Chapter 2: Awakening

Naruto woke up a couple of days later at a hospital room, various machines wired into him. As soon as he moved, a monitor started beeping insesantly. Some kind of alarm Naruto deduced. Not ten seconds later, a group of apparent doctors and nurses came inside, a couple amongst them being Hyuga if one looked at their eyes. Immidiately cries of 'Impossible' or 'Remarkable' or 'I've never seen anything like that' filled Naruto's ears. Thankfully it only lasted for a few minutes as the Hokage himself shunshined outside the room and entered followed by his well-hidden ANBU.

Sartuobi smiled upon seeing Naruto, but his smile fell quickly, not only by remembering that Naruto couldn't be a shinobi any more, but also by seeing Naruto's look. A look of guarded neutrality, half-hostile, half-welcoming, partially afraid and betrayed. Realizing the unspoken message, Sarutobi ushered all out. Sitting on the chair he looked at Naruto.

"How are you doing this day Naruto-kun? I was afraid of-"

"Very well Hokage-sama. But you were not afraid, you were certain I would survive. Your fear was directed around the seal in my stomach, correct? After all I am my father's sacrifice."

Sarutobi's eyes widened. "How? How did you know?"

Naruto sighed. "I remember. I remember everything. From the smallest, almost imperceptible detail to the greatest most profound truth. I remember my sealing. I remember by father and mother. I remember everything. After all, that is how I acquired my power, small though it may be."

Sarutobi's eyes hardened. Naruto was serious. It wasn't a time of sentimentality but cold hard strategic thinking. "Explain. Everything."

"You remember my sealing of course. Including the fact that my father used my blood to sign the Shinigami's contract in order for the seal to take place. When the sealing occured, Shinigami-sama and I became linked but for a split second. During that second, I was exposed to all the memories and knowledge of a god. Thankfully, I cannot, neither will I ever, comprehend it. Of course, I didn't see all of it either. However, I saw... the beginning. The very begininng of this world. Initially there was nothing. Then, there came light and darkness, which in turn gave meaning to time and space. Thanks to my viewing this birthing of the world itself, I have gained the power to control these cosmic forces. Of course, it isn't limitless. It is directly linked to my chakra capacity. Now, as you've been doubtlessly told, my coils have been destroyed thanks to Kyubi's youkai. However, that doesn't mean I don't have chakra, merely that I cannot control or use it. On the other hand, it can be used to fuel my... unique abilities. In extremely crude layman's terms, I can use four unique releases, Light, Darkness, Time and Space. Though... I seem to recall being able to combine Light and Darkness to form Twilight, but there seem to be several stipulations to doing that."

Sarutobi's mind went on overdrive, using the entire 180+ IQ to gain the most out of this situation. Naruto caught on to this quickly.

"Don't even think about it. I'm not becoming a Shinobi for Konoha any time soon. Besides... I... I am not as stable as I may seem to be. It is taking my entire self control to not explode and demand several answers from you. It is even harder to contain the Kyubi. Thanks to that incident, the cage sealing Kyubi away has been sundered, irrepairably so. I am using my own willpower and cosmic manipulation abilities to keep it inside. To that end... I am leaving Konoha."

Sarutobi gasped. "Naruto-kun, you can't! You don't know anything about the world outside! You could die in a second!"

"Maybe so... However... I can't keep Kyubi inside here forever, he feeds on fury and anger, the darkness inside me. I... I would rather unleash him when I'm away from this place. Somewhere, where he'd give you time to prepare for his coming. I... I will not endanger her or her sister. Not now, not ever. If I stay, the villager's hate will pass into me. Trust me, that's not something you want to see happen. Before I leave, just give me my parent's letters and tell me where Hinata is. After that I will take my leave off this place."

Sarutobi sighed in dismay. Despite everything, he genially liked Naruto and thought of him as a grandson. However, the duties of the Hokage weighed heavily on his shoulders. Sarutobi chuckled darkly. Duties huh... why did he choose them again? Because he wanted to protect Konoha? How could he protect Konoha when he can't protect a single child? How could he protect everyone when he cannot protect anyone? Naruto's decision unknowingly sparked something within Sarutobi's psyche. A something that had long since fizzled and died. Like a phoenix rising out of his own funeral pyre, like a tree born anew from its charred former trunk, Sarutobi's will awoke to a decision.

Sarutobi's back straightened and his shoulders slumped forward just barely enough to show the weight of power on them. His eyes hardened and looked more like black steel rather than flesh and blood. His fist coiled and uncoiled, releasing the tension pent up within. The jaw tightened and the neck moved left and right releasing cracking sounds. The Nara clan would be overjoyed; they just got back on of the toughest, meanest, most efficient shougi players ever. An attribute that gave him several victories as well as the respect of all his underlings.

