bold=authors comments

Naruto followed Sosuke's spiritual pressure as best as he could. Once leaving the Kuchiki house though he started to become lost. He'd come to dead ends or he would end up hiding when a group of shinigami raced by. It made for slow going. He seemed to have an ephinany as he hid in a narrow alley. He stared up. The building wasn't that tall and he had taken parkour lessons from some French guys the past summer and he had played Assassin's Creed enough. How hard could it be to run on the roofs? With that in mind he managed to climb to the top. The view was much better. He took a minute to catch his breath as he looked around. "What's with all the white?" He mumbled. He'd never seen so many white buildings in his life. Feeling a little better he took off, racing over the roof then jumping to the next one, climbing up one that was a little taller then leaping to yet another. It felt pretty good. Naruto loved the feeling of the wind in hair. He ignored his muscles screaming and his lungs begging for a break. Neji had always been on him to exercise more but Naruto had kept putting it off. He'd never let his friend know about this however. It was bad enough Neji thought he was right about everything. He stopped outside of yet another white building. It was taller than the others. It was where Sosuke was being kept. He studied the structure more closely. From what he could see it was smooth everywhere and the windows were small and far apart which meant climbing might be out of the question. "Great guess I'll have to walk in the front"

"That wont be happening seeing as the door is being hidden using a kido spell" A voice said from behind him. Naruto almost jumped out of his skin. He turned to face a short silver haired guy who looked to be around his age, maybe a little younger.

"Wow kid you scared me! Don't do that!"

"I'm not a kid! I am CAPTAIN Toshiro Hitsugaya"

"Captain?" Naruto finally noticed he was wearing the same white part over his uniform that Byakuya had also "Sorry, you're kinda short"

"I realize that" Toshiro snapped "And you are trespassing ryoka"

"I just wanted to see Sosuke"

"You say his name as if you are friends…"

"Well we were, I mean are still" Naruto laughed nervously. Toshiro's eyes narrowed.

"That man is incapable of friendship, he was probably using you"

"I recognize moochers when I see 'em and he definitely wasn't one"

"I see you must be the human who housed him while he was in your world"

"What gave it away?" Naruto joked trying to lighten the mood but it didn't work

"He will die, preferably tonight. He is a disgusting creature and it will be better once he's gone"

"How can you say that about someone?! Sosuke isn't like that"

"How would you know?" Toshiro snapped again "You've known him all of what a couple of months? He was around us longer and we could never have predicted what he did"

"It wasn't that bad was it?" Naruto asked. Toshiro lost it then

"He caused me to kill my best friend! Using an illusion, we all thought we were fighting him but when I dealt the final blow it was Momo who died instead! She had such faith in him and he used her so don't question me on if it was that bad!" Naruto couldn't believe it, when he thought about he realized he didn't know Sosuke at all and most of the time he'd been there he'd had memory loss.

"Hey k-I mean Toshiro, I'm sorry. I really am" Naruto's shoulders slumped. He just knew there wasn't going to be a happy ending, there couldn't be. If Sosuke had done all the things that everyone was attributing to him then how could there be? Seeing Naruto's change in demeanor, Toshiro calmed down.

"What did he do to make you have such confidence in him?" He asked quietly. Naruto shrugged.

"No idea, my friend warned me about him but I didn't listen. I can't believe I've gotten myself into this"

"There were reports that abnormal spiritual pressure had been sensed" Toshiro said changing subjects "but then abruptly disappeared, yours feels normal so would you happen to know who it belonged to?" Naruto thought that it might've been the jackals but instead he shook his head. "Look I should probably take you in, you aren't supposed to be here…" He didn't finish. Naruto turned around to see what he was staring at. Sosuke had emerged with a group of people dressed in white robes surrounding him.

"That bastard doesn't deserve the death he'll get" The small captain mumbled but Naruto heard him.

"What do you mean? How will he die?"

"On the execution hill, it's hard to explain exactly. You just have to see it. It's ironic that he'll die the same way another shinigami almost did. And he caused that in the first place. I thought the Head Captain would've moved the date because of Renji and all that but he's doing the opposite" Toshiro said the last part more to himself. Naruto bolted; he needed to talk with him. He hadn't gotten more than a few feet when Toshiro appeared in front of him. "I'm taking you in"

"How'd you do that?!"

"Don't worry about it, just come with me"

"Let me speak with him for just a second"

"No"

"Come on please"

"I said no" Toshiro's eyes narrowed dangerously. He was a huge block in his path and Naruto's father had taught him that if something was blocking your path it needed to be moved.

"Look shorty I don't want a fight"

"Neither do I and don't call me shorty!"

