Bonds Shattering

A/N: All right. Naruto managed to find Rin's guardian despite the fact that he's ill because of being posioned. And now it seems that Sesshomaru has some plans of his own for Naruto. Ah well now time to start the next chapter!

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR INUYASHA.

Chapter 3: Enigma

Its been a week and a half since Naruto arrived at the palace. He had recovered quite fast to the utter shock of the healers they had thought he would still be in bed for the whole month recovering. But instead here they are a week and a half later and the boy is up and fully healed. Now this had piqued the interest of Sesshomaru. He had thought that the human would recover slowly like all humans, but instead he had recovered faster than an average human being. This only added more pieces that needed to be solved to the unsolved puzzle that is known as Uzumaki Naruto. But that doesn't bother Sesshomaru one bit instead he prefer it to be more of a challenge.

As Sesshomaru was doing paperwork in his study he heard a loud commotion coming from the direction of his window which had a clear view of the gardens where Rin likes to play. As he rose from his seat gracefully and strode toward the window he looked to see five palace guards shouting and trying to apprehend the human known as Naruto. It was really a sorry sight to see his guards making themselves look like utter fools. Not to mention they couldn't even catch one human. But he must admit that the human seems to be quite skilled in evading his opponents not to mention five of them.

'He might have had some sort of training. But then again I know nothing of this human's past. Speaking of past, just what type of past did he had? He seemed to be suffering, if he's pleading to know why things turn out this way during his state of unconsciousness had anything to say about it. Not to mention he is still wearing that fox mask, now that I think about it he has never taken it off. Not even when the healers were tending to him, he is indeed strange. But one thing that I'm certain is that he is a very mysterious human.' thought Sesshomaru.

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard metal against metal. When he turned his attention back to them he saw that his guards were starting to get serious. But then again maybe he should have told them that he brought the human here and that he would be staying as a guest. With all the paperwork he had to look over and the relief that Rin was now back at the palace it had slipped his mind. Funny how this has never happened to him. Anyways the human seemed to be holding his own against the guards. But he didn't know for how long he could hold out against them. After all he was only human and the guards where demons, but then again he did kill ten demons while he was sick. Even though they were minor demons. Making his decision he jumped from the window and landed right between the guards and Naruto just as one of the gaurds was about to strike.

Everyone stopped what they were about to do when they noticed that Sesshomaru was standing right in front of them. Naruto seeing Sesshomaru in front of him relaxed a little bit but still had his gaurd up for just in case those guards attack. After all he was a trained shinobi and that was one of the things he learned from Kakashi. Thinking of his former sensei brought back the memories of the night he was condemned as a criminal and the words spoken to him that night. Since those were Kakashi's last words spoken to him and last time he ever saw Kakashi. Not once had he come in to check on his well being or asked if he was okay. He had put his faith in his friends only for them to throw it back at him (well except for Hinata of course). Thinking about all of this only made him upset to the point that tears started to form around his eyes but he wouldn't let them fall. Shaking his head to rid him of those memories he managed to force down those tears that threaten to spill. Unknown to him that they were able to smell his sadness.

Sesshomaru was about to reprimand both his guards for trying to harm his guest and Naruto for leaving the healing quarters. But stopped when he smelled salt in the air, he pin pointed it coming from Naruto. But as quickly as it came it went away. This was very confusing to Sesshomaru, he didn't know why he was upset surely it wasn't because his guards tried to apprehend him. He was trying to think of the reason why Naruto was upset and he couldn't come up with anything that might have upset him today. So he came to the conclusion that it might be something he was thinking about, maybe a memory that was painful or sad. He'll have to talk to him if he wanted to solve the mystery around Naruto. So he focused back to reprimanding them.

"What do you think you are doing?" asked Sesshomaru in a monotone voice. He looked towards his guards waiting for an explanation. His guards seeing this started to explain to their lord what had happen.

"Well you see my lord, we were making our rounds when we spotted this human wandering around your palace my lord. We tried to apprehend him but he gave us the slip. We searched the grounds for him for at least three hours but couldn't find him. It was only by chance we searched the garden that we came across him. And again we tried to apprehend him but as you can see he's resisting." One of the guards venomously spat the word human as he explained to his lord. Sesshomaru looked at his guards then he looked at Naruto who had a cool composure on the outside but on the inside he was fuming.

'What the hell! Tried to apprehend me! Yeah right more like trying to slice and dice me to pieces! Seriously they already hate me and I haven't even done anything to them!' thought Naruto angrily.

