Disclaimer: Naruto and its characters are the property of Masashi Kishimoto. However, the original characters and plot of this fic belong to me.

Author Notes: I just realised a stupid spelling mistake i've been doing and it wasn't even pointed out by Microsoft Word. Damn, i have some editing to do now. On with the show, enjoy.

Chapter 17: Tainted Crimson

It was chilly, the senses in his body tingling as he gave a shudder. His eyes began to open; the surroundings becoming clearer. Naruto felt tired as he moved his hand before realising it was wet. He wiped it on his shirt as he blinked a few times. The eerie and silent atmosphere was an indicator as to where he was.

He exhaled prior to standing to his feet, using the wall as support. His head turned as he heard a faint breathing sound. Starting to cough, he made his way down the sewer like domain. His mind felt heavy as he struggled to keep his focus. He could see the light getting closer as he entered the humongous chamber.

Staring at the mammoth prison, he was confused as to what he was doing. All his hope and ambitiousness seemed to have faded. He knew that he had experienced a great failure and silently observed the demon laying in wait for him. A jolt of pain entered him as he dropped to his knees and clutched his stomach.

"It must be excruciating." Kyuubi had a vicious grin across his furry visage, "I know, since I'm the cause of it."

Naruto tried to block out the words of the fox since he was well aware of his devious and deceitful ways. However, he was incapable due to his hatred towards him. He wanted to observe how arrogant and proud he was, just so that one day he could enjoy him fall.

Kyuubi's claws scraped the bars of the prison, "The one thing between me and my freedom." His eyes settled on Naruto, "And you hold the power to release me."

Naruto felt the pain in his stomach recede as he laughed half heartedly, "Why would I even think of doing that?"

Kyuubi grinned as his chakra flared and slammed into the cage. Naruto was caught off guard as the familiar pain engulfed him and caused him to fall horizontal on his face. Kyuubi was amused by the scene, "Do you comprehend where I'm coming from?"

Naruto's face was drenched in the water from the floor, his eyes motionless. He didn't understand why he had to suffer yet achieve nothing. He kept asking himself how many times he would have to fail before tasting success. "I hate you…"

Kyuubi didn't catch the words uttered from the retired shinobi's mouth, "You speak like the weak and frail being that you are."

Naruto gritted his teeth as he slammed his hands into the ground before rising so that he was on his knees, "I hate you!" His crimson eyes reflected his rage, "Did you hear that, you piece of shit?"

Kyuubi's face rested against the bars of the cage; the demon observed the man, "I want to rip you to shreds but you dying for my freedom will be gratifying enough."

Naruto stood up, "I won't die!"

Kyuubi remained with his twisted and menacing look, "You say that with so much vigour but all I see is a broken man. Your efforts and escapades have brought you only the extension of your pain."

Naruto shook his head, "Shut up!"

Kyuubi smirked, "Do you see this fickle seal holding me?"

Naruto looked towards the prison and analysed the withered piece of paper. It seemed to have been chewed and scratched. There was no doubt that it was close to completely tearing off.

Kyuubi noticed Naruto staring at the item, "All you have to do is take it off. You won't have to suffer any longer. You'll be free from everything that gives you concern or trouble." Kyuubi could see the downcast expression upon the blonde's face, "End your misery."

Naruto began to slowly walk forwards, eventually reaching the cage. He was inches away from the demon as he concentrated on the seal. He reached his hand upwards and brought it closer to the paper. "My misery is because of you. If you weren't inside me…" His hand stopped short of touching the seal, "…Akatsuki wouldn't have come after me…" His eyes met those of the demons, "…and he wouldn't have died."

Kyuubi let his chakra flare as it blew past Naruto, "Pitiful and pathetic."

Naruto took a deep breath, "I'll fight until I can't move my legs or arms. I'll carry on believing until someone rips out my heart. And I'll continue on this path until someone thrusts me from it." He turned around, "I can't afford to give up."

Kyuubi laughed, his gruff voice following soon after, "You've talked like that many times, yet you've accomplished nothing."

Naruto listened to the words of the bijuu, knowing there was truth to what he said. He wondered whether this time would be different and he would finally achieve what he longed for. Regardless, he knew the only way to find out would be to try.

XXXXXXXXXX

The moon glowed as the snow continued falling to the ground, in a seemingly rhythmic fashion. The sky was whiter than usual as Yuka stood calmly in the middle of the cliff top, her hand on her sword hilt. The beauty's eyes were tightly closed as she patiently waited.

