I had a hard time finishing this only because my computer kept crashing on me.
-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-
-Sakura-
February 15th, Friday after school.
Ino burst through the dorm building doors dragging Sakura with her. Hinata was close behind with concern look on her face. Sakura frowned and pulled her arm away from Ino once they were in their dorm room.
What did we do now? Sakura thought. She placed her schoolbag down and sat on her bed watching as Ino went into the walk-in closet. Hinata came and sat next to Sakura still looking concerned. Sakura gave a half-smile to Hinata before staring at the closet.
The moment Sakura had gotten back to her dorm yesterday night Ino had bombarded her with questions. Sakura had moaned greatly and told her she'd tell her later going to sleep that instant. Ino hadn't seemed happy about that, but trying to mess with a tired Sakura wasn't a smart move. Plus, Sakura wanted to be alone with her thoughts after what had just happened.
In the morning, though, Ino had been really quiet and hadn't spoken much to Sakura. It made her worried, but now she was just annoyed.
"Ino! Mind explaining what's going-" Sakura didn't get a chance to finish as Ino threw a long sleeved shirt and pants onto Sakura's head. Sakura pulled them off and gave a large frown. "What's this for…?"
"Just go change into it!" Ino commanded with a hint of aggression in her voice. Sakura frowned greatly then sighed inwardly.
Whatever. I'll just play along. Sakura mumbled out. She stood up and ducked as some similar clothes to Sakura's flew over her head probably toward Hinata.
As Sakura was changing a thought suddenly occurred to her. What if… something between her and Choji didn't go well? Sakura swallowed and bit her lip. That would definitely put Ino in a bad mood.
After the three girls were dressed, with Neji notified that Hinata was staying with them, they headed out into Konoha City.
Snow slowly trickled down as the girls walked through the city. Sakura pulled her trench coat around herself better pulling up the fluffy hood. The weather hadn't let up since it began in January, although for one week and a half it was okay, but then it had actually gotten worse than before. Everyday seemed to have it snowing constantly. Sakura sighed and stared after Ino's back. She had remained silent since they left.
Hinata tugged on Sakura's arm giving a worried expression. Sakura glanced down at her and gave a reassuring smile. I hope it's not about Choji. She would have been asleep if that was the case, but she… Sakura sighed once more. At this point it's starting to worry me as well.
Sakura glanced up when Ino came to a stop. She looked around to notice they were at a restaurant. Ino glanced at the girls and then entered. Sakura and Hinata stared at each other before following after. Ino grabbed Sakura's hand as they entered and began to drag her towards the back.
"Ino! I can walk on my own, thank you," Sakura mumbled as Ino tugged more. Eventually, they came to a booth and sat down. When they ordered their drinks Sakura spoke up. "So what is it? Why are you dragging me and Hinata out here?"
Sakura watched as Ino stared intently at her before her hands were grabbed and held into the air. "Sakura I…" Ino looked serious, but then a small smile came to her face and she shook her head "Are you… officially a special someone's now? Tell me what happened!"
A blank expression crossed Sakura's face before she slowly stood up, took her hands from Ino, and promptly left the table aiming to leave the restaurant.
"W-Wait, Sakura!" Ino shouted after her, and right before Sakura got to the door her arm was grabbed. Sakura turned on Ino glaring greatly at her. Ino bit her lip and looked down.
"Is that all you had to say to me, Ino Yamanaka?" Sakura shouted pulling her arm away before leaving the restaurant. Ino followed after and got in front of her.
"I, wait, please Sakura. Let me-"
"Let you what? You worry me half to death that something could be up, and even more so that you and Choji might have broken up! You don't talk to me during school, and are in a bad mood for the rest of the day. After all that, you only ask me if I'm now dating Sasuke-kun! I don't understand, Ino!" Sakura felt tears trying to release themselves, but she wiped them away trying to have her anger more than her hurt show.
Ino stared at her for a moment before lowering her eyes and staring down at the ground. Minutes ticked by as the two girls stood on the sidewalk with the snow falling gently around them. Sakura could see Hinata from inside the restaurant knowing she knew better than to come in between this.
Eventually, Sakura's anger ebbed away and only hurt was on her face. She stared at Ino who refused to move. The cold was starting to feel bitter on Sakura as she had left her jacket on the booth. Feeling awkward with this foreboding silence, Sakura opened her mouth to say something, but Ino beat her to it.
"I'm sick."
-oO0-o)
Next Day, evening.
Sakura stared up at the ceiling in her dorm. She was curled up on her bed with a blank expression. Her green eyes were now filled with tints of red, and her cheeks shown indication of water that had drifted down. Her mind flickered back to yesterday, but before she could think on it more she began to cry.
