Folding his arms Naruto thought he handled that very well.
Sarutobi chuckled to himself. Naruto obviously had found himself a friend, and found out that friend would be going as well. Who this friend was he was unsure. He was almost certain that the child's parents knew nothing of it, as most adults in the village would never allow such a thing, as friendship with this boy. Well far be it from him to separate Naruto from his newfound precious person. "Ah, well you drive a hard bargin, most teachers decide where their students sit, but since you leave me no choice, I will see to it."
Naruto tightly concealed his excitement, and proclaimed "Very well. Send me a message before it starts, for now I must get ready. And clean up your papers old man! This so called office is worse than my room." With that he trounced out the door.
Sarutobi chuckled. Then he got up and walked over to the door and closed it. "Now to set that blasted paperwork back up to ambush the next person who comes bringing me more." And his next trap began its construction.
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Gaara was watching the sunset from the roof of his residence, when a jounin appeared. "Gaara-sama, the Kazekage has decreed that you will be entering the ninja academy soon. Your older brother and sister have already entered and should be able to help you in your studies. Any further questions will be directed at the Hokage himself." With that he disappeared. Everyone hated being near the seven year old, red headed demonchild. Any seven year old who had a bloodlust that could match an Anbu's was not someone most people like to spend time with.
Meanwhile Gaara pondered this new information. The academy meant learning how to become stronger, which meant he could kill more people. Mother demanded more blood. Like any good son, he would do anything to keep his mother happy. He would bring tides of blood to wash away this scourge called humanity. Only when no more existed would her bloodthirst be sated. And then she would give him all her love. He was sure of it.
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"I'm at a loss doctor. I know it's normal for twins to like to spend time together, but he won't go anywhere without her. He constantly ignores us, as his parents, and won't even play with his toys by himself, or anyone else but her. Even when he is with her he rarely does more that just sit there. He's always incredibly withdrawn. He eats so little that I'm afraid he will die of malnutrition. And I can't punish him because I'm not even sure he would understand why." A woman spoke to the child psychologist desperately.
He nodded taking in everything she said. Finally after she finished he replied. "Well ma'am, I already see several reasons. First your husband is obviously upset that his only son is incapable of succeeding that family business, due to his condition. Therefore he pretty much ignores the child, and your being afraid to punish him means he has had no real discipline... ever. Also physical punishment is not the only way to deal with bad children. For instance since he is blind I have little doubt his hearing is a bit more developed than most children."
Standing up the doctor called for him. "Kamibatsu, your mother would like you to come here." Seeing no reaction he walked several steps closed to where he sat watching his sister who was playing with some toys. Once again he called, and once again he was ignored. Finally he walked right up behind him and called again. Seeing no reaction he slapped his hands together loudly behind his head. Kamibatsu flinched at the suddenly loud noise.
Kamibatsu stood up and faced the doctor. The doctor appeased at his obedience turned to speak to the mother when he heard Kamibatsu say something. Leaning over he asked "What did you say Kamibatsu? You need to speak louder for me to hear you."
Kamibatsu looked directly at his face and said "I said idiots who make loud noises behind someones head need to learn better." With that he full force punched the doctor's nose. The force of the blow sent him reeling.
To say he was surprised would have been an understatement. Although Kamibatsu had a small stature, even for a normal seven year old, his strength told a different story. The doctor was completely sure his nose was broken, and the blood that kept flowing from it confirmed that.
Kamibatsu satisfied that he had made his point sat back down and continued to "watch" his sister play with her toys, joining in only now and then when she asked.
The doctor after plugging his nose walked back to the mother. In a stuffy voice he said "I'm sorry ma'am, it seems to have gotten farther than I originally expected. Typical procedures won't be effective I'm afraid. I will go back to my office and prepare the books that will have the procedures for this. I will return in a few days." Gathering up his few notebooks he left, one goal set in his mind. He would teach this child discipline... and he didn't care if it killed him.
