Quote of the day: Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. -George Santayana

Chapter 15: History Lesson

5 months after departure, 3 months till exams.

Lighting split the sky, thunder echoed through out the night, rain fell hard as if the oceans were lifted from the earth only to be dropped again. He was young again. Strong in body and a full head of hair, perfect vision even in this storm. He looked around but there was nothing around, only flat land. Then with out warning the earth began to shake. The quake was violent but yet he did not lose his footing. he shook with the ground, then some distance away an ear-splitting crack sounded over the thunder. He tuned to face the sound and watched as something was rising from the ground. The object rose, but not in a smooth motion. No its movements where jerky and sudden, and violent. He only stood and watched. He knew that none of this was real. This was no dream, but rather a warning, a premonition, a vision. He could now make out what it was, it was a castle. Black stone and jagged rock, everything about this building screamed evil. Every flash of lightning illuminated the castle, showing the twisted and grotesque statues that surrounded it. Another flash of lighting and he noticed a figure walking toward him. Even with the light provided by the lightning he could not properly see the figure. It was like the light dare not illuminate him, almost like the light feared him.

Then he saw it. Darkness seemed to spread from his being. It moved out like tendrils growing larger with each step. The darkness reached him in a manner of seconds, slowly it started to move up his body. But he did not move, did not flinch. The dark figure stopped in front of him. He could feel the dark tendrils making their way up his body, but he did nothing to stop them. The figure stared at him straight in the eye. His eyes were red. The deepest red that he had ever seen, it also looked like there were wisps of black smoke coming from his eyes. The figure lifted its arm and rested his hand on his shoulder, then pulled him close to him, his head next to his, a brotherly embrace.

"Do you stand with me or against me brother?" its said to him in a deep voice.

"Will you bend the knee to me? Or will you deify me?"

"Will you follow your King? Or will you face my wrath?"

The darkness had reached his neck and was slowly consuming his entire being. The figure pulled away and looked once more into his eyes. Behind him dark figures began to rise from the darkness.

"I have returned. And I will take what is mine." The figure said before the dark fully consumed him.

When his visioned returned he thought he had awoken. But he had not. A new setting he found himself in. A battlefield. Bodies litter the ground, the earth scorched and broken. The sounds of fighting and the dieing. It was then that he saw them. The three. One stood while the others were knelt in exhaustion. A dark aura surrounded the standing one. Eyes deep red, they almost seemed to glow. His veins also seemed to glow, with every beat of his heart red light would pulse through his body. But the strange thing was that every few seconds or so the three figures would switch places, first the standing one would be wearing a white gi then a red then an orange. One of the kneeing men spoke.

"Why aniki?! How could you stand with him?!" he shouted.

The standing figure laughed.

"Don't you see aniki? I finally understand. Father was a fool. This is the true form of our art, this is what is was meant to be. He showed me the right path, and granted me the power that I would never would have achieved if continued to follow is way."

"He has killed innocent people! How can you even think of following him?!" the other kneeling man yelled.

"All power has a price, some people are just to weak to pay it. But wasn't afraid, he offered I accepted. You two can as well." the figure said as looked at them.

Then he raised his right hand and held it out to them.

"Come brothers, it is not to late. Come and stand with your brother." the standing figure spoke for the final time as the world faded to black.

Old eyes opened, the sun shone through the curtains. He slowly rose as he felt his old bones pop. The dream was disturbing. He would need to speak with Yoken later this dream was extremely troubling. Today was an important day for Naruto, well important for his well being. He hoped everything will go well.

Naruto jump back trying to get distance between him and his opponent. These few months in the Wastes had done wonders for him. He was a lot more stronger than he was when he had first come here to the wasteland. He also had changed his attire while since then. At the moment he was in his training gi, just like the children of the Shikyokage would wear. His was orange, and color that seams that he would never grow out of. Right now he was wearing a tight black sleeveless shirt, his gi top was folded up and put off to the side. He was tired, his muscles were sore and screaming for a break. Ken was grinning the whole time. Naruto was embarrassed, this morning Ken decided to wake him up.

Morning that day.

He was dreaming, he knew it. He was in Konoha, he didn't know why he was there. He really didn't like Konoha right now. He didn't know if he would ever change his mind about that. He looked to his right and there was a mirror. He could see his reflection. He was taller, and he had a lot more muscle, his hair was a bit longer. He was no longer short, he looked at least 6 feet. He was wearing his orange training gi pants. He wasn't wear a top. He looked back out the window Konoha looked the same as when he left. There was a sound behind him, but he didn't turn. Foot steps came up behind him. Then a pair of arms wrapped around him. A head lay against his back.