Why did it have to be her? Sakura thought as she began to sob into her knees. For a moment, she sat there and cried again. It wasn't until she heard someone knock when she stopped crying. She wiped her eyes hoping it would be Ino, but that was impossible.
Ino told Sakura that she went to the doctors to see what kind of sickness it was. It was something the doctors had never seen and it seemed to be hurting her body slowly. They told her that they would send for an expert, but otherwise they just put her on a few medications. Ino had only wanted to spend some time with her friends in case it was the worst case scenario. Sakura didn't want to her to pretend everything was alright, but to not make Hinata worry they pretended until the day was over. After that, Ino returned home. She wasn't allowed to go back to school just in case it was contagious.
Sakura got up and went over to the door opening it. A surprise look crossed her face when she saw Hinata there.
"Hinata-chan…? Um, is there something you…" Sakura started but Hinata hugged her interrupting her.
"Sakura-chan, tell me why Ino-chan isn't coming back…" Hinata mumbled out with her voice sounding as if it would break.
Sakura swallowed hard and looked away. "She has… a sickness the doctors can't indentify."
"…It's starting, isn't it?" Hinata clung to Sakura's clothing shaking some as if she was about to cry.
"Starting…?" Sakura didn't understand what she was getting at, at first, until she remembered why this upset her so much. "Let's go to Naruto's house."
"W-Why?" Hinata asked. Sakura turned around and began to change clothing.
"That's where Kurama is. I have to ask him if this is the same sickness or if Ino just caught something bad. Regardless, perhaps he can help her," Sakura threw on her jacket, grabbed Hinata's hand, and left the dorm room running down the hallway.
Sakura and Hinata stared outside the dorm door. Snow was blowing so hard that the dorms were locked preventing anyone from coming into them or leaving.
"What the…? Didn't you just arrive?" Sakura asked turning to Hinata who nodded to her. "Then what's going on?"
"A storm just picked up," a voice from behind the counter spoke up. Sakura growled and turned to them and opened her mouth to speak. "No, you can't leave. It's too dangerous."
Sakura frowned and tapped her food thinking about what she could do. An idea struck her. "Okay, I understand. C'mon, Hinata-chan. Let's go back to my dorm." Sakura bowed the girl behind the counter before taking Hinata to the back rooms behind the stairs. Hinata followed keeping her voice quiet.
Sakura quickened her pace knowing that at any moment a dorm guard could come up and tell her to go back, but she was determined to get out. After sneaking around corners for a few moments, Sakura came up to a door that said 'Emergency Exit'.
"Won't this set off the alarm?" Hinata asked as she gripped onto Sakura's hand. Sakura gave a nod and pulled her hood up.
"Just don't let go," Sakura took a deep breath then pushed open the door quickly and hard. The fire alarm went off and Sakura raced out the door with Hinata closely behind. She charged through the snow as best as she aimed to get out of the gates. She took a brief glance behind them to see no one chasing after. She smiled then quickly got to the gates sneaking herself and Hinata through them.
As they stuck to the sidewalks trying to get to Naruto's house, the storm got even worse. Sakura could feel her toes and arms beginning to freeze up horribly. If they stayed out here any longer they were likely to get sick themselves. Sakura pulled Hinata close to hopefully keep their warmth up. It wasn't working very well. A sigh escaped Sakura's lips. She wanted to stop to find a warm place, but stopping would be worse than keep moving.
What are we going to do? Sakura thought as a shiver rolled down her spine. She was feeling lost and wasn't even sure they were going to make it by the way the storm kept getting worse.
Suddenly, Hinata tripped and fell face first into the snow. Sakura gasped and grabbed a hold of Hinata's arm to pull her up, but her hands felt too numb to do so. Panic rose as she tried to lift up Hinata feeling helpless.
Then out of nowhere, someone picked up Hinata. Sakura looked up seeing Sasuke's older brother Itachi. Before she could say anything, she felt herself being picked up in a bridal style. She glanced up to see Sasuke and blushed greatly.
"What are you girls doing out in this storm?" Sasuke demanded as he held Sakura close. Sakura clung to him helplessly.
"T-Trying… t-to… get to K-Kurama…" Sakura spoke through chattering teeth. She could barely feel anything now.
"Did… something bad happen?" Sasuke asked looking very concerned. Sakura gave a nod with eyes shutting off and on. "Itachi, let's hurry back! They don't look good at all."
"Right," Itachi's voice drifted to Sakura's ears, but she barely heard it as she felt herself drifting off.
