The Black Fox

by GhostCrystal

At a young age I was forced to flee my village but discovered my ancient home and my roots to the Assassins and the sea, I now work with people who are called Pirates and work to free the elemental seas once and for all, my name is Naruto Uzumaki and I am known as The Black Fox.

2. Chapter 2

C2, Of Past and Sea.

"Talking." 'Thoughts.'

XX

Zabuza walked the deck of the Black Vixen with a sense of hope for the first time after hearing from Naruto that the Civil War was finally over and those responsible had been dealt with accordingly, he was also happy to hear that his old friend Mei had become the new Water Shadow of the Hidden Mist Village.

Zabuza Momochi the master of the Executioner Blade simply looked up at that moment as the mighty black ship moved through the sea on its way back to it's hidden Harbor and from there on to what was left of the three once great naval powers that had protected so many lives.

But now because of the greed of men they were reduced to nothing more than pirates but their enemies would regret that since it was through this action that they would retain their freedom and honor and the power as well to set the world right again in the process.

He then saw his adoptive daughter Haku walk up alongside him and speak to him, "Have you ever been to this Shipwreck Cove as they call it?"

He turned and looked her right in the eyes as he then said, "Once a long time ago, back then it was just a hidden military base that the three great naval powers used, but now it's one of our few hopes to save our way of life."

She then looked up to the bridge to see the young Pirate Lord and decided to asked another question, "How do you know that Pirate Lord up there father and is he really as terrifying as they say?"

He smiled underneath his bandages and then said, "Well he's much like myself when it comes to his friends but if you're an enemy he lacks my merciful nature and sense of fair play as well as a good temper, I met him when he just started his training to use that sword of his which is said to have been created by the same sword Smith who created the blades for our little group."

This surprised Haku as she had been told how rare a sword made by that man were and was surprised to say the least, and they had only been made for the seven swordsman of the Mist, "I was unaware that he made more than just the Seven."

"Well my daughter he also made all the blades that the Pirate Lords themselves used of this little group here there are seven of them as well, but Naruto would have gotten one anyways considering who and what he is."

"You mean because he's an Uzumaki and an Assassin?" she asked her father as she watched the Pirate Lord go about his duties as the young redhead and the other young man walked up to him.

Zabuza could only let out a laugh as he heard this question and then said, "Well you're half right but believe me he still had to earn that blade of his, but let me ask you something daughter do you have a crush on him?"

She blushed at her adoptive father had said to her, "You're not helping."

XX

Naruto walked up to the ship's railing and looked out upon the sea in other amazement as he saw the moonlight dance upon the surface of the water, he then heard noises strictly behind them turned to see his cousin Karin and first mate Suigetsu.

He turned to his cousin and they said, "I didn't think they were going to find out who I was so fast."

Suigetsu rolled his eyes and then said in a shark like grin thinks to his teeth, "Well as you're so fond of saying Fox, nothing ever lasts."

Karin In all of her redheaded glory just slapped him in the back of the head turning it into water from the impact.

she then turned to her cousin and said, "Yeah but they're ninjas not pirates so I didn't think they know very much about you anyways, and let's face it you're quite notorious for escapes and getting out of a very sticky situations."

Naruto could only roll his eyes at their antics as he heard Karin speak once more, "But seriously I have to ask you a question what happens if you gain the opportunity to go back to the Hidden Leaf and it's not for a job?"

He gave her a smile and then said for everyone to hear him, "Oh you know me cousin I love those moments, I like to wave at them as they pass by them and give them the bird if you get my meaning."

She once again was surprised by his words and hit him in the back of the head as well it went down to her private cabin to rest for the night and to await the morning shift, he then rubs the back of his head and picks up his hat and then turns to Suigetsu, "Well you are in command and the Ship is yours until morning, oh and one more thing if you damage my ship I'm going to kill you!"

Suigetsu needless to say quickly took ahold of the wheel like his life depended on it, which despite what many people might think it really did as he had learned to fear the Black Fox and his cousin in these kinds of situations from firsthand experience.

Naruto then entered his main cabin and shut the door behind him, the Black Vixen's captain's cabin was not to big but was more than enough for one, in fact it was big enough for him and at least seven people to live quite comfortable.

The crew had seen the ship become his home no matter what anyone would say to him as his life was now one with the sea itself.

He walked back to his desk and pulled the chair out to sit down and then removed his hat and placed it upon the desk which was full of charts of the Elemental Nations, he then picked up a bottle of rum and took a quick drink and then looked at a picture of a young blonde haired boy and a redheaded woman with green eyes and felt a bit of pain at what he was seeing and that he had worked so hard to put behind him but could not forget what had been done to them both.

