The Fox And The Tiger

The Journey: The Deal

A small motorized boat rocked through the waters. A breeze pushed the long black hair of the person that sat up, watching the land get further away in the horizon. When he looked down infront of him, a golden blonde haired boy laid unconscious.

The night was young as the sky still had faint signs of the sun that once lit up the day. The main thought that was coming to mind, had been of what could the boy truly do? What was he capable of?

He remembered watching from afar as the barrier had gone up, and saw the seal he used to kill two of the Jonin. Itachi looked at Naruto in thought. "Had it not been for an Aburame slowing your healing and having tricked you, what would you have done next?"

His gaze shifted to the kunai in his hand. It was the one that had been beside Naruto when he went unconscious. There was a sealing matrix on it but over time, it had reduced down in size. The thought was that it was because the kunai was getting further out of position of the others. The barrier must have required a specific formation of the kunai.

Still, he was impressed at how Naruto managed against the opposition. It wasn't perfect in any means, but he did better than most he could think of. A Genin was pretty much dead when facing just one Jonin. Even Chunin would best a Genin in most circumstances. The Genin of Konoha wouldn't have faired well in his own opinion...

"Little brother...you are not prepared for the world you've entered...but...you will be."

-4 Hours Later-

Naruto groaned as he woke up and sat up to see Din infront of him. He blinked away his sleepiness and cracked his neck.

"What are you doing here, Din?"

"Had to make sure you'd be alright. Sorry for leaving you to that."

"It's fine...Why did they call you Itachi?"

"Straight to the point I see." Naruto nodded but didn't look guarded or worried at all. "That is my real name, Naruto. I'm Itachi Uchiha, heir to the Uchiha Clan."

"So that is the deep regret you hold. Itachi Uchiha... That's a cool name. Where are we?"

"That's it? You don't care that I'm an S Ranked Nukenin?"

Naruto shook his head. "You aren't my enemy. So why would I care? Yeah you're a labeled criminal in the eyes of Konoha, but you have done nothing to wrong me. If there was reason to worry, or you were my enemy, I'd be killed already."

Itachi nodded as it was a fair assessment. "Then you don-"

"I'm not going to ask about the incident. But I'll answer the question you were wondering about. When I disappeared from the village...it was when I was three, a couple of shinobi came to me, offering me a new life, a fresh start elsewhere. That day I was beaten and still looked at as a demon...so I was interested in what they were saying. Then I ended up being taken to Kumogakure, and I've become a shinobi in their ranks."

"Huh, explains the coloring. Kumo...weren't they there for a peace treaty?"

Naruto shrugged "I know nothing of that. Regardless, that's what's happened."

"Then this journey of yours? What's the real purpose?"

"I am seeking knowledge and for remnants of what is rightfully mine...but I need to find a way to release myself of a curse."

"What kind of curse?"

"Not sure exactly, but the Shinigami has me marked. Kurama gave me the idea to coming to Uzushiogakure, and along this journey, I may have found a way to potentially be free."

"Naruto, you probably shouldn't try messing with things like that...those are things that should be left alone. Messing with these things never end well...it may have been what brought the downfall of your clan..."

Naruto snapped up and immediately locked eyes with Itachi. "You know something?"

"I-Is that really all you got out of that?"

"Well talk."

Itachi sighed and shook his head. "I don't know anything exactly. I only know that they were developing a new power, something no human should ever be messing with."

"Hmmm..." Sitting in thought for a few moments, Naruto couldn't come up with anything from that and shook his head. "Now, where are we?"

"We've been traveling the waters for two days. Morning will mark the third."

"What? I was out that long? How?"

"You took quite the beating, Naruto. Most your age would likely have died from that beating. My guess, your tenant and the Uzumaki life-force saved you...you were healing this whole time. That but clone was due to an Aburame, their bugs can poison you, but also drain chakra. Best assumption is, that it wasn't able to drain yours, but was able to dampen your healing factor."

"Huh. Aburame Clan...I'll keep that in mind. Any tell tale signs of one?"

"They tend to where shades, and highcolared jackets."

"Shades, and highcolared jackets you say...So how much longer until we reach the village?"

"I am not sure. That shrine only gave a direction."

"Are you sure you want to still be here?"

"Yes. Just have a feeling-"

"Like we were meant to meet here. Very well, let's keep going then. Hopefully we can find this village soon."

-Kumogakure-

"So, you're saying that I can actually turn into Matatabi?"

"Yes. You and her get along, so you should be able yo!."

"Are you sure, Bee? Why would I want to?"

"You will adopt the qualities and strength of your Biju, yeah. Be able to literally be the Biju. And you'd be able to utilize the Biju Dama. Yeah!" Bee said while sitting crisscrossed infront of her. "Best to not say the version two cloak is capable as well yet, so she can get a handle on it easier."

"Hmm. Ok, if it will help me get stronger then I'll do it."

"Oh shit...we're doing this now? That Naruto boy placed a seal...well, secret will be out now."

Yugito began trying to pull on Matatabi's chakra but to no avail. Nothing was working and groaned in annoyance. "What the hell is wrong? I can't get the chakra!"

"Hmm. Let me see the seal. Maybe, it was set too tight and we need to loosen it a deal. Yeah."

