-Wished I owned them, but not mine, they are properties of their respective owner's.

". . ." speech

'. . .' thought

Chapter 7: Twilight Dragon Awakens

By Suiiren

It was night now in Konoha and all was silent. There were few people astir, even if this was a Hidden Ninja Village. No one, but two figures could be seen walking in the darkened streets of Konoha. They were obviously oblivious to those that would seek them out tonight but their ignorance would soon be shattered.

"Nee, nee, Hiko-chan, what did you think about Ichiraku's?" asked an excited Naruto.

"It was mediocre, I'd much rather have preferred soba." replied Hiko. She had agreed to go to this Ichiraku place after she had met up with Naruto at the Academy. She had to admit the boy was a really sorry sight when she saw him buy now it was alright again with the boy. 'The boy sure does recover fast.' she thought. Though what bothered her most was how he told her about how the village treated him while they were eating out at Ichiraku's. 'People, no matter what time or generation hate and persecution are always rampant. Even in this place where they value 'peace' so much. There really must be no difference in people anywhere or anytime. They are all di-'

"Hokage?!" said a startled Naruto interrupting Hiko's thoughts.

"Oi, there you are Naruto. I've been looking for you for some time now but I knew I would find you near here. Your favorite place to eat, that's what Iruka told me. Ho ho ho." chuckled the old Third Hokage. "Oh, who is your pretty friend there Naruto?" signaling towards Hiko as she stood there looking at the two interact.

"Oh yeah, anno . . . well she's umm . . .."

"A relative of Naruto's!" blurted Hiko quickly. 'Baka! What am I thinking saying that! Of course they'll know that I'm not his relative. He's an orphan for goodness sake,' but that was all she could think of in such a short notice of time. No one had really paid any attention towards her and Naruto so far so when he asked who she was and what relation she had with Naruto she kind of freaked out and the answer she blurted out was testament to her surprise. 'Baka, what kind of master swordsmen are if you get surprised so easily and-.'

"Ah, I see," said the Third as he thought about the moment for a second. 'It can't be true, the Fourth was an orphan just like Naruto when he grew up. This girl obviously doesn't know a thing about Naruto or the Fourth but who is she? More important, why would she say that . . . or what if the Fourth really did have some sort of unknown family? No, no, that can't be true. I'm pretty sure the Fourth would tell us something like this if it were really important or maybe not. I don't know, the Fourth sure liked to keep his secrets all due to his upbringing . . . just like Naruto's.' "So are you saying that you are related to Naruto? By blood or are you something else?" asked the Hokage suspiciously as he started to push Naruto behind him.

Naruto was just as shocked as he heard Hiko say that she was part of his family. A part of him was actually overjoyed to have heard those words. Even though they were most likely said to not to try to bring any attention to her. But still those words that Hiko said out of surprise still had a profound affect upon Naruto's psyche. 'Can it be? Can she really be a part of my family . . . no, she is a stranger who just wandered in to my life three days ago. But why do I feel like this when she said that we were family? Can it be that I, that I really want her to be my, my, to be part of my family. If she were I wouldn't be alone anymore and I would not have to go through a lot of things alone anymore.'

It was true that Naruto felt this way because of just three days. Because in those three days he went through something that most people who didn't understand what loneliness felt like never felt before, he didn't feel lonely and he had a purpose. It was a small purpose and he got yelled at a lot but it was a purpose, something that no one else would give him. Something he felt that only he could do and he did it. 'I think that's why I am starting to like you so much Hiko-nee, even if you scream at me, even if you throw ramen bowls at me, and even if you hit me sometimes, I think I am starting to slowly like you . . . maybe even starting to love you. Even if you yell at, you do it because you recognize me unlike so many others who tell me to get lost or disappear. You yell at me to exist, to do something for you, to really exist and help you out, even though it is being your servant, it's better than telling me to not exist. You recognized me for who I am and because of that I am eternally grateful.'

