An:/ I bet...you did not see that coming...at all...did ya?! Hahahahaa. Perhaps, I should keep Naruto dead...I'm evil aren't I...I personally felt evil when writing that chapter...pure evil...like I beat Uchiha Madara evil...yeah, that evil...and I couldn't help but let out an evil chuckle every time I read a review..."muahahahahaha" over and over... Hell, all the antagonists in the world would probably hail me as the king (or queen if you want to get technical) of all evilness after what I have done, and will be doing...call me bitch but I gotta say, I love me some plot twists ku-ku-ku-ku-ku~!
Anyways...über fast update! I know, I know. I'm so kind that I didn't leave you on the edge of your seat for too long. I don't think you guys would appreciate me taking my streak of sadistic pleasure from reading your reviews of how you don't want Naruto to die. I will quote once again (because it applies perfectly in so many ways..) "I am a merciful god" ergo my fast update to you all.
The format of this chapter is a bit weird due to the circumstances of the character. Bold letters is when the two consciousness are talking at the same time (you'll see what I mean later) and there won't be any quotation marks to separate speech in the void so I'll leave it to you to interpret what is said aloud and what is not (though there isn't much room for interpretation) italics are a consciousness's thoughts. And...that's it.
On another note, I've been seeing this thing around..but apparently...you need a disclaimer...(dafaq?) Alright, let's get this over with... here's mine (since I don't want this awesome thing to be taken away) I don't own the series of Naruto (though, I wish I do) however I do own a handful of characters and probably some of the personalities of the characters...so really all you big shots own is the name the place and I guess a bit of the plot...but not anymore...REBELLL but seriously...I don't own Naruto. This disclaimer will apply to the previous chapters, this chapter, and future chapters...and that is the end of my disclaimer... carry on...
It takes...two minutes...for a brain to die after the heart stops...two minutes of this pain...before it's all over...
2 minutes...
It hurts...
My chest...
My heart...
The pain...it's too much...
Make it stop...
Take anything...
Just stop the pain...
Just take it...
Take what?
...
...Your life?
Kushina let out a blood curdling scream as several chakra chains shot out of her body and wrapped themselves around the purple barrier. Minato's head snapped in her direction and felt his heart drop when he heard her scream again.
"NARUTO!"
He immediately tried sensing the chakra in the stadium, desperately trying to search for the one chakra signature he had to find. Knees weak, the sharp pain in his stomach as if he was just punched, a sharp intake of breath; that was all that was needed to take one of the greatest shinobi of all time to his knees as his cerulean eyes went wide at the lack of chakra signature. Rather, instead of lack, he was able to sense the last flutter of wavering chakra, the last moment of his one and only son. He was able to witness the last heartbeat of his pride, his legacy, his twelve years of painstakingly enjoyable fatherhood. Gone. Just like that. He clenched his teeth and let out a bellow as he furiously weaved through hand seals and called out a large fuuin.
"NARUTO!"
The ground began to shake as the earth rose in the shape of golems. They stood erect and their eyes began to glow yellow before they lethargically made their way to the barrier. They mechanically raised their hands before crashing into the barrier. The purple prison didn't give way as it remained intact. Minato flashed over with a Rasengan at the get go, crashing the technique furiously into the opaque wall. He let out several punches as a growl escaped his lips.
His frustration, his fury, his agony, a god's wrath.
Namikaze Minato was in a world of agonizing torment.
One minute...30 seconds...
Orochimaru let out a full out laugh as he watched the once tense body of Namikaze Naruto go limp. He twisted the blade for good measure and plucked it out, watching the pool of ruby stain the yellow roof, expanding like an ocean. He turned outside to see Minato furiously banging into the barrier, despairingly trying to break it down. His redheaded wife was at the other side, attempting the same thing. Their futile endeavors, however, were all in vain. Orochimaru let out another laugh, unbelieving at how luck played right into his hands. It was sheer pricelessness when Minato forgot to tag the inside of the barrier, when Naruto decided to fight him on his own, when Sarutobi Hiruzen decided to sacrifice his life for a little blonde boy.
He turned and kicked the boy's body onto his side, revealing a pair of empty blue, once brimming with mischievousness, sarcasm, knowledge. It was gone now, the light blew out like a candle. The life of a gust of wind, there for an ephemeral moment, before never coming back. The evanescence of the boy's life held some form of beauty that Orochimaru couldn't help but relish; Watching as Namikaze Minato was essentially pleading at his feet.
"Good bye, Namikaze Naruto."
Orochimaru turned to walk away.
One minute...
The pain...
