There is no safe place for me to hide

There's no safe place for me, I'm so tired

There is no safe place for me to hide

There's no safe place for me…

Hurt - Forever

Chapter 6: The strength I call my own

It lunged at Kakashi's throat, but the grey haired shinigami was ready. His blade instantly turned into black gauntlets with strips of blue dancing across them. As the beasts claws neared his head, he caught them with his gauntlets, twisted and broke them. Kakashi then found himself using the beasts own weapon against him, splitting his mask in two. He watched as the hollow did something he had never seen any do before. It simply evaporated into a waft of black smoke. Kakashi was left with no time to ponder this, as an identical fox was already upon him. Kakashi could feel the wind as the fox's paws tore through the air in front of him. With no time to dodge he raised his gauntlets in a defensive position, in the hopes of lessening the blow. After a few seconds passed and he wasn't mauled by the hideous creature, Kakashi opened his eyes to see sharp white claws extended a few inches from his face.

"Capture seal complete." Turning around to the familiar voice Kakashi was surprised to see Jiraiya's blade stuck into the ground with different lines and symbols surrounding it. From these symbols, lines of black ink extended to each and every fox hollow that covered the space of the field. This in itself was surprising as he knew of no spell that was anything like this. Which meant it was one of Jiraiya-sama's Zanpaktuo techniques.

"Even in death you are the sealing expert." shaking his head Kakashi turned his attention back at the creature frozen in front of him. "Sooo…" Lightning struck the clones head causing it to disappear into black smoke. "Any idea on what the hell these things are. I mean no normal Hollow can make copies of itself that vanish into smoke."

The toad hermit scratched his head in thought. The beasts weren't all that powerful, meaning that they were either a test or the hollow commanding them was a lower class hollow. But then how could it create them in the first place, and why have they never seen a hollow do anything like this? As questions without plausible answers built up in the sannins head, the only outside expression he did was frown and then a shrug of his shoulders. Kakashi stopped destroying the last two hollows only because of the image he had seen in the distance deep inside the forest. Straining his eyes to look through the shadows cast down by the many trees, Kakashi caught a glance at the hidden being's face. 'Whisker marks and blonde hair.' Thought Kakashi, from these two defining features one name came to mind. "Na..ruto.."

As if that name had been the chain holding him back, Kakashi dashed forward with impressive speed as he chased the silhouette in the forest.

Muttering curses as he followed closely behind his friend, Jiraiya didn't so much as say a word when he finally caught up to the shinigami in mid shun-po. He just simply stepped in and timed his own flash step to match his partners.

Surprise and disappointment were two of the many different feelings Uzumaki Naruto was experiencing as he witnessed the out right slaughter of his creations. As it seemed, his little experiment had been a complete and utter failure. The technique, fox shadow, was another very interesting and useful trick the Kyuubi had taught to him after he perfected shape-shifting. He could effectively utilize his new skill, and create as many duplicates as he desired, but the drawback was that they were easily defeated like any other low level hollow. The secret of the fox shadows was that a single strand of fur carried the essence of the original In the copy. So after being injected with a bit of spiritual energy the small hair could be turned into a weapon of destruction.

An army of foxes that couldn't think or disobey their creator was at his disposal. But like what happened before his very eyes fifteen of his faithful copies had been dispatched effortlessly by two soul reapers. The only way to kill one of these tyrants was to destroy the single hair that granted them existence. Which, of course, was a simple matter of obliterating their masks where the medium always resided. For over twenty years Naruto had experimented to try and move the location of the medium but it was all for nothing, as every copy was built with the same structure and appearance. Red fur, red eyes, big, and a mask with a piece of his own essence behind. It was maddening just to think and contemplate why the results were always the same, but Naruto took it all in stride as he deliberately started approaching a more illuminated area of the forests entrance. To draw in his target a more delicate approach was needed. So, with that thought in mind he revealed himself to the shinigami world in his original image for the first time in over hundred years.