"Well are you related to Naruto by blood or are you really after something else? Do you really think you can take away our Naruto here? I don't know what your reasons are but if you think you can fool me. You're out of your mind because, because I definitely knew that 'he' didn't have any relatives!" said the Third a bit angered now that someone would have the gall to think that they could fool him. "And if you are thinking of doing something to Naruto here . . . you don't even know what I'm going to do to you." finished the Third with finality in his voice.

Hiko was speechless. She didn't know what to say or do, the tone and finality in his voice was enough for Hiko to understand that what he said was both a threat and demand of information. But she didn't know what to say. 'What could I say now. What can I possibly say now to dig myself out of this hole now.' Hiko thought.

"I would have understood it if you were really family of Naruto but I know that for certain Naruto is the last of his line left. If whatever you're here for involves Naruto or it destabilizes the peace here. I will most certainly not forgive you."

Still no response from Hiko.

"Yare, yare, you two are so loud I could have heard you two a block away." said Kakashi suddenly appearing out of nowhere.

'Another one. Damn I got to- What the . . . I can't move! What's happening here!'

"I wouldn't try to move there if I were you young lady." says Shikato as he slowly starts moving out of the darkness now with his Shadow Bind technique on Hiko now. "This here is the famous Shadow Bind Technique of Konoha and now that you're trapped in it I suggest that you not do anything rash here because at any moment I can break that little neck of yours."

"Is she the one, Hayate?" asks Kakashi to Hayate.

"Yes, she definitely is the one. She's dressed up now and looks far much different but she definitely is the one. The one who got past the gates a few days ago." replies Hayate.

= A little distance off =
"Orochimaru, can you feel that. I feel the presence of six very strong ninjas. They are most likely Jounins. Do you think they have caught on to us yet?"

"Humph, not yet Hao but it does seem that they are in a combat-like situation. They must be in some sort of confrontation. Let us go check it out, we may never know what we can find there." 'Sarutobi-sensei, I'm coming for you, you better be prepared' thought Orochimaru as he knew that the presence that he felt was really his old sensei's presence.

"You sure about that Orochimaru?"

"Yes, Let's. We can't keep our new prey waiting too long."

'Hmm, that's weird of Orochimaru to change plans like this but if it interests him it might be more than it seems. I'll agree with you for now Orochimaru.' thought Hao as he began to follow Orochimaru in to the darkness of Konoha.

= Back to Hiko and everyone else =

Naruto was scared now. 'What are they going to do to Hiko-chan?' he thought as he saw what going in front of him. 'What is the Hokage doing here and why was he acting so strange and what were these other ninjas here? More importantly what do they want with Hiko-chan?' He was too scared now that all he could do was watch what was going on.

"I'm asking you a serious question here now. What do you want with Naruto?" demanded Kakashi once more. 'How can a girl like this get into Konoha unnoticed' thought Kakashi. 'Well whatever the reason I won't let her do anything to sensei's last legacy. I would die first before I let anything happen to what sensei died for.' now pulling out a kunai.

"Well, really now, is there really a need to get this rough. All I did was just have some ramen and spend some time with the brat. Is that so wrong here or is it because of something else you people know and think is too dangerous for me to be near the boy?" replied Hiko rather arrogantly.

"Why you, you think this is all fun and games!" yelled an angered Hayate. "Do you think you can come in here and think you can do whatever you want? Besides, we know that you want more than to just spend more that just 'time' with this brat. I mean, no one in their right mind would come near this brat. If you knew what this brat really was then you, you wouldn't even have come near this, this DEMON! So there is only one thing left, to sway the boy into your favor and use him against us to destroy the peace that we tried so hard to establish!"

"Hayate! SILENCE!" commanded the Third. He wouldn't allow all those things to be said around Naruto. 'No, if the Fourth would of heard these things said about Naruto he would turn over in his grave. I shouldn't let Naruto hear this.'

"But-"

"You heard the Hokage. Shut up boy!" yelled an angered Inoshin. He had heard enough from Hayate in that little speech of his and it made his mouth taste bad. 'If the Fourth were to have heard that . . . he would have been most unhappy with me and all of Konoha. Sorry Fourth for taking so long in trying to stand up for you now, even though it was really pathetic of me.' thought Inoshin as memories of what happened in the past started to resurface in his mind.

