FINALLY! Chapter 9 is here! A bit short of 5k but woot! I ended up creating a poem while writing this chapter that I might put on my profile.
Standard Disclaimers ya know the drill.
EDIT: 4/18/17: Added a missing key word to fix a sentence. Sorry.
Chapter 9: Journals of the Past; Part 2
[Journal of Hatake Kakashi; Blood Sealed; Time Unknown]
A worried scrawl with numerous cross-outs. Two words. HE KNOWS.
-/-
[Blood and Soul Sealed Journal; Writer: Velius Tatsuo, Language: Dragon]
[19th Entry Written; Date: November 10th]
It's been four days since Naruto and I met the Kyuubi, no Kurama-san. Naruto seems to enjoy chatting with the mighty fox, or so he says. Kakashi arrived with Neko in tow. No… Uzuki Yugao is her name. Every since meeting Kurama my soul has been disturbed, which means my mind is fuzzy. And that's not good.
I requested Kakashi to come and stay with Naruto for several days as I needed to return 'home'. Yugao-san came as well, excited to meet 'Kakashi's littlest brother'. With a final round of hugs and a promise to keep not only Naruto safe, I shunshined from the apartment. Because of the seals in place, I was able to hear everything that went on within.
I landed in 'my' training ground, number 100. A quick Chi no Fuin to ensure I was alone and I summoned a secret, very hidden dungeon. I completely vanish from Konohagakure but the Hokage was alerted before hand.
[Kings Roost]
I vanished from Konohagakure and reappeared in a replica of the King's Temple. Making my way to what would have been the throne room, I stood in a large room with a king bed in the middle. I laid down on the bed and calmed myself. I dripped blood on a floor seal on the left side. Right before I fell asleep the seal activated.
["Soul Dive"] An ancient voice spoke as the room glowed a deep blue. I could feel my soul being pulled and didn't resist.
The sensation stopped soon after. I opened my eyes to find myself in the exact same room, except I'm not alone. Not in the least.
That's… unexpected.
My gaze sweeps the 'room' and freezes at the sight of two cages, one massive in size, that sit in the corner. I can see a seal of containment on both of them. I turn away from the cages and head toward a table that appeared. I realize that I'm back to my 'adult human' form. Sitting down at the table I glace over to my right and see…
A tall man dressed in armor with the kanji for Uzu on it. His red hair is matched by the bloody blade at his side. Blue eyes glare at me, before suddenly looking away. I resist the urge to face palm and finally he grumble's "Hello, Renji-san. Or is it Tatsuo now? Maybe King Acnologia?" Each name causes his voice to raise, ending in a yell.
I start to retort but am cut off by a gravelly voice to my left. "Calm yourself Kenshin. We all have secrets that we hide. Some have more or deeper secrets. Don't begrudge him for that."
Uzumaki Kenshin, Kushina's true older brother. And the man speaking now appeared about 80 and dressed in black armor with the Uzu kanji, two swords at his side was…
Uzukage-Sama!
If we weren't already in my soul I would have fainted where I sat. A grin ghosted across his aged face at my reaction.
"H-H-How?" I stammered which drew a deep laugh from the Kage.
"You couldn't have forgotten that day, could you?"
"What are you talking about Grandfather?" Kenshin demands as I jolt as though shocked.
"Secret Keeper," I whispered hoarsely causing two pairs of eyes to lock on. "I… you… I… Uzushiogakure's Secret Keeper. That… Konohagakure… Uzumaki?"
A bright white beam shot from my body to form a screen in the air. After several moments the screen suddenly kicked on.
["Dive Deep"]
The view is from my perspective. The floor appears as blood pounds in my ears. A faint haze of red tints the view. The Uzukage speaks.
"You've done a great service to Uzushiogakure. I wish to ensure the village safety but you and I will speak again before the week is through." Footsteps echo against stone before stopping.
I nod absently, blood still pumping as my body trembles. I don't notice the dismissal nor the Uzukage leaving.
"Are you alright?"
The red haze darkens. "I'm fine Uzukage-Sama. Excuse me." Hands clench in anticipation. We leave together, going separate ways in time.
The village, in its glory, fills my vision, tainted slightly by the red. Turning I stalk away with a feral grin. The red haze completely fills the screen. Once it slowly fades, to find that I'm literally licking my wounds closed. Images of violence, blood, and death flash in a montage. Most of the dead were clearly harming the few living on the screen.