As he reached over to pick up the picture and he accidentally hit the small crab shaped music box his mother had given him and listened to the song being played by it and felt his emotions take hold including a single tear from his right eye which he then touched it bringing the small tear of salty water on his finger to see with his own eyes and began to feel both pain and anger at the people who had taken so much from him in the first place.

XX

Haku finally worked up the courage to go talk to Suigetsu about the Black Fox, the former apprentice of the seven swordsmens of the Mist turned to look at her as she walked up to him and gave a shark like smile, "So what's on your mind?"

She gave him one of those looks and then spoke, "I was just curious about Naruto or as you all call him the Black Fox what can you tell me about him?"

Suigetsu was a little taken aback by her question but decided to give her some information, "I can only tell you so much."

"Well how did you and that redheaded girl end up on this ship for starters and how did he become what he is and is he really so terrifying as people say?" Haku asked him.

Suigetsu Let out a small laughs and then began to tell her a somewhat abridged story, "I can tell you some things but not everything okay."

She nodded to him as he then continued, "From what I know he was six years old when something terrible happened to him in his home village that set him on this path, some family friends who are very powerful I might add managed to get him out of that village and get him to his ancestral home."

"You mean the Whirlpool village?"

"I will neither confirm nor deny which village but anyways moving on. Once he got there he began to training in the ways of the Shinobi and eventually discovered his nations unique maritime history including this ship which he began to repair and refit so that it could sail once more, he also possesses some kind of bloodline that allows him to relive his ancestors memories including two of them who were notorious pirates in their days."

Haku looked surprised at what Suigetsu had just told her and asked a question, "So he was experiencing his ancestor's memories?"

"Oh not just experiencing them but also gaining their skills as well, from the stories I've heard by the time he was 10 years old he was already a Master Seaman and have trained in his other ancestral roots."

She looked out upon the ship and then asked him her next question, "So how did you get involved with him?"

He gave a small laugh as he made a course correction and then spoke, "That's an interesting story in its own right so I'll give you an abridged version, basically he was already a Pirate Lord when he pulled up on one of Orochimaru's secret laboratories where me and Karin were being held against our well and in my case already been experimented upon."

He saw the look of shock upon her face and then continued his story, "What the snake wasn't counting on that day was that Black Fox decided to pay him a visit and then rescued not only me and Karin but also a young girl named Isaribi and an even bigger surprise when he met his sister who had been kidnapped before he was even born by the snake sannin."

Haku was no surprise to hear this even more and realized that if she was going to get to know him better she would have to go through his family to do it, "He has a sister?"

"Oh yeah he does just wait till you meet her, we will be at Shipwreck Cove in a couple of days and then you'll get to meet her firsthand."

XX

As soon as they were sure that their client was safe and sound from any more danger the two Jonin and their squads quickly made their way back to their home village to give their report on what happened on the bridge, Kakashi had sent word ahead of them to prepare an emergency meeting with the Hokage and councils.

One of the ANBU standing guard quickly opened the doors for them as they then entered the room to the Council meeting for them and motioned them in with some urgency, the two Jonin sensei's quickly entered the room as the door was shut behind them and gave a slight bow to the Hokage or fire shadow as he was known to others and began to give their report upon what had happened.

The Council of Konoha for the most part was surprised that such a simple mission had become so dangerous for a newly made Genin squad that also happen to include the Uchiha clan heir as well as another team that had to be dispatched to act as back up, but when Kurenai begin to explain the confrontation on the bridge and just who had interfered they were now on the edge of their seats and quite concerned.

"Kakashi was in the process of using his signature Jutsu the Chidorl to eliminate our opponent one A-Rank threat level Shinobi Zabuza Momochi who was at this time contained until a person managed to stop Kakashi dead in his tracks just a few inches from both Zabuza and his young apprentice, we were able to identify this individual as the notorious Pirate or Privateer known as The Black Fox."

Many of the civilian who were merchants were shocked to hear this as their shipping companies have had run-ins with this man and only two of them who had done illegal things had reason to fear him whereas the others were quite happy for his help since the Water Country Navy had become more pirate than those they called pirate in the first place.

The Shinobi Counsel knew that there was much more to come and that it would be something that would make this room just explode in noise and arguments amongst everyone including the civilians, the ninja didn't have to wait long as Kurenai then continued with her report.

"Zabuza's former employer at this time was the shipping tycoon Gato who had decided to not pay him and ordered his execution as well as our own until one of the mercenaries recognized the Black Fox and plead for his life, however Gato still did not believe that this was the Pirate Lord that he should be afraid of."