"As I said earlier, what are you doing here and what do you want with Naruto? Who do you work for? It's too rare for someone to get in to Konoha unnoticed and then to find you here with Naruto. This is all too suspicious and if you are to tell us the truth here and now I will promise that you will be judged fairly later. As sad as it sounds . . . I don't want to say this but . . . no one in Konoha will want to do anything with Naruto but those on the outside will only want to use him for what he has. So please, tell us. Why are you here?" stated the Third with his ultimatum.

'What? What is happening here? Why are they staring at Hiko-chan like everyone else in Konoha stares at me? Is Hiko-chan a bad person? Did she do something bad? No, no it was because of me that Hiko-chan is in this situation. They said what did she want with me and she told them but they did not listen. It really is because of me isn't it? Am I really that bad of a person . . . am I a poison that will destroy all those who get near me like my parents? I didn't even know them but my parents must of somehow died because of me because, because everyone calls me a demon. They call me a demon and blame for so many things . . . is that it? Am I really a demon, a poison that will destroy the lives of those who get too close to me? Why is it always me? Why? Why can't I just have someone who accepts me for who I am?

But I do, don't I? She accepts for who I am and even treated me like I existed. She was the first person to recognize me as me and she even told me that. Then why is it that the Third and everyone else is so mad at her? Iruka-sensei recognizes me but not the way she does, in three days she made me see how it was like to be needed. To help someone out, to give all of myself without a question. Is that it, is it because of that I am feeling like this? Is it because I gave all of myself to her, that I-, that I-, that I love her? But why can't I say it? Why can't I do anything? Why is it that I am so weak? Please, anyone out there who is listening to my silent plea. Please, help Hiko-chan out.'

"Well?" asked Kakashi.

"Didn't I already tell you? I came here for no particular reason and just saw this brat. Then I just decided to stay a few days longer than I would of thought. It's not my fault that he invited me himself to stay with him for a few days. I mean, if I, a poor and homeless swordsman, were to not have accepted a free offer of shelter and food that would make me the biggest baka around. He called, I answered." replied Hiko.

"That's it, enough of your lies. I know that you came here for another reason. If I you won't tell us while we're merciful then I guess I'll just have to cut it out of you!" yelled and infuriated Hayate. 'Who does she think she is! She's trapped and still she uses that lame excuse to try to get away. No one in their right mind would want to have anything to do with a MONSTER like him, no, a DEMON like him.' thinking of Naruto.

"Now Hayate, try to calm down." said Kakashi cautiously. 'This thing is getting out of hand here. Hayate is getting too worked up for this. If this continues we won't know what might occur. Hayate might actually try to kill her.' thought Kakashi as he looked upon Hayate. He was in a foul mood now and his hand was firmly on his katana now. 'One false move and he could do anything, better make sure that won't happen.' Thought Kakashi again as he put his kunai away thinking that he should first calm down Hayate first before proceeding onwards. 'It's not helping anyone if it goes one like this. Gotta keep a cool and open mind, isn't that it sensei?' thought Kakashi as he was going to try to calm Hayate down but it was too late as what came out of Hiko's mouth blew Hayate overboard.

"You baka! Aren't you listening to a single word I'm trying to say here! Stop trying to think that you are the absolute avatar of justice and what you say is right. Stop thinking so highly of yourself for being so ignorant. You don't know anything and yet you proceed to think that you know everything! Are you so stubborn and ignorant that you have forgotten about compassion and keeping an open mind!"

"You, you, you BITCH! How dare you proceed to think that of me! You don't know what it's like to be me. So don't just presume you know me! I don't care what happens to me now, even if they kill me or exile me! I'll kill you!" yelled a fully enraged Hayate as he charged towards Hiko.

'Hiko-chan!' thought Naruto. 'I must go do something or Hiko-chan's going to- . . . or she is going to die! I can't let the first person who treated me like a human being for the first time die like this!'

