(A Day and a half into their journey)
Kakashi sat at the little camp that he and Sasuke had set up, thinking of how their journey was going so far. They had talked very little to each other while traveling. And It got more and more awkward with each step. He wanted to get past this with Sasuke and be able to talk to him normally...But the young Tengu was so cold to him and unwelcoming when he started up a conversation.
'He probably hates me for what I did...' He thought, mindlessly poking at the fire with a stick. Little fire sparks flew into the red-orange air, dying in the air after a few seconds. He sighed slightly, trying to distract himself.
Sasuke looked his way, noticing the heavy sigh that Kakashi gave. '...Why? What is he trying to do!" He questioned himself, hugging his knees when he sat near the fire. He knew what Kakashi was trying to do when he tried talking with him. He knew that he felt the awkward air and was trying to amend things...But it wasn't going to be that easy. They would never be able to go back to the ways things where before Sasuke had feelings for him. He also sighed, turning his palms to the fire in an attempt to get some more warmth.
"We should be able to get to the heart of the swamp tomorrow...Since we are slightly ahead of scheduled." Kakashi said, watching Sasuke closely. "When we meet with Naruto's father...Try avoiding talking about Lady Kushina..." He warned, not knowing if he knew of her fate and the fate of the Kitsune shrine.
"I didn't even know Kushina-San...So I can't really talk about her..." Sasuke said his voice carried some edge to it. It was true though, Sasuke was too young to travel to see Lady Kushina when his father went to visit her. Even Itachi had only met her twice before she was killed.
"Still, it's best not to.." Kakashi added. He waited to see if Sasuke had anything more to add before he got up to get more logs to add to the fire. He tried to keep his distance from Sasuke and just keep to himself, but the young Tengu made it really awkward and weird to be so silent and distant. 'I don't know if I will be able to keep this up.' He thought as he picked up three longs.
"What do you think Naruto's dad even looks like?" Sasuke asked, his mood lightening up a little, thinking about Naruto was helping him to calm down.
"I've heard from Fugaku that he looks very similar to Naruto. The same blond hair and blue eyes. He only took Kushina's facial structure and the shape of her eyes...and apparently her mannerisms." Kakashi told Sasuke, wondering if Sasuke was starting to warm up to him again. But Sasuke gave his usual grunt and turned back to looking at the flames, once again ignoring Kakashi. He noticed the tired slouch that he was in. "Sasuke...I know you don't want me telling you what to do, but you need your rest." He started, "I will have the first watch tonight..so please rest." He said. But When Sasuke looked back at him with a glare he sighed and gave up talking to him for the night. There was no point in trying to get him to do anything he didn't want to do.
Kakashi looked to Sasuke once more before sighing one last sigh and walking over to the tree nearest to him. He sat down on the ground, resting his back against the tree. 'Sasuke...' He said the young Tengu's name in his head, his chest tightening. 'How can I help you to understand.' He thought, staring at his back, noticing his slim yet manly features. He thought of how things might not get better between the two...and that's not what he wanted. He wanted to be everything that Sasuke would need...A lover, a protector and provider...But even Kakashi didn't know what would happen if they did become mates. It could be something glorious and something that needed to be protected. Just like the mating between Naruto and Itachi. Or it could be something that could be their undoing. He heard Sasuke start to nod off, his body betraying him and demanding that he slept. He curled up in on himself near the fire, letting himself rest. Kakashi smiled seeing how cute the young Tengu was being was reminding him how much he cared for him.
But then his dark memories started to return, reminding himself of why he mostly keeps his distance from people.
He remembered his first tribe that he was with. It was a separate tribe of Inugami and they had gladly taken him in. Not only was he from an alpha bloodline, he was currently stronger and way younger than their current alpha.
It wasn't long until he challenged the alpha and won, letting him remain in the tribe do to his old age and the fact that he appreciated the guidance that he would sometimes receive from him. He became quite popular quite fast and had many suitable mates lined up for him. But one omega showed great promise even though he was male. Iruka was a young and kind omega. He kept peace between clan mates and turned hostile and almost deadly atmospheres into ones of kindness and laughter. But he wasn't a push-over himself and let any cocky male or female know.
