Sasuke wasted no time bringing out his Susanoo and attacking Naruto. It only took Naruto a moment to enact the tailed beast transformation with Kurama. 'Since this is our first transformation, it might only last about 15 minutes. Don't let him waste your time. We need to make this quick and clean. Even with my strength, your body is weak and won't last a long battle." 'Understood Kurama. We can do this.'
Naruto returned his focus to the battle before him. He started forming a tailed beast bomb while Sasuke was aiming his Susanoo's arrow. Both ninjas' released their attacks simultaneously and created a huge explosion when they met, ripping trees out of the ground and levelling the wall protecting the Leaf village. Naruto took a moment to survey the wreckage and decided he needed to move this fight further away. Thanks to his sage mode he could tell that Sakura had defeated Karin and Kakashi had dealt with Jugo. Sai was still fighting Zugetsu but Ino-Shika-Cho were also helping him out. Naruto felt comfortable moving further away knowing that his village and his friends would be safe.
Kurama took a huge leap, landing 2 miles outside the village wall, taunting Sasuke to follow. Honestly, he was full of so much bloodlust he would've followed Naruto wherever he went. Kurama started to form a plan that would, in theory contain and trap Sasuke. 'Kit, switch with me for a minute, I have a plan. I'm gonna lay a trap for Sasuke, something the Senju clan used to trap me." 'Sure thing Kurama. You do what you think is best. I can feel my strength going. We need to finish this quickly.' Naruto let Kurama take over. The fox began dragging his tails over the trees and through the stream, leaving a trail of energy forming the symbols for the Blooming seal. It was an ancient technique that draws in negative energy and traps in it a flower. All that was left was to continue the fight until Sasuke entered the seals range. 'Alright Kit, it's up to you. Keep fighting him till the last possible moment. Once our connection breaks, make sure you collapse within the seal. As long as you keep thinking about the positive future you have ahead of you and don't let him drag you into despair, the seal will not affect you but will seal away his power.' 'I'm good Kurama. I can do this. He doesn't have the power over me that he used to thanks to you and Gaara. Time to end this.'
Sasuke finally cleared the distance as Naruto regained control. He started to taunt Naruto, really expressing his disdain. "You really think you can beat me Dobe? You are so weak. Look at you, you can barely stand. You have become so pathetic. And to think I thought you to be an equal to me. You are so pitiful." The way he spoke those words made Naruto's skin crawl. It was the way he had spoken to himself before Gaara helped him.
"I am what I am Sasuke but you have no power of me anymore. Nothing you have done is my fault. I am not responsible for you even if everyone thinks I am. You may be the prized Uchiha no matter what you do but I am the son of the fourth Hokage and I have so much more than you will ever have including friends who will pull me out when I am drowning. What do you have Teme?" Naruto threw the words at him with as much strength as he had. He meant what he said. He had people in his life that cared about him. He hadn't always and he might still not be able to handle some affection, but he has a purpose now and someone to go home with.
"Power! It's all I need. I don't need pathetic people to care about me or anyone to save me. I am powerful!" Sasuke yelled maniacally before hurling an Amatsarasu at Naruto. It was dodged by a side jump before he threw a Wind-Rasen-Shuriken back in his direction using a shadow shuriken jutsu. Predictably, Sasuke deflected the first attack with his Susanoo but didn't account for the second shuriken being a transformed clone carrying a rasengan. It landed a hit on Sasuke's shoulder, rendering his left arm useless. Sasuke become furious, his sharingan started spinning and dripping blood.
Naruto could feel his connection weakening. He had maybe two minutes left. 'It's time Kit. Head back towards the trap. This won't last much longer and it's our only chance to catch him without using deadly force.' 'Understood. I am feeling very weak Kurama. I don't think I can last much longer anyway. Can you amass some more chakra just in case? I can't do this alone Kurama.' 'Don't Worry Kit, I've got your back.'
Naruto's beast form began jumping through the forest back towards the trap. Sasuke was hot on his heels, flinging black fire that barley missed Naruto. His tailed beast transformation was starting to fade and completely collapsed when he enter the symbols centre. As soon as his feet touched the ground, his knees buckled beneath him. It was amazing that his weakened body had lasted so long but now it was all up to Kurama's trap. He had faith in his friend and decided all he could do was wait.
