I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.

Chapter 4: The Kitsune Warrior

"Our master has returned, and he will be pleased with your deaths!"

"Shit!" Naruto quickly whipped out a kunai and blocked a mad dash by a long-haired man with dark, black marks over his skin. Struggling to parry every blow, Naruto flashed a safe distance away, analyzing the man closely. Do those marks on his body do anything? I have to be on guard. And those eyes… Why are they impassive? Glancing at the others, he noticed that the other entities also seemed to be absently engaged in battle as if their minds were disconnected with their actions. Is someone controlling them? Maybe Edo Tensei? "Hey! Who the hell are you guys? You look like puppets to me!"

"We are simply prophets of an inevitable fate, so embrace it while you have the choice!"

Finding himself pushed into a corner, Naruto compressed the air around him and flung the man back. Creating three clones, he began to form his most powerful wind jutsu. "Che… Bastards like you can talk all about fate and not realize your own!"

"Naruto-kun! We'll group them up!" Mabui shouted, realizing his intent. "Raiton: False Darkness!"

Shikamaru and Sai both used chakra-enhanced kicks to create some distance between their opponents, pushing them back against the other entities.

"Fuuton: Giant Rasenshuriken!" Naruto threw the immense, spinning rasengan towards the group of shadow warriors, eliciting an ear-splitting scream of defeat as their bodies were ripped to shreds. Making sure the entities were disposed of, Naruto turned his head sharply, glaring at Shikamaru. "I thought you said no one was here!"

"Hey, these guys appeared out of thin air!" Spotting the cloud kunoichi breathe a long sigh of relief and fear, the Nara gave her a questioning look. "Ne Mabui, why are you shaking?"

"These are former cloud shinobi…" She said, trying to quell her fear of fighting her own comrades. Edo Tensei had not been easy to stomach during the world war, and now that she was actively fighting, the moral strain from attacking even treasonous Kumo shinobi was unbearable.

"It's okay Mabui-chan, whoever sent them is trying to battle us in a psychological way. We just have to steel our resolve and do what we have to." Naruto reasoned, hoping to ease her doubts. A sudden rumbling cut him short, piercing the air with a low moaning sound. "What the hell? You guys see this?"

(With Naruto)

An ethereal figure with black smoke oozing out of intricate lines etched on its body encompassed the blond's vision, almost choking him with malicious chakra.

"So that's the man master wants us to break? He looks so frail…"

Flaring his chakra to quell the killing intent, Naruto shifted his feet to an offensive position. "Still alive, teme? Well fight me then! Show me you're more than just an insignificant being!"

The dark figure instantly appeared in front of him, materializing a large, ornate katana in his right hand. "You will understand, Uzumaki-san, the meaning of despair."

"Don't take me lightly!" Creating twenty clones, Naruto engaged in a furious battle of kicks and punches. Noticing that his attacks were simply phasing through it, Naruto quickly changed tactics and shot out a torrent of wind, only for the entity to reappear away from the blast. "Why can't I hit you?"

"I can control probability here, and for you, fate has decreed your chances as negligible. But don't misunderstand me… For I don't want this world to have winners and losers…"

(Meanwhile)

"What the hell is he talking about? There's nothing there!" Shikamaru exclaimed, panicking as he dodged random volleys of kunai from Naruto. "Sai, restrain him!"

Weaving hand seals, Sai created five snakes that bound around the blond's arms and legs, forcing him to fall onto the ground. "He's releasing massive amounts of chakra! I can't hold on to him much longer!"

"Please…" Mabui quickly rushed over and took out a chakra-suppression seal, eliciting a feral growl from Naruto. "If you're in there… We're not the enemies! Show me you're the Uzumaki we all know and love!"

His eyes shimmered a bit, darting around in confusion as they took in the surroundings. "M-Mabui-chan? What's-"

"Naruto-kun… I'm real, all of this is real! I don't know what happened but you just went on a rampage." Mabui momentarily dropped the seal, opting to grasp his shoulder to see if he understood her.

