AN: Here's the chappy. I don't got anything to say. Enjoy or whatever. Eat a dick.

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Disclaimer : NF ft. Tech N9ne - Trust


"Papa...?"

Naruto's crimson orbs traveled away from the comatose assassin before settling on the little Kyuubi. His eyebrows furrowed in slight confusion when Kunou's head tilted in a curious manner.

"Your eyes are red..." She replied in a simplistic manner. "They look nice."

His eyes were red?

Ahh... Kurama must have been angry. It had been an awfully long time since Kurama's influence had been allowed to bleed through.

"I'm angry?" The beast snorted derisively. "Look in the mirror, mongrel."

"Shut up." He responded childishly.

The blond Jinchuuriki closed his eyes for the briefest moments before slowly opening them and fixating a smile on his face.

It was an incredibly strained smile and Naruto was having a rather tough time trying to control his growing bloodlust. Kurama's Chakra was practically bubbling at the surface.

"Thank you, Kunou-chan." He responded stiffly as a shadow clone popped into existence beside him. "I have something that I need to handle now... It'll be quick so don't give me that look."

Kunou's frown only grew deeper as the shadow clone gently took her hand before leading her away. "I don't wanna..."

The shadow clone, wisely, interjected with a smile. "Do you want ice cream?"

"YES!" The little Kyuubi responded almost instantaneously.

"Then let's get some ice cream." The doppelganger responded simply with a smile. It's eyes left the girl for all but a few seconds, zeroing in on its creator and nodding its head.

Naruto watched his shadow clone lead the little Yokai out of the store. When he was certain that they were gone, his attention shifted towards the assassin as his eyes bled red once more.

"Let's talk." Naruto's right hand descended upon the man's throat as red chakra sprang to life on his appendage. The two men proceeded to disappear in a yellow flash.


Sasuke's bottom lip twitched for a moment, concentration lapsing for the briefest of seconds as the feeling of Naruto's Chakra washed over Kyoto.

It was brief, fleeting even. But it had most certainly happened. A disturbing feeling if he was being honest.

Naruto seldomly allowed himself to get angry. Even less so, allowing his anger to consume him. He'd only felt the boy's true wrath a handful of times. Sasuke could literally count the number of times Naruto allowed his anger to control him on one hand.

Something was clearly wrong.

Sasuke released a quiet sigh as his eyes slowly opened. His gaze slowly traveled towards his female companion, who was currently seated with her hands on her knees, before speaking.

"Expect company."

Kuroka's nose twitched cutely as she tilted her head, cat ears twitching towards the sound of his voice.

The Nekoshou slowly opened her eyes with a confused gaze, practically asking why.

"Someone is... angry." Sasuke mentioned rather than explained. "You have not formally met Naruto, have you?"

Kuroka's legs slowly unfurled from beneath her, knees popping quietly due to the position they'd been in for the past several hours.

"Oooooh~! I finally get to meet your best friend, Nya?" She questioned rather excitedly, tails swaying side to side in an exaggerated manner.

Sasuke said nothing but dipped his head in agreement.

"Why is he co-"

Whatever Kuroka was about to say was cut off as the individual they had been speaking about appeared before their very eyes.

And with his appearance followed the weight of his Chakra. A Chakra so heavy and angry that Kuroka nearly gagged on the spot.

Vile, disgusting and angry.

Hatred multiplied on a scale that would make a Devil green with Envy.

Kuroka stared at the man with something akin to fear. Eyes wide in horror, the man's eyes practically peered into her very soul.

This... This was Naruto?

The man that Sasuke had told her about?!

This was no man...

His animalistic eyes traveled towards her and Kuroka felt her heart practically stop. Caught in the gaze of an apex predator with nowhere to run.

She truly believed that she was going to die...

Until he spoke, that is.

"Ahh..." He spoke with what appeared to be an apologetic expression on his face, though it was hard to tell due to the animalistic features upon his face. "I'm sorry... I'm a little angry right now."

The blond teen closed his eyes and the transition was instant. The all encompassing anger and rage disappeared, smothered by a calming and relaxing aura. His animalistic features tapered off and in its place was a rather normal, albeit handsome face with cute whiskers.

"Who is that?" Sasuke questioned with narrowed eyes, dual orbs focusing on the catatonic man lying on the floor.

Kuroka blinked several times as her eyes shifted towards the man in question. She hadn't even noticed that! What the hell?!

Granted, she did believe that she was about to be killed one could forgive her.

Naruto glanced at his friend before nudging the comatose assassin with his feet. "This is an assassin who's currently feeling the wrath of Kurama." A harsh kick to the ribs flipped the man over, revealing his unassuming features. "His target was Kunou."

The Uchiha took a single cursory glance at the assassin, ignoring Kuroka's curious gaze and spoke with a raised eyebrow.

"And you want answers."

A single nod was Naruto's response.

Sasuke sighed quietly before slowly rising to his feet and gesturing for Kuroka to do the same. "I'll handle it. And in the mean time... Go be useful somewhere else and calm down. Everyone felt your anger."