"Your up early." A woman's voice

"Sorry if I woke you." Naruto replied.

He turned in her embrace and wrapped his arms around her and buried his face in her dark hair. Her scent lavender and something else, her own scent. Peace washed over him, only she was able to do that. Only she had been able to calm his rage when it took hold of him. She pulled away slightly and looked up at him, with her beautiful lavender tinted pupil less eyes.

"Hinata." he whispered.

Naruto slowly opened his eyes. He had been having dreams like this for a few weeks now. He didn't know what that meant. Even when he had liked Sakura he never dreamed about her. Not like Hinata had these past weeks. He really didn't spend any time with her when he was in the village. But now she dominated his dreams, and his dreams were sometimes a lot more... Mature. After he had those he would have to take a really cold shower. Back when he was still in Konoha Iruka had given him the birds and the bees talk, it was one of the most awkward, and embarrassing conversations he had ever had. And one that he hoped that he would never have again.

"Hinata" he whispered as he stared up at the ceiling.

"Who's Hinata?" a voice asked to his left.

Naruto practically jumped from his bed and scrambled up the wall next to his bed. Kenpachi was sitting next to his bed with a big grin on his face.

"What the hell Ken! You almost gave me a heart attack!" Naruto yelled as he dropped to his bed.

Ken just laughed,then he repeated his question with his grin still in place.

"Who's Hinata?"

Naruto blushed slightly.

"Why do you want to now?" Naruto said turning his head,a scowl on his face.

"Cause you kept saying her name in your sleep. Must have been some dream." Kan said as his grin widened.

Naruto's face turn red as he yelled as he yelled at Ken to get out. The rest of the day was spent being teased by Ken. Even Yuuga started to join in. Thankfully Ryu was to mature for that, but that didn't stop him from smiling and laughing at his discomfort.

It was around 7 pm, the sun was starting to set. Naruto was practicing all the things he had learned so far, he got his distance, Ken was closing in, he quickly went through some hand seals.

"Earth Style: Stone Wall Jutsu!"

Naruto slammed his hand on the ground and a rock wall rose from the ground. Ken slowed to a stop and just went around. This jutsu was mainly used as a defense from projectiles. Ken grinned as he once again gained sight of Naruto and closed the distance. Naruto recovered just in time to dodge Ken's kick, he backed up Ken kept on him. Naruto wasn't quick enough Ken threw a punch and it caught Naruto in the jaw. Naruto grinned as he puffed out of existence.

"Shit, shadow clone."

"Water Style: Aqua Torrent Jutsu!" A geyser of water erupted from the spot Ken was standing.

If he was any slower Ken would have been hit, but he managed to roll out of the was just in time. Naruto burst out of the hole the water came from he was soaking wet. He went back to his fighting stance and rushed Ken. Naruto was good Ken would give him that. Everything he learns he absorbs like a sponge. And if he doesn't understand something he will work himself into the ground to learn it. He will be more than ready for the exam. The Shikyokage stood watching as his son and Naruto from a short distance away. Ryu and Yuuga where at his side. Yuuga sitting on the ground her legs pulled to her chest, while Ryu stood arms crossed watching Naruto train.

"Goken." an old voice said behind them.

The Shikyokage turned to see Yoken making his way to him. The older man was greeted by Ryu and Yuuga and returned the greeting in turn, Goken told Ryu and Yuuga to go and break up Naruto's train and to get ready to leave.

"Yoken is it wise for you to be out on your own?"

"I'm not feeble yet. You young people, I swear back in my day we showed more respect to our elders." Yoken complained

Goken smiled, he liked poking fun at Yoken. He admits that it is childish, but its nice to have a little fun like that every once in a while.

"I need to speak with you later." Goken said as he continued to watch Naruto.

"I know, but why not speak now?" Yoken asked.

"Because I need to talk to Naruto about something that I should have told him when he got here."

"So you are taking him to..."

"Yes." Goken interrupted.

Goken walked toward the sparing blonds just as Ken was about to throw a kick that Naruto would not be able to block in time Goken ended their fight.

"Alright that's enough for today." Goken said.

Ken's foot stopped about an inch away from Naruto's face.

"Ooo,you got so lucky." Ken taunted as he brought his foot down.

Naruto pouted, he hated losing. Granted that Ken was older stronger and more trained in the art he was learning, it still didn't stop him from feeling upset.

Goken beckoned Naruto and his children to gather around him.

"Now first things first, I need the three of you to go with Yoken." Goken told his children.

"What, why do we need to go with him?" Ken complained.

