AN: As I said last chapter, this chapter of RMN will be a little bit different than others. Well, this whole chapter, save for the very beginning and very end, won't even be set in the Rave Master Naruto universe. Why am I doing this? Well, truth is that the events that happened in the last chapter were suppose to be what was happening this chapter. But do to things advancing the way it has with this story, I found I needed to do a filler chapter in order keep the rest of the series in check.

So just what will you be reading? Well, this is from an idea I had a few years back for a Naruto fic that may or may not still happen at some point in the future and I'm using this to see if the story would be worth doing should that day come. But, seeing as this isn't connected to the RMN storyline (again, save for the beginning and ending), reading this chapter isn't a requirement. Even the few lines that are connected to the RMN story will contain no plot or character related development what-so-ever. So, if any of you decide to not read this chapter, then you won't be missing anything.

The Deepest Snow arc will truly begin next chapter. Now, lets gets this special filler chapter underway. Also, the ending theme for this set of twelve chapters (starting with chapter 37 to this chapter) is Midnight Blue, performed by Megumi Hayashibara, and was the ending song of the anime movie: Slayers the Motion Picture. If nothing else, look that song up as it's really good. Now, lets begin...

Rave Master Naruto

chpt.48: Moon Gazer

Team Rave had decided to take a quick break on its trek to Wave, where their clients would be waiting for them, in order to have lunch. While resting, a young woman had arrived and had asked for help. A group of men had broken into her home and had stolen a valuable family heirloom.

Kakashi decides to help her get it back as he had a good idea on who the men were based on a clue the woman had found as well as knew where to find them. He told Naruto and the others to wait here for him, that he wouldn't be long. Tenten asked if he was sure he wouldn't need their help and Kakashi said he would be fine.

With Kakashi taking care of this little errand, Tenten took the time to sharpen her many weapons she kept stored in her many scrolls. Hinata did some training with Haku to help try out an idea of the taijutsu she had started to create during the search for Tsunade, And Naruto decided to use a nearby tree to catch a quick nap.

As he slept, he began to dream of another world. A world greatly different than this one and yet, one that had a strange sense of familiarity about it. It was almost as if he had been there...before...

(the world he sees in his dream...)

Hinata came to a stop and gazed upon the massive iron gate. She looked up and read the sign above it. "Harpion City" is what it said. Recalling her mothers words, she knew that this was the place; that she would fine find out where the legendary warrior, Hiruzen Sarutobi, lived.

She made her way forward and a guard appeared before her from the small building sticking out from the city wall next to the entrance. "Halt, state your purpose here."

"I'm Hinata Yuhi; I was sent here by my mother to find a man named..." says Hinata.

"Am I your type?" joked the guard, interrupting Hinata. Seeing the sour look she was giving him do to his comment, he says "Just kidding. You can go on in" he said before walking back into the small building. Several seconds later, the iron bars slowly rise up.

"Happy hunting" shouts the guard as Hinata passes underneath the gate.

As she walks down the path, heading deeper into the city, she can't help but marvel at the sight around her. Unlike the home she had spent her entire life living in, this city was full of tall buildings and showing off the latest in steam based technology.

She soon emerged onto the main city road, which was full of people coming and going. Hinata steps out and begins asking around.

"Excuse me, do you know how I can find a man named Hiruzen Sarutobi?"

"Get lost, pip squeak. I'm late for an appointment here."

"I'm looking for a Sarutobi..."

"Never heard of him, kid."

"Excuse me, do you know where I can find a great warrior nam..."

"Yeah, baby. In my pants. Wanna see him?"

Sigh "Do you know a Hiruzen Sarutobi by any chance?"

"Sorry deary, I can't help you."

You get the idea. Basically, this went on for the next two hours. Hinata was now sitting on a bench next to a large house. She hadn't learned anything about Sarutobi, but she had learned just how perverted guys can get. She had a made a mental note on this; don't trust a guy as far as you can kick him in the crotch...which she had gotten some practice in doing on at least half a dozen guys. Maybe a dozen.

"Maybe I should try the other side of town?" wondered Hinata aloud as she leaned her head back and looked skyward.

"Is something wrong, my dear?" came a voice, making Hinata look over to her left.

