Okay! Results!
For the Armor: It's coming in. You'll need to wait for it to appear, so for those of you who are wondering what it will look like:
WAIT FOR IT'S ENTRANCE!
ON WITH THE GAME! Sorry, STORY!
Chapter 8
In Wave Country a man in a mask and a black cloak with red clouds on was walking across the newly named Heroes' Bridge. He looked around once he got to the side of Wave Country, only to find that the place seemed poor, but people were happy. 'Where is that damn Jinchuuriki?' He continued searching for the Youki, but he was at a loss.
He then came to a place in the forest with a Minuet amount of Youki, though very little. 'The Jinchuuriki was here... 3, maybe 4 days ago. Possibly 5, but no more than 7. All other traces are already gone. Whoever it was... Wait. I'll check the area the Explosion happened.' He walked over to what seemed like a burned down place.
'Damn. Deidara would seriously have a field day if he saw this. This looks about 24 hours after the other location. No Youki, though.' He walked through the area. 'Faint... Very faint. The Jinchuuriki is not here. Not anymore. I obviously just missed him.' He went through a few handsigns.
-Random Cave-
"Leader, I have my report from Wave Country." Kakuzu stated.
"You were supposed to watch the Jinchuuriki." The man said.
"The Jinchuuriki has already left Wave Country. But you might want to send Deidara here for a second. I'm at the wreckage of whatever exploded. The flames are still around, and the ground is highly charred. It looks to have been done maybe yesterday, but with the explosion I saw, and the possibility of no one changing things around here, I'd say the possibility of it being a few days old would be possible."
"Have you determined which one it was, at the least?"
"Closest guess would be Hachibi or Nibi. Kyuubi is also possible, but not likely there is no way they'd be able to hide that much youki after only 2 days."
"Then we have lost the signal. I will send Deidara to your location. He will survey the carnage himself, and let me know." The man said calmly.
"Understood."
-Konohagakure, 1 day later-
Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata, along with Kakashi and Haku were coming up on the East Gate. "Halt! State your business."
"Team 7 returning from a mission to Wave, with a possible new addition to the village." Kakashi told them.
"Very well. And the new addition?"
"Haku."
"Surname."
"Unimportant at this point in time, as I am having trouble choosing between adopted father, or clan name." Haku told them.
"Excuse me?" One of the guards asked.
"I am not sure if I should give the Clan name, which is dead, or the surname of my adopted father, who actually treated me like a daughter, unlike my real father, who tried to kill me." Haku told them.
"Uh..."
"Just give them the clan name." Sasuke told her, earning a surprised look from her. "What? They want a name, give them what they want. It's better that way, sometimes."
The guards looked at Sasuke, the Last Uchiha, who was talking like he was close to the girl.
"Alright, but only for you. The Clan name is Koori, but I have been going by Momochi for the past 6 or 7 years." Haku told them.
"Momochi?"
"Yes." Haku stated. "I would not be going by either of them, though. Especially after something that Sasuke and I had agreed on earlier, should I be accepted into the village."
"Wait a minute!" Naruto shouted. "You aren't seriously thinking about..."
"We already have it done, Uzumaki." Sasuke said, with a grin. "All we'd need are the papers to make it official, and we're good."
Naruto sighed. The guards looked at each other. The confusion they had was apparent. "Alright, but you have to go to the Hokage."
"Thank you, sirs." Haku said, bowing her head.
"Sasuke, Haku?" Kakashi stated. "You two are coming with me for the report, as we will need everything said, along with this new development."
"3 days in the making, Kakashi-sensei. We have completely showed each other our memories, and we're good with it." Sasuke told him.
"Well, let's get going then." Kakashi, Sasuke, and Haku left in a Shunshin. Naruto and Hinata shrugged. Naruto then looked at the Guards. "Do you know if anyone from Takigakure, or Tsunade of the Sannin are here at the moment?"
"Yes, someone from Takigakure is here, as of this morning. Why?"
"Thanks. That's all I needed to know." Naruto said, before jumping off.
"He really needs to learn restraint." Hinata stated, shaking her head. "Well, that's why I like him, I suppose." She jumped off after him.
Naruto was jumping around the rooftops, looking for any sign of the Waterfall guest. He stopped in front of Ichiraku's after sensing a familiar Chakra. 'It couldn't be...' He jumped down, and went inside.
"Teuchi! Ayame!" Naruto greeted happily.
"Naruto! Welcome back!" Ayame greeted.
"The usual?"
"You know it!" Naruto shouted with a smile.
"So, this is your favorite hangout?" The person beside him asked.
"That it is." He replied, not even looking at her.
"You're not even surprised that I'm talking to you here?" The girl asked.
"Why should I be? After all, this is the only place that wouldn't hold something that's not under your control against you." Naruto told her, still not looking at her.
"Well, the people around here don't know me."
"No surprise there. But if they see you around me, they might think I did something to your mind, or something. Things get blown so much out of proportion around here, it's not even funny. So, I'd be careful if I were you, Fu." Naruto said, earning shock from Ayame and Teuchi.
"Naruto? You actually know her?" Ayame asked.
"Of course I know her. She's more like me than anyone else in the village." Naruto stated.
"You mean..." Teuchi's eyes widened.
"Yeah, she is."
"Well then, it's obvious that Naruto would trust you. Being so much like him." Teuchi told her.