The encampment was empty, with everyone having left except for her. She was hoping that the ninjas would be able to return to the homeland safely. The snowflakes landed on her face, sending a cold yet soothing feeling throughout her. She wasn't able to complete her training due to finding out about Naruto and his situation.

She opened her eyes, concentration showing on her visage. Readying herself, she brought out her sword hilt as a kunai was deflected from hitting her abdomen. A shinobi ran at her from behind as she silently turned around and swept his legs from under him, then driving her sword into him.

Taking out the now bloodied weapon, she began to repel numerous shuriken. Several shinobi started to run onto the cliff top, surrounding her completely. She had a weird feeling travelling through the deepest regions of her anatomy. An explosion occurred as her scarlet eyes were drawn to the buildings of the encampment.

She was in shock as she saw the fire burn like it was enraged. The past few years, this had been her home and she couldn't help but shed a tear at the sight of it being destroyed. Running to her left, she began to attack the ninjas.

She struck them down one by one, as the rest behind her began advancing. She was glad to know they followed without caution as she jumped back and formed hand seals, "Doku Kiri!" She blew out a purple cloud of gas around her as the ninjas realised their folly.

They were too disorganised to make a retreat as they inhaled the mist and began coughing, eventually dripping blood from their mouths. Yuka sighed as she saw the men and women collapse to the ground, lifeless. "I'm sorry."

"Why apologise for defending yourself?" Yuka snapped her head towards the new arrival, "They certainly wouldn't do likewise if they had taken your life."

Yuka had a serious demeanour as she faced the advisor of the Tsuchikage, "Tenjou…"

Tenjou stopped and observed the fallen ninjas, "I think I'll let the others destroy the encampment without interruption." He looked at Yuka, "Sending them to fight you would only add to the casualties."

Yuka shook her head, "Why is he doing this? This is crazy, I thought he had changed!"

Tenjou slowly unsheathed his katana which had a jagged edge, "Yuka-san, I'm not at liberty to divulge that kind of information."

Yuka had a pained expression, "What is he going to gain from all of this?"

Tenjou tried to straighten his brown hair but was unsuccessful, "You made your choice 2 years ago and he made his."

Yuka knew that the man wouldn't answer with her desired response as she gripped her sword tightly. She wasn't facing just anyone but the right hand man of the Tsuchikage himself. She had an uncomfortable feeling running through her, it was fear. She was afraid of not making it out of this battle alive; to not be able to see Naruto again.

She ran at the still man, screaming at the top of her lungs. She brought down her sword to strike him as Tenjou blocked. It was there that she felt the difference in strength as she looked into the eye of the unmoving man.

Tenjou pushed forward with a smirk on his face as Yuka was forced to step back. The black haired beauty quickly spun around Tenjou before bringing her sword back to hit him. But she was once again halted inches away from his body.

She gritted her teeth before beginning to try and strike him at any visible point on his anatomy. Tenjou blocked in a relaxed demeanour as the clash of metal rung through the air. However, he was caught off guard as he saw Yuka faint a manoeuvre and slash his leg.

Tenjou jumped back, narrowly avoiding a severe injury as some blood dripped down his pants. Yuka didn't take her eyes off the brown haired man as the snow fell on top of her head. She wondered whether the ninjas from the encampment had gotten away.

Tenjou gave a sigh, "You shouldn't have done that." His hand moved to the eye patch on his face as he pulled it upwards.

Yuka's eyes widened as she saw what was behind it, knowing that the real battle would now begin.

Tenjou held his sword out towards the woman, "Yuka-san, it has been a pleasure knowing you."

XXXXXXXXXX

Sasuke stared at the moon in the sky, the same type that had been there when his family was massacred. His mind was on the recent encounter with Naruto. He was, for some reason, glad to know that he wasn't hated by the man. For those few seconds, he felt as if he was really understood.

He was tired as he made his way to the glass doors and entered the hall, where the festivity was still in full force. He looked around at the numerous people gathered, surprised to see them so active. He halted from making a move as he felt a surge of chakra resonating from within the village.

The hall grew silent as the music stopped while everyone had a perplexed disposition. Sasuke knew they had felt it also but he didn't know exactly what it was himself. He scanned the hall to find his team mates but they weren't visible and neither was Jiraiya. He wondered where they could have gone to since they would have told him if it was something important.

