Declaimer: I own nothing in this fanfic, but my created characters they abilities and Jutsu and that is about all I own "Goes to corner and starts crying"
Writing: Italic: thought, Bold: Bijuu or summoning speaking.
"In our world... we must stand alone to fight for others."-Unknown
"If I am what I have, and I lose what I have. What am I."-Unknown
"The gears of time are constantly turning. We are only here to observe."-Ultimo
At first Naruto didn't say anything; except stare at his mom, but taking a deep breath, Naruto began to explain what happened. He told her how Kinkaku and Ginkaku took care of him, how he would prank Ginkaku, and all the other good times they had. Kushina did nothing, but listen. Noticing something different, Kushina looked down and saw her hand slowly peeling apart. "Orochimaru has ended the Edo Tensei," clarified the Uzumaki. She stared at her son and smiled at him, with a grin very reminiscent of his. "I may not like having those two raise you, but they seemed to have kept you safe, but my time as run out."
"Hold up a sec," shouted Naruto. Closing his eyes, Naruto focused on Kurama's cage. Opening his eyes, Naruto found himself staring up at Kurama. "Can you do anything for her?"
"You may possess Yang chakra, but even that is not enough to bring someone back who has been dead for years," stated Kurama, but still his chakra slithered out of his cage and towards Naruto. "But there is one thing I can do; it will at least let you talk to her for a few moments longer." Naruto gave the Bijuu a big smile of gratitude, but Kurama pretended not to notice. Outside Naruto's mind, everyone watched as the strange yellow chakra shot forward and wrapped around Kushina's body. Kushina felt something pulling on her subconscious. Instead of resisting, Kushina allowed the force to pull her in. Finding herself in a sewer, Kushina suddenly found her son latched around her waist.
"Kurama is pulling all of your remaining chakra into my mind," answered Naruto, before Kushina could even get her question out. "That way we can talk a little longer."
"Who is Kurama," questioned Kushina, but her answer was a deep growl that drove her attention to the cage. Kurama stared at Kushina with one eye glinting with pure malice, but stopped when Naruto stepped in front of him.
"Its okay, Kurama," reassured Naruto with a big smile.
"Wait you call Kyuubi, Kurama," Kushina covered her ears as Kurama roared at her, but was silenced when Naruto landed on his muzzle.
"Please stop," pleaded Naruto. Kushina watched with as Kurama seemed to calm down, but the glare he gave was anything else; except friendly. "I don't know why you are so anger with my mom, but I'm sure you guys can work it out." Kurama gave a snort, but gently wrapped one of his nine tails around Naruto, before setting him outside his cage.
"What a minute," Kushina spoke up getting the fox's attention. "Your real name is Kurama. Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because you like so many others only see the Bijuu as beasts," growled Kurama. "I don't have the time to waste my breathe telling someone my real name, who will never use it." At this Kurama turned his eye on Naruto and stared at the boy, who smiled back up at him. "Your son is different. Instead of fearing me and locking me away and refusing to talk, he tried to try understand me. He talked to me and kept me company; unlike you." Kurama, at this point, curled up and feign sleep once more.
Staring at the red haired Uzumaki; who stared at her son. "So you made friends with Kyu- I mean Kurama," corrected Kushina.
"Yeah, he was grumpy and refused to talk at first," answered Naruto as he reached through the cage and gave Kurama a gently pat. "But after awhile he began to trust me and I trust him. When I look at him I don't see a monster, I see a comrade, a friend who needed help." Kushina smiled at her son.
"I'm glad to see that my son grew into a mature young man," said Kushina. This got a mischievous chuckle from her son.
"Judging from what Kurama was saying, it sounded like you two knew each other very well," Naruto statement caused a frown to grow on his mom's face.
"Yes, I was his Jinchuriki," answered Kushina. Almost immediately Naruto could sense the change in his mom's tone. It went from happy to serious. "I need to warn you about a certain man." With that Kushina began to tell Naruto the events of his birth. How she came to Konoha, about their clan. She told him about the masked man attacking and taking control of Kurama. How his father, Minato, had defended the village. At the end of it all, Kushina waited to see her son's reaction, but her son's face was like a stone. The silence was only broken by Kurama's heavy breathing.