Naruto's eyes snapped open but instantly closed at the blinding white light. He fluttered them open this time, taking in his surroundings, or lack of surroundings. The pure white surrounded him as he stood in the middle of a void.
Where...where am I?
What...
Who...who am I?
Oh yeah, Naruto...
Naruto looked at his hands and couldn't help but feel slightly naked. The vulnerability he felt, a feeling he hadn't felt in a long time. A feeling, he understood, that was something he could crave and bask in. He gripped the temples of his head as he crouched down into a fetal position.
What am I?
Why am I here?
The questions would multiply but the answers would escape his tongue, unable to leave his mouth in the form of sound.
Is that it?
...
Are you just going to stand there?
Who's there?
Who else?
Who?
I am you?
Me?
You.
You.
That's right...I am you.
Why...
Why...
are...
you...
me?
Naruto snapped his head up and saw someone in front of him, in the same fetal position. He took in the sight of the tuft of blonde hair on the boy. The boy was small, probably the same age as him. The pale skin almost blended with the white of the empty space. He got up and walked over to the boy. He placed his hand on him and shook a little to get his attention. He waited as the boy's head slowly rose. Naruto stumbled back as he was met with nothing. The boy's face was completely gone save for two black almond shaped holes for eyes. The depth and darkness reflected in the pair struck Naruto down to the core.
Who...who are you?
I am you?
45 seconds...
Minato leaned his weight against the purple and slid down. His face his under the shadow of his bangs, his fist balled up as they weakly pounded against the barrier with the remaining strength he had left. This couldn't be the end. It just couldn't be. The blood began to drain from his ever beating heart as his heart strings tugged with fervor. His eyes filled with sorrow as he couldn't feel his son's warm chakra anymore. The cold took over, solidifying his fears and horrors into reality.
Naruto was gone.
20 seconds...
You're not gonna just sit there all day, are ya?
Naruto's attention snapped away from the faceless child and turned to see an old man in red and white robes. Atop his hat read the kanji for fire. The man's goatee was short and pointed and Naruto couldn't help but notice the three odd wrinkles on both of the man's eyes, eyes that were filled with warmth he lacked, acceptance he craved, knowledge he envied, and life he didn't have.
Who...are you?
The man let out a hearty chuckle, a chuckle that could brighten anyone's day.
Me? I'm the Sandaime Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen...What's your name, boy?
Shinobi no Inari...I think
You think? Bahahahaha! How can you not know your own name, boy? Is that your name?
I...I don't know.
Hiruzen gave the boy a smile and pulled out a pipe.
Do you know where you are, boy?
I...I don't know...
Do you know anything, boy?
I...don't know...
Hiruzen looked at the faceless boy on the floor beside Naruto. He clicked his tongue and looked away in disgust.
Get up, boy. You won't find good company with that thing. It's a harbinger of impurity and death.
Naruto looked over to the boy next to him and fell upon the empty gaze again. Naruto suppressed a shiver at the intent gaze and shuffled back, quickly turning to the old man.
S-Sandaime-sama...why are you here?
Why so many questions, boy?
I just...want to know the truth.
The truth... isn't always meant to be sought out.
Then why are you here?
...
Naruto scrunched his nose and looked intently at the old man's back as he walked away.
Jiji! Answer me!
Hiruzen's eyes widened for a split second before softening. He turned around to face Naruto and gave a smile.
What is it, boy?
Where am I?
Hiruzen smiled before pausing a moment.
Where are you?
...
The line between life and death. The gate, as they call it.
He pointed behind Naruto. Naruto turned to see where the man was pointing to and was met with a large temple gate.
Wha- that wasn't there before! Where? Where's the boy?
Hiruzen chuckled and watched as the boy fumble around, swirling in circles, expecting the gate to disappear just as it came. But his smile dropped in a frown. The gates were always as close as death was to the person. If it wasn't disappearing, then Naruto's fate may be too close for comfort.
Boy, come here.
Naruto's attention snapped up and he made his way to the old man, not noticing how his body had managed to shrink, now taking on the appearance of a toddler. Naruto's small hands grasped around the hem of Hiruzen's robes as his big blue eyes looked up expectantly.
Listen, boy. Your hourglass is slowly draining and each grain of sand is already in motion. Listen carefully to what I am about to say...
Orochimaru walked over to the edge if the barrier, right in front of where Minato knelt. Minato felt the foul chakra on the other side of the barrier but didn't bother looking up, keeping his head down where his expression of sadness and sorrow was best hidden.
"Why..." He whispered.
"..."
"Why..." Minato repeated, feeling the snake grin on the other side.
Why?
5 seconds...