Naruto's eyes narrowed at his friend, watching as the Uchiha grasped the assassin by his collar, dragging him along the floor and into one of the various rooms of his apartment.

"So, you're this 'Naruto' I keep hearing about, Nya~."

Cerulean orbs shifted to the Cat Yokai in the room, assessing the woman with a calculative expression.

Several seconds of silence reigned in the room before Naruto offered the girl a smile. "You're a good influence on the prick."

The snort of laughter that escaped Kuroka caused Naruto's smile to grow more genuine.

"Oh wow. I was not expecting that." Another giggle left the Nekoshou as she continued. "It is nice to meet you, Uzumaki-kun. Sasuke-kun has told me a lot about you."

The tension in Naruto's shoulders began to slowly evaporate as he raised at an eyebrow at the woman. "Just call me Naruto please. No need for formalities... And I can only assume that you are the infamous rogue Devil Yokai - Kuroka."

The Yokai sketched a rather amused now, left arm flourishing as she did so. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Well..." A pause. "It was nice meeting you, Kuroka. I'm going to speak with Yasaka... I'll be seeing you around."

The Nekoshou's expression wavered for a moment before Kuroka offered a simple nod and goodbye.

Naruto nodded his head in acknowledgement before glancing towards the room that Sasuke taken Marcus to. His expression slowly shifted, becoming something ugly as he began to make his way out of the room.

Whoever sent that man...

Would regret it.


Sakura awoke with a small gasp, sweat dripping down her face as her heart thundered furiously in her chest.

"Tuna."

The medic subconsciously reacted to the voice and lashed out with a fist. Her fist was dodged, if only barely, by the man who had spoken.

"Tuna Mayonnaise!" The high collared man spouted as he backed a few feet away from the woman.

Sakura's emerald orbs slowly focused as she glanced around the room. Her eyes briefly scrutinized the white haired man before darting around the rather spartan room.

What happened?

A brief spike of pain emanated from her head forcing her eyes closed. Chakra surged in her hands, a green glow illuminating the rather dark room as she placed her fingers on her temples.

As she massaged her temples, several memories began floating towards her.

A barrier like dome.

Some bat-winged cosplaying hooker with a light spear.

A dead teenager.

And a ginormous Red Dragon.

Ahh yes... It was all coming back to her...

...

"I need a drink." A quiet groan passed through her lips as her headache dulled to a minor throb. A sigh and then, "Thank you, Inumaki-san."

The whited haired man gestured lazily with his hand before pulling a piece of paper out of his front pocket and handing it to her.

Sakura's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as her eyes slowly roamed along the parchment. Why...?

Odd...

Emerald orbs rose from the parchment, centering on the young man before her. "How long have you been scouting Kuoh?"

Toge shrugged his shoulders, signing with his hands on the exact amount of days he'd been stationed in Kuoh.

'Three months.'

"Three months?" At his nod Sakura glanced back down at the paper. "And you're absolutely positive about this?"

Toge nodded his head firmly followed by a single word. "Tuna."

Sakura pursed her lips before glancing back towards the man. "Why didn't you inform your superior? Or even make contact with Yasaka-sama?"

Sakura was bemused to see a splotch of red take over the boy's cheeks. As if embarrassed by the question, Toge signed slowly with his hands.

'I... I forgot... Yuji-kun and his team are busy searching for the remaining artifacts and Maki-san and Panda are in Tokyo following a lead... I've been swamped with work.'

The medic snorted quietly as she folded the paper up and placed it in her pocket. "Well then, I'll relieve you of your duty. Make sure that Yasaka-sama is informed about what you've found. It isn't a coincidence that those Fallen Angels are here..."

The white haired teen saluted the medic before tilting his head and signing a question.

'Are you going to be okay?'

Sakura smiled at the boy's concern as she answered. "I'll be fine, Inumaki-san. Just know that the Shinto Pantheon has both of the Heavenly Dragons in their possession now." A smirk overtook her features as Toge's eyes widened in surprise.

'We have Divine Dividing and the Boosted Gear...?' At Sakura's nod the boy tilted his head, slowly signing with his hand. 'You... have one?'

Sakura winked in response.

Toge said nothing in response, too shocked by the revelation that the Yokai Faction, and by proxy the Shinto Pantheon, now was in possession of two of the strongest Sacred Gears in existence... And one of them was right here in front of him!

"Don't you have a report to give?" Sakura asked in an amused tone. "Get moving Inumaki-kun."

A dash of red spread through the boy's features as he bid a farewell to his superior. 'Hai! I'll be seeing you around Sakura-sama!'

Toge disappeared in a burst of speed before Sakura could even hope to curb his formal title.

"Why does everyone call me that?"

"Your leader holds you and your team in high regards does she not? You should get used to it, partner."

"Quiet you overgrown lizard..."


A small frown marred Sasuke's face as his Mangekyou Sharingan slowly deactivated. His ebony orb regarded the catatonic assassin with a minor look of disdain.

This information was... annoying. Whether it was true or not was up for debate but it was most certainly going to cause trouble in Yasaka's inner circle.

