"Normal."

'Thinking.'

'Bijuu.'

"Jutsu."

"Unknown."

XxXxX-Start

"What's the mission, Hokage-sama?" Gai said as he walked into the Hokage's office. Tsunade was sitting behind her desk reading over some papers on her desk. She looked up to see the 'Green Beast' standing in front of her. The sun was shining outside and the warm late summer breeze was flowing through the window.

"Good to see you Gai, but this mission is going to take you out of the village." Tsunade said.

"Where are we going?"

"To a town called Otashi in the northern part of the country."

"What happened that would demand our presence there? Isn't there a forward HQ in Okashi?" Gai asked. Tsunade sighed and put her notes onto the desk.

"Yes, but they've asked us to take command of an ongoing investigation."

"An investigation?"

"A Jonin was killed outside the city two days ago and the commander of the HQ has requested help in finding who did it." Tsunade said. Gai tilted his head to the side.

"Was there any witnesses?"

"Yes, but from what I can deduct none of the nine ninja that saw the killer are saying anything. They want our help on the matter."

"So the mission is find out who the killer is? Any information on tracking him and capturing him?"

"None as of yet. I'll leave that to you. If you feel it's necessary then you may."

"I see. I'll get my team ready to go within the next couple of hours. Anything else?"

"This is a, for now, C level mission without the pursuit of the killer. If you decide that it is necessary to track down this person then it will be raised to a B level mission. Remember that the killer managed to kill a Jonin, so tread carefully." Tsunade said with a dark tone. Gai sighed and scratched the back of his head. He knew the dangers of going into a situation such as this.

"A Jonin killer, eh? Can I make a request?" Gai asked.

"What's that?"

XxXxX

"One more time Neji!" Tenten shouted as she jumped up into the air. A flurry of weapons came flying down towards Neji, who simply stood in their path. At the last moment, Neji began to spin as a blue wall began to form around him. Weapons of various types began to smash into the chakra wall and simply bounce off. After ten seconds of weapons constantly hitting the shield the two stopped.

Tenten landed onto the ground, breathing heavily, while Neji looked fine.

"Again, nothing got through. That defense of yours is insane!" Tenten said as she picked herself up.

"I'm getting better at it. I still don't know how Naruto managed to break through it at the Chunin Exams… clearly I can become more proficient with it though." Neji said. Tenten looked towards the ground at the mention of that name. "What's the matter?"

"I still don't understand why…" Tenten said. Neji sighed as he looked at his teammate.

"Why Naruto was exiled?"

"Yes! Why would the elders exile him?! It doesn't make any sense!"

"They say it's because he killed seven people."

"It was in self-defense! I know Naruto would never kill those people unless he absolutely had to!" Tenten argued. Neji shook his head and looked up into the sky. He remember how much Naruto wanted to become the Hokage. How he wanted to show the village that he was something other than a prankster, but to kill seven people? What could have happened that forced him to do that?

"Have you ever watched Naruto when he was not with his team?" Neji asked. Tenten looked surprised at the question.

"Uh, no?" Tenten answered. "Have you?"

"Yes, and I've began to feel somewhat sorry for him."

"Why would you feel sorry for him?"

"The way the villagers treated him. The names they spat at him. I have no idea how long this has been going on, but it has to been a long time." Neji said. Tenten thought for a moment.

"Why would the villagers treat him so poorly over a couple of pranks?"

"I don't know, but there has to be another reason behind the villager's anger. In any case, maybe Naruto had enough of their treatment and snapped." Neji suggested. Tenten shook her head.

"Naruto is too nice to 'just snap'. Something else must have happened that forced his hand." Tenten said.

"It's crazy. Naruto's trial was held that day and he was escorted out within a couple of hours. He barely had time to ready himself before being kicked out." Neji said, a little anger in his voice.

Tenten began to think of the last time she saw Naruto. Her eyes shot open in surprise. 'When he entered my shop that afternoon… was he leaving the village then? He was a bit beaten up and there was Chunin escorts with him. Naruto did seem a lot more mature then too.'

"You okay Tenten?" Neji asked. Tenten looked over to Neji and shook her head.

"It's nothing, but I didn't realize you cared about him at all." Tenten said. Neji shrugged his shoulders in response.

"He proved to me that fate was not the end all be all. That through hard work anything could be accomplished. So, I suppose he has earned my respect in that sense, but as for his personality…" Neji said, trailing off. "He's kind of annoying, but he has his moments."

Tenten chuckled a bit at Neji's explanation of Naruto. "I suppose you're right."

"Hello team! I see you two have been training!" Gai said as he walked into the clearing with a smile.

"Hello Gai-sensei! How's Lee?" Tenten asked. Gai nodded his head.

"He's doing fine. Still recovering."

"Good to hear."

"Anyways, we've got a mission! We are heading to Okashi so pack your things and meet at the gate in three hours!" Gai said in his normal way of excitement.

"But Gai-sensei, we are down a man in our team. I thought it was required to have at least a team of four when there are Genin present?" Neji asked. Gai laughed at Neji's question.

"Always the perspective one, aren't we Neji? That is true, we do need at least one other person to accompany us on the mission. So, I got some help."

"Who'd you manage to coax into coming with us?" Tenten asked rather sarcastically.

XxXxX

"Why did I let this happen?" Kakashi asked himself as he walked towards the gate of the village, a backpack on his back. He was late, as per usual, but instead of standing in front of the Memorial Stone, Kakashi stood atop the Fourth's head and simply looked out over the village. "I still don't know how Gai managed to convince Sakura and I into going with them."

As Kakashi turned the corner to the enormous square that sat in front of the gate Kakashi saw Gai, Neji, and Tenten all talking happily while Sakura stood off to the side, quiet. Losing two teammates tends to make you wonder why you're still around. Still in this village when both of your teammates have been deemed traitors to the village. While the loss of Sasuke was hard on Sakura, when Naruto was around he always found a way to cheer her up somehow, but with Naruto gone…

"There you are Kakashi! Not breaking the streak of always late being late I see!" Gai said with a happy smile.

"Yeah, was just getting ready was all." Kakashi said. No random excuse like he normally does.

"Okay! So I already explained the mission to Sakura and I assume you've already read over the mission scroll I gave you?" Gai asked. Kakashi nodded. "As expected from my rival! So is everyone ready to move out?"

After getting nods from everyone Gai turned and pointed out the gate in a dramatic fashion. "Okay then! Let's move out!"

XxXxX

'Think I'm far enough away from Okashi?' I asked the Kyuubi as I landed in a clearing of a thick forest. I breathed heavily as I wiped away the sweat from my brow.

'I would imagine. You've been running for the last two days. Dodging both patrols and people alike. You need some rest. You haven't slept much since we left Okashi.' The Kyuubi said. I sighed as I slumped down against one of the trees. I looked up into the cloudy gray sky with a heavy heart. It was the afternoon and it has been cloudy ever since I've left Okashi. 'Still bothering you, kit?'

When I ran from Okashi, it felt like I left something there. Something that I was clinging onto since I was exiled from Konoha. I've never killed anyone before, well at least until a couple of days ago. Even when the seven villagers were killed by my hand, I never thought it was actually me. I just blamed the Kyuubi, but I know now there is no difference. Whatever the Kyuubi has done is now something I've done as well. The Kyuubi and I now share this existence, this life, together.

'Yeah, but I suppose it's something I'm going to have to get used to. If I'm going to survive out here then killing is the only way.' I replied as my body screamed at me. Punishing me for running for so long. The Kyuubi stayed silent, confirming my thoughts of death following me everywhere I go.

'It's not going to be easy, but my power should help.' The Kyuubi said.

'Even if it's killing me?' I replied calmly with a slight grin on my face.

'I told you of what would-!' The Kyuubi retorted desperately, but I waved it off.

'I knew what I was signing up for. Thank you, Kyuubi. If it wasn't for you I don't know what Kaito would have done to me.'

'It's alright kit, I just didn't want you to suffer like you have back home.'

Home. Is Konoha even considered home anymore? The place that tortured me, exiled me, and is now hunting me? I was born there, but did I ever feel safe? Did I ever feel as if I went there I would feel accepted? The villagers would say I was a beast that doesn't belong, but what of the remaining Rookie Nine? Of Team Gai? What would they say if they knew what I truly was? Would they turn their backs on me as well? Call me a demon?

I could feel my eyes drooping slightly as I sat against the large tree behind me. My hood giving my eyes good shade from the little light that came from the clouds above.

XxXxX-Five days earlier

"We have a mission for you and your team." A man said in a cave that was being covered by a waterfall. There stood two dark figures, a man wearing an official cloak, and another, much younger, girl with short hair.

