I ponder at these fragmented memories, Zabuza the Demon of the Mist…an Assassin worthy of even a Saber or Caster class, hell even a Berserker class with his bloodlust. For some reason, he and I share a connection from these strange memories. I am meditating in the private room, gathering unto myself and let my mind drift as I search for answers…

…?!

^#^%&$#!*$

Error…Correction…Cleaning…

Memory Fragment Restoration Complete…

I find myself standing in a barren wasteland littered with blades, shields, spears and various other weaponry all impaled onto the ground over the resting corpses of their owners. These corpses were that of me—no, various incarnations of Naruto Uzumaki from across time and space that I had brutally murdered for trying to kill me. Their souls leaving their empty bodies as they looked at me with loyalty; I showed them a truth in a deception of a bastard that must be killed. I had traveled far and wide at the loss of my sister, whose soul was bound to mine as I trekked the endless field of weapons till I saw him.

Standing there as an adult, his blond hair cropped, a face showing age with bags under his eyes, an orange shirt with some black on it, black pants, and that cape that resembled my haori I wore. His had the words "Seventh Hokage" written vertically downwards as his blue eyes were that of seriousness. It was him. The bastard I so despised for making our existence hell: Canon Naruto Uzumaki. The guy whom from what I've learned so far about Noble Phantasms, is considered 'original'. It was thanks to his blood that I was born into this world; a clone that does not dispel, one made of flesh and blood that lives and breathes the same air as other living beings, with my own choices and experiences in life. But I was a fake—A fake that has no right to exist. It sickened me, to know I belong to nowhere and to be hated, feared and even cursed for being an 'abomination' due to how I was created.

My hatred and contempt for humans in general just grew. I hated other Narutos for being able to use chakra while I was created without that natural gift, relying only on natural physical skills for most of my short life. But then by circumstances, I soon found chakra to be obsolete and useless when I discovered the hidden powers that bastard used in genetic modification onto myself when I was being 'born' so to speak. I was half Yōkai, which of Kitsunes and had something not even Canon Naruto could wield: Magic. Magic was older than chakra and ninjutsu, and it did not fail me in my countless battles in this graveyard. Now it was time to see what I was made of against one whom was hailed as a legend.

I remember now, of why he was here. I remember now, of why I had no love for my hollow existence after losing my only family member.

"Who the hell are you?" I had demanded. I knew then he wasn't like the other incarnations of Naruto I had slain, for I can predict their very moves and thoughts like it was second nature. But Canon Naruto was something else. His mind was strong and had an unbreakable will. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki, and I'm here to stop your path of vengeance-ttebayo." He replied. Oh, that verbal tick was still there I see. Of course I do it once in a while myself ya know? But I keep my cool most of the time, believe it. But still, even hearing this guy talk pisses me off.

"So you're the original bastard whose cells I was created from? Talk about dumb looking." And I struck a nerve or two. There are two reasons why I called him dumb looking. He's got the face (the personality mind you) of an idiot, and he was wearing orange in a bad fashion statement that'll have any Ino Yamanaka screech in horror and disgust. Even I can wear orange better than him and make it a fashion statement. "Hey, don't diss the outfit till you try it." The other me replied with a bit of a pout. Oh sure, where's the original orange and blue tracksuit you wore when you started out as a genin eh? Would love to give that a shot!

But I have no business with him. My target is beyond him, and he is nothing more than an obstacle in my way. "Stay out of my way. Nione is there and I want to settle things with him, now."

Nione, the bastard that created me, and unexpectedly gave me my sister whom was my only companion throughout my first few years awake from sleeping in a lab tank for the first 10 years of my life. He used me and my sister with plans to become super weapons, but we said otherwise. She's dead now, with no body existing as I had managed to grab hold of her soul and hold it within me, sleeping. He manipulated the other [Naruto] in coming after me with promises he would not keep. I killed to live, and deep inside I regret it. Nione will face judgment for his crimes, and I will restore peace and order that he had destroyed.