"Whatever, you should probably move"

"Is that a threat?" He smirked "You're funny. Like you could defeat me"

"Don't say I didn't warn you" Since meeting the jackals Naruto had a feeling that he couldn't shake. When they had looked at him it was as if they were telling him something. He had no idea of what he was doing but he focused on that image of them. Toshiro meanwhile thought the poor thing was losing his mind. Just as he took a step forward a large creature materialized in front of him. Toshiro's eyes widened. Naruto grinned. He had done it! The jackal faced him.

"Hey sorry to bother you…but uh…could you keep him busy?" He pointed to Toshiro. Their eyes locked with neither turning away for a few seconds. Understanding passed between them. It bowed then turned back to Toshiro and growled. It lunged. The captain dodged.

"What is this thing?" He shouted to Naruto.

"My friend called it a jackal. See ya" The blond hopped down, leaving the two to battle. The group meanwhile had gotten some distance ahead but they had stopped upon sensing the abnormal spiritual pressure along with Captain Hitsuguya. Naruto caught up to them, yelling "SOSUKE!" Two of the white robed figures left their position with each putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Naruto you shouldn't have come"

"I needed to see you at least one last time"

"I see the look in your eyes, you finally believe that I did what they've been telling you" Sosuke gave a sad smile "It took you long enough"

"I didn't think you were capable of something like that…this kid captain told me you tricked him into killing his best friend"

"I did"

"And you betrayed the Soul Society"

"Yes, why is this so hard to believe Naruto?"

"I don't know" He sighed "You're the first person in a long time that I made friends with so quickly"

"That's naïve, how do you know that I wasn't using you?"

"You traded yourself for an antidote for me. I know for a fact you weren't using me" The grip on his shoulder tightened as if the figures under the robes were tired of the conversation and were telling him to hurry up. Sosuke sensed it.

"They're in such a rush to kill me, something's going on. We should be going"

"You're gonna let them kill you just like that?!"

"Yes, I'm LETTING them. They should remember that and remove their hands from your shoulders" Apparently he had seen what they did. They immediately did what he wanted. Once they did that Sosuke turned his attention back to Naruto. "If I'm dead you won't worry about getting to me and you'll be safer"

"Why would you do this?! All the shit you've done and you're just gonna die to keep me safe somehow?! That doesn't make any sense"

"No it doesn't and as much as I would love to hear his answer he is late for his execution" A woman with dark hair said walking up. More of the men dressed in black were with her. "I am Captain Soi Fon and you, human, are interfering" She looked at the figures in white "Move it now!"

"Wait! Stop! Just a few more minutes"

"I don't know what that thing was you summoned but you won't leave here until you see the Head Captain" Toshiro said appearing. His clothes were torn and he had what seemed like claw marks in different areas. Naruto could see things weren't going his way. Then the group started to walk away and he shouted one last time "SOSUKE!" The man stopped. Toshiro and Soi Fon took stances ready to pounce if he tried anything.

"Kill me Naruto" He said

"What?! No way!"

"Then you will die" Despite his arms being bound in a very strong kido, he easily broke it and his zanpakuto appeared in his hand. He easily disposed of the robed figures around him then came towards Naruto.

"Protect the human" Soi Fon ordered one of her men then she and the others went in to attack but Sosuke disappeared. "Keep your eyes open" She shouted. The next thing Naruto knew the man ordered to protect him fell to the ground and Sosuke was in front of him. He swung but Naruto fell backwards. He continued to dodge but didn't know how much longer he could hold out. It felt like Sosuke really wanted to kill him.

"I need some help here!" He shouted to the two captains. Before they could get to him however Sosuke mumbled some words and the entire group was frozen. "Sosuke cut it out! It's not funny"

"I never said it was" He grabbed Naruto around the throat "Do you see how I really am? This is why they want to kill me" Naruto tried moving his hand but he couldn't. He was quickly running out of air. "Don't worry, it'll be over soon" Before he could pierce him with his blade he was pushed backwards. Naruto fell to the ground coughing and trying to take in as much air as possible. He stood up to face his friend. A strange darkness had surrounded him then formed into a black sword. Filled with anger and hurt Naruto ran at him. Sosuke was now on the defensive. He could sense the captains and their men breaking through the spell. Without thinking Naruto grabbed Sosuke's wrist and pushed his sword through him. He smiled as he tried to sit down. It was up until this point that Naruto had been filled with rage and hadn't been thinking but now he saw what he had done. His dark sword dissipated right before his eyes. Sosuke touched his wound and studied the blood on his fingers. "Good job Naruto"

"Sosuke I'm sorry!" He collapsed on his knees and took his hoodie off. He pressed it to the wound trying to stop the blood "SHIT! Sosuke we have to get you some help"

"No, I was going to die anyway" The captains and their men circled them but stayed back giving them space.

