I DO NOT OWN NARUTO!
Sasuke POV:
"Where are they then?"
Kyuubi blinked before speaking. "They are sleeping right over there." The fox used a tail to point to another pile of pillows, where everyone was sleeping. I couldn't believe that they'd let their guard down like that.
"Where am I?"
"In my den."
"Den?"
Kyuubi nodded. Its eyes seemed tired. "You were asleep going to be asleep for at least 2 days, so I offered a place for your ninja to rest."
I slowly nodded. "I see. Thankyou."
The beast layed down and put its head on its crossed paws. "Think nothing of it. I was just doing what was right…." It trailed off with a yawn, revealing its many sharp teeth. They glistened in the dim light. I couldn't help but shiver lightly. Those looked lethal.
"How long have you benn awake?" I couldn't stop myself from asking.
The fox gazed at me curiously. "Is that concern, Uchiha?"
I snorted. "Of course. I came all this way to find you. It would be such a waste if you died now."
The fox barked in laughter. "I suppose so." It continued to laugh before grimacing. I looked at it confused.
"What's wrong?"
"Just a small wound."
I frowned. "Wound?" I got up and walked to the side of Kyuubi and searched for blood. To my surprise a gash the size of a zanbatou was in the side of the demon. I looked up in shock. "How did you get this? This is no 'small wound!'"
The fox looked away seemingly disinterested. "Not all demons can control their urge to kill humans. And with you unconscious in our forest…."
"It was too easy of a chance to pass up. " I finished. Kyuubi nodded. I looked back at the wound. "Why haven't you killed us?"
Kyuubi laughed before adopting a bloodthirsty smirk. "Do you want me too? It would be easy." Its head loomed over me. I took a step back. It laughed again. "Relax~ I won't do that. And in answer to your question, it's because there is no reason too."
"But-"
"It's true that you are an Uchiha, but you did not kill my parents. You may also be arrogant and rude, but you are also compassionate. I am sure you are protecting someone you care for deeply, just like all us demons. Yes. I have many things to protect. This forest, my friends, and now it has expanded to you and your kingdom."
My eyes widened. "You mean…"
"Yes. You have passed my test. I will help you in this war, but may I ask how you managed to escape the illusion. Few are able to." The fox's eyes were wide in curiousity.
I sighed. "At first, I thought that this world had all been a dream. But then I saw the one I love more than anything, and realized my mistake. After that I used my sharingan to escape."
The beast nodded. "I see. Using a demon's power against a demon….I believe that I will give you a gift tomorrow." I looked at it questioningly. "It will aid you in this war. But before you get excited, we should get some sleep." Already its eyes were halfmast. "I have placed a barrier around my den, so we are safe for the night." I was going to protest but one look in the fox's tired eyes stopped me. It had been fighting demons to keep us safe for at least 2 days. I nodded and sat down, leaning my back on the uninjured side of Kyuubi.
Noones POV:
Naruto looked at Sasuke's sleeping face tenderly before curling his head onto Sasuke's lap. Sasuke automatically placed his hand on the fox's head. Naruto's tails kept the two warm through the night.
Sasuke POV: Next Day:
I woke up being dragged off of Kyuubi by one of my ANBU. They glared hatefully at its sleeping form, as if it had done something to me in its sleep. I frowned. If Kyuubi was going to help us then we needed to show it some respect.
"Uchiha-sama. Are you alright?"
I shook the ANBU off. "Yes. I am fine now. And I have passed the test."
Everyone's eyes widened. "Then that means…" Sakura started.
I nodded. "I have obtained Kyuubi's help in this war!" I raised my hands with everyone's cheers. They believed we couldn't possibly lose now. I heard a groan and saw the fox cover its ears with its paws. I couldn't help but chuckle. "Tired Kyuubi?"
I got a glare in response. "No. I'm just really fucking happy to be woken up by loud cheering at this kami-forsaken time of morning. Of course I'm tired!"
I smirked. "Well don't forget that you owe me a gift." I felt the curious stares from my ninja on my back.
Another groan was heard before Kyuubi lifted stretched out his front legs. A 'Pop!' was heard before it sat up and smacked its lips. It gazed down at us in disdain. "Alright Uchiha. Follow me." The fox stood up and stalked further into its den. We all followed, although some were more hesitant than others. The fox grumbled about annoying ninjas and idiotic princes the entire way. Finally they reached the back of the cavern. A strong chakra barrier encased a pile of gold with a sword sticking out of it. I heard the fox grumble quietly before flashing out its tail and wrapping it around the sword. Bright blue flames lit the tail but Kyuubi didn't take any notice. He threw the sword and it landed by my feet. I stared at it for a few seconds before I looked at Kyuubi with a raised eyebrow. It was blowing on its tail and smoothing its ruffled fur. It noticed my stare and snapped at me. "Well? Unsheathe it! I can't believe this. Ruffled my tail for him to stare at it!? *mumble*"
It then went back to smoothing its fur. I didn't know what to do, so I did as Kyuubi told me. I picked up the sword and held it horizontally in front of me, one hand holding the sheath while the other grabbed its hilt. Cue epic battle music. I began to slowly pull the blade from the sheath and a bright light blinded me and my ninjas. Looking at the sword I couldn't help but be disappointed. A rusted and chipped blade was in my hand. It probably couldn't even cut through wet paper! I glared at Kyuubi incredulously.
"Is this some kind of trick?" Sakura asked.
The fox looked over at us and rolled its eyes. "There are many types of power in this world Uchiha. But they all come down to two. The power to protect or the power to destroy. Which power do you want Uchiha? What will you use this sword for?"