Sasuke landed right next to Naruto as his Susanoo dissolved. He wanted his death to be personal, so he pulled out his sword and raised it above Naruto's head. As he infused it with lightning and began to swing it, Sasuke was struck from behind with a tree branch that was growing, and pierced throw his shoulder. He was then wrapped up in other branches, eyes covered in pollen and feet absorbed into the earth. He couldn't move and was absolutely stunned that he had fallen for such a trap. "Naruto! What the hell have you done? You are such a coward. Fight me like a real Ninja!" Sasuke roared but as he carried on, the vines grew tighter and covered his mouth. The pollen in his eyes bloomed into flowers as a vine wrapped around his throat choking off his air supply.
Sasuke crumbled next to Naruto as Kurama worked to rouse his vessel. 'C'mon Kit, you gotta get up. This seal is a living thing, it will keep spreading so long as he keeps feeding it and if you stay next to him you will be caught in it as well.' 'I don't think I can Kurama. I'm so tired.' Naruto's consciousness was barely more than a whisper. 'You can do this Kit. He's waiting for you.' Kurama infused the rest of his chakra to give Naruto the strength he needed to move. It wasn't much but it was enough for Naruto to stand and start moving away. He made it maybe 10 steps before Kakashi and Iruka arrived on the scene.
"Nicely done Naruto." Kakashi looked on in admiration and sadness, noticing how pitiful Sasuke looked, rolling around in his anger. "What should we do with him?" Kakashi pointed to Sasuke, unfamiliar with the trap Naruto used to capture his friend. "Kurama says the trap will keep growing the more hate he feels but he will need to be properly sealed and put in custody. He needs more than we can give him. Until he is ready to work on himself, he needs to be locked away. Please, Kakashi-sensei, start the sealing process so we can transport him to Ibiki." Naruto finished with a sad tone, grieving a friend he had destroyed himself for. Kakashi nodded as he walked towards Sasuke and began sealing his chakra.
"Naruto, are you okay?" Iruka asked concerned. He scanned his body, the weak frame, the blood covering his arms, the glazed look in his eyes. Naruto answered after a moment of hesitation "Not really Iruka. But I will be. Let's get back to the other fight, I need to know that Gaara is alright." Naruto felt his body shaking from exhaustion. There was nothing his bracelet could do to help him but thankfully, Iruka grabbed him around the waist to support his weight. "Let's not keep him waiting, Naruto. Kakashi will handle Sasuke." Naruto gifted Iruka the ghost of a smile. It was something the chunin had never seen before and it made his heart swell.
Iruka half carried Naruto across the village, heading towards the battle that was entering its final stages. The white Zetsus were still attacking but their numbers were dropping dramatically. Gaara was holding the line with his siblings and some Leaf ninjas who specialised in long range attacks.
Naruto noticed the masked man floating behind enemy lines, not engaging in the battle. He looked like he was ready to flee. Naruto desperately wanted to force his hand and end this battle. "Iruka, do you have any soldier pills? I'm gonna end this." Iruka nodded and handed Naruto a pill. It instantly lit him up, the chakra became a cloak and he vanished like an orange flash, appearing a moment later next to the Kazekage.
"Ready to end this Gaara?" Naruto asked with such certainty in his voice as he extended his hand. Gaara looked at his friend with wonder, taking his extended hand, feeling Kurama's chakra reaching out for him. He will his chakra to connect and together they formed a tailed beast transformation that consisted of the nine-tails form with the one-tail chakra that remained with Gaara. His eyes glowed yellow and red sand danced along the edges of his form.
The pointed their clasped hands at the oncoming Zetsus and the masked Akatsuki member. The tailed beast bomb that began to form in Kurama's mouth was like nothing they had ever seen before. It formed as a precise beam, cutting through the Zetsus and targeting the masked man. In a matter of moments, the battle was over and all that was left was to deal with the Akatsuki member. The tailed beast closed the distance between them and the enemy in a single leap.
