Okay, so hello. For some of you this seems like a new chapter within a week of this story showing up in your Fanfiction search, for others this is the first upload in over 5 years.

I'd like to address a few things before this chapter starts, I edited all the previous chapters in minor ways, I fixed some spelling errors and made a few grammatical error changes. I will not be editing those any further at this time, and I don't plan to but might. I'm keeping them as they are other than those minor edits and that's more for me, to show me where I started from. Since I'm leaving them as is that means that massive lapse in concentration of me forgetting to include Gaara and his family in the exams, then suddenly adding them for the finals is staying as it is. Another thing, I never originally actually kept track of all the things I said I was going to keep track of, like Naruto's balance, so now I actually have a few Google Docs with key things that I can reference at any time with edits based on chapters written in, like Jutsu and who knows them, Naruto's balance at the start and end of each chapter along with asset value, and the different summons we will come across this story, sorted by species.

I will not promise regular updates, but I have this chapter and the next one already thought up, so I can guarantee the next chapter in under one month. I won't promise it because I honestly don't know if I'm doing this again due to nostalgia and if I'll stop, and even if it's not nostalgia and I wanna keep doing it life could hit me. The main reason I basically abandoned this story was because I was working 6-7 days consistently over the past 5 years, and what little free time I had was going to real life stuff. My schedule has changed massively over the past month, since I started my new job, because I now only work 3 days one week and 4 days the following week (visa versa) so there's a lot of free time.

Okay enough rambling on you guys are probably waiting for this chapter.

ONE LAST THING: While this is technically Chapter 17, I'm calling it Chapter 18, because I'm not removing the note I posted last chapter and since I'm actually logging everything I do now for a more stream-line and non conflicting chapter to chapter story, this will help me with my logs.

Chapter 18: End of a Legacy

Disclaimer: I do not own anything Naruto related.

…

(Kage box)

"Kazekage-dono, what is the meaning of this?" Hiruzen was worried. He knew the Kazekage's son was the host of the one-tailed beast, but he never expected him to attempt a transformation here. "Stop your son at once!" Hiruzen said with a hint of threat.

The Kazekage stood up, looked out at the scene at hand and then locked eyes with the elderly Sarutobi. "Why would I stop this, when this is where the fun begins?" The Kazekage then took off his Kage hat and then his skin started to melt away. "Kukukuku, how long has it been Sensei?"

Hiruzen was pale to the face "Orochimaru, how dare you come back here?!"

A barrier started appearing around the two. Hiruzen watched as his Anbu were suddenly separated from him on the other side of the barrier. He gave them a signal that meant 'the village is under attack' and they disappeared without a sight. "It's time for me to finish what I should have finished a long time ago!"

"Kukuku, it's such a shame you must die."

…

(With Naruto)

Naruto knew something was wrong when he saw the ball of sand in place of what once was Gaara. Explosions were then heard in the distance, and he was about to head in the direction of the explosions when a roar came from the ball of sand. The ball of sand started dropping pieces of itself to the ground and through some gaps, what looked like a racoon dog and human hybrid.

Jiraiya Shunshined next to Naruto.

"Naruto, the village is under attack" Jiraiya said with a seriousness that sent a chill down Naruto's spine. "Normally we'd task Jonin with the One-Tail, but they are stopping the Snakes, Sound Ninja, and Sand Ninja. So Find whoever you can and try to contain Gaara away from the public for as long as you can. I need to go and help Sarutobi-Sensei"

"Hai!" Naruto left to go gather whoever he could.

Naruto decided the easiest squad he would be able to form would be one consisting of the Genin that are still fit, since they were right by him. He first went up to Shikamaru and Team 10 and found Shikamaru asleep.

"Naruto, what's going on, most of the stadium are asleep." Ino said when she saw Naruto come to them. She was obviously worried because she didn't know what was going on, all she saw was the ball of sand was still dropping piece by piece and out of nowhere the crowd were asleep. Choji was knackered from his match and Shikamaru was asleep like the crowd.

"It's a Genjutsu" Came a voice of a white haired boy behind them.

"Who are you?" Naruto asked.

