*I DON'T OWN NARUTO*


Karin was growing concerned as she and Naruto traveled further away from the village. She hadn't bothered asking him any more questions since they had left the hospital and he, in turn, hadn't said anything to her. The cool air made Karin's face sting slightly. She couldn't help but shiver, she wasn't dressed for being outdoors. It was flat out cold, and without even thinking she instinctively drew herself closer towards Naruto. As soon as she pressed herself up against his chest his familiar warm chakra leaked into her. She was clearly embarrassed by how close she was to him, but even she couldn't deny the fact that being near him was comforting.

The view in front of her went from tall buildings to fields of grass. Parts of which were remarkably green. It was a little odd to see such vibrant foliage, especially during this time of year, but Konoha had gotten a great amount of rain, so it was only natural for life to still be lingering. A row of trees came into view and Naruto continued onward. Karin couldn't believe that they were already so far from the village, Naruto was indeed remarkably fast. His speed, however, was what was making her get cold so fast. Before she could complain Naruto came to an abrupt halt. She closed her eyes for a split second as if waiting for something to happen, but all she heard in the autumn silence was Naruto's breathing. She pulled her face away from his neck and her eyes widened when she saw a chain link fence draped in warnings signs.

"The Forest of Death," she whispered. "Alright, Naruto you have some major explaining to do. What in the world are we doing here?"

"The ruins are supposed to be behind the forest," said Naruto as he gently put Karin down.

Her slippered feet touched the moist ground and she did her best to keep her balance. She was about to reach for Naruto but he was busy removing his jacket. He grinned sheepishly as he handed it to her.

"Here, sorry about this again. I forgot that it's kinda cold out here and you aren't dressed for this kind of weather, but this should keep you warm."

Karin blushed at the gesture, she quickly took his jacket and turned her head to the side to keep her flushed face from his gaze.

"I suppose this will do, besides I'm starting to get used to the fact that you don't always think things through before you act."

"Yeah I'm guilty of doing that a lot actually," said Naruto as he looked at the foreboding forest in front of him.

"So where are you getting your information from, and why do you need me?" Asked Karin as she put on Naruto's jacket.

"My source is the Kyuubi."

"The one inside you?"

"Yup, the one and only."

"What did he say exactly?" Asked Karin nervously as she eyed Naruto up and down.

"He told me that there's a powerful scroll somewhere inside the ruins, and right now I can get all the help I can get. However in order to gain access to them I need another Uzumaki's help. The Kyuubi didn't tell me exactly what we're going to do, or the exact location of these scrolls, but he did tell me he'd explain when we got there."

"So you're just going off what the Kyuubi says then?"

"Yes."

"Do you trust him?"

"Yes I do, he doesn't have a reason to lie to me. He wants nothing more than to help me eliminate Sasuke, he's not very fond of Uchihas."

"Agreed," whispered Karin. "You know Naruto, logic says that I should just head back towards the hospital, but there seems to be some truth to what you just said."

"Really, so you've heard about the ruins?"

"Not exactly, but I do know a great deal about the Uzumaki clan. I use to be obsessed with the fact that I was part of that can. It fascinated me as a child and so I learned as much as I could about them, even though it wasn't easy. Orochimaru is actually the one that filled in a lot of the gaps for me. You see the Uzumaki were known for being incredibly skilled in Fūinjutsu so a scroll of this kind is something that could actually exist, but it wouldn't be pretty."

"What do you mean?"

"The Uzumaki we're the last people you wanted to have against you. Their Fūinjutsu was ruthless and countless people feared them because of it. This is why there were ultimately wiped out."

"It's sad really, but fear often has a way of blinding people's judgment."

"Yeah it does."

"So do you know any Fūinjutsu Karin?"

Karin was a little surprised by the question. Naruto was notorious for being so casual at the strangest of times.

"No, I personally don't. All I've inherited is healing abilities and powerful chakra."

"Both my parents were great at Fūinjutsu, and that was thanks to my mother. She taught my father everything she knew," said Naruto as he remembered the story his mother had told him about the day he was born. "If what you say about the Uzumaki's Fūinjutsu is true then were in luck. I'm sure with it I can gain the upper hand on Sasuke."

