AN: Hallo stupids! Razzy Dazzy back at it again! It's time to address some shit that I refuse to entertain through PMs/DMs.

Read this next statement very fucking carefully.

I. Do Not. Care. If You. Dislike. That Naruto. Isn't. Present In. Every. Scene.

Naruto isn't the sole Main Character of this fucking story. If you dislike how I'm handling his situation, then stop fucking reading. I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. I promise you.

He's not being used because there simply isn't any reason for him to be shown other than building up his role in the Shinto Pantheon.

Naruto isn't being underutilized.

Naruto isn't a glorified baby sitter.

Naruto has an important role in this story but it just simply hasn't been introduced yet. Shut the fuck up and wait you little entitled shits.

AND WITH THAT RANT DONE! Here's the fucking chappy.

Join my Discord you smol-brained monke(s)! Invite code (Probably) is StPc5Vp

Disclaimer : NF ft. Hopsin - Lost


"Fuck! Fuckfuckfuck!" Rias cursed angrily as she sprinted through the city of Kuoh.

"Dammit! I let myself get distracted for one minute! ONE minute!" She berated herself silently, crimson hair flailing wildly behind her.

The Heiress had seen Issei exit the school with his 'girlfriend' several hours ago... It was going according to plan and her familiar had informed her that the couple had finished their date and were making their way to one of the parks in Kuoh.

It was all going according to plan... Up until she was distracted by a call from her brother!

"Sonuvabitch!" She grit her teeth angrily as she rounded corner after corner, speeding past random humans without a care.

All she had to do was wait until 'Yuma' showed her true colors. She'd reveal herself as a Fallen Angel and try to kill Issei for his Sacred Gear. Of course she would fail in her endeavor and Rias would show up at the last second to save Issei from his demise. He'd be indebted to her and she'd then ask him to join her peerage.

It was a win/win! He'd get to continue living, albeit as a devil, but alive nonetheless! And she'd get an asset with potential!

But of course her beloved brother had to derail everything.

Why?! She was fine here in Kuoh! He was worrying to damn much!

While she certainly understood his stance regarding the situation that had happened with Sasuke and the Shinto Pantheon, she was still an independent woman.

She could do this!

Sasuke had absolutely terrified her but she was the leader of this territory, along with Sona of course, and together they'd handle this situation and come to a solution!

She had done enough of her own research regarding the situation that had happened with the Yokai and the Devils. She sympathized heavily with the Yokai.

They suffered for something out of their control and now Yasaka, with the Shinto Pantheon's help, was taking matters into their own hands and cracking down of their region.

Japan belonged to the Shinto Pantheon. The Yokai's home was Japan.

Do the math.

Rias knew that she was trespassing on their land even if her role said otherwise. She was certain that the Yokai in the bigger cities absolutely despised her and Sona.

Rias continued to sprint towards the last destination that she had sensed from Issei and the disguised Fallen Angel. Her eyes strained in the darkness as she caught glimpse of a barrier nearly 50 meters in front of her.

She was close!

Just a little further!

If only Issei hadn't ditched the flier she snuck into his pocket! She'd have already been there to save him. He might not be-

The crimson haired Devil shook her head, ridding herself of those darker thoughts and only proceeded to sprint faster towards her destination.

Or she would have, had she not hit the ground due to an unseen force that absolutely shattered the barrier holding Issei hostage.

Rias' eyes widened as the barrier crumbled to the ground before disappearing entirely.

"Who's there now?!" She had sensed a brief amount of energy surge before the barrier disintegrated.

The Heiress quickly rose to her feet before doubling her efforts towards the epicenter of the now destroyed barrier. She made it all of 10 feet before a sonic boom erupted from Issei's position. The earth beneath her feet practically exploded as she struggled to find her footing.

It took several seconds for the shockwaves to subside and once they did, Rias continued on her journey.

"C'mon! C'mon! Please be alive! Please! C'mon c'mon c'mon c'mon!" She mentally chanted.

Rias continued to run towards Issei's position before sensing a unique presence. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion as an abundance of Chakra saturated the air and surrounding area.