"Me? What's so important that you require me?" The girl asked.

"A shinobi has entered our country from the east carrying a very powerful weapon. You are to track him and eliminate the shinobi before he causes any trouble." The cloaked man said from the shadows. The girl scratched her face a couple of times, thinking of the mission.

"What makes this man so powerful? Certainly there are others that can-." The girl started.

"The man himself is not that powerful, but the weapon that he carries…"

"The weapon?" The girl questioned.

"Yes. It is said to have chakra from a Bijuu molded into the weapon itself. Chakra… like yours, Fuu." The man said. The girl jumped slightly at her name being said.

"A Bijuu's chakra molded into a weapon? Is that even possible?" Fuu asked.

"You have your mission. Now get to it." The cloaked man said before turning and walking out of the cave. Fuu sighed deeply before shaking her head.

'Did you hear that, Chomei? Looks like we're going to find a Demon sword!'

XxXxX

A loud boom from above woke me from my slumber. I stirred and looked out from underneath the large tree that I sat underneath to see heavy rain pouring down onto the small clearing in front of me. There was a little light, meaning it was morning. I stood up and felt my muscles scream at me for using the Kyuubi's chakra too much.

'Have any idea where we are?' I asked as I looked around. I was running Northwest from my understanding, but I didn't know how far I've ran.

'Nope. You can try that path though. It seems to be used often.' The Kyuubi suggested. I looked over to where the Kyuubi said and there was indeed a path on the other side of the brush. I walked over to it and began walking. The path was heading north and I followed it blindly. 'I see that you're practicing your chakra control.'

'And I see that you've fusied more chakra into my system. Still hard at work I see.' I replied as I pushed chakra into my eyes. I began to look around and I saw a squirrel inside a tree. Its veins clearly evident inside its body. 'This is so strange…'

'Seeing the blood of another? I know. It's one of the abilities that come along with my chakra. I used to use it to hunt down my prey.'

'What did you hunt?'

'Humans.'

I thought for a moment before nodding. 'Fair enough.'

I continued to practice my chakra manipulation until I saw someone down the path I was walking. I quickly jumped behind one of the trees that lined the path and poured chakra into my ears. It was two older women. I wonder why they were walking in this heavy rain?

"Have you heard of that crazy swordsman traveling around the border towns, killing at whim?" One of the old women asked.

"Crazy swordsmen? I certainly have not!" The other old women replied.

"Ah, people are saying that he entered from the black zone from the east in search of something."

"What do you think he's after?"

"I don't know, but rumor has it he's might be after Fuu-sama and that the sword itself is making him go crazy."

"Fuu-sama? The jinchuuriki from the village? Why would anyone want to go after her? She's the hero of our country!"

"Like I said you old coot. I don't know. Just thought I'd tell you about the whispers I've been hearing."

The two old ladies walked out of earshot and continued down the path. After waiting a couple minutes I exited the tree line and looked around.

'Another jinchuuriki, huh?'

'Hmm…'

'You know which it is?' I asked as I began walking down the path. In the background one could see a large mountain range. This must be border area between the Waterfall country and the Land of Fire. A neutral zone where people move to and fro with relative freedom.

'I won't be able to tell you until we come in contact her.'

'Same as Gaara?'

'Yup. Are you going to do anything about the swordsman?'

'No. it's not my problem.'

'It would be sad to see a jinchuuriki fall into the hands of someone like that.'

'Doesn't concern me. I'm a missing ninja now. I don't really care what happens to the ninja villages anymore.'

'But I hold an allegiance to the other bijuu.'

'Even if you fought against one during the Chunin exams?'

'I helped you defend yourself against the jinchuuriki of Shukaku. I didn't want to fight against him. Besides, something was wrong with Suikaku. I don't know what, but he wasn't himself.' I continued to walk down the path, contemplating the Kyuubi's words. Helping the other jinchuuriki? Or, more specifically, helping the other Bijuu?

'Maybe. For now all I want to do is train and the Waterfall country is the perfect place.'

'Why's that?'

'From what I've heard, Takigakure is rather relaxed on their missing ninja policy. If you don't mess with them then they won't mess with you.' I replied as I entered a small town at the foot of the mountains. Nobody was outside, probably because of the heavy rain, and all the windows where shut.

The quiet town was peaceful, even with the heavy rain landing all around me, but I got this strange feeling…

I walked up to a small tavern and put my hand to the door. 'What are you doing? You know that if we enter this place we may be found out.'

I shrugged it off and went with my gut. I pushed the door open and entered the small tavern, but I then wished that I hadn't. On the floor lay at least ten dead customers, all dead in various positions. I jumped backwards in surprise.

"What the…?" I said to myself as I stared at the dead bodies.

'Do you think that the swordsmen did this?'

'Yeah, probably.' I replied. I turned over one of the bodies to see how he died, but there were no cut marks on the body. I then noticed that he had his hands wrapped around his throat and his eyes where bleeding. 'Poison?'

'Probably. Maybe it wasn't the swordsmen?'

'I've got no idea, but we've best get out of here before-.' I thought as I stood.

"What happened here?!" A voice said from behind me. I turned and saw a female ninja from Takigakure standing in the doorway. The girl wore an orange clip in her short, spiky mint green hair that matched her eye color, which was also orange. Her ninja outfit consisted of a short sleeveless white midriff shirt with fishnet armor underneath, long white armlets, and fishnet shorts with a short white apron skirt over it. Her forehead protector was worn on her right arm. "Did you do this?"

I turned to her and tilted my head. "No."

"Oh really? And how are you going to prove that?" The girl asked. She was maybe three or four years older than me with darker skin.

I stayed silent as she sized me up. "Are you working with a man named Kazuno?"

Kazuno must be the crazed swordsmen name and Takigakure shinobi must be after him… or the sword. "No answer eh? Well, I know how to get people like you to talk!"

The mint hair girl then began to fly through seals until finally shooting out a haze from her mouth. I lifted my scarf up to my mouth to protect myself if it was poison. My eyes then began to burn from the haze as the room began to brighten up, impairing my vision. Then I saw the girl fly through the haze with a kunai in hand. I quickly pushed chakra into my eyes and parried her attack with my own kunai. The girl looked surprised that I was still able to see her and back peddled a bit. I then lifted my hand and aimed it at her and the haze that was behind her. I quickly built up chakra into my hand and released it in a wide wave. My hand began to burn from the use of the pure demonic chakra that was collected, and released, from my hand.

The girl was sent backwards through the door and into the rain. The haze dissipated from the building as I walked out into the rain. 'There are bound to be others nearby. I need to get out of here before they arrive.'

'Kit.'

'Yes?'

'I think that's the jinchuuriki of the seven tails.'

I looked over to the girl who was now standing back on her feet. She looked angry. 'Do you really think so?'

'Yeah, she definitely is. I can feel the presence of Chōmei inside her.'

I tilted my head as the girl dashed towards me, but with my eyes I could see her muscles as they twitched to give her body movement. She charged towards me, but then her blood disappeared from her body. 'Genjutsu?' I quickly looked to my left and saw her charging at me with… wings?

"Got you!" The girl shouted as a kunai was rammed into my arm, but after a moment my clone exploded in smoke. 'Kage Bushin?'

I shot out of the smoke and kicked her in her face. She flew off into the side of a wall of a nearby building. She crashed through the wooden wall and I was surprised. 'I didn't mean to kick her that hard.'

'My chakra not only enhances your senses, but also your body. Your speed and strength should increase if applied to that part of your body.'

'Won't she be able to do it as well if she's a jinchuuriki?'

'Of course, but she is going to get hers through her seal, which means her Bijuu's chakra that she's getting is not going to be as pure as the chakra you're using. That also means it won't hurt her as much due to the seals protective state.'

'So she won't be able to manipulate hers like I can?'

'Correct.' The Kyuubi explained. I didn't see the girl exit the building and I tilted my head to the side.

'What's taking her so long?' I began to walk towards the hole in the wall, but the girl reappeared carrying a small child. The child was small and looked… dead?

The mint girl was crying and sobbing as she looked down at the dead girl. "H-How could you?"

She thinks I did all this. That I killed all of these people. Would she believe me if I told I didn't? Probably not. She'd think I was lying like the villagers did. That I'm a demon… like her. "You…"

I stared at her in silence. "You will pay!"

I could see her bijuu's chakra begin to whip around her as she stared at the dead girl in her arms.

"I take it you wouldn't believe me if I told you that I didn't kill these people then." I said as a dark purple chakra began to flow around her. As the chakra flowed around her, the irises in her eyes changed to a dark purple and chakra wings appeared behind her back.