"I'm so sorry" Naruto kept trying to stop the blood but the wound was worse than he thought. He looked up angrily at the others "Help me out!" None of them moved. Naruto decided he'd take him to get help himself. As he tried to lift him Sosuke used what strength he had to push him away. Arms wrapped around him from behind. The jackal growled.

"Where did that come from?!" Several men shouted. Naruto struggled to move but it had a tight grip on him.

"Naruto don't trust the Head Captain" Were Sosuke's last words before the creature ran off with him. When it stopped they were once again at the Kuchiki estate. As soon as he was set down Naruto started pushing it and yelling.

"What the fuck is your problem?! I didn't tell you to do that! He still needed me" The jackal whined as it was pushed but otherwise did nothing "This isn't right! Why didn't you just leave me alone?! Go away! I never should've called you like that!" Naruto saw the sadness in its eyes. He wasn't a mean person. So he stopped what he was doing "I'm sorry, its not your fault. Its mine" His voice lowered " I should've stayed home, I even had a dream this would happen".

"Naruto" Neji had sensed when he returned. The jackal bowed to Naruto before disappearing before his eyes. Neji took a seat next to him. "You ok?"

"No but I'll get over it. I killed him"

"Really?"

"He provoked me on purpose. I was so pissed I wasn't seeing thinking right. This sword appeared outta nowhere and I killed him" He paused then went on " He said I'd be safer without him around"

"He had a point. Part of the reason you're in danger now is because of him"

"I know it makes sense but that doesn't mean I agree with it. I've never seen someone die right in front of me. With Mom she died on the plane, didn't even make it to the hospital". Neji crossed his arms but said nothing. Naruto had probably needed to talk about this for awhile. "I didn't even get to say bye. The last words she said to me before leaving was 'I love you Naruto'. I was so wrapped up in reading this new comic that I all I did was nod and wave. How lame is that? Damn" He wiped a couple of tears that had threatened to fall. "With Sosuke I was actually there, I killed him. Then when I tried to stop the bleeding no one would help me. They just…FUCK!" He yelled then buried his face in his hands. Neji put a comforting arm around him. Meanwhile from a doorway Yoruichi watched them. She had been called for by one of the servants. Since she had once been leader of the stealth forces they guessed that she might have an antidote, she did. She had gotten to Byakuya in time. Now she watched the boys outside. The servant had told her the story that Neji had told him about what Renji found out. "Ms. Yoruichi are they out there?" Hinata asked peeking round her. Hinata and her friends had been there when Yoruichi had been summoned and since she had been told the two boys were missing she decided to take the remaining three with her. Hinata didn't give the woman a chance to answer because she darted off to them, embracing Naruto in a hug once she reached them. Sakura followed, putting lip gloss on as she walked up but she too joined the group hug. Sasuke followed. He didn't join the hug but instead sat down next to Neji. Yoruichi watched them all but her focus was always pulled back to Naruto, he was allowing the girls to comfort him. She wondered how she didn't see it before. She knew exactly who he was.

Some time later when the sun was beginning to set Sasuke and Neji sat in the very same spot watching Yoruichi and Naruto practice together. He learned quickly and was picking up on her attacks. Hinata had gone inside to see about Byakuya while Sakura snoozed in the grass. This peaceful scene ended when Yoruichi stopped suddenly.

"What?" Naruto panted. He didn't mind the break but was curious as to why she stopped.

"I can sense them, we have maybe ten minutes or less"

"Huh?" He scratched his head. Neji, Sasuke and Sakura were already on their feet.

"Can they get in here?" Neji asked.

"Technically no" Yoruichi crossed her arms "They'd have to get permission from the head of the family before just coming onto the grounds"

"Whats going on?" The blond asked. He hoped it wasn't anything serious but of course luck wasn't on his side. Sasuke frowned before replying "Those people who poisoned you are headed this way. We should probably go…" He hesitated though.

"No!" Yoruichi snapped "Let them take him"

"You're outta your mind!" Sakura said placing her hands on her hips.

"Trust me. Once captured he will be presented in front of all the captains. That will be the time for Naruto to prove who he is"

"Who I am?"

"She has a good point" Sasuke nodded "Of course we'll have to put up a fight for appearances sake"

"Right, makes sense to me" Neji agreed.