"Well, Fūinjutsu is incredibly versatile and powerful. I can see where it could help you take Sasuke out, after all, it's what defeated Orochimaru when he tried attacking Konoha, remember?"

"Yeah I remember," whispered Naruto. "The Third Hokage was a really stubborn old man, there was no stopping him.

"We need to get moving, let's get going."

Naruto motion for Karin to get in position so that he could pick her up once more. She zipped up his jacket and approached him so that they could continue their journey. Naruto scooped her up once more and without any effort, he jumped over the chain linked fence. He leaped up onto several large boulders and from there he hopped onto a tree branch. The air was a bit heavier and moist high up in the canopy of the trees and Karin couldn't help but remember the frightening experiences she had in this very forest.

"I'll never forget how nervous I was when first arrived in Konoha for the Chunin exams. I was utterly mortified when we were thrown in here."

"Yeah, it seems like that was so long ago now. I remember being so pumped, I really wanted to show everyone what I was capable of."

"You know this is where I first met Sasuke."

"Really?"

"Yeah, he actually saved me."

"Well, we both know he was a different person back then. He actually cared about other people's well-being."

"Yeah, even his chakra was different than what it is now."

"I even remember seeing you and Sakura. She was really into Sasuke back then. I could tell just by her body language that he meant everything to her."

"Back then he was her everything, and I was just the third wheel that she wanted to get rid of," chuckled Naruto. "That was forever ago but, I think Sakura-chan still beats herself up for loving him and ignoring me, but she was young and had no clue. I mean Sasuke was the elite of our group, he was the one that every guy wanted to surpass and the one that all the girls wanted to date. Sakura-chan was just one of the many who idolized him."

"I was guilty of that as well, but how in the world were we supposed to know what he would become? I was infatuated with him from the moment I first laid eyes on him. I couldn't help how I felt towards him, and years later I found myself on his team. At first, it was a dream come true but soon I learned that my blind admiration and apparent love for him kept me right he wanted me."

"He fooled us all Karin," said Naruto as he continued to travel at high speed through the thick forest.

Karin could tell that Sasuke wasn't a great topic to be discussing with Naruto, so she decided to change the subject.

"So then why were in the hospital? Were you hurt during the attack?"

"Yeah, but that's not why I was there."

"So what was your reason?"

"Sakura-chan gave birth to our son."

"Oh, wow," stated Karin in awe. "I didn't expect that to happen so soon. Wait, wasn't she in Suna?"

"It's a long story," said Naruto.

"Oh, I see, well, either way, congratulations."

"Thanks."

"So a son huh, what did you guys name him?"

"Kaito."

"Cute name. I bet he looks just like you."

"He does, how'd you figure that?"

"Lucky guess I suppose," replied Karin.

"Yeah well I hope he just gets my looks but is more down to Earth like Sakura-chan. I was a force to reckoned with when I was a kid and I don't want Kaito to follow in my footsteps."

"I don't think you're so bad, why wouldn't you want your son to turn out like you?"

"Well, it's not so much that. I'd be pretty proud if he turned out to like me, but I was a brat and troublemaker growing up. Not having parents and guidance really messed me up."

"I know the feeling, but I wouldn't worry if I was you. Your son has both his parents, so he'll have all the proper guidance he needs Naruto."

"Thanks, I'm going to make sure that he keeps his parents too."

After a few more moments the familiar tall tower that sat in the middle of the forest could be seen in the distance. Both Naruto and Karin look upon it as it cast a large shadow over them as they passed by it. The tower was vacant now since it was only used during the Chunin exams, and the emptiness within it made it even creepier to look at. Without a second glance, Naruto and Karin left the large building behind them. Dense foliage greeted them as they traveled further into the forest. Even the sunlight began to fade the more they progressed.

"Slow down, we're getting close," whispered the Kyuubi.

Naruto slowed down his pace and looked around the nearby bushes and trees for some signs of ruins.

"What's going on?" Asked Karin.

"We're getting close, keep your eyes open."

"That's easier said than done, there are so many trees and fog around us."

"Just try."

Naruto trekked through the forest as both he and Karin surveyed their surroundings. The humid air was causing a slight haze to surround them and in frustration, Karin removed her foggy glasses. She quickly cleaned them and placed them on once more. Upon doing so a small rock formation caught her attention.

"I think I see something."

"Where?"

