Chapter 9: The Return, More Secrets Revealed, Just Talking
Cory-chan and Kakashi where leaping from each rooftop as he decided best to check out the training area first and start from there. But what stumped him was how someone would get into the village like that unnoticed and watching over them.
Moments Ago...
After Sasuke shooting Naruto an evil look he turned back to Kakashi, "Apparently from Naruto has told this guy has been watching over us! Right Naruto?" The Uchiha making sure what he said was correct from the source.
Naruto sighed and nodded his head in agreement to Sasuke, "Well you lazy bum do you have an answer to all this or what?" Sasuke unable to get over how easily he was taken down like that, with the opponents he has faced he did more, but what Tatsu did was out of nowhere and never thought it to happen.
Kakashi just shook his head ignoring Sasuke's rude comments knowing he was simply speaking out of anger. "Don't worry I will look into it Sasuke and in the mean time your free to do what you want."
Now...
Even Kakashi was curious how the shinobi named Tatsu was able to lurk around undetected, though over the past couple days or so something had seemed odd. He knew with the Chuunin exam approaching that no other shinobi from other places should be arriving yet with the exception of the Shadow nin. Before they reached the training grounds a voice yelled out to them, "CORY STOP!!" and with a twitch of her ear she heard the voice.
Her and Kakashi leaped down to the roof and found person dressed all in black, but once they landed in a quick puff of smoke that person disappeared to reveal someone else. "Oh my...." Cory both surprised but overjoyed.
Then there stood the red haired shadow shinobi Ryuujin. "RYUU-KUN!" She ran up to him but stopped right in front of him as she pulled her hand back.
Then, SMACK! Was what was heard and Ryuu's cheek beet red now starting to rub it, "Heh I was expecting that." He said with a slight smile.
But she then wrapped her arms around him, "Ryuu its good to see the real you again."
The dragon boy hugged her back, "It's good to see you to Cory-chan."
Kakashi didn't want to interrupt this nice little moment, but now he was wondering who the hell that guy back at the hotel is, "You say he is Ryuujin then who was that....back at the hotel?" he questioned stepping up to the two as Cory stepped back from the hug.
"That would be Shinigami a spy sent to keep a close eye over me, I don't know who he is working for just yet but I know that by keeping me somehow in sight of the public it would lure out my brother Amatsu." Cory was surprised in many ways to know that Ryuu had found out about his brother on top of that how serious he was right now as he was usually quiet around new people but he was able to talk so open with Kakashi there.
"So that's why...you..." Cory mumbled out remembering that day, the battle between him and Arcane.
"Yes and No." Ryuu stated and Cory looked on wide eyed.
"You see, I knew I had to reveal Shinigami because I KNEW something was up I always had the feeling I was watched I just wasn't sure who." Ryuu taking a deep breath and exhaling, "That battle though, was all for real, with that explosion I was near death, I had slapped an explosion tag on a shadow clone I created in my place. But before I could get a good enough distance the thing exploded, sending me....god I don't know where. My body was destroyed....I am shocked that I am even here today." Ryuu looked down and away from Cory, unsure why he even made that statement that he had of his possibility of indefinite death.
Cory looked at him with shock and sadness, "Ryuu...."
Kakashi though happened to catch a glimpse at his neck and his eyes widened recognizing it, "Ryuujin that mark on your neck how did...."
He was then cut off by Ryuu who then covered it back up cursing under his breath, "It's nothing of any concern trust me."
Cory stomped to him and removed the cloth over the left shoulder and his arm, she examined it for a moment tracing a finger over it. "Ryuu answer Kakashi, because the only mark you should have is the one you bare on your left arm and that has a purpose to your life." She looked into his eyes dead serious, Cory wanted to know what happened for him to be tainted with such a thing.
Ryuu clutched his fists tightly and with a sigh released them, "Fine...I will tell you."
The dragon boy looked between Kakashi and Cory-chan, "As I was recovering from the explosion I came across someone who I had never met before but apparently he knew who I was and what I am capable of, after this incident it seemed many others knew who I am and my lineage."
Cory looked away, she knew that people would which is why her and Shinja was there for him so he wouldn't have to face any trouble from those who would kill him on the spot. "He told me that with his help....I could control the power and I could help my clan become what it once was..."
Kakashi looked at the boy with a very stern look, "I hate to say this Ryuu but that mark given to you is not something to help you, its nothing but a curse, that man is named Orochimaru and he is an S class criminal, he wants nothing but your abilities the power of your clan." Ryuu's eyes shot wide and his pupils dilated after what Kakashi explained to him and dropped straight to his knees.
"I...I...why...why...w-h-y...am I to be cursed...?" He sat there looking at the ground just staring off.
Cory knelt down in front of him and tried getting into his line of sight with a caring look, "Ryuu, you are not cursed and just because you have these marks does not change who you are, okay?" she asked with a smile trying to get him to snap out of the mood he was in.
Then Ryuu jumped right back up to his feet taking Cory by surprise she fell back landing on her butt. Ryuujin then pointing beyond Kakashi, "YOU! You knew ALL ALONG!! YOU KNEW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO ME SHINJA! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME WHAT WOULD HAPPEN?"
There stood Shinja on the edge of the building they where on with his arms folded over one another, "You know I can't protect you from the real world, you had to experience the true hate, we did the best in Shadow."
"EXPERIENCE!? FUCK THAT! LOOK AT WHAT EXPERIANCING TRUE HATE DID TO ME!!!" Ryuu now with his chakra flaring and then lifting his shirt to reveal on his chest where his heart is a big scar, he was breathing heavily now getting worked up.
Kakashi had stepped over and helped Cory to her feet and she looked to see the scare on his chest. "YOU SHOULD HAD TOLD ME!! Because of that, I blindly walked to a village expecting help in my condition but as soon as they saw the dragon mark on my left arm......they...beat me up and then dragged me back outside their village and then nailed me down to the damn ground. Thankfully though they did miss my heart, on top of that...the Ryuu clan abilities, if it weren't for the fact I was able to heal myself I would had died right there from all the loss of blood..." Ryuu looking at Shinja with sharp angry eyes his arms to his side and the shirt fell back down, there where also scars on the sides of his wrists that could be seen and one on each of his leg but where hidden because of his pants.
His anger grew further as tears slowly slid down his face and the cursed seal began to run expand out onto the rest of him. Slowly he unlatched his fists and the Ryuu clan showing its face as his hands became covered in dragon scales and claws formed out. Ryuujin then grabbed the sides of his head in pain and let out a monsterous roar, and finally moved his hands from his head and into a seal. In a puff of smoke he was back in the ninja suit and disguised as Tatsu, "Kakashi I know the Chuunin exam is approaching and I wish to help train Naruto before it, the kid has a great deal of potential, plus like I have now, he knows true hatred from people, but what I have been shown is the kind side of people he has it, but I just want to help him further in discovering the good in others." Kakashi was unsure of the situation, though he just witnessed that the young member of the Ryuu clan held great strength but could help Naruto a great deal.
"Okay."
"Cory, please tell Kuniko-chan that I love her and...when the time is right...I will be back with her. Because I know that in her heart she can tell Shinigami is not me and see's through it all. Im sorry to cower away again but I need to do this..." Ryuu then fell back and disappeared into the shadows.
