Title: Rebirth
Author: Passionate Crow Rat
Rating: M
Pairings: Kagome/Itachi/Naruto/Sasuke
Warnings: A creepy Kyuubi and lots of plot development.
Summary: The Chuunin Exams have arrived. Sasuke and Naruto vowed to protect Kagome; but can they do so without succumbing to the dark temptation of power? With Itachi's return so close, can they possibly keep the clan murderer away? AU Naru/Inu X-over
Disclaimer: I still don't own either series....(Sniff)
Crow Rat's Note: Hey, guys! Hope you're doing well! Thank you for the reviews, I do appreciate them. As you can see there has been a summary change! YATTA!
This chapter contains a lot of plot development. I mean a whole lot, and I hope I don't confuse anybody. (Twitch) If anyone has any questions, just ask away. Although some things, I might not be able to answer- (grins) don't wanna spoil stuff!
Here goes nothing!
Onwards!
Chapter Ten: Inner Sphere Technique
Two Weeks Later
Higurashi's Residence- Noon
Uzumaki Naruto was annoyed.
Really annoyed.
What had the normally cheerful whiskered-faced blonde so irritated?
Well...
He was wearing a necklace.
Yes. A necklace. Bluish, tinted beads were loosely dangling around his neck and already he hated their very existence!
It was a bright sunny day, and while he could be eating out at Ichiraku or even sleeping in he was instead sitting on a grayish mat, in the living quarters of Higurashi Kaede's shrine.
He wasn't alone; the team, minus Sakura, was all crowded in the small room.
Sitting beside Naruto was Kagome.
She was watching with sympathy as he continued to tug, with obvious contempt at the rosary. The moment, he'd entered the shrine; her Obaa-san had placed the beads around his neck, and for some reason he took an instant disliking to them and threw a fit.
Actually, he was still tossing a fit, and she was starting to feel bad.
"These are girly! I don't wanna wear em'!" whined Naruto, his pitiful expression directed at Kaede- the older female sat across from him.
He was awfully close to throwing a full blown tantrum.
"Child, you're wearing them! I've told you seven times!" retorted an exasperated Kaede.
Naruto squinted, "I don't wanna' wear em'." he dryly repeated, still tugging at the beads. He made a failed attempt, to pull them over his head. Sadly, the necklace wouldn't budge; it was as if it were permanently bound to his person.
He gasped at such horrifying thought.
"AH! THEY WON'T COME OFF!" screeched Naruto, while rolling about the floor. "NO! GET THEM OFF OF MEEEE!!!"
Sasuke rolled his eyes, at the blonde's predictable (and moronic) behavior. Of course, this whole situation was really pressing on his already bothered demeanor.
"Dobe." he coolly began, from his spot on the floor. "Stop your whining; it's annoying."
Naruto quickly sat up, glaring a few well placed daggers at his rival. "Well, teme, how about I put these bulgy girly beads around your neck?!"
"I don't need them. I'm not the one with the problem." Sasuke was sure to emphasis the word 'problem'.
"Teme..."
"What idiot? You have a problem; if you knew how to take care of your own issues; we wouldn't be here, now would we?" Sasuke arrogantly replied.
"Ya' know, I'm gettin' real tired of your-"
Naruto was unable to finish what would have become a super long, crude rant thanks to Kakashi.
The Copy-nin idly leaned against the wall close to the front door, his nose stuck in his favorite little book. "You two, stop your bickering."
Naruto scowled. "Damn teme started it." he grumbled.
"Um, Naru-kun!" Kagome suddenly piped up, her voice sugary sweet.
He peered over at her. "Yeah?"
Planting a huge smile on her faces, she brightly chirped out: "I think they're really pretty, and you look pretty with them on!"
Naruto blinked. 'Okay.' So, she not only thought the necklace was pretty; but she thought he was too, when wearing them? Well, since Kagome was a girl, and she liked the so-called 'pretty' beads, then that made it official-
They were in fact, super girly and he couldn't get the damn things off his neck!
"AHH!"
Kagome cringed at the over dramatic outburst. Her words were supposed to make him happy. Not make him scream!
"Hey! Granny!" he whined. "How come I gotta wear these!?"
Sighing, Kaede explained. "The rosary will act as a method of subduing, they are necessary."
Naruto pouted. None of the words coming out of the old lady's mouth made sense to him. It all sounded like a bunch of stupid gibberish!
Ignoring the melodramatic blonde, Kaede turned her attention to Kagome. "Child," She started, deciding that it would be a good idea to go over the task again. "Remember, do not remove the original nine seals just place your sutras on top of the them and-"
Kagome waved a hand, "Hai, I know." She'd heard all of this before, in her opinion her obaa-san worried way too much. She knew what to do, and how to do it! She was a very quick learner. "So, this will stop that evil red chakra from coming out right?"
"There is a possibility of it still seeping out."
Hazel-orbs widen in confusion. "Wait a sec, I thought that-"
"What's the point of Kagome doing the technique if the red chakra could still come out?" Sasuke abruptly interrupted, his question directed to anyone who knew the answer. He was under the assumption that she would be doing this 'deed' in order to stop said chakra from being used.
This was already taking up his valuable time- he could be training or doing other more interesting things but instead, he was sitting in this crowded little room. Another thing that had him extremely galled was that he had no say in the matter, seeing as it was ordered by none other than the Hokage himself.
If it were up to him- Kagome wouldn't be performing this jutsu. The dobe needed to fend for himself and take care of his own problems.
"The seals were initially designed so that some of the Bijuu chakra could exit the internal cage and enter Naruto." Kakashi explained, finally shutting his book and slipping it into his back pocket."The main point is for Kagome to strengthen the barrier gate; therefore we won't have to worry about the nine-tails breaking out of its prison."
Kaede inclined her head in agreement. "This is why I say the rosary is necessary. If the demon's chakra still seeps out, then all Kagome has to do is say the chosen word, and he will become subdued."
At their answers, Sasuke frowned and turned his obsidian orbs to another.
"Kagome."
She peered over at him, and replied with a bright smile. "Hai?"
"Make it quick." Sasuke harshly ordered."Do not stay in there for long."
Kagome raised an eyebrow at his tone, but despite that, she still nodded.
"Hey!" Naruto suddenly exclaimed, leaping to his feet. Having just come to a conclusion, he decided to say it out loud. "If it was made so that some chakra can come out, then it's supposed to be that way! Besides, if the dumb kitsune is living in me, he should be paying me some type of rent! His chakra can be the rent!"