"Chakra? Who... Could it be the delegate sent from Kyoto?!" Rias' eyes widened and hope blossomed in her heart.

Maybe... Maybe this person had saved Issei!

Sprinting around one last corner, Rias came upon the epicenter of the barrier and...

Her mouth dropped in horror as she immediately spotted Issei with a giant hole through his stomach. Blood pooled around his body, soaking into his Academy Uniform.

Rias' hands clenched hard enough to draw blood as she continued to make her way towards the boy's position. Her eyes scanned the area and she cringed as she spotted the Fallen Angel's body.

The woman's spine was sticking through her stomach! How the hell did that even happen?!

The Heiress turned away from the disgusting sight before spotting a woman with pink hair. The woman seemed to be unconscious as she tossed and turned while groaning out in pain.

"She has... so much Chakra..."

Rias made to move towards the girl before a large amount of Chakra swept over her, completely halting her movement.

"Don't move."

Rias' eyes shifted wildly across the area as she tried to find the source that had stopped her. What was happening?! Why couldn't she move?!

Out the corner of her eyes she spotted a young man making his way towards the girl's position. Rias would have furrowed her eyebrows if she could.

This man...

Was that a tattoo on his face?

The man, or rather teen, had several markings that covered the lower portion of his face. He had spikey white hair that jutted out in several directions with violet pupils. He wore a high collared jacket, that was currently unbuttoned, revealing his mouth and throat.

The violet eyed teen glanced towards her position before continuing towards the pink haired woman. He scooped the girl up in his arms before glancing back to Rias and speaking.

"Kelp." He stated simply before completely vanishing, taking the pink haired woman with him. As soon as he disappeared, Rias was able to finally overcome her lack of movement.

"What the hell was that?!" She exclaimed in confusion. The teen shook her head immediately afterwards before making her way towards Issei.

Dammit!

She had been too late...

An innocent teen had been killed. She was going to get so much shit for this...

Why hadn't she just dealt with the Fallen Angel in the first place?


Sakura groaned out in pain as her body writhed in the hands of the Yokai Spy. Violet eyes strayed towards the woman as am unsure expression formed on his face.

He couldn't sense anything that was relatively wrong with the Medic but he could sense the entity that now existed in her body. This was going to complicate things.

Probably...

Inumaki hoped so atleast.

Redoubling his efforts he adjusted Sakura's body before disappearing into thin air, leaving no trace of their presence.


Naruto was silent as he observed Yasaka's Inner Council bicker with one another. His disinterested orbs strayed over each council member as he rested his temple against his clenched fist, propping his head up.

"Something is wrong." He mentally spoke to the Bijuu.

"She will be fine." Kurama replied almost instantaneously, no doubt sensing the anomaly in Kuoh alongside Naruto.

The Jinchuuriki debated his partner's words for a moment before accepting them. Sakura was strong. She'd be okay.

If not though?

He'd take his gloves off and this world would know exactly who he was.

Naruto was rounded from his thoughts as dainty fingers glided over his right hand, caressing his digits in a tender manner.

The teen glanced towards Yasaka who sported a small smile upon her beautiful face, no doubt sensing his displeasure and disinterest regarding the current meeting.

It was mind numbing... The daily meetings and discussions atleast. Day in and day out he'd been forced to listen to the elderly Yokai in Yasaka's Council spew nonsense about mundane issues.

Jibes at he and his Team were made multiple times and while Naruto didn't particularly care what they thought, it was still annoying. Though, he could definitely understand the hesitance on their part.

Four incredibly powerful humans show up out of the blue, wielding Chakra and matching the power of their strongest Gods? Yeah, he'd probably be a little antsy and jumpy as well.

He'd try to explain his reasoning but had given up on the third day. These Yokai were old and stuck in their ways. There was only a handful of young members in the Council and they were easily outvoted 9/10 times.

But that was the game of politics wasn't it? The old prevail and the youth are demonized.

Adopting a more progressive approach to world views was seen as weakness. Which didn't particularly make sense to Naruto.