Kakashi wasn't sure how to look at that sort of move as he would think that of only a high level shinobi could use not someone who would be considered a genin. Cory-chan looked on worried about the boy she still remembered being there for him when he was so little but now. He is no longer turning to her for support he is doing everything on his own or he is at least trying to. She couldn't stand seeing him that way, so full of anger now, Cory just wanted him back to the way he was the Ryuu-kun she knew and loved. Shinja stopped his sharp glare and unfolded his arms, 'God damnit Ryuu you are going to get yourself in too deep and I wont be able to help you.' He thought to himself as he stepped off the ledge and walked towards Cory and Kakashi.
"Cory-chan, what exactly is the Ryuu clan? I have only heard rumors and with rumors after time they become twisted around." Kakashi asked with a great deal of curiousity.
"They Ryuu or just translate Dragon clan is a unique one, unlike some others out there like the well known Hyuuga and Uchiha not everyone carries the ability. The only thing the clan members do carry is the ability to cover themselves with dragon scales for their defense as well as the strength and regeneration." Stated Shinja as he stopped in front of Kakashi and Cory, but she just looked away and walked over to the ledge and sat down.
"You see, only with in a certain amount of years there is a child born with the mark that gives him succession to the clan. The one to lead the clan, but the past members given such an honor has tarnished their reputation making them not only feared but also hated. But there is some thing else, Ryuujin is yes the next successor BUT, Amatsu was born with a mark which gives him the ability to transform like Ryuu. Except with Amatsu his power is dark and demonic, as for Ryuujins which would be more to the normal type of Dragon." Shinja letting Kakashi absorb that information for the moment.
"But if there is to be only one successor then why Amatsu or Ryuujin to be born with this mark if only one is to lead the whole clan?" Questioned the Copy Nin Kakashi.
"Well, like a YinYang there is the evil and good and when together balance each other. Amatsu and Ryuujin are both destined to turn the clan around and become everything the clan represents."
"But Amatsu is an S class criminal who is dangerous and as I have heard very psychotic, how is he to help lead the Dragons to something better when he is so unstable himself?" Kakashi doubting everything said by Shinja.
Shinja smirked with a slight chuckle, "That maybe Kakashi, but trust me as soon as the two brothers can finally relax and can start the clan once again then you shall see."
"I don't understand Shinja-kun, all this time Amatsu why didn't he just stay in Shadow and wait for his brother to come of age where they could?"
"Because Kakashi, the murderer of their parents is still out there, and Amatsu is especially on such a mission for the fact the man deceived everyone and got close to his mother enough for marriage even after he tried warning her. Because of that man is the reason for Amatsu to start training in the dark element and become what he has." Shinja sighed slightly looking over to Cory then back to Kakashi.
"When did all these events take place?"
Shinja letting out another sigh but a heavy hearted one, "Let's see it was all about..."
11 years earlier...
It was approaching night fall in Shadow the moon was full and illuminated the sky and the dark streets. Kaiser Amatsu sat on top of the tallest building in Shadow just looking up into the night sky, he was slowly growing farther and farther apart from everyone in his village. He did his best to convince his mother that the man named Akkanka was nothing but a person after the Ryuu clan and wished to see its demise and that he cared nothing for her. But unfortunetly Amatsu was unable to do anything. Amatsu knew his mother had been lonely and depressed but she still found happiness in her son Amatsu and the newborn Ryuujin.
"Hey Hiroku, whats up?" Amatsu asked with his eyes still set to the stars in the sky.
"Hm, well not much, but I am wondering why you aren't home resting, you know the old man will be giving us our new mission tomorrow." Hiroku taking a seat next to his friend and looking over to him waiting for his response.
"I would rather not be home right now, Akkanka is there and I cant be around him because I know I will rip his heart out with my bear hands."
A sigh came from Hiroku, "You see man Ive been telling you go out and find a girl so you wont have to be concerned with that shit."
"...Tsh waste of my damn time." Amatsu standing up and letting out a slight grunt, "I think I will be getting home because I wouldn't trust that asshole with my life. Later." He said as he then fell away into the shadows.
Hiroku just sat there in amazement, 'God damn that kid is insane, and it would seem he has really come along in the shadow abilities.' He thought to himself as he now looked up into the night sky looking at the moon just as Amatsu was.
Ryuu clan home...
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine..." Ryuu's mother sung him to sleep as she rocked him back and fourth in her arms gently as he giggled happily and yawned widely drifting off into dreamland.
Kaiser Izumi set her child down into his bed and smiled down upon the boy and realized how much he looked like his father, though his real father wasn't around at least someone was willing to take on the task. Though for some reason Amatsu was very edgy with the person. As Izumi looked at her child she suddenly felt a deadly presence some one with a great killer intent and she quickly turned and put her arms out shielding her child if that's what it came to. She suddenly felt her whole body begin to shake as she was at the receiving end of the blade of a sword, "Akkanka...you BASTARD!" she yelled at the end as she coughed blood that now spread down her chin and the sword was withdrawn and she collapsed to the ground.
Amatsu was out from the shadows and decided to walk the rest of the way, he didn't want to get home that quick. He walked with his hands in his pockets and staring down at the ground, 'Maybe I should just hurry up and dew that guy in so he wont pull anything before its to late.' He thought to himself as he continued down the pathway to his home.
"BASTARD!"
Amatsu was close to home when he heard that word screamed into the air and he could tell it was his mother's voice. His eyes grew slightly wide as he suddenly dashed off to his house to see what was happening. Amatsu busted the door open and looked around the living room to see no one and he headed up the stairs to see where his mother was and as he heard his brothers screams he went to his little brothers room to find his mothers body sprawled out on the ground with a pool of blood around her. His eyes shot up to see Akkanka with his sword raised about to strike the unconscious Dragon boy who laid beside his mother wincing in pain, "Time to end the Ryuu clan here." Akkanka spoke in a low tone sending the sword down to the crying baby.
Before he was able to hit little Ryuu with the attack he felt a strong grasp on his wrist and looked over his shoulder to find Amatsu with a piercing glare that dove deep into his very soul. Amatsu growled as he threw the murderer of his mother to the wall that the impact made him let out a grunt of pain and a sick thud that made him slide down to the floor. The man Akkanka looked up at Amatsu who was now surrounded in a dark aura and his eyes completely shadowed out unable to be seen. Though the man feeling incredible amount of fear he couldn't help but smirk.
"Hm hm hm hm, your mother was quit a fool as was your father to trust me." Amatsu wasn't listening to the man, the only thing on his mind was to rip him limb from limb.
"Because of their foolishness they both died by my hands, but unfortunetly Amatsu you won't be killing me tonight nor will you....ever." With that said Akkanka then disappeared in a little whirl wind just before Amatsu even got to him.
Amatsu clenched his fists tightly and then released them walking over to his brother and knelt down next to him. With tear filled eyes he looked up at his older brother Amatsu and instantly reached out and wrapped his arms around him, "Brother I tried to help mommy! But I...." he sniffled a bit, "Wasn't able to help her....I wasn't strong enough." He cried into him.
Amatsu patted him on the back hugging him in return and sighed, "Its okay brother, you did fine." He spoke softly to his crying sibling.