"SHIKATO! Turn your jutsu off before you get hit by Hayate!" yelled Inoshin desperately as he saw Hayate run towards Hiko Hell bent on killing her. 'You damn fool! You let your demotion and pride get in the way of your straight thinking!' thought Inoshin of Hayate as he was trying his best to rush to his life-long friend Shikato before it was too late. 'Please, don't die! I couldn't stand it if me and Chomaru are to tell your wife that you were killed by your own comrade on a supposed 'easy' mission. It would hurt your wife and kid too much, including me.'

"Hayate! STOP!" yelled the Hokage desperately. It was already too late because by the time it was already occurring Hayate had already had a running start and the Hokage was too old to move fast enough to stop him and Kakashi was too far behind of Hayate to try to stop him. 'Oh, Lord, what are we about to do here? Can I forgive myself if this girl who seems so important to Naruto dies, no gets murdered? No, if that were to happen I- No! I must not think of it that way. Somehow, someway, I will stop HIM!' thought the Third as he was about to gather all his chakra to his feet before he realized. 'Where's Naruto? What the? Oh no!" thought the Third as could clearly see Naruto rushing in between Hiko and Hayate at an incredible speed. 'His will to protect her is forcing his body to move at that speed! He's not even using chakra to try move faster. That's his own doing!' thought the Third as he saw what was about to happen and tried his best to try to stop it.

'What the? What was that that just by past me? Oh no, NARUTO! He's going to try to stop Hayate by himself!? NO! He's going to sacrifice himself to protect this girl! Oh God NO! If that were to happen he would never forgive himself for failing his sensei so horribly. Oh PLEASE let me get there before him!' thought Kakashi frantically as he tried to increase chakra to his feet and catch up to Naruto at the same time.

"You wench take THIS!" yells Hayate blindly as he swings his katana mindlessly in rage towards Hiko's heart.

'I guess this is it. I never would of thought that I died this way but I don't regret any moment of this. That kid sure helped me through this rough time of mine. I guess this is the end of the 13th Master of the way of Hiten Mitsuruugi.' Was Hiko's last thought s before . . .

-!PIERCE!- the sound of blood squirts and splatters everywhere as it hits its target.

'What the? I don't feel anything? Is this how death feels?' thinks Hiko slowly as she starts to open her, only to see the horror in front of her.

"Oh PLEASE NOW!" yelled Hatake Kakashi as he finally reached the scene and grabs Hayate by the should to only to slam him into the nearest building. He didn't want to see what had happened, he only wanted to restrain Hayate now before he did anything else that was stupid.

"What the? How am I still alive? Inoshin! I knew you would come save me." said Shikato happily but he looked only to see a look of dread and pain in his friends face.

Chomaru came up slowly to grab both his friends' shoulders. "No, Inoshin wasn't the one who saved, it was . . . "

"Oh my God! What have we done! He was the Fouth's . . .. He was the Fouth's . . . and we let him die!" tears start welling up in the Thirds face as he looks stops and looks at the scene.

Naruto had saved her, Naruto had risked his life, gambled it with all his might so that one more time he could have been of use to the person who had meant so much to him in so little time. He slowly smiles andlooks upon the face of Hiko in peace.

"Why? Why brat, WHY DID YOU DO THAT! Why did you throw your life away to save me! You should have tried to save your own life first! To have the will to live is the strongest emotions all humans have! So, why did you do it brat!" yells Hiko as he grabs Naruto with his arms and takes the katana that was inside his chest.

"Because, -coughs, spits out blood- because Hiko-chan said that we were family. Even though you may not have meant it, it made me happy to know that someone had actually said that. You, you're my first precious person that meant more to me than anyone ever has . . . you gave me a purpose and I realized that I was not yet strong enough to acknowledge myself like you. But I did have a large will to live but I had a larger will to have you live Hiko-nee. I've been alone all this time and in three days you showed me how it was to have a purpose in life, to exist, you acknowledged me for who I was and not like the village people who only looked upon me with cold eyes. The loneliness I felt before was beat out of me as you came into my life –cough- Please," says Naruto now looking at Kakashi and the Third, "don't hurt Hiko-chan, she really did just come and spent some time with me and, and showed me how valuable –cough- how valuable it was to l-o-o-o-v-e-e-e so-me on-e w-a-s. So please," tears now in Naruto's eyes, "she didn't come here to do bad things like you think she will to me . . .."

