"Welcome! Welcome, creatures of darkness!" The announcer jumped up and down with his introduction, black bowl cut hair bouncing along with his actions. The unsightly forest green jumpsuit clung to his body as the spandex stretched with every movement earning a collective cringe and a few face palms from the sins. He waved eagerly to the crowd as they cheered for the start of the ceremony. Every seat in the enormous auditorium was occupied with demons and half breeds from various districts of hell and earth. It was the one of the few times that dark entities and their offspring gathered to revel in the entertainment not at the cost of mortals lives.
"Thank you for bringing such energy tonight! You will need it, to cheer for your favorite nominees. I am Guy, and I will be your fabulous host through the trials. It's gonna be great and I hope you're ready. But first let us begin with a round of applause for our current figureheads, constantly working hard to serve our realm." He threw his hands in the air as spotlights found the demons in the balconies up above.
Strong applause came forth as the large televisions showed each of their faces one by one, obvious admiration from the crowd was heard as the host gave a small introduction for each of them. A few sins waved and smiled at the crowds as the cameras panned across their faces, others, like Pride, merely nodded and gave a half hearted smirk to acknowledge the masses. Wrath ignored it all completely, uninterested in the swooning admirers below or the crazed applause that came forth when he was introduced.
"Looks like someone's got a stick up their ass. What does it take to get a reaction from that guy?" Naruto leaned over and whispered to Shisui.
"You could move heaven and earth and he will forever remain unphased by it. Gaara is very….guarded with his emotions." The Uchiha chose his words carefully.
The mortal watched the seemingly emotionless demon finally give a look of annoyance towards the announcer indicating that he'd better finish the introductions before he lost patience. Guy stuttered momentarily under the glare before moving along.
"And now, please welcome to the stage this tournaments referees who will go over the tournament rules." The demon began yet another round of applause as whoops and hollers rang out from the audience at the sight of two figures now taking the stage. "The best reapers hell has to offer, Haku and Zabuza!"
The smaller reaper took the microphone from the host and waited for silence around the arena.
"Thank you for having us. Zabuza and I are humbled to have been nominated as the referees for this centuries tournament once again." The demon spoke through his mask
"That kid is a reaper? As in the grim reaper, take your soul when you die? He doesn't look older than sixteen." Naruto choked slightly.
Shisui laughed "I assure you he's at least sixteen centuries old. Aging works differently for demons and even those with demon blood."
"So you mean, people like Sasuke?" His voice dropped to lower.
"Sasuke is a bit older than you think. Once a half blood reaches the age of twenty one their bodies stop aging although they can still be killed as they aren't completely immortal and what not." He carefully watched the mortal furrow his brow as he processed this information.
Their attention was turned back to the tall reaper on the stage as he spoke. "The rules for this tournament remain unchanging. All potential nominees will be presented before the Mother of Fates and she will choose the seven who will participate in the trials. If an heir of the original seven bloodlines is present and of age they will be chosen and must participate, no exceptions. If there are no nominees or heir present for a sin in specific, the current figurehead will participate in the trials yet again." The large reaper spoke clearly despite the bandages that bound his mouth shut.
"The High Council can verbally advise nominees but to keep this a fair competition, no physical or divine interaction can occur. The chosen nominees with be mentored by the current figureheads in preparation for the trials. They will have one year to prepare, once the trials begin there will be seven tasks to complete in order to prove their abilities and worth. In the event of the death of a participant, the current figurehead will serve another century in their current position and the trials continue minus those that have deceased. The highest scoring participant will be given the title of Commander and will become the leader of the seven for the next century." Haku finished the list of notable rules for the trials nodding to Zabuza as his cue to continue.
"We will be actively making sure none of these rules are broken and no divine or outside interference happens during the training period and the seven tasks. Keep in mind we reapers aren't known for our mercy, so expect harsh repercussions if any rules are broken." He gestured to the large executioner's sword that hung across his back with that last statement.
"Has anyone died in the tournament before?" The blonde was unsure if that rule was a sarcastic joke or not. He was betting on the latter, it is hell after all.
Shisui nodded. "It's normal for a few if not all the participants to die during the tasks. Half of these sins have been in power for so long for that reason. These are big shoes to fill, they need to be positive the newbies can hack it."
"I don't get it though, why all the physical activity and dangerous games? Itachi's work seems mostly office related."
The Uchiha gave a small chuckle as he reclined in his seat. "Don't be fooled, he could massacre hordes of Nephilim with ease."
"Nephilim?"
Shisui let his feet rest on the chair in front of him and ignored the comment. "Aside from their day job of corrupting mortals, they have other duties that come with the title of Deadly Sin. The realms this past century have been pretty peaceful for the most part, but wars on the mortal plane always reflect unbalance and turmoil on the spirit realms. The Sins are in charge of protecting this realm in combat if needed until they adjust the balance of powers. Thankfully it's been a few decades since they've had to work those kinds of missions but they still need to be prepared for it both mentally and physically. It takes a major amount of intense training to even be considered a nominee. Pride and Wrath have completely given up trying to find someone to take over their jobs, and I don't blame them."