An elderly woman who appeared to be in her late sixties was looking at her with a kind smile. "Was that you ma'am?" asked Hinata.

The lady nods, then says "You seemed troubled. Is there something I can help you with?"

"Not unless you know how I can find Hiruzen Sarutobi" said Hinata before looking back up at the sky.

The old woman sits down beside her and says "Unfortunately, no. But I have heard of him. Back when I was your age, he was quite the charmer. Every girl around dreamed of being his wife. I was no exception there."

After a pause, she says "But I might know how you can find him."

Hinata looks at her, eyes wide and filled with both hope and doubt. "Really?"

"Well, maybe" was the reply. The woman shrugs, then says "There is a place in town called the Under Tow, located in an area known as the Skids. If you are looking for someone or something, odds are you'll find the Under Tow to be the best place to go to get any progress on your search."

"Can you tell me how to get there? I'm...well, this is my first time here in Hyperion" asked Hinata.

"Sure thing, dear" said the woman. She then begins the detailed directions that Hinata will need to follow.

Once she was done, Hinata gets up, then looks at the woman and bows. "Thank you for your help, ma'am."

As Hinata turns to leave, the lady reaches out and takes her hand "A word of warning though." Once Hinata was looking back at her, she says "The clientele of the Under Tow are known to be a seedy and ruthless bunch. Many of them won't hesitate to turn a sweet young girl like yourself into a meal, if you know what I mean. When you get there, try not to make eye contact with anyone. And don't trust anyone there, save the barkeep. You'll recognize him from his distinctive handle bar like mustache. Though rumored to be involved in some shady businesses, you can at least count on him not trying to hurt you, though he might rip you off on any purchases. Talk to him and him alone. Understood?"

Hinata nods, then says "Thank you." She then turns and heads off to the Skids.

(40 minutes later)

Hinata had a feeling the Skids would be a place she wouldn't want to come to and she was right. Unlike the other areas of the city, the Skids were dark, dank, dreary, and definitely no place for a girl to be walking through, especially alone.

It was dark and somewhat misty from the steam rushing out of cracks in the various pipes scattered about. There was also plenty of puddles of water along the ground. At least, she hoped it was just water and not...well, she was walking around them just to be safe.

The rats and mangy looking cats alone were enough to scare her. But the looks she was being given by the figures sitting in corners and alley ways was making her bring her hands up against her chest, fingers fidgeting against each other, and she quickened her pace to reach her destination.

Soon, the neon lights of the Under Tow's sign came into view. Stopping out side, she couldn't help but gulp at the intimidating aura the place was giving off. For a second, she had second thoughts about going inside. But remembering her mothers sacrifice gave her courage; she then steps forward and enters the building.

Immediately, all eyes fall onto her as she steps inside. There was an uneasy quiet filling the air and Hinata knew it was because of her. She proceeds forward warily, making sure to keep her eyes focused on the man with the handle bar mustache, the man she had been told was the owner.

The sound of mumbling caught her attention. Though she couldn't quite make out what was being said, she had a strong hunch it wasn't anything good.

Arriving at the counter, she takes a seat on the stool. "Just a moment, please" said the owner, indicating he knew she was there, but hadn't looked at her yet as he was busy writing something onto the note pad he was holding. Hinata figures he was doing an inventory check.

She tries to keep her eyes focused on the bar, but a sudden impulse leads Hinata to take a glance to her right. There was a half dome cut into the wall with a table within; likely a privacy table, or so Hinata assumed. And there was a hooded figure, wearing a faded orange cloak who appeared to be looking at her. For some reason, Hinata found herself blushing slightly as she quickly turns her attention back to the owner.

'What was that? Why am I blushing?' wondered Hinata.

"Sorry for the wait" said the owner as he puts down his note pad and turns to Hinata. "What can I help...well, this is a rare sight. It's not often we get an angel face in here."

"Angel face?" asked a confused Hinata.

The man leans in and says "My term for an innocent, virginal girl. The kind that shouldn't be in a place like this." He then pulls back and ask "So, what can I do for you?"

"I was hoping you can help me find someone. An older lady in town told me this place would be my best bet in finding the person I seek" replied Hinata.

"I don't know about that" says the man. "And to be honest, the woman must be mad sending you here. But, I'll help you if I can. So, tell me who you're looking for and if I can help, I will."