"You murderer! I'll make you pay for what you have done!" The girl shouted. The chakra around her continued to build as I watched with interest.

'Not going to do anything?'

'No. She wouldn't even listen to me if I did try and talk.' I replied. No tails… she's holding the bijuu back somewhat. Just as my opponent was about to charge at me another shinobi appeared.

"Wait! Fuu-sama! Please don't do this!" The new comer shouted. The girl wore what looked to be chunin gear from the Waterfall village. She has pink hair and eyes that matched her hair. She had a petite body, meaning she's most likely a healer of sorts. Not trained for combat, but probably still knows some sort of combat jutsu. Especially if she's with a jinchuuriki. "If you use the bijuu then you'll go berserk!"

"Shut it Akari! I'll do whatever it takes to kill this piece of trash!" Fuu shouted in anger.

"I told you I didn't kill these people. If you let the seven tails take control then you'll hurt your friend." I stated. Fuu stopped for a moment before looking over at Akari. Fuu realized I was telling the truth and the bijuu's chakra began to recede.

"How do you know which bijuu was inside me?" Fuu asked.

"I know a lot of things if you'd just listen." I said in an irritated tone. Akari sighed before walking up to Fuu.

"Did you fly off the handle again?" Akari asked.

"Well, when I saw all those dead bodies in the tavern, then the dead girl… I kinda lost it." Fuu said.

"So you attacked the first person you saw…" Akari said. Fuu looked down in embarrassment. Akari then turned to me and bowed. "Sorry mister, but Fuu-sama does that sometimes. Let's get out of this rain so we can introduce ourselves properly."

So I followed them into a small building that was nearby. More dead bodies lay on the ground of the small wooden house. It contained a family of five that sat around a table. The family seemed to have died in the same fashion as everyone else. Fuu growled deeply at the sight of this.

Once we were all inside the building Akari turned to me and extended her hand. "My name is Akari, Chunin." I took her hand and shook it.

"And that's Fuu-sama. Jinchuuriki of the Nanabi." Akari said. Fuu walked up and looked me up and down once more before shaking my hand. "What's your name?"

"Kuro." I replied.

"So, what happened here?" Fuu asked.

"I don't know. I just got here whenever you arrived and attacked me." I replied, rather irritated.

"Yeah… um, sorry about that." Fuu replied, embarrassment on her face. "So, what are you anyway? Are you a ninja or something?"

"You must be pretty good to be able to hold your own against Fuu too!" Akari said, but this earned slap over the back of her head from Fuu. "Ouch!"

"Shut it." Fuu said, irritated by her teammates comments. Fuu ten turned back to me. "So, what are doing here if you're not the one that killed all these people?"

"I'm just a traveler is all. Thought I'd find a place to get out of this rain, but when I entered the tavern…" I said. Akari nodded her head, but then looked at me a little closer.

"You seem a bit young to be a traveler. Where's your parents at?" Fuu asked.

"They're gone."

"Gone?"

"…" I didn't say anything at Fuu's question. Akari seemed to get it and nudged Fuu in the side.

"I'm sorry to hear that. It must be hard, traveling alone and all." Akari said.

"You get used to it." I replied coldly. I really didn't want to talk about this.

"Can I ask you a question?" Fuu asked.

"I'd rather not." I replied, but Fuu either ignored or didn't hear me because she asked anyway.

"How do you know about the Nanabi inside me if you're just a traveler?" Fuu asked.

"You're village tends to like to brag to the others about its jinchuuriki. Every village knows about you." I lied.

"That may be, everyone in the country knows I'm a jinchuuriki, but nobody knows which bijuu is inside me except the Kage and my teammates." Fuu said. I stayed quiet as I mulled over my options. I could just tell her the truth, but then they would certainly attack me for being a missing ninja.

"I can't tell you that unfortunately." I said. Neither a lie nor any helpful information. Fuu stared at me for a moment.

"Do you know what the Akatsuki are?" Fuu asked. Akari jumped slightly.

"Fuu-sama! You know we aren't supposed to talk about them!" Akari complained. Fuu stayed silent, awaiting my answer. So she does know about them and what they are trying to do.

"Yes." I replied. Akari looked shocked that I knew what the Akatsuki where.

"Do you know what they are trying to accomplish?"

"Yes."

"Then what are they trying to do?"

"They are trying to hunt down people like you."

Fuu nodded her head and looked at me with a flat expression. "How do you know one of the most closely guarded secrets in not only Takigakure, but in almost every hidden village?"

"I know some people." I said.

"Not good enough. Who are you really?!" Fuu shouted, irritated at my secrecy. If only she knew of who I truly was. But, if she did then Fuu may actually begin to think that I killed all these people.

Just as I was about to respond, a knock came from the front door. I turned and began to walk towards it.

"Hold it! Let me." Fuu said, pushing me to the side as she walked towards the door, but something felt off.

'Papa!' I glanced around at the child like voice that erupted in my head.

'Did you say something?' I asked the Kyuubi.

'I didn't say anything. Why?'

'Could have sworn…'

'Papa!'

'There it is again.' I thought. Fuu opened the door, but just as the door was being opened the door exploded, sending Fuu flying past me and into Akari. The two smashed into a glass cupboard. I lifted my arm to cover my eyes as the smoke began to settle.

A hysterical laugh sprang out of the smoke and I saw a thin red line glow from behind the smoke. "You know it's not nice to not invite someone in when it's raining so hard outside!"

Fuu moved slightly and saw a man wearing a tan cloak with a black sword in his hand. A thin crimson line ran down the middle of the sword and it was currently glowing. Eight small holes seemed to be carved out of the sword near the hilt.

The man had gray hair and completely black eyes. The only part of his eyes that aren't pitch black are his irises, which are a crimson red. He's older, at least fifty or sixty it seemed. The man had several tumors around his body and disease was running rampant. The only thing keeping him from falling over dead was probably that sword.

"Looks like I've finally found you." The man said with his crazed eyes as he stared directly at us.

XxXxX

"We've arrived in Okashi! Finally! Some rest!" Sakura exclaimed as she collapsed to the golden grass near the edge of the tree line. Tenten chuckled at Sakura's misfortune. Gai wanted to get here as quickly as possible so there was little time for rest. So, the team of Konoha ninja made it to Okashi in only two days. At least it was a warm and sunny day, but one could tell that autumn was coming.

"Come on now." Tenten said as she lifted the pink haired girl up. During their forced march to Okashi, Sakura began to open up to Tenten. She was quiet and reserved at the beginning, but now seemed to enjoy talking to her female companion. "Get up before Gai says something."

Of in the distance stood three Leaf Chunin in middle of the field. Almost as if they're standing guard. "I take it that's where we're needed?" Kakashi asked. Gai nodded his head.

"Okay guys, let's go see what's going on." Gai said. The five shinobi walked over to the three Chunin, but once they arrived one of the Chunin jumped in between them at what they're guarding.

"Name and reason for visit?" The Chunin asked with a stern voice.

"I'm a Jonin of Konoha and this is my team. My name is Gai and we are here on orders from the Hokage to investigate a killing." Gai reported. The chunin settled down slightly and nodded.

"Okay, sorry for being so defensive, but we are near the border with Sound. Anyone could be a spy." The Chunin said.

"It's not a problem. So, is this the crime scene?" Gai asked. The Chunin nodded and moved out of the way.

"Yes. Go ahead and do whatever you need to do. We've been keeping the body as preserved as possible since his death, as ordered." The Chunin said. The five ninja walked up to the body, but Sakura and Tenten gasped at what they saw.

'That swirl… could it be?' Kakashi thought. Kakashi looked over at Gai, who looked to be thinking the same thing.

"The man's name is Kaito and he died about four days ago by way of some sort of ninjutsu." The chunin explained.

"Who could have done this?" Sakura asked to no one in particular. Blood still stained the grass around him and his organs still lay rotting nearby.

"We don't know, but everyone that saw what happened, or may have an idea of who it was, refuses to answer any questions." The Chunin explained.

"I see. Well you've done well to preserve the body for so long, but you can send him off to his family now. I'm sure they miss him." Gai said. This produced a sigh from the Chunin. "What's the problem?"

"He was the only one left of his family. Everyone else is dead. There is no one else."

Everyone was silent for a moment after hearing this. An entire family tree… gone forever.

"I thought that was forbidden to do. To kill an entire family bloodline." Neji said, thinking of what would happen if every Hyuga was killed.

"It's not forbidden, just taboo." Kakashi said. 'Did you do this, Naruto?'