The listened to everything she had to say with bated breath, "Then the Black Foxes vessel appeared out of the fog bank off the bridge and opened fire upon the mercenaries killing almost all of them, several however did managed to engage the Pirate Lord and were quickly dispatched without even one of them able to touch him except for this one man that grabbed a hold of his hood and pulled it down which allowed us to later identified him but not before he was able to finish off Gato."

Everyone was listening to her story intently now and became more curious about who this pirate was, "He then turned around to confront Zabuza and his apprentice and only for us to became aware of his identity at that time, Kakashi was able to properly identify him as one Naruto Uzumaki."

As soon as she said this the room exploded in noise as everyone began to argue or talk amongst themselves, after just a minute the Third Hokage had enough of the arguing and made his presence known thanks to his KI and shouted for all to hear, "ENOUGH!"

The Third then turned his head is to the two Jonin and spoke in a calm but commanding voice that only the village leader could produce, "You are positive that you have discovered the Uzumaki heir potential location and what activities he is now pursuing?"

"Yes sir." She said.

"Has word of this gotten out to the village yet?" The Third asked them only to see them both looked at each other.

The father of Ino then realized why they had looked at each other and spoke his mind, "You have Sakura Haruno on your team don't you?"

Kakashi could only nod as they then heard the Third Hokage say, "Shit."

XX

The Willow Tree Tavern in the Hidden Leaf Village of Konoha was considered by many to be the most popular dining establishment and place of rest for the Shinobi after a long mission, the Rookie Nine as they were known were together for the first time in weeks.

Hinata and Her teammate Kiba were busy bringing over several drinks and food to the table where the Rookies and one member of team Guy were currently seated, the member of team Guy was none other than the only female member and weapons expert named Tenten.

As the two sat down and passed out the food and drinks to everyone gathered they then heard Ino start asking her questions, "Okay forehead what happened out there, I mean you were supposed to be going on a C-rank mission and then their team is sent out and I hear rumors it's like up to what now like a B-rank now?"

Sakura was surprised that the rumors were somewhat true but decided that her and Kiba would set the record straight on their unique mission, "Actually it's more like an A-rank pig, I think me and Kiba should just tell you all what happened on the mission."

Everyone else got comfy as the two began to tell their tale starting with Sakura, "Well it all started with a simple C-rank escort mission that we were sent on to escort a master bridge builder back to his home village in Wave Country, after a day we eventually saw this puddle sitting in the middle of the road and realized it had not rained for a while."

Everyone was thinking the same thing, 'Genjutsu.'

"And then these two Missing-Nin suddenly just jumped right out of the puddle and went on the attack at first we thought they had killed Kakashi sensei and then went after the client, fortunately for him Sasuke and Sai managed to prevent them from getting to the client and then it was revealed that our sensei had in fact faked his own death and then took them out fast and then discovered what was really going on."

Choji had become quite interested by their story and could not wait any longer, "And then?"

She then continued her story, "Well we found out that our client had lied about the details of the mission and that it was in fact much more serious than we had first expected it to be, we all agreed to continue the mission but Kakashi sensei sent for backup to arrive at the village only a little bit after we did."

Everyone in the pub was now listening to the story with curiosity about what would happen next, "So anyways by the next day we finally made it to the island containing the village and were attacked by a Mist ninja known as Zabuza."

As soon as she said this she heard people mumbling and talking amongst themselves and then saw the look on Tenten's face as she then said, "Your sensei fought one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, and from what I've heard one of the most dangerous members they ever had."

Sakura just nodded her head as everyone became even more curious and listen and even more intently as she continued, "Yeah they fought like hell and eventually it looked like Zabuza was going to win as he had managed to capture Kakashi sensei in a Jutsu called the water prison, but luckily Sasuke and Sai put an emergency plan in action and managed to set him free."

The Shinobi in the Tavern were actually quite impressed by the teamwork of the two Genin to save their sensei, Sakura then took a drink and continued her story, "With that done sensei then managed to defeat Zabuza but before he could deliver the final blow to finish him off we were interrupted by a fake Hunter-nin who put him in a false death like state, after they disappeared it was revealed that sensei had used up a lot of his chakra. We had to carry him to the clients house and hope for the reinforcements that had been sent for which is where Kiba's story starts."

Everyone turned from her to the young man and his dog who then took a quick drink and started his part of the story, "We arrived the next day to discover that there since he had just regained consciousness and informed us that the threat was still alive and would probably reengage us within a week, both of our teachers ordered immediate training to prepare for the showdown."

Tenten was now very interested about what was going to happen as if she had dreamed when she was older about taking on one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist or even one of the Seven Pirate Lords.