Yugito nodded and turned around. Lifting her shirt up from the back to expose the seal. She channeled chakra through her body, causing the seal to appear across her shoulder blades.

"Bee, you see that? There's a second seal on top of the original."

Bee nodded "Why is that?"

"Not sure, but it looks to be halting the flow of Matatabi's chakra. She won't be able to enter any of the transformations."

"Who could do this, and why?"

"Well, something wrong?" Yugito asked and she lowered her shirt and looked to Bee.

"It doesn't seem to be time. Gonna need to wait till then but how about we just get something else, yo."

"What is it?"

Bee spit out ink and she raised an eyebrow. She was going to be spitting ink? How did it go from transforming into Matatabi to spitting ink?

"Only it won't be ink, gon' be somethin' more akin to yo tailed beast, yeah!"

"What...like...claws or something?"

"Yeah yeah! Something like that!"

-Eastern Oceans-

"Did this just get foggy all of a sudden? Or is it just me?" Naruto said breaking the silence.

They had been drifting on for a few more hours and the clear area completely went away and was enveloped in fog. It got hard to see and the engine on the boat seemed to die out of nowhere.

"This can't be good..." Itachi said and he began surveying the area around them. Looking for a potential attack.

All around, the water began to rise as if something was moving just beneath the surface. This caused the small boat to rock and tilt as the water rose unevenly all around. There was a faint yellow glow that they noticed at one point, but then it disappeared as it seemed to sink. The thought was that it was an eye...but it was eight inches in diameter! If that was the eye, this thing was massive.

"Kurama? What is this?"

"A...Leviathan...But...they're all dead."

"Apparently not! What do we do against this thing?"

"I'm not sure what you could do. If it were me, it'd be different."

Naruto sighed and looked at Itachi. "How potent is your Genjutsu?"

"What?"

"The eyes of the Uchiha are said to be able to control Biju, maybe you can control this thing."

"Only one Uchiha ever did! Everyone acts like just anyone could, no! They're sorely mistaken."

"Well, are you able to do it or not?"

Itachi thought for a moment and sighed. "I don't think I could control it. Maybe distract it but that's all...I might be able to kill it but the issue with that is it could lead to collateral damage..."

"We could be effected as well?"

Itachi nodded. "I can do it, but...here, you'll need to st-"

The head of the monster rose out of the water infront of them and glared down at them. It was fifteen feet above the water surface, and ready to attack at any moment.

"Uh...hi?" Naruto said with a wave. Itachi just looked at Naruto and tilt his head. Naruto just widened his eyes and shrugged with a slight head shake.

"Who are you?" Leviathan said slowly. Voice commanding.

"Naruto Uzumaki."

"Should we really be-"

"Uzumaki...Prove it with your blood!" Naruto nodded and took a kunai and slashed his palm. He put his hand over the water and let the blood drop into it. The water glowed a bright blue and a hint of green as it made contact. "You were all dead. How could you be here?"

"Um...I'm not sure."

"I see...you are free to enter." They nodded and got ready to continue. "Be warned...no one ever came back out after entering."

"There were others?"

"Naruto, maybe we should just go." Itachi whispered.

"No...we can learn something here."

"Look, I know you're curious, I am too...but we can't risk provocation."

"You worry too much, Itachi. It won't kill you to lighten up a little."

"Huh, just like he once said..." Itachi thought as he shook his head from the thoughts of his old friend. "Can't the same be said about you. I doubt you're this social in Kumo."

Naruto was taken back by this and didn't retort right away. Rather he contemplated and looked to the sky. "Yeah, you've got a point. But that will change."

"Not genuinely though?"

Smiling Naruto shook his head. "After only this little amount of time that we have been together, you know me so well. Haha! But you're right, it won't be genuine, maybe one day it can be. Maybe one day."

"You and time..."

"What can I say? Perception is a curious thing. The most being perception of and through time."

"Yes. There were others. Some claimed Uzumaki blood but didn't contain it. They were killed by me. I am the once great guardian of the Whirlpools. Now I'm the sole remainder...like you, Uzumaki Naruto."

"Wait...didn't we just have a long talk? And it replied as if we just asked the question."

"I told you, time was a curious thing. This is probably why no one ever found the village...thus isn't the normal Shinobi world we're used to."

"You're a clever young boy...you are in a seal...one as large as a universe. Time is different. You are in Ryūgū-jō."

"Naruto! I read of this place! There's no escape!"

"Easy Itachi. Not all is as it will seem. Patience. You must be calm. Calm is what we are."

"Why does he keep saying things like he did? It's crazy...but he reminds me so much of him." Itachi thought looking at Naruto.

"Leviathan-sama, since I have proven to you my being of Uzumaki descent, are we granted passage."

"Oh, no no no." They gulped ever so slightly until it continued. "You mustn't call me that. You are the sole heir of the Uzumaki Clan...I serve you. We once protected and served your clan."

"You...serve me? You are no slave. You're a living being."

"Not quite. I do not exist the same way you do. I am the last, as you. This dimension of space and time doesn't technically exist, but it does. Those sent here, are dead, however, they will spend what feels like eternity before death. You call forth my spirit through water, and can seal anyone into here..."