"Still, someone that would think of doing something like this…" Tenten said. Kakashi looked down at the Genin, wondering if they hated the person who did this.

"Still, get his body out of this field. Everyone doesn't need to see this." Gai said. "Also, does the HQ here have a list of everyone that saw what happened that night?"

After getting confirmation on Gai's question, the team from Konoha started towards the town of Okashi.

XxXxX

It was quiet in the town of Okashi. All missions have been put on hold since the event four days ago. Three Genin sat on benches in a small plaza that surrounded a fountain, waiting to see what the word from HQ was.

"What do you think's going to happen with us?" Miku asked to her teammates.

"I don't know. It's just… I don't know what to think." Miyu replied. The death of their Jonin instructor came quick for them. It seemed like everything was okay until Kur- Naruto arrived four days ago. Then boom! Their sensei died. Normally she would have gone ballistic, but the way Kaito acted towards Naruto beforehand. That crazed look in his eye whenever his eyes even looked towards Naruto.

The group stayed quiet for a while longer before something else was said. "I wonder where Naruto-kun is at?" Miku asked no one in particular.

Souta visibly flinched after hearing that name. Since the event, Miku and Miyu have both explained what happened between Naruto and Kaito, but Souta seemed to just ignore what he was told. He stood and began to walk away when a hand clasped onto his wrist. Souta turned and expected to see Miku standing there, but instead a man with silver hair stood there.

"You guys must have been Kaito's Genin team." The silver haired man stated.

"What's it to you?" Souta replied in a cold tone. The newcomer's only visible eye narrowed.

"I've got some questions for the three of you."

"And you are?" Miyu asked.

"My name is Kakashi and I'm a Jonin from Konoha." Kakashi said. Souta looked at the man and removed his arm from Kakashi's grasp.

"If it's about Kaito-sensei then I don't want to talk about it." Souta said before walking away. Kakashi sighed and turned to the two girls that sat on the bench.

"Sorry about that Kakashi, but Souta idolized Kaito-sensei. It's a hard subject for him." Miku said. Kakashi nodded in understanding.

"I understand. So you must be Miku and Miyu." Kakshi said. The two Genin nodded. "So, are you going to answer any of my questions unlike the others that witnessed the scene?"

"Depends. What are they?" Miyu asked.

"Can you tell me what he looks like?" Kakashi asked. The two thought for a moment before shaking their heads.

"Not really. The entire time I was with him he had a hood covering his eyes." Miku said.

"So you spent some time with him before he killed your Jonin?" Kakashi asked.

"Yeah. It was only a day but…" Kakashi could see the trouble the girl was going through. Almost as if she's conflicted on something.

"But?" Kakashi pushed.

"He was quiet and reserved, but so nice. I felt like I could tell him all my secrets and he would guard them until his death." Miku explained. Kakashi smiled softly at Miku's explanation.

"I see. So did he trick you into thinking he was a nice person?" Kakashi asked.

"No! He did not trick me! I really think he's a nice person. It's just that I think he was forced into fighting." Miku said.

"Forced?" Kakashi asked.

"The way Kaito looked at the guy… over a boy about our age… I never thought anyone could act that-." Miyu said.

"Insane?" Miku finished.

"Yeah. To see Kaito completely lose his mind at the mere sight of him…" Miyu said, but went into thought as she remembered what happened that night.

'To completely go insane at the sight of him. From the sounds of it the killer was only defending himself from a crazy shinobi that lost his mind. But why would Kaito go crazy?' Kakashi thought, but then he remembered the way Kaito was killed.

"So you couldn't see his face at all?" Kakashi asked again. Miku shook her head.

"No, his face was covered by a black hood." Miku said. Black… could it be?

"Was the boy wearing a black trench coat and scarf?" Kakashi asked. Miku stared at Kakashi for a moment before turning towards Miyu. Miyu was also surprised at Kakashi's explanation.

"Umm." Miku said as she thought of what to say.

"Look. If it's true then I won't tell anyone. Just please tell me." Kakashi said in an almost begging tone. Miku and Miyu looked at one another before sighing.

"Yes, he wore a black trench coat and scarf. Why is that-." Miku said, but was cut off by Kakashi.

"And his name is Naruto, isn't it?" Kakashi asked softly. The two girls stayed quiet at the question, confirming Kakashi's question. "Thank you for your help."

Miku stood up and anger. "You better not go and hurt him." Miku said defensively.

"I'm n-." Kakashi started, but Miyu then stood up to.

"He may have be a missing ninja, but he doesn't deserve to be on listed as a missing ninja!" Miyu said defiantly. Miku looked at Miyu in surprise. This was the first time Miyu sided with her on anything. Kakash smiled at the scene of the two girls.

'Looks like you made some good friends here, Naruto.' Kakashi thought. "Calm down. I'm not going to tell anyone about this."

"How do we know that you're telling us the truth?" Miku asked.

"Because Naruto used to be my student." Miku stared at Kakashi for a moment before shaking her head.

"And you let him become that?" Miyu asked.

"I didn't really have a choice. The elders forced him out of the village. The Hokage did everything she could, but the matter was pushed through so fast that I didn't even know what had happened until halfway through his hearing." Kakashi explained. Explaining what happened to Naruto… everything he's been through at the hands of the villagers. It feels nice to tell someone else of what happened. It's been a while since Kakashi was able to do this.

"So… you tried your best to help him?" Miku asked. Kakashi sighed deeply.

"Yeah… but ever since the Third died the elders of the village have managed to obtain more power. I was powerless to stop them."

"What are you going to do when you see him again?" Miku asked. Kakashi looked down to his pouch and smiled slightly.

"I want to give him something that belongs to him. Something that doesn't belong to the elders of the village." Kakashi said as he patted his pouch.

"What's that?" Miyu asked.

"An old family heirloom."

XxXxX

"I take it you're-." I began to say.

"My name is something you cannot simply spit like the mucus hanging from a horses lip!" The man shouted.

"Why did you kill all these people, Kazuno?" Akari asked as the two ninja from Takigakure stood up. Kazuno looked over at Akari with a glare in his eye.

"Because these people wouldn't help me." Kazuno replied.

"Help you with what?" Akari pressed. "What could killing all these people mean?"

"Heh, I've killed more people than you could ever imagine on my quest to find this person… and I think it's finally come to an end." Kazuno said diabolically.

'Papa!'

'What is that?' I thought as I glanced around once more. It was becoming irritating that I could hear the voice while the Kyuubi couldn't.

"Who are you looking for?! Is it Fuu-sama?!" Akari shouted as she put herself in between Kazuno and Fuu. "We know you've been in contact with several other jinchuuriki from the other villages. What are you planning?!"

"Heh, maybe once I'm finished I'll tell you, but the sword tells me the jinchuuriki I need to kill is in this room…" Kazuno said as he looked over at Fuu with wide grin.

'Could he really be looking for… me?'

'I don't know. It's either you or Fuu and since Kazuno doesn't know you're a jinchuuriki…' The Kyuubi trailed off. So the jinchuuriki that Kazuno was really looking for could be Fuu and I could leave, unhindered, but if it's actually me then Fuu will be falsely prosecuted. Something I don't truly enjoy having done to myself.

The red area on the black sword began to glow as black gas began to pour out of the eight holes as the base of the sword. 'Poison?'

"I think that's poison gas! We need to get out of this building before it kills us!" Akari said, but a demonic presence made itself known. I turned and saw a dark purple chakra begin to cover Fuu's body. The chakra was thick and a single tail protruded out from behind Fuu's body.

"You killed all these people…" Fuu said in anger. The chakra cloak had completely covered her body and the wings that appeared before where now once more. "You'll pay!"

Kazuno chuckled slightly at the sight of Fuu becoming overcome by rage. "If you think that this is the first time I've fought against a jinchuuriki then you're in for a surprise."

Fuu shouted in rage as she charged Kazuno. The latter pulled up his sword and a black chakra shield appeared in front of him. The shield was made out of… black chakra?

Fuu slammed into the shield and was repulsed into the wall next to me. Akari ran over to me and pulled on my arm. "We need to get of here!" Akari shouted. I nodded my head in compliance. I didn't actually need to leave because of the scarf I'm wearing, but I don't want to stick around either. I followed Akari out the back door and into the small backyard. The ground was wet and the rain continued to fall from the heavens. There was a large field behind the fenced in backyard, most likely used for farming rice.

I turned as clashes could be heard from the inside of the house. "What should we do?"

I looked over at Akari who was staring back into the house, concerned for Fuu. I wonder what Fuu's standing in the village is compared to some of the other jinchuuriki. She seems to be liked by all and held up as a normal person, if not a hero.

