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.
"I will not stop, no matter what the cost, I will not stop. Even if the world should end and crumble into darkness. I will not stop walking for I do not fear the darkness because I thrive in darkness." -Unknown.
"War does not determine who is right only who is left..." - Unknown
Seeing Naruto charging at her, Yugito threw a punch at his head, but Naruto sidestepped the attack. Just as he moved past, Naruto drove his knee into Yugito's stomach. As the Jinchuriki bent over, Naruto grabbed her by the head, before driven her full-force into the ground. Grunting in pain, Yugito tried to get back up, but felt Naruto stomp on her back. Growling at her opponent, Yugito stared at Naruto, but found that what stared back, was someone devoid of emotion. "I want to know what you are after," stated Naruto before digging his foot into Yugito's back. Even with her chakra cloak, Yugito was surprised by the fact that she was hurting from Naruto's attacks. Seeing that Yugito was in the mood to answer his question, Naruto reached down and gripped her head. Feeling Naruto's hand grab her head, Naruto threw the women into the nearest boulder. Just as the boulder crumbled, Naruto stood above Yugito with a dangerous glint in his eyes. "You just told me that my brothers are dead, that everything I was fighting for meant nothing. So you better give me answers or I will end you here and now!" Yugito stared up at Naruto as the Jinchuriki's eyes burrowed into hers.
"Rikudō Sennin no Hōgu (Treasured Tools of the Sage of the Six Paths)," Yugito finally stated with a mumble, but this didn't seem to cool Naruto down.
"Those were with my brothers," snarled Naruto as he turned and began to walk away. "So, attacking me is wasting both of our ti-."
"We know you have them," screamed out Yugito as she stood up, but instead of attacking Naruto, she slammed her hands together as the chakra around her flared. "If you won't hand them over willingly, then I have no choice then to take them from your charred body!" Erupting into a blazing column of blue flame, Naruto got prepared for what was to come. Stepping out of the fire, Naruto was startled to see Yugito in Matatabi's form staring back at him. Giving off a roar, Yugito charged up a giant ball of fire. Launching the fire at Naruto, the boy jumped out of the way. Hearing the explosion in the distance, Naruto narrowed his eyes at his fellow Jinchuriki.
"Naruto!" Hearing someone shout out his name, Naruto turned towards the source. Seeing Jiraiya next to him, Naruto just smirked, before turning back to Yugito. "You are going to need help."
"With that drug running through you, I don't think that either of you are in much condition to do much," replied Naruto, but Jiraiya just scoffed at this remark.
"We are the legendary Sannin and you think a little chakra disrupting drug is going to affect us," Jiraiya uttered with as much bravado as possible, but Naruto still chuckled at him.
"Fine, but just stay out of my way," Naruto growled this out as he leapt at Yugito with incredible speed. Appearing on Yugito's back, Naruto tried to deliver a punch to her, but she evaded the attack with a fluid ease. Seizing her chance, Yugito wrapped both tails around Naruto, increasing the heat as she did. Naruto realized he was in trouble when he actually began to feel the heat through his cloak.
"I've got to get out of this and fast," Naruto thought as a clawed chakra arm grabbed one of Yugito's tails. Pulling hard, Naruto managed to pry the tail enough to get free. As he fell, Yugito swiped at Naruto with one of her paws. Raising his arms up, Naruto braced himself as Yugito swiped him across the field. Digging his feet in, the blonde Jinchuriki stopped himself, but just as he looked up, Naruto saw Yugito charging a Bijuudama (Tailed Beast Ball). As she prepared to fire, Naruto prepared to dodge, when a giant toad landed on her. Firing the sphere, Naruto watched the chakra vanish and explode in the distance. Standing on the toad's head was Jiraiya.
"Never count out a Sannin," yelled out Jiraiya, but the toad gave off a startled croak and leapt into the air, slamming the boasting Sannin onto his back. The fire on Matatabi's body had turned into an inferno. Turning her head towards the skyward toad, Yugtio began to charge a fireball. Seeing this, the toad reared its head back, before launching a stream of pressurized water. As the two forces collided, the water blasted through and headed straight for Yugito. Increasing the heat around her, the water was slowly turned to steam. Letting loose a roar that shook the earth, Yugito didn't notice Naruto or Tsunade appear next to her. Seeing the Sannin, Naruto stretched Kurama's chakra over her right arm.