Kaede glowered. "Stubborn child! Your prolonged usage of the Kyuubi's ki damaged the seals Yondaime Hokage used to contain the bijuu. If it completely breaks, the caged demon will be free! We don't need a deranged kitsune running amuck in the village!"
"Obaa-san is right, Naru-kun. It's evil, so don't use it." Kagome firmly added, voice leaving no room for argument. "Understand?"
Naruto face faulted, his jaws twitching in aggravation. Of course, he expected for her to say something like that. She made it clear, many of times that she did not like the red chakra and didn't want him tapping into it. He still couldn't get why she held such a major dislike to it.
He'd done some amazing things when in the red cloak and truthfully, he was getting sick of her calling the chakra evil.
"Naruto-kun?"
Feigning an ear to ear grin he quickly said: "Um, hai, Kag-chan. I understand."
Kagome's jaws clenched. 'Um'. He'd said the exact same thing before, back when the team was in the mist. Then, a little later, he went ahead and used it again. Why was she getting the feeling that he was lying and saying he understood, just to get her to shut-up?
'He wouldn't...'
Would he?
"Now Kagome, are you sure you remember the procedure?" Kaede suddenly queried, staring intently at her granddaughter.
"Of course," Kagome assured, completely confident in her abilities. "I remember everything you said."
"Good... as soon as you've completed your job, release the jutsu. Also, the nine-tails may be capable of speech. If he attempts to talk with you, don't converse." Turning to Naruto, she said, "That goes for you too, child. Kitsunes are very deceptive creatures, and can speak lies with ease."
Naruto groaned. "Yeah, yeah granny."
Kaede scowled at his disrespecting tone. Kids these days! "Child, you will lie down and lift up your shirt." she snapped.
"What!?" Naruto howled, staring down at her as if she had gone and lost her mind. "You crazy or somethin'!?"
Slowly did Kaede massage her temples. "Kagome will need to lay hands on your skin. I'm sure this will work if she touches any part of your body- but I would prefer for her to make contact with your stomach, since the seal is there."
"Hehe. Oh, right... Gotcha'." He muttered, sheepishly grinning.
"You are such a moron, dobe." was Sasuke's blunt, but sincere, remark.
Naruto was ever quick to shout, "Teme! Shut the hell up!"
"Guys..." Kagome muttered, eyebrows rising.
The warning tone in her voice successfully broke up the soon to be feud.
Kakashi clapped. "Come on now." said the Copy-nin. "Let's get this going. No need to waste time. "
Groaning, Naruto unzipped his jacket; and after lying down, he lifted his white tee-shirt up. Kagome scooted closer, until she was leaning over him.
Taking a deep breath, she blocked out her surrounding and focused solely on bringing her inner holy chakra to her palms.
This scarce jutsu was only known to the Higurashi clan. Not even Kaede knew much about the technique- Only that it was first created, five hundred years ago by their early ancestor. The knowledge had been passed down from elder to elder but it hadn't been executed since its birth. She would have to separate her mind from her body- after doing this she would then send her subconscious form into the inner confinements of the seal. It could only be done by those who possessed the clan's Kekkai Genkai, and even then, they would need a great deal of pure energy to perform the technique.
After all the meditation she'd done over the past few weeks, she'd successfully learn how to tap into her Holy Chakra at will.
Nevertheless, it still took some effort since she was so used to using her 'normal' chakra.
Switching between the two was a difficult, but still-
She could do it.
'Focus...'
First Seal: Inu
Second Seal: Hare
Third Seal: Bird
Fourth Seal: Horse
Fifth Seal: Boar
Sixth Seal: Cow
Seventh Seal: Dragon
Eighth Seal: Inu
Kagome placed her hands against Naruto's stomach.
Forcibly she pushed downwards-
'NOW!'
"Kakushi: Naikai no Jutsu!"
Inner Confinements Of The Seal
It appeared as if she'd perform it correctly, for she was no longer in Kaede's shrine.
Kagome stood in the center of a dim corridor. The hallway was lined, on each side with wooden doors. In the back ground, she could have sworn that she heard the sound of droplets of water steadily hitting the ground.
"Creepy..." She squinted, trying to adjust her eyes to the barely lit hall. Tied on around her waist with a ivory rope, was a cute little pearly white satchel. Of course, that hadn't been there before she executed the technique and inside were several sheets of rectangular sutras; on each of them the written vertical kanji that translated into: 'Pure'
Yes, it looked like everything had gone according to plan.
Although-
Where is Naru-kun?
Precisely at that moment, somebody lightly tapped her shoulder.
Startled, Kagome spun around and came face to face with-
"Naruto-kun!"
"Heh. Hey Kaggy." He replied, resting a hand on the back of his head. "This place is pretty freaky eh?"
A quick nod. "Hai! But I did the jutsu right." Kagome proudly stated, patting the pouch on her side. "Now, come on. We have to hurry up and find the nine-tails cage."
He blinked, peering down the elongated shadowy corridor. "How do we know which door is the right one?"
Kagome tapped her chin. "I dunno." she piped. "I guess we'll have to check them all."
Naruto grimaced. Check them all!? "Ugh- how long is that gonna' take?" He muttered, not liking the idea of opening up each and every door. Who knew how long this hallway was?
She shrugged. It would have been nice if the caged demon had been right there, but sadly it wasn't. There was nothing she could do to change that. "Well... The quicker the better. You take the right, I take the left."
With that order, the two began. Each going through the repetitious task of checking every room.
Actually, it didn't take as long as they first thought, and about ten minutes later they came to the end of the corridor.
Only a short distant ahead was the opening to the final room. However- there was strangely no door. Kagome found that to be odd, seeing as every other room had one. It was strange that this one did not. With a shake of the head, she walked ahead of Naruto and into the chamber. Like the hallway, it, too, was dimly lit. The walls were made of a monotonous gold material, the high cathedral ceiling held a dark distant swirl like mark but-
The design of the room wasn't what had her undivided attention.
At that very moment, Kagome was staring right into the malicious crimson orbs of none other than Kyuubi no Kitsune.
In an oversized cage at the far end of the chamber the demonic beast laid on his belly, - he was, enormous. Claws slightly protruding from paws, and a few long tails passively waved about behind. Dark glistening, orange-red fur covered his entire body; the ears were laced with black, and his lips lined with an inky hue.
"Damn!" Naruto exclaimed from behind."He's freaking huge!"