"What sort of response is that hatchling? Can't you see this old man may need help returning home." Yoken scolded.

"Then why do you need all three of us to go?" Ken said crossing his arms

"I need groceries." Yoken stated simply.

Ken was about to complain when he felt something hard hit the back of his head.

"You really need to stop complaining over every little thing." Yuuga said as she made her way to Yoken.

"We'd be happy to help Yoken-sama." Yuuga smiled

"Thank you Yuuga, it's nice to know that even an old man like me can still graced with the presence of a lovely young lady." Yoken said as he started to walk away.

"Yoken-sama you sure know how to sweet talk a lady. You must of had all the girls chasing you when you were younger." Yuuga answered.

Ken grumbled about psycho sisters while he followed. Ryu took one last look at his father and Naruto. Goken was telling Naruto something , and he was listening to every word. Ryu was surprised with Naruto's progress. He was learning things in a few months that took him twice as long to master. Aside from the jutsu training and weapons training, Naruto had nearly caught up to himself and his siblings when they were his age. His father was putting a lot of effort into Naruto so he would be ready for the exams. At the rate Naruto was growing he would probably be on par with Ryu and himself. Again despite himself he couldn't help but feel a little jealous. In a few months Naruto may be ready for the advanced teachings of their art. Ryu turned and moved to catch up with Yoken, trying to rid himself of his negative thoughts.

"Naruto I think its time to tell you something I should have told you sooner."

Naruto looked up at Goken as they walked though the streets of of the village. Naruto knew it had to be really important to cut his training.

"What is it?" asked the curious blond.

Goken took in a deep breath. Steeling himself.

"It's time I tell you of your family, and your clan."

Naruto stopped dead in his tracks. Family? Clan? The Shikyokage knew about his family, he knew this whole time. He has a family, not only that he had a clan. People that would love him.

"Why..Why didn't you tell sooner?" Naruto asked a look of betrayal etched onto his face.

"I had planned on telling you after the exams, but that was a mistake. This is a matter that should not have been postponed." Goken explained hoping things didn't go south.

Naruto was an extremely trusting person. But through out his life his trust had been broken several times. And each time he became a little less trusting each time. Goken now knew that what ever trust he had gained with the boy was now broken. Yoken's words echoed through his mind. When he told him his dream. And with the way Naruto looked now it might as well take a hundred years to re-earn his trust again.

"Please Naruto, follow me there is a place you need to see.

Naruto slowly followed Goken.

"If I have family here why didn't I just stay with them?" Naruto asked, Goken could hear the small amount of venom in his voice.

Goken sighed, this was a time where he truly felt his age.

"Well I came this far." Goken thought.

By now they had made their way to a deserted area of the village. The area was abandoned. Like now one had lived here in years. Naruto looked around. Homes and stores deserted. Naruto could only compare the area to one place back in Leaf.

The Uchiha Compound.

Naruto could see a red spiral marking several buildings. But no people could be seen.

"There's no one here is there." stated more than asked.

"I'm sorry Naruto. But you are right. There is on one here. Naruto," Goken took in a breath. "You are the last Uzumaki."

Naruto looked down. a bitter chuckle escaped his lips. This was just his luck. Growing he always held on to the belief that one day his family would come for him. That one day his loneliness would end and he would be loved. And that was never going to happen. Looking around again he noticed that some of the buildings looked like they have been abandoned longer than others.

"If there is no one here anymore why leave it up."

"Because it was not ours. Our rules state that if a clan is gone the property will remain for ten years, if there is still a clan member still alive. You are the last one, and by our laws all this is now yours." Goken told Naruto.

Naruto looked at Goken tears sliding down his cheeks. But he maintained his composure.

"What happened to everyone?"

"It is not my place to tell you." Goken said as he began to walk deeper into the compound.

Naruto's eyes widened. A flicker of the kyuubi's chakara surged through his body. Blue eyes, morphed into a deep crimson. How dare he! He brought him here and told him that his family was deep. That he was the last of his clan, and he won't even tell him what had happened to them. With out any thought Naruto rushed the leader of the wasteland. His nails grew into claws as he swiped at him. Goken turn and grabbed Naruto wrist in an iron grip. Naruto struggled to free his hand. Naruto was about bring his other hand to try to free himself, but Goken twisted his arm. Causing Naruto to nearly loose him balance. Then Goken quickly rotated his body causing Naruto to land on his stomach, knocking the air out of him. Goken dropped to a knee, placing it next to Naruto's head, at the same time he held Naruto's arm up towards the sky. Naruto tried to break free, but every time he tried Goken would slightly pull Naruto's arm back, inflicting just enough pain to stop his struggling.