"Let's do this," responded Naruto, seeing Tsunade stare at him. Pulling her arm back, Tsunade began to pile chakra into her fist; Naruto on the other hand, was forming a Rasengan. Catching movement, Yugito turned towards the two, but only received a chakra powered punch and a Rasengan for her troubles. Hitting her with enough force, the two watched as Yugito was thrown backwards. Lying on her back, Yugito saw Naruto falling towards her holding another Rasengan in his hand. Opening her mouth, Yugito began to charge another fireball. As she fired, Naruto increased the chakra flow in the Rasengan causing the tiny sphere to grow. Slamming the overgrown chakra orb into the fireball, Naruto let out a scream as the attack tore through the fire. Yugito watched in shock as Naruto drove the sphere into Yugito's stomach. The sound of the cracking earth could be heard, before the sphere finally exploded, gouging out a huge hole in the ground. Jumping put of the smoke, Naruto's chakra shroud was gone, but Naruto didn't seem tired by what he had done. Watching the smoke slowly dissipate, Naruto watched as Yugito emerged out of the smoke, still in her Bijuu state. Staring down Naruto, smoke slowly emerged out of Yugito's mouth as she prepared to burn the Uzumaki.
But before Yugito could respond with anything, her Bijuu form dispersed, leaving behind an exhausted Yugito. "Nibi, what are you doing," screamed Yugito, but received no response from the cat demon. Looking up, Yugito watched as Naruto's fist was drove into her stomach. Coughing up a small amount of blood, Yugito gave Naruto a glare, but received a punch directly in her face. Spiraling through the air, Yugito promptly landed in the same crater she was in. Walking towards the edge, Naruto stared down at the wounded Jinchuriki. Seeing her trying to move, Naruto released a growl, before slidding down towards her. Approaching his falling opponent, Naruto sensed the eyes of Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Shizune watching his next action. As Yugito watched, Naruto move closer to her, she seized her chance. Taking out a hidden kunai, Yugito tried to plunge the deadly dagger into Naruto, but the Uzumaki sidestepped the attempt. Seeing her elbow get to the correct area, Naruto brought his knee up and his elbow down at the same time. Feeling her elbow break under the pressure, Yugito grabbed her wounded arm. Going for a slap at Naruto, Yugito found her last good arm held by Naruto. Staring up at him, Yugito saw Naruto fighting with himself. His eyes flashed between anger and pity, but then they glazed over slightly.
"It's okay, Naruto," Yugito recognized the voice as the Nibi. "Just release her and walk back." Naruto seemed to growl at that, but still released Yugito and turned and began to walk up the side of the crater.
"Is that it," screamed out Yugito as she struggled to her feet. "I had a hand in your brother's deaths and you don't even want to try and avenge them." The moment Naruto turned around, Yugito realized her mistake, but it was already too late.
"Oh, trust me nothing would make me happier then to avenge my brothers," fumed Naruto as his anger began to boil, but quickly began to calm. "But they wouldn't want that. Kurama showed me the last memory of Kinkaku, and he expressed his hope that I would not kill you out of anger. So, in honor of that, I will not kill you." Naruto turned and began to walk up the crater, but on the way up he said one last thing. "You should listen to Matatabi a little more, maybe you'll live longer." Walking past the two Sannin and the medic, Naruto's eyes were hidden from view, but they all saw the trails of tears rolling down the Uzumaki's face. No one said anything as Naruto lead the way back to Konoha, his brother's pendants clanging in his pocket. Before leaving with the boy, Jiraiya turned to question Yugito, but found nothing, but an empty crater.
