Declaimer: I own nothing in this fanfic, but my created characters they abilities and Jutsu and that is about all I own "Goes to corner and starts crying"
Writing: Italic: thought, Bold: Bijuu or summoning speaking.
"Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain." -Frank Herbert
"Is it possibly humans can exist without actually having to fight. But, many of your kind have chosen to fight. For what reason? To protect something? Protect what? Yourselves? Your future? If you kill people to protect yourselves and this future then what sort of future is it and what will you have become? There is no future for those who have died. And what of those who did the killing? Is happiness to be found in a future that is grasped with blood stained hands? Is that the truth?." - unknown
Naruto looked down at his glowing shroud and smiled. The power coming off of him felt good, but that wasn't why he was smiling. Memories from flooded Naruto's mind of the first time his brothers taught him how to use this power.
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Flashback
Kinkaku stood watching as Ginkaku and Naruto fought each other. After teaching Naruto about his own chakra nature the boy took to the training, like a moth to a flame, but another more serious problem was arisen. Naruto was beginning to tap into his new Kyubi chakra. Now, that wasn't much of a problem thanks to Kinkaku and Ginkaku, with the help of Kushina and Minato pulling the chakra away from the beast. The problem was that he was becoming increasingly more dangerous during their training sessions. The last time Kinkaku fought Naruto he nearly lost an arm, but thanks to what little Kyubi chakra that remained he healed alright. "That's enough," Kinkaku shouted over the training session, which soon turned into a squabble between siblings. With a sigh Kinkaku grabbed both Naruto and Ginkaku and pulled the two apart. Suigetsu chuckled behind Kinkaku which earned him a glare. Ginkaku fixed his brother with a stare and knew what was about to happen. "Naruto, you're next training session is with me." Kinkaku released the two and turned away. Naruto followed his brother still wearing his smile.
"So, what's the training?" Naruto asked as they stepped into a circle. Kinkaku turned and stared at Naruto. Naruto's smile slowly dropped as he realized what he was about to do. "I don't want to use it. What if I hurt you again?" Kinkaku shook his head as he approached Naruto.
"You don't have a choice in this one, brother," Kinkaku muttered as he punched Naruto in the gut. Naruto collapsed, but didn't pass out. Struggling, Naruto tried to stand, but Kinkaku grabbed the boy. Naruto looked at Kinkaku as a red aura began to slip over him. "We are fighting and if you don't use that power… well let's just say it won't end well." Kinkaku threw Naruto at the nearest building, but Naruto turned his body and landed on his feet. Kinkaku reappeared in front of him with an emotionless look in his eyes. Naruto avoided his next attack, but Kinkaku caught him with a kick. Naruto was sent skidding back with light burns on his arms. Ginkaku noted that even with his Kyubi chakra being depleted with each passing month; he's heart wasn't in the fight. "Come on!" Kinkaku shouted as he vanished and grabbed Naruto and swung him back to the building. Naruto at this felt a gentle pull on his mind and before he could fight it, he blacked out.
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Naruto awoke to find himself in what appeared to be a sewer. Looking around Naruto saw nothing, but darkness except for a tiny bit of light at the end of the tunnel. Naruto slowly approached the light; only to find a giant cage. Naruto gazed into the tunnel as a red eye slowly slid open. "So, my jailor is finally here," The growl voiced with hatred in its words. "Too think you are keeping me from crushing everything is pathetic."
"Who are you?"
The glowing eye narrowed as if thinking about whether too answer or try and devour Naruto. "I'm the source of your new power," The beast answer as it growled. "I'm the Kyubi no Kitsune!" The shout rang off the walls as Kyubi stood in the light revealing what Naruto confused for a skeleton of a fox. Kyubi examined Naruto until he gave the young boy a dismissive growl and rested on the ground. Despite, himself Naruto couldn't help, but feel sorry for the creature. Kyubi's eyes opened again when he saw Naruto sitting in front of his cage. Confused by what the boy was after Kyubi gave roar, but found Naruto still sitting there with a smile. "What do you want?" Kyubi finally asked as it became apparent Naruto wasn't moving.