'I understand how you feel kit I would really like to put those bastards in their place but we can't reveal my presence unless we want to be traced by those "holy" priest and priestess. That are hell bent on trying to "purify" you. If you ask me they're pretty stupid if they think the can harm me or you with those pitiful energy. You would think that they would have learned their lesson by now.' thought Kurama.

'Yeah no kidding. You would think after we seriously kicked their asses they would have gave up by now. It just goes to show you that even if we're in a different dimension they still harbor ill will towards people they believe to be demons. Not to mention said demons hate humans. Seriously I'm hated in my dimension for being a jinchuriki, now in this dimension I'm hated for being a jinchuriki and human. Great just my luck.'

'Not necessarily kit, don't forget about Tai he's a demon and he loves you and see's you as a father figure. Not to mention Rin likes you too. So technically not everyone hates you in this dimension kit. And don't forget about me either." Kurama pointed out.

'I know I know. Tai and Rin are exceptions to this case. After all I see them as family. As such I will protect them with my life. And anyone who threatens my family will wish they never existed.' Stated a very determined Naruto.

Somewhere in feudal Japan a half demon shuddered from an impending doom. 'Why do I get the feeling I'll wish I never existed?'

'I know kit. And I'll be there to help you protect them. Anyways it looks like the little doggy is waiting for your answer Naruto. We'll talk later it seems that he's getting irritated. Later.' And with that Kurama pushed Naruto out of his mindscape. The first thing Naruto noticed was Sesshomaru starring at him with anger in his eyes. It seemed that he had asked the same thing from him twice and Naruto had failed to respond to his question.

"I'm sorry I kinda of dozed off there for a moment. What were we talking about again." Naruto said while scratching the back of his head in a sheepish manner. The five palace guards looked at him like he was crazy for making their lord to repeat himself a third time. After all no one lived after they had asked their lord to repeat himself a second time. Yet this human had forced their lord to repeat himself a second time and now he's asking him to repeat himself a third time?! It was official this human had a death wish.

Sesshomaru was annoyed and amused at the same time, but kept his calm demeanor. This human had dismissed his question in favor of dozing off as he put it. "I believe I asked what you are doing. Shouldn't you be at the healing quarters? After all you're supposed to be resting from your illness you had and recovering from being poisoned." Sesshomaru demanded more than questioned Naruto.

"I see. Then my apologies for not listening to you from the beginning. I didn't mean to offend you. And to answer your question, I heal faster than other people. And I don't like to be cooped up in a room all day. So I decided to take a stroll around your palace. Which by the way is a pretty nice place especially the gardens, you have to tell me how you got your garden to look this fantastic! Er...I'm getting off topic here. Anyways like I said I took a stroll around your palace until your guards here decided to slice and dice me into pieces. So I gave them the slip and found this beautiful garden which I was enjoying until these five found me and well I'm guessing you know the rest." Naruto explained. The guards sweat dropped when he went off topic and was excited about the gardens, and went back on topic like he never went off topic. Sesshomaru was amused on how Naruto was formal one second and excited the next and finished explaining like he wasn't excited a moment ago. He also understood what Naruto meant in his explanation.

'This human is really interesting.' Sesshomaru thought.

"In other words you simply don't like to feel caged in and my guards simply attacked you instead of trying to corner you and ask what business you had here. And you like gardening if you getting excited about the way my garden looks like has anything to say about it. Also you would like to do something productive while you are here in order for you not to find yourself bored. I believe that is everything you wanted to say." Said Sesshomaru in a monotone voice. Naruto was really surprised this demon managed to get what he was trying to say. Kurama was also surprised. Naruto simply nodded not trusting his voice to sound normal.

"Very well I'll have the gardener show you how he tends the garden. If you still find yourself bored then the library is open for you to use. I would also like for you to meet me in my studies after dinner to talk. But for now it is time for lunch, you and your son are to join Rin and I for lunch. As for you five I'll let this matter slide, but the next time I won't be so forgiving. And do tell the other guards that Naruto and his son are guest of mine. No one is to harm him or his son. Failure to obey my order will result in death. Is that understood." Commanded Sesshomaru in a cold tone. His guards simply replied with a yes sir. Kurama and Naruto couldn't help but sweat drop at the situation.

'He's not giving me a choice in this matter. He just demanded for me to join him for lunch and it looks like he won't take no for an answer. Great why I'm I always stuck with people with an attitude. It's like the whole world is against me or something.' Naruto thought. Naruto just simply nodded showing Sesshomaru he was paying attention to him this time.

