Crimson Fracture
Bold – Kyuubi talking
Bold and Underline – Kyuubi thinking
Italics – Thoughts
Bold and Italics – Jutsu or Shinobi Techniques
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. The respective owner is Masashi Kishimoto.
Chapter 7 – Mansions and Inner Demons
Time Skip – Last Day as Academy First Years
"Uhhhh," Naruto groaned as he got out of bed. Today was the last day of the academy year and Naruto didn't really feel any different. He knew today was going to be a little sad because he was going to have to say good bye to his friends, again. But he also felt energised because tomorrow he could start training with Itachi-nii again and get away from the place that was blabbing stuff in his face for 6 hours a day, stuff that he already knew mind you. Subconsciously following the same routine for the last year Naruto soon found himself in the kitchen with an apple in his hand. Not being fully awake yet Naruto could swear he heard something calling him. Pushing the somewhat annoying sound to the back of his head he continued to eat his apple. Sasuke finally getting fed up with being ignored by his blonde brother snapped.
"Oi, baka-nii we have to start going!" To drive his point even further Sasuke yelled straight into Naruto's ear.
Now a fully awake and somewhat irate Naruto turned to his brother and started their regular shouting contest.
"Oh otouto I think I heard you wrong. Last week's test scores seem to indicate that you, are the bigger idiot between the two of us."
"That's not fair you freak. You somehow crammed all of the academy work into that tiny thing you call your brain. You wait, I will pass you niisan."
"Whatever otouto let's get going or we are going to be late because of you."
Naruto quickly turned and ran out the kitchen. When he reached the front of the estate he heard like everyone else at the house.
"Late because of me. I had to get your lazy ass up and lead it to the kitchen. Get back here niisan so I can kill you and I am not kidding."
Grabbing his ninja gear Sasuke ran off in mock anger to pummel his blonde brother.
Mikoto for her part just smiled as she thought how far her two youngest have come over the year. "They are the best of friends. I should probably bring Naruto to the clan dinner tonight. I will have him interact with the clan heads before he goes away for two years. I wonder how Naru-kuns friends will react to him leaving this time?"
Time skip – End of the Academy
"I hope that you all will continue to advance your studies and skill. Have a fun vacation and I will see you all, if you choose to come back, in a few months time. You are dismissed for the last time this year," Iruka looked over at his students with pride. He had an excellent class filled with very smart kids, some way too lazy for their own good, but smart none the less.
Naruto hearing his sensei's words thought tom himself, "Funny how fast a year can go by. We had so many good times this year. We got Choji to go on a diet for 1 hour; I got Ino to tell me why Kiba always listens her now. Man I remember that like yesterday."
Flashback
"Hey Ino-chan can I ask you a question?" Naruto asked as he pulled her away from the others.
"O my God is he going to tell me I'm pretty or something." Ino thought forgetting the question part and focusing on her time alone with Naruto. "Sure what is it Naruto-kun?"
"Why does Kiba always listen to you now without even putting up a fight? When we were younger he always used to challenge me relentlessly to races and no one else because he thought I was the top dog. What happened?"
"So close but so far. I will still beat you Sakura and Hinata." Trying to think of the best way to tell the story Ino ended up relaying the whole event. "It's actually kind of funny Naruto. You see the first few weeks after you left, Kiba was really down. So we decided to make him race us and let him win by a tiny bit. But he just had to be stubborn and say that girls were not even worth the effort because they were naturally slower. Now you know Sakura and I so when he said that we saw red and ditched every intention of helping Kiba out. I told him girls weren't worth his time because he couldn't beat a girl at anything any way. Well that just set him off so we did challenges all day. I was against him with Shikamaru, Choji, and Shino as judges. It turns out I beat him at everything we did. He was so humiliated he started shouting we cheated. Then his mother came out and asked what was going on? Kiba said we cheated and then we retaliated by telling his mom what he said about females. Let's just say Kiba received the biggest yelling ever. His mother made him apologise and ever since he kind of just does what I say."
After Naruto heard this he tried his hardest, he really did but it happened anyway.