-oO0-o)
-Naruto-
Naruto looked down at Hinata who was in his lap. Not too long ago, Sasuke and Itachi had brought Hinata and Sakura into the house. They were unconscious and very cold. Quickly, Naruto's mother had acted and gotten them into dry clothing before curling them up in front of the heat. After they were warmed up, Naruto and Sasuke had taken them to Naruto's room where they were now currently curled up in their laps.
Naruto glanced at Sasuke who was somewhat napping with Sakura in his lap. He was tired from helping Itachi and Obito clearing out snow, if they could. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he turned to stare out his open door. His mom and Itachi were talking probably wondering how they were going to contact Sakura and Hinata's parents.
Because of the storm, the phone lines were down and cell phone service wasn't working at all. Sakura's mother might not notice as Sakura stayed in the dorms, but getting a message to the Hyuugas would be much harder.
Naruto blinked when he heard a groan and glanced to his left. Sakura moved waking up Sasuke. She slowly sat up with Sasuke putting his hands on her shoulders.
"You feeling alright, now?" Sasuke asked.
"I… where am I?" Sakura responded looking groggy as she moved her head left and right.
"You're in my house," Naruto answered making her turn her head to look towards him. "Sasuke and Itachi found you and Hinata in the snow practically unconscious."
"Oh… it wasn't a dream then," Sakura looked relieved as she placed her head against Sasuke's chest.
"You're safe now, but I need to ask," Sasuke spoke up again, "why were you two in the storm?"
"We… needed to come here to find Kurama," Sakura replied softly.
I am here. Naruto heard Kurama respond and jump onto the bed looking at Sakura. What is it you need, dear child?
Naruto shifted so that Kurama's tails wouldn't smack him in the face, which were now up to six.
"What do… you know about the sickness that is going to spread?" Sakura swallowed hard biting her lip.
It is something that Humans cannot counter with their medicines. It looks as if it is attacking the insides of the body, but in reality it is stealing that person's energy. It's a slow, painful process. At first, the person will merely just feel weak for awhile, but after a week the process begins to drain their stamina and eventually they become unable to move. Shortly after that, they will go into a coma, and then… die.
Even before Kurama had finished talking Sakura had burst into tears. When he reached his last statement she had begun to cry even louder. Naruto and Sasuke looked at each other helplessly and Sasuke could only comfort her.
Naruto looked down to see Hinata shift awake and stare at him then immediately shift her gaze over to Sakura before crawling to her to place her hand on her back.
"W-What happened?" She asked looking panicked.
"I'd like to know too," Naruto mumbled as he picked up Kurama. "What's going on, Kurama?"
I… am unsure, Naruto-sama. She began to cry as if… Suddenly, Kurama leaped from Naruto's arms and touched Sakura's. Someone has fallen under this sickness, haven't they?
Sakura mumbled something through her sobs, but Naruto could understand. "What?" Naruto asked as he got off the bed to move to their side.
"…Ino did…"
-oO0-o)
Naruto and Sasuke paced back and forth with Kurama watching them from the bed. Sakura and Hinata had already fallen asleep, but Naruto and Sasuke were determined to figure this out.
Kurama had begun to panic because it was starting much faster than he had thought it would. If Ino had already begun with the first phase of the sickness, who knows if others had already fallen into the other phases or not. Kurama couldn't think of what to do, as he only knew something would happen if his powers returned, but they were returning too slowly!
Naruto scratched his head and gave a frustrated growl before plopping down on the floor.
"What haven't we thought of?" He asked Sasuke aloud.
"I don't know. I'm not even sure what the hell we're supposed to look for!" Sasuke leaned against the wall crossing his arms in anger.
Naruto sighed and laid back staring up at the ceiling. If they didn't figure out something soon, a lot of people were going to die.
Kurama appeared in Naruto's view blinking down at him slowly. Naruto's face softened when he could see the hurt in Kurama's eyes. Carefully, Naruto picked up Kurama and placed him in his lap. He gently rubbed Kurama's back as he began to think of all the things Kurama told them.
Suddenly, Naruto had an idea. He sat up quickly and glanced around the room before holding Kurama and hopping up. Sasuke jumped at Naruto's sudden movements before settling down.
"What's wrong, Naruto?" Sasuke asked as Naruto moved past him and began to look through his manga on his bookshelf.
"Something Kurama said to us earlier made me wonder about something…" Naruto answered as he pulled off many manga of his that were about the kitsune. "You know how each story that is written has some truths to it?"
"Um, sure," Sasuke answered uncertainly.
Naruto placed the books on the floor and began flipping through them, "well, I remember something from my manga that sometimes when there is a curse caused from the kitsune the characters always had to go back to the source that caused it."
"Okay… What's your point, Naruto?"
