Happy New Year!
Let's go!
World 5 Scene 4: Return of the Duke Wolf
Shin sighed as he felt Sasuke try and burn a hole through his head. "Alright fine! Listen, while yes, it would seem Kin in that universe is part Uchiha, it does not mean the Kin in this universe is/was one! Alright! And no, I'm not going to make her one, no matter how many people tell me to! I'm not! Got it!" He stated, glaring at the readers behind the fourth wall.
The shinobi raised their brows at him, wondering what was up with him, as Sasuke grunted, turning his head away.
"Now, let's start the scene, shall we?" Shin said, snapping his fingers.
'How could things have gotten so bad?' Thought Sarutobi rubbing his temples as he sat in his office before looking out the window to Konoha seeing everyone going about making repairs to the village following the Oto/Suna invasion three days ago.
Tsunade sighed, shaking her head. She felt bad for her sensei, but could not blame A-Naruto for leaving. Did she feel he might have overreacted? Maybe. But then again, she herself left the village for over 10 years after the deaths of her younger brother and fiance. A-Naruto left because he could not stand the lies he has been fed to his whole life.
While neither excuse would seem reasonable to an outsider's perspective, said outsider wouldn't understand the emotional damage the victims held.
'I just hope...Naruto won't do the same.' She thought hopefully, looking towards Naruto, who conversed with Haku silently.
"I can't believe my other Aite left the village." Naruto said, frowning, having mixed and confusing feelings about it.
"Well...I mean, your-er his leader has been lying to him for a long time, right? The Kyuubi. His parents. If I was him, I'd leave too." Haku said, trying to make him feel better.
Naruto sighed. "Yeah...but it still...doesn't feel right. Konoha was my...his home forever. Where is he supposed to go?"
Haku didn't have an answer for him.
Hiruzen still couldn't believe he had let Orochimaru slip into his village right under his nose, even more that he killed the Kazekage and would have killed him as well had it not been for a sheer amount of luck. He had been taken hostage by Orochimaru then locked in a barrier with his former student, Sarutobi had been fully prepared to die in that moment, as long as it meant taking Orochimaru down with him.
But then the strangest, or luckiest depending on your view, thing happened. One of the Oto ninja holding up the barrier dispelled into a puff of smoke showing it had been a Shadow Clone the entire time. This disrupted the barrier allowing the Anbu outside to enter the fight against Orochimaru and his Sound Four. When the battle looked to be going against his favor, Orochimaru pulled out his trump card summoning the Shodaime and Nidaime Hokages. Without anything holding them back the resurrected Hokage did plenty of damage to the village, thankfully though Jiraiya managed to show up in time and seal them away before they could do anything to permanent.
"So, the old man survived his battle with Orochimaru in that world. No doubt because the redhead Oto girl left with A-Brat." Jiraiya commented.
"Talk about good fortune." Asuma said.
Not only that but the appearance of a giant metal mech fighting a Tailed Beasts also had everyone talking. Somehow Sarutobi just knew Naruto was somehow responsible for not only the giant mech, but also the Shadow Clone disguised as Orochimaru's subordinate.
Thinking about the boy made the Hokage sigh sadly, after the invasion Naruto had been nowhere to be found, it wasn't hard for Sarutobi to realize he had left after defeating Shukaku. Where he is heading though Hiruzen didn't have the faintest idea or which way he was going so he couldn't send out trackers to bring him back. And due to Naruto's rather unethical resignation he was considered a civilian and thus could not be put in the Bingo Book as a Missing-Nin.
'Even if I did put Naruto in the Bing Book, I would have to list his status as a Jinchuuriki to justify putting a civilian in.' Sarutobi thought
But even that he couldn't do that either as if the other villages found out Konoha was without its Jinchuuriki it would spell disaster not only for Konoha but Naruto as well, as he'd be hunted everyday by those who'd seek him to control the Kyuubi or turn him into breeding stock should his heritage be discovered.
"So nothing he can do really." Tsunade muttered. "If he put a civilian in the Bingo Books, Konoha would be a be investigated, and if he put Naruto's jinchuuriki status, the other villages would hunt for him as well."
"So either way, the brat's scott free. Unless the old man sent my other self to look for him. Not to mention the Akatsuki." Jiraiya said beside her.
Tsunade's frown deepened. Part of her wished the world would just leave A-Naruto the hell alone. The kid deserved it after everything.
Maybe if he had just been more honest with the boy, get him to swear secrecy to never tell anyone who his parents were or even just tell him that yes his parents loved him with all their hearts, having given their lives so he could live. Instead he lied everyday to Naruto and now he is gone.
Naruto frowned. 'Yeah, if you had done that...but you didn't. You just lied to my face everyday for 12 years.'
'Minato, Kushina I hope one day you can forgive this foolish old man.' Sarutobi thought looking at the pictures of his predecessors and successor.
Though one good thing that came from all this was that Sarutobi realized he's no longer in his prime and if it hadn't been for Naruto's interference with that clone he'd very likely be dead now. It was time for him to retire for good this time and find someone else to take up the hat.
Jiraiya, no. Knowing Jiraiya and his vices he's likely to make all Kunoichi uniforms into miniskirts and tube tops.
"Okay...hurtful." Jiraiya pouted, crossing his arms childishly.
"Is he wrong?" Tsunade asked, glaring at him, along with the other female adults.
Jiraiya gulped, staying silent. It only served to infuriate them even more, taking that as them being correct.
Danzo, Sarutobi would sooner be Hokage till he died before letting Danzo have that kind of power.