Again, it mattered little if the information he extracted from Marcus was true or not. The fact he had been paid to eliminate Yasaka's daughter was troubling in itself.

One does not callously order such actions nor would one do so without covering their tracks.

Except... It had happened.

Marcus has been contracted with the sole purpose of eliminating Kunou. He had been paid a hefty amount to do so as well.

Nearly 50 million USD to do so...

That single fact was already out of the ordinary considering Marcus Black was an infamous assassin in the Euro-Asian areas of the world. It wasn't completely out of the ordinary considering the fact that the man himself was American and it would only be normal that his payment be dealt in American currency.

But it merited suspicion due to the fact that Marcus hadn't actually stepped into U.S soil for the last 5 years. He had been in Tokyo the last 2 years, completing various contracts and missions. Three years before that he had been in Russia, going undercover shadowing over various factions that were causing trouble and eliminating some big fish while he was at it.

Odd... Odd indeed.

Disregarding the currency as something merely being coincidental, which Sasuke disbelieved in regardless due to his tenure as a Shinobi, an actual name had been given from his contract. A name that was very familiar all things considered.

Yuijo Suzume.

The Tokyo billionaire that Kakashi had assassinated a week or so ago. He had unknowingly trafficked two young Yokai's whoso happened to be related to one of Yasaka's inner council members.

Now, why was it odd?

Well, dead men tell no tales. Yuijo was a man that had been unaware of the Supernatural World. Whether that statement was true or not really didn't matter due.

Why? Because as far as Kakashi was concerned, Yuijo only delt with drug trafficking and prostitution. And Sasuke wholeheartedly believed in Kakashi's information gathering skills so that was a mute point. The billionaire man had never dipped his toes in the assassination business and that's what truly stood out for Sasuke.

A billionaire he was but a moron he was not. The Hitman business was a tricky and dangerous business. One does not meddle with vipers and cobras and expect to not be bitten.

So that begged the question...

Why would Yuijo, if he had even done so, target Yasaka's child? A woman who he had little to zero knowledge of. A woman that would have flown completely under Yuijo's radar.

Moreso, how would Yuijo have known that Yasaka had a child to begin with? How would he have known that Kunou's bodyguards had been slowly relieved of their duty due to Naruto's sudden appearance?

It wasn't like Yasaka was a celebrity, flaunting her image and plastering it on billboards for all to see. The woman preferred to keep to herself and while she treated the entirety of the Yokai Faction as her own family, it had always felt like she kept them at arms reach.

Which didn't surprise Sasuke all that much considering how politics worked. Nasty business and whatnot.

Nothing added up and it only pointed to someone being careless and not bothering to cover their tracks. Had he not been a Shinobi with years of training in subterfuge, he'd have merely glanced over this small fact, assuming Yuijo was wealthy enough and had enough pull in Japan to be aware of the Supernatural.

It wasn't completely unheard of for wealthy and influential billionaires to be aware of the Supernatural World. Individuals such as Bill Gates and Elon Musk were of the few individuals with this knowledge.

Atleast those were the ones that Sasuke was aware of. But that was neither here nor there. It was obvious, not really, that something was wrong.

And Sasuke was just going to assume that someone close to Yasaka had ordered the hit.

After all, how else would an infamous Assassin breach through Kyoto's barrier without alerting the dozens of Yokai that monitored the signatures of individuals coming in and out of the city?

The Yokai Barrier team was incredibly meticulous and considering that Naruto had offered his help in making the barrier even stronger just led credence to his belief that someone close to Yasaka was the culprit.

A low sigh escaped Sasuke as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. Naruto was not going to take this information well.

Sasuke pulsed his Chakra in a familiar pattern, alerting Naruto that he was ready to speak to him. Before the teen could even react, Naruto seemed to just appear at his side.

Even after having seen the boy and his father use the technique, Sasuke was still unnerved by the Hiraishin. Naruto could have attacked him and he'd be defenseless against it.

It was just too fast to even react to. Even Madara had fell victim to the Hiraishin's instantaneous travel and that man had had every Bijuu in his body.

Ignoring the instinct and urge to attack Naruto purely off of reflex, Sasuke turned his head to stare at his friend.

"You might want to sit down."

The ground beneath Naruto's feet lurched as a makeshift dune of mud and soil formed under him. The Jinchuuriki slowly sat down on the mud wall, ignoring Sasuke's annoyed expression.

"Annoying prick." Sasuke muttered quietly, knowing well that Naruto had heard him. "I've come to my own conclusion regarding why Kunou was targeted... And you won't like it."

Naruto said nothing, only raising his eyebrow in acknowledgement.

"There's a rat in that circle."

Sasuke noted that Naruto's features tightened. Nothing more, nothing less. That... wasn't necessarily the reaction he had been expecting.

Naruto wore his emotions on his sleeve. He was very in tune with his emotions and was normally incredibly easy to read.

"Do you have any clues as to who?" Naruto questioned quietly, eyes firmly fixated on Marcus' unconscious body.