Kakashi had secretly started courting him and showing interest, in which Iruka was returning. They had become happy and when other tribe members found out of what was happening between the two, they were accepting and even gave them their blessings. Kakashi was overjoyed at the time and never thought that he would experience such happiness. Iruka was the first one to suggested that they be a mated pair, forever by each others sides and never in need for another. If they where to mate it would be for life...no one else would be welcomed into their beds, even if one of the mated pairs died. There would be no one else when the markings where made and the blood exchanged. He and Iruka where supposed to go to a secluded part of the mountain base, in one of the sacred areas to begin. But when Their estate was under attack and almost everyone was killed, Kakashi and Iruka had to put their feelings aside and confront this unknown enemy.
They had fought beautifully with each other, knowing each others movements and skills and using them with each other. But when a more powerful enemy showed up with a demon killing sword things began to turn for the worst. Iruka had begged for Kakashi to escape while he had the human preoccupied. But Kakashi had refused, to stubborn and unwilling to let his intended mate stay and die while he himself ran. But if Kakashi had listened Iruka would have followed him and they both would have probably survived. But since Kakahsi hadn't the human turned his attention to the more powerful demon and started attacking Kakashi.
Kakashi held up his own quite well, but with the demon killing sword eating at his strength, not even he could stand against him for much longer...even with Iruka's help. The human eventually had Kakashi kneeling on the ground, to exhausted to fight much longer. Kakashi looked up when the human got ready to swing at him for the killing strike. His eyes widened in sorrow and in fear though when Iruka jumped in front of the blade, taking the blow and holding the human off. He could still remember the sound of the blood spilling onto the wooden floor of their home, the life slowly leaving his lovers eyes and body. He remembered the gargled plea from Iruka as he pushed against the human with the last of his strength, toppling him and the human over. He pleaded for Kakashi to leave and live.
Too shocked and horrified to do anything else, Kakashi did as Iruka had asked. He left, fleeing into the night. He couldn't remember much after that because of the shock of the events he had just witnessed had traumatized him too greatly. He could remember the pain and sorrow though.
Kakashi shook slightly as he brought his knees to his chest, finding some comfort in the motion. He then remembered all the other people he had ran into. Some where kind and most where just companions to take away the pain. But when ever Kakashi expressed interest in someone it was with all of his heart. His heart could't bear the pain it sustained watching Iruka die. He was cold and distant with his lovers...which lead them to find companion ship with others even when they where meant to be with the 'Alpha'.
Kakahsi would look at all of his lovers while they lay with someone else and just glare...he did't yell...he didn't demand both of their heads in retribution. He would just let them be...to do as the pleased. Eventually he would just up and leave the tribe, abandoning them. He gathered quite the reputation of being unreliable to stay with a tribe, so when ever he would try everyone refused him, but thanked him for his help.
'That is why Sasuke...' He thought, looking to the sleeping Tengu. 'I couldn't handle anything happening to you...If I where to mate you, and then have you taken from me...I wouldn't be able to survive...I'm still not quite whole with what happened with Iruka...' He thought more. He gripped at his chest, feeling his heart tighten in pain and anguish. But he needed to concentrate on what was ahead of them. Not only did he need to find Naruto's father, but he needed to make sure that he got everyone home safely before their peace treaty was no longer in effect. He looked to Sasuke one last time before turning his full attention on protecting Sasuke through the night.
Naruto made sure to stay close enough to Kakashi and Sasuke and remain undetected by the two. ' What could they be doing heading so far north?' He thought, knowing that if they headed in this direction any further, the they where going to head into the northern swamp lands. He stopped when they finally stopped to rest for the night, listening to what they where talking about.
"We should be able to get to the heart of the swamp tomorrow...Since we are slightly ahead of scheduled." He heard Kakashi say. Wanting to know more about what they where doing, he listened in more closely.
"When we meet with Naruto's father...Try avoiding talking about Kushina..." Naruto froze, his body going cold.