Quickly, did Kagome loudly agreed. "Yeah! REALLY huge!" She hadn't been too sure of what to expect, but one thing was certain- the kitsune wasn't small like she had assumed he'd be. Since he was lying down she had no idea of his height but she guessed that if standing- the beast would probably easily tower over the tallest building in Konoha!
Taking a deep breath, Kagome forced herself to look away from the demons callous glare. She had worked to do and she couldn't keep standing there in awe.
She examined the cell: The tall iron bars represented the barrier gate, and on every other iron bar was a white rectangular paper seal.
This meant that she would have to go right up to the cage.
"Naruto-kun, stay there. I'll be right back."
Things began normally, or as normally as it could be.
Reaching into the white satchel Kagome took out a sutra, after which she briefly held it in between her thumb and index finger- the sutra began to glow a pinkish hue as her holy chakra entered. Once she decided that the right amount was contained within, she placed it over the original paper seal. She successfully ignored the kitsune- he merely watched her as she went about the tedious task. Occasionally he'd growl, and snarl much like a caged animal would, therefore neither found it to be out of the ordinary.
Naruto simply eyed the nine-tails with a scrutinizing stare. Of course after that run in with Mizuki, he knew what was contained within him but to see the demon face-to-face was weird.
An aggravated groan caught his ears.
Kagome was currently stalking back and forth, staring or rather glaring at each of the bars.
"Kag-chan?"
Glowering, Kagome peeked back at him. "I can't find the ninth!" She was confused; and concerned at the same time. There was suppose to be nine paper seals, but so far she'd only counted eight.
Did her obaa-san make a miscalculation, or maybe she just wasn't looking good enough?
"Hehehe."
Immediately both children froze, each staring at the kitsune with raised eyebrows for it sounded like the demon was chuckling.
The next few seconds were like that of an old black and white horror movie.
Suddenly, there came a smile- a rather fiendish smile that showed off every last one of the demons razor sharp teeth.
Then, a chuckle- a twisted sadistic, crazed cackle that would make even the strongest of Shinobi curl over in fear.
Kagome happened to be right next to the bars of the cage, therefore she had a perfect view of the freakish, and somehow warped grin that now mark the kitsune's features.
"Ka-go-me..." came the Kyuubi's unexpected growl.
Both she and Naruto's mouth dropped open.
Oh. My. God.
The creepy demon could talk! He could actually talk!-
and wait a second!
He'd spoken her name!
Kagome did a flawless job at getting over her horrified shock.
"Hey!" She squeaked out, pointing directly at the still grinning demon. "How do you know my name and how can you talk!?" Sure, her obaa-san had said that the nine tails may have been capable of speech but after seeing him she didn't think he would actually be able to speak. Much less know her name!
After all he looked just like an oversized animal!
Kyuubi cocked his head to the right, as he pondered her question. "Did you think of me to be a foolish beast?" he queried, in a harsh deep voice.
Kagome blinked, she was literally speechless, and hadn't a clue of what to say.
"As you can see, I can speak." Kyuubi gave a blaring roared his smile untamed. "I am no foolish beast- the brat should know this- seeing as I have spoken to him before."
Brat?
For some reason, she knew he was referring to Naruto. Turning an inquiring eye to the blonde, she noticed that he seemed shocked by the statement.
"He talks to you?" That idea was just weird. Was he having conversation with the demon on a regular basis or something!? "Why didn't you tell me, Naru-kun?" She asked, worried that he was keeping important secrets from her.
He was her best friend and he should tell her everything!
Naruto quickly began to shake his head. "I don't know what the freaky kitsune is talkin' about I never-" He paused, a look of sudden realization crossing his features. "Wait...was that creepy voice I heard in my head you?"
Once again, Kagome's mouth dropped open, had a few flies been buzzing about- she would have no doubt been able to catch them.
Kyuubi darkly chuckled. "Hai, brat. Who did you think it was...? Your invisible conscious?"
Kagome eyes widen at the jest. Not only could the nine-tails speak, but he also had a sense of humor!
She took a deep breath in order to calm down her jumpy mind.
This was no time to lose it.
It was time to take control of the situation!
"Hold up!" she shouted, in order to get the demons attention. "Tell me how you knew my name!"
"Curious little thing aren't you?" Kyuubi said, his harsh voice had somehow transformed into a low captivating purr. "Well- I know everything the brat knows, I see everything he sees."
At his words Kagome visibly flinched.
Baffled Naruto asked, "What do you mean?"
Lowly Kyuubi cackled- a devious grin, spread across his inky lined lips. "You dream of becoming a powerful Shinobi. You want your name to be known. To outdo Uchiha Sasuke is high on your list of goals, but more importantly, you crave for Kagome's praise."
Said girl didn't have to ask Naruto if the statement was correct. For the blonde immediately began to yell. "What the hell! Are you like some sort of freaky stalker!?" All of his private thoughts weren't as private as he'd believed. The damned kitsune was running around in his head!
"Okay... Since you can talk and stuff - tell me where the ninth seal is at." Kagome abruptly demanded, wanting to end this conversation, and release the technique as soon as possible.
If they stayed any longer than things would probably get even weirder than they already were and Kyuubi, of course heard her words. After all he was a demon and his hearing was beyond that of a human. In fact, he could hear their low chatters long before they even reached his cage.
Despite this, he ignored her and continued to speak to Naruto. "I can aid you with your dream. You see, I am here to help you. What I do; I do for us. Not for myself, but for the greater good of us." Kyuubi fluently explained, the words pouring from his mouth with ease.
Naruto was silent, as he contemplated the demons words, while Kagome?
The little girl instantly was livid. With those over-sized ears Kyuubi definitely heard her but since he wasn't replying that meant he was obviously ignoring her! "Pay attention to me! I asked you a question now answer it!" Kagome screeched, sounding like angry harpy. Not at all caring that she bossing around such a powerful demon.
Kyuubi turned a eye in her direction, resting his head on the titled floor he mocked. "Little minx, I was ignoring you? Did that upset you? How sad, it did upset you did it not?"
Her face scrunched up at the ridicule. She wasn't liking the Kyuubi no Kitsune very much.
"Hey! Hey! Freaky kitsune!" Naruto hollered, rushing up to her side he quickly came to her defense. "Watch how you talk to Kaggy and you better answer her question, or else!"