"What if, to stop this sickness and weather, we need to go the source of where it lies?"
"Ah…hmm. Well, that actually makes sense," Sasuke pondered and he sat down next to Naruto. Naruto grinned at him before looking to Kurama.
The source of all that is causing this…? The land stole our powers, and that would indicate we would have to go under the land…
Naruto frowned and sighed hanging his head, "I didn't think about that…"
"It's the only lead we've got, though, Kurama," Sasuke mumbled. Naruto nodded his head in agreement and glanced back to Kurama who stared at them with unblinking eyes. Naruto watched as Kurama slowly stood up and started to pace back and forth.
I wonder what he's thinking? Naruto thought as he organized his manga on the floor while he waited for Kurama to speak.
Naruto watched as Kurama flicked his tails back and forth as he walked, and then Kurama stopped and stared over at Sakura and Hinata. For a moment, he just stood there still as a statute before moving to begin pacing again. He continued this process several more times. Naruto was beginning to feel impatient and really wished he could hear more than just Kurama's voice.
Finally, after about five minutes of pacing and silence, Kurama spoke.
What do you know about Konoha and Suna, Naruto-sama, Sasuke-same?
"Uh…" Naruto pondered for a moment then sighed. "Nothing really…"
"I don't know much either," Sasuke responded calmly. "Why is this important?"
Maybe we can find the source. We just need to find the place Konoha was founded on. Although, the problem with that is we would have to go to the original area Konoha was founded in.
The original area Konoha was founded in? Naruto thought with a frown crossing his arms. "Wouldn't you know where that was since you watched over the original Konoha?"
Unfortunately not, the land has changed greatly as it has been over several hundreds of years.
"Gah! You can't be serious…" Naruto sighed greatly and mumbled under his breath. "There has to be someone who knows!"
"The mayor, Hiruzen Sarutobi, would know."
Naruto turned around and blinked up seeing Itachi in the doorway. It was pretty late in the night, so he was surprised to see Itachi awake.
"Itachi," Sasuke spoke up as he stood up as well, "what makes you think that?"
Naruto watched as Itachi came into the room shutting the door before leaning against a wall. "Sasuke, you told me that the tailed-beasts had clans that protected them in the past. Tell me who they were again."
Naruto glanced at Sasuke as he gave a blank expression that said something along the lines "where's the point in this?".
"Kurama said they were the Uzumaki, the Uchiha, the Hyuuga, the Senju, and the Sarutobi Clans…" Sasuke gave a surprised expression as he finished then hit his head with his hand. "I get where you're going with this."
"Wait, what?" Naruto asked confused about what was going on.
These clans! Kurama spoke up making Naruto look towards him. Yes, I should have noticed before. I had panicked greatly forgetting this fact.
"That's right," Naruto turned to Itachi who nodded giving a smile, "they'll most likely know anything about the original Konoha. Probably even the other areas that the tailed-beasts once watched over."
"Wait, what about out clan, Itachi? Wouldn't they know?" Sasuke asked making Naruto frown because he still had no idea what they were talking about.
Itachi shook his head, "no, I asked Obito and he said any record of such times would be stored within the Mayor's library or been long lost…"
"That's a shame…"
"AAAGH!" Naruto shouted suddenly getting up. Everyone went silent and stared at him. A pillow flew into his head and he turned quickly around to see an angry Sakura halfway sitting up.
"Ugh, you idiot. You woke her up…" Sasuke growled punching Naruto's arm.
"No, I was already halfway awake," Sakura said as she sat up fully, "but Naruto's scream scared me."
"S-Sorry, Sakura-chan…" Naruto gulped as he slowly sat back down.
What is the matter, Naruto-sama? Kurama asked coming up and sitting in Naruto's lap.
"I don't know what's going on…" Naruto mumbled as he rubbed his head.
"They're talking about the clans that reside in Konoha, Naruto-kun," Naruto heard the soft voice of Hinata and turned his head around. She gave a yawn before stretching and getting out of the bed. Naruto gave a smile and hugged her when she sat next to him. She gave a light giggle before hugging him back.
"I… well I sort of understood that… but I don't know what they're getting at."
"Sasuke-kun said that those original clans helped the tailed-beasts. Those clans exist now in Konoha meaning that they are the descendents of the clans of so long ago."
Naruto blinked at Hinata then gave a wide-eyed expression of understanding, "ooooh! I get it now! Then these clans would know about the past!"
"That's what we said, idiot…" Sasuke groaned. Naruto looked at him and gave a sheepish smile.
"Hinata-chan, you're part of the Hyuuga clan… wouldn't they know?" Sakura asked still on the bed.
"Well…" Hinata looked unsure and sighed.
