The Dark Side of the Hyuuga
Chapter 8- Dance into the night by the light of the vulpine moon
"Kurai-chan, Hinata-chan, please stop attacking him" Itachi asked the angry kunoichi but his pleas fell on deaf ears as the girls continued after the ducking and dodging Uchiha. Realizing his cries were useless he quickly went over to the unconscious blonde and tried to wake him up.
"Come on Naruto-kun, I can't take these girls on my own. Wake up" he said as he kept nudging the still knocked out blonde who didn't so much as whimper at being shaken. Itachi then noticed the burn marks on the fox vessel's body began to heal, which gave him an idea.
"Kyuubi, help me stop them" Itachi asked as he noticed the red chakra forming around Naruto and turned his attention back to the battling trio. Sasuke, who knew that something was inside Naruto, stopped in surprise as Itachi ask the Kyuubi for help. Before he could have time to remember what he heard about the name Kyuubi he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest. He looked down at his shirt which had slashes in it where one of the girls used their claws to strike him. Sasuke looked up in time to barely dodge a clawed hand as he noticed the animal appendages and their slit eyes as he continued to avoid the two pissed off kunoichi's attacks.
'What is the strange power emitting from them and what is with the animal traits?' Sasuke thought until a red aura caught his attention from the corner of his eye. Sasuke paused in surprise as the chakra completely engulfed Naruto who then started changing as his one orange tail split into nine red tails and he seemed to grow as the Kyuubi temporarily took over. Dedicating his attention to Naruto he made the mistake of taking his eyes off the girls who was still battling him. Hearing a roar, he didn't turn in time to see Hinata and Kurai slash at his arms, rendering them un-useable as they manage to stop the flow of chakra to his arms. As he tried to jump out the way the girls anticipated this and quickly attacked his legs making them useless too. Unable to defend himself, Sasuke somehow manage to back himself up against the wall and sat as the girls went in for the kill. Sasuke was unusually calm as he found it ironic that the last time he almost fought to the death was against his brother against the back of a wall. Waiting for their attacks, Sasuke was surprised when a dark blur in the form of Itachi grabbed and held on to Kurai before she could attack him.
"Calm down Kurai-chan, please" Itachi begged as he restrained the kunoichi before he started whispering something in her ear that seemed to calm her down as the chakra cloak slowly disappeared. With one of the dangers down, Sasuke turned back to Hinata and noticed that she was about to strike. With the intent to kill radiating off of her, Hinata looked at him with slit eyes and a voice that sent a chill down his spine.
"You hurt my Naruto-kun," Hinata said in an almost demonic way as she brought a chakra clad claw above her head, "I'll kill you" she said before bringing her arm down aiming for Sasuke's head and down toward his heart. Just then a deep voice called out, "Hinata, stop" and her arm stopped a few inches away from his face. Noticing a fluffy red tail, he followed it back to the origin where he was shocked to see it attached to Naruto…who didn't look like himself. Sasuke watch as "Naruto" seemed to absorb the chakra around Hinata as she blinked and managed to come out of some kind of trance. Gasping as she noticed what she was about to do to Sasuke, she quickly stepped back into Kyuubi's, who took over Naruto's body, arms tears running down her face.
"I-I'm so sorry, Sasuke, Itachi-san, I-I do-don't know wh-what came o-over m-m-me" Hinata sobbed out as the tears continued down her face as Kyuubi let go of her arm and change back to Naruto's true form for the blonde was regaining conscious. Feeling a hand on her face, Hinata looked up into Naruto's blue eyes as he wiped away her tears. Shocked at Naruto's new form Sasuke slightly jumped when Itachi went over to him, picked him up and set him back down on a rock next to the fire. Feeling Kurai's chakra die down again, his vision went, leaving him in a world of darkness.
"You're in no position to fight, Sasuke" Itachi said sadly as he noticed the wounds all over his brother's body from being arrogant. Sasuke, for once, didn't say anything and just nodded slightly as he sat there. Feeling a touch on his arm, he flinch slightly before he calmed down when Kurai began to fuel chakra so he could see again.
"How are you alive, why does Naruto look like that, what happened to the Hyuuga girl-" Sasuke began to ask when he was silenced by a hand placed on his head by Itachi before he joined the others. Looking at them, they nodded as they all gathered in front of Sasuke as Kurai made a clone and joined them as he began to speak again.
"Calm down, Sasuke I'll explain everything to you now" Itachi stated right as somebody stomach started growling.
"…right after I get some food" Itachi said as the others started laughing and retrieving his backpack from the corner. Itachi picked it up, placed it on the rock where he opened it to see a large bag full of onigirl and dango, a container filled with hot green tea, a round fruit like a berry and a note. Looking at Sasuke he took out the bag, container, fruit, and note and handed the bag to Kurai, the container to Naruto, the fruit to Hinata while he read the note.
"First give Sasuke the berry to eat along with an onigirl and cup of tea. By the time you finish telling him everything his wounds should heal and his eyesight restored. You will also find some clothes in their later if he decides to make the right choice and will help you in reaching your goal. Y.H."
Itachi watched as Hinata handed the berry to Sasuke who just held it in his hand.
"What kind of fruit is this?" Sasuke asked, glaring at the little ball in his hand, not taking the chance at eating something he didn't know what it was. Itachi chuckled at how Sasuke reacted very much in the same manner he did when he first had to take the medicine.
"Eat it now before I shove it up-" Kurai started saying, still irritated, before she was cut off by Itachi's hand placed over her mouth. With Naruto and Hinata chuckling, Sasuke quickly placed the berry in his mouth for he was sure Kurai was good at keeping her unfinished threat. Chewing the unusual berry that tasted strangely like tomatoes, he swallowed it then ate the onigirl and drank the tea he was handed. As everybody else started eating, they had shed their henge and showed Sasuke their animal traits, surprising Sasuke when he saw his brother had them too. Shocked, Sasuke remained quiet as the group each told their part of the story on what had happened over the past two weeks or so. As they finished with them finding and bringing him back, Sasuke's eyes began to tingle as he saw the white of the bandage covering his face. Taking it off quickly, he realized that he could activate his sharingan and did just that looking at Naruto.