They coasted on further and noticed a massive castle appearing. "Woah...so this castle, is the center of the universe...fascinating. You said you were a guardian?"

"Yes."

"But you said you don't exist as we do...we call forth your spirit through water...like a summoning?"

"No. We...I am not a summon. You will never bring me to your world, but my spirit will take form in water, and bring your target to Ryūgū-jō. We can communicate when you call upon me, be warned, to do so will take three quarters of whatever chakra you have, regardless, of if you're full, or nearly depleted."

"So it is a constant which is both a gift and a curse...why is it always like that for me?"

"Naruto. No Jutsu is perfect. There is always a weakness or flaw."

Naruto nodded. "So to use in the beginning of a battle, would be suicide...this is meant to be if there is truly no other way."

"Yes. To call me, is certain death for your enemy. It is so you realize what you're truly doing. It punishes you for abusing the power, by making you weak, but when used if there is no other option, it is not so pricey...Now, extend your hand."

Naruto nodded and complied with the Leviathan. His left hand went out on instinct and the Leviathan lowered its head down, it's snout connecting with Naruto's hand. They closed their eyes and Itachi watched in awe as where they were connected began to glow. Suddenly from Naruto's wrist it glowed and snaked its way around his arm until it got all the way to his shoulder. Once it did, the sleeve was blown off, turning into ash, as a serpent like dragon appeared and the head was on Naruto's shoulder. But it seemed to have a second that went the opposite direction as its head was at the wrist. They two intersected at every turn and was wrapped fully around his arm.

The glow died down, and when they opened their eyes, the two intersecting, opposite leviathans was around his arm and to show it was there as an active seal, it glowed and then returned to black. Naruto took a breath and looked at Itachi who had a small smile.

"We are bound together for life. Only you can call upon me. Nothing can stop our connection, no matter what someone does to try to seal this power away, nothing will work. When you die, I die. You are the sole heir to the Uzumaki Clan...I am the last Leviathan to keep this universal seal alive."

"So...do I need to always be around water to call you?"

"No. I may be a sea serpent, but I can be called upon in any environment. Note, my speed is slower in hotter, drier environments, while I am at my fastest in moist, colder environments. The seal will always function."

"Very well. Itachi, need anything before we go?"

"Uh...no, not really...I'm guessing that this is all you at the moment."

"Uchiha...you poor thing. All that...and for what?"

"What?"

"Nothing you need to worry about now... your path has been changed. The destiny I saw, is not the one you will have."

"What? It can change?"

"He who is dark, needs that which projects light...He who is courageous, needs that which is cowardice...He who is savior, needs that of destroyer...Uzumaki...Uchiha...Reality is Perception but that is always different, always changing. So what is Reality? What is Perception? Which is true?"

"Naruto...tell me that I'm not the only one lost."

"No no, you aren't. I have been asking these questions for years. The only thing I can get out of the beginning is-"

"Balance." the two said in unison.

"Yes. As for your destiny...I can't answer that, I can't see it and it's not like he'd tell us."

"Right...but what changed?"

"Don't dwell on it. I know...ironic coming from me, but seriously, destiny's something neither of us are ready to question."

"Fair enough...now what?"

"Leviathan-san, impart my friend here a special gift."

"What do you wish? How will you power this?"

"You said this power is the size of a universe...we can easily use some of it without worry. My friend here is sick" Itachi went wide-eyed and looked at Naruto.

"How did he know?"

"I want to create a cure for him with the power that we have here. You said this place works beyond space and time, in it's own reality...those properties should in theory allow us to rewrite his illness and cure him."

"As you wish...Naruto-sama. Uchiha, take this flask, drink it's water and you will be healed to the specifications that Naruto-sama has wished."

Itachi nodded and took the flask thanking the two. When he drank it, he felt as the water didn't just go down his throat as usual, but once it hit where his chest was, it immediately seemed to disperse through his whole body. As it spread, he felt strength be given to each place and felt rejuvenated...free. His eyes felt funny and his vision returned to perfect, it hadn't degraded much, but the little that it had, was reverted. "How...can this be?"

"Itachi, you're cured of the sickness that you've been told was incurable to this point. I am aware of your eyes from my reading, and gave you a little reset on that, however, there is no permanent fix that I know of...so I'm sorry that I couldn't do that for you."

"How did you know about my illness?"

"I make it a point to learn about those around me and their intentions. Now I think it is time we left."

"As you wish. Know though, that it won't be as when you left...a month has gone by in your world."

Both Itachi and Naruto looked at the Leviathan. "Say what?" they said in unison. They sighed and shook their heads as they realized that it was due to time being different here. For them it was only minutes...

"If we spent a day here? Would we die?"

"No. You would age normally here, if you went back, you are as you were here..."

"Fascinating..."

"Naruto, we should get going before we end up being too long."

"Right, right...till next time, Leviathan-san."

A fog enveloped them again and in a matter of seconds it faded away to show a clear view. ahead, in the distance was an island and they looked at eachother, knowing that they finally had come to Uzushiogakure.

"So...that all happened...thanks for curing me."

"Yep, Ofcourse man. That's what friends are for.. right?"

"Yes, they help eachother." Itachi said chuckling. "Do you know the name of the Jutsu?"

