Welcome back to New Dawn.

First off I'd like to open as I always do: I don't own Naruto.

Thanks to all the reviewers of last weeks chapter: Buzzbumble, Omega Hawkeye, Maniman, Weaponx179, GravenImage.

Replies:

GravenImage: All the characters are aproximately 3 years older in my story that in Kishi's canon material. So they are approx. 19 - 20 yrs old. Thanks for the positive review of the Sakura / Konohamaru talk. I was very conscious of trying to make Sakura be stern and positive without making come accross as mean. Hopefully I nailed it. And Naruto will wake up............

Weaponx179: Thanks for the review. Yea, many rumour circulated that Danzo was in fact Madara. I personally never believed them but it did give me the idea that instead Danzo was in fact Akatsuki. I will show the conversation between Naruto and the Kyubi soon.

Maniman: Naruto has been in a coma since his fight with Sasuke roughly one month ago.

Ok so again thanks for the reviews and I hope you keep sending them in as feed off of them like a vampire. And now Chapter six of New Dawn.

PS. After next weeks chapter New Dawn will be on a two week hiatus for the holidays. Sorry.

Naruto: Chronicles of the Seventh

Book Two: New Dawn

Chapter Six: Secret of the Perfect Jinchuricki

Konoha – Home of Tsunade – 11pm at Night

Sakura sat on the couch with a thud. "But I don't need to rest Tsunade-sama," she said as she sighed deeply. It was late and Sakura was itching to get back to the hospital and was more than annoyed that she had been tricked into coming here.

With a smile on her face Tsunade placed a plate of sushi in front of her. "Yes you do Sakura," she said. Sitting down next to her Tsunade placed her hand on Sakura's thigh. "You look absolutely exhausted and you've been at that hospital non stop for several weeks now. I understand why you're doing it but you're barely eating and you definitely aren't sleeping enough."

Sakura opened her mouth as if she were going to speak but thought better of it and looked at her food. Tsunade looked at how said she appeared at that moment and felt her own sadness rising. "I never seem to be able to help him at all," Sakura said finally. "When he fought Orochimaru, when he fought Pein, all I could do was watch. When Danzo banished him, I wanted to help him. I even offered to go with him but he wouldn't hear of it. He told me that I was needed here. He told me that I'd be safer here and he wouldn't have to worry. And again all I did was stand by."

Sakura began to cry freely now as she continued and it was then that Tsunade had realized something. Since she had brought Naruto back she had yet to see Sakura shed a single tear. In fact Sakura had been nothing but a steady guiding hand while others found themselves breaking. She had guided the other medical ninja during Naruto's treatment. Had dealt with any and all sudden medical problems his coma was causing and even used her spare time to treat other injured ninja who were coming in at a steady pace due to the war.

Sakura, while at the hospital caring for Naruto, was now being requested to consult on other medical cases. In fact Tsunade couldn't help but recall two days ago when she went to visit Naruto and, of course, Sakura was there.

A medical Nin had come running into the room. Apparently an ANBU ninja had just been brought in from the battlefield and was suffering from severe poisoning. The doctor treating him had requested Sakura's assistance in the matter. As Sakura left the room with the medic, Tsunade couldn't help but remember that there was a time when she was the one who would be called for in such matters. Now the medic didn't even think to ask for her help. It seemed that in the medical field, Tsunade had been surpassed.

And now it seemed, at last, the pressure was becoming too much for her. "And even when he was gone," Sakura said as she cried, "I decided I would train twice as hard because I knew one day he'd be back and that he'd need me. But even then, when that time came I was too late. And now even with him in the hospital, the one place where you'd think I could benefit him, still all I can do is watch and pray. Tsunade-sama, why am I so damned useless?!"

Tsunade swiftly hugged Sakura and placed Sakura head on her shoulders as she stroked her hair as she wept. "Sakura you are not useless," Tsunade said. "It's just…..sometimes a man has to do things on his own. No matter how badly we may want to help him it's the way of the world for men to walk the paths destiny has given them alone. All you can do is support them and be ready when you're time to act comes."

Tsunade slowly pushed Sakura back and looked into her eyes. "Sakura," she said, "You more than anything else inspire Naruto to keep fighting, to keep moving forward. He needs you to support him and to give him strength. You are the most important person in the world to him and that gives what you do value."

Sakura for a while just stared at Tsunade and nodded and then put her head back on Tsunade's shoulder. And Tsunade just held her and stroked her hair.