"So that's why Kinkaku and Ginkaku raised me," said Naruto. "You guys died to protect the village and me." Nodding her head, Kushina was expecting her son to scream at her, but instead, he gave the woman a big hug. "I love you mom." Surprised soon turned to relief, as Kushina returned the hug.
"I thought you would be mad at your dad and me for leaving you to defend for yourself," remarked Kushina who saw her son had tears in his eyes.
"How could I be mad at you," questioned Naruto, with a small smile. "You guys fought to defend the village and me. You died to protect me, but I couldn't be mad at you. Since that day, I was raised by my brothers and I met Kurama." At this Kurama's ear twitched, but he made no other movement. "I wish I could've known you guys longer, but I'm glad I got to talk to you and learn what you and dad were like." Kushina nodded her head as she kissed Naruto on the head. At that moment, Kushina was beginning to fade into light, but she gave Naruto once last encouraging thing before she vanished. "Your father and I are proud of you Naruto and we always will be no matter what. We love you." With that the Uzumaki disappeared leaving behind Naruto.
"So, do you hate me," Kurama's voice brought Naruto's attention to the Bijuu, who was looking at Naruto with one eye opened. "Do you despise me because I had a hand in your family's death?" Naruto just smiled at the fox.
"I can't be mad at something that wasn't your fault," stated Naruto, shocking the fox. "My father was already dead once he used that Shiki Fūjin (Dead Demon Consuming Seal). My mom was on the verge of death and suffering for it, but they wouldn't have died if it wasn't for that masked guy." Naruto's hand curled into a fist as his blue turned cold. "If I find that guy who used you like that and killed my parents, I'll beat the hell out of him!" Kurama saw the fire of determination burn in Naruto's eyes before the boy turned away. "But before I go, I just want to say; thanks for being my friend and allowing me to talk with my mom." Before Kurama could respond, Naruto vanished leaving behind a very conflicted fox.
XXX
Naruto awoke in the hospital in confusion as he stared around. As he tried to set up, he found a strange heaviness on his chest. Looking down, Naruto stared into the face of Hinata. The young Hyuga had fallen asleep and landed on the boy. Holding back the urge to snicker, Naruto gently shook the small girl. As Hinata opened her eyes, she found herself staring into two blue orbs. Releasing a small gasp, that sound like a mouse, Hinata jerked up with a blush on her face. This caused a grin to grow on Naruto's face. Naruto went to stand, but found a sharp pain run through his body. "Ow," groaned Naruto as he massaged his sore muscles. Hearing the door open, Naruto and Hinata both looked to see a doctor walk in.
"I think it's time for you to go Miss. Hina-." The doctor stopped when he saw Naruto staring at him. Rushing forward the medic took to examining the boy.
"How are you feeling any headaches or drowsiness," questioned the doctor, but Naruto just shoved him away.
"I'm fine," spoke Naruto with a slight edge to his voice. Forcing himself onto his feet, Naruto felt his muscles scream, but he ignored them. Standing to his full height, the doctor watched as Naruto's struggled to keep the boy up.
"I don't think so," said the medic. "Another day and you should be back to full strength." Naruto just growled and sat down and watched the medic walk out.
"How are you feeling," Hinata's voice broke through Naruto's thoughts.
"I'm fine, just a little confused about how I got here," said Naruto as he stared at the hospital.
"Well, after that yellow chakra surrounded your mom, you kinda passed out," said Hinata. Standing up once more, Naruto looked around and saw his clothes on a chair next to his bed. Grabbing them, Hinata let out a small noise that stopped Naruto from removing the hospital garb.
"Sorry, I should go to the bathroom," Naruto apologized as he shut the door. The boy soon exited the room rotating his arm with a pained expression on his face. "Man this hurts."
"Well, maybe you should rest for awhile, I'm sure you'll feel better after another day of rest," assured the Hyuga, but Naruto just grinned and walked towards the window.