Before Ryuujin could say anything else he fell back to unconsciousness and Amatsu scooped him up into his arms. He walked over and set him onto his bed on his stomach and then lifted his shirt to his shoulders. "Brother...I know you are gaining another mark to your body but it's a bit of my own power...cause you will need it for when the time is right...plus....don't worry you wont remember me or mom."
Amatsu began to perform signature hand seals and it ending in Dragon and he set his hand on the upper part of his back right below his neck and slowly something formed. It emerged from him and it was the Dragon Zodiac with a demonic dragon intertwined with it. The mark then slowly set and disappeared with out a trace, and he went back to forming new seals and set his hand upon his brother's head. "Sorry brother....to just steal your memories like this...but it be better that you don't know..."
After that was complete Amatsu let his little brother sleep peacefully as he then took a step back and disappeared into the shadows. Cory sat at the kitchen table to her place and was reading up on some new jutsu's so she could practice them tomorrow, though now her studying was interrupted with the knock on her door. 'I wonder who it could be this late at night.' She wondered as she stood from her chair and walked to the door and unlocked it opening and slightly shocked to see who was on the other side.
Hiroku leaped from rooftop from rooftop as he was tired of just sitting out under the moon and figured he would report to Hitokage to figure out what his mission would be for tomorrow so he could get right to it as soon as he awoke. But on his way their he was stopped by a couple of Shadow Nins and he just looked at the two, "So what do you two want?" Hiroku questioned in an annoyed tone.
"Have you seen Amatsu?" questioned one behind a mask.
"I saw him a little a bit ago but not sense then.....why?" He looked in curiosity.
"It has been reported that Kaiser Amatsu is accused of murdering his parents Kaiser Izumi and Kaiser Garyuu." Stated the second Shadow Ninja.
"Are you fucking shitting me!? Amatsu would never do such a thing!!! Who has accused him of such a crime?" Shouted Hiroku furious that they could even accuse Amatsu of such an act he knew that this had to be complete bullshit and not true.
"It was Akkanka who shared everything with us on the subject. All his evidence and explanations defiantly hold that Amatsu is responsible."
Hiroku just glared at the two men cluching his fists tightly, "Hey woah don't go shooting the messengers here." The two nin's taking a step back after seeing the look that Hiroku showed them.
Back At Corys House...
"A...Amatsu...what is it?" Cory asked in a now slightly tired voice yawning while speaking.
"Uh listen Cory, I know it's late and all but I have a really huge favor to ask of you." Amatsu speaking in a emotionless tone.
"Whats the favor?" She asked curiously leaning on her door a tad bit.
Amatsu rubbed the back of his neck for a moment looking away, but after that he looked her dead in the eyes, "I need you to look after my little brother and raise him, because I wont be able do anything of the sort."
"Bu-but what about your mom? Whats going on Amatsu?"
He looked down slightly away from her, "My mother has been killed, and I really need you to look after my brother now."
Her eyes grew as she looked at him in shock, "But why me? What about Hiroki or Reptile?" she asked feeling uncertain about the task.
A slight chuck arose from Amatsu which was unusual now a days unless he was going to rip someone apart, "Hiroku is well, he isn't one to help raise someone like Ryuu, he is usually partying and what not and with his hang overs and always getting stoned my brothers Talents would go to waste. Reptile, well he is to busy attempting to get Shadow truly established as a new country and village also as a power to be in the highest of light with someone like Konoha." Amatsu taking a slight deep breath after that and brushed his hair back with his hand using his fingers like a comb.
"Amatsu...you ask a big task of me...I don't know..." She looked at him very doubtful she could raise Ryuu to Amatsu's expectations.
"I wouldn't had come to you with this if I didn't think you where ready for the task, you can if you wish move into the Kaiser home, its will be pretty empty with just Ryuujin, he will feel it." He just tightened his fists remembering everything over again, "Also, the kid has seen a horrible thing...but its gone from his memory, I am sure that a task force will be sent to clean things up and make it seem like nothing happened."
"But shouldn't he know what happened? I mean it is his...."
She was cut off quickly by Amatsu, "No, not now it will only discourage him and lean towards the wrong way of training. Plus when he is being trained, make sure he isn't looked to be someone meant for greatness. I don't want that in his mind, just make sure he doesn't forget his heritage." Amatsu placed his hands into his pockets, "Go and see him in the morning when the commotion has ended and well...yeah. Thank you." He said simply at the end as he turned and walked away from the female shinobi's apartment and disappeared into the night.
At The Gates Of Shadow...
Amatsu walked the rest of the away and as he was about to exit his village he was stopped by the two same shinobi that question Hiroku earlier. Amatsu just looked at the two and in a cold tone asked, "What do you two want?"
The shinobi's where slightly shaking in fear of Amatsu, everyone had begun to hear of his growing change in personality and his tendencies for being quit insane. "Uh...Kaiser Amatsu we are to bring you in for the murder of Kaiser Izumi and Kaiser Garyuu..." The nin said in a very shaky tone unsure of what was going to come from Amatsu.
Everything seemed to center in on Amatsu as his eyes had the look of insanity and evil that everyone had grown to fear, "No....I am no longer a Kaiser, I am not Mikaboshi, Amatsu Mikaboshi....the God of EVIL!"
Just then a mass shadow emitted from him and surrounded the two, "You foolish little shinobi, thinking you can take in the God of Evil!? You shall pay!"
The two Shadow shinobi looked all around their surroundings; they seemed to no longer be in the village, now in Amatsu's dark twisted world. Slowly creatures crawled out from the floor snarling and with drool sliding down from their sharp white teeth, the demon hell spawn finally where out and to their feet. "I guess this is my resignation from Shadow, heh do what you like my pets, just leave something for everyone to find." The sense of betrayal was deep in Amatsu and he truly couldn't believe that they thought he killed his parents.
The only thing that could be heard in the village at the dead of night was the sudden screams of pain from the two Shadow Shinobi that where slaughtered by Amatsu's minions. Amatsu stood now out in the forest and looked back to his village, "...Goodbye Shadow...Goodbye little brother...grow strong Ryuujin..." The dark shinobi turned away from his village and walked into the night.
Present Day...
"And that's how it all got started with Amatsu becoming well....what he is today, its sad he was an excellent Shinobi and was bad to see him go like that." Shinja taking a deep breath and then exhaling, "After Amatsu left though Hiroku went looking for him and I haven't heard from the guy sense, I am wondering myself if even he is still alive."
Kakashi taking all of the story in and trying to understand it, seeing how a lot of it resembled events in Konoha with certain shinobi. "Oy, it seems that every village has deserters, very interesting, so Amatsu Mikaboshi huh hope he doesn't come to Konoha, sound's like he could really raise hell."
Shinja just looked up at Kakashi, "Interesting thing then, he has been permited to take part in the chuunin exam with the others per request of the Hitokage."
Kakashi just looked at him in shock, "Are you kidding me? With his skills he would kill all the young genin there!! On top of tha..."
Shinja cut him off, "Don't worry Kakashi, just go about these things normally he won't attack any of the young genin he has his own agenda for being here for the chuunin exam."
To Cory she couldn't even hear what the two where speaking about her mind was just swimming in the thought of that night and then remembering the morning when she had to go and tell the young boy she was to be the one looking after him.