'...Father?' He thought, turning away from the two's conversation. He didn't know hos to process what he was feeling...He was infuriated, shocked...terrified and saddened by the fact that his two best friends where trying to find his father. He hadn't even met the man and they couldn't even tell him that they knew where he was let alone that he was alive. Naruto sat on the ground away from the camp, staring at the ground, his rage growing. 'How could they do this?!' He thought. His hands clenched on the ground, leaving claw marks as he tried to control his anger. He looked back to Kakashi, ready to reveal himself...but the look the Inugami calmed his rage for a moment and gave him time to rationalize.
He watched as Kakashi's face went from fear to dread quickly and then back to sorrow and pain. He saw his friend like this only once when they went drinking one night together. Kakashi had just abandoned another tribe when they decided this and he drank until he could no more. Naruto had watched his calm and collected friend that night quickly fall to pieces and crumble. He had said somethings about his past but mostly he had become a sobbing ball of teeth. When Kakashi got like that it was best to just let him get it out than to talk to him...other wise he was most likely to attack you instead. But as Naruto watched him now, his anger died little by little.
'He must of had his reasons...And Fugaku-San as well...' Naruto finally thought. This would also explain why they left so suddenly and why Naruto himself wasn't asked to go find him...He knew that if he had learned that his father was alive that he would blindly run after him without a second thought. And he looked back at how quickly he got upset and angered by the mention of his father.
'I need to control my emotions better...' He thought, watching as Sasuke fell over falling asleep quickly. He looked back to Kakashi, seeing his face brighten as he watched Sasuke sleep. 'Sasuke's life is on the line after all...'
Kakashi walked behind Sasuke, rubbing his cheek slightly wincing. Sasuke had punched him when Kakashi had tried waking him to continue on their journey. It was an accident to be sure, But he couldn't help but think that Sasuke had done it on purpose.
"I already apologized..." Sasuke grumbled back at him, wondering if he really did hit him that hard. He continued walking up the steep hill that they needed to head over.
"...Doesn't change the fact that it is hurting..." Kakashi said under his breath. Sasuke was about to turn back and try to hit him again when something caught his eye. He stopped, alerting Kakashi behind him. He scanned his surroundings, feeling the air and checking for any demonic presences. He looked back at Kakashi to see if he had sensed or smelt anything or anyone. When Kakashi shook his head Sasuke continued forward. He knew that they where being followed...By who or what he was unsure. But it gave him the feeling that they where heading in the right direction if they where already running into possible resistance.
He entered into a clearing that made him stop and just look around. No more than a foot in front of him there was a huge wall of mist so thick that he couldn't see his hand that he had reached into the mist. How he could have missed this while flying above earlier, he wasn't sure...but this was defiantly going to cause a problem.
"Sasuke, Your bag." Kakashi pointed to his satchel that he had brought. In it you could see a bright blueish glow illuminating from with in. Sasuke opened it up, pulling out the glowing orb that Suigetsu had given him. It got brighter slightly as it was brought out, almost making it seem like it was alive. The two watched as the light from the Dragon orb reached out and touched the mist. Where it had touched made the mist disintegrate, revealing what it was covering.
"I'm glad you made a new friend Sasuke...and that he has a magical orb that just so happens to help us." Kakashi said with a little sarcasm in his voice. He wasn't so sure if he wanted to trust the object of something that came from someone that he hadn't even met yet. Sasuke glared at him, his grip on the orb tightening.
"Suigetsu-San is a trustworthy demon...He was kind to me and listened to me when I needed someone to talk to. He was there for me when I thought no one else was or could be...He's a better demon and friend then you have been to me...When I told him where he was going he was genuinely afraid for yours' and mine safety...That's why he gave me this!" Sasuke defended Suigetsu and said somethings that he had been wanting to say. He saw a dark shadow fall on Kakashi's face when he mentioned him being better than Kakashi though. But He wasn't wrong!