"I'm Kabuto, this is obviously a mass scale Genjutsu. I know medical Ninjutsu so I can help dispel it and do basic healing on those that need it" He had a smile that no-one would believe was anything but sincere.

"I'll help him, I want to help" Ino said to the shock of Naruto.

Naruto thought for a moment and decided that if the village was under attack, the safety of the villagers was really important. "Ino can you start with Shika? I need him." Shikamaru with his smarts was crucial to this unofficial mission Jiraiya gave him.

Kabuto walked up to the sleeping Shikamaru, he touched his shoulder and said his "Kai" but to everyone's surprise he remained in his slumber. "That should've worked"

Everyone, except Ino were getting worried, and while Naruto was worried he was going to leave, it seemed like Gaara was about to get out of the ball of sand, but then Ino ran up to the sleeping Shikamaru and gave him a kick to the back. "Troublesome woman, I finally had the chance to sleep and you don't let it happen."

"The village is under attack and I need to lure Gaara away from the main village until a Jonin can come, Shikamaru I want you with me" He looks at Kabuto "Kabuto I know we've never met but could you and Ino help with the stadium?"

"It'll be my pleasure Naruto-san."

Naruto, along with Shikamaru, went and gathered the rest of the Genin that they could. The Genin they got to come with them were Hinata, Lee, and Shino. He wanted Neji to come along too, but Neji decided he was fated to get his Chakra drained so that he would have just enough to help the crowd.

Gaara was half transformed out of his ball now, and he screamed "MOTHER WANTS BLOOD!" He looked in the direction of Naruto "MOTHER WANTS YOUR BLOOD!"
Naruto gulped then said "Well at least taking him away won't be an issue, just start running, now."

On cue the 4 ran out and away from the stadium, heading for a forest that has no civilians.

They got to the forest and started jumping from tree to tree, clearly better at it than the mutated Gaara. They were making way ahead of him. The team had been jumping from tree to tree for about 10 minutes now, and suddenly Shikamaru stopped them.

"Guys we have about 2 minutes before Gaara catches up, but we have a problem that needs to be dealt with"

"What's wrong Shika?" Naruto asked.

"We're about to be attacked, there's a group of Ninja ahead of us"

"H.. How ca.. Can you tell?" The shy Hyuga asked.

"There's very recent markings on the tree branches, I will go ahead and get them, my Shadow Possession Jutsu is ideal for larger groups. I can hold them until reinforcements come." Shikamaru thought about it, and this was the most logical way to go about it. He didn't want to be involved in this, but since he was he wasn't going to back down. He also didn't want any distraction when, what looks like, a monster shows up and the group would need to fight it.

"We can go together Shika." Naruto objected.

The quiet Shino was thinking about the outcomes and decided to chime in "Naruto-san, Shikamaru's idea is the most logical. Why you ask? Because we have Gaara that will catch up with us very soon, and we must focus on him."

Naruto didn't want to leave Shikamaru to go ahead and fight an unknown number of Ninja alone. He decided to let Shikamaru do it, because Shikamaru was the smartest person he knew, and if anyone was going to succeed it was him. "Don't get too hurt now!"

"Wouldn't dream of it" and with that Shikamaru advanced.

"Okay guys, if what Shika said is right, then our time is almost up and Gaara will be here any second." Naruto got serious "Our mission is to stall him as long as we can, and avoid his sand."

"MOTHER WANTS YOUR BLOOD! DON'T WORRY MOTHER YOU WILL GET IT!" Gaara shouted and sand soon followed attacking the squad, which they evaded.

Naruto threw 5 Shuriken and called out "Shadow Shuriken" and they turned into 25. Gaara didn't even need his sand defense to go up, because a gust of wind sent them flying away.

"You will not touch our brother." Came a yell from Temari.

Suddenly a puppet also appeared thanks to Kankuro.

"STAY OUT OF MY WAY OR I WILL KILL YOU!"

Both Kankuro and Temari shivered but Temari with some hesitation said "We are here for you, we can't let them hurt you"

"ARE YOU SAYING THEY CAN HURT ME? I CAN'T BE HURT, MOTHER WILL PROTECT ME!" Gaara yelled out.