"Well, the nine-tails Jinchuuriki lives to fight another day. It doesn't seem like I am going to win this battle, but I still have 8 of the 9 tailed beasts and I won't stop until I get them all." He began to disappear into his self-made void but as he did, Naruto fired the tailed beast beam into the origin point in the hopes it would be transported along with the masked man. The void exploded in a flash of light, but the masked man was not seen again. It was unclear whether he survived or not, but it was clear that the battle was over. The tailed beast form dissipated as Naruto's strength gave out. Gaara caught his friend as they fell to the ground.
The leaf village was in ruins once again. Not to the same extent of the Pain attack but many structures were destroyed, and many ninjas injured. The clean-up would take weeks. Gaara needed to return to his village and was currently meeting with Tsunade, Kakashi and Iruka. Naruto was still resting following the extreme exertion of the battle yesterday. He was hooked up to an IV to help keep him hydrated and help with the state of his ravaged body.
"Thank you for you assistance Kazekage. We are so grateful for your efforts and the assistance of your siblings. I noticed Naruto is doing better. For that I am overwhelmingly grateful." Tsunade spoke with such gratitude it made Gaara squirm. He can remember when he had helped destroy the leaf village and found it unnerving how the situation had changed. He could attribute it to the person who held his heart and turned his life around. There is nothing he wouldn't do for Naruto.
"You are most welcome, Lady Hokage. I owe this village much and I owe Naruto everything." Gaara responded, feeling the warmth of his friendship.
"Moving forward, what are your intention for Naruto?" Iruka couldn't contain his question. He saw the way Naruto spoke about Gaara and wanted to make sure they were on the same page. Iruka could recognise that he hadn't done enough to help Naruto and should have done more but he knows he isn't the person Naruto needs right now.
"I, uh... I want it to be his choice. Nothing would make me happier than to have him stay with me, but his journey isn't about me. It's his choice. Whether he wants to move forwards or go backwards. It's all his choice. If he wants to, I'd love for him to come back to Suna with me, but this is his life. I just want him to be happy and healthy." Gaara spoke with such passion that Iruka knew the Kazekage had his best interests at heart.
"Very well. If he wishes to leave, we will make it work. He seems to be coping much better and was extraordinary yesterday in how he handled that battle. I hope he wakes up soon so we can find out what he wants to do. Kazekage, again thank you. If there is anything else, we can do for you please let us know." Tsunade shook Gaara's hand and he left to go to Naruto.
"Lady Tsunade," Kakashi began, "Sasuke is in custody but we cannot remove the flowers from his eyes. They're sealing his sharingan which is what we were going to do anyway so I'm not really sure if it's a problem but Naruto did say it was a Senju clan technique so I figured you would be the best person to know about it."
Tsunade looked surprised, that sealing technique was a long-forgotten secret. Even she only knew the bare minimum of that technique. "Who used that technique on him?" Tsunade asked, quite confused by who would be able to activate a seal of that level.
"Naruto said it was Kurama. I'm assuming Kurama is the name of the nine-tailed fox. He did undergo a full tailed beast transformation." Kakashi relayed the information, reading the Hokage's face. Apparently that seal was no small feat.
"Well, the flowers won't release themselves until his emotions change. Until Sasuke accepts himself and his reality, the flowers will stay in his eyes, blocking his sharingan. We won't have to worry about him for a while. Even after they release, the paralytic chakra toxins will remain in his system for a couple days. We don't need to worry about them. Sasuke will be fine when he works on himself. You guys are dismissed, rest up and make sure you visit Naruto once he wakes up. I have a feeling he is going to choose his own path." Kakashi and Iruka both looked incredibly impressed with how thoroughly Naruto took care of Sasuke.
Naruto awoke feeling better than he thought he would. He honestly thought there would be pain and blurred vision. He pushed himself beyond the limit yesterday to protect his took him a moment before he could open his eyes. He decided to thank Kurama before he had to face the real world. 'Hey Kurama, thanks for everything yesterday. I couldn't have done it without you.' 'You're welcome Kit. You have made me proud. I never thought I would bond with a vessel the way I have bonded with you. I am happy to be a part of your journey. I've always got your back Kit. It's time to wake up. Someone is waiting for you.'
