Author's Note:
Hey everyone. Sorry that it's been so long since my last update. I have just a lot going on with my life and new job. One of the new things I am dealing with is planning my own wedding. That's right! I will be getting married June 2020 and have a lot to plan for. I also only have three more classes to go until I have my master's degree. The good news is that the big, main stuff has been done and out the way (your girl has been working her ass off), so I could have more time for myself and my stories. I felt so bad I couldn't update this chapter all this time, but I have also been working on another story and a few one-shots to pass the time. I also have bigger plans for this story too. I have even added some more fun, bonus chapters I hope you guys will enjoy. They'll come after we get through the Pain Arch.
Right now, this arch is my focus (when it comes to my writing). When we finally get past this, then I can let things breathe a little bit and take some of the terrible cliffhangers coming up off your shoulders. I apologize for those in advance and will try to not leave them cliffhangers for too long. And, for those of you still wondering, yes, I will still do the reviewer contest and will try my best to get things back on track for everyone. Anyway, I know you guys are tried of hearing my excuses, so let's get to another chapter in this Pain Arch! Also, here is a super long chapter to make up for my neglectfulness.
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Chapter 47: Merging with Kurama: A Mother's Love
Normal P.O.V.
"Naruto! Can you hear me?"
"Bee? Is that you? Where are you?" Naruto asks while looking around.
"We're in your mind, fool. Sasuke's still here too. You can't see us, but you can hear us. We're here to guide you during your fight. You listenin'?" Naruto nods. "Good, now listen closely. To start the fight, you need to remove the seal on the gate in front of the Nine-Tails. Now, I know you said he's like your dad, yo. But, once this fight begins, he will revert to the ball of hate he was before you knew him. So be careful, ya fool,"
"Be careful, usuratonkachi," Sasuke says.
"Don't worry you two. I've got this," With a smirk on his face, Naruto lifts off the ground to become eye level with Kurama, "You ready for this, Dad?"
"Hn. Don't get cocky, boy. You've never faced an opponent like me before. You're in a world of hurt," Naruto went to reach for the seal. Kurama gave him an interesting look, "Hn. Where did that other you go?"
"Other me? You mean the "Bad Naruto"? I defeated him before coming here. Why?"
"Just curious. I never liked him anyway. And it was necessary if you plan on winning this fight. So, go ahead and remove that seal already and let's get this over with,"
Naruto nods, and without hesitation, rips the seal off the gate. He lifts his jacket to revile the seal on his stomach.
"So, that gray haired pervert gave you the key after all? You've been busy while I was sleeping,"
"I came to win, not play around,"
Simultaneously, the seal on the gate and Naruto's stomach open. Once they are both open, Kurama brings his large, right claw down and forces the gate open. Naruto is sent flying backwards from the force.
"Naruto?! Are you alright?!" Sasuke asks.
"I'm fine! B, what do I do now!"
"You gotta grab its chakra with your own. Release some of yours and touch its chakra directly. It's basically a tug-o-war, yo. To control your tailed beast, you need to control its chakra. I can lend you some help, but I can only restrain it,"
From the side of the wall, the Eight-Tails' tentacles come through to restrain Kurama.
"Hold him still, B!" Naruto yells
"You think you can hold me! The Nine-Tails!" Kurama uses his claws to swipe at the tentacles, effectively destroying them. "This is pathetic. You, my vessel, needing aid from the Eight-Tails?! I'm so disappointed!"
Naruto jumps out of the way to avoid the falling tentacles, "Damn, this is going to be a lot harder than I thought,"
"I won't go quietly! If you want my chakra, then you're going to have to take it from me by force!"
Kurama gathers the tips of his tails close to his face. Naruto gasps as a giant black and purple ball of energy forms. The ball grows almost as large as the fox's head before shrinking to the size of his nose. Kurama's jaws open wide before snapping onto the energy ball. His cheeks puff out as smoke releases before he opens his mouth and shoots the energy ball towards Naruto. Trying to run, Naruto turns around and makes a break for it.
"Don't underestimate me," Killer B says before a giant hand manifests.