"Wait! That book we found," Naruto nodded to Kurama whom got up and scurried to the books pulling out the one on the tales of the tailed-beasts, "Gaara and I found that in the Hyuuga library! They would know because they had this, right?"
"Not necessary, Naruto," Itachi spoke up kneeling down and taking the book from Kurama. "They might have come to pick this book up by chance, right Hinata-chan?"
Hinata gave a blush and nodded to Itachi. Naruto gave a pout and turned away that he was wrong.
"Anyway, our best bet is to see the Mayor of the city… Although, that will be extremely difficult, especially to see archives like that." Itachi gave the book back to Kurama after he had looked through it.
My appearance would convince them, no? Kurama asked going back into Naruto's lap.
"I don't think that's wise… They wouldn't just let a couple of kids and a strange fox into the office."
Ah, I understand.
"Get rest," Itachi commanded as he began to leave the room, "we'll figure it out tomorrow, I promise."
"Okay," everyone replied at once.
-oO0-o)
The next morning, the storm had settled down enough that it was alright to walk outside. Although, it was dangerously cold that no one wanted to leave the house.
Cell phone service was up, but only enough to send texts as calling would be hard. Hinata was able to tell her family that she was safe at the Namikaze house, and would be back when she could make it through the storm safely.
Sakura, on the other hand, seemed very worried. She hadn't received any texts from Ino and was beginning to think she was already in a coma.
Naruto sighed that things weren't going too well. He went into the kitchen and blinked in surprise to see his mother looking anxious. Kushina was staring at the entryway to the door while holding an object in her hand. Naruto crept up next to her to notice it was a small box.
"Mom?" Naruto asked softly. Kushina gave a startled shake before looking back at Naruto. "Whoa, Mom, are you okay?"
"A-Ah, yes I'm fine, my Naruto," Kushina responded with a small smile.
Naruto frowned. She rarely says my Naruto unless she's got something she's really worried about. "Mom, what's wrong? You can tell me."
Naruto watched as his mother moved to open her mouth, but close it again as the smile on her face faded and slowly turned into a sad/hopeless expression. Naruto's eyes widened as his mother began to cry making him quickly hug her.
"I'm… so… sorry, my dear precious Naruto…" Kushina said through a sobbed voice as she placed her head on Naruto's shoulder. "I… just wanted to protect you…"
"Mom… it's okay. Whatever is bothering you, I'm grown up enough to handle it!" Naruto smiled. Kushina's head slowly lifted up and looked down at him.
"I… heh, you're right. How silly of me to think you are still a child after all that's happened," Kushina smiled lightly and wiped her eyes before taking a deep breath. Naruto looked down at her hands as she brought up the box. "Naruto, you know the necklace you wear?"
Naruto glanced down at his neck and lifted it up then nodded, "yeah, it was Grandfather's keepsake, right?"
"Well… in a way, yes," Kushina replied with her tone changing to more serious. Naruto looked up at her in surprise. "Naruto, that necklace used to belong to the Uzumaki Clan… my clan."
Naruto's eyes widened as he gaped at her then looked back down at the necklace, "Grandpa is part of the Namikaze Clan… so how did he come by it?"
"This box here once held it, but then one day it went missing and your grandfather found it as a child. When I first met him and saw that box I had thought he'd stolen it from the family, but he told me that he found it lying in a meadow of green… You know, Naruto, have you noticed that when you wear that necklace you have never had Kurama's influence take you over?"
"Yeah! I noticed… that…" Naruto stopped his sentence mid-way when he began to realize something. "Mom, you already knew about Kurama, didn't you?"
A smile crept up on Kushina's face, "yes. My clan, the Uzumaki, continued to remember about the tailed-beasts. My clan is connected to Kurama more than any of the other tailed-beasts."
It is true, Naruto-sama. Suddenly, Kurama jumped onto Naruto's shoulder. Naruto gave a light startle, but relaxed as he stared at Kurama giving a frown.
"Why didn't you guys tell me that?"
"I wanted to protect you… I was hoping you hadn't been chosen, but when you were I didn't know what to tell you…" Naruto watched as much hurt appeared on his mother's face. Then, she shook her head and looked at Kurama. "Kurama-sama, I can get you in contact with the Mayor. He will have in his possession the book that shows where the Uzumaki temple used to lie. It's been a very long time, before I was born, since its destruction."
Naruto smiled and hugged his mother greatly. He could feel the surprise from her body before he felt her arms embrace him back. "Mom, I promise I will be fine and that nothing will come to harm me. You don't have to worry anymore; I'll come back to you for sure."
Naruto felt his mother begin to shake as she began to cry again. Naruto lightly rubbed her back as he placed his head against hers.