"Hahahaha! That's so funny. You beat Kiba at everything even his stupid challenge 'who can eat the most BBQ food'."
"Sadly yes."
"Sadly, are you kidding me? You are amazing Ino-chan" Naruto said as he turned and walked away. Unfortunately he didn't get to see the biggest blush ever crawl its way on to Ino's face.
Flashback End
"Those were great times." Cutting himself from his own thoughts Naruto looked up and realised everyone already left. "Man they must have gone already to get ready for the clan dinner before I leave. How long was I out anyway?"
"Approximately 9 minutes and 36 seconds."
"Thank you conscience."
Over the course of the year the voice which Naruto still sadly assumed was his conscience had been talking to him more and more. It started with the voice giving him small tips of advice but now they would have full blown conversations and Naruto would frequently ask questions. Getting up from his desk Naruto left the classroom and proceeded down the hallway. When he got to the big double doors that led outside Naruto slowly pushed them open so his eyes could adjust gradually to the intense sun rays. When he finally got outside Naruto stole one last glance at the academy. "I guess I will be seeing you in 5 years."
Time Skip - Later That Night - Akimichi BBQ – Just Outside
Currently standing outside the restaurant were; Mikoto, Itachi, Sasuke, and Naruto. Fugaku still refused to even acknowledge Naruto so he would not be attending any event the blonde was at. He was also becoming very suspicious and would always disappear for days on end. Mikoto vowed to confront her husband about that later, but now was not the time for that because two of her sons would be leaving the village after tonight and she wanted them to have a great evening. Turning to face them she said, "Naru-kun make sure that you talk to the clan heads tonight. They are very curious about your progress and some might even offer you advice. You can tell them as much as you feel they need to know, but never, not answer a question at all."
"Ok," opening the door Naruto continued, "After you kaasan."
"Why thank you Naru-kun."
Mikoto then walked in to the restaurant. She was followed by Itachi calmly walking in, Naruto trying to follow his brothers lead but couldn't because his other brother Sasuke was poking him in the ribs, trying to one up Naruto before they left. The duo of "Baka-brothers," as Itachi referred to them started a rivalry at one point. Now they were always trying to up the other one through any means necessary. When they finally reached the table she had the boys sit down. Turning to the clan heads Mikoto said, "I thank you all for coming here tonight to see two of my boys off. During dinner if you have any questions for Naru-kun please go ahead and ask. Kids as always you will have time to talk after the meal." Seeing everyone nod Mikoto sat down.
Soon the food that everyone had grown to love was being brought out. After a few minutes of dinner time silence it was broken by Shikaku Nara.
"I might as well ask my question first, what is your current shogi record with my son Naruto."
Naruto wanted to slap his face, of all the things that could be asked.
"I am currently winning with 100 wins. Shikamaru has caught up very quickly and has 99 wins himself."
"Very well who's next?" Shikaku turned to his fellow clan heads.
Surprisingly Hiashi who was present for once went next.
"Naruto-san my daughter informs me that you are very gifted with taijustsu. I was wondering if you would share with us what your favourite stance is."
Naruto wasn't really surprised; a clan that specialised in one of the most deadly forms of taijustsu was bound to ask this question.
"Well my favourite style is actually the one I have created. It is called Kage Kitsune. I don't want to reveal too much but when completed I assure you it will pack the same amount of punch as the Juken."
Hiashi was surprised with the blonde's declaration but let it slide. Looking around he noticed the Haruno girls looked like they had a question. Motioning for them to go, Mebuki took her turn.
"Naruto-kun I was wondering how smart you actually are. Sakura say's that all you do is sleep during class, yet when she has trouble you are the first person she asks for help."
Naruto mentally smirked and thanked Itachi for this training.
"During part of my training I spent some time and learned all 5 years worth of academy material. Outside of subject I have studied immensely I am probably as smart as your daughter, Mebuki-sama."
Shocked that the kid learned so fast she was dumbstruck. The Aburame seeing this was going nowhere took their turn.
"Naruto-san what summoning contract do you want to sign in the future?"
Naruto didn't even bat an eyelash at that question.