Kamibatsu smiled to himself as he heard the doctor leave. He never did like doctors. Still this small body was frustrating. It had taken nearly all his strength just to break the mans nose. Back as his adult self he could had simply backhanded the man across the room with little to no effort.
Although it truly was an interesting experience. When he had been a child before, it was as a dragon. He wondered if playing with these "Toys" would have been enjoyable then. Mikoto certainly seemed to enjoy them. Of course he would normally laugh at the concept of toys but, he was with her. He had spent years separated from her, and now he would endure anything to keep her. Even pretending stuffed animals were alive, and that they somehow were him. Vaguely he remembered playing with stuffed animals with Yuki as a little girl.
Memories from "Before" were a bit fuzzy sometimes. Only two things did he remember crystal clear. Every thing about Mikoto, when she had been Maemi. And all his combat knowledge. Seals, jutsu, weapon forms, taijutsu, were all more clear than what he ate from breakfast this morning. Yet the first word his own daughter had spoke was difficult to remember. It occurred to him he would be a grandfather if he had made it back to Konoha with a demon ready to be sealed. A grandson or granddaughter which would be slightly older than him. He found the concept funny for some reason.
Suddenly it occured to him people might find it strange that his sister was actually his wife, and soulmate. Thats right, humans disliked that sort of thing. Demons didn't have a problem with it any more than animals, yet humans found it disgusting. Amusing to say the least. Oh well he never really cared to much for humans thoughts on his personal matters, and he wasn't about to start now.
On a side note he wondered how to get his soulstone back. When he had used the jutsu to bring Maemi back he had used it as an anchor for her, by attaching it to her soul. Since it was an extension of his own soul it kept hers from going to the afterlife.
Suddenly he heard a familiar noise. He sighed as he knew that this noise meant. None of the "Humans" in the room had hearing acute enough to for this particular pitch. Getting up he stumbled towards the bathroom keeping up the act of being clumsy, and virtually helpless. Closing the door behind him he said just loud enough for someone in the same room as him to hear. "Ok, I'm alone. What do you want?"
A man appeared out of thin air. This wasn't ninjutsu, or any other special technique known to mankind. This mas was able to do this by quite different means, but then thats to be expected, after all he was an angel. "You have been slacking Neo Bahamut. It's been nearly eight years since you preformed your duties as a tailed beast. Don't tell me you have forgotten?"
Kamibatsu sighed before replying. "I have been working almost non-stop for a few thousand years. You begrudge me a few years vacation? Besides it's not like the others can't do it, there is nine of us after all. It can't be that hard for one of them to kill those on the hitlist for a few years."
The angel named Gabriel sighed. Apparently Neo Bahamut aka Kamibatsu, didn't know. "Your the only one who hasn't been sealed inside a human at the moment. Shortly after your battle with Kyuubi, he was sealed by a human in Konoha. If anything more work has piled up with them gone than anything. I would normally have no problem with you taking a few years vacation, but ALL of the other tailed beasts are unable to do anything right now."
Kamibatsu snorted. "You expect me to believe some mere human sealed the nine tails? Don't be ridiculous. Even I was unable to beat him. Without the artifact that my clan held a human would be incapable of sealing him. I can understand the others. But seven tails is probably the strongest a human would be able to seal. Without THAT artifact me and nine tails are untouchable."
Gabriel paused for a moment then replied. "The human who sealed him summoned Shinigami. You know Shinigami doesn't care who he seals as long as he gets the soul of the human, who requests it. All the others have been sealed. Deny it or not is your choice but you have work to do. I cannot take no for an answer."
Kamibatsu absorbed the information for a moment then spoke. "Alright. But You will have to accept a compromise. Once a week I'll go hunting for several marks. Then I'll take the rest of the week off, to live this life. Working only one day a week might sound lazy, but this is my vacation after all. Your list will be taken care. So just stay off my back ok?"
Inwardly Gabriel sighed. That was the best he could expect he supposed. This is why he hated working with demons. A bunch of egotistical bastar... not nice creatures. "Very well. But if you skip even once I'll be back. And you won't get away with just one day a week then. I can personally promise you, that your vacation status will be revoked. Until next time... Kamibatsu." He purposefully exaggerated the name at the end of the sentence, before once again disappearing into thin air.