"Straight over there," said Karin and she pointed towards the rocks.

Naruto walked towards the direction in which Karin was pointing and soon he too saw a strange arrangement of rocks.

"It kinda looks like what's left of a road."

"Follow it," said Karin. "If it was indeed a road it should lead us to the temple."

"Good idea," said Naruto.

He looked on the floor for more fragments of road and little by little more and more pieces emerged. Most were hidden by overgrown plants and moss while others were falling apart from age in plain sight. The paved road became more and more intact the further Naruto walked. Suddenly, from the depths of the forest, more ruins came into view. Run down buildings that had been taken over by the forest sat in silence as Naruto and Karin roamed about. The entrance gates had vines dangling from its beams and Naruto was in awe to see the Uzumaki clan symbol in the middle of the gate.

"This is it," whispered Karin. "We're actually standing inside an Uzumaki settlement."

"You need to find the Uzumaki's mask storage temple. In there is the box that holds the scrolls you need. Just keep walking straight, you can't miss it."

"Alright."

Naruto watched his step as he made his way inside the long forgotten village. Karin couldn't believe what she seeing. All her life she felt she never really belonged. Her poor mother was forced to leave her home only to die a few years later in a village that was foreign to her. Karin had only heard stories of her mother's real home, those memories were fuzzy now, but actually seeing real proof that her clan had really existed was beautifully satisfying. A shrine in front of them caught her attention, it was massive.

"What in the world is this place?"

"Apparently this is a mask storage temple, whatever that is."

"Masks?"

"Yeah," replied Naruto as he made his way up the stone steps.

He gently set Karin down so that he could open the large wooden doors. The door creaked and damp air mixed with the smell of earth greeted them.

"Watch your step Karin," warned Naruto.

The inside of the shrine was riddled with vegetation both on the floor and ceiling. The smell of wet dirt and decay filled the air. It had been years since a human soul had entered and the forest had truly reclaimed this once opulent temple. The floor creaked as Karin slowly walked around. Everything seemed untouched as if it was simply left behind and forgotten. The word masks kept repeating itself in her mind. She was confident that she knew the purpose of this temple and it was invigorating. She eagerly began to search the walls for evidence to support her theory. Then behind a veil of thick vines, she saw three masks covered in moss adorning the walls.

"This place is where the shinigami masks are held."

"Shinigami masks?"

"Yes, they are the ultimate sealing jutsu created by the Uzumaki. It makes sense that these masks would be kept under their watch and care."

Karin slipped her arms into the vines and separated them so that she and Naruto could enter. Once inside they could see that there was indeed three demon-like masks hanging on the wall.

"I've only heard stories about these things actually existing, I never dreamed there was truth to those tales."

"So what are these?"

"You don't know?"

"I should have know better, I mean we're talking about you after all," sighed Karin. "These are the physical representations of the Shinigami summon that's called upon when performing Shiki Fūjin. In most cases, he's the last resort that anyone would use, the price of the user's soul being forcibly extracted is a high price to pay, but the soul of the target is also consumed."

"Wait, you mean to tell me that this is the same technique that the third Hokage used Orochimaru?"

"Yes, remember we were just talking about this. The third Hokage was able to defeat Orochimaru by using Shiki Fūjin . He wasn't able to take his soul since he was already so weakened, so instead he sealed away his arms. Orochimaru would have loved to find this place, but he decided that taking Sasuke's body was a better route than retrieving his arms I guess."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, you see the legend of the Shinigami states that anyone that uses Shiki Fūjin is sealed away in the demons stomach for all eternity in exchange for taking their enemies soul. These masks are supposed to house the souls he devours."

"Do you really believe that?"

"Yes I do, I mean the idea of the Shinigami is crazy in itself but we both know he's very real, so why shouldn't this be real?"

"I guess you're right," said Naruto as looked at the masks. "So that means that my father's soul is in there too."

"Oh, well I suppose he is. He did, in fact, use Shiki Fūjin to seal half of the nine tails away after all."

"It's true Naruto, part of me is sealed in one of those masks with your father. Like Karin said most people who use it are desperate and your father did what he could to save you. However we aren't here to deal with that now, we're here for the scroll."

"But my father's soul is stuck in there and part of you as well. If we released your other half wouldn't you become stronger?"