"Yes...it kind of just popped in my head after I acquired this." He gestured to his left arm. "Shikai Ryūjin, is the name."

-Kumogakure-

Omoi was sucking on his lollipop as per usual and watched as the rain fell from under a tree. His arms were crossed behind his head and was in thought. It had been a nearly a month and a half since Naruto left and it seemed odd. Yeah they didn't get to see eachother as much anymore, but it was different now knowing that he wouldn't see him. On top of that, bad news had come in a week or so ago.

"What is going on lately?" Omoi shook his head and continued looking into the sky through the leaves above.

After a while, he finally stood up and looked down below from the hill and jumped began walking down the winding path. When he reached the bottom, Samui and Karui stood there waiting, both wearing traditional black kimonos. They tossed his to him and he looked at it with a frown.

"We better hurry, or we'll be late."

"Yeah, I know Samui." He looked back over to the sky. "Naruto, what are doing?"

The three entered a field that was surrounded by bushes cut to be square. They formed a sort of wall as there was no gap aside from the entrance, being a metal gate. A small gathering stood around a small opening and in the center of them, was Yugito. For the first time, she didn't look like her confident, strong self. She had her head down, shoulders were slumped and no smirk or smile graced her face as usual, instead there was a frown. Her fists were clenched and shaking as if trying with all her effort to hold something in.

When they reached the gathering, infront of them all was two black coffins, on each was a picture. One was a white haired man and the other was a blonde haired woman. They both had a smile in the picture. They were her parents.

Omoi had blanked out through most of the ceremony, mainly wondering what was going on through Yugito's head. Wondering where Naruto was and how he'll react to this. He knew the two got closer from being in a team and the news of her parents' deaths would definitely get some sort of reaction. But Naruto wasn't ever one to show much emotion...so how would he act? When it all ended, he turned to Yugito who finally couldn't hold it anymore and tears openly streamed down her face. Ay placed a hand on her right shoulder as he understood the feeling and Bee did the same, putting his hand on her left shoulder.

"Well, atleast she has them." Everyone slowly began leaving, but Yugito remained. He sighed when he turned back towards her and stood beside her. "I don't really know what to say in these situations...I doubt it would help anyways. But you know you've got us if you need us." She nodded slightly, not saying anything. "Man...he's better at this somehow and he doesn't show emotion...what would he say?"

She smirked and giggled lightly "Probably something along the lines of not looking good like this. Stupid, isn't it?"

Omoi chuckled "Yeah...it is. But then again, he manages to say what is required and needed...not always wanted."

"Nope..."

"Never wanted." They said in unison.

"And yet it works..." Omoi said shaking his head. "I think it only does because he never shows his emotions really. So when he speaks in regards to it, it has meaning."

"Perhaps...Thank you, Omoi."

"Ah it's nothing." He said waving her off. "Naruto did all the work and he isn't even here." He said laughing.

"He better not be an idiot and die out there."

"He's a tough guy. I doubt he will be in a situation where he will possibly die."

Meanwhile outside Uzushiogakure...

Naruto and Itachi stood staring at a 40 foot tall bear...

"He's a moron though..."

Omoi just laughed. "You going to be ok?"

"Yeah...I'm just going to stay a little longer."

Nodding, he left her and went on towards the training ground that his team went to. He took out his chokuto and took a deep breath as he went through a few katas. After another breath, he gripped tighter on the handle as lightning sparked through the blade. With a slash, it was sent as an arc and he watched as it destroyed a tree.

He repeated the slashes a few more times until the lightning became unstable and shocked his hands. Causing the sword to drop out of his hands.

"Damnit! Come on...you have been at it for weeks. I won't be left behind...if he is getting stronger...I will too!"

-Uzushiogakure-

Both Naruto and Itachi were panting. "You know? I thought those were only in the forest of death."

"Hmmm never heard of the place...but it has to originate somewhere."

"We could have handled this easier if we aimed to kill."

"Yes. That's true. But just because we have the power too, doesn't mean we should." Naruto kneeled down and placed his hand on the bears head, petting it.

"I'm not one for violence...but it's an animal that was attacking us..." Itachi thought but noticed how the bear was acting calmer now that Naruto was being tender with it. "Maybe his way isn't so bad...and they called me a pacifist, what would they call him?"

Naruto continued petting it as his other hand reached to the prayer beads around its neck. He unclipped one strand, allowing the bear to move ever so slightly. Then slowly he began unclipping the other three. The bear slowly stood up and looked at the two for a few seconds before running away.

"Now, what did you do?" It was a new sensation for him to be questioning what someone else was doing. Normally it was the other way around.

"Normally, this technique is done differently. The 'Four Limbs Weighting' Technique is normally applied to...well the four limbs of the body. As it says, they add weight to the user in levels, ranging by different colored beads. Red being it's strongest level. I applied all four to the neck because it wouldn't be able to move at all. If it were distributed amongst the limbs, the bear could have still been a threat, with all being at the neck...well you can't move without your head."

"Right...you use beads though?"

"A lot of Fuinjutsu uses beads as a medium. You can use it on other things, such as wristbands, earings...i just use beads though."

"Could you apply it to yourself?"