"I don't know. Whenever a jinchuuriki goes into the first stage of the transformation there is little that can get them out of it." I stated. A loud boom erupted from the house and Fuu came smashing through the wall nearest to us. Fuu continued to fly across the flooded field until finally stopping on the other side. Kazuno soon walked up to the hole in the wall with a disappointed look on his face.

"You are not the one I'm looking for." Kazuno said. Kazuno looked down towards Akari and I in question. "Maybe…"

Kazuno shot towards us quickly and swung the black sword down onto the head of Akari.

"Akari!" Fuu shouted as the purple chakra that once surrounded her began to recede back into her body. Fuu slumped down to the pool of water beneath her in pain. A large gash could be seen running down the side of her leg. Did the sword somehow drain Fuu's chakra?

A million different things ran through my head as Kazuno went to cut down Akari. Do I care? How does her death affect me? Should I help? How would it benefit me? How would it help me survive against the Akatsuki?

As these thoughts ran through my head I saw the look on Fuu's face. Helplessness, horror, concern: all apparent on her face as she watched her friend about to die right in front of her. I acted out of pure instinct and dashed towards Kazuno with chakra flowing through my legs. In my hand was a kunai that was charged with my chakra and glowing red.

Just as the sword was about to strike Akari I slammed into the side of Kazuno with my kunai jamming into his ribcage, but before I could relax Kazuno was replaced with a wooden log. The wooden log fell to the ground with my kunai buried into its side. I quickly ducked as Kazuno reappeared at my side and sending a swipe from side to side that was aimed towards my head.

I quickly sent out my chakra and created a clone next to Kazuno while this was going on, but as soon as the clone appeared he smashed his hand into it, destroying it instantly. To get some distance I built up chakra into the side of my body that was aimed toward him. I released the chakra in a large shockwave that pushed him back and into the wall of the house. The side of my body that I charged chakra into began to burn. It was wasn't bad, but continued use chakra like this would eventually burn the skin off my body. I'm not sure how many times the limit for using chakra like this, but I need to be careful.

I stood up and looked down at Akari, who was now sitting in the muddy dirt. "You okay?" Akari nodded slowly. "Good."

Kazuno began to laugh loudly as he removed himself from the wall. "You…! You're the one! You're the one that I've been searching for all this time!"

"How is he the one you've been looking for? He's not a jinchuriki!" Fuu shouted from the other side of the field. Fuu tried to stand, but fell back into the pool of water in pain. The bijuu's healing abilities do not work that fast, unfortunately.

"Fuu-sama!" Akari shouted as she ran to Fuu's side. She placed her hands over part of the large gash and a green aura began to cover part of the large wound.

"Oh yes he is. He's the one. He's a jinchuuriki all right! There's no mistaking it!" Kazuno rabbled. "How else would he be able to use raw chakra?!"

Fuu and Akari looked over to me in question. I didn't comply with their unspoken question. There was no need to. Fuu and Akari knowing I'm a jinchuuriki doesn't change the situation at hand.

'Papa!' That voice again. Where was that voice coming from? 'I've finally found you!'

'Who are you?' I asked.

'I'm the great and powerful Kyuubi!' The voice said in a playful manner. 'And I've been looking all over for you!'

'Wait, I've got the Kyuubi sealed inside me. How can you be the Kyuubi?' I questioned. 'And why have you been looking for me?'

'Oh, I know that. I'm just a little bit of his chakra that was sealed into this sword here a long, long time ago. As for why I've been looking for you…' The child like voice said. 'This man that is wielding me thinks that if he kills you then he'll unlock the ultimate power hidden within, but he's wrong.'

Kazuno dashed towards me, sword held high. He is very sloppy, but the chakra from the sword is giving his sloppy movements increased speed and strength. I rolled out of the way of Kazuno's slash and the sword sunk into the mud. At the end of my roll I sent two clones running at him, but all Kazuno did was laugh. "You think that's going to work on me?!"

A gray gas spewed out of the side of the sword that faced my clones and as soon as the gas touched my clones they began to scream in pain before popping away.

'The rain doesn't seem to hinder the gas at all…' I thought as I stood from the muddy ground. Kazuno pulled the sword out of the mud all the while staring at me with that crazed grin of his.

'There is no ultimate power that he can obtain you know.' The sword said. 'There I no light at the end of the tunnel for this man. If this man kills you then he will go mad and soon take the lives of everyone he sees.'

'Then why does he think that-.'

'Because he made the false illusion himself. I never told him that killing you would solve his problems. I just pushed him to find you so I can return to my papa.'

"I'll kill you! You damned demon!" Kazuno shouted. Black chakra could be seen flowing into the veins in his arm from the sword.

'The more he uses me, the quicker he dies. Kazuno's body is not properly suited to contain me. Only you can wield me without the side effects that come with my chakra.'

'…' Only me. Do I want something so destructive? Something that can turn a good man into something so twisted that killing someone comes easily? The sword said that if I wielded it than I would not become something like Kazuno, but…

More chakra began to flow into Kazuno's body, but then I saw blood trickle out of the corner of his mouth. The chakra continued to destroy his body as more of the demonic chakra was pushed into his system. Soon, the chakra stopped and Kazuno's body was on the verge of falling over from the amount of damage the chakra has done to him.

"You see it… don't you jinchuuriki?" Kazuno asked. "My body is something that should be long since dead, but if I kill you. If I can kill you than I'll be healed."

Does he really expect that killing me will heal all of his tumors? All the disease that has clung to body? No, it's just another thing that Kazuno has made up in his head, but in a way I pity the old man standing in front of me.

Kazuno was more than likely already dying when he picked up the sword to begin with. Under the illusion that if he found me and killed me than the sword would somehow heal him, so Kazuno searched for me. He gave the rest of his life to the sword in the hopes that it would save him. The same as me.

I gave my body, my very being, to the Kyuubi so I could survive. And, just like Kazuno, it cost me dearly.

"Do you really think that killing me will solve anything?" I asked. Kazuno laughed before pointing the sword towards me.

"Don't try and fool me demon! I know, like all other jinchuuriki, that you have enhanced healing abilities!"

"Even so, if you kill me then what will change? You won't gain anything."

"Bull shit! The sword tells me that if I kill you then I'll become a god! I'll be healed and I'll have more power than all five of the Kages combined!" Kazuno shouted in between laughs.

'I'm not saying any of that! I promise!' The child like voice said desperately. I frowned after hearing this. This sword could very well be lying to me and just wants a suitable host to take over if Kazuno dies. 'You've got to believe me! He's making all of this up!'

Even so, this guy's too far gone to even consider reasoning with. I suppose that my only course of action is to defend myself.

Kazuno shot towards me, swinging the sword towards my head. I jumped back and created two clones next to him. The two clones threw a kunai each at Kazuno, who promptly blocked each kunai with ease. "If that's all you got demon then you better…" Kazuno shouted, but then saw, at the end of each kunai, was an explosive tag that as burning. Kazuno went to move, but a pair of hands protruded from the ground and held onto his ankles.

The explosion rocked the ground, sending mud into the air from where Kazuno was standing. 'Did I get him?'

No. No it can't be that easy… even if the man can barely think, if that sword is anything like the Kyuubi then it will do anything it can to protect him. As the smoke cleared, more quickly than usual due to the rain, the smoke was soon replaced by a green fog. 'Poison?'

"Get out of there Kuro! That poison will-!" Fuu shouted from across the field, but the fog quickly enveloped me. I grinned from beneath my scarf.

'Thank you Tenten. Looks like you've given me a great advantage against him.' I thought as I dashed towards Kazuno inside the green poison cloud. I formed a Resengan in my hand as I moved towards Kazuno and found him staring directly towards me with a wild smile on his face. He was burned in several places due to the explosion, but was standing tall.

"Heh, it's only a matter of time before you die now! Now that you've inhaled this poison!" Kazuno shouted as he pulled up the sword and blocked the Rasengan. I could see the chakra from my jutsu absorb into the sword before Kazuno swiped at me. I jumped backwards and landed away from him with a glare in my eye. "Ah, I take it you've finally found it out! I have the ability to absorb any demonic chakra that this sword comes in contact with!"

A black aura surrounded the sword before he slashed towards me, sending a black airwave mixed with chakra barreling in my direction. I quickly responded in kind after pouring chakra into my hand and sending a similar, crimson, airwave towards him. The two attacks clashed, but it soon became apparent that his was much stronger than mine. I rolled out of the way of the strike and pushed two more clones into existence next to Kazuno. The two clones fought in close quarters with Kazuno, both wielding kunai, as I came up with a plan.

