General Badaxe- Ok, I want to get one things straight, one of my reviewers yelled at me because they think I am advancing the storyline too quickly. Can I ask you one question? Ok, he killed one of the two people he is after, so at BEST this story is only half done. At worst, this could only be 1/10 done, if I wanted it too be. So let me ask you this, how am I advancing too fast? Specula, congrats on getting to the last chapter, and I am sorry I forgot to tell people in my last chapter. I have decided what the pairing will be, but I am not telling anyone. Why? I don't need half of the people reading saying my story sucks because of a pairing. So, you will all find out in due time. If you hate me because of it, refer to the A.N. in chapter one on what to do. Another thing, people have said I have grammar and some spelling errors. Let's see, 100K word fic, it would be pretty hard to make a grammar or spelling error right? No, happens all the time, so, I don't like it, but I can't exactly change it. I am not getting a BETA reader, because frankly, I don't trust them. For all I know, they could copy my words down, and say it was there's, while telling me the chapter sucked. I would use my brother, but he is better at writing than reading, and he makes even more grammar and spelling errors than I do. Oh yeah, and Specula, thanks for pointing out I might want to add a little more detail, I'll take it in mind. Last thing, Specula, I don't consider 100K words the 'big leagues.' What I think are the big leagues, are the stories that are different than most, the ones that inspire others to write, the ones that take a step in an unknown direction, the ones that end up having the crap copied out of them. If someone does copy this one, about Naruto, or anyone else, going into quarantine, I beg of you, don't make it yaoi or yuri, I hate to think of my fic becoming one of those. That is all I ask. I also think that if I have at least inspired an author to think in a new direction about something, then I have entered the 'big leagues,' even if it is only a little 10K word fic. That is how I feel, and I will keep it. Sorry if you think differently, but hey, everyone is different.

I watched, as Kachi slammed his little kunai into the skull of my clone. I had made a clone, and replaced myself with it, and I was hiding in one of the damp trees at the edge of the forest. The sky opened, and poured rain, the tears of Heaven cleansing the ground for the great warrior who fell today.

I leaned against the tree, high in the branch, panting heavily. I was worn out physically. I had a hard time standing, but I was also feeling light headed, as though the tree had a drug for worn out warriors, so they could rest and forget all of their problems. My clone knew it had to die; only so that Kachi wouldn't grow up with vengeance inside of him, Sasuke and I are enough to live like that.

However, I had killed the man who put me through Hell, who made me expose my mask to Konoha, and who labeled me a killer in the eyes of his grandchildren. However, it was all my choice. So, I was as much to blame as him. I should have felt good, maybe as though a burden was lifted, when I killed him.

However, my feelings didn't change, and I felt like I had committed a sin worse than rape. I started to cry with the Heavens, in honor of the warrior who died that day. Viki and Tanya had faces that would make a ghost smile, if they weren't torn with hatred, I saw the way the two eyed my corpse. They wanted to bring me alive again, only so that they could kill me.

I shouldn't be that surprised actually, I was a demon, I was used to being hated. However, the gazes they directed at my corpse stung me inside, even when I was way out here. I don't get it, I had killed him, the man I wanted so badly, and the only thing that happened, was that I felt more like a demon than ever.

Was I ever allowed to just sit back, and relax when I had problems? No, I couldn't, people would never accept me, I figured that out long ago, but to keep from going insane, I would have to give myself an insane dream.

Seems a little strange, but I still want to be Hokage. Even though there is a better chance of it snowing in Hell, and Satan giving free sled rides than me becoming Hokage, that dream is probably the only thing that would keep me sane.

Sad, when I need something insane to keep me from going insane. It was just plain madness, and I began to chuckle. A low chuckle, I didn't need those three to know I was alive and well. I noticed, Kachi had taken my body, and put it on top of Kanji's.

What was he thinking? Viki and Tanya had faces of rage, and started to shout at him. "Kachi! How could you do this to Grandfather's killer!" Viki yelled at him, while Tanya yelled out, "You saw what he did! What are you doing!"

Kachi just spoke a few words to them in a calm manner, to low for me to hear him out here, and both girls faces still had rage in them, ready to explode at a moments notice, however, they kept their tongues in check. Then, I saw Kachi make a fireball in his hand. Looks like he practiced with more than that kunai at least for a little bit to learn that move.

Then he lit the two corpses on fire. More tears flooded my face; he was going to give me a proper cremation, like he did his grandfather. Kind of strange to think about how you are going to die when you are still alive.

I stayed and watched, as the smoke rose from the ground. A couple people came running, expecting to see a fire, and when they saw what was burning, men took off their hats out of respect, Women quit yelling at husbands who ran away, and lowered their heads in respect.

However, before the corpses were completely gone, people started to drift away. The stench was bad, even way out here, so I was surprised people stayed as long as they did. However, even when everyone else was gone, the grandchildren and I stayed, until the ashes scattered across the winds, courtesy of nature.

After the ashes were out of sight, the children walked away, giving one last look at the crater, tears streaming down their cheeks. They had experienced much today, and then I saw Kachi look at where I was. My heart froze. Could he see me? I saw him shake his head, and then he continued to walk away. Even if he saw me, he wasn't going to do anything.

Even if everyone was gone, I still remained. I kept replaying the battle in my head. I wanted to learn a couple of those moves, like that lightning rod one. I couldn't dodge that one, and it hurt like a bitch. However, I can't go around and ask him, it is kind of impossible right now.

'Tell me kit, now that you have completed your revenge, what are you going to do now?' Prier thought to me. I grinned, that was easy.

'Prier, my revenge isn't complete. I still have to deal with the one called Orochimaru, so it isn't done yet. However, I need to get stronger too. This Orochimaru is no pushover, if he can take down the Old-Man, and even if I fought without worrying about chakra exhaustion, I would still lose to the Old-Man, unless I used one of my so-called 'useless' attacks. But, I doubt it will work on Orochimaru.' Yeah, I am talking about the one made for perverts.

'So, according to you, your revenge isn't done. However, that still doesn't tell me what you are going to do.' Prier thought to me, and I thought I heard her growl in a threatening manner. 'Why, it is simple Prier, I am going back to Konoha.' I thought to her. Her voice became a rushing torrent, engulfing everything else except her voice

'KIT! How could you return tot hat place? You know what they think about you, and they will probably enforce the death penalty on you! Why don't you go hang yourself right now!' Prier screamed through my head, till I was sure that people outside of my head could hear her.

'Prier, I am not returning their right away, I want to explore around a little bit first. However, I am only visiting one country. I want to talk to someone, before I go to the executioners block. Do you have any suggestions about which country though?' It was quiet for a bit, and then Prier thought

'Go to the wind country. We might as well have a quick way to Konoha, better if we get it over quickly.' Looks like we were going to wind country, but before that, I was going to sleep. I drifted off to sleep, hanging on a tree branch, getting soaked to the skin with every movement of the trees high branches above me. Sleep never seemed more peaceful.

I woke up in a dank and dark place. Just great, she has to do it when I am worn out didn't she? I wouldn't even have the stamina to please her, even if she didn't succeed. However, she hasn't succeeded in three years, so it wasn't about to happen now. I look around, but I don't see her anywhere.

Funny, I would think that she would have showed by now. I look around again, double checking everything, but I still see no sign of her. This absence scares me even more than her trying to seduce me. I was used to the seducing, a little bit at least, but I was not used to being here when she wasn't trying anything. I start to walk around, panic spreading through my body like it was my own blood, until it was beating inside of every one of my pores.

Where was she? I keep walking, and I notice a door that was never there before. When did a door get here, and more importantly, WHY is there a door in my head! Oh well, curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back. I might as well check it out.

I walk over, and open the door. The thing I notice immediately is that it has a bed, with red satin sheets on, and no blankets. Prier is sleeping on a pink heart shaped pillow, which looks as though it is trying to eat her head. It looks like it is succeeding too. Her tails swayed over the side of it, in a drunken slow movement.

She has a wide smile on her face, and her hands are moving up and down slowly. Probably dreaming about tearing someone limb from limb or something. She is wearing a red nightgown, but it is a size or two small for her, it looks to be made out of silk. I look around the room, and I notice the walls are also painted red.