"I don't what it is," Naruto started as he got up and grabbed the bars. "But you look very lonely." Kyubi just stared at the boy in front of him with a mixture of rage and confusion. Here was this child basically asking him was he lonely. Kyubi glared at the boy as Naruto slowly looked towards the light source. "I guess I talk too you later."
Kyubi had finally had enough. "Who do you think you are," Kyubi shouted in rage! Naruto turned as Kyubi slammed his boney frame against the bars. "I don't need someone to feel sorry for me!"
Naruto turned his confused frown in a smile once again. "Don't be silly," Naruto chuckled as he walked towards the light once again. "Everyone needs a friend for them to talk too." Kyubi followed the boy through flinted eyes. Naruto entered a separate room that contained a large ball of chakra floating on Torii. As Naruto slowly approached the ball the chakra began to snake it's way to Naruto.
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Kinkaku was about to dismiss his chakra when a pillar of yellow chakra, that flickered like flames, erupted out of the rubble. Kinkaku smiled as Naruto stood in his Kyubi cloak with a smile on his face. "I think I have better control this time," Naruto dropped into a low stance as Kinkaku did the same.
"Prove it, little brother." The two suddenly vanished only too reappear fists already inches from the other. The area exploded as the two forces collided. Ginkaku grabbed Suigetsu and placed himself in front of the shockwave. Even behind Ginkaku, Suigetsu could still feel the force of the shockwave. As the smoke and rubble settle Naruto stood over Kinkaku. Blood gently dripped out of his mouth, but the man couldn't be happier. "That's more like it." Naruto's look of fear turned into one of happiness as he hugged his brother.
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Flashback (End)
From that day on Kinkaku and Ginkaku hammered Naruto until his control over the chakra was complete. Naruto stood across from Kisame as the chakra flames flickered around him. "You made a grave mistake," Naruto warned as he vanished leaving behind a small crater. Kisame whirled around, but the fist was already in his face. The force of the punch sent Kisame back all the way too the opposite side of the bridge catching the attention of Itachi, Kakashi, and Kurenai. "Your mistake was hurting someone's loved one." Before Kisame could answer, Naruto reappeared beside him all ready sending in a kick that sent the man into the forest below. Itachi watched in fascination at the boy's control over Kyubi's chakra. Suddenly, Naruto vanished only to reappear above the Uchiha. Itachi dodged Naruto's attack that sent cracks all across the bridge.
Kurenai turned her attention to her students and fixed them all with a glare. "I told you to stay at the house!" The three looked away in shame, but Naruto spoke up.
"Don't worry," Naruto said in a calm voice. "I need them to help Haku get Zabuza out of here." Kurenai looked at Naruto to object, but he fixed her with a stare. "And I wouldn't mind if you helped them." Kurenai nodded her head as Naruto turned back to the Uchiha. A figure suddenly jumped next too Itachi causing Naruto to growl. Kisame was still breathing, but now carried a giant wound on his chest. Kakashi stepped next too Naruto as he pulled out a kunai. "Can you handle Itachi?" Kakashi nodded and without a wasted motion Naruto was behind Kisame. Naruto's neared the back of Kisame's head, but pulled back as a fireball was fired at him. As Naruto jumped away from the attack Itachi appeared in front of him. Kakashi went to intercept the Uchiha, but was cut off by Kisame.
Itachi didn't bother to attack, but allowed Naruto get to a safe distance. "Sorry," Itachi apologized. "But your new opponent is me." Naruto's growl was as primal as the demon he carried. Itachi didn't take great pride in what Kisame did, but there was nothing Itachi could do about it. Itachi closed his eyes and sighed. "Give up." When Itachi opened his eyes Naruto had already formed a Kyubi enhanced wind blade.
