Disclaimer: Anything you do not recognize, belongs to me – Remmie Lupin-
Black.
Author's Disclaimer: Okay, first off, I like to apologize to those out there that do not like Yaoi. Because there is a small bit in it – Kakashi and Iruka are together, that is the only type of Yaoi, I will allow in the story. As for pairing with Naruto, he is with a girl . . . Not someone from Hidden Leaf, I've seen to many of those. So I gave him someone different. Anyway, I hope you all like it. Thanks.
Chapter Five: Secrets and Letters
Images moved faster and faster before before Naruto, only allowing him to pick out certain images. Hidden Air destroyed and burned, managled bodies of the villagers and shinobi. Three Symbols appeared out of all the confusion, each glowing brightly with different colors. Two of the symbols Naruto recognized; the white spiral upon a blue and red yin-yang background was the symbol of the Uzumaki family. The eight-pointed star with the kanji of Heaven was the symbol of the Imhitotsu family. The last symbol puzzled Naruto. He had never seen this symbol expect on the arms of members of the Anbu Squad. The only difference was that it was a obsidian color instead of the smoky grey.
"Eh?" Naruto said. He whirled around, his family robes flying around him. He gazed up at a stormy sky. The scenery turned around and Naruto found himself standing the middle of a destroyed section of Hidden Leaf. "What?"
"How do like this, My little Fox?" came a hiss. Naruto whirled around and found himself staring up into Orochimaru's snake-like eyes. The Snake Sennin smiled at him, a pale hand touched Naruto's face, then moved to comb through Naruto's silver-blonde hair. "This is your future. No one to protect you . . . It was will consume you, eat away at you". Orochimaru moved away the collar and stared at the ugly black symbol on the crook of Naruto's neck and shoulder. "My lovely Fuu no Yami (Seal of Darkness)". Naruto shoved away from him, turning and running away from the S-class criminal. "you can't run, I will find you . . . And not even your Families can protect you. Fuu no Yami--- houshutsu! (Seal of Darkness – Release)".
Naruto screamed in pain, clutching at the seal. "NO!!!!"
Naruto bolted up in his bed, grasping the veiled seal. He breathed heavily as tiny beads of sweat slid down his face. Naruto threw back the covers and exited him room. His hand rested on the unknown seal as he made his way quickly and quietly through the halls of his home. He reached a room, he reached forward and threw open the doors and gazed in at the ever flickering fire that lay within the room. Naruto moved and closed the door. He made his way quickly to the fire and knelt, he bowed his head against the floor before sitting up. His silver-blonde hair spilling over his shoulder and partway down the middle of his back. His blue-silver-violet eyes were fixated on the fire; there was another secret that Uzumaki Ryu had kept hidden from everyone including his children. The Nidaime had able to foresee the future through the flames of fire. And it would appear that this gift had been passed down the lines to Naruto, whose Ginmegan had made it far stronger.
Naruto's hands quickly moved through a series of seals before settling on the Tiger. The Fire flared under Naruto's Chakra and flickered brightly. "Show me what is to come" Naruto commanded. He stared into the fire and images of the future passed through the flames, more slowly then Naruto's dream-vision. Had Naruto not been so disturbed by the hauntings of his dream-vision, he would have noticed another presense in the room. Silently, the figure moved out of shadows, a silver Katana glinting in the firelight.
It was raised.
Iruka bolted up in bed, gazing around his bedroom; his chest heaved up and down from the terrifying dream. At his side, Kakashi murmured and rolled over, that drew a gentle smile from Iruka. The Silver-haired Jonin appeared that night, carrying a sleeping Naruto to the Estates. Tsunade and Jiraiya had quickly taken Naruto and left the two to solve out their differences. That was very tiring. A blush rose on Iruka's face just thinking about it.
Suddenly, his heart a gave a sudden lurch. He, quietly, rose from bed not wanting to trouble Kakashi with this. Iruka left the room, but not before throwing a smile over his shoulder at the silver-haired man sleeping in the bed. Iruka walked the hallways of Uzumaki Estate wondering what was this feeling lurking in his chest. He passed by a room that Tsunade would let no one enter. He stopped dead hearing the sounds of a battle being engaged inside. Without thinking, Iruka threw open the doors and gapped at the two dark figures dueling it out. From the corner of his eye, Iruka spotted an unconscious Naruto. Blood spilled from a wound upon his shoulder; blood seeped from the wound, dying the white cloth and floor crimson. Iruka, without no thought for his own safety, ran toward the youth. He dropped to his knees and gathered the blonde into his arms and gazed at the two figures. He couldn't tell if they were assassins or not. "Naruto . . . Naruto" Iruka said. The younger Shinobi's eyes opened and gazed upwards into Iruka's relieved face.