Except, that these are blood red walls, and I wouldn't be surprised if she somehow found a way to use my blood to make it. The ceiling is the same color red, and it is a little unnerving. Did the room have to look as though someone was slaughtered in it, and had their blood used as paint? Prier would enjoy a room like that though.

Prier muttered something that I failed to catch, but it got my attention. I looked over, and I saw that the she had a really long pillow, and that her legs were wrapped around it. Then her hips thrust forward, and she muttered something, but I could hear it this time. "Just a little deeper kit, that's right, keep going." I felt my face heat, and I turned around, only to see Prier standing right there.

I whip around behind me, and see no one in the bed. I turn around again, and she is still there, a hungry grin on her face, and lust in her eyes. I rub my eyes, hoping that I am just seeing things, but even after I rub them, the picture remains the same, and I realize something very bad is about to happen.

"Shame on you kit, entering a woman's bedroom without her permission, how could you do that?" Prier says to me, never losing the look she was wearing.

"Maybe if you didn't build bedrooms without telling me first, I wouldn't be entering without knocking, would I?" I told her in a gruff manner.

I didn't need to tell her what I saw though. She giggled, as though she could read my thoughts. I really hoped she couldn't. "Kit, since when have I asked your permission to do anything?"

Ok, she never has, and probably never will. That didn't stop me from getting annoyed by it. "You never have Prier. But, could you at least put up a warning sign, that says something like 'Room of Prier, don't enter.' Or something like that? It would stop me from coming in here, without your permission."

She just laughed out loud, not bothering to hide what she thought. Then her gaze of lust returned, except it was accompanied by something…predatory. "Kit, I don't mind if you enter my room without permission, but I wanted to give you warning, you might catch me after I have just taken a shower. Now, if this will encourage you to visit more often, or avoid this room like the plague, I don't know."

She had a point, I didn't know if I was going to avoid this room, or did I want to visit it more? Wait, why am I even asking that question? I'm going to avoid it like the plague, right? Right?

"Prier," I said to her, trying to keep my voice as neutral as possible, "Do you even need to take a shower in my mind? I don't think you could get dirty up here."

Prier let out a shallow chuckle, and said "I don't have to, but if it gets your eyes to widen like they did when I mentioned it, I will probably start soon."

Damn, I didn't take control of my eyes in time. This is going to be a pain, it is written all over her face. "Well Prier, I am sorry I interrupted your sleeping time, so I will leave. I go to her side, to walk past her. I wasn't really that surprised, when her tails moved to block the doorway.

"Its ok kit, I insist that you stay." Prier said in an innocent tone.

However, the way she looked at me suggested anything but 'innocence'. I stepped back, and she took a step forward. I took a step to my side, and she took a step to the same direction, so that she would still be right in front of me. I didn't take more steps back; I would have fallen over the bed. Then, I would have been…caged…for lack of a better word.

However, that didn't stop her from taking a step forward. "Why kit, you aren't retreating! Does this mean I get to have fun?" She asks me, her lips in a full smile, and her gaze full of lust.

"Prier, no it doesn't mean you get to have fun, it means I know there is a bed behind me." Her face started to pout; I was guessing that was her plan.

However, then she started to grin, and it told me that I was in trouble. "Well kit, it looks like the bed can't trip you, but it doesn't matter, so long as I gain the advantage." Was this entire thing some sort of game to her? It probably was.

"Prier, exactly how do you plan to gain the advantage?" She grinned, as she told me

"If I told you, it wouldn't be that useful would it?" I really wish that once, she would stop being so damn smart.

"Prier, I have beaten you every other time. How do you expect to win this one?" I ask her. I had won every other time, so how did she plan to win this one?

She jumped a couple inches off of the ground, and clapped her hands together like some exited little girl, who just got told that she was the smartest person in the village. "Why kit, I think that you almost lost that last one. If that little kid, Kachi, didn't interfere with his nightmare, then I would have had you."

I hate it when she is right, have I ever mentioned that? "You are speaking the truth," I tell her.

I had lost it last time we met, but I wasn't going to lose this one. "However, I have learned from my mistakes. I won't be so easy this time."

Prier laughed, like she was in some sort of party and said "Kit, if you ever became easy, even if I succeed once, then I would find you just boring." It was kind of tempting to just take her up on that offer, however, that would mean giving up, and I never give up.

"Oh yeah, and before I forget to tell you kit, I have only a pair of panties on underneath this. You are lucky, most of the time; I don't even sleep with those on." My jaw dropped. Literally, my jaw did drop, and her face had a seriously amused look on it. Ok, this was going to be a little different than I thought. 'Little', nothing, this was going to be a hell of a lot different than the other times.

"If you don't believe me kit, then I could show you I don't have a bra on…on second thought, I would prefer it if you used your hands, or tail if you prefer, to check yourself." I could feel my face turn into a furnace, I had no doubt that she didn't have a bra on.

"Um, Prier, it is ok, I believe you. You don't have to show me." I told her in an uncertain voice.

She started to mock pout, and said "Please kit? I really need to have someone check it, even if it is only to look. It feels like they are going to explode, and only you are around to se if I am all right."

Something told me that she didn't need a doctor, I just couldn't figure out what. It could be the way she laughed after she said that, it could be that she looks fine, or it could be that she is a demon who doesn't suffer from physical pain because she is in my head, and she wants to seduce me. Something just tips me off.

"Prier, just how stupid do you think I am?" I ask her in a serious tone.

She just smirks, and says "Depends kit, you are a lot smarter than your 'mask', and you seem to be pretty intelligent when it comes to learning other things. However, you aren't that good at watching your opponent."

Was she serious? Where did I go wrong watching my opponent? "Prier, I always watch my opponent, what opponent are you talking about?" I ask her, confusion evident on my voice.

"Why kit, you didn't watch your most dangerous opponent: Me." She said with a grin on her face.

Suddenly, I felt something like rope wrap round my ankles, and I look down quickly. I saw Prier's tails, wrapped around my legs, and suddenly, I felt her tackle me onto the bed behind me. I realized my predicament in an instant, but only three words formed in my head: I am screwed. It was probably literal too.

"Why kit, how could you not watch me? You must feel very foolish right now." She had no idea, I felt like a moron. "Oh well, all that matters is what is happening now that we are here, wouldn't you agree?" She said lovingly, while caressing me with one of her tails.

It had a strange sexual feeling I can't describe behind it. However, I couldn't let my mind get clouded right now, I just couldn't. "Prier, get off of me!" I scream at her.

She gives me an amused chuckle, but there was a strong hint of lust in that chuckle. "Why would I want to do that kit? Better yet, why would you want it? I feel your reaction to me, and I am quite pleased. You have grown in more ways than one these past years."

I could feel my face heat again. Damn it, I am getting very embarrassed, why is this happening now? She left me alone for most of these years, but that didn't stop her from going full force against me right now.

"You want to know something kit? I think my feelings for you have grown quite a bit. I don't think I just lust after you anymore, I actually think I am in love with you!"

What did she just say? A demon of her caliber, of her strength, of her beauty, was in love with me? Yeah right! "It was strange at first kit, it hurt me to see you in pain recently, and it hurt me to watch you suffer. All I wanted to do was take your pain away. This is one way to do it, but it also gives me a joyous feeling if I can help you."

Ok, Prier is scaring me more than usual. I know she lusts after me, which has been proven multiple times, but love me? It is just too hard to believe. After all, I am technically her jailer, I am the one who imprisons her, and I am the one who will die because of the crimes she committed. To think she was in love with me, that was something I just couldn't accept.

However, thinking she was lying to me about love, that pissed me off. "Don't you EVER toy with my emotions like that!" I scream, throwing her off of me.

I stood up, and walked toward her a little bit. She smacks into a wall, and it looked like it was painful. I didn't care. "I could care less if you lust after me! However! If you ever lie to me like that again, I will find a way to kill you, if I have to kill myself to do it!" I scream at her. Was I pissed? Saying I was 'pissed', would have been an understatement. I was raw fury waiting to be unleashed.

"What do you mean kit?" Prier asked me, some fear in her voice. It was small, but it was still there.

"You know what I mean. Saying you love me, I seriously doubt it. You just said that, just so you could get farther in your seduction, and that pisses me off." I said in a voice of raw rage and emotion.