"Shh, quiet now Naruto," said Hiko solemnly. "Here this is for you," handing him a tea cup with an engraving of a fox, "I was going to give you this as a gift when I left and that woman(Kurenai) thought that this suited you best. I don't know why, but no soul should get to Nirvana without feeling for the first time what it is like to receive something from someone else. Call it love or whatever foolish feeling you think it is but . . .."

"Thank you Hiko-nee, that's the first time you've ever said my name right. . . Thank you." says Naruto as he slowly drifts off in to unconsciousness.

"Naruto . . .." said the Third slowly but what the Third felt in a matter of a few seconds scared him more than anything he had felt in a long time. 'Chakra, a massive amount of it! It almost feels like the massive amount that a demon would exude!' thinks the Third as he looks at the direction of the flow and sees a HUGE amount of blue chakra surrounding Hiko. Her eyes were now all tinted blue, a testament to how much chakra there was.

'What is going on?' thought Kakashi.

". . . I thought that I would never have to see another child die in front of me." thoughts of Naruto and old memories of the time he first met Kenshin re-enter his mind. A part of him he had not visited in a long time. "How much blood must be spilt before this diseased world understands that the way towards peace and stability is not through force but compassion. That war and bloodshed only begets more bloodshed in the end. Stupid." was what Hiko said as she stood there.

"Inoshin, what's going on?" asked Shikato with a bit of fear and amazement in his voice.

"I don't know Shikato."

"Oh my goodness, this amount of chakra is impossible. It feels as if a tsunami were about to hit, what have we done? Have we awoken the wrath of the sleeping dragon?" said the Third worriedly as he knew now that every single person in Konoha was awake now. The chakra alone was much larger that the Third had and anyone else he could think of. "Is this person some sort of force of Nature? Can it be that such people with this much power actually exist?"

Kakashi had taken off his protector and looked at Hiko with his sharingen eye open and what he saw horrified him. Chakra everywhere! He saw the large outline of the girl's ki energy and it was exciting every single thing in Konoha. All of Nature was lending this girl it's chakra! He could see it, without the Sharingen, as the chakra from the grass, trees, and various other plants start taking form in front of him and started lending power to Hiko. They took the form of small orbs of light floating and dangling around as if they were small little spirits floating around playing around joyfully. "What have we done?" asked Kakashi to himself as looked upon a standing Hiko, tears in her face.

'Damn it! Damn it! Why can't I control my feelings! Stupid female feelings! Why was I not able to save that boy!' but she knew why she was feeling like this. It was all due to that boy. 'Because of him I and the emotions I am feeling right now are affecting my kenki (swordsman's Spirit) and it has appeared, overpowered many times over by these feelings I have. Who would of thought that a kid could make me go this far . . . well, I did not have my cape on. Well, I guess this time I can excuse myself from holding back.' There was also one thought that was left in Hiko's anger stricken mind as she said it aloud. Not in a long time had she felt the intense emotions she felt right now.

"Kill. Kill you all. I'LL KILL YOU ALL!" yelled the Hiten Mitsuruugi master as for the first time in her life all the emotions that she had ever felt of being not able to stop the world from running down the inevitable path of destruction rush into her. "I'll show you all that what you call peace here is nothing more than conveniently packaged none sense, nothing more. Prepare for Tenchuu!"
Wow finally finished this chapter, but I hope you guys enjoy and do you really think Naruto is dead? I did promise a fight scene but I guess that's in the next chapter for sure! It's just that I didn't expect the dialogue to be really this much. I don't know how to feel about this chapter though, it may be the worst chapter EVER or the BEST yet. Well, I guess I'll let you guys decide! Please review! =)