As he opened his eyes, he noticed the room was painted in pale yellows and oranges. As his eyes refocussed, he noticed a pair of seafoam green eyes looking at him with genuine adoration. "Welcome back, Naruto. How are you feeling?" Gaara squeezed his hand gently, thinking of a way to word his next sentiment.
"I'm okay Gaara. Really tired but I feel good. Thanks to you. If it wasn't for you, I would've been trapped in that seal instead of Sasuke." Naruto squeezed his hand and lift it to his chest. "Are you okay Gaara?" Naruto was concerned. His friend fought long and hard for a village that wasn't even his.
"Yes, Naruto. I'm perfectly fine. I just don't know how to proceed from here. I need to get back to Suna. Everyone is pretty rattled after this attack and my village needs me. I want you to know that whatever you decide to do from here on is your choice. No one has the right to make you do anything you don't want to. I do need to confess how I feel though." Gaara looked down as he took a deep breath. He wasn't sure how to proceed. This was all foreign to him. He had never felt anything so deeply. Hell, before Naruto, he had never felt anything at all.
He raised his head and looked deeply into Naruto's eyes. "I need you to know that I care for you deeply, there is nothing I wouldn't do for you. I know that you are still healing, and I know that you are still a little lost but just know, you will always have a place with me. You will never be unwanted." He let the statement hang in the air as he composed himself. The Kazekage was on the verge of tears. "I am returning to Suna tomorrow. You know that I would love for you to come back with me but I know that this is your home, I saw it yesterday, that will of fire. I know you felt their love yesterday. Team Gai, Kakashi, Iruka, Lady Hokage. I understand if you would like to stay and rebuild your relationships here so please know, there is no pressure from me. I only want what is best for you."
Naruto was confused. He had so many thoughts racing through his head. He started to become overwhelmed and the bracelet activated, calming him down once more. It was true, he had felt their love yesterday, but did that really mean he wanted to stay in the village that had almost killed him? Was he willing to part with that beautiful man that had saved him from himself? He took a moment to breathe deeply before sitting up properly in his bed and turning to face Gaara whole heartedly. He knew what his choice would be, it had been the only choice that had never caused him pain.
"Gaara, I have no doubts about where I belong. I may feel loyalty to this village and the people who have learnt to accept me. I will always feel love for my friends and the family I have made for myself but there is only one person I want to keep walking this path towards the light with and that's you Gaara. You pulled me out when no one even noticed I was drowning. I owe you my life. And I know that it's not going to be smooth sailing from here on, but I know there is nothing I can't face if I have you beside me. I want to stay with you Gaara for as long as you will have me, forever if that's alright."
Gaara lifted a hand to Naruto's face to wipe away one tear that had escaped. He gifted his friend with a rare full smile before responding. "Naruto, walking with you forever sounds perfect to me." He leant in for a soft kiss before embracing his friend, holding onto their bond and promise of a brighter tomorrow.
Naruto was seen off by the Rookie 9 plus Iruka, Kakashi and Lady Tsunade. He asked for it not to be made public knowledge so only his close friends were notified. He looked around and thought about the goodbye no one would ever know about.
*flashback*
Sasuke sits in his cell, flowers protruding from his eyes and arms chained behind his back. He looked so pitiful that Naruto almost felt bad for capturing him.
"Hey Dobe. I wont be seeing you again for a really long time so let me give you one piece of advice along with my farewell. Let people in. Life is not meant to be lived alone. Goodbye Sasuke."
"Naruto. I hope you're happy. You did this to me." Sasuke spoke with barley contained rage.
"Actually Sasuke, that's the beauty of the seal," Naruto spoke softly, turning to leave before responding, "You did this to yourself. Your hatred is what has confined you. I hope the next time I see you, you have let the light in. Goodbye." Naruto walked away before Sasuke had a chance to respond. He wiped away the silent tears he had cried over the person he had considered his friend. He wouldn't see Sasuke for many years. Based on his still raw emotions, Sasuke wouldn't be able to free himself anytime soon.