He had a sad expression, oh no. Not one of those annoying lectures (Talk no Jutsu I would call it) to make me listen to some reason that I do not care for. Uh, I'm going to be bored out of my mind. "Do you want your revenge that badly, that you'd kill others just to get it?" he asked me. I gritted my teeth, I nearly forgot how stupid and naïve my counterpart is even as an adult. Nione must have duped him into thinking I'm some sort of avenger or something. This vengeance is justice for the other ones, Shana, and me for the crap we've been through. "I don't kill others for my vengeance. Don't compare me to your Sasuke, who lived his whole life in it!" I told him. He looked at me with a hint of seriousness, coming from experience with that path from his friend.

"But don't you understand!? If you keep doing this, you'll walk a path of regrets! Vengeance isn't worth it!"

That caused me to snap. Is taking down Nione so that way others do not have to suffer the same fate as me and the other [Naruto] that end up dying in this world, or even cloning another me or someone that Naruto probably knew and repeat the process all over? Over my cold dead body. "Look at this battlefield! I live my whole life in anguish and regrets! I killed other [us], destroying their dreams and hopes and haunted by my own sins for that action. But no more! I will stop the source of all this even if I must kill you. To me, vengeance is my redemption to the others that I had killed in this hell. If you can't see what we have seen, then stay out of this!"

"Be careful Naruto, your clone's anger is…much worse than Sasuke's own hatred."

That voice. It was the fox's voice! I don't have chakra or even an incarnation of the beast sealed within me, but I heard it. I must be resonating with [Me] because of $#^! 's lifeforce was shared between us. "Stay out of this conversation fox." I had snarled angrily as I can sense the shock from them. "I can hear your voice due to the connection we have. So stay out of this conversation!"

The Nanadaime Hokage was looking at me with sadness; he must realize something that we share, a different path in life. He wants me to stand down and away from my vengeance. There is nothing he can do to stop me. "Is there anything else but vengeance here? There must be something else?" That was a reasonable question as I shook my head. "No. There is nothing here. No friends, no loved ones, my own sister, MY only family, is gone because of Nione." That's right, because of him. I had lost my only family that I ever cared for. The one who in her own way tried to support me and loved me dearly was gone. I was in a sense alone. While her soul is within me, I cannot hear her, nor feel her. It was as if she was gone. I never felt so alone till now.

But that emptiness was filled with something else, fury. The kind only a great and terrible dragon wields when one harms one of its brood. That is the fury that surges within my very body right now. "And I will not be denied the retribution that bastard deserves, not even you would be spared if you intend to stay in my way." This was a serious statement. If he intends to get in my way, Canon counterpart or not, I WILL kill him; consequences be damned. That spurred [Me] to take action as [I] placed [my] hands together into an all to familiar hand sign. "Then I'll just beat you and show you the errors of your ways then!" he announced to me as a dozen Kage Bunshin popped into existence. He really was determined to make me see things his way. I refuse, adamantly. "For one who has seen many things in his life, you really are a fool. You cannot change everyone you meet with that charisma you have. Not even beating me will change anything." It was true; I am committed to staying on this path I have chosen. He wants to change it into a happy path, but there is no place for a fake like me to go to. I was all alone; it hurts so much I just wanted to die. "For in the end, I intend to die once my wrath is over." It was true; death would be my release from this suffering, but before I die, I'm going to get a last laugh and I'm going to add one more insult to my Canon other. "And I'm surprised how stupid you are as well, for not noticing Hinata's affections even though it's obvious. I'll hate to tell her that I killed you once this is over."

I smirked at his reaction. Apparently people are not letting him live it down to being oblivious to Hinata's love for him even after becoming Hokage. But playtime was over. There is no mercy for you [me]; a painful, agonizing death awaits you.