"Thank Kami Danzo didn't become Hokage before I was brought back." Tsunade said, knowing a major disaster was averted.
Kakashi, if his time as a sensei was anything to go by he'd potentially be worse than Danzo.
"I...don't know what to say to that." Kakashi muttered, sweatdroping.
'That only leaves Tsunade.' Hiruzen thought in resignation.
"The lesser evil of the bunch." Jiraiya muttered, chuckling.
"What was that?!" Tsunade hissed, glaring at him, getting a yelp from her teammate.
"Cat fetch me Jiraiya and if he doesn't show up in the next five minutes you have my permission to unman him." Sarutobi said not willing to deal with his perverted student wanting to stay and do his "research".
"Gladly Hokage-sama." Said Cat.
Jiraiya paled while Anko and Kurenai both grinned darkly, wishing they had joined their friend Yugao in getting Jiraiya, and taking some well deserved female fury on the pervert.
Out of subconscious will, the male jonin covered their crotches. 'I shall pray for your other's survival, Jiraiya-sama.' They all thought.
The male genin winced, while the females smirked.
Hiruzen can only hope that Jiraiya can convince Tsunade to come back, not only to become the Godaime Hokage but also since her knowledge on Medical Ninjutsu would greatly benefit the village while her status as a Sannin will be a good boost in morale. Especially after the destruction caused the resurrected Shodaime and Nidaime, and now Naruto's absence.
Tsunade scoffed. "Oh sure, now you agree to my plan when the village needs it."
"You brought it up during war, Tsunade-sama." Shizune reminded her.
"And it could have saved many lives, Shizune!"
"Please don't start this again, Lady Tsunade."
'Let's just hope Jiraiya catches her in a good mood.' Hiruzen thought
*With Naruto, Kin, and Tayuya*
'I'm surprised they've held out for this long.' Naruto thought jumping from tree branch to tree branch glancing back at Tayuya and Kin seeing them still keeping pace with him despite not having stopped once they had left Konoha
Not once did they ask to stop for a break or ask him about turning into Zen-Aku or the Predazord. Though just from their expressions Naruto could tell they wanted to ask, making him sigh wanting to just get that out of the way.
"Go ahead ask. I know you both have questions." Naruto stated, both girls instantly shooting off questions
"What was with that other form?"
"Where'd you get the metal animals and where can I get some?"
"Is it a Kekkei Genkai?"
"No really where can I get a giant robot?"
"What other powers do you have?"
"Tell me damn it!"
"Enough!" Said Naruto silencing both girls while he took a breath.
"To answer your questions, those 'metal animals' as you call them are called Wildzords, together they form the Predazord and it's mine. You can't get a Wildzord unless you manage to locate an animal crystal and are chosen by the Wildzord and even if you are chosen you'd need at the minimum five Wildzords to form a Megazord, mine are unique and only require three." Naruto said, Tayuya grumbling at the "unfairness" and "chosen bullshit".
Tenten pouted, wanting a "Wildzord" as well. She grumbled about unfair jerks getting the cool stuff, making her team sweatdrop.
"Now for your questions Kin, it's not a Kekkei Genkai. That other form I turn into is called Zen-Aku the Duke Wolf and a creature known as an Org. It all happened a couple weeks ago, give or take a few months…" Naruto said he began his tale
"Cool, flashback!"
"Please calm down, Kiba-san."
"Stop being a stick, Shino!"
"G-Guys, please d-don't fight!"
"Shh!" Ino shushed Team 8, wanting to see what happens.
*Flashback*
"Hey here's a great idea, let's put on a creepy wolf mask we found in an even creepier abandoned temple, great idea!" Naruto shouted at himself as walking through his mindscape.
Haku giggled, as Naruto pouted. "Okay, it's like I would have done what he did!" He stated. He got deadpanned looks from the others. "I wouldn't!"
The stares continued.
"...Screw you all, dattebayo."
He knew it was his mindscape and not just a random sewer simply because he'd once overheard Ino talking about her family Jutsu, which revolved around the mind, and how each person had their own unique mindscape. Plus something just told Naruto it was his mindscape.
Naruto just wished it wasn't a sewer of all places.
Everyone blinked at that, this being the first time they entered Naruto's mindscape. The adults frowned at the appearance. Ino more so. Being her clan's heiress, she was taught all she needed to know about the mind, and how the mindscape represented the person's state of mind and emotions.
For Naruto's mind to be a sewer of all things…
'It's so dark...Naruto...'
Naruto had been walking forward for who knows how long, it could have been an hour or even a day and he wouldn't have known. The only defining features he had to go off his location were the pipes running along the walls each having a different glow to them. The first set of pipes had a blue glow which Naruto guessed was his Chakra, the second glowed crimson red which Naruto figured was the Kyuubi's Chakra. Now the third set confused him as they had a black/purple glow to them that Naruto didn't know what it was. What he did know was that it gave off the same aura as the wolf mask he found.
After a bit more walking Naruto finally came out of the sewer and into a moonlit forest the full moon hanging overhead and the distant sound of howling being heard.
'That's different. Must be because of Zen-Aku.' Naruto thought, seeing the forest in his other's mindscape. He could faintly hear Kyuubi grumbling about his other's better 'prison' compared to his. 'Oh, suck it up fox. Not like I like my mind being a sewer either! If it makes you stop whining like a baby, I'll see if I can change it later.' He told the beast, making it go silent.