Sesshomaru seeing that Naruto was paying attention this time around started walking back heading for the dinning area. He sensed that Naruto wasn't following and stopped walking. Looking over his shoulder he saw Naruto was looking at the plants that were around the pond. Sesshomaru cleared his throat getting Naruto's attention, Naruto seeing that Sesshomaru was waiting on him. He proceeded to walk towards Sesshomaru, once there he apologized and followed Sesshomaru into the dining room.

Once they arrived there Naruto noticed that both Rin and Tai were at the table waiting for them. It didn't take long for them to notice that they arrived. Once the children saw them they immediately smiled and called for them.

"Hello Sesshomaru-sama and Naru-san! Are we going to eat lunch together my lord?" Rin asked tilting her head in the process.

"Sesshomaru-sama. Father I see you're doing well today, did you by chance escape the healing bay in order for you to take a stroll?" Tai asked his father. He knows full well on how his father acts whenever they try to make him rest. If anything it's more like his father is more restless than rested. It's pretty funny when he puts it that way.

"I believe we are having lunch together Rin-chan. Otherwise Sesshomaru-sama wouldn't have told me to come. And you nailed it Tai. I did take a stroll around the palace until it became a game of tag." answered Naruto. Rin was excited to hear that both Naruto and Tai are going to have lunch with them. And Tai just looked at him. Wondering how a simple stroll around the palace could lead to a game of tag. But remembering how demons in the palace seem to despise humans. He could take a guess how his stroll ended up as a game of tag. And knowing his father he probably didn't make it easy on them. He probably damaged their pride in the process.

Sesshomaru simply nodded to Rin's question. He also noticed how Naruto and Tai interacted with each other. He noticed how Tai cared about Naruto's well being and he also showed great respect towards his father figure. They indeed act like father and son. Even though Naurto is human he deeply cares for the white tiger demon and he isn't afraid to show it either. Something like that would surely be used against him. Another thing to talk about with Naruto if he is to survive around here.

Lunch went rather nicely to say the least. Naruto and Tai were in a conversation on battle tactics that even Sesshomaru joined in. And to his surprise so did Rin from time to time. Though Rin didn't really understand most of the things they were talking about but that didn't mean she didn't have her own battle tactics to share. Sesshomaru was filled with pride on the inside when Rin answered Naruto's question on tactics when dealing with an opponent stronger than you. Though he will never show it on the outside.

After lunch Sesshomaru ordered one of his servants there to have the gardener meet with Naruto in the Gardens. And to show him how the plants are taken care of. He also had Rin and surprisingly Tai as well to meet their tutor in the study room that is specifically for Rin's educational needs. Sesshomaru then proceeded inside his study room. He saw the many pile of paper works that needed to be read and signed. And many also needed to be formally turned down without the other lords being offended. After all it is marriage proposal for their daughters, he has to at least be polite to them. Until they anger him with their stupidity, especially the human lords. And that is pretty much how Sesshomaru's afternoon went.

Dinner came and went by. It was the same as lunch, all four of them discussing many things that caught Sesshomaru's interest resulting in him joining their conversation. This surprised many of the servants that were present in the dining room. It was well known that their lord Sesshomaru did not engage in a conversation this long. Ever. Sure he would converse with the other lords but it was only brief and he would always end the conversation with a few words. Thus resulting in the other lords to think that their lord is nothing more than a rude insufferable and should just die pup.

Of course they wouldn't say that to his face if they value their lives.

After they had finished eating Sesshomaru led Naruto towards his study. Once they were seated they stared at each other for a minute until Sesshomaru broke the silence.

"Where do you hail from human? You do not look like one of the natives here in this land. Your golden blonde hair and blue eyes are not common here." Sesshomaru calmly demanded. Although Sesshomaru couldn't see his face but he could clearly see the color of his eyes through the eye holes on the mask clearly. Naruto wasn't all that surprise that he knew his eye color. After all demons had far better senses than humans did. Not to mention everyone he's come across knows the color of his eyes.

"I come from a very very distant land. You probably wouldn't find it here. As to my color of hair and eyes, were I come from many people have different color of hair and eyes. Though I do admit even my color is pretty rare back home." answered Naruto. Sesshomaru simply nodded at his answer, after all there will be plenty of time to solve the mystery around Uzumaki Naruto. He's in no rush to solve it. Although he does have another mystery to solve that involves a certain raven haired miko.