"I never give up," Naruto growled as he stepped off the ground. The concrete Naruto was standing was torn off the bridge revealing the metal underneath. Itachi turned around just as Naruto appeared already swinging his blade. Naruto's blade nearly cut the bridge in two, but Itachi managed to escape the attack. Itachi's eyes narrowed as Naruto's wind blade seemed to wrap around the bridge, but was soon back to it's blade.
"So it retains it's sharpness of wind chakra," Itachi thought as Naruto ended his Jutsu. "But it wraps around whatever it hits like a flame." Itachi was cut off his train of thought as Naruto slowly approached the Uchiha with a puzzled expression.
"It's not there," Naruto muttered. Itachi didn't show it, but Naruto's words confused him. With a quick movement Naruto gestured to Kisame. "He has the killer instinct, but I can't sense a single negative emotion from you." Itachi kept his blank expression, but Naruto shook his head. Then, with a show of speed both combatants charged towards each other, kunai drawn. As the two collided Naruto pulled back some of his power, but the force was plenty to shatter Itachi's blade. In a blur Naruto's hand grabbed Itachi by the throat and held him. Naruto took one good look at Itachi and smiled as he released his now fading body. "Genjutsu." Naruto turned around as crows began to fly together until they formed Itachi. The bridge was suddenly cleared of everything leaving behind Naruto and the floating Itachi.
"Pretty impressive," Itachi commented as his body fully formed. With a sigh Naruto sat down on the bridge, surprising Itachi. The boy was still smiling even when he realized he was trapped. "Why are you so happy?"
Naruto shrugged as he stretched. Itachi followed Naruto's gaze and saw him looking at the sun. "I lied you know," Naruto finally spoke with an offered smile, that Itachi didn't return. "I did sense one thing from you." Itachi tilted his head as Naruto continued. "I didn't sense anger, killer intent, or anything like that. What I sensed was sadness?" Itachi's eyes widened as Naruto orange eyes looked at him. "The question is what are you so sad about?" Naruto went to stand, but found himself restrained by chains. As Itachi approached Naruto the chains shattered. Itachi looked around him as the illusion slowly began to dissolve. As Itachi returned his eyes to Naruto he saw the blond already fading away. "See ya." Itachi shook his head and stared at Naruto who was slowly looking around.
"How?"
Naruto turned his eyes to Itachi and smirked. "Genjutsu is a good idea when facing someone like me," Naruto started as he popped his neck. "But the problem is we aren't alone." Itachi's eyes widened as Naruto's seal flashed on his cloak. Just as Itachi was about to ask more Kakashi landed next too Naruto as Kisame landed with Itachi. The four all exchanged looks as Naruto exhaled. Naruto suddenly hands soared through hand seals until he ended on the dog seal. The chakra surrounding Naruto suddenly began to expand until an explosion of smoke occurred. As the smoke cleared, standing in front of Naruto where forty Bunshins. The cloak that surrounded Naruto had vanished, but Naruto no longer needed it.
Kisame smiled, but when he went to charged Itachi placed a hand on his shoulder. "Think for a second," Itachi said in a level tone as Kisame turned his eyes on him. "Remember he knows the Bunshin Daibakuha. Last time you were caught in one Futon clone explosion." Kisame shrugged Itachi's hand off his shoulder and turned back towards his target. "What do you think will happen if he explodes all forty at once?" This stopped Kisame as Naruto placed his hands together. Kisame and Naruto locked eyes and that was all Naruto needed. The clones suddenly disappeared; only to reappear around the two men.
Naruto's eyes held little emotion as he looked on. "Die in the storm," With that all forty clones exploded into a cyclone of whirling blades. Kakashi brought his hands up too protect his face, as tiny fragments of the wind blades created nicks on his body. Kakashi stole a glance and through a narrowed eye Kakashi's Sharingan caught each blade. The sight alone was terrifying, but the sound it was producing made Kakashi's teeth grit together. It was like a combination of metal being grinded against metal, and a loud screech. The bridge actually began to buckle and twist under the attack causing the two to leave their positions. As Naruto and Kakashi landed on the edge of the bridge the whirlwind finally began to die down. The aftermath of the technique was what surprised most of them. Nothing in the center of the bridge remained except for a giant hole that overlooked the water. Kakashi took his eyes off the scene just in time to catch Naruto. Naruto's breathing was labored and sweat was dripping down his face, but the boy still kept his smile. Kakashi just stood there and looked at the boy in his arms. Whatever Kinkaku and Ginkaku did it made Naruto a powerful force. Though, their reprieve from the fight was short lived. Naruto's eyes widened as he Kisame and Itachi appeared in front of them.
