Ello, I'm back. Sorry it's been so long, I could spend the next five lines explaining as to why I haven't updated recently, but chances are the majority of you don't even read these little headers, and even less of you care as to why I haven't updated. I'll just respond to a few reviews and then get on with the story.
FFFX: Thanks, I've been looking for a jutsu list site for a while now. I've been to wikipedia, but it never ceases to annoy me that all of the Naruto pages aren't linked together.
TheLoneDreamer: This kinda goes for everyone. I would love to see the ideas from this story used elsewhere. After all, if I was after fame, I'd try to write a book and publish it. I figure, if you can take an idea of yours, mine, and the guy down the street (or watever) and make it better, go for it. Just give em some credit.
Everyone Else: Thanks for the reviews guys, I'm not joking when I say reviews are the main encouragement for an author (in my opinion). I've decided on a release for Naruto, but not for Sasuke yet. If I didn't use yours, then there is a good chance that it will show up in one of the many created characters needed for this story.
Just as a reminder, this story is not a yaoi. While it will focus a lot on Naruto, Sasuke, and their relationship as friends, brothers, rivals, etc. they will not be lovers.
WARNING: This chapter is pretty angsty. You have been warned.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Bleach, which is a good thing, because I can't draw squat
Chapter 4
Gears In Motion
Naruto glanced at his surroundings. He was in a hallway, with doors stretching down the path. In the windows, he could see vacant classrooms. Was he here to visit Iruka? No, he shook his head. He was in Soul Society, not his old home. Naruto frowned. Who was Iruka anyway? 'Oh well, I'll remember eventually. Now, where is Sarutobi?' His goal reconfirmed, he set off down the hallway.
Rounding a corner, he saw a girl no older than himself dressed in a white top and green samurai pants. 'Must be a student' thought Naruto.
Naruto -with his usual grace that was equivalent to a hammer- asked, "Hey lady! Do you know where I can find an old geezer named Sarutobi?"
The girl spun around and said sharply, "Don't insult the lieutenant Sarutobi! Just who do you think you… are…" the girl's words dying on her lips as her eyes registered the bestial, hellish mask across half of his face, and the gaping hole of a Hollow in his chest.
"HELP!!! HOLLOW ON CAMPUS!!!!! SOMEBO-" Almost upon reflex, Naruto drew his broadsword and swung the flat of the blade into her head, slamming her into the wall. She slid down to the ground, unconscious. Naruto swore, realizing that now he'd have half a million shinigami to deal with. Sure, there was a chance that he might get a strong opponent, one that could help him reclaim his memories, but most likely they would little more than fodder. Picking the girl up, he walked into one of the classrooms.
Sure, he could have fought her, but how she cried for help and seemed to forget about the blade strapped to her side suggested that she was a coward. Cowards were weak, so defeating her would not bring back any memories like a stronger person would, such as… the one who just entered the room. Naruto unceremoniously tossed the girl into a broom closet, and turned to observe this potential threat. It was another girl, her garb suggesting that she was a student as well, though her serene smile despite Naruto's terrifying appearance revealed that she was much more than another coward. She had long black hair, and a face that seemed as fragile as porcelain.
He observed the Hollow-human-spirit- "being" for lack of a better word, standing at the other end of the classroom. He observed his blonde hair and the dark whisker marks upon the unmasked half of his face. With a start, he realized that it was Naruto. He had not seen the boy since the day that he himself had been killed by the infamous Copy-Cat Kakashi, though Naruto and his abnormal chakra had certainly aided in his death.
"Naruto, it is good to see you."
"Eh lady, you know who I am? Sorry that I don't remember. Were you my sister or something?"
He chuckled lightly. "I assure you Naruto that I am a man."
"Ah sorry. So how do you know me? Were we friends?"
"We were friends, but enemies in order to protect our precious people."
Naruto blinked as a memory suddenly overwhelmed his mind.
He was looking at the same boy, though this time they were surrounded by fog. The remains of a simple mask fell of his face, and Naruto could see blood trickling from his mouth.
"Naruto, do you have anyone important to you? Someone who you would die for to make sure they were happy? Do you have any precious people?"
Naruto looked at the boy across the classroom, stunned.
"Haku."
Miles away in another dimension, a certain town seemed to be in celebration. Fireworks illuminated the night sky above Konoha. People were happy, sake was flowing, and the stores were all brightly decorated. All except for one store by the name of Ichiraku Ramen, and the occupants were almost in tears. Seated on the various stools was the Rookie 9-or at least what remained of them- Gai's team consisting of Neji, Tenten, and Lee, Iruka, and finally Konohamaru and his friends Moeki and Udon.
Obviously, after Naruto's corpse arrived in the middle of Konoha five days ago, the fourth's law concerning the Kyuubi had been broken rather quickly, and this only worsened the guilt that several of them felt.
"To think, I lectured to him how terrible it is bear a seal that can never be removed," Neji said.