::Flashback::
The next morning in Shadow brought nothing but a dead cold silence as the fog overtook the streets. It was about ten in the mourning and still no one seemed to be up, for possible fear Amatsu was still in the village not satisfied with what he did to his own family. Cory walked up the street nearing the home where little Ryuujin lay asleep now completely unaware of what took place the previous night. She was still trying to figure out why she would had been chosen to look over the Dragon clans heir, Cory just didn't understand why Amatsu would make such a request. But she wasn't going to worry about that right now as she stood right in front of the home looking up at it.
Cory had met Ryuu-kun a few times because she would see Amatsu already beginning to help him with training in simple stuff like weapon handling and easy jutsu's. The kid was still too young to really grasp such things so he struggled with everything, but Amatsu didn't stop trying to help his little brother learn what he knew. She thought that it was most likely best to get him to know some battle skills incase the young boy was faced with those who did not see eye to eye with the clan.
She took a deep breath and finally reached for the handle and turned the knob of the door and stepped inside slowly. As she walked further into the house she could hear the fain sound of crying coming from one of the rooms, and when she got further in she found the source sitting at the kitchen table with his face buried in his arms. "R-ryuu, Ryuu-kun?" She asked in a soft tone.
Quickly the young red haired boy looked up with tear filled eyes and instantly he jumped out of his seat and ran up to her wrapping his arms around her hugging her tightly. "C...c....c...Cory-chan w-w-when I woke up I looked for you and I couldn't find you." He sniffled, "I got scared and didn't know what to do." Ryuu said slightly muffled as he hugged her even tighter.
Cory stood there slightly in shock of what the little boy was suddenly going through, she thought he still somehow knew about the other night and the events that took place. She couldn't help it as the boy put so much emotion out towards her, she graced him with a warm gentle smile and wrapped her arms around him setting her cheek on top of his head. "Im sorry Ryuu-kun I just went to take a walk, I didn't mean to scare you."
'Amatsu...why?' Was all Cory could question as she sat there comforting the crying boy who had no idea that his mother was murdered just last night and his brother was able to wipe his memory clean of it and help him to believe something new.
Despite what Amatsu had done, her heart went out to the kid as she helped comfort him. Ryuu's sniffling had started to subside his grip around her finally loosening a bit as he slowly pull away from the hug. Rubbing his eyes of his tears though he got Cory's shirt pretty wet there where still tears on his face and he looked up at her, "So...are you going to help me with my training?" He asked looking at her with hopeful eyes.
"Well, I will, but I need to get some of my stuff here today so...it might take some time." She said smiling down at him patting him on the head.
Ryuu looked at her feeling slightly rejected and annoyed so he reached out and grabbed hold of Cory's hair and pulled a bit. "You promised." He told her looking at her with an annoyed but stern look.
Cory just looked at him for a moment and then smiled, "Hmm okay, you win, I guess I cant win against the mighty hair pull no jutsu." She joked with the boy.
Quickly Ryuu's eyes lit up and he even started to laugh to what she said, "Thanks Cory-chan!" He said giving her a quick hug and then jumped back putting his left hand into the air with his index finger pointing up he yelled, "NO ONE CAN DEFEAT RYUUJIN AND HIS MIGHT HAIR PULL NO JUTSU!"
Cory just cracked up at what he was doing and how cute he looked doing it. "Come on Ryuujin time for your training." She said standing up and heading towards the door but stopped and waited for him with her hand out.
He stopped and blinked for a moment and then ran up to her grabbing her hand and smiled up at her, "Okay let's do it!" He cheered as he started to walk ahead of her pulling her with him.
::End Flashback::
Cory sat there on that rooftop with her legs pressed up to her and her arms wrapped around them as she set her head on top of her knees, 'That's not the Ryuu-kun I remember.' She thought, remembering just a bit ago as he stood there with the aura surrounding him the look of anger and hatred, and almost demonic form he took on with his clan side forming.
'Please...Ryuu...don't let these things change you...be the same kid I remember...' Even with what Ryuujin asked Cory to tell Kuniko, Cory feared that Ryuu's once kind heart had become cold.
Hours Later...
Ryuu leaped from rooftop to rooftop looking for Naruto so he could talk to him and let him know of the news. Finally he leaped up upon a pillar and looked down seeing Naruto leaning on a guard rail looking up, Ryuu looked to see what he was looking at and realized he was staring at the Hokage monument all the faces etched into mountain side. He leaped down and walked over to the kid and placed his hands on the rail looking up, "Should had known you would be here."
Naruto suddenly jumped a bit to his right away from Ryuu as he was lost in his own world and him speaking brought him out. "Oh....Tatsu...its you...what are you doing here?"
Ryuu or Tatsu now looking up at the monument as well, "Came to speak to you about some things."
Naruto raising an eyebrow in question, "What about?" He asked stepping back to his spot looking back up at the monument.
"Well for one, I wanted to tell you that I am going to start training you help with your technique, I know you have some awesome potential and I want to help you with it."
Naruto tore his eyes from the Hokage faces and looked at Tatsu in astonishment, "B-but...I am with Kakashi-sensei and my teammates, I shouldn't just leave them, they need me for missions."
Tatsu shrugged, "Kid it's your choice, I don't blame you though, kind of hard to accept a request from someone you don't know from a whole in the ground."
"Aside from that, I am curious just about the life you have lived." Stated Tatsu as he continued to gaze up at the faces seeing the greats of Konoha and wondered if Shadow would ever have something of the sort.
The astonished look on Naruto's face had yet to leave him, never had anyone wanted to know about him. "Why do you want to know anything about me? Also why should I tell you, as you just said I don't know you in anyway, I don't see why I should."
Tatsu smiled and then turned to the boy, "Your right kid, you don't, and I don't blame you again. But I would like you to feel you can trust me and already I haven't been. I will show you something."
Tatsu then took a step back from Naruto and in a puff of smoke Tatsu was gone and now he was his true self, "My name is not Tatsu, its Kaiser Ryuujin. Im sorry for pulling that act, but before I got here to Konoha I ran into some trouble because of...well...because of who I am and my importance in this world." Ryuu hoping up and taking a seat on the railing and looked back to Naruto who was just trying to put the pieces together.
"So I decided to disguise myself and my name, because with this mark." Ryuu moved the cloth from his left arm and showed the Dragon mark to Naruto as the moonlight made it visible enough, "Now though that Im here, I probably don't need the disguise but there are still some I do not trust and some that I cant reveal myself to just yet."
Naruto looked at him with a puzzled look, "Why do you trust me then, enough to tell me who you are?"
Ryuu looked at him for a moment then looked up into the sky gazing at the stars, "Because Naruto, you know what its like to really be alone, to feel the hatred of others. I have only recently really felt the hatred of other's, in fact they went as far as to do more then just glare at me...and give me the looks that you receive." Now looking down to the ground Ryuu continued, "I just want to try and help someone who is in the same position as myself."
Ryuu then looked towards Naruto who was still in aw that someone could even understand this; he had his moments of being dense. But right now Naruto fully understood what he was talking about and the point he was trying to get across. As Naruto looked at Ryuujin's eye's he could see that there was nothing but the truth in them and knew that he could trust this Shadow Shinobi.