"Yeah. You could. I wouldn't recommend it outside of training though. Wouldn't do much good to always have it on. Yeah you might get used to it 'faster' but if you are attacked, you'd be hindered. You can't just deactivate the seals, once the sealing formulas are placed into it's medium, it is permanent. So the only way to deactivate the effect-"

"Would be to remove whatever is being worn. Which would most likely lead to death because no one would just let you take off whatever it is." Naruto nodded. "That gate doesn't look open."

"Hopefully it won't be a problem."

The two walked to the gated entrance and it couldn't be pushed opened at all. Nothing got it to even budge. Now they were confused and annoyed. They finally got here, and now they couldn't get in.

"Well. designs on the gate look pretty nice atleast. Very intricate."

"Intricate designs? On the gate? My door has 'intricate designs' because it operates as the closing of the seal..." Naruto thought and looked at the gate then Itachi. His Sharingan was active and allowed him to see it better. "Maybe it's just dirty."

Naruto went through three hand signs and finished with his right hand in the half ram seal and took a breath. Itachi noticed the building of chakra and went to stand behind Naruto. "Water Style: Raging Waves." Naruto said as he began to release a large stream of water from his mouth at the massive gates. They went from being a dirty brown and black, to a silver. The designs now clearly visible.

"Good thing you're here. Had it not been for your Sharingan, I might not have ever noticed the designs you spoke of. Now let's go see what kind of seal we are dealing with."

Itachi nodded and the two went up to the gate. Naruto placed his hand into a circle that was present, and started channeling chakra into it. Slowly the gate began glowing along the designs, giving it a golden aura. "So what are we dealing with?"

"Looks like there's two ways of releasing this seal. See those three empty spaces that are spaced out in thirds?" Itachi nodded "Well apparently there are three keys, so to speak, somewhere and we'd need to bring them here. They won't be easy to get."

"And the second way?"

"Be of Uzumaki descent, and place blood where I originally channeled chakra."

Itachi looked at Naruto blankly. "Please tell me that I don't need to talk you into doing the blood seal."

"B-but wouldn't the little side adventure be fun?"

"Naruto...not now. We should just get in."

Naruto groaned and nodded. "When you are wondering how fun the quest of the three keys would have been, don't come crying to me!"

Itachi smirked and shook his head. "Like him indeed."

Naruto got a kunai and put a cut into his palm and spread the blood. He placed his blood covered hand onto the circle and watched as it was absorbed into the seal. The entire seal array glowed white before the gate slowly began to creak as it opened.

-Kumogakure-

Omoi laid on his back panting as he had finished his training for the day. He'd ran out of chakra now and was looking into the raining clouds.

"You know, that kimono isn't meant for training. You're going to ruin it."

Omoi turned to see Karui standing to his left. He then returned his gaze to the sky and shook his head. "I could care less."

"Perhaps not, but what are you so upset about?"

"You wouldn't understand."

"Oh yeah? Try me."

Moving his lollipop to the left side, he sighed. "I'm struggling to get stronger. It seems like everyone around me is getting stronger and stronger, more added to their arsenal...I don't want to be left behind, I want to be as I said I'd be and stick-"

"By his side...Omoi, I know you two have been friends longer than any of us. He clearly holds you in high regard."

"Yeah, and I want to live up to it."

"Omoi, you spoke about adding to your arsenal, that isn't entirely necessary. Look back to our fight against Yugito...you were the only one to hang with her. As beaten and as tired as you were, you kept going. Me and Samui couldn't. That speaks volumes, Omoi. You may not have as large an arsenal, but that doesn't make you weak."

"She's right, you know."

They turned to see Yugito standing there, small smirk on her face. "What are you doing here?"

"Noticed you were training, then Karui came. But you nearly beat me, had you had more chakra, you would have won. So don't think you're worthless."

"Since when are you the motivational type?"

She chuckled at Omoi's comment and shook her head. "I'm just stating a fact. Like Naruto for instance, he has less to work with than all of us, and I bet he could find a way to beat each and every one of us, regardless of that fact."

"WHAT? HE CAN'T BEAT YOU, YUGITO! DON'T SPIT NONSENSE!"

"It's true. Look, I know I can beat him more times than not...but if he truly decided that his goal was to defeat, or kill me...I'm sure he'd be able to. There's something more ominous about his power than my own...Something we have yet to see and God help whoever does."

"On top of that...he managed to suppress my chakra. What else could he do?" Yugito thought and looked at a confused Karui and a smug looking Omoi.

"I don't get it...he's my friend and all but like...I don't see him ever winning. I think he'd lose to us as well."

"Karui, you act like this is an academy Taijutsu fight. Yeah we have the upper hand in that but in a true battle, no holds barred, Naruto is the most creative out of everyone. He would have a plan on top of plans and every move would be a part of a larger picture that we would never be aware of until too late...it would be like he's moving pieces on a board, and we're the pawns."

"Omoi's right, Karui. I saw what he did to Sensei...he plans ahead...like really far ahead. What you think are missteps are calculated. Nothing is done without purpose, and for the most part he's solely used Fuinjutsu against Sensei."

"I don't believe it. Your sensei is holding back in fights anyways so it doesn't count."