"Yes, but you aren't strong enough to release the souls that are in there, not yet at least."

"..."

"Now listen to me, the mask in the middle is the one that houses all of the Shinigamis victims souls, but the other two masks on its sides are the important ones. You and Karin must make the Uzumaki clan symbol upon the forehead of the masks with your blood. Once that's done you must put them on and face the remaining mask. A door hidden behind the wall should open, make sure to take the masks with you. You'll need them once inside."

"Naruto?"

The sound of his name being called out startled him and Naruto jumped a little. He quickly turned around to see that Karin was giving him a questionable look.

"Sorry about that Karin."

"Is everything alright? You just grew quite all of a sudden."

"The Kyuubi was telling me what we have to do next."

"He was talking to you?"

"Yeah, we have a mental connection so I can hear him in my thoughts. Usually, when we're having a conversation my physical body looks like I'm off elsewhere, like if I'm spacing out. Sorry if I worried you."

"Oh no of course not," said Karin rather quickly. "So what do we have to do then?"

"We need to get a hold of those two masks right there. We need to make the whirlpool symbol on the masks foreheads with our blood and afterward, we need to place the mask on and face the one that's left. A secret passage should appear on the wall."

"Interesting, now I see why you needed me. It would make sense that the Uzumaki would make it almost impossible for anyone else to gain access to their knowledge. Only someone from the clan can get to them and even then they required two people. It's sad to say but I'm sure they were well aware that their end was near and so they made it even harder to get these scrolls."

Naruto approached the wall and retrieved the masks the Kyuubi had talked about. He handed one of them to Karin who in turn gladly took it. She examined it carefully while Naruto bit the tip of his thumb. He drew the whirlpool symbol upon it and without saying a word he signaled for Karin to do the same. She hesitantly stopped her examination of the mask so that she could also place her seal on it. They both looked at one another once they were done, now all that was needed was to put the masks on. Karin quietly muttered to herself that it was beyond dirty and it smelled of moldy earth. Naruto looked down at the mask and blew into it. A light plume of dust leaked from it and he covered his nose as the smell Karin was complaining about hit him.

"Ready?" Asked Naruto.

"As I'll ever be," replied Karin with a look of disgust on her face.

They each placed their masks over their faces and together they turned to face the last mask that hung on the wall. A few moments passed and nothing happened, then suddenly the sound of rock grinding against rock filled the room. Before their eyes, a door from within the wall popped out and moments later it sluggishly swung open.

"Come on," said Naruto as he grasped Karin by the hand.

He guided her inside the darkened hallway and together they made their way to their next destination. Torches that lined the walls burst into flames on their own. Rows of them followed and soon a vibrant path was set for them. The hallway wasn't very long, it eventually led them to a single room with a large stone box set in the middle.

"The scroll is inside that box. In order to open the stone box, you must hang the mask on either side of it. Upon doing that it will open and the scroll will be ours."

"So what do we do now?" Asked Karin.

"We're supposed to hang our masks on this box here. Look there are hooks on each side of it."

"Seems simple enough."

Both Naruto and Karin hung their masks on each side of the stone box. The thick lid of the box creaked and dust leaked out of it. A small opening was created and Naruto wasting no time in placing his hands inside it. He used his strength to lift up the giant slab of stone that kept the box shut. Inside was an array of scrolls. Each of them was different colors, sizes, and categories.

"The one we want is that black one there Naruto."

"Okay, now what?"

"You need to release me from my cage."

"What for?"

"The jutsu you need to learn is protected, and only I know how to release it. You're going to need to let me take over your body so I can do this. "

"Why don't you just show me the hand signals needed and I'll do it myself."

"No, it would take too long for you to learn, it's complex and right now we can't afford to waste time."

"..."

"Hurry up Naruto why are you just staring at me like that?!'

"You know I may not be that smart but even I can learn hand signals pretty fast. Why are you underestimating me, releasings are so basic?"

"You're here trying to convince me that releasings are your forte when you fall so easily for genjutsu?!"

"Hey that was ages ago, even you have to admit that I've gotten better."

"Stop arguing with me Naruto, we're so close!"

"..."

"You need to learn this technique, so hurry up and let me out!"

"Are you hiding something from me?"

"What on Earth are you babbling about?"