Why would you not want to adopt more open-minded views? Things get done a helluva lot faster if people are on the same page. Alas, some people enjoyed rereading the same three chapters instead of finishing the damn book.

Once more, Naruto was brought out of his thoughts at the tender touch of his...

The teen blinked slowly as he glanced towards Yasaka, staring at her with furrowed brows. The woman didn't seem to notice his action as she continued her gentle ministrations.

What was Yasaka to him?

Why had it taken so long for this question to appear?

She was... Well, she was certainly important to him. The woman had welcomed he and his team with open arms. She'd been incredibly accommodating with their situation and the shift of power they clearly presented to not only the Yokai Factions in Japan but as well as the Shinto Pantheon as a whole.

That was a conversation for another day and one he'd been avoiding for awhile. It was just a giant headache and he'd rather put it off for as long as possible.

Yasaka was... Patient. Kind. Gentle. Beautiful in a way that should be absolutely illegal. She possessed an incredibly adorable child and while Naruto had been uncomfortable with the little Kyuubi's advances at first, she had certainly grew on him.

Kunou was so precious and it was nearly impossible to not like her. The girl put on a front most of the times but he could sense emotions due to Kurama's innate ability.

Kunou was a lonely child and he could certainly see why. Yasaka was usually gone for most of the day, stuck in meetings and dealing with the safety of all Yokai in her district. The woman rarely had time for herself let alone her own daughter.

But he'd seen the woman expertly juggle her time with Kunou and her work and while she was anything but perfect, she was trying.

And that was something that Naruto resonated with. For someone who hadn't grown up with parents or any family for that matter, it was something he'd have wanted from a parent.

Meeting his father during his initial fight with Pein had been a brief one and while brief, Naruto had seen the man as who he was.

Minato had damned him to a life of pain, even if unintentionally, but had believed in him from the start. And while Naruto had eventually forgiven his father for the life he'd been dealt, he hadn't known the love of a father until officially meeting the man during the war. He had come to understand his father as he fought alongside him against Obito and Madara.

The hardest choices are often the most painful and Naruto had always wanted to be acknowledged and loved for him.

Not for his actions.

Not for his power.

For him.

Yasaka exhibited these actions as well but it was slightly different. There was certainly an attraction to power and status but she'd been interested in who he was rather than what he did.

Naruto knew, to some degree atleast, that the love of a father and a mother was different compared to that of a partner. He hadn't been shown either up until the later stages of his life and even then, they'd been fleeting.

The blond teen had remembered Hinata's words during his battle with Pein and even then had been hard pressed to believe that someone out there felt that way about him.

He'd grown up believing that he'd been put in this world to be hated. To be ridiculed and to be spit on.

To think that there would be someone/people that believed otherwise was difficult to come to terms with. Naruto had been treated poorly his entire life and to suddenly be accepted because of his actions was a hard pill to verbally swallow.

It was definitely bitter sweet. For an entire populace who cursed his being being to suddenly welcome him with open arms because of his feats was...

It was annoying.

He'd always been a 'good' person at heart. While he certainly had his more childish moments as a kid and a Shinobi, he'd always done his best to see the bright side.

To always see the cup as half-full instead of empty.

To always persevere when faced with hardship.

Perhaps that's why he couldn't truly accept, or rather return, the emotions that Yasaka subconsciously emitted. He didn't truly understand how to process and deal with them.

They weren't together but they kind of were. They'd been practically conjoined at the hip since the arrival and it was very clear that Yasaka wished to pursue and push their relationship further.

It wasn't like he didn't want to do so but he just didn't really know how to. The woman also had a child. Sue him.

It was alot to take in and he was still a kid, to some degree.

Just because he had been forced to mature faster than his peers meant little in the grand scheme of relationships.

Naruto sighed quietly to himself as he rubbed Yasaka's hand, returning the gentle gesture. His head hurt just thinking about this stuff and he really just wanted to sleep now. To many old memories had just resurfaced and he found himself wanting.

Yasaka's index finger tapped the back of his hand three times, forcing his attention. He met the woman's gaze and could see the concern swimming in her golden orbs.