Suddenly, Naruto began to see his vision shimmer again, replacing the kunoichi with a dark shadow apparition who smirked at his expression of anger. "Manipulation is a beautiful act isn't it? I know all your weaknesses and the bonds you so dearly cherish. Yet you still can't see the pain reality will bring you!"

"I'll kill you where you stand!" Bloodlust returning to his eyes, Naruto's chakra flared violently, dissolving the ink snakes that bound him.

Shocked to see Sai immediately faint in exhaustion, Shikamaru propped him by a nearby tree. Shit, Naruto's going after Mabui. "Kage Mane-"

"Futon: Godly Wind from the Mountains!" Naruto interjected, blasting the Nara into a nearby building, briefly incapacitating him. Looking back at Mabui with a feral grin, he quickly grabbed the hem of her uniform and swung his arm in a violent arc, devoid of any rational thought. "You're finished!"

Feeling a chakra-enhanced punch blast slam against her gut, Mabui flew back and collided against the side of a building, crying out in pain against the solid rock. Her vision began to blur as she struggled to get up, seeing only the outline of the blond advancing. He was just talking to me, so he's being controlled! "Naruto-kun! Snap out of it! It's me, Mabui!"

"I won't let you hurt my precious people you scum!" Advancing upon the cloud kunoichi, Naruto pulled a kunai out of his side pouch, lunging straight for her abdomen. "You're just like the others… Trash that doesn't deserve to live, to exist! I only wish I could have gotten rid of you earlier!"

I know this isn't true! I just know! Snap out of it! "N-Naruto-kun… I-Is that what you really think…" Mabui mentally strained to repress the creeping thoughts of agony as his words pieced into her ears like daggers. Coming from anyone else, those words would be empty with meaning, but coming from Naruto… It was enough to shock her whole body solid.

"Naruto!" Picking himself up from the rubble, Shikamaru raised his hands again for a shadow possession jutsu, but felt a sharp pain in his left shoulder. Shit, his last jutsu must have broken my arm!

"Your life ends with me." With that, the kunai pierced Mabui's abdomen, embedding deep within her flesh.

"Excellent…You will understand our pain now, Uzumaki…" Time seemed to stop as Naruto held onto the kunai, paralyzed in thought. As if life started back up, the gears in his mind began to spin, taking in the situation before focusing on the struggling kunoichi who was weakly grasping his hands. "Naruto-kun…"

"Oh kami…"

He loosened his hold on the kunai, staggering back as his face showed absolute terror. Hearing a groan in the distance, he saw Shikamaru and Sai's bloodied bodies. I did all this… With his heart rate skyrocketing, Naruto clutched his mind as memories began to flood his conscience.

"Oh kami what have I done? Oh no…" Picking himself up, Naruto took out a Hirashin kunai, only thinking to run away from his carnage. I know whatever I did was with my own body… my own actions. What kind of Hokage am I if I can't even keep my sanity? Feeling the soft hand grip tighter, Naruto stiffened. "Don't worry… I just need to be alone for now…"

Coughing up blood as she tightened her grip, Mabui pulled him to the ground. "Baka… This isn't your fault. Remember you told me to never forsake yourself? That once you turn back it's all over? Well I'm going to be fine, so don't blame yourself…"

Raising her eyes to meet his, she could have sworn they were filled with regret and fear, the same kind she had when her brother lay dying, wiping away her tears as his own began to fall. Naruto was the person who brought her life back, and she didn't want him to be so hard on himself.

"Mabui, are you alright? Are you back to normal Naruto?" Shikamaru limped over to the pair, supporting a disoriented Sai on his shoulder.

Naruto opted to look away, letting his words reflect his emotions. "What I did here today can't be waived by the implication that I was controlled. My actions put your lives in jeopardy, and I should be punished for that."

"You're the Hokage! I won't let this-"

"It's for the best. In a world like this, honor is everything to me, so I'll let the Raikage do what he needs to. If death is the verdict, then so be it for the sake of peace."

Shocked at his irrational proclamation, Mabui ignored her wounds and grasped his shoulder violently. "What the fuck are you talking about? Have you no morals or a mind? Are you just going to leave all the people you love behind? Give up on them? I thought you cared, but you're just another cold-hearted shinobi."