Understand, boy?
Naruto shook his head. The old man's mouth was moving and sound was coming out, but his comprehension of what the man was saying was slipping his mind. His eyesight was slowly blurring. His eyelids feel heavy. What was he going to do again? Sleep? Sleep sounds good right about now...
Boy! Snap out of it!
Naruto's eyes snapped open at the sound of a harsh demand. He immediately saluted in the presence of a Hokage like any ANBU would. When he realized where he was, he blushed and shot his hand down. Hiruzen chuckled.
Listen, boy-
Quit calling me 'boy'!
My name is Uzumaki Namikaze Naruto- dattebayo! I'm going to be the best Hokage out there! And Hokages aren't called 'boy'!
Naruto's childish voice echoed from the blurred rant, a speech tick he hadn't heard from in a long time. Hiruzen let out a hearty laugh, the sound ringing in the ever empty space.
You finally remembered your name, I see. That's good... Then, my job here...is done. It's been a pleasure, Naruto-kun. I know, you will someday be an excellent Hokage...May we meet again, in another life.
Hiruzen close his eyes and felt the last moments as Naruto's presence began to fade.
0 seconds...
Orochimaru started walking towards Naruto again, ready to seal the body away for further experimentation and perhaps collect bounty. The Shinobi no Inari had quite the number on his little blonde head and it would be a shame to not collect what was rightfully his. He pulled his kusanagi from the ground and was ready to decapitate the boy before Minato let out a roar.
"DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH HIM, YOU VILE SNAKE BASTARD! LAY ONE FINGER ON HIM AND I WILL MAKE SURE THAT NOT EVEN THE SHINIGAMI WOULD TAKE YOU IN!"
Orochimaru turned to see Minato somehow glaring directly at him. Minato didn't have to see to know what was going on. When the snake's chakra signature was approaching the remnants of Naruto's chakra, there would only be one reason why the Sannin would even approach the body. Bounty collection.
Orochimaru smirked and, without a taking his eyes off of Minato's figure, he let the blade drop between the juncture of the Boy's head and shoulders. Orochimaru's smirk dropped when he heard the sound of metal shattering. He looked down to see the kusanagi shattering into little pieces like glass on concrete, the shards raining on the blonde boy. The boy's neck didn't have much of a scratch in it and the blade shattered before it touched skin. Orochimaru flinched when he suddenly felt very heavy. His knees felt weak as he struggled to remain standing. He use the last of his strength to jump out of the premises of Naruto's body. He watched in absolute shock when the boy's body began to shake and quiver ever so slightly, the roof around him began to give way as the weight of the hair became heavy. Circular trenches began to form around Naruto as the boy slowly propped his arm up, attempting to support the rest of his body on that one limb. The boy's head snapped up and Orochimaru was met with a pair of red, slitted eyes. The boy maliciously grinned, hatred and vileness radiating off the boy in waves. Orochimaru could barely hide the shiver in his muscles, the fear coursing through his veins.
Namikaze Naruto-
The boy's skin began to bubble as it peeled away at certain places, blood floating to the surface of the chakra cloak and sizzling. Orochimaru took a tentative step back as the boy's skin started to peel away at a new accelerated rate. The blood started to coat the surface as the chakra cloak turned blood red. A dark ball of red chakra began to form around the boy, only releasing in a burst, revealing a four tailed jinchuuriki on all fours.
Make that name...
The four tail ripped out a growl and in the next 2 kilometer radius, the foul chakra felt twelve years ago, was felt again. Screams were heard from panicking Shinobi.
"KYUUBI!"
...A legend.
An:/ well I did tell you not to kill me, otherwise I wouldn't be able to update and poor Naruto would be left for dead...but here ya go, me kinda being nice and freeing the kyuubi first before Naruto died...I know, I'm so kind. Praise me later...hahahahahahahahahahahahaha ah man. Well.
Summary of this chapter: I know the monologues seemed to make absolutely no sense...but hey, when did death ever make sense? Now my view of death may be different from your view so bare with me, yeah? Don't go on my reviews and start ranting about how the "gate" doesn't exist or isn't interpreted properly or I will take your review down. This is a fanfiction not a blog about religion (which I have high tolerance of so you keep your side of the bargain and I'll keep mine and respect your views) that's probably the only serious issue that may arise from this chapter other than the fact that I had resurrected Naruto and had him meet the Sandaime. DUNDUN DUNNNNNN...I know. It's pretty awesome. I have to say, the meeting with the sandaime and Naruto have a vague resemblance to the meeting with Dumbledore and Harry potter (You know which scene I'm talking about). The familiarities are strikingly similar and it was not meant to be like that. I just imagined that's how the meeting would be like and my friend pointed out (after reading this) that it was very similar..whoops.