"Hinata, Shino, can you two deal with them? I got Gaara" Naruto asked.

"B… B.. But Gaa… ara is too str… stro… ronge." Hinata couldn't let Naruto run into his death.

"Naruto-san, that is very illogical. Why you ask? Because you were the one to warn Kiba to quit his match saying Gaara was too strong for any of us." Shino decided to say his words.

"Look this is different, we can't have distractions with Gaara, trust me." Naruto took a breath of air "I will stop him"

'I'm not going to help you, and you stand no chance against Shukaku's host without me' Kurama said in Naruto's head.

'Why not?' Naruto asked in his head.

'I only helped you because you were going to survive, I gave you my contract because you were going to survive all the previous encounters. You will die here, so I don't believe I need to assist you, because once you die I will be free.' Kurama started laughing and Naruto decided to cut him off and focus on Gaara.

"Shino please" Naruto really needed them to work with him here. He wouldn't let them die because he was being reckless, and knew Gaara was like him so maybe he would come to a compromise.

"Hinata, I believe in Naruto-san. Based on the fights and what we know it would be most logical if I fight the fan user and you fight the puppet user." Shino decided to let Naruto do what he was going to do.

Hinata couldn't believe Shino was agreeing with Naruto's plan, which would leave Naruto alone against Gaara. She really wanted to believe that Naruto could win, but she was focusing really hard to just move around in the presence of him. Could Naruto actually win against whatever monster Gaara had turned into? She decided to believe in both Naruto and Shino and once Shino sent his bugs to Temari, she jumped in. She was going to prove she's also strong.

"Gaara you want me, come follow me."

Naruto then jumped away but not before Gaara screamed "YOU COWARD, COME GIVE MOTHER THE BLOOD SHE WANTS"

…

(Flashback to Day 10 of 30 of the Chunin Exam break for the Finals)

Jiraiya decided to go to the Namikaze compound. He couldn't understand why Naruto was so hostile towards him. Last time he talked with his Sensei, Hiruzen told him that Naruto was doing well and would soon become a Genin, well he was a Genin he just hadn't met his Sensei, and that he found out about the fox. The Hokage didn't give details about how he found out about the fox. From what he knew Naruto was a very happy kid.

Jiraiya didn't even know Naruto knew who his father was. Hiruzen told him that he wouldn't tell Naruto until he became Jonin.

He was really hesitant because he wanted Naruto to like him, how could he face Minato once he eventually passes away if he couldn't make Naruto's life better. All these different thoughts were racing through his head, but he decided to knock on the door of the compound that he had some fond memories of.

*knocks*

Naruto answered the door. "So you decided to come? Okay come in"

Jiraiya follows Naruto into the house, and they end up in the living room. Jiraiya was taken aback because all throughout the living room there were scrolls and books written by his student about sealing. He most definitely didn't expect Naruto to be into seals based on what he knew, but who was he kidding, he obviously knew nothing of the kid.

"Would you like water?"

"No I'm good thanks kid" Jiraiya sat down, he was very tense and he couldn't explain why. He's been in near death experiences more so than almost any other Konoha Ninja and he never felt this tense.

Naruto sat adjacent to Jiraiya and he couldn't put his finger on it, but he wasn't mad at all with this person. He expected to hate a Jiraiya that he might've stumbled upon in the future, because he couldn't wrap it around his finger why another figure that should've been in his life wasn't. Even though his interaction with Jiraiya at the ramen stand was brief, he still believed that Jiraiya wasn't lying and that he really did need to be out of the village.

"So you wanted to talk?" Naruto asked.

"Yea Gaki, how did you find out about Minato?" Jiraiya knew he was on thin ice, but this was the biggest thing he could ask about, since he knew it wouldn't be his Sensei that told him.

"Masimitcho Hojoza" Naruto answered straight forward.

Jiraiya's eyes widened, that name was very familiar and after a bit of thinking he remembered who it was. "You saw Masimitcho Hojoza and you lived? Damn brat that's impressive" Jiraiya couldn't believe it, Masimitcho was a very strong Ninja. "Where did you see him? I should probably scout around the area in case he tries to come for you, he isn't known for letting people live."