'Well this is new. Not that I'm complaining since anything is better than a sewer, anyway.' Naruto thought looking around the forest.
Walking around Naruto soon came to a clearing where he saw someone else standing with their back to them. The person turned their head towards Naruto but rather than seeing a normal human face Naruto was greeted to the sight of the face of a wolf-like creature. Unsure what he was supposed to do, while wondering if this creature as connected to the mask he found, Naruto stiffened slightly when the creature jerked its head motioning him to come forward.
Not seeing any other option Naruto stepped forward until he stood next to the creature.
"So, uh… who are you?" Naruto asked breaking the awkward silent
"Zen-Aku." Answered the creature, Zen-Aku, tersely
"Were you sealed inside that mask?" Said Naruto guessing that was the only explanation of how this Zen-Aku guy appeared in his mind
"I was until you put it on." Zen-Aku stated still looking forward with his arms crossed
"O…kay? Well why're you-GAH!" Naruto gasped when Zen-Aku suddenly drove his fist into his gut
Several winced at the blow.
"What the hell was that for?!" Naruto demanded, annoyed Zen-Aku punched his other out of nowhere.
"Perhaps he wants to measure your other up?" Haku suggested.
Falling to his knees Naruto coughed and gasped for air.
"What… was… that… for?" Wheezed Naruto
"For being the most foolish and by far most idiotic human I have come across in my life." Said Zen-Aku before bringing his knee up slamming it into Naruto's face and knocking the boy back
"Hey! Take that back you asshole!" Naruto shouted, glaring at the Wolf-like spirit. Haku grabbed his hand to calm him down.
Groaning at the sudden assault Naruto prepared to get up but found himself pinned by a boot on his back. Turning his head he saw Zen-Aku's amber eyes glaring at him with a menacing glow while he held a large crescent blade in his hand, the same blade Naruto saw in the temple.
"You know normally when someone puts on my mask I would just take over their body while erasing their presence so they couldn't try retaking control. But you, I doubt I'd have to even try in suppressing and locking you away into the deepest recesses of your mind, all while making you watch as I slaughtered everyone in that village. And there wouldn't be a damn thing you or anyone could do to stop me." Zen-Aku threatened, Naruto gulping not doubting this creature could do just that and be on his merry way
"And you wanna know why?" Zen-Aku asked rhetorically grabbing Naruto by the back of his jacket before slamming his knee into his chest
"It's because you're weak…"
An elbow was smashed into Naruto's back.
"…pathetic…"
An uppercut to his chin dazing the boy.
"…worthless…"
Naruto's head was smashed into a tree as Zen-Aku's hand was wrapped around his throat.
"…And most of all you. Are. Nothing." Stated Zen-Aku while flexing his free hand releasing his claws
Each comment only served to infuriate Naruto more, his eyes flashing red as he was unable to do anything but watch as other was talked down to and beaten severely.
The others also A-Naruto's watched sadly, wincing with every blow delivered upon him.
"Really killing you would be a mercy. As you are now, you wouldn't last a day in the world outside those village walls." Zen-Aku finished raising his hand to end the brat
"Don't give up, me. Get up and show that bastard!" Naruto stated, startling low, before finishing with a shout.
Though before his claws could puncture Naruto's chest his wrist was grabbed by another clawed hand. A little surprised at this Zen-Aku looked to see Naruto's eyes were now crimson red with slit pupils glaring straight at him. Grabbing his other hand Naruto pried it off his throat while Zen-Aku was surprised when he couldn't break his grip on his wrists.
"You can beat me, insult me, you can even kill me. But don't ever…" Naruto growled out his appearance becoming more feral before he released Zen-Aku wrist and reared his fist back
"… CALL ME NOTHING!" Roared Naruto slamming his fist into Zen-Aku's face sending the Duke Wolf flying back crashing through a tree.
Everyone cheered for A-Naruto, watching him pay Zen-Aku back as the blond got up.
While surprised at the kids sudden strength, Zen-Aku was also somewhat impressed.
'Guess he isn't completely worthless.' Zen-Aku thought seeing Naruto coming towards him before pulling his fist back to deliver another punch
But this time he was prepared and caught the brats fist, then to Naruto's confusion he shook his hand.
"Zen-Aku." Introduced Zen-Aku again.
"Looks like the brat proved his worth." Jiraiya commented, smirking.
Tsunade also smirked. "Was there any doubt?"
"Uh, Naruto Uzumaki." Naruto said confused at what just happened as his appearance returned to normal
"Well Naruto Uzumaki, there might just be a fighter in you after all." Said Zen-Aku taking a few steps back
"Thank you? What happens now then?" Naruto asked since he still had that mask on and this guy in his head
"Now, I make you into something resembling a half-decent warrior. So you better prepare yourself cause I don't pull my punches." Zen-Aku said summoning his blade again
Naruto smirked. "As much of an asshole that Zen-Aku guy is, he's one awesome teacher if my other turned out that cool!"
Kakashi and Jiraiya both sweatdropped. What about them?
Shin seemed to have read their minds, and shook his head. No offense to the two men, but they were shitty teachers. One waited 3 years before teaching Naruto something, with 'teach' being a strong word for just giving Naruto some advice in making his Futon: Rasengan. Honestly, Asuma was a better teacher, and the man only gave Naruto some Wind Manipulation advice!
Seriously! 3 years!
And don't get him started on Jiraiya and his so called 'training trip'!
'Maybe I should make some more calls?' He wondered.