"I'm checking to see if you were using some sort of genjutsu or had something planted in you" he said quickly as he noticed Hinata tensed up. Naruto began to fuel the Kyuubi chakra so Sasuke could see the truth. Surprised, he realized they were telling the truth and deactivated his sharingan as Naruto reverted back to his hanyo form.
"So what are you going to do now, Sasuke? Are you going to try and continue to destroy Konoha?" Naruto asked as he and Hinata blocked the exit just in case he decided revenge was greater. Sasuke looked up at the four serious faces and did something he hadn't done since his childhood. He smiled and shook his head no.
"No, I'm done trying to get revenge as it seems there is nothing for me to revenge anymore" he said looking at his brother's smile. Just then Naruto's stomach growled loudly as he complained saying he was still hungry while Sasuke just laughed saying that Naruto was still the same.
"You can go ahead and go get some food Naruto-kun, we'll stay here" Hinata said ignoring her growling stomach while Naruto frowned clearly hearing as everybody stomach growled in the quiet cave.
"I trust Sasuke to keep his word so he can come too" he said surprising Sasuke who thought for sure Naruto would do just that. He was even more surprised for the reason they was staying in the cave with him.
"Oh we're not staying because we don't believe he will keep his word, we're staying because if he goes out the ANBU will be on him faster than 'Busty' is on sake."
"Busty?" Sasuke asked looking at Kurai with a confused look on his face. Hearing Itachi sigh he turned his head in time to see his brother shaking his head as he said that Kurai-kun liked to give people nicknames.
"Yea, and unlike Sai I purposely give them the nickname I choose to get a reaction out of them. Speaking of Sai, here you go Hinata" Kurai said pulling out a couple of scrolls with a knowing grin on her face. Hinata, who eyes grew wide, quickly took the scrolls, put them in her bag, and thanked Kurai, all with a big blush on her cheeks. Staring at the two kunoichi, they shrugged as they were used to it and thought about ways to let Sasuke come along without being seen.
"He could use a henge" Naruto suggested but Itachi shook his head.
"They would still be able to sense him and it would be bad if we passed Kakashi or somebody who could easily recognize him."
As the group pondered, Itachi looked down and realized he still had the note in his hand.
"Hey what about the clothes the note said would be in the bag?" Hinata reminded everybody as Itachi went to burn the note on the fire. Remembering that, Itachi opened his backpack where they were a new set of clothing already there waiting as Sasuke look in surprise, knowing that they weren't there earlier. Itachi then handed the clothes to Sasuke and told him to put them on saying that they would help hide his chakra.
"I have a pair of clothes like these too, they effectively hide your chakra signature as long as you use a little at a time as not to give yourself away."
Naruto then opened his bag and pulled out Sasuke's old hitai-ate with the line scratched on it still. Concentrating, Naruto fueled his chakra through the protector, causing it to glow, which everybody watched as the line scratched into it slowly disappeared until the hitai-ate was as good as new. Asking the girls to wait outside, which they did heading for the cave door, Naruto and Itachi then asked Sasuke all that had happen since he left with Orochimaru. As the boys were changing, Hinata was talking with Kurai, who seemed to be depressed about something as both used their byakugan to watch out for danger.
"Is everything alright, Kurai?" Hinata asked looking at her counter-part who just remained quiet. "I never seen you get that worked-up over Itachi like that. I mean when the fireball was heading towards him I heard and felt deep pain in your voice and heart. Please tell me what's going on?" Hinata asked softly as tears began to fall from Kurai's eyes. Sniffing she told Hinata what was wrong with her.
"I…have feelings for Itachi-kun" Kurai started out as she looked at Hinata who nodded saying she guessed.
"So why don't you tell him then" Hinata asked but frowned when she saw Kurai shake her head.
"It's not that I don't want to its just I can't. No I'm not scared to tell him it's just…I had this dream and…" Kurai then told Hinata about a dream she had saying her time was running out. "I have about a month left before I will disappear back into you. As much as I want to tell him my feelings I can't because…I won't be here much longer to do anything with them" Kurai said crying into Hinata's shoulder as she said she felt her pain.
"We will find a way, Kurai. We will find a way."
Kurai looked at Hinata and smiled saying, "Thank you for listening to me and my troubles." Nodding, the girls went back to searching as Hinata thought of a way to cheer Kurai up. Kurai looking around heard Hinata gasp and her face grow red.
"What, what is it?" Kurai asked until she noticed Hinata's line of sight and begin to laugh as they mentally talked to each other. Finish changing the boys exited the cave to see both kunoichi giggling up a storm as they exchanged looks. An eyebrow raised, the boys watch as the girls smiled saying don't bother to ask because they won't tell them. Sighing, Sasuke asked where they were going to eat, knowing that Naruto would suggest ramen. He surprised everybody went he suggested BBQ saying that he didn't want the others seeing them just yet. Agreeing the group headed to Yakiniku Q where everybody ordered the all-you-can-BBQ and surprised a lot of people around as they ate a lot of BBQ, almost as much as Chouji.
"Animal traits" Naruto said between bites as Sasuke noticed how much BBQ they were eating. As the group laughed and joked around, Sasuke remained quiet as he slowly ate his food, feeling out of place and awkward. The four hanyou, sensing Sasuke's turmoil at being "left out" and decided to try and make Sasuke feel more comfortable. As they finished eating their food the group got up and left the place for snacks.
"Let's head to the dango shop" Hinata suggested knowing that they all had a sweet tooth.
