AN: I am going to be a nice guy and give you readers the final two chapters at once. I thank those who reviewed, helped me continue the story with fresh ideas, and great constructive criticism. To those loyal readers that stuck through the end no matter what happened I thank you and for those that could not continue, all I have to say is that it's hard to impress every reader and not every story fits your style. As a reader myself, I find myself liking fanfiction on this site and then something happens that just irks me and I quit the story so I know what you feel. Anyways, here are the final chapters to book two in my Naruto/Friday the 13th series…and yes I am planning a book three which will be the final one but that is for the future.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Friday the 13th
ITALICS – thinking
BOLD – jutsu
Chapter 7: Endgame Part One
The trek back to Konoha for Sakura, whom woke up shortly after Shino evacuated her, Sasuke and Shino was somber and filled with mourning over Shikamaru's death. Not much was discussed on the hour trip back home but one thing was on everyone's mind. "Why did Hinata protect Kitsune and why was she going to be imprisioned?" They all decided that they would speak to the Hokage about the latter subject as it warrants a damn good explanation. They soon enter the gates and enter the Hokage Tower.
Hokage Tower
*KNOCK KNOCK*
"Come in." The door opens showing a pale looking Sakura, a stoic Shino, and a mentally and emotionally drained Sasuke with Shikamaru over his shoulder
"Ah, good you are back and I assume your mission went relatively well; one question, where is Hinata at? Also, wake up Shikamaru will you please." Sarutobi states noticing the three dropping their head in shame
"H-he's gone Hokage-sama…Kitsune managed to kill another of us." Sasuke sadly states and starts tearing up
Shino continues for Sasuke "As for Hinata…this is where it gets strange." He looks at both his teammates and decides they need to go home "Also can Sakura and Sasuke go home, they need time to mourn and rest."
Sarutobi nods "I agree, you two are free to go but drop of Shikamaru at the mourge please; we will have a funeral for him in a couple days." Sakura and Sasuke sigh in relief and leave the office "Now, can you tell me what exactly happened."
Shino decides to take a seat as this might take a while "We got to the cottage and managed to get inside it but what was strange was the absence of traps. Anyways, while searching the cottage we found a trapdoor which lead to a basement with…"
Sarutobi interrupts "two rooms and many tunnels."
"H-how did you know?! Unless…unless that means you were there before. OK, you better start explaining yourself Hokage-sama. Why send us into a hostile situation that you probably provoked."
Sarutobi sighs knowing he was cornered "You are right; I did visit Kitsune before Hinata was kidnapped and I tried getting him to come back to the village in which he threatened me meaning he would not cease his revenge streak."
Shino interrupts "OK so that explains why Kitsune seemed a bit agitated but why get him to come back to the village…do you know his identity?"
"No, I do not but I have my suspicions" Sarutobi coolly lies which Shino sternly glares at the Hokage for a moment then continues
"Anyways, once we got to the basement we searched the rooms finding Kushina Uzumaki's head on a shrine…" Shino shivers at the thought "…in one room and the other was where Hinata hid. As Sakura took point, she jumped out of her hiding spot and attacked Sakura knocking her out. What she said to us before Kitsune killed Shikamaru also warrants a thorough explanation." Sarutobi motions to continue but starts to become nervous "She said that she would never go back to Konoha as she was going to be imprisoned…may I inquire why she said that?"
"Dammit, this is not good. I was not expecting Hinata to accept Naruto kidnapping her like that. So much for getting him under my thumb to stop this nonsense."
"I have no choice but to answer as you have me in a corner. In short, I lied to you all on Kiba's death. He died by Hinata's hands not Kitsune's and I know the reason why but I do not think it is safe to tell you as I do not know what Sasuke would do with the information."
