Chapter 2-Of Demon World and a Dragon
(A/N: Real quick mention/shout out to author kidcrud for giving me an OC character work with later on in the chapter. That is all. Oh I also hate Sasuke and any and all fics that promote Yaoi Naruto in even the slightest way imaginable. Also I think people prefer a smart Naruto over a dumb one, who is obsessed with ramen all the time in some of the fics I've seen. I'm not saying the fics are bad it's just how they all portray Naruto as an idiot while everyone else is smarter then him. I just had to say that...okay NOW that is all so enjoy the fic.)
Naruto and Kimimaro followed Inari to the clothing shop Tsunami mentioned to find that the place had everything they needed. Apparently a former merchant from Water Country had somehow managed to get out of the chaotic and unstable place to setup shop in a now stable Wave Country. They had everything from clothes, to weapons, and even low level Water Jutsu's with instructions on how to combine their power with certain weapons to make them much more lethal.
"Good day young masters how may I be of service to you?" said the store owner bowing his head towards the three boys.
"My brother and his friend here need fresh clothing since they just went through hell and back," said Inari smiling at the man and the fact he could finally curse without his mom around to scold him like she did her old man.
"Of course and may I suggest some weapons perhaps?" said the store owner seeing that the two older boys were clearly Shinobi from their stances.
"Kunai and shuriken for us, but nothing more then that," said Naruto knowing that his Father's den had more then its fair share of weapons.
"Very good young masters very good. Now if you will come with me I'll simply get your measurements and get you the clothing you desire," said the store owner leading the two farther back while Inari stayed to secretly stand guard.
(In Konoha-Hokage Tower)
"You want to send another team after him Tsunade-sama?" said Shizune looking at her teacher with shock knowing that not just anyone could be sent to retrieve Naruto.
"I have no choice Shizune. The Council wasn't exactly pleased with Jiraiya's failure to kill much less return Naruto for them to kill themselves. Those old cranes demanded that I send another team regardless of them being overpowered or not. Since they overruled me I have no choice, but fortunately for me I intend to choose which team is suitable for the task," said Tsunade though she wished that the Council would just simply leave the boy alone.
"Who are you going to send?" said Shizune knowing that her teacher must have a plan of some sort should the team successfully return Naruto.
"Shino for one; despite being out on a mission with his Father could help in this situation in helping Naruto see some way in coming home without force. Hinata is another choice; she has a crush on the boy, which I hoped that with her kind nature and presence would stem the hate in his heart. I was thinking of sending Sakura, but after I found out about her hostility towards Naruto when he got back from the mission I'm moving against that. I'll also send Gai and Anko as their squad leaders knowing that if the situation gets out of hand those two can hopefully at least stall Naruto long enough for the others to possibly get away from his wrath," said Tsunade knowing that the last thing she needed right now was a slaughter of several future Clan Heads.
"I'll get them right away Tsunade-sama," said Shizune heading out to retrieve them.
"I just hope this doesn't backfire on me," said Tsunade wishing the Council would get off her back about Naruto since they were the reason he was like this in the first place.
(Wave Country-Several Hours Later)
"So how do you like your new clothes young masters?" said the store owner seeing that Kimimaro was wearing black combat boots, black baggy ANBU pants, a blood red shirt with the kanji symbol for "Sin of Mankind" on the back, and a mask covering the lower half of his mouth with the mask showing fanged teeth.
"They are quite good. Thank you Chimera-san," said Naruto, who now wore an old style Shinobi black body suit with the kanji symbol for "Death's Master" on the back in blood red.
"The honor is all mine Naruto-sama. As for the price on these I give them to you on the house to show my appreciation for a hero like yourself. You brought life and hope to this once dying place so its only fitting that I show you how much that means to me. After Water Country started to fall apart I was beginning to believe the world was going to fall into a form of 'dark age'. After seeing life in this place I'm happy to know that I was wrong," said Chimera, as he had been told all about Naruto when he first setup shop in Wave.
"Naruto-sama will soon accomplish many things in the years to come Chimera-san that I can assure you," said Kimimaro, as the two walked out with Inari seeing and giving them two thumbs up saying they looked like they were ready to kick some ass.
(Konoha-Hokage Tower)
Sakura and Kakashi sat before the Hokage in her office both squirming slightly under the hawk like gaze of the busty woman, who was not exactly pleased with either of them at the moment. Tsunade had read reports on the favoritism Kakashi showed Sasuke and the verbal abuse Sakura gave Naruto right after the failed mission to retrieve the Uchiha. It was also clear that the two knew why they were now sitting in her office since they both looked guilty.
"I don't suppose either of you have anything to say to me in your defense in regards to your actions towards Naruto?" said Tsunade looking at the two.
"Hokage-sama I know I didn't spend as much time as I should have with Naruto or even Sakura here in terms of training like I did Sasuke. However, Uchiha Sasuke is clearly the most talented of the 3 since he beat Naruto at the Valley of the End despite the aid of the Curse Seal," said Kakashi hoping it would help justify his reason in favoring Sasuke.
"I know I yelled at Naruto earlier at the Hospital, but the baka deserved it. He promised he would bring Sasuke-kun back to me and he failed to keep it," said Sakura knowing she had her own reason for doing it and after her parents praised her for it, she had felt quite pleased with herself.
That is of course, until Tsunade summoned Sakura to her office for a little "talk" as the female leader of the village put it.