"Aniki!" Naruto said, shoving the brunette out of the way. The silver Katana sliced through the other dark figure as he appeared before Naruto; it penetrated into his abdomen. The figure staggered but managed to return to favor his opponent, only to his throat. The other died instanteously, the other dark figure fell into Naruto's open arms. "Why?" Naruto choked out.
"I --- was born --- to protect you --- Naruto-Oujisama" the figure coughed out, blood trickling down his chin. Naruto looked at Iruka, who looked equally stunned.
"Naruto, place him down" Iruka ordered. The blonde obeyed and set the figure down as gently as possible. Iruka moved up to the other figure's side and examined the wound as gently as possible. "I don't think he's going to survive, Naruto".
Naruto looked down at the figure that protected him. The figure gave a kind smile and coughed harshly. Naruto closed his eyes and quickly created a seal.
"Tengoku namida chiyu no Jutsu (Heavenly Teardrop Healing Technique)" Naruto murmured. A white glow eminated from Naruto's hands before dropping into the wound much like tear-drops. Iruka watched, amazed, as the wound began to fuse together and heal. Naruto slipped sideways only to have the figure catch him, exhausted blue-violet-silver eyes looked up at the figure; Naruto smiled a little.
That morning was when Tsunade, Jiraiya and Kakashi discovered what had happened the night previous. Naruto was sitting at the table, his arm resting in a sling, eating the breakfast that Iruka had prepared. Sitting at his sides were Inari and a strange figure dressed in black. The figure, a male of twenty, paid no mind to the newcomers to the room. His long black hair was tied back into a ponytail while his strange crystal blue eyes scanned the room. "Ohayo gozaimasu" Naruto greeted, smiling.
"Naruto, who is that?" Tsunade inquired.
"Konnicha wa, Mei Kage-watashi"said the figure. "It's a pleasure to met you, Tsunade-hime". Kage dipped his head in acknowledgement of the woman and turned away to face his breakfast once again.
Tsunade sat at the table beside Naruto, who pushed a scroll in her direction. "This arrived for you, Obasan" Naruto said. "It's from the Kazekage". Tsunade couldn't help but noticed a pale blush on Naruto's cheeks as he turned back to his own letter-scroll.
"And who, my darling nephew, is that from?" Tsunade said, looking over Naruto's shoulder. "Temari . . . The Kazekage's daughter?"
"Eh . . . Obasan!" Naruto said, snatching the letter away, blushing red. Tsunade looked to Jiraiya, curiously. But the Toad hermit shrugged and dug into his own breakfast. "Temari is a friend, Obasan".
"A very close friend, it would seem" Tsunade said, grinning. Naruto sputtered and blushed a deeper red. Iruka had interrupted Tsunade's further tormenting by placing her breakfast in front of her and then in front of Kakashi. Naruto finished his breakfast and left the room with Inari and Kage tailing him. "Alright, what is with that Mei Kage?"
"Apparently he's a bodyguard for Naruto" Iruka said, sitting himself and began to eating his own breakfast. "Another of Naruto's relatives wanted to have him protected and Kage-San is the best of them".
Naruto sat in the gardens with Kage and Inari not far from him. The Silver fox was sunning himself and was actually only a few feet away from his Kiji. The Fox was quite furious at himself when he came to learn of Naruto's injury. Kage was sitting on a nearby bench, studying his surroundings. Naruto to his letter-scroll, he opened it.
'Dear Naruto,
How are you? Fine, I hope. I'm glad that you have returned to Hidden Leaf and am surprised to discover the truth. Well, not really surprised; I was thought that you could be a relative of the Hokage, just not the son or great-grandson or grand-nephew to the Hokage. Anyway, I'm babbling.
Life in Sand is dull without you around. Guess, what? The three of us, along with Otousan, will becoming to Hidden Leaf for the Jonin Exams, next week. That's why there was a letter-scroll from Otousan for your aunt. Gaara's really looking forward to seeing you again, as am I. What you did for us, was a good thing, Naruto. And for that, we are eternally grateful. I have to go, I have to make the preparations for the trip. Til then.
Love always,
Temari.'
Naruto smiled a little as Temari appeared in the forefront of his mind. The kunoichi of Sand had always been lurking the corner of his mind since what had happened at Sand. Naruto's mind flew back to that period of time, it was only a few months after he had left Leaf. . . .