"Hmmm let's see here. It now makes sense to me that Hinata dating Kiba was an act as she always flaunts that nobody replaced Naruto-kun…wait a minute." Shino muses out loud taking his finger and putting it on his face in a thinking manner; a few minutes pass making Sarutobi extremely fearful "THAT'S IT! Kitsune's identity is Naruto. Hinata protected Kitsune at are rescue mission and most likely killed Kiba for the same reason so the only logical conclusion is that Naruto is actually Kitsune."
Sarutobi glares at Shino, his plans for getting Naruto back to the village was ruined "I wanted to keep that secret as I was attempting to get Naruto to come back and forgive Sasuke for what he did to him and I hope you keep this secret as well."
Shino quips: "You hinted at one secret, so how about I tell you what the true plans behind the attack on Naruto was."
"W-what do you mean?" Sarutobi gasps in shock
Shino tells him what Sasuke told them at his home as well as what Sasuke did after Hinata stayed behind, the burning of the cottage; after this he left to let Sarutobi muse over this information. Needless to say Sarutobi was pissed at Sasuke but had to dismiss his actions due to the mental degradation he was experiencing. As for the information on the true plans of the Uchiha he was now having second thoughts about Naruto's actions.
"Kushina and Naruto practically saved my life the day he got attacked and the massacre that followed. I still think killing off Sasuke's new friends, and once his, is pushing it but I cannot help to feel happy for both as they protected Konoha from a great threat." Sarutobi sighs deeply and leaves his office heading for the bar to have a few drinks over the matter
Somewhere in the Forest
After the cottage burned down, Naruto was fully healed which impressed Hinata as it only took about 10 minutes to do given the serious injury he sustained. Naruto sealed Kushina's preserved body and head into a scroll and mentally told Hinata to follow him to Wave. While traveling, a small conversation ensued; mentally that is.
"Where will we stay in Wave, I never have stepped foot in the place." Hinata sends
"My death was at Wave and gave rise to Kitsune, a second chance at life if you will. Anyways, Tazuna's family might offer us a place but I don't think they would recognize me after all these years especially that I am now an abomination."
"Don't be like that Naruto-kun. I accept you for who you are and I believe that they can do the same. The problem is that you never talk…I want to hear your voice, your real voice." Hinata pouts
Naruto turns his head to hide the tear coming out his lone-yellow eye and after a little bit, he mentally speaks again "You will be my voice; if they question why I cannot talk say that what happened at the bridge those many years ago will be the reason."
Hinata nods and ends the link as they continue toward their destination
Back at Konoha
"What shall I tell the others about what I just found out; should I tell them that Kitsune is Naruto or not? What will be the repercussions if I do tell them the truth about Kitsune…especially on Sasuke's end?" Shino meticulously ponders as he heads back home to mourn the loss of a great ally and friend
He opens the front door of his home and greets his father, Shibi, which instantly feels that something is wrong thanks to the clans hive. "Is there something wrong my son, your kikaichū are not acting like they usually are they are slow and seem depressed."
Shino sighs and motions dad to take a seat at the kitchen table with him "I just learned a terrible truth about one of my long lost friends whom died I believe about three years ago and am not sure if it is right to tell the others about it. I don't know if it could help or worsen our situation."
"Three years ago…hmmm…" Shibi ponders scratching his head "…oh, you mean Naruto Uzumaki; that poor boy went through so much and yet stayed sane and loyal until the end."
"Thanks father, but that is whom I found out about recently today. The fact of the matter is that…that he is still alive."
The usually stoic Shibi shows some emotion in the form of shock "WHAT! You best explain yourself."
And explain Shino did; he told his father everything from how Kitsune came to be, the Uchiha's plan, and the recent events that have happened as well as the rescue mission. Shibi was at a loss for words as he tried to assimilate all this newfound knowledge.
"Shino, I…I honestly do not know what to do here. Let me have a few days to process this and I will get back to you alright?" He says getting up and patting Shino on the back
Shino nods: "Thank you father, now I must mourn over my fallen comrade and train harder than ever."