*End Flashback*
"For three years in my mindscape, Zen-Aku trained me in everything he knew, along with gifting me several sub-elements in the form of Ice, Swift, Storm, and Typhoon. He also taught me his sword style, how to pilot the Predazord, along with passing everything he knew on to me. And when my training was complete we merged, now I am Zen-Aku." Naruto finished, Tayuya and Kin looking at him surprised at his tale.
Naruto started drooling at all the cool things his aite learned fro Zen-Aku. 'Lucky!'
"Wait 'three years', how did that work exactly?" Kin asked
"It's called Image Training, it's where someone would close their eyes and imagine fighting someone else as if it was a real battle, as I was trained within my mindscape I could make a couple hours in the real world into three years in my mindscape. It's also good to learn control and meditation. The only downside that while you gain all the muscle memory and control from the training your physical body has to be trained up to the same standard as you were after finishing the Image Training, otherwise anything you learn is useless if you can't properly utilize it." Said Naruto with a frown
Naruto's drooling increased in force, while Ino hummed in through. "Huh!" She commented, pressing a finger to her chin.. "I wonder if that training trip is a real thing!"
"It is!" Gai spoke, getting everyone's attention. "It's a rare training form used by seasoned fighters to help them mentally prepare themselves for battle. Two fighters can also link their minds together, and have a sort of mental fight. Not many know about this, as you must have absolute patience and a strong mind in order to perfectly visualize a mental plane. I have actually spoken to your father about it, and he believes those with knowledge of their mindscape have better control in this training."
Zabuza nodded in agreement. "True. Image training was actually taught in my days as a Kiri shinobi. It was to better prepare ourselves for combat and taught use how not to get distracted while in battle."
Tsunade and Jiraiya also nodded, having had the same training during their days in the war.
Naruto grinned widely. "Awesome! I've got to learn how to image train!"
Haku smiled at him. "Zabuza-sama taught me how. I can teach you if you want, Naruto-kun." She offered, getting a huge smile.
"Really?! You're the best, Haku-chan!"
It was why he always left a clone with his teammates while he trained on his own, he wanted to get his abilities up to what they were in his mind.
You could have the power of a god but it's useless unless you know how to use that power, that was one of Zen-Aku's many lessons to make sure Naruto didn't become arrogant in his new powers.
The adults nodded at the wise lesson, knowing full well the importance of control.
The girls were amazed at such a training regimen, they could train for potentially years in just a few hours.
"So any more questions?" Naruto asked
"Yeah, why the fuck did this Zen-Aku guy merge with you or even train you for that matter when he could have just taken over your body?" Tayuya asked wondering what'd be the point in training someone to succeed you when you could just possess them
"He was fulfilling a promise he made." Answered Naruto not explaining any further.
"I wonder what promised Zen-Aku-san made, and to who." Sakura muttered, but got no answer.
Shin smiled faintly, gazing at something in his hand.
In his grasp, was a small figurine with a hinge at the waist. The figure was silver in color, with the right shoulder and arm being blue, with a wolf helmet, a black visor inside the wolf's 'mouth'.
If one listened closely, they would almost hear a wolf's howl as the Lunar Wolf Ranger Key glowed for a split second.
Smirking, Shin made the Ranger Key vanish, returning to the Legacy of Power Universe.
Nothing more was said as they continued on there way though both girls were curious of just who Zen-Aku made a promise to that he'd willingly merge with Naruto effectively erasing his own existence.
*Timeskip-Two Days*
"Alright shithead we've been travelling for five days now and haven't once stopped for a break. Now I'm only going to ask this once and if I don't get a straight answer I will shove my sandal so far up your-"
"We're here." Said Naruto cutting Tayuya off
*Snort!*
"… You're doing that on fucking purpose aren't you." Tayuya said looking at Naruto with narrowed eyes just knowing he's purposefully trying to piss her off now
"Well where is 'here' exactly? Cause I don't see anything." Kin said looking around only seeing the cliff they were standing on overlooking the ocean, while Naruto shook his head
"Not here, there." Said Naruto pointing off in the distance to a group of islands
"And exactly is over there?" Demanded Tayuya
"The ruins of Uzushiogakure." Naruto answered before jumping off the cliff and immediately started running across the water
Instantly, Naruto straightened. He was going to see the land of his clan for the first time! He felt Haku grab his hand, and gave a squeeze in thanks.
"Hey wait for us!" Shouted Tayuya jumping off followed by Kin as they caught up to him
Running alongside Naruto, the three began approaching the islands but as they got closer Tayuya and Kin noticed several whirlpools surrounding the islands.
"Uh, how are we supposed to get passed those?!" Kin asked over the sound of the whirlpools they were moving too fast to be able to run across and to wide to jump across
Rather than respond Naruto went through several hands signs before slamming his hand on the surface of the water. Then to the shock of the girls the whirlpools began shrinking until they were small enough to run between.
"How did you-"
"No time to explain we have to get across before the whirlpools activate again." Naruto cutoff before running between the followed by Tayuya and Kin
Once safely past the whirlpools the girls looked back and saw that they had already started returning to their previous size. Finally they reached one of the islands and run up the cliffside jumping to solid ground.