-oO0-o)
A few days later, February 20th, Wednesday.
Naruto stared up at the Mayor's office with Kurama held tightly in his arms. He was here with a lot of his friends to talk with the Mayor. His mother had successfully gotten them the ability to get a chance to speak with him.
Naruto glanced back and smiled at those who had come.
Sasuke would always be with him, and so would Sakura and Hinata. Gaara was here with Shukaku, Temari, and Kankuro. They were keeping their promise to always stick with Gaara no matter what. Naruto appreciated their support and help as well. Their company along with the others gave Naruto more courage.
Taking a deep breath, Naruto turned to his mother and nodded. Kushina smiled at him taking his hand before entering the building.
Inside, it was warm and very comforting from being out in the cold. They entered into a small lounge that had couches and a few tables with magazines on them lying about. It was very cozy looking, but at the same time very business like.
Kushina led Naruto to the main desk and spoke with the receptionist there. After a moment, the receptionist led them up some stairs before down a long, winding hallway. Eventually, they arrived at a large, two double door. The receptionist left them there saying to just knock before entering.
Naruto took a deep breath and knocked on the door. An "enter" from an elderly voice sounded from within letting Naruto know he could open the door.
"Ah, Kushina, it is good to see you again," the elderly voice spoke again. Naruto looked up and across the room to where a large desk stood. Behind it in a chair was an elderly man wearing a large pointed hat. A soft smile laced his face as he slowly stood up and placed his hand out.
Kushina walked across the room and grabbed the elderly's hand. "Sarutobi-sama, it is good to see you in again as well, and also in good health."
Sarutobi gave a laugh before sitting back down, "you flatter me, Kushina." His eyes drifted over to Naruto and motioned for him and his friends to come over. Naruto obeyed and stood next to his mother with Gaara coming to his other side holding Shukaku. "Oh ho, these are the tailed-beasts? They are much smaller than I thought they would be."
"They have lost their powers, after all. Being big like they used to would mean they wouldn't need our help." Kushina replied giving Kurama a light rub to the head.
"Indeed, indeed…" Sarutobi straightened up in his chair and looked at Naruto. "Now then, son of Kushina, please tell me what you desire."
Naruto took a quick breath and bowed his head before replying, "Sarutobi-sama, I come asking if you know the location of where Konohagakure no Sato originally stood."
Sarutobi looked at Naruto thoughtfully before slowing getting to his feet and pacing the room to a bookshelf. He reached into it and pulled a book off before coming to sit back down.
"Hmm… it is actually very hard to get to that location now. Kyuubi Temple was at the center of Konohagakure no Sato, but a long time ago a dangerous storm overtook it and suddenly, it was gone. There were no traces of destruction left behind, but there was indeed destruction around it. The forest had been destroyed, and so had the land… It was as if a tornado had picked the temple off the ground and stole it away."
"Are you… suggesting some supernatural happened?" Sasuke asked coming up behind Naruto.
"Mmm, perhaps, but ah, Kurama-sama I am sure you might have a better idea," Sarutobi motioned with his hat to Kurama. Naruto gave a glance at Kurama who tilted his head flicking his tails.
The way you describe it… is there any record of the actual event in greater detail?
"Erm, I believe so…" Naruto watched as the Mayor flipped through the book on the desk scanning through it before finding the page he wanted. He turned it around and placed it at the edge of the desk. Naruto leaned in and slowly began to read it.
Naruto wasn't sure why Kurama needed to know in greater detail about what happened. From what he read, it stated that on the day of the destruction, a large storm brewed out of nowhere. It looked as if it would rain, but the only weather that produced were mass amounts of wind. Apparently, those that were passing by to visit watched as winds suddenly swarmed around the temple making it impossible to see it at all. Then, suddenly the winds came to a stop and the temple had completely vanished. Those that were inside the temple hadn't left, and the only ones that hadn't been inside were off doing their daily activities in town. Thus, the ones inside vanished along with the temple.
This… Naruto could feel Kurama suddenly shaking. It sounds if my power went out of control and took the temple away.
"Ah, so it was your power. It quite confuses me to as why it would steal away those that worship you…"
Unless my powers have developed a consciousness it would not react in that manner.
"I have a thought," Kushina spoke up. Naruto watched as she picked up the book and pointed to a drawing of what the temple used to look like. "Kyuubi Temple was supposed to be able to harness spiritual energy. That's where the necklace you wear, Naruto, was created. That necklace was meant to suppress Kurama's power in case it ever went out of control. Unfortunately, it only seemed to be able to suppress small amounts due to it being so small… From what my great, great grandmother told to her descendents, the necklace wasn't in the temple that day."