XXX
It should've been great seeing Konoha's gate, but for Naruto, it meant nothing. Ignoring the guards, Naruto continued on through, despite almost being apprehended. Hearing the approach of footsteps, Naruto looked up and saw his team, Hinata and her family, and Mikoto. "Jiraiya sent a message saying you would be here today," Mikoto answered seeing Naruto's confusion, but then saw the sadness in his blue eyes. "Naruto, what's wrong?" Ignoring the question, Naruto turned towards Suigetsu and remembered the times; Suigetsu would pull Haku aside and whisper. All that time, Naruto thought they were sharing moments alone, but now it made sense. They weren't talking about each other; they were talking about him. Taking a few steps forward, Naruto stared at Suigetsu, before reaching into his pocket.
"What, you got some fancy jewelry for me," Suigetsu teased, but saw the hurt in Naruto's eyes. Grabbing Suigetsu's arm, Naruto forced the pendants into his hand, before leaving in a shunshin (Body Flicker Technique). Confused, Suigetsu didn't understand the importance of the gold and silver blood covered pendants. Then it hit Suigetsu. Reading the kanji on both sides, Suigetsu's eyes widened as he looked up at Jiraiya. The Sannin didn't answer, just gave a short nod.
XXX
On top of the HokageMonument, Naruto tried everything to rid himself of the sadness that plagued his heart. He tried to deny what had happened; thinking it was just some horrible dream. Sliding down a nearby tree, Naruto's eyes filled with tears. "Kit," Kurama's voice was filled with worry for its Jinchuriki. "Are you feeling any better?" Naruto chuckled at the fox's attempt at trying to help.
"No, Kurama I don't feel any better," stated Naruto. "And I don't think I will ever feel better." Kurama didn't really know what to say, he usually destroyed the things that hurt him, but this was a different matter. "Hey, Kurama you said that you lost someone important to you. If you don't care, who was it that you lost?" Hearing Kurama sigh, Naruto knew he had hit a sore spot, but the fox talked first.
"I lost the man I considered a father he was the Rikudō Sennin," stated Kurama shocking and confusion Naruto. Feeling the fox's sadness, Naruto entered the familiar sewer. Walking towards the cage, Naruto saw that next to his eyes, Kurama's fur was wet. "Here, let me show you." Kurama's tail extended towards Naruto, which the boy gladly grasped.
XXX
Opening his eyes, Naruto was greeted with a very cute, but sad sight. A man stood in the center of the Bijuu and was speaking to them about his life ending. Scanning the roll of Bijuu, Naruto saw a smaller version of Kurama crying, but the others Bijuu were all nodding accepting the man's demise, but Naruto could tell they weren't happy about it. As the tears kept falling, Shukaku snickered at his brother. "Look, the big bad, Kurama is crying," stated Shukaku with a deranged chuckle in his voice. Fury, leapt into Kurama's eyes as he growled at his Bijuu brother.
"At least I'm the weakest of us," roared Kurama; stopping Shukaku's laughter. The old man turned his head towards the anger fox and looked like he was trying to calm him down. The other Bijuu tried to get Kurama to settle down, but Kurama was beyond listening to them. Turning on his back legs, Kurama ran from his family; leaving behind a saddened old man. Kurama ran up a small hill surrounded by trees and boulders and hide behind them. As he continued to cry, Kurama heard a twig snap behind him. Looking towards the noise, he found the same old man staring at him with a smile on his face.
"I thought you would run here," stated the Rikudō Sennin, but was sent into a small series of coughing fits. Worried, Kurama emerged from his hiding spot to see if he could help, but the man just waved the worried Bijuu down. Breathing in some air, the man returned to smiling at the worried fox. "Now, I thought I told you to be nice to your brother, Shukaku?"
"Yes, but he started it," Kurama said this like a child caught stealing a cookie. Naruto couldn't help, but smile at that.
"Yes, but that doesn't give a reason to insult him," the Rikudo stated softly as he sat down. Kurama wrapped his tails around the man as he lay down next to him. Watching the sky reddened from the setting sun, Kurama looked down at the man who gave him life. The man said nothing, just waited for Kurama to make his move.
"You could seal me inside of you," offered Kurama; this wasn't what the Rikudo was expecting. Staring up at his Bijuu son, he could see the seriousness mixed with the sadness. "You don't have to die, I could keep you alive; extend your life past what-."
"Kurama -," Rikudo tried to interrupt, but Kurama just kept talking.
"I could give help you stay-."