Wave Country
"We are here Naruto." Hinata says as she gawks at the size of the bridge "Do you think you can lead the way?" She looks around and finds that he is starting at a plaque at the beginning of the bridge; she goes over and gasps at what she reads
"Welcome to the Great Naruto Bridge in honor of one of Wave's betrayed and fallen hero; a hero that showed bravery in the face of death and never knew how to give up."
*SPLOTCH…SPLOTCH* Hinata looks for the source of the noise and looks at Naruto whom is crying out of his lone yellow eye, the tears hitting the bridge's surface. It was from this that Hinata knew the old Naruto was still in there somewhere; she goes over to him and gives him a hug.
"Shh…it's alright Naruto, you can let it out. Take your time, we will proceed when ready" Hinata kept comforting him for about 10 minutes until he mentally told her thanks and leads her to Tazuna's home.
Tazuna's Home
Tsunami is in the kitchen getting dinner ready while Inari is in the backyard practicing some taijutsu and kenjutsu katas, Tazuna is off doing business in town as he is the mayor. Ever since Naruto, Inari's ni-san, was killed on the bridge he vowed that he would not let others take away his home and begged and pleaded both Tsunami and Tazuna for training; after explaining why he wanted to do so, both were happy to grant his wish. A knock on the door interrupts Tsunami's work.
"Who is it?"
"Tsunami, open up the door please an old friend would like to meet you." Hinata says
"Old friend…who is this friend you speak of." Tsunami says ready to open the door
"Naruto is here to visit."
Tsunami pales and cannot believe her ears…Naruto died didn't he? She opens the door to find a six foot tall man in a fox mask wearing black combat boots, Black/blue ANBU style pants, Black/blue short-sleeve shirt, a leather jacket to go over top of the shirt, and black fingerless gloves. She notices two kunai pouches attached to the legs of said person and a machete adorned on one of his sides. She also notices a cute woman about five foot five with lavender hair and white cloudy eyes (she is wearing what she does in cannon).
"Who is the tall guy?" She points to said menacing figure
"This is Naruto, Tsunami; I know you might not recognize him seeming what he went through. It is also because of this that he cannot speak so he sends me what to say mentally."
"There is only one way to know if you are Naruto…please remove the mask." Tsunami says while Hinata sees Naruto stiffen
"He does not want you to see what damage has been done to him." Hinata retorts after hearing Naruto's answer
"I am not letting Inari see you until you take that mask off…plus I think it might please you to know that he has taken up training thanks to you that is if you are Naruto."
Naruto slowly reaches up towards his mask, his hands trembling at every move, and slowly removes his mask showing his one yellow cat like eye, the other an empty socket; his face is adorned with cuts and gashes and horribly burned but the whisker marks can still be seen…faintly. After seeing Tsunami's reaction, he puts it back on.
Tsunami, after seeing the face and whisker marks can only look away as tears come to her eyes and she motions for them to come in.
Time-skip: One Week Later
It was one week since Shino found out the truth behind Kitsune and since Naruto and Hinata went to Wave. Shibi ended up telling Shino that the choice whether or not to reveal the truth about Naruto was up to him but he warned that Sasuke's reaction to the news probably would not be taken lightly due to the mental strain he has had to take over these many months. As for Naruto and Hinata, they both were welcomed into Wave much to the surprise of Naruto. Inari was the most ecstatic out of all of them as his ni-san was back; he wanted to show all his new moves. Naruto reluctantly obliged and decided to show some moves of his own; for reasons unknown Naruto's old personality was coming back.
Konoha – at Sasuke's residence
Shino, Sakura and Sasuke are sitting at the Kitchen table pondering on what to do; each had different thoughts.
