FLIGHT OF THE KITSUNE STAR STRIKER
Chapter 1: Grounded Fox takes Flight
Naruto opened his eyes as he sat up from his bed then he stretched his arms and yawned loudly. He got off the bed and spoke out to the computer on his desk.
"Check for messages," said Naruto.
The computer came online and beeped a few times before a monotone voice responded to him [Searching…found five audio recorded messages, would you like to listen to them?]
"…play all," said Naruto.
[Now playing… message 1 *Beep*]
"Yo Naruto, this is Kakashi. I just called to let you know that I've returned from a mission so you can come and hang out with me at the training grounds, be sure to show up by 3 o'clock if you want,"
"Like I'm going to fall for that," Naruto scoffed from the shower, his dad told him that Kakashi likes to show up two hours after his appointed time which gets on the nerves of those that wait for him.
[Playing message 2 *Beep*]
"Hello Naruto, it's me I'm calling to check up on you and your mother to see how you two are managing. Just know that if any problems come up, you can call us for support,"
"Caring as always Jiji," said Naruto with a warm smile at the thought of his surrogate grandfather.
[Playing message 3 *Beep*]
"Hey Naruto it's me Miyu, I graduated from the academy yesterday along with Fay and Bill although we were bummed that you, Fox and Slippy weren't there with us but we understand, given what had happened. I hope to see you again when I get the chance,"
"Yeah…me too,"
[Playing message 4 *Beep*]
"Hey there Gaki, it is I the gallant toad sage Jiraiya! I hope that you aren't moping around the house or I might have to come over there and take you along on one of my research. But in all seriousness, you really need to bounce back, everyone is missing your happy go lucky attitude which always puts smiles on their faces,"
"I know Ero-sennin, but it's not so easy for me to just 'bounce back',"
[Playing message 5 *Beep*]
"Hey Naruto this is Fox, just called to say hi after completing a high ranked escort mission. It's been a while since we last met and Slippy really misses you, my friend Falco keeps on asking about you ever since I told him of your flying skills. Hope we can meet up one of these days,"
Having gotten out of the bathroom and drying his hair with a towel, Naruto stopped before the computer and simply looked at the ground while looking melancholy.
"Me too buddy, but up till now I still haven't found what I want," Naruto's mind strayed over to the day he and Fox were told of their fathers' death.
**Flashback**
"It can't be true! Our dads couldn't have died!" Naruto shouted out in denial.
He and Fox had been called from the academy to General Pepper's office over at the Cornerian Army Base in Corneria City, they were surprised to see Peppy covered in bandages as he stood by General Pepper with sad looks on their faces.
"I'm afraid that it is Naruto, we gotten caught up in an ambush which was set up by Andross' forces and Pigma who had been working for Andross this whole time. James and Minato chose to serve as diversions for me to escape and report of the potential danger that Andross poses to the Lylat system despite my protest to the plan but they left no room for argument," said Peppy.
"Dad…," Fox just stood there clenching his fist and crying silently.
"If Kaa-san hears of this, she's going to be heartbroken," Naruto muttered sadly with tears flowing his cheeks and fox ears drooping with his tail hitting the ground.
"…what would be your next course of action Peppy?" asked General Pepper.
"James and I had come to an agreement that should something like this had happened that I would take Fox under my guidance and train him to become a better pilot and leader for the Star Fox team," everyone looked surprised at what he just said especially Fox.
"I become the new leader of Star Fox?! Shouldn't it be you instead since you're my dad's wingman and second in command?" said Fox confusedly.
"Logically yes, but you inherited your father's charisma which is something that I don't have and is what the team needs for the future, but this decision can only be made by you,"
Fox was deep in thought with the same going for Naruto however his thoughts are different, it was very silent before both made their final decision and Fox was the first to speak.
"I'll do it…I'll take on the leadership, I wish to live up to my dad's legacy," said Fox.
"Don't you worry Fox, I'll be sure to train you to become the best pilot like your father," said Peppy.