"So you two feel your feelings toward Naruto are justified all because of Sasuke is an Uchiha and a broken promise that nearly killed Naruto after the fight? Tell me Kakashi, after examining Naruto's wounds, can you tell me what move was used to nearly kill your student? Tell me Sakura, who beat Subaku no Gaara during the invasion that saved your miserable life," said Tsunade her voice becoming dark now and her eyes narrowed even further.
"My original Jutsu, the Chidori I taught Sasuke in order to fight Gaara for his match at the Chuunin Exams," said Kakashi knowing that the boy would need it to fight difficult opponents.
"Sasuke-kun saved me. I know he told me it was Naruto, but that's just Sasuke-kun being modest and caring," said Sakura in her fan-girl like state not seeing the furious look now held in Tsunade's eyes.
"You both disgust me! Kakashi you teach Sasuke your prized Chidori thinking it would defeat Gaara, but you taught Naruto nothing knowing he was facing the Hyuuga Prodigy of the Hyuuga Branch Clan. Also what would have happened if Sasuke had lost to Gaara had Orochimaru not interrupted it? If it wasn't for my old teammate teaching Naruto at the time then your moronic choice of a substitute, then Naruto would have lost!" said Tsunade scowling further at the man before her knowing he shouldn't have taught the Chidori to Sasuke no matter what the man said.
"That baka would have lost anyway. He just got lucky," said Sakura not caring anymore about how she should talk to Naruto since he was no longer in the village.
"He did far better then you to get to the finals Haruno so don't think you are all high and mighty in comparison to him. Also in case you need another reality check Naruto was the one that defeated Gaara, not Sasuke, and I have all the reports from the Suna Siblings to prove it. Had it not been for Naruto's intervention to save you Sakura, Gaara's power over the sand that held you at his mercy would have crushed you like an insect," said an angry Tsunade, who saw Sakura scowling slightly as she looked away not believing that it was Naruto that saved her and not Sasuke.
"I take it that's not the only reason you called us here, is it?" said Kakashi knowing that when the Hokage decides to punish you it's quite a punishment.
"What was your first guess? Starting right now Kakashi, you are hereby demoted back to Chuunin and to learn what it means to be a team player. You are also forbidden to go to the memorial stone until I see that you will no longer become lazy because of it. As for you Sakura, I'm sending you back to the Academy to relearn everything from certain female instructors I'm placing there that I'm hoping will beat the living hell out of the fan-girl residing in you. Whether they do this literally or figuratively to you during your training is their choice. If you don't like it, then stop being a Leaf Shinobi all together," said Tsunade seeing the shocked looks on both their faces.
With that argument over Tsunade went back to the mountainous pile of paperwork that now stood before her.
How she hated this job.
(Elsewhere in Konoha)
Jiraiya sighed as he stared at Konoha from his spot seeing how people were having little celebrated events concerning Naruto leaving not caring that the boy had kept them safe for the past 12 plus years. The boy had been hated by so many and loved by to few in his life growing up in the village that thought of him as a demon.
'Given the alternative being executed I guess the idea of being the son of Kyuubi is not as bad as it sounds. Hell I would probably follow through with it if I was constantly treated like crap for most the my whole beginning years of life,' thought Jiraiya was ashamed that he himself couldn't protect Naruto all those years that forced the boy to abandon his life as a human being and actually became Kyuubi's son.
When he told the Hokage she wasn't exactly...thrilled.
(Flashback)
"What do you mean Naruto has declared himself the son of Kyuubi?!" said Tsunade now looking pissed off like the day she caught Jiraiya peeping on her and beat him within an inch of his life.
"I'm afraid it's the truth Tsunade. Whatever happened to Naruto came directly from the Kyuubi himself. I don't know if the demon manipulated him into it or if the kid simply let it happened out of a moment of weakness for what was going to happen to him here in Konoha on account of his soon-to-be execution. However, I can say this, from what I felt from Naruto, he is no longer human anymore Tsunade, and may have even transformed himself into a full fledged demon fox," said Jiraiya before he let out a sigh knowing this would not go over well in the village when people found out about this.
"Damn it! If the Council finds out about this then they have more support from the public in wanting Naruto dead. What better way to exact revenge on the Kyuubi then killing his proclaimed son," said Tsunade sighing at that fact not liking it one bit.
"It's not just that Tsunade. When I looked into Naruto's eyes, I saw none of the happiness they used to hold, but rather near limitless amount of rage swirling within them. He was so angry at me, at us, and basically everyone else here in Konoha for making his life so damn miserable. He wants nothing to do with us Tsunade whether were his friends or not and I think the best thing to do is leave him alone to be himself. Naruto won't return to finish what Kyuubi started that I'm sure of, but if we confront, and provoke him that just may be a different story," said Jiraiya noticing the heartbreaking look Tsunade now had on her face.
"How can you say that Jiraiya? I won't rest until he's brought back to Konoha, screw the Council, and their united vote to give the execution order. I will do everything that is in my power, and beyond to ensure Naruto's safety in this village when he is brought back," said Tsunade not wanting to lose the boy she had become so fond of and had breathed new life into her body.
"You say that now Tsunade, but the real question is can you actually back up your claim if you succeed?" said Jiraiya before leaping out the window.
(End Flashback)
Jiraiya sighed again remembering how the urge to do some "research" at the hot springs seemed to die in him now that Naruto was gone. The kid had so much potential to be his successor to his book on account of the Sexy Jutsu, which would have allow Naruto to actually go into the women's side of the hot springs, and not get beat up. I mean it was brilliant if not genius!
