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The Number of the Beast
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4. Children of the Grave
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"Naruto…"
That metallic taste – he was quite positive it was blood – wasn't supposed to be there.
Come to think of it, he didn't recall the last time his body hurt this much on average, either.
…
Conclusion: something's not right.
Unable to remember how he got himself injured, what he did to get himself into this mess or even where 'this mess' was, Naruto tried to pierce the black void that was draped over his eyes. Oddly enough, he found himself unable to.
"Naruto…"
Nameless shapes and unidentifiable colors started a hurricane of images, words, sounds and something else, the name of which escaping him for some strange reason. The pressure it provided strained his already aching muscles to the point at which Naruto nearly screamed in agony, though. His hurting made way for the uncomfortable sense of looming danger when he opened his eyes once he found out he could.
Somehow, he should've expected this.
The little light that came through nowhere fell over the large room, illuminating it just enough to make out the obvious sewer-like details. He was ankle-deep in the mixture of filthy water and the liquid chakra that oozed out of the cage that held the Kyuubi, hidden deep into the forgotten corners of his forlorn soul. The demon itself was donning its trademark evil smirk, licking its lips with a slimy, pointy tongue. Naruto instantly felt the need to throw up.
"There you are, Naruto…"
The blonde didn't respond, and instead tried to focus on recollecting the events that had sent him here, to this dreaded place that he'd much rather avoid at all costs. He vaguely recalled a red-headed boy with blue eyes, and Sasuke, and Sakura in pain. Never failing to unnerve him, the Kyuubi took this as an invitation to read his thoughts and fill in the blanks.
"Why yes, you took quite a beating out there… It looks like I'll be wasting my precious chakra on your pitiful existence again." The demon's smirk widened, the killing intent literally dripping off of it in the form of liquid chakra. Naruto gritted his teeth; the demon loved to play games with his mind, and there was little to do about it, if anything at all.
"What do you want this time," Naruto said solemnly, bowing his head in impotence. He knew what was coming, as he remembered what had passed for him to end up in this cursed place again. The demon chuckled, salivating chakra, and ending with a deep, low growl.
"Take a close look at that Gaara child, boy… That is the true power of a jinchuuriki. That is what you have been missing out on, as a result of your futile refusal to embrace my powers." Naruto remained silent, enduring the lecture his tenant gave him. He knew it couldn't take long for the fox to start its usual pleas for release again. And indeed, shortly after he'd thought that, the Kyuubi growled again. "Unleash the true potential I can awaken, Naruto… I can show you true power."
Pheh, so predictable.
He was right, though, as much as Naruto hated to admit it. There seemed simply no other option than to make use of the horrifying powers of the demon – Gaara did, as well, and that was the reason he was here in the first place. Damn.
Naruto walked over to the cage, slowly, calculating every step. Once he was within an arm's reach of the seal that restrained the demon, he peeled at the edge of it and watched the maniacal glint in the Kyuubi's eyes.
Then, his hand formed a fist and slammed down on the seal, firmly keeping it in place and actually startling the Kyuubi.
"I would rather die here and now knowing that I did everything in my own power than sell my soul to the likes of you!"
Warping back to the present day, Naruto scrambled up from the floor and charged. His punch connected with Gaara's head.
Retribution.
[Author's Note]
Of course, the Kyuubi meddled in Naruto's fight with Gaara. Of course he tried to use him as an example of what Naruto'd be capable of. I hope you enjoyed it and please, don't be rude. Leave a review. Thanks.
Signed,
VictimofYourOwnCreation