"Kurama, please-."
"You wouldn't have to-."
"Kurama," yelling at Kurama, Rikudo gave the fox Bijuu a stern look! Shamefaced, Kurama hid behind one of his tails. Sighing, the elderly ninja gently peeled back the fur and saw Kurama with one of his paws on his muzzle, hiding his eyes. But Rikudo didn't need to see them in order to know, Kurama was crying. Despite the tough persona, Kurama was always easier to get to tears. "Now, don't cry."
"I don't want to see you die," cried Kurama as his body rocked. The Rikudo gently stroked, Kurama's fur while he waited for him to finish. "I thought you would live longer, I thought you would always be there."
"And I will," the Rikudo gently said as he continued petting Kurama. "I will live on in your heart and the hearts of the other Bijuu. I would love to be there in person to watch how this world will turn out, but I can't." Kurama looked at him, but the Rikudo stared at him with a deep meaning in his eyes; I'm talking you listen. "Even though it is a tempting offer to allow me to seal you in myself, I can't do that."
"And why not," asked Kurama in a hurt voice.
"Because, humans are only meant to live for so long," Rikudo's confused Kurama, but the fox remained silent as the man continued. "If I was to accept this offer, there would be a chance I might misuse that kind of power. If I die there is little chance that someone will misuse my power or me for that matter."
"But you would never allow yourself to fall that low," reasoned Kurama, but the man chuckled.
"I would much rather not take that chance," Rikudo tired to get the Bijuu to understand, but it was slow going. "Now listen, I created you nine, because the Juubi was soon to break out of my seal, but I also created you for another thing."
"What," curiosity got the better of Kurama as he looked up at the man. The Rikudo just smiled down at him with amusement dancing in his eyes.
"When the time comes, you guys will decide the fate of the world," the Rikudo continued to smirk at the Bijuu. "It is just like what I said, you will meet one human and he will unite you and lead you down the right path, but you will also, hopefully save the world." The Bijuu just nodded, but the Rikudo continued. "I need you to promise me something, that no matter what, you will remain the fuzzy little fox that I know and love."
Kurama chuckled and stared up at the Rikudo with love in his eyes. "I promise," Kurama's promise caused a chuckle to come from the old man, but Naruto didn't get to see anymore.
XXX
Gasping, Naruto saw shame all over Kurama's face. "I broke my promise to him," Kurama answered with sadness in his voice. "He was the man who gave me life and I broke the only promise he wanted me to keep. I was just so angry at everyone using me and treating me like a weapon or a monster; that I finally snapped. I wanted to hurt anyone that got in my way, even my Bijuu brothers and sisters refused to come near me. I was truly alone."
Naruto sighed before stepping into the cage. Kurama looked down as Naruto laid against his side. "I don't see any difference between this Kurama and the tiny one," Naruto said with amusement in his voice. "Sure, you went down a very dark path, but you are coming back." Hearing Kurama chuckle, Naruto stared at the fox and saw a sad smile on his face.
"You sound just like Matatabi," Kurama stated with amusement in his voice. Kurama's eye dilated a little as he stared off in the distance, before smiling once more. "As much fun as I have talking to you, I think it's about time you go back."
"Why do you think that, Kurama?"
"Because as we were talking; someone has been waiting patiently for you to wake up."
Nodding his head, Naruto gave Kurama one last pat before departing. Keeping his smile, Kurama gently lowered his head onto his paws and watched.
XXX
Naruto opened his eyes and yawned a little. Remembering Kurama's words, Naruto looked around until he saw a worried Hinata sitting in front of him. "Jiraiya told us what happened," sadness loomed in Hinata's voice as Naruto's eyes dulled slightly.
"I guess in the back of my head, I always knew," confessed Naruto, with a sad chuckle. "Waking up with only a vague memory of what happened and only seeing Suigetsu, it was tough believe my 'memories', but I did and shoved all those bad feelings and regrets to the back of my head." Sighing to himself, Naruto saw Hinata sit herself next to him. "Hope, that is what made me believe they were alive, despite all the evidence that was shoved into my face."
