RedMoon
Naruto Fanfiction
By Perfect Psionic Soldier
With A Heart Of Light
And A Memory Of Shadows,
Through The Unending Sadness
Past The Endless Trials,
A Boy Who Once Cared
Becoming A Youth Who Had Dreamed,
Dreaming To Became A Man
A Man Of Greatness,
Whom Vanished,
From The Ashes Of Old
And The Tears Of New,
A Boy Became A Man
A Man Who Became A Hunter,
Hunting For That Single Moment
For A Moment When He Was,
But A Boy…
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto but I do own the original creations in this fic.
-Chapter Four-
Dreams of the Endless Night
The night air was still sharp as Naruto found himself standing atop the ninja academy, overlooking what was once both empty yet fulfilling. He had left the hospital and his rather precious person to return to where he had learnt to become a shinobi. To a place were he would meet the first person to ever see past the demon within him.
The roof was flat with a single cement cube sticking on top of the ground with wooden doors announcing how most people came and left from this rooftop. He had spent a good portion of his school life here, gazing out at the village and limitless skies. Dreaming of things he had always wanted, things like friends and family.
Lifting his head towards the heavens, Naruto couldn't help but let out a dejected sigh as he gazed upon the light speckled night sky. He sorely missed this precious person but he couldn't help but grin mirthlessly at the thought of what he had accomplished. He had made it so she would never remember this night, where she might have discovered feelings for him…
It was for the best, his actions were for the greater good. He had given up his own moments of happiness and through that, gave her the chance for a life without more suffering. He had long ago learnt that he was anything and everything destructive. He was simply a demon incased in human flesh.
Keeping his cold grin to the skies, Naruto slowly lowered himself so that he was completely relaxed against the cool cement. This was a position that he had sat in many times before. The countless times he skipped classes and dozed off at this very spot. He found that he could relax under this night. Comfortable, his mind began to wonder and his wonderings brought back the object of his heart.
His thoughts returned to Sakura, his vision of loveliness. He once would have turned the world upside down for her to acknowledge him and his feelings for her. For her to realize the truth in his emotions and return them… He would have done so much… Now… Now he found it disgustingly easy to throw away what could have made her happy. It was something that simply wasn't meant to be…
He would only destroy her life as he once did to another precious person, so long ago… The memories though faded, would never fade. It was something that was etched into his very eye. He became cursed that day. Cursed beyond what the Nine Tails could have ever done to him. Not even what he had endured during his childhood could compare.
His blank white eye twitched, causing him to reflexively close his right eye once more. It was a habit to do so. The pain in his eye evaporated if it he relaxed and allows his eye to rest, barred from the world around him. The twitching had haunted him the day after that night. It was relentless if not tended to.
Letting out a stuttering breath, Naruto wondered how many times he awoke to his eyes relentless screams and the memories attached to it. The images of the horrors and anger stalking his mind, body and soul as he heaved in and out, grasping for air as the nightmare was, to this day, still to fresh to even begin to fade.
Sliding his linked hands behind his head, Naruto allowed those depressive thoughts and memories to melt away under the cool night air. It was a good night. A night meant for one to remember better days of laughter and youth.
He was here to visit and reminiscence on the good times, not the bad.
Naruto smiled faintly at the realization on how he wanted to return to those times. Of things that had past and he could no longer simply touch and feel. He wanted to return to those days when he was still a simple genin. Days when there was only one clear goal in life. A goal that gave him purpose so that he could continue to strived against friends and foe. Those days were filled without fear or remorse. They were good days.
Heck he even missed being outdone by Sasuke in almost whatever they did together as a team. Arrogant as the boy was and obsessed with gaining power in short leaps instead of earning it through time. He wanted vengeance against his brother so badly that it blinded him to the truth. That he, Uchiha Sasuke, was day by day slowly becoming more like his hated sibling.
With a frown and a silent sigh of annoyance, Naruto sat up and with a wave of his hands, used his right fingernails to deflect a half dozen thrown kunai aimed at his chest. Though sloppy, the attack came from the top of the roof entrance.