Naruto was tempted to assuage the woman's worries but thought better of it. He really just wanted to leave the room and head back to his personal quarters. Manifesting those old memories of his home and old friends cut deeper than he'd initially expected.

The teen merely offered a sad smile as he shrugged his shoulders, prompting the woman to give an understanding nod. Yasaka rubbed his hand tenderly before subtly gesturing for him to leave the room.

Naruto offered the woman a thankful smile as he gently grasped her hand, caressing the back of her hand with his thumb. After doing so, he stood to his feet before placing his hands into the pockets of his hoodie and leaving the room without another word, ignoring the whispers from the various Yokai.

After leaving the Council Chambers, Naruto slowly trudged his way through the large compound. He offered halfhearted nods and greetings to each Yokai he passed as he continued to think of his home.

He missed Konoha. The weather... The atmosphere. The smell...

Naruto's eyes were downcast as he stepped through the door of his personal quarters. Darkness greeted him as he stood at the entrance, hands returning to the pockets of his hoodie.

The nostalgia of opening his door to the black of his home resurfaced in his mind.

No one to welcome him home.

No aroma of delicious, home cooked meals from a loving mother.

No boisterous greeting from said woman.

No gentle greeting from a father.

It was just dark and quiet.

So similar to his old home.

The teen glanced around the dark room, easily scanning the large compound and making out the shapes of furniture and other necessities he owned.

Naruto stood at the entrance for another few seconds before shaking his head quietly and eventually walking away, leaving the door to his compound open.


Yasaka bid her Council goodnight, seeing each Yokai off individually. She was seated quietly for several seconds before sighing quietly and rubbing her eyes tiredly. The woman exhaled heavily for a moment before standing to her feet and exiting the room several minutes later.

The Yokai Leader made her way through the large compound, greeting each and every Yokai that passed by her. Several minutes passed by as she continued her journey to Naruto's personal quarters.

Upon reaching the teen's personal compound, a small frown made its way to her face.

Why was his door open?

The woman reached the entrance of the boy's home, gazing into the darkness of his quarters with furrowed brows.

"Naruto?" She called out quietly, hands resting upon the entrance to his home. "Are you here?"

She waited a couple of seconds for a response before spreading her senses outwards. She blinked in confusion when she sensed the boy on the opposite side of the compound.

The beautiful Yokai closed Naruto's door before disappearing in a burst of speed, heading towards Naruto's position.

It took the woman a minute or so for her to reach Naruto's position. Her head tilted upwards, spotting the blond haired teen sitting upon the top of one of the various towers in the compound.

Yasaka bent her knees before jumping towards the tower, silently landing on the platform with little trouble. Her golden orbs stared at the boy's back for a few moments before she began to make her way towards him. Her sandals quietly clacked upon the wooden platform as she sauntered towards the boy's situation.

The Yokai leader reached the boy's seated position before she plopped down beside him, close enough to touch with little issue but far enough for the boy to have his own personal space.

A gentle breeze swept through the area, ruffling her hair. Yasaka resisted the urge to shiver as the cold bit through her clothes.

The rustling of clothes drew her attention to her companion, noticing that the boy's hoodie was being pulled over his head. A gentle smile frames her face as the boy offered his hoodie to her. Yasaka nodded her head gratefully before pulling the larger hoodie over her body, shielding her from the cold.

No words were spoken between the two as they basked in the silence of each other's presence. Usually Yasaka would strike up a conversation but at this moment she was content with the silence.

She knew that something was bothering him. But she'd prefer if the boy voiced it himself.

The minutes continued to pass in silence as Naruto's eyes were drawn to the full moon in the darkened sky. His fingers idly traced the various grooves in the wood as he contemplated something to say.

Sighing quietly to himself, Naruto's left hand came to the back of his neck as he spoke quietly. "It's a... It's a nice night, huh?"

Well, that was rather lame wasn't it?

Yasaka's eyes cut to the boy for a moment before returning to the darkened sky, illuminated by the thousands of stars in the sky.