The shinigami thrust his crackling, electrically charged blade at Naruto's chest. At the very last moment, just as he was about to be impaled, he managed to block the thrust with his own blade, a horrifying shriek of metal on metal echoed as the two blades scratched against the other. Followed shortly by screams as electricity surged through both blades and enveloped Naruto's body. The moment their swords parted Naruto stabbed back with his own blade clutched deeply in his palms, but the shinigami dodged aside and then leaped upon him, knocking him down as its blade plunged through his head. As metal sliced through a porcelain like mask black smoke erupted concealing the shinigami from view.

Kakashi looked back and forth breathing heavily as he searched for his opponent. The once-shinobi knew if not for his ninja training that his eyes would not have noticed the almost invisible switch between the fox hollow and the black cloaked warrior. Black gloves clutched tightly against the blade surging with sparks raised in preparation. Kakashi was ready, for if his opponent tried a sneak attack he would be a position to defend and counter. Of course, if the exact opposite were to occur then he'd be prepared to strike. So with one last gulp of air his eyes closed, breathing slowed and only the sound of running water could be heard over his own heart beat.

Jiraiya wiped the end of his sleeve across his drenched forehead as he sped quickly through the shadowed forest, in search of his partner. He still felt confused about exactly how these events had occurred in the first place. One second he and Kakashi were chasing after a black cloaked being, the next they were ambushed by a horde of those damn fox clones. The worst part of it all was that Kakashi hadn't even stopped to help, he just obliterated the beasts that were in his way and continued forward. Nevertheless, Jiraiya had conquered them and followed after his partners spirit energy. Judging by the amount being used it seemed his friend was in a fight for his life. Seeing the light ahead the toad hermit slowed his pace as he burst from the darkness and into an illuminated clearing.

Jiraiya's eyes fell on Kakashi instantly, he gasped in shock at the sight of him. Kakashi was standing still, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth that matched the substance flowing down his chest. His blade lay forgotten on the ground beside him. Reaching up the shinigami's fingers ghosted over the blade protruding from his chest. His eyes rolled into the back of his head as the cloaked being viciously ripped the blade from his body.

A yellow flash was the only warning before the hollow was carving a path through the forest.

A second later Kakashi's body was gently set down beside Jiraiya.

"What took you so long?" Jiraiya snarled "I sent that message 15 minutes ago Minato."

The Third Division captain Namikaze Minato turned his gaze from his student to his teacher. "I'm sorry, the old Goat was being unusually stubborn today." Minato muttered. Jiraiya shook his head before coming beside his student.

"Go." Jiraiya said in a tone of authority. When sapphire eyes looked at him with confusion, the toad hermit sighed to himself. 'forgot how dense he can be sometimes.'

"Go" He said again in the same Commanding voice. "Unohana's on the way she'll do Kakashi more good then you leaning over him soaking his shirt with tears." Jiraiya's tone lightened at the end and he even chuckled with his captain. Though he knew no matter what he said or how he threatened his captain Minato wouldn't leave the kids side until the fourth division captain was here in person. So, with one more sigh Jiraiya flopped down beside the injured shinigami.

"Don't worry so much Jiraiya-sensei. Zaraki is out fox hunting." Jiraiya grinned reflected

Minato's at the thought of the eleventh division captain.

"Oh well that's one unlucky kitsune." Chuckled the younger shinigami.

'Sensei was right Kyuubi, it was trap set for me…Damn, I walked right into it.'

Said Kitsune was pacing furiously in his re-decorated room. 'Filthy human scum! How dare they oppose us like this.' Oh, how he wished he was free to capture and devour each and everyone of these vermin. To break them and watch as they plea and beg for their miserable lives. He opened his eyes slightly, and a twisted smirk flashed for a moment,

changing his handsome features into an evil mask.

'Boy, create three shadows. To tend to the weaklings, while we focus on the bigger prey.'

Nodding, Naruto followed his fathers instructions. As his hands plucked a few strands of fur, his mind drifted off as he unconsciously dodged and shifted to avoid incoming trees and their branches.

Naruto remembered the time when he began to consider Kyuubi as more then just a friend and teacher. Some how over seventy years the demon fox had burrowed a hole for himself in the blondes heart. Naruto did not have many friends in life, and because of that he savoured and tried to force other people to like him. It didn't matter if they were shinobi or villagers, he just craved more attention and respect.