Suddenly, Prier bowed her head, her entire body shaking. Suddenly, water dripped from her head. A tear? "Naruto." She said. It sounded alien on her tongue, my name. "Naruto, you hurt me."

Suddenly, her head lifted, and I saw tears leaking from her eyes. I didn't know a full blooded demon could cry. However, the thing that shocked me the most was that she looked vulnerable. It hurt me to see her that way, I didn't know why. It still looked impossible to me, Prier crying, and looking vulnerable. I didn't know what to do.

"Prier, it is going to be ok." I said in a soothing voice.

"NO IT ISN'T!" She screamed at me.

It made me take a step back, she looked pissed, and she had a good reason: I did throw her against a wall. "How would you feel Naruto, if the first person you ever loved, said you were lying to him!" Then she put her face in her hands, and tried to weep silently.

It still didn't sound right, her saying my name. I was starting to miss my nickname; I think it grew on me a little bit. However, did she mean what she said about loving me? I guess I would feel pretty bad, if the only person I ever loved rejected me, but I have never loved someone. So I couldn't know.

I walked over, and then I took her head, and put it against my shoulder. "There, there, it is going to be all right Prier. I'm sorry; I thought you were lying to me. You, of all people, should know I hate it when people toy around with my emotions involving love and such. I am sorry I lashed out at you, please accept my apology."

She had taken her hands away from her face, and was silently crying onto my shoulder, and I just held her there. I couldn't think of anything else to do. Her crying slowly turned into weeping, and she huffed out one question. "Kit, do you care for me?"

Well, I was glad that my old nickname was back. I resisted the urge to say 'No, I don't care for you at all. I only tried to help you because I hated you. However, sounding like a complete ass won't help me right now.

So, I told her in a soothing voice "Yes Prier, I do care for you. I just can't return your love. It is too much for me to think about, so I am sorry. However, I do care for you, so, will you accept my apology?"

It was hard for me to believe, but I did care for her. But, did I love her? Maybe I did, but I still had too much to deal with before I commit myself. She was only sniffling now, and then she looked at me, her red tear streaked face looked natural on her, and somehow made her more…enchanting. "Yes kit, I do accept your apology." She told me in a very calm voice.

Wow, I was glad that that scenario was over. "Kit, could you please do me one favor." Prier asked me in a pleading voice. I wish she had her confidence back; a vulnerable Prier was a strange one to me.

"I will do you anything, short of having any kind of sex from you." I told her in a soothing voice. She chuckled, and it felt right to me.

"Kit, I just want you to kiss me." Prier said. I kept on my smile, but my mind raced. Every time I kiss her on a deal, or anything else that happens, then it usually ends up having more than just a 'kiss'.

"Prier, I am not sure that a kiss is a good thing right now." I told her, my voice trying to force her to understand.

She looked at me, with a pair of vulnerable puppy-dog eyes. And then, she said only one word "Please?" She told me, in a soft tone.

With the tone, and the eyes, I couldn't tell her no to a kiss. If she asked for anything else, I would be hard pressed to say no, but I probably could. "Fine Prier, you win." I tell her, and then I lower my head by a smudge to connect our lips.

I made it the kind of kiss a brother gives his sister, when she is feeling down, or they play 'house' or something like that. However, thanks to Prier it didn't stay that way. I felt her deepen it, like I knew it would happen. I pull away, and stagger a couple steps back. "Ok, Prier, you got your kiss, that is enough." I tell her, in a slightly shaky voice.

She slowly saunters toward me, the confidence back in her step and the lust back in her eyes. "Kit, it is enough for me to know you care for me. However, I still love you, and I still want something from you." Prier says tome in a seductive tone, slowly inching toward me.

I knew I shouldn't have given her that kiss. I take a couple steps backwards, and I trip over the side of the bed. Ok, I watched it the first time, but missed it the second. I really am becoming more fuddled in the mind department. Prier rushes over, and plants herself firmly on top of me. "Kit," She said while caressing the name with a seductive tone, "Do you know how long I have wanted this?"

Let's see, she told me this started around three years ago, so I was guessing three years. "I am guessing about three years ago." I told her, trying to distract her from what she wants.

She gives a chuckle, but it seems more like she was planning something, then being in good humor. "Why kit," She told me, still having that seductive tone in her voice, "You are right! You deserve a prize, don't you agree?" She said, before I felt her press herself harder against me.

"It's ok Prier! I don't really need a prize, I am sure of that!" I told her, panic evident in my voice.

She didn't listen; she just pressed herself even harder against me, and lowered her head to mine. Her mouth didn't go to my mouth though; it went to one of my ears. "Silly kit," She whispers in a seductive tone. "I think you deserve one, why don't you?" After she said that, she caressed my ear with her tongue, and it sent a surge of electricity through my body.

Prier giggled, and said "It is hard to believe you don't want it when your body reacts like this." She told me in another seductive whisper.

However, suddenly, pain shoots through my body, like a torrent of fire, pain engulfs me, and it consumes me. Why am I feeling this way? I look around, and I realize that I am no longer in Prier's room. In fact, I am not in the tree anymore.

I must have fallen off, and the fall jolted me awake. Damn it, it hurts though! I struggle to sit up, fire spreading to the muscles I try to use. I didn't want to move, but I had to. It was still dark out, but I could see hints of the sun starting to peek over the forest. I had to go. I stood up, and stretched. It shouldn't feel like your skin is getting peeled off of you when you stretch.

The most painful part was when I stretched out my tail, I had landed on top of that, and it ached worse than the rest of my body. 'Looks like you got lucky that time kit, but will you be so lucky next time?' Prier asks me, right before she had a fit of giggles.

I didn't need this right now. I start to walk to the docks, if I was lucky; the ship that had Jingo would be there. I really should have learned the captain's name. It would have made my search a lot easier. However, I am no longer hiding behind my cloak or mask.

My revenge here is done; I won't bother to hide myself anymore. However, I am keeping the gloves; I don't need to accidentally cut someone with my claws. I have a feeling that I know what the standard reaction will be.

I enter the town, and the people stare at me, and the fear became very thick in the air. Word spread quickly of my arrival, but I continued to walk to the docks. Everyone I passed had to stop and stare at me. I also smelled anger on a couple of people. A young child even got brave enough to throw a rock at me. I slashed the rock in half with my tail, and never stopped my stride. I kept going toward the dock, and I probably learned one of my favorite things to being a half demon.

The people move to the side of the road when I am walking in the way, I wouldn't be that surprised if they thought I carried some sort of disease that would infect them if we touched. I grinned, People are too afraid of me to really do anything, only a really young child had the guts to do anything, so what does that tell you about this village?

I couple people I passed, gripped some sort of weapon they had for emotional support. I was guessing that they were the ninja of the village. It's a good thing I hid my fore head protector, or I might have ended up destroying this whole village. Then again, someone could get lucky and kill me with a stray shot, anything is possible.

I heard a sound that left me…uncomfortable. I heard the sound of someone crying. I waited a second, and the people spread away from me, as though they thought I was going to go on a mass killing spree. If I did, I would start by killing the ninja, not the common people. Common people when they get gripped by fear, usually end up killing each other to get away. I walked to an alley, where I heard the crying coming from.

I walked in, and I saw a little boy, about seven or eight years old, crying his eyes out. "Little boy, what is wrong?" I ask him.

It is a good thing he didn't look at me when he answered, or he would have probably screamed louder. The boy continued sobbing into his hands, as he said "M-M-My f-f-family i-i-is d-d-dead!" He screamed out, and sobbed even harder into his hands.

"How did they die?" I ask him, concern sounding in my voice. "T-T-They g-g-g-got k-k-killed i-i-i-in a b-b-b-burning building!" He shrieked.

Suddenly, his eyes shot up to mine, and I saw fear enter his eyes. He was a small boy, and looked malnourished. He had brown hair, but it was scraggly, and looked like someone cut it wrong on purpose. He had what used to be some black pants on, but they were cut up, and looked like they were a size too big for him. His shirt over hanged, and he looked like someone gave him a dirt bath before he went outside. He had smudges of dirt all over him, and his eyes were just black. White outside and a pure black inside, no iris at all, so I was a little surprised, but I didn't let it show.