Aside from that though the kid was the closest thing Jiraiya had left of his previous and deceased student that was the Yondaime. Now that Naruto was gone by renouncing his life as a human being and replacing it with a demons, Jiraiya felt as if part of him died as well. He wanted his new student to be as strong and hopefully just as perverted as he was when Naruto got older, but this whole thing with the Council ordering his execution had shot it all to hell.
'I wonder what Kami's judgment of me will be when I die? Will he be merciful or is Kami really a woman and hates perverts? Please be the former,' thought Jiraiya though deep down he knew that it was probably the latter and he was most likely screwed.
(Wave Country)
"So this is Wave Country huh? Looks much better then what I had heard when that pig of a man Gato ruled over this place," said Anko having used her snakes to pick up Naruto's trail to Wave Country.
"It seems logical that Naruto would come here considering it is the closest place in his heart to a second home when away from Konoha," said Shino his bugs telling him that there was a second chakra signature with Naruto's though it was masked by the demonic presence of their comrade.
"D-Do you r-really t-think that N-Naruto-kun w-will come b-back with u-us if w-we a-ask h-him to?" said Hinata wondering what her crush looked like now that they had all been informed by Tsunade of his changes.
"YOSH! I believe Naruto's flames of youth while changed still burn brightly and should not be counted out in rejoining the Leaf once more," said Gai giving the girl a shiny smile with a thumbs up.
"Yeah if the Council and villagers don't kill him first," said Anko though it was more to herself then the others.
As the group made their way to the bridge they saw the plaque on the side making them stop in shock and surprise when they read it.
"Now crossing the Great Uzumaki Naruto Bridge! Named in honor of the very hero that inspired us to be believe that heroes really do exist."
'Naruto-kun has a bridge of this magnitude named after him and is considered a true hero in their eyes,' thought Hinata in awe of her crush being seen by others as a hero too.
"Well I'll be dipped in chocolate naked. This bridge is huge and it's named after the little runt for being heroic," said Anko shaking her while smirking while Shino tried to hide his blush at the Special Jounin's words.
"Let us enter and see if we cannot find our lost comrade," said Gai before rushing across the bridge to find Naruto with the others in tow.
(Zabuza's and Haku's Graves)
"Are these the ones Naruto-sama?" said Kimimaro to Naruto with Inari not far behind to be their lookout since this was a very delicate procedure they were doing.
The 8 year old kid had been told what they were going to do and while Inari was freaked out by it, he was assured they wouldn't go about eating people brains like those zombie movies everyone was talking about. Inari understood, but still felt his stomach wouldn't be able to handle the sight of two people rising from the dead and when asked why they couldn't do it for his Father, Naruto told him that Kaiza had been dead for too long. With Zabuza and Haku they still had a chance to bring back from the dead since they had been decreased for less then 2 months while Kaiza had been dead much longer passed the time needed to bring the man back to life. However, Naruto assured Inari that if there had still been time for Kaiza to be revived that he would have been the first in being resurrected just to make the boy's Mother happy.
Inari understood knowing that Naruto would always use his power to take away the pain of a person or family that didn't deserve such suffering.
"Yes Kimimaro-san, these are two Shinobi that were the first outside of Konoha that I had ever come to respect. You will stand watch with Inari while I perform the demonic ritual needed to revive them. I sense familiar chakra signatures have just entered Wave Country and this will no doubt bring them here. Once I am done you are to take us back to Tazuna's house before we are spotted," said Naruto getting a nod from the albino, who walked over to Inari to tell him of the plan.
"I'll take over from here kit. You are still new to this whole thing so its best if I do this with you watching and learning on the side," said Kyuubi knowing that only though his experience could this work.
'As you wish Father I trust your reasoning,' thought Naruto bowing his head slightly as his new Father possessed his body.
"In the name of the Demon King, all that is darkness and damnation, I call upon the two spirits of the Underworld to hear me. I command both Momochi Zabuza and Haku to come forth from the Underworld to return to their bodies so they may live and rise once again. As the ruler of Hell I command you to RISE AGAIN! 'Demon Secret Art: Rise from the Grave Jutsu!'" said Kyuubi after completing the hand signs and slammed his hands into the ground sending a blast of demonic chakra towards the two graves.
Once the demonic chakra made contact with the graves the earth surrounding it rumbled and shook violently beneath Naruto's feet. Soon two sets of hands shot out of the ground with the bodies attached rising as they let out gasps for breaths as well as letting out loud screams of pain from having their souls reattached to their bodies. Naruto or rather it was Kyuubi now possessing Naruto's body, who raised his hands and shot demonic chakra at them making it look like they were being electrocuted by red lightning.
'Such power,' thought Kimimaro seeing the massive amount of chakra being launched at the two former corpses of the earth.
Inari thought the same thing.
(Meanwhile in Wave Country)
Hinata was nervous looking for her friend and crush while walking amongst the populous of Wave Country when she saw the people looking at her with distain in their eyes. It had made her feel unwelcome in her mind just like when she was back home while near some of the "traditionalized" Hyuuga Clan Elders and how they all thought she was weak
"Geez they were fine with Naruto and Team 7 after they saved them all from Gato, but not us. No respect," said Anko crossing her arms as she was disappointed in how these people were looking at her team.