Kamibatsu chuckled to himself. He wondered what humans would think if they found out their most holy god was such a slave driver. Tough love he supposed. Kami had promised that he would not interfere directly with humans unless he had absolutely no choice. However, the all knowing being he was, he also saw humankind's self destructive tendencies. In order to keep from having to directly interfere to prevent human kinds destruction. He created demons. Several kinds were created, with different purposes in mind. Certain demons who rose in power above the others became eligible to become one of the nine tailed beasts. Only one of each race of demon was allowed to be a tailed beast at a time. These demons jobs were to prevent humans who would eventually rise to power and cause destruction of the world, from doing so. By killing them. Often times these humans would never become a leader of a country or anything big. But if in some way they would help contribute to the problem, in a way that could be prevented by their death. Then their name was put on the "Hitlist", and one of the tailed beasts would "Take care of them".
While the percentage of people in the world that would be added to the hitlist was incredibly small. The amount overall was still a lot. Every day a new person was born, who would be added to that hitlist, just the same as every day thousands of people were born who would not. The target could be any age from an old man to a small child. However children would not be added until they were past eight years of age.
There was one major difference between demons and humans in how they were created. Kami knew everything because he could predict what would happen based on what people were involved. Because of this the inevitable destruction of the world plagued his mind day in and day out. So when he created demons he made them beyond this forsight of his, as they were often completely irratic. Demons created an unknown factor in destiny, making it possible to avoid the inevitable. Recently a demon had been added to the list. This was the first time in thousands of years something like this had happened. Even Kami himself was not completely sure what this demon would do, but one thing was certain. Iku Staka was going to bring the world to the brink of destruction. He was assembling a group of humans who's power was nearly unrivaled. And if he succeeded in his goal Kami himself would have to intervene. Which meant the near destruction of the entire human race.
Kamibatsu smiled to himself at the thought. At least he had promised to use fire next time, and not water. He really hated water. Fire made him feel cozy. Water made him feel claustrophobic. Even he would take a swim now and then, but putting his head under water was something he avoided at all costs. The last time Kami had intervened, Kamibatsu had to fly above the clouds for over a month. He spent half a year sleeping to recover.
Deciding to head back, he flushed the toilet, and washed his hands, to have the appearance of having actually used the bathroom. Walking back in he sat down again to watch his beloved "Sister" playing with her toys. He supposed it wouldn't be bad to go hunting now and then. He was getting hungry after all, and as much as he loved her, taking a break from "playtime" didn't sound like a bad idea once in a while.
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It was night time and Naruto had just gone to sleep. But sweet dreams were not his to be had this night. Dreams of things that had happened but, but of which he had no recollection, would instead be taking their place. He sat in a room where the walls seemed to stretch upward into infinity, with no ceiling in sight. He could see eight other people seated at different locations across the room. His seat seemed to be the highest. Someone had obviously told a joke as most of the others were laughing. It was then he noticed something strange about these people. They seemed to have ethereal appendages.
One had black circles around his eyes, and a ringed tail that seemed to be waving back and forth behind him. Another had two tails, and seemingly slitted pupils for eyes. Most of them had tails, although a few had some other appendages instead. Regardless of what the appendage was, it started with one and continued to grow. The one sitting closest to him had eight horns on his head, two ethereal wings protruding from his back, and an arrogant expression on his face. The man turned to face him and said something. Naruto cocked his head slightly unable to understand what he said. Everything seemed to sound fuzzy, it seemed impossible to tell what he was saying. Apparently he said it again but suddenly everything was loud and clear. "I said congratulations on your position as nine-tails. As a personal gift, I had a sacrificial lamb brought in from a nearby village. I think its at the perfect age for eating. At its most tender I would say. BRING IN THE SACRIFICE!"