The kid spoke in a whisper as he said "Are you here to take my soul to the next world?" He asked, fear evident in his voice.

Great, he is the second person to ask me that. Do I really look like the Grim Reaper? "No, I am not here to take your soul or your life if you were thinking that." I told him.

His face went a little red, so I could guess he was thinking that. "Then, why are you here?" The boy asked me, innocence written all over his face.

I look at him, and I realize that he will probably die if left alone. Can I abandon him? I can't I know that much. Thinking about how I grew up, I don't want another person to live like that. "Kid, I am here to make sure you are safe. If you want, you can travel with me."

There, I said it, if he doesn't want to come, then I am done. The kid looked at me, his eyes full of trust. "Do you mean it mister?" It was strange; I felt a kind of bond in those eyes.

I couldn't hurt him, unless he tried to kill me first, at least, that was what I felt. "First off, my name is Naruto." I am squashing the nickname thing early on. "Second, yes I mean it. If you are willing to ignore the fact that I am a half demon, then you can travel with me."

The kid bounded up beside me, and held onto my leg like his life depended on it. "YES! YES! I want to go with you!" The kid screamed energetically. It felt strange, knowing that someone else is going to be relying on me. However, it might help me through my emotional problems too. I lift him up with my tail, and sit him upon my head, and then I start to walk to the docks.

"Kid," I say to him. The people still stare, but now they are staring at me with an incredulous look on their faces, as they go from the kid on my shoulders to me, and then back to the kid. "What is your name?" I ask him.

He gets a sad look on his face, and then he says "I never got a name." He said in a sad tone. I thought for a second. If he had a family, why didn't they name him? Could it be he was lying? Or, it could be just that his family couldn't think of a good name for him. Oh well, I wasn't going to reveal my past to him, so he didn't need to reveal his to me.

"Well kid, would you like it if I gave you a name?" I ask him. Suddenly, it feels like someone put some sort of vibrator on my head. He just started to wiggle around, laughing the entire time, and a tear dripped onto my head. Was he crying out of joy, or sadness? Probably out of joy, but I couldn't be too sure. However, what would Iruka-sensei do in this situation? Wait a second…That's it! "Kid, your new name is Iruka. Do you like it?" Suddenly, he goes very still.

Great, he hates it, just what I need,a kid who hates the name of my father. Maybe I wouldn't get along with him as well as I thought. "It's…It's beautiful." He said, in an awe struck tone, and I felt another tear fall onto my head.

Ok, we would be getting along a lot better than I thought. I walk to the docks, him on my head, taking in all the sights. I felt him twisting and turning on my head, to get better looks at some objects, to just look away from some, and just enjoying himself.

However, it is getting uncomfortable, with a giant ball of energy on my head, so I wish he would slow down just a little bit.

When we got to the docks, I looked around, and didn't see the ship I was after. I walk up to the ticket master, and the lady inside cowers in fear. She is backed up as far away from the window as possible, and she says "How may I help you?" However, fear was evident in her voice, as she started to shake.

"I am looking for a ship that has a golden fox on a white flag, have you seen it?" I ask her. No point in scaring her more than I already have.

"There are no ships that have a golden fox on it anymore. The captain changed the color of the fox to red, with an orange center. It has claws this time, instead of sabers; no one knows why he changed though."

I laughed. So, the captain decided to base his flag after me? Well, if that isn't flattering, I don't know what is. "Anyway, he left port recently, and he headed that way." She said pointing to the sea, a little to the right of the docks.

"Thank you." I say to her, and then I go to where she pointed. I felt her relax, and fall to the floor when I left. In the distance, I se a ship, and on the flag, I see red and orange. I couldn't define the shape, but I could guess what it was. "Iruka, do you want to get to that ship way over there?" I ask him, in a neutral tone.

"I would love to Naruto! I have never ridden on a ship before! But…how are we supposed to get there?" He asked me in a confused voice.

I grin. Then I tell him, "Simple, we walk, or in this case, run." I tell him. He gives me a confused "Huh?" And then I jump off the dock.

He screams out loud, and closes his eyes, thinking I am killing us both. "WHY!" He screams out. "I thought you weren't going to kill me?" He screams loudly.

I wait a couple seconds, but he doesn't stop his babbling, so I finally say "Iruka, if we were going to drown, don't you think we would have sunk below water already?" I ask him.

He stops babbling, and looks down. I could hear him gasp in surprise, and say "How?"

I grin, and say "Iruka, don't underestimate me in what I can and can't do, now, lets get to that ship!" I say very loudly. He follows what I say, with "Full steam ahead!" And I take off.

It feels good to just run, the wind whipping your face, the sound of a child's laughter as he gets the same experience you do, the freedom of it! The feeling that no one can catch you, the feeling of adrenaline as it pumps through you, the feeling of being invincible. I keep running forward, and I see some people gather at the edge of the railing, watching me as I run across the water. I see a couple of sailors, they probably don't recognize me. I might pass out from chakra exhaustion, but I need to put on a show.

'Kit, for the last time, it is 'chakra sickness!' Not exhaustion!' 'Prier, I don't really care, it feels more like it exhausts me, than me being sick. I prefer the word 'exhaustion' anyway.' 'Whatever kit.' She thinks back to me.

Suddenly, red chakra flows around me, and I send it into the sky, but keep it attached to stay above my head. It turns into a giant fox, running on all four legs. The crew of the ship just stares, then I see one or two break out laughing, at least, I am assuming they are laughing. Their legs buckled, and they are holding their face, so I think they are laughing.

I see the captain walk up to everyone, yelling at them, and a crew member points to me. The captain looks over, and his jaw drops. Quite funny to see when I am way out here actually.

Suddenly, I have the fox lower onto me, and it looks like I have become a giant red fox, rushing at the ship. The ship, I notice, has slowed down a little, and I hear Iruka on top of me laughing at all of this. He is enjoying this, and I don't blame him. I am close enough to the ship, and with a chakra enhanced jump, I land on top, and I make the giant fox growl at the passengers.

They back away, but the crew and captain just laugh. "Well Naruto, are you done entertaining everyone?" The captain says to me in an amused tone.

I drop the red chakra, and feel ok; I didn't use as much chakra as I thought I did, so I am not going to suffer side effects. That is a good thing. "Well captain it is a pleasure to see you again." I say to him in a happy tone.

He laughs, and says "It is a great pleasure to see you again. What happened to your mask and cloak? Did they get destroyed?"

I laugh. "Captain, I did what I wanted, so I don't need to hide myself like before. Anyway, those masks are itchy! I couldn't scratch with them on, or anything! It was a major pain in the rump is what it was!" The captain laughed.

"CAPTAIN!" Yelled a voice, I recognized it as Jingo. "What is going on here?" He said pushing himself to the front of the crowd. He didn't see me, because he rounded on the captain, and said "I thought you said I could get an assistant chef! You keep putting more and more people on this ship, and it is getting harder and harder to feed them! Why won't you get me a decent apprentice or something!" Jingo finally let out all his steam, and he had the semblance of a normal man, not a red demon.

"Well Jingo, I could help you in the kitchen." I told him with a grin on my face. He froze, and turned to me.

"Naruto!" He said, and then he embraced me in a giant hug. He was stronger than I thought, because he was crushing the air out of my lungs.

"You will do just fine. How can I ever repay you?" He asked me.

I barely got enough breathe to say "You…could…stop…crushing…me!" I tell him in a hoarse voice.

"Done!" He yells out, and drops me onto the ship, but I land on my butt, to get my breathe back.

I take a couple deep breathes. Iruka slides off of my head and hides behind me. He looks around me nervously. "Silly me," I chuckle, and I bring him out.

"Guy's, this is Iruka, Iruka, that is Jingo, and that is the captain. The rest of the people are the ships crew, except the lazy looking ones, they are passengers." I tell him.

Iruka says a quiet "Hi." and continues to hide behind me.

The passengers keep staring at me; some of them appear to be moving away rather slowly. They reek of fear, but I can't really blame them after the show I put on. I look at the passengers, and there fear shoots up.

I grin, and then I say "Boo." The passengers scurry away, and return to wherever they were. "If only that worked everywhere." I mutter to myself.