Feeling the stress of his encounter rule his actions, Naruto gripped her chin and forced her to look at him. "What do you know about me? Sure your brother died, but I lost everyone that should have been there when I was born! After I killed Obito and Madara, I thought I could stop people from ending up like me but…" In an instant, his eyes turned blood red, reflecting the spike in malicious chakra he was emitting. "I guess all I've done is help ungrateful people like you enjoy a carefree life."

"Shadow Imitation Technique!" Shikamaru bound Naruto's legs and arms together, immobilizing his movements. "It's not like you to lash out like that, Naruto. As much as I hate to say it, I think it's best if we keep you like this."

Reverting a more depressed expresssion, Naruto nodded. "I don't care what happens from now on."

(Hours later, in Kumo)

"So he attacked you?" A said, struggling to imagine the hero of the shinobi world turning on his own comrades.

"Hai Raikage-sama. Sai, Mabui and I were able to stay alive at the least. But I'll say he had a blank look on his face, as if something was clouding his vision." Shikamaru had Sai redraw some of the situations they were in when Naruto began to unleash his rampage, pointing out how he was attacking thin air and yelling things that didn't make sense.

"Well, I believe you all. But I have no power because Kumo has a council to decide these matters. I can try and persuade them but they're known to be war hawks like that Danzo guy…"

"I see. How are Mabui and Sai doing?"

"Sai's lucky he only has a few broken ribs, nothing that a little rest and fix. Mabui has a deep stab wound that we're working to stabilize now as well as multiple lacerations and bruises. I'm afraid such a display of brutality is unacceptable, so I'm holding Hokage-dono in a temporary prison cell now, if you don't mind."

Shikamaru took a thinking pose, weighing the possibilities of letting Naruto free. Well, I do have the power to forbid any imprisonment, but it would be best for him to cool down… "I see no problem with that. But I will contest any drastic actions your council may want. Is there a chance Sakura could check him over?"

"She's there with Sasuke, so I'm sure she's already doing that as we speak."

(With Naruto)

Sakura moved her hands across Naruto's head, scanning for any difference in cell activity or brain composition. "Well, good news is that you're not psychotic. This might have something in common with Sasuke-kun's condition too, but I'll have to check with the hospital for the tests I'm running. Just hold tight Naruto."

Leaning against the wall in exasperation, Naruto looked to his right to see Sasuke aimlessly tracing patterns on the prison wall. "Now I see how it really is to be alone, Sasuke. Maybe I could have realized that earlier at the Valley of the End."

"Hn. I can't deny the fact that I felt a bit of remorse killing Madara and Obito simply because they were Uchiha, but that was for the best. The Uchiha needed to change directions, and I'm glad I got a second chance to do so."

Moving into a sleeping position, Naruto closed his eyes. "We're going to be here for a while, so don't bother talking to me. I'm going to see if Kurama knows anything about our affliction."

"Hn. I suppose I should sleep too, lest I break myself out and cause more trouble."

(Naruto's Mindscape)

"Kurama, I have something very important to discu-"

"BAKA" Before he could react, a fist collided with his forehead, sending his head towards the ground.

"K-Kurama, what the hell was that for?"

"You just had to get yourself controlled while I was stuck here watching you helplessly! I can't forgive you for that you… you…" Pulling Naruto up, she embraced him in a hug, burying her head in the crook of his neck. "I'm sorry, it's just I felt powerless for the first time in my life."

Returning the hug, Naruto spoke softly. "It's alright, I only have myself to blame. On top of that I said some really harsh things to Mabui-chan. I don't think I can repair our friendship after that…"

"Well, she might be afraid that you can be controlled anytime, but if you had noticed, I was trying to purge you of foreign chakra."

"Oh really?… I guess I'm oblivious even to myself. Wait… Does that mean the chakra from those things was the cause?"

"Of course! I don't know how, but once their chakra entered your body it began to control the flow of your chakra. I tried my best, but it was like pinpointing a drop of water in an ocean."