"Well, I have yet to land a hit on Sensei so..."

"He can prove how strong he is in the upcoming Chunin Exams." Omoi said.

"They're in a month, will he even be back in time?"

Omoi looked at Karui with a wide smile. "I know he will."

"Where is it even being hosted?"

"Not sure, Sensei hasn't said. But we will know in a few weeks."

"They don't know? How can that be, Yugito?"

"They know. I think it's a matter of if we are participating or not. That and would be sent."

"Hmm. Well, hopefully we get to go." Karui said to Yugito and the other two nodded.

-Uzushiogakure-

The only word that could describe the two, was confusion. Everything looked just fine. The buildings all looked intact. There was overgrown vegetation all over the place, which signified that there was no one present for a long time. No signs of battle, absolutely nothing.

"Itachi, what do you see?" Shaking his head, Naruto understood that it meant that there was nothing his Sharingan could reveal. "This makes no sense...what happened to the clan? No battle took place, no traces of life but these old buildings."

"I don't think that whatever did this, is still here."

"No. But what did?"

They kept walking through the once great Uzushiogakure, and it was nothing but a ghost town. An eerie feeling that they were being watched by someone or something, loomed on their minds. The once prosperous village of the greatest Fuinjutsu masters known to the world, was nothing but a mystery, and most of it's history erased. It was something, that could very well happen to them, and that thought was actually less scary than the actual atmosphere of the place. Odd, how death wasn't the most terrifying thought, this "confidence" had nothing to do with the fact they were ninja. The profession may lead to death, but they don't welcome death with open arms.

The buildings were magnificent looking, made of stone, they held their structure. The clan was also good in Water Style, just not to same fame as their Fuinjutsu. The stone showed signs where Water Manipulation was used to etch designs into the walls, and pillars. Everything was beautiful, and an architectural feat.

"Is it wrong to be in such awe? Despite what happened?"

"I don't know, Naruto. But it can't hurt to admire the past accomplishments. This is your clan afterall. So I personally have no issue with you admiring your predecessors architectural achievements."

As they continued walking around Naruto spotted a building that could hold what they were searching for and began heading in it's direction. "All etchings are different, no two are the same. Perhaps each owner of a house, left their own mark?"

"Seems likely. What do you think you'll find?"

Naruto thought deeply and sighed. "Honestly, probably something we shouldn't. If you said they were playing with some power that humans have no business messing with, then we are bound to come across it...it must remain buried in the past."

"You wouldn't seek to control it yourself?"

"Power tends to never lead anywhere good. Power makes those around you a target. It breeds jealousy and mistrust. Those lead to action that end in lives lost and creating war."

"True bu-"

"Power is necessary to do anything..."

"Then what do you believe? Truly."

Naruto looked to the sky and thought deeply. "Well, I'm conflicted. Power is necessary, but I don't seek a battle. If there is another way, then I'd like to try it. I've always done the bare minimum in every situation. Only exerting what was required."

"When you were attacked? What was the plan?"

"I knew I couldn't simply flee. They're faster than me, and had quickly gotten the upper hand. Being outnumbered, I knew I'd need to really be serious, so I went to end it as soon as possible. Luckily they were aiming to take me in alive, otherwise, they likely would have killed me. When I only succeeded in killing two of them, I had to take a risk. They wouldn't allow a seal to form again, so that effectively took away a lot of my attacking capabilities. The plan was to create the barrier, to buy me time to escape...then that Aburame you told me about, had tricked me by using a clone. I hadn't noticed because it was too late, then my injuries caught up to me, leading to my passing out."

"You've got skill, and smarts, honestly the main thing that holds you back is experience. If you were more experienced, perhaps you would have wan that encounter...based on what happened. But if their goal was to kill, then yes, you'd have died. Taking a couple with you atleast."

Naruto nodded and they reached the building. "You know? I never thought about it until now, but when we finish here, where will you go?"

"I'm probably going to keep searching for tools to help me in the future. Then meet up with an organization in a few months."

"I see. What are the goals of the organization?"

"I'm not fully sure at the moment. They haven't told me much..."

"Why not?"

"It's complicated, Naruto."

Nodding, Naruto went to open the door to the building that was by far the largest of the village. "So...the most secretive things, are probably down below...but this is like a library of sorts and I'd like to look at what my predecessors created and researched."

"Do you mind if I look around as well?"

"Go ahead, Itachi. You're a friend."

"It's just...everything here is yours by birthright. You're the sole heir as that Leviathan said. Every bit of knowledge is yours to own."

This made Naruto frown. He'd forgotten about that bit and then smiled warmly to Itachi. "Go ahead and look at what you'd like. Perhaps there's some Jutsu you could use. I'll seal it all up for storage and transportation later."

-Kumogakure-

Yugito sat on the cliff above Naruto's house. As one of the furthest mountain peaks from the others, it held a great, unblocked view of the sunset. She could truly understand why he sat here every morning and most evenings. It was a sight to behold, and the valley below was beautiful. Everything, was beautiful, peaceful. Somewhere you could just think and never notice how much time has passed.

Her mind drifted to the last time she'd sat up here alone. Naruto had come and given her his sweater, and told her that he cared about her. It was here that she also lost herself to anger and he was the one to suffer for her..leading to him now being gone at the moment.