"It is rather beautiful, no?" Yasaka agreed with a small smile.

The Juubi Jinchuuriki placed his hand back at his side, gripping the edge of the platform. "So, how was the meeting? Anything important happen after I left?"

The woman sighed quietly as she shook her head, tails idly swaying to and fro. "Not particularly, no. Though, plenty of questions about your sudden disappearance..."

Naruto glances at the Kyuubi for a moment before averting his gaze and staring at the various compounds and homes below him. He contemplated his words for a few seconds before shrugging quietly.

"Just... got lost in my head." He shook his head as if trying to convince himself. "I'm fine now."

"I don't think so." Yasaka quietly disagreed. When the boy's gaze fell upon her, she continued. "You've been distressed recently... You wear your emotions on your sleeve, Naruto. Are you doing well mentally?"

Golden orbs met cerulean as both blondes stared into each other's eyes. They maintained contact for nearly an entire minute before Naruto abruptly averted his gaze.

"Uhh... No, not really." He finally spoke, tone quiet and despondent. "I miss my home... And my friends." His eyes narrowed sadly as he dipped his head. "I had thought that I came to terms with it a long time ago but..." Trailing off silently, Naruto sighed quietly.

"When Sasuke and I failed to reverse the Jutsu, I continued to hold onto hope. Desperately believing that one day we'd find a way to save everyone." A bitter laugh escaped the teen as his hands gripped the wood beneath him tightly. "Six months of anger, sadness, and hope... If it wasn't one thing it was another. I fought with Sasuke and placed the blame on him, trying to convince myself that what had happened wasn't my fault."

"I blamed myself... Even if it was completely unnecessary and totally out of my control. I thought that if I had handled things differently then the Elemental Nations would still be here..." Naruto shook his head as he closed his eyes. "Everything that happened was out of my control and I know this but I just can't accept it. I'm angry every single day... But what does being angry solve? It does nothing for me but is it wrong of me though? To feel this anger?"

Naruto's fingernails dug into the wood, carving the hardened material as he glared out into the distance. "I saved my world... I defeated a fucking Goddess! I defeated Sasuke and practically forced him to turn a new leaf! And then I still..." His voice cracked as his emotions began to overwhelm him. Tears built in his eyes and he grit his teeth, nearly cracking his molars. "I still get punished! I sacrificed my LIFE for the world and what do I get in return?!"

Naruto's hands crushed the wood beneath him, rendering the material to dust. His fists clenched tightly as dust particles slipped through his fingers.

"Everyone I've ever loved and held dear to my heart... They're gone. My world ceased to exist and with it, my dreams." His tone was full of venom as he stared at nothing in particular. "I was cursed at birth and even now it seems that no matter how hard I try, I always end up losing!"

The silence afterwards was deafening. Naruto belatedly realized that he was panting heavily. He closed his eyes, willing his anger away.

He nearly jumped as Yasaka's hand made purchase against his own. The woman's fingers threaded through his own as she clenched her hand shut, his own following suit.

"I can't begin to even understand the pain you feel Naruto..." She spoke softly, forcing the boy's gaze upon her. Her golden orbs met his blue ones as she squeezed his hand. "There is nothing wrong with being angry... No one can fault you for it. You've suffered so much and a lesser man would have crumbled. You're strong, Naruto."

Yasaka squeezed the boy's hand once more before leaning her head on the boy's shoulder. "I might not understand your pain but my ear is always open... I'll be here for you. I promise you that."

Naruto stares down at the woman, words failing to form for several long seconds. Eventually he settled on accepting her words and closed his eyes, leaning his own head atop the woman's.

A stray tear slowly crept its way down Naruto's face as he squeezed Yasaka's hand.

The Elemental Nations may be gone... And with it, the memories of his friends and loved ones... But he had never given up before and he'd not do so now. He would forever cherish his loved ones and his home but Japan was his home now... He couldn't give up now.

Not when he had something to truly fight for and protect again.

Naruto squeezed Yasaka's hand tightly one last time, silently vowing to protect her and his new home.