"But what about back when I was in the Hokage Tower? No one forced their chakra into me!"

"I don't know everything Naruto! It's all very new to me too… I'm trying my best, okay?"

Shifting his gaze in the opposite direction, Naruto sighed. "I'll just train harder next time so that I won't fall into the same trap. Now, I came to ask about being the Sage of the Kitsune. What were you implying with that?"

"I figured out that being in Kitsune Sage mode will allow you to prevent someone from overtaking your body. Now sit down so I can talk to you about some specifics."

Smirking in delight, Naruto took a meditative position. "But that's not the only reason I came here today." Closing his eyes, Naruto began to expel massive amounts of chakra, weaving multiple hand signs as the landscape around him began to change. "Stabilize!"

Kurama stood in awe as she now stood facing a beautiful landscape with flowing grass and a small but cozy house in front of an empyreal sky. A small breeze picked up, washing over her supple face as turned to Naruto, eyes reflecting surprise and joy. "When could you do this?"

Naruto smirked. "I've been training my mental prowess since the war ended. This was meant to be my gift to you after such a long war, but I had troubles with chakra control. On top of that, I uh… I never really had time to do this until now, but this would have made your Rikudō-oji proud right? To see that someone is finally taking care of his creations?"

Lying down in the field, Kurama patted an area on her right, beckoning him to do the same. "You know… He was the kind of man whose real power was the ability to understand the people around him. I can't tell you how many smiles he elicited from all the people he met since his personality was so infectious… just like yours…"

Staring back at her, Naruto found himself lost in the crimson oceans of her eyes, wanting to dive in and never resurface. "I can see why you loved him. After all, someone as perfect as you could only be made with a pure and joyous heart."

Turning to avoid showing her flustered face, Kurama began to sputter. "Y-You just don't know when to keep your mouth shut, Naruto-kun..."

"Naruto-kun now? I see how it is. Who would have ever thought you were into that kind of mortal and immortal relationship?" He teased.

"Baka! When a Bijuu's true form is revealed, they are bound to their user for life and beyond. So I'll be tied with you for all of eternity!"

"So you accept the fact that-"

Sighing loudly, Kurama curled her lip and huffed, opting to block out his teasing. Feeling that the situation was too awkward, she got up and kicked Naruto in the ribs, hoping to use training to cover for herself. "Get up, we have work to do!"

Dusting his clothes off, Naruto cracked his knuckles in anticipation. It's always fun to mess around with your sensei. "Before we begin, isn't Kurama a male name? I mean I know Rikudō Sennin didn't exactly know your gender, but there are plenty of names you could choose from now."

"Well, there's just a special feeling with the name Kurama. It's one of those sentimental things I guess."

"Okay Kurama-chan, or dare I say Kura-chan, let's get training started!" Naruto began to pace around, settling on a traditional taijutsu stance.

Idiot… Are you trying to get on my nerves? "I told you, you need to listen to my lecture about negative chakra and manipulation first. I know it isn't your type of thing, but it's important."

Sighing loudly, Naruto deflated into a sitting position. "Kura-chan, please don't make this boring…"

"Well, I suppose I should start at the very basic concept of negative chakra. Essentially you've seen it used in the form of a Bijūdama, but what I'm going to teach you is how to manipulate it, kind of like a Kekkei Genkai."

"So that means-"

Giving Naruto a glare, Kurama silenced him. "I'm not done… Anyways you will be learning how to perform Kūton (Void Release), which will allow you to do many unique forms of jutsu you already know, like Kage Bunshin. But there is a catch for humans like you."

"I need to collect negative chakra from my surroundings because I don't produce it naturally."

"Exactly. Now the process is exactly the same as your sage mode, but now you have to sense that which you can't understand."

Furrowing his brows, Naruto gave her a questioning look. "I have to sense negative chakra, but I don't know what it is or how to collect it. So how does that make sense?"