'This guy is powerful. That sword he's holding is giving him immense power. There has to be a way…' I thought. The clones where soon disposed of and Kazuno turned his attention back to me. I had rummaged through my equipment and sighed.

"I'm finished with these petty distractions! You will die by my hands! Right here! Right now!" Kazuno shouted, but just as Kazuno was about to charge at me once more, a dark purple chakra arm smashed into Kazuno, sending him out of the poison cloud and into the field. The green poison cloud began to wither away due to its chakra source disappearing. I looked over and saw Fuu with three tails behind her back and covered in purple chakra.

"I'll destroy you for everyone you've killed!" Fuu shouted as she pulled Kazuno towards her. The sword Kazuno was holding quickly went to work and began absorbing the chakra that was now holding onto him. The purple hand that encased Kazuno a moment ago disappeared from around him, but the momentum from Fuu's pull sent him tumbling to the ground and into the mud at the center of the field. Fuu shrieked in anger and dashed towards Kazuno as he stood up.

"You annoying demon bitch! Die!" Kazuno shouted in anger. Kazuno sent another raw chakra slash at Fuu, who barely dodged. Kazuno disappeared and reappeared next to Fuu with his sword held high into the air. "Weak… weak demon trash!"

Kazuno slammed the sword down onto Fuu, but her cloak absorbed much of the initial blow. Fuu slammed into the muddy ground with a loud thud. "Fuu-sama!" Akari shouted as Kazuno held the sword to her neck.

"See you in hell, demon bitch." Kazuno said as he lifted the sword into the air, but as Kazuno brought his arm down his wrist got caught on something. Kazuno looked up and saw a metal wire wrapped around his wrist. He followed the wire back over to where it started and saw me holding the other end. "You mother-."

I didn't give him the time to finish that sentence as I pulled the wire as hard as I could. Kazuo shouted in pain as his hand was separated from the rest of his arm.

"I'll kill you and everyone you've ever loved you Jinchuuriki trash!" Kazuno shouted desperately as he held onto his now handless arm. I quickly moved towards him and smashed my foot into his chest, sending him across the field.

'You did it papa!' The child like voice shouted in excitement. Fuu began to stir from the ground, her demon cloak still covering her body. She began to look around until finally her eyes rested on the crumpled form of Kazuno. Without the sword to support him, the tumors and disease began to take their course.

Kazuno continued to scream as his skin slowly began to wrinkle and his eyes became bloodshot. Finally, Kazuno stopped screaming and simply sat there with a far off look in his eyes. I looked down to the sword that lay on the ground next to me. Kazuno's hand was still holding onto the sword for dear life.

'That sword…' I thought more to myself, but the Kyuubi picked up on what I thought.

'What about it?' The Kyuubi asked.

'I know this sounds crazy, but that sword was talking to me… Saying it was you.' The Kyuubi made a 'humph' noise before rejecting the notion. 'Well that's a lie. I'm the Kyuubi and you know that.'

'I understand, but…' I thought as I bent down to pick up the sword. 'It said it was a part of your chakra that was split off a long time ago and sealed into this sword.'

'…' The Kyuubi remained silent at my explanation. 'Is it telling me the truth?'

'… No, it can't be. There is no way someone is stealthy enough to steal chakra from me.' The Kyuubi said as I picked up the sword from the ground, leaving Kazuno's hand in the mud.

Almost immediately I felt something surge up into my arm from the sword. I fell backwards into the water of the rice fields and was quickly sent into my mindscape.

XxXxX

"Find anything?" Gai asked as Kakashi approached the giant green beast. Gai was standing on top of the wall that looked out over the northern fields.

"Nothing, but the possible direction that he was heading." Kakashi replied.

"I see…" Gai said. Gai had a difficult decision on his hands. Should they continue the search or simply head back to the village with a failed mission on their hands?

"What should we do, Gai?" Kakashi asked. Gai sighed deeply and looked over his shoulder to see Tenten, Neji, and Sakura all talking cheerfully.

"I think we should continue the investigation. Returning to Konoha without the name of the killer would mean that we failed. Something I just can't have." Gai said. Kakashi nodded his head in acceptance.

"Sounds good. I'll tell the others to restock their rations and prepare to move out." Kakashi said.

"Kakashi…" Gai said as Kakashi turned to leave. Kakashi stopped and looked over his shoulder. "Do you think…?"

Kakashi knew what Gai was getting at. Did Naruto kill Kaito? While he knew that Naruto actually did kill Kaito, if Kakashi told Gai then they would probably go home and leave Naruto alone, but Kakashi needed to give something to Naruto. Something important…

"I don't know, but it's worth investigating. I want to know the truth myself. " Kakashi stated. Gai nodded his head in determination. "Let's get ready to head to the neutral zone between us and the Land of Waterfalls."

XxXxX

I now sat in the shallow water of my mind, right in front of the giant cage that held the Kyuubi in. To be honest I haven't been here since my commitment to fuse all of the Kyuubi's chakra to myself. It looked different that's for sure. The cage looked to be melting and a steady stream of red water flowed out of the cage and into the dark hallway behind me. The Kyuubi itself looked to be getting steadily smaller as the chakra softly trickled out of the cage.

The Kyuubi was laying down and facing me with a soft smile spread across its lips. "Haven't seen you in a while."

"I know. So much has happened since we've left Konoha that I haven't been able to visit." I said to the smaller Kyuubi. The large fox waved it off and shook its head. "I know. Things are getting pretty hectic aren't they?"

"So, why are you here? You just kind of fell over outside." The Kyuubi asked, concern laced in its voice. I rubbed my head as I tried to remember what happened. "I don't know. I just picked the sword up and then I was here."

"It's because I called papa here." A voice said from behind me. I looked over my shoulder and saw a small black fox walk out of the darkness of the hallway.

"Who are you?" The Kyuubi asked. The small black fox stopped and sat next to me while wagging its tail. All the while having a large smile on its face. "I'm the Kyuubi!"

"You can't be me! I'm me!"

"I know. I'm a piece of you that was taken away from you a long time ago."

"If you're another me then why haven't you just been absorbed into Naruto right when you entered his body?"

"At first I was just another you. I didn't have a conscience in the beginning, but the people that managed to slice a part of you away slowly began to mold me into something that differed from you."

"How did you get molded into something different?"

"Without the Kyuubi there as an underlining force to be the nine tailed fox, I was able to be molded into whatever they chose me to be." The small fox explained as he danced around me in a playful manner. I looked up at the Kyuubi, rather confused of what's going on.

"So these people molded you into something that can silently kill an entire town without anyone even noticing? Who are they? These people must be powerful if they are able to old you into something so strong."

"Oh, the shinobi that live in the dark zone to the east? They are a group of mercenaries that hire themselves out to anyone that asks them to. Most of the time it's assassination missions that they are called on, but it could be anything to be honest."

"What's the groups' name?"

"Meiyaiba if I remember correctly, but it seems like their name changes every month or so." At least is wasn't the Akatsuki.

"Hmm…"

"What's on your mind kit?" I waved it off. "Nothing… just thinking."

"You never 'just think', though."

"Tell me, why do you keep calling me 'papa'?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

"Heh, well at first when I first saw you I felt the Kyuubi's chakra inside you, but not sealed. I thought that you where the Kyuubi and shouted papa in excitement, but now I see that you fused with the Kyuubi." The small black fox said as he came to a stop next to me and sat down once more. "Meaning you're papa now!"

I looked up to the Kyuubi, who shrugged in return. Not exactly knowing how to approach the situation. "What's your name anyway?"

"I'm the Kyuubi!"

"That's my name!"

"No, your name is Kur-." The small black fox started, but was cut off by the Kyuubi quickly silencing the young fox.

"Shh… he doesn't need to know that yet." I looked up at the Kyuubi in question. I knew that 'the Kyuubi' wasn't its real name, but knowing wouldn't be that bad… would it?

"Fine, but then what's my name?"

I thought for a moment, I looked down at the cute black fox as he argued with Kyuubi about what his name should be. After a couple more seconds I smiled down at the little fox. "Mei."

"Mei? I like it! Thank you papa!" Mei said as he pushed his head into my hand. I scratched the small fox behind his ear with a small smile on my face. The young fox is so innocent, even after being used to kill so many people.

"Heh, it suits him." The Kyuubi said with a grin of his own.

Suddenly, the room began to shake violently. I stood up and began to look around before realizing that something must be wrong on the outside. I quickly pushed myself back to reality and found an extremely angry jinchuuriki staring at me. Fuu was holding me by my collar with her hand while her purple chakra surrounded me. Akari was over a little ways, shouting at Fuu.

