Whether We Are Chapter 3, a naruto fanfic

Disclaimer: Naruto is property of Masashi Kishimoto. The song used in this is River Below by Billy Talent.

◦◦◦˚˚˚˚◦◦˚¤ Three ¤˚◦◦˚˚˚˚◦◦◦

Sasuke had healed not long after the episode in the park. Sakura visited almost every other hour, but Naruto hadn't been near him since that silent day. It confused him, and he was curious. Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it was something peculiar. Sasuke's mind always seemed to shout that he's just being an idiot. But for some reason, it seemed more complex then that.

I shouldn't dwindle here. It's time for the Semi-finals; I can never win unless I beat my next opponent. Depending on who wins or loses, I'll be facing either Naruto or Gaara. If Naruto doesn't win, it'll be hard for me. But then, if he does win, it means he's harder then Gaara. I'm not sure what to think of this problem. No matter how much I convince myself Naruto's okay, I have a feeling that he is different.

He stepped into the open stadium, to find himself surrounded by a crowd of screaming people. Somewhere in the middle stood Gaara and his sister, Temari (I don't remember who was left, but lets just pretend its Temari and Gaara). Sasuke's eyes scanned the area, looking for any sign of a blonde haired boy. He isn't here… what could he be doing? He's never late, especially not for things like this.

Sasuke took his place a few feet away from Gaara and Temari, and folded his arms securely across his chest. Though he seemed like his every-day self, but inside he was beginning to think something bad had happened to Naruto. I don't even know why I'm so worried! He's a dobe, and dobe's do these kinds of things all the time! I should just wait for my match with Temari, that's all I should be worried about. Right?

Much to his relief, a burst of blonde zoomed into the ring, before falling on its face in the middle of the crowd. I knew I was worried pointlessly. He's back to his old self, a clumsy dobe.

Rejected, since day one, my name is, bastard son

I've been dead, so many times I've lost count

Blue color, broken name, deep voices, master plan

Bipolar, never meant till sign on

Naruto groaned as he sat up, staring at the crowd of people sneering, laughing at his stupidity. He absolutely despised the hatred he was shown on a daily basis, but he had no choice but to accept it. He was just one person, a uselessly weak person at that. With little effort, he stood up, brushing off his orange jumpsuit pants. Everything seemed ridiculously useless today; even trying to look his best for Sakura seemed stupid. Already he could guess he'd lose to Gaara, mainly because he's so weak, so dependant.

Gaara taught me right… as long as I depend on my friends, I'll never be stronger. I need to be alone, that's the only way I'll be as strong as Gaara.

With a deep breath, he walked to the four others he was to be against. He noticed Sasuke was as calm and bastard-like as always. Gaara was looking at him with murderous intent, and Temari was looking scared of Gaara. Naruto was scared; scared so bad he might as well find his lower half beginning to walk away. "The first match will be between Sabaku no Gaara and Naruto Uzumaki", the announcer announced.

Naruto gulped, before looking to Gaara. This is it, Naruto; make your death wish right now. You won't last a minute with that guy! He was surprised to her a snort in his mind. And you call yourself my Jinchuuriki. You will not lose, you will use my powers. Remember everything we did, every little detail. You will beat that bijuu, if not for yourself, then for me. Naruto nodded, not noticing the weird looks Sasuke and Temari shot at him. He sighed, as the two began walking away, leaving himself and Gaara.

I'm sick and, I'm twisted

I'm broken and you can't fix it

Don't make me, 'cuz I'll do it

Red button and we'll all go

Sasuke stood at the railings, watching Naruto with a slight fear building in his gut. Naruto will most likely lose, if he does, he won't be Chuunin. I'll have to face Gaara, and I can't see Naruto looking depressed. He's supposed to act bright for all of us. He knew, for a fact, that Kakashi didn't teach Naruto anything. Naruto only knew a few jutsu, the Shadow Clone Jutsu, Henge Jutsu, and his Harem Jutsu. There wasn't much he could do with those three jutsu. Naruto was doomed to lose.

Kakashi stared at the two boys in the middle of the stadium, a slight sweat crawling down his covered forehead. Naruto wasn't taught anything. We all know he's the only one who can defeat Gaara, namely because he's a Jinchuuriki as well. But Naruto was lucky last time; he only somehow used Kyuubi's powers. He's doomed to lose here, and then it'll be Sasuke and Gaara, considering Sasuke wins against that girl. Kakashi couldn't help but feel guilty. He hadn't trained Naruto; he'd been the one to put Naruto in this condition.

Into the river below, a run in from the inferno

They'll think I'm insane, but you'll all know my name

Into the river below, a run in from the inferno

I'll take all the blame, the front page and the same

The vicious battle began, as Gaara instantly began to open his gourd, sand pouring out. Naruto stood there, paralyzed. Wh-what do I do? Gaara's too strong… I'm gonna get killed by his sand, exactly like that guy in the forest! Gaara was beginning to walk to him, his eyes leered, his face twisted into a cruel smile. Naruto wasn't going to be able to do anything, he was too weak. He was too dependant on his friends, he just couldn't exist without his friends there for him.