"No surprise there. I kind of asked for a mission to come here just to meet with him. My village leader was surprised at the request, but then again, he's heard of weirder things." The girl, now known as Fu, said.
"Yeah, so why did you ask to come here?" Naruto asked. "I'm curious."
"Well, I'm here to help with relations between the two villages. The council would normally be surprised at the request, but they were actually for it when I actually started to talk about what I was planning." Fu told him. "They were shocked when I told them, but even more so that you would've accepted, something I figure you'd do."
"Why don't we talk about this later? Have you met with the Hokage yet?"
"Yes, and he is already in the know. He did say he wanted to see you when you got here." Fu said, before Sasuke came in.
"Naruto, the Hokage wanted to see you." He told him. "Something about a girl wanting to meet up with you."
Naruto looked at him, right before an ANBU appeared.
"I swear, it's hard enough to keep track of One Jinchuuriki." The ANBU said, before noticing that both were there. "Oh. So you've already met. The Hokage would like to see you both."
Naruto and Fu both nodded, and finished what was in front of them, before getting up. "Thanks for the meal, Old man!"
"Anytime, Naruto. And I hope you come back Fu." Teuchi replied.
"With food this good and a place that wouldn't care about my burden, why wouldn't I?" Fu asked, before fazing out.
Naruto grinned, before leaving in a Fire Teleport.
"Wait! He didn't pay!" Teuchi yelled.
"Yeah he did." Sasuke said, pointing to the money. "Don't ask me how he pays so quickly, and without others noticing, because I still have no clue." He looked at the ANBU, who merely shrugged. "Figures. I seriously have to find out how the hell he does that."
-Hokage's office-
Naruto and Fu entered the room at the same time.
"Ah, it seems you've both already found each other." Sarutobi stated.
"How could I forget her Chakra Signature?" Naruto asked. "I went looking for unfamiliar Chakra Signals, but I found hers as I passed Ichiraku's, and we talked a bit. Sasuke came in, followed closely by an ANBU. Came here when the ANBU told us you wanted to see us."
"Did you manage to hear the little plan she came up with before they got to you?" Sarutobi asked.
"Kind of hard not to, when I helped come up with it... Is it still the same, or did they alter it?"
"Dead center same." Fu told him.
"Then I already know the full situation, and the reasoning behind each action." Naruto said, surprising Sarutobi. "Quick question. How did they react?"
"I caught some shock, 1 with awe, others had "WTF?" expressions, and then there was one that had a "HFS!" expression on her face. And to think the awe was from the leader, Shibuki, and the HFS face was an elder!" Fu laughed.
"Please tell me you got pictures!" Naruto stated.
"In Triplicate." Fu told them, handing a set to Naruto, and one to Sarutobi. "Sarutobi, that set was originally for Sasuke, so don't ruin them."
Naruto went through his set, and he held back his laughter until he finished. "Jiji... Seals, please." Sarutobi complied, and then finished with his set. They both cracked up laughing. Fu smirked at that.
"I take it they are to your liking?" Fu asked. They both nodded. "Hinata is going to LOVE these!"
"Well, one set was for blackmail, another was for the two of you, since you live together, and the last set was for Sasuke, just so he could get a few laughs in." She told Naruto.
"No kidding." Sarutobi stated, before handing the set back to her. Chuckles still in his mind.
"Alright, here's another question." Naruto said. "How many of the back-ups did you have to use?"
"Only had to use the first one. I didn't have to go for the other 5." Fu told him.
"Wow, the whole Jinchuuriki being gone giving them less danger matter worked wonders, did it?" Naruto asked. "Talk about playing on their ignorance."
"That was kind of the point, remember?" Fu asked.
"Yeah, I remember." Naruto said, earning surprise from Sarutobi.
"Wait a minute..."
"The first idea was to use their own ideals against them. Jinchuuriki are feared, and because of that Fear, hatred can be born. Get rid of the source of the fear, misplaced or not, the hatred can diminish, and then even leave." Naruto told him. "The second one was actually a ploy on their minds, but I left that part to her."
Fu nodded. "The third reasoning I could've given is the fact whole Akatsuki idea, though I probably wouldn't have gone that far."
"The fourth Idea was actually Hinata's idea. Scare a few of them by releasing a bit of her Bijuu's Chakra." Naruto stated. "After all, the Bijuu are known to cause fear to the masses."
"The fifth idea was using a type of heat induced illusion, and yes, I can do that." Fu continued. "The final idea was a last resort, though only a bluff."
"It was to threaten to release the Bijuu, but we all know that's not happening." Naruto stated. "If they didn't let her come by then, that would get her out of the village like nothing else."
"And you didn't go past the first one?" Sarutobi asked. "I must say, I am a little impressed, but the Sixth one was a bit too far, if you ask me."
"And that's why it was a last resort." Naruto stated.
"You thought that out quite a bit." Sarutobi stated. "How did you come up with them?"
"Simple Psychology, Reverse Psychology, along with Mental and Emotional Warfare." Fu said.
"And don't forget, you have the Konoha's Prank Demon here. Now THAT is a title that I can actually respect." Naruto said.
"By the way, are the others in the area, as well?" Fu asked. "Namely, Hinata?"