Naruto nodded his head in respect. He was still going to leave though. Sarutobi's voice said one word only. "Hawk." Instantly there was a hawk masked ANBU, on his knees, ready to obey. "Escort Uzumaki-Namikaze Naruto-kun here to Hyuga Hinata's room. When done, take him to my office in the Hokage Tower." The ANBU grabbed Naruto's shoulder, after said boy had dressed himself, and shunshin'ed away. Not a second later, the room was empty as Sarutobi too left via Shunshin.

Naruto entered Hinata's room, waking her up. She was still in the hospital. A bit of Naruto's final attack grazed her and the doctors had to make sure she was 100% before letting her leave. It was also nice for Hinata, as her father didn't bother coming there to be mean to her. When Naruto walked in, Hinata blushed. She had a huge crush on him, but her shyness prevented her from telling him and the boy was completely oblivious to it. Naruto smiled at seeing that his friend was fine, but quickly frowned when he saw the wound, a wound he caused, even indirectly.

"Hello Hinata. It's good to see you're fine. I hope that bully didn't hurt you much."

"N-no I'm f-fine Naruto-kun. The doctors say I'll be free to go in a few days..."

"Good to know." Naruto smiled at her, causing her to blush yet again. Then he got serious. "Hinata... I have changed a lot since that night. I am... dangerous to be around." Hinata cocked her head to the side. He wasn't dangerous, he had just helped her! Naruto took a deep breath. "I need to leave Konoha for a bit... maybe a long time. I don't know when I'll come back." 'If I ever do' Naruto finished silently.

Hinata gasped, her crush was leaving! Was it something she did? If she hadn't gotten caught then Naruto-kun wouldn't have to leave! It was all her fault! Hinata felt tears coming to her eyes and started crying silently. Naruto, being Naruto, quickly tried to stop her tears.

"Now now Hinata, no need to cry. I just need some time away from Konoha is all. I thought I should tell you on my own instead of letting Jiji tell you along with everybody else."

Hinata kept crying in her crush's embrace. "I-it's m-m-my fault isn't it? I-I'm useless like otou-s-sama says..." *sniffle* "I-I'm useless and n-now N-Naruto-kun has to l-leave b-because I w-wasn't s-strong enough..."

Naruto blinked in surprise. That was it? "Hush hush Hinata, it's not your fault. He was a shinobi and we're kids, you're not weak, I think you were pretty strong back then, you didn't cry at all!"

"B-but Naruto-kun defeated that man! O-on your own... I-I couldn't do anything... I-I was s-so useless..."

Naruto sighed. Having no contact with other people meant he had no experience in calming down a crying girl, much less a friend. "It's ok Hinata, I didn't defeat him on my own. I had... help, but I need to learn to control it. Otherwise, I might hurt you and I don't want that to happen ever again. So stop crying, ok Tsuki-me-chan(Moon-eyes-chan)?"

Hinata slowly stopped crying, until she realized that she had snuggled inside Naruto's arms in search of safety. Realizing it, she quickly 'eep'ed and fainted.

Naruto sighed, she always did that near him. Maybe she was sick or something? She was a girl after all and who knows the difference? Well yeah, he did know the difference in appearence, but even Jiji said that noone can understand women. If jiji can't then how could Naruto.

Up in the heavens, Kami was laughing at the thoughts inside Naruto's head. The kid had learned a great deal of things and 'wisened' up, but he was as clueless as ever when it came down to women. Shinigami chuckled as well. What he had done with Naruto's fate wasn't a joke.

Flashback - Naruto's comatose state

Naruto opened his eyes, seeing the great form of the Kyubi behind the multi-colored bars created by his Light and Darkness powers. He left the room containing the beast and went to the room with the doors. If his suspicions were right, he could do many more things there. Once he opened the door leading to the room of doors, he was surprised to see someone there. Looking more like a demonic man with horns and numerous tattoos on his skin, the form was covered by a dark purple Haori complete with Hakama pants. Several rows of beads covered the being and a dagger was held in the right hand.

"Shinigami-sama..." Naruto whispered. Then... "Wait, how did I know that?"

The being nodded once and a deep, gravely voice came. "Indeed, I am the one you mortals call Shinigami, the God of Death. I have come here this moment for several reasons, all of them revolving around you mortal. Through the link created by your sighning of my contract, you have managed to gain immense power that was not meant for you mortals. As I am sure you have noticed, you used some power against the kidnapper of your mortal friend. You did this by tapping into the cosmic power of Light and Darkness."

"I... I see... but that doesn't explain what you are doing here Shinigami-sama? Also could you explain it more... thoroughly? I still do not understand what or how I did whatever I did... I am sorry..."