"Very well. Now on to other things, I noticed that Tai doesn't know anything about how to use his youki properly. Though he does have some control, though I believe you're teaching him control exercises." Sesshomaru stated.

"Yes, I've been teaching how to control his...youki as you put it. And I must admit I do not know in what way you would use youki. But I can at least try to incorporate some of my techniques into his arsenal." said Naruto.

"Techniques? Like the one you used to cover those kunais and the pups with your strange energy?" asked a curious Sesshomaru. Though he still had his face blank from all emotions.

"It's a simple technique that you could do as well. All you have to do is cover your weapon with your youki and it becomes more lethal. Though I believe it depends on the individual. For example, Tai can form a sword made of youki when he uses a kunai as the hilt. Though since he's young he could only maintain it for about 10 minutes." explained Naruto. Sesshomaru filed that bit of information at the back of his mind for later.

"I suppose you can do other things with your strange energy." stated Sesshomaru. Naruto nodded confirming his statement.

"I won't go any further on this topic for there is still other things I wish to discuss with you. Such as your relationship with the young cub." said Sesshomaru.

"What's wrong with my relationship with Tai?" Naruto narrowed his eyes at Sesshomaru. He could take a guess what he meant with that statement. Naruto isn't really an idiot like everyone back home was led to believe. He just wasn't able to take off the mask at the time. To many people were used to his mask of idiocy that they would have probably felt anger that he had fooled them. And most likely yell at him along the lines of the demon finally showing its true form, thus resulting in them killing him. Although it doesn't matter now since in the end all his hard work was for not.

"As you know there are a lot of demons that despise humans and vice versa. And because of this Tai might be targeted for having you as a father. Basically you'll be putting Tai and yourself at risk if other demons and humans knew of you being a parental figure to Tai. And any enemy that you make whether it be demons or humans, they'll target Tai in order to get to you." stated Sesshomaru.

"I knew you were going to say something like that. Although I do appreciate the warning but I'm afraid it's to late for that. I have already made a few enemies from both sides Sesshomaru. And I have to say that they have already tried that and let's just say they'll think twice before they pull that again." Naruto calmly replied. Sesshomaru only rose one brow to what Naruto said.

"There is also another matter I want to discuss with you." Said Sesshomaru.

"Oh? And what would that be if I may ask?" asked Naruto.

"Do you have any where to return to? If you do not then you may stay here and you can also travel with my pack." said Sesshomaru. Naruto laid down his options. He did have a place to go back to not to mention he also had to find a way back home. If he chose to stay the village he had manage to built for both humans and demons could live in harmony with one another. Though to his surprise there was quite a lot of them mostly demons who have humans as mates. Others were half demons seeking refuge from the rest of the world who want them dead.

Of course Naruto being Naruto decided to built a village at the exact area that Akira left him in. It took two months at least to build houses for them to live in. And oddly enough the land they were inhabiting wasn't claim by any demon or human lord. Though they've been trying to but for some political reasons they couldn't take over the land. Thus resulting in everyone in this new village he built to name him Lord. Even though he had tried to turn it down they wouldn't allow it. So while he and the two children were looking for Sesshomaru, his blood clone was left behind doing all the paperwork and helping with the construction of the palace and the rest of the village.

Sesshomaru seeing that Naruto was debating with himself decided to speak. "If you choose to stay then Rin would be very delighted that you'd stayed and travel with us. Not to mention that Tai would be able to see Rin everyday and vice versa. After all it seems that Rin is very attached to you both."

'Is he trying to make me stay?' thought Naruto.

'It seems that way.' stated Kurama.

'But why? There's no reason for him to go to all this trouble for me. Unless.'

'You just figured it out. He probably wants you to stay because of your power. He wants you as an ally rather than an enemy. And he's also giving you a choice to stay. A rather wise choice if you ask me. Though I think he wants you to stay in order to solve the puzzle that is Uzumaki Naruto. After all he's not the first to try to figure you out. Many friends and foes alike have tried to figure you out but you always threw them for a loop. Even Madara tried to figure you out but considering we were at war, he didn't have a chance to.'

'Tch. Even though it would be better for me...or should I say us to refuse. I must admit that I need an ally in this world if we hope to survive here. Though I doubt those priest and priestesses can do me any harm, it's the demons I'm more concerned about. Specifically that demon that goes by the name of Naraku, he's been a thorn in our side since the beginning of this journey to find Rin's guardian. Not to mention Akira is still out there.'