"It's not that Anko-san. It's something else entirely different. My bugs tell me that they have found out about what was going to happen to Naruto and don't feel like welcoming his potential executioners into their Country," said Shino sensing the anger from these people and his bugs telling him to be careful.
"Good point," said Anko scowling a little because of Konoha's bigots and fools that had caused this in wanting the kid dead.
"The real question is where Naruto could be hiding?" said Gai rubbing his finger against his chin in thought.
"L-Let's try T-Tazuna-san's h-house. T-The man w-was the c-client that h-hired Naruto-kun's t-team," said Hinata blushing slightly at the thought of being right and seeing her crush again.
"It would seem logical that Naruto would stay with someone he knows that will take him in without question," said Shino, who got a nod from them group and headed out only to stop when they felt the surge of immense power coming to the East of their position.
"What the hell?" said Anko feeling the demonic presence behind the sheer volume of power being unleashed.
'Naruto-kun,' thought Hinata worriedly using her Byakugan to see the demonic power being generated was so massive that even her Father would quake in fear of such strength now within her sights.
"Let's go!" said Gai heading off with the others behind him.
"We-re a-a-ali-ve?" said Zabuza looking at Haku and himself before looking at what appeared to be an exhausted Naruto standing before them.
"Save your strength Zabuza. You too Haku. I brought you both back from the depths of Hell and beyond so that you may help me in my future endeavors," said Naruto panting heavily sweating up a storm at all the chakra Kyuubi used while possessing his body.
"Naruto-sama! I sense Shinobi are approaching. I sent Inari home feeling he might be used against you," said Kimimaro knowing that Inari while a brave young boy already, could be used as a bargaining chip for his master to surrender, and the albino would have none of that happening.
"Thanks Kimimaro. Take these two and the sword to Tazuna's house. They must not be seen or else knowledge of their existence will be brought to both Konoha and Mist. We can't allow that to happen," said Naruto feeling his power slowly returning to him and the breaths evening out at a slower pace.
"I cannot leave without you Naruto-sama," said Kimimaro not wanting to abandon the young demon heir at a moment of danger.
"You will do as I have asked of you Kimimaro. I need to cover the graves so they don't suspect a thing. Even in my weakened condition I can hold them off so do not worry," said Naruto seeing Kimimaro reluctantly bow before he picked up the two bodies and took off.
"Are you sure you can handle this?" said Kyuubi looking at his son in the boy's now redesigned mindscape that looked like the inside den area of a large house complete with a fireplace and everything.
'On a scale of 1 to 10? I give myself 7,' thought Naruto, as he proceeded to cover up the graves quickly to make it look like they were undisturbed.
(With the Retrieval Team)
Hinata ran as fast as her legs would allow her to go with her being a close second behind Anko, who was trailing slightly behind Gai, and Shino was several feet back due to his large coat creating wind resistance. The Hyuuga Heiress hope she would see Naruto soon since all she wanted was to see her crush even if it was just one more time if only that. She had seen the hatred the village unleashed upon him and how they were cruel to him by not allowing him in stores, chasing him away from restaurants, and on his birthday of all days she never saw him since it was also the day of the Kyuubi Festival.
'Even if I can just see Naruto-kun one more time that's all I need before he goes. I want to tell him how I feel so he knows that at least one person cared about him when no one else did,' thought Hinata, as she and the team soon reached their destination with Naruto standing their looking past the two graves with his back to them.
'My bugs tell me he is has changed, no not changed, but rather he has become something different altogether then the rest of us. That and his mood has changed since we last saw him,' thought Shino frowning as he stared at this new Naruto like the rest of the group did while slowly walking forward.
"Come to watch the scenery with me?" said Naruto turning his gaze to the shock team not expecting him to sense them since they had been so quiet.
(Tazuna's House)
"Tsunami-san I need your assistance with these two please," said Kimimaro, who gave Haku to the young woman, who placed the boy on a chair, and the albino place Zabuza on the nearby sofa.
"I can't believe the kid revived these two. I hope he did the right thing," said Tazuna, as he watched the two with a careful (drunken) eye since he had past history with these two guys.
"Naruto-sama brought them back to life for a reason and I trust his judgment. I hope you also understand why he cannot do that for the man named Kaiza," said Kimimaro since Inari had already been given the explanation.
"It's all right my pasty white friend. Kaiza is in heaven right now so it would be rude to pull him out of there as it is," said Tazuna knowing that Tsunami would understand since Inari and he himself already did.
"Do you think Naruto-nii-san will make it back before saying goodbye?" said Inari, who was slightly worried that his hero and brother would fall due to his weakened state.
"I have seen and felt Naruto-sama's power before I was in his service. I can tell you now without fear of being wrong that my master will not fall no matter the odds stacked now stacked against him," said Kimimaro looking out at the window closest to him before he went back to taking care of Zabuza.
(At the Graves)
"You all seemed surprised that I sensed you. Your stealth itself was good, but you forgot to hide your chakra signatures, and while this is not your fault, I could hear Shino's bugs buzzing around in his body. You really should try to earn to keep those guys quiet," said Naruto smirking as he turned around to fully face them.
"Uzumaki Naruto! We were asked by the Fifth Hokage herself to try and bring you back to Konoha one last time. Comply with her wishes or you will be taken by force," said Anko knowing that the kid would sooner resist rather then simply "okay take me to my execution".
Naruto could see the hesitant look in Hinata's eyes when Anko mentioned the last part and that made the demon fox prince curious as to why she was even chosen. He knew the girl was shy by nature no doubt due to the expectations set by her damned clan and that sending her to possibly fight him would be like sending a cow to he slaughter house...if he was as evil as everyone made him out to be.