A random person in the hall shouted out, "It's the forbidden scroll! Someone must have tried to take it!"

The man was met with a terrified response, "It's been 9 years since the last attempt!"

Numerous people started to shout one after the other, displaying their curiosity and confusion.

"We have to hurry! We can't let it be taken!"

"Where's the Godaime?"

"The Tsuchikage isn't here either!"

It was an astonishing sight to see them so fearful that someone had attempted to take the scroll. Sasuke thought about what might have happened the previous time which made them so cautious. He raised an eyebrow as he realised that Naruto had taken off also. He noticed the absence of so many individuals disturbing and somehow knew that they would be at the centre of it. He exited the hall before jumping to the rooftops and taking off.

XXXXXXXXXX

Genkei stared at the body of Naruto, waiting for him to awaken. He had never thought of becoming such good friends with him when he was first summoned. He was hoping that the blonde would get up soon as it had already been a few minutes and there would undeniably be trouble arriving soon. He was alerted as he heard a groaning sound followed by Naruto opening his eyes, "You didn't give in to him."

Naruto sat up and stretched his arms, "No…"

Genkei looked around himself, "We need to hurry."

Naruto stood up but didn't make a move as he observed the motionless forms of Tsunade and Shizune, "Genkei…"

The dragon faced his comrade, "What?"

Naruto had a calm voice, "I need you to return to the encampment."

Genkei was astounded by the sudden request, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Naruto sighed, "You can't afford to be sighted within the walls of this village or by anyone outside of the Confederation. Our existence is closely guarded and you said it yourself; that's the reason you don't go into public places."

Genkei shook his head, "We have no choice here."

Naruto wiped the blood from his clothes that he had coughed up, "I need you to let Yuka know of what's going on."

Genkei finally understood why he was telling him to return, "You're worried about her."

Naruto took out a cigarette and lit it, "If I make it out of here, I'll meet up with you there shortly."

Genkei laughed, "Easy to say but you have no sense of direction."

Naruto scratched his head, "Don't worry, I'll figure something out."

Genkei stood still, thinking about what would be the best course of direction for him. He understood the reasoning of Naruto and how the Confederation couldn't afford to be exposed. He was also suspicious of the recent events and knew that the encampment could be in danger. Shaking his head, he made a move to leave, "I'll see you soon."

Naruto smiled as he saw the beast leave the mansion of the Hokage. He turned his attention to the two women, knowing he would have to be quick. He began searching them for anything that could be useful but found nothing. Finishing his cigarette, he threw it to the ground. He turned his head, feeling two chakra signatures racing towards him.

He stood up as the 2 shinobi revealed themselves; surprised expressions adorning their visages. Izumo looked at the bodies of the Godaime and her assistant before facing Naruto, "You? What are you doing here?"

Kotetsu was concerned for the health of his leader, "Did you do this?"

Naruto recognised the shinobi since he had encountered them at different points during his stay in the village. He didn't feel like wasting time, "Stop speaking as if you'd be capable of doing anything even if I was responsible."

Izumo was wary of the man as he swiftly formed hand seals, "Suiton Mizuame Nabara!" He spat out sticky syrup which rushed down the corridor.

Naruto jumped to the wall on the side and stuck to it. Kotetsu noticed the opportunity to attack as he summoned a large and ornate weapon which looked like a conch shell. He ran across the syrup and tried to slam it into Naruto.

Naruto rolled along the wall and reattached himself using his chakra. He was baffled by the weird looking weapon, "What the hell is that?"

Kotetsu paid no attention as he once again tried to hit Naruto with it. However, the jinchuuriki jumped away from the wall before grabbing Kotetsu's arm. Twisting it, he disarmed him quite easily before driving his fist into his back.

Kotetsu's back throbbed with pain before he was slammed face first into the syrup, rendered unconscious. Izumo was shocked with how easily his partner was beaten as he took out some shuriken.

Naruto didn't give him the chance to throw them as he finished forming hand seals, "Futon Sarawareta!" A strong wind blew towards Izumo, lifting him off the ground and throwing him through the wall behind him. The building shook from the force of the technique.

Naruto looked around him before sighing, "Hajin…"

The jinchuuriki made himself scarce as he exited through the newly developed hole in the Godaime's mansion.

XXXXXXXXXX

Kakashi looked at the library which was a complete mess. He moved towards the stand where the forbidden scroll was placed before turning to Sakura, "This was coordinated well."