"Well Naruto, I would like your help in the kitchen now. It is almost Lunch time, so we need to get a move on. If you want, you can bring your brother too." Jingo tells me, and then he rushes off to the kitchen.

Brother? I guess that could do for now. I don't really have a place for him right now. I suppose I could be something like his father, but I don't want people to hate him for being my son either. I will work that problem out later. I place Iruka on my head, and then I rush to the kitchen. "Jingo, what are we making?" I ask him, as I put on an apron.

Iruka slides off of me, and grabs an apron too. I guess he wants to help. "We are making spaghetti. Hope you can do this." Funny, I hope so too. Lets work.

Jingo and I had a lot of work for Iruka; we mainly had him do small stuff. He got us ingredients we needed, He got out plates and stuff for the customers, and then, his personal favorite job, we had Iruka yell at the customers who tried to sneak in. I don't know where he learned it, but the boy swears like a sailor at people he doesn't like.

No, scratch that, I am pretty sure that he would make a sailor blush. He is worse than a sailor. I hear the door squeak open, and I groan. Iruka bounds to the door, I noticed it was a woman in a red low cut dress. Poor girl doesn't know what she is getting into.

"Look here Miss!" Iruka yelled. She didn't close the door, which would have been smart, she kept it open. "What the Hell are you doing here! Don't you have some other assholes to bother!" Did he have to refer to us as 'assholes'?

"Now look here young sir!" The woman replied indignantly "Where did you get such a mouth?"

Iruka just glares at her, and then yells out "From your moms house you spoiled little bitch!" He yells.

I had to resist the urge to laugh. The boy would make a good bouncer when he was older. The woman turned red in the face, and she moved her lips, but no words came out. She turned around, slammed the door, and almost made a couple dishes fall.

"Naruto, did you teach the boy to swear like that?" Jingo asked me.

I turned to him, and said "That boy has sworn more in this past hour than I have in my entire life! I didn't teach him anything!"

Jingo looked at the boy, who calmly got us a jar of tomato sauce, and acted as though he did nothing wrong. I was going to have to set up some ground rules apparently. However, him swearing has also reduced the number of stealing customers, so maybe I wouldn't set up some strict rules. I was glad when the lunch session was over. I forgot how tiring it was. I was glad when we walked out. I had Iruka propped up on my head, which has become his favorite spot.

"Naruto, what am I to you?" Iruka asked me in a slightly sad tone.

This confused me. "What do you mean Iruka?" I asked him.

Iruka thought for a moment, then he answered me "Am I a brother to you, or a son?"

This question caught me off guard. However, it was a good one. Did I consider him a son or a brother? I don't know. "Iruka, it wouldn't be good for you to be a son or a brother to me." I tell him.

He asked the one word, that I didn't like to explain. "Why?" That was all he asked.

"You see Iruka," I say to him. "I am a half demon. As such, most people hate me. If they thought you were my family, then they would probably hate you too."

Itold him why it wouldn't be a good idea; I just hope he has the common sense to go along with it. "I don't find that to be a good reason. It just means that most people are idiots in my opinion." He told me.

Ok, am I allowed to find it sad when a seven or eight year old is smarter than most adults? However, that doesn't change people's minds. "Iruka, what do you want to be?" I ask him.

It would be better if I let him decide. "What do I want to be?" Iruka says in a voice, that sounds dazed, and out there. As though he is visiting his own little dream world. "I want to be your son." He told me.

And then, silence engulfed us. So, he wants to be my son? However, the people I know will treat him like dirt if they think he is my son. "Iruka, I am honored, really I am, but the people I know will treat you like dirt if they think you are my son."

I felt a tear drop onto my head. "I don't care." Was all he said. "I have been treated like dirt for a while, at least now, I hope, I have a chance at becoming your son, maybe then, I won't feel so lonely." He told me.

So, is that what he feels? Well then, there is only one question left. "Iruka, how old are you?" I ask him.

He stays quiet for a moment, before he replies "I am eight years old."

So, now we have aage for the face. "When were you born?" I ask him.

He gives a soft chuckle, and then he replies "I was born eight years ago, on this day."

Then I felt a couple more tear drops on my head. So, it was on November the tenth? One month ahead of my birthday. It would be easy to remember. I pluck him off of my shoulder with my tail, and then put him at eye level with me. "Iruka, I would be very happy to be your father." I tell him.

Tears flood his face, and he buries his head against my shoulder. I felt one or two tears spring to my eyes as well. However, Iruka kept muttering "Thank you." Over and over again.

The moment lasted a good minute, before a wave smashed onto the deck, and onto both of us. "Well, that ruined the moment." I said dryly.

Iruka just laughed, and climbed back onto my head. "So, where are we off to next, Father?" It was going to be a little strange, getting used to someone calling me that. "Well, we have about a two hour break, a little less thanks to our talk, but I know what we are going to do." I grin, and Iruka eyes me curiously.

"We are getting you into a bath." I told him, and then i wayched his face, and barely contained my laughter.

Iruka looks like someone just hit him in the stomach, his eyes bulging out of their sockets. "WHAT!" He yelled out.

"You heard me, you are getting a bath. I plan to take one as well, so don't worry. However, both of us stink, so off we go!" I say, and I wrap my tail around him, and lift him off my head, and use my tail to fly him around.

After we were done taking a bath, he complained almost the entire way, until I actually got him in the water. Then, he appeared to enjoy himself. I got in after he got out, he was kind enough to wash his own clothes, and I washed mine. Then, we got dressed. Well, I put on a pair of pants; I was going to let my shirt dry. I looked down, and realized my body had changed as well. I don't remember getting a six-pack at least. I really should look at myself in a mirror again.

However, Iruka, being my son, copied me, and went around shirtless. We looked very strange, both of us walking around without shirts on, especially with him propped on top of my head. However, our break was up, so we headed back to the kitchen.

"It is about time you got here Naruto!" Jingo yelled, and then he looked at me strangely. "Naruto, I know you took a bath, or fell overboard, whichever one it was, I don't care. But, why is your hair still spiky? Shouldn't it be flat?" He asked me.

I look at him, and answer "I don't know why, but my head can't stay flat. No matter what I do, it stays spiky! I even destroyed one of my kunai trying to cut it. My hair is…strange…for lack of a better word." I told him.

It was the truth; I have no idea what is wrong with my hair. "Well, there is another thing to add to my list of 'Strange Qualities about an Assistant Chef.'" He said to no one in particular.He was keeping a list on me? People need better hobbies.

We got to work right away; we were making shrimp for dinner this time. However, we worked just as hard, and managed to get it done with few people trying to steal. I heard the door creak, and prepared my ears.

"You!" Iruka yelled out "Get your god damn mother fucking cock sucking son of a bitch ass out of here right now!" He screamed.

I felt my face turn red, where did he learn that one? "Iruka, we need to talk." I tell him.

He bounds over to me, the guest was running down the hall. "Iruka, I don't mind if you swear, however, I would like it if you tone it down a little. You don't need a swear word in every sentence you say to people you don't like!"

He looked at me, and then said "If you say so father. However, if someone really makes me mad, do I have the same restriction?" I look at him, and then thought for a moment.

"It depends, if you are really angry, and the person deserves it, you don't have that restriction. However, if I find out that you did it, and the person doesn't deserve it, I am taking you over my knee." I tell him.

His face pales a little, and he covers his behind with his hands. Good to know, that he knows exactly what I am talking about. "Now back to work!" I say, and he scurries around, continuing to collect ingredients. I was glad that we had that talk.

Since people weren't bothering us, we didn't feel so pressured, and we actually got done earlier than usual. "You know what Naruto? This reminds me of old times." Jingo said. "I just hope we don't get attacked by pirates again." He said.

Iruka couldn't keep his mouth shut, so he had to ask "You got attacked by pirates!" He asked in an excited voice.

Jingo laughed, and said "That we did lad. Three ships, only one of ours, our engines and cannons got taken out early on. We looked doomed, and Naruto over there saved our lives."

Iruka looked at Jingo, his eyes begging to hear the rest of the story, and his hands were clenching and unclenching. "Please tell me more!" Iruka said, his voice quivering with excitement.

Jingo laughed, and told him "Well, Naruto there jumped onto the water, and ran at the pirate ships. He took out the one on the right first; I don't know what he did, but it started to sink suddenly.