"What is this the Twilight Zone? You and Sasuke agree on something! Oh no!" Naruto waved his arms dramatically causing both boys to roll their eyes "Ok I get that you want them to take me but why? Who am I supposed to be cus everyone seems to know"

"That's what Uncle Minato talked to us about that night dummy. Had you stayed around you would already know. I told Hinata and Sakura then while you were sparing I told Neji" Sasuke said.

"Tell him! The quick version!" Hinata yelled running out "They're here and Kuchiki-san is trying to get them to leave!"

"Damnit! I need more time" Sasuke ran a hand through his hair "Listen Naruto and don't ask questions, just believe me ok?" Naruto nodded "The scythes that we have were the first shinigami. There were five and somehow we each ended up with one. They're the key to getting your Dad's abilities back. You're royalty Naruto" Sasuke looked up to see a group headed towards them. Yoruichi uttered some words releasing a kido force field, keeping them all inside

"But you said there were five. You, Neji and the girls only makes four"

"I know! The fifth one is the key to all this. You have to summon him. Uncle Minato said only you can find him because he's connected to you whatever that means"

"What the hell Sasuke?! Did you smoke before you came up here?"

"No! I mean yes…Suigetsu pressured me to…wait! That's not the point! You have to believe me. There's so much I left out but you have to summon that fifth shinigami" The sound of Yoruichi crying out brought their attention back to what was happening around them. Immediately Sasuke's scythe appeared in his hand. Naruto saw a pale Byakuya watching from the doorway, he still seemed very sick. Hinata stood protectively in front him while Soi Fon barraged him with questions. Naruto could only watch as his friends fought, he felt helpless. He had no idea of what to do. He was supposed to get captured on purpose? And then the strange story that he'd just been told. There was also what Sosuke's last words about not trusting the head captain meant. It was too much for him. He was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he didn't feel the blow that knocked him unconscious.

When he woke hours later he was in a medium sized cell with one window. Naruto groaned and rubbed the back of his head. The bed he was on was small, his legs went over the edge. He walked uneasily over to the cell bars and looked out but didn't see anyone "Hello?" He called. Still no answer. Annoyed he went back to the bed and sat down. He didn't understand all that was going on, what did Sasuke mean in that short conversation? He had seemed to be serious. Naruto wished his Dad was with him so he could ask himself. And what was with all this stuff about a fifth scythe? Naruto was so confused, it seemed like something out of a bad sci fi/fantasy movie."So I see you're awake" his head snapped to the bars where standing on the other side was Captain Soi Fon. "Your friends put up quite the fight, I don't think they expected to be imprisoned as well" Naruto jumped back to his feet "You better not have done anything to them!" Soi Fon smirked.

"I think you should be more concerned about yourself, you are the one after all who attacked a captain while trying to free Aizen"

"I just wanted to talk to him"

"Of course you did and to impose yourselves on Captain Kuchiki like you did..." She shook her head. "Or was he helping you too?" Her eyes narrowed. Naruto didn't want anyone else getting into trouble for what he did.

"Don't even think about it! He had nothing to do with it! We just hid at his house. We were able to convince some servants to hide us. He was so sick he didn't even realize we were there"

"Hmmmm...doesn't matter. Tomorrow you will come before all the captains. Your fate will be decided then. Pleasant dreams" She smirked before walking away. Naruto slumped against the wall. He had to save his friends, it wasn't fair that they be punished for what he did. "I've screwed up" He mumbled. Absentmindedly he wondered what his dad and grandma were doing. They were probably worried. Vixen was probably sitting in the window waiting for him to return. His parents used to tell him that was what he would do when Naruto was gone. The blond smiled. He had Vixen for awhile. Thinking back on it he realized that Vixen had never seemed like a normal animal. He refused to eat dog food, Naruto had to feed him whatever they were eating. When Naruto talked to him it seemed like Vixen actually understood. He frowned as more memories flooded him, one in particular sticking out

A young Naruto hadnt been able to sleep. He shuffled down the hall to where he heard his parents. He could make out more of what they were saying as he got closer.

"Minato are you sure thats him?!"

"Yes, I found him on my way home or should I say he found me. I'm giving him to Naruto"

"You think our boy can bring him back? If that happens..."

"I know but for n-" He stopped when he saw Naruto "What are you doing up son?"

"I couldn't sleep" Seeing the baby fox Naruto's eyes widened "Daddy whites that?!" Minato smiled

"A fox Naruto and he needs a home"

Naruto bolted up, could it be that Vixen is the key to all of this? He'd never thought much about it before but now knowing what he knows and then looking back it would make sense. He'd be ready tomorrow, he'd rescue his friends and make things right. Of that he was sure.

i dont think this was the best chapter but it was needed in order to move the story. next one will be much better especially since the story is getting close to the climax and will be wrapping up soon.