"I can't imagine what you are going through, Naruto," Hinata said trying to cheer the Uzumaki up. "But I'm sure they wouldn't want to see you like this, right?"
Looking at Hinata, Naruto couldn't help, but laugh at the girl. "I guess your right. If they were here right now, they would've probably beaten the sadness out of me; then we would have a laugh about it." Hinata didn't know how to feel about the 'beating the sadness out of me', but Naruto saw the confused look. "Training, they would keep me training until I stopped being sad, nothing bad, just generally stuff; chakra control, Jutsu training, etc."
Hinata nodded her head as she saw Naruto mouth twitch into a smile. "Remember how you told me you would tell me more about your brothers," after saying this, Hinata heard Naruto's chuckle.
"I guess I did," stated Naruto as he looked up at the sky. "Well, what would you like to know?"
"How about what you guys did for fun," asked Hinata? With that Naruto told Hinata everything about where his brothers would take him, what they did for fun, and even the times Naruto nearly was beaten by Ginkaku for putting fish in his pants. This continued, until Naruto and Hinata eventually passed out.
XXX
Hiashi and Hitomi were looking for Naruto, until they looked up at theHokageMountain. Naruto and Hinata were both asleep, Naruto had his head leaned back against the tree while Hinata's head was against his shoulder. Smiling to her husband, Hitomi noticed that Hiashi was smiling as well. Moving forward, Hitomi noticed Naruto's eyes were cracked open. "Be careful, she just fell asleep," whispered Naruto as he leaned forward. "I was hoping someone would come looking for me up here." Gently picking the Hyuga up, Naruto felt Hinata twitch slightly. After Hinata got comfortable again, Naruto gave the sleeping Hyuga to her mom. "When she wakes up tell her, thank you." Before the two could respond, Naruto began to walk away. Looking down, Hitomi noticed the smile on her daughter's face. Turning to Hiashi, Hitomi already found the man walking down the mountain.
"Now, all she has to do is admit to him, how she feels," Hitomi thought, thinking about her daughter's happiness. Following her husband, Hitomi stifled some giggles.
XXX
Sasuke sat staring at the burnt logs with a burning anger in his eyes. Even after all the training, he felt he was no where closer to defeating his brother. "I need to become stronger no matter the cost," mumbled Sasuke, but jumped as he heard a chuckle from behind him.
"Is that so," the dark figure stated with laughter in his voice. "Well, I know someone who can help you with that." Stepping forward, Kabuto revealed himself to the Uchiha.
"Oh, and who would that be," Kabuto didn't answer, but instead gave Sasuke a scroll.
"Meet me at this location tomorrow and I will have a special someone waiting there to take you from this weak village," Kabuto's words echoed in Sasuke's ears as the medic stepped a little closer. "Or maybe you like being weak." Taking a swing, Sasuke found nothing there, but air. "Remember you have till tomorrow to make your choice, Sasuke." Leaving the young Uchiha behind, Kabuto went to recruit the bodyguard of the young Uchiha.
XXX
The Raikage was furious. A day had gone by since Yugito's return, but not with what he wanted. Instead of returning with the lost treasures, she returned battered and bruised. Sitting in his office, he heard a knock on his door. "Come in," growled E. Stepping inside the office, Banrai smiled at his Raikage.
"You called, Raikage-sama," Banrai smirked, but his smirk disappeared after E obliterated his desk in one hit.
"Don't you dare use that tone of voice with me," roared E as he stared the Genin down! Holding up his hands, Banrai backed away slightly, but there wasn't a trace of fear in his eyes; only admiration at the Raikage's power. Clearing his throat, E sat down behind what remained of his desk. "I have question for you. Do you remember, Naruto Uzumaki from the Chunin Exams?" Seeing Banrai nod his head, E continued. "You adapted to the Raiton no Yoroi (Lightning Release Armor) better then anyone else, almost as well as me. So, I'm training you from here on out."
"And what may I ask is the nature of this special treatment," asked Banrai with mild curiousity.
"Your future mission is to kill Naruto Uzumaki and retrieve what belongs to us," E watched as Banrai's eyes lit up like twin lightning bolts.
"I accept."
Well, hope you guys enjoyed and I'll see you in the next chapter.