"I will summon the toad contract like my father."
As happy as Aburame's ever got, the Akimichi were allowed to go next.
"How do you eat so much? Even though you are so small."
Naruto was not surprised but not happy with being called small. Being careful to avoid calling them fat Naruto responded.
"First thing I am not really that small Choza-sama. Second as much as I would like to answer you I have always ate this much."
Disgruntled with not getting a body reduction genjutsu or something Choza allowed the Yamanaka to go.
"Almost thought I wouldn't be able to go. Naruto I have heard from Ino numerous times about this thing she keeps calling your way of the ninja. Now before you leave the village I just want to know straight from yourself what your way of the ninja is."
"My way of the ninja is my dedication to protect those that are special to me. I am not becoming strong to protect a village that tried to kill me when I was four. Everyone here in this room is considered a special person to me. They have got to know me, the real me that the civilians of Konoha seem so bent on destroying. To protect all my friends may seem like a huge burden but it really isn't. When you are going through tough times it is the friend's duty to share that stress and help the other prosper. I will gladly go through hell and back to save anyone of you. Whether it is becoming part demon to losing my vision I will do what is necessary because that is my way of the ninja."
"Remember that last line you said kit…"
Everyone was stunned after hearing that. Naruto a 7 year old kid was ready to fight in a life and death situation at any given moment for his friends. Mikoto sensing that everyone wouldn't recover from their stupor anytime soon sent all the kids outside.
Akimichi BBQ – Outside
After they got situated outside Naruto could see that Hinata, Ino, and Sakura looked kind of sad. For some reason Naruto felt his heart rate quicken and then his chest started to hurt. Not wanting to see them be sad anymore Naruto pulled them away from the others.
"What is it Naruto-kun?" the three kunoichi asked.
"Well you three looked sad so I thought that we could make a promise."
"What kind of promise?" Ino was getting slightly exited thinking about the gifts he could get them.
"Well how about when I get back we go to the Hokage monument for lunch. That would allow us to talk before I have to start my really intense training again."
"L-like a d-date?" Hinata stuttered out.
Before Naruto could protest Ino and Sakura beat him to it. Standing up the two girls high fived each other and yelled, "Naruto-kun is taking us out on a date, shannaro!"
Not wanting to upset his friends again Naruto just conceited.
"Yes like a date…"
Before Ino could ask if Naruto was planning on buying them gifts when he was gone, their parents told them it was time to go as it was getting late. Saying their goodbyes Naruto couldn't help but have a wave of nostalgia wash over him before he turned and left with his family.
Random Street in Konoha
As they were walking home Naruto couldn't help but remember a conversation he had with Mikoto earlier in the year.
"Hey kaasan can you show me where the Namikaze mansion is now. It is the end of the year."
"This couldn't possibly hurt anything." Turning to face her eldest she said, "Itachi please take Sasuke home I will be showing Naruto his mansion."
"Ok kaasan."
"Oi wait, niisan has a mansion?"
Naruto for his part just smirked and walked away with his kaasan. He couldn't help but silently think, "One up that otouto."
Forest Behind Hokage Monument
After walking through the forest for about half an hour Naruto found himself starring up at two of the largest gates he had ever seen. They were littered with seals and just beyond that was the mansion. It wasn't as big as the others but Naruto didn't care. He found it odd that there was no fence or wall enclosing the property but decided he would ask later. As Naruto was thinking this he could hear his kaasan's voice in the background.
"…this is it Naru-kun. We will probably have to come back later because the seals are too complicated. No one has ever been able to get into this place since the fourth died. They say that if you even touch the projection field cast by the seals you will… NARUTO!"
That last part got his attention. Turning to see Mikoto Naruto noticed she had a look of fear and astonishment.
"What's wrong kaasan?"
"Naruto how did you get in there?"
"What do you mean kaasan? I just walked up here silly."
"Naruto nobody has been able to get into your estate since your father died because of the seals."
"Maybe they are getting old because I got in just fine." Looking closer he noticed everything was fine and a sign that said Namikaze or Uzumaki blood seal. "Since I don't think you can get I will meet you at home."