The being sighed. "Very well. When I sealed the Kyubi no Yoko in here, some years ago, you were temporarily united with me, in a spiritual level of course. Your childish mind was exposed to more knowledge than it should have, namely the creation of this world. To protect itself, your mind sealed the power it gained from that knowledge behind these four doors, each representing a different cosmic power. Light, Darkness, Time and Space. If you were to ever unlock these doors, you would be exposed to immense amounts of knowledge as well as power. Should your spirit survive, you would get to use these powers. If it didn't... oblivion awaited. Luckily for you mortal, you managed to survive, not one but all four doors opening, even though you were exposed to only two. Kyubi's presence might have had something to do with it as well. As for what I am here for... I am here to seal Time and Space away from you for now."

"But... I... I see. Shinigami-sama, could you please help me control these powers? What can I do, what is impossible for me?"

"It seems you have curiosity and even some intellect. The seals that had been placed on you have been removed by the power of Light while Darkness is readying its payback for the next mortal to attempt such a thing. Good, good. Your power to manipulate Time and Space will be sealed away until a time you prove yourself worthy of their power and wise enough to know when to use them and when not to use them. As for Light and Darkness... there are few limits in them for you mortals. Their power is linked to your chakra capacity, even though you can't use chakra any more. Light is dependent on positive emotions, the desire to protect or heal. Its powers include healing, concencrating, protecting and of course purging. Darkness is the opposite, dependent on hate and anger or desire to destroy. It gives you the power to kill and curse mostly. However, both powers can be used to defend as well as attack. Darkness is better suited to attack while Light is better suited to defend. However, like all great powers, there are great dangers to using them. They can easily go out of control and destroy everything around you."

"Ano... Shinigami-sama... if... if Light is about life and healing... would... would it be possible to return someone to life if they died before their time?"

"Theoretically yes. However, practically it is impossible. You would need to be a blood-relative to the person in question and their time must not have been over by the time you bring them back. Even if these criteria apply however, you would still have to wrench the person's soul from me, something that I won't allow. What is done, is done."

"Hai, but I was wondering... I... I remember certain faces and people I never saw. I remember them escaping your clutches Shinigami-sama. If... if I was to defeat them and send them over to you, would you be willing to give me my parent's souls back? If their time isn't up by that time that is."

The being obviously thought about it. "Very well mortal. These people have been upsetting the natural order for quite some time now. However, they are too strong for you. You should get stronger before you are ready for them. I shall contact you with their names and appearence later. Seeing as this is a formal contract, I now give you the honor of being my champion on the physical plane." Shinigami touched Naruto over his heart, his clawed finger digging deeply into the skin. In responce a black skull surrounded by flames appeared over that place, a tattoo symbolizing the Death God's champion. Naruto nodded in appreciation. As the Shinigami began vanishing away, he left one last advice to his 'apprentice'. "Light and Darkness don't have only physical effects but also spiritual. The seal on your heart will grant you the knowledge necessary to understand your new duties and powers. Good luck young Reaper."

Naruto started creaming in agony as his skull exploded in pain. Receiving the trove of knowledge the Shinigami had given to Naruto wasn't a pleasant business.

In the real world, the Shinigami's mark surfaced on the skin, pulsed once and went silent. No doctor would see it.

End Flashback

Naruto patiently waited for Hinata to wake up. When she came around, she almost fainted again from embarassment. Naruto thankfully prevented that by backing off. After all she blushed the strongest when he was near. Naruto coughed a bit, clearing his throat.

"Hinata... As I said, I'll be leaving soon... In fact... I'm leaving today. So... I wanted to say goodbye and 'until next time' you know?"

Hinata sniffled some more and nodded sadly. "A-ano... we... we'll see each other again... r-right? You... you'll come back right?"

Seeing Hinata's desperation, Naruto nodded. "If we are meant to meet again then yes, I will. After all, you're my best friend!"

Naruto's happy grin gave Hinata the hope she so desperately needed. The smile fell off soon though. "Neh, Hinata... if... if you need to, you know, talk to someone, or need help to do something. Go to jiji. He'll help. Don't worry, he's a big softy at heart. I'll also tell him to help you ok? Just don't believe what that idiot Hiashi tells you. You just haven't found the source of your strength, is all. But you will and when you do, you'll show him what it means to be strong. So don't give up alright Hinata?"

The Hyuga girl nodded one last time. Naruto gave her a small hug and left the room. Going to the Hawk masked ANBU, he nodded again, letting the ANBU know it was time to go to the Hokage's office.