"Fuck. I respect whoever competes, they have major balls, but fuck. That's a shitload of stress I would not want to sign up for. I am really glad I don't have to deal with things like this." He gestured to the arena.
"Be grateful, frail mortal." the demon next to him snorted
"And now it is time to summon the Mother of Fates and begin the selection of competitors. All those who have been nominated please begin making your way to the arena floor." The host beckoned as side doors opened and a small crowd of about fifty half demons made their way to stand on their designated spaces before the stage area.
They stood in perfect lines behind the crest according to which sin position they were being nominated for, at attention like they had been training for this moment their entire lives. There were four lines of ten and a single half demon standing on her own next to two empty spaces. Naruto recognized the fan symbol on the floor to the left of the woman as the Pride crest, no nominees stood behind it. He figured most of the halflings had been trained since birth for these trials, since Shisu had explained that to be chosen as a competitor was considered a great honor in the demon world. He thought back to the rule about the descendants mandatory participation. He now understood what the distraction in their plan would be, Sasuke would join the tournament.
He looked up and caught the dark eyes momentarily, not wanting to believe his thoughts as a variety of emotions played across his face. The very person who abandoned him six months ago was here willing to partake in an insane demonic tradition that would alter his life drastically which gave Naruto a better chance to get out of hell in one piece. His gut twisted with guilt as he felt the halfblood occupy the dark leather chair next to him. The blonde looked forward, eyes on the screen but his mind was intently focused on the situation at hand. He had been able to attempt to tolerate all the other things happening around him today mostly because they didn't ultimately have anything to do with his mortal life. This that was about to happen would affect him directly. Sasuke was putting himself in this position purposely so he could have a chance at going home safely. His inner self was at war with how he was supposed to feel about it.
"Don't beat yourself up about it, I'm not doing this just for you. It's been long overdue that I return. I was just hoping to stretch it out until the next century."
Shisui rose from his seat "Better if you deal with it all in one go. Like ripping off a band aid, kid."
"Thank you for your commentary." Sasuke sighed as he watched his brother in law move to the opposite end of the balcony to give them some space.
Naruto kept his gaze forward.
"Really though, this isn't something that could have been avoided for me. I've come to terms with that now. I just hoped we could have talked before I had to come back to hell." The young Uchiha kept his voice low, but couldn't hide the small tinge of regret.
The blond finally spoke at that. "What makes you think I would have listened to you? You can do whatever the fuck you want. Don't patronize me by thinking I care."
"Fine. You're right. I owe you an apology Naruto, among lots of other things but an apology is the least I can offer right now."
"I don't want to fucking hear it. You can keep your apology and shove it up your ass." The mortal stood and walked over to where Shisui was leaning against a wall. Everything inside him was screaming at him to turn around and make amends. Sasuke was trying, but trying didn't erase what had been done and an apology didn't undo the multitude of panic attacks and hurt he had suffered because of it. It wouldn't fix the shattered trust or change the fact that Naruto had so much anger about the situation right now. All he could trust himself to do was keep up that wall around his heart and deny anyone access to it again, especially Sasuke.
Scowling at the outcome of his attempt to apologize, Sasuke had moved along the wall closer to his elder brother. He wanted more time to try and talk things out with Naruto but the man was obviously not ready to hear it and unfortunately his time was becoming limited. He caught a glimpse of the nominees on the ground and his palms began to sweat. Despite his aloof demeanor his heart was racing beneath his chest, betraying the calm facade he aimed to portray. In a few minutes he would be named and he would be faced with everything he had been avoiding for so many years. The shame of the Uchiha lineage had returned to steal the title from Itachi. Great great grandfather Madara would be enraged, his parents would be appalled, the entirety of hell would be in shock that Sasuke would dare to come back and challenge the High Lord Pride's wishes. His brother was the only one who ever tried to stand up for him while Madara wrote him of as a failure of a grandchild and ordered him to leave hell after he was unable to best his brother. He was deemed unworthy of taking over the title his family held. His parents didn't say a word as he fled, swearing to them he'd never come back to this shitshow. Yet here he is, minutes away from being selected and throwing everything into complete chaos.
"Make sure he gets back tonight."
Itachi gave a slight nod, the only indication that he had heard his brother's request. The half blood pulled his jacket hood over his head once again and exited the balcony without a second glance at the mortal. He quietly snuck his way down to the lower level of the arena and waited in the shadows for his name to be called. The candidates had finished their introductions and the host had welcomed a new figure onto the stage, the Mother of Fates. She floated gracefully toward the center with her long white hair trailing behind. Raising a hand to calm the crowds applause, she waited for the noise to settle from the audience. She blinked, her unnatural white eyes scanned the potential candidates in front of her, taking in the faces and making a mental note that the Hyuga girl was the only descendant present amid the rest of the nominees. She gave a small smile already sensing that there was more, just not visible at the moment. This would make for an exciting turn of events.
"Good evening. I am the Mother of Fates, Lady Kaguya. The selection ceremony will now begin. I ask that you please refrain from applause until all seven candidates have been chosen."