*end flashback*
Naruto was given hugs, presents and notes from his friends and mentors. He didn't want to open anything because he was barely holding it together. In spite of everything, Naruto knew this was his home, it had given him so much pain but also allowed him to meet his family. This village gave him Jiraiya. It allowed him to meet Gaara. It was truly his home but not what he needed.
"Naruto, you will be continuing your mission as personal security for the Kazekage until both he and you decide you would like to conclude your service. As such you will have a dual citizenship to both villages and may return anytime. We will miss you deeply. Please stay in touch." Tsunade embraced him in a bone shattering hug and whispered so only he could hear her "Listen you little brat, you are so loved so don't ever think that you aren't. It won't be the same here without you but I understand. If you don't write to me and give me all the details, I will travel to Suna myself and beat you into a bloody pulp. Got It?" She released the hug and held him at arm's length. He nodded and wiped away a tear.
"Thanks Granny. You have my word." Naruto moved sheepishly to the next figure who hadn't yet said goodbye.
Kakashi was very awkward but tried his best. He grabbed Naruto in a gentle hug before whispering "I'm sorry I didn't do more for you. I was so blind and didn't do enough to help you. Can you every forgive me?" Kakashi was so uncertain it made Naruto feel sad. "Of course Kakashi-sensei. There's nothing to forgive. Sasuke was your priority because he showed his pain. I had mine hidden so its my fault. Thank you for everything. I'm sure my father would have been glad to know that you were my sensei." Naruto gave Kakashi one final squeeze before letting him go. Kakashi was a mess and needed to wipe away several tears but he a smile underneath that mask.
The last goodbye was the hardest. Naruto wasn't sure how to say goodbye the first member of his family. He became sheepish in that moment, mumbling as he approached. "Iruka... sensei..." Iruka did not hesitate to embrace Naruto with an enthusiasm he had always possessed. He didn't bother whispering because he wanted everyone to know. "Naruto, I am so proud of you. Everything you have done in life has tested you, preparing you for this. Its nothing small to pick a future at your age but I have no doubt you are making the right decision. Of all the ninja's I have taught, I have never felt the connection to claim anyone else as my family. Know that you are loved Naruto and will always have family here, waiting to see you again." He lowered his voice for this next part. "The Kazekage is a good man. Make sure I get an invite to the wedding and keep me posted. I am so happy for you. Keep in touch."
Naruto felt numb, he was being farewelled by people who cared for him that he had forgotten about because of the darkness within him. He was loved. Genuinely and truly loved by the people before him. He mustered his courage. "Thank you all for being part of my life. I'll be sure to keep in touch and visit sometime soon. Take care." He waved as he turned and walked towards his future, towards Gaara.
They exited the village and walked a couple of miles, over the first set of hills before they spoke. Temari and Kunkuro had gone on ahead with the plan of meeting up at the oasis.
"Hey Gaara, can we stop for a minute?" Naruto asked quietly, not wanting to rush into anything but knowing he needed to get it off his chest before he overthought it and ruined his calm. Gaara stopped and turned to him with concerned eyes. "Everything okay, Naruto?"
"I think so. I hope so. I just needed to say this before I turned it into something negative. I need you to know how I feel about you. I know I am pretty messed up and I can understand if you don't feel the same way but..." Naruto had to take a moment to calm his breathing before he drew his eyes up to meet a pair of seafoam green gems. "I love you Gaara. You helped me find the light and I am beyond grateful."
Naruto let out a sigh of relief, getting it out of his head. He had no regrets; it was exactly how he felt. The man before him who had walked through darkness and found the light deserved all of his heart.
Gaara looked as if he was about to cry. He was overwhelmed by the joy he felt. "Oh Naruto. I'm so happy to hear you say that. I love you too. You helped me out of the darkness so let's vows to walk in the light together for the rest of our days."
With that sentiment, the two shared a deep kiss and a warm embrace before walking onwards, hand in hand together, towards their future.
THE END
Thats it guys. All over and done. I hope you guys have like this story. Thanks for sticking with me all the way through. It has taken me so long to finish this story as endings are just not my strong point. Anyway, there may be a bonus epilogue depending on the response i get from this chapter. Otherwise its been an adventure. Please check out my other story if you liked this one.