"Lets get going..." Kakashi said when Sasuke hadn't said anything else. He followed behind Sasuke, keeping quiet while the light from the orb dispelled the mist, letting them pass through unharmed. The walk through the mist seemed to want to go on for ever, making Sasuke wonder just were they where heading. When they seemed to reach the other side of what ever mist sea they had crossed they came upon a beautiful small temple like estate. There where walls all around it and moss and vines from all the water and moisture.
"What is this place?..." Sasuke asked out loud, scanning the area to see if there was any indication to where they where. There was no one or any noticeable land mark in sight besides the wall of the small estate. "Do you think this is where Minato-San is?" Sasuke whispered to Kakashi, noticing that Kakashi was concentrating really hard on the building. That could only mean he was searching for a demon...and it was probably Minato.
"Let's check this place out...and If Minato is here, you need to be ready. No one has seen him in a long time..So there is no telling if he will attack or hear us out." Kakashi said, getting ready to sneak into the small estate. Sasuke agreed that they needed to be careful. But the thought of how they where going to try to get him to come back with them, made it to where he was starting to second guess things.
Naruto woke to the sound of flesh hitting flesh and a loud yelp. He sat up quickly, looking to where Kakashi and Sasuke where sleeping. He saw Kakahsi rubbing his cheek that was slowly turning a light red color. Sasuke apologized while trying to hid his giggle and satisfaction. They began to move, heading out from their little camp.
'Maybe today I'll finally get to meet my father...' Naruto thought, trailing his friends. He wanted to reveal himself to the two, and just travel with them normally. But he knew that if Kakahsi and Sasuke knew that he was there with them that they would treat this mission differently and him. They wouldn't trust him to handle meeting his father, which quite frankly he didn't fully trust what he might do either. He saw that Sasuke had stopped moving and was looking around. Which meant that there was someone or something around them. Naruto quickly jumped into the nearest tree, watching his surroundings and around Sasuke and Kakashi. He knew there was someone there, but they where doing a real good job at not being found.
When Kakashi and Sasuke continued on, Naruto also deemed the area safe enough to walk in, But he would still be on high alert after that little scare. He jumped from tree to tree, careful not to make too much noise or disturb the area enough to give him away. He stopped short though when he saw what he and everyone else had to travel through.
'H-How?!' He screamed in his mind seeing the vast sea of mist in front of them. He watched as Sasuke and Kakashi ventured in the mist, caring what looked like a glowing crystal. He saw that the mist was parting where the light touched, letting them pass.
'Crap!' Naruto rushed to follow behind the two. There must have been a reason why Sasuke had that orb...The mist might be more dangerous than he first thought. But while he was thinking he realized that his window of opportunity was closing. He hopped down and ran after his two friends, determined to get in the protection of that orb. He watched as the mist started to fade around his friends, slowly cutting off his rout to them. He knew that he couldn't use his powers to jump to the area he needed to go..Kakahshi would notice him instantly if he did so. So he was left with no choice to chase after them while still suppressing his presence.
He ran as hard as he could, realizing that he was too late. The mist connected once again, making the huge wall that it was once again. He stopped short, looking at the mist. His brain worked really fast, trying to come up with some solution to get to them once again.
'They're going to see my father! I can't just let them go!' He screamed in his head, feeling a little helpless. He planted his feet while shaking his head vigorously. He couldn't think negatively right now. He needed to be with Sasuke and eventually confront his father...but right now Sasuke needed to have his protection...and no stupid mist barrier was going to stop him! He charged in blindly, knowing that what he was doing was stupid...but it was necessary stupidity at the moment.
The mist was certainly thick, white surrounded Naruto's vision. He couldn't even smell his way through the blasted mist barrier. 'Maybe this wasn't the best Idea...' Naruto thought, charging through, trying to see if there was anything that he could spot that would help him with finding Sasuke and Kakashi.
"..."
"..ruto."
"...Naruto." He heard something hiss near him, making him stop abruptly. His fox ears frantically swiveled, desperately trying to find some noise to lock onto. He waited, knowing that he heard something...or someone.
"Naruto..." The voice got closer, and more feminine. He listened again, this time in the direction it came from.