Then… perhaps it is using that temple as a medium for itself? Meaning… the temple is probably underground where the power flowed into originally.
"We can assume so. If we just go to the temple's location, we can find some clues." Naruto watched a hopeful smile appear on his mother's face making him feel at ease.
"Unfortunately, I cannot permit you to go there," Sarutobi grumbled. Naruto turned to him then frowned and slammed his hands onto the desk.
"And why not? This could solve all the problems with the storm and end the sickness that is running around!" Naruto shouted at the Mayor seeming to get a bit angry.
"Sickness?" Sarutobi seemed surprised by Naruto's accusation.
"Y-Yes…" Naruto heard Sakura speak up from behind. "My friend is getting very sick, and Kurama says it's something that's supposed to happen if a tailed-beasts' power goes out of control… She may not be the only one." Naruto gripped his hands hearing the pain in Sakura's voice as she spoke upon Ino's condition.
"Mmm… even so, I cannot send you young ones out into this dangerous weather to try and stop it. I will find someone who can help, and that means Kurama, Shukaku I'd like you to stay here with me."
Naruto gripped his hands tightly, "why are you taking them? They need us!"
"No, child, you are a citizen of my city. It is best you do not get mixed up in all of this."
"Too bad! We already are mixed up in all of this and if it wasn't for us these tailed-beasts would be dead now!" Naruto swung his hand out in a sweeping motion with anger on his face.
"Naruto!" He heard his mother shout then grab his hand. "Naruto, please, control yourself…"
"He doesn't get it, Mom," Naruto growled turning to her, "Kurama and Shukaku need me and Gaara! Without us, the tailed-beasts can't do anything on their own at this moment."
Sarutobi placed up a hand indicating to Naruto to quit speaking. Naruto opened his mouth to say something, but thought better of it.
"Please, calm yourself. I am not trying to steal your friends from you, nor am I asking that you do anything without them…" The Mayor bowed his head then looked back at Naruto. "I do not want to lose such young ones because of this power. Facing a storm is much different than taking on a power of a tailed-beast, especially Kurama-sama's power as it could be the most powerful. Do you understand? I only wish to protect you."
Naruto slowly unclenched his hands giving an inward sigh. He knew he wouldn't win this argument, but he didn't want to give up. "I know, but… I don't want to give Kurama up yet… Can you wait a day?"
"Naruto, are you serious?" Gaara finally spoke up after being quiet this entire time.
"I don't like it. I never will, but what other choice do we have?" Naruto refused to look at Gaara in hopes what he had in mind wouldn't be given away in his eyes. He wanted to formulate a plan to be able to keep Kurama and Shukaku.
"That sounds reasonable. It will give me time to find someone to counter this." Sarutobi slowly stood up and came to the side of the children. "Do not worry, I will take care of them and return you them once this is over."
Naruto frowned, but gave a bow anyway to be respectful.
"Then we will be back tomorrow, Sarutobi-sama," Kushina said as she placed a hand on Naruto's back.
"Good, good. Be at peace, child. I do not mean you harm."
"I understand…" Naruto mumbled as he walked out of the office. Once out he grabbed Gaara's hand and ran down the hallway ignoring the shouts from his mother. He heard other footsteps behind him knowing it was his friends, but he needed to get out of there to cool his head.
-oO0-o)
After running for a bit and finally coming to a stop, Naruto took a deep breath to get his breath back. Gaara was next to him looking exhausted before he stood up.
"Naruto… isn't there anything we can do?" Gaara asked holding Shukaku against his chest. Naruto mumbled as he stared at Gaara before looking down at Kurama. Kurama merely blinked at him. He hadn't spoken a word after knowing what his power was doing.
"I… don't know… I ran out here in order to make a plan so that Kurama and Shukaku wouldn't get taken away, but…" Naruto bit his lip closing his eyes feeling as if he was going to cry.
"This… is Ino's home," Naruto blinked his eyes open at the sound of Sakura's voice and turned around to see her with Sasuke, Hinata, Temari, and Kankuro. Naruto then turned to look in the direction Sakura was facing.
"Let's go inside and see her," Sasuke suggested. Naruto nodded in agreement glancing to Sakura who looked unsure. "If you haven't gotten any messages by now, something must have happened. C'mon." Sasuke placed out his hand for Sakura whom gladly took it.
Naruto gave a light smile and reached over grabbing Hinata's feeling left out. Hinata looked to Naruto and gave a smile.
"Ino! You have guests, can they enter?" Ino's father shouted as he knocked on a door. Naruto peeked around Sasuke and Sakura who were in the lead anxious to know Ino's condition.