"She's somewhere around the village." Naruto said, before closing his eyes. "Heh. She went to my place already. It's too bad you can't get in there right now."
"Since you let me know about it, I took the liberty of getting a small blood sample." Sarutobi stated.
"Wait... you said that was to allow me into the village." Fu said, shocked.
"I already knew why you were here, so I asked for it. This way he only had to make the adjustment to allow you in there." Sarutobi stated.
"How much did you get?" Naruto asked.
"2 pints."
"I only need 1 pint, but you didn't know that much." Naruto told him.
"Alright then, now that I know, at least I know just how much it was needed. The other Pint will go to the hospital for records." Sarutobi told him.
Naruto took 1 pint, and left via Fire Teleport. 5 minutes later, he appeared in the office again. "Fu, it's ready. Let's get going." She nodded, and they both left the room through the window.
"Those two are going to be a pain in the ass later on. I just know it." Sarutobi mused.
-Uchiha Estate-
Sasuke was talking with his mother, Haku right beside him, wearing a pair of Ghost Glasses, and an Amulet of Ghostspeak herself.
"So, this is who you chose, huh?" Mikoto asked. "Doesn't seem like much, if you ask me."
"You have got to be kidding me." Sasuke said.
"You're right, I am." Mikoto replied with a smile. "She's actually a lot more powerful than she looks, and that much I can tell. It also seems as if you have a bloodline yourself."
"You're right, and it has already been proven to have multiple bloodlines, so I'm not worried." Haku told her. "Another Chakra-based Bloodline would cancel mine out, but not a Doujutsu, which he has."
"Aside from that, I can use Hyouton. So can she."
"That's not right. Your father and I could never use Hyouton. You don't have the bloodline for it."
"I do, and we found out why he can use it, without the bloodline, or the Elements I use for it: Wind and Water."
"Wind is close to impossible for me." Sasuke stated. "I have Fire and Lightning naturally. Then there's Ice from when I was allowed to sign with the Dragons."
"Oh no... The old Prophecy of the Dragons... It talks about you."
Sasuke pulls out the stone blade. "You mean the one regarding this?" Sasuke applied Chakra to it, revealing the blade. "To use it, one must sign with the Dragons, and have 3 affinities: Fire, Ice and Lightning. I also gained the Eternal Mangekyo when I could use it. I skipped over the original Mangekyo, which Itachi has. He's still not aware of my being able to use it."
"Well then, we better get started. Would you like to watch, Haku?" Mikoto asked.
"I don't see why not. I'd have to learn the ways of the Uchiha myself sooner or later."
"Not the old ways. We're basing the New Uchiha Clan on someone else's ideals. Naruto's ideals. No arrogance, and no ignorance. The new Uchiha Clan will not think it is the best, just because of our bloodline. That was the downfall of the Old Uchiha Clan. We're not going to go for the Old Ways, but forge a new path."
"You've grown, Sasuke." Mikoto said. "Those are the ideals I wanted you to inherit, not your father's, which are being too prideful, and thinking he's better than anyone else."
"That was his mistake. I don't intend on making the same mistake he did." Sasuke told her. "If I do, I'd rather gouge my own eyes out. If there's one thing that I want more than a new age for the Uchiha Clan, it's that I help Naruto with his whole Madara Problem. If nothing else, he deserves the help, and a few friends. He's been put through hell, and stayed sane throughout it all. Not even an Uchiha can do that and not go insane."
Mikoto nodded. "Alright, time to train your Sharingan in its Eternal Form."
"He still needs to finish working with his Hyouton, but I think that can wait until Tomorrow." Haku told her.
"I realize that, and we're only doing this once a week." Mikoto told her. Haku nodded and ended up watching as Sasuke dodged everything and even took out the drones that appeared.
-Uzumaki Estate-
Naruto, Hinata and Fu were sitting in the field. "So, you're finally here, huh?" Hinata asked.
"Yeah, and... surprisingly, it's to stay. I didn't tell the Hokage that it's to stay here, but it is, and I think he already figured it out. They don't want me back, and that's a good thing... for us, at least." Fu told them.
"Nice." Naruto replied with a smile. "You going to join the Shinobi force?"
"No, I don't plan on it." Fu admitted. "I'm going to stay a civilian, and the Hokage would know about this when the records I have are sent... That is, if they were going to send it."
"You mean they wouldn't send it?" Hinata asked, surprised.
"Do you really think they can when it's in the possession of Kabutomushi Clan?" Fu raised an eyebrow.
"Point taken. Come on, I'll show you around the place." Hinata told her, before they walked in the cave behind the waterfall.
Naruto took that moment to continue working on the armor. It has become his biggest project so far, and he even built a forge in the area, with a copy of the Amaterasu flames to power it.
Since they had the next day off, Naruto had 30 clones work on the armor pieces, another 20 to work with Water Manipulation, while he, Hinata and Fu walked around town.
They ended up in front of the academy, with Iruka exiting the front door. "Naruto? I was about to go looking for you. I heard you got back to the village yesterday from a C-rank. I wanted to talk to you about it, maybe over ramen."
"Nah, no Ramen for now." Naruto replied, before pausing. "Oh yeah, Iruka-sensei, meet Fu. Fu, this is one of the few that didn't exactly hate me once he got to know me. He's kind of like a brother to me."
Fu looked at him. "Heh, he's a good one."