"Naruto." He jumped, turning around, hearing the voice right behind him. He was ready for anything, already getting into a fighting stance. But nothing in the world could prepare him for who he saw. There, only a few feet away was the spitting image of his mother...Just like the day he had left her all those years ago...
"M-Mother?" He choked out, his throat constricting with emotion and fear. Tears pooled at the corners of his eyes. "No!...Th-This can'-" He stopped when she smiled, her eyes kind and warm like they always where. His eyes widened with disbelief...His deceased mother was standing in front of him...completely alive and well.
"My son..." She called to him, smiling her famous smile that Naruto had learned from her. She opened her arms to him, beckoning him into a warm and familiar embrace. His legs shook as he stepped once towards her.
"Mother!" He yelled for her, wanting this to be real. He was almost to her when he watched in horror as a sword blade was thrust through her, spurting blood in ever direction. Some of it splashed on Naruto's face, making the areas twitch uncomfortably. He slowly reached up, his hands shaking while his eyes where wild and wide eyed. He touched his cheek where the warm sticky substance and sprayed him. He looked and his fingers, seeing the dark liquid and the familiar smell. His eyes shifted to his mother, who was now shaking as she looked at the sword and the blood that was now pooling out and staining her kimono.
"W-Why Naruto?" She choked out..Her breath coming out in rasps as the life was slowly leaving her. "Why couldn't you protect me?" She questioned, tears streaming from her eyes. She coughed once, blood dripping from her lips as she fell forward, the sword moving as she fell to the ground. Naruto watched her body for what seemed like an eternity. He shook, his tears flowing uncontrollably as he looked at his mother's dead body.
"M-Mother?!" He yelled, hoping that this was just a sick dream that he was sucked into. He took another shaky step towards his mother's body, stopping when he heard a figure approaching. His eyes widened in furry and rage as he looked upon the familiar face of Danzo.
"...Such a shame..." the man spoke, grabbing the sword still in Naruto's mothers body, pulling it swiftly from her while flinging blood in the direction of the swing. Naruto growled, his body shaking this time with rage. "You couldn't even protect your sad, pathetic mother from me...How she must be so disappointed in you...Not to mention that you had a chance to get revenge for her and didn't do anything...You have let down everyone that died that day." He seethed, bending to to his mothers corps, looking at her before grabbing her hair roughly and pulling her lifeless head up so they could see it.
"Don't touch her!" Naruto yelled, trying not to let what Danzo was saying get to him...But it was hard not to when what he was saying was the truth...He had failed him mother, and all of the kitsune that died that day...If only he hadn't been so weak. Children his age in the fox community where already training to be warriors...And what had he done? Lived in his mothers care, not realizing how cruel and monstrous the real world really was.
"She had such pride and hope for you...what a waste.." He said as he sliced his sword across his mother's neck, slicing it clean off. He held it up for Naruto to clearly see, tormenting him. "She will Never for give you...You couldn't protect them and now you wont be able to protect Sasuke. He will die and there is nothing you can do...In fact after this has all rolled over I will return, and when I do I will kill your precious mate and everything that he holds dear. You're to pathetic and too weak to do anything about it."
Naruto charged then, His claws ready to tear into Danzo's flesh. He couldn't let this man go...He needed to kill him to let his mother and family rest peacefully knowing that their deaths where avenged. He slashed quickly at Danzo, missing him only slightly. His eyes widened in rage when the reality of the situation became clear. He watched as Danzo faded into the mist slowly, smiling while chuckling slowly. He wasn't really there.. Naruto roared out, hatred and anger consuming his entire body. The fact that Danzo wasn't really there for him to kill brought more pain and suffering to his heart.
His body began to hiss slightly, getting ready for the transformation that was going to occur. His now six tails burst forth, bringing all the power that came with them. His body bent and grew, changing into his enormous Kitsune form. He stood there on all fours, his lips curled back to reveal his sharp canine teeth. His eyes where blinded with rage, anything that moved or shown its presence was dead if Naruto noticed it. Nothing was safe anymore. He let his hatred boil and fester as his true self crept deeper into its self, closing off all his emotions and rationality. The demons in the area where instantly killed and hunted down...any movement or sign of life was snuffed out by him...If his mother was't alive anymore than nothing else deserved to be alive. Somewhere deep inside himself that he knew this behavior was wrong and that he needed to calm himself, but he would then remember Danzo's words and reenter his enraged state of mind all over again...Nothing was going to stop him...