"Hiruzen Sarutobi. He's a famous warrior; known as the 1000 Professor do to him knowing one thousand techniques" said Hinata.

"I've heard of him. I do know he lives somewhere north of Hyperion. But I'm afraid I don't have an exact location. But I do know who does. Have you ever heard of the Fox?" asked the owner.

"No, who is he?" asked Hinata.

"No one knows for sure. He comes around here every three days to get information from me. As you can guess, both owning and working here is a great way to hear things. I pass the things I hear on to him. In fact, today is a day he'd be stopping by."

"But how would he know how to find master Sarutobi?" asked Hinata. She was also wondering why this Fox person was getting information from this man. Maybe they had some deal worked out or the Fox had something on the owner that made him play ball. Hinata decides to not ask.

"Well, I believe the Fox lives with Sarutobi or at least they know each other." He then leans in close again and adds "I base this on what kind of information he generally ask for. The sort of information someone like Sarutobi would likely want to know."

"Is he here already?" asked Hinata, hoping to get a yes.

"Well..." said the owner. "Just wait here a moment. I...need to check something. Be right back."

The man then walks away, exiting from behind the counter and enters a door to the back rooms. Though Hinata watches him leave, she fails to notice the look he gives the hooded figure off in the corner. Hinata goes back to looking at the selection of drinks lining the back counter.

"Hey sweet cheeks, I hear you's looking for da Fox" comes a voice from behind her.

Hinata tenses up as a skinny man with rat like features sits down next to her. Another man, big and burly looking sits on the stool on her opposite side. "You was asked a question" says the big guy."It's rather rude to not at least reply."

"Um...that's right, I am" said Hinata nervously. "I...don't suppose...you know him, do you?"

"Of course we's know him. We's part of his crew, after all" said the rat man. "If you's want, we's can take you to him."

He then places a hand on Hinata's shoulder, making her tense up more. "Nnnnoooo thanks, that won't be necessary" she said.

"That to's bad. He's gonna be leaving soon to take care of some business out-a-town and won't be's back till next week" said the rat man.

"I don't believe you" said Hinata. "I was told not to trust anyone here."

"Sorry to hears that. But still good advice" said the rat man as he gets up. "Come on, Bulkus. We's need'n to get back to da boss."

"Right" replied Bulkus, getting up as well. "Boss Fox won't be happy if we're late."

As they start to walk off, Hinata turns around and says "Wait, do you really know him?"

The rat man looks back at her and says "I's said so, didn't I?"

"Can you take me to him?" asked Hinata, deciding to throw caution of the wind.

"Sure, baby girl. Just follow us" said the rat man.

Hinata gets up and follows the two men out, not noticing the other patrons just shake their heads sadly at knowing what was going to happen to her soon. The sound of a chair squeaking against the floor gets them to look over as the hooded figure gets up.

The door to the back opens and the owner's head pops out, saying "OK girl, just come back here and...hey, where'd she go?"

"Getting herself in trouble" says the hooded figure as he reaches into his pocket and pulls some money out. "Thanks for the drink: says the hooded figure before exiting the building.

(a few minutes later)

As Hinata found herself being led further into the Skids, she found herself becoming more nervous and convinced that leaving the Under Tow with rat face and Bulkus had been a very bad idea. When they turn a corner and she sees a wall blocking their way, she knows she made a big mistake.

"End of the line, baby girl" said the rat faced man as he wraps an arm around her shoulder.

Hinata quickly pushes him off as she jumps away. "So, I take it you don't know the Fox after all?" she yells.

"Like he'd ever hang with blokes like us" said Bulkus as he and the rat face advance on Hinata, making her back further against the side wall.

"I...if you try anything, I'll scream" said Hinata.

"Go's ahead. Like there's anyone around here's who'll care" replied the rat face.

"I know how to defend myself" said Hinata, her voice shaky which betrayed her claim.

"Doubtful" said Bulkus.

"And even if you's try, you'll fail" said the rat face.

Just then, Hinata feels a pinch like feeling on her neck. Before she can reach up to find the source, her whole body goes numb, her legs give way, and she falls to her knees. "Wha...what's happening" asked Hinata, finding her body refusing to move.