Naruto walked behind Jiraiya as they walked the beaten roads of Hidden Sand Village. The Shinobi had been traveling for months non-stop; Naruto lagged behind his teacher, not really caring about anything. He studying the sand under his feet and would continue to have done so if Jiraiya had not stopped and sent the small Blonde crashing into him. Naruto fell backwards on to the sand. "Oi! Why'd you stop?" Naruto demanded, standing up and peering around his teacher. There in the middle of the road stood Gaara. Naruto looked somewhat annoyed but moved passed his teacher and continued to walk down the road, despite Jiraiya's grabs for him. Naruto turned and looked at his teacher. "What's the sense in stopping?" Naruto inquired, looking over his shoulder. "Can't do much even if he wants us dead, ne?"
Jiraiya blinked at his student, then abruptly grabbed him around the waist and lifted him up. Now, he had to deal with a Suicidal Naruto, this was wonderful. Gaara looked at the two. "Otousan has been expecting you" Gaara said, emotionless. "Come". With that the auburn haired Sand ninja began to walk away, Jiraiya folloed behind him, Naruto still dangling under his arm.
The trip to the Hidden Sand Village was quite short and before long, Jiraiya and Naruto were presented to the Kazekage. Jiraiya conversed with the leader of the Sand Village, while Naruto stared out the nearby window, lost in his own thoughts. Naruto jumped when Jiraiya touched his shoulder. "Why don't you go outside?" Jiraiya replied, Naruto shrugged and left. His hands stuffed into his pockets and shoulders hunched.
He walked the dusty streets of the village, looking aimlessly at the vendors. He stopped at the presense of a familiar Ki. He turned and saw Temari standing not far away at a Vendor. The two stared at each other for some time before Naruto moved and began to walk away, that was until a hand caught his sleeve. Naruto looked behind him and saw Temari there. She had realized what she done and blush crimson. "A-a-aren't you going to say hello?" Temari stammered.
"Hello" Naruto replied, before looking away. Temari raised an eyebrow, wondering where the once lud and cheerful ninja had gone. She grasped his hand and dragged him with her. "T-Temari?"
"You're coming shopping with me!" Temari said. Naruto said nothing as the elder girl dragged him off.
Sometime later, Temari and Naruto found themselves sitting in the cool shade of a building. "So how come you're out traveling with that Pervert?" Temari questioned, taking a bite of her fruit. Naruto shrugged and looked at his own fruit. "Keeping things locked inside, isn't a good thing".
"Guess you could say that everything finally caught up with me" Naruto said, quietly. "Being a demon, I mean".
"I thought you didn't acknowledge the fact that you were one" Temari said. "At least that was the belief you held when you fought against Gaara all those years ago."
"It was only two years ago, Temari" Naruto smiled, "What are you trying to say that we're old now?" Temari blushed a crimson and made to swipe at him but he dodged it, laughing. "You know you're pretty cute when you blush".
"Eh?!" Temari said. Naruto gave her a smile.
"So how are Gaara and Kankurou?" Naruto inquired taking his spot at her side, once again. Temari shrugged, indifferently.
"Gaara's Gaara" Temari replied. "I think his past will not allow him to change. Kankurou is different only because he's seeing a Kunoichi named Hasu. Big surprise when we found out".
"Yeah, you really can't picture Kankurou with someone other then that Puppet, Karasu" Naruto said. Temari giggled, causing Naruto to smile, slightly. Temari noticed that the boy hid his smiles, she frowned.
"Naruto . . . Do you, um, have anyone?" Temari inquired. Naruto looked to the girl, not understanding. "What I mean is . . . Is there someone that, ah, you like?"
Naruto shook his head and looked at the sand. "Not many people want to be associated with a demon, Temari" Naruto told the Blonde haired girl. But that didn't deter the sixteen year old girl.
"Can I . . . Be that someone?"
"What?!" Naruto said, shocked at Temari's question. He looked at the older girl, a felt a blush creeping up on his cheeks. He wouldn't deny it to anyone but he always thought that Temari was always cute and special. He gulped as Temari moved closer to him.
"Oi, Runt!" came an intruding voice. Naruto looked behind him to see Kankurou with two silver-haired girls. One he presumed to be Kankurou's lady love, Hasu. The other must be Hasu's sister. "What are you doing to my sister?" Naruto was about to answer when Temari's fan struck Kankurou in the head.