"Okay we're here, now mind explaining how the hell you did that?!" Tayuya demanded motioning to the whirlpools
"It's a defense mechanism created by the Uzumaki Clan, the whirlpools are created by a sealing barrier surrounding all the islands. Anyone not an Uzumaki or already keyed into a barrier would be ripped to shreds by the currents." Naruto explained, amazing the girls that such a piece of Fuinjutsu existed
Unfortunately while it was an incredible creation, it wasn't perfect given someone with a high mastery of Water Ninjutsu could slow down the whirlpools enough to allow enemies to enter or Jinchuuriki with control of their Tailed Beast can easily bypass as well. Which is what happened when Kumo, Kiri, and Iwa attacked, Naruto thought angrily at those three villages responsible for destroying his clan.
Many frowned at that, while Tsunade gritted her teeth. She herself had only been to Uzushiogakure once, taken there by her grandmother. When she had gotten the world of the massacre of her clan, she cried with her grandmother for their deaths.
She cried...for the deaths of her parents, who had been in the battle of Uzu.
She held some hatred to those three villages ever since then.
If he ever got the chance he'll show them why you never cross an Uzumaki.
The three continued forward eventually arriving at a large gate with the Uzumaki swirl on the front. Pushing the gates open the sight that greeted them was one that shocked Kin and Tayuya and angered Naruto.
Everyone went deathly still, their eyes wide. Some even fell to their knees, unable to stand as they gazed at the image before them.
Choji and Lee even lost their lunch.
Hinata started to cry.
Ino and Sakura covered their mouths in horror.
Sasuke began to shake, his mind flashing back to that night, when he had the state of his clan after Itachi's massacre.
Naruto...was silent. His wide eyes locked at what laid before him.
The adults all closed their eyes in prayer, as tears slid down Tsunade's cheeks.
Dozens of the skeletons lining the roads most of them wearing red uniforms and Uzu headbands, but there were also ones that were wearing normal civilian clothes, showing not only were the ninja killed but civilians as well.
'Hundreds of men, women, and children slaughtered, all because of humans fear and greed.' Naruto thought in anger.
Tenten, Kiba, Ino and Sakura joined Choji and Lee in vomiting.
Anko gritted her teeth. 'Damn bastards!'
Naruto fell to his hands and knees, furious red eyes glaring at the ground, as Haku knelt at his side.
Zabura sighed. "The cost of war." He muttered, but everyone clearly heard him.
The only thing that kept his anger from controlling him was the satisfaction that for every dead Uzumaki he saw five dead Kiri, Kumo, and Iwa ninja. The Uzumaki Clan might have been nearly wiped out but they made damn sure it was a hollow victory.
Tsunade had a sorrowful smile. 'Stubborn to the end, like you said. Mito-baachan.'
Kin and Tayuya meanwhile looked on with solemn expressions, while both were no strangers to death and destruction given they worked with Orochimaru, it was still sad to see a once powerful clan brought down.
It took a few minutes for everyone to gather themselves as Shin paused the scene. During that time, the jonin comforted their students. However, they knew that death was a part of a shinobi's life, be it seeing it, or causing it, and so their students would need to become used to it, whether they wanted to or not.
Tsunade approached Naruto, who stayed on all fours. Kneeling before him, Tsunade placed a hand on his shoulder to get his attention. It took a moment, before he raised his head towards her, his red eyes staring at her.
Smiling gently at the younger blond, Tsunade pulled him into an embrace. At first, he flinched, but soon relaxed.
"We're not gone, Naruto." She whispered to him, rubbing his back in comfort. "You and I are still here. And there are possibly others out in the world. The Uzumaki Clan is still alive, and I know you will one day bring it back." She told him.
Naruto silently moved his arms around her, hugging her back. His eyes faded back to his normal blues, but held a determined look.
He'll get stronger. Strong enough to make his ancestors proud, and bring back the Uzumaki name.
That he promised.
Soon, everyone managed to compose themselves, and Shin willed the vomit puddles away. Once everyone was ready, he continued the scene.
Soon they reached what they guessed used to be a plaza with several branching paths. Two of the paths lead to two bridges connecting to the other islands and the third directly in front of them lead to an island in the center of all the others containing only a large tower.
'That must be where the Uzukage stayed.' Naruto thought
'Uzukage...that's a cool name.' Naruto thought, smiling faintly.
Naruto Uzumaki...the Uzukage.
Had a nice right to it.
"Let's go." Naruto said walking towards the tower
"What do you expect to find there? I doubt the other villages left anything of value after the battle." Kin stated knowing the three villages wouldn't pass up the chance to raid the village for any valuable relics or knowledge
"Anything taken was nothing of any real value, any scrolls on Fuinjutsu that were taken were already common knowledge to the nations, the weapons are nothing special either only of a slightly better quality than normal. No, the real treasures are locked away in the Uzukage tower where no one could steal them and only an Uzumaki could access them." Said Naruto remembering everything Zen-Aku told him.
Tsunade hummed, wondering if there really was anything of value in the ruins of Uzu. She made a mental note of assigning a squad to search. Of course, anything of value would be given to Naruto, as he was the Uzumaki Clan Head now - being the great-grandson of the former head, Kushina's grandfather, Ashina Uzumaki - and as such has rightful ownership.
'Maybe I'll send Team Kakashi with some trusty ANBU. Can't have those elders, or worse, Danzo, find out.'
Walking across the bridge the teens looked up at the large tower, seeing it was as tall as five Kage towers stacked on top of each other, before heading inside. The first thing they saw was what looked like a reception area and a door. Going through the door lead them to a room which they guessed was meant to be a stairwell, with only one glaring problem.