"Well good luck with that, the area is a mess and he's dead?" Naruto took a sip of water.

Jiraiya now was wondering if the events that have happened in the past 24 hours were just a really good Genjutsu. He didn't get how this could've all happened, last thing he knew the kid was just becoming a Genin and found out about the Kyubi, then he gets back to the village and the kid knows who his father is, is studying seals, is pissed off with the Hokage, apparently talked with the fox, and lived an encounter with a Missing-Nin that even Konoha's elite would struggle against?

"Did you kill him?" Jiraiya was no longer able to act calm, he needed the answer to be no here. He needed Naruto to just be a bystander, if the kid says he killed Masimitcho he would have a heart attack.

"No, he used a Jutsu and died when trying to cancel it"

Such a simple sentence actually gave him some relief. He was glad it wasn't Naruto that did it, he didn't want to worry about him.

"Well it's a good thing you know about him, I heard you're helping with the Chunin exams this year, that's impressive for someone your age." Jiraiya gave Naruto a compliment.

"Thanks, I still need to do a lot." Naruto answered.

"I want to tell you about one of the people in the exams, Gaara."

Naruto perked up at this. "Why?"

"Since I know you know about the fox, I should tell you that there are nine tailed beasts"

Naruto didn't actually know this, and actually was wondering if they were anything like the furball. "That's news to me, but how does this affect Gaara?"

"He is the Jinjuriki of the One-Tailed Racoon dog. He is very unstable and due to the tailed beast sealed in him his defenses are very high, and he is known to cause issues to anyone that goes against him other than his father the Kazekage." Jiraiya took a breath and continued "I don't know why he was allowed to join these exams but he is in them, he is known to lose control and release his tailed beast. I don't know why but my gut is telling me something will happen, so I just want you to know that when he loses control his body remains on the one tail and if he's awoken he'll revert back."

Naruto absorbed everything that was told to him but asked "What am I going to do? I'm barely a Chunin."
Jiraiya said "Hopefully nothing, since this shouldn't even be a problem."

…

(With Naruto and Gaara)

Gaara caught up with Naruto away from everyone else. "MOTHER REALLY WANTS YOUR BLOOD COME HERE"

Suddenly 10 Paper Bombs detonated, which was then followed by the use of "Wind Style: Air Cutters"

"MOTHER WANTS TO COME OUT AND PLAY! "Possum jutsu"" Suddenly Gaara was asleep and Shukaku came out

"I'm free, I'm finally free!"

'Shit, Why was the old man right, Kurama can you help me?'

'Why would I help you brat?'

'You said you'd help me!'

'No, I said I'd help you when you summoned me, and even then it's because those encounters weren't going to kill you, you will die against Shukaku, so you dying just means I'm permanently free'

'Stupid fox'

"You don't scare me"

…

(With the Hokage)

Author Note: I know I promised better chapters, but I'm basically skipping this fight til the part that changes from the Manga/Anime happens, because up until near the end of this fight it's the same as the series. I'm doing this because I want to get this chapter out to you guys before Christmas ends, and every minute saved helps.

The Hokage summoned the Shinigami "If I can't take you with me, I will take what you prize the most with me, your ability to perform Jutsu!"

The Shinigami sealed away Orochimaru's hands, and was about to take the aging Sarutobi's soul, when the shouts from a Clone Naruto sent over as they were heading out to the forest came. "NOOOOOOOO!"

Hanshin the tiger comes from through the floor and steps between the Hokage and the Shinigami, time stopped to all but those 3.

"Shinigami-Sama, it's good to see you again." Hanshin started off.

"What are you doing here Hanshin? You rarely leave your dimension." The Shinigami acknowledged that it knew of Hanshin.

Hiruzen was just watching in awe, in all his years as a Shinobi, and Hokage, he's never seen anything quite as odd as this. Here the Shinigami, that's supposed to take his soul, is standing and talking to a tiger.

"I came here to make a request. You see that Shadow Clone of a blond boy over there" He takes his paw and points in the direction of the frozen in time Naruto. "Well he's an interesting one, and to continue his journey on the right path he can't let this aging man here" He points to Hiruzen. "Die without closure."