"D-dobe! Fucking move that ass of yours! Are you going to lose to that freak?"

Naruto turned his head, to find none other then the almighty ice prince shouting at him. Why is Sasuke…? "You're Naruto Uzumaki; you said you'd never lose, right? Well prove it to me, dobe! Prove to me that you're not going to lose to him", Sasuke shouted! Naruto stared, blankly. He's right… I can't lose. I can't exist… without Sasuke around.

Naruto created fists with his hands, before looking to the ground. With a large growl, he leaped into the air, throwing a shower of kunai at Gaara. Gaara's sand barrier stopped the attack, much to Naruto's dismay. He needed more then just simple moves to win. Using a familiar seal, he created three shadow clones and began a charge at Gaara. Using all of his stamina, strength, and speed, he proceeded to head-bash through the sand. Much to his displeasure, he found his clones had dissipated from contact, and he had been thrown back at a wall.

After hitting the wall, he stood up and bit his lip. I have no more tricks up my sleeve. Nothing I do will work with him, he's a murderer with a sand wall! He then heard the same deep chuckle. It's about time you realized that you have a damn bijuu in you! Now, close your eyes, and open your mind to anything. Even those dark, evil thoughts you've kept locked up. Naruto closed his eyes, focusing on nothing.

Contraption, made the balls, new symptom, creates the

New monster, upon your family tree down

Tick-tocking, times of now, split second, the word found

Lonely hearts, never had no body

Sasuke's eyes widened as he found Naruto standing there, calmly. What is he doing? Doesn't he realize his life is in danger!? Much to his shock, Naruto suddenly seemed to glow with red chakra. The blonde just stood there, his head facing down, as his hair flew wildly upwards, and his body surrounded by evil chakra. This is like that last battle… Naruto seems so unlike himself, it isn't even normal! I can't interfere; Naruto might even attack me, if he's not in his conscious mind. Besides, Gaara would jump at a chance to kill me.

Before he knew it, Naruto was laughing. The blonde boy looked up, only to reveal crimson eyes. N-no way! That can't be Naruto, it isn't right! Suddenly, Naruto did quick hand seals, so quick, Sasuke couldn't catch it. Naruto then slammed his hand against the ground.

I'm sick and, I'm twisted

I'm broken and you can't fix it

Don't make me, 'cuz I'll do it

Red button and we'll all go

Kakashi's only open eye widened so much, he considered himself unable to close them for a moment. He knew that sequence, it was a summoning seal. No… Naruto, no one taught him to summon, let alone use the Kyuubi's chakra. How did he learn these? If he has learnt to use the Kyuubi's chakra… then that summon… could it be? No… from what I can tell, maybe he's just going to summon something like a toad. Similar to Jiraiya. But if… could he…?

Once a puff of cloud eluded the area, Kakashi looked at Gai, whom must be thinking on similar lines. Both men were worried about what Naruto had been taught, and by whom? If it even is a person, and not a thing. Gai was flurred in worry, namely because he knew the Kyuubi container can cause trouble. Yet this same boy is the only one who can stop Gaara. How can they handle such a situation?

The cloud dissipated, to reveal an almost five foot, orange furred fox. Kakashi fell onto his back, as suddenly the crowd began to shout and scream. Sasuke was slightly, no, extremely shocked to find that Naruto had summoned a monster. What the hell? He summoned a fox? Aren't foxes bad omens in Konoha? If so… how did he summon one? He was cut short when Naruto suddenly pointed to Gaara. "Go, destroy the Tanuki Bijuu", he said. His voice was a blur of a deep voice, and Naruto's own tenor one.

I've realized it… Naruto isn't just one person.

Into the river below, a run in from the inferno

They'll think I'm insane, but you'll all know my name

Into the river below, a run in from the inferno

I'll take all the blame, the front page and the same

The large fox rushed at Gaara, its tail floating in the air. Gaara stared at it, one thought going through his head. He told me he had a real monster in his head. Could his monster be… a fox? In seconds, Gaara found himself using his sands thickest barriers to stop the fox's continuous bites. It was fast, it was also cunning. It was as if the fox had a plan. Suddenly, he found Naruto running to him. He could see some sort of fox in the boy.

Naruto smirked cruelly as he did a group of seals, and took a deep breath. Once he was close enough to Gaara, he released his breath, spraying a wave of fire at the red haired boy. Gaara struggled, but blocked the attack. It wasn't till seconds later that the fox attacked again, and bit his arm. The fox jumped back after a quick bite, and Naruto also leaped away, though not as far.

Gaara's arm was bleeding.

Into the river below

Naruto had expected such reactions from the people around him. He wasn't supposed to know how to summon anything, let alone a fox. Sure, Jiraiya had given him the toad summon contract, but Kyuubi had better idea. It took place sometime on that day he'd left the hospital and collapsed in that open field.

Naruto stared up at the sky, taking deep breaths. He was tired, still unable to think in proper terms. After ten minutes in that condition, a voice piped up in his head. I was beginning to understand why you've been so weak. You have no family scrolls, and very few jutsu to work with. Naruto scowled, before turning over, as if to avoid the voice in his head.