"Where the fuck are the stairs?!" Tayuya shouted
"There are none, you're supposed to jump." Stated Naruto pointing up at the noticeable ledges and doors
"Why not just run up the walls?" Asked Kin
"Because there are Chakra Suppression Seals lining the walls, the only way to get up is being able to jump high enough to reach the ledges. It's also good training to not be too dependent on your Chakra, sometimes you'll have to rely on just your physical prowess." Naruto said seeing the practical side of doing this besides just making it harder for enemies to reach the top
"Smart." Kakashi commented, with the others agreeing, at least those who understood.
"Well how are WE supposed to get up there?" Tayuya said motioning to her and Kin
While both were physically fit she doubted they'd be able to jump high enough to reach the first ledge.
Rather than respond Naruto grabbed them by the back of their shirts, before they could protest that he immediately leapt into the air onto the first ledge before jumping again. Soon they were at the top of the tower with Naruto letting them go to calm down at the sudden series of jumps.
"If you ever do that again, I will throw you down that shaft shithead." Threatened Tayuya not liking being manhandled like that
"I got us up here didn't I." Naruto shrugged before pushing the doors open showing the interior of an office
It reminded him of the Hokage's Office, the only difference being it was painted red and there were only five pictures rather than four.
'These must be the past Uzukage.' Naruto thought looking at the pictures and the name plaques beneath them
Shodaime Uzukage, Urahara Uzumaki
Nidaime Uzukage, Getsuga Uzumaki
Sandaime Uzukage, Shanks Uzumaki
Yondaime Uzukage, Morgiana Uzumaki
Godaime Uzukage, Kouen Uzumaki
'Huh, a female Kage.' Naruto thought seeing the Yondaime Uzukage was a woman.
'Huh, that's different.' Tsunade thought as she looked at the images. Uzu in their universe only had three Uzukages, considering their longevity, with only the first being female.
Erza Uzumaki (1)
Rumors had it that it was from her that the Uzumaki females got their infamous fury.
She didn't know who the Second Uzukage was before Ashina Uzumaki.
Naruto looked at the portraits in awe, feeling even more of a desire to gain a place among them than he ever did with the past Hokages.
Going over to the desk Naruto saw both a sealed letter and a Uzu headband on the desk. Figuring the letter was left behind by the last Uzukage for any Uzumaki that may return to Uzushio, Naruto grabbed it and opened the letter.
My fellow Uzumaki,
If you are reading this then the worst has come to pass, both Uzushio and the Uzumaki Clan have fallen. While this saddens me, I am also relieved that some of us managed to get to safety, if you are indeed an Uzumaki then I leave all of our clans knowledge to you, use it bring the Uzumaki back to the top and show all your enemies what happens when they cross an Uzumaki. Every Fuinjutsu, Kenjutsu, Genjutsu, and Ninjutsu created by the Uzumaki is sealed away behind the bookcase in my office, only an Uzumaki can release the seal.
I go now to defend my village, my family, and my clan from these invaders. If this is the day I die then I will make sure to take as many of these bastards down as I can, my only relief is that my daughter Kushina is safe with our allies in Konoha and that she has taken the Mask of the Wolf with her, truly I fear what would happen if that mask fell into the wrong hands.
Finally I leave these parting words to you, our family creed:
Family above pride, family above fame, family above all.
Kouen Uzumaki
Entei
Godaime Uzukage
'My grandfather.' Thought Naruto looking at the letter before looking to Kouen's picture on the wall
Naruto's eyes widened. Was that really?
"Naruto" Shin called, getting his attention. "Things in that dimension do not apply here." He said, making the teen frown sadly. "But even of your family ties are different, does not mean it is entirely so. The Uzumaki Clan, be it alternate dimension or realities, all followed the same creed. Family above All. To the Uzumaki, family was everything, something to cherish and protect. They would fight countless battles to protect their family. Just as you would. You carry their creed without even knowing, and as such, they would be incredibly proud of you." He said, smiling at the boy, who gained a tearful smile.
'Family above All...'
He was a tall and well-built man with narrow red eyes and matching red hair tied up in a top knot and goatee.
'Kushina, that's my Kaa-sans name.' Naruto thought feeling a sense of joy fill him at knowing his Kaa-sans name
Going back to what his grandfather said in his letter Naruto turned to the bookcase. Going over to it while ignoring the questioning looks from his companions Naruto pushed the bookcase out of the way, revealing a large seal behind it.
'He said only an Uzumaki can release the seal. Well no better time like the present.' Naruto thought looking to Tayuya
"Tayuya come here for a second." Naruto said
"Whaddya want shithead?" Asked Tayuya
"Just put your hand on the seal." Said Naruto motioning to the seal
"Uh, why?" Tayuya asked not wanting to touch a seal she knew nothing about knowing how certain seals react to the wrong person trying to open them
"Just do it, I wanna test a theory I have." Naruto said
"Fine, but if I lose an arm I'm kicking your ass." Muttered Tayuya
Stepping forward Tayuya raised her hand letting it hover just over the seal hesitant in case something bad happens.
'Fuck it.' Tayuya thought closing her eyes and putting her hand on the seal
For a moment nothing happened, then suddenly the seal lit up before it and the wall faded away revealing a hidden passage.
"Huh, so it is true." Naruto said to himself though Kin and Tayuya still heard him
"What, what's true? What just happened?" Tayuya asked
"It seems you and I are cousins, both sharing Uzumaki blood." Stated Naruto walking past her and into the passage
'Cousins huh?' Naruto thought, smiling.