The rat faced holds out his hand and shows the small bottle and needle and says "When I's placed my arm on you, I pricked you's skin with this. Not a strong paralyzer, but it does the job."

"What are you gonna do with me?" asked Hinata, visibly frightened now.

"You'll make us a lot of money on the black market. There are many who'll want a slave that looks like you" said Bulkus.

"First things first, though" said rat face. "We should check out the goods. Sees what she has to offer." He then licks his lips as he kneels down and places a hand on Hinata cheek, rubbing it. ""Maybe try her out for fun."

"Just don't go below the belt. Virgins are worth more" notes Bulkus.

"Not a problem" said the rat face as he leans in to steal a kiss.

Hinata struggles to move, but find her body still unresponsive. 'Someone, anyone. Please, save me.'

A sound of whirling is heard, followed by rat face being conked on the side of the head by something hard that knocks him off his feet. Bulkus spins around as the boomerang like weapon safely lands in the hands of the one who had thrown it.

"Taking advantage of a girls trust? How disgraceful" says the owner of the weapon.

"Who are you?" asked Bulkus.

Hinata's eyes fall onto her savior and she recognizes him immediately. 'The hooded figure from Under Tow.'

"Does it matter?" asked the hooded figure.

"What you's waiting for, Bulkus. Kill him" shouts the rat face.

Bulkus pounds his fist together three times to psyche himself up, then charges at the hooded figure with a fist raised to punch him. The hooded figure easily dodges around him, then dodges several more swings till his back hits against the far wall.

"Now I got you" shouts Bulkus as he goes to smash the hooded figures face in.

The hooded figure ducks under, causing Bulkus's fist to collide with the brick. Before he can pull his hand free, the hooded figure sends several blows into his stomach. Bulkus laughs, saying that won't work as he free his hand, but the hooded figure comes in from behind and lands a powerful karate chop against the back of his neck. The blow is strong enough to make his eyes roll into the back of his head and collapse, unconscious.

"You's dead man for that" shouts rat face as he charges at the hooded figure with a dagger drawn.

The hooded figure sighs as he does a round house kick, knocking the dagger from the rat faces hand. Then, before he can react and back away, the hooded figure reaches out, grabs the back of his head, and slams it into the brick wall, knocking him out too. With both men incapacitated, the hooded figure approaches Hinata.

"Not a very smart move, going off with guys like them" says the hooded figure as he stands over Hinata. "Didn't the owner say to wait a moment?"

"Yeah, you're right. That was a bad error in judgment on my part. But, I just really need to find Sarutobi" said Hinata.

"You can tell me all about it later. First, lets get you out of here" said the hooded figure before leaning down and picking Hinata up bridal style.

"Hey, wait. What are you doing?" asked Hinata, her cheeks blushing red.

"It'll take thirty minutes or so before you can move around again, if my guess on what they got you with is right. Do you really want to hang around here that long?" asked the hooded figure.

He had a point. So Hinata just sighs as he begins to walk towards the exit to the Skids. "Who are you, anyway?"

"Haven't figured it out yet? I'm the Fox."

(twenty minutes later – Harpion Park)

The Fox places Hinata down on the bench located under a large tree that provided decent coverage from the sun's rays. He then walks over to the railing right across from Hinata, turns back to look at her, and leans back against the railing.

"So tell me, why are you looking for old man Sarutobi?" asked the Fox.

"My mother, Kurenai Yuhi, told me to find him" said Hinata. Though her legs still felt numb, she had more or less regained the use of her arms. She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a pendant. "She also told me to show him this."

"I see" said the Fox.

"Please tell me you know where he is" said Hinata.

"Yeah, I live with the old coot" said the Fox.

"Can you take me to him?" asked Hinata.

The Fox is quite for just a moment, then says "Sure; don't have anything better to do."

The Fox approaches her, then turns his back to her while leaning down. "Uh, what are you doing?" asked Hinata.

"Piggy back ride. The old man lives a good ways away. As it is, we'll get there faster if I carry you."

"I appreciate the offer, but...I don't want to weigh you down. Besides, I must be heavy" said Hinata.

"Just do it" says the Fox forcibly.

Hinata gulps, then complies. As he lifts her up, he adds "Just so you know, you're not as heavy as you look."