She motioned for the first line of nominees to approach the stage. As they lined up shoulder to shoulder she observed them carefully, already sensing the abilities and personalities of the ones who were a terrible choice for position of Envy. Many were what would be considered weak and mentally incapable of growing into the Sin strengths, Envy was a sin of impulse there could be no hesitation or fear of showing strength. She turned back to the audience as she closed her eyes and inhaled. The third eye on her forehead began to open and the stadium fell into complete silence, watching with anticipation. Her arms stretched out before her as a large purple flame flickered to life in her hands, growing larger and wild with every passing second.
"Fate has chosen…" She waited for the flames to peak before she clapped her hands shut and smothered the demonic fire. Smoke swirled around her clasped hands, revealing a folded piece of parchment in her grasp as is dissipated. She silently read the blasphemous script before turning it over and showing the crowd the letters written in blood.
"Haruno, Sakura"
A woman with pastel pink hair and bright green eyes stepped forward, smiling widely with obvious excitement. The reapers shook her hand in congratulations and led her back down to stand on the Envy crest at the stadium floor while the unchosen candidates were ushered off the stage to stand on the sidelines and watch the remaining of the selections. The ritual was repeated for each sin, Fate choosing the best proposed candidate out of the offered. One by one the crests on the floor became occupied by the new competitors. Zabuza guided the only candidate standing behind the Lust crest to the stage. Her long black hair swayed as she climbed up the steps and made her way to the center. The ritual in this case was more for the sake of ceremony than anything else. The candidate was a Hyuga, direct descendant of the High Lord Lust and would be chosen to compete regardless. Her lavender eyes were patient as she allowed Lady Kaguya to proceed and called her name from the flame of fate and then descended back down to now stand on the crest like the other chosen half bloods.
"Pride has no nominees this century, so by default our figurehead nominates himself to serve for another century." the large stadium screen now showed Itachi still standing in his balcony. He gave a slight nod for Lady Kaguya to proceed with her ritual. His face showing no signs of the knowledge that would soon shock the entire stadium once she read the name off that slip of paper.
"Fate has chosen…" Kaguya gave a devilish smirk as she read the paper that appear out of the flame. She knew she has sensed another descendant in the proximity, throwing a small amused glance at Itachi.
"Uchiha..." She deliberately paused for effect enjoying every millisecond of this situation. "Sasuke"
Absolute silence. You could have heard a pin drop as nobody even dared to breathe from the shock of what Kaguya had just said. A dark figure emerged from the shadow of the arena floor entrance and began making his way to the lineup of contestants. He gave a slight tug on his jacket hood, revealing the tell tale raven hair and onyx eyes that were every bit the Uchiha traits, and the smug smirk slapped on his face that was every bit Sasuke. A collective gasp rang out as he revealed his face and the audience began buzzing with noise at this turn of events. Sasuke reached the Pride symbol and took his place on top of it already allowing his trademark bored expression to settle.
"Quite a dramatic return for someone as nonchalant as you, don't you think?" Lavender eyes glanced curiously at the older half demon standing next to her.
"This is the closest I'll ever get to a welcome home party, Hinata. Let me enjoy it."
The Hyuga quirked an eyebrow at him and let a small smile slip, just quickly enough for the Uchiha to notice it before it disappeared. "Fair enough. Welcome back."
Sasuke continued to look at the female beside him. It had been a good thirty years since they had last seen each other. Hinata Huyga was possibly the only other half breed that understood what it was to be held to high family standards and live most of your life with your family trying to control you, always someone else pulling your strings. The only difference between them was that she stayed and allowed herself to be broken so she could be rebuilt into that strong and ruthless daughter her parents pushed her to become. The gentle sweet young girl he remembered from the past was no longer visible, instead it was hidden under layers of resentment and spite that she somehow controlled into a well composed disposition.
"Please calm yourselves, the selection has not ended." Lady Kaguya had begun speaking again, working to calm the crowd that was vibrating with mixed excitement and surprise.
Sasuke looked up to find his brother watching him intently, a flash of amusement played on his face. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Shisui and a hooded Naruto silently moving through the back walkways of the seating areas. No one had noticed them yet, it was all working to plan. Relief began to trickle over him, he may be stuck in this tournament but at least Naruto would make it back home in one piece.
"Wrath has no nominees this century, so by default our figurehead nominates himself to serve for another century." The Mother of Fates recited once the commotion had subsided and was silent once more. The cameras panned to Gaara now as he stood with his arms crossed and a vacant expression giving the audience no clue as to his thoughts of the new Pride contender. He gave a slight nod for the demon to proceed.