Kyuubi's dark furry brows (if one could even call them that) rose at the threat. How amusing. He was being order around by human children! "Ah, such brazen words you two speak. I meant not to upset-" he released a low whine. "I was only teasing Ka-go-me. I like to play, for it is in my nature."
Kagome scowled, she didn't enjoy being teased. "Just answer my question."
A taunting chuckle. "While searching for my prison; you came across several rooms, all of which had doors. Am I correct, little minx? You did see all those doors didn't you?"
Kagome jaws clenched. He was still mocking her! She was beginning to wonder if she could do ninjutsu while here. The thought of spewing out a well-placed Katon and setting his ninetails on fire sounded like a really good idea.
"You know I saw the stupid doors! Just get on with it!" She snapped.
Smiling, Kyuubi explained. "This room too, once had a door and the ninth seal was placed on that door. I annihilated it with my chakra when I saw the brat was in danger of being killed. This allowed me to give a greater magnitude of chakra- which is why he was able to attain the first of my nine tails."
Kagome's brows knitted together. Well, that explained why there was a problem!
Like Kakashi-sensei had said, the seals placed on Naruto by the former Hokage were designed so that some of the demonic chakra could enter him. It probably used to seep out through the cracks of the closed door.
The problem was that Kyuubi had completely destroyed that door; hence more than originally intended began to pour out.
If Naruto continued to use the red chakra, it would cause damaged and eventually destroy each of her new sutras one by one! It might take much longer, seeing as they possessed her Holy Ki, but still, they were not invincible and could only handle so much. Even though he said he understood not to use it, she had the distinct feeling that he still would and once all of the original seals and her sutras were gone- the Kyuubi no Kitsune would be able to easily break free from the cage.
There had to be a way to fix this!
Kagome gasped- for she was suddenly struck with an idea.
Digging into her pouch she literally pulled out a stack of sutras and there were probably a good twenty of them in her hands. She had a plan; it was a far fetch one but still one nonetheless!
She would charged every last one of the sutras in her pouch and then stick them all over the bars. If she did that, then maybe - it would trap the nine-tail's red charka in the cage - preventing it from seeping through the barrier gate, and out of the entrance.
In the back of her mind- Kagome knew that this probably wouldn't work, but that didn't stop her from trying.
Naruto watched with confusion as she took one in between her fingers, slowly charging it with Holy ki.
"Ugh, Kaggy?"
"Shh... Quiet Naru-kun. I'm focusing." she whispered, so intently concentrated on her task.
He squinted. Okay...
"Hehehe... Minx." Called Kyuubi, he already knew what she was planning to do and he found her actions amusing. "That will not work. It is impossible for you to charge them all, and even if you could- my chakra would eventually, eat away at the sutras. Basically, your coming has only prolonged the inevitable."
"Like you know anything!" Kagome sneered, annoyed with his words.
Smirking Kyuubi, raised his head. "The Naikai no Jutsu constantly drains the user's holy chakra until it is disengage." He smoothly explained. "If you continue your foolish attempt; you will quickly run out. Once out, the jutsu will automatically release itself and then you will suffer from severe chakra depletion. It will not be pleasant."
Kagome blinked, ceasing her task."How do you know all of this stuff?" How could a demon know so much about a technique created by priestess? That made no sense- not even Kaede knew of those details!
"For over nine-hundred years I have lived and in those years I have conversed with all types of beings. My knowledge has no bounds."
Kyuubi gave an all knowing fanged-smile, which made Kagome feel as if he were hinting at something- but sadly she had no idea as to what. "Tell me, minx, why are you so determined to stop the brat from using my chakra? I only want to help."
She sighed; stuffing the sutras back into her satchel. Completely draining herself of ki wouldn't help anything. "Look. You're evil, so you can't be trying to help Naru-kun."
"Evil?" Kyuubi snorted, his whiskers twitched. "Why do you continue to refer to me as evil? Do you have a hate for the demon race like most of your miko kind? Hehehe, shame on you, minx..."
Kagome turned her nose up at his chastising tone, arrogantly crossing her arms. As if she would allow herself to be chided by an over grown evil fur ball! "No, I don't. I call you evil because your chakra felt evil." Hazel-orbs darken with detest: "It made my skin crawl."
Kyuubi raised an eyebrow, a roguish gleam manifested in his crimson orbs. "Is that so? Well, I can smell the stench of your immense purity as it emits from your body." Snorting loudly he concluded: "It burns my nose."
Poor Naruto just stood there blue eyes wide with bewilderment. Kagome was chatting (or rather, bickering) with the kitsune that quite literally lived in his navel. He felt as if he were just a mere bystander seeing as he wasn't even involved in the ongoing conversation.
Her fist clenched. Stench!? He called her pureness a stench!? "Listen here! You are evil, I'm right and you can try and deny it all you-"
"Hai. You are right."
"... Ugh? Wha?" Kagome sputtered, confused.
"I will not deny." Kyuubi confirmed, "I am no saint, my malicious temper knows no bounds and I've killed many for trying my patience.- but I shall assure you Ka-go-me, I am not the mindless blood thirsty beast that every human makes me out to be. Don't be so quick to judge me."
For a moment, Kagome only peered at him, her stare scrutinizing, as she pondered his words. Carefully she said, "If that's true than why did you attack Konoha? You killed all those people, just like a mindless beast would."
Abruptly his top lip curled up, revealing a single long fang. It seemed as if he'd taken immediate offense, judging by the snarls, "Minx, you are intelligent. Now tell me, why would a powerful demon such myself, willing attack a petty human village?"
Kagome grew silent-
Was he trying to say what she thought he was?
Since she wasn't speaking, Naruto choose to re-enter the bizarre conversation. "Hold up! You trying to say someone forced you to attack Konoha!?" he shouted, in disbelief.
"Hai brat. Correct." Crimson orbs grew distant, "Despite the power I hold, there is one with eyes that can control my every move. Once I attain freedom, I will extract my revenge by plucking the eyes from his despicable head."
Kagome cringed at his choice words. For some odd reason, she immediately believed him. Not that, it changed her opinion. He was evil, just as he'd admitted but she couldn't help but find him unusual. The Kyuubi no Kitsune looked like an oversized beast- growled like one as well and yet he could speak like an intelligent human being.
Simply put, she didn't know what to make of the nine-tails.
Understandably curious, Naruto queried."Who made you attack the village and what do ya' mean by eyes?"
"You may question me all you like, but at this point, there is no reason for me to tell. At a later time, I will disclose the name." Kyuubi curtly replied.