Meanwhile – In Otogakure just passed the border of Konoha

Neji leapt through the trees with Kiba and Lee behind him. "So what are you gonna do Neji," Lee asked. Neji was getting tired of the constant questioning but was doing his best to simply ignore Lee. But he had to admit it was getting difficult. Lee was far more insistent than he usually is. "Neji," Lee said, "Neji are you listening to me!?"

"What the hell is it Lee," Neji finally responded. This was a very important mission and Neji was really in no mood for Lee's usual behavior.

"I asked you what you plan to do about Ino," Lee said. "I mean you guys have been dating for a year now right? Well you gonna marry her or what?"

Neji stopped on a branch and slowly turned to Lee and recoiled in horror. "Lee," Neji said, "What the hell is wrong with you asking me something like that? Don't you know some things are sacred and shouldn't be talked about? Besides you know how my clan is. I'm not supposed to even date outside the clan let alone marry someone. I like Ino but honestly I don't see a future for us."

"Then why are you still with her," Lee asked. Neji merely stared at Lee unable to formulate a response. "If I were you I'd just tell your folks to go to hell and do want I want. I mean if you like Ino then be with her. To hell what others think right?"
Neji shook his head and looked at Lee. "That's easy for someone who isn't a Hyuga to say. But you haven't lived in that family where it's always tradition this and the law that. Breaking away from the Hyuga destiny is not something you can just do."

Lee looked at Neji for a long while and then the others surprise said, "But I thought breaking free of the Hyuga destiny was one of your goals?" Neji turned away from the others and stared of ahead of him. As Lee stood staring at him and Kiba stood scratching his hair and was visibly unnerved by the whole conversation.

After a moment Kiba spoke up. "Leave Neji alone Lee," he said smiling. "Neji will figure things out on his own. Besides you're the last person to be giving love advice. You haven't even taken the first step in solving your problem yet let alone taking the marriage step."

Lee turned bright red and looked very nervous as he responded. "W-what are you talking about Kiba. I don't have any problem."

Neji smiled knowing what Kiba was referring to and Kiba himself had a sly look on his face as he said, "Oh no? You think no one has noticed all the signs TenTen has been dropping? She's always sneaking glances; inviting you to lunch and always trying to stand or sit next you? And you always act like a big idiot when she does stuff like that and act all nervous and turn bright red and run away. I swear next she'll start waving a flag with your face on it!" Both guys laughed out loud as Lee turned as red as cherry. "So," Kiba asked, "When are you gonna ask her out man?"

Lee recoiled, "L-look I don't know what you're talking about. TenTen and I are just friends. Besides I don't have time to date when I have too much training to do."

"Training huh," Kiba said. "Well I hope you're training keeps you warm at night. Personally girls are better at that."

Annoyed, Lee shot back, "You know, for someone who's never had a girlfriend you sure talk a lot of shit!"

"Hey," Kiba responded, now annoyed as well, "I've had my fair share of ladies Lee! I-I just haven't introduced them to you guys that's all! You guys are just too immature."

"That's not true Kiba," Lee said, "I have met you're girlfriend before. In fact there she is right now." Lee then pointed to Kiba's right hand.

Now angered Kiba raised his fist. "Why you son of a bitch! I should kick your ass for that!"

Lee then smiled and raised his hand, "Whoa there Kiba," Lee teased, "You wouldn't want to hurt your girlfriend on my face. That would be abuse!"

As Kiba closed in ready to strike Neji yelled out, "Shut up the both of you!" It was then the guys realized that Neji had activated his Byakugan and was staring out in front of him intently. "You see something out there Neji," Kiba asked.

Neji nodded, "Yea," he said, "About two miles ahead I've got about six hostiles with average chakra levels. There most likely scouts. And it looks like they've set up camp ahead of us."

Walking ahead of everyone Lee cracked his knuckles and said, "All right then, let's go and kick some ass!" Neji quickly grabbed Lee by the shoulder and pulled him back knowing once Lee started up there'd be no stopping him.

"What's wrong with you," Neji asked. "Don't you remember our mission? It's to observe and report enemy movements not to engage them. And last I checked, scouts won't know too much about the overall plan. It's best if we go around them and if we can and take them out on our way back."

Lee nodded in agreement and then all three guys moved out.

Konoha – Home of Tsunade

Sakura was lying in Tsunade's spare bed staring at the roof. It was late; the house was quite as Tsunade had long since retired. She had eaten and bathed and every instinct told her to sleep yet she found herself unable. Part of it was the mere fact that she was worried about Naruto. The other reason was Tsunade and her lack of ability as a homemaker. Lady Tsunade was many things, but she wasn't someone who cleaned often. As a result, despite the fact that weeks had passed since Naruto had slept in this bed, Tsunade had yet to change the sheets and as a result Sakura found herself lying in bed covered in his scent.