"Should you need help, I'll be happy to lend a hand," said General Pepper then he turned to Naruto "And what of you Naruto?"
"I'm…going back home, I need to be there for Kaa-san now so I will have to drop out of the academy," said Naruto.
"So you won't be joining the team then?" asked Fox feeling a bit upset that his best friend wouldn't be coming along with him.
"I just don't know Fox, my mind is a mess now. I need time to pull myself together and find an answer to what I want now…whether to continue being a pilot or something else…"
"Very well Naruto, just know that you're always welcome to the team at any time," said Peppy.
"Thank you, and I hope to see you all again someday," Naruto turned around and silently walked away in direction of the dormitory with the intention to pack his belongings and return to Elementia.
**Flashback End**
It had been three years since Naruto dropped out of the Cornerian Flight Academy, during that time Andross had declared war against the entire Lylat system especially Corneria. Elementia rose to assist Corneria and Naruto had even been hearing of the new Star Fox team fighting against Andross's army. Fox called to tell him that Slippy joined the team and a former gang leader Falco Lombardi was recruited as well. Naruto and Fox had been in contact since then but Fox never asked Naruto about joining having been advised by Peppy to avoid that subject until Naruto himself brings it up.
For Naruto himself in Elementia, he had been keeping his mother company along with his godparents, Jiraiya who was Minato's teacher and the one who gave Naruto his name, Tsunade the granddaughter of the first Hokage and the current leader of Konoha, and Mikoto Uchiha who is Kushina's best friend from their childhood days.
Naruto had also reunited with his friends from Konoha Gakuen and even learnt that they had already graduated from the Cornerian University and working on their professions to which he was proud and a bit envious as they had found what they wanted to do with their lives.
As of now, a taller Naruto had dressed in a white t-shirt with a sleeveless jacket, black jeans and a pair of blue and white sneakers then he descended the stairs and towards the kitchen where he found his mom having already set up breakfast on the table.
"Good morning Sochi-kun, hope you slept well," said Kushina.
"That I did," Naruto washed his hands at the sink before settling down at the table and waited for Kushina to do the same, together they both said 'Itadakimasu' and began to eat.
"So what do you plan to do for the day?"
"I got a voicemail from Kakashi-Nii that he's back from his mission so we'll meet up at the usual place, I also plan to pass through the park to see Jiji too and maybe a few other places while I'm at it," said Naruto "And what about you?"
"Mikoto will be coming by to visit, but I'm worried about her. Ever since Sasuke left, she hasn't been herself even though Itachi had time from the Uchiha police force to keep her company," said Kushina looking worried.
Two years ago after Naruto returned to Elementia, he found out that his friend and rival Sasuke Uchiha had left the planet without telling anyone especially his family which left his mother heartbroken. They searched for him in different planets but were unable to find him.
"I'm sure that Itachi will find Sasuke, we all know how he adores his little brother," said Naruto.
"I hope you're right," said Kushina.
"I'm done, I'll see you later," Naruto carried the dishes to the kitchen sink and washed them before leaving the house.
Kushina watched him leave with a sad look in her eyes "Oh Minato-kun, how I wish you were here to help your son. I know full well that he wishes to stay with me and make me happy, but it rather saddens me to see him look so lost,"
Meanwhile Naruto was casually walking along the sidewalk with numerous vehicles speeding along the streets, he waved back at his fellow Faunus who smiled upon seeing him as few recognized him for being the son of a fallen hero as well as others having hung out with him in the years. Naruto entered the park and a bit further inside he saw someone whom he was familiar with sitting on a park bench and walked over with a smile on his face.
He was an elderly monkey faunus with white balding hair and beard, he wore a red and white kimono while a white hat is placed next to him and is currently smoking from a pipe in his hand with a content look on his aged face. He noticed Naruto walking towards him and smiled in a welcoming gesture.