The Shinigami took a second to think. "What are you suggesting? Are you suggesting I disobey my contract with this Ninja? Part of the contract is I get his soul."

"No, not at all, I just am asking that you delay taking his soul."

"How long?" The Shinigami was obviously frustrated.

"Just until young Naruto can give his final words to him"

"And why would I do that?"

"Because you'll want to follow the boys journey, you won't regret it! I vow as on the honor of the Tiger Clan!" Hanshin was determined.

"Very well he has until tomorrow!" The Shinigami looks at Hiruzen "You are very lucky, it's a once in a millenia thing for me to delay the collection of a soul."

Hiruzen didn't know what to say and he just collapsed and passed out. Hanshin and the Shinigami disappeared and time resumed.

The Shadow clone of Naruto saw Hiruzen fall to the ground and was sure he was dead. He dispelled for the original to find out.

…

(Flashback to Shadow Clone's creation)

Naruto took his group outside of the stadium and then Naruto got the idea to create a shadow clone to go to the Hokage.

Once the clone was created he told the clone to go and watch whatever was happening up in the Kage booth, and if something were to happen to dispel.

So the clone slowly got up to the Kage booth using Into The Shadows, and by the time it got there he saw the Hokage using some sort of Jutsu and then a demon appeared, seconds later the Hokage was on the floor.

..

(With Naruto)

Naruto received the memories of the clone and an anger, guilt and sadness came about him. Suddenly he was losing control of himself, but not fully. He cut out all the voices around him, including Kurama's and started absorbing some of Kurama's power, he was glowing red.

He evaded all of the sand coming his way, found the Gaara body on top of Shukaku and punched it right in the face.

"NO, NO, MOTHER HELP!" Gaara reverted back to himself "Stop, get away!" He cried out.

Naruto through the tiny bit of his true self still in there created a clone, which went to Gaara and told him it'll be okay.

While normally it's impossible to use Into The Shadows the full distance from the forest they were in to the Kage booth, The red chakra made it possible, and with a leap in Naruto was at the Kage booth. His subconscious guiding him to where it was.

He sees the Orochimaru leaving "YOU DID THIS!" and a tail of Chakra went and hit into Orochimaru

Orochimaru said "I'll be after you soon Naruto-Kun, and Sasuke too!" and then a snake came and ate him and disappeared.

Naruto passed out from the amount of Chakra running through him.

…

(The Next Morning)

Naruto woke up and found himself in the hospital, he looked around then remembered the previous day, he jumped out of bed and was about to run out when Jiraiya stopped him.

"Stop it brat, where are you going?"

"Jiji needs me!" He attempted to jump out the window but Jiraiya grabbed the collar of his shirt first.

"You leaving here isn't going to do anything." Jiraiya punched him in the head as he was still attempting to get out of his grip. "Baka, you're not going to evade me, just calm down the fights over."

Naruto started to tear up. "Is he… is… is he dead?"

Jiraiya felt sorry for the boy. "He's not gone yet, but you need to come with me after you see a special visitor you have."

Gaara came in and Naruto was about to Jump into action when Jiraiya once again stopped him.

"What are you doing? He's gonna try to kill us!" Naruto yelled.

"He will do no such thing." Jiraiya said with a chuckle.

"Uzumaki-san why did you not kill me?" Gaara asked.

Naruto was taken aback by the question. Why would he kill someone that was already down? He also had to get to the Hokage. "Why would I kill you?"

"I tried to kill you, and you are the first person capable of killing me, why didn't you?"

"You were down, and we are the same"

"You aren't a monster like me, we are not the same!"

Naruto actually felt sad for the person in front of him. Here Gaara is actually thinking he's a monster because of being a Jinjuriki. Did he think this his whole life? Would he, himself, think this if circumstances changed? "Gaara, let's be friends"

Gaara looked confused. "Friends? I'm a monster, and you should kill me!"

"I won't kill you, and we will be friends!"

Gaara continued to protest before Jiraiya cut in. "Gaara, why don't you go check on your brother and sister? They are still worried sick about you."