"I find it unsettling that our parent's unreasonable bias had influenced us against Naruto when we were younger," Shino's voice sounded level as always, but to his teammate and friend, Kiba, it was easy to tell the remorse that the bug user felt. Kiba, certain that the deceased blonde would be absolutely pissed to see the sad and sorry state that they were in.
Kiba joked, "Yeah, you two would have gotten along well, both of ya containing critters in your stomachs." His lame joke fell upon deaf ears.
Trying to end the unbearable silence, Tenten spoke up. "Has anybody been to see Hinata?"
Kiba responded, "Shino and I tried, but she's bottled herself up in Naruto's old apartment, and placed a seal on the door and the windows, so we couldn't get in."
Ino said, "Well, why didn't you guys break it?"
Shino explained, "When Naruto left for his three year training, Hinata took up the art of seals. She has improved at an astounding rate. Four months ago, Hokage authorized her to look at the notes on seals that the Yondaime had made, since she had surpassed all of those with seal knowledge in Konoha."
Ino said slowly, "Well, Sakura, you're really good friends with her, maybe you should go see her, she'll probably let you in."
If Sakura heard, she gave no sign of it. Her eyes were fixed upon the bowl of ramen before her, but not her mind. Her mind was cycling through the past, alternating between everything cruel she had ever done to the friendly blonde and what she had read in his medical folder.
"Naruto, you're annoying!" Sakura yelled as she punched him.
Uzumaki Naruto- Age 12- Multiple lacerations from kunai. Minimal observation required. Released next day.
"How dare you, Naruto!" Sakura and several other Sasuke fans yelled as they pummeled him.
Age 11- Multiple deep wounds, most likely from a sword or elongated knife. Blood loss severe. Minimal observation required. Released next day.
"Naruto, you shouldn't bother Sasuke-kun. He's way better than you."
Age 9- Hypothermia from long submergence in water (ranging 8-14 hours). Wounds upon wrists and ankles suggest being tied. Claims that villagers did this to him, sign of delusion. Minimal observation required. Released next day.
"I really hate that Naruto kid. He's annoying, childish, and stupid."
Age 7- Jumped from fifth floor of Shinobi Academy. Severely fractured leg, and coughing up blood. Possible broken ribs. Claims that he was thrown out the window by the sensei. Sensei denies. CAT scan may be required, as brain damage seems evident. Minimal observation required. Released next day.
"Sasuke-kun is only hurt this bad because he had to defend you! I never want to see you again, Naruto!"
Age 5- Numerous broken bones, cuts, and major damage to the overall skeletal structure. Villager's actions forgiven, due to drunkenness and the Kyuubi Festival. Minimal observation required. Released next day.
Watching Naruto fight Kiba, Sakura thought 'I hope he loses.'
Age 4- (The document had to be rewritten for it had become illegible after Sakura's tears) Condition critical. Majority of bones broken, numerous infected wounds, weak pulse, unconscious. Most likely caused by several carts accidentally running him over. Recommended course of action: Orange clothing so that carts will be able to see him. Minimal observation required. Released next day.
'And then I had the gall to make him promise to bring back Sasuke even though he had been through all that. All of that hell, without a family, by himself, and he still smiled. Meanwhile I was spoiled by my parents and chased Sasuke with half of the girls in Konoha. It doesn't matter what people say, I am a terrible person. Naruto, I wish I could make it up to you, but now it is too late.'
In the Hokage's office stood Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Kakashi. The door was barred shut, and Naruto's corpse lay in a corner of the room. The morgue had refused to make him a coffin, the mason refused to make him a tombstone, the church refused to bury him, and the council was doing all that it could to keep him off of the memorial stone. Even being threatened to be executed by Tsunade had not changed them; they said that it was only right that they did their part in the battle against Kyuubi.
There had been multiple attempts to vandalize Naruto's body, even to the point where a medic-nin had been trying to pull his teeth for the "unique healing properties of demon teeth." So here sat Naruto, guarded by two Sannin and the infamous Copy-Cat Ninja.
"I don't care what's in it," Tsunade's voice cracked. "The people of this village are more demonic than the Kyuubi ever was."
Jiraiya said softly, "Tsunade, Naruto would have wanted the people of Konoha to be happy. Please, continue your duties as Hokage, I'm sure that is what Naruto would want."
Nodding, Tsunade turned to the package that they had just received
At first, their spirits were slightly uplifted, for it contained Orochimaru's head. Then, they saw the note.
Sasuke-kun and the sharingan are mine.
There was little doubt as to who had written the letter.
Hinata was curled up in a ball in the sheets of Naruto's bed, tears falling from eyes. Her throat had long ago turned raw from her sobs and cries, but the tears continued.
She had been too weak, she thought to herself. She had worked hard to improve herself, but still couldn't even bring herself to even talk to Naruto, much less confess to him and tell him that she wanted to ease the loneliness that he hid so well from others underneath that grinning mask of his.