Since his life ended Naruto was afraid, at first, that he would never see the ones that mattered the most to him. However, as time passed he came to realize no one had actually cared for him. He was just a problem in their lives that was resolved easily by pretending to care for him. It took Naruto over fifty years to discover these horrifying truths, but in the end it made everything much better in his new life. His heart had opened just a crack and the unfortunate mask that hid his true self from peering eyes began to dissolve. In death, he found a family and a place where he belonged. No matter what happened from here on out he vowed to destroy anyone who would deliberately (or not) get in the way of his family and him.

"Idiot! Pay attention!"

Kyuubi's warning came just in time as Naruto grabbed the branch in his path and swung himself up onto a higher branch seconds before a jagged blade smashed the branch he was previously on into bits. Gripping the hilt of his blade Naruto soundlessly drew his blade. His crimson slited eyes locked onto a behemoth of a man with an eye patch and bells attached to his strangely spiked hair. Positioning his blade on top of the giant Naruto stepped off the branch and allowed himself to freefall.

His eyes scanned the area as he panted with excitement. Anyone who had ever met Captain of the eleventh division would understand exactly the reason why he was panting and grinning like a lunatic. As he searched tree after tree to locate his new prey, which he hoped would relieve his boredom if only for a few moments. A distinct whistling brought Zaraki Kenpachi's gaze upwards. His grin somehow stretched further across his scarred face as a blade was only a few measly inches away from cutting him in two.

Zaraki didn't flinch or look away as the tip of the blade punctured through his granite like skin. Before the blade could dig in any further he grabbed the hollow's hands and flung him into some trees. Zaraki watched as his prey twisted in mid air and managed to evade the incoming trees instead of just pummelling straight through them.

A great hefty insane laughter echoed all through out the forest as the only captain to never unlock bankai or even learn his Zanpakuto's name charged onwards to continue the hunt.

A small beam of light streaming through in-between two trees, illuminated Naruto's handsome features as he stood casually with his back against a tree. A sigh escaped his parted lips and his eyes flashed open.

"Amazing. They would send so many just for me eh?" Looking out Naruto gazed at the empty forest and slowly closed his eyes again. His hands pushed off the bark behind him as he fell into a roll and came to a stop on his knees. Naruto opened his eyes and sighed once again as he looked across the cluttered area with shinigami forming a circle around him.

His eyes bore into the shinigami that were positioned directly ahead of him. A crooked smile covered his face and his eyes burned with delight as some of the proud soul reapers shivered by just the oppressive energy that circled him.

"Oh yes…you're going to be a lot of fun."

Naruto growled as he recognized the terrible laugh that echoed from behind. Naruto spun as he stood, so when he was standing he was facing the behemoth who had almost chopped him into pieces.

"Ah, I guess you're not as insane as you look." Remarked the vasto lorde as he dusted off his cloak. "For it is common sense to ask for help to defeat a foe that is beyond your own strength."

Naruto stared incredulously at the giant as his laughter and spirit energy began to increase.

"These weaklings are here only to observe. Don't worry, no one will interfere with our fight."

He felt almost like snorting as the rest of the surrounding shinigami seemed to become brave warriors as their apparent leader put up some of his power on display.

'So, they think this is enough strength to warrant their victory.' Smirking he stared at the grinning giant, his muscles began to flex. 'I'll show you all the power of Uzumaki Naruto.'

Minato watched sceptically as the beautiful captain of the fourth division began to work on Kakashi's more deadly injuries. He hoped his sixth seat would pull through this because when they returned to soul society he was getting his long deserved promotion.

Night had passed quickly and the sun was blazing high in the sky when Minato felt it. The energy that enveloped the clearing was powerful and each shinigami present recognized it immediately as captain Zaraki Kenpachi. Jiraiya chuckled loudly beside Minato as he patted him on the back.

"Poor bastard I almost feel sorry for- " Jiraiya fell to his knees as an energy almost twice as strong, easily smothered Kenpachi's. The energy died down quickly and Jiraiya found he could breathe again.

Minato stood stock still looking in the direction where the unknown energy had come from. His hand flashed to his blade as someone gently shook his shoulder. Unohana was standing beside him her face displaying her concern. Minato had to wonder how he had become so engrossed in this new energy that he didn't even notice Unohana approach him.