"He wasn't doing anything, you idiot" Temari growled. Her arms wrapped around Naruto's arm as she glared at Hasu's sister. "And he's mine, Yuri". The other silver-haired girl smiled.
"Can't he make that decision for himself, Temari-Kijo?" questioned the girl. "Konnicha wa, SandoYuri-watashi". The girl bowed.
"Ano . . . Uzumaki Naruto-watashi" Naruto replied. He noticed Temari's scowling features as Yuri took Naruto's other arm and giggled at the blonde. Naruto gave a helpless look to Kankurou, who just shrugged.
"Yuri. Release Uzumaki" came a cold voice. The group turned to see Gaara standing there. Obediently, Yuri released Naruto's arm while Temari stuck her tongue out at the other girl. "Uuzmaki, we must speak".
"Ah . . . sure" Naruto said. He managed to get his arm from of Temari's grasp but not before pressing a kiss to the other blonde's cheek. Temari blushed but smile superiorly over Yuri, who scowled. Naruto left with Gaara.
The two Shinobi stood several meters from each other. "What's up?" Naruto questioned. Gaara looked at the blonde haired shinobi before turning toward the sky.
"Have you noticed anything different, lately?" Gaara inquired. "About your demon, I mean?" Naruto shook his head and wrapped his arms around his stomach, looking off into the sunset. Gaara nodded and returned to looking at the sky.
"Why do you ask?"
"It feels different" Gaara replied. "I can no longer control the Sand as I once did and I find my what little sleep I do get are filled with scenes of murder that I did not commit". Naruto looked, sharply, at Gaara. He had often witness the tragic event that had claimed many of the lives of the Leaf Shinobi as well as the lives of his parents. "I feel as if I loosing control".
"But that can't be!" Naruto said. "You're Seal was reinforced, remember. By our Hokage and the Kazekage".
"I know that!" Gaara snapped, glaring at the other boy fiercely. So fiercely that Naruto took a step back. Gaara closed his eyes and attempted to calm the feelings burning inside of him. "I have not spoken to my siblings or father about this. I thought that it was nothing. I guess I was wrong".
"Gaara, you've got to tell somebody" Naruto said. "Shukaku could. . . ." Naruto stopped as Gaara grabbed Naruto by the throat and squeezed tight. Eyes, no longer green, stared at him with hunger and rage. "Shukaku". Naruto lashed out and kicked Gaara away. He collapsed to his knees, breathing heavily. "Gaara, wake up! You gotta reinforce your control!"
"Stupid human, the boy's gone" Shukaku laughed. "I regin control of this body, now". Naruto backed away; he looked toward the village, where he saw vast amounts of Shinobi and Kunoichi gathering. "Pitiful. I'll destroy this village just like I had planned". Naruto moved in between the two.
"Over my dead body, Shukaku" Naruto growled. He pulled out two kunai and glared at the corrupted spirit. His blue eyes pentrating the spirit's very core, he closed his eyes and looked over his shoulder. "Forgive me, Gaara". Naruto hurled himself at Shukaku at startling speeds, he pushed one of his kunai through Gaara's heart and the other was used to slit Gaara's throat. Naruto watched as the body fell the ground, motionless. Naruto knelt and gathered Gaara into his arms, reached in with his hand to close Gaara's green eyes. He noticed figures running towards them. It was Temari, Kankurou, the Kazekage and Jiraiya. Naruto looked at the body in his arms and closed his eyes, tears slidding down his cheeks. Without thinking, Naruto created a one handed seal, whispering. "Tengoku Fushicho Hi: Shinsei! (Heavenly Pheonix Fire: Rebirth)". Naruto felt something emit from his back; he would be later told that Wings of Fire were what emitted from his back and had encased Gaara and Naruto. A blinding flash of light blocked everything out.
When Naruto next awoke, he was greeted by Temari's blue eyes and concerned face. "Naruto, you're awake" Temari gasped, excitedly. She leaned forward and kissed Naruto's forehead. "Otousan . . . Jiraiya-san, he's awake! Naruto's awake!" The door opened to reveal the Kazekage and Jiraiya along with Kankurou. Jiraiya walked over to his student and ruffled the boy's hair.
"You had us worried, Brat" Jiraiya said. "You've been out of it nearly a week".
"Gaara, is he-------" Naruto trailed off.
"What ever you did, Naruto" Temari said, "you gave Gaara a new life. A life without Shukaku". Temari looked over to the crib where a one-year- old Gaara stood, watching. He smiled and clapped his hands. "And for that, you have the eternal gratitude of our family". Naruto smiled and grasped her hand.
