Welcome Back to New Dawn.

As usual I like to start by saying that I don't own Naruto.

Then I like to take the time to thank all those who took the time to review last weeks chapter: Bikiluf, Z - Breezy, theloverofanime, airnaruto45, Woeponx178, GravenImage.

And Now to respond:

Bikiluf - I don't really believe I went that route but please don't flame me, LOL. Fire hurts. ;)

airnaruto45 - Now what big fact would that be? ;)

Weaponx178 - Thanks for the detailed review. I wish I could get more of these. :(. I'm glad you liked what I was going for with Neji and crew and I hope you like the Naruto / Kyubi conversation coming up.

Ok so let's finally get to chapter seven of my tail. Please take the time to review my work, the more detailed the better. And also due to the holidays I will not post a new chapter until Monday January 4th. So Happy Holidays everyone!!

Naruto: The Chronicles of the Seventh

Book Two: New Dawn

Chapter Seven: Sympathy for a Devil

In a Place where time has no meaning

As Naruto floats within the black void he stares at the large beast in front of him. Whether he wants to admit it or not, he is scared. Even though this is what he wanted he knows he now faces his greatest challenge in a place where he holds no control or power, a place where he is at the mercy of a beast who wishes only his destruction. "Well," he says, feigning confidence, "You came to me to talk. So get on with it."

The Kyubi roared at Naruto's insolence and to Naruto the sound seamed to shatter everything around him. Naruto instantly fell to his knees trying to cover his ears. Once the sound faded to nothing the Kyubi began. "Our existence, all nine of us, began at one singular moment nearly a millennia ago. Back then, we were created by the one you may know as the Sage of the Six Paths."

Of course Naruto had heard of him. The Sage was said to be the legendary man who united the world and introduced the world Ninjutsu. He was said to have created and mastered all ninjutsu and taijutsu and had brought his teachings and enlightenment to a world in chaos. But none of this was ever truly confirmed. It was a fairy tale parents told to their children.

Naruto looked at the Kyubi for a moment and said, "The Sage of the Six Paths is a fairy tale. He's nothing more than a myth. If you want to speak with me Kyubi I suggest you start with telling me the truth."

"No," the Kyubi responded, "The Sage was very real. And it was he who created us from within himself and let us loose upon this world."

"Impossible," Naruto responded, "Even if the Sage existed, the stories all said he was a man of great kindness. Why would create you and curse the world with your existence?"

"Ah," the Kyubi said, "It's because he had no choice. He was close to death and if he had not done this he would have released the Jubi."

Naruto was startled, "T-the Jubi? I've never heard of that beast!"

"It is the original and from which all the tailed beasts originate from," the Kyubi said. "It is the Ten Tailed beast. The demon that, for centuries would rein destruction on the ancient world until The Sage appeared and defeated the beast by absorbing it within himself to become this worlds first host."

"First host," Naruto whispered to himself. Shocked by this information, Naruto looked to the Kyubi. "Are you telling me," He said, "That this Sage was the first Jinchuriki!?"

Meanwhile – Konoha – Home of Tsunade – Thirty minutes before sunrise

Sakura rose with a start. She immediately sat up in the bed and looked around. The room was dark and everything still. Getting up Sakura walked over to the window and looked out. The grounds surrounding Tsunade's home was quiet and she could feel no presence nearby.

Never the less, Sakura felt uneasy. As though she were being watched, or better yet, on the verge of being attacked by a hidden enemy. Putting on her robe, Sakura walked around the house and checked every room but found nothing suspicious. Why do I feel so uneasy, she wondered.

Finally Sakura entered Lady Tsunade's room. Even though it was dark she could see the outline of Tsunade's bed and the form of her sleeping peacefully. Again she saw nothing out of the ordinary. Just to make sure Sakura walked outside and walked around the house. Nothing.

Sakura then walked into the house and found that despite finding no hint of danger she was feeling more anxious than ever and was now bordering on fear. Something was happening and she couldn't figure out what. Sakura returned to her bed and lay down attempting to return to sleep. Again she could smell the faint aroma of Naruto in the sheets. And again she felt that knot in her stomach.

Sitting up, Sakura decided she was far too on edge to sleep. Sakura padded to the bathroom to freshen up. And then returned to the bedroom and put on her clothes. Closing the front door gently as not to wake Tsunade, Sakura walked out of Tsunade's compound on her way to the hospital.

Meanwhile – In a place where time has no meaning

"Yes," The Kyubi said, "The Sage of Six Paths was the world's first host. You must understand that my memories of the time when we were whole are broken, fragmented. Because when the Sage split us, so too did he split our memories in an effort to prevent us from reversing what he had done. But I know this; it was his pending death that forced his hand."