"None."

Naruto pursed his lips for a moment, eyes briefly bleeding crimson. "...I'll be handling it." The blond teen slowly fell from atop his mud-wall, landing softly beside Sasuke. "Anything else?" He asked quietly.

Sasuke was tempted to question why his friend was behaving differently but chose better. This was the first time he was seeing this side of Naruto. Sasuke doubted that Naruto wasn't angry. He knew his friend and knew him well.

"Other then locations, various targets and other smaller contracts... No."

The Jinchuuriki nodded his head before taking a step towards Marcus' unconscious body. He stared at the comatose man before slowly raising his right hand and extending his index finger.

Red viscous Chakra slowly bubbled along Naruto's arm, traveling towards his index finger. The Chakra engulfed his appendage causing his fingernails to sharpen and extend in length.

Sasuke had yet to actually see Naruto kill someone. For as long as he knew the boy, he had never heard of or seen the boy take a life. Sasuke assumed that Naruto hadn't the stomach or will to commit such a heinous act.

He was proven wrong nearly a second later as Naruto's index finger pierced Marcus' forehead, sinking deep into his skull with a wet squelching sound.


Kakashi observed the individuals in Yasaka's Council Chambers with a disinterested gaze. His trusty (new), Hentai Manga was clutched in his left hand, erotic scenes ignored for the time being.

Rarely would he ever choose to ignore his erotica but this was important. Sasuke had deduced the perpetrator behind Marcus' contract. Well, not necessarily but close enough.

According to Sasuke, Naruto was going to 'handle' it. Which could mean a plethora of things. Sasuke had informed him that his favorite troublemaker had finally taken a life.

It honestly surprised Kakashi. Naruto had never verbally stated his disposition on those who take lives, they were Shinobi after all, but he had also never done the deed himself.

One could argue that Naruto had killed Kakazu... But they'd be wrong considering he himself had ended Kakazu after the man had been severely injured by Naruto's imperfect Rasenshuriken.

White Zetsu didn't necessarily count even if they had been human at one point though that was a debate all in itself.

Naruto had never truly taken a human life during his tenure as a Shinobi, choosing instead to use his words to his advantage. Force was obviously used when needed, like Obito and Pein for example, but he hadn't killed those men either.

His student had finally taken a life... A measure of pride and guilt tugged at Kakashi's heart due to it. He was proud that Naruto was capable of a more direct approach to those who would harm the people he cares about but...

Naruto was like a little brother to Kakashi. He heavily slacked on his duties as a teacher and that blame was placed firmly on his shoulders but it still didn't feel right to him.

A low sigh escaped Kakashi as his eyes stared at his Manga, ignoring the erotic scenes due to his thoughts.

His feelings didn't matter because at the end of the day Naruto would do what he believed was right and make no mistake, Naruto was a good kid with a good head on his shoulders. Kakashi would follow Naruto to hell and back and all the boy would have to do was ask... But as the boy's self-imposed big brother, Kakashi would have a chat with the boy when this was all over.

Talking a human life was not something anyone could do.

The minutes continued to drift on as Kakashi lost himself to his thoughts. The minutes turned into an hour as the room slowly filled with Yasaka's inner council members. Naruto had requested his presence in the room and Kakashi had an inkling as to what his troublemaking student would do.

After another 30 or so minutes, Naruto entered the room with Yasaka only half a step behind. Unlike other times when they'd enter the room with one another, Naruto was leading Yasaka instead of the other way around.

Peculiar but not outlandish.

The room quieted as each individual took their seats, backs straight and eyes focused on Yasaka along with Naruto.

Kakashi's ebony orbs swept through the room, focusing on each individual and searching for any microexpressions and or subtle twitches.

Finding nothing that would incriminate and or pinpoint the rat in the room, Kakashi pocketed his book and stood to his full height.

"As you may or may not know, several hours ago my daughter was targeted by an Assassin." Yasaka stated firmly, slowly taking a seat towards the end of the table. "The attempt failed and the Assassin has been dealt with."

Silence greeted her statement. Not entirely surprising considering what had happened. Some were shocked to find out and others seemed concerned.

"I am no stranger to this game myself... But my child was targeted." The woman's face tightened angrily, sharp teeth barring for the briefest of moments as she locked eyes with every single individual in the room. "I have been nothing but patient and kind during my tenure as a Yokai Faction Leader. I put the need of my people ahead of my own ambitions. Of my own feelings. Of my own time."

Yasaka's right hand slowly descended upon the mahogany table, fingernails tapping rhythmically against the aged wood.

"I am disgusted by the actions of those who would wish to hurt me, targeting my own child... My own flesh and blood!" She snarled angrily as her chakra shook the room, voice raising several octaves. "And the one responsible is seated in this very room!"

Following her outburst was her fist descending directly through the table, shattering it like glass. Wood chippings exploded throughout the room followed by several exclamations of surprise and shock.

"Silence!" Yasaka roared angrily, golden tails swaying erratically in the air. "The coward who would betray my trust and target the one thing I love more than anything will pay!"