"I don't really like sweets" Sasuke said but with much pleading from the group he finally caved in thinking it funny that his brother was along the ones begging too. The group entered the dango shop, first making sure Anko or Kurenai wasn't there, and ordered a lot of sweets as Sasuke sighed and went to sit down. Watching him leave, Hinata whispered to the cooks and handed them a piece of paper with a recipe on it. Nodding they went to make their order as the group joined Sasuke and began to drink their tea.
"You don't know what you've been missing, 'Katana'. Hinata getting stronger, Hinata owning Kisame in the cave, scaring the other teams with our ghostly tricks, Itachi controlling a thousand naked Tsunade-"
Sasuke choked on his tea after he heard Kurai mention that last one while Itachi sighed and asked Kurai why she had to mention that in which she answered that it was funny and that Sasuke looked like he needed a good laugh right now.
"What?" Sasuke asked looking at his brother who had small smile on his face before he nodded. The group then explained all the pranks and stunts they did over the past few weeks as the waitress came over and handed them their food. Staring as a plate full of dangos was placed in front of him, different the usual three colored dumplings the rest of the group got, he picked one up and took a bite. His face held a look of surprise as he continued eating them saying they were good.
"I asked to cook to make those special for you, they're not as sweet as regular dumplings and they're tomato-flavored since I know they're your favorite food."
Surprised at the kind gesture, he thanked her and joined in the group with tales of some of Naruto's pranks when he was younger, clearly enjoying himself. Sasuke didn't realize how much he missed the friendly atmosphere as the group finished their snack and got up to leave for a little clothes shopping. The group of 5 all decided to get new outfits as they joked around some more saying that some clothing they wouldn't need which then they filled Sasuke in on the second fight for heiress.
"Hey, what was the money and list about after you came back in?" Itachi asked forgetting to when he returned to the house. Noticing how Kurai was smirking, Hinata blushing, and Naruto laughing saying he should take tips from Kurai he changed his mind and said he didn't want to know. As the group left the clothing store, they picked up a familiar angry aura when the group heard someone chuckle evilly. Turning to Hinata, they noticed the evil smile she tried to hide but failed at as they noticed the angry pink-haired kunoichi heading towards them.
"I want details later" is all Kurai said as she grabbed Sasuke and teleport away with him along with Itachi just as Sakura came into view.
"Hey Sakura-chan, what's wrong?" Naruto asked as he could practically see the steam coming out of her ears as she said angrily, "someone is going to pay."
"I took a nap by a tree to and when I wake up, I sleeping next to Lee of all people. He then started talking about the power of youth and some strange reason I couldn't use my chakra so I told him I didn't care and that I wasn't dating him. Then he told me that I did, that's why I sent him a letter saying to meet him by the tree and that if he could find me within 20 minutes of getting the letter that I would go out with him for a month. A MONTH! When I find out who did this they will pay!" Sakura held up a now glowing glove as she imagined the person she would beat to a pulp.
"Who do you think it was Sakura?" Hinata asked casually nobody but Naruto hearing the laughter in her voice. Looking at Hinata, she suddenly looked down and started muttering saying she didn't have any leads yet so she didn't know. Looking up, she remembered something and looked at Naruto and Hinata then informed them that Tsunade had wanted to talk to them. Nodding, the duo followed the pink-haired kunoichi to the Hokage's office while Naruto was having a nice little chat with Hinata who had a small smirk on her face. As they entered the office, the first thing they noticed was the large amount of food on her desk which Naruto had to say something about.
"Wow, baa-chan, if you keep eating that much food, you could put Chouji family to shame."
Hinata started laughing at Naruto's loud outburst. Tsunade glared at the loud blonde as Sakura tried and punch him with a loud, "Naruto, you idiot." However, neither Tsunade nor Sakura was expecting Naruto to dodge the blow, grab Sakura's arm and bring her arm around her back as to stop her from trying to hit him again.
"Naruto-kun let go of Sakura's arm please" Hinata asked softly, trying to hide the laugh at Sakura's surprised look on her face. Doing so, he suddenly disappeared only to reappear next to Hinata without so much as a hand sign.
"Sakura please leave" Tsunade said a smile heard in her voice as Sakura stared at Naruto.
'When did he go so much stronger and faster too?' Sakura thought as she left the room to tell the other kunoichi what she just witnessed. As Naruto and Hinata looked at Tsunade, the two lovebirds were thinking the same thing, 'something is different about her'.Mentally shrugging it off and saying it might have something to do with the coma they looked at her when she asked where Kurai was at.
"She's at home" is there only answer as Tsunade nod before continuing.
"I have another special mission for you three that involves you to travel into territory outside of the fire nation where…you will find the answer to your problem."
Seeing that they understood she explained where their mission was taking place.
"You are to go to the hidden rain village Amegakure and find research on the condition between Kurai and Hinata."
Both of them had looks of surprise as they couldn't believe their luck.
"I will let you gather the team but I'd advise you choose only those you can trust. Also you will have to go secretly because I don't want the others thinking I'm picking favorites. I want you to leave as soon as possible so quickly pack your bags and head off" Tsunade said as she went back to eating.
"Tsunade-sama, can I ask who our instructor will be?" Hinata asked as she knew that they would have to have to ditch their instructor sooner or later to do what they had to do. That's when Tsunade seemed to freeze as if etched in ice before she blinked and said that she couldn't spare instructors.
"I will trust you to be safe and make the right decisions and choose wisely on who you want to take."
Naruto was staring at Tsunade for she wasn't acting like herself.
"Okay, thanks baa-chan" Naruto called out loudly as he quickly teleported to avoid a stapler that was thrown at him.
"I don't see how she can take that brat" Tsunade said as she looked through the drawers and found a bottle of sake.
"…oh now I see."
As the group teleported home, they told them of their good fortune at finding a mission to the rain village.