"Why you gotta' be like that? Damn kitsune..." Naruto grumbled, scowling. This wasn't fair. The demon knew everything about him and yet he knew nothing of it. Talk about injustice!
"Naruto-kun," Kagome muttered, waiting until the blonde turned in her direction. "We need to go."
There was no longer any point of them remaining and she had already lost track of the time spent. She could only imagine how annoyed Sasuke was getting with the wait- after all he and the rest were probably just sitting there in her obaa-san shrine staring at their prone bodies.
Before Naruto could reply, Kyuubi shrilly barked.
"You're leaving so soon? But I have an important proposal that I am sure you will want to hear."
Kagome twitched. "No, Kyuubi. We don't want to hear it."
"Hai, you do, for it deals with my 'evil' red chakra." Kyuubi shifted, moving his massive body into a sitting position. This simple change made him appear far taller and more intimidating- his head reached the ceiling of the cage.
His shadow towered over their meager bodies, and yet neither child showed a ounce of fear.
Kyuubi noticed this, and was greatly impressed- their lack of fright was foolish yet intriguing.
"The brat will continue to use it regardless of what you say." he purred, staring down at them. "He likes the taste."
Kagome face scrunched up, turning a piqued shade of red. "No he won't and he doesn't like it!" she hissed.
"Oh? You attempt to convince yourself of that- but you know the truth... How about you ask the brat, instead of speaking for him?" Kyuubi chuckled, crimson orbs focusing on Naruto. "Well, brat. Speak your opinion; I'm sure the minx will understand."
At his words, Kagome peaked over at Naruto, with apprehension.
"Naruto-kun?"
The blonde only replied with wide eyes. He looked like a small child that had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
His unnerve features said all, and at that moment Kagome's fear was realized. Naruto didn't understand, he was just saying that he did - he had been lying to her. Kyuubi was entirely correct, he did like 'the taste' and would more than likely use the red chakra again.
Slowly Kagome whispered, "You said you understood..."
He didn't know what to say, therefore, Naruto coyly looked away; not wanting to see her hurt expression. He cast a quick glare in the smirking Kyuubi's direction. It was the kitsune's fault that he was now in this situation. Damned demon couldn't keep its large trap shut.
"Why did you lie to me?"Kagome asked holding back the tears that threaten burst forth. Perhaps she was being far too sensitive over the matter, but she couldn't help it. Naruto was her best friend- and he was supposed to tell her everything because that was what best buddies did.
They weren't supposed to lie and keep secrets from each other!
Naruto fidgeted in his spot, trying to come up with a good excuse. "I thought you'd be mad at me if I told you. I didn't mean to- I just didn't want you to get mad..." He finally sputtered out.
Kagome bit her bottom lip. "Naruto-kun, listen. I don't like how it changed you... You weren't you anymore."
In fact- she briefly gaze up at Kyuubi- he acted a whole lot like the callous kitsune. His laugh, and overall mannerism greatly mimicked the demons behavior, when cloaked in the red chakra.
"B-but Kag-chan," He began to reason, at last staring her in the eyes. "I saved you and Sasuke. You both would have been killed- but I saved you."
Her shoulders slumped, wearily she sighed."Listen," Kagome repeated, feeling as if she were getting nowhere in this discussion. "If you keep using it you'll destroy the seals and then you might... you-"
"Would die." Kyuubi suddenly finished, his smirk changing into that of a wrapped toothy grin.
Kagome heart skip a beat, for the nine-tails had just spoken the word she didn't want to speak. Her face lost all color- and she was deathly pale.
Appalled, and completely freak by the words, Naruto practically screamed. "Kitsune! What the hell did you just say?!"
Kyuubi no Kitsune's response was a deep cackle- that sounded like the laugh of a demented maniac.
"Stop your damn laughing! Why did you say I'd die!?" Naruto hollered, angrily waving his fist in the air.
Finally did Kyuubi stop his mirth- his whiskers twitched in pleasure. "Once the seals shatter, I shall break free from this cage. Brat, you are human and the massive influx of my demonic chakra will put tremendous strain on your body and mind, you will die, leaving only ME behind."
"See! You can't use it!" Kagome cried out, "I don't want you to die!"
Naruto's face faulted, understandably horrified by the idea of his death. He didn't want to die either!
Kyuubi chuckled. "Heh, no need to panic. There is a way to prevent your demise." turning his dark snout in Kagome's direction he explained: "She must continuously purify large amounts of my chakra as it pours from your body. Theoretically, doing this will take away the strain and allow us to merge."
"Merge?" Kagome cautiously queried; trying to grasp such startling concept.
Naruto was just confused. One minute the kitsune was going on about him dying and now he was talking about a merger?
"Hai. That is my proposal to you brat. Continue to use my chakra and I will merge with you, mind and body." Kyuubi fluently spoke, the words continued to flow from his mouth with ease. "You shall possess all of my memories, my intelligence and more importantly my strength. You will attain near deity-like abilities."
Having finally completely comprehended the notion, Kagome swiftly shook her head. "No. Wait... there doesn't need to be a merger. Naruto-kun, all you have to do is not use the red chakra and everything will stay normal."
"Normal..." Naruto whispered.
Normal meant that he'd forever be on the bottom, the village would never acknowledge his existing, never know his name. Sasuke would never admit that he was the strongest-would never recognize that he was better.
But- if he could actually maintain the power of the red chakra, forever...
Things would never be normal again.
"Naru-kun..." came Kagome's distraught whisper. With one look, she knew that he was actually considering (and liking) the idea.
Exasperated, she glared up at the nine-tailed demon through narrowed half-lidded eyes.
Kyuubi, seeing her dark spiteful gaze stood up on all fours and turned away, slowly stalking towards the concealed recesses of his cage. "Minx. Do not hate me." he called, briefly glancing back at her. "If I had kept such information to myself the brat would have continued to use my chakra- and eventually he would have died. Now that you know, you can prevent his death."
There was a long pause, as the great kitsune stood motionless.
"However- I suggest you stay close by his side because as soon as the seals shatter I will break free from this repulsive cage, whether you are around to save him or not."
With that ghastly promise, Kyuubi no Kitsune walked away- his massive bestial form vanished into the far corners of his enclosure.
The nine-tails was no longer in sight, therefore, Kagome looked to Naruto.
Her features were completely unreadable; her hazel-orbs distant.
Naruto audibly gulped; worried he asked: "Um, Kaggy...are you mad at me?"