"Why should I comply with her wishes? So she can watch me be executed? To die for all the public to see? To simply end the pain of the villagers and Shinobi? When I had no say in mine! You know what I'm talking about right Anko-san? I've seen the looks people give you both civilian and Shinobi alike. How many people have assaulted you? Beat you to a bloody pulp? How many times did they starve you? How did you handle receiving outdated and rusty weapons that you paid for triple the price of the good stuff? I bet that trench coat of yours and a year supply of dango you suffered through some way with the questions I just asked you. So if you can look me straight in the face and tell me that you were treated nicely by the village after what happened to you with the Sannin then I will come back with you," said Naruto looking right in the eyes with his piercing hers making Anko flinch at the impact they had and knew that Naruto knew that her life wasn't all joy and games either.
"The Hokage wanted us to tell you she had a plan to save you, but it will only work if you return," said Shino since it was true that the woman did have some kind of plan even if they didn't know what it was.
"Let me guess she'll either have me locked away for a few years before she can request an audience with the Fire Daimyo to hear my case or seal off my chakra permanently to appeal the masses thinking the demon is vulnerable to attacks thus making me a bigger target then ever. I'll pass on both since I know she'll fail to amuse the Council with the idea. They know that Jiraiya could undo any sealing done to me and that the Fire Daimyo will punish them if he gets his audience with the old hag concerning me since he favored the Third and Fourth Hokage. The Council tried so hard to gain some form of influence over him with the advisors they sent over to try and gain his favor with suggestions that he didn't like. Fortunately, the man has a good heart and can see past prejudice and hate unlike most of the assholes in Konoha so I don't have to worry about the Council trying to use him to make me become labeled as a Fire Country wide menace," said Naruto now smiling a fanged smile making Gai and Shino shiver in fear while Anko was close to it.
The only one not shivering was Hinata because by some act of Kami or her own power (she wasn't sure), she found herself moving towards Naruto, walking slow careful steps as if the last one would make her trip, and fall on her face.
"Hinata what are you doing?" said Anko seeing Hinata walking toward him without any weapon in hand or chakra in her hands for a Gentle Fist strike.
'That's what I'd like to know,' thought Naruto turning his gaze right to Hinata, who had somehow managed to get within near arm distance of him yet made no move in form of attacking or anything like that.
Hinata herself didn't know why she was doing this, as she just felt that she had to move closer to him to look him in the eyes, and tell him how she felt before she possibly lost him forever. She wanted her hands to touch his whisker marks, to look into his once blue now red silted eyes, tell him without wavering that she cared about him, and to plead with him to come back to Konoha so they could be together. She would have her Father use all his political strength to save boy somehow, Hinata knew the Hyuuga Clan's power held much sway in the ways of the political arena, and as a plus her Father had no grievances with Naruto whatsoever.
'See me now as I see you Naruto-kun,' thought Hinata, as she slowly stared up at him, looked into his eyes showing all the love she had for him that they could create, in the hopes he would know that no matter, that she cared, and would stay with him to the end.
'Stupid girl! Kurenai is going to kill me,' thought Anko knowing that if she tried to throw anything she might hit Hinata and then she would be in a world of trouble.
"Naruto-kun please don't leave us. The other Rookies need you now, Tsunade-sama sent us because she needs you, and I...I need you as well. You mean everything to me Naruto-kun, you are my strength, my courage, and my very inspiration to improve myself. If you leave now it would be as if you died and I don't think my heart could take it," said Hinata moving even closer to him and placing a hand on his whiskered cheek.
'There is no lie in her words. She really does care!' thought Naruto finding the touch of her hands soothing and the smell of lavenders that came off of her consuming his sense of smell.
"Please come back Naruto-kun? My Father can protect you from the Council if you come back I know he could since you have done so much for me and Neji. When I get stronger I want you to be there to see it and tell me how proud you are of me with my progress to get stronger," said Hinata looking at the boy, who seemed to be lost in thought.
"Hinata...your words are sincere as you are sweet. However, despite your good intentions I cannot go back not simply because I am a Shinobi, who ran away from Konoha, but due to the fact that I will be killed when news reaches everyone that I am now truly a demon. The son of Kyuubi to be more precise," said Naruto looking at Hinata's pained eyes and stroked her cheek affectionately before breathing in her scent while trying to remember every second of it.
"I don't care if you're a demon now. I just want to be with you Naruto-kun because...I...I love you. I need you because I love you...with all my heart," said Hinata looking up at the boy, who seemed surprised by this declaration since he never really felt love in his life up until now.
"Naruto we can't stay here forever. Kimimaro will get worried eventually and look for us making him noticeable to Konoha as well as the world at too soon a time. Tell the shy Hyuuga that you will one day return to see her, but not for several years," said Kyuubi knowing that it would have to do since it was he could do to stop this girl's heart from shattering.
"Hinata I'll always be with you, but where I go you cannot follow, and even if you tried I don't want you to for I promise you that I will return to see you," said Naruto kissing her forehead making Hinata's face turn redder then a cherry at picking time.
"Y-You mean it?!" said Hinata her voice now a whisper due to the impact of her crush kissing her on her forehead.
Her lips would have been better, but Hinata wasn't about to complain.