Then he jumped onto the second ship, slashed down there mast, and jumped to the other ship. We all saw some sort of water dragon, and it started to tear the ship apart. It sunk rather quickly, and then he jumped onto the last ship. We watched, and suddenly there was an explosion on the ship."

"An Explosion?" Iruka yelled out suddenly.

"Indeed lad, an explosion. I don't know how he did it, but he set off an explosion on their ship. Then, we saw nothing for a couple moments, and then, there he is, jumping off of the ship, the ship quickly sinking behind him, with a man on his back. He landed on the water, and jumped onto the ship, and gave us the pirates captain." Jingo said, finishing the story. Iruka looked at me, his eyes shining with admiration, his mouth slightly ajar.

"You forgot the part where I fainted after I got back on the ship." I told Jingo, hoping he would get the hint.

"Well, you did faint, and when you woke up, you went into a forest, rescued me, and a couple other people, and killed the Dryad that had us hostage." Jingo said in a pleased voice.

Iruka whipped to Jingo, and said "Really! Your not pulling my leg are you?" Iruka asked suspiciously.

Jingo laughed, and said "Kid, you can confirm that story with any crew member aboard this ship! That's why we changed our flag, we are honoring him. Your brother is a hero."

"Jingo, he isn't my brother. That is my son." I told him, expecting a funny reaction from Jingo. He didn't disappoint me.

"What?" He said in a confused voice, and then he rounded on me. "NARUTO! How young were you when you had sex!" Well, I wasn't expecting that question.

"I didn't I am still a virgin." I told him.

"But then…How?" Was all Jingo could say.

"I adopted him." I told him.

Jingo got very relieved in the face. "Ok, for a second there, I thought you had sex when you were about his age. I wondered how that was possible." I laughed, and so did Jingo, except he was a little red in the face.

"Father, what is 'sex'?" Iruka asked me.

I froze, a wide grin still on my face. "Well, Iruka, you see, umm, sex is something a man and a woman do together when they really love each other." I told him.

I didn't want to lie to him, but I didn't want to tell him the truth just yet. "So…sex is something like kissing?" He asked me in a confused tone.

"More or less, it is something like that." I told him. Well, it was something like it, just on a whole different level. So I wasn't lying to him.

"Yuck!" He says, and then asks "Can we please talk about something else?" I laughed, and so did Jingo. It was a laugh to ease the tension in me. It felt rather good.

Suddenly, the captain burst in, panting heavily. "Naruto, we could use your help."

I had a bad feeling about this. "What is going on?" I ask him in a serious tone.

He said one word, and I was ready. "Pirates." I sprang out of the kitchen, and ran to the top deck.

I saw them, only two ships in the distance. Shouldn't there be more? Oh well, I would deal with this, and then get back quickly. "Captain." I say, and the guy is next to me. "I will deal with these ships, protect the passengers, and watch out for incoming cannon fire. This won't take long."

I tell him. He nods, and then something latches to my legs. I looked down, and I saw Iruka. "Iruka, I have to deal with these, so that we could be ok." He looked up, and I saw tears in his eyes, and he clutched my leg even tighter. I needed to deal with them, but how? I couldn't do it with Iruka attached to my leg.

"Captain, Could you please get my orange jacket?" I ask him. The guy orders one of his crew members to get it, and then they return with it. It is still slightly damp, but it is dry enough. Using my claw, I cut out the red spiral on the back of it, and I give it to Iruka.

"Son, this symbol will ensure that I return for you. Keep it close, and I will come for you, no matter where you are." I told him.

He looked at me, tears still crawling down his cheeks, and he said "Really?"

I chuckled, and then I said "Yes, even if I have to go to the pits of Hell, I will come rescue you."

He gave a couple last sobs, clutching the red spiral to him as though his life depends on it. To him, it probably does. I put on my black under shirt; someone had brought that as well. Then I jumped off of the ship, and landed on the water. I heard a couple passengers gasp, and others just stared at me in numbed silence. I rushed at the two small ships. I was going to keep my chakra to a minimum. The ships began to turn, so that their cannons would be facing toward me. They were too slow.

I slam my claw into the hull of one of the ship, and tear some of the side off with my bear claws. Then, I latched onto a part that stayed on, and I climbed up it, dropping the chakra at my feet. I climbed up it, slamming my claws into the side, and it was pure panic when I arrived at the top. The crew, and everyone else was scrambling around, trying to get into life boats. I saw one man standing perfectly still through the whole thing.

He stared at me, however, surprise wasn't evident on his face, all he had was cold fury on his. He was wearing a striped blue and white shirt on, and he was wearing a bandana. He had on some tight black pants as well. He unhooked two axes from his belt, and held them in a ready position for me. His eyes were stone cold blue.

However, my eyes were ice storm cerulean, so I wasn't intimidated at all. I showed him my claws, and then I plunged my tail through the wood deck to show him it was a weapon too. He didn't even flinch. Good, he has nerves. I charge forward, and slash at him, only to hit a…log? No, it was a barrel on this ship! What is it with pirates getting ninja training nowadays? I moved, and a large object slammed into the deck where I just was.

I turn around, and he is there, one axe in the deck. His eyes remained focused on me, as he pulled out the axe. Then, he throws an axe at me, and then the other one. I dodge the first one, and the second one, but I suddenly got tied up! I looked at the axes, and I see thin wire extending from the axe to his hands. So, that was what he planned.

However, he forgot about my tail. I slash open the wires with my tail, and he stumbles backwards. He was better than most pirates, but he didn't stand a chance against a trained ninja. I slam my hands against the deck, and yell out "Earth!" The fool jumped. Didn't he know that the only Earth is about a couple miles away from us, under the water? Guess he didn't think of that.

I'm surprised he listened to my bluff, especially when I yelled the word out. I rushed forward, and went under him. I made a clone in front of me, and when he came down, we both grabbed an arm, and then we both kicked him in the chest, then the back, then the thigh, then the chest again, then we slammed our feet into his back, and then we both let go of him, and slashed our claws down his sides. He was bleeding badly, so he wasn't going to live unless he also had a demon in him. I doubted he did. My clone disappeared, and then I rushed to the other ship.

I jumped over, just as they fired a cannonball into the other ship. Didn't they care that their allies where on the thing! I landed on the deck, and I smashed my tail in a barrel, and sent it flying into someone. He didn't move, and caught it square in the face. I jumped off the side of the ship, and latched onto the ship with my claws. Then, I tore a chunk out of the side of the ship, and then I scrambled onto the deck again.

A lot more pirates were waiting this time. They had their weapons drawn, and looked ready for a fight. I form a clone, and he rolls up into a ball. Then, I throw him into the biggest group of them, and a massive surge of chakra entered the clone, and it exploded when it hit them. A couple of people were lucky and got away unharmed. Others got killed in the explosion, some lost arms or legs, and other got thrown overboard from the blast. Some still lived though, and these ones panicked, and ran away.

I wouldn't hunt down coward though, so they live for today. However, the one who was calling them cowards, I was guessing that he was the captain. I walked toward him, and the guy was too caught up in yelling at his crew, that he didn't see me walking toward him.

He noticed, but I had my tail wrapped around his legs. There was a strange smell in the air, but I couldn't put a finger on it. I drug the captain toward me, and then I lifted him up, pinning his hands to his sides with my hands.

"All right," I say in my demonic voice. "We can do this the easy way, or the hard way. Now then, why are you attacking the ship over there?" I ask him.

He just looks at me, and spits in my face. Wrong answer. I broke all of his fingers, and he yelled in terrible agony. "I will ask you again, why did you attack that ship?" I was growling now.

"Burn in Hell demon!" He said in a gruff and painful voice. Again, wrong answer. This time, I broke his legs, and then I dropped him on top of them.

My tail forced him to stand, and my hands kept pushing down onto his broken legs. I was amazed he could still scream, his voice sounded hoarse, and broken. "Last time!" I scream at him, I was seething now. "Why did you attack that ship?"

He looked at me, and he stopped screaming. His face was full of fear, and then he answered. "We were just distraction. The real ship, has already attacked."