"No Naruto-kun, I'm not mad but I still don't want you to use that chakra. You will though-" Kagome quickly said, staring down at her feet. With a deep sigh, "...and I would never let you die."
There was a prolong period of silence and than-
Greatly relieved by such compassionate words Naruto wrapped his arms around her waist; pulling her to his chest. He rested his chin on top of her head, and slowly ran his fingers through her soft locks.
"N-Naruto?"
"Kagome," he seriously began; gently squeezing her body to his own, "You really are the best."
"Um... I- um." she stuttered, a light blush marked her cheeks.
Kagome didn't know what to say, so she stood still, and enjoyed the embrace. After a few hushed minutes- she pulled away. At his confused gaze she explained. "I have to... um- we have to go."
Sheepishly grinning, Naruto replied. "Yeah, right Kaggy. Sorry."
Placing her hands together she expertly went through the same signs that she'd used to first execute the technique.
"Naikai: Jutsu Release!"
Once she spoke those words, Kagome's subconscious rapidly returned to her mind.
Hazel orbs opened, and connected with the bright blue-orbs of Uzumaki Naruto. There was a small but apparent smile on his whiskered face.
They were both in the exact same position; he lay on his back and her hands were firmly pressed against his stomach.
"Kagome."
She peered up, and to her surprise found that Sasuke was standing right next to her, staring down through cold obsidian eyes. Of course he hadn't been right there before she perform the jutsu so obviously he'd moved while she was 'gone'.
"Hai, Sasuke-nii?"
"What took you so long?" Sasuke quickly and very bluntly queried.
"Ugh-"
He looked furious.
She quickly stood up and immediately did she feel faint. Her muscles also felt cramped, the result from sitting in the same position for too long.
Kagome didn't even realize she was falling backwards and, without a doubt, she would have hit the floor had Sasuke not reacted so swiftly.
He seized her wrist, pulling her forward until her body was leaning against his own; her head came to rest on his chest- and he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist.
Kagome was instantly reminded of how Naruto had held her minutes before while they'd still been in the inner seal. However, there was one major difference. This embrace was no were near as gentle as Naruto's had been. Actually, it felt more possessive, than anything else.
"What's wrong with her?" Sasuke snapped, glaring at Kaede.
The older woman was in the exact same spot on the floor. Slowly did she shake her head. "The Naikai is a very high level technique- it may have drained her quite a bit. She did hold the jutsu for a long period of time."
At that explanation, Sasuke focus when back to Kagome. Harshly he spoke, "You know what I said, so why did you stay there so long?"
While he sounded cruel, Kagome could tell by the look in his eyes that he was in fact, worried.
"It wasn't that long..." Feeling guilty, she looked down.
Sasuke rose a single brow. "Eighty-four minutes."
Confused. "Wha?"
"You held the jutsu for eighty-four minutes." Sasuke swiftly explained.
"Geez teme," Naruto spoke up, roguishly grinning. Standing, the blonde rested his hand on the back of his head. "You actually counted?"
Obsidian orbs narrowed. Obviously, a certain idiot was in a far better mood; he was not whining and pouting like before. That meant 'something' went on during their little 'trip' and he would find out what it was.
"Dobe, don't annoy me. I don't feel like putting up with you." Sasuke warned, looking as if he would pounce at any second.
Naruto smirked, not at all deterred. "Come on, teme, don't be such a-"
"Both of you stop it now." came Kakashi's firm voice, he was still standing by door; having not left during the wait.
"Hai, listen to your sensei. We don't need any senseless fighting- especially when in my shrine..." Kaede said, displeased with their behavior. "Now, Kagome- did everything go according to plan? You did take quite a while."
Kagome blink. According to plan?
That was a laugh.
Her and Naruto's little adventure (so to speak) went terrible. They weren't supposed to talk to the nine-tails, and yet they did. She was supposed to place sutra's up overall the original seals, but couldn't seeing as one had been completely destroyed by the crazed kitsune. Not to forget, all that talk about merging and Naruto attaining near deity-like powers.
And-
Wearily she slumped, resting all her weight against Sasuke. Just thinking about it made her lightheaded.
Sasuke scowled, at her actions. "Kagome?"
"Umm-" Just how was she going to explain all of this?
"Everything went really good." Naruto abruptly said. "There was just a bunch doors, and this super long hallway. That's why we took so long! We couldn't find the kitsune's cage at first. Right, Kaggy?"
Kagome's eyes grew vast. Naruto-kun was lying. He was lying and doing it with a straight face; not to mention, he was grinning happily like he always did. Somehow he managed to look completely honest but he was telling a huge lie!
Oh. My. God.
She fought to remember a time when she had told a fib. There was that one time during their mission to the mist-she'd tripped Sakura and then lied- and said she didn't but-
Other than that she couldn't recall any other event.
Usually was she blunt, and right to the point. If she didn't care for a person, she would just say it- no need to beat around the bush.
"Right Kaggy?" Naruto repeated, cocking his head to the side at her silence.
Kagome peaked over at him. He was waiting for her to agree, and if she did she would be lying as well and then the whole affair- the talk with the nine-tails, the destroyed seal, the merger- would become their own dark little secret.
A secret between best friends-
This meant Naruto wanted it to be their secret and when one had a secret, you weren't suppose to tell anyone-
"Hai." Kagome finally uttered, watching as Naruto's impish grin (if possible) grew wider. He was clearly pleased. "There really was a lot of doors... and stuff."
"Doors?" Kaede frowned. Sadly, she didn't know anything about the design of a inner seal, hence, she believed them.
Sasuke on the other hand, wasn't that gullible. He always tended to look deeply into everything and the fact that Kagome hesitated before replying was strange, and out of the norm. Then, Naruto was so quick to speak up when the question wasn't even directed to him.
Suspicious obsidian orbs bore into blue.
Naruto blinked, easily faking a look of confusion. "Eh, teme? Gotta' problem?"
Sasuke grimaced, but didn't reply. Instead he spoke directly to Kagome. "Tell me, what happened while you were there. Now." She was keeping something from him, and he was very determined to find out the truth.
Kagome gulped, and before she could even attempt to find a way to reply, Naruto sprung into action.
"Kag-chan! I already, told em' so you don't have to say anything to that bossy bastard!" He shouted, frantically waving his hands about.
Kakashi who had been silent, shook his head, in disappointment.