The hand grabs the energy ball and allows it to explode before disappearing.
"Thanks, B"
"This is as much cooperation I can offer to your domination operation. The rest is up to you,"
"Don't worry, I got it from here. Thanks for your help so far,"
"Remember kid: if you can tame your beast's chakra, then it'll be yours forever,"
Naruto nods before closing his eyes. While the hand deflates from the explosion, Naruto activates Sage Mode.
"Is that all you got? I thought you were better than this~"
"Up here!" Kurama gasps when he sees Naruto right above him with a giant Rasengan, "Sage Art: Super Gigantic Rasengan!"
Using his tails, Kurama blocks the attack. Fur and blood flies everywhere as he fends off the powerful attack. Adding some of his body weight, Kurama dispels the attack and forces Naruto on the defense. Trying to not get caught by the large tails, Naruto skillfully dodges each attack, but misses the giant claw that slams him down.
"Do you honestly think you can defeat me? The all-powerful Nine-Tailed Demon Fox, boy?"
"I wouldn't have broken the seal if I didn't. And besides~"
"We've got you!"
The Naruto trapped under Kurama's claws disappear while five nine other Naruto grip the large tails.
"Your puny shadow clones may work on other idiots, but not me!"
With the combined strength of all nine Narutos, they lift Kurama up and slam him onto his back. Above him, two more Narutos appear with an attack ready.
"Wind Style: Rasen Shuriken!" The attack lands directly in Kurama's torso, effectively weakening him. "Now's my chance!"
Naruto sends out his chakra to grab hold of Kurama's. Naruto manages to absorb some of Kurama's chakra into himself in the fox's weakened state. When Kurama realizes he is losing some chakra, he sends out some of his hatred to overwhelm Naruto.
"Damn. What is happening? Why do I suddenly feel so much… hatred?"
"Naruto?! Naruto?! Naruto, what's going on in there? Can you here me?" Sasuke asks. When Naruto doesn't answer, he turns towards Killer B with concern on his face. "What's happening to him?"
"Naruto, if you can here me, listen up! The Nine-Tails is trying to suck you in with its hatred, but you can't let it. You must be strong and overcome it. If you allow for its hatred to overtake you, then you'll lose this fight!"
"I've gotta do something, he needs me," Sasuke says as he readies his sword.
"You can't," B stops him, "He has to do this on his own. You can only watch and encourage, no helping,"
"But you helped him, why can't I?"
"Unlike you, Little Uchiha, I have a Tailed-Beast too. You maybe able to control the Tailed-Beasts in the real world, but this is Naruto's subconscious and trial. You cannot interfere even if you wanted to. Naruto has to overcome this trial himself. We have to let him do this, even if he fails,"
Sasuke swallows hard before asking his next question, "And if he fails?"
"Then the Nine-Tails will take over his body and the mate you know… will no longer exist,"
Inside of Naruto's subconscious, Naruto struggles to hold onto his grip as Kurama's hatred is forced into him.
"What is this I'm feeling? Hatred, sorrow, regret, violence, murder, anguish, revenge… Where is all of this coming from?"
B and Sasuke gasp when they see Naruto exit his Sage Mode.
"Naruto-usuratonkachi, you better not give in! Fight it!"
"Don't give up! Fool, ya fool!"
"All these emotions… they'll so overwhelming…"
"You can't control me, brat. I was never meant to be controlled. Just like the rest of your family, you will fail in your attempts at trying to control me,"
"My family…?"
"That's right. It was the Uzumaki clan that have been entrusted with being my vessels. I was passed down through your mother's clan for generations, and each one has failed to tame me. You will be the next on that list for failures,"
"My family… imprisoned you? They forced you to be bond to them? That's impossible?"
"It's the truth! Thanks to your mother's clan and Madara Uchiha, I have never been the same! All I feel is hatred, for your clan, the Uchihas, and all human-kind! And now, you're going to feel it too!"
The hatred continues to fill Naruto's mind and heart, overwhelming him more than he could have imagined. And now, having found out that his clan is apart of Kurama's suffering, Naruto feels stuck within a void. While the battle inside of his mind rages on, in the outside world, things are not looking any better.