I opened my eyes with a sharp breath as cold sweat dripped down my face. I remember now…I'm a clone, not the original. My memories are still fragmented, but that was a start. But then I realized that I was alone now…well Saber and Caster, and even my partner are here with her Servant. But inside, the companionship, a bond with someone is what I'm missing. Yet, I cannot find myself to go and make a connection. There was this hidden hatred for bonds that I have yet to comprehend. Why? Why do I feel a sharp pain so agonizing that my fury rises at the thought?

"Go, and live your life anew…Naruto Uzumaki."

Those words…someone was helping me? Was that person giving me a second chance to find a reason to live?

…..

I can't comprehend it at the moment. I have enough Intel on Assassin, now Temari's Archer is the next to learn about. I only need a bit more information on her in order to develop a strategy against her. She will be tricky, and I'm betting Saber and Caster will have some ideas after I get something to eat.

Midday

"What a drag…" left my mouth. It was a line from someone I had forgotten, trademark line in fact and it clearly tells anyone nearby of one's situation.

"Praetor, you are being observed."

Yeah, that one girl with dark skin and purple hair has been observing me for some time now. And frankly, with the emptiness in her eyes and the unblinking stare, along with those glasses glinting in the shadows creeps me out on levels I do not want to explore. But her smell, it was off. With a few good memories restored I know for a fact this girl isn't exactly human. She's artificial like me. Maybe she's searching for something here like I am. I walked up to her and she bowed her head politely to me. From the way she's dressed and that mark on her forehead, not to mention her skin tone. I'd say she's from India. "Good day Uzumaki-san. I am Rani VIII, and I believe that the stars are shining upon you today." She spoke to me.

"Ah, an astronomer! Master, please pay attention, those who study this art are known for accurate predictions, speaking from personal experiences."

Thank you Caster, that will make me want to study on that on my numerous free times when the three of us aren't in the arena. "Can you tell me my fortune today?" I had asked. Rani gently pushed her glasses back a bit and smiled politely. "Yes, if you go to the church to do the Alteration of the Soul today, something lost will be found within. Be wary of a blue sea urchin, for it will not make things easy for the girl with no name." she's speaking of my partner, and that sea urchin must be that Shinji brat. I clock him in every time he gets in my way. Perhaps I should just break an arm next time I see him…or cut off his Command Seals.

"I see, anything else?"

"Yes, the stars speak of the Archer you will face. Seek the golden fruit in the arena, only then will her secret reveal itself." Rani paused. She looked uncertain for some reason as if she was trying to decide whether or not she should tell me something. "There is a strange distortion in the Moon Cell that is an anomaly of the Holy Grail Wars. It is attached to the Arena and is locked. A Citadel with writing of a language that is not of human origins lies at its door. Even if you were to unlock it, there are powerful enemies dwelling within. Be careful and good day."

She bowed her head and she walked off as I pondered the thought. An anomaly within the Moon Cell that's affecting even the Arena itself. Maybe I should consult with some NPCs and Father Kotomine about this?

….Nah, they'll probably say something like 'Shouldn't you focus on the Grail War?' or 'Rejoice in your inevitable doom once you've entered Purgatory.' From Father Kotomine. Besides, who knows what treasures dwell within this Citadel?

Church

I walked into the church and I notice two girls sitting there with a strange floating holographic cube on the table. "Um, hi? I'd like to strengthen my Servants please?" I asked politely. I can read the atmosphere right now and I know those two girls are silently at each other's throats at the moment. But the red head smiled towards me. "Ah, I see the infamous Master with two Servants is here. Welcome to the Eden of the East, I am Aoko Aozaki." The red head greeted, "-and I'm Touko Aozaki." The other one grunted with a mild irritation. Great, I think I'm going to like these two. "So, want to give the Alteration of the Soul a try?" Aoko asked. I merely nodded my head as my two Servants materialized before me as Aoko did something to us while typing onto a holographic keyboard that had appeared.