Kiba Then took a bite of some of the food and another drink and continued with the story, "So for that entire week we trained as hard as we could but as it turns out we made one critical mistake when the week was up."

One of the ninjas in the bar then had to ask him what it was, "What was the mistake?"

"We didn't think that the clients family was in any danger, but they were if it wasn't for the appearance of the Black Fox they probably would've been killed." As soon as he finished saying this he saw just about everyone in the tavern was now looking at him with their mouths wide open their eyes as big as dinner plates.

One of the ninjas in the room shouted for all to hear, "They met one of the most notorious Pirates and lived?"

The two teams that had gone to Wave Country were still trying to learn as much as they could about the Fox, "Yes he saved them, now by this point me Sasuke and Sai had gone up against the fake Hunter-nin who had some weird bloodline that made these weird ice mirrors and I might add kicked our asses good while her sensei engaged Zabuza once more and was about to end him until The Black Fox popped up and stopped him dead in its tracks."

Everyone was in shock at what they had just learned, "But if you think that's weird then get this, Zabuza's employer a guy named Gato then appeared at the other side of the bridge with a small army of mercenaries and basically betrayed them however he underestimated the Fox who then pointed off the bridge at this big black ship with black sales just came right out of this fog bank and with one order from this guy opened up on the mercenary army killing almost all of them in the process and those who managed to get out of the killing zone went right at the Fox only for him to activate these strange blades on his arms and cut them down without even a thought."

The room was so silent now you could hear a pin drop to the ground, "Now one of them did manage to pull down this black hood he had on but that didn't even slow them down as he walked up to Gato took out this strange weapon shot him in his leg and walked up to him again taunted him and killed him right there for everyone to see."

Sakura then decided to continue the story, "But that's not all as soon as he turned back to talk to Zabuza our sensei let out a gasp as he recognized who the Black Fox was and even attempted to take him down but he escaped him thanks to those weird mirrors again and then reappeared on the deck of the ship he then shouted for all of us to hear, "You almost captured Capt. Naruto Uzumaki."

The sounds of items hitting the ground like beer mugs surprised all of them as they looked about the room and everyone who was present, however it was Tenten who broke the silence, "Are you kidding me?"

They were surprised by her statement as she then continued, "You're telling us that one of the most dangerous powerful and notorious Pirate Lords is from this village and has been missing for over a decade."

Ino and her team were surprised by this bit of information as Tenten then continued, "If what you say is the truth then this village and country will stop at nothing to get their hands on him again, I mean he's pretty much a noble and is the heir to an entire country."

The rookies then heard older ninjas not that far from them then say, "I don't blame the kid for running away from this village, after all when your only family is killed right in front of you and the village does absolutely nothing to give you justice would you want to stay here?"

A lot of the ninjas quickly paid their bills and ran out of the pub to spread the word about what they had just heard.

XX

The Black Vixen had just pulled into the main docking area of Shipwreck Cove, Haku and Zabuza were absolutely impressed with what they had seen so far as the ship pulled into its dock only to look on out upon the bay shocked to see three Man of Wars with the Water Country emblems on them but also the emblem of the resistance upon them as well and realized that Mei was undoubtedly here waiting for them.

The two of them then followed Naruto his cousin and Suigetsu off the ship and into a rather busy looking tavern that was called the Red Sailor, the tavern was so active that it had three bouncers who looked like they have seen several wars.

But the moment they saw Naruto and his entourage they let them pass without a fuss and even nodded to them in a show of respect and then went back to their jobs, as they entered the tavern a young redheaded woman then motioned for them to follow her up some stairs there were also being guarded.

Zabuza and Haku were actually shocked to see Mei and the new Daimyo of Water Country sitting at a table with three other people who Naruto instantly recognize and walked over to them along with the young redheaded woman.

The Mei then said, "Well I see we still have 4 living Mariner Lords among us, and I see that the old Fox has brought you back to us Zabuza."

Zabuza nodded his head to her and then said, "Well I'm just happy that you sent him to get me in time for me and my apprentice here would have holes in our chest right now."

Mei gave a smile and turned her head to look Naruto right in the eyes and then said, "Nice work Fox, but I'm afraid there is more I must ask of you and the others here as well."

This caught Naruto's attention as she then continued, "Now as you may or may not be aware the Chunin Exams will be held in the Hidden Leaf Village within the next nine days and I would like for you and your two officers here as well as a another team to enter the exam under the flag of the Hidden Mist Village to represent both us and Water Country as a whole."

The redheaded woman and the 4 Mariner Lords or Pirate Lords as the rest of the world had come to call them just looked at her as if her head was off her body, at first she didn't know what to think about their reactions as they were all quiet with their mouths open until all five of them started to point their fingers at her in a accusing manner in saying things that went against her plan.