The Kyuubi stood to her feet, Chakra weighing down each individual in the room as she exerted her presence.

"I shall give you one chance to admit to your treachery! Your punishment will be lenient if you come forth and expose yourself!"

Silence... Whether that be out of fear, shock, and or guilt was up in the air.

After several seconds of silence the Yokai Leader snarled angrily.

"Have it your way then..." Turning her head towards Naruto, she gestured quietly. "You may begin, Naruto."

The aforementioned teen glanced towards the irate woman, offering her a brief nod. Cerulean orbs met Kakashi's ebony orbs and a silent message was conveyed. One that Kakashi instantly understood.

The Jonin's gloved hand made contact with the wall behind him. A brief flare of Chakra alerted everyone to Kakashi. When the room's occupants turned their attention on the man they were surprised to see several Kanji and what looked like a barrier seal spread throughout the room.

"Can't have any of you leaving now can we?" Kakashi asked rhetorically, amusement littering his tone. "Well... You could try. But you wouldn't get that far."

Naruto cleared his throat immediately after Kakashi's words. After gaining the attention of the room, Naruto gestured with his hand. "We're going to play a simple game... I am going to ask each of you a question. You will answer it truthfully. Simple, right? Let's begin."

Naruto's gaze flicked towards the youngest Yokai in the room. A single strive placed him in front of the woman who met his gaze and though she displayed a degree of anxiety and nervousness, she never strayed away from his eyes.

The Juubi Jinchuuriki raised his right hand towards the woman, displaying an open palm. "I'm going to place my hand on your chest and ask you a question." Naruto placed his palm directly over where the woman's heart rested before staring into her eyes. His other hand slowly rose, palm splayed upward facing the ceiling.

"Yaoyorozu-san, were you involved in the assassination contract that led Marcus Black to target Kunou?"

The woman's expression shifted in confusion for a brief moment as a wave of Chakra swept through her body. Had she not been hyperfocused on every little detail about the man and his question then she might've missed the sensation.

Her mane of wild and untamed hair shook as she answered. "No, I did not."

Cerulean gazed into charcoal for several seconds until...

"Ok."

Naruto's palm vacated its place upon the woman's chest before he shifted his attention to a different individual. While many were confused about the process, others quietly murmured to one another.

And so the blond teen circled the room, asking the same question and repeating the same gesture with both hands to every individual in the room.

When reaching the 8th individual in the room he asked once again. "Yamaboko-san, were you involved in the assassination contract that led Marcus Black to target Kunou?"

The broad-shouldered Yokai narrowed his eyes, staring into Naruto's cerulean orbs. "What if I don't want to answer? What will you do then?" His tone was one of genuine curiosity.

Naruto was quiet for a moment before lazily shrugging his shoulder. "Nothing." He answered rather bluntly.

The older Yokai tilted his head curiously before deigning a response to Naruto's previous question. "No, I was not."

Naruto stared into the man's eyes, slowly nodding his head. "Why did you ask what I would do?"

Yamaboko merely tilted his head, pondering his answer. "Curiosity, I suppose."

A second turned to two. And two turned to ten. And then ten turned to a minute.

Several of the elders began to quietly murmur amongst one another as Naruto's palm remained glued to Yamaboko's chest.

Naruto's head tilted as he finally spoke over the tense silence. "Was it this same curiosity that caused you to target Kunou?" The teen raised a single eyebrow as he continued. "Or do you wish to cause unnecessary conflict within the Shinto Pantheon?"

The elder's eyes grew harsh as he responded. "You dare accuse me of targeting a mere child for enjoyment?!" A wave or Chakra rolled off the man as he snarled angrily. "You question my loyalty to the Shinto Pantheon, boy?!"

Before Yamaboko could continue his angry rant, Naruto's chakra rolled off his body in waves, blanketing the room and shaking the entire building. Naruto's chakra caused the man's legs to buckle as he fell to the floor on both knees. Incandescent colors seemed to emanate from the very pores of Naruto's body, painting him in a brilliant cascade of bright colors.

The pressure continued to grow and grow, shaking the foundation of the building to the point of near collapse. And when the building reached its near breaking point...

It stopped.

The pressure vacated.

The thick smog of power evaporated.

Naruto's eyes traveled downward to meet Yamaboko's terrified and awed expression. His left hand slowly traveled towards his face, index finger nearing his lips as he quietly hushed the man.

"Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... Use your inside voice when speaking to me." Naruto's left hand slowly vacated away from his mouth. Bending his knee, Naruto sank down to Yamaboko's level, eyes never once leaving the man.

"You are a liar, Yamaboko." The Jinchuuriki continued softly. "I have the unique ability to sense negative emotions. I tend to dull this power given to me due to the influx of information from those around me. It does not feel good when hundreds of thousands of negative feelings, thoughts, and actions invade your mind at the same time every second of the day."

"Kyoto, Japan is my home. And threats to my home will be dealt with swiftly. I lost everything once before... I'm not going to risk that again. Ever."