"You better not stay here past your curfew mister."
"Kaasan, don't worry. You know you can trust me."
"Fine but don't disappoint me Naru-kun."
With that Mikoto left her blonde son in his home. She couldn't help but feel that something very bad was going to happen. After Mikoto left Naruto ran straight to his house and almost barreled down the door. He was so excited to finally, maybe be able to find out more on his parents. Pushing open the door Naruto was greeted to the sight of a house that looked like it was cleaned seconds before he got there. Feeling slightly on edge Naruto subconsciously went towards the kitchen. When he got there he saw three notes lying on the table. Each one had a distinctive title and they read; Minato to Naruto, Kushina to Naruto and Kyuubi.
"Ohh this isn't going to end well" the Kyuubi thought to itself as it saw what Naruto was reading.
Not wanting to waste his already limited time Naruto opened the letters that were addressed to him by his parents. Starting with the one by his father he read it out loud.
"Dear son, I see you finally got around to checking out your folks place. You must be jonin by now or 18. If you aren't I hope everything is all right with that old fart we call a hokage, I told him to hold out with telling you your heritage until you were strong enough. Although that shouldn't be a problem because you are my son after all. I uhh- want you to know how much you meant to me. There wasn't a moment of the day me or Kushina weren't happy when you were around. Enclosed in a storage scroll at the bottom contains the technique to mastering Rasengan and my whole book pertaining to the seals needed to use Hiraishin. I know these two things are nothing compared to the horrible burden I have placed on you, but please know that I will always believe I you. Sincerely Minato Namikaze."
Naruto let a single tear fall down his cheek.
"You could never place a burden on my head father. Your enemies are nothing now that I wear your name. Your techniques are just a bonus."
With that Naruto pocketed his father's scrolls and opened his mother's letter.
"Dear Naruto, how are you doing? Have you found someone special in your life yet? And not the friend special, the more than a friend special. Since I can assume you are reading this you know about are heritage right? I am so sorry Naruto but that was why you were given such a big burden. It will be explained in more detail in the next scroll. Naruto I want you to know that even if I can't be there with you now I will kick the shinigami's ass until he lets me see you from wherever I am. I loved you dearly and nothing can change that. Your father gave you two of his techniques so I thought I would tell you a little about our hidden bloodline. First when you awaken it, which you will because you are my son, the Uzumaki swirl will become tattooed on your chest. Not many people know about this for obvious reasons because I was the only one alive for 3 generations to have it. Love Kushina Uzumaki. P.S If you ever meet a man named Jiraiya kick his ass. Don't fight him straight up just push him out of the bushes. You will understand what that means when you meet him. If he gets angry just say Kushina would be angry if you hit her son."
Naruto couldn't help but smirk.
"You are not even alive yet you still manage to give me the best advice of my life and intrude in to personal matters, you really were the best kaasan."
Naruto was about to leave when he realised there was still another letter. This one was simply named Kyuubi. Naruto remembered his parents referring to a burden but what could it be? Putting that thought away Naruto's curiosity about the giant kitsune got him. Opening up the letter this is what it read.
"Oct 10th. Naruto this was the day of your birth and the day of the Kyuubi attack. But unlike the scriptures and books say, Minato did not kill the nine tailed kitsune. For the Kyuubi is a being of chakra. They can only be sealed, not destroyed. With that said do you understand where this is going? The day you were born your father transferred the Kyuubi to you after it escaped from your mother the previous jinchuuriki. That word should become familiar to you because that is what you are now. The power of human sacrifice. Never forget that for the Kyuubi was sealed into you by your father at the cost of his life. About now you should hear the kyuubi's voice talking to you. Do not trust this…"
Naruto never got to finish because he was forcefully dragged into his mindscape following a resounding roar.
"ENOUGH"
Mindscape
Naruto found himself in a long dark hallway littered with pipes. Some were blue and some were red, they all seemed to branch out and head down different paths. Naruto wasn't sure what way to go, and then he heard the voice.
"Come, it is about time we talk face to face."