Hinata's face goes red with anger as she ask "And what does that mean?"

As the Fox stands tall, he laughs and says "Nothing; just wanted to make conversation."

As the Fox begins to walk, Hinata ask "So, why do you hang out at a place like the Under Tow?"

"Same reason you went there. It's a good source of information; stuff the old man would like to know. The owner has his hand in illegal imports, which he keeps in the back. The reason he went back there when you were there was to make sure there was nothing laying out that would cause him trouble. Had you not run off with those two low life's, he would have had you go back there and I would have followed, saving us both some trouble."

"Yeah, sorry about that" said Hinata, looking away sadly.

"What's your name?" asked the Fox.

"Hinata...Hinata Yuhi, and you?" asked Hinata.

The Fox stops, then turns his head, allowing Hinata a closer look at the face behind the hood. She could see he had cerulean blue eyes and whisker like marks lining his cheeks. She could also make out blonde, spiky hair.

"Naruto Uzumaki."

(sunset – North Harpion field, southern summit of Mt. Hyperio)

Hiruzen Sarutobi, his gray chin hair and the remaining hair in his otherwise balding head, blew gently in the wind as he puffed his pipe, seeing what weird shapes he could make each puff of smoke take. His eyes caught of Naruto as he made his way up the path that led to the house. And it appeared that he had grown a second head.

Of course, Sarutobi realized that this second head was someone who was piggy backing Naruto, a person who appeared to have nodded off due to the fact the head was resting against his shoulders and had closed eyes. Then he realized that this person was a girl.

Getting up, Sarutobi walks forward to meet with Naruto and ask "She's a little big to fit in the cooking pot, isn't she?"

Naruto scoffs as he comes to a stop, then says "Very funny, old man. I have my doubts she'd taste good."

"You say that now, but you never know until you taste her" jokes Sarutobi. Getting serious, he ask "So, who is she anyways?"

"Her names Hinata and she says she was told to find you" was the reply. Naruto then shakes Hinata a little, causing her to stir. "Hey, wake up. We're here."

"Um...what?" asked a groggy Hinata as she opened her eyes. After a moment, she says "Sorry Naruto, I guess I fell asleep. What did you say?"

"I said we're here. And don't worry about it" said Naruto as he leaned down, allowing Hinata to finally stand on her own.

But as soon Hinata tried to put her full weight down, she looses balance and starts to fall forward, forcing Naruto to catch her, which causes his hood to fall back. "You OK?" asked Naruto as he cradles her against himself.

Hinata blushes from embarrassment, saying "Sorry, I guess my legs fell asleep when my head did."

"It's fine. Just lean against me till you can stand on your own again" said Naruto.

Hinata looks at his face, finally seeing his face in full for the first time. In addition to the blue eyes and whisker like marks she had observed earlier. She is now able to see the fullness of his blonde spiky hair and she found herself blushing even more. Obviously, she was certainty becoming attracted to him.

After a few minutes, Hinata finally pulls away, though a voice in her head screams at her to not pull away. "Thank you, Naruto. I'm fine now." She then turns to look at Sarutobi, who had a bemused smirk on his face and bows before him. "Sorry for all the trouble, sir. My name is Hinata Yuhi."

Sarutobi nods, then says "And I am Hiruzen Sarutobi. Naruto here tells me that you are looking for me?" After Hinata nods, Sarutobi scratches his chin and says "You said Yuhi, correct? You wouldn't happen to mean Kurenai Yuhi by any chance?"

"That's right, sir. Did you know my mother?" asked Hinata.

"I didn't know her personally. But I do know her by reputation. Come inside and we'll have some dinner. You can then tell me what's going on" said Sarutobi before turning and heading into the house with Naruto and Hinata following after him.

An hour and a half latter.

"Thanks for the meal, sir" said Hinata as Sarutobi sits at the table opposite her and Naruto leans against the wall close by.

"Of course. Now, let's hear your story" said Sarutobi.