"Fuu-sama! Don't hurt Kuro! He's on our side!" Akari pleaded. Fuu's mind was long gone as she stared at me with those furious eyes that I know so well. I glanced down at the sword in my hand and realized that Fuu must think that I was one of the people that helped Kazuno. I grimaced when her grasp tightened around my body.

"Fuu… please stop. I didn't help Kazuno…" I said between breaths as I her chakra slowly began to be soaked up into the sword. Fuu screeched into my face as she punched me in my stomach, sending me flying into a nearby tree that lined the farm. I slowly stood while holding my stomach. 'Broken rib…'

Fuu charged towards me, but I lifted the sword and released a smoke screen around me. Fuu slammed into where I once was and as she looked around the thick smoke, I reappeared next to her holding a red Rasengan. The jutsu slammed into her chakra cloak before making a large explosion that sent the two of us in separate directions.

I struggled to stand as I looked across the field. Fuu's chakra cloak had decreased to only a single tail, but Akari was trying her best to heal Fuu through the cloak. I limped over to my fellow jinchuuriki with my sword in hand.

"I don't know what happened to her! She normally has her Bijuu under control, but for some reason whenever she saw all the people dead… and that sword. It's like she went berserk!" Akari said in desperation, tears in her eyes. I didn't respond as I lifted the sword up above Fuu. "Wait, what are you-?!"

I slammed the sword down into the cloak, but missed her body. The sword began to absorb the chakra of the seven tails slowly. I watched as all of the chakra that surrounded Fuu either retreated into her body or was absorbed into the sword. After the cloak disappeared I pointed the sword into the air where a bolt of black chakra shot into the clouds above from my sword. After bringing the sword down to my side I looked down at the pink haired medic.

"That should help." I said to the stunned Akari. The girl nodded slowly before I turned and began to walk away from the two wet ninja.

"Hold on! Where are you going?" Akari asked as she picked up the soaked jinchuuriki. I walked over to the body of Kazuno and looked underneath his tan cloak. A black belt held a black sheath around his waist. I took the belt and the sheath and wrapped the belt around my waist. After wrapping the belt around my body I fastened the black sheath to my side in such a way that I could get the sword quickly when need be. I sheathed the black sword after the belt and the sheath were comfortable resting against my hip.

"To check on something." I replied.

"Well how about you come with us? I mean, at least to stock up on supplies for your travels."

"Sorry, but the last time I did that I ended up killing someone that I shouldn't have." Akari looked at me with a pained expression. "Besides, another jinchuuriki would be nothing but trouble."

Akari must have almost forgot that I was a jinchuuriki like Fuu. "Tell me, how is Fuu treated in her village?"

"How is Fuu treated?" Akari questioned. It's like I asked her some retarded question that everyone knows. "What do you mean?"

"Is Fuu treated like… a person? A friend?"

Akari stared at the hooded boy in front of her. "Of course! She's a hero to the people of Takigakure because she has the Nanabi sealed within her! Why, weren't you treated the same way?"

"…" I didn't respond at first. It must be nice be something like a hero in the eyes of your peers. To feel needed by others and to need someone else. It hurt somewhat to look at how Akari propped Fuu up onto her shoulder. "No."

"Oh… then how where you-?" Akari began to say, but I began to walk towards the house that we were once in. I climbed up the stairs and found the dinner table where the four family members sat, dead. I heard Akari enter through the door with Fuu in tow. She laid the girl onto the sofa and looked over at me as I dragged the bodies of the family members outside. After putting the bodies in the water I returned and started the fire in the fireplace. I pulled one of the wooden chairs up to the fire and simply sat there, staring into the blissful fire, deep in thought.

"You are not like the other jinchuuriki…" Akari said after watching me for a long while. Am I so different from the other jinchuuriki? The only other jinchuuriki that I've met was Gaara and from what I've been told, we are extremely similar. Akari was still healing Fuu's leg that was sliced open. "You're a good person, you know that right?"

I remained silent after hearing this comment. A good person? No… no I have the blood of thousands of people weighing on my shoulders. I will forever live with the image that I'm a mass murderer in the eyes of the Konoha villagers.

"I've killed… so many people." I finally said. Akari looked at me in question. A child, maybe two or three years younger than them, has killed? "Thousands upon thousands of people's deaths rest on my shoulders. How can you say I'm a good person when the deaths of families haunt my mind?"

"Did you kill those people? Or did the Bijuu sealed inside you kill those people?" Akari asked after a slight pause. I turned to her as she walked over to me and pressed her hands to my chest. A green aura appeared where I was struck by Fuu.

"Does it matter? Whatever the Kyuubi has done, I have done." I said. It was just now that I've realized that I have been talking in a monotone, emotionless, voice this entire time.

"That's not true! The Nanabi has also killed many people whenever it was sealed inside of Fuu-sama, but that doesn't make her the killer!" Akari shouted. Was she really arguing that I wasn't the one that killed all those people? Or was she trying to argue that it wasn't Fuu's fault that the Nanabi killed all the people it did?

"Did you lose someone close during the Nanabi attack?" Akari looked up at me, tears in her eyes.

"My brother died that day, but my parents have never blamed Fuu-sama for what happened. Never once has anyone that lost someone that day harbored ill feelings for Fuu-sama." Akari said as she stood and walked over to Fuu, who was still knocked out. My rib was healed.

"Lucky her."

"Look, I don't know what's wrong with you, but you need to-." Akari began to say as she stood up from the sofa.

"Akari…" Fuu said as she turned over on the sofa to face us.

"Fuu-sama! How are you feeling?" Akari asked as she bent down to her friends' side.

"Akari, please leave Kuro alone." Fuu said as she leaned up on one arm.

"But-."

"Look, Kuro, is it okay if we use your real name? You're in the bingo books as an S-Class missing ninja. Any ninja that has had any contact with their village knows about you by now." Fuu said. I sighed and nodded my head. I suppose it doesn't matter now…

"Wait, he's a missing ninja? An S-Class one at that?!" Akari said in shocked as she quickly jumped away from me. "But he's younger than us!"

"Naruto Uzumaki, missing ninja of Konoha and jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi no kitsune. Deemed a kill on sight target due to the murder of seven innocent villagers and the housing of enemy spies within the village." Fuu recited. She must have done her research on everyone in the bingo book, or at least those of importance.

"Kill on sight?" Akari said as she stared at me in horror. I crossed my fingers and listened to the interaction of the two Waterfall ninja.

"It seems that Naruto's village really just wants him dead."

"But he's jinchuuriki! Naruto's supposed to be a hero!"

"Life's not always that easy, Akari. When compared to the other Jinchuuriki, I've got it easy. In some of the other villages, jinchuuriki are treated terribly. The worst one being… the Kyuubi's jinchuuriki." Fuu said as she sat up. Akari looked back over at me, pity evident on her face. "Tell me, what is your plan when the Akatsuki eventually catch up to you?"

I sighed and looked down towards the floor. What was I supposed to do? My power level may have spiked since I left the village, but when compared to the Akatsuki… "My only option for when they find me is… run."

The room stayed quiet for a moment after the Takigakure shinobi heard my answer. It was simple, yes, but the only option that was available to me at the moment. Even with the Kyuubi fusing its chakra mine and Mei joining up with me… I still need to train myself. I need time. "Run? That's it? That's all you have?" Akari asked. She asked me her questions like I some sort of moron that needed to be taught a lesson.

"It's not like I have anywhere I can go. Unlike Fuu, I don't have a village that's willing to protect me. I'm a missing ninja…" I said solemnly. Akari seemed to realize what she said and looked down in shame.

"Sorry." Akari apologized.

"What about joining another village? Have you thought about that?" Fuu asked. I shook my head.

"I have and I've discarded the idea."

"Why's that? I'm sure Takigakure would be happy to have you amongst their ranks. Besides, missing ninja do it all the time." Fuu offered.

"That does sound attractive, Fuu, but I don't think that would be a good idea. If I were just another ninja that has nothing special about him then I'm sure Konoha wouldn't care, but since I've got the Kyuubi sealed within me…" I said.

"Such a powerful ninja switching sides would strain the relationship between Takigakure and Konoha. It would also show that something's wrong in the village and leave them vulnerable." Akari finished. "You're protecting them?"

"Why would you protect a group of people that hate you?" Fuu asked.

"Not everyone in Konoha hated me. There was a few that treated me like an actual person. That didn't look at me for what was sealed within." I said.