The attacker then jumped off the entrance and in two deft motions, threw a dozen more kunai, their sharp tips whistling parallel with the ground amid the night air. With a glance, Naruto noted that his opponent was short and had a rather long scarf fluttering behind as the person began to once again move after the attack.
Getting up with a yawn, Naruto raised his hands to the sky in a large stretch before he flicked his hands down, deflecting the thrown weapons in an effortless manner. His chakra reinforced nails meeting harmlessly with the sharp and pointy weapons.
Landing on the solid rooftop, the attacker then quickly drew out longer kunai in each hand and charged his prey, a light battle cry pierced the air. Blinking once, Naruto raised an eyebrow since already knew the identity of his opponent.
With a smile, Naruto found it amusing as he simply used his fingers to blocked or redirect each strike and slash. Though unfocused, the attacker showed a lot of zeal in his strikes. Each slash and stab trying to get past his guard and give him a solid poke or cut.
The attacker then spun both the kunais hand before performing a rather zealous strike towards Naruto's heart, which Naruto stopped short, catching the tip of both blades in between his left hand's index and middle finger. With a trembling struggle, the attacker found that the weapons were lodged in place.
With a light smile, Naruto watched as his young attacker try to forcefully dislodge the weapons. "Hey Konohamaru." Naruto stated casually as he released his hold on the weapons, allowing the young boy to stagger back in surprise.
Fighting to regain his balance, Konohamaru succeeded before he looked up with a glare. "You knew!" a youthful voice popped out along with a frown as he clenched his weapons even harder.
"Heh, from the moment you went ran towards me." Naruto stated as a matter of fact as he sat back down. "How did you know I was here, unless you attack random people on rooftops often…"
"They said you returned… that the demon fox has come back to plague this village again... and you're the only one I know with a demon inside him." Konohamaru explained fitfully as he tried to restrain pent up emotions. "Why niichan why? Why did you leave and never returned? Was it because of that night? Was it?" Konohamaru accused in anger as his young body trembled. Though emotional, his voice was steady.
With a glazed look in his eye, Naruto found himself starring blankly at the night sky. Naruto then looked back down to his once grand admirer. "Yea. That was a night in which everything changed. Even me, Konohamaru."
A few tears slid down Konohamaru's cheek and he didn't stop them, but instead looked ahead, his expression lost. "Why? Why did you leave us? Niisan, why didn't you come back? What happened that night?" He asked slowly, his eyes drained of hope as he slid his gaze towards the ground. "Is it also true, that you killed… that you killed…" the voice stopped short as emotion prevented his throat from speaking.
Naruto's eyes widened momentarily as he took in a slow, staggering breath. He looked down at his young follower. After Sasuke was rescued from Orochimaru's clutches, Konohamaru began to take a new view on his idol, going from calling him 'Boss" to "Brother". It was a small affection that always made him grin. After all, Konohamaru was in every real sense of the word, a real brother.
With a painful smile, Naruto blinked as a tear slid down from his eyes. Wiping them away with casual ease, Naruto slowly sat back down as he caught Konohamaru's gaze with him own. "Yea, I killed him. And injured so many more that night." He slowly answered as he watched the young boy's eyes light up with fear, betrayal, anger, and shock… They skimmed across his face as his legs wobbled, threatening to collapse at any given moment.
Patting at the ground beside him, Naruto returned his gaze towards the cold stars above. "Come Konohamaru, and listen to a story of how a young man who was hated, transformed from shinobi to the legendary Demon Saint." Naruto stated wistfully with a soft voice. He would tell his brother everything tonight.
Holding back tears, Konohamaru slowly sat down beside his brother and gazed at his idol with uncertain eyes.
"It all began so long ago, before I was even born." Naruto began as he stretched his right hand before him, spreading his finger as if to show how much time had passed since he was born.
"There was once a demon fox who plagued this village and lands. With its nine tails, each possessing the powers to crumble mountains and cause tsunamis, it was eventually defeated and sealed by the forth Hokage. The vessel of the seal of this terrible demon was a newborn baby boy. Only the adults knew of the boys identity, the children knew nothing of what had completely transpired that day, nor were they meant to know."