I had to think about that one. With the power of destruction I could still probably protect those close to me and also expand my empire, but was it worth the risk? With the power of protection nothing could stop me from keeping those I hold dear safe, but that was all. A picture of a smiling face with blonde hair flashed through my mind. Then I knew my answer, and unconsciously activated my sharingan.
"I choose the power to protect." The Kyuubi grinned and the sword seemed to pulse before another flash of light blinded me.
"Th-the sword…" One of the ANBU muttered.
I looked down confused but I quickly became shocked. The sword had transformed into a gleaming silver fang! I felt it pulse in my hand and power radiate from it. It was incredible, and it didn't weigh a thing! I was holding it with just one hand! "It is just as I thought." Kyuubi started. "It is only because of your eyes that you can wield this Uchiha. This blade is the fang of a long dead dog-demon from the past. He created it to protect his son and human wife. Sadly, he was killed. Before he passed however he entrusted this sword to his son, so that he may wield it. To make sure only he would the demon placed a spell on the sword so that only half demons may wield it. Your sharingan was a gift from a demon long ago, it makes you part demon. You should be proud of your heritage."
The ninjas stared amazed at Sasuke. Their prince had the powers of demons. There was no way they would lose this war. In the past they might have despised him for his selfish ways, but since having found some blonde boy and the war he had become the true heir to the kingdom. "That is amazing Sasuke-sama!"
I glanced at them in relief. I was nervous that they would hate me for my demon heritage, but it seems that I was wrong. I sheathed the blade and tied it to my hip before looking up at Kyuubi in thanks. "Thankyou for this gift." I bowed my head slightly in respect.
The fox was surprised at first but quickly bowed back. "Do not thank me just yet. I still must teach you of its techniques."
"Very well then. Shall we go? The kingdom is waiting for our return and there is a war to fight."
The fox nodded in what seemed like resignation before standing and leaving the den. The ninjas followed after it, more at ease around it now. It was then that reality hit me. I had gotten the Kyuubi on our side. It was my responsibility now, and I loved it! No matter what I would not fail. I followed out after them and walked beside Kyuubi. The forest seemed less dangerous with a powerful demon with us. The fox swayed its tails in the breeze and would sniff the air occasionally, seeing if there was anything amiss in the forest. When it began to growl and turned its head to the right we all tensed. A small kappa demon wandered out of the hedges before squeaking when it saw us and running away. We relaxed again but I could still tell that the fox was tense.
"What is wrong with you fox?" I asked.
It looked down at me before returning its gaze forward. "Nothing you need concern yourself with Uchiha."
"Bullshit." The fox looked at me in surprise. "You're going to be our greatest weapon against sound. I need to know if something is wrong with you."
The fox's face broke out into a malicious grin. "Well well. You got some backbone after all." That caused me to retort and then insults kept flying between us, trying to one-up the other. The ninjas held back and watched it play out while speaking to each other quietly.
"Hey…..is it just me or does it seem like those two are friends?"
"No. I thought so too. It's weird though, isn't it?" Sakura appeared and hit both of their heads.
"Shut it! Don't talk about Sasuke behind his back."
"Yeah, but-"
"No buts. Now stop." The ninjas became quiet but couldn't hide their curiosity on their faces.
No one POV:
Finally Kyuubi could see the edge of the forest. The village was just on the other side of those bushes. He had never gone there in fox form and frankly it scared him a bit. Who knew how the people would react to seeing him this way? Sasuke took him out of his thoughts though. The prince was gesturing for everyone to hurry up eager to get home. There was happiness in his eyes. That made Naruto grin to himself. Then he stood up to his full height and became the proud demon he was. Many of the ninja became startled by this, as they had become used to the lazy Kyuubi. This fox demanded respect. The group stepped out of the forest and into the village just as someone was walking by. The man screamed and ran shouting 'Kyuubi! The demon fox is here!' The people who heard looked out of their homes, saw the fox and screamed. Soon enough the whole village was in an uproar and several ninja had gathered around the fox. Naruto was becoming increasingly stressed and just wanted everyone to shut up. People were screaming for his death or capture and he just wanted to go back to the forest. Perhaps this wasn't such a good idea…
"Everyone be quiet!" Sasuke's loud voice quieted the entire audience. Everyone had gathered to the village center. They stared expectantly at Sasuke. "As you all know this is the Kyuubi." He swung an arm in the fox's direction. Kyuubi stood proudly and calmly waiting for Sasuke to defuse the situation. "I have completed a mission assigned by my father, the king Fugaku. The mission was to convince Kyuubi to become an ally in our war with sound! As you can see I have returned with the demon fox. Do you realize what this means? There is absolutely no chance of us losing now that Kyuubi will fight for us!"
Everyone stared in shock at the fox and Kyuubi decided to seal the deal. It leaned down so that its head was beside the prince and spoke."Well spoken Uchiha." There were surprised murmurings that the fox could talk, but Kyuubi ignored them. "The prince has made a valid point that this will eventually affect me, so I have decided to support you all in this war. I have already entrusted the prince with a demon's sword and am going to teach him how to use its techniques." The fox winked at Sasuke before standing to its full height. "There is no more reason to fear sound any longer!" The fox let out a loud and thunderous roar and the villagers cheered in relief. Their prince had gotten the most powerful demon to save their asses. Nothing could worry them now!
AN: ….I suck. I know. I haven't updated in sooooo long. I'm sorry! My muse abandoned me for so long, but its back now. :D I'm going to try to get back in the groove of writing my stories again!