"I'm not good with just sitting around and waiting to be healed," answered Naruto, but stopped as he saw a reluctant Hinata still sitting on her chair. "Well, aren't you coming?" Hinata looked up and saw the boy holding out his hand. "I could use the company and the way I'm heading I can drop you off at your house." Seeing Naruto unmoving, Hinata sighed before walking towards the boy. Before she knew what was happening, she found herself on Naruto's back and jumping out of the hospital window. Holding on, Naruto chuckled as Hinata's grip tightened. "I have a question if you don't mind me asking it?" Seeing the girl nod, Naruto continued. "Why were you using my chest as a pillow?" Naruto didn't need to turn around; he could feel the heat on Hinata's face.
"Well, I offered to keep an eye on you and when you woke up, I was to go and get Jiraiya-sama," explained the Hyuga. "But I got tired and I guess I passed out."
"Understandable," stated Naruto as he approached the Hyuga compound. Seeing Hitomi sitting on a chair, Naruto dropped in front of her, Hitomi uttered a startled scream, catching the attention of the guards. Noticing the Hyuga guards heading his way, Naruto let Hinata off before jumping away once more. After taking in some air, Hitomi smiled at her daughter.
"It would appear Naruto is in good health," said Hitomi. Hinata didn't respond, except with a nod and a smile.
XXX
Naruto approached the Hokage tower and saw figure appear next to him. Seeing the figure reach for him, Naruto spun in the air, and delivered a kick to the individual's face. After the man had yelped in surprise did Naruto finally notice who he had just kicked; Jiraiya. "Is this how you greet people," growled out the Sannin, rubbing his check ruefully.
"Sorry, but you should know better then to sneak up on a fox," joked Naruto as he dodged a punch from the hermit.
"Anyway, Sarutobi-sensei wants to see you," said Jiraiya as he led the way to the Hokage's tower. As they approached, Naruto followed Jiraiya up the stairs to the Hokage's office. Once inside the office, Naruto saw his team standing in a corner wearing smiles.
"Naruto Uzumaki," Sarutobi's voice got Naruto's attention as he looked at the old man. "For you help in stopping the invasion, possible saving my life, and getting the Kazekage-."
"Speaking of which, what is going to happen to Sunagakure," interrupted Naruto.
Sarutobi just smiled as he locked his fingers together. "Apparently, Sakin was under a very powerful Genjutsu," said Sarutobi getting a smirk from the blonde. "He wanted to talk to Konoha about changing our treaty up to make things easier on Suna. After discussing some things with the Kazekage, we finally agreed on the final treaty."
"Well, I'm glad things worked out."
"Not so fast," Sarutobi smile increased slightly. "Sakin also sends his personal opinion on you and thanks you for saving his village and most importantly his son, Gaara, who seems to be doing a little better. Now on to the reason you are here." Motioning to the door, Naruto turned and saw a Jonin walk carrying a flak jacket. "Sakin's personal opinion was that, after seeing your strength, your caring personality, and your determination. He has recommended you having a promotion to Chunin, and after seeing all I saw; I couldn't agree more." The Jonin handed Naruto the flak jacket, who took it, albeit with hesitation. "Is something wrong?"
"No, is just that I miss my old flak jacket," pouted Naruto.
"Don't worry, once yours, you can alter it anyway you like," stated Sarutobi and noticed the grin grow on Naruto's face. As the boy accepted the vest, Sarutobi spoke up once more. "We also have a mission for Jiraiya and you."
"Why me," questioned Naruto.
"Well, original it was just going to be for Jiraiya, but he wants you along to train you a little more," stated Sarutobi as his gaze met Jiraiya's eyes.
"So what's the mission," asked Naruto as he finished putting on his vest.
"Thanks to you we have one of Orochimaru's bodyguards in custody," said Sarutobi. "But she is in a coma from whatever it was Orochimaru did to her. So your mission is to go and retrieve a certain medic for us."
"And who, if I may ask, is this medic," Sarutobi smiled at the boy as he spoke the name of the person they were to find.