Cory-chan and Kakashi where leaping from each rooftop as he decided best to check out the training area first and start from there. But what stumped him was how someone would get into the village like that unnoticed and watching over them.
Moments Ago...
After Sasuke shooting Naruto an evil look he turned back to Kakashi, "Apparently from Naruto has told this guy has been watching over us! Right Naruto?" The Uchiha making sure what he said was correct from the source.
Naruto sighed and nodded his head in agreement to Sasuke, "Well you lazy bum do you have an answer to all this or what?" Sasuke unable to get over how easily he was taken down like that, with the opponents he has faced he did more, but what Tatsu did was out of nowhere and never thought it to happen.
Kakashi just shook his head ignoring Sasuke's rude comments knowing he was simply speaking out of anger. "Don't worry I will look into it Sasuke and in the mean time your free to do what you want."
Now...
Even Kakashi was curious how the shinobi named Tatsu was able to lurk around undetected, though over the past couple days or so something had seemed odd. He knew with the Chuunin exam approaching that no other shinobi from other places should be arriving yet with the exception of the Shadow nin. Before they reached the training grounds a voice yelled out to them, "CORY STOP!!" and with a twitch of her ear she heard the voice.
Her and Kakashi leaped down to the roof and found person dressed all in black, but once they landed in a quick puff of smoke that person disappeared to reveal someone else. "Oh my...." Cory both surprised but overjoyed.
Then there stood the red haired shadow shinobi Ryuujin. "RYUU-KUN!" She ran up to him but stopped right in front of him as she pulled her hand back.
Then, SMACK! Was what was heard and Ryuu's cheek beet red now starting to rub it, "Heh I was expecting that." He said with a slight smile.
But she then wrapped her arms around him, "Ryuu its good to see the real you again."
The dragon boy hugged her back, "It's good to see you to Cory-chan."
Kakashi didn't want to interrupt this nice little moment, but now he was wondering who the hell that guy back at the hotel is, "You say he is Ryuujin then who was that....back at the hotel?" he questioned stepping up to the two as Cory stepped back from the hug.
"That would be Shinigami a spy sent to keep a close eye over me, I don't know who he is working for just yet but I know that by keeping me somehow in sight of the public it would lure out my brother Amatsu." Cory was surprised in many ways to know that Ryuu had found out about his brother on top of that how serious he was right now as he was usually quiet around new people but he was able to talk so open with Kakashi there.
"So that's why...you..." Cory mumbled out remembering that day, the battle between him and Arcane.
"Yes and No." Ryuu stated and Cory looked on wide eyed.
"You see, I knew I had to reveal Shinigami because I KNEW something was up I always had the feeling I was watched I just wasn't sure who." Ryuu taking a deep breath and exhaling, "That battle though, was all for real, with that explosion I was near death, I had slapped an explosion tag on a shadow clone I created in my place. But before I could get a good enough distance the thing exploded, sending me....god I don't know where. My body was destroyed....I am shocked that I am even here today." Ryuu looked down and away from Cory, unsure why he even made that statement that he had of his possibility of indefinite death.
Cory looked at him with shock and sadness, "Ryuu...."
Kakashi though happened to catch a glimpse at his neck and his eyes widened recognizing it, "Ryuujin that mark on your neck how did...."
He was then cut off by Ryuu who then covered it back up cursing under his breath, "It's nothing of any concern trust me."
Cory stomped to him and removed the cloth over the left shoulder and his arm, she examined it for a moment tracing a finger over it. "Ryuu answer Kakashi, because the only mark you should have is the one you bare on your left arm and that has a purpose to your life." She looked into his eyes dead serious, Cory wanted to know what happened for him to be tainted with such a thing.
Ryuu clutched his fists tightly and with a sigh released them, "Fine...I will tell you."
The dragon boy looked between Kakashi and Cory-chan, "As I was recovering from the explosion I came across someone who I had never met before but apparently he knew who I was and what I am capable of, after this incident it seemed many others knew who I am and my lineage."
Cory looked away, she knew that people would which is why her and Shinja was there for him so he wouldn't have to face any trouble from those who would kill him on the spot. "He told me that with his help....I could control the power and I could help my clan become what it once was..."
Kakashi looked at the boy with a very stern look, "I hate to say this Ryuu but that mark given to you is not something to help you, its nothing but a curse, that man is named Orochimaru and he is an S class criminal, he wants nothing but your abilities the power of your clan." Ryuu's eyes shot wide and his pupils dilated after what Kakashi explained to him and dropped straight to his knees.
"I...I...why...why...w-h-y...am I to be cursed...?" He sat there looking at the ground just staring off.
Cory knelt down in front of him and tried getting into his line of sight with a caring look, "Ryuu, you are not cursed and just because you have these marks does not change who you are, okay?" she asked with a smile trying to get him to snap out of the mood he was in.
Then Ryuu jumped right back up to his feet taking Cory by surprise she fell back landing on her butt. Ryuujin then pointing beyond Kakashi, "YOU! You knew ALL ALONG!! YOU KNEW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO ME SHINJA! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME WHAT WOULD HAPPEN?"
There stood Shinja on the edge of the building they where on with his arms folded over one another, "You know I can't protect you from the real world, you had to experience the true hate, we did the best in Shadow."
"EXPERIENCE!? FUCK THAT! LOOK AT WHAT EXPERIANCING TRUE HATE DID TO ME!!!" Ryuu now with his chakra flaring and then lifting his shirt to reveal on his chest where his heart is a big scar, he was breathing heavily now getting worked up.
Kakashi had stepped over and helped Cory to her feet and she looked to see the scare on his chest. "YOU SHOULD HAD TOLD ME!! Because of that, I blindly walked to a village expecting help in my condition but as soon as they saw the dragon mark on my left arm......they...beat me up and then dragged me back outside their village and then nailed me down to the damn ground. Thankfully though they did miss my heart, on top of that...the Ryuu clan abilities, if it weren't for the fact I was able to heal myself I would had died right there from all the loss of blood..." Ryuu looking at Shinja with sharp angry eyes his arms to his side and the shirt fell back down, there where also scars on the sides of his wrists that could be seen and one on each of his leg but where hidden because of his pants.
His anger grew further as tears slowly slid down his face and the cursed seal began to run expand out onto the rest of him. Slowly he unlatched his fists and the Ryuu clan showing its face as his hands became covered in dragon scales and claws formed out. Ryuujin then grabbed the sides of his head in pain and let out a monsterous roar, and finally moved his hands from his head and into a seal. In a puff of smoke he was back in the ninja suit and disguised as Tatsu, "Kakashi I know the Chuunin exam is approaching and I wish to help train Naruto before it, the kid has a great deal of potential, plus like I have now, he knows true hatred from people, but what I have been shown is the kind side of people he has it, but I just want to help him further in discovering the good in others." Kakashi was unsure of the situation, though he just witnessed that the young member of the Ryuu clan held great strength but could help Naruto a great deal.
"Okay."
"Cory, please tell Kuniko-chan that I love her and...when the time is right...I will be back with her. Because I know that in her heart she can tell Shinigami is not me and see's through it all. Im sorry to cower away again but I need to do this..." Ryuu then fell back and disappeared into the shadows.