"Okay, there no way we happen to luck up on two impossible missions to places that we need to go at exactly the right time" Kurai said as the others agreed although they weren't going to question it now.
"Let's pack then" and the group quickly packed their things as Itachi disappeared only to reappear with a backpack for Sasuke, a design of hawks on it. As soon as everybody was ready, they quickly headed for the Konoha gates where they noticed Neji who seemed to be deep in thought.
"Hey Hoot" Kurai called out the distracted Hyuuga as everybody looked at her.
"Hoot?" they asked and Kurai explained saying that it would be rather difficult to make the connection.
"Hoot is the sound an owl make which can almost turn its head 360 degrees and are known for their good eyesight and quiet flying when bringing down prey which reminds me of Neji."
The group nodded, strangely seeing the connection as Neji seemed to be staring at them.
"Where are you all going?" he asked as he noticed their backpacks full of stuff.
"Off to the rain village, but don't tell the others because it's a secret mission" Naruto said, getting a nod from Neji who seemed to be staring at Hinata.
"Neji nii-san" Hinata called out snapping him out of his thoughts as he focused on Hinata's face.
"Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind that's all. I'll tell ojisan where you're headed Hinata-sama." Neji said as he watched them move towards the gate.
"Thank you and Neji…call me Hinata neechan because there is no need for formalities from family."
Neji blinked and nodded saying he would as Kurai went over and whispered something in his ear which made him blush as he thanked her for the "gift". As they left through the gate, Hinata asked what kind of gift she got Neji and she responded with, "the same gift I got you" earning a blush from Hinata who didn't stay nothing else. Back at the gates, Neji waited till they were out of range of eyesight before activating his byakugan and noticed a lot of things about the group.
'She is…more confident than she was before. Who knew…of the great power she held inside and the power she still haven't tapped into yet. I believe she will be ready soon' Neji thought as he made his way back home to inform his uncle of Hinata's departure. In some trees around where the group, who reverted back to their hanyo form, except Sasuke, was headed, our (my) favorite pair was busy bickering to each other.
"Nice going, Maru you almost blew your cover, now they suspect something is up" JT said looking at the Kakashi look-alike as he glared at her with his one eye covered.
"They're going aren't they" Maru answered back as JT rolled her eyes.
"I could've done better." Scuffing, he narrowed his eye at JT before saying, "Like you did when you controlled Kakashi. At least I'm able to control a Kage unlike you…"
As the group traveled ahead on foot, they suddenly heard hissing and growling as two quick blurs ran passed them almost too fast to be seen before they disappeared into the forest once again. Ignoring the fighting animals, the group didn't notice when the shadow of a person was slowly following them all the way to their destination.
"Has anybody been to the rain village before?" Naruto asked as soon as they were out of hearing range, looking around at the group. Itachi nodded and said that he had with Kisame once before.
"It's about a four day walk from here by foot" Itachi said as they continued walking.
"Let's bring out our friends and fly our way there" Kurai suggested, wanting to do more summoning but Itachi shook his head.
"Although riding on the back of kitsune and bake-neko is faster we need to keep a low profile as we go into other nations."
Kurai pouted while the group tried to think of a way to get there faster without summoning foxes and cats.
"I can summon a hawk big enough to carry all of us." Sasuke said which everybody agreed would be a good idea. So with the usual hand seals and mutter of words, Sasuke summoned a large hawk that landed next to them so they climb aboard.
"Can I summon a small one just to ride along, please?" Kurai begged using the sad-puss-in-boots look on Itachi who tried to resist but failed. Sighing, he said as long as it didn't endanger the hawk while Kurai mewled in joy. Sasuke then watched as the four summoned four different animals and they climbed on board. Naruto summoned a frog, Hinata a one tailed fox, Kurai a two tailed cat, and Itachi his summoning raven.
"Gifts" they muttered as they all noticed Sasuke's curious face. Nodding, Sasuke jumped on as the hawk took off towards the rain village. After flying for about 10 minutes, Kyuubi asked Naruto to tell Sasuke to head in a different direction.
"Hey Sasuke, can we head to Suna in the wind country?" Naruto asked as Kyuubi thanked him for asking.
"That's out of our way Naruto besides what's in Suna that's important?" Naruto then told Sasuke about Gaara becoming Kazekage and a promise he made. "We just want to go visit an old friend and pay our respects, that's all" Naruto said not adding who their "old friend" was. With a confused look he quickly hid, Sasuke nodded okay and asked the hawk to fly to Suna where it squawked in answer and changed direction. The trip was fun as they all started grooming their ears and tails while Sasuke either watched, joined in by brushing their tails, or look at their summonings who were enjoying the ride. Night had fallen when they finally flew over the desert and Itachi's raven, which was called "Kara-chan" by the group, flew beside them enjoying the night air. As the group saw Suna come into view, Kurai looked down and noticed something that made her cry out.
"Hey, let's land I see Tema, Kanky, and Bandit, HEY BANDIT!" Kurai yelled out causing the group to laugh as Sasuke looked at her weirdly before landing the hawk. As the hawk landed, the group jumped down and ran to the awaiting Sand Siblings who greeted the happy group, Kankuro a frown on his face while Temari laughed. As they asked how they were, the Sand Siblings noticed Sasuke walking towards them and was about to attack when the group quickly explained what happened. Nodding, the Sand siblings watch as Sasuke, who looked uncomfortable, joined the group as they went towards the oasis with the fox skull. Looking at the skull, the group bowed and paid their respects as Naruto and Hinata felt tears in their eyes. Knowing what to do, they summoned up some fox fire, much to the surprise of Sasuke, and threw it on the ground letting it burn for a bit before stomping it out. As the tears rolled off their cheeks and hit the soil, Sasuke watched in amazement as the tears suddenly bloom into 9 lotus flowers, 3 blue and 6 yellow. As the group picked up the flowers, Naruto and Hinata walked over to the edge of the oasis and let their tears fall into the water creating 9 pearl stones. Sasuke went and picked up the 9 stones and marveled at its liquid like center. As the group got together, they handed out the flowers and pearls to everybody. They gave the blue flowers and 3 stones to Hinata, Kurai, and Temari who went to the oasis to wait while the boys got the yellow flowers and stones, Naruto received 2 of them for himself and Kyuubi as they joined the girls. As Sasuke watches the group place the stones on top of the flower and place it in the water, he suddenly got an idea and went over to Itachi's backpack. Opening it up, he pulled out the bag of onigirl where 9 of them were left and placed one onto the flower.