"Since this is the first time for you rookie, I'll explain it. Whenever a Master ranks up, which is in video game terms a level; you gain three Skill Points a level. This rank (level) shows the skill and level of a Master is and how powerful their Servant is. Doing an Alteration of the Soul here uses these Skill Points to amplify the stats of the Servant. These Skill Points are actually produced from the soul of the Master and the Moon Cell simply transforms this collected mass of energy gained from experience in battle. Depending on how many Skill Points used to increase a stat, it might go up a rank. But be careful, each Servant has their own growth rate so some stats are slow to update. Be careful what you chose." Touko warned.

"I'll just stick with restoring my Servants' original stats and work from there."

"Smart move, and both of them have all E rank stats so you can plan ahead on what to improve in the future. So I'll take care of your Servants just like…" Aoko agreed as she began typing as the church shook from the surge of power and she blinked. "Wow, your Servants both have gotten two of their stats ranked up and they have some of their skills back." Aoko mused as Saber smirked and Caster smiled and did a little dance at the improved link to our souls.

"Hm?" Aoko hummed as she noticed something manifesting behind the Servants. She reached out to it and grabbed it, and manifested a strange Item Folder. "Interesting, this Item Folder holds something in it that's yours young Master. I'm not sure what it is though, but I detect a high level of security encrypted on it. Whoever did this made sure you didn't awaken it." She frowned.

Odd, I know I was dangerous if that recent memory I had just reacquired, but to the point that parts of me were sealed off? Terrifying.

"It seems to be connected to your Master Rank. I suggest training with your Servants and increase their parameters before even trying to unlock it. It seems pretty dangerous to let a low-leveled Master try to harness a potentially dangerous object in it." She instructed him as she handed me the Item Folder. "Thanks," the minute I had it in my hand, a nostalgic feeling entered me. It was a sense of longing for completion. Ah, I'm suffering from amnesia and whatever is in this Item Folder is the key to helping me remember more probably; for now, Trigger and Archer in Arena.

Arena

The minute the three of us walked in, both Caster and me froze. It seemed our connections that were strengthened via Alteration of the Soul affected me as well. My senses have increased and I smell it. Hunter, alpha, female, predator…lion; we're being hunted by the Archer. Saber's instinct as a warrior seems to have flared up as she sensed the change of atmosphere and the tense atmosphere of the area. The Arena resembled a garden of Greece, and then I recalled what Rani had spoken. I have to find the golden fruit to reveal the secret of Archer.

"Greece!" Saber exclaimed, even in spite of the intense atmosphere due to potential danger, she had this admiration in her tone and eyes. "Such beautiful workmanship to create such a garden of Greece, and the alluring smell of the flowers blooming and fruit trees entice such a relaxing atmosphere. Praetor, I request we have a smaller version of this garden for our room." Saber spoke with absolute seriousness in her tone. I smiled at that, "Alright, I'll see if I can get that if we survive. What about you Caster?" Caster tilted her head to the side and placed a finger on her chin in thought. "A simple stone garden with a tree please~!" she replied cheerfully. I can handle that one, now only if I can find a way to get my hands on such things.

Even while we were conversing, we moved through the labyrinth in search of the 'golden fruit' that hold secrets to Temari's Archer. The best place was to go for the area where the trees were at, while avoiding Temari's Archer. Though there is a question, did Archer come here with her Master, or of her own will for the thrill of the hunt? I pray that Artermis isn't in the mood for fox hunting, because I'm called a fox, and Caster is a fox, and I am not going to go through 'foxhunts' again!

Next time: Hunter or Hunted-Cunning of the Kitsunes

A/N: Hey readers, been a while. I know you've waited for such an update, and I was happy to provide it. I know there's not much, but at least I was able to put some effort into giving at least a somewhat decent chapter. I have a life and I know fellow readers will respect that. But I will devote whatever free time I'll have into trying to make more chapters for my works. Thanks for understanding, and supporting me will help a long way. Oh, and I'm thinking of making a forum of Q&A's for any readers confused with my works so I can sort things out. Fan of Fanfics21 signing off.