Gaara conceded and decided to think on this friend thing Naruto mentioned and left the room.

"Why is he like that?" Naruto asked

Jiraiya took a moment to figure out how to tell Naruto. "It's because Jinjuriki are treated as monsters and a weapon of war in most villages, he probably grew up with everyone that he meets trying to kill him. It's actually shocking that after you beat him he hasn't tried to kill anyone." Jiraiya changed topics "but for now, we need to go see Sensei."

Jiraiya and Naruto left the room and walked around the hospital until they got to a room that had an Anbu outside of it, the Anbu saw Jiraiya and let both of them in. When they got in they saw that the Hokage was in bed along with a guy that was named Danzo.

Naruto ran and jumped onto the Hokage when he saw he was awake and alive. "Jiji, I thought you died!" He had tears flowing down his face.

"Danzo, can you leave us here alone please? You too Jiraiya." Hiruzen asked.

Jiraiya left the room, and Danzo soon followed after protesting a few times.

Once both left the Shinigami appeared and time froze in the room.

Naruto spotted him and jumped up ready to fight "Who are you?" He barely mustered up those words, because the feeling from what was in front of him left him wanting to cower over and die.

"So you're the human boy that Hanshin tells me is interesting?" The Shinigami said more so than asking. "It is interesting that you still managed to not pass out from my presence."

Naruto wanted to say something else but he was frozen from fear.

"So has my time finally come?" The Hokage asked.

"Yes, and no." The Shinigami replied. "The blond there has some closure to do, before I take you away."

The Shinigami removed some of his presence so Naruto could move around freely.

"What do you mean? Jiji you can't go! I won't let him take you!" Once Naruto realized he could move around he stood right in front of Hiruzen's bed, standing face to face with the Shinigami.

"Oo, now this is interesting indeed, you, a mere mortal, are willing to fight me, the God of Death?"

Naruto was full of courage now, because saving the Hokage was the only thing on his mind. "I don't care who you are, I won't let you touch Jiji!"

The Hokage decided to cut in. "Naruto-Kun, it's okay, I signed my soul away already. I have to go, you can't hurt the Shinigami. The Shinigami is letting you tell me something before he takes me. Take it, and I will watch you from above as you grow" A smile formed on his face. Even though he knew he was going to die, he was happy that he would die knowing Naruto didn't actually hate him. The way Naruto was trying to help him showed that even though he messed up in the way he dealt with Naruto, Naruto still cared about him. He couldn't think of a better way to go.

"Jiji, I don't want you to go, I love you. I'm sorry I blamed you for everything and acted cold towards you. I don't want you to go, you're one of the only people that look at me like a normal person! Jiji don't go, please don't go" At this point he was crying really hard, harder than he ever cried before, he didn't want this to go like this, he wanted his Jiji to live. "Jiji stay, don't leave, I'm sorry for being a rotten brat, I'll do anything if you can stay. Don't go! You still need to see me become the best Ninja ever. You promised! Don't go Jiji. Jiji no."

"Naruto-kun, I truly believe you will grow up to become a great Ninja, I have no doubt in that. Your father would be really proud of what you are becoming, you're a Ninja of Konohagakure, you hold the will of fire well. Don't stop moving forward, and I will watch over you and the whole of Konoha from above. Good bye Naruto-kun, become the best Ninja you can be!"

The Shinigami took Hiruzen's soul, and he was left on his bed lifeless. Naruto collapsed into a ball. The Shinigami looked at Naruto and said "We will meet again child!"

/

Okay so see? I actually wrote up a chapter for you like promised, unlike the last time I promised a chapter. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy holidays, or whatever you celebrate if you celebrate at all. I will not promise a time frame for chapters, but I have enough free time to actually continue with this story now. Also I'm sorry for being a bad writer before, I'm still not too great, but I'd say I'm mediocre now? I still need to learn to add depth to situations better, but while it's still a lot of chat without the scenery and details, those later two were added much more this chapter than any of my previous chapters. Hope you guys enjoy this chapter, and hope you're ready to continue this adventure!

Reviews are helpful since I'm starting up a story that hasn't been touched in over 5 years. I need to know what you, the readers, are thinking.