'Indeed. It would be wise of you to take his invitation to stay.'

'Yeah you're right.'

"Sesshomaru-san I accept your offer to stay. But under some conditions." said Naruto.

Sesshomaru already saw that coming. He knew that if Naruto decided to stay he would have some conditions. "Very well. State your conditions."

"If I'm going to stay then I want to go as I please from the palace. I also want you to help teach Tai how to use and control his youki. And if possible how to use a sword. Next is there any black smith that can forge me a couple of weapons. I'm kinda of running low on weapons. And I know that there's a couple of other things that I'll tell you later since I can't seem to remember. So is this acceptable you Sesshomaru-san." stated Naruto. Sesshomaru simply nodded to his conditions.

"Your requests will be granted. Now it is getting late you should rest. We'll stay in the palace for another week before we set out, just to make sure you've recovered. Then we'll set out." ordered Sesshomaru. With a bow and a thank you Naruto left for his room that was given to him after lunch. Sesshomaru couldn't help but smirk, now that Naruto was staying he would be able to find out more information about Naruto. Not to mention figure out what type of energy he uses. Since Sesshomaru knows it's not holy powers that priests and priestesses use. It's similar to youki but it is very different, it's more destructive and raw power. And yet it's also calm and gentle.

Now if the demons in the palace wouldn't be stupid enough to cause Naruto harm. And hopefully they wouldn't try to kill Naruto in his sleep. Otherwise there's going to be a few executions taking place this week.

Time skip

A month has already passed by and Sesshomaru's pack has an additional two members. And he is pleased to know that they're not a noisy bunch unlike a miko's certain pack. Sesshomaru couldn't help but think back on how Naruto managed to gain some friends in the palace. Though it's mostly from the servants in the palace. Such as the cooks and the gardener and strangely enough even he is starting to see him as a friend. Through out the whole month Naruto had spend time with him. At first it was annoying but as each day went by Sesshomaru was getting used to Naruto's presence.

It's strange really, it's like Naruto has the ability to draw people in regardless of who they are. And he also knows that the guards at the palace are trying their hardest not to like the human. But he could see that they'll crack sooner or later. Sesshomaru couldn't help but be pleased with the decision he made. Not only is Naruto strong but he is quite smart.

Sesshomaru was surprised to know that Rin knew how to wield small daggers. But concluded that it was better for her to know how to defend herself against a threat. So he allowed Naruto to teach her a few things such as hand to hand combat. He himself gave a few tips to her and she was very thrilled to have him help her. And he himself couldn't help but smirk at Rin's happiness. Not that anyone noticed at least that he knows, though he's pretty sure Naruto had seen his smirk.

So far the day had been quite peaceful as they had stopped to rest. Well more like Sesshomaru stopped in order for the two humans in his pack to rest. Though he knows that Naruto could have kept going. Sesshomaru resting his back against the tree watched as his pack ate. He couldn't help but wonder on how Naruto managed to eat with his mask on. But didn't really question it for he'll figure it out sooner or later.

Everything was going great until that half breed's pack came to the same clearing as them. And with it started a chain reaction with Inuyasha attacking Sesshomaru with his Tetsaiga of course Sesshomaru would dodge each strike elegantly. Like he was dancing to a song only he could dance to. Of course this only made Inuyasha angry and unleashed the wind scar with out thinking and to everyone's horror it was in the direction of where the rest of Sesshomaru's pack was.

Naruto thinking fast went through a series of hand seals quickly and unleashed his own attack rivaling in power of the wind scar.

"Wind style: Great breakthrough!" shouted Naruto. A gust of wind collided against the wind scar. Both attacks canceling each other out. This surprised Inuyasha and his group for someone to rival the power of the wind scar and cancel it out. Sesshomaru on the other hand was torn. On one side he was furious with Inuyasha for attacking his pack. And on the other hand Sesshomaru couldn't help but smirk at what one of his pack members had done.

Everyone in Inuyasha's group couldn't help but think who was this unknown being. But Sesshomaru had only one thought to this whole thing.

'To be able to match the power of Tetsaiga is truly remarkable. And not only that but to have the power to control wind is something I didn't expect. Naruto is truly an enigma among enigmas.'

A/N: That's the end of this chapter. IT took me awhile to finish this. Considering all that is happening at my house. Anyways I'll try to put up the next chapter as soon as possible but no promises. And please review.