"Happy to be of service".
TBC
Author's Disclaimer: Okay, first off, I like to apologize to those out there that do not like Yaoi. Because there is a small bit in it – Kakashi and Iruka are together, that is the only type of Yaoi, I will allow in the story. As for pairing with Naruto, he is with a girl . . . Not someone from Hidden Leaf, I've seen to many of those. So I gave him someone different. Anyway, I hope you all like it. Thanks.
Chapter Five: Secrets and Letters
Images moved faster and faster before before Naruto, only allowing him to pick out certain images. Hidden Air destroyed and burned, managled bodies of the villagers and shinobi. Three Symbols appeared out of all the confusion, each glowing brightly with different colors. Two of the symbols Naruto recognized; the white spiral upon a blue and red yin-yang background was the symbol of the Uzumaki family. The eight-pointed star with the kanji of Heaven was the symbol of the Imhitotsu family. The last symbol puzzled Naruto. He had never seen this symbol expect on the arms of members of the Anbu Squad. The only difference was that it was a obsidian color instead of the smoky grey.
"Eh?" Naruto said. He whirled around, his family robes flying around him. He gazed up at a stormy sky. The scenery turned around and Naruto found himself standing the middle of a destroyed section of Hidden Leaf. "What?"
"How do like this, My little Fox?" came a hiss. Naruto whirled around and found himself staring up into Orochimaru's snake-like eyes. The Snake Sennin smiled at him, a pale hand touched Naruto's face, then moved to comb through Naruto's silver-blonde hair. "This is your future. No one to protect you . . . It was will consume you, eat away at you". Orochimaru moved away the collar and stared at the ugly black symbol on the crook of Naruto's neck and shoulder. "My lovely Fuu no Yami (Seal of Darkness)". Naruto shoved away from him, turning and running away from the S-class criminal. "you can't run, I will find you . . . And not even your Families can protect you. Fuu no Yami--- houshutsu! (Seal of Darkness – Release)".
Naruto screamed in pain, clutching at the seal. "NO!!!!"
Naruto bolted up in his bed, grasping the veiled seal. He breathed heavily as tiny beads of sweat slid down his face. Naruto threw back the covers and exited him room. His hand rested on the unknown seal as he made his way quickly and quietly through the halls of his home. He reached a room, he reached forward and threw open the doors and gazed in at the ever flickering fire that lay within the room. Naruto moved and closed the door. He made his way quickly to the fire and knelt, he bowed his head against the floor before sitting up. His silver-blonde hair spilling over his shoulder and partway down the middle of his back. His blue-silver-violet eyes were fixated on the fire; there was another secret that Uzumaki Ryu had kept hidden from everyone including his children. The Nidaime had able to foresee the future through the flames of fire. And it would appear that this gift had been passed down the lines to Naruto, whose Ginmegan had made it far stronger.
Naruto's hands quickly moved through a series of seals before settling on the Tiger. The Fire flared under Naruto's Chakra and flickered brightly. "Show me what is to come" Naruto commanded. He stared into the fire and images of the future passed through the flames, more slowly then Naruto's dream-vision. Had Naruto not been so disturbed by the hauntings of his dream-vision, he would have noticed another presense in the room. Silently, the figure moved out of shadows, a silver Katana glinting in the firelight.
It was raised.
Iruka bolted up in bed, gazing around his bedroom; his chest heaved up and down from the terrifying dream. At his side, Kakashi murmured and rolled over, that drew a gentle smile from Iruka. The Silver-haired Jonin appeared that night, carrying a sleeping Naruto to the Estates. Tsunade and Jiraiya had quickly taken Naruto and left the two to solve out their differences. That was very tiring. A blush rose on Iruka's face just thinking about it.
Suddenly, his heart a gave a sudden lurch. He, quietly, rose from bed not wanting to trouble Kakashi with this. Iruka left the room, but not before throwing a smile over his shoulder at the silver-haired man sleeping in the bed. Iruka walked the hallways of Uzumaki Estate wondering what was this feeling lurking in his chest. He passed by a room that Tsunade would let no one enter. He stopped dead hearing the sounds of a battle being engaged inside. Without thinking, Iruka threw open the doors and gapped at the two dark figures dueling it out. From the corner of his eye, Iruka spotted an unconscious Naruto. Blood spilled from a wound upon his shoulder; blood seeped from the wound, dying the white cloth and floor crimson. Iruka, without no thought for his own safety, ran toward the youth. He dropped to his knees and gathered the blonde into his arms and gazed at the two figures. He couldn't tell if they were assassins or not. "Naruto . . . Naruto" Iruka said. The younger Shinobi's eyes opened and gazed upwards into Iruka's relieved face.