Kakashi wasn't sure how to look at that sort of move as he would think that of only a high level shinobi could use not someone who would be considered a genin. Cory-chan looked on worried about the boy she still remembered being there for him when he was so little but now. He is no longer turning to her for support he is doing everything on his own or he is at least trying to. She couldn't stand seeing him that way, so full of anger now, Cory just wanted him back to the way he was the Ryuu-kun she knew and loved. Shinja stopped his sharp glare and unfolded his arms, 'God damnit Ryuu you are going to get yourself in too deep and I wont be able to help you.' He thought to himself as he stepped off the ledge and walked towards Cory and Kakashi.
"Cory-chan, what exactly is the Ryuu clan? I have only heard rumors and with rumors after time they become twisted around." Kakashi asked with a great deal of curiousity.
"They Ryuu or just translate Dragon clan is a unique one, unlike some others out there like the well known Hyuuga and Uchiha not everyone carries the ability. The only thing the clan members do carry is the ability to cover themselves with dragon scales for their defense as well as the strength and regeneration." Stated Shinja as he stopped in front of Kakashi and Cory, but she just looked away and walked over to the ledge and sat down.
"You see, only with in a certain amount of years there is a child born with the mark that gives him succession to the clan. The one to lead the clan, but the past members given such an honor has tarnished their reputation making them not only feared but also hated. But there is some thing else, Ryuujin is yes the next successor BUT, Amatsu was born with a mark which gives him the ability to transform like Ryuu. Except with Amatsu his power is dark and demonic, as for Ryuujins which would be more to the normal type of Dragon." Shinja letting Kakashi absorb that information for the moment.
"But if there is to be only one successor then why Amatsu or Ryuujin to be born with this mark if only one is to lead the whole clan?" Questioned the Copy Nin Kakashi.
"Well, like a YinYang there is the evil and good and when together balance each other. Amatsu and Ryuujin are both destined to turn the clan around and become everything the clan represents."
"But Amatsu is an S class criminal who is dangerous and as I have heard very psychotic, how is he to help lead the Dragons to something better when he is so unstable himself?" Kakashi doubting everything said by Shinja.
Shinja smirked with a slight chuckle, "That maybe Kakashi, but trust me as soon as the two brothers can finally relax and can start the clan once again then you shall see."
"I don't understand Shinja-kun, all this time Amatsu why didn't he just stay in Shadow and wait for his brother to come of age where they could?"
"Because Kakashi, the murderer of their parents is still out there, and Amatsu is especially on such a mission for the fact the man deceived everyone and got close to his mother enough for marriage even after he tried warning her. Because of that man is the reason for Amatsu to start training in the dark element and become what he has." Shinja sighed slightly looking over to Cory then back to Kakashi.
"When did all these events take place?"
Shinja letting out another sigh but a heavy hearted one, "Let's see it was all about..."
11 years earlier...
It was approaching night fall in Shadow the moon was full and illuminated the sky and the dark streets. Kaiser Amatsu sat on top of the tallest building in Shadow just looking up into the night sky, he was slowly growing farther and farther apart from everyone in his village. He did his best to convince his mother that the man named Akkanka was nothing but a person after the Ryuu clan and wished to see its demise and that he cared nothing for her. But unfortunetly Amatsu was unable to do anything. Amatsu knew his mother had been lonely and depressed but she still found happiness in her son Amatsu and the newborn Ryuujin.
"Hey Hiroku, whats up?" Amatsu asked with his eyes still set to the stars in the sky.
"Hm, well not much, but I am wondering why you aren't home resting, you know the old man will be giving us our new mission tomorrow." Hiroku taking a seat next to his friend and looking over to him waiting for his response.
"I would rather not be home right now, Akkanka is there and I cant be around him because I know I will rip his heart out with my bear hands."
A sigh came from Hiroku, "You see man Ive been telling you go out and find a girl so you wont have to be concerned with that shit."
"...Tsh waste of my damn time." Amatsu standing up and letting out a slight grunt, "I think I will be getting home because I wouldn't trust that asshole with my life. Later." He said as he then fell away into the shadows.
Hiroku just sat there in amazement, 'God damn that kid is insane, and it would seem he has really come along in the shadow abilities.' He thought to himself as he now looked up into the night sky looking at the moon just as Amatsu was.
Ryuu clan home...
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine..." Ryuu's mother sung him to sleep as she rocked him back and fourth in her arms gently as he giggled happily and yawned widely drifting off into dreamland.
Kaiser Izumi set her child down into his bed and smiled down upon the boy and realized how much he looked like his father, though his real father wasn't around at least someone was willing to take on the task. Though for some reason Amatsu was very edgy with the person. As Izumi looked at her child she suddenly felt a deadly presence some one with a great killer intent and she quickly turned and put her arms out shielding her child if that's what it came to. She suddenly felt her whole body begin to shake as she was at the receiving end of the blade of a sword, "Akkanka...you BASTARD!" she yelled at the end as she coughed blood that now spread down her chin and the sword was withdrawn and she collapsed to the ground.
Amatsu was out from the shadows and decided to walk the rest of the way, he didn't want to get home that quick. He walked with his hands in his pockets and staring down at the ground, 'Maybe I should just hurry up and dew that guy in so he wont pull anything before its to late.' He thought to himself as he continued down the pathway to his home.
"BASTARD!"
Amatsu was close to home when he heard that word screamed into the air and he could tell it was his mother's voice. His eyes grew slightly wide as he suddenly dashed off to his house to see what was happening. Amatsu busted the door open and looked around the living room to see no one and he headed up the stairs to see where his mother was and as he heard his brothers screams he went to his little brothers room to find his mothers body sprawled out on the ground with a pool of blood around her. His eyes shot up to see Akkanka with his sword raised about to strike the unconscious Dragon boy who laid beside his mother wincing in pain, "Time to end the Ryuu clan here." Akkanka spoke in a low tone sending the sword down to the crying baby.
Before he was able to hit little Ryuu with the attack he felt a strong grasp on his wrist and looked over his shoulder to find Amatsu with a piercing glare that dove deep into his very soul. Amatsu growled as he threw the murderer of his mother to the wall that the impact made him let out a grunt of pain and a sick thud that made him slide down to the floor. The man Akkanka looked up at Amatsu who was now surrounded in a dark aura and his eyes completely shadowed out unable to be seen. Though the man feeling incredible amount of fear he couldn't help but smirk.
"Hm hm hm hm, your mother was quit a fool as was your father to trust me." Amatsu wasn't listening to the man, the only thing on his mind was to rip him limb from limb.
"Because of their foolishness they both died by my hands, but unfortunetly Amatsu you won't be killing me tonight nor will you....ever." With that said Akkanka then disappeared in a little whirl wind just before Amatsu even got to him.
Amatsu clenched his fists tightly and then released them walking over to his brother and knelt down next to him. With tear filled eyes he looked up at his older brother Amatsu and instantly reached out and wrapped his arms around him, "Brother I tried to help mommy! But I...." he sniffled a bit, "Wasn't able to help her....I wasn't strong enough." He cried into him.
Amatsu patted him on the back hugging him in return and sighed, "Its okay brother, you did fine." He spoke softly to his crying sibling.
