Chapter 7: The Challenge and the Truth

DIsclaimer: Kishimoto-sensei is the one that Naruto belongs to.

"Human speaking."

'Human thinking.'

"Bijuu/ summon talking."

'Bijuu thinking.'

The being held its head high, while staring at the trio, trying to show its superiority. Naruto knew that these creatures hated humans from the way the being's eyes were filled with hatred and malice, directed at them.

"Well, well... If it isn't two insects.", Ichibi grinned maniacally at the two humans while ignoring the summon that stood behind them.

Naruto could only stare at Ichibi in awe and fear. Although it was known as the 'weakest' of the nine bijuu, the pure strength it emitted was terrifying.

"You seem to be forgetting my presence, Ichibi.", a calm voice echoed from behind them.

Naruto, in his state of shock, had completely forgot about his black-furred companion and as he watched him now, he couldn't help but be amazed about how calm the wolf was in their current situation.

"Oh, I haven't forgotten you, wolf-boy! I just hate humans more than you summons!", the mighty creature bellowed, his voice rough and filled with ill will towards the trio.

"Usually, I would've destroyed both of you!", Ichibi continued to holler

Kurokiba knew why he didn't and he didn't want Naruto to hear that answer yet. However, destroying his plans, Gaara spoke up.

"But, why didn't you? My sand wasn't listening to me.", even while facing his village's biggest fear, Gaara kept his aloof tone.

"That stupid fox, that's why! That stupid fox alway interferes with everything I do!", Ichibi hollered in vexation, as he tried to break free of the chains that kept him place.

Naruto's, Gaara's and Kurokiba's eyes widened for different reasons.

'So he is one...', Gaara got the answers he wanted.

'This isn't good. I thought we could explain his position as jinchuuriki when he's older. Hopefully, he doesn't understand.', Kurokiba's wish was only half granted.

'Fox?' ,Naruto's mind flickered back to his previous dream.

'I'm pretty sure there's only one fox that could stop a bijuu but how did could it stop Ichibi when it's not even here...? And how am I here in the first place?', questions began to pile in Naruto's mind but he decided to wait until voicing them.

"I have a feeling you got what you wanted so shall we leave?", Kurokiba inquired, ignoring the glaring beast behind him.

Unexpectedly, it was Naruto who answered.

"NO!", Naruto yelled and before the other two could ask him, the cerulean-eyed ran up to the beast.

The other two almost had a heart attack at his actions.

Naruto gazed into the creature's eyes, while Ichibi stared back in amusement.

"Why do you hate humans?", Naruto asked the giant beast of sand.

"What makes you think I'll answer ,brat?", Ichibi inquired.

"Well, I'll keep coming here until you answer! After all, I've decided to make you my second friend!", Naruto yelled, causing every other creature there to stare at him in shock.

"Heheh...Hahahahaha!!", Ichibi began to laugh uncontrollably at Naruto.

"Good joke!", the sandy tanuki said through his laughter.

"I'm not joking." Naruto shouted, red-faced due to being laughed at.

Ichibi suddenly began to growl at the boy.

"You think you can do it, brat? Fine, try it!", the creature challenged the young child.

"Fine! You watch me, Tanuki-jiji!" Naruto yelled back.

Eventhough they weren't showing it on the outside, Kurokiba and Gaara were panicking at the duologue between Naruto and Ichibi.

"What the hell did you call me?, the tanuki shouted.

"Tanuki-jiji!", Naruto replied as he faded away due to being pulled back to the real world by Gaara.

There was a absense of noise before Ichibi broke through the silence by growling.

"What do you want?", the creature questioned thin air.

"Calm down.", a voice responded the tanuki.

Ruby eyes became visible and nine tails swayed behind it.

"It's been a while.", the new creature greeted.

Ichibi simply continued to growl.

(Outside in the real world.)

"So, we were inside your mind?", Naruto questioned.

According to Gaara and Kurokiba, the Suna boy was a jinchuuriki. Jinchuurikis were people with a Bijuu sealed inside them and apparently, most main villages have them. With these facts, Naruto had come to the same conclusion as Gaara had come to earlier.

"And I'm guessing I'm one of these 'jinchuuriki'.", Naruto said, while looking at the guilty wolf.

"Naruto, we thought it would be best-", the summon began to explain bit stopped when he saw Naruto's 'stop' gesture.

"I get it. You did for my sake. But you owe me ramen!", Naruto only seemed serious about the last part, which made Kurokiba chuckle.

'I should've guessed that you wouldn't care. You truly do take after your parents, Naruto.' ,Kurokiba thought ,as he watched Naruto's hilarious reaction to the fact that Gaara's never eaten ramen before.

Just like before, the trio began to wander the streets again.

This was the sight that greeted the Suna ANBU team, who came to inform Gaara about the fact that he has to report to the Kazekage.

"The Kazekage wishes to see you at his office.", the ANBU stated, before leaving again.

They shadowed the trio to the Kazekage's office, which only Kurokiba noticed.

"You don't have to come with me.", Gaara told his new 'friend'.

"I'm coming.", Naruto stubbornly replied.

Knocking on the door, Gaara entered the room, only to see his 'father' and another man.

"Minori-sensei!", Naruto's voice identified the emerald-eyed man from behind him.

He watched his 'father' looked at the other man- Minori- questioningly. Minori raised an eyebrow at his two companions.

"Firecracker, I thought I allowed you to explore the village." ,Minori inquired.

"I did! And I made my first friend!", the young child declared proudly, while pointing his finger at Gaara.

'Should I be concerned at the fact that Naruto's first friend happens to be the unstable jinchuuriki of Suna?', Minori thought to himself. 'What a long day.'

If only he knew.

Finished! Guys, first thing, I'm not Japanese so can you tell me the female version of jiji? I'm pretty sure it's baba but I wanted to check since I've never seen anyone use it. Second, I'm giving the Bijuu genders because it will be easier that way.

Sayonara!