Sighing, Kurama formed a small ball of negative chakra in the palm of her hand before shooting it far into the sky. "I'm afraid I can't explain it. Some things are just that mysterious and difficult, but I would guess you have to start thinking beyond what you know in order to sense it, but then you still wouldn't be able to…"

Creating two hundred clones, Naruto instructed them to take his usual meditative position. "I'll just try to empty my mind of all thoughts and hopefully sense something of importance. There can't be that many ways to do this right?"

"Well, there is negative chakra all around us, but it's like space, infinite and without form. Kūton is meant to be used by people with prolific minds, but the thing is, it could be impossible for someone as young as you. The only person I know who was able to use it was Oji-san, but even so it took him decades to perfect it. I just hoped that you could learn it because then I would be able to fully transfer my negative chakra to you and prevent any foreign energy from overtaking your body… but now I don't know anymore…"

"Che, you're talking to the Sixth Hokage! Nothing's impossible with hard work, and for me, I've been through the unreasonable and back, dattebayo! I'll forsake my own thoughts if I have to!"

Pulling his face towards her own, Kurama let out a short breath of fear. "Just promise this… Whenever you feel like you're being controlled, don't be afraid to call me out. That may be the best we can achieve now, or maybe in the long run too."

Moving closer so that their eyes were just centimeters apart, Naruto chuckled. "Don't worry about me so much. I promise you I can do this… After all, what can't I do when the lives of my loved ones are on the line?"

Watching as he pulled back and began to concentrate on meditating, Kurama felt as if something deep inside her mind was taking form. Why is it that I don't see him as a comrade, but something more? I just want to protect you Naruto-kun… "Is this what Oji-san was talking about? How one person could bring our lives to have purpose?" She whispered to herself, musing about the foreign emotions that were clouding her thoughts.

"Ne… Kura-chan. How would I know when I've succeeded?" Naruto spoke, breaking the silence.

"Normally you'd take on unique features based on your thoughts, but since you're a Jinchuuriki, you should take on kitsune-like features. You can also practice meditating out of your mindscape too, and the effects should be the same."

"So, besides the whole 'I can't be controlled' thing and the benefit of having enhanced physical abilities, what else does it give me? The power to summon foxes and do whatever jutsu I want?" He joked.

"Actually there isn't a fox summoning contract I know of, but doing whatever jutsu you want is not far from the truth. In fact, every jutsu in the ninja world has certain properties and effects we know about, but with negative chakra, it could have limitless possibilities."

"Would you happen to know any?"

Kurama sighed. "No… Not because I can't control negative chakra, but the fact that I couldn't use hand seals to do so until now. So in terms of jutsu I'm learning alongside you."

"Guess there's a first time for everything."

Noticing his mindscape beginning to blur, Naruto dispelled his clones and placed his hand on Kurama's cheek. "I know I haven't come by often, but know that I'm glad to know someone like you… I promise I'll visit more often, Kura-chan. Until next time, Ja ne!"

Watching him fade, Kurama felt a twinge of sadness in her heart. Why am I feeling like this? There's something interesting about you, Naruto-kun…

(With Raikage and the Council)

"We are here today to discuss the case of Hokage-dono and his apparent assault on a Kumo shinobi." A burly man stated, resting hands on a rough, oak table.

"I say that there is insufficient evidence linking Hokage-dono's mental state to his attacks on our fellow shinobi and his own shinobi." A began before a thin man stood, bearing a face that had a striking resemblance to Danzo.

"A-dono, I understand your concern but we shouldn't let or emotions cloud our judgement."

Cursing silently, A wisely kept his cool. "I know that. What do you suggest then?"

A small smirk adorned the man's face. "I formally present the option that Hokage-dono be executed for crimes against humanity."

End Chapter! A/N: I know, I know. I'm pretty evil ending with a cliffhanger, but I hope this chapter picked up the pace a bit from the last one! As for Naruto's training, to clear a few things up, he's trying to learn the fabled Void release which is (not coincidentally) the fifth element of Japanese philosophy. I'm probably going to try to base it on his original sage training, but with more of a mental battle than physical one. Anyways, please tell me what you liked, hated, and what I could improve on in a review! Until next time, Ja Ne!