"Fate has chosen.." Fire licked her pristine hands one last time, leaving the blood written script in her grasp as it died at her command. She opened the parchment and stared at it for just a moment too long than normal. Forgetting her composure, she spun around to look directly at the redhead in the balcony above. He gave a small tilt of his head indicating he was not sure why she seemed so shocked, brows furrowing slightly as he noted her expression. She returned to face the front of the stage, eyebrows raised as high as possible and mouth slightly agape. The demons in the stands began shifting uncomfortably, and the rest of the figureheads now leaned anxiously over their balconies once they noticed something was clearly wrong. She looked back at the slip of paper in her hand furrowing her brow and inspecting the script once more, as if something was missing from before. A slight whisper began across the arena as the distraught Mother of Fates seemed to be having a breakdown of some sort. Shisui and Naruto had stopped and occupied some vacant seats near the ground level, waiting for Itachi to leave his balcony as planned so they could return the mortal and seal the deal. The blonde gave a questioning look as to what was happening with the selection ceremony. Shisui returned a confused shrug and turned back to watch the events unfolding on the stage.
Lady Kaguya cleared her throat and finally spoke. "Forgive me." All serenity and perfected composure had returned, the audience fell silent once more.
"Fate has chosen a Namikaze. Uzumaki, Naruto."
She turned the paper over to allow the cameras to zoom in and display the image on the large screens. Sure enough, to everyone's confusion the name read in calligraphy script, (Namikaze) Uzumaki, Naruto.
_
The blonde blinked at first, not really processing what the demon on stage had just said. He read his name, then read it again, and once more. Panic began to rise and his breathing became unsteady. He felt a hand on his shoulder shaking him.
"Naruto. She isn't talking about you right? Please tell me you have a different last name…" Shisui gently tried to pull the man from falling into a panic.
"How common of a surname is Uzumaki around here?" Naruto finally choked out. He turned to face the Uchiha, eyes wide with anxiety. He watched the older demon shake his head and release a heavy sigh. The crowds had begun to rumble with confused excitement once more as Lady Kaguya called out for the Uzumaki once more. Shisui caught a glimpse of Sasuke out on the arena floor, white as a ghost and frantic eyes scanning for the blonde. There was no mistaking it, Naruto was a half breed. A powerful half breed if he was a Namikaze, even if the poor bastard didn't know it just yet.
"You have to go, Naruto. There is no way you can run from this. Even if you try they will find you and send your soul to eternal damnation for failure to participate." Shisui hurriedly whispered, hoping the blonde could keep it together long enough to finish out the ceremony.
"I… I don't understand." He gripped the demon by shoulders, pleading for a logical explanation. His breathing was becoming shallow. How had everything just gone to shit for him today. He was so close to getting back home and this had to happen. Now he would never get home. He didn't want to participate in any stupid tournament. What if he died? He'd never see his friends again, or his shitty apartment, or have another chance to visit his mother's grave.
SLAP
Shisui's palm connected with Naruto's tanned cheek. "Pull yourself together kid. It's do or die right now. You go out there and you stand on the Wrath crest and keep your head on straight until things get figured out. Hold your mental breakdown until you get someplace private unless you want those other contestants to eat you alive."
The blonde snapped back to reality at the stinging contact on his cheek. He nodded as he listened to the demons directions. Deep breathe. He slowly stood and took off the hexed cloak Itachi had lent him, handing it over to Shisui.
"You got this. Don't worry, we'll figure out exactly what's going on." He gave a small thumbs up and watched Naruto make his way down the aisle, towards the arena floor.
Gasps and murmurs broke out as he descended the steps and entered the field. He only caught partial sentences of what they were exclaiming about. Things like spitting image, and High Lord Wrath kept being tossed around. The rest was a jumble of voices as he felt all eyes now on him. Sasuke looked like he wanted to throw up, but refrained from any commentary as Naruto finally stood on the last empty crest in the line up. He glanced up at Itachi in his balcony, who had an unreadable expression masking his face for the time being. Many other sins excitedly observed him as well, chattering about the turn of events. A few like Sloth and Lust simply raised their brows in a slight intrigue at him. He looked over to the mysterious unphased demon from before, only to find those intense green eyes fixed on the blonde. The gaze was piercing, and caused Naruto to shift uncomfortably yet he couldn't look away from the stare he was caught in. He was momentarily mesmerized, until the redhead turned and disappeared into his balcony, out of Naruto's sight.
"What rollercoaster of excitement we have experienced tonight! Citizens of hell, may I introduce to you our official contestant lineup! Give them a gracious round of applause everyone." The host had taken over the microphone yet again as roars and cheers erupted from the stands. The crowd seemed to love the added drama. It gave them something to talk about for the next few months, and of course everyone was curious as to the Wrath participant that nobody seemed to know about.
"Thank you all for joining us this evening! Be sure to tune in to the nightly news for tournament updates with me as they prepare for the competition to come. Again I'm Guy, and it's been a pleasure having such great exuberant energy tonight! Good night Hell!" The announcer continued to bounce as the chosen seven were ushered off the arena floor and into a large hallway where the reapers waited.
"What the hell?!" Sasuke let out in a harsh whisper.
"This is just a huge mistake. It has to be." Naruto's voice shook as his mind raced, trying to rationalize what just happened.
"The Flame of Fate doesn't make mistakes."
"Everyone makes mistakes. There's no way… I- I can't be-.." He failed to complete his thought. There was so much confusion and emotion clouding his mind that creating complete sentences was becoming difficult.