Before Ryuujin could say anything else he fell back to unconsciousness and Amatsu scooped him up into his arms. He walked over and set him onto his bed on his stomach and then lifted his shirt to his shoulders. "Brother...I know you are gaining another mark to your body but it's a bit of my own power...cause you will need it for when the time is right...plus....don't worry you wont remember me or mom."
Amatsu began to perform signature hand seals and it ending in Dragon and he set his hand on the upper part of his back right below his neck and slowly something formed. It emerged from him and it was the Dragon Zodiac with a demonic dragon intertwined with it. The mark then slowly set and disappeared with out a trace, and he went back to forming new seals and set his hand upon his brother's head. "Sorry brother....to just steal your memories like this...but it be better that you don't know..."
After that was complete Amatsu let his little brother sleep peacefully as he then took a step back and disappeared into the shadows. Cory sat at the kitchen table to her place and was reading up on some new jutsu's so she could practice them tomorrow, though now her studying was interrupted with the knock on her door. 'I wonder who it could be this late at night.' She wondered as she stood from her chair and walked to the door and unlocked it opening and slightly shocked to see who was on the other side.
Hiroku leaped from rooftop from rooftop as he was tired of just sitting out under the moon and figured he would report to Hitokage to figure out what his mission would be for tomorrow so he could get right to it as soon as he awoke. But on his way their he was stopped by a couple of Shadow Nins and he just looked at the two, "So what do you two want?" Hiroku questioned in an annoyed tone.
"Have you seen Amatsu?" questioned one behind a mask.
"I saw him a little a bit ago but not sense then.....why?" He looked in curiosity.
"It has been reported that Kaiser Amatsu is accused of murdering his parents Kaiser Izumi and Kaiser Garyuu." Stated the second Shadow Ninja.
"Are you fucking shitting me!? Amatsu would never do such a thing!!! Who has accused him of such a crime?" Shouted Hiroku furious that they could even accuse Amatsu of such an act he knew that this had to be complete bullshit and not true.
"It was Akkanka who shared everything with us on the subject. All his evidence and explanations defiantly hold that Amatsu is responsible."
Hiroku just glared at the two men cluching his fists tightly, "Hey woah don't go shooting the messengers here." The two nin's taking a step back after seeing the look that Hiroku showed them.
Back At Corys House...
"A...Amatsu...what is it?" Cory asked in a now slightly tired voice yawning while speaking.
"Uh listen Cory, I know it's late and all but I have a really huge favor to ask of you." Amatsu speaking in a emotionless tone.
"Whats the favor?" She asked curiously leaning on her door a tad bit.
Amatsu rubbed the back of his neck for a moment looking away, but after that he looked her dead in the eyes, "I need you to look after my little brother and raise him, because I wont be able do anything of the sort."
"Bu-but what about your mom? Whats going on Amatsu?"
He looked down slightly away from her, "My mother has been killed, and I really need you to look after my brother now."
Her eyes grew as she looked at him in shock, "But why me? What about Hiroki or Reptile?" she asked feeling uncertain about the task.
A slight chuck arose from Amatsu which was unusual now a days unless he was going to rip someone apart, "Hiroku is well, he isn't one to help raise someone like Ryuu, he is usually partying and what not and with his hang overs and always getting stoned my brothers Talents would go to waste. Reptile, well he is to busy attempting to get Shadow truly established as a new country and village also as a power to be in the highest of light with someone like Konoha." Amatsu taking a slight deep breath after that and brushed his hair back with his hand using his fingers like a comb.
"Amatsu...you ask a big task of me...I don't know..." She looked at him very doubtful she could raise Ryuu to Amatsu's expectations.
"I wouldn't had come to you with this if I didn't think you where ready for the task, you can if you wish move into the Kaiser home, its will be pretty empty with just Ryuujin, he will feel it." He just tightened his fists remembering everything over again, "Also, the kid has seen a horrible thing...but its gone from his memory, I am sure that a task force will be sent to clean things up and make it seem like nothing happened."
"But shouldn't he know what happened? I mean it is his...."
She was cut off quickly by Amatsu, "No, not now it will only discourage him and lean towards the wrong way of training. Plus when he is being trained, make sure he isn't looked to be someone meant for greatness. I don't want that in his mind, just make sure he doesn't forget his heritage." Amatsu placed his hands into his pockets, "Go and see him in the morning when the commotion has ended and well...yeah. Thank you." He said simply at the end as he turned and walked away from the female shinobi's apartment and disappeared into the night.
At The Gates Of Shadow...
Amatsu walked the rest of the away and as he was about to exit his village he was stopped by the two same shinobi that question Hiroku earlier. Amatsu just looked at the two and in a cold tone asked, "What do you two want?"
The shinobi's where slightly shaking in fear of Amatsu, everyone had begun to hear of his growing change in personality and his tendencies for being quit insane. "Uh...Kaiser Amatsu we are to bring you in for the murder of Kaiser Izumi and Kaiser Garyuu..." The nin said in a very shaky tone unsure of what was going to come from Amatsu.
Everything seemed to center in on Amatsu as his eyes had the look of insanity and evil that everyone had grown to fear, "No....I am no longer a Kaiser, I am not Mikaboshi, Amatsu Mikaboshi....the God of EVIL!"
Just then a mass shadow emitted from him and surrounded the two, "You foolish little shinobi, thinking you can take in the God of Evil!? You shall pay!"
The two Shadow shinobi looked all around their surroundings; they seemed to no longer be in the village, now in Amatsu's dark twisted world. Slowly creatures crawled out from the floor snarling and with drool sliding down from their sharp white teeth, the demon hell spawn finally where out and to their feet. "I guess this is my resignation from Shadow, heh do what you like my pets, just leave something for everyone to find." The sense of betrayal was deep in Amatsu and he truly couldn't believe that they thought he killed his parents.
The only thing that could be heard in the village at the dead of night was the sudden screams of pain from the two Shadow Shinobi that where slaughtered by Amatsu's minions. Amatsu stood now out in the forest and looked back to his village, "...Goodbye Shadow...Goodbye little brother...grow strong Ryuujin..." The dark shinobi turned away from his village and walked into the night.
Present Day...
"And that's how it all got started with Amatsu becoming well....what he is today, its sad he was an excellent Shinobi and was bad to see him go like that." Shinja taking a deep breath and then exhaling, "After Amatsu left though Hiroku went looking for him and I haven't heard from the guy sense, I am wondering myself if even he is still alive."
Kakashi taking all of the story in and trying to understand it, seeing how a lot of it resembled events in Konoha with certain shinobi. "Oy, it seems that every village has deserters, very interesting, so Amatsu Mikaboshi huh hope he doesn't come to Konoha, sound's like he could really raise hell."
Shinja just looked up at Kakashi, "Interesting thing then, he has been permited to take part in the chuunin exam with the others per request of the Hitokage."
Kakashi just looked at him in shock, "Are you kidding me? With his skills he would kill all the young genin there!! On top of tha..."
Shinja cut him off, "Don't worry Kakashi, just go about these things normally he won't attack any of the young genin he has his own agenda for being here for the chuunin exam."
To Cory she couldn't even hear what the two where speaking about her mind was just swimming in the thought of that night and then remembering the morning when she had to go and tell the young boy she was to be the one looking after him.