A yellow flash appeared in Naruto's left hand followed by a wet gurgling noise courtesy of Yamaboko. The palm that had been glued to Yamaboko's chest finally pulled away, revealing the Hiraishin mark.

Naruto slowly rose to his feet before turning towards the rest of the room and holding out his left hand for all of the individuals to see.

"Let this be a warning to all of you. The Yokai Factions, be they the West, East, North and or South, are all under one banner : The Shinto Pantheon."

Naruto's eyes shifted to Yamaboko as he continued. "Traitors have no place among us. Japan is our home. You don't destroy your homes, now do you? Let this action today be a reminder and a warning."

The Jinchuuriki slowly dropped the object he had taken from Yamaboko. The item fell to the floor in wet squelch, staining the wooden floors crimson.

Yamaboko's breathing grew ragged and harsh as his vision began to slowly blacken. His eyes grew glassy as they focused on the object that Naruto had dropped near his feet.

A wet wheeze escaped his lips as his right hand tried to reach for said object on the floor. Another wet cough caused his body to fall forward, head slamming into the hardwood floors.

Yamaboko drew his last breath, dying in a pool of his own blood. His outstretched arm was merely inches away from the object that kept him alive.

Fingers desperately seeking the organ that supplied with him life.

The man's heart ceased to continue thumping, finally cementing Yamaboko's death.


"Avoiding the issue doesn't solve it, Naruto."

He was half tempted to roll his eyes at Kurama's words. The only thing stopping Naruto from doing so was the fact that his partner was correct. It wasn't solving anything and at this point he was avoiding the talk off pure principal.

So instead, he deflected and downplayed it.

"Want me to cry about it? Tell you all these conflicting emotions about what I've done? Is that what you want?" He responded in a snarky manner.

If Kurama was bothered by his words then the beast did little to show it.

"I want you to acknowledge it."

The thin patience that Naruto had was on the cusp of being snapped. "I already have! It isn't going to change anything..."

Again, Kurama did not seem phased by the boy's words. The Fox's tone remained even as it responded.

"Could have fooled me." A pause. "By all means, continue lying to yourself. I'm positive that's the best course of action."

Anger blossomed once more in Naruto's chest and he oh so badly wished to lash out because of it. But then he'd just be proving Kurama's point.

"I'm not going to sit here and pester you about opening up. It isn't my job to do so. However, I will pester you when you are being an idiot. And right now, you are being one."

"OKAY!" Naruto snapped angrily. "You know how I feel?! I feel like shit!" Cerulean orbs became slick with tears as he stared at the night sky from his vantage point atop the Compound's largest tower. "I took not one but two lives! Two! Who am I to decide who lives or dies?! I'm not a fucking God! I'm not some Omniscient Being that decides someone's fate! So why the hell was I the one to make that decision?!"

Shame and guilt tugged at Naruto's heart as his fingers clenched his pants. "It makes me sick... I told myself that I wouldn't abuse my power... That I wouldn't become someone who would just take life so callously. And now look at me... Deciding who gets to die simply because I felt like it..."

Kurama listened to Naruto's words, silently contemplating what to say. This was by no means an area of expertise that the beast excelled in. Kurama was not a human and therefore believed that any matters regarding what mortals do and don't do, was not its business.

Thankfully, the Kyuubi did not have to do so.

"Is that why you're up here sulking? Kami, you haven't changed a bit. Still that naive, little child on the docks." Sasuke's monotonous voice resounded out beside the teen.

"Shut up you stupid bastard!" Naruto immediately snapped in retaliation. His head snapped up towards Sasuke, pinning the teen with a vicious stare. "I'm not like you! We don't think the same way! You may be fine with taking someone's life and not thinking about it but I can't do that!"

If the Uchiha was bothered by his friend's words then he did nothing to show it. Instead, the ebony haired teen turned his attention out towards Kyoto.

"Who said you had to be fine with taking someone's life?" Sasuke questioned quietly, briefly stunning Naruto. "Those words never left my mouth. I called you naive because you are. But there is also nothing wrong with how you think."

Sasuke slowly unsheathed his Kusanagi, placing the flat end of the blade along his right palm. He gazed into the sword's reflection for a moment before continuing.

"You are naive because you believe everyone is capable of second chances. You give the benefit of the doubt no matter the individual. I'd even go as far as to say that you'd have even given Kaguya a second chance."

When Naruto didn't retort his claim Sasuke nodded his head.

"However, not everyone is capable of being given a second chance. There are those in this world, and even our own one, that were not worthy of being given a second chance. You may disagree with me but it is an opinion, no matter how wrong it is. Many believe that you cannot judge others' opinions because they are just that, opinions. But I disagree. An opinion can also be outright stupid."

Sasuke shifted the blade in his hand, placing it down his line of sight, staring down the weapon as if it were a rifle.

"An example is someone who would hold hate in their heart for another individual based solely off the color of their skin. They may try to justify their prejudices with stereotypical evidence and events but that does not change the fact that their way of thinking is idiotic."

