Power.

Such incredible power!

He felt it pouring out of him like light from the sun. He felt limitless, invincible, almost godlike. This is why they feared me, why they hated me so. The reason for all his past suffering was suddenly clear. They'd understood what was inside of him all this time. They'd understood that one day he'd have this power, and they'd been afraid. Could a human being really have this sort of power? He suddenly recalled what Iruka-sensei had said to him so many years ago, telling him he was not a monster. I wonder if Iruka-sensei might have been wrong.

His train of thought disappeared as he saw Midou backing away from Moka. "Ho… how? You're human! You can't have a demonic aura! What the hell are you?!"

He smiled. He could smell Midou's fear. "I'm a monster, and I'm gonna kill you!" This bastard had been just about to kill the girl he loved. He'd get no mercy. Acting on pure instinct he dropped to all fours and dashed straight for him.

As Naruto came rushing at him he let loose a blood curdling howl that was not even close to human. Midou had been in a hundred fights in his life and come close to dying a few times. He'd never been scared. Even as the vampire had been beating him senseless he'd felt no fear at all. But that howl and the pressure of that killing intent bearing down on him left him feeling weak and frightened. "Wa… wait…" He wasn't sure what he was going to say. But whatever it was he never got the chance. Naruto raced up to him and raked his hand straight up and out. The demonic cloak that surrounded him mimicked his move. A claw made of the solid aura tore straight into his stomach and plunged in deep. Following the motion of Naruto's hand it tore straight up through his chest and neck, gutting him and sending flesh and blood splattering all about. Midou collapsed in a lifeless heap without a sound, his eyes still open and his face still fearful.

Naruto suddenly stopped and looked down at what he had just done.

XXXXXXXXXX

Eight Years Ago

"Why do we have to kill Iruka-sensei? Isn't it enough just to fight and win? Why must we kill?"

Iruka looked down at the eight year old. This was one of the hardest parts about training ninja, the stripping away of childhood innocence and exposing them to the harsh realities of ninja life.

"Naruto, I am afraid that killing is simply a necessary part of being a ninja. There is no way to avoid it. Be certain, if you become a ninja you will have to kill at some point."

"But why?" His own experiences had left him some strong opinions on the concept of murder.

Iruka sighed. "I'd like to tell you that you will only kill when absolutely necessary, to save your life or the life of a comrade. But that would be a lie. You may well have to kill under those circumstances, but it is just as likely you will have to kill even when that person is no threat. Assassinations are often requested and accepted by us and all other ninja villages. As a ninja you will be expected to be ready to kill whenever it is necessary."

"But why kill someone who's no threat?" Naruto demanded.

"Because Naruto, the world is a hard place with hard problems. And sometimes the best, the easiest solution, is to just kill the person who is the problem."

Naruto frowned. "I don't think I could ever really kill anyone, especially if they hadn't hurt me."

Iruka looked down at him sadly. "I'm sorry Naruto, but if you are going to be a ninja you have no choice, ninja kill."

He swallowed and looked away. "What if I can't?"

A gentle hand patted his shoulder. "It may be very hard Naruto, but when the time comes you will do what has to be done. Just as I have and just as every ninja has."

XXXXXXXXXX

He'd always imagined the very first time he killed anyone it would be hard for him. He'd never once imagined it would be so… fun. He'd enjoyed it. Turning around he saw the other rogue monsters looking at him in terror. He smiled, eager to do it again. Then he glanced down at Moka. She was lying on the ground looking up at him. He couldn't read the expression on her face. Is she afraid of me now?

He knelt down beside her. "Are you all right Moka-san?"

She grunted and managed a slight nod; it was obvious she was in pain. "Please take me away from here Uzumaki Naruto."

"All right," he answered tenderly. Her safety mattered to him more than anything else. Not knowing how exactly, he suppressed his demonic aura, causing his cloak to disappear. His body however remained transformed. He carefully lifted her up and held her bridal style in his arms. Though he could not see himself he knew he had changed. He looked down into her face. She was looking back at him calmly enough. "Please don't be afraid of me," he whispered to her.

Her lips seemed to twitch just a bit. "And why would I fear you?"

Not sure how to answer that he looked at the faces of Midou's men; they were all still looking back at him frightened. "If any of you ever touch Moka again I swear I'll kill you." He brought his hands together to perform the necessary signs and he and Moka disappeared in a swirl of air and leaves.

Once he was actually gone the remaining outcast ayashi finally got over their fear. They all left as quick as they could, not even bothering to bury their former leader. They were panicked and were quick to tell others what they'd seen. Before long everyone at Youkai academy would be talking about the human with the demonic aura.

XXXXXXXXXX

The two of them reappeared in Moka's living room. Naruto carefully set her down on a small couch. "Is this o.k.? Would you rather have me take you to the infirmary?"

She wearily shook her head. "I have been badly drained, it will take me a few days to recover, but there is nothing they could do for me. I simply need rest."

He nodded relieved. He reached into his pocket and took out her rosary. "I'm glad you're all right," he handed her the rosary. "I'll just go then."

Her hand grabbed his wrist before he could begin forming the signs. Despite her exhaustion her grip was quite strong. "Sit down beside me Uzumaki Naruto, we must talk."

He gulped and slowly sat down beside her.