Unfortunately, that isn't possible, not when the voice is in his head.

I wanted to teach you a few new things. I can't have my Jinchuuriki weak, can I? I picked up a few things from battles with some Shinobi when I was out in the world. I can teach you, if you pay attention to me. Naruto blinked, before sitting up. "Are you sure its… safe", he asked? The fox snorted. Of course it is, now, I will summon two contracts for you. They are both for foxes, but one of them allows you to summon me for a short period of time.

Naruto's eyes widened. "Y-you mean… you're giving me the fox summon contract, and the contract to summon you", Naruto gasped! Yes, now before you sign. You can only have two contracts at a time. If you sign my contracts, your former toad contract will be gone. I suggest you take both of my contracts, you'll be the first person to sign it, and toads are little help. "B-but Ero-sannin did this for me", Naruto said, biting his lip. And what did he leave you with? Nothing. Sign my contract, kid. Naruto sighed, before biting his thumb and quickly adding his thumbprint to the empty contract.

Within moments, his name appeared beside his thumbprint, a bit of his blood escaping his hand as the writing appeared. He winced, before looking at the other contract. Go on, its only one more. He placed his thumbprint, followed by an even larger amount of pain in his body. In the end, his name was on both contracts, and a third contract appeared beside the first, a small toad beside it. "Kid! What're you doing! You undid our contract", the toad shouted! "Like I care… get lost, toad", Naruto growled, as the toad went away. Good, I hate toads anyways. Not a good tasting meal. Anyways, start off my summoning a smaller fox…

The Kazekage and the Hokage were briefly shocked by the battle going on. Sarutobi really hadn't ever expected someone like Naruto to know all of this. Besides, even if he did know a summon contract, the fox summon contract hasn't been use by anyone in the ninja world. Kazekage-sama, or should it be said, Orochimaru, leered his eyes. So, this boy has had contact with the fox. How unfortunate for Gaara, he might even lose. If that is the case, Sasuke-kun may have to face his teammate.

Orochimaru twitched suddenly when the fox turned to look at him, a greedy, hungry look in its eyes. It knows who I am. If it tells the Kyuubi-brat who I am, I will be in trouble. It turned back around, focusing on Gaara. Orochimaru was fortunate, fortunate that the fox chose not to interrupt.

Naruto quickly patted the fox on its side and the fox poofed away. Now, it was just Gaara and Naruto.

Gaara suddenly screamed, as his sand began to surround him in thick layers. Naruto was well aware that this meant something bad. He's about to turn into Shukaku. Unless we do something, there will be mass chaos. Kid, use that move I showed you from that person's memory.Naruto shook his head, as he found a large round sand ball, rather then a red shinobi, infront of him. He had nothing left but his ace, the jutsu he knew he shouldn't use too often.

With a lot of energy, he began to pump chakra into his left hand. Using his right hand, he acted as if to punch holes into it. Once his chakra was at its highest, and it seemed to swirl in his hand, Naruto ran at the sand ball. This is it… this is what I have to do in order to prove that I'm not gonna lose. This might stop Gaara, its all I gotta do to protect my village! With that, Naruto smashed his arm into the large thing, and kept pushing in.

There was a scream, and the large mass dissipated into sand. Gaara was lying on the ground, his body covered in blood. Naruto was also standing there, the attack he'd used gone, but his arm nearly destroyed in the process. "Ga-Gaara… t-true s-strength c-comes from th-those you l-love", Naruto said, taking deep breaths all the while, "If you keep fighting on your own, you'll never be strong! I never go back on my words, and I just proved it. I, Naruto Uzumaki, have proved that even dead lasts can beat guys like you"! With that, the blonde boy fell onto his back, any murderous intent changing back to his earlier innocence.

Kakashi was unable to believe what Naruto had just done. He used my sensei's rasengan! No one had taught him it; that fox must have memorized it and taught Naruto. But… then Naruto memorized my sensei's move without second thought. It's hard to believe I doubted this same Naruto.

Naruto briefly opened his eyes, to find himself on a bed. He had his hand covered in bandages; his chest was also covered in bandages. Damn, I must have taken a lot of damage. Everything seemed really faint; it was like the world was spinning the wrong way. He was surprised to find Gaara sitting up, staring at him. He's gonna kill me! Much to his surprise, the red haired boy nodded. "I… you are, correct", he said, before closing his eyes. Naruto blinked.

"You… Kyuubi, friends really… are true… strength. I… hope to be… allies with you… someday."

Naruto attempted to grin, though he couldn't do it much because of how much his jaw hurt. "I'm sorry Gaara… I couldn't let you hurt my precious people", Naruto said, "Kyuubi convinced me to use its powers… I think I got carried away". "No… I might have... turned into Shukaku… you stopped me", Gaara said, "I should be thanking you… for helping". "Y'know, ever since I was a kid, I had a dream to be Hokage. Maybe someday, if you became Kazekage instead, we might be able to be respected, us Bijuu containers", Naruto said. "I look… forward to it", Gaara said, before smiling in a not so creepy way.

Naruto closed his eyes, and began to fall asleep again.