"For centuries since," the Kyubi continued, "My brothers and I have existed sleeping; compelled to wake only to wreck havoc upon this world when man reaches the pinnacle of hate, evil and corruption. It was during this time that we were confronted with another mortal, a descendant of the Sage himself, Senju Hashirama, who was the first to subjugate me and many of my brothers."

Naruto remembered the story of the First Hokage and his ability to control the tailed beasts. It was he who first made them into weapons.

"Hashirama," the Kyubi said, "made slaves of us and gave us as peace offerings to other villages. It is how we became Jinchuriki. But, fearing my power, he refused to give me to another village or use me himself. So I was buried deep in the earth in a sealed cave. That is, until sometime later, when a man released me. That was the first time I met Uchiha Madara."

Meanwhile – Konoha Hospital

Torune moved silently through the stair well. He was now one flight below Naruto's room. On the way he had to silence two more guards and a medic who had stumbled upon him while making his rounds. All were necessary casualties to complete his mission. The fact that they were citizens of Konoha meant nothing to him. The mission is all that mattered. Today, Uzumaki Naruto will leave Konoha, for the last time.

Meanwhile – In a place where time has no meaning

"Uchiha Madara," the Kyubi said, "When first we met I could sense evil intent spilling from him. His eyes had shown a desire for destruction equal to that of my own. Too my embarrassment, I must admit that back then I was drawn to this mortal. To think that such an insignificant creature could rival me in such a way. Yet, despite that, my first instinct was too destroy him."

"However," the Kyubi continued, "Thanks to those accursed eyes he too was capable of controlling me. And with me in his control he took to Konoha to challenge Hashirama for the throne once more. But, as you know, Madara failed and he was horribly scarred and left at the brink of death. To save himself he betrayed me and sealed me within him in hopes of saving him. That is when Madara became my host."

"Unfortunately," The Kyubi continued, "Due to Hashirama's power, though I was able to save him I was unable to heal his wounds or replenish his chakra. Hashirama had left Madara forever scarred. Over time Madara decided upon a new mission and to do so he built for himself another powerful village, Kirigakure."

"Once he built the village to the point that they were strong enough," the Kyubi said, "Madara began to sow the seeds of hate within the villages. It was he who was responsible for the disappearance and death of the Third Kazekage which led to the Third Great War. And it was he, when he felt Konoha was at its weakest that attacked it by releasing me upon your village."

"However," the Kyubi said, "once again Madara underestimated Konoha. For though the First was long since gone, there was now another, the Fourth Hokage, your father. He defeated Madara, by using a technique to draw half of me out of him, which weakened him even more and sealed me within you."

Meanwhile – Konoha – Home of the Nara Clan

"Damn what a drag," Shikamaru exclaimed and he yawned and stretched. Walking down the desolate streets while on his way to the Capital building where he would take part in his daily status reports. Shikamaru looked off to the East and saw the sun beginning to rise over the horizon. It was one thing to be forced to take part in these daily strategy meetings but he couldn't understand why Danzo insisted on having them at such an ungodly hour.

Damn Danzo, he thought, just because you never sleep doesn't mean I don't. I bet even our enemies are sleeping right now. This is such bullshit. Ah well, at least it gets me out of helping mom with the chores.

Meanwhile – In a place where time has no meaning

"Ok," Naruto said as he looked at the Kyubi, "thanks for the history lesson but what exactly is supposed to convince me to let you have my body."

The Kyubi smiled a large, toothy grin and bared his fangs. "You need me boy," the Kyubi said. "Because if you don't let me have your body Madara will destroy your world as you know it. His plan, his ultimate goal is to collect all of us and then combine us back into one being and use us to summon the Jubi. With the Jubi he will undoubtedly become its host and use its power to destroy and enslave your world."

Shocked Naruto then said, "But wait, where is the Jubi anyway? If we can get to its body and destroy it then…"

"No," the Kyubi said, "You or no other mortal is capable of locating the Jubi. The Sage sealed it away in the one place none can find it…..the moon."

"The moon," Naruto asked, "You mean as in the moon, moon? As in the moon in the sky moon?" Naruto then got upset as he continued. "I told you not to lie to me you damned fox! Now you expect me to believe that this Sage, or anyone for that matter, could send anything, not to mention a damned beast to the moon."

Again the Kyubi made a deafening roar that brought Naruto to his knees. "Foolish boy," it said, "Believe what you choose. But the truth is the Sage's power dwarfs anything you could possibly imagine and the technique he used was one of immense power. It was a technique that only he ever mastered. And it was a technique that you, yourself have experienced."