"Naruto calm yourself." Goken told him in a calm voice.

"NO! Let me go!" Naruto yelled, struggling some more. Unconsciously pulling more chakara from the Kyuubi.

Goken quickly formed a seal with his free hand and placed it on Naruto's back. Chakara flowed around Naruto as it contained the red chakara, and like when Ryu had done with Naruto during their first meeting, it was canceled out. As soon as the chakara left his system Naruto relaxed.

"Are you calm now?" Goken asked.

"A little." Naruto answered.

Goken released Naruto and let him stand.

"I'm sorry." Naruto said rubbing his shoulder, shame evident in his voice.

"There in no need to apologize. Come now follow me."

Goken led Naruto to a large building. It was a three-story tall building. A wall surrounded the property.

"This was the clan head's home."

Naruto looked at the tall double doors. The Uzumaki red spiral marked the doors. Goken placed a hand on one of the doors and pushed. The hinges creaked and groaned as it opened. The house had a very traditional look to in. The home looked in amazing condition, like it was only built yesterday. Goken and Naruto walked up to the steps leading to the front door. Goken stopped.

"This is where you must got alone."

Naruto looked at the Shikyokage confused.

"Why?"

"Because before the last clan head's death he placed a sealing jutsu on this place that only an Uzumaki can remove. The Uzumaki were masters of seals, all the seals we use to seal demons and other things were created by the Uzumaki."

"But I don't know anything about seals." Naruto told Goken.

"Don't worry, it is a blood seal. Your blood will allow you to enter, after that find the main seal, and there you will be able to completely remove the seal." Goken told him.

Naruto slowly walked up the steps to the entrance. He reached in to his kunai pouch, and pulled out one of the deadly blades. He cut one of his fingers and watched as the blood ran down his finger. Then he placed his hand on the door. At first nothing happened. The in a flash on light a seal appeared on the door. Then it slowly opened on its own. Naruto looked inside it was dark there was dust everywhere. Naruto looked back at Goken. He only nodded at him. Naruto swallowed the lump in his throat. He was pretty sure saw this in a movie once. About a ninja that entered a deserted home, only to die a very painful and gruesome death. Naruto steeled his nerves and entered. After he entered the door slammed shut behind him, causing him to jump and turn. It was now pitch black.

"Great, this is exactly what happened in that movie." Naruto said out loud as he slowly made his way to the door.

When he reached it he tried to open it but it wouldn't budge, even with his blood.

"Fuck now what?" Naruto cursed.

Naruto turned tried to adjust to the lack of light.

"Hey you think I can get some help here Kyuubi?"

"And why would I help you kit?" the Kyuubi answered.

"Cause furball, if I die you die."

"There's nothing here to be afraid of it just an empty house."

"Fine then don't help, I don't need you."

Naruto slowly walked forward, hoping that he didn't bump into anything.

"Man this is just like the movie, the only thing missing is the floating orb of light that leads me to my death."

Just as the last words left his mouth. He heard a door opening, its hinges creaking slowly. Then he saw it. An orb of blue light, and it slowly made his way toward him.

"Fuck me right?" Naruto said before running through hand seals.

"Wind Style: Air Pulse Jutsu!"

Naruto took in a deep breath and expected to unleash a torrent of air, but nothing happened.

"What the hell!"

Naruto tried again, but with the same result. Tried other jutsus but none of them worked. Naruto then reached into his kunai pouch and threw several of the blades, but the just past through the orb.

"How did you think that would work?!" the Kyuubi shouted.

"Well I don't see you coming up with anything!" shouted back.

The light was close. Then Naruto blinked and it was right in front of him. Naruto was frozen, he could only stare at the light.

"Anytime you want to do something." Naruto thought.

"I can't there is something preventing my chakara from doing anything!"

"Fuck." Naruto said.

The orb them bumped into his head, hard. Naruto's hands flew up to his forehead.

"Ow what was that for!" Naruto yelled at the light, his fear now forgotten.

The light then moved behind him and pushed him forward. Then it moved back in front of him and moved forward down the hall.

"I think it wants me to follow it." Naruto said out loud.

"Careful kit, you don't know where its trying to lead you." the Kyuubi warned.

"If didn't know any better I'd think you were worried for my well-being." Naruto joked.

"Shut it kit I just don"t want to die." Kyuubi growled.

The light then started to move up and down when it saw that Naruto was not following. Naruto sighed and started to follow the light.

"Man I know this thing is leading to my death. There was so much I wanted to do still." Naruto complained.

The light led him around a corner and down a hallway.