"Of course. Once a demon lord makes a promise he is honor bound to keep, but don't tell anyone that or else we'll both get into a lot of trouble," said Naruto in a tiny whisper of his own since they did have an audience with them
"When will I see you again?" said Hinata taking several steps back not noticing that the people behind her were now telling to move away to get a clear shot.
"I'll be wandering around in 3 years after my training in Demon World to do my own thing so I can make a good name for myself. Get strong Hinata...I'll be waiting for you," said Naruto winking at her before he was consumed in flame and vanished leaving only ash behind from the grass beneath his feet.
"Damn it! Hinata you do know that we have to report this right? Hinata?" said Anko now looking at the girl whose face was glowing so much everyone around her thought she was radioactive.
"Naruto-kun...kissed...me," said Hinata in a whisper before collapsing under a faint spell with steam coming out of her ears.
"Okay I think we can all agree to take this last part out of our report. Last thing her Clan needs to hear is their Heiress falling for demon royalty," said Anko getting a nod from the other two since it wouldn't look good in the eyes of the Clan Elders and some of the Main Family.
(Tazuna's House)
"I'm afraid the time has come for us to go," said Naruto, right after he appeared in a swirl of flame shocking everyone in the room since no one knew he could do that.
"Naruto-nii-san!" said Inari rushing to his big brother and gives him a hug.
"What do you mean you have to go Naruto?" said Tsunami showing worry on her face.
"Yeah! You just got here. Come one and stay awhile, have a drink, marry my daughter," said Tazuna in a drunken state only slapped in the back of his head by Tsunami.
"I wish I could, but I'm afraid I can't. Shinobi are after me and I can't have them find out I'm here with all of you. Kimimaro, once they are more awake and able to move, I need you to tell them about the plan. Tell them of their purpose in returning from the grave and tell them that while you three are spying for me that they are to get stronger as well. They will not be relying on their Water Jutsu's or bloodlines, but trying to use other things so they don't become recognizable to anyone. Only use those styles as a last resort since no one will expect those types of skills to exist after so long. Understand?" said Naruto, as he looked at his albino warrior.
"Of course Naruto-sama," said Kimimaro knowing where his master was going.
"As for the rest of you. Inari my brother, Tsunami the Mother I always wanted, and you Tazuna are the drunken yet comical Grandfather, who stands up for what is right. I hope to make you proud beyond all your expectations," said Naruto meaning every word he spoke before he disappeared in a burst of flame.
(At the Great Uzumaki Naruto Bridge)
"Ready to go my boy?" said Kyuubi grinning at finally being able to go home with his newly declared son.
'Yeah. Hey Kyuubi, can I ask you something?' thought Naruto going through hand signs to open the portal to demonic realm.
"Fire away!" said Kyuubi curious to his sons question.
'What...what do you think of Hinata?' thought Naruto wondering what his Father would say about the Hyuuga Heiress.
"The shy one that smells of lavenders? Hmm...her heart is in the right place, she holds no hatred for you, and she doesn't care that you are now my son. Hell the shy one even declared her love for you in front of that retrieval team so I say that the Hyuuga would make a fine mate for you," said Kyuubi chuckling at his son's blush at calling Hinata his mate.
'I never said that Hinata would be my mate, but now that you brought it up...IF I did...you know...take her as my mate? How would that even work? Since I'm your son doesn't that make me...longer lasting in terms of a life span?' thought Naruto frowning a little at his Father mentally while nearly done the hand signs.
"So young and so naïve you are about life with the threat of Father Time looming in the shadows threatening to take it away. There are ways around this dilemma if you do choose the shy Hyuuga as your mate once you literally mate with her. Every time we male demons decide to mate with a female human we mark our mates by biting their neck with our teeth. Once our fangs penetrate the skin they slowly releases demonized energy into her system that will change the physical make up of her body to that of a demon as well. This also happens in order for the female to handle the power of the child that is growing in side of her so when the child or children born will not kill the Mother during pregnancy," said Kyuubi smiling at his son's fish like expression.
'As educational as that bit of information was I did not expect you to go into exact detail in terms of mating,' thought Naruto though he imagined what Hinata would look like as a fox demon and when he did he felt blood running out of his nose.
"That's my boy," said Kyuubi chuckling at his son's eyes having that glazed over look from seeing the image and knew this girl was the one for him.
"Its time. 'Demonic Art: Demon World Portal Jutsu!'" said Naruto his hands glowing red before thrusting them forward and creating a circle that that would be the portal to take him to demon world.
"Naruto-kun please wait!" yelled Hinata calling out to him having awakened from her faint spell before searching for him with her Byakugan finding him on the bridge ready to enter another world and temporarily away from her life.
"Hinata-chan?" said Naruto surprised that she found him so fast and wondered where her team was and if she was being used as a distraction.
"I just wanted to return the kiss you gave me," said Hinata and kissed Naruto right on the lips showing him even further that what she said was true.
"I like this girl already. What a fox she will make for my son. A graceful Queen for my son and future King of Demons," said Kyuubi to himself knowing that if this played out as he hoped it would then the fox would one day become a Grandfather.
"That's some return Hinata-chan. Wow!" said Naruto now grinning a large fox like grin at Hinata, who simply blushed a new shade of red.
"Don't forget about me okay Naruto-kun," said Hinata knowing she should have more faith in her love then to remind him already of her when he hasn't even left her sight or plain of existence yet.
"I'll never forget you Hinata-chan my lavender fox-hime," said Naruto seeing the girl blush even further though why he said those things he didn't understand, but suspected it was his demon blood influencing him in that regard.