The small reaper cleared his throat, "Congratulations, you have been given a great honor. You will be taken to meet with your respective High Lords shortly, but before that I wanted to make sure you do not need clarification of the rules. We will be checking in with you on a monthly basis during your preparation period. Are there any questions about the rules we explained during the ceremony?"
"Yeah, so we can kill each other if we want to right?" A short half demon spoke as she adjusted her glasses and ran her fingers through her bright red hair.
"Only during one of the seven tasks. You are not allowed to engage in physical conflict with each other outside of the actual tasks." Zabuza narrowed his eyes at the female figure, noting she was excited at the prospect of killing. The gluttony candidate who asked the question pouted at the response but didn't argue it further.
"Any other questions?"
"I-I think there's been some mistake…" Naruto finally spoke up drawing the eyes of everyone in the room.
"Ah, yes the Namikaze boy. You'll come with us, we need to clarify a few things before hand with you. Uchiha as well." Haku motioned for them to approach and stand by him while Zabuza addressed the others with their final remarks.
"The rest of you stretch out your left hand in front of you, palms up. You are all about to enter into a reaper contract for the duration of your training and tournament time. Any violations of the rules will be made known and will result in disqualification along with other repercussions as we deem fit. Do you all acknowledge and agree to adhere to the tournament rules?" The tall, shirtless demon watched the small group nod in response.
"Be bound by your admission." He spoke through the bandages that covered his face, his voice heavy with the slight tremor of power. Dark sigils appeared on each of the six up facing palms, sealing their contracts. Haku waved in a familiar demon once his partner had finished with the agreements. The tall blue skinned figure exchanged polite greeting with them before turning to acknowledge the group before him.
"Good evening. As most of you know I am the Leviathan, liaison between the Order and the Seven Sins. As such I will also be keeping a close eye on the happenings of the trials. The current Sins in power will arrive shortly to take you to see your High Lord. Please wait for them here." He turned to the pair of reapers and nodded.
They followed, ushering the half breeds along as well. Naruto looked back with uncertainty at Sasuke who simply frowned as they were led away. They entered a small, dimly lit conference room and asked them to take a seat at the end of the long table while they deliberated in hushed tones. Naruto inhaled, calming himself and trying to remember what Shisui had told him about not having a mental breakdown until he was in private. Was this private enough? Maybe. But he denied himself the thought of going into meltdown mode in a room with unfamiliar demons.
"Um.. So, I think this is all just some sort of misunderstanding. I'm..uhh- I'm not even supposed to be here…" Naruto finally managed to steel his nerves long enough to get a sentence out.
Zabuza gave a small chuckle "The Mother of Fates doesn't make those kind of mistakes kid. I don't know what part of hell you came from but you're here now and you've been chosen."
A ring from the Leviathans phone sounded and he quickly answered the call, walking to the opposite side of the room. Haku produced a long needle and held an outstretched hand to the seated man. Blue eyes flashed in question between the two reapers at the sight of the sharp object.
"Since neither of you weren't originally nominated you didn't go through the bloodline confirmation like the rest of the competitors. We just need to confirm your bloodline for the records. It'll just be a small prick on your thumb, you won't even feel it." the tall demon tried to reassure but he could still see the contestant was hesitant to comply.
"As a half breed you have abnormally fast healing abilities. A simple finger prick is really nothing compared to the things you can heal from."Sasuke finally spoke, his frown now gone and replaced with a bored tone.
Haku removed his mask revealing his delicate face, with flawless features and a gentle smile. Naruto was momentarily shocked that the small beautiful being was actually a reaper. Haku reached out and took Naruto's hand, sticking the thumb with the long needle and letting the blood gather on the tip of the tanned skin. Zabuza huffed slightly and grumbled about the fact that the blonde was gawking a little too much as he opened a small ancient book to an empty page for his partner to record the bloody fingerprint. They waited as the blood dried and demonic text appeared next to the red mark.
Haku read off the page, soft eyes lit with mild intrigue."Son of the High Lord Wrath, Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki."
"So, Lord Wrath had a brat afterall. Who knew. Welcome to the trials." Zabuza mocked as the small reaper repeated the fingerprint process with Sasuke.
"Son of Fugaku and Mikoto Uchiha, Descendant of High Lord Pride, Madara Uchiha." He shut the small book and placed it within the folds of his robe, not surprised at the Uchiha's lineage.
"It seems that Pride is a little tied up with the Wrath Lords at the moment. I'll be taking Sasuke and the Namikaze kid to see their Hierarchies instead." Kisame had returned and inquired if the reapers had just about finished their part.
"I have a name you know."
Kisame shrugged, unfazed by the obvious annoyance of the half breed. The reapers guided the two through the contract, much to Naruto's displeasure. A kick under the table from the Uchiha had kept him from fighting it, so he sat there and let the dark inky mark appear on his hand that signified his agreement to adhere to the rules. Afterwards they followed the Leviathan to his car and began making their way to some unknown destination. Uncomfortable silence filled the space between the two half breeds, both wanting to address the situation but unsure of what to say.
Naruto finally broke the silence. "Talk about a fucked up day."