"Wait what?!" Said Tayuya surprised she's an Uzumaki
"I guess that means were both from extinct clans." Kin said finding it a little ironic
She's from the Uchiha clan and possesses the Sharingan and Tayuya is from the Uzumaki clan that are known for their longevity. Both of which Orochimaru desires to learn all Jutsu in the world and become immortal.
Naruto and Sasuke shivered, dreading being in Orochimaru's clutches, as Kakashi narrowed his eye(s).
He'll never allow for Orochimaru to put his slimy hands on his students.
Shaking off her surprised the girls followed Naruto down the passage finding him standing at the bottom of the stairs staring wide-eyed at something.
"Hey why're you just standing… there…" Tayuya trailed off when she saw why Naruto stopped moving
"Shit." Kin muttered in shock at the sight before her
The reason being the thousands upon thousands of scrolls all stacked neatly on shelves nearly half as tall as the tower. Even more shocking was the plaques on the shelves.
"Daaaaamn..." Kiba trailed.
"You can say that again." Tenten said, staring at the amount of scrolls in shock.
"Daaaaamn..."
'These are just Fuinjutsu?!' Kin and Tayuya thought shocked that all these scrolls were only for Fuinjutsu
If these were just the Fuinjutsu ones, how many more scrolls were there?
"Ladies, we have work to do." Naruto said, the girls nodding in agreement
Jiraiya shook his head in disbelief. He knew the Uzumaki were at another level in fuinjutsu compared to him, but seeing that many scrolls for it, it made him feel like a genin in comparison.
It seriously hurt his pride as a Seal Master!
*Timeskip-Two Weeks*
Two weeks have passed since Naruto, Kin, and Tayuya arrived and Uzushio along with discovering the Jutsu vault hidden in the Uzukage Tower. After they had gotten over their shock of all the scrolls hidden within they all immediately set out to begin studying and learning from them.
Kin had gone to the Ninjutsu and Genjutsu sections, given those were her specialties, and began memorizing them with her Sharingan. Tayuya focused on the Fuinjutsu and Genjutsu sections, eager to find any sound-based Genjutsu to try with her flute and studying all the seals created by her recently discovered clan.
Naruto though didn't have to focus on a single section and simply created several hundred clones to study all Fuin, Gen, Ken, and Ninjutsu scrolls they could. It also amused him greatly when he heard Kin and Tayuya cursing him and his Shadow Clones, while vowing to learn the Jutsu as fast as they could to utilize the, as they call it, "BS Hacks Jutsu".
Naruto chuckled, while the other genin glared at him in jealousy.
Well, minus Shino (who was a statue), HInata (who smiled in awe at her crush's ability to become stronger quickly), and Lee (who shouted about Naruto's Flames of Youth).
"Lucky bastard." Ino muttered.
Currently however Naruto was walking through his mindscape, which thankfully was no longer a sewer and was instead the same moonlit forest it had been when Zen-Aku first arrived. The reason for this was Naruto believed it was long overdue that he meet with his tenant.
Again, Naruto heard Kyuubi grumbling, but ignored it, paying close attention to what his other could possibly want with the fox.
Arriving at a large cave with bars-
"That's not better!" Kyuubi complained.
'Shut up! I'm trying to pay attention!'
-in front of it Naruto stared into the darkness knowing just what was locked within. Approaching the bars Naruto stopped just shy of being able to walk between them.
"I know you're there, you might as well come out." Naruto said only hearing a loud growl coming from the cage.
The genin shivered at the growl, while the jonin tensed.
Suddenly large claws shot out from between the bars one of them just barely impaling Naruto who remained perfectly calm despite nearly dying.
"That's no fun. It better when you scream. Kukuku!"
'Ignoring you!'
"Damn this seal and damn that blasted Yondaime for sealing me again." Said the Kyuubi as it stepped out from the darkness and into the light glaring down at Naruto hating that he wasn't showing even the smallest amount of fear in fact he looked almost bored
The same could not be for the rest. This being the first time seeing the actual Kyuubi in person...they were frozen in absolute fear, questioning how A-Naruto could be so calm!?
Not even their Naruto looked scared! Merely glaring at the alternative Kyuubi. Seeing the looks he was getting, he shrugged.
"I got used to it after the first time. He's more of an asshole than scary." He told them.
"Grrr...you are lucky this seal prevents me from killing you, boy."
'Love you too, fox.'
And the Kyuubi hated it!
"I didn't come here to fight fox, I wanna talk." Naruto said
"I have nothing to say to you boy and I have no desire to hear what you have to say unless it's you screaming in pain!" Kyuubi growled, Naruto sighing and narrowing his eyes
"Look neither of us really had much of a choice about what happened that night, I didn't ask you to be sealed in me and you didn't want to be sealed. You want to blame someone, blame the Yondaime." Said Naruto having long since lost any form of hero worship to the man that is the cause of him being hated his entire life
Narrowing his eyes, Naruto nodded in agreement, getting frowned from Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Kakashi.
The Kyuubi would reluctantly admit he had a point, that didn't mean the fox would say it out loud refusing to ever agree with a human on anything.
'I heard that.'
"That is the other me! I'd sooner perish before agreeing with a pathetic human!"
"Whatever. Say what you want then leave, your literal humanity disgusts me." Kyuubi said
"Fine. Here's my offer, since I don't know where the original key for the seal is I will try to recreate it or at the very least find a way to break the seal giving you your freedom. All I ask in return is you leave behind some of your chakra so I don't die." Naruto said
"Key?" Naruto asked, raising a brow, not seeing Jiraiya sweat nervously. "What key?"
Jiraiya cleared his throat nervously.