With that Naruto entered the portal leaving Hinata and all he knew behind never to see them again for the next 3 years. Hinata put her hands to her chest and knew that one day he would return to her and when he did, she would show just how strong she had become.
She was so deep in her little world that Hinata failed to notice her team was behind her a few feet and had seen a brief moment of the kiss she gave to the demon prince.
'No dango tonight for me,' thought Anko was wondering how she was going to explain this to the Hokage.
(Demon World-Kyuubi's Den)
Naruto looked around at his surrounding and saw that the sky was reddish purple with white clouds, the trees looked like tree though some looked a little...unhealthy, and the cave behind him was huge in itself. It was bigger then his Father's cell in his mind and that was big enough to create an eye sore in seeing it too many times in his mind. It was an even bigger pain seeing the Kyuubi behind it, as Naruto wanted his Father free from the prison, but couldn't since it such attempts of freedom would kill both Father and son.
'Has anyone been here since you've been in me?' thought Naruto walking towards the den only to feel a powerful barrier pushing him back slowly.
"No. What you felt just now was my demonic barrier I setup when I'm away from my cave, which I fortunately was at the time before I attacked Konoha. Since you are now my son it won't hurt you, but anyone else and it would have turned them into liquid goo. Yummy goodness," said Kyuubi laughing at the thought as Naruto made a "yuck" face thinking it was more along the lines of nasty then yummy.
"So you finally made it here. I was beginning to think someone had killed you before you arrived," said someone behind Naruto, who turned to see draconic like man with black and spiky hair with a white patch in the middle.
"Who the hell are you?" said Naruto noticed looking the man right in the eyes, which he noticed were red, but with a smooth naturalness to them.
He wore black baggy pants, blue ninja top, and black cloak with the Kanji for "Devil" on the back with the Kanji in a circle of red flames. He had black boots, wrist as well as his ankles, and chakra weights were black with a strange blue trim on one side of the tips.
"My apologize Naruto-sama, my name is Shiro Yamato and I am known here in Demon World as 'The Shadow Knight'," said Shiro giving a curt bow.
"How do you know about me?" said Naruto getting into a defensive stance while Shiro just remained standing.
"Your Father, Kyuubi sent a demon fox summons to me to have me await for your arrival here in Demon World after all that has happened to you in Konoha. As for my connection with Kyuubi, it was through my Father, who was a good friend of your fox Father, and a powerful demon dragon named Ryun. According to the message I received from Kyuubi, he wishes that such friendship between two great demons be passed down to us, and as their children show that their blood lives in us," said Shiro walking towards Naruto, who lowered his guard somewhat and finally sees the various draconian features he possessed, but saw that he was strangely still half-human.
"The boy will help you get stronger here in this world when you aren't learning it from me or what I have in my den. Also I can see you are wondering about him being a half-demon so I'll tell you why. Unlike with most demons, dragons as well as a few other demons, can't release demon chakra from their fangs, and thus when mating with a human female simply get a half-demon child like Shiro. My guess is that his Mother died bringing him into this world as all human females do when brining a child into the world," said Kyuubi glad to see the son of his old friend wanted to continue the pact of friendship.
"Thanks for doing this Shiro-san I know you could have turned it down so I can say that you have earned my respect," said Naruto walking up the half-demon and shook his hand.
"I like you already too. You're not arrogant because of your new status as the Kyuubi's Father and I can see you want to work hard for you strength from the feel of your skin. Your hand may heal from wounds, but the scales and inner workings of my nerves tell me that you've had your fail share of working your hands to the bone. Very few people theses days work that hard to get what they want since they have it handed to them like they were special," said Shiro seeing Naruto's slightly surprised face at that this little tidbit of info.
"You have to forgive me since I never suspected you traveled from Demon World and back," said Naruto looking at the half dragon half man carefully in case the boy tried to retaliate physically.
To Naruto's surprise, Shiro simply let out a hearty laugh.
"Believe it or not I've been to the Human World before and I've seen the arrogance those humans have for the power they think they can understand. They simply take power from others rather then earning it with the blood, sweat, and tears others shed to gain it in order to grow stronger. Because of that they use that stolen power to make everything that they touch become nothingness and quite frankly I myself couldn't stand it anymore so I went to Demon World to further embrace my own heritage. I'm just glad my Father fell in love with a human that had a good heart and opened mind about people whatever the race or species they may be." said Shiro, as he was now grinning a dragon smile with his scales around his chin rippling a little as he did.
"Well since you're here you want to get started?" said Naruto knowing they could begin training right away.
"Sure! Why not? I've been waiting here awhile so I could use a good workout to awaken these stiff dragon muscles of mine," said Shiro laughing slightly since the muscles in his body ever hardly became stiff.
If you don't count the thing between his legs when he sees a hot naked woman.
"Before you start your training son I thought you should know that inside your new home is a sword of mine that has been passed down from one fox demon to another. It is your birthright to wield it as my heir to my throne. Also I want to take your existing Shinobi attire and make slight modifications to it so everyone here and in Human World when you return in 3 years knows just whose son you are," said Kyuubi smiling, as he had the perfect ideas to add to his son's combat attire to further strengthen him.
'This day just keeps on getting even better,' thought Naruto, as he got into a fighting stance while Shiro got into his, and the two went at it.
(Konoha-Hokage Tower-3 Days Later)
"So the mission was a failure yet again," said Tsunade getting a confirmed nod from Anko and Gai while their two Genin left the room.