::Flashback::
The next morning in Shadow brought nothing but a dead cold silence as the fog overtook the streets. It was about ten in the mourning and still no one seemed to be up, for possible fear Amatsu was still in the village not satisfied with what he did to his own family. Cory walked up the street nearing the home where little Ryuujin lay asleep now completely unaware of what took place the previous night. She was still trying to figure out why she would had been chosen to look over the Dragon clans heir, Cory just didn't understand why Amatsu would make such a request. But she wasn't going to worry about that right now as she stood right in front of the home looking up at it.
Cory had met Ryuu-kun a few times because she would see Amatsu already beginning to help him with training in simple stuff like weapon handling and easy jutsu's. The kid was still too young to really grasp such things so he struggled with everything, but Amatsu didn't stop trying to help his little brother learn what he knew. She thought that it was most likely best to get him to know some battle skills incase the young boy was faced with those who did not see eye to eye with the clan.
She took a deep breath and finally reached for the handle and turned the knob of the door and stepped inside slowly. As she walked further into the house she could hear the fain sound of crying coming from one of the rooms, and when she got further in she found the source sitting at the kitchen table with his face buried in his arms. "R-ryuu, Ryuu-kun?" She asked in a soft tone.
Quickly the young red haired boy looked up with tear filled eyes and instantly he jumped out of his seat and ran up to her wrapping his arms around her hugging her tightly. "C...c....c...Cory-chan w-w-when I woke up I looked for you and I couldn't find you." He sniffled, "I got scared and didn't know what to do." Ryuu said slightly muffled as he hugged her even tighter.
Cory stood there slightly in shock of what the little boy was suddenly going through, she thought he still somehow knew about the other night and the events that took place. She couldn't help it as the boy put so much emotion out towards her, she graced him with a warm gentle smile and wrapped her arms around him setting her cheek on top of his head. "Im sorry Ryuu-kun I just went to take a walk, I didn't mean to scare you."
'Amatsu...why?' Was all Cory could question as she sat there comforting the crying boy who had no idea that his mother was murdered just last night and his brother was able to wipe his memory clean of it and help him to believe something new.
Despite what Amatsu had done, her heart went out to the kid as she helped comfort him. Ryuu's sniffling had started to subside his grip around her finally loosening a bit as he slowly pull away from the hug. Rubbing his eyes of his tears though he got Cory's shirt pretty wet there where still tears on his face and he looked up at her, "So...are you going to help me with my training?" He asked looking at her with hopeful eyes.
"Well, I will, but I need to get some of my stuff here today so...it might take some time." She said smiling down at him patting him on the head.
Ryuu looked at her feeling slightly rejected and annoyed so he reached out and grabbed hold of Cory's hair and pulled a bit. "You promised." He told her looking at her with an annoyed but stern look.
Cory just looked at him for a moment and then smiled, "Hmm okay, you win, I guess I cant win against the mighty hair pull no jutsu." She joked with the boy.
Quickly Ryuu's eyes lit up and he even started to laugh to what she said, "Thanks Cory-chan!" He said giving her a quick hug and then jumped back putting his left hand into the air with his index finger pointing up he yelled, "NO ONE CAN DEFEAT RYUUJIN AND HIS MIGHT HAIR PULL NO JUTSU!"
Cory just cracked up at what he was doing and how cute he looked doing it. "Come on Ryuujin time for your training." She said standing up and heading towards the door but stopped and waited for him with her hand out.
He stopped and blinked for a moment and then ran up to her grabbing her hand and smiled up at her, "Okay let's do it!" He cheered as he started to walk ahead of her pulling her with him.
::End Flashback::
Cory sat there on that rooftop with her legs pressed up to her and her arms wrapped around them as she set her head on top of her knees, 'That's not the Ryuu-kun I remember.' She thought, remembering just a bit ago as he stood there with the aura surrounding him the look of anger and hatred, and almost demonic form he took on with his clan side forming.
'Please...Ryuu...don't let these things change you...be the same kid I remember...' Even with what Ryuujin asked Cory to tell Kuniko, Cory feared that Ryuu's once kind heart had become cold.
Hours Later...
Ryuu leaped from rooftop to rooftop looking for Naruto so he could talk to him and let him know of the news. Finally he leaped up upon a pillar and looked down seeing Naruto leaning on a guard rail looking up, Ryuu looked to see what he was looking at and realized he was staring at the Hokage monument all the faces etched into mountain side. He leaped down and walked over to the kid and placed his hands on the rail looking up, "Should had known you would be here."
Naruto suddenly jumped a bit to his right away from Ryuu as he was lost in his own world and him speaking brought him out. "Oh....Tatsu...its you...what are you doing here?"
Ryuu or Tatsu now looking up at the monument as well, "Came to speak to you about some things."
Naruto raising an eyebrow in question, "What about?" He asked stepping back to his spot looking back up at the monument.
"Well for one, I wanted to tell you that I am going to start training you help with your technique, I know you have some awesome potential and I want to help you with it."
Naruto tore his eyes from the Hokage faces and looked at Tatsu in astonishment, "B-but...I am with Kakashi-sensei and my teammates, I shouldn't just leave them, they need me for missions."
Tatsu shrugged, "Kid it's your choice, I don't blame you though, kind of hard to accept a request from someone you don't know from a whole in the ground."
"Aside from that, I am curious just about the life you have lived." Stated Tatsu as he continued to gaze up at the faces seeing the greats of Konoha and wondered if Shadow would ever have something of the sort.
The astonished look on Naruto's face had yet to leave him, never had anyone wanted to know about him. "Why do you want to know anything about me? Also why should I tell you, as you just said I don't know you in anyway, I don't see why I should."
Tatsu smiled and then turned to the boy, "Your right kid, you don't, and I don't blame you again. But I would like you to feel you can trust me and already I haven't been. I will show you something."
Tatsu then took a step back from Naruto and in a puff of smoke Tatsu was gone and now he was his true self, "My name is not Tatsu, its Kaiser Ryuujin. Im sorry for pulling that act, but before I got here to Konoha I ran into some trouble because of...well...because of who I am and my importance in this world." Ryuu hoping up and taking a seat on the railing and looked back to Naruto who was just trying to put the pieces together.
"So I decided to disguise myself and my name, because with this mark." Ryuu moved the cloth from his left arm and showed the Dragon mark to Naruto as the moonlight made it visible enough, "Now though that Im here, I probably don't need the disguise but there are still some I do not trust and some that I cant reveal myself to just yet."
Naruto looked at him with a puzzled look, "Why do you trust me then, enough to tell me who you are?"
Ryuu looked at him for a moment then looked up into the sky gazing at the stars, "Because Naruto, you know what its like to really be alone, to feel the hatred of others. I have only recently really felt the hatred of other's, in fact they went as far as to do more then just glare at me...and give me the looks that you receive." Now looking down to the ground Ryuu continued, "I just want to try and help someone who is in the same position as myself."
Ryuu then looked towards Naruto who was still in aw that someone could even understand this; he had his moments of being dense. But right now Naruto fully understood what he was talking about and the point he was trying to get across. As Naruto looked at Ryuujin's eye's he could see that there was nothing but the truth in them and knew that he could trust this Shadow Shinobi.