A bestial roar rips from my throat, echoing eerily into the night. Is it born of rage? Or triumph?
I return to Uzushiogakure and find a message to meet the Uzukage in his home. We sit comfortably, drinking tea as the man looks at me. "Renji-kun."
"Yes, Uzukage-Sama?"
"You truly have no clan? No family? No home? No protection beyond yourself?" A hint of sorrow is heard.
I stare into my tea for several moments. A final swallow and I carefully place the cup down. In the world of human's, I have none of those things.
"That is correct Uzukage-Sama." I meet his eyes for a moment as tea is refilled. I can't help but miss them. I wonder how the little ones are growing up. It is strange to suddenly acknowledge that I am truly alone here. I hadn't thought of that.
"Then by rights of blood and kin, I hereby welcome you to join my family. You have already proven to be Uzumaki in spirit. Your battle against the Iblar proved as much. Now I wish for you to become Uzumaki in blood, Renji. Will you give the honor of welcoming a new member?"
The cup nearly hits the floor. "You… would do such a thing for an outsider?"
I hear the sound of kunai and see a bloody palm held out. Without a thought, I mirror the action and clasp hand to hand, blood to blood.
"Welcome home, Uzumaki Renji. Your enemies are all of our enemies. The clan stands by its own. So long as you do not betray another Uzumaki or worse, abandon one of blood, you are Uzumaki now and forever. Even in death, we will find each other on the other side."
The screen suddenly statics, images of a sealing between the Kage and I, before revealing the ruins of Uzushiogakure. I arrive too late but withhold my emotions as I witness the dead within. Placing seals to hide the bodies, I kill what few attackers come near my hiding place. They are unseen amid the chaos.
The arrival of Konohagakure four days late causes my blood to boil. I had spent the past days hunting the fleeing and reclaiming bodies stolen from their home. As the leaf bearing shinobi appear on the horizon, I carefully tuck the final body into its grave. In my grief, I failed to notice who it was.
Uzumaki Kenshin.
The souls that remain, which are many and most, rage at the sight of the leaf. Rage, Despair, and Hatred combine in an emotional whirlpool unseen. Only the wail's of death echo through, granting the ruins a haunted feeling. They fought for three days against a force 10x their size and the 'steadfast' allies arrive after all is said and done. It should not have taken four days to arrive. Word had been sent the day of the attack. No response was received for the messenger never returned.
The leaf, shows its grief at the loss of Uzushiogakure, before just as suddenly leaving. I remain behind, hidden amid the souls of the lost, to attempt to send them off to the other side. It would not do to cause Uzushiogakure to truly become a cursed land due to grudges of the dead.
I do my best to bury family together and send them off together. It takes it toll, as I come to the Kage's once grand home. I recalled that the granddaughter of the Uzukage had been sent to Konoha to become a Jinchuriki. That thought, adding to my complete exhaustion, causes me to fail to send the Kage and Kenshin off.
Without the gate leading to the pure world… a nod between them passes unseen by me. Dragging my body from its last burial, I remain unaware of the two, even as they choose to merge with me rather than remain in the world as ghosts. Unwilling to fail in my duty a second time, without rest, I head off to Konohagakure, in search of the Princess of Uzushiogakure.
I, as the Secret Keeper, hold the keys to all of Uzushiogakure's jutsu. Without a blood Kage to bind the seal, they are nothing more than simple seals on my mind and soul. I wouldn't, and can't, access them freely. My existence merely saves them from complete destruction.
My body screams for rest, but my mind refuses. As I cross the border into the Fire Country, and Konohagakure's home, the Uzukage, and Kenshin are torn. Proud of my determination to complete my task, as well as burying and sending off almost all of Uzushiogakure alone, they worry for my health.
But as unknown ghosts, and due to my single-minded focus, they can't be heard. Within my soul, a decision is made. Power not of my blood or body violently assaults it from within. My current state of being leaves me with no defense or protection. My last conscious thought is that I must find the Uzumaki of Konohagakure.
My last subconscious thought is more a warning to all things. Reijutsu explodes out, as the spirit world and the mortal one are besieged by a roar. Thought the mortals merely shiver in unknown fear.
["I am Acnologia! King of Dragons and Protector of Souls! Disturb my rest at your own peril!"]
Wrapped safely in a cocoon of Reijutsu, I slumber unaware for over 30 years.
The screen static again, this time revealing the Death God across from me. I gently cup a glass of wine.