"Aniki!" Naruto said, shoving the brunette out of the way. The silver Katana sliced through the other dark figure as he appeared before Naruto; it penetrated into his abdomen. The figure staggered but managed to return to favor his opponent, only to his throat. The other died instanteously, the other dark figure fell into Naruto's open arms. "Why?" Naruto choked out.
"I --- was born --- to protect you --- Naruto-Oujisama" the figure coughed out, blood trickling down his chin. Naruto looked at Iruka, who looked equally stunned.
"Naruto, place him down" Iruka ordered. The blonde obeyed and set the figure down as gently as possible. Iruka moved up to the other figure's side and examined the wound as gently as possible. "I don't think he's going to survive, Naruto".
Naruto looked down at the figure that protected him. The figure gave a kind smile and coughed harshly. Naruto closed his eyes and quickly created a seal.
"Tengoku namida chiyu no Jutsu (Heavenly Teardrop Healing Technique)" Naruto murmured. A white glow eminated from Naruto's hands before dropping into the wound much like tear-drops. Iruka watched, amazed, as the wound began to fuse together and heal. Naruto slipped sideways only to have the figure catch him, exhausted blue-violet-silver eyes looked up at the figure; Naruto smiled a little.
That morning was when Tsunade, Jiraiya and Kakashi discovered what had happened the night previous. Naruto was sitting at the table, his arm resting in a sling, eating the breakfast that Iruka had prepared. Sitting at his sides were Inari and a strange figure dressed in black. The figure, a male of twenty, paid no mind to the newcomers to the room. His long black hair was tied back into a ponytail while his strange crystal blue eyes scanned the room. "Ohayo gozaimasu" Naruto greeted, smiling.
"Naruto, who is that?" Tsunade inquired.
"Konnicha wa, Mei Kage-watashi"said the figure. "It's a pleasure to met you, Tsunade-hime". Kage dipped his head in acknowledgement of the woman and turned away to face his breakfast once again.
Tsunade sat at the table beside Naruto, who pushed a scroll in her direction. "This arrived for you, Obasan" Naruto said. "It's from the Kazekage". Tsunade couldn't help but noticed a pale blush on Naruto's cheeks as he turned back to his own letter-scroll.
"And who, my darling nephew, is that from?" Tsunade said, looking over Naruto's shoulder. "Temari . . . The Kazekage's daughter?"
"Eh . . . Obasan!" Naruto said, snatching the letter away, blushing red. Tsunade looked to Jiraiya, curiously. But the Toad hermit shrugged and dug into his own breakfast. "Temari is a friend, Obasan".
"A very close friend, it would seem" Tsunade said, grinning. Naruto sputtered and blushed a deeper red. Iruka had interrupted Tsunade's further tormenting by placing her breakfast in front of her and then in front of Kakashi. Naruto finished his breakfast and left the room with Inari and Kage tailing him. "Alright, what is with that Mei Kage?"
"Apparently he's a bodyguard for Naruto" Iruka said, sitting himself and began to eating his own breakfast. "Another of Naruto's relatives wanted to have him protected and Kage-San is the best of them".
Naruto sat in the gardens with Kage and Inari not far from him. The Silver fox was sunning himself and was actually only a few feet away from his Kiji. The Fox was quite furious at himself when he came to learn of Naruto's injury. Kage was sitting on a nearby bench, studying his surroundings. Naruto to his letter-scroll, he opened it.
'Dear Naruto,
How are you? Fine, I hope. I'm glad that you have returned to Hidden Leaf and am surprised to discover the truth. Well, not really surprised; I was thought that you could be a relative of the Hokage, just not the son or great-grandson or grand-nephew to the Hokage. Anyway, I'm babbling.
Life in Sand is dull without you around. Guess, what? The three of us, along with Otousan, will becoming to Hidden Leaf for the Jonin Exams, next week. That's why there was a letter-scroll from Otousan for your aunt. Gaara's really looking forward to seeing you again, as am I. What you did for us, was a good thing, Naruto. And for that, we are eternally grateful. I have to go, I have to make the preparations for the trip. Til then.
Love always,
Temari.'
Naruto smiled a little as Temari appeared in the forefront of his mind. The kunoichi of Sand had always been lurking the corner of his mind since what had happened at Sand. Naruto's mind flew back to that period of time, it was only a few months after he had left Leaf. . . .