Naruto turned his head to where the man seemed to be shouting. Two giant doors opened, and a young girl walked in. Naruto had eaten lamb a few times in his life, although not often. But those few times had been enough to know it was delicious. He strained his eyes to see where the lamb was and if she was leading it behind her. Disappointed he saw there was in fact no lamb of any kind. He turned his head back to the man to ask if he was making fun of him when he noticed all eyes were on him, apparently in anticipation. Apparently they noticed something he didn't. The one tailed man spoke up "Well? Are you not going to have her? I myself can see how delicious she is, and can barely contain myself. Dont keep us in suspense! A willing soul is not something you get every day."
The horned man nodded his approval, and had some smug smirk on his face. Naruto was still confused about what they were talking about so he turned to speak to the girl. But instead of his own voice, he heard a deep booming one, that could not belong to him. "Come forth child. You understand what you are here for?"
Naruto's confusion only rose as the voice was not only, not his, but seemed to speak on its own accord. The girl replied "Yes my lord. I come from a village whom holds foxs in the highest of regards. It would be an honor to give me soul for your gain." Naruto still didn't completely understand what was going on, but he felt a sickly feeling in his stomach. Something very wrong was going on here.
The deep voice spoke again. "Very well, I accept your dedication, and shall become a guardian for your village. In return I shall have your soul for all eternity." A hand reached forth, un-listening to Naruto's will. And crushed the life from the girl as if she was a mere doll. Naruto watched in horror as she stopped moving. He could hear her heart stopping, her pulse slowing. He could sense her bodily functions ceasing. After what seemed like an eternity he saw what had to be the most beautiful thing he had ever seen in his entire life. A personage rose from the dead body, seeming to be made up entirely of light. His first thought, was that this must be what angels look like. Time seemed to slow as she slowly rose upwards, then suddenly he heard himself inhale. Not like the kind when you are normally breathing, but actually like trying to inhale something. As he inhaled it was like someone blew this person towards him, as if she was lighter than any feather could ever be. And then ecstasy. None of the foods he had ever eaten in his entire life compared to this. Even ramen seemed to pale in comparison. It could only be described as heaven.
The horned man spoke after apparently watching him for a few minutes. "Don't tell me this was your first dedicated soul? Hah! Well congratulations on your first soul devoured after being made the nine-tailed beast. I drink to you Kyuubi." The others responded with cheers and drank some kind of elixir from goblets so intricate, that a king would feel poor by simply looking at them. A feel of energy coursed through him and he stood up. Then the most blood curdling roar he had ever heard resounded across the room. Exhilaration rushed through him, in such a manner that he would never forget. As well as terror at the sound of this horrible roar.
He woke suddenly in a sweat. He suddenly felt sick to his stomach, and rushed to the bathroom, barely making it to the toilet before "Ralph" was summoned. Feebly he got to the sink and turned on the faucet to wash his face, on glancing down he suddenly noticed something. His pupils were red slits. Doing a double take he noticed they were normal, and dismissed it as his imagination playing tricks on him after the nightmare he had just had. In that dream he had... eaten someones soul. Just thinking about it nearly made him have to rush back to the toilet. Fear once again overtook him as he hid in the corner of his bathroom. The images of his nightmare replaying themselves over and over in his mind, and he kept hearing that terrifying roar in his head. Not for the first time in his young life he wished he had someone to hold him and make it all go away.
AN: Sorry about the delay. I have been pretty busy at work recently. And in my time off I have been sick with this disease called laziness. Its pretty bad. But then I'm sure those of you who have been with me since the beginning know that. This chapter had some fun parts for me as a writer, but there wasn't any fight scenes really, so it was slightly boring to write. Next one should be better. Kamibatsu starts hunting, Naruto and Hinata start school, and Gaara shows everyone he really can dance in a bikini. Well the last part isn't true but the rest is. Next chapter shouldn't take as long to put out (I know I say this every time), more action and blood for those who love it. Probably a bit of romance to. Can't be to sure about these things. Also everyone beware. I just found out that I have the same amount of toes on my left foot as my left hand. I'm off to check the situation with my right foot. I recommend you do the same.