So Naruto cautiously walked forward following the voice that beckoned him. After walking for a minute or so Naruto found himself in an almost pitch black room. The ceiling extended so high you couldn't see the top. At the one corner of the room there was a giant cage. Seeing no one else in the room he wondered who it was that called him. Walking towards the cage Naruto suddenly heard.
"That's close enough kit."
"Who's there? Is that you conscience? I was reading a letter in my house about the demon fox that killed my parents then I was dragged in here… It said something about my mother being a jinchuuriki and then the fox was… sealed in me. That explains why the villagers hate me… stupid idiots I am human the demon was sealed in me. The last thing I read was something about the fox's voice… it said it would start to talk to me."
Suddenly Naruto's eyes widened in shock. He finally understood what the voice was. It wasn't his conscience it was the Kyuubi trying to take over him.
The Kyuubi for its part was getting frustrated with Naruto's ignorance. He should at least remember the tablet they found at the Uchiha's. It seemed the Kyuubi was going to have to pull all the stops out to get the kid to listen. Stepping forward to the front of the cage so Naruto could see it the Kyuubi began to speak.
"That is right kit. I am the Kyuubi no kitsune and your mother was my previous host. Before you go off and tell me I am a demon like everyone else do you not remember the statue we found at the Uchiha estate?"
Thinking back Naruto remembered the statue saying something about Hanyo and how the tailed beasts were not always bad. They got their horrible reputations from some terrible men.
"I see you do remember it. I was not planning on confronting you until you were done your training with the Uchiha boy but those letters you found spoiled that. I can see you do not trust me because of the incident with Konoha but please let me explain."
"Please explain. I will judge if my father and mothers lives were worth the waste over you."
The Kyuubi was hurt. The kid was already so far into hating it; it would take the whole story to convince him.
"Before I begin is it alright for me to change in to my real from. This bulky one pisses me off and it really is just for intimidation."
"Whatever makes you happy?"
The Kyuubi mentally smirked it hadn't got to have this much fun in a while. After Naruto gave the giant kitsune the go ahead it was enveloped in a huge plume of red smoke. Slowly the smoke started to phase out and Naruto could see… a human shape? As the smoke continued to dissipate Naruto noticed the body looked feminine, but still the smoke continued to fall. When it finally cleared away Naruto's eyes went as wide as ramen bowls. There standing in front of him was a woman, a beautiful one at that, standing in a traditional kimono. The kimono itself was red with little foxes running around, it showed her figure off enough for men to wonder but was elegant enough to keep her modesty. She was about Naruto's height and had long silky red hair. Her eyes were ruby red and seemed to sparkle with the amount of light they had. Her pupils were slit and she had six whisker marks on her face like Naruto. On the top of her head were two fox ears and behind her were 9 swishing fox tails. Naruto was stunned and no matter how hard he tried he couldn't formulate words, or thoughts for that matter. The Kyuubi for her part could see Naruto wasn't going to say anything any time soon so she just started with her story.
"Before you ask this is my real form and now that you have seen it please call me Kurama because that is my given name. To start from the beginning everything that you read on the tablet that day was true. The only evil that ever possessed any of the tailed beasts in the beginning was being born from the king of hell itself. But people will be people and fear what they do not know. With that they spread rumors about us being evil and then they tried to kill us. This started a cycle of war and hate that exist still to this day. When I attacked Konoha it wasn't really me. I was forcefully removed from your mother by a man named Madara. Yes the same one that had the statue. He then used me in my enraged state to attack Konoha from the sidelines. The only way to seal me was to use a forbidden technique that causes the user to forfeit their life in the process. Naruto for what it's worth," Kurama's face turned to one filled with sorrow. "I'm sorry that I couldn't control myself better. I'm the reason your parents are dead and if you hate me I understand. Sometimes I wish it wasn't me who was chosen to become the Kyuubi. You and your family would be better off if I was dead."
Naruto for his part was shocked at the whole story. But when he saw the woman in front of him get sad he couldn't help himself. Something about seeing a beautiful woman sad and for reason out of her control made Naruto's heart break. Mustering up all the courage he had.