"That is quite the little trick," Itachi complemented as he studied the boy with an intense gaze. "But it looks like that was all you had." Naruto growled, but knew Itachi was right. Right now Naruto could barely move, let alone defend himself against these two. Kisame smiled at Naruto's struggle to stand, but alone too fall back. Itachi's eyes flashed towards the left of Naruto and Kakashi. "We're leaving." This statement shocked everyone, but just as Kisame went to argue an arrow landed next too him. With a quick glance Kisame saw the entire village standing there armed with various things. Tsunami stood in front holding along with her son, both of them holding crossbows.
"Leave them alone!"
The mob shouted in unison raising their weapons above their heads. Naruto couldn't decide who looked more surprised Kisame or Tazuna. That was when Kisame went for the mob. Itachi anticipated his partner's actions and already stepped in front of him. "We are not causing unnecessary bloodshed," The two glared at each other as Itachi's eyes slowly morphed into his Mangekyo. This little action calmed the man down, but it was obvious the two of them were going to talk. Itachi turned his eyes back to Naruto as his eyes returned too normal. "You're one lucky boy, but next time you won't have so many people too protect you." With that statement Itachi and Kisame vanished leaving the destruction behind. Naruto, with the help of Kakashi, stood up and surveyed the area. His eyes fell on a sight that caused a throb of pain to course through his heart. Haku was kneeling next too Zabuza, but it was painfully clear the man wasn't going too make it. Kakashi nodded his head knowing what Naruto wanted. The two walked towards the scene.
"Don't yo-you cry," Zabuza warned with as much strength he could muster. This only made Haku cry even more. Naruto heard a light splash and turned to see Suigetsu walking out of the water with a scowl on his face. Zabuza's eyes locked on Naruto and Suigetsu. "You two com-come he-here." Naruto and Suigetsu made their way too Zabuza. As Naruto neared Zabuza's hand shot up and grabbed him by the shirt, but Naruto could feel it was a weak grip. Kakashi went to act, but Naruto held up his hand. "You are a strong one, but sometimes you can't help everyone." Zabuza's eyes dimmed as his life slowly faded. "But I can make sure she is safe through you." Naruto nodded his head as he looked at the broken Haku. Then Zabuza released his grip and allowed his hand to fall. Suigetsu flinched as Zabuza's eyes turned on him. "The last time I saw you, you were trying to join the Kiri no Shinobigatana Shichinin Shū (Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist)." Zabuza's eyes fell on his broken blade and Naruto could see a faint smile under his bandages. "I guess it's time you wield the demon's sword." Suigetsu looked towards Zabuza's blade, but couldn't force his body too move too it. Instead, he stood over Zabuza and watched. Haku fell on Zabuza as she hugged him. Naruto could tell Zabuza wasn't use too this, but managed to place a comforting arm on Haku's back.
"I'm sorry," Haku spoke through her tears. "It's my fault. I'm just a useless tool." Zabuza visible winched when Haku said this, but no one acted on it.
"You weren't useless," Haku looked at Zabuza as the man smiled at her. "If it wasn't for you I would've died in more ways then one. You helped me by being my companion though it all; and I couldn't have been more grateful too you, Haku." Haku's eyes widened as Zabuza laid his head back and finally died. The air around everyone grew cold. Haku started too shake and Naruto watched as Hinata gave the girl a gently hug. As she slowly picked Haku up, Naruto mouthed the words thank you to the Hyuga.