"Yes sir" said Hinata before taking a deep breath for the long set of words she was about to speak. "Me and mother have lived in Kryas Valley, located in West Hyperion, for as long as I can remember. Thing's were quiet and peaceful. That is until recently. These creatures suddenly appeared a few days ago and attacked us. Mom called them the Shaedow. I honestly thought we were going to die, but mom used some weird magic to ward them off. She then told me to run away and find you, sir. And she gave me this pendant and told me to show it to you. I didn't want to go, but she promised she'd be fine and that I'd see her again. Though I didn't want to leave her, I did what I was told. I arrived at Hyperion City and met Naruto and he brought me here."

"I see; the Shaedow huh? Tell me, Hinata. Just when did the Shaedow show up?" asked Sarutobi.

"It was four night ago, sir" said Hinata.

"On the night when the three moons appeared to be touching in the sky" said Sarutobi, more to himself than to either Naruto or Hinata. 'So, the time of the Gazer has come. Just like the prophecy foretold.'

"Old man?" asked Naruto, knowing he was thinking something important.

Snapping from his thoughts, Sarutobi looks back at him and says "Don't worry about it, right now." He then looks back at Hinata and ask "Can I see the pendant she gave to you?"

Hinata nods and pulls the pendant from her pocket, handing it to Sarutobi. Sarutobi looks it over, then opens it to Hinata's surprise. She had been unable to open it herself and was curious as to how he had done so without effort. Naruto tries to adjust his head to see what Sarutobi was looking at, but he closes the pendant before Naruto can see anything. Sarutobi then hands it back to Hinata.

"Sir, how did you open it? I've tried several times and couldn't get anywhere" asked Hinata.

"You'll learn in time. When you do, then you'll be worthy of knowing what lies inside" said Sarutobi. "But putting that aside, I have a question for you. What can you tell me about Kurenai?"

"About mom? Nothing really. Just that she was kind, beautiful, and was amazing at anything she did. Other than that, there was nothing to tell" said Hinata.

"Then would it surprise you if I told you that Kurenai was hiding a big secret from you" said Sarutobi.

"Secret? What kind of secret?" asked Hinata.

"Before you were born, your mother, Kurenai, was known as the Witch of Illusion. She was one of the most powerful witch's to ever be born into our world" said Sarutobi.

"But that can't be. Mom never...well, that would explain a few things. Her knowing magic, I mean. And those creatures and how she could keep them busy while I was running away" said Hinata.

"If anyone could fool a Shaedow with an illusion, it would be Kurenai. And that's why I'm confident she's alive" said Sarutobi.

"She is, you sure?" asked Hinata hopefully. When Sarutobi nods, Hinata places a hand over her heart and sighs in relief, saying "I'm glad to hear that." Then a question pops into her head. "But if mom's OK, then why hasn't she tried to catch up with me? If she really does know magic, then I would think it would be easy for her to do."

"If I had to guess, I would assume that this is a test for you" said Sarutobi.

"A test?" asked Naruto before Hinata could.

"Correct. Hinata, you have been with her all your life and as such, you are quite reliant on her, whether you know it or not. I believe she wants to see if you can survive in the world without her. As such, she has likely headed to the place you yourself will be heading and will reunite with you there."

"And where is it I'm heading?" asked Hinata.

"The forest city of Hyosia, the capital of the Hyuga" said Sarutobi.

"The Hyuga? You mean the elven race?" asked Naruto.

"That is correct" said Sarutobi, looking back at Naruto.

"But why would I be going there?" asked Hinata.

"You'll know the answer to that question when you get there. For now, its enough to know that Hyosia is your next major destination" said Sarutobi.

"But I don't know how to get there" points out Hinata.

"Worry not for both Naruto and myself will be coming with you" said Sarutobi, catching both Hinata and Naruto by surprise.

Hinata shakes her head, saying "But I couldn't possibly ask this of you."

"Nonsense, it'll be fine. Beside, if the Shaedow have started to appear, then I can't very well just sit around and do nothing." He then looks back at Naruto and ask "Is this OK with you?"

"I'm fine. But what about you, old man? You aren't as young as you use to be. You sure you're up for the trip?" asked Naruto.

"I may be old, but I can still keep up with brats like you if I need to."

Hinata was still not sure she was OK with this. Not that she didn't want to travel with them nor trust them. She just didn't want to be a burden to them. But she knew that they had made their choice and nothing she said would change their minds, so she simply gets up, bows, and says "Thank you. Both of you."