["I wished to inform you that I will be exploring the mortal world for a time. As you and I are two sides of the same coin, I felt it proper to advise you of this. And if by chance, I take too a group of human's and vow protection of them, you will leave the souls alone. For they become mine. And any who [unknown word] with them as well. They become mine."]
["You ask much of me, young King."]
["I maybe young, but I take my duty seriously."]
["[Laughter] Fine, fine. You've made a fair point. I agree to them. Have fun and learn much wisdom young one. It is good to see one finally takes duty seriously."]
The screen statics a third time. No image appears as red fills the screen. A scream of anguish is heard.
"KUSHINA!"
The cocoon of Reijutsu cracks open revealing my two-year-old form. The screen vanishes as Inu's Mask fills my vision.
[Back with Kakashi and Co.]
Lunch is an interesting affair, Yugao noted silently. Kakashi and Yugao took to the roof upon exiting the building. Naruto happily started down the streets proper, after making his way out the hidden ANBU compound. A happy grin was seemingly glued on his face even when the stares, glares, and whispers began.
As it was daytime, no one tried anything, outside of yelling at the youngster to stay away from their kids. Passing by the familiar ramen stand, Naruto ducked inside for a bit, leaving Yugao worried. They were supposed to be having a meal together…
But Kakashi merely waved her forward. Leaving the ramen stand, Naruto did a random dance down the street. Though he never touched anything, his spinning and hopping caused several villagers to try to 'trip' the boy. With feet, hands, stones and shuriken?!
Yugao nearly jumped down with snarl, but Kakashi held her bad. The 'dance' caused every attempt to miss and Naruto easily slid mid-step into a light jog down the alley. Kakashi jumped down to meet him, with a furious Yugao at his heels. Naruto held out several stones toward Kakashi who after a quick look at them, jotted something down in an orange notebook? Yugao recalled the other reason for her impromptu visit. To personally check the rumors that Hatake Kakashi had really stopped reading porn.
Though the cover was the same color, Yugao peered over his shoulder and saw no smut… only scribbles and coded phrases. It was bizarre to see the 'infamous' Hatake Kakashi with an orange book that wasn't smut. Looking closer Yugao noticed the cover had a quick but impressive 'Icha Icha' scrawl to further the illusion.
"Tell NO ONE of this Neko. Captains orders." His voice was quiet, but it was clear that Inu was speaking.
A quick salute and several "Yes, sir." later, the trio walked down the street towards the restaurant district. Seemingly at random, Kakashi turns the group around to enter a sushi restaurant. Entering, they calmly seek out a booth and sit down. The waiter gives Naruto a dark look as does the owner. But with the legendary "Sharingan Kakashi" with the brat, nothing could be done.
The owner shares a glance with the cook and both smirk. All of which is noticed by Kakashi's lightning fast eyes. Making small talk, the trio finally orders. Naruto receives a not-so-hidden glare by the waiter again as he reads off his order. Yugao is equally upset and confused. Clearly, this man believes Naruto is the Kyuubi, but why is Kakashi-senpai just sitting calmly?
Their order arrives in a rather timely manner, Yugao thinks it's only because of Kakashi's presence. Naruto glances down at the plates with an odd look. It vanishes almost instantly though. Thankful for the meal, Yugao picks up a piece and raises it to her mouth. She blinks a bit as her chopsticks vanish, and Naruto giggles nervously.
"Erm… Yugao-Neechan? I think that was meant for me. So I took it. Sorry." Yugao hears a hint of venom in his young voice. The plates are suddenly a whirl as Kakashi is rapidly rearranging them. Thinking that Kakashi grew another head, Yugao waits till the whirling dies down. A large portion of the sushi now sits before Naruto, with maybe 3 pieces each for the ANBU. Yugao sullenly eats the three pieces before her.
Moments later, and before Yugao can ask, eyes appear from under Naruto's shirt. A golden scaly figure makes his appearance from the shirt. A faint hiss as piercing gaze locks onto the sushi crew. With a single gulp, Garo eats all the remaining sushi and grins, before retreating. Naruto looks genuinely surprised to see the dragon and Kakashi gives the beast a glance as well.
Tossing money down on the counter, Kakashi thanks the owner for the meal and herds the two out the door. Yugao's stomach growls loudly at the loss of food. Kakashi vanishes… or does he? Yugao wobbles a bit and knows somethings wrong. This isn't just hunger. A sudden pinch in her side causes Yugao to lash out, only to stop before slicing Naruto's arm.