"Naruto…" Sasuke sighed heavily.
"Like really, I should have known the minute I woke up late and missed my train that it was a sign to just go the fuck back to bed."
"Well if it's any consolation to you, there's a ninety five percent chance that you didn't end up summoning Itachi by accident." Kisame chimed in watching the pair from the rear view mirror.
The blonde faltered. "What do you mean?"
"Think about it. You end up summoning him on the day of the selection ceremony so he really has no choice but to bring you here, which in turn was the final shove Sasuke needed to come back as well and it turns out you are the son of an original Cardinal Sin. Doesn't that sound a little too planned out to be just pure bad luck?" the blue demon had obviously been thinking about this situation.
Sasuke nodded in agreement. "So who do you think planned it?"
"Itachi has some theories, but he needs to verify some information before he can narrow it down. In the meantime you need to stay out of trouble and focus on training." The last part of the sentence was directed at both half breeds.
"Easier said than done. You're not the one who's been living a lie your whole life." Naruto clenched his fists and pointedly turned to stare out the window.
Silence. Naruto continued to let himself focus on the scenery out the window for the remainder of the ride as they finally pulled up to an enormous estate with the ever familiar fan symbol on the wrought iron gates. Sasuke let out a small sound of exasperation, obviously dreading his reunion with his family. A slight tinge of concern pulled at Naruto's heart as he watched his ex mentally prepare himself for whatever was waiting for him behind those doors.
"Good luck." Naruto meant it, there was no hidden anger or mocking in his words. He knew the strained relationship Sasuke had with his family and understood the anxiety he hid beneath his mask of indifference.
"Thanks." Onyx eyes turned back to look at the blonde for a moment, taking in his words as if some magical strength lied in them. "Let me know… if you've adjusted. Or- or if you need help" Sasuke choked out slightly before clearing his throat. Naruto nodded, unsure if he'd actually reach out to Sasuke, but the thought of having it as an option was comforting.
"Welcome home Sasuke." The Uchiha stated grimly to himself before shutting the car door and giving small wave. He paused, letting himself become a cold and emotionless person once more.
The blonde waved back and watched Sasuke climb the stairs and disappear into the large wooden doors that had now opened for him. Kisame drove off now that Sasuke had entered the mansion, knowing well he was on his own in there. They drove again in silence, which Naruto was now not thankful for. Without his ex present to fuel his anger the silence left him to thoughts the blonde didn't really want to deal with. They were not pleasant or clear and he knew he was so close to breaking down but the night was not over yet and he still had yet to meet this High Lord who claimed to be his father. He focused on staring out the window. He could get through this, just like he got through everything else life threw at him.
Gaara's brain was working overtime. The unexpected turn of events in the selection ceremony had all of his division in a panic. Tenmari was on the phone shouting orders to the PR advocates while simultaneously sending off emails to various departments who seemed to be losing their shit over the news. The Sin let his assistant take care of delegating orders and keeping his employees from having a meltdown, his mind was on the High Lord Wrath and how the fuck his biological son found his way into hell in the first place. He had seen the man's face, no mistaking it was Naruto. The same blue eyes as Minato had stared back at him, mixed with equal parts shock and confusion. A familiar dark figure approached him before he could make it halfway down the hall.
"Commander." Gaara nodded as Itachi approached him. The muffled sound of the audience's excitement sounded in the distance as the ceremony was over and demons began filtering out of the stadium.
Pride wasted no time in getting to the point. "That man was Minato's child?"
"Yes." He found it oddly curious that the Uchiha was so interested in the Namikaze.
"Are you positive?"
"Yes. Why are you so invested in this information Itachi?" Wrath narrowed his eyes wondering what Pride had to do with the current situation.
Pride frowned and pulled out his cell phone to make a call. "I brought him to hell today, I was unaware of his blood status of course-" He cut off as the person he dialed answered.
"Leviathan, you are going to have to take Sasuke to see Madara. I have a feeling Wrath will want to have a word with me. Might as well take Naruto too, I'm not sure if Gaara will make it in time."
Gaara scowled at his supervisor, although it wouldn't be the first time. Itachi just meddled in something his foster father had worked hard to keep quiet. Minato was going to have a meltdown if he hadn't already.
"What do you mean you brought him here?" Gaara interrogated the minute Pride hung up the phone.
The taller demon began explaining. "He summoned me this afternoon, I was under the impression that he was full mortal. I didn't have time to hash out a deal with him panicking about demons being real, so I brought him with me. The plan was to get him back tonight and make the deal. However all of that has been chucked out the window given the current situation."
"That's a terrible plan to try and bring a mortal here in the first place. Secondly, the fact that he was able to summon you didn't raise flags about his potential heritage?" The redhead chided. He was the only Sin that could get away with reprimanding him.
"I was under a time constraint. It was the best thing I could come up with and he only mentioned his mother had the sight. I figured he did too which was the reason for him being able to summon me."
"Minato is going to lose his shit." Gaara sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Why did the High Lord hide the fact that he had a son?"
"It's a long story. He really shouldn't be here though-" He was interrupted this time by his own cell phone.