Sakura was still dressed in her white kimono as she wondered how her mentor was. She steadied herself as the building shook with force, causing some of the bookcases to fall. Kakashi moved out of the way before running into the hallway, followed by Sakura.

The kunoichi was shocked with everything that was happening, "He wanted the forbidden scroll?"

Kakashi inwardly groaned at his overlooking of such an important item, "It should have been obvious. If his seal was weakening then the only place to find how to strengthen it would be the source."

Sakura turned in the corridor as she ran as fast as she could, "We all messed up."

They ran up the stairs as Sakura caught sight of the carnage which lay ahead, "Tsunade-shisou!" She stopped at her mentor's body before bending down next to her. "Naruto…did this?"

Kakashi looked at the unconscious figure of Kotetsu before observing Shizune. He looked at the Godaime, the feeling of failure running through him as he noticed her condition.

"No, it wasn't him." The new voice caused Sakura to stare behind her.

Jiraiya had an expressionless visage. He had pursued the two Leaf-nin when he noticed them leaving, "It must have been the Tsuchikage."

The troubled feelings of Sakura were clearly shown on her face as she gripped her mentor, "How do you know that?"

Jiraiya walked forwards and stared at the disfigured hallway, "The seal on her forehead is one of the most advanced I've seen."

Sakura observed the complex pattern, "What do you mean?"

Jiraiya folded his arms, "Seals can be used for a wide variety of things, from containing items to blocking the abilities of people."

Sakura ran her hand over the seal, "What does this do?"

Jiraiya walked towards Kotetsu and picked him up before placing him to a side, "I'm not sure. It looks as if she's in a vegetable state so he must have rendered her mind blank. Something like that is truly terrifying."

Kakashi knew what the legendary frog hermit was talking in regards to. He had heard of seals being capable of blocking certain senses, but never before had he seen or heard of one which completely rendered a person incapable of anything. "What's your take on this Jiraiya-sama?"

Jiraiya had a severe demeanour, "The Tsuchikage will be long gone by now and sending someone after him would just result in us losing one of our shinobi."

Kakashi nodded, "Naruto is still here if that hole there is any indicator; it's recent."

"Kakashi!" Gai stopped near the masked man along with his team before noticing the unconscious individuals.

Tenten was shocked at the sight of her idol lying in such a frail condition. Neji instantly activated his byakugan and looked outside the walls of the mansion, noticing a certain individual leaping through the rooftops. "Naruto?"

Lee turned to his rival, "Who?"

Jiraiya faced the gathered group of Leaf-nin, "Our job is to catch him. I don't know what's going on but everything should become clear soon."

XXXXXXXXXX

Naruto jumped through the rooftops of Konoha at a rapid pace, his mind on grabbing his rucksack before escaping the village. He stopped as a few shuriken flew past him, almost striking him. He observed the shinobi who were still dressed in tuxedos and gentlemanly suits. They were surely from the celebration as he smirked. "I don't have time to waste on you." He formed a single hand seal, "Kage Bunshin No Jutsu!" A cloud of smoke disappeared to reveal 3 clones that looked ready for combat.

Naruto waved at the shinobi as his clones immediately attacked them. He carried on running through the rooftops, leaving his shadow clones to take care of the company. He jumped onto the quiet streets of the village as he approached his apartment. He was in urgency but stopped as he saw someone standing at the base of the stairs leading to his apartment door.

"Sasuke…" Naruto spoke in a composed tone.

Sasuke looked at the man, knowing that he was partly responsible for everything that was occurring. "Give yourself up."

Naruto smiled, shaking his head, "I can't do that."

Sasuke didn't feel like fighting the Uzumaki after their conversation earlier but he had no choice. He took out his kusanagi, "That's a shame."

Naruto shrugged as he got into a fighting stance. He knew that the Uchiha was different and definitely wouldn't be a pushover. He was already cagey of his own abilities and knew he wouldn't be able to finish this quick, if at all. He planned on diverting his attention and making a getaway as quick as he could.

However, before he was even able to make a move, he felt a sting in his neck. He pulled out the needle, looking at it with puzzled expression. He turned to where it came from as more needles ended up striking him in his body.

"Tenten, that's enough!" Lee had a concerned voice as he saw Naruto stumble. He pulled the kunoichi backwards and messed up her aim.

Sasuke sighed, grateful that he didn't have to do anything as he sheathed his kusanagi. Naruto kept on blinking several times as he tried to steady himself, but fell onto the floor. He attempted to get up but found himself becoming dizzy and slowly losing consciousness.