"Uh... Pardon?" Iruka asked.
"Don't worry too much about it." Fu told him. "Anyway, we were just walking around. Nothing really to do right now."
"Well, Naruto could be training."
"Doing that back at the house. I still have to unlock it. Aside from that, I've been working on one project recently, and it's one I came up with by combining multiple Projects together." Naruto told him. "So yeah, nothing really to do. Come to think of it..."
"What are you thinking?" Hinata asked, not sure she wants to hear the answer.
Naruto was silent for a bit, building up suspense. Then his face turned into a grin, which Hinata noticed immediately. "Okay, what are you planning?"
Naruto looked at her. "Nothing that big. Just something that came to me. Be back in a few." Naruto left in flames.
"Fire Clone?" Hinata asked. 'No, that wasn't a Fire Clone. Naruto, what the hell are you thinking?'
"Hinata, he's blocking it from even me. Something that I don't think is good for either of us. I'll keep you posted as needed."
"Thanks Kyuubi."
"i just hope he doesn't get himself hur... Oh shit, the Forest of Death?"
"Iruka-sensei, what's the Forest of Death?"
"Why do you ask?"
"I think that's where Naruto's at." hinata replied.
"Yeah, that's where he's at, and there's someone else here. Damn, it's the Crazy Snake Bitch."
"Okay, what?"
"The Crazy Snake Bitch is also known as Anko Mitarashi. An outcast, to be precise. And he's talking to her. Wait a minute... she's actually being friendly with him?"
"Why didn't he tell me about her?"
"Well... Wait, it's more like his relationship with Iruka, from what I can see. Sibling, not girlfriend."
Hinata glanced at Iruka. "Sensei, are you familiar with Anko Mitarashi?"
"Vaguely." Iruka admitted. "She's been known to seduce anyone just to get in their pants. I haven't met her myself, but being with Naruto has shown me that I shouldn't judge people based on other's opinions. If I did, Naruto wouldn't be like a brother to me. Why?"
"He's talking with her."
"How do you know this?" Fu asked.
"Mr. 9 is giving me a bit of a play by play. It seems like their relationship is more like siblings, according to him." Hinata told them.
"She just kissed his forehead... Forget sibling. More like mother." Hinata sweatdropped, before coming up to the south side of the forest. "Kyuubi, where in the forest are you?"
"Southeast corner. Approximately 2 Km away from your position, ENE, 20*."
"We're on our way."
It took a few minutes, but Iruka, Fu, and Hinata landed in the clearing. "Naruto, why did you come in here? It's dangerous!"
"Iruka-sensei?" Naruto asked, surprised. "I was just meeting with Anko. I remembered that I hadn't seen her since before that Inuzuka Prank I played before all this strange shit kept coming up, so I thought I could fill her in."
"Naruto... You know her?"
"Yeah, he's like a little brother to me. One I wish I had, but at the same time, I never could." Anko told them, eying Fu suspiciously. "Who are you?"
"My name is Fu, and I'm more like Naruto than you, I'd wager." She told her.
"Unless you were a Jinchuuriki, you wouldn't be." Anko told her, before her eyes widened. "No... You mean..."
"Yeah, I was about to get to the meeting, guys."
"What meeting?" Iruka asked.
"Summons Meeting?" Hinata asked, earning a nod.
"Wait, you already got a summon, gaki?" Anko asked.
"I've got 3. Toad, Phoenix, and Kitsune." Naruto told her. "Sweet huh?"
"I'll say. You got really lucky with that. The Snakes don't get along with anyone else." Anko crossed her arms. "I'd really want to get rid of them, but my fighting style revolves around them. Now, can we get back to the little story of yours?"
Naruto chuckled, before continuing. It was a while later that Naruto paused for a bit. He had just gotten to the beginning of the Wave Mission.
"What? Is that all you've done in all this time?" Anko asked.
"No, it's not. It's just..." Naruto didn't finish his statement before throwing a Kunai into the brush. This sent everyone on their guard. "You finally going to come out? Or are you going to keep hiding?" Naruto asked, seemingly completely calm.
Kurenai appeared, his Kunai in her hand. "Is this how you greet visitors?"
"No, it's how I flush out an eavesdropper, that do a poor job at hiding themselves." Naruto told her.
"Poor?" She asked. "and just how was that poor?"
"Because I know you've been there since Hinata entered the Forest."
"You knew?" Hinata asked.
"Of course I knew. Why wouldn't I know where my fiance is?" Naruto asked.
"I... oh." Hinata didn't look down.
"Fiance, huh? Why didn't you tell me about this, Hinata?" She asked.
"Kurenai, I didn't say anything because of all the weird things going on. I've been a little too busy lately." Hinata told her, earning a raised brow.
"And what exactly have you been doing? Surely he hasn't been taking advantage of you. Cause if he has..."
"If you touch him, I will hurt you." Hinata told Kurenai, her tone cold. Kurenai was surprised.
"When did you get so much confidence?"
"From him. He's done nothing but help, and I've been trying to find a way to pay him back for it. He's had the perfect chance to get... you know... but he always refused that act."
"Boys are merely perverts." Kurenai scoffed.
"Why do you think I created the Sexy Jutsu in the first place?" Naruto asked. "Too many perverts in the area. I use their interests against them with it. There is no man in the village that I have used it on, or it's second level, and stayed conscious. If their up from the Second level, I go to the third level, but that was only once. Come to think of it... I wonder if that guy is still in the hospital?"