"Ah Naruto, it's good to see you," said the old man whom everyone knew him to be Hiruzen Sarutobi the third former Hokage before retiring and Tsunade took his place in leading the city.
"Same here Jiji, how is Konohamaru and everyone else in the clan?" asked Naruto before sitting next to the elderly monkey Faunus.
"Everyone is fine, Konohamaru wishes to see you again and is currently playing pranks with his friends like you taught him,"
"Hehehehe, it's only a matter of time before the student surpasses the teacher," Naruto smirked at the thought of the headaches he's having them give the citizens.
"…it has been three years now since the war against Andross's army, and so far they've not made any attempt to attack our planet,"
"That's a good thing, no doubt that Andross thought twice before messing with us,"
Hiruzen chuckled softly "Maybe so, but that doesn't mean that we'll let our guard down either. I've heard of your age mates from Konoha Gakuen have taken on different professions,"
"Yeah, I even heard that they formed different teams. Shikamaru, Chouji, Neji, Lee and Kiba are in the ground troopers for the Konoha Defense Force. Hinata, Ino, Sakura, Lilli (OC alert) and Chopper working in the medic branch. Tenten, Levy and Julia are in the technology development sector," said Naruto.
"Sounds to me like you're jealous for you to remember so accurately," said Hiruzen.
"…well yeah, at least they had found what they wanted to do since they were younger. But for me…three years after leaving the Cornerian Flight Academy and I still haven't gotten so much as a clue of what I want to do with myself," Naruto felt frustrated.
"Like I've told you before, in order to seek out a purpose, you need a reason that will serve as your inner drive. Acquiring that is what will give you a direction to move towards, you need to find it on your own," said Hiruzen.
"I know Jiji, but it's so hard to do so," said Naruto.
"Jiraiya had the same problem as well but in the end, he discovered his calling,"
"Which was what…writing smut?" Naruto looked skeptical.
Hiruzen chuckled softly "Not that, he became one of the best spies and discovered numerous secrets which would have led to the destruction of Konoha like how he discovered Danzo's secret army and we put a stop to it,"
Naruto recalled that incident, Danzo had been picking out orphans and homeless Faunus and trained them into becoming emotionless soldiers in his attempt for a coup, but it was put to a stop in the end before it even began with the brainwashed Faunus undergoing rehabilitation.
"I'll try to do so Jiji," said Naruto before getting up from the bench.
"That's all I can ask from you Naruto," said Hiruzen with a warm smile as he watched Naruto leave the park.
Naruto had gone over to the training grounds of the Konoha Defense Force where he met Kakashi Hatake the white wolf Faunus at the Konoha monument which a stone slab containing the names of all who died to protect Elementia with Minato's name on it. Both simply stood there in silence and watched the stone for over two hours.
"…how has it been for you Naruto?" asked Kakashi.
"Same old, same old Kakashi-Nii. How about your latest mission?" Naruto responded.
"Nothing much, it was just an S-ranked escort mission for one of the nobles back to their home and the hired mercenaries were dealt with,"
"…do you sometimes wish that Tou-san would still be alive and here with us?"
"…almost every day Naruto, along with the others that were close to me. But I knew that they wouldn't want me to be like this and move on with my life,"
"…" Naruto simply remained silent.
"I'll be heading out to the frontlines soon which might take even longer than normal, hope you'll be okay while I'm gone,"
"I'll be fine, just come back to us alive Kakashi-Nii,"
Kakashi turned to Naruto with an eye smile "Sure thing Naruto, I don't want to get in trouble with Kushina-san since she'll beat me to a pulp after resurrecting me,"
"Too true," said Naruto with a laugh.
Afterwards, both Faunus went their separate ways as Naruto returned home and was laying back on back on his bed while looking at the ceiling. He looked to the side and saw the photo of him sitting on his father's shoulders and smiling at the camera, he sat on the edge of the bed and picked up the photo to look at it.
"I wish you were here Tou-san, you always had the answer to everything. Now I feel so lost," said Naruto.