"I never got to drink sake, I never had a girlfriend, I never thought I'd die a virgin."

"Shut it kit."

The light stopped in front of a door and then went through it. Naruto slowly reached to the door knob, and slowly turned it. Behind the door were stairs leading down."

"Perfect its leading me to the basement where the evil ghost rests and it's going to devour my soul." Naruto said as he slowly made his down.

When he reached the bottom the light was hovering a few feet away. Then light filled the room, blinding him for a moment. When his eyes adjusted he saw he was in a training room of some sort. Where the light hovered was over what looked like chains. Naruto walked up the chains and orb slowly. The chains look rusted like they have not been taken care of in years. He reached up to touch it when a voice suddenly called out to him.

"So you are the last one."

Naruto quickly turned around naturally falling into his fighting stance. There standing behind him about fifteen feet away was a man with red hair. He was dressed like he was ready for combat. He wore armor like clothing. He had metal shin guards, armor plating on his thighs. Spiked arm guards, and a vest. One his head he worn a forehead protector with the symbol of the wasteland. Steel grey eyes looked at Naruto with a piercing gaze. But what caught Naruto's attention was the fact that he was transparent, and had a blueish glow around him.

"Who the hell are you?" Naruto asked.

Before the ghost could answer the blue orb again hit him in the back of the head. Naruto grabbed the back of his head in pain. The blue orb floated past him and floated next to the ghost. Apparently it didn't like it when he cursed. The ghost looked at him for a moment, before turning to the orb.

"He has quite the mouth on him." the orb floated lazily nest to him. Reminds me of you when you were younger."

The orb started to quickly move around quickly, like it was mad.

"Okay, okay, calm down." Niiro said to the orb as it stopped moving. He then turned his attention back on Naruto.

"I am Niiro Uzumaki, the Red Death of the Wasteland, and final head of the Uzumaki clan." He said crossing his arms. "And you are."

Naruto didn't relax as he brought his hands down.

"I'm Naruto Uzumaki."

" Funny you don't look like an Uzumaki. Usually clan born Uzumakis have red hair." said Niiro.

Naruto stayed silent, watching the ghost.

"You're not going to posses my body and make my vomit out my guts while your undead minions slowly cut me to pieces with rusty butcher knives are you?"

Nirro raised an eye brow and stared at the blond Uzumaki, then started to laugh. Naruto still remained silent still not trusting this man ghost guy. After about a minute of Niiro laughing he looked up at Naruto. He chuckled a few more time, then noticed the look Naruto was giving him.

"You're not serious are you?"

Naruto was silent. Niiro cleared his throat.

"No Naruto. I can assure you I'm not going to do any of that."

Naruto slightly lowered his guard.

"But I am going to go into your mind."

"Wait what?"

With that Niiro dashed at Naruto. He moved so fast that Naruto didn't have time to do anything. Niiro grabbed Naruto's head and quickly faded away entering Naruto's mind. Naruto stood shakily trying to maintain consciousness, until everything went black and he fell. The orb of light moved to Naruto as he fell, and in a flash of light in the place of the light was a woman. A woman with the same colored hair as Niiro and the same ghostly glow. She was dressed in a plain white kimono, her red hair reached her waist. She caught him before he fell, and gently lowered him down gently, his head resting in her lap.

"You look just like your father." she said as she stroked his hair.

She slowly traced the the whisker like birthmarks on his cheeks.

"Things have been tough for you haven't they." she said, her voice full of sorrow. "My poor baby boy."

Well not much to say except sorry for the long wait. I finished MOS school last month, and now I'm in North Carolina for the next two plus years so now that I got a little more stable "home" for a while. So this was my longest chapter yet, almost 5k in length. But I feel like this was my weakest. I feel like it did flow as smoothly as I wanted it to. So some more foreshadowing in this one. Also it will be a two part chapter, the next one is going to be my take on the Uzumaki clan, and why Naruto is the last one left. And before anyone says anything Karin is not going to be an Uzumaki in this fic. Hopefully I can pump out chapters faster now. Got a new poll up now, this one will have a big impact on the story in the future, so choose well.

On another note, for all my fighting game lovers out there, who watched/went to EVO this year? Wish I could have gone, that shit was so hype. Also Ultra Street Fighter 4! Ono-san just doesn't stop. Can't wait for that. Also check out the new show that Monty Oum is making. RWBY, check it out its fucking awesome. And I have another poll up. So make sure you vote and stuff. So R&R I could really use some feed back. Also if you got ideas for the fic feel free to IM me. I will answer any and all messages.

Well See Ya Squall Leonhart Out.