He was no fool and had learned all four of his students well, committing each of their unique habits to memory. It was easy to see that the blonde was hiding something and Kagome more than likely knew and was going along with it.
Than Sasuke was obviously getting more piqued as the minutes rolled by.
It was hard enough dealing with the moody boy while the two had been 'gone'. Only ten minutes after Kagome executed the jutsu, Sasuke began to angrily pace around the room- scowling, grumbling, and cursing under his breath. After twenty minutes he'd demanded that Kaede end the jutsu. Of course that was impossible, therefore the two adults had to spend the reminding time trying to keep the sullen Uchiha check.
"Damn it Naruto," Sasuke suddenly growled, "If you don't shut your mouth I'm going to-"
"Going to what?" Naruto interrupted, arrogantly holding his head high.
Sasuke jaws tensed and then- like a angry wolf that had been poked and prodded for hours on end- he'd swiftly moved forward closing the short distant between them. Reaching out with his left hand he snagged the front of Naruto's tee-shirt and pulled the blonde close- until they were nose to nose. He'd somehow managed to do all of this while still holding Kagome, his right hand secured around her waist. So now, the poor girl was sandwiched in between the two boys who were glaring maliciously at each other, and looking as if they were actually going to start tossing blow.
To make matters even worse- Sasuke had just gone and activated his sharingan.
This was serious!
"GUYS STOP IT!" Kagome screeched, weakly pushing against Naruto's chest in a failed attempt to shove him away. "THIS IS STUPID!"
Sadly, they were too engrossed with one another, consequently, she was ignored.
"Well, Sasuke?" Naruto growled back, fearlessly staring in his rivals Sharingan. A shrewd smirked crossed his lips, "Come on... I'm waiting."
"Naruto, do you think your better then me?" was Sasuke cool retort, a second comma began to take shape in his eyes, until finally- two circled his pupil.
Panicking, Kagome screamed out: "STOP! PLEASE!"
Kaede's mouth was just hanging open in disbelief - she just couldn't believe what was taking place, and in her shrine!
Thankfully, Kakashi wasn't in any sort of stunned shock. Before things could get even more out of hand, he appeared beside the three children- grabbing both males by the back of the shirt he easily tore them apart.
"This is getting ridiculous. Both of you need to stop it; have you already forgotten about my lesson on teamwork?" Kakashi said, actually irritated and extremely dissatisfied with their behavior.
Neither boy replied, still darkly staring at one another.
"Maybe I should send you both back to the academy?"
That threat, caused them turn away, each glaring at some random spot on the wall.
Inwardly, Kakashi sighed, this was giving him a major migraine. He just had to get stuck with a team like this. Too much drama! "Kaede-san, is there anything else that needs to be done?"
Everyone just needed go their separate ways, before one of boys attempted to murder the other.
"Um- I... Goodness-" Kaede took a deep breath, in order to calm her rapidly beating heart. "Well, Kagome must choose a word of subduing."
"Word?" Kagome tiredly muttered. Her brain and body felt completely drained- as if she'd gone a few nights without rest. At this point, all she wanted to do was go home and sleep. Too much craziness was happening, and her mind could barely process every detail.
"Hai, child. Just pick any one word. Make it simple." Kaede quickly urged.
Kagome closed her eyes. Word. Any word. Something like this shouldn't be so difficult, maybe if she weren't so exhausted.
Simple.
A gasped. "I think I got it!"
"Hai?" Kaede pressed.
Kagome opened her mouth, and out came her 'simple' word of subduing:
"Osuwari."
Naruto only had half second to stare down at the bluish rosary as it emitted a pinkish glow before-
THUD~
He was sent face first into the floor.
Silence.
More silence.
"OH MY GOD NARUTO-KUN!" came Kagome's horrified cry.
Of course, Kaede wasn't the least bit shocked, she'd foreseen for something along those lines to happen.
Kakashi's raised a brow, his eye crinkled. Dryly the Jounin spoke, "Well. That was unexpected."
Now Sasuke; he blinked- his sharingan deactivated- then he blinked again, his mind was beginning to process what had just taken place. Basically, Kagome had said 'osuwari' and then the Naruto suddenly hit the floor.
Face first.
That idiot was face first on the floor, and currently moaning words that he could barely make out since they were so muffled.
It sounded a lot like 'Kag' and 'why'.
This crappy day suddenly wasn't so crappy anymore and the ironic (but extremely pleasing) fact was that Kagome had caused this to happen to him!
Said girl was still staring in shock at Naruto, when she felt Sasuke's body quiver- and then this foreign noise came from his mouth. It was very odd, somewhat unpleasant and she couldn't figure out what it was. About five-seconds later did she finally realize that Sasuke was laughing.
He was actually, laughing.
Sure, the 'laugh' sounded more like a low, rough throaty chuckle; but never before had she heard such a sound come from him.
"Sasuke-nii! It's not funny!" She exclaimed, trying to get out of his hold, but to no avail- his grip was just way too tight. Angry and confused, she shouted, "Obaa-san! Why did that happen!?"
Kaede sighed. Did anyone ever pay attention to her when she spoke? Apparently not! "I told you! The beads are a method of subduing! If the demonic chakra comes out you just speak your word, and he'll end up like this. That will give you the needed time to remove it." She hastily explained.
Kagome's face faulted. This meant that she could, stop Naruto from using the red chakra but... To send him face first to the floor was just mean! Not to mention embarrassing and he would probably be very unhappy if she constantly did this to him!
"Naruto-kun... I'm sorry." She apologized, but Naruto had no way of replying, since his face was still smashed to the floor.
"Don't be sorry." Sasuke hoarsely chuckled, "The dobe looks good like this."
One Week Later
Training Field- 9:50 am
"Okay, Sakura-chan - you stand here."
Kagome grabbed the pink haired girl by the shoulders, moving her body into the desired position; which happened to be right in front of Kakashi who was reading his newest volume of 'Come Come Paradise'.
"Now, Naruto-kun- you stand here."
She than, maneuvered the grinning blonde around until he stood right in front of Sakura.
"Sasuke-nii, you'll be here." She piped, smiling sweetly she placed him a few feet away from Naruto.
Immediately the two males shot each other a quick glare- that Kagome saw- but ignored.
"Right!" She exclaimed, "and I'll be here!"
The dark haired genin took her place in-between the boys.
One might wonder what was going on, in the large clearing. Well, to put it shortly, team seven was in the process of getting their group picture taken. So far, it wasn't going as smoothly as it should have been.