"The hospital? For blood loss, probably." Anko stated.
"Nope. From what I could tell, a few Second Degree burns, with several first degree burns, a ruptured left eardrum, a few broken bones from the fall afterwards... and then slight blood loss, but that was minor compared to everything else." Naruto said. "I was about to go into my last mission, so you know."
"Was Hinata there?"
"Yeah, I know why you're asking." Hinata told her. "Come on over, we've got two side stories for it."
Naruto went into the mission details, but when he got to Zabuza's appearance he stopped. "Okay, this is where things get a little different. I left the team for a bit, to keep someone else away from the area. She wasn't good enough to hide from my senses, but she was able to hide from Kakashi-sensei."
"What? You mean to tell me you can pick up Kakashi when he's nearby?"
"Actually, I can find ANBU with relative ease. Elite ANBU at that. He, however, was focused on Zabuza. I left the others to hold off Zabuza, more likely to take him out, and keep her from interfering. I had her trapped in an area where neither of us could leave until the fight between Zabuza, or the rest of my team was dead. It was a gamble, but I knew they could handle it."
"Hinata, you went up against Zabuza Momochi and lived?"
"I had Sasuke and Kakashi-sensei with me. It was a group effort, and I mainly played Defense for the client." Hinata admitted. "The only thing I really did to him myself was a little Kitsune Illusion that slowed his reaction time. Even then, Sasuke was tired, Kakashi-sensei was a little tired as well, but not as much as Sasuke."
"Tell me how they did it. I'm curious." Hinata recounted her tale. Kurenai was surprised as hell by the time they finished.
"You mean Kakashi's been focusing on the Uchiha?"
"Actually, he's been teaching all of us." Hinata replied. "But even then there's not much he can teach us other than Ninjutsu, as Taijutsu was taken for all of us, and we're all learning Genjutsu or something similar from someone else."
"Something similar to Genjutsu?" Anko asked.
"Yeah, the Kitsune Illusions are similar to Genjutsu, and only Hinata and I can learn them. Secret of the Kitsune Summons, so don't ask. Also, they're made so no one can copy them without full contact with a Kitsune that you are on good terms with. Even then, they have to teach you." Naruto told her.
"Sorry Nai-chan." Anko said, apologetically. "Looks like you wouldn't be able to learn them."
"Who are your usual Kitsune Summons?" Kurenai asked.
"Mine is Kituno. I've been learning from him." Hinata said, earning a nod.
"Mine was once a summon, but is not considered one. Kind of helps when he's sealed in you, you know?" Naruto admitted.
"Wait, you mean..."
"Yeah, he's been helping me out."
"It's too bad my curse won't go away." Anko mused, though Naruto heard it.
"If I may ask, why haven't you asked me for help regarding that curse on your neck?" Naruto asked, earning surprise from Anko.
"You think you could do something about it?" Anko sounded hopeful.
"If I had time to analyze it, I don't see why not." Naruto admitted. "Unfortunately, it would take a bit before I could come up with a solution."
"I see. Think you can start now?" Anko asked. "If I can get rid of it, the sooner the better." She moved her collar to show it.
Naruto had one look but then got interrupted.
"Naruto, get in here. Now." Kyuubi was stern and commanding in the voice, shocking Naruto a bit.
'What's so important that you have to interrupt this?'
"A solution, that works on seals twice as hard as that one to crack. No doubt that it will get rid of it, or at the very least, purify it."
Naruto looked at Anko, and the others. Kurenai looked... Hopeful? She must be friends with Anko.
Naruto walked to a nearby tree, and started to meditate. Hinata knew what the action meant.
"What's going on?" Anko asked. "Why isn't he studying it?"
"I think one look had the Kyuubi get an idea." Hinata replied. "And the idea itself is being explained in his mindscape. Good thing I already know how to go in there." Hinata sat next to him, opened up a Mental link, and started to meditate.
-Naruto's mindscape-
Naruto looked at the fox behind the bars. "Are you sure it will work?"
"Listen. I'm waiting for the purification myself. Half the corruption in me is in that mark, not to mention it's less dense, meaning it's easier to get rid of."
Hinata was listening as she walked through the sewers. She came up to the two at this point. "I figured you had an idea, Lord Kyuubi."
"So, you came as well...I don't think I'll need to do anything else, but he still a bit to go for Water Manipulation before he can execute this one."
"Wait a minute... His bloodline can get rid of it?" Hinata asked.
"Either that, or purify it completely. Either one will work, as it will not only destroy the corruption, but also any mental influence by the one that placed it in the first place. It will also prevent whoever placed it to use it."
"And that's why it would work?" Naruto asked.
"That's the only thing I can think of, but I have the full facts of it already. It's already sealed up, so we have some time. But if the bastard to place it comes by, he or she can still activate it."
"I see." Hinata and Naruto said, simultaneously. "Thanks for the idea. This is a good one, if not for the fact that I can't use it yet."
"You are close, aren't you?"
"Yes, he's actually almost there. Finish off that A-rank Water Jutsu, and you'd be good."
"Got it." Naruto replied.
"You might want to head out there, and let them know about it."
Naruto left before he could finish. Hinata shook her head. "Sorry about that."