A light and weak sounding 'yes' reply came from within letting Ino's father know to open the door. He nodded to the children before walking away. Naruto watched as Sakura took a deep breath before entering.
"S…Sakura, is that you?" Naruto bit his lip hard hearing Ino's voice. It sounded even worse up close. As Naruto entered after Sasuke and Sakura, he realized she looked worse than she sounded.
Ino was very pale and her face looked exhausted. Her eyes had black around them while her body looked incredibly frail. She had a blanket wrapped around her as she slowly sat up to take Sakura's hands when Sakura sat on the bed. Her hair was down and looked very messy and uncared for as if she hadn't been able to take care of it at all.
Naruto felt Kurama tense greatly in his arms. He could see Ino's pain and didn't like it one bit.
"Ino… why haven't you texted me to come see you sooner?" Sakura asked looking pained.
Ino gave a cough turning her head away before wiping her mouth, "sorry… I didn't want you to see me like this. Ah, everyone came to see me… That makes me really happy." Ino smiled greatly, but Naruto could tell it was strained.
"Does Choji know you're like this?" Sakura questioned.
"No, I don't want to bother him. He's got enough to worry about at the moment…"
"Stupid girl… you should tell him anyway!"
"I know, I know… I'm sorry… I just…"
The voices began to disappear as Naruto left the room. He had seen enough and knew his answer. He came into the kitchen and sat down into a chair as he pondered on exactly he'd be able to get a map.
"Ah, hard to see… isn't it?" Naruto blinked up seeing Ino's dad sit next to him. "Inoichi, what about you?" He asked placing his hand out for Naruto to take.
"Naruto Namikaze," Naruto responded taking the man's hand and giving it a shake. "Yeah… I can't stomach it knowing what will happen."
"You know what illness she has?" Inoichi looked hopeful.
Naruto gave a nod, "I know how to counteract it, too, but the Mayor won't let me go. He wants to wait to send someone more capable, but… she's in the second phase of this illness. She doesn't have much longer yet. I… can't stand to watch a friend of mine suffer when I know I can do something." Naruto felt tears streaming down his face as he bit his lip clenching his fists. Kurama rubbed against his head for comfort easing some of his pain.
"What must be done?" Inoichi inquired. Naruto looked up at Inoichi blinking.
"You see this fox on my shoulder? His name is Kurama and he's one of the great tailed-beasts that took care of this land a long time ago. At one point, their powers were taken from them by the land, and after hundreds of years their powers decided to start going out of control. That's why we have all this bad weather, and also why your daughter is sick. The only way to stop it is to go back to the source, and that's in the original place Konohagakure no Sato was founded in. It's where Kyuubi Temple used to be… If we can give Kurama back his powers, he can reverse everything and make your daughter better."
"I… I see…" Inoichi looked as if he was having a hard time grasping this at first, but when a burst of loud coughing came from Ino's room he composed himself. "What issue are you having?"
"The Mayor thinks it's too dangerous for us, so he won't permit us to see where the temple was located in order to go."
"Kyuubi Temple? Hmm, hold on then," Inoichi stood up and walked away into another room. Naruto cast a glance at Kurama with a confused look. Kurama shook his head not understanding either. After a moment, Inoichi was back dropping a very large book on the table. Naruto jumped slightly at the sudden impact, but settled down and watched as Inoichi shifted through the book.
"Ah, here we go," Inoichi turned the book around to Naruto so he could see then came to his side and pointed. "This is detailed information of how to get to Kyuubi Temple in the past. Read it over as I get a map of the then and now to compare how the land has changed."
Full of sudden hope, Naruto immediately dived in to read the information.
-oO0-o)
An hour or so later, Inoichi, Kurama, and Naruto had successfully found the way to where Kyuubi Temple was located.
"Inoichi-san, thank you so much for this! How did you come with all this information anyway?" Naruto asked as he folded the information he had to place in his pocket.
"My main job is finding, interrogate, and store research. I have all the copies here that the Mayor has within his office."
"Isn't that a little illegal?" Naruto asked with a grin. Inoichi blinked at him then gave a laugh patting his head.
"Not unless I have permission."
Naruto laughed as well and also heard Kurama squeaking his laugh.
"What is so funny, Naruto?" Naruto turned around hearing Gaara's voice.
Naruto smiled, "just Inoichi, but that's beside the point," he held up several pieces of paper that were now folded. "See these? These will get us to Kyuubi Temple. Round everyone up; as soon as we're weather prepared for a long journey, we're leaving."
-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-oO0-o)0(o-0Oo-
Story was much longer than I had anticipated it to be. Hope you enjoyed it!
Questions, comments? Don't be afraid to ask or tell me!