"All of this is giving me a weird feeling is all. I know we're short on time but you're acting really antsy. Not just that but, I'm starting to wonder how you knew about all this Uzumaki business."

"I've been associated with them for years Naruto."

"Alright fine but how about you tell me what this jutsu does then."

"..."

"Why are you being difficult?! I thought we had gotten over all this keeping secrets stuff behind us."

"Naruto! This isn't the time!"

"It's the perfect time! I'm sorry but I came here because I trusted you, but now I'm not sure what to believe!"

The Kyuubi's ears fell back and for a moment Naruto saw that his words had hurt him.

"Don't lose your trust in me so easily Naruto. Please believe me when I say that all of this is happening for a reason. Everything I'm doing is for you, Sakura, and our son. Please just corporate."

For once there was a sense of pleading in the beasts voice and even though Naruto felt weary he couldn't deny that the Kyuubi was being sincere.

"Alright, I will, but on one condition."

"And what would that be?"

"Be nice to Karin, don't scare her. Something tells me she can get physical like Sakura-chan does when she gets scared," warned Naruto.

"Fine, I'll do my best to be, pleasant," muttered the Kyuubi.

"Thanks."

He lifted up his shirt and placed his hand on his stomach. He turned the lock so that it could open and upon doing so the heavy metal bars to the Kyuubi's chains creaked. The large fox stepped out and sat in front of Naruto.

"Are you ready?"

"Yeah."

Karin peered inside the stone box. Her eyes widened when she saw how much-hidden treasure was inside it. Who knew what kinds of secrets were locked within all these scrolls. She was about to say something when she noticed that Naruto had grabbed hold of a scroll but hadn't moved. He was frozen and he had a blank expression on his face. Karin leaned in to give him a closer look. She slowly waved her hand in front of Naruto's face but he didn't blink.

"He must be talking to the Kyuubi," she whispered.

She slowly reached over to touch his face. She gently stroked his whiskered cheek when suddenly Naruto turned towards her. He grabbed her wrist and looked at her with eyes she had never seen before, they were crimson red. It was then that she felt his chakra and it was completely different. It was raw, powerful, and savage. She couldn't pull her arm away from him, he was incredibly strong. All Karin could do was lose herself in his intense stare. Then, after what seemed like forever, he spoke.

"I never thought I would ever gaze upon another Uzumaki woman again. Kushina was the last one, or so I thought."

The voice Karin heard wasn't Naruto's, it was much deeper and menacing than the blonde hair youths.

"You're the Kyuubi aren't you?"

He didn't answer her question, instead, he let go of her wrist and he pulled the scroll out of the box. He turned his back on Karin and made his way towards the middle of the room.

"Where's Naruto?!"

The Kyuubi flinched at the demanding tone she was giving him. He did his best not to snap at her, Uzumaki women really were fearless.

"If you must know women he allowed me to take over his body, but rest assured he's safe."

"Why would you do that?"

"Only I know how to remove the seal that is protecting this scroll and so I asked Naruto to let me take his body over. It makes things easier."

Karin was taken aback, she had no clue that Naruto and the Kyuubi could share his body like this. She mentally decided that she wasn't in any real danger. The Kyuubi could have killed her by now, but instead, he was focused on the scroll he held. Karin decided to push the Kyuubi for more answers. It seemed he had far more knowledge than she or Naruto did.

"How is it that you know how to remove the seal, and how did you even know about this place?"

The Kyuubi growled in frustration.

"Both you and Naruto are so persistent."

"..."

"I guess I better explain things as I go along if I don't it will only lead to further nagging from you two. Now listen because I'm only saying this once. I know about this place because of Uzumaki Mito. This settlement was originally created to house her family who fled from Uzushiogakure. However it was kept secret from most people, only a few selected knew of its existence. All important artifacts and documents were moved here for safe keeping. Once their village in Uzushiogakure burned to the ground due to endless wars people thought the Uzumaki's treasures and knowledge perished with it, but that assumption was all an orchestrated plan. Here in Konoha their secrets could be safe, and this one right here is their greatest," said the Kyuubi as he opened the scroll.

"What exactly is it?"

"This is a forbidden jutsu created by Uzumaki Mito herself, and we all know she was my first jinchuuriki. This is how I knew how to get here and, and how to release the protection seal on the scroll. I saw everything that went on within these walls."