The others who were surprised that Sasuke out of the blue did that thought it was a good idea and followed suit. As they placed the offerings on the water again, Temari used her new fan, which took less chakra, to create a gentle breeze to send the offering toward the skull with the group watching, a knowing smile on their face except Sasuke who looked curious. As the offerings reach the fox skull, it suddenly glowed and lifted off its place on the rock as Sasuke reached for his katana but noticed that nobody else didn't so much as twitch.
'Has this happened before and was this what Naruto meant by seeing an old friend?' Sasuke thought as he watch the rock split to show an opening as the skull floated back down onto its spot on the left. The group watched as the flowers seemed to float in the air and enter the split where they disappeared into the darkness. As soon as the flowers disappeared a gentle voice called out from the dark cave.
"Enter my friends" the voice said as the group smiled and began to walk on the water of the oasis to the cave with a slowly following Sasuke who wasn't sure if he was supposed to go or not. As soon as they entered the cave, they all stopped for somebody was waiting just inside in the darkness. The group realizing why he was there, split to show Sasuke who stayed in the back, unsure if he was supposed to move or not.
"Come forth, Sasuke" the voice said as Sasuke looked at Itachi, who nodded, stepped forward and waited to see what the voice had to say. "You're in conflict with yourself because you don't know who you truly are" the voice said serious making Sasuke flinch slightly. "You've been living in your brother's shadow, trying to prove to your father your worth." Sasuke head tilted in shame, but he looked up again when the voice continued. "But don't blame your brother for he could see the true power you have. All you have to do is tap into the power and make the right decisions. It's time you rise out of your brother's shadow and instead of walking behind him…walk beside him."
The group was in shock at how powerful Inari's words were as Sasuke actually started crying, tears of a little kid who has been hurt, as he nodded and said he would. "You are you and no one should take that away from you. Arise above your father's expectations by being you." Sasuke never felt better in his whole entire life as if a burden had been lifted off of him as he thanked the voice and went over to his brother standing at his side. The silhouette nodded and withdrew further into the cave. The group then followed Inari to the back of the cave where they saw the silhouettes of two more beings who they knew. Before Sasuke could ask who they were, a golden flame was produced right in front of the middle fox which used his tail to throw it on the fire, illuminating the whole cave area. That's when Sasuke saw Inari, Yokaze, and Li standing there and smiling down at him.
"Hey Naruto what's with the foxes on the stands up there?" Naruto's summoning frog said, making everybody jump for they forgot that the summonings were still there. As with the first time the group entered, they made introductions where Sasuke stood fascinated that the fox deity was standing before him.
"Thanks for the onigirl" Yokaze said as she ate the second onigirl that was in front of her while Li was wiping rice off his mouth with his tail.
"Now Sasuke, Itachi could you please come forth?" Inari asked as Sasuke and Itachi nodded and moved in front of Inari. Using two of his tails, he placed them on their forehead protectors and began to fuel chakra. As they started glowing, Sasuke felt a weird sensation take over him that lasted for a few seconds when they stopped glowing.
"There I have fixed your eyes so know you have the ability to activate your sharingan in your hanyo form. You're eyesight has improved greatly and your sharingan is now more powerful. Also…" Inari stopped talking and looked at the brothers, or more specifically Sasuke. "Kurai fueled him with chakra too" Inari stated more than asked as the boys nodded. "That explains…well no harm, no foul. It seems that Kurai's chakra has affected your inner animal which has changed but that is to be expected under the circumstances."
The Uchiha boys looked at each other when Sasuke looked at everybody else as Itachi continued to look at his brother. Sasuke then noticed Gaara and stated in surprise, "You have them too" as he turned his attention to Temari and Kankuro who didn't.
"So do you" everybody in the cave replied making Sasuke feel the top of his head where he felt a pair of furry ears prodding from his hair. He then turned and noticed the dark blue tail behind him as he looked at Inari.
"Truthfully, your inner animals were that of weasel and a hawk but due to Kurai having a special connection with the both of you, your animal forms have changed to match those of your mate."
Sasuke nodded, although still confused as Itachi turned to look at Kurai who was blushing slightly and avoiding his eye contact. As Sasuke and Itachi rejoined them, Naruto made a joke about them being an animal clan. The group chuckled at the lame joke as Yokaze smiled and said, "not yet because you're still short one member."
"HUH" they cried as they looked at Yokaze, Li, and then Inari who started glowing and looking behind them.
"Come forth, for I know you're there, you're welcome into my home."
A silhouette was seen before a person they all knew made his way towards them.
Me: Anybody want to make any guesses on who the mysterious person is?
Naruto: Not really, but I have a question based on some chapters back …
Me: ok, what is it *getting bad feeling*
Naruto: shadow clone jutsu (blocks me in with clones)
Me: Eek *tries to escape but can't*
Naruto: who are the mysterious people that were in our house?
Me: I can't tell you yet…
Naruto: tell me or I will sic Gai and Lee on you about the power of youth!
Me: NOOOOOOOO *passes out from thought*
Naruto: …uh oh (clones disappear, then disappear)
"Sai, what are you doing here?" Naruto yelled out as Sai walked into the room, his face expressionless as he turned towards Naruto.
"I was tailing you because you have been acting weird since you came back from iron country."