"Tsunade Senju."
XXX
Orochimaru was beyond furious. He not only lost the invasion, but the sound four had all, at least three of them, had been killed. Kabuto stood in the far off corner, in hopes of escaping what wrath Orochimaru had. "That Uzumaki brat was quite a thorn in our side, right Kabuto," growled out the enraged Sannin.
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru," announced Kabuto.
"I want you to prepare yourself," stated Orochimaru as he sat down and stared out the sky. "When the time comes you are to convince the Uchiha to come here." Just as Kabuto went to refuse, he stopped and remained silent for a second.
"Yes, my lord."
Noticing the tone of apprehension in Kabuto's voice, Orochimaru's eyes followed him until he left the room. "What a strange little boy," inquired Orochimaru.
XXX
Standing at the gate that left Konoha, Naruto waited patiently for Jiraiya. Hearing approaching footsteps, Naruto's eyes opened slightly to see Haku, Suigetsu, and Yamato staring at him. "We just came by to wish you luck and be safe," stated Yamato as Haku and Suigetsu nodded.
"Congrats on being promoted, dude," said Suigetsu as he shook Naruto's hand. "If anyone deserves it, I would put my money on you anytime."
"I wish I was there to help you in the fight," said Haku with a note of sadness in her voice.
"Don't sweat it, I'm just glad Suigetsu was there to keep you safe during the invasion," Naruto patted Haku on the shoulder, just as Jiraiya arrived.
"Ready to get going, Naruto," Jiraiya said with a laid back tone in his voice. After saying his final goodbyes, Naruto walked out of Konoha with Jiraiya. As the two walked the through the forest, Jiraiya noticed Naruto deep in thought. "What's bothering you, Naruto?"
Looking at Jiraiya, Naruto ignored the question for a second, before he decided to answer. "I was thinking about the Rasengan," said Naruto getting Jiraiya's attention. "Is there a way to apply you nature chakra to-?" This only got a laugh from the Sannin.
"You think a little, brat like you can do what the Yondaime and I couldn't do," mocked Jiraiya, but the intensity of Naruto's stare stopped him cold. "You're serious?"
"I don't say something without meaning it," growled Naruto as he focused a Rasengan into his hand. Looking intently at the spinning orb, Jiraiya saw the wheels turning in the young boy's head.
"I wish you luck, then," said Jiraiya with a hint of pride in his voice. "You are about to walk on a path, that-."
"My dad and you couldn't finish," finished Naruto, startling the hermit. "Mom told me, while I was talking to her, and don't worry. I will succeed and finish where you and my father stopped." Nodding his head in approval, Jiraiya rubbed his eyes, as the form of Naruto was shrouded by his father's.
"Yeah, I think you would be very proud of your son, Minato," thought the man as the two continued their journey.
XXX
2 days later
Jiraiya and Naruto walked into the newest town to follow on the lead on Tsunade's whereabouts. Wincing as his bandaged head brushed against a post, Naruto rubbed it in hopes of soothing it. Seeing this, Jiraiya couldn't help, but worry for his student. In the hopes of putting his own wind-based chakra into the Rasengan, Naruto was straining his chakra network beyond what they should be able to handle. The result was intense pain flowing through his hand. Jiraiya caught him on one of these training drills. Naruto was standing in the middle of a forest, blood dripping from his torn palms, but the boy ignored them and kept trying. Despite the pain, Naruto had the drive to succeed, but the same drive that was keeping him going, was also hurting him. "Naruto, I don't want you trying to combine your nature chakra with the Rasengan for a few days," insisted Jiraiya, but he could see the indignation in Naruto's eyes. "Your chakra network and you in generally need a rest from that. It's not that I think you can't handle it, it is that I don't want the damage already done to grow anymore." Nodding his head, Naruto kept his eyes down. Looking down every street corner and building, the two found no trace of the female Sannin. Just when they were about to head out, Jiraiya saw someone waving their arm in a bar. Turning towards the person, he saw Tsunade waving at a waiter.