Sasuke and B step away from Naruto when a cloak of red chakra covers Naruto's body. Sasuke tries to reach out and touch him but burns his hand in the process.
"Fuck! What the hell is that?"
"That is the Nine-Tail's chakra. Whenever a Tailed-Beast takes over their vessel, their red chakra leaks out and consumes his body. If it continues to take him over, then Naruto will start changing into the Nine-Tails itself, ya fool,"
"We have to stop him,"
"Fool, don't you be listenin' when I speak? He must be the one to overcome it. We can't interfere any more than I already have,"
"But you said he could turn into the Nine-Tails, right? How can we just sit there and let that happen? And what if it does, then what?"
"… … Then we have to put them down… it's as simple as that…" B answers calmly.
Sasuke's eyes widen in shock before turning back to him injured hand and Naruto, "Please Naruto… You have to beat the Nine-Tails… please… come back to me… you promised…"
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Inside of Naruto's subconscious, Naruto continues his battle with the Nine-Tails' emotions. Having now know the truth, Naruto's will, and chakra is slowly draining from his body.
"What do I do? I can't win… I can't move… Where do I go? What do I do..?"
"It's alright, you stay right here with me," a gentle woman says.
Naruto opens his eyes to see a woman long, fiery red hair and orange fox tails standing before him.
"Who are you…? I've seen you somewhere before…"
The woman giggles with her hand over her mouth, "I guess it's fair you don't recognize me. Why don't you try taking a guess,"
Naruto leans in closely and observes the short woman standing before him. After a few moments, he gasps and steps away.
"Kurama?! Since when can you transform into a woman? I know it's been a long time since I've seen your humanoid form, but I recall you being a man, not a beautiful woman,"
The red-haired woman bends over and busts in loud laughter at Naruto's response, "Of all the people you would think I am, the Nine-Tails is the last one. I would almost feel offended if I had not seen his humanoid form myself," After a few more moments of laughing, the woman straightens up and walks over towards Naruto, "Can you please bend down for me? You're awfully tall?"
"You won't fool me, Nine-Tails. Ya know, this is bold, even for you, to use my own technique against me~"
"Baka!" the woman said as she jumps up and hits Naruto on the head.
"Ouch! What was that for," Naruto whines while rubbing his head.
"Sorry, but I couldn't resist hitting you. You know, you're a lot like me when I was your age. I always jumped to conclusions, talked to fast, and never took the time to think things through. That was more of your father. He was the calmer between the two of us,"
"My father? You know Minato Namikaze? The Fourth Hokage? The Yellow Flash?"
"Of course, why would I not know him. He was my husband and mate after all,"
"Husband? Wait, if Minato was your husband and mate, then that would mean… Wait… you can't be… Kushina Uzumaki? You're my… mother…?"
The woman giggles again with excitement, "It's an honor to finally meet you, son,"
When the realization hits him, Naruto runs towards Kushina and embraces her in a bone crushing hug, "Mom…" he chokes out. "Is it really you?"
She smiles gently while embracing him back, "You've grown so much. Look how tall you are. And you're so handsome, just like your father. Oh Naruto, I'm so proud of you," Naruto's body continues to shake violently as he lets out tears of joy. Kushina pulls away to hold his face in her hands, "Don't cry, love. It's alright. Mommy's here,"
Naruto closes his eyes as her soft fingers wipe away his tears. He grips her wrists gently and holds them there, "This is real. You're real. I'm actually holding you,"
She nods, "Yes. This is all real. I have been waiting for this moment for almost 16 years. You've changed so much since you were a baby. I have to say, I was a little disappointed when you came out looking like a copy of your father. But, at least I know you probably inherited some of my traits,"
"There's so much I've been wanting to ask you and say to you,"
"Yes, we will get to that. But first, we need to take care of that pesky fox," she holds her hand out.
In the fight with Kurama, some of his hatred and chakra releases Naruto as his body shifts. The front of his jacket opens, and chakra chains shoot out to bind Kurama.