Confused, Naruto said, "What do you mean?" Suddenly a searing pain shot through Naruto's head and he fell to the ground. Forcing his eyes open Naruto saw the darkness all around him melt away and in its place he saw scorched earth, blue skies and in the distance, a mountain with five faces carved into it. As he rises, he can feel the breeze on his face and rustling of nearby trees. "Konoha," he whispers to himself as he looked around. Then suddenly in front of him he saw himself laying on the ground, his body pierced by black rods and standing above him, Hinata.

In front of her stood Pein and Naruto instantly knew what he is witnessing. Then he heard Hinata's words, "….because I love you." And then she ran at Pein. And Naruto, knowing what came next, sprinted towards her, desperately wanting to stop her. "Hinata," he screamed, "Don't do it!" Naruto tries to grab her, to keep her from attacking, and to his shock, he passes right through her and watches helplessly as Hinata is struck down.

"This is just like," Pein said as he removed the spear from her chest, "how my parents were killed by Konoha ninja's right before my eyes. Love breeds sacrifice…..which breeds hatred….then you can know pain." Then Naruto hears the wail of pain and grief and, without looking, he knows it is from his own voice. And Naruto looks behind him and sees that the vision of himself has indeed transformed. And Naruto watched as the scene played on before him just a he remembered, four tails, five tails, six.

Then he watched as Pein creates a jutsu that to this day he sometimes thought about, Chibaku Tensei. Falling to his knees Naruto felt the tears rolling down his cheek as he knew what was to happen next. "Stop," he whispered, not knowing who he was really talking to. Then out of the large sphere of earth the eight tailed fox emerged. "Stop," Naruto now said a little louder as he watched as the beast began to break free. He watched as the ninth and final tail began to emerge, he knew that it would, just as it did last time and just as before he would rein destruction on everything.

Then in a sudden fit of rage Naruto screamed, "I said stop it!!" And just like that, the image was gone and Naruto once again found himself in the darkness of the void, facing the Kyubi. "You've made your point," Naruto said sadly. "I understand everything now."

Meanwhile – Konoha – Hyuga Clan Compound

"Wake up Hinata," Hiashi said as he stood over his daughters' bed. "It's time to prepare for today's training." Hinata woke up quickly and sat up in her bed. "Wake Hanabi as well," Hiasi continued, "I have decided to show both of you a new technique today."

"Yes father," Hinata answered. Without another word Hiashi turned and walked out of the room. Hinata looked out her bedroom window for a moment and then sighed heavily. The sky was grey and looked like rain. She thought of Neji out on this dangerous mission but quickly removed all negative thought from her mind. Then she thought of Naruto. I hope you get better soon Naruto-kun, she thought.

At the time she chose not to tell Sakura but while alone with Naruto, Hinata had used her Byakugan and noticed that Naruto's chakra was different, alien. The chakra keeping him alive was not his own. In fact she knew that Naruto was emitting no chakra of his own and this other chakra was nearly depleted. If something doesn't change soon, Naruto was going to die.

Finally, deciding to get up Hinata made her way to the bathroom. Something tells me this won't be one of my better days, she thought.

Meanwhile – In a place time has no meaning

"So," the Kyubi said as he watched Naruto, who had yet to get to his feet, "now you understand. Madara plans to collect us and use our combined power to summon the Ten Tailed beast and become his new host. If he succeeds there is no power on this earth that can stand against him. He will win and your world will forever be consumed by darkness."

The Kyubi then grinned wide, showing his fangs. "However," it said, "If you were to allow me to have your body I, combined with your chakra, would be able to defeat Madara and save your home."

Sadly, weakly, Naruto responded, "Do…do you promise not to hurt anyone besides Akatsuki? That's you'll make sure not to harm any of my friends?"

The fox grinned. "Of course" it responded. "Madara is the only one I want revenge upon. I will fight only him and ensure that Konoha and all other lands receive only what they deserve."

"Ok," Naruto then said as he raised his head with a smile on his face, "If you promise not to hurt anyone then my answer is…"

Meanwhile – Konoha Hospital

Torune dragged the unconscious medic into the spare broom closet. Torune had made his way to Naruto's floor and was just around the corner when the medic walked passed as he made his rounds. Torune had considered killing him but he had already killed one medic already, killing another, especially during war seemed senseless. So as the medic passed by Torune came up behind and with one swift blow to the back of the head, rendered him unconscious.

Slowly, silently Torune opened the door to Naruto's room and, satisfied that there was no one inside, entered and closed the door behind him. Torune then walked over to the bed and for a moment stared at Naruto's unconscious body. To think one guy could cause so much fuss, he thought. Oh well, time to get to work.

Torune reached into his back pocket and removed a Kunai. Raising it he began to bring it down on its mark when he stopped suddenly. What the hell is this, he thought.