Naruto walked behind Jiraiya as they walked the beaten roads of Hidden Sand Village. The Shinobi had been traveling for months non-stop; Naruto lagged behind his teacher, not really caring about anything. He studying the sand under his feet and would continue to have done so if Jiraiya had not stopped and sent the small Blonde crashing into him. Naruto fell backwards on to the sand. "Oi! Why'd you stop?" Naruto demanded, standing up and peering around his teacher. There in the middle of the road stood Gaara. Naruto looked somewhat annoyed but moved passed his teacher and continued to walk down the road, despite Jiraiya's grabs for him. Naruto turned and looked at his teacher. "What's the sense in stopping?" Naruto inquired, looking over his shoulder. "Can't do much even if he wants us dead, ne?"
Jiraiya blinked at his student, then abruptly grabbed him around the waist and lifted him up. Now, he had to deal with a Suicidal Naruto, this was wonderful. Gaara looked at the two. "Otousan has been expecting you" Gaara said, emotionless. "Come". With that the auburn haired Sand ninja began to walk away, Jiraiya folloed behind him, Naruto still dangling under his arm.
The trip to the Hidden Sand Village was quite short and before long, Jiraiya and Naruto were presented to the Kazekage. Jiraiya conversed with the leader of the Sand Village, while Naruto stared out the nearby window, lost in his own thoughts. Naruto jumped when Jiraiya touched his shoulder. "Why don't you go outside?" Jiraiya replied, Naruto shrugged and left. His hands stuffed into his pockets and shoulders hunched.
He walked the dusty streets of the village, looking aimlessly at the vendors. He stopped at the presense of a familiar Ki. He turned and saw Temari standing not far away at a Vendor. The two stared at each other for some time before Naruto moved and began to walk away, that was until a hand caught his sleeve. Naruto looked behind him and saw Temari there. She had realized what she done and blush crimson. "A-a-aren't you going to say hello?" Temari stammered.
"Hello" Naruto replied, before looking away. Temari raised an eyebrow, wondering where the once lud and cheerful ninja had gone. She grasped his hand and dragged him with her. "T-Temari?"
"You're coming shopping with me!" Temari said. Naruto said nothing as the elder girl dragged him off.
Sometime later, Temari and Naruto found themselves sitting in the cool shade of a building. "So how come you're out traveling with that Pervert?" Temari questioned, taking a bite of her fruit. Naruto shrugged and looked at his own fruit. "Keeping things locked inside, isn't a good thing".
"Guess you could say that everything finally caught up with me" Naruto said, quietly. "Being a demon, I mean".
"I thought you didn't acknowledge the fact that you were one" Temari said. "At least that was the belief you held when you fought against Gaara all those years ago."
"It was only two years ago, Temari" Naruto smiled, "What are you trying to say that we're old now?" Temari blushed a crimson and made to swipe at him but he dodged it, laughing. "You know you're pretty cute when you blush".
"Eh?!" Temari said. Naruto gave her a smile.
"So how are Gaara and Kankurou?" Naruto inquired taking his spot at her side, once again. Temari shrugged, indifferently.
"Gaara's Gaara" Temari replied. "I think his past will not allow him to change. Kankurou is different only because he's seeing a Kunoichi named Hasu. Big surprise when we found out".
"Yeah, you really can't picture Kankurou with someone other then that Puppet, Karasu" Naruto said. Temari giggled, causing Naruto to smile, slightly. Temari noticed that the boy hid his smiles, she frowned.
"Naruto . . . Do you, um, have anyone?" Temari inquired. Naruto looked to the girl, not understanding. "What I mean is . . . Is there someone that, ah, you like?"
Naruto shook his head and looked at the sand. "Not many people want to be associated with a demon, Temari" Naruto told the Blonde haired girl. But that didn't deter the sixteen year old girl.
"Can I . . . Be that someone?"
"What?!" Naruto said, shocked at Temari's question. He looked at the older girl, a felt a blush creeping up on his cheeks. He wouldn't deny it to anyone but he always thought that Temari was always cute and special. He gulped as Temari moved closer to him.
"Oi, Runt!" came an intruding voice. Naruto looked behind him to see Kankurou with two silver-haired girls. One he presumed to be Kankurou's lady love, Hasu. The other must be Hasu's sister. "What are you doing to my sister?" Naruto was about to answer when Temari's fan struck Kankurou in the head.
"He wasn't doing anything, you idiot" Temari growled. Her arms wrapped around Naruto's arm as she glared at Hasu's sister. "And he's mine, Yuri". The other silver-haired girl smiled.