Sarutobi gets up as well and says "Well then, we should all probably go to bed. We have quite a walk ahead of us in the morning as the trip to Hyosia will take several weeks. Hinata, if you'll follow me. I'll show you to the guest room."

Much later that nigh.

"Still up, Naruto?" asked Sarutobi, entering the young man's room and see Naruto sitting next to an open window.

"Seems I'm not the only one" replied Naruto as he turns his attention to Sarutobi and sees him dressed up in his old battle armor.

"Isn't it a little late for a sparring session, old man?" he asked in jest while getting to his feet.

"It would be nice if it was for that reason. But you know why I'm up. And I'm guessing you're up for the same reason" said Sarutobi. In a weird way, he was happy to know this as it meant Naruto's senses and skills had come far enough to be alerted of the oncoming danger.

Naruto turns back and looks out the window as Sarutobi comes to stand by him. "They know she's here, right?"

"I believe so. At this point and time, they can only manifest physically in our plane of existence when there is a full moon shining down. Luckily, the one moon that would be full now is being hidden by the clouds. But it won't be long till it comes out and they will attack."

"Then we should make an escape while we still can" said Naruto.

"You'll be making an escape with the girl, as soon as the moon appears and the Shaedows attack. I'll stay here and keep them busy" said Sarutobi.

"You can't be serious, old man. You really expect me to just leave you and..."

"You must, Naruto. Her life and safety must be a priority here. Someone needs to stay behind to keep them occupied while the other gets her out of her and guards her on her way to Hyosia."

"But why must it be you who stays? You can protect her better than I can and you'd be the better choice to take her away" said Naruto.

Sarutobi shakes his head, then says "You're wrong Naruto. You are the one best suited to be her guardian." After a moments pause, he adds "I'm old Naruto, and not just physically either. I feel old and tired and I know my days are nearing an ending. So sacrificing myself here and now would be a good end to my story."

"Don't say that, old man. You still have some life left in you. Please, don't make me go through another loss and the sorrow that comes from that" begged Naruto.

"I assure you, Naruto. I don't plan on dying yet. I'm just saying that between you and me, my life isn't as important to save and preserve as yours is. Besides, you have a better chance of saving her than I can. And I'm not referring to this moment alone."

"What do you mean?" asked Naruto.

"Jiraiya, before that battle that resulted in him disappearing happened, was training you to be a Sage, correct?" asked Sarutobi.

"Yeah, he was even planning on taking me to the moving mountain; Mt. Myoboku to get my training really started. Then came that cold, stormy day when we were attacked by that daemon man and...I did as he told me, I came here to you, learned from you, and waited with the hope he'd show up one day."

"It's time I tell you something. I believe Hinata is connected to a prophecy that speaks of a person called the Gazer who will bring about a new age for our world. Though this could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on her desire. The fact the Shaedow have returned is enough to indicate that we have reached the end of the current age and are moving into a new one and the fact they seem to be targeting Hinata is proof of both."

"But how does these Shaedow mean the end of the current age is upon us? And why is my being a Sage so important here?" asked Naruto.

"The Shaedow will appear when the three moons begin to fall into an aliment, which first happened a few days ago. One year to that day, the final aliment will occur when all three moons, full, will line up perfectly to resemble a ringed eye, thus bringing about a time of change for the world. As the year progresses, the Shaedow will appear more frequently and soon, won't even need the moon or even the cover of night to appear. And as for you being a Sage? Well, the prophecy does speak of a Sage that stands by the side of the Gazer. And you, Naruto, seem to have been chosen by fate to play that role."

"You know I don't believe in fate, old man" said Naruto. "Fine, I'll take her away from here. But you got to promise me you'll survive and join up with us eventually."

Sarutobi nods, saying "I promise." Their eyes then fall back onto the sky as the cloud cover finally begins to be blown away by the wind, bringing the moon out. "Naruto, I have something for you."

Naruto looks back at Sarutobi as he reveals a long, wrapped object which he presents to Naruto. Naruto takes the object and unwraps it, finding it to be a long sword and its sheath. "This sword belonged to your father, Minato. He, in turn, had been given it by your mother, Kushina as a gift; her way of thanking him for saving her when they were young. It was a symbol of her feelings and gratitude towards him. The sword is called the Spiral Flash Blade and was a sacred treasure of your mothers clan for many generations."