A finger goes to his lips. Universal 'be quiet' sign.
The trio suddenly sit down at the ramen stand, with Naruto ordering Yugao a 'Uzumaki Protein Special 2'. Kakashi adds in that he and Naruto will have the same. Ayame gives Yugao a small frown before the father/daughter combo set to work. Having forced down the gigantic bowl of ramen, a mix of all meats and lots of veggies, Yugao begins to feel better. Outside of her protesting stomach of course.
How odd…
[Within Tatsuo's Soul]
The screen shatters and reenters my form. I stare up where it had been for several moments.
"That was… informative. I guess?" I ponder aloud as the massive cage rattles... and growls? I automatically head over towards it. Kenshin and Uzukage-sama are at my heels. I pass by the smaller cage before freezing and slowly backing up for a better look.
Within the cage stands a man. Familiar blue orbs seem to glow from within the shadows. The spiky hair is what caused my pause. An adult Naruto stares pleadingly at me, chains binding his lithe form to the point of zero movement. I attempt to trace the chains from binding backward but get almost cross-eyed for the attempt.
But regardless, I know who this man is. Namikaze Minato, better known as the Fourth Hokage. Among several other key titles: Husband to Uzumaki Kushina, Father to Naruto, Sensei to Hatake Kakashi.
"My apologies for your current state, but at least Shinigami-sama kept his promise. Give me a moment with Yin-Ku-Kyuubi and I will free you."
I receive several blinks, which I take as "I have no choice" in place of a yes. I nod once before heading into the massive cage. A dark gray version of Kurama is pinned on his stomach, with equal if not more chains. Three chains wrap his mouth, a crude muzzle. I wave my hand and the chains shatter, I hear Minato draw a deep breath.
"Kyuubi-san. I am aware of how you came to be here, but I do wonder one thing. Why did your Yang half call me Kushina's brother? That role falls to Kenshin here."
"Grrr… stupid dragon, stupid King, stupid stupid rebirth!"
My gaze hardens at that. Bits and pieces fall into place, finally forming a complete picture.
Oh Shit…
I drop to the cage floor, my mind a rapidly painting the only possible scenario.
[Back with Kakashi and Co.; Next Day]
ANBU carefully detailed information from the shadows, as the Uchiha Police Force combed through the once smoldering remains. The sushi owner was incoherent at the loss of his livelihood. But it was the same as the other five times. No sign of forced entry and no help from the owner in terms of logical suspects.
ANBU retreated and upon cataloging the information, including an extremely faint chakra trace, one of them slumped against the wall in defeat. They knew who the chakra belonged to. But the one in question recalled nothing. The perpetrator was above the law… because they were the law.
For reasons that eluded the greatest minds in the village, Sarutobi Hiruzen was destroying buildings in his own village. And claimed to have no memory of it.
In Tatsuo's Apartment, Kakashi was smiling behind his mask. Yesterday went better than expected. Though lacing the food of two high-ranking ANBU with puffer-fish venom just to get the 'demon brat'? That was a bit much in his honest opinion. A bit much for Naruto and sadly underwhelming for him. Did they really think he couldn't smell something was off?
Maybe when Tatsuo returned he spend a bit of time 'reminding' the villagers of who he was…
The smile was rapidly growing into a feral grin.
[Back with Tatsuo and Company]
I stumble out of the cage, all color drained from my face. My regret rips free with a mournful cry as my knees give way beneath me. Uzukage-sama attempts to comfort me in vain. Kenshin's scowl has softened as he realizes to the true devotion I had.
[20 Minutes Earlier; Before Tatsuo's Mental Break]
I tried so hard to protect my new family from the dangers hidden in the shadows. But over time I realized the true danger facing Uzushiogakure was me. My existence drew the attention of powerful enemies. Perhaps Uzushiogakure would have survived if I never settled down?
Adopted into a new family.
But problems arise in any family, many times from outside sources.
Loyalty, trust, and truth are crucial when battling against lies and betrayal.
Angry words are invisible weapons, leaving damage as they pass.
30+ years and that was the only thought going through my mind. The Uzumaki blood had merged with my own adaptable dragon blood, though it's traits were mostly recessive. I knew one of the danger's of my power was creating 'ripples' in time. Unfortunately, neither Uzumaki within me did. The power they used to subdue me, mixed with my mission created a ripple. Uzumaki Kenshin was no longer Kushina's brother, but a cousin. Uzumaki Renji filled that role now.