But in way though it was distracting, Sakura also found it strangely comforting. It made her feel as though he was next to her instead of in a hospital room across the village. As Sakura closed her eyes she began to recall the events of that night several weeks ago and more importantly, what happened after Sasuke had escaped.

Kumogakure – Home of Killer Bee - Thee weeks ago

KillerBee, Sakura, Sai, Konohamaru, Moegi, Karui, Samui and Oomi all sat, scattered about in the bedroom. KillerBee was standing over Naruto who lay unconscious in a bed. Sakura stood next to Killer Bee as he had his hand over Naruto's chest. A faint glow was emanating from KillerBee's hand and he seemed to be in deep concentration.

Everyone was quite and the house deathly still as Killer Bee worked. After a while Killer Bee stopped and exhaled deeply as he fell back into a nearby chair. "Well," he said, "That's it. Right now it seems idiot boy is in a coma. Because he's a Jinchuricki like myself I was able to give him enough of my chakra to stabilize his own for now. A normal person would've been overwhelmed by it but luckily he isn't normal."

Konohamaru then stepped away from the wall he was leaning on and slowly made his was to Naruto. "So," he said, "Does than mean Naruto-neesan is going to be all right?"

Sadly Killer Bee shook his head as Sakura closed her eyes. "What I did," Killer Bee explained, "is like putting a bandage on a broken dam. Eventually it's going to burst. I've just brought you some time, that's all. Time enough to maybe make it home. In a few days Naruto is going to burn through the chakra I gave him and he doesn't have enough to keep himself going for long. But if you make it hope perhaps something can be done."

Suddenly enraged, Konohamaru dropped one of his crutches and grabbed Killer Bee by the collar. "No," he screamed, "That's not good enough! You're supposed to be the perfect host right!? Then you have to know some special way to heal him! So do it, do it right now!"

"Konohamaru," Sakura screamed as she stared harshly at him. Konohamaru paused and looked around the room as everyone stared at him. There was a mix of surprise, understanding and grief on all of there faces. Konohamaru let go of Killer Bee who merely calmly stared at him. Konohamaru then turned and using only one crutch limped out of the room as Moegi followed him.

"I'm sorry about that Killer Bee," Sakura said, "It's just that Konohamaru and Naruto are so close, almost like brothers really and it's just……" Sakura's voice seemed to trail off as she fought back tears. And once again the room fell silent.

After a while Killer Bee broke the silence as he said, "Well, no sense in us sitting around here feeling sorry for ourselves. Karui go prepare breakfast for everyone. Samui and Oomi, please make preparations for there departure this afternoon." As everyone began to file out of the room Killer Bee lightly grabbed Sakura's arm, "Can I speak to you for a sec," Killer Bee asked.

Once he was sure they were alone Killer Bee spoke, "I need for you to know the truth so you'll be able to care for him properly." Sakura was stunned that Killer Bee was lying about something. "The truth is there really isn't anything you or anyone can do to heal Naruto and this may all be my fault."

"First off," Killer Bee continued, "Let me start by explaining what this Tattoo over Naruto's heart is. It's a seal. You see, when Naruto came to me he told me about what happened in Konoha when he fought that Akatsuki, Pein. He told me how he lost control of his Bijuu and hurt a lot of people. After he left Konoha he apparently met a monk who was able to show him how to use his own chakra to seal the beast completely." Sakura looked at the seal on Naruto's chest. "You see," Killer Bee said, "Naruto decided that if he couldn't control it then he would seal it away. But sealing it away means he no longer has its ability to heal which is why he couldn't heal those wounds. Also this seal is imperfect and requires a massive and constant flow of chakra to maintain it; which in turn meant that nearly half his normal chakra was focused on the seal and not something he had access to. And I haven't even taken into account that technique that Naruto used on you," Killer Bee said.

Sakura looked at KillerBee in shock and was about to speak when he cut her off. "Don't bother trying to deny it," he said. "Karui already told me about how you were able to sense Naruto despite not being a sensor type. This means he must have used that technique on you."

"Wait I don't get it," Sakura said. "I mean sure using that technique tired Naruto out but what would a chakra combination jutsu have to do with his lack of chakra."