"Kurama calm down. How is any of this your fault? That Madara bastard who is now also my relative sadly caused you to do this. I am also sure that my kaasan saw the same thing I see in you now, a very good person who was been hated for way too long. I have a lot to think about but first we should inform my friends. But I have some questions and stipulations to our new set up. Would you like to hear them?"
"Yes please."
"First thing is how do I show my friends that I am the jinchuuriki of you."
"When you channel chakra the seal your father placed on your stomach will appear. All you have to do is create a clone and your friends will see it."
"Ok. Two; now that I know who you are I want you to stay in that form always and I will try to have a conversation with you daily. That way we can get to know each other better for who we really are."
"Sounds good. Naruto before you go as a thank you after you become a chunin I will take over your training for three years. Don't worry about the how just know that when you come back you will be pretty set for the rest of your life."
"Thank you Kurama, I will talk to you again later."
Naruto slowly faded away from his mindscape.
Back Inside the Mansion
When Naruto woke up he realised time didn't seem to move when he was forcefully pulled into his mind. Knowing he still he about an hour before he had to go back to the estate Naruto pushed all his fears down about being rejected by his friends because of the demon and went to all the clan households and told themabout his burden. He told them that if they wanted to see him off he would be at the gates of Konoha early in the morning. Never waiting for their response Naruto quickly made his way home. He immediately told his kaasan goodnight and went to sleep. He figured tomorrow would be a very stressful day.
The Next Morning
"Yo Baka-nii get up its time you left with our cool brother."
Naruto just groaned to himself, did he really sleep in that long.
"Yes you did now hurry up."
"Good to know you're helping my otouto too."
Getting up Naruto quickly got dressed and grabbed all his stuff. He also grabbed a few things Itachi didn't know about like; the Rasengan, Hiraishin, and Madara scrolls he found. Rushing to the kitchen he saw Itachi leaving and realised he missed breakfast. Sighing to himself Naruto turned to the other members of his family.
"Don't miss me too much kaasan, otouto."
"Be safe Naru-kun."
"You better just get strong niisan or I will kick your ass when you get back."
"Love you both," with that Naruto turned and sprinted to catch up to Itachi who was surely near the gates by now.
Konoha Gates
Naruto was stunned. There in front of him and his sensei were a huge crowd of people. But it wasn't an angry mob it was all of Naruto's friends and their parents. Even his jiisan was there. Hiruzen was the first to step forward and address Naruto.
"Naruto I am so sorry for hiding all of these things from you. While I would like to apologise to you more I believe a few of your friends have something to say to you that you need to hear before you leave."
After Hiruzen said that Ino, Hinata, and Sakura stepped forward from the crowd and walked up to Naruto.
Naruto was expecting Ino or Sakura to talk to him but it ended up being Hinata.
"N-Naruto-kun how could you expect a-any of us to hate you. W-we all love you for who you are. Y-you are our best friend and nothing c-can change that. D-demon or not you are just you and w-we swore to protect you because that i-is our way of the ninja."
Naruto could feel the tears falling down his face. Not even caring to brush them away he felt his niisan put his hand on his shoulder. Building up all his courage Naruto addressed all his friends.
"Thank you for accepting me for me and even though I have so many burdens you would still considers yourself my friends. I promise when my training is done I will protect you all no matter what!"
With that Naruto continued through the crowd and exited through the huge gates in front of them. When Naruto passed through him a huge grin crept on to his face.
"This is going to be a few interesting years, isn't it Kurama?"
"It sure is kit."
Jutsu:
Rasengan: Spiralling Sphere
Hiraishin: Flying Thunder God
Kage Kitsune: Shadow Fox
Juken: Gentle Fist
A/N: Holy cow that was a long chapter. 5000 words approximately. So what did you think? Is Sasuke's new personality better. Still not completely open in public but still it is a start. The Kyuubi… I mean Kurama's gender has finally been revealed. Two years of mystery coming up. What do you think Naruto will learn? Well it will be interesting none the less. As always please don't flame me if ya hate my guts or this story, ja ne.
Ambrax Demise