Sasuke glanced down at his friend, noticing that the teen's attention was centered directly on him. It was slightly unnerving to some degree. Usually Sasuke was the one listening to someone lecture him about life and perspective.

How the turn tables... turn. Or whatever the saying was.

"Take my Kusanagi for example." He raised the blade towards Naruto's direction. "It is a double-edged blade, meaning no matter which way I decide to attack, I will injure whoever is on the other side of it. However...," He trailed off before flipping the blade to show the flat end of the sword. "I am also capable of using the flat end of the blade to render my enemies unconscious."

"They say to treat your blade as an extension of your own self. How you strike, where you strike and who you strike are all indicative of who you are as a person. The blade is capable of maiming and killing yes, but it is also capable of rendering someone unconscious."

The Uchiha let his statement hang in the air for a couple of seconds before slowly sheathing the weapon. "You are the same as any weapon, Naruto. The only difference between yourself and a blade is that you are capable of individual thought... And how you choose to use those thoughts, and actions, is entirely up to you. But in doing so, you must also realize that not everyone around you, including yourself, will be comfortable with the decisions you make. That is life."

Silence reigned after Sasuke's long winded speech and if he was being honest, it was kind to comfortable. He wasn't the most emotionally in tuned individual but he could offer his own perspective and beliefs.

He himself had taken plenty of lives and while not all of them were justified, it didn't mean that they didn't affect him.

Sasuke's quest for vengeance and power had led him down a dark path and he had swam through a river of blood just to kill his elder brother. Looking back on who he used to be made Sasuke sick to his stomach at times.

And if he was being completely honest... He didn't feel like he deserved a second chance at life. But his late night talks with Kuroka had helped ease that way of thinking.

She was annoying and overly bubbly but he also found comfort in her presence. He was definitely aware of this and the potential consequences of what could happen regarding the woman, but that was a conversation for another time.

One he wanted to avoid.

So lost in his own thoughts he nearly missed when Naruto finally spoke.

"Thanks... Sasuke." The Jinchuuriki sniffed quietly, rubbing his eyes to prevent the tears that wished to fall. "You know, sometimes you can be helpful. Who woulda thought?" He chuckled light-heartedly after his words earning an annoyed scoff from Sasuke.

"Yeah yeah whatever... Just don't be a dumb ass anymore."

Having said his peace Sasuke leaped down from atop the tower, landing without a sound. He took a few steps before stopping in his tracks and turning his head towards one of the various dark corners.

Kakashi's form was barely visible under the shadows of one of the buildings. "Couldn't have said it better myself. You've come a long way, Sasuke."

The Uchiha was silent for a moment before nodding his head and disappearing in a burst of speed.

Kakashi stared at the boy's previous spot before glancing up towards Naruto's position. While Sasuke had given the boy a clearer perspective and philosophical view, Kakashi would still offer his own advice.

The lanky Jonin hopped up towards Naruto's position, plopping himself down beside his student and speaking.

"Yo."

And they would talk for the next several hours, bonding and speaking about the subjects they failed to tackle during their time as Shinobi. It was therapy for Kakashi and soothing for Naruto.


"This is troubling, Sirzechs." A handsome, green haired man stated quietly. "The Shinto Pantheon seems to be expanding... The information from your younger sister and Serafall's is also worrying."

The man named Sirzechs rubbed his chin as he stared at nothing in particular. Seated around him were the other 3 Satans that ruled over the Devil Faction in the Underworld, he himself being the current 'Lucifer'.

"Their movement seems to be aggressive but..." His blue-green eyes narrowed for a moment before shifting towards the current Leviathan, Serafall. "Your sister informed you that this 'Sasuke' individual seemed to radiate an almost divine aura?"

The ebony haired woman, who resembled a child with disproportionate breasts, replied in an uncharacteristically serious manner. "Sona-tan compared his presence to you, Sirzechs. She even believes he might be above you..."

A yawn escaped through the lips of one of the men, this particular man being bald with a goatee. "If this information wasn't so important, I'd be taking a nap."

"Quit your antics Falbium." The green haired Satan replied with a roll of the eyes. "This is incredibly serious. One false move could result in a war... While the information we have isn't necessarily concrete, we cannot afford to tread in water that may or may not be deep. Especially on Shinto Territory. The Yokai would never willingly traverse into the Underworld. I don't fancy an all out war with the Shinto Gods let alone an unknown variable like this Sasuke individual."

Silence met Ajuka's words. A tenseness permeated the air after his statement and each Satan certainly agreed with their fellow Satan's words.

"Have you managed to secure an audience with any of the Yokai Faction leaders Serafall?" Sirzechs questioned curiously, cutting through the tension easily.

The usually peppy woman deflated at her fellow Satan's words. "The only response I've been given was from West Yokai Faction's Leader, Yasaka. She agreed to a meeting but on her own terms... Understandable but..."

"Feisty woman that one." Falbium commented off-handedly. "Our informants have been rather... lacking in the information department. The main city's of the Yokai Faction Leaders have upped their security. Getting information is like pulling teeth with a your fingers."

"The terms?" Ajuka questioned with a raised eyebrow.