Meanwhile – In a place where time has no meaning

Suddenly the Kyubi roared in anger. "What do you mean 'no'? Do you not understand what is at stake?! Stupid boy I should destroy you for this!!"

Standing firm, Naruto looked at the Kyubi angrily. "I warned you not to lie to me," he said. "Do you honestly believe that I would believe your stupid promise? Even if you do defeat Madara I know the next thing you'd do is attack Konoha for the role they played in your enslavement. You'd hurt my friends and my home and I will never let you do that again."

Angered, the Kyubi roared louder than ever before. But unlike last time, Naruto didn't fall and cover his ears. Naruto didn't flinch. "It doesn't matter what you believe boy," the Kyubi said, "The fact is you have no choice. I hold your life in my hands now and if you wish to save Konoha you will give yourself to me!"

Naruto smiled and shook his head. "You stupid fox," he said, "You thought you could fool me huh? You're just like everyone else, always underestimating me. But you should've known better. I told you that I understood everything. And I do. The real truth is that you have no power over me here at all."

"You told me that you came to me now on just a whim," Naruto said, "But that's not true is it? You came just as I was going into the light. Because you knew if I did that I would die. And so…would….you. That's why you haven't tried to kill me even here. You see, you're no different that any other person. In the end even you fear death."

Again the Kyubi roared, yet Naruto did not budge. "Stupid boy," he said, "I should consume you for such insolence! I fear nothing!!"

"If you want to eat me so bad then do it now," Naruto yelled. The Kyubi did not move. "Thought so," Naruto said. "You can't hurt me for the same reason you're so desperate to keep yourself from Madara. You fear dying. If I go into that light then you die with me. And if Madara gets you he'll combine you with the other beasts and you'll become the Jubi again. But most importantly, you'll stop being the Kyubi right? You'll lose your individuality and personality; which in the end is no different than death."

"So the way I see it," Naruto continued, "Is you have only one choice Kyubi-sama. Give yourself to me completely and together we'll stop Madara and you get to live….or else."

The Kyubi growled and bared hi fangs. "Or else what," it said, "You can't threaten me boy. Don't forget that only I can bring you back to the human world."

"True," Naruto said, "But I have the power to do one thing." Looking behind him Naruto looked and the pathway of light "I can end it. And at least ensure you are out of Madara's reach."

"You wouldn't dare leave your friends to face Madara alone," the Kyubi said. "They would surely lose against him."

"No they wouldn't," Naruto said as he turned to face the light. "You're story showed me something. That every time Konoha was threatened someone rose up to save it. And my friends……they're strong. They'll find away to stop him even without me. I have faith in them."

Naruto began to walk towards the light, reaching out for it and felt its warmth, its peace. "I mean why shouldn't I do that? You've seen my life. I'm always fighting. At least I could finally rest and be happy. Finally I could be at peace."

"Don't be a fool boy," the Kyubi screamed as it rose to its full length. "You would destroy us both! Stop child!" Suddenly, desperate the fox leapt up and ran around Naruto and stopped between him and the light and roared.

"So," Naruto said smiling, "Do we have a deal Kyubi-sama?"

Konoha – Office of the Hokage

Danzo stood at his window sipping his tea. Suddenly in the distance he heard a massive explosion and a large fireball plumed in the air. Right on time Torune, Danzo thought to himself as a small smile crept on his face. I think you may have over done the explosion though.

Meanwhile – Konoha – the Streets outside the Nara Clan

Shikamaru braced himself against a nearby pole as the aftershocks from the explosion died away. Instantly people began to pour from their homes in a panic. Seeing him, many of the people came to Shikamaru asking if they were under attack.

Ignoring them, Shikamaru stared at the large amount of think black smoke in the distance. Damn, it sure seems like we may be under attack, he thought. It was then he realized the direction the explosion cam from. What a minute, that came from……!

Meamwhile – Konoha – training compound of the Hyuga clan

Hiashi, Hinata and Hanabi all came to halt as they heard the explosion. Activating her Byakugan, Hinata instantly knew where the explosion came from. And without a word of protest Hiashi watched as Hinata darted out of the door.

Meanwhile – Konoha – three blocks from the Hospital

Sakura rose to her feet and shook the cobwebs out of her head. The explosion had knocked her down and she had hit her head nearly falling unconscious. Finally focused Sakura looked up to see a large gaping hole in the medical building. The top floor was completely blown away. It was then she realized who it was on that floor, on that very side of the building.

Sakura took of at full sprint towards the building. "No," she said to herself, "Please don't tell me they came for him. I promised to protect you. I won't let this happen. Please be alright……Naarutooooo!!!"

End of Chapter Seven

Next Time: Phoenix Rising