What did he say! I whip around, and saw that the ship I was on was on fire! The guy in my hands just laughed. It was a laugh of victory. Did the ships know I was on it? Was that why they had a distraction? No, too far fetched. Unless they were tracking me, then they wouldn't be able to know. The guy in my arms continued to laugh, and I was getting tired of it.

I shoved my hand inside, and I pulled out his tongue, and I cut it off. Then, I dropped him forward, so that the blood would stay off of me. He was face down, and would end up choking on his own blood. He wanted to say something, but because he had no tongue, he couldn't.

"The captain always goes down with the ship." I told him, before I jumped off, and ran as fast as I could with adrenaline and fear pumping through me.

Needless to say, it was pretty fast. However, the strange smell was getting stronger the closer I got, and then I knew what it was: Smoke.

I make it to the ship, and I saw a slaughterhouse. Blood was everywhere, and I didn't see anything but the crew, and a couple random passengers. Everyone was dead, slashed open by what looks like some katana, but others have kunai sticking out of them. I rush around, and look into the kitchen. I saw Jingo pinned to the walls, with his own kitchen knives. He was dead; I didn't even have to check that. Rage began to consume me.

I rushed to the captains cabin, and I saw a couple dead bodies I didn't recognize, they were ninjas, I could tell that much. The dead ninjas were holding katanas. I rush into the captain's quarters, and I saw a couple more of the ninja bodies, holding katanas, and the captain, with kunai all over his body. The captain had a sword in his hand, and it was drenched in blood.

He began to cough, and I rushed over. "Captain! What happened here? Where is my son?" I asked him in a panicked voice.

He opened his eyes, but barely. "Naruto." He said, and then he coughed up some more blood.

"Captain, what happened?" I asked him again. "Naruto, when you left, another ship came from the other side. It was a two pronged attack. I was a fool for underestimating them."

He coughed again. "Naruto, they took most of the passengers. They are a slave ship. However, they attacked us with a couple people, they called themselves ninja. It was a slaughter. I was the only one who could kill a couple of them. The rest of my crew might as well have been scarecrows for all the good they were."

He coughed again, sending even more blood onto the floor. "The only ones I could kill were the ones holding those strange blades. The others wouldn't let me get close to them. They took everyone, well; they took the passengers who were young and able, the old or the sick they killed."

He coughed even more blood, he was dead, I knew that much. I didn't know any healing moves, so it was impossible for me to help him. "Captain, what happened to my son?" I asked him again.

"What son?" He asked me.

That's right, I never told him. "Captain, the little boy who arrived with me. That is my son."

The captain coughed again, more blood flying onto the ship. "Yeah, I know him. I protected him, the best I could. He was back here in the cabin with me, I thought he deserved it for what you did for us. He told me to give this to you."

The captain held out his hand and it had a small blood drenched cloth in it. I took it, knowing what it was. I opened it up, and there was a red spiral on it. Rage took over my body, just as the captain fell backwards. "Naruto, do me one last favor." The captain told me.

He held out his sword, and said "Kill the ninja who has a cross on both of his cheeks with this. He was the one who finished me off. Also, could you please set this ship on fire? I want everyone on it to get a proper cremation."

I took his sword, and nodded my head. I didn't dare speak. I was too full of hate to give any solace he might have wanted in death. He gave a final gasp, and then he fell over, his eyes wide open, but they weren't looking at anything. I closed his eyes for him, and then I went out of his cabin. Rage covered me, it flowed in me, and it lived inside of me. I made a fireball appear in my hand, and I launched it into the mast that had the fox on it. It caught fire, and spread even quicker than the fire that already started. I guess the captain was a little delusional since he was dieing.

However, I had his sword in my hands, and I saw a ship to our side, not that far off into the distance. It had a skull and crossbones for a flag. A really old sign for pirates. Rage flowed into me, and I jumped off of the ship, rushing at the other ship. I didn't care about chakra exhaustion anymore. I let a red aura surround me, and I made a giant fox appear above me, but this one was out to hunt, not put on a show.

It let out a blood thirsty howl, and made a bunch of people appear on the ships. I made the fox lower till it covered me, and I became the fox. They sent a bunch of water balls, and icicles at me. They merely bounced off of the giant fox, and I continued to rush forward. About three fourths of the way there, I released the chakra. The fox ran even faster, and slammed into the side of the ship. A giant hole appeared, and the ship began to sink. However, I still jumped on top of it, the red chakra flowing from my bodies in waves, like the ocean. I still had to save my son.

They attacked me, and I didn't bother playing with them. I rushed passed them, and they just stood there. Then, there throats splayed blood, others had their arms hacked off, and others had giant claw marks across their faces. No mercy. I slammed my tail into the ship, and grab a ninja going below me for an ambush, and used my tail to snap his neck. No mercy. More ninjas attack me, from far away, using kunai.

I form a giant red claw on my hand, and slam it into the deck. It ripped out of the deck, right below the couple of ninja throwing kunai. Then it lifted them high into the air, and then I squeezed my hand. The giant chakra claw, crushed them, and I screamed out "NO MERCY!" In the most demonic voice I could muster.

A couple ninjas stopped in there tracks, and that cost them. I rushed forward, and planted my claw into each of their throats. Blood flew from them, and I continued on. I rushed to the captain's quarters, and I rip off a ninjas arms, and beat him with them. Then I throw one of the arms into another ninja who was running for me, and then I hit him in the chest with a kunai. He plumped over, dead.

"Well, so you are the one who is killing the crew." A voice full of arrogance told me. At first I thought it was Sasuke because of the voice, but it was just a ninja with a cross shaped scar on both of his cheeks. Wait, a cross shaped scar on both cheeks? 'Naruto, do me one last favor, kill the man with a cross shaped scar on both cheeks with this.' And I looked at the sword in my hands. I promised him I would, so I was going to.

I put the sword in a ready position, and this surprised the ninja. "So, you are using a sword, a sword that looks a lot like that weak captain's sword." I let out a feral growl, and he chuckle. "Ah, it must be his sword then. Hoping to get revenge my dear boy? You can't kill me, just try i-!" He couldn't speak anymore, I plunged the sword right into his heart. "Die." Was all I say, and he was kind enough to oblige.

No mercy. I rush forward, and smash open the door to the captain's quarters. What I saw made me sick, even though I was already drenched in blood. The place was covered in blood, and I saw the captain had a bloody sword, he was killing the hostages. All of them were dead, except one: Iruka. He had a panicked look on his face, and the captain had his sword ready to kill him, when I burst in.

The captain looked at me, and then attacked. He attacked, and his swordsmanship was excellent. His blade looked more like molten silver the way it moved, than hardened steel. It flowed from one move to the next, no wasted effort, and no wasted energy. He was good, that much was a given. He did it all without speaking.

I blocked with my claws, and tail, but I couldn't get an opening. I wrap my tail around his sword, and he slides it out as though my tail was a sheathe. I looked at my tail, and I found something out that day, my tail can bleed. It dropped a couple ounces of blood, but it was enough to tell me that my tail wasn't as invincible as I thought it was.

I had to stay ready and alert, the guy was sweating as much as I was. However, he let loose a sudden flurry of slashes, and a lucky cut got me across the forehead. It was a little more than a scratch, it would heal quickly, but I felt blood start to dribble down my forehead. I felt it go into my eyebrows, and I noticed he was in a defensive position. He was waiting for the blood to enter my yes so that I would blink.

The problem with fighters like him and me is that if you hesitate or blink, it could be your death. I felt the blood go past my eyebrows, and then I saw him give a ghost of s smile, just a tiny hint of a curve upwards. He thought I was dead, but overconfidence can get you killed as well as a mistake can. That is the main problem with confidence, it is a two-edged sword. Without it, you will probably die, with too much, you will probably die. The blood entered my eye, but I didn't blink. The captain was so sure I would, that he rushed forward, without waiting to see if I did blink.

He realized in mid-rush, that I didn't blink, and then his face changed, to one who accepted death. I ducked under his sword, and then I slammed my claw into his face, and then I slashed so hard I took half of the bones of his skull off as well as his face. What was left of him, crumpled to the ground, I still had my aura of red chakra around me.

I walked over to my son, and I took off the gag, and untied him. He looked at me, not with fear, not with hate; he did it with love in his eyes. "I knew you would come for me, father." He said, and then he rushed to me.