She eyed him carefully. She wasn't afraid, he was sure of that now. Her scent, her wonderful scent, had no trace of fear smell in it. But she reeked of curiosity. "Please explain to me how it was possible for you to have a demonic aura. And why you have transformed. Such things should be impossible for a human."

"I… I can't tell you."

"And why not?" She said coolly.

He looked away. "Because if I tell you you'll hate me," he answered miserably.

"Do not be a fool Uzumaki Naruto." He felt her hand gently touch his face and turn it back towards hers. "You have fought beside me and saved my life. You are the most precious one to my other self. Whatever it is you tell me, I could never hate you."

"You sound very sure of that."

She looked at him in surprise. "Do you really think so little of me Uzumaki Naruto?"

"It's not that," he tried to explain. "Everyone who knows the secret ends up hating me, except for two people. The old Hokage and Iruka-sensei were the only ones who didn't end up hating me. If you hated me too Moka-san I don't think I could bear it."

"This is obviously difficult for you. However," she said firmly. "I am going to ask you to trust that I will not be one of those who hates you."

"That's asking for a whole lot of trust Moka-san."

She slowly nodded. "I realize that Uzumaki Naruto, and I also understand that trust is precious and not easily earned. But please remember that I have fought for you and watched over you as you slept. You trusted me in those times, please trust in me now as well."

He looked at her, his red eyes looking into hers. He remembered their very first day together. He remembered making the decision to tell her that he was human. He had literally put his life in her hands. He had trusted her then, he knew he could trust her now.

"I am what they call a jinchuuriki," he said quietly. "I have within my body nine tailed fox demon Kyuubi." He stared at her face worriedly, waiting for reaction.

She took the news stoically. "Please continue," she said serenely.

"On the night I was born the village was attacked by the demon. No mortal power could fight against the Kyuubi. So the greatest ninja of the village, the Yondaime Hokage decided to seal the demon into a baby, me. And so…"

He told her the story. He did not mention certain details such as the fact the Yondaime had been his father. He also left out exactly what happened on his eighth birthday. But otherwise he told her all about how he had been given the Kyuubi and just how it had affected his life. She listened to all of it without interruption, calmly sitting there patiently with rapt attention.

"I see," she finally said when he was done. "So with the exception of your third Hokage and your teacher everyone reacted to the power inside you with an unreasoning fear and hate."

He nodded. "Pretty much."

"And you were afraid I would react in the same manner?"

He again nodded.

She put her hand up to his forehead and flicked a finger in the spot just below his hitai-ite.

"Ow!" he looked at her in surprise. "What was that for?"

"Baka," despite trying to sound angry she wore a light smile. "Did you really think I would hate you simply for having a great power hidden within? I understand what it is like to face unreasoning fear and prejudice simply for being too powerful."

"So… so you really don't hate me?"

"Of course not, the fact you were willing to expose this secret to protect me makes me think more of you, not less." He let out a relieved breath. "However, I think it would be best to keep this a secret, even from Kurumu and Yukari."

"Well I'm not going to tell anyone. But do you think they would hate me if they found out?"

"No," Moka replied. "But the reaction of the rest of the student body might not be so positive." She suddenly yawned and slumped forward against him. "Ah, it seems I truly am exhausted." Her head was resting on his shoulder. "Uzumaki Naruto I," yawn. "Need to ask a favor of you."

"Anything Moka-san."

She looked up at him with a slight grin. "Please help me to remove my clothes."

"What?!" Without even realizing it the shock of her request caused his transformation to end and he again took on a human appearance. "Is… is this some kind of trick?"

"No, this is no trick. I have already told you I will need to sleep for the next two or three days. I am exhausted and will need to remove these wet clothes before going to bed. I simply ask for your aid in this task."

He turned a deep shade of red just thinking about it. "I, uh, I don't know…"

"Does the thought of seeing my naked body offend you?"

"No! But doesn't the idea of me… well, doesn't it bother you?"

Her smile widened a bit. "No, for I trust you."

XXXXXXXXXX

He actually had to carry her into the bedroom; she was too weak to do more than stand. Though he knew the circumstances Naruto couldn't help but feel like a new husband bringing his bride to the marriage bed.

With his hands trembling a bit he then helped her remove all of her wet clothing. He tried to be a gentleman; he did not say anything and did not allow his hands to wonder any where they didn't belong. He tried not to stare, but there was no way for him not to see all of her. Her body was absolutely amazing, every inch firm and supple. She was not quite as voluptuous as Korumu, but there was nothing to complain about in any area.

"All ri… right I gu… guess I better go." He had done as she asked and now she was standing there naked in front of him.

Before he could leave she leaned forwards pressing herself against him. Her body was so incredibly warm and firm. She brought her lips to his ear and whispered to him. "There is one last thing before you go."

"Ye… yes?" His heart was pounding and he was holding his hands out not sure what to do with them. A thousand possibilities were flashing through his head.

He could feel her hot breath against his skin as she spoke. "From now on, you have permission to call me Moka-chan." She let go of him and slipped into her bed and beneath her covers. "Good night Naruto."

"Good night Moka-chan!" He turned and fled her bedroom as fast as he could before he did something he'd regret.

Watching him run away the adult Moka smiled and laughed herself to sleep.