Sasuke and Kakashi, after some careful consideration decided it was best and probably the best and fastest way to find Naruto's father was to go into the rundown estate and find him themselves. So they headed into it, carefully and cautiously. They didn't know if the rumors where still trued about him being a mindless demon...So it was best to be careful in how they approached him.
"Kakashi..." Sasuke motioned to a more fixed up part of the estate. It was the main hall area..Probably the only place in here where Naruto's father would be. Kakashi nodded, understanding just what Sasuke was thinking. They walked quietly up to the area, checking once again before knocking on the paper door frame. It was a polite gesture and hopefully if there was anyone inside they would know that they where friendly with it. After all most enemy's didn't let you know they where there if they knew you where inside, armed and completely dangerous. They waited, listening and readying themselves. It seemed like several minutes passed by before the doors opened by them selves, the barrier inside dissipating so that they could pass through. After on last glance at each other they stepped through, taking in everything that they saw.
There in the middle of the room, sitting on a huge pile or fallen in ceiling, was a golden haired figure, glaring their way. "Who dares disturb me...Haven't you hear of what happens to those who cross my path?" The figure seethed out, standing up sharply, sizing up Kakashi and Sasuke. Kakashi was the one to bow first, startling Sasuke into following his example.
"I come from The Great Tengu Estate under Fugaku Uchiha's protection...I am Kakashi and my companion is his youngest son, Sasuke Uchiha." He began his introductions while still bowing. "I am here to tell you that Fugaku has summoned you to complete your promise..." He finished, finally rising to meet an icy glare. This demon was certainly Naruto's father...The resemblance was uncanny. The blond hair, his height...and just the way the man carried himself even though the rumors said that he was a blood thirsty, mindless demon now.
"Fugaku..." Minato whispered the Tengu's name, his eyebrows furrowed trying to recall his past. "He sends his son and some dog demon to try and bring me back?" He finally growled out. "I have nothing to do with a man who abandoned my family to die..." He finally got out, his gaze saddening. Kakashi could see the hate and the pain that where in them. It was very similar to what he felt when Iruka was killed.
"With all do respect...My father did everything he could to help the Lady Kushina..But she had the vision of what would happen and insisted that my father take your son...Naruto to the safety of the Tengue Mountains..."Sasuke stepped forward, knowing that Naruto's father was hurting but he wouldn't stand by while he insulted his father for all the wrong reasons. "My father took him in and raised him in his home like one of his sons...Naruto is alive and well and has been dealing with the same pain you have felt all this time." He added, hoping that what he was saying would get through the pain and suffering that Minato was holding on to.
"H-He's alive?!" Minato turned back to the too, his face softened and turned into one that looked liked how a worried father would. Tears started to pool at the ends of his eyes, there was some bit of hope that was coming back into his eyes...But they grew dark again with disbelief and doubt. "How can I know that this isn't a trick? I know that my wife and her people are dead...But I haven't been able to find Naruto...and believe me, I have looked...There is no possibility that he is alive..." He bent his face into his hands, letting out a slight sob as he clutched at his hair.
"He really is-"
"LEAVE! YOU ARE NO LONGER WELCOME HERE!" He yelled out, tears of hate and sorrow flowed freely now. "Leave before I kill you..." He went back to his pile of ruble, plopping down and holding himself tightly.
Kakashi and Sasuke waited a few seconds, trying to find a way to show him that Naruto really was a live. Kakashi stepped forward, making Minato tense.
"Minato-" He was cut off by a sharp cut through the air. Suddenly there was an intense heat around them, making it really hard to breath. The pressure came shortly after, knocking Kakashi and Sasuke to their knees, making them gag. Electricity followed and the distinct fear and need to escape came violently, making everyone in the room tremble. But this presence was familiar...Kakashi's eyes widened when he realized just who it belonged to..He lifted his head to Sasuke, barley able to choke out his words.