"The Forth died after the sealing, sacrificing his life so that the village may live on peacefully. But there was no peace for the vessel as he grew up hated and despised. There would be no peace for that boy. He grew up with no friends or family, drifting through life alone. But he eventually found a dream, to surpass all those before him, to gain acknowledgement through the brightest path possible. He would become the greatest Hokage to have ever claimed the title. He would prove them all wrong. That he was in fact, a great person who lived a hard life, but triumphed despite the hatred."
"He grew up making pranks to get attention but eventually he made it as a genin. Growing, maturing, learning, bit-by-bit he slowly gained acceptance among his comrades and it seemed as though he might realize his dreams. To surpass all those who came before him as he worked towards the title of the greatest."
Konohamaru blinked a few times as he continued to watch and listen to his big brother's words. Though his brother had never named the character in the story, he knew enough to know that it was the life story of his idol. There was so much he wanted to ask, to know since his brother left. But he would listen and ask when he could.
"Then hard times fell onto the growing boy. Somehow, word had gotten loose about his true nature, the demon sealed within. All hell broke loose as the taunting, fear and aggression returned anew. Many families had lost brothers, sisters, fathers, and mothers to the fox demon and a new wave of hatred spread forth.
To those who were old enough, they knew who was the vessel of the Kyubi and since they knew whom the boy was, they hated him despite his innocence. They hated him for as long as the boy could remember and though a law stopped them from voicing their thoughts, they instead channeled their aggression into their children. Once word got out however, those who were once silent and those who were ignorant, began to mercilessly shun and fight the boy."
"He lost so much during those days. Friends that he thought he had turned their backs on him. He had lost much respect from those who didn't truly know him. He was forced to leave his ninja team as no one would give out jobs to a demon child… leaving his team for the good of his remaining friends. Though they were few now, only a handful, they had instead sworn to stick by him and help protect him from others if need be. To this, the vessel was grateful and happy.
"It was inevitable, now that I think back on it. What happened next was of no real surprise to those who looked back with clear minds. The seal on the fox demon was slightly imperfect, but imperfect nonetheless. It depended on the will of the user to enforce the cage that barred the demon from the world. But during the end of those days of pain, the boy was weak and dejected. The demon fox on the other hand, it had been growing stronger with the passing years, gaining power and knowledge as it probed the intricacies of its cage."
"Then it happened. During the vessel's weakest moments in its life, the fox demon gathered its strengths and pushed. The vessel was out at a market at the time, walking home after a pointless day of walking and dejection. With the demon's attempt of escape the vessel dropped in pain, the fox was breaking free! With two more attempts, the seal was cracked and the fox began its escape."
"To those who truly knew the vessel, they would know his true strength lay not in his body or mind, but in his almost invincible spirit. The fox demon would also quickly discover this as it found itself being repressed. Its spirit was almost free and was lashing out at anyone near the vessel, trying to destroy whatever it could, while the vessel fought back, restraining the beast to the best of his abilities."
"As the vessel fought back, he was slowly gaining ground as he began to push the fox back into its cage and was prepared to reseal the gates. However, the fox had tasted freedom and in desperation lashed out even harder as leaf's ninjas arrived."
"The shinobi, upon seeing the haze of red chakra of the demon, surround the object of their disgust and without hesitation began to attack at the vessel mercilessly. With the vessel's mind concentrated on restraining the demon within him, he instinctively lashed out against his attackers and those who were simply too close."
"Then the jounins made it to the scene. Quickly taking command, they pulled back those who dared attack and helped those who were tried to escape. It was at this time that a gentle and caring academy teacher tried to reach out to his student. He knew the vessel and the pain of loneliness. He cared for the person and saw him as the person he was, not the demon that was carried within. He was the first person that truly acknowledged the vessel and for that, the vessel was eternally grateful."
"Ignoring all those around him, who were warning him against his action. In a flash, he was quickly beside the vessel. The vessel was an important person to this teacher and thus, the man would do all that was in his power to help his one time student. Sensing something that could be dangerous, the vessel lashed out as it continued to fight the demon within."
A second wave of tears slid down Naruto's cheek as he once again lived that moment, his words continuing without thought as in his eyes, he was once again reliving that moment. That nightmare.