Sakura's eyes abruptly snapped open, body shooting straight up to a sitting position. Sweat cascaded down her body as her chest rose and fell with reckless abandon.

Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion when she noticed the area she was in. An endless plain of land stretched before her and seemed to travel as far as her eyes could see. She blinked several times at the sight before glancing towards the sky.

A frown framed her face as she stared out into the sky. Instead of a regular looking sky she was greeted to the sight of a purplish-blue sky. There were several blotches of various other colors in the sky and the longer she looked, the stranger it got.

"What...? Where the hell am I?" She questioned quietly to herself, not expecting a response.

"We are in your mind... Atleast I believe that to be the case."

What she didn't expect was a response, let alone one that carried such a deep baritone.

The Medic turned towards the voice before her eyes widened to saucers. "That... is a big dragon..."

Standing, or rather hovering, behind her was a gargantuan red dragon with a long neck and dark, green eyes not unlike her own. Various red and golden spikes jutted outwards from the dragon's body.

That... That's a dragon.

What in the fuck was happening?!

"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!" Sakura screamed out while adopting a fighter's stance. Her Chakra proceeded to explode outwards as her seal released, saturating the area with her power. Several dark seals stretched along her body, giving her an exotic look as she adopted a fierce expression.

If this dragon wanted a fight then she'd give it one, regardless of how strong it was. Momma didn't raise no bitch...

Well, she technically did but semantics weren't important right now.

It was fight time now baby!

The giant dragon stared down at Sakura, green eyes sizing the woman up before a deep rumbling noise emitted from its body. Sakura tilted her head with narrowed eyes before speaking.

"Are you... You're laughing at me aren't you?!" The girl's eyebrow twitched as she yelled out. "STOP LAUGHING AT ME! I'LL BEAT YOUR ASS!"

The red dragon seemed to only laugh louder at the pink haired Medic. It threw its giant head backwards, puffing out its body even more as it responded.

"I like you! I think we'll get along just fine, partner!"

The words brought Sakura up short. Her face contorted in confusion before she tilted her head. "Partner...?" She questioned confusingly. "What are you talking about? Who even are you?! And what the hell are doing in my mind?"

The giant dragon paused for a moment before it slowly dropped to the ground, shaking the land as it did so. Its wings unfurled for a moment, enlarging the beast for a moment before it placed its appendages on the ground.

"Where are my manners? I have many names child... I am one of the Two Heavenly Dragons, Ddraig. Though, most of this world knows me as the Welsh Dragon. I have also gone by Y Ddraig Goch and the Red Dragon Emperor. I despise being called the Red Dragon Emperor of Domination, though."

Sakura blinked several times at the introduction before her eyes widened greatly. "Wait a minute! You're the dragon in the 'Boosted Gauntlet'?!" She exclaimed in surprise.

Ddraig proceeded to nod its giant head at the question. "I am indeed that dragon..." It trailed off silently, emerald orbs staring directly into Sakura's own.

The Medic was silent for a few moments before deactivating her seal and loosening her stance. "Uhh... My name's Sakura Haruno... It's nice to... to meet you?" She questioned rather than stated, still confused as to why the Boosted Gauntlet Dragon was in her head.

If this was a dream, she'd very much like to wake up now.

"Likewise, partner." The dragon responded simply, nodding its large head.

Sakura opened her mouth to speak before abruptly closing it. She was silent for several moments before exhaling heavily and hanging her head.

"I have a Sacred Gear now, don't I?"

"That is correct, partner." Ddraig affirmed.

Sakura sighed heavily once more before rubbing her eyes with her index and thumb. "That kid I saved... He possessed a Sacred Gear didn't he?"

"Correct."

"And that Sacred Gear was you?"

"You are very intelligent."

Sakura was half tempted to throw a punch at the dragon. She couldn't tell if it was being a smart ass or not.

The Medic continued to rub her eyes before rolling her neck, popping the joints. She rubbed her face with both hands as she took in the information she had, what little of it she possessed at least.

"I need a fucking drink."