But, she had always told herself tomorrow she would do it, and now there was no tomorrow. And she hated herself for it.
Miles away, the Kazekage listened to his nins' report with increasing rage. "So after we delivered the scroll to Konoha, we went down to the festival they were having. Apparently they were celebrating because one of their nin had died. Can you believe that?!? How… How cruel!"
Gaara shook his head. "What was the name of this ninja?"
"Ah lets see, started with a U… Utumaki, Umanazi? Oh wait, it was Uzumaki Naruto! That was the name."
The brush in Gaara's hand snapped. He said darkly, "And they were celebrating?" The temperature seemed to drop several degrees.
Noticing the change in atmosphere, the chuunin said, "Ah, yes… uh yes they were, Kazekage-sama."
Gaara said, "Very well, pleaseinform the Konoha nins, villagers, etc. in Suna that they are no longer welcome in Wind Country, and that they have four hours- no, two hours to leave Suna. Also, bring me a messenger hawk. Dismissed."
The chuunin, relief evident on his face, bowed low and hurriedly exited the room. Gaara drew a new brush and a scroll from his desk, and began to write.
Hokage Tsunade,
I am… displeased with your treatment of the death of Uzumaki Naruto. As of two hours from now, our alliance and peace treaty are null and void. Out of kindness, I will deliver Fire country trespassers back to Konoha… Or at least what remains of them.
Kazekage Gaara,
The chuunin returned with a messenger hawk. Gaara reread his letter, and then glanced at the face of the chuunin, observing his fear. No, he realized. If he were by himself, he would destroy Konoha. But now, all of Suna depended on him for their safety. His duty as Kazekage came before any personal vendettas of his own.
Gaara disposed of the original letter with a swift katon jutsu. Drawing a new scroll, he rewrote his letter.
Hokage Tsunade,
I would wish to discuss the death and resulting festival of Uzumaki Naruto, before the chuunin exams begin. I feel that this meeting is important to maintain stability between our countries.
Kazekage Gaara
"Deliver this letter with the messenger hawk. Do not carry out the order to banish the Konoha people. Dismissed."
A group of people drabbed in black cloaks covered in red clouds stood in a cave near the border of Water Country.
"What do you mean that we don't have all of Kyuubi?"
Kisame fidgeted nervously. Itachi was as calm as always. He said, "It would appear that we have underestimated the fox. He hid his soul and two tails of his power somewhere within the brat. We currently have seven tails worth of his power."
"It would appear that we have to delay our quest to gain Kyuubi until he is reborn in some whelp or other. Kisame, Itachi, you are to seek any abnormally powerful creatures, be they human or demon, that have been born recently."
Kisame said, "Ah, what if he hid himself in Naruto's soul, and he's with his spirit?"
"I doubt the fox would be capable of such a thing."
"But if it is true?"
The head nin of Akatsuki paused. "Then we will have a much larger problem on our hand. This will be quite a dilemma, and you know how our leader hates dilemmas."
This time, even Itachi could not repress a shudder.
Sasuke stood in the middle of a street. On either side of him were short buildings built in the popular Japanese style that so many wealthy clans and merchants seemed to enjoy. Sasuke was surprised to see that the road was covered in a completely white sheet of something similar to concrete. The cleanliness, although friendly in appearance, was slightly unnerving.
A group of Shinigami ran out of an ajoining street. One of them yelled to him, "Hey! Have you seen any of the intruders?! What squad are you in?"
Sasuke, thinking quickly, said, "Squad 11."
The man paused, then said, "Hey you bastard! I'm on squad 11, and I've never seen you before! The reports said one of the intruders had Shinigami clothing, this must be him!"
The man blinked, and found red eyes with swirling tomoes inches from his own. It was the last thing he saw as Sasuke's sword stabbed through him.
One of the men yelled into a spirit phone, "We need backup, Sector 142 Main Street, ASAP. Intruder with Shinigami robes, black hair, red eyes and a chokuto style zanpakuto. Extremely fast, 5'10'' teenager abou-" The spirit phone fell from his hand as he reflexively drew his jambiya style sword to parry Sasuke's downward slash. 'Damn, this kid's fast!'
Sasuke leapt back and performed a few rapid hand seals- Katon: Gokakyu no jutsu! (Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique) The massive fireball left a scorch mark as it flew towards the shinigami. He blocked, but only managed to shift the direction of the fireball, destroying the building next to him and saving his life. The shinigami slumped to the ground, unconscious.
Sasuke frowned as he felt the mask tucked underneath his shirt pulse. There was no way that it was just a regular mask. He heard the footsteps of a large number of people approaching. Deciding that the mask would have to wait, he considered his options.
Fighting them would be possible, but very draining, and probably harmful in the long run. Going across the roofs would reveal his position. On the streets, he could look for a warehouse that might have the gigai that the Sakura midget and her book had talked about. Turning around, he took off down the street.