Story: Shattered Truths, Chapter 14

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Naruto!

Naruto stood in a dimly lit corridor, completely unaware of how he'd got there. Looking around, studying his surroundings, it slowly dawned on him that this place seemed somehow familiar. It was almost as if he'd been there before.

As, he began walking, he started to develope a uneasy, sick feeling; the feeling you get when you know something bad is going to happen. He could sense the overwelming presence of someone, or something, that was there watching, if not, waiting for him. He could tell, that what ever it was, it was not human, but more like some sort of evil, demonic being. His fear grew with each step he made, as he hesitantly explored the hallway.

Soon, his senses had led him to the seventh room on the left. For a long moment, he stood at the entrance of the room, trembling.

'Someone's in here...' He thought. 'I just know it...'

Gathering the courage, he finally managed to enter the room. However, wasn't able to force himself any further than to the center. Staring in awe at the huge cage in front of him, he couldn't help but notice the paper seal that was attached to it. He studied it for a little longer, then froze. Even though he had no idea where he'd seen it before, he immediately recongnized it and knew excactly what it was; It was the same forbidden seal the Fourth Hokage had used to seal the Nine Tails away inside of him. 'This place...it must be the...'

"Naruto..." hissed a deep, and terrifying voice. Naruto immediately froze. Who was that just then? Could it have been the Nine Tails?

"Wh-who are you...?" He stammered. Without hesitation, the beast replied.

"I'm what you're so afraid of, the reason everyone dislikes you... The reason they will never accept you. I am Kurama, your worst nightmare..."

Naruto gulped. It was definately him.

"Hey, Fox!" he shouted, trying to sound brave. However, the Nine Tails was not decieved. He could tell the blonde was way out of his league and knew it. But he listened anyways.

"You're were right." Naruto pointed a finger at the demon. "You ARE the reason they hate me, but keep this in mind. Someday, the whole village is going to look up to me. No matter how long it takes, I'll earn their respect. It's always been my dream to recieve the title of 'hero', so there's no way I'd ever let a beast like YOU control ME, because this is my body. You got that?

The Nine Tails cackled, practically mocking him. Naruto clentched his fists.

"What's so funny!?" He demanded. "You think I'm joking!? Just you watch, I'll prove everyone wrong. I'm not just some kid who's in over his head. If I say I'm gonna do something, It means I will. Afterall, that's my nindo. I never go back on my word."

The Nine Tails was quiet for a long moment. Then he simply grunted.

"Foolish brat..."

Konoha Hospital

Sunlight brightly lit up the hospital room, shining through the window. Naruto lay in bed, finally having regained consiousness. He slowly opened his eyes, squinting at the light. His vision was blurry at first, so he couldn't make out much of thing, but soon, his sight had cleared, as he became aware of his surroundings. The beeping of machines, and the IV attached to his arm made it obvious. But still, the question remained. Why was he there? The only thing he could remember was the chat between the Nine Tails and him.

'Was that really just a dream?' he wondered. 'Or is there more to it...?'

He suddenly spotted someone in the corner of his eyes.

Standing at the window, was Sakura, as she replaced some flowers that looked as if they were beginning to wilt. How long had he been unconsious?

Setting up, he hissed at the unbearable pain, clutching his stomach tightly. Then he suddenly recalled everything; Koma's vicious words, their fight, and his realization of who his father was. He remembered it clearly, as if it had just occured.

Sakura turned around, relieved to see he'd finally woke up. However, she was overcome with joy, and couldn't restrain herself from crying. "Naruto..."

She ran up to him, tightly hugging him. He hesitated at first, for it felt kind of strange to him, but returned the embrace.

"It's been about three weeks...They thought you might never wake up," Sakura sobbed.

"Heh," He grunted, with a small smile. "you can't get rid of me that easily..."

"Yeah, I guess not..." Sakura agreed, laughing. Naruto's smile faded after a while, as something ran though his mind.

"Is-" he began to ask, but stopped as the door slid open.

"So, you're finally awake." Shikamaru smirked, as he entered the room, followed by Sasuke and Kakashi. Sakura stood back, facing Kakashi.

"What did he say...?" she asked. Kakashi thought for a moment, considering the words he should use. After all, Naruto was listening. He didn't want him to get wrong idea, such as thinking they didn't trust him. Even though they didn't, they couldn't let him know. Because, being Naruto, he would most likely not comply.

"You and Sasuke are going to stay with him for a while so we can keep an eye on other villagers to make certain there's no more planned attacks." he explained, then gazed over at Naruto. "Naruto, you know these villagers better than we do. We can't keep you safe, unless you let us know if you think they're up to something. Meanwhile, Sasuke and Sakura, keep your ears open and listen. Keep an close eye on everyone around you, and, whatever happens, the main priority is Naruto's safety."

Naruto could say nothing. He was holding them back from other things they could be doing, again. He mentally cursed. 'None of this would've happened if it hadn't been for this stupid fox being sealed inside of me.'

Kakashi took a gander at him, for he knew what he was thinking. He could see it in his eyes.

"Naruto, none of this is your fault." he assured him. "It's the people in charge of the counsil that are to blame. The group of ninja that tried to kill you had attempted the same thing in the past, but were set free. The village elders did nothing back then. However this time, they've risked not only one life, but several."

"Kakashi-sensei..." said Naruto, as he looked up with a mixture of frustration and confusion. "Is it true? Is my father really the Fourth Hokage? Koma said I'd killed the Fourth Hokage, my own father."

Shikamaru, Sasuke and Sakura all remembered Koma's words as well.

Why would you care for that monster? Escpecially you, the only survivor of the Uchiha Massacre, to go so low as to protect some Jinchuuriki; A beast, a freak. The person who took the lives of many villagers, not to mention, the Fourth Hokage, his own father.

Kakashi pondered it for a second, then replied, "Yes, your father was the Fourth Hokage, but was also my sensei."

Naruto's eyes widened. "What did you just say?"

~End of Chapter~

A/N: This is really OOC. I don't escpecially like it. SO REMEMBER TO REVIEW! Pweeese? I really want to make this chapter better, thnx. I also need some good ideas for the next and upcoming chapters. I thinking of making Kakashi have a flashback of Minato's last words to him before he sacrificed himself. Tell me what you think of that, and give me your own idea's. Any vocab, grammer, or english errors? Let me know. THNX 4 UR HLP! ^.^