"He does it all the time. I'm not worried."
Hinata shrugged and left herself.
-Clearing-
Naruto and Hinata opened their eyes. "Okay, I've got good news and bad news." Naruto said.
"What's the good news?" Anko asked.
"I can at least purify it, if not get rid of it with what came up." Naruto said.
"And the bad news?" Kurenai asked.
"I can't pull off the plan yet. Keyword: yet. I will be able to once my bloodline activates, but that's about it." Naruto told them.
Anko and Kurenai looked at each other. "How long?"
"I can't say for sure, but now I have another reason to unlock it as soon as possible. I can't let Anko suffer from that thing. Sure, it's sealed right now, but that's not enough, especially if he comes here. He could still activate it." Naruto told them.
"Well, since the one that placed it is a Rogue, he wouldn't come here."
"Which one?"
"Orochimaru." Anko said, distaste in her mouth. Naruto, however, had his blood run cold, and dropped his head, his eyes shadowed. "Uh, what's wrong?"
Hinata used the still open link. "Oh no..."
"What is going on here, Hinata?" Kurenai asked, though sternly.
"He's pissed..." Anko's eyes widened. She hugged Naruto, but it didn't calm him down. Hinata and Fu joined in, and then he did.
Kurenai was in thought. 'If it takes all 3 of them to calm him down at the mere mention of the name, then something bad is going to happen if actually shows up.'
"It wouldn't be that bad, Kurenai." A voice told her. "Telepathy, so don't talk out loud. There's a reason for this reaction from Naruto. He already knows that the Snake Bastard is after another friend of his. To know that he did that to her, especially since she's like family to him, this kind of reaction is expected."
"Wait, what? Why would he think of her as family?"
"When you think about it, the saying "Birds of a feather flock together" applies nicely here. They're both Outcasts."
"I see... Wait, are you the Kyuubi no Yoko?"
"I don't know why you humans don't see the difference between a Yoko and a Kitsune. Yoko are corrupt, and far more deceitful than Kitsune. Kitsune are pranksters, but can be deadly if their playful nature goes too far, and they actually do want to take someone out. Naruto's the perfect example of a Kitsune. Serious when need be, but playful when it isn't."
"I can't see the difference... But if I had an example, that would help."
"You've got Naruto as an example for Kitsune. Only deadly when pissed."
"Yeah, I get that much."
"Think Orochimaru of the Sannin, only as a fox. That's a Yoko... although that might be sugarcoating it. I'm the only Kitsune that has been on both sides of the spectrum, but I prefer Kitsune over Yoko any day. The day I was forced to attack, and yes it was forced, I was trying to hold back as much as I possibly could that day. I'm happy with my current Cage for the time being. It keeps me away from the reason I left his mother."
"His mother?"
"Kushina Uzumaki, Kurenai. She was my Jinchuuriki before Naruto. She died when I was removed by the bastard that caused me to attack. I'm seriously hoping to get rid of him with Naruto's help. Until then, I can't say much else, but he's agreed to help me, and I've agreed to help him. He gets better, and I am freed from the damn Juubi."
"Now that I think on it... Holy shit! Why didn't I notice it before?"
"Pardon?"
"Kushina was my sensei for a year! Why did I not notice that he acts EXACTLY like her?"
Silence.
"Hello?"
"Sorry, I didn't expect the outburst. Okay here's the jist of it. He's waiting for Tsunade that way he can learn a bit of Medical Ninjutsu. Thanks to the massive boost in his Control with Jiraiya's help, he actually can use it. We've only got basic First Aid down, and I've been helping him in the knowledge area. Being a few thousand years old helps wonders with History."
"Well, I can help a bit. Kushina did teach me a bit about Medical Ninjutsu, and she learned from Tsunade herself."
"Then we should wait until he unlocks his Bloodline, so he can get rid of the Curse Mark. He's almost willing to forgo the Armor we've been spending almost a month to come up with for this."
"Armor?"
"Something that would make a fine alternative to the Jinchuuriki Cloak, which normally burns his skin, while protecting him from enemy Ninjutsu and Genjutsu. We've already started building it."
"Okay... Why are you so willing to help him?"
"Mutual benefit. For now, that's all you really need to know. If not for his Bloodline, I probably wouldn't be as helpful, but I think we should leave the What ifs alone. If he starts to forgo any contact with Hinata, and she comes to you, it's because of the situation with Anko. Even with the three of them trying to calm him, he's not completely calm. He is thoroughly pissed at the Snake Bastard. And if we remove it completely, we're giving her something else to prevent him from placing another. Hinata has it, Sasuke has it, even Naruto has it. I've been preparing Naruto, and he's been preparing them. The next Chuunin Exams... if Kakashi let's them participate, go along with it. We have a separate plan, should Orochimaru appear like Naruto and I think. Security is usually lower during the time of the finals. Perfect time to brand someone, or maybe..."
"Invasion... You think that's what he'd be after?"
"I'd say the former, but both of them are not out of the question. For now, this is only speculation, regardless of the odds of either one being as high as they are."
"So, don't worry about it until it happens?"
"That's basically it. If something happens, and he tries to mark Sasuke, as I figure he would, it won't take hold. Something we've made sure of. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Humans may be filled with traits I hate, mainly arrogance and ignorance, but they have some pretty sweet ideas. That's all I've got. If you have any questions, ask Hinata. I can tell you're close to her. She's not the same as she was before she graduated. Of that, I can guarantee."