"And who's to say you won't just find a way to strip me of my power and leave me to rot in this prison." Retorted Kyuubi
"Because I'm not like the Kage or anyone else in the villages. They only see you as a mindless creature meant to be controlled and used as a weapon, along with the other Tailed Beasts. But you aren't are you, you have your own thoughts and feelings, you only seek revenge against those that would try to take your freedom and lock you away." Said Naruto
Naruto frowned in thought, listening to his other's world. He never thought about it before, but...he never really thought about Kyuubi's feelings in their whole situation. The only time they talked before arriving at this place, was him demanding the fox's chakra. Sure, he was panicking with their situation at the time, but...it didn't seem fair.
'Kyuubi...'
"What?"
'...I'm sorry.'
"..."
'I...' He didn't know what else to say. What could he say?
"..."
The Kyuubi stayed silent.
In Naruto's opinion Hashirama had been a fool to capture the Tailed Beasts and give them away to the other villages like property. Not only did he have no right to capture them and treat the Tailed Beasts like trophies to give away, but it was foolish to give other villages literal walking natural disasters and not expect them to be used as weapons of war.
Tsunade frowned, unsure of how to feel. As much as she wanted to defend her grandfather...A-Naruto was kinda right.
Naruto however knew better, they weren't mindless creatures or just physical constructs of chakra, no they were so much more. After all they used to be one, the first Tailed Beast.
The Juubi.
"Wait, what?!"
Everyone sounded, looking at Shin.
Juubi no Shinju
Said man cleaned his ear with his pinky. Taking the digit out, he wiped it on his shirt, glanced at the group. "A different Juubi. I mostly took the name as a title. No connection whatsoever."
Jiraiya narrowed his eyes at the man. "Still, what is the Juubi? I never heard it before."
Shin shrugged. "I'll explain the full details later." He actually did plan to start explaining things. He was just waiting for the right world, and for certain guests to appear. Which, looking at his watch, it all should be happening soon.
It took some doing but Naruto managed to sort through those visions he got when he touched the stump of the Shinju tree. While he doesn't know the full story he knew all the Tailed Beasts were once part of the same beast.
That surprised everyone. They had all thought the nine biju had always been separate creatures. Could it be a lie?
"If that isn't enough then how about this. If I planned to strip you of all your power why would I bother coming here to lie to you when I could have just done exactly that." Said Naruto
Kyuubi growled again knowing Naruto was right. He'd be able to find a way to strip the Kyuubi of its power and the fox wouldn't be able to do anything to stop him.
"And what else do you want." Kyuubi said doubting all he wanted was some of its chakra in order to not die
"Nothing, I just want you to leave some chakra behind so I don't die. So, do you we have a deal?" Asked Naruto stepping even closer to the bars looking up at the Kyuubi.
The Kyuubi glared down at Naruto, neither backing down in the battle of wills. Finally after several moments of staring each other down the Kyuubi was enveloped in a bright red glow and started shrinking. When the glow vanished Naruto's eyes widened a little in surprise.
Everyone froze, stunned. Unable to stay anything as they stared at the scene.
In the place of Kyuubi was a drop-dead gorgeous vixen with long blood red hair done up in a ponytail that went down to her waist, matching crimson eyes with slit pupils, jagged whisker marks on her cheeks, and elongated canines. Her attire consisted of a blood red kimono top with long sleeves covering her hands and hung off her shoulders and displayed her large F-cup breasts, black skin tight short shorts that hugged her shapely rear and showing off her mile long legs. The most noticeable features however were the fox ears on top of her head that occasionally twitched and the nine orange tails with black tips coming out her back. This telling Naruto that this was indeed the Kyuubi no Kitsune
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"...WHAT IN THE NAME OF THE SAGE?!" Kyuubi roared in shock, watching through its container's eyes at the form its...other took.
"Beautiful." Naruto muttered, Kyuubi making a "Tsk" noise
"Don't try and flatter me human, I don't like you or trust you." Kyuubi said before holding out her hand still in her oversized sleeve
"But yes we have a deal." Said Kyuubi her face twisting like she ate something sour
Nodding Naruto shook the Kyuubi's hand only for the vixen to pull him close and looked him straight in the eye.
"But make no mistake, this doesn't make us friends or allies or anything. I'm only agreeing to this to get my freedom, try and betray me and I'll devour you along with those little girls you seem fond of." Kyuubi growled her eyes glowing crimson and squeezing Naruto's hand tightly only for Naruto to return the hard grip
"Same to you. Betray me and you'll spend the rest of eternity trapped in a crystal." Said Naruto lowly his own eyes glowing
They both glared at each other for several moments before releasing each other's hands.
"And Kyuubi for what it's worth, I'm sorry for everything that's happened to you." Naruto said as he left the mindscape
Kyuubi looked to the spot where Naruto once stood before scoffing.
'People aren't measured by their intentions or words, they're measured by their actions.' Kyuubi thought as she laid down
If he wanted to prove himself in her eyes then he'll have to do it through his actions.
As the scene ended and the chamber returned to normal, Shin chuckled as he looked at the stunned expressions on everyone's faces.
"Oh, I love these moments."
"I DEMAND ANSWERS TO WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!" Kyuubi roared in the confines of its nonresponsive container.
End of Chapter!
Female Kyuubi/Kurama!
Do you dare me?!
(1) Just because some history happens in other universes, doesn't mean that they will be true in this one. Though, if I find it entertaining enough, I might create my own history to this world. So...you're welcome. XP