"A forbidden jutsu…"

"Yes, one that can take away one's ability to use any ninjutsu, and even kekkei genkai."

"What?! Is that even possible?"

"Of course it is, but something like this in the hands of man could be used to destroy whole villages. Wars would be neverending if anyone knew of its existence, and so it was sealed away."

"Why would Uzumaki Mito created something so dangerous?"

"She did it out of love."

"Love, what on Earth are you talking about?"

"Human's, especially women it seems want nothing more than to help those they love and in Mito's case all she wanted was to help her husband defeat Madera. Hashirama was such a fool when it came to that blasted Uchiha. All he wanted was to save him, but that was just a waste of time. Mito created this jutsu so that Hashirama could stop Madera without killing him, but that idiot Senju didn't want to use it. He wanted to bring a stop to his former friend with his own power, he didn't want the aid of this jutsu. Once he refused her help she opted for the next option, and that was sealing me within her, but in the end, her efforts were useless since Hashirama died from the injuries he sustained. Mito had no choice than to seal the jutsu she had created away. She even placed a protection over it in hopes that no one would ever learn her horrible secret."

"That's simply unbelievable. If this jutsu can do what you say then Madera would have been stopped for sure, and the first Hokage wouldn't have died."

"Yes, but things didn't turn out that way and now I'm still having to deal with yet another Uchiha. Naruto is too much like Hashirama was with Madera. I know he wants to put an end to Sasuke, but the only end I see for that bastard is death. I'm not sure if Naruto can really kill his friend. Part of me fears he won't use this jutsu now that he knows what it can do, but at least I can see that he learns it. If I would have let him do things his way he would have refused to even look at the scroll, but now I'm in control."

"So that's what you were hiding," whispered Naruto as he looked up at the Kyuubi who was deep in a meditative state.

The Kyuubi lifted up Naruto's sleeves and performed a set of hand signals that were far too fast for Karin to decipher. He placed his hand onto the scroll and symbols that were once invisible came to life. The writing danced around and they slowly glided up onto Naruto's arm.

"How is this jutsu able to take away the ability to use ninjutsu?"

"It's rather curious that you bring that up. You see only Uzumaki can use this, it's exclusive to this clan. An Uzumaki's natural life force, which is incredibly strong, helps disrupts their opponents chakra, so much so that they can no longer control it. This is how kekkei genkai and ninjutsu can be taken away."

"This is incredible. I would have never imagined that Mito Uzumaki would come up with something so powerful and devastating."

"People do incredible things in order to help those they love safe. I've seen this behavior countless times in humans."

"And yet here you are you doing the same thing," whispered Naruto.

All the writing from the scroll made it's way up Naruto's arm until there was nothing left on the parchment. Karin looked puzzled.

"Was that it?"

"Yes, it's now part of Naruto, whether he likes it or not."

"So now what do we do?"

"Well I could less what you do, but Naruto and I have business to attend to."

"You're leaving?"

"Not exactly, we need to mediate. I'll be leaving him in charge of his own body after this little conversation of ours is over."

"Meditate huh…"

"Yes now if you please I must leave."

With that said Naruto's body relaxed and his head hung low. Karin walked closer over to him to have a better look. At first, it looked like he was sleeping sitting up, but after a few moments his eyes opened and his vivid blue eyes showed Karin he was back.

"Sorry about all that Karin."

"No need to apologize you did what had to be done, or actually the Kyuubi did."

"Yeah and it's a good thing that he did too. I don't like to admit it but that crazy fox knows me better than I know myself. He was right you know."

"About what?"

"Me not wanting to use that jutsu. I can see why he did what he did, and despite everything I'm grateful for his actions."

"Do you honestly think you'll let Sasuke get away after everything he's done?!"

"No of course not, but there's always that part me that wants to try and save him. It reminds me of the promise I made Sakura-chan."

"Promise?"

"It's nothing," muttered Naruto.

"I am just like the First Hokage, but I refuse to repeat the mistakes he made with Madera. No matter how hard things get I need to put a stop to Sasuke."

"And you will Naruto, I know you will."

"Thanks, well like the Kyuubi said we need to mediate."

"Right, you both have important business attend too, I get it."