"Spiral Flash Blade" repeats Naruto as he unsheathes the blade, admiring it. The red hilt had a small blue tassel dangling from it. On the other end was a spiral design that resembled a whirlpool, followed by a gold colored blade that reach out over a foot in length.

"You it well" said Sarutobi.

"I will, old man" said Naruto as he re-sheaths the blade, the straps it on. "How did you come by it, anyways?"

"I'm afraid we have no more time for questions. They are coming" said Sarutobi. Naruto spins around and sees what he means as the shadows being cast by the now full exposed moon were beginning to rise up, taking on monstrous shapes.

Sarutobi steps through the window, then looks back and says "Naruto, go get the girl and get her out of here. Take her to Hyosia; take the long way there too."

"The long way? Why?" asked Naruto.

"They'll expect you to take the quickest path, one that would only take a week. The longer path, though will make the trip of month, will be the safer one."

"I understand, old man. Just remember, you promised" said Naruto before turning away and making his way to Hinata's room.

Sarutobi turns back to look at the Shaedow; the shadow beast taking on the appearance of rabid doberman dogs. "My name is Hiruzen Sarutobi. I will not let even one of you beast get past me."

The creatures growl before bolting at Sarutobi. Meanwhile, high above, a figure looks down and smiles. "This should be interesting" said the figure, dressed in red robes and long purple hair.

"Puun?" comes a familiar voice.

"mmm? Huh? Plue, is that you?" asked Naruto as he awakens from his dream, finding the carrot nosed dog looking at him.

"Time to wake up, Naruto. We need to get going" says Kakashi as he walks over.

"Oh, Kakashi-sensei. Sorry about that. I guess I must have dozed off" said Naruto as he rubs his eyes and gets back to his feet.

"That's fine, Naruto. Did you have any interesting dreams?" asked Kakashi.

"If by interesting, you mean weird, then yeah. Strange though, it felt so real" said Naruto.

"Well, I've heard that our dreams aren't really just figments of our imaginations, produced when we sleep as a way of entertaining our brains while the body rest. Instead, they say our dreams are, in fact, us seeing into another reality, a parallel world. One that may or may not be like our own where we live completely different lives" says Kakashi.

"Another world, a different reality. Another possible version of me? I wonder" said Naruto.

"Hey guys, are we going or what?" shouts Tenten.

"Be right there" shouts back Kakashi. "Let's go, Naruto."

As they walk over to join the others to continue the trip to the Land of Snow, Naruto can't help but think about the dream. 'I wonder if the old man will be OK? And what about that worlds version of Hinata and myself? And who was that guy in the sky? And just what is a Gazer?'

'I hope I can find out some day.'

Kizutsuki, kokoro ga kowasa wo oboeteku / Feelin so hurt, The heart starts to feel fear

Setsunaki. Kokoro ga nanika ni motareteku / Feeling so sad, The heart aches with need

Tsuyosa was, subete wo tsutsumikonda toride / The strength inside, Is the fortress that can envelope all

Yashisa, namida wo shirazu ni wa katarenai / The kindness inside, It cannot be told without shedding tears

Tonight

Tonight

Yureyu honoo wo heto hazashita / Pointed to the wavering flame is

Midnight blue

Yami yo... Ame yo... Ima oshiete / Oh darkness, oh rain, tell me now

Ysuki yo... Kaze yo... Ima kotaete / Oh moon, oh wind, answer me now

Tooku... Tooku... Haurka tooku / Oh far, so far, far in the distance

Tabi no hateni nani ga aruno / What awaits me at the end of my travels

Yami yo... Ame yo... Ima oshiete / Oh darkness, oh rain, tell me now

Nami yo... Kage yo... Ima kotaete / Oh waves, oh shadows, answer me now

Tooku... Tooku... Haurka tooku / Oh far, so far, far in the distance

Tabi no hateni nani ga aruno / What awaits me at the end of my travels

Next time on Rave Master Naruto: Team Rave plus Kakashi arrive in the Land of Wave, where they find several issues awaiting them. But the biggest one will lead to Naruto and Hinata having even more to do on this mission that they eve thought possible. The path to Snow has been open on the next chapter of RMN: See You in the Movies