In the office, Sarutobi was for once not hating the paperwork he was doing. He did a quick once-over of several things and found multiple discrepancies. Embelishment, contraband, orders to ANBU, laws passed 'under the table'... Seems like the council has been busy. Well, time to fix things. Sarutobi was furiously scribing and checking mutliple scrolls, muttering to himself. Naruto and Hawk arrived to that scene of ordered chaos and an old man scribbing and muttering to himself while parchments flew around. Naruto coughed after a bit, as it seemed the Hokage wasn't going to pay attention to them any time soon. Sarutobi raised his head, saw Naruto and smiled.

"Well Naruto-kun, I guess you aren't going to change your mind are you?"

"No jiji. I don't have anything holding me here apart from you and Hinata and Hanabi. Hanabi only since she is Hitomi-san's daughter. Heck, the village hates me jiji. They want me dead, they are just too afraid of you to do it. But you're not gonna live here for ever. You're old and you'll die. When you do... I will only be a few days late to join you. A few days they'll be torturing me because I remind them of their losses. Sometimes I wonder jiji... I wonder, if you never told them what I was used for, what would they have done?"

Sandaime sighed, looking every bit as old and tired as he was. "I have wondered that enough times too Naruto... But it doesn't change the past, noone can..." Naruto had the urge to snort at that. "Anyway, here are the scrolls of your parents. Including the Rasengan. The Hiraishin will be kept here for now. Something to come back here for Naruto-kun. I know you can't use the Rasengan as is now... but if anyone can find a way around this disability of yours, that's you. So, in hopes you'll learn it, it's yours."

"Thanks old man. Say, when are you going to reveal who my parents really were? I'm in no hurry really, especially if you tell them I've left because of their hate. But seriously, I'm just curious."

"I think I'll hold on to this little bit of information for some time. I will announce it in a few months so make sure to erase your trace. I will have my old student Jiraiya look for you, maybe he'll help you somehow, even though I doubt it."

"Thanks Jiji... Really, thanks. Keep in mind that Hinata may come here some times. Her father's an arse and demeans her. Please look after her in my stead ok Jiji?"

Sarutobi nodded. "Will do Naruto-kun. Now, Hawk-san, please take him to this shop here to acquire any form of clothing he desires. Then you will shunshin him in whichever direction he desires as far as possible in a day. You will then return for A-rank payment and a silence oath." The ANBU nodded, took a scroll with an address written on one side and a permit from the Hokage to buy anything he wanted. Naruto would need a lot of supplies after all.

Naruto raised his hand in a silent goodbye as the ANBU shunshined them away. Sarutobi sighed and turned back to his paperwork with renewed vigor. He'd make Konoha a place that Naruto would love and cherish. He had failed for long enough in that regard, time to shake things up.

The council never really figured out how it happened and they lost power so quickly. Seemingly overnight, 'old man Sarutobi' was replaced by an energetic, confident and strong leader with the political and tactical knowhow to make any enemy cower.

The civilians also learned of Naruto's parentage and were properly scolded by Sarutobi when they wanted 'Namikaze-sama' to return. Same thing for many, many Shinobi. However, noone could find him.

Hinata spent more time with Sarutobi than she spent with her entire family, except little Hanabi. She learned several things, from politics to tactics to ninjutsu and alternate taijutsu. She still was considered weak, but sticking to Naruto's words, she never gave up. Or well, she was considered weak, unless someone was stupid enough to insult certain things. Were they mean in any way, shape or form towards Hanabi or Naruto's name... let's just say that hell hath no fury like a woman pissed indeed...

A couple of years after Naruto's leave, a rumour emerged. It spoke of a man or a boy, a person who's face was never seen. Only his eyes was visible and spoke of thunder and storm. He was called the Kuroi Tenshi (Black Angel) because of his powers. Others called him Crow or Prophet because he showed up only in times of great danger and pain. He would never be late nor early. He would arrive exactly before a great evil would strike and do his best to send it back. It began from bandit raids and escalated to even possessed people or famines. Like a ghost he came, like a ghost he left, but always changed the lives of the people around him. Some heralded him as a hero, others claimed he was a cursed man striving to absolve himself of his curse. Strangely enough, a fox would herald his appearence and walk alongside him like a loyal friend. Some even claimed that the fox could speak like a man. Noone knew the identity of the man, but he never caused trouble, only solved them, thus he was left to his own devices.

In Konoha however, some people smiled whe they heard of the Kuroi Tenshi. Chief amongst them Sarutobi. It made several people wonder if they knew his identity, but it was absurd and never proven.

A/N: Chapter 2 complete. I hope you liked it. As always, read, review and tell me your opinions. The third chapter is complete and will be published tomorrow for publicity's sake :D

Yes, I am evil like that.

Mind you, Naruto SOUNDS smarter, but it's not a mask he dropped, more like actual acquisition of knowledge coupled with immense emotional trauma. Besides, I doubt that there are many things that could cause him to go emotional after meeting the freaking god of death.