As the cold breeze brushed by, it brought her out of her thoughts. Partly hoping her teammate and newly good friend would come, offering her his kindness as he always did. This time though, it wouldn't be so. On top of that, she wasn't returning to her parents either. So much happened over the month and a half he'd been gone...

"Bastard...you're always late." She thought smiling but turned to a frown.

"You should get somewhere warm."

"I know, Matatabi. Just thinking."

"Now you're being like that boy, always lost in his head."

Yugito giggled and stood to head home. As she walked the streets, she was met with waves and smiles. She returned with small nods and a smile of her own.

"Would they still smile and wave if they knew the truth?" Reaching an intersection, she paused and looked to the rising moon. "Is this what you feel like? Always feeling fake?"

Yugito knew, that she'd never truly understand the depth of what he felt, but it didn't mean that she couldn't have her own experiences and hardships. Naruto was not the only one in the world that suffered, that was empty...arguably there were bound to be those worse off than he. The thing was, that the more she and him got closer, the more she saw that he wasn't just his facade, nor his depressed empty self. He was actually pretty good company, and it made sense why Omoi was always around him...there was just something about Naruto that drew you to him. And if you were close to him, you just had the feeling that he was with you 100%, all the way to the end.

They being practical polar opposites in the eyes of the public was interesting to her, to say the least. He was disgraced. She was celebrated. Her whole life, she was known as the prestigious Yugito and was widely popular, admired. Naruto, all this time and still was surrounded with obscurity, no one knew him truly, only ever having pieces.

"The mystery persists, but I do wish you were here. I don't know how the mission will go tomorrow."

-Uzushiogakure-

Naruto sighed as he closed the book he read through. So much reading and looking at seals was done, that he'd lost track or time. It was already morning now and he stretched while standing.

"Down to business."

"Are you sure you're ready?

"I have to be."

Naruto began walking to a far room that wasn't too noticeable, aside from the cracks of the wall. When he reached it, Itachi joined his side and the two nodded to eachother. When Naruto opened the door there was a set of stairs just going straight down into darkness.

"I got this. 'Firestyle: Phoenix Flower Jutsu'." Itachi said and went through handsigns before sending several small fireballs down the hall, lighting torches to provide light for them.

"Nice. Let's get going. Should be just up ahead."

"What is it you're looking for?"

Naruto said nothing and continued walking down the steps. They went on for a while and it led to a small room with scrolls and a wall filled with masks.

"We're here. Itachi, once I start, you need to keep your distance..."

"What's going to happen? What are you doing here?"

"I'm doing what the purpose of this journey was..." He grabbed the scrolls and read through them all then sighed as he wasn't looking forward to this. Through his reading, he grabbed the necessary mask and placed it on. "Itachi, back up..."

Itachi complied and watched as Naruto went through a string of handsigns and finished with clapping his hands together. The room got cold all of a sudden and the feeling of death gripped his heart. His Sharingan activated and he saw a ghostly demonic person in front of him and facing Naruto.

"Foolish Human...you summon me? The God Of Death!"

"There are no Gods...as even you can die..."

"What are you talking about mortal."

"Act like that if you wish...but you are not totally immortal. Now. Remove your curse that you've placed on me."

"And why would I do that?"

"Why did you even place it to begin with?"

"You, are not the first...won't be the last...I don't get many souls you see, but through marking a human, all the souls they claim are sent to me..."

"So you wish to have more souls claimed...sad...you will never get to maintain the flow of souls."

"What are you speaking of?"

Naruto smirked and chuckled. "You'll always be bound by time...You grow weaker with less souls, the more you get the stronger you are, right? But if you aren't continuously gaining souls, then your power will stagnate."

"You think you know anything about my power? YOU'RE WRONG HUMAN! YOU KNOW NOTHING!"

"I do know you aren't allowed to meddle with things on our plain. Only when summoned could you, and even then, you're controlled aren't you? So you can act as intimidating as you want...but we both know, you cannot do a thing."

"Tread carefully, human...I can do more than you will realise!"

Naruto's eyes became cold and serious. "That's besides the point...you marking me is beneficial to you perhaps but it comes with an expiration date. Time is your enemy here...and you're overlooking the fact that I don't have to kill anyone, you may have wasted your mark! You can't mark more than one thing...so here's a proposal..."

"How do you know so much? What are you?"

"Oh? I thought I was just a foolish human..." Smirking Naruto shook his head. "You forget that when you were summoned nearly thirteen years ago, you were used to seal a Biju within me...one that is even older than you..."

The Shinigami narrowed it's eyes at Naruto and took out his tanto and prayer beads. "You will suffer! I will show you just what you're messing with!"

"Easy there...you may want to calm down or I may just ensure your death!"

"Ha! A mere human threatening me? Hilarious!"

"How is your sister these days?"

The Shinigami narrowed it's eyes and placed his tanto away and the beads as well. "You know of her..."

Naruto nodded "I know many things...now, about that proposal?"

"What is it?" The Shinigami said reluctantly and with great annoyance.

"As I said before, time will always beat you, for anyone you mark is not immortal. So...remove your curse on me, stop meddling with my mind...and mark something else..."