"N-Naruto!"
Minato looked to Kakashi, and searched his own feelings. This feeling was similar to how he felt when he first heard that Kushina and Naruto had been killed along with the entire Kitsune clan. It was full of pain and sorrow, and most of all intense hatred. Where ever Naruto was now he needed to get to him fast...If he continues to lose himself to his inner demon and rampage around, he will be stuck as a mindless demon for the next thousand years.
The only reason he himself didn't stay a mindless demon for that long was do to some instinct kicking in where it realized that somehow Naruto was alive after feeling a similar spike of power not to long ago. But it wasn't easy being back to his old self again...there where too many feelings and memories that brought even more pain back to him.
"We need to find him...Or he'll be lost to us for a very long time..." Minato spoke, getting up with some difficulty. He helped Sasuke and Kakashi up, sharing some of his strength so that they could somewhat bare this intense power. "He's somewhere near the Mist forest entrance..." He walked towards the doors, opening them while looking back at the other two. "If this really is my son...I will return back with him to see Fugaku." He said before exiting, quickly followed by Kakashi and Sasuke.
When everyone reached the side of the Mist forest they stopped, eyes wide as the took in the sight before them. In the middle of of the devastated forest was Naruto in his glorious Kitsune form. But there was something obviously wrong as he turned his red gaze to the group that just showed them selves. His growl deep and intense, sending a wave of fear and awareness through them. It started deep in everyone's core and traveled through out their bodies, alerting ever hair and instinct deep within. This creature here was something not to take lightly.
"Naruto..." Minato whispered, recognizing his son instantly. His heart went out to him as he looked at him...His son was in so much pain, and it was something that he had helped cause even if Naruto himself didn't realize it. He watched as Naruto came closer, trying to decide how to kill everyone in front of him. But he wasn't mindless yet so his instincts where protecting him by letting him sense Minato's presence, Making him realize that this demon could possibly do some great harm. He kept his gaze on Minato, focused and determined to destroy this new enemy.
'Of course he doesn't realize I am his father..' Minato thought, keeping eye contact with his son as he started to move to the left slightly.
"N-Naruto..." Sasuke called out to him, hoping that his presence was enough to help bring him back.
Naruto's head snapped to Sasuke, his attention on him now. He swiped at both him and Kakashi, sensing that they were weaker than the other demon. He slashed and snapped his teeth at them, trying to land a blow somehow one either of them. Sasuke took to the sky's, barley able to doge Naruto's non stop attacks. Kakashi was holding his own, trying to call out to his friend as he dogged as well. Minato stood and watched his son, knowing just what he had to do...But it would bring Naruto so much more pain...
"Naruto! It's me you dumb-ass! Sasuke yelled at him, a little hurt that Naruto wasn't able to recognize him or Kakashi.
"Calling out to him wont work...The mist has messed with his mind too greatly. He has reverted back in on himself allowing his full demon to take control." Minato began to explain. He took off his old ripped robe, letting the last layer of his kimono show. He moved his hands into an intricate prayer like pose before focusing his energy into that fixed point. "I need you to keep Naruto off me while I try to get him out of this state...I only need a few moments" As he said this Naruto's head turned to him, noticing what he was trying to do. He went wild then, charging full speed at Minato, getting an energy orb ready in his jaws.
Kakashi sprang to action, knocking Naruto's jaw to the side by kicking it, making him release the energy orb to the right instead of right at Minato. He glared and roared at Kakahsi, batting him away to get to the real threat. Sasuke flew in front of him, trying to keep Naruto's focus on him. It worked for a brief moment until Naruto's swing at him connected, sending him flying into the forest they came from.
"Sasuke!" Kakashi yelled, taking his eyes off Naruto for a moment. He charged, taking the opportune moment to attack the real threat. While he was running everyone could see the eighth tail springing forth, making the aura around him turn to a hateful black and red color. Naruto's eyes turned fully red, no white to be seen. He leaped at Minato, teeth bared and ready to kill. Minato's eyes snapped open, connecting with Naruto's. The second they did Naruto collapsed to the ground, writhing in pain. The loud hiss's and whine's where hard to hear for both Kakashi and Sasuke as they watched their beloved friend writhe in so much pain.