"Yeah. Naruto was really pissed that you wanted him to come back to Konoha knowing what awaited him here. Even with whatever you had planned, he basically figured it out and wanted nothing to do with any of us. Or at least...most of us anyway," said Anko knowing that there was one person that Naruto would return for...if only to take her with him.
"It was so unyouthful! Naruto was standing over two graves and when we confronted him he mocked us so harshly," said Gai crying anime tears making the two women sweat drop and they suspected that if Rock Lee were in the room, the two weirdo's would probably be involved in a long hugging scene right about now.
How they hated that.
"He was obviously paying his respects to the two Shinobi there. I've read that report done by Kakashi concerning those two in question and I think Naruto could relate to the two easily. What else happened?" said Tsunade looking at the two sensing something else had happened in Wave Country.
"Other then the fact that the people there looked at us like they wanted to gut the team up like fish? Not much," said Anko hoping the Hokage wouldn't suspect anything and let them go.
"Well if that's everything then you are...," said Tsunade, but was interrupted by several of the Council members came in the room not looking pleased.
"We have to have a little talk with you Hokage-sama," said Danzo not looking pleased, as he held a sheet of paper in his hands with a scowl on his face meaning he didn't like what he was reading.
"I'm in the middle of a mission report with several of my Shinobi Danzo and Council so you will just have to wait your turn like everyone else does," said Tsunade smirking at them since they clearly didn't like being treated like everyone else as they believed that they were above everyone else...including her.
"I guess we have to stay here for a few more minutes' right?" said Anko wishing she was torturing someone right now.
"Yes. I know why the Council is in an uproar. They tried to use their power to take claim over the Namikaze household to get access to the Estate and all that it holds within it due to it being under a Lockdown Jutsu. Only someone who is a blood relative or descendant of the Namikaze line to be more precise can unlock it and claim the spoils the Yondaime had placed in there. So in a move that surprised even me, I put the home, the deed, and all that is the Namikaze line under Naruto's name. This way the Council couldn't try to take it under the law that all heirless clan homes become State Property and then placed under the care of the government officials," said Tsunade knowing that Danzo wanted what was inside the home so he could gain more power to throw her out of power.
"Yosh! Your flames of youth shine brightly Hokage-sama and when Naruto returns he'll not only gain a passionate girlfriend in Hinata, but his inheritance too!" said Gai making Anko slap her head at the Jounin's words.
'Damn it Gai,' thought Anko knowing that now she had to tell Tsunade or risk a pay cut this month.
"What? Did you just say 'gain a passionate girlfriend in Hinata'? Spill!" said Tsunade before scowling at the two Shinobi in front of her.
"Okay Hokage-sama this is the unedited version, but it's also the unofficial version so what we told you originally, has to stay as it was stated," said Anko knowing that the less people, who knew about this...the better.
"What happened!?" said Tsunade her patience getting thinner and her body aging a little bit faster then she would have hoped.
"In a nutshell? Hinata was the cause of the mission failing," said Anko, as she and Gai told Tsunade all about the whole event that happened at the two graves, the kiss Naruto gave Hinata on her forehead, her fainting, their brief reunion on the bridge, and finally the kiss Hinata gave Naruto at the last moment before leaving the Human World for an unknown amount of time.
"So the little moron finally saw it huh? Well I guess I'm not surprised since the treatment from the village didn't help much so it's not all his fault. Now get out of here before the Council comes barging in again, but while you're out I need you two to find Jiraiya so he and I can talk more about this," said Tsunade letting out a tired sigh before looking at the pictures of the previous Hokage's on the wall behind her wondering what they thought of Konoha right now.
(Konoha Hospital)
Neji awoke to see his cousin Hinata there to see him now awaken and was happy to see him now fully conscious after all that happened to him during the failed retrieval mission for Uchiha Sasuke. Originally he didn't know the mission was a failure since he had been unconscious the whole time and no one told him yet about the results of it all. However, deep in Neji's heart, he felt something had happened, and knew that whatever it may be was for the worst.
"Hinata-sama I'm glad you came to visit me," said Neji smiling at his cousin and wishing he had not been such an ass to her early on in life.
"You're welcome Neji-nii-san. I hope you recover fast as I want your help in my own style of Gentle Fist," said Hinata without stuttering making Neji's eyebrow go up at her sudden act of confidence and determination.
"Hinata-sama forgive me for asking, but...did you by some chance have some kind of interaction with Uzumaki Naruto?" said Neji hoping that if such a thing was the case it better NOT have been anything perverted.
Judging by the signs of Hinata blushing and trying to force it down meant the two's little interaction wasn't perverted, but the Hyuuga Prodigy didn't want to be an Uncle just yet.
"Correct Neji-nii-san, but it happened at a really bad time," said Hinata, who kept down her blush down since it was so important that she tell Neji what happened to Naruto.
A loud "WHAT?" soon echoed throughout Konoha nearly scaring some people right out of their clothes.
(A/N: YAY! Another chapter written. This one was a little tricky since I wanted Naruto to get everything he needed done in this chapter so I could speed along into the next one. I'm going to take a 2-3 day break period in writing since it's prevented me from play my PS3 and kicking ass in Unreal Tournament III. Also the next fic I will update just to give you a heads up, will be my Bleach fic so all of you, who read that keep a lookout for that one because the next chapter is going to be a real shocker. Until next time...PEACE!!!)