That's when Sai turned to look at Sasuke.
"I know that this is Sasuke and I'm guessing the person he standing next to is Itachi who is still an S-ranked criminal."
Kurai hissed like a cat as she stood in front of the Uchiha brothers and said, "You're going to have to get to them through me first" as she went into a fighting stance.
"There's no need for that" Li said, used to breaking up clan fights.
"That's right he isn't going turn anybody in or tell, right Sai?" Yokaze asked looking at Sai who nodded, surprising the group in the cave. Sai then face showed a mask of sadness as he looked at Naruto.
"All my life, I was taught to get rid of my emotions and learn not how to feel. When I see you with your friends, I wished I had the same bonds you had with them, but every time I try I seem to make things worse."
"Maybe because books aren't a good source on understanding emotion" Naruto muttered before he was hushed by Hinata as Sai seemed to be even more upset.
"If not telling helps earn a strong bond like you have, then I will carry your secret to my grave" Sai said with seriousness in his voice.
The group went silent after Sai's outburst about keeping their secret. Suddenly they all smiled as Hinata went over to Sai, grabbed his hand, and tugged him back to where they were standing.
"Welcome to the group, Sai" she said as he stood in shock at what she had just done and said. Sai then gave a real genuine smile as he thanked her and stood next to them as they looked at Inari who was also smiling.
"Now that the all the members are accounted for, you need a name for your group" Li spoke up just as group started muttering about what would be a good name.
"How about we call ourselves 'Fox Trot'?" Naruto suggested but Sasuke interrupted by saying it was stupid.
"I'll have to agree with him, Naruto" the little frog said as Naruto gave him a glare, which made him disappear along with the rest of the summonings except Itachi's raven, before he looked back at Sasuke. "Well then you come up with something better, teme" and they then continued arguing as Itachi watched secretly laughing at how opposite those two were.
"I know how about 'Were Pair'?" Kankuro said right before he was smacked in the head with Temari's fan. Hinata silently giggled as she saw Kankuro rubbed his head where Temari had hit him.
"Kankuro that's worse than 'Fox Trot'…way worse" Temari said as she started arguing with her brother as Gaara and Sai remained quiet watching the two pair fight. Thankfully, the group was saved by Hinata who came up with the best name for them.
"Is the 'Silver Fox Clan' okay?" Hinata asked as the group quiet down and looked at here than at each other.
"That's brilliant" they said in sync as Hinata blushed at being the center of attention. Inari, nodding in agreement, turned to Li and asked him to bring his scrolls from the back. Li nodded, got up from his position and went to the back of the cave where Inari's things were kept.
"Kankuro, Temari, and Sai could you come forth please" Inari asked and the three summoned went ahead to stand in front of the fox. Using three of his tails, he sent his power throughout the trio, thus awakening their inner animal like the others. Temari and Sai were in the form of wolves while Kankuro was a leopard who had small spots on his ears and tail.
"Well now you can't say you're a cat, Kankuro" Temari teased as Kankuro frowned making everybody laugh for they knew Kankuro was teased about having cat-like ears on his hood. Just then, Li came back with several scrolls in his tail that he placed in front of Inari. Motioning for everybody to come forth, he then handed everybody except Itachi a new scroll.
"These are personal summoning scrolls for all of you. Itachi you already have yours, the raven that is on your shoulder. These summoning animal can and only will be summoned by you so enjoy them for they can be very useful. They have the ability to grow or shrink depending on the situation, each has their own special ability like Itachi's raven can cast genjutsu by shedding feathers, and they also can henge to be used as a personal servant…like Li."
Li just held a scowl on his face as the group laughed knowing that Inari was only joking.
"Yoha-oh thank you" Inari said as he was about to call his daughter but she was already at his side with more gifts. "For Sasuke I give you a new katana, now you're able to send fire through your katana and will learn a new steel jutsu that strengthens the blade as to make your attacks more powerful. For Sai I give you a new ink set, now this one is different and more advanced and opens up a lot of choices and attacks you can use."
Sai opened up the ink set and found six different sets of ink: black, red, blue, green, brown, and yellow.
"The black ink is your standard ink and can be used for your usual jutsus and such. Now the colored inks are different since I sense you don't know how to combine your element with your art, so I helped you with that. Each ink consists of a different element: red is fire, blue is water, green is wind, brown is earth, and yellow is lightning."
Sai closed the ink set and bow to Inari, saying thanking you, as he went back to the group smiling slightly. He motioned to Itachi, who walked over to him, and whispered something in his ear that made Itachi smile and nod. Making some quick hand signs, he summoned a bake-neko that also carried the summoning scroll with him and asked Sasuke to come here. Sasuke, looking at the scroll, went forward and asked him what kind of contract it was.
"It's a summoning contract for bake-neko, the two tailed monster cat and Inari gave me the contract to hold."
Sasuke looked at the contract and then at his brother.
"You want me to sign? But don't I have to prove myself or something?" Sasuke asked, but his brother shook his head no.
"No because you already proved yourself by being here with us instead of going back to Madara."
Smiling, Sasuke signed the bake-neko contract which then disappeared along with Itachi's cat summoning. Watching them go back to their positions, Inari nodded to Yohaze and Li before saying, "Kyuubi, come forth" where Kyuubi stood in front of him in human form. Kyuubi and Inari soon left for the back to have a talk when Yohaze and Li told them to summon their animal partners as they prepared the food.
"Food? Is there something special happening or what?" Naruto asked but the foxes had already left out the cave entrance. Shrugging, everybody then summoned either their personal animal and/or one from a previous summoning.
"Hey everybody" the group's summoning said as they looked around the room, taking in the group.
"Gamakichi, you grew" Naruto exclaimed, noticing the toad that was taller than him. "And what's your name?" Naruto asked looking at the orange one tailed fox he just summoned.