"He'll transform back to his secondary form...When he does we need to hurry him back to Fugaku's pure mountain air will help him recover faster." Minato stepped forward, touching his son's fur. His face was full of sadness and happiness at the same time. He had never gotten to see Naruto let alone be there for when his son was born. So to see him now even in his fox form was something that he never thought he would do. The form under his touch began to grow small, until the form returned to its more natural state. Minato reached for his son then, holding him in his arms for the first time.
"N-Naruto..." He whispered his son's name. He brushed some hair from Naruto's face, looking at it intently. He really was his son. He looked so much like Kushina and him. Minato smiled, tears falling from his warming eyes as he cradled his son while he knelt down, holding him tight. "My son." He sobbed, placing his forehead on Naruto's chest, holding him tighter as he cried softly.
"My my...Isn't that touching." A voice sounded from the clearing to the west. Everyone turned to look at who was there in alarm. No one had sensed anything or heard anything. There with some Snake knights and a few other demons was a tall, slender demon. Minato looked to him, his eyes hardening with recognition.
"Orochimaru..." He seethed, saying the demon's name. Both Kakahsi and Sasuke looked to the pale demon, They had heard stories about this demon...and none of them turned out well in the end.
"Minato," Orochimaru gave recognition to the other powerful demon. " And who might I ask are your friends." He asked, his golden eyes looked over Naruto, Kakashi and Sasuke, taking in everything about them. Sasuke shivered slightly when his eyes met with Orochimaru's...There was something about the demon that made his instincts scream at him to get away. But not wanting to show weakness he stood tall and held his ground against the piercing gaze.
"They are here on Lord Fugaku's orders...It's not something a Snake God needs to concern himself with...Now if you will excuse us, I am summoned." Minato said, standing with Naruto held in his arms. He turned his back to Orochimaru.
Orochimaru glared, now clearly upset by what Minato had said. "Oh but it does..." He yelled slightly, wanting Minato to turn around. "Your little friend there has something that belongs to me..." He seethed slightly, pointing to Sasuke. Sasuke in turn looked to him, glaring from the accusation.
"I beg your pardon...But I have never met you before and have nothing from these lands. So how could I possibly have anything that is yours." Sasuke asked, his anger coming out slightly. He watched as the demon's face began to turn more serious, his eyes growing colder.
"You have something that belongs to someone who used to live here...And he was promised to me and there for anything of his and he himself is mine." Orochimaru began. He watched as Sasuke's expression darkened and became guarded as he realized what, or better yet who Orochimaru wanted. "You have seen and met with Suigetsu Hozuki. He is mine and I wish to find him." He finally said, eyeing Sasuke's satchel, knowing that Suigetsu's Dragon orb was inside. "And I always get what I want...So please come quietly to my estate and tell me where I can find him." As he asked this, a couple of his demons started to surround the little group, watching the intently and waiting for an order from their master.
Minato looked at their situation. It was one thing to challenge a God, but it was another to challenge this particular one. No one said no to Orochimaru without some serious repercussions. Orochimaru had a horrible reputation of taking people by force and if they didn't comply they would be used as experiments. Those who survived said experiments where never the same demon when released.
"Orochimaru...We have urgent matters to attend to. Surly you can let us pass this once." He tried to reason with the Snake God, hoping that he would for once in his life reason with someone. But Minato's wishes where very unrealistic when it came to him.
"I will not reason, and I will not ask again. I will have Suigetsu, and if I need to force the answer out of you then I will." He said, glaring at Minato. He motioned to his demon servants to circle in. "I tried to be nice." He said before walking towards the group. Mist started to pool around them. But this time it wasn't the same mind altering mist that had affected Naruto. It was more menacing and smelt of horrible herbs and decay. Sasuke's vision started to blur along with everyone else's. They fell to their knees coughing before eventually collapsing unconscious to the ground, demons encircling them.