Death follows life, no matter how unjust it may be.
Grief follows death, emotions of sorrow, rage and disbelief mix freely.
Sometimes a change of scenery is needed to help the healing along.
Kushina's death and Kenshin's grief caused my awakening. Inu found me and brought me to Konohagakure.
Holding onto the broken pieces of life, you try to put them back together.
But sadly, the pieces don't fit properly anymore, leaving holes and cracks.
You stuff 'weakness' into a corner and attempt to forget about it.
'Weakness' as it's called, sinks deeper into the corner, having little choice but to bide it's time.
At some point, I unconsciously realized that the Kyuubi wasn't whole. Being the King of Souls, I tried to fix that. But I was far too young and lacked the experience. Instead, I removed Yin-Kurama and Minato from the Death God and sealed them inside my soul. The cages sunk deepinside, buried further by my lack of memory.
[Outside Yin-Kurama's Cage]
The Kage is still trying to assure me that Uzushiogakure would have been attacked regardless. People fear what they don't understand, but fear more that which they can't have. I hug my knee's tighter at this, curling further into the fetal position.
The two cages suddenly shatter freeing the occupants. Yin-Kurama took the chance to stretch, as Minato jogged worriedly over to my side. I vaguely registered a new problem, which caused me to sit up but still withdrawn. The four are confused when a burned out sushi shop suddenly joins several more ruined buildings. They decide to let me be and set off to explore the ruins.
By the time they've returned, I've finally come out of my self-loathing. I explain that Hiruzen is trying to harm Naruto for the death of his wife. Besides having told the people (via Danzo) that Naruto was the Kyuubi Jinchuriki, abandoning the boy in the worst orphanage. He planned on letting the villagers abuse and isolate the boy, all to get a loyal weapon when he showed kindness to him in the future.
But I ruined that plan by forcing him to let me have Naruto live with me. So now he was trying more directly with toxins. The ruins they just explored were the result of this. I'd been monitoring the sudden spike in 'sickness' when Naruto ate without me and realized various poisons were at play. Naruto was still struggling to smell chemicals when they'd been cooked or overwhelmed by a stronger scent.
And I wasn't too keen on poisoning my cooking just for this. But I might have too at this rate… I'd ask Naruto when I returned. A sudden 'THUD' refocused my attention. Looking around I didn't see anything… until I looked down.
Namikaze Minato was kneeling on the floor, his head touching the ground. Dogeza, I noted absently.
"Yondaime-sama?" I asked while attempting to pull the man from his unbecoming position. I was unsuccessful as Minato spoke.
"Soul King, I beseech you to allow me to share your burden. Please let me correct the grievous error caused by my death. Sarutobi Hiruzen has proven unworthy and hostile. And I do not wish to stand idly by as you fight to protect my son."
"I agree completely with Minato." The rumbling voice of Yin-Kurama spoke as I realized the giant fox was also in Dogeza. "You tried to restore me to my Yang half and for that I… we owe you a great debt for your actions after that. If you'll permit me, I'll give you my power completely until hopefully I am whole once more."
Before I could speak, Uzukage-sama had stood beside Minato, before bowing deeply.
"As Kage of Uzushiogakure and a father, I second the Yondaime's request. I will link once more with you, and in turn create a library of all Uzushiogakure's jutsus for you to use freely. Please..."
My gaze flickered between the three. I drop my henge and assume my full dragon form.
["I, Acnologia, King of Dragons and Protector of Souls hereby accept your requests. From this moment forward, through the ancient binding of souls, we are one. All vow's made this day are written in blood and stone. To dare break them, will damn the soul to an eternity of hell. Should I break my vow, I will lose my right to Uzumaki Naruto. All have bared witness to this decree."]
With the ceremony over, I return to my human form and help Minato up. As promised, a new link is quickly established between the Uzukage and I as the former gets to work on the library. I open my senses and link Minato and Kurama to them.
"I would have let you help without question you know?" I ask Minato, who merely smiles. "I know, but I wouldn't have felt right about it. Now… how can I get started?"
I explain my plan and with a final nod to Kenshin, I return to the upper reality. A predatory smile grows across my face as I hear Minato, Kenshin, and Kurama discussing the creation of enhanced blood clones.
My goal is clear as I return to Konohagakure. To learn and master the arts of blood clones and the Hiraishin. In secret of course...