"It was the blood that temporarily brought him back, showing that the vessel's young hand piercing his beloved teacher's chest. The demon's chakra was dimming as the vessel regained control. There was no hate or disappointment on Iruka's face as he coughed up and choked on blood. No, he simply gave a forgiving and loving smile as his life left his kind eyes. Shaken from what he had done, tears streaking down his face, the vessel was unprepared for what happened next."
"There was a piercing scream of loss and agony as a cry of 'Mother!' sounded across the market. The vessel recognized the voice and while he was still in control, he turned around. There before him, with tears streaming down her beautiful face, was his beloved pink haired girl. Next to her was a larger form of a woman with pink hair. Quickly putting two and two together, the vessel quickly realized what he had done."
"Looking around himself, the vessel instantly noticed the destruction and carnage around him. Rubble of various building walls and street were scattered around with the limp bodies of so many people... backing away slowly, unsure of what had happened, the vessel found himself rolling around in shock. Thoughts of what was around him blurred as his mind tried to comprehend what he had done. Of what he had just done."
"He then approached her to apologize. To atone for his sin as his soundless voice attempted to stutter out an apology. The surrounding shinobi were tense and cautiouse at his actions. The risk of the nine tails reemerging was still to great and possible. If he tried to voluntarily attack the pink girl, they would all kill him on the spot. They could not afford mercy in such a moment."
"There was a cry of anger and the vessel froze. Before him, his crush, his beloved and trusted friend pull out one of her kunai and in a graceful scream of pure anger, bypassed surprised shinobi and in one step, moved up to him and stabbed his face with all her strength and rage. There was nothing that the vessel could have done. He was too shocked to know what to do. One of his most trusted companions had just attacked him. She too had betrayed him."
Naruto suddenly moved his right hand to his right eye. It was twitching and painfully beat against his skull and mind with unwanted memories. Closing his right eye as he had done so many times in the past, he knew that these memories would keep the ache fresh. He continued as he stared ahead wildly with his remaining left eye, his view unfocused as memories of the past continued to surface.
Konohamaru on the other hand blinked as he had noticed his brother's eyes for the first time. It was very noticeable and he cursed himself silently for not realizing it was there sooner.
"The kunai struck the vessel's right eye, embedding itself within his skull. If it weren't for the great demon's chakra that was also currently empowering his body, he would have died form that blow. He let out a cry of loss and betrayal that surpassed any pain that his body could have ever felt and his friend suddenly realized what she had done. She had attacked someone she had sworn to help protect. To never hate without reason and shield with her heart as a friend and teammate. With a startled gasp, she tried to move forward, to undo what she had done, but her feet were rooted to the earth. Her very essence crumbled as she realized that it was too late, far too late."
"The vessel quickly moved away as pain clawed at his mind, fire raging across his body and soul. The demon then broke free, as the vessel was distraught and distracted. He didn't know whom to trust now. He had no friends or companions anymore, only lies and hate. He was once again alone, but this time, without hope. Te girl's attack also served as a signal as the other ninja's quickly rushed in, their excuse was to protect the girl but their intentions were that of simple murder. They were instead forced back with a pure barrier of chakra, empowered with his fear and hate."
"The boy escaped, bleeding from the wound in his eye and a shattered heart. He allowed the demon to guide him, using its aggressive powers to keep his hunters at bay. He had nothing to lose anymore. For there was no longer anyone worth protecting around him as he knew he was alone. No one could be trusted ever again."
"The vessel was able to lose all his hunters before he vanished into the forest were he could fight the demon in one final battle. It was said that during that night, there was a single burst of demonic chakra that spread throughout the forest, coming from were the vessel had disappeared and washed across the very country itself. This was his last gift, to a single man who had accepted him for who he was, who he once was."
"It was no less then a few years later, when the vessel was still alive that the stories of the Demon Saint of the Demon Eye surfaced. He had survived and killed the demon within him. The two spirits within him had forcefully merged upon the fox demon's death. Changing, altering the vessels form forever… but it is unsure who had truly won during that battle. Was it the vessel who won and became tainted by the fox, or the other way around with the fox the victor, taking on the characteristics of the vessel?"