Killer Bee chuckled, "Is that what he told you that technique was? No, you see I taught him that technique and instructed him not to use it unless absolutely necessary because of the price he'll pay. That technique is called "Infinite Chakra Resurrection." It's where the user gives someone part of his life force, and if you were ever in a situation where your own chakra ran dangerously low his chakra would kick in to replenish it to a certain degree. The ability to sense each other is just a side affect."

"What," Sakura yelled, "Why would he do something like that? I mean that was completely unnecessary!"

"Because he cares about you I guess," Killerbee responded, "That technique should only be used to protect someone you care about. That's what I told him. He gave you some of his life force and shortened his own lifespan in the process."

Sakura looked down at Naruto's face and instantly understood the moment they shared several nights ago and its true significance. Naruto was worried for her safety and made yet another sacrifice for her; one of many. This was how it always was, she thought. Naruto always sacrificed for everyone. One day, she thought, I'll repay him. "How much of his life did he give," she asked.

"No way for me to know," Killerbee said. "It could be an hour, a day, a year, a decade. All I know is that when Naruto fought that Uchiha kid he wasn't even at half strength.

Sakura stared at Naruto in awe as she heard this. Naruto chose to face Sasuke knowing that he was barely at half strength, she thought. "But I don't get it," Sakura said, "You said that this was partly your fault."

"Right," Killer Bee said, "Naruto came to me after he heard that I was called the perfect Jinchuricki because I had tamed my Bijuu. He wanted to know how I did it. Well, you see, when I was young, barely a few years older than you guys, I was real reckless; even more so than you can imagine. Looking back at it I was angry at the world for what I was and I took my anger out on anyone who challenged me."

"Well," Killer Bee continued, "one day I challenged a shinobi who was far superior to me and lost. In fact I should have died, except my Bijuu prevented it by keeping my soul connected to his. You see, all Bijuu are nothing but spirits made flesh and just like they can exist in our world they simultaneously exist in the spirit world. It was during this time that Hachibi-sama tried to convince me to give him my body thus releasing him. But instead we came to an agreement and became friends. He then released me back to my body and not only was I alive but I was stronger than I'd ever been."

"This is where Naruto is now," Killer Bee continued, "He is trapped in between worlds struggling for dominance with the Kyubi. If he loses the Kyubi will return fully formed and free of his control. But that isn't the only danger. The body can't live long without the soul. The chakra I gave him will prolong the process but eventually Naruto's body will shut down. He has a few weeks to do this, to come back or he truly will die."

Konoha – Medical Facility – One Hour before Dawn

Torune quietly closed the back door to the hospital and crept down the darkened hallway. Danzo had made sure that the security was as light as it could be without rousing suspicion. Despite that there was a guard at the back of the building that Torune had to silence first. Now he was moving through the hospital ensuring that he wouldn't be seen. Naruto's room was five flights up and due to the chakra sensors in the building Torune was forced to move the hard way to remain unnoticed. But it didn't matter. In the nearly ten years he has served under Danzo, Torune had yet to fail a mission. And kidnapping a man a foot from being a corpse would be child's play.

Meanwhile – In a Place where Time has no meaning

Naruto stared at the large beast. Its cold eyes gazed at him menacingly, like a hunter seconds before devouring it's prey. "Do you remember me boy," it said.

Naruto stared harshly at the Nine Tails. "Yes," he said. "I remember you." For a moment memories flashed in Naruto's mind. He could now remember the names of the faces, he could remember Konoha, and he could remember Sasuke and his last meeting with him. "I remember everything," he said sadly.

Grinning he looked at the Nine Tails, "It's about time you showed up you damned fox. Were you planning to leave me here forever?"

"The thought occurred to me briefly," the Nine Tails said. "As I watched you float in this oblivion I wasn't sure if should let you live or die. It's bad enough that your damned father would subjugate me and then place a mere child to be my host but for you now to think that you can master me is unforgivable."

Naruto seemed surprised by the Nine Tails revelation. "So you knew about my plan," he asked as he smiled slyly.

"Of course," the Nine Tails responded, "I can see what you see and hear what you hear. From the moment that fool, Killer Bee told you of how he mastered the pathetic Hachibi I knew it would only be a mater of time until you attempted the same with me."

"So tell me Kyubi," Naruto said, "what do you plan to do now? Are you going to take your revenge and consume me?"

The Nine Tails growled deeply, "No," it said. "In fact I will do you a kindness. I will tell you the history of my kind and the real reason Madara is collecting us. And once you know this information you will willingly give your body to me."

End of Chapter Six

Next Time: Sympathy for a Devil