The poor camera guy (the genin had no idea as to what his name was, so, dubbed him as 'camera guy') had a few other teams that needed their photographs taken, and yet, for the past thirty minutes, he'd been stuck under his little curtain- waiting to snap the picture.
"Hey!" Sakura howled out, "I'm not standing here, Kagome!"
She raised an eyebrow. "Why not, Sakura-chan?"
Sakura glowered. She was only a little bit taller than Naruto, so if she stayed in her spot than only the tip of her head would be seen!
By placing her there, Kagome was purposely not including her in the picture! The arrogant little girl was bluntly saying that she was not a part of the team! "You know why! Besides I'm going to stand next to my Sasuke-kun!"
"Nii-kun is not yours! Stop being delusional Sakura-chan!" Kagome said, before curtly ordering, "You will stay right where I put you."
Sakura's green-eyes narrowed. "Oh, really? You can't boss me around!"
"Yeah, I can." Kagome retorted.
"Hey teme, they're fighting again." Naruto stated, pointing out the obvious.
Sasuke didn't reply, simply because he really didn't care, and that lack of response instantly had Naruto seething.
"Teme! I'm talking to you!" he hollered.
"Okay now, let's get this going.-" Kakashi dryly interrupted. Having finished his first chapter, Kakashi closed his book and slipped it into his back pocket. "Kagome, you stand in between Naruto and Sasuke. Sakura you will stand behind Kagome." came his unbending order.
Although unhappy, Kagome didn't bother to protest. She'd realized long ago that there was no getting around the strict commands of their sensei.
A few seconds later, the team wasin there proper positions-
and after a flash a white light, the photograph had at last been captured.
It would have been the perfect picture, seeing as both girls gave bight cheerful smiles, but sadly Naruto was to busy glaring daggers at Sasuke- who was just too busy looking extremely peeved.
"Since we're all done with that-" Kakashi started, "I'm off to speak with the Hokage. You four take the day off."
Take the day off!?
"Wait! No stupid chores!?" Naruto exclaimed, already happy with such a wonderful idea.
Kakashi's eye crinkled. "Right. Have fun and please try not to fight," walking away he called over his shoulder, "Remember: Teamwork."
As soon as the Jounin retreating figure was out of sight, Sakura excitedly spun around. "Sasuke-kun!" she called out, cheeks flushed red, "Do you want to go practice some ninjutsu with-"
Haruno Sakura trailed off. Why?
Well, her three teammates had their backs turned to her. Kagome's arms were draped over their shoulders and the two boys were a little hunched over. She could hear some whispers, and occasionally Naruto would peek back at her and snicker.
Suspiciously, "Hey... What are you guys talking about?
Suddenly Kagome screamed: "NOW!"
With those words, the three scattered, in different directions.
Sakura's mouth fell open, in shock.
They left her!
"NO! SASUKE-KUN! COME BACK!"
Kagome laughed; she'd already put a good distant between the training field and herself but despite this she could still hear Sakura's distressed cry. She almost felt bad; then again, leaving the delusional, pink genin behind was not only fun, but hilarious!
Sadly though, she was having too much fun and wasn't paying attention to her surroundings.
Kagome sharply turned a corner-
And bump right into something hard.
Totally caught off guard, she fell, and would have landed on her bottom had the person who she'd accidently ran into not caught her-
Roughly, was Kagome snagged by the collar of her dark blue dress, and lifted high into the air. Understandably startled, she let out a loud scream.
Looking down, she stared into the annoyed eyes, of a male who she didn't recognize. He was dressed oddly, this strange object tied to his back with white bandages and he wore a black suit, equip with a cat like hood. He also had kabuki styled make up on his lips, chin and even around his eyes were painted.
The last thing Kagome noticed was that his hitae-ate was not of the village.
He was not from Konoha!
"Brat." The aggravated male leered, "Can't watch where you're going? That kinda' hurt."
Hazel-orbs narrowed dangerously. First of all, she didn't bump into him on purpose, so he had no right to handle her this way. Second, she did not appreciate being called names.
"Pfft...Put it down, and lets go Kankuro." came the feminine voice of another.
It!?
Kagome peered over and saw a female who she hadn't noticed before. The frowning girl was probably older than she; blonde hair pulled into four spiky pony tails- white dress like shirt that came to her upper thighs and fish net leggings.
"Naa, Temari I think the little girl should say sorry- and maybe than I won't have to kill her." replied, the male who was now known as Kankuro. "Well, girl? Give me my apology."
Now, even though Kagome was being held up in the air by the collar, and faced with two ninja who obviously were not of the village –let's not forget the male had just threatened to take her life- she did not show any fear.
Truthfully, she wasn't even scared.
She was only furious!
"How about this," Kagome callously sneered, through half-lidded orbs, "You put me down, because you don't know who you're dealing with."
Crow Rat's Note: So, did ya like? (Gets pelted with more rotten stuffs) (screams)
Guess who shows up in the next chapter? I'll give you a hint: he has raccoon eyes and fiery red hair. Oh! He is also super cool and a little bit insane. (But he can't help it!)
Come on, guess! Whoever tells me first gets a Naruto Plushie!
Also, what did you all think of Kyuubi? He was a hard one to write, and just to let you know- Kyuubi no Kitsune is NOT Shippo. He's just his crazy, old, intelligent self. The true question is - Can he actually be trusted? (Dun dun dun!)
I noticed that some people were wondering if Kagome was ever going to become stronger.
This Crow Rat shall answer that question: Yes! She will. Remember, she is only twelve years old, and as of now, she can't do that much. This ficcy is going to be long- going all the way until she becomes a adult. I didn't make Kagome super strong because I was desperately trying to not make her into a Mary-sue.
That is why she has so many faults, but she will begin to grow out of her brattiness as each chapter goes by.
(claps) Now for all the special reviewers... (Hands out a whole bunch of strawberry milk-shakes)
Guess what the reviewers for this chapter will receive?
Cherries covered in mouth-watering dark chocolate! YUMMY!
Of course, there will be a good old fashioned super sized cookie for those who don't like mouthing-watering cherries covered with extravagant dark chocolate.
All reviewers will also receive a Gaara plushie!
(waves Gaara plushie around)
Thank you all, and I greatly appreciate your feedback!
Please thank the wonderful Kagome-reincarnation for being a great beta/muse!
Term(s):
Kakushi: Naikai no Jutsu- Concealed: Inner Sphere Technique