"Minato"
"Where are you?"
"Headed to the executive box."
"No, meet me outside. They won't let me see him, the reapers took him to do that blood confirmation thing and Kakashi wouldn't let me interrupt it."
"Calm down. I'll be right there. Don't go anywhere."
Gaara noticed the heightened panic in Minato's voice as he spoke on the phone. At this point trying to keep him from tearing hell apart was Gaara's main concern. He turned to Itachi and glared pointedly.
"You should probably explain this to the High Lord."
"Obviously. However I think he might be the one in need of explaining to me why this was kept secret for so long." Pride arched a brow challenging Gaara to disagree.
Wrath shrugged. "That's his business to tell you or not."
Itachi snorted and grabbed for Gaara's shoulder to turn him back around. "Listen, you're smart. Tell me something, doesn't all of this just seem to be playing out a little too well?"
The redhead paused and gave a wary glance at Pride instantly understanding what the underlying suspicion was. Indeed Wrath was having similar gut feelings about it, especially after what Shizune had mentioned as well. The redhead ignored his desire to further respond and turned to search for Minato. They quickly made their way outside to try and find where the elder demon was. Gaara spotted a familiar long white cloak right outside the area. The bold wrath crest embroidered on the back of the formal clothing stood out against the contrasting color, and striking blonde hair and blue eyes easily setting it apart from the other High Lords. Gaara noted Itachi seeing his husband from the corner of his eye and motioned for him to follow them as well.
"How did this happen?" Minato looked pleadingly at the redhead as they approached, hoping he would have some insight.
"Ask him." Gaara pointedly glared at the Uchiha next to him.
"Itachi?"
"Apologies, but it seems to be my fault. I brought your son to hell."
Minato sprung forward surprising all those around him. He grabbed Pride by the collar of his shirt and slamming him into the concrete wall. There was no mistake at the ferocity in his eyes as he spoke in a commanding tone. "Explain"
"Hey, get your hands off him." Shisui began, scowling at the way his husband was being held.
"Minato, take it easy." Gaara began to intervene as he felt the swirl of the wrathful power begin to emit from the blonde demon. Minato cloak began to sway with the force of his energy. If the High Lord didn't get himself under control half of hell would be destroyed in a matter of seconds. A small crowd had gathered to watch the confrontation between the powerful beings, gasping as they felt the tremor of danger and began stepping back.
Itachi's eyes flared red, giving the older demon warning to back down. "You don't want to threaten me, Lord Wrath."
The wall Itachi was held against began to crumble and the entire stadium trembled at the power the two demons were releasing.
"'Tachi. This isn't the best time or place for a pissing contest." Shisui gave a nervous glance at his husband, hoping he would be wise enough to not start a fight with a High Lord tonight.
Gaara approached his elder and grabbed one of Minato's wrists, his other hand placed firmly on the blonde's chest in a clear attempt to get him to back down. Green eyes locking onto heavy rage filled eyes. He knew the reasoning behind never revealing he had an heir, and he knew how much it had hurt the demon to not be a part of Naruto's life. He knew Minato had to strip his son of all memories of his father and that broke him, even if he did it to protect his child. He understood the conflict in Minato's heart at the events that transpired and the questions he must have, but he also understood the rage of all his efforts to shield his son from this world were now in vain.
"Minato, don't..." Gaara gave a firm shove, successfully detaching the two.
"Fine. We can discuss this later. Right now I need to see to my son." Minato finally bit out, fists clenched at his sides but the emission of demonic power had ceased as he struggled for control over his emotions.
"Given the situation, you might want to wait until he settles things with Naruto to try and talk to him." The hushed tone came from Shisui and was directed at his husband. Itachi dusted off the bits of concrete that had landed on his shoulders. Shisui grabbed his husband by the elbow and worked to try and drag him to the car. Itachi waved him off and gave Gaara a nod indicating he understood the High Lord in question was in a very tough spot emotionally, Minato was usually never hostile without logical reason.
"Let's go. They'll be taking Naruto to your place soon." Gaara watched the dark haired demons walk off. The Sin turned and gave a threatening look at the mass of demons and halflings that had been nervously watching the disturbance. They quickly dispersed at the sight of the Sin's directed glare, scrambling to clear the area.
Minato nodded, agreeing to meet Gaara at his home outside the city. What a mess, the sin began assessing the situation again looking for the best course of action. It was clear there seemed to be another hand at work. Itachi had mentioned that things were falling into place a little too conveniently for it to be brushed off as mere coincidence. Shizune had also mentioned that something felt off between the realms, and Gaara had a feeling it had a lot to do with Minato's son. Investigating it would be a good place to start, except now he was also going to be busy with training the half breed in question. Given what Minato had disclosed to him as well in regards to the dangers of his son coming to hell, someone would have to keep an eye on Naruto. There was now a level of potential danger that could come to Minato's son and he knew the High Lord would ask him to watch the halfling at least until they could figure out what was going on. Gaara's only worry was that Minato's son was going to be a bigger challenge than he would be able to deal with.