At his question Serafall grimaced heavily. "Takamagahara."

The remaining Satans all shared a similar grimace to Serafall. Takamagahara was the abode of the Heavenly Gods in the Shinto Pantheon. Those like Amaterasu, the Kotoamatsukami, and various other powerful deities belonging to the Pantheon called Takamagahara their home.

"That is... troublesome." Sirzechs responded quietly. "Will she accept no other alternatives?"

"None." Serafall responded immediately. "However, Yasaka has recently sent a delegate to handle affairs between the Yokai and Devils. The delegate will be stationed in Kuoh and will operate and watch over the city."

Sirzechs sighed quietly, rubbing his forehead to alleviate the compounding stress on his mind. "My wife has also informed me that the delegate might have been injured and or attacked when she arrived in Kuoh..."

"What?!" Ajuka exclaimed in shock. "Who and how?!"

This wasn't good! The consequences from this could immediately ignite a conflict between the Shinto Pantheon and the Devils.

Sirzechs sighed heavily, once more rubbing his face. "I haven't gotten all the details but rest assured that Rias and Sona were not the cause... I will find out more soon. This incident seemed to occur just last night. A rogue Fallen Angel seemed to have infiltrated Kuoh and this rogue eliminated an innocent human."

"This is just one headache after another..." Falbium groaned. "What are we to do?"

"For now, we have to wait and see until the delegate meets with Sona and Rias. If we move now, it'll be viewed as aggressive. We're already treading thin ice as we speak. We must move with caution." Sirzechs released a heavy sigh before turning towards Serafall and continuing. "In the mean time, accept the invitation from Yasaka. We can discuss further afterwards."

The child-like Satan nodded her head. "Haaaiii~!"

"Meeting adjourned."


Yasaka gently stroked her daughter's hair, holding the girl close to her. Kunou's breathing was soft as the girl unconsciously snuggled deeper into the embrace of her mother.

As Yasaka continued her gentle ministrations she couldn't help but feel guilty as she gently stroked her daughter's hair. She knew it was irrational but she felt like a failure as a mother.

What little free time she had during her day was devoted to her daughter but it felt like it was never enough. Some days they'd barely even have the time to share breakfast with one another.

It gnawed at her both physically and mentally. There were some days where she absolutely loathed her position as one of the Yokai Faction Leaders. Only because it prevented her from enjoying her time with her daughter.

It was bad enough that Kunou's Father, and Yasaka absolutely despised using that word to describe Kunou's sperm donor, had left of his own Accord but to never atleast make an effort to get to know his flesh and blood...

It infuriated the woman.

Yasaka may not be the perfect mother but she made time for her daughter and put the girl's needs above her own. It was incredibly difficult to juggle her time as a leader and a mother but dammit if she didn't try!

"I'm so sorry, Kunou-chan... I'm trying... I really am." A lone tear slid down her cheek as she caressed her daughter fiercely. "Please don't be angry with me..."

Had she lost her daughter today...

The woman shook her head furiously. No no no! Bad thoughts! Dark ones...

"I doubt Kunou-chan would be angry with you."

Yasaka's eyes widened at the voice, head snapping up to come face to face with Naruto. She hadn't even heard him come in.

The Kyuubi sniffled quietly before quickly wiping the tears from her eyes. "I didn't hear you come in Naruto-kun..." She sniffled once more before laughing in a self deprecating manner. "Kami, I must look like a mess. Forgive me."

A gentle smile formed on Naruto's face as he took a seat on the woman's bed. "You have nothing to apologize for, Yasaka-chan." His left hand slowly descended upon Kunou's head, gently stroking the little Kyuubi's hair. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Yasaka was silent as she watched the teen show gentle care to her daughter. "No... Atleast not right now, if that's okay with you."

Naruto glanced towards the woman as he replied. "Of course. Whenever you're ready."

The Kyuubi wiped her face one last time before speaking. "And you? How are you doing? Kakashi-san informed me that you've never spilt blood."

Naruto briefly paused his ministrations before sighing quietly. "Uhh... I'm doing good. Sasuke and I had a talk and he uh... Gave me a new perspective. Also had a talk with Kakashi about other things... And I think I'm gonna be ok."

"That's good to hear." Her left hand descended upon Naruto's thigh and she relished in the way he briefly tensed. "So... Care to spend the night~?"

A dash of red painted Naruto's face for a moment before he coughed awkwardly. "Err... Well, I uh. I wouldn't be opposed to... to that." His off hand came to rub at the back of his neck as he continued. "Just uh.. You know... I've never really done something like this."

Yasaka giggled quietly as she stroked the boy's thigh. Teasing the boy was so much fun. "I'm sure Kunou-chan would love to wake up to her Father, wouldn't you agree?"

Naruto proceeded to mutter and trip over his words a the woman's words, still not used to such open displays of affection and teasing.

"Come~." Yasaka playfully patted the spot on the opposite side of Kunou's bmsleeping form. "Lay with us."

And lay with them he did.

AN: Yeah don't bother asking where I was.