"Can't he make that decision for himself, Temari-Kijo?" questioned the girl. "Konnicha wa, SandoYuri-watashi". The girl bowed.
"Ano . . . Uzumaki Naruto-watashi" Naruto replied. He noticed Temari's scowling features as Yuri took Naruto's other arm and giggled at the blonde. Naruto gave a helpless look to Kankurou, who just shrugged.
"Yuri. Release Uzumaki" came a cold voice. The group turned to see Gaara standing there. Obediently, Yuri released Naruto's arm while Temari stuck her tongue out at the other girl. "Uuzmaki, we must speak".
"Ah . . . sure" Naruto said. He managed to get his arm from of Temari's grasp but not before pressing a kiss to the other blonde's cheek. Temari blushed but smile superiorly over Yuri, who scowled. Naruto left with Gaara.
The two Shinobi stood several meters from each other. "What's up?" Naruto questioned. Gaara looked at the blonde haired shinobi before turning toward the sky.
"Have you noticed anything different, lately?" Gaara inquired. "About your demon, I mean?" Naruto shook his head and wrapped his arms around his stomach, looking off into the sunset. Gaara nodded and returned to looking at the sky.
"Why do you ask?"
"It feels different" Gaara replied. "I can no longer control the Sand as I once did and I find my what little sleep I do get are filled with scenes of murder that I did not commit". Naruto looked, sharply, at Gaara. He had often witness the tragic event that had claimed many of the lives of the Leaf Shinobi as well as the lives of his parents. "I feel as if I loosing control".
"But that can't be!" Naruto said. "You're Seal was reinforced, remember. By our Hokage and the Kazekage".
"I know that!" Gaara snapped, glaring at the other boy fiercely. So fiercely that Naruto took a step back. Gaara closed his eyes and attempted to calm the feelings burning inside of him. "I have not spoken to my siblings or father about this. I thought that it was nothing. I guess I was wrong".
"Gaara, you've got to tell somebody" Naruto said. "Shukaku could. . . ." Naruto stopped as Gaara grabbed Naruto by the throat and squeezed tight. Eyes, no longer green, stared at him with hunger and rage. "Shukaku". Naruto lashed out and kicked Gaara away. He collapsed to his knees, breathing heavily. "Gaara, wake up! You gotta reinforce your control!"
"Stupid human, the boy's gone" Shukaku laughed. "I regin control of this body, now". Naruto backed away; he looked toward the village, where he saw vast amounts of Shinobi and Kunoichi gathering. "Pitiful. I'll destroy this village just like I had planned". Naruto moved in between the two.
"Over my dead body, Shukaku" Naruto growled. He pulled out two kunai and glared at the corrupted spirit. His blue eyes pentrating the spirit's very core, he closed his eyes and looked over his shoulder. "Forgive me, Gaara". Naruto hurled himself at Shukaku at startling speeds, he pushed one of his kunai through Gaara's heart and the other was used to slit Gaara's throat. Naruto watched as the body fell the ground, motionless. Naruto knelt and gathered Gaara into his arms, reached in with his hand to close Gaara's green eyes. He noticed figures running towards them. It was Temari, Kankurou, the Kazekage and Jiraiya. Naruto looked at the body in his arms and closed his eyes, tears slidding down his cheeks. Without thinking, Naruto created a one handed seal, whispering. "Tengoku Fushicho Hi: Shinsei! (Heavenly Pheonix Fire: Rebirth)". Naruto felt something emit from his back; he would be later told that Wings of Fire were what emitted from his back and had encased Gaara and Naruto. A blinding flash of light blocked everything out.
When Naruto next awoke, he was greeted by Temari's blue eyes and concerned face. "Naruto, you're awake" Temari gasped, excitedly. She leaned forward and kissed Naruto's forehead. "Otousan . . . Jiraiya-san, he's awake! Naruto's awake!" The door opened to reveal the Kazekage and Jiraiya along with Kankurou. Jiraiya walked over to his student and ruffled the boy's hair.
"You had us worried, Brat" Jiraiya said. "You've been out of it nearly a week".
"Gaara, is he-------" Naruto trailed off.
"What ever you did, Naruto" Temari said, "you gave Gaara a new life. A life without Shukaku". Temari looked over to the crib where a one-year- old Gaara stood, watching. He smiled and clapped his hands. "And for that, you have the eternal gratitude of our family". Naruto smiled and grasped her hand.
"Happy to be of service".
TBC