"Where are we going, Papa?" Nine fluffy tails idly swayed back and forth as Kunou stared up at Naruto, an adorable smile painted on her face.

Papa...

He still wasn't quite used to that word yet. It carried such a... foreboding feel to it. And he didn't truly know why either.

He never had a father growing up and taking the role as one, especially at such a young age, was daunting and quite terrifying.

Pushing those negative thoughts and fears to the back of his mind, Naruto offered the girl a small smile. "We are going to do a little shopping... Yasaka tells me you need supplies for your school work?"

He knew that the woman could have had a servant do this but she was certainly pushing that father role unto him.

Not that he minded or anything... Kunou was a precious little thing and he'd protect her.

The 12 year old scrunched up her face at the mention of school. "Blegh... School isn't fun..."

Naruto wholeheartedly agreed with that sentiment. He had hated the academy growing up and most of it stemmed from the neglect he received and the actual sabotaging of his academic learning.

Nodding his head and holding his hand out for the girl to grab, he replied. "I didn't like school either but it's important Kunou-chan." When the girl groaned quietly, he chuckled lightly. "Tell you what, if you ace your project then I'll treat you to ice cream. How does that sound?"

Kunou's golden eyes practically shone like the sun as she jumped up and down, tails flailing about in an excited manner. "You promise?!"

Naruto gripped the girl's smaller hand in his larger one before replying with a small smile. "Pinky promise." His other hand rose towards the girl as he stuck out his digit for the girl to reciprocate said action.

"You're the best, papa!" She exclaimed happily, locking her own pinky around his.

Naruto's cerulean orbs softened as he stared at the young Kyuubi. A warm feeling spread throughout his body as the girl proceeded to hug him.

He may have his reservations about that particular term and the role needed to fulfill it but... He'd do his damnedest to be the father that he never had.

Squeezing the girl's hand in his own, he turned towards the large gates of Yasaka's compound. "Onward!" He shouted with a large smile that was mimicked by the adorable Kyuubi at his side.

"Yaaaaaaaay~!"


Marcus Black was not a good man. Such was the life of a cruel and accomplished assassin. He had slain thousands and walked upon mountains of corpses to get to where he was at.

Armed with a unique and heavily coveted power, he was a dangerous individual to fight against. Even moreso when money was on the line.

He had crossed his suppliers plenty of times and cared not for the bodies that lay at his feet.

Killing was a skill. One that he was intimate with.

Marcus had grew up in the mud. From a young, starving child to a conniving, evil man. He had been born and raised in sin.

He had drew his first blood at the tender age of 7 and had swam through an ocean of blood following his upbringing.

Instinct.

Brutality.

Cruelness.

Paranoia.

They all mixed together to create the abomination that walked through the streets of Kyoto. Beady eyes swept through the crowds of unknowing humans and ignorant Yokai.

Marcus Black was an assassin. One that enjoyed his job wholeheartedly. The rush of a kill was matched by no other high. The more high profile the target, the better the high.

Marcus adjusted his black vest, right hand gliding over one of his various pockets and pulling out a retractable knife. The man unfurled the unique looking blade, spinning it through his fingers before retracting it.

High profile targets generated quite the amount of money. And while he cared little for the materialistic things in life, he knew that money talked.

So when a document landed upon his doorstep with the image a young Yokai who possessed 9 fox tails, who was he to pass up the chance to kill off one of the Yokai Faction Leaders' daughter?

The young Kyuubi's protection detail had been relatively lax as of lately and Marcus cared little as to why that was the case.

He was Marcus Black. One of the most ruthless and well known Assassins to exist in the United States. What would a couple of second rate Yokai do to him?

His power nullified others and each individual he killed with a unique power was harvested as his own. With a sea of bodies at his feet, he had collected a plethora of useful and powerful abilities.

The white haired assassin weaved through the crowds of people and Yokai alike with little issue, his presence practically non-existent. His beady eyes locked onto the tiny Kyuubi Yokai as she walked hand in hand with a blond man that possessed whiskers upon his cheeks.

Had Yasaka's husband finally returned? The lad seemed to be on the younger side though...