"I can't tell you how long I'll be gone, and trying to snap me out of my meditative state is pointless, I won't come out of it…."

"It's alright I have plenty of reading material to keep me occupied. I'll be fine," said Karin as she turned around, the stone box of scrolls was begging to be investigated.

"You sure you want to wait for me?"

"Of course I do, I don't want to go back alone. Walking and running don't sound so glamorous right now either. I much rather hitch a ride with you."

"Alright, then I'll see you later then."

With that said Naruto sat down on the ground and found himself once more in front of the uncaged Kyuubi.

"Thanks, it looks like you really do know me."

"Don't read into things so much Naruto, I did what was necessary."

Naruto sighed, he knew it was only a matter of time for the Kyuubi to admit that what they had now was a real friendship. However the beast was still incredibly stubborn, so until it accepted his friendship with Naruto the young jinchuuriki needed to play along so that his demon counterpart wouldn't be embarrassed.

"I know, but still, thanks."

"..."

"So how do I use this thing anyway?" Asked Naruto as he inspected his arm."

"It works the same way as your key to my cage works. You can activate it mentally."

"Awesome. So now what?"

"Now we need to connect with my fellow Bijuu's."

"Alright so do I need to do anything?"

"Not in linking with them no, but I do need you to let me do all of the talking."

"Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean we all know you aren't exactly the talkative type."

The Kyuubi snorted at Naruto. The breeze from its breath was hot and Naruto shot him back his own annoyed glance.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

"If you say so,"muttered Naruto.

The giant demon fox sat up and positioned himself in a meditative positioned. His breathing slowed down and Naruto caught a glimpse of relaxation and peace on the Kyuubi's face. Suddenly the boiler room they were in began to distort and change in front of Naruto's eyes. The watery floor began to glow and the new illumination made it's way around the entire room. In a matter of seconds, the boiler room was gone. A never ending room filled with white had replaced the damp dark prison of the Kyuubi. Naruto looked around his new surroundings when all of a sudden a familiar voice caught his attention.

"Hey yo, if it isn't my favorite little bro Naruto."


Konohamaru sighed as he carried an assortment of groceries bags up a hill that lead towards Moeji's home. His usual team sparring was cut short due to Moeji leaving early. Her mother needed her to run a few errands so the young kunoichi had to leave her training session early. Konohamaru wasn't happy with her leaving. Their team was already a member short, Udon had gotten some kind of stomach bug two days earlier, so he was at home recuperating. Konohamaru sighed heavily, they couldn't afford for all these little setbacks. Something big was about to happen in Konoha and he wanted his team to be ready for it.

"Thanks again for helping me out with my errands Konohamaru. I wasn't looking forward to doing my mom's grocery shopping on my own."

"Sure thing Moeji, but we need to get back to training as soon as we're done," said Konohamaru as he hoisted the bags up for a better grip.

"Do you honestly think Konoha is going to be attacked again?"

'It's always best to expect the worst in times like this."

"That sounds so depressing Konohamaru."

"It's the truth, though. We always need to be ready to protect our home, just like Naruto nii-chan does."

"Did you ever find him?"

"No, I went to his place but it was totaled, he wasn't there. I looked around town, and I even looked for him in hospital but I had no luck."

"Do you think he's okay?"

"I heard from his neighbors that he was pretty banged up."

"He's hurt?"

"Yeah, but it makes sense, though, he was the one that got rid of those monsters."

"Where do you think he went?"

"Beats me, but I do know that wherever he is he's working hard. That's why we need to do our part too, we need to help him out by protecting Konoha."

"You're right, we're chunnin now, we need to be able to hold our own."

"Exactly, all we need now is to get Udon back on his feet."

"How's he doing by the way?"

"Still sick with that stomach virus. Apparently, his mother was told that it was food poisoning from their doctor. She's convinced he got it from eating out with us, but I don't buy that."

"Why not?"

"Because neither you nor I got sick so it can't be from us eating out. That means it's Udon's mother's cooking that got him sick."

"Konohamaru!" Gasp Moeji.

"What? I mean come on Moeji you've seen what she calls a good homemade meal, it's disgusting."

Moeji couldn't help but giggle. Even though Konohamaru's words were harsh, they were true.

"You're right, but she cooks because she loves her family."