"Heh, you're a pretty noble person after talking to you." Fuu said with a grin. I chuckled before I pulled down my scarf from around my mouth. "So, what now?"

I looked down at the sword that was strapped to my waist. "I take it you want this sword, huh?"

"No, our mission was to eliminate Kazuno, but there was nothing in our mission statement about the sword that he was wielding." Fuu said as she grinned. "Besides, I think you need it more than us."

It's true. I'm going to need every advantage I can get if… when… the Akatsuki ever find me. "If you're not looking for this sword then I'm probably heading east."

"East? Towards the black zone?" Akari questioned. I nodded my head, confirming her question. "Why there?"

"It's better than staying here. If I stay in one place for too long then the Akatsuki will find me a lot quicker." I said. It was the truth, but my true intentions was something else entirely…

"I suppose that's true. Just remember that you're always welcome in Takigakure if there's nowhere else to go." Fuu said as she stood from the sofa. I stood as well and we firmly shook hands.

"Just out of curiosity… do you have any more teammates? It's strange to see a two person cell this far away from your village." I commented. Fuu's face visibly paled as she remember about her other teammates.

"Shit! They've probably went back to the village! Which means…!" Fuu said in terror, but as she said this a person wearing a blue Chunin uniform entered through the blown open front door. His forehead protector stated that he was from the same village as Fuu, but there was something off about his demeanor.

"There you are Fuu-chan. I was beginning to get worried that something may have happened to you." The Chunin said with a grin. He had purple eyes and hair with darker skin. Fuu looked to be slightly angry as she looked at the man standing in front of us.

'Why him… why did they have to send him of all people?' Fuu thought.

"But it seems I was mistaken in my worry." The Jonin stated.

"What are you doing here, Toji?" Fuu asked with an angry tone to it.

"Whoa! What's with the harsh words Fuu-chan? I only wanted to know if you're okay is all." Toji said. Toji then looked over to Akari. "It seems your little medic friend is okay as well. I'm relieved."

"You can go to hell." Akari said before crossing her arms. Why are Fuu and Akari being so mean to this guy?

Toji sighed before looking over to me. His expression changed from that of playfulness to completely serious. "And you must be Naruto."

He must have been listening in on a part of our conversation…

"What are you doing here? As you can see we've got the situation under control." Fuu said, but Toji ignored her completely.

"You are wanted dead by your village, you know that traitor?" Toji said rather light heartedly as he walked over to the fire and began to dry off. I pushed chakra into my eyes and watched closely for any sudden movements. "Oh course you do. I mean, you've killed a fellow shinobi while you were on the run."

Fuu glanced over to me. She must be confused as to what he's saying. "What are you talking about? The only thing the bingo book said is that he killed seven villagers. There was no death of a Jonin." Akari said.

"That's true… but our informants have seemed to come across some spicy information concerning your friend here." Toji said as he tossed a copy of a mission briefing to Fuu. Fuu caught the scroll and quickly rolled the scroll open. Her eyes widened as she looked over to me.

"The information here… it can't be right." Fuu said before looking over at me. As if it had shed some new light on me that Fuu hadn't known. "You killed the only remaining person from a family?"

How was I supposed to answer her? I killed him because I had to? I killed him because he was going to do unimaginable things to me? What did they want from me?

Also, how did they know about Kaito's death so quickly anyways? Does their village have informants inside the Land of Fire's territory? Spies that are working undercover inside their neighbors borders? That had to be it… there's no other way that Toji could have come across this information so quickly. Their informant must have witnessed the events that happened that night.

"It's not like I had a choice…" I said softly.

"That's not true and you know it! You killed him because the Kyuubi inside you is influencing your actions!" Toji prosecuted. I flinched slightly at his harsh words. "Admit it! The seal that is containing the Kyuubi is wearing away by the minute and soon the Kyuubi will completely take over!"

What now? What should I say? I know what Toji is saying is completely false, but would Fuu believe him? I may be a fellow jinchuuriki, but that doesn't mean she'll listen to me.

Began to think of what my goals where. What my overall plan was from here on out and what I need to do to accomplish them. I then remembered the ones that put me in this position in the first place. The people that destroyed my life that I so carefully crafted in that forsaken place known as Konoha.

My blood began to boil somewhat as the elders faces popped up into my head. 'The elders must know what they've made out of me. What they've unleashed from the chains. Those old fools must see that I'm no tool that can be used and discarded as they see fit.'

I looked up at Toji and began to chuckle lightly. After a moment of chuckling I began to laugh. Toji looked at me in confusion. After I finished laughing I sighed deeply and looked up at Toji.

"Wow, you hit the nail right on the head! How did you find that out so easily?!" I said with a pinch of demonic chakra thrown in, making it seem like the Kyuubi was influencing my speech. Toji, as well as Akari and Fuu, backed up slightly. Horror apparent on their faces. "After all this time I've been keeping it secret, but you managed to guess it on the first try! Very good!"

This felt strange…acting like this. I'm not enjoying it, but it had to be done. I have to try and show them that I'm being somewhat influenced by the Kyuubi, but this also means that the Kyuubi will be seen as an evil being, which it's not. I need to show them that I'd go to any lengths to complete my objectives.

"But then why did you help us defeat Kazuno?! There was no reason to help us!" Akari shouted in defiance. I laughed slightly at her comment.

"And here I thought you were smart! Is it that hard to understand?" I asked as I pointed to the sword resting against my hip. "This is all I truly wanted."

Akari looked shocked at my words. "You… used us?"

"Of course! Why else would I have stayed? I knew that Kazuno would eventually turn up if I found Fuu. So I stayed with her until he finally decided to show himself!" I lied. It hurt so much to see the betrayal on Akari's face. Was this what it's going to be like from here on out? Was the path of revenge truly like this?

Fuu looked to be getting angrier as I talked until she finally walked over to me and grabbed my collar. She then lifted me up and stared down into the darkness underneath my hood. "You're a filthy liar, Naruto!" Fuu shouted as she shook me. I kept my grin up as she continued to shake me. "You're a jinchuuriki! A hero to Konoha! You're not the Kyuubi!"

As Fuu shook me, my hood fell off my head and as it fell Fuu's eyes widened in terror. My eyes where crimson red and my pupils had changed to a narrow line. Fuu let go of my collar and simply stared at my eyes in horror. "Y-you really are…!" Fuu stuttered out.

I laughed at Fuu's expression as she slowly backed away from me after letting go of my collar. "It's strange, isn't it, Fuu?! How someone that you thought you knew can completely change in an instant!" I said.

Fuu stopped in her tracks then. Her hair covering her eyes from sight. Her body began to shake as she looked to be remembering something. "No…"

I tilted my head at what Fuu said. "No? No what?"

"You are not the Kyuubi! After everything that has happened today! After everything you've said to me…" Fuu shouted in defiance, but slowly became quieter. "There's just no way."

"Well, whatever you believe is none of my concern. I would like to thank you for the help here today, Fuu." I said as I began to pull the sword out of its sheath. Toji's eyes narrowed at this action and lifted his hand, as if to give a signal.

"Hold it right there, Naruto. If you pull out that sword then I will give the order for all five ninja that are hiding outside to attack." Toji said. I grinned at the purple haired Chunin. The eight holes at the base of my sword was already exposed.

"Let's see you try, Toji." I said before a smoke screen blasted out from my sword and engulfing the room in smoke.

"Now!" Toji shouted. I could see five other ninja through the smoke dash in through the front door, back door, and several windows. I moved past the Waterfall ninja swiftly before jumping out of the hole that was made in the back of the house when Kazuno threw Fuu outside. I landed on the wet ground and began to pool chakra into my legs.

'That was…' The Kyuubi began to say, stunned at what just happened.

'Just… please be quiet... please.' I thought as I fought back the urge to run back in there and tell them the truth. With that, I disappeared from the rice fields of the neutral zone between the Land of Fire and the Land of Waterfalls with one word on my mind.

Meiyaiba.

XxXxX

"That boy is truly something else." A man said from within the darkness of a thick forest that overlooked a rice field.

"He's young, but shows a lot of potential." Another man replied as a boy with blonde hair jumped across the water.

"Should we approach him?" The first man asked.

"No… let's continue observing him until need be. This boy is truly interesting to watch…" The second man said before the two men disappeared from underneath the shade of trees.

XxXxX-End

Sorry it took so long for me to update, but a lot has happened since I last updated. A friend got married, I had to complete school, and my parents are moving out of their old house.

So, sorry for making you for waiting so long! ;_;

As for this chapter… I maybe wrote it at least five different times and every time I looked at it I deleted it because I didn't like it. In the end this is what I settled on. I hope everyone likes it!