I picked him up in a giant hug, crying the entire time. He was crying as well. I felt a little wet around my feet, and I looked down. Water had risen to my feet, so we had to get out of there.

I rushed out, holding my son, not letting him go for anything. A ninja got in my way, and I impaled him on my tail. I threw him over the rail, and then I jumped off as well. I landed on the water, and ran in the direction the ship me and my son were on earlier.

"Dad," He said softly "Where are we going?" He asked me, in a shaken voice. After what he had seen, I don't really blame him.

"We are going to wind country, to the hidden village of the sand." I told him.

He only replied with an "Oh." He was quiet for a little bit, and then he asked "Is everyone on the ship dead?" He asked in a sad tone.

I didn't lie to him, I just couldn't. "Yes son, all of them are dead." I told him.

I was hoping he didn't ask anything else, I couldn't I don't know if I could tell him the truth without breaking down. I was very happy, when he didn't ask a thing.

It took me about the rest of the day, and I guess half the night, but I saw the dock coming into view, thanks to the lights. Iruka was asleep on my back. I knew what would happen the second I released my chakra. Chakra exhaustion would take over, and I would collapse for only Kami-Sama knows how long.

I jump onto the deck, still embracing the chakra, so that I didn't pass out. I went to a small inn, and saw couple young women at the counter. They shrieked as I entered. I wasn't surprised, but I hoped they would at least help my son.

However, did they shriek because of my looks, or the blood all over me? "Look, I am worn out, and my son needs help. Could you please help him?" I ask them. One of them slowly nods her head, and I smile. "Thank you." I say, and then I pass out after releasing the chakra.

I woke up later, Prier didn't bother me at all, which I found a little odd, but I wasn't complaining. I was in a small room, in a bed, tucked in. The blood had been washed from me and my clothes. I wonder who did that. I felt something on my lap, and I looked over. Iruka sat there, his head against my lap. He must have been worried about me.

I give a small smile, and try to stretch. My son bolts upright, and then looks at me, his eyes wide open. Then, he tackles me onto the bed. The breathe gets knocked out of me, as he cries "You're alive! You're alive!" He begins crying again. I just held him there.

When his crying stopped, I asked him. "Where are we?" He quits sobbing, and looks at me with a huge smile on his face.

"We are in the house of the Kazekage of the hidden village of the sand." He told me.

How did he get me way out here? Better yet, how come the Kage of this village didn't kill me on sight? I am pretty sure that Konoha had put something out with my name on it. There was a knock at the door, and I looked over.

The door opened to reveal a beautiful woman. She had blonde hair, and it was set up sort of like a couple on large antennas. She had a white kimono on, and had a giant fan on her back. Something told me that she would kill someone without hesitation, probably my experience with ninjas.

She looked at me, and said "Ah, so you are awake now."

Wasn't she scared at all? I was a half demon after all, but she doesn't seem scared at all. I look at her a little closer, but I still don't see any indication that she is scared. I don't even smell fear coming off of her! Something is either up with her, or the village. "Aren't you scared of me?" I asked her.

She just laughed. "Compared to my brother, you aren't that big of a threat."

How dangerous was her brother? He sounded like one tough guy! I wonder how good he would be in a fight. "Ok, anyway why haven't you people killed me? I am pretty sure that Konoha sent out for my death or something." I tell her.

She giggled, and said "Yeah, but they said they would prefer it if you came back alive."

What? I was pretty sure that they wanted me dead, why would they want me alive? I didn't have time to worry about that. "Iruka, did they treat you well?" I asked him.

He grinned, and said "They treated me like royalty! This place is huge, did you know that?"

I laughed. I guessed it was something like that. "Anyway son, did you say 'thank you' to the Kazekage of this village?"

My son shivered, and said "I didn't dare say a word to him! The guy is scary!"

The girl laughed, and said "Yeah, my brother can be a scary person. By the way, my name is Temari." So, her brother was the Kazekage? Well, it would explain why she wasn't scared of me.

"My name is Naruto, pleased to meet you." I told her.

Then, I heard a voice from down the hallway yell out "Temari! Gaara wants to know what is going on back there. Is our guest awake?"

Then a guy enters, who…creeps me out. The guy had on a black outfit, and I couldn't tell where the pants or shirt began or ended. The guy had make-up on, which is the part that creped me out. He also had an object on his back; I had no idea what it was.

I looked at her, and said "THAT is the Kazekage? I know you told me he was scary, but don't you think that putting make up on, would make him seem more…ridiculous than scary?" I asked her.

The guy with make-up on goy mad, and Iruka and Temari just broke out laughing. "That isn't my brother! Well, let me rephrase that, he is my brother, but he isn't the Kazekage!" Then she broke out into another fit of laughter.

The guy pulled the object off of his back, to reveal a puppet. I expected something a little more dangerous. "Ok, guy with the make-up on isn't the Kazekage, he is your brother, who looks like he has some sort of puppet fetish."

The guy with make-up on gets even angrier, and Temari just buckles, and falls onto a bed and continues to laugh. "What did you say?" The guy yells at me.

The puppet begins to move, but I don't see him doing much to make it move. Something told me, that that was his weapon. "Kankuro," (Did I spell the name right?) Said a voice from the hallway. The guy with make-up on, I was guessing he was 'Kankuro' froze.

Then a boy with red hair walked in. He had a heart above his left eye, and had on some black clothes. He also had a giant…gourd or something like it on his back. If it was full, I was guessing that it must have weighed a lot.

"Hello there Gaara." Kankuro said in a nervous tone.

I was guessing that this was the Kazekage of the village. He was a lot younger than I expected. His eyes had black all the way around them, as though he had problems sleeping. He looked at me, and his gaze tried to freeze me where I stood.

However, I was a half demon, so to prove to him he didn't scare me, I stood up, and walked over to him. I locked my eyes with his, and looked into him. I sensed a demonic presence behind those eyes.

'Shukaku.' 'What did you say to me Prier?' I thought to her. 'Shukaku inhabits this boy.' So, another demon is inside of him. Might as well get this over with. "Hello Shukaku." I say to him.

I hear his brother and sister gasp, but he doesn't move at all. "Hello Kyuubi." He says to me.

I laugh. "No, my name is Naruto, get it right." He looks at me, and says "Then call me Gaara. If I can't call you by your demon, then you can't call me by mine."

I look at him, and then I relax, and say "Fair enough."

"Naruto," Gaara tells me, his vice still cold as metal in winter. "You are to return to Konoha immediately. If you fail to comply, then you will be forced to go there, unless you force us to kill you."

Nice guy. "That's ok," I tell him "I was planning on going back anyway."

He just looks at me, turns around, and says over his shoulder "Good." And then he walks away.

That guy is a complete ass though. I wish he would lighten up a little bit. "Iruka, we are leaving." I tell him.

He hops down, and comes to my side. "Temari, Which direction is it to the hidden leaf village?" I ask her.

She points, and that is all I need. Looks like we were on our way. I put Iruka on my shoulders, right on top of my head, and we leave.

It took us a while, but now we were in a forest. We had been in that horrible desert for a couple of days, and it was pretty hard to survive. I am bringing a lot more water next time. We were in a forest now, and it was faster to get to Konoha. Going from tree to tree was a lot faster than walking along the ground. I am pretty sure that Iruka enjoyed it a lot more too. I

t could be the way he bounced around, the way he shouted for glee, or the way he begged me to take to the trees. I don't know what it was, but it tipped me off. However, three days after we were traveling through the forest, I saw them.

I pointed out the view to my son. "Son, do you see that? Those things over there?" He nods his head. "Those are the gates of Konoha. This is where I live. This is where we will live, until I need to do something. Is that ok with you?"

He nods his head vigorously. Even though he enjoyed the thought of living there, it felt like I was walking straight into deaths arms. After all, the only explanation I could think of for Konoha wanting me alive, is that they want to execute me in front of the village, so that everyone can celebrate. Looks like I will see what happens when I get there. I walk forward, and prepare to enter the jaws of death.

General Badaxe- Hmm…I was thinking about continuing the fic, but I decided that you will have to wait to see what happens. Call me what you want, but I am still ending it here. I will update in one or two weeks, good day, and good night.