Marcus thought nothing of it as the blond man led the younger girl into a store. The assassin stared at the entrance before completely disappearing from sight, his presence vanishing completely.

The man followed after the duo, weaving his way around the lingering bystanders. He watched as the blond man rummaged through various isles, hand in hand with the young girl, searching for specific objects.

Marcus flicked his trusty knife into his hand as he slowly stalked towards the young Kyuubi. His beady eyes narrowed on the girl as he took slow and measured steps towards her.

It would be a relatively simple kill.

A clean cut through the girl's throat and she'd be dead within seconds.

Marcus could just imagine the look of despair and pain upon Yasaka's face as she heard the news of her daughter's gruesome death.

The assassin silently crept up to the girl's position completely undetected. His wrist rotated and his arm shot out towards the girl's throat, intent on gouging through the flesh.

Many things happened during that single second.

The first was the fact that his knife didn't cut through flesh.

The second was the ironclad grip that prevented him from moving.

The third was the blank look that he was receiving from the blond man, despite having completely erased his presence.

How?

"Oi..." The blond man spoke in a blank tone as his hand squeezed Marcus's arm tightly, producing a disgusting crunching noise as the man's bones were viciously grinded together. "What do you think you're doing?"

Marcus withheld the urge to grunt in pain as the man's grip increased nearly tenfold. He immediately tried to pull away but was shocked when his arm was wrenched out of its socket. A grotesque popping sound filled the air as he stumbled backwards.

"Fuck!" He eventually swore in pain, his form shimmering brightly before reappearing for all to see.

Marcus's ebony eyes finally deigned to rise towards the blond man and when they centered on the man's eyes...

"What... What is this... feeling?"

Vermillion, slitted pupils stared into the confines of Marcus's very soul.

Emotions that Marcus had thought he had killed and buried long ago resurfaced with a vengeance, spreading through his veins like liquid fire.

The assassin's adrenaline surged as his fight or flight activated. And right now?

Flight!

He needed to get away! Away from this monster!

He'd be killed!

Nononono!

Marcus tried to pull away once more and before he could even hope to move his foot, he was rooted in place by the man's Chakra.

A mountain proceeded to drop atop his shoulders, leaving him gasping and struggling to breathe. Marcus was forced to kneel as the monster before him tilted his head.

The scenery around them changed in an instant. No longer were they in the store. Yasaka's child was no where to be found as he was alone with the monster before him.

Marcus' eyes widened in fear as a gargantuan shadow proceeded to loom over the blond man. It's towering form flickered for a brief moment and Marcus glimpsed matted, red fur.

"What do we have here?"

A booming voice resounded through the pitch black chamber as the water beneath his feet swayed back and forth violently.

Marcus' eyes moved away from the blond monster in front of him before practically freezing at the sight of the looming beast in front of him.

Twin orbs of scarlet stared down at him, framed by a mountain sized head. Dozens upon dozens of rows of serrated teeth sat in the creatures mouth, it's face pulled back in a terrifying snarl.

Marcus' blood ran cold as the titanic beast continued to stroll towards his position, it's lumbering movement causing vicious tremors to shake the area. With each step the beast took was another step that cemented Marcus' doom.

"I've... I've made an egregious mistake! I need to escape!"

With those thoughts circulating through his core, Marcus jumped to his feet before fleeing from the man and beast as fast as he could.

"Gotta get away! Gotta run! Can't look back!"

"Run little pig! Run! RUN! RUN LIKE THE VERMIN YOU ARE!" The Titanic 9 Tailed Fox roared loudly, shaking the area. "YOU CAN'T ESCAPE!" The beast proceeded to cackle, its menacing voice reverberating off the walls of the sewer.

"I WILL FIND YOU MARCUS BLACK! AND WHEN I DO... I WILL FLAY YOUR SKIN FROM YOUR BONES! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Marcus ignored the beasts' words as desperation and fear surged through his body. Survival was the only thing on his mind. He had to get out! He had to leave!

Little did Marcus know...

He was already dead.

AN: EZ Chappy doneso.