"My name is Yipsu, please to meet you" the little orange fox said looking up at Naruto. They got familiar with their summoning as Naruto had summoned Gamakichi the frog and his personal summoning Yipsu the one tailed fox while Hinata had summoned her personal summoning Konona who was also a one tailed fox. Itachi and Kurai had summoned the 2 two tailed bake-neko from before who were named Nekata and Matan while Itachi petted his summoning raven, Kara, who was currently resting on his shoulder. Temari had summoned her weasel "Sickle" nicknamed by Kurai along with her new personal summoning Ookao the wolf. Kankuro's summoned his snow leopard Yuki while Gaara's tanuki, Coon, whose name was so cute that Kurai didn't want to give it a nickname. Last was Sasuke's hawk, Tiki, which was still outside, his bakeneko, Keka, and Sai's wolf Ookio that looked around before joining the other summonings. After they finished summoning, the group followed Yohaze and Li outside to find the oasis come alive with decorations, food, drinks, and games.
"Wow, what's the occasion?" Temari asked as the Silver Fox Clan (SFC) and their summonings looked around at the nine paper lanterns each with a fox with one more tailed than the last, going from one tail to nine tails.
"It's the night of vulpine moon" Li responds looking at the group with his silver eyes gleaming.
"What is a vulpine moon?" Hinata asked curiously looking up at the bright full moon in the sky.
"It's when the moon changes from yellow to red followed by black before finally turning a whitish silver that it said to be the foxes that have perished watching over us."
Hinata could feel tears as she imagined such a beautiful sight as the vulpine moon.
"The vulpine moon shines once every 100 years and is also considered the night a kitsune receives a new tail" Li added as Yipsu and Konona yipped in agreement and excitement. "It is said that the four colors of the moon represents the four strengths of kitsune in the world. The yellow moon represents foxes which have 1 to 8 tails and is seen as good luck by them to earn a new tail. The red moon represents when an 8 tailed fox finally receives its ninth tail and its fur changes to red. The last two colors are the most symbolic for they represent the two most powerful foxes in existence. The black fox, also known as the vixen of darkness was as powerful and equal in strength as the white fox, or the vulpine of light."
"Was, what happened?" Kankuro asked as everybody was caught up in the story.
"She departed from this world when she was hunted and killed 12 years ago, but I know she is looking down on us at this very moment" Yohaze said with a sad voice, something odd in her tone as if she was holding something back. Li nodded and continued with his explanation of the phases of the vulpine moon.
"The white fox and the black fox were seen as deities to the other foxes for their amazing power and wisdom. The two foxes then chose some followers, called silver foxes, and were known to settle disputes between different fox clans and keep peace in the fox community. Now there is only Inari left for his wife died in which she passed the power on to her 1st born who was a black fox but she also suffered the same fate…"
The group looked up at the sky while something was bugging Naruto and Hinata's mind. What was with the odd tone in Yohaze's voice and why did it seem like Li left something out at the end of that sentence.
'Hey, Hinata-chan, how are we supposed to bring back the body of a black fox if she died?' Naruto asked mentally remembering vaguely the riddle they found.
'I don't know Naruto-kun, maybe we have to bring her body back to Inari for rest' Hearing light splashing behind them, the group turned around to see Inari and Kyuubi, both with a soft smile on their faces, join them outside at the banquet.
"It seems we're just in time" Kyuubi says, looking up at the night sky as the moon started changing colors.
"It's so beautiful" Temari said earning a slight nod from everybody as they watched the moon go through its four color phase change.
As the moon turned yellow, the silver fox clan were shocked when they also glowed the same color and heard animal cries from down by their feet. Looking down they watched, astonished, as Yipsu and Konona glow the same color as the moon before their one tail split in half. As they finished glowing, they turned their heads to look at their new tail before yipping happily in the night sky. After a minute, the moon started to darken to a deep red that was viewed as both haunting and gorgeous, like a blood moon. The glow around them, changing from yellow to red with the moon, felt like it was seeping into their skin as they felt a magnificent power overcome them as all their senses were heightened. The summonings stared up at the silver fox clan as their forms changed to that of their hanyo, animalistic sounds coming out of their throats. As the moon started to change, the group looked around as they felt the power fade with the changing color. Everybody then noticed that Naruto, Hinata, Itachi, and Kurai seemed to glow brighter than the rest as the moon went into its third phase. Feeling the power surge again, the group turned their attention to the sky where the moon turned black as the night, where only the outline was barely able to be seen. Hearing somebody gasp the sand siblings, Sasuke, Sai, and the summonings looked at Kurai and Itachi and gasped as well. They were surrounded by black ghost fire that soon engulfed them but instead of burning them, it was absorbed within them. They then watched as Itachi's and Kurai's tails grew thicker before splitting down the middle into two long tails.
"What is going on?" Sasuke muttered out loud as he noticed his brother's new cat tail curling then uncurling behind his back.
"It seems something is happening to Naruto and Hinata as well" Gaara stated, his attention on the two in question, as the others looked. Both were consumed by the dark beam of the moonlight and seemed to be fixated as their gaze never left the moon which was on its final phase. As the moon lightened up so did the aura around Naruto but not Hinata as she continue to glow the strange black light as Naruto began to take on a glow as white as the moon itself. Naruto and Hinata gave out fox like cries as the group watched, mesmerized, as Naruto and Hinata's one tail split not into two but six long beautiful tails as the fur around their ears and tail turned a shade lighter or darker, Naruto's a pale yellow, while Hinata turn a dark indigo. As everybody stared up at the silver moon they drew a breath and called out to the night, making animal sounds that could be heard all the way in Suna. As the moon finally turned back to its off-white color, the group noticed the changes about themselves as they went to the banquet table.
"Inari, why did we change into this and shouldn't we have two tails instead of six?" Hinata asked as she stared at the six tails that know sprouted from her tail bone before looking up at the white fox.