"There has to be a way to get Hinata back but why would she protect Kitsune? Why protect the killer of our friends and where is she now; is she still alive after Sasuke set the cottage alight?" Sakura ponders
"I hope Hinata died in that blaze…wait what am I thinking I am her friend…who is Kitsune?" Sasuke muses as his mental strain continues to worsen
Out of the three, Shino was the most different: "Should I tell them about Naruto…no, I do not want to face the consequences of my actions. Speaking of which where would he go with Hinata if she was still alive? Hmmm…" A few minutes pass and still nothing is said between the three "Wait a minute, Naruto was "killed" in Wave Country; maybe he has friends up there that would house him…but how can I coax Sakura and Sasuke without giving away the secret?" A few more minutes pass and Shino finally has an idea of how to do it
"I think I know where Kitsune might have fled to." Sasuke and Sakura look toward Shino confused
"Huh" both state
"Think about it Sasuke, you torched his cottage and now has no base of operation so in order to continue he would have to flee somewhere."
Sasuke nods in agreement "OK that makes sense but how do you have an idea of where our killer is?"
"That is a secret that needs to be kept for now at least, but I will tell you it if you follow me toward the place I think he will reside." Sakura raises an eyebrow while Sasuke scowls at not knowing a secret, the mental burden reverting him back to when he first struck down Naruto
"You will tell me the secret Shino or I will kill you where you stand!"
"Sasuke, this is not you…please we need Shino for help." Sakura states and decides to add the cherry on top "Don't you want to stop the madness and kill the one who killed your and our friends?
Sasuke instantly calms down at hearing this "Fine, we get ready in an hour and head out. I want no witnesses to us escaping the village to deal with Kitsune…and Shino, you will keep your promise."
Sakura heads home to pack as Shino does but he decides to take a little shortcut to the Hokage Tower to let him know of their plan as he had a strong feeling that something bad might happen to him and his two team members.
In Wave – moments earlier
During the week, Naruto decided that it would be best to give his mother a proper burial and did so on a hill overlooking the Great Naruto Bridge and Konoha itself; he was there meditating trying to figure out why his old self was coming back.
"I am a killer, a reaper of souls, a fucking Shinigami not a…a caring softy like I am now. What has made me revert back to my older self? Was it Hinata's love or is it a sign that my time is coming to an end?" He had no answers to the questions he raised and silently wondered to himself if he would go meet Kami for all the sins he has committed whence he will die
A couple hours pass and Naruto decides to head back for Tazuna's house but as he was about to, he feels faint signatures off in the distance coming from Konoha.
"How did they know I was here, did Sarutobi tell them my identity or did someone find out? He decides that he cannot stall and contacts Hinata via mental to meet him on the edge of the bridge to wait for whomever was coming.
At the Bridge – 20 minutes later
Kitsune and Hinata are hiding in the tree line near the bridge waiting for their targets as they were doing so a mental argument between two great minds was taking place.
"What do you mean you want to face them alone!" Hinata mentally screams
"If the targets are who I think they are, then I need to do this alone; I need to finish my revenge Hinata so do not get in my way!" Naruto's lone yellow eye starts to ominously glow in anger
"You've killed your friends, my friends, for this petty revenge of yours! So what if Sasuke attempted to kill you and your mother so that the Uchiha could get to the Hokage…oops." Hinata realizes the mistake she has made in telling Naruto the truth of why he was targeted; what happened next scared her to death
"WHAT! THAT FUCKING TEME USED MY MOTHER AND I AS A TARGET FOR THEIR GAINS!" Naruto cut the link as dark purple chakra exploded around him which sent Hinata flying away towards some trees; she manages to stick on one and starts to cry
The chakra continues to rise which alerts Shino, Sasuke, Sakura, and all of Konoha.
Sarutobi looks up from his paperwork due to the feeling of pure dread; a feeling not felt since the Kyuubi attacked. "Naruto! Oh great…this is not happening. Shino I thank you for telling me where you and the others were headed." He cancels any appointments and heads off to Wave
"What is that!" Sakura screams as she begins to shake due to the overwhelming feeling of death
"I-I don't know but whatever it is I hope we don't have to face it." Shino says not realizing that what he said just jinxed the whole group
"Sasuke steels himself "We keep pushing toward Wave, I almost see the bridge from here; Kitsune will die by my hands today…his legacy will fall.