"Thanks, I think."
Kurenai didn't get a response. She looked at Hinata. "Hinata, Anko, Fu, I think we should let him get to what he needs to do. And Hinata? You and I need to talk about a few things. He's got a lot to work on." The girls looked at her, but shook their heads.
"He needs comfort." Hinata told her. "I can't let it go like this."
"Hinata..." She looked back at him. "I need to do this. Anko needs the help, and I can give it. I just... please, let go for a while. I have to cool off somehow, and don't follow me because it's bound to get dangerous in the area. Anko, you said to stay out of the Northeast sector, right?"
"No... You aren't seriously thinking of..."
"Yeah, that's the best place for me right now." Naruto told her. "I have to do this."
They all let go, though reluctant. "Thanks. I'll get to it as soon as I can." Naruto then left in flames. Hinata was about to go after him, but Anko grabbed her shoulder.
"Let him go, girl." She said.
"Why should I let him risk his life?"
"His life's always been on the keen edge of a blade. There's nothing we can do about that. I use that same area to blow off a lot of steam. It works for us outsiders with massive tempers. Violent, but only dangerous for those in the area. And with him..." She looked in the direction he went. "He needs the solitude, because he's worse than I am when pissed. And they call me the Crazy Snake Bitch."
Hinata nodded. "Are you sure he'll be okay?"
"I'll be in the area, so if I hear the explosions stop, then I'll go in after him. Until then, I believe it best we leave him be." Anko told them. "My word may not be much, but when it comes to him, my word is as good as his."
Hinata looked at her for a minute, and saw the desperation, in his face. 'She's not lying. She truly cares for him...' "Alright... I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. There's a clearing in the Southern Forests. It has a 6 prong Shuriken in the center. When he's done, put him there, and I'll know. That Shuriken is a marker we use for others, and when one of us is close enough to it, the other knows."
Anko nodded. "I'll do that. Thanks for the advice." Hinata, and Fu left. Anko and Kurenai looked at each other.
"What is he to you?"
"I already said this Kurenai. He's a little brother to me. We outcasts have to stick together. If I could've adopted him when he was younger, I very well would have. Damn council blocked every attempt." Anko told her. "I tried maybe 30 times. I finally stopped trying, but I never stopped trying to protect him. Sometimes, when he was attacked, some of the attackers had Senbon in their bodies. No one ever figured out who did it."
"That was you?" Kurenai asked, surprised.
"Who else? Birds of a feather flock together, Kurenai. He and I are the same in many ways. There is no fucking way in fucking hell that I would ever stop caring for him. That is absolute." Anko said, her voice cold, and her face far worse than Orochimaru. It gave Kurenai the chills.
'Yeah. She's serious about it. And it looks like the Kyuubi was right about that saying... Wait, did I just agree with someone who attacked the village?' Before the thought could progress, Anko spoke.
"I suggest you get going. You're going to want to talk to Hinata, of that I am sure. Best to do it before she gets to her home, since not even I can enter it. Hell, even the Hokage can't enter it. So you better hurry if you want the explanation."
Kurenai nodded, and left in a Shunshin. Anko, on the other hand went to the edge of the Northeast quadrant.
The explosions continued for several hours. When they stopped for 5 minutes, Anko went in, and found Naruto snuggling up to a 10 foot tall Spider. A few wolves got in her way. "Wait a minute! I'm only here at his fiance's request. She wanted him at a certain spot when he was done. I'm only making good on my word here."
The wolves growled at her. She shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I can't understand you guys. Snakes, I can. Wolves? Not so much." A snake entered the area. It started talking to Anko. She then understood the situation. "Oh... I didn't realize he was on good terms with these guys. Do they know of his Fiance?" The snake looked at the others, they looked at it, and she nodded to Anko.
"So, they know of her, but not who she is, huh?" A nod. "Damn, that complicates things. She gave me the benefit of a doubt, and I can't make due on what I said if I don't get him to the spot she told me about." The snake started talking again. "Something about a 6 pronged Shuriken. Southern Forests."
The snake looked at the others, and they nodded. The snake then told Anko. "Wait... there's one here?" The snake started talking again. "Oh shit... They wouldn't let her go that far in. Unless she brought in some kind of proof."
The snake looked in thought, but then told Anko the idea. "They know of her summons? That could help with the proof. The two of them are the only ones that can summon Kitsune. In fact, until today I hadn't even heard of a Kitsune Contract." The snake looked at the others, and they nodded, and put Naruto on their back. They ran off, Anko sighing. "I told her my word is as good as his when it comes to him, and I can't even make good on it. This sucks. If I'm not there, she'll think I didn't go for it."
The snake nodded, then said something. "So they already know of the problem I have with this?" A nod. "I just hope she understands. We outcasts have to stick together."
The snake told her something, and Anko nodded. "Thanks. I appreciate the help. Hopefully she understands." The snake nodded in agreement, and then went after them.
-10 minutes later-
Hinata and Fu were talking, when Hinata stopped mid-sentence. "What's up?" Fu asked.