"You should go help them Minato-san." Minato stared into her face and could see that she was worried for everyone who was facing the creature exhuding such power. He felt guilty that he had not gone to deal with the hollow himself, but he did not want to leave Kakashi's side because he was afraid his student would die without him by his side. No, he couldn't go. Not with the condition his friend was in.

"I can't." Unohana's gaze softened as Minato went to Kakashi's side.

"He's going to live Minato-san I promise you." Turning back Minato smiled at his fellow captain before he turned into yellow blur and vanished into the dark forest.

Naruto didn't hesitate, as the cocky giant fell to the ground dressed in his own blood. He lunged at the closest shinigami, even as the others bounded forward. He ran swiftly past his target, the other soul reapers paused as their comrades head fell from his body.

Naruto used their distraction to his advantage as he swung his weapon viciously to the right, the blade sweeping through another three and cleaving them in half. He paused for only a second, as the energy from the fallen souls was running through his sword and transfering into his body. The weakness and exhaustion he had been feeling from battling with the giant was non exisitent as new energy rejuvunated his tired body. Naruto raised his blade as the remaining shinigami snapped out of their confusion and began to circle around trying to corner him, all intensely wary of his crimson stained blade. Naruto made small thrusts at them as they feinted attacks, none of them daring enough to follow through with a real assault.

One of the reapers charged forward as he saw an opening in Naruto's defence. His comrades yelled after him, but he kept pumping his legs with energy and flew like a speeding bullet at the hollow's exposed back. Naruto easily leaped over the blade. As his feet touched the ground he sprung forward with lightning speed and the point of his blade tore through the soul reaper's arm, separating limb from body. Naruto snatched the shinigami's arm as it fell and plunged the blade, still held by it, through the shinigami's head.

The remaining shinigami were shaking as they stood and watched their comrade met his end. Some of them screamed and began to run. They were the first ones to plummet to the ground dead. Only two soul reapers did not run as they readied themselves for battle. Naruto nodded at them in recognition of their bravery before he disappeared and blood exploded from both shinigami.

Naruto cleaned his blade on his own robe, when it was spotless he sheathed his blade and began to create a portal. His hands sliced open a hole into the air with Hueco Mundo reflecting on the other side. He took one last look at the destroyed forest. One leg was through the portal, even as he began to step through the dimensional rift his eyes lingered on the scenery. Half his body was through before a yellow blur smashed into him and pulled him back out.

Naruto grabbed one of the dead shinigami blades and tossed it at his attacker. Minato grabbed the blade as it narrowly passed by his head and threw it back while charging forwards. Scrambling to his feet Naruto swatted the blade away and met the blonde haired shinigami downward strike with his own. Their blades clashed as they both tried to over power the other. Crimson glared into cerulean as their blades ground against each other and screeched as each applied more pressure. A smile sneaked it's way onto Naruto's face before he released his hold on his blade and side stepped by the stumbling shinigami. Naruto rushed forwards as fast as he could and jumped through the opened rift just as a stream of glowing Sakura petals crashed into the closing gate.

Sheathing his blade Minato waved at a member of the sixth division, Byakuya Kuchiki. Byakuya was a highly respected shinigami who came from one of the four noble clans in soul society.

He was dressed in the standard shinigami uniform with a white headpiece on his long flowing hair and a white scarf wrapped securely around his neck. Minato wasn't surprised in the least when his fellow shinigami glared at him, before leaving via shun-po. Shaking his head at the young man's temper, Minato watched as the remaining soul reapers all returned to Soul Society. Minato's gaze switched to the empty space where the gate to Hueco Mundo used to exist. His eyes lingered there for a few moments, looking up day light was beginning to break through the shadows. With one last glance Minato vanished.

As the last remaining soul in the forest left, a small tear ripped open. A tanned hand reached out and grabbed a blue steeled blade that everyone else had forgotten. With one quick jerk the blade was uprooted from the ground and pulled through the gate. As the gate and hand disappeared the forest became eerily silent.

Sorry about the double post but Shinen no Hikari brought up some important information that I had not know at the time I was writing this. So I had to change some things at the end of this chapter. I do have good news that a new chapter will be up by friday at the latest. Thank you again Hikari.