"NOW WHY WOULD I DO THAT YOU FOOL?"

Naruto sighed and in a puff of smoke his katana appeared. "Sorry, Trey...but I need to do this." Looking back up he stared at the Shinigami "Mark this sword...place your power into the sword. So whoever holds the sword, has access to your power and therfore, each life taken by this sword, that soul is sealed within you..."

The Shinigami looked at Naruto and chuckled evilly. "So to free yourself of your curse, you suggest I empower your sword? Now why would that benefit me?"

Naruto nodded and closed his eyes. "By removing your curse on me, you remove the expiration date. Empowering the sword will make it sought after...and it being a sword, it won't die...it will always produce souls, all through time. Even with my death, the sword can still be used."

"You put up a good argument...but what makes you think I want to help you?"

"It's not necessarily helping me, more like yourself...YOU would be the fool if you do not take this proposal up."

"Is that so? For a human, you have some guts...I'll give you that. This does sound enticing though...Very well, human. I will grant your request..." The Shinigami said smiling. He raised his hand towards Naruto as he started to have a white flame-like aura that then moved into the sword as well. The sword glowed even more and when Naruto unsheathed it, a white aura surrounded both he and the sword, making his pupils he a white flame within the blue eyes. "Now that sword contains some of my power...each life taken, their soul will be forever sealed within me."

"Good...now...to destroy this place."

A seal array left his hand as he opened a scroll on the ground, and in a puff of smoke, all the contents of the room was within the scroll. When he rolled it up, he stood and turned to the Shinigami."Till, next time..." He released the jutsu and dropped to knee as he took off the mask.

"Naruto! You ok?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, Itachi. The Jutsu was tiring...can you do me a favor?"

"What is it?"

"Use your fireball, burn this room. I sealed its contents but the place must be destroyed...it holds too strong a connection to his world."

"I understand...Naruto?"

"Yes, Itachi?"

"How were you so confident? Cocky even."

Naruto shook his head. "Funny that you think that. I was petrified. The only thing that kept me going was knowing he can't just kill me I'd he so chose...there were other ways he could cause damage but it wouldn't be easy...I learned a long time ago to have control over my emotions. I put up layers of facades and acts to hide what I'm truly feeling and thinking. You remain stoic, I have acts."

Itachi nodded and sighed "Well...glad that it's over, my friend. Let's get out of here."

"One second Itachi...I have one last thing to give you...two really."

"What are you talking about?"

"Curing your illness is not all I wish to gift you. I know from what you said, you're in search of tools for the future. I found just those tools for you."

"You what?"

Naruto smirked and took out two scrolls and opened them up. "I noticed these things made of chakra. They act as a sealing tool, and an ultimate defense."

"What?"

"The Uzumaki clan created the Sword Of Totsuka...or the Totsuka Blade if you like and a gourd to pair with it. The blade, upon contact seals the target within the gourd for eternity."

"Naru-"

"And I present to you the Yata Mirror. A shield that will nullify any attack against it through Fuinjutsu."

"Why are you giving this to me? It is rightfully yours."

Smiling Naruto shook his head. "No...these relics are not meant for me. They're yours, for your future."

"Naruto, I can't. You're the last Uzumaki, you should keep what your clan made."

"Well take it that way. I as the sole Heir of the Uzumaki Clan, hereby gift you, Itachi Uchiha the Sword Of Totsuka and the Yata Mirror." Naruto unsealed the two and the blue chakra took form.

Itachi smiled at Naruto and reached out for them. When he touched them, they changed color from blue to a red-orange and then was absorbed into his hands. "What the?"

"Interesting...it really is yours. Only you could have used it."

"It matched my Susanoo..."

"I see...The relics were to be a gift to the Uchiha. Only one of your members who possessed the Mangekyo could use these. They're rightfully yours. Itachi."

"Naruto...thank you...for everything."

"Ofcourse. I've learned that it is what having friends are for. Now let's get out of here, seal up this library of mine and go home."

Itachi nodded and ignited the room with his Fireball. When they got to the upper floor, Naruto sealed everything on every level and left. They exited the library, or archive and stood outside. The two laughed at what had happened and the results as it was a very successful trip. Very little went wrong and it was good for both of them. Both coming away with new power and strength, with no loss really.

That was the biggest surprise to the two, that the trip could give so much rewards and really, at no cost. It was great though and they wouldn't complain. Taking it as it was, no reason to fret over the ease.

"So what's next for you, Naruto?"

"I'm headed back to Kumo. I may not know what happened here...but I came away with the knowledge of my clan, and more. You?"

"I'm going to get to training with my newly given good health."

Naruto nodded and the two smiled one last time before he extended a fist to Itachi. This time, there was no pause and he brought his fist to Naruto's as they bumped and held them there for a second, before both vanished.

Naruto sighed as he looked at the borders to Lighting country after a few days of his trip back. When he stepped foot in the lands of Lightning Country, a smile graced his face and he began his walk back, after sending a message to Kumo that he would return the next morning.

Hey y'all, chapter done. I'm over here in a cabin on a mountain here in Arizona. We chillin up here, vibing. Hope you've all enjoyed and I'm excited to get going on the next arc of the story. Chunin Exams are rapidly coming.