"That's not the place I told her. That's still in the Forest of Death. But I didn't know there was one of them there." Hinata said, before getting up and leaving the area with Wind. One of Naruto's clones looked at Fu. "She used a Wind Teleport to get to the location he's at. I can't help but wonder why he was taken there... Wait, maybe it has to deal with the wildlife. They don't trust Anko that much."
Hinata found herself next to a 6-prong Shuriken, Naruto right there in front of her, and several Wolves surrounding her. "I told Anko to bring her to the Southern Forests. And why isn't she here?" Hinata told them, while they were a lot less friendly. "Oh shut it. I gave her a chance, and she messed it up." The wolves then looked at her, and started communicating. "What about my summons? Why does that matter?"
The wolf told her what they came up with. "And this will help because?"
The second wolf told her it was Anko's idea, since they didn't trust her either. Not with Naruto. Hinata was silent. She bit her thumb, and summoned Kituno. "Hinata? What's up?" Kituno then noticed the wolves. "Please tell me I don't have to fight those wolves."
The wolves looked at each other then nodded at her, and let her get to Naruto. "He's on good terms with the wildlife here, isn't he?" She asked, earning a nod from one of the wolves. "And you're a little protective over him too, huh?" Another nod. "Did she at least try to explain herself?"
A snake entered the area. Kituno was talking with the snake. "Why is there a snake here?" While the wolves explained it to Hinata, the snake explained it to Kituno. Kituno came up to Hinata. "Lady Hinata, she tried to explain the situation, and even was a little depressed that she wouldn't be able to see Naruto after this, because she wasn't able to get close to him because of them."
"Got the same thing from them, aside from that last part." Hinata told him.
"They were gone with him before it came up. She actually thinks she failed you by not getting to him."
"I should fix that." Hinata told him. She looked at the wolves. "I'll take him home, don't worry that much about him. I wasn't aware of him being on good terms with those in this forest, which would help us quite a bit if we need another place to hide, or we can't leave the forest to hide. Anko tried to prove herself, and the fact she actually tried to get to him is good enough for me. I mean, the fact she thinks she failed is more than enough. I've recently found out she's like an older sister to him, maybe a mother. To her, he's more like a little brother. This was all recent, and she let him come here to blow off steam, regardless of me wanting him away from a place where his life was at risk. Turns out I was worried for nothing."
The wolves nodded. Hinata looked at Kituno. "Find Anko, tell her she's good in my book. She get's along with snakes, so she might smell like them."
"No worries there. The snake that was here just left to tell her."
Hinata nodded. "Head there, just in case. I need to be sure she gets the message. I'm not all that trusting of snakes, but her? I can trust her with this." Kituno nodded and left. Hinata thanked the wolves, and left with him in a Wind Teleport.
Kituno looked at the wolves. "Any idea where she would be?" The wolves gave something akin to a shrug. "Damn. Got to go after the snake then." Kituno jumped after it and found Anko on the south side of the forest, just outside the boundaries.
"Anko Mitarashi, I presume?"
She looked up and saw the 2 tailed fox. "What do you want?"
"To talk about your little test earlier."
"What about it? I failed to get to him, so I couldn't bring him to the spot she told me about."
"And yet she still deems you worthy." This caught Anko's attention.
"Why? I failed to get to him."
"Yet you tried, and kept your word to the point that was possible. The wildlife was pretty protective of him, and they didn't trust you either. Lady Hinata now knows this, and understands the situation. I heard it all from a snake. She got it from the wolves. She wasn't aware of the wildlife wanting to protect him either. As such... she has stated that you are worthy."
"Heh... I fail at the one thing I would never want to fail at... and I still pass... This is awkward, but I'm glad. Thanks for letting me know I'm not a total failure for not being able to help him. At least I can still see my little brother."
Kituno cocked his head. "Who knew you were such a softie?"
"It's only when it comes to him." Anko said, sternly. "He's had a rough life. Some of the attacks on him when he was younger... well the attackers had a few Senbon in their bodies. Courtesy of my rage. No child, demon or otherwise, should be treated like that."
Kituno was silent at that. "Damn, you're being honest there. Heh, you really care for him."
"Similar circumstances. Bird of a feather flock together. We outcasts have to stick together, after all."
"I see. You're taking care of your kind."
"That's what you'd do too, isn't it?"
"Yeah, it is." Kituno looked away. "I'm out. Never let go of that belief."
"If I do, I'd commit suicide." Anko said, earning a nod and a puff of smoke. 'I'd probably do the same if no one else opens up. The blonde gaki is the only one I've really got, aside from Kurenai, Yuugao, and Hana. Yet, I'm the only one of us that truly felt for him. I guess the saying is true.'
Anko jumped off and went home.
00000x00000
Alright this chapter is finished.
Some of you may have seen bits and pieces of the armor, or rather, some of it's abilities. Well, here's some news for you: I haven't even scratched the surface of it's abilities!
Yeah, so far, I've only gone through the basics, and none of the advanced shit, and I've already decided on a form. You'll still have to wait for a while for it's appearance.
In the meantime, I've had a lot of new ideas, and I've started another story, but have yet to post it. It's a Sailor Moon/Naruto crossover, so if I post something along those lines, it means I finally found a name for it.
Now, another story comes to mind. It's a Pokemon/Naruto Crossover. Aside from that, nothing else truly comes to mind, as most of it is a mess of ideas.
Ja ne!