From both Naruto and the redheaded woman who was revealed to be his older sister Tayuya said, "Are you out of your damn mind?"

The next Lord to speak out was none other than Jack Webb, "Why the hell are you sending him into that hellhole of a village and for what?"

The next was a woman with a simple outfit on that looks like it would prove effective against cold weather but not a hindrance in warmer weather, her name was Minerva the ice Queen, "I will not let you sacrifice one of us for your damn plan woman."

The final Lord was a dark skinned woman with white face paint over the top of her face that brought out a skull like appearance but still revealed her absolute beauty with long flowing black hair and a unique hat on her head, she was known as Lady Rouge the voodoo Queen of lightning, "Can we just shoot this woman right now and be done with it for her stupid and crazy idea?"

Now while Mei was feared by just about everyone and could basically intimidate any man with a simple smile and a sweet word about their death but she was absolutely terrified by the Mariner Lords because she could not intimidate them at all, she had expected some of this to occur and had to explain her plane to them to get them to side with her as well as to finish while she was here in Shipwreck Cove, "Now, now all of you allow me to explain why I have asked Naruto and his crew to do this but first."

She then walked over to the table and brought out the remains of a sword which get all of their attention including Tayuya's, "Before I can explained my plan to you all I have to perform my duty here."

They instantly recognized the blade as belonging to one of their fallen Lords, "He chose you Tayuya to be the next Mariner Lord to take his place as the Lord of the Crescent Moon Sea."

The 4 current Mariner Lords motioned for her to follow them as they exited the tavern and then walked a bit to a small blacksmith shop that seemed to be quite revered by the many people present, they then motioned for Tayuya to enter along with Mei who was still holding the broken blade in its box.

The man inside the shop stepped forward and picked up the handle part of the sword and then put it in Tayuya's hands only to see it glowing bright burning her hand in the process, at the same time the hilt of the blade burned her hand the other 4 Mariner Lords felt their own marks burned just as it had when they had been made Lords of the seas.

The old blacksmith motioned for his apprentice to come forward and then said to her, "The previous Lord and the blade have chosen you and find you worthy to wield this blade and the responsibilities, but because it is broken it must be made new and I will require something you hold dear to make the blade a new."

Tayuya reached into her pocket and pulled out her first flute which had been given to her by her mother, it was gold and silver with the Whirlpool symbol in embedded in it and handed it over to the Smith who then nodded to her and went to work.

The Mariner Lords listened to the sounds of the blacksmith as well as the Seven Swordsman member was present as this man or myth was the one responsible for their blades creation and maintenance and knew that his apprentice would also follow in this man's footsteps.

After a few hours the Smith returned with a brand-new blade and a set of Hidden Blades made from the broken remnants of the last Mariner Lord, Tayuya took hold of the blade and held it up for all to see.

The hilt had a small flute built into it as the blade was an perfect silver with a crescent moon built into it, it seemed to radiate the light of the moon itself as the other Mariner Lords each revealed their own Blades and each said, "I Capt. Jack Webb Lord of the Waters Country coast hereby recognize you as one of us."

The next was a woman who looked ready for cold weather, "I Minerva Lord of the Snow Seas recognizes you as one of us."

Then it was the next girls turn, "I Lady Rouge of the Lightning Seas hereby recognizes you as one of us."

Then it was her brothers turn to speak, "I Naruto Uzumaki Lord of the Whirlpool Seas hereby recognizes you as one of us sister."

She held the blade and got a good look at it as well as putting on the blades of her assassin heritage and then said for all those present to hear, "I Tayuya Uzumaki hereby accept the position of Mariner Lord of the Crescent Moon Seas."

All 5 of them then sheathed their swords and turned to Mei who then motioned for them to follow her as she then said, "Now that that is done at least let me explain why I need your help in this matter, who knows you might actually enjoy it."

End of C2.

I was personally wondering if this chapter would be bigger than the last one ugly I was happy to see that it was but I have to admit while no major action of any kind happened I did get to dive into a bit of some of the characters histories, while I may have created some more questions than answers I at least did all I could to create a few brand-new avenues and I want to hear what you all think about the mariner lords or pirate lords.

There are still two other mariner lords to appear later in the stores I would like to hear your ideas on who these should be, I also in the next chapter hope to go a little further into Naruto's past as well as the other lords as well as well as to start the exam part of the story but we'll have to wait and see.

I also plan to do a couple of bingo book profiles at the end of some of the chapter's on the mariner lords and to show that there is more going on in the story than you might think but I want to hear what you think is going to happen, please read and review.