I do not own Naruto

Thank you to everyone who reviewed

It's nice to know I'm appreciated

Chapter Three

When Naruto opened his eyes, he found himself standing before the Fourth's seal. There was a brief moment of relief, he was still alive.

Two crimson orbs glared into the man's eyes from behind the bars. Kyuubi no Kitsune was furious. Nine tails lashed behind the demon fox and the area was infused with enough killer intent to bring most ninja to their knees.

"You idiot," the demon snarled. "I have been patient until now, but no more. We were nearly killed."

"I know," his vessel said softly.

"And by one of your so-called comrades," Kyuubi continued. He was ranting.

"I know"

"If the blade hadn't been so thin, if that traitor had pulled it out immediately. . . ."

"I said I know!" Naruto shouted.

The fox stared at the blond in surprise. The young man was hard to read at the best of times, but this was odd, even for him.

The chuunin took a deep breath, calming himself. "I will not be returning to Konoha," he stated impassively. "I cannot dodge blades from both enemy and ally alike." His eyes glittered like finely cut sapphires. "Sooner or later, I would die," Naruto's tone was uncaring. He acted like it wasn't important, that his life hadn't just ended.

For once, Kyuubi just listened. There was really nothing to say.

"It shouldn't be that hard to move on," Naruto continued. "After all, they probably think I'm. . .," his voice trailed off.

It occurred to both of them at the same instant. Ninja never left bodies behind. Their enemies could learn to much from them.

"Wake me up," Naruto demanded. "I don't care how you do it, but wake me up now."

ftaftaftaftaftaftafta

Crimson chakra immediately enveloped Naruto's form and he suppressed a pained cry as he was yanked back to the world of the living.

The first thing Naruto became aware of was the incredible pain. He was being burned alive. The only thing that stopped him from succumbing to the darkness, was the knowledge he would never wake up.

The ninja quickly channeled chakra into his limbs and shoved his body up and over. He didn't care where he landed, as long as it was away from the flames. He hit the ground in an uncontrolled fall and immediately rolled, doing his best to smother the flames. As Naruto lay there exhausted, he struggled to breath through damaged lungs. The smell of burnt flesh didn't help matters.

Cautiously he opened his eyes, blinking a few times to bring the world into a semblance of focus. Naruto was pleased to see that he was alone. That made things easier.

For a few minutes the young man just lay there. He looked horrible; his skin was blackened and cracked, his clothing was disintegrating, and his hair was pretty much gone. It was tempting to just go to sleep, but he knew he couldn't.

Naruto did his best to block the pain as he forced himself to his feet. He had seen a cave earlier. The entrance was well hidden, it would make a good shelter.

He peered blurrily at his surroundings, everything was spinning. Kyuubi, he reached for his tenant.

Yes Kit, the demon knew they were in trouble.

Which way is west? Naruto was having trouble thinking clearly.

The ninja followed the demon's instructions, moving in the indicated direction. Each step sent waves of agony through his body.

Naruto had just reached the mouth of the cave when thunder rumbled overhead. He glanced up at the blackish clouds. It seemed a storm was coming. The demon vessel was grateful, the rain would wash away his trail.

Ducking under the entrance, the ninja moved to the back of the small cavern. Naruto smiled slightly in triumph, before dropping like a stone. He didn't even feel himself hit the ground.

-FtAFtAFtAFtA-

Naruto just needs to plan his new life and the adventures can begin

If you have any ideas please feel free to share

See you next time