"Does anybody have a shovel," Naruto politely asked? A villager gently passed Naruto his shovel. Without even asking Kakashi gently retrieve another shovel. The two then set to work trying to dig a grave for the deceased man. Kakashi watched Naruto struggle to push the shovel into the dirt, but then Haku grabbed the shovel. Naruto looked at her and saw the look she gave him. Naruto released his grip and Haku went to work to build a grave for her master. Naruto turned his eyes to Suigetsu who had retrieved Zabuza's blade. "He didn't deserve this." Suigetsu nodded as they watched the digging.
"Sometimes, things just happen," Suigetsu responded with a dead tone in his voice. Suigetsu turned too see Naruto fiddling with his pendent. As the Kakashi and Haku finished they lowered Zabuza's body into the grave. Everyone watched in silence as they covered Zabuza's body and stood over his grave. Suigetsu stood up and placed Zabuza's sword on his back. Pulling out his katana Suigetsu approached the gravesite. Haku watched as Suigetsu stabbed the sword into the ground above where Zabuza's head was. "Every swordsman deserves a sword." As Suigetsu passed Haku, he gave her a gently pat. The villagers soon began to disperse all looking at the bridge.
"I guess we still have some work too do," Tazuna laughed as he tried to lighten the mood. Nobody responded to Tazuna's words. Kakashi apologized too Tazuna for the bridge, but the old man just smiled. "It's quite alright, but with Gato gone we can finally work in peace." Tazuna turned his eyes too Haku who looked right back at him. "And we have Zabuza too thank for that." Haku smiled, but she still had tears. With so few things left too say, everyone returned to Tazuna's house.
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Itachi felt Kisame's stare drill into him, but didn't bother to acknowledge it. Finally, Kisame grabbed Itachi and turned him around. "What was that," Kisame questioned with rage? Itachi glanced at the hand Kisame placed on him, before shrugging it off. Without giving the man an answer, Itachi began to walk off, but stopped when Kisame gave off a roar of rage. The Uchiha side-stepped Kisame's swing, but when Kisame went for another he found a kunai pressed against his back. Turning his head around Kisame saw Itachi standing behind him with dead eyes. "Answer the question." Itachi scoffed as he returned his kunai and walked away from his partner.
"Because that is why I'm with you," Itachi answered as Kisame followed still glaring daggers at the Uchiha. "You have a bad habit of killing anything that angers you."
"So what," Kisame answered back with a smile, showing off his teeth. "I don't mind getting a little dirty; unlike you." Itachi either didn't care or didn't want to respond to the jab, but continued speaking.
"Unnecessary killing brings a lot of attention to us," Itachi at this point stopped walking and turned towards his partner. "That is the one thing Akatsuki doesn't need." This answered seemed to satisfy Kisame, but he was still unhappy. The two continued too walk, but stopped when the ground started to rise. A venus flytrap slowly emerged out of the ground.
"So, you failed," Zetsu replied with a sarcastic attitude. Itachi didn't want to be bothered by the plant man and simply brushed past him. "You see what you do." The other half of Zetsu commented, berating his white half. The plant man turned his attention on Kisame who just stared at the plant.
"What?"
Zetsu held up his hands as Kisame snarled at him, before walking past. "Looks like we touched a nerve," The white half replied earning him a scoff from his black half. "What is with this we, business." With that the plant sunk back into the ground leaving the area he had been untouched.
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Naruto stood on a hill as the sun slowly set over the bridge. A snap of a twig warned him of someone's approach. Turning his head Naruto saw Hinata standing behind him. "Hello," Naruto spoke with a kind tone, but his eyes were still troubled as he turned back. Taking this as a sign of acceptance, Hinata walked until she stood next to Naruto. Despite the power Naruto showed, it was almost disturbing to see him so troubled. A distant gaze was soon turned towards Zabuza's grave site. "I could've saved him." Naruto finally said as a dry chuckle came out. Hinata waited patiently as Naruto continued. "I thought we could beat Kisame without using Kyubi's chakra, but that was a foolish mistake. A mistake that cost Zabuza his life." Naruto's once bright eyes dimmed as he turned away from the grave. "I don't like seeing needless killing." Hinata waited as she contemplated what to say.