"Tsunade," exclaimed the hermit!
Tsunade turned her bloodshot eyes at the man, and narrowed at him in a confused manner, but her eyes lit up as she recognized the blurry form. "Jiraiya," mumbled the drunken lady. As Jiraiya and Naruto entered the establishment, they ordered some drinks; water for Naruto and some sake for Jiraiya. Taking their seats, another woman sat down next to Tsunade. They sat in silence for a few second, until their drinks arrived. "So what is it that you want, Jiraiya?"
"Well, we have someone in a coma at Konoha, who has info on Orochimaru," stated Jiraiya, at the name Orochimaru Naruto saw the Sannin visible flinch. Chuckling slightly, Naruto reached for his drink, but hand shook too much and spilled the contents. Gripping the cup tightly, Jiraiya watched the cup crack until it broke. Glass shards stuck into Naruto's bandaged hand, but he ignored the blood, instead focused on the shivering Tsunade.
"She's still afraid of blood," thought Jiraiya with a twinge of sadness. He had hoped, Tsunade could've gotten past that fear, but apparently not.
"Hemophobia," stated Naruto as pulled the shards out of his hand, allowing them to heal. "That's a strange phobia to have, when you're a medic." The woman glared at Naruto, but the boy just shrugged. "I'm just saying."
"Well, you would probably be the same if you went through what she had to," the girl stated indignantly. Naruto was about to speak, but felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking at Jiraiya, he saw the man shake his head.
"So we need you to come back to heal her," stated Jiraiya. This seemed to snap Tsunade out of her shaking.
"I'm sorry, but I already told you people, I'm done with Konoha and everything about it," growled out Tsunade.
"But with the info-," Jiraiya didn't get to finish as Tsunade suddenly stood and went to leave, but found Naruto standing in front of her.
"He wasn't done talking, old lady," said the grinning Naruto, after seeing the tick mark appear on Tsunade's head. "Oh, yeah I can tell you are not what you appear, now why don't you seat down, before you break a hip." Ducking, Naruto narrowly avoided a punch thrown by the slug sannin. As Tsunade turned, she was restrained by her assistant.
"Please, apologized," pleaded the woman!
"Out of my way, Shizune," screamed Tsunade! "I need to teach this no name brat a lesson." Before Tsunade knew it, Naruto was standing next to her.
"I'll tell you my name," stated Naruto. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki, son of Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze, and brother to Kinkaku and Ginkaku." Tsunade stopped herself and stared at the boy in front of her. She soon saw the resemblance between Naruto and Minato, but then the last words of Naruto's statement hit her.
"You were the brother of Kinkaku and Ginkaku," spat Tsunade with disgust in her voice. "How could those two monsters know anything about being-?" She froze as she felt a spike of anger rise from Naruto. "Oh, did I hit a soft spot."
"Look we are both busy people, so how about you just come with us, heal the girl, and then you can go back to ruining your life," Naruto's words hit Tsunade hard, but the woman smiled.
"I have a better idea," stated Tsunade as she walked outside and motioned for Naruto to follow. "If you can put me on my knees I will go to Konoha, but you lose and Konoha leaves me alone, forever." Jiraiya was about to deny this bet for Naruto, but the blonde was faster.
"I accept," stated a cool-headed Naruto, who was already unzipping his chunin vest.
"But you are aloud only one jutsu," Tsunade stated smugly. "Anything else has to be Taijutsu." This caused a smirk to grow on the boy's face.
"Oh, I was hoping for more of a challenge, but this is going to be a cake walk," smirking, Naruto watched Tsunade approach a nearby building and flick it with her finger. Naruto's eyes widened slightly as he saw a head-sized hole dug through the stone.
"Still think it's going to be easy," questioned Tsunade?
"Oh, no," said a quivering Naruto, but he soon revealed a grinning fox face. "But this is going to be fun."
Sorry for the late update, but as I stated before I was on Spring Break, but I'm back. Next chapter is going to feature Tsunade and Naruto's fight and the appearance of a certain someone.