Suddenly a white beam of light shot out from the top of the photo frame and hit Naruto's left eye which surprised him to drop it and back away fearfully.
"W-what was that light?!"
[Retinal scan complete. Identity: Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze. Now playing Holo Message] a voice spoke out before another beam of light shot out before widening to display a hologram of someone whom Naruto instantly recognized.
"Tou-san?!"
[Naruto, if you're watching this then it means that I've been killed on one of my missions as a member of the Star Fox team. It's one of the many risks of being part of a team of galactic mercenaries, a risk you will someday face if you decide to follow in my footsteps. I can't even begin to tell you how sorry I am to have left you and Kushina behind like that, but the reason why I took on this job was not only to protect Elementia but you two as you're my most precious treasures which was why I was willing to take that risk…]
Naruto's eyes started to water at hearing the message "Tou-san…"
[My son as you are now, you aren't strong enough to go up against your enemies and protect your friends. I'm sure you know of the aura and semblances which we Faunus possess, but what you didn't know is that upon birth, a Faunus's aura is locked and can only be unlocked by one whose aura is already unlocked. Kushina and I were planning to unlock yours when you graduated from the academy. Once you've decided your true path, go and tell your mother this 'The sleeping fox has awakened' she'll know what to do. Inside this photo frame is a disc containing data that will help you along the way, consider it your graduation present. Naruto…just know that no matter what you do from now onwards, I'll always be proud of you] said Minato as he smiled before the hologram flickered off.
Naruto walked over and picked up the photo frame with tears flowing down his cheeks as he looked the picture.
"Tou-san, Kaa-san was right about you being more of a worrywart than her. For you to plan ahead of all this…you really are the best dad I ever have," he took out the picture and saw the disc inside before taking it out "Thanks for the pep talk pops, from now on I will never give up, never run away and never go back on my word…this is the path that I've chosen!"
Naruto ran down the stairs and to the kitchen where Kushina was cooking dinner, she turned around and was surprised when Naruto hugged her all of a sudden.
"N-Naruto?! What's the matter?" she asked confusedly.
"Kaa-san…I've finally found what I want to do now!" said Naruto happily.
"What do you mean?"
"Kaa-san…'The sleeping fox has awakened',"
Kushina's eyes widened in shock at what her son just said.
"How did you know of that?"
Naruto went on to explain of the message that he received from Minato, Kushina was crying by the end of it.
"I told you that Minato-kun was a bigger worrywart than me although he denies it all the time," said Kushina.
"Yeah but it's because of that I now know my next step, which is to train hard and reunite with Fox and the others and take down Andross once and for all," said Naruto looking determined.
"Then I'll begin with your training by first unlocking your aura,"
Kushina's body was outlined with a red aura as she placed a palm on Naruto's chest, suddenly he felt something slowly light up from within and then spread throughout his entire body. He looked at his hands to see them covered in an orange aura.
"So this is my aura, it feels so warm and empowering," Naruto looked at himself in wonder.
"That's right and now Jiraiya and I are going to train you and you'll need to see what that disc contains…Minato only told me that it has schematics of a starfighter as well as other vehicles for you to use,"
"Not to worry Kaa-san, I know just who to ask for help in terms of engineering," said Naruto got up and left the kitchen while taking out a phone from his pocket and dialing to make call with Kushina smiling happily.
"Thank you Minato-kun, ever since he heard of your death, the light in his eyes had dimmed but now they've returned and shining brighter than ever,"
This is Hussbek online with the latest chapter, the next chapter will mark the beginning of the Nintendo 64 story arc so be sure to look forward to it. As you've read, Naruto will be getting a starfighter of his own as well as a tank and something else. As always this will be a harem pairing with the main being Naruto x Krystal with Fox x OC, here's the list with more to come:
Krystal
Fay
Miyu
…
Be sure to read and review as always.
This is Hussbek from Ghana.
Signing out.