I purposefully made the chapter slightly confusing and hard to follow to kind of mirror the confusion and panic that was occurring at the moment. -Bah, to hell with interpretations and reflections. This chapter is just about death and revival. No biggie. This ain't English class.
Now review responses:
Zatheko: muahaha, poor Naruto indeed
Tomoiki14467: he is too awesome to die...too bad lol *insert extremely evil laugh here*
Guest: harharharrr. I have every intention to bring him back...otherwise where would my sequel come in? He's not a legend yet!
The Keeper of Worlds: I figured the reference but the Japanese version he's all like "konoyaro, bakayaro!" So me just being stupid. Yes, lil' Gaki will live...I think
sitrukpc: I laughed so hard when I read your review. Gold.
Rosalie0601: No! Don't cry! I didn't mean to make it sad! I hope everything is better now...
Foxxel: Don't kill meeee! I'm too young to die! But yes, I killed him. Thank god authors don't get arrested and charged for murder for every character they killed. otherwise...I'd be screwed.
Rogue (Guest): I know...I know...Totes not cool
Perhea II: Nope, yolo doesn't apply to Naruto...teehee
SakuraFairy1990: It would be a crap ending and I would be a total asshole to let it end there...so fear not! Aerotyl to the rescue!
Get The Chillz: Awww, thank you! You have me blushing! I'm glad my cliffhangers are effective...now 45 seconds may seem a bit long so I hope 15 hours or so ain't so bad of a wait, amiright? NaruSaku will pick up most likely in the sequel...probably...no, most definitely. Thank you for reading!
foggraven: Where is the loveee! But I see where you stand and I know I would be a total fucktard (excuse my language) if I ended it here. And how right you are...
Guest: yes...MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA
Battle neurosis: Thankyyyy~! Awww sweet. These seem like pretty good stories and of course I'll read your story~! My grammar isn't that good either so don't worry. It's only because of SAT prep that I have writing that forms some resemblance to english, otherwise I'd be worst than a preschooler (true story: A little girl bested me at a little speech a few years back...it was embarrassing...the girl practically wiped the floor with my face with her excellent speaking skills...) I know I'm evil...obviously. MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA..but yeah, I don't think I could end Naruto that fast...
Guest: ARG! you killed the cat with curiosity! What does it mean! What does "supert" meannn!
THE 7TH DEMON OF RAZGRIZ: That looks like a really interesting game...Sadly I don't have a ps2 (Nuuuu!) so I can't play it...but if I did, I would go check it out. perhaps an emulator will solve my problem. I hope that cookie isn't oatmeal raisin...because I LOVE OATMEAL RAISIN! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAhA yeah...thanky!
avengeme: Hahaha, and nobody likes an angry Kushina...she's just down right terrifying
Showtime09: Thanky!
Tachibana Natsu: 3 ~3
Twinitech2: I feel honored! Please enjoy the rest of my story (and hopefully get to this chapter in time to read my special response to you! As long as you return to fanfiction, a year leave is all good. Now you gotta catch up on a year's worth of stories! Anyways! Keep on reading!
Doomslayer10000: Hahaha, I laughed at your review. You're all like "well if the main character dies, who cares! As long as the most awesome character in Naruto (my personal opinion) lives, I'm totes chill with Naruto gone!" Haha, I...kinda agree XD MINATO FTW
xdevil-childx: Well, here ya go! Chapter dedicated to you?
Zombienuat: Response to PM: Awww, sorry man, but I can't let Naruto do that (no time in my tight ass plot to do so) But, there is a story that has the same concept, it's called Last Resort by Naruxsakuluver where Naruto is buried for three years..and well, just read the story. I personally liked it and currently following it. But I hope my decision doesn't deter you from continuing to read my story!
Note to y'all: Well, It's roughly six months from now, but that sure as hell doesn't stop me from preparing. That's right, Otakon 2013 is in August...and I gotta prepare for it. Though my cosplay won't take long to make (or more like buy multiple parts and piece em together), I need to get my look together and hunt the articles of clothing down. This means that a majority of my time on the computer will be dedicated to surfing clothing sites for pieces I want instead of typing away at this awesome story. Fear not, though. I'll still be able to update, but it may come slowly since (surprisingly) this stuff is really hard to find. I just found the shoes part and it was all the way in sweden...teehee? Anyways. If you are also going to Otakon (Baltimore, MD), tell me what you're cosplaying as and I'll try to find you! Alright, that is the end of my note.
See ya