"I don't know what I can say to help," Hinata confessed, but this brought a chuckle to the boy. His eyes were still dark with sadness, but there was a tiny light in them.
"I know what I can do though," Naruto announced with a wide grin on his face. "I can honor Zabuza's final wish… protect Haku." Naruto and Hinata stared at one another, but before anything else could be said Suigetsu interrupted.
"Hey, love-birds," Suigetsu shouted earning him a glare from Naruto and a blushing Hinata. "The teams are about ready to leave and Naruto, Kakashi wants to talk with you." Naruto nodded his head already knowing what Kakashi wanted too talk about. The three headed towards the house, but took their time admiring the calm of the air. As the three neared Tazuna's home, they saw everyone already outside waiting on them. Hinata's team all stared at her with curious eyes, but the Hyuga simply ignored them. Haku was standing beside Kakashi who was giving Naruto a wave. Wasting no time Naruto walked straight too Kakashi.
"Wanted to talk to me?"
Kakashi nodded, but motioned towards the other side of the house. Shrugging Naruto followed after Kakashi. As they turned the corner Kakashi turned around. "So we're leaving for Konoha," Kakashi started in a wary tone, but Naruto continued to smile at him.
"And you want me to come along," Naruto finished watching Kakashi nod his head. Naruto knew that refusing would have two results. One, Kakashi would be hurt and two he would be captured and dragged back. With a sigh Naruto locked eyes with Kakashi. "I'll come, but only if Haku and Suigetsu are aloud to join Konoha with me." Kakashi let out a breath; he didn't realize he was holding. Kakashi nodded his head and Naruto shook the man's hand. As the two rounded the house again Naruto looked towards Haku and Suigetsu. "I need to talk with you two." Haku and Suigetsu exchanged looks, but followed Naruto nevertheless. "I understand if you don't want too come along, but I need to ask you guys. Who here wants to join Konoha?" Suigetsu knew this was coming and was already prepared to join, but Haku was the wild card. The girl was still torn-up about Zabuza's death, but with the help of Kurenai and Hinata; she was steadily improving. Haku was also having problems with opening up to anyone.
"I don't know," Haku answered as she looked away from Naruto. Haku stiffened as Naruto's hand fell on her shoulder.
"I gave Zabuza my word that I would protect you," Naruto replied as Haku stared up at him. "Either you go with us or we stay." Haku slowly walked away from Naruto and headed towards Zabuza's grave. When Suigetsu went to follow, Naruto stopped him. "Let her decide." With that Naruto turned and walked away.
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Haku stood at Zabuza's grave with tears gently falling. "Why did you have to die," Haku asked, but expected no reply? Memories gently flashed by Haku's eyes of her time with Zabuza. She remembered how he caught the snow bunny for her to keep. He helped her learn how too use her chakra. She final remembered one last thing Zabuza said before the fight on the bridge. 'If I die fight on and live, because if you die that means I failed in seeing potential.' It just hit her, the meaning in Zabuza's words. Zabuza didn't want her too grieve over him. He wanted her to keep going no matter what. Haku final let a smile show through as she stared down at the grave. As the sun final retreated and darkness fell, Haku sighed as a lone figure emerged. "Tell Naruto I'll go." Suigetsu nodded, but didn't bother moving. Instead, he stayed where he was offering the girl a kind smile. Haku returned the smile in kind and started down the hill towards Suigetsu. "I won't forget you Zabuza. I will get stronger for you." Haku's thoughts were trapped with the good memories of Zabuza and the strength he gave her.
Okay, here it is I hope you all enjoyed. I hope I got Itachi's hate for conflict/violence down okay and too those who wanted Naruto to kick Kisame's ass don't worry there is a beating to come. Oh, and more stuff about Naruto being raised by Kinkaku and Ginkaku will be revealed in the next chapter. What is going too happen when Naruto returns to Konoha. Well, all you have to do is stay tuned.