"You changed because you are no longer human but hanyou kitsune or half-demons of the vulpine. Besides, you're powers are so great that they couldn't be held in the body of a two tails so you change into that of six tails where your powers can safely be placed" Kyuubi explained, something that sounded a lot like pride in his voice as he looked at Naruto who had Gamakichi, Konona and Yipsu messing with his tails.
"Now that the moon has went through its phases let's enjoy the festival." Yohaze said happily as everybody went over to the table and started eating.
"What we really need is some music which would be perfect right now" Kurai said as she placed a piece of chicken on a plate before placing it in front of Nekata before going over to Itachi.
"Yes, music would be good right now" Inari said as his nine tails glowed and in the corner several silver foxes with instruments appeared and started to play a song. The group started dancing as the song seemed to fit the mood.
"What's the name of the song?" Kankuro asked as he went to grab some more food. "It's called 'Into the Night' by Carlos Santana feat. Chad Kroeger" Inari said as the silver foxes started to sing:
Like a gift from the heavens, it was easy to tell
It was love from above that could save me from hell…
Sasuke watched as his brother danced with Kurai and felt a pain at how happy he was with the group. He then thought about what would have happened if Naruto haven't keep his promise and came after him no matter what or if his brother hadn't been brought back.
She had fire in her soul it was easy to see
How the devil himself could be pulled out of me…
"I guess you don't realize what you had until it's taken away from you" Sasuke muttered as he went over to his brother to ask for a chance to dance with Kurai.
There were drums in the air as she started to dance
Every soul in the room keeping time with their hands
And we sang
Ay, oh, ay, oh, ay, oh, ay
And the voices bang like the angels sing
We're singing, ay, oh, ay, oh, ay, oh, ay
And we danced on into the night
Ay, oh, ay, ay, oh, ay, oh
And we danced on into the night
Like a piece to the puzzle that falls into place
You could tell how we felt from the look on our faces…
Naruto watched as Hinata danced with Sai and then Gaara, laughing in joy as she danced to the beat of the rhythm.
We were spinning in circles with the moon in our eyes
The room left them moving between you and I…
"I was really stupid for not realizing how special she was" Naruto said to himself as he looked at Kurai dancing with Itachi and Sasuke while Kyuubi was with Temari with Li and Yohaze laughing and smiling as they all danced their hearts out.
We forgot where we were and we lost track of time
And we sang to the wind as we danced through the night
"I'm glad it all turned out right in the end" Naruto said as he saw Hinata turn towards him, her eyes shining in the moon-filled night as his heart swelled with love. Enjoying the happiness in the atmosphere, he quickly ran back to Hinata to enjoy the rest of the song with her.
And we sang
Ay, oh, ay, oh, ay, oh, ay
And the voices bang like the angels sing
We're singing ay, oh, ay, oh, ay, oh, ay
And we danced on into the night
And that is just what they did. SFC, their summonings, and the foxes danced until the food was gone, the drinks were drunk, and they could barely stand from being so sleepy.
"Come, it's late and everybody have a big day tomorrow" Inari said as the band helped clean up the decorations before disappearing. The group filed into the cave where they slept on Inari's tails like last time, Kyuubi and Li too tired to complain. They quickly fall asleep, dreams of the festival playing through their heads as the faint sound of fox cries around the world wafted through the cave entrance for every fox's new tail. The next morning the group woke up a little before 9, amazingly well-rested after the festival last night. After much yawning, stretching, and apologizes from stepping on people's tails the SFC picked up their belongings to go back to the journey on hand. The foxes joined them outside as the sun started beaming down on them, making the group put on their shades to block the glare.
"Kyuubi, do you mind carrying Naruto and Hinata?" Inari asked as the Sand siblings gently got on his back. Nodding, Kyuubi then flashed a bright red before changing into a miniature nine tail fox about a twentieth of his regular height. Then Itachi and Kurai got on Li's back while Sasuke and Sai got on Yohaze's before they took off into the morning light. This time the foxes didn't slowed down and made it back to Suna within 5 minutes where they landed on the balcony of Gaara's office again. Getting off the foxes, they thanked them for the ride and letting them enjoy the festival as the foxes bowed their heads in thanks. As they turned to leave, Hinata remembered something she had wanted to ask them.
"Wait, Inari, whose fox skull is that above your home?" All three turned to look at Hinata with a sad smile on their faces, but a weird twinkle in their eyes.
"That skull…belongs to my first daughter. Fox skulls are very powerful and need to be protected." Near tears, Hinata asked them what her name was as the group listened closely. "Her name was…Himitsu. She was the Den Lord of Yagiri and she was a funny child. She didn't really like to be pampered as she always wanted to show others that she was strong despite her looks."
Thanking Inari for the information, they wished them good luck and sped off back to their homes as the group said their farewells to the sand siblings.
"Take care, Tama, Bandit, and Kuro" Kurai said mischievously as the group laughed at her new nicknames for Temari and Kankuro. With Sasuke summoning a hawk, the group took to the air as Baki entered the office like last time. As the group headed for the rain village, Naruto noticed that Hinata was deep in thought, her six tails twitching every now and then.
"What's on your mind, Hinata-chan?" Naruto asked sitting next to his girlfriend who looked at him with a smile.
"It's weird, but I believe I heard that name before. I think… my father mentioned that name several times."
The Kyuubi, back inside Naruto, remained quiet as he went back to sleep, waiting for the events to unfold that would change their lives forever.
"Thank you for letting me see her" Inari said to the person hiding in the corner of the den when they had returned.
"You're welcome, I mean it's only fair to have the only person to receive your daughter's blessings come visit right."
Agreeing, Inari and the rest piled together in front of the fire and lay back down before going to sleep.
'Soon, they will learn the truth as everything is finally falling into place' the person said before picking up her packages and disappearing.