Minato paced across the private study in his home. Panic had begun to rise in his chest as he began to wonder exactly how his son would react. He's going to remember everything I had wiped his mind of as a kid. Shit, shit, shit. The demon tried to gauge how angry Naruto would be once he saw his father's face and all the lost memories came back to him. If his son were anything like Kushina then chances are he'd be livid. They had decided to keep the demon half of Naruto's life a secret in an attempt to protect him, so the memories were altered every time Minato would visit. Of course, the only flaw when one's mind had been messed with multiple times, the effect would come undone at the sight of the manipulator. The tall blonde wrung his hands as the various levels of uncertainty washed over him. Of all the wars and angelic hordes he had faced in his long existence, nothing had been able to unnerve him quite like this.
"Gaara, promise me you will look after him. You know the dangers of him being here. You have to promise me you'll train him well and keep watch over him in the meantime." Minato turned to face the figure leaning against the doorway.
"Yes. However you owe him an explanation. You are aware of that right?"
The demon faltered, not able to say anything and nodded in response instead. He knew Gaara was right and he hoped that Naruto would at least hear him out, but he had a feeling it wouldn't be as simple as that. He pressed his fingertips to his temples and shut his eyes tightly as if that would magically give him the answer on how to approach this. He was finally able to collect himself as he heard a car pull up to his driveway. He was here, this was it.
"I'll see him in."
He watched the demon disappear to open the door. Minato moved to the window and pulled aside the curtain to watch a man with messy blonde hair exit the dark vehicle. A look of wariness was on his face as he moved towards the house. Minato picked up a familiar picture frame from the window sill, sliding his fingers over the image of a smiling woman. Kushina, we fucked up. Please help me do right by our son now. I need to fix this.
Gaara's voice broke him from his silent petition. "Minato"
The High Lord set the photo back down and turned to face the set of bright blue eyes that had entered the room. He watched his son quirk a brow in confusion before eyes widened with realization. The memories should be hitting him like a train wreck about now, and Minato felt himself flinch as he heard a short gasp from his son. Naruto looked away, obviously trying to catch up with his own mind.
"Give me a moment with my son." Minato spoke to the figure looming in the dark doorway.
The sound of footsteps retreating signified they were now alone. Naruto still wouldn't look at him. He drew out a long breath, he had always wondered what his son's reaction would be if they ever met. He knew he would have remembered everything by now, all the memories that were altered would have come flooding back to him the minute Naruto saw his father's face.
"Naruto…" Minato broke the silence.
There was no response from his son. His gaze still set on anything but the demon. Silent tears had begun trickling down Naruto's face, assured that the lost memories had clicked back into place and the mental fog was now lifted from his mind.
"I'm sorry." He offered, he wasn't sure how to start. He moved forward to try and place a hand on the young man's shoulder.
"Don't touch me." Naruto finally spoke, voice breaking as he swatted the older figures hand away angrily.
Minato took a small step back as blue eyes filled with rage set on him, something inside his son had been finally released. An emotional wall that stood tall and strong for so many years came crashing down in that instant. The anger and hurt from years of turmoil was set free and with it a small slip of dangerous demonic power that Minato found unexpected.
"Sorry? You're fucking sorry? All these years and all you have to say to me is sorry?!" Naruto's fist collided with the demons stomach throwing him back into the wall. Minato was caught off guard at the strength in the punch. He doubled over onto his knees, winded from the hit. He sensed Naruto approach and looked up at him.
"You took away my memories!" Another fist collided with Minato's jaw.
"Precious times with you and mom!" A knee plowed into his stomach.
"Where were you when mom died and I was taken.." Naruto aimed another punch at Minato's face.
"And beaten!?" Blood spilled from Minato's lip as the fist made impact.
"I went through things no child should ever have to go through!" Tears spilled from Naruto as he continued his assault.
"WHERE WERE YOU!?" The words echoed in Minato's head as his heart broke listening to his son's sobs between blows to his face and chest. He stayed kneeling on the ground, allowing his child to work out his rage.
A hand caught Naruto's arm before it could barrel into his father's bloody face again.
"Enough." A voice came from behind the blonde.
Naruto spun around aiming an elbow at the figure behind him. It was blocked and the young half mortal was face to face with Gaara.
"Stay out of this, it doesn't involve you." The blonde gave warning. The Sin tightened his grip on the arm.
"I said enough." Striking green eyes stared down at him. Naruto stared back, still reeling from the confrontation with his father. The Sins face softened slightly, a silent understanding before releasing his arm and turning to attend to Minato.
The halfbreed glanced at his father's beaten face, realizing the damage he caused during his fury. He wiped the tears from his eyes with the back of his hand and exited the room. Gaara watched him go in his peripheral vision.
"Naruto…" Minato spoke as he heard his son leave.
"Give him some space" the redhead advised.
The older demon sighed, knowing Gaara was right. He accepted the hand before him and felt himself being gently pulled to his feet. There wasn't any permanent damage since demons healed quickly, but his face was a bloody mess. It would take a full day or so to heal completely.
"Come on, let's get you cleaned up."