Lee landed on the street and ran to the jinchuuriki, taking out the needles from his body. "You could've killed him!"

Tenten shook her head, "Don't worry Lee, I just wanted to get a few extra shots. He wouldn't have died; the last two needles don't have tranquiliser in them."

Jiraiya picked up the man, "His shadow clones should've disappeared now."

Lee nodded, "Gai-sensei would've definitely won his fight. I'm not sure about Kakashi or Neji though."

Sakura looked at Sasuke who was silent and unmoving. She walked towards him, "What made you come here?"

Sasuke closed his eyes, "Everyone was heading to the source of the chakra surge but he would've escaped by then. It was either here or he would've left the village."

Sakura acknowledged the response, wondering how long it would be before her mentor would get better. Regardless of that though, it seemed as if the Tsuchikage had declared war on Konoha with his actions. It looked as if things were about to get a lot more hectic and bothersome.

XXXXXXXXXX

Yuka rolled across the ground, her blood staining the pure white snow. Her body felt immensely weak as she tried to get up. Her energy seemed to have left her as she began to crawl, her hands digging into the cold snow. She reached out to grasp her sword but it was picked up by her opponent.

"You fought well, Yuka-san. You truly have the same blood running through your veins." Tenjou closed his eye patch, straightening it.

Yuka coughed, each one sending a burst of pain through her. "I don't care for the blood in me."

Tenjou sheathed his sword before observing Yuka's weapon, "That is why you are in the position you are now, helpless and on the road to death. It is because you abandoned that blood."

Yuka rolled onto her back, clutching her side, "I didn't abandon anything. I chose peace." She had a weak voice, evidence of her battered condition.

Tenjou looked at the burning buildings of the encampment which illuminated the surroundings. He grabbed Yuka by her hair and began to drag her to the tree before throwing her against it. Yuka let out a gasp of pain as she fell onto the snow, her head feeling light.

Tenjou observed the carnage created by himself and the shinobi of Iwa, "He wanted you to see your new home burn before your eyes."

Yuka's mouth was open as she heard the words of the man. She gritted her teeth as a tear fell from her face, "Why is he doing this?"

Tenjou grabbed the woman's arm and put it against the bark of the tree. He drove Yuka's sword through her arm, pinning her to the tree. Yuka let out a scream in agony as she panted heavily. "You had so much talent, dare I say that you would have been better than me in a few years."

Yuka tried to ignore the throbbing pain, "Don't praise me."

Tenjou tried to flatten his hair, "I give praise where it's due." The advisor turned around, "He wanted you to know that there was no regret or doubt in what he wanted to do. Don't sit here thinking that this didn't have to happen."

Yuka wiped the tears from her face with her free arm, "What good does it do me to know that?"

Tenjou began walking away, "You'll die knowing exactly where you stood instead of dwelling on useless reasons and excuses." He coolly left the cliff top, "I bid you farewell, Yuka-san. You were a worthy opponent."

Yuka's scarlet eyes returned to the fire raging in front of her. The smell sent a sickening feeling through her as she saw the crumbling structures. She wanted to stop it as she tried to reach up and take out the sword pinning her, but she was powerless. She didn't have the strength to do anything as she lay there and witnessed everything being burned to ashes. The snow fell to the ground but there was no longer a blanket of white, instead there were patches of red spread throughout.

Yuka was drowned in her own misery as she felt her stomach churning from the devastating sight. Her heart ached as tears trickled down her cheeks, "Naruto…" She closed her eyes as she spoke in a broken voice, "I want to see you…please…just one last time…"

Doku Kiri - Poison Mist

Futon Sarawareta - Wind Release Swept Away (Original)

Kage Bunshin No Jutsu - Shadow Clone Technique

Suiton Mizuame Nabara - Water Release Syrup Capture Field

Author Notes: Eager to know what happens next, right? These next chapters are going to be full of action, suspense and have you on the edge of your seat. The main thing on your mind right now should be, what is going to happen to Yuka? She seems to have some kind of relationship to the Tsuchikage doesn't she? Everything will be revealed in due time. Also, i want to clear one thing up because i know some people will be saying it. Kage Bunshin is a jounin level technique and is not forbidden or secret. It is Tajuu Kage Bunshin which is written on the forbidden scroll and Naruto doesn't know that in this story. Laters.