"It makes no difference as the vessel became a man. Four years after the night, at the age of twenty, he forged his name in history as he began his free roaming travels and exploits of battle. He could trust once more, but only to those who he deemed worthy..."
Naruto then looked down at the wide-eyed and awe stricken Konohamaru as he finished his tale. "I have survived the demon within me and with my victory over its soul, I became cursed." Naruto then looked back towards the night sky, his voice becoming slightly distant as he finished. "The infamous Demon Saint of Demon Eye who with a gaze, decide the fate of your life… a unstoppable ninja who is feared across every country and village. A demon that is only a shadow of a memory of a great man."
Konohamaru blinked a few times as he wiped tears off his face. His brother had gone through a great deal and he felt bad about doubting his older brother. He was a fool to have ever let those doubts even near him. Looking back to his brother now, he was about to say something but Naruto quickly raised a hand as their eyes met.
"I know, Konohamaru. I know. Go to bed, its getting late. Remember this night, as we may never meet again. Remember Uzumaki Naruto not as a demon, but a man who struggled against his ill fate and for a moment, shined brighter then any star." Naruto finished as he ushered the young boy off. He couldn't help but smirk at the drama that had just unfolded before him.
Getting up, Konohamaru quickly picked up his thrown kunais and with a last look back, he took a moment to memorize the relaxed man who had struggled a lot through his life and had left an impression on him. He, Konohamaru didn't want to become Hokage anymore. No, he had a brighter dream now. He would surpass his brother. He would shine brighter then Naruto ever did and that would be the way he would show off what he had learnt.
"I will surpass you Demon Saint! I will become a brighter star then Uzumaki Naruto! Watch me and I will make my brother proud!" Konohamaru screamed towards the man before him. There was an air of silence before a proud smile graced the man's face. With a nod, the young boy leapt off the roof, his goal before him and his mind clear. Then all the rumors that surrounded his brother instantly came together in a crash. With a blink, he had but one thought… His Brother Was So Cool!
Watching the young boy leave, Naruto couldn't help but look fondly at the back of the vanished boy. With youths like Konohamaru, Naruto was certain that the future of this village was secure. For they all would become great jounins no matter what.
Looking in the distance, Naruto blinked once as he saw a small team of figure leap off a roof and was quickly heading away from the main shinobi office… with a frown, Naruto found his gaze wavering as they moved. He frowned even further as he noticed the careful hast they were traveling at.
With a smirk and sigh, Naruto slowly got up and decided to investigate. He had just had a rather depression time revealing his past, digging up old memories that wouldn't go away.
If these figures turned out to the hostile… maybe he could watch them die slowly and bring him out of his sad feelings. After all, with the demon within him, pointless and excessive violence was a great pastime.
With a small hop, Naruto quickly got off the roof and moved stealthily to intercept the group. It didn't take long for him to catch up and realize that something seemed even more amiss with the traveling four ninjas. They for one did not have the lingering smell of leaves that dominated leaf clothing.
They didn't notice him, but he noticed them and with a few thorough glances, he found that they didn't have the markings of leaf. With a growing smile, Naruto trailed after his prey.
Tonight might be a fun night after all…
(" ) ( " ) ( ")
Author's Corner!
Hey all, hope you enjoyed this rather uh, reflective chapter about Naruto's past! Just so you, Naruto is around age 25-27. The 'Night' happened when Naruto was about 16 so its been 7-9 years since that incident and it gave time for Naruto to develop his unique skills.
I will reveal stolen techniques… I mean originally crafted ideas… within the next few chapters and you will learn why he has earned his name! And you will also find out why he is so feared across the land!
Bwahahahahaaha…
Well im off. Nothing to do except groan at the lack of sleep im getting and whatnot.
This is me, Perfect Psionic Soldier ditching off!
Bye Bee!
Update: Well this chap had both major and minor overhauls done to it. This was probably my best chapter so far and I didn't need to add major things to the paragraphs but it was short, so it allowed me to extend the story with extra descriptions and more elaborate Konohamaru perspectives.
Well, next step, chapter 5!