"Purposefully poisoning your family is considered an act of love?"

"That's not what I mean you idiot," teased Moeji as she playfully nudged Konohamaru's shoulder. "Now come on my house isn't that much further."

Konohamaru lifted the bags once more and picked up the pace as he followed Moeji. Talking about Udon had lightened the mood a little and Moeji was beyond relieved. Konohamaru was always striving to be a strong leader. He wanted nothing more than to follow in Naruto's footsteps, and she wanted to be there to help him do that. Moeji turned to look at Konohamaru, she couldn't help but smile when she looked at him,he had grown up so much. He wasn't that annoying little brat who was always waving his ego around to everyone he met. He was more mature now. Moeji would never admit it to anyone, but she loved getting to spend time alone with Konohamaru, it was something she rarely experienced. She honestly felt that her feelings towards him were changing, but she'd never let him know that.

"Moeji!"

"Hey look it's your mom."

Moeji's mother was standing outside the front door. She had stopped sweeping the front steps so that she could address her daughter. She placed her broom up against the wall so that she could approach the youths.

"Thanks so much you two, I really appreciate it."

"It's no problem mom, I'm glad we could help out."

"I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful daughter, now come on inside I made some lunch."

"Alright, you'll stay for lunch right Konohamaru?"

"Oh yeah sure."

"I wouldn't take no for an answer Konohamaru. It's the least I can do since you helped Moeji."

"Thanks, that would be…"

The loud roar of the village alarms stopped Konohamaru from responding. He and Moeji froze as they heard it echo throughout the village. Nearby people stood still and after a few tense moments, the alarms stopped.

"That's the evacuation alarm," whispered Moeji. "Konohamaru, what should we do?"

"What we're supposed to do, we need to report to Hokage Tower."

"Right, here mom, get the groceries inside and get to the evacuation tunnels."

"Alright here hand them over."

Konohamaru obliged and handed everything over carefully to his teammate's mother.

"Now get going you two."

"Alright, mom, be careful."

"I will, and please, keep one another safe," said her mother as she kissed her daughter's forehead.

"Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to Moeji," said Konohamaru.

He grabbed her wrist and gave her a gentle tug. She gave her mother one more look before running off with Konohamaru towards Hokage tower.


Kaito was nursing when the village alarms went off. Sakura's heart sank when she heard them. She glanced over at Ino who was sitting by her bedside.

"It looks like Tsunade-sama isn't wasting any time in evacuating the village."

"Well she said was going to do so when she finished talking to the council."

"So we're going to be moved from here into the tunnels right?"

"That's right mom, the hospital had to create new evacuation plans after Pain attacked Konoha. We now have a small village inside the mountain. It's far more equipped and convenient than before. In a way being attacked was a blessing in disguise. Thanks to Pain's surprise attack Konoha has built in extra precautions to ensure everyone's safety."

"I see, I just can't help but be a little worried. All of this is just so unsettling, but I'm glad that you and I will be together."

"Me too mom."

"So it would seem that this little man was indeed hungry."

"I know he's feeding really well. I was afraid breastfeeding would be a challenge, but he latched on right away."

"Well he does have his father's looks, he probably inherited his appetite too," said Ino.

All three women laughed, but Sakura's smiled slowly faded as she looked down at her son. she lovely stroked his head. His soft yellow hair tickled her hand.

"I wish I knew where Naruto was."

"I know sweetie but you know he's busy trying to figure out a good plan of action."

"I know, I just miss him so much."

"Well, thats to be expected Sakura. What you're feeling is only natural, you just had a child, and your partner isn't here. Hormones just have a way of complicating things."

"Yeah Sakura, don't beat yourself up because you miss Naruto. I'd feel the same way if I were in your shoes. Just focus on getting your energy back," said Ino.

"I'm trying honestly I am, but his impending confrontation with Sasuke-kun keeps creeping into my mind."

"Relax Sakura, do you honestly think Naruto is going to let Sasuke beat him?"

"No…"

"You're damn right no! You and I both know that Naruto is going make sure Konoha remains safe, no matter what."

"I agree with Ino,' added Hanako. "If anyone is going to save the day, it's Naruto, Sakura."

"Thanks you two," whispered Sakura. "Did you hear that Kaito your daddy is out there doing his best to save us all."