"Kushina?! Is that you?! How dare you interfere, you annoying woman,"
"Pipe down, you overgrown furball. Now, be a good boy while I spend some time with my boy," she says while moving to sit on the floor.
"Whoa, how did you do that?"
"Those are my Chakra Chains. They're great for binding and sealing powerful enemies. I'll have to show you how to use it. You'll need it in this fight,"
Naruto sits next to her with his legs crossed, "How are you here? Where did you come from? Are you more of a spirit?"
"You could say that. The night you were born, when your father sealed the Nine-Tails inside of you, he also sealed his and my chakra inside of you too for whenever you need us,"
"So, I'll get to see him too?"
"Yes. When you need us the most, your spirit and chakra will link with ours and we'll manifest inside of this place,"
"Speaking of which, what is this place?" he asks.
"It's another part of your subconscious. It's like a haven for us to escape from the pressures of the world without worrying about the constraints of time. Right now, your battle is still happening between Nine-Tails, but thanks to my Chakra Chains, we've bought ourselves some more time,"
"Hm. That's good because there's one thing I've always wanted to ask: How did you and dad fall in love?"
"Oh, that old story? You don't want to hear that, ya know," Kushina blushes.
"You said "ya know"! That means you're excited! Come on, tell me!"
"Alright, alright. I guess I've always wanted you to ask me anyway. I wasn't originally from the Hidden Leaf. Our clan came from the war-torn land of Uzushiogakure. When I was growing up, I was surrounded by war because our clan were vessels of the Nine-Tails. Your grandmother, my mother: Mito Uzumaki was the first vessel. Because of this, many people came to attack our home to try and take the Nine-Tails from her. To keep it hidden from them, I was to become the second vessel. After performing the ritual of passing the Nine-Tails from her to me, I was transferred to Konoha. When I got there, I immediately entered the academy and was teased for my red hair,"
"Really? They teased you? But it's so beautiful, just like you," Naruto says.
"You're the second man to compliment my hair. Your father was the first," she giggles. "Anyway, I tried to make a good impression by proclaiming to be the first female Hokage. It didn't work and they teased me harder. They would pull my hair, call me "Tomato" and mess with me all the time, so I beat them up," she smiled while flexing her right arm muscles. "Your father was the first to believe in me too. He even encouraged me. He tried to become my friend and get close to me, but I never too him seriously. He wasn't the manliest person, ya know,"
"What?! But I've seen pictures of him! He looks so strong and he became Hokage!"
"Yeah, but I was very young and ignorant. He was one of the smallest kids in the class, about my height, and looked like a girl almost. He was too gentle to be a ninja, at least that's what I thought. Well he certainly proved me wrong.
I've always hated my hair, because it made me an outsider and a target for constant attacks, mostly by bullies. And, even though I would beat them up, they'd still come for me. So, I fought all the time. I didn't have much of a choice. I couldn't change my hair and I couldn't stop the attacks from coming. So, I fought even when I couldn't anymore. It earned me the nickname "The Red Hot-Blooded Habanero". I didn't like that nickname either. But, it was better than "Tomato". I hate tomatoes,"
"Man, my first always told me how scary moms are. I guess they're right," Naruto shivered.
"And don't you forget it, Anyway, I came home from the academy on day covered in more bruises from fighting again. But when I got home, I was attacked and kidnapped by ninjas from the Hidden Cloud. They had found where my clan hid me away and attacked my home. While they led me away from the village, I cut pieces of my hair to leave a trail for anyone to find me. I was scared. I didn't know what would happen to me. And, with being an outsider, I didn't have much hope anyone was going to rescue me before I was killed. However, a yellow hair angel saved me that night,"
"Dad? He saved you?"
She nods, "He managed a sneak attack on the five ninjas who kidnapped me and defeated them. He took them on all by himself. He said he followed the trail of my hair I left behind. I couldn't believe it, the most unmanly guy in our class was the only one who came to save me. When I asked him why, especially since he ignored me all those times I fought the village kids, he said: "I know you're strong, so you don't need me to save you. But this is a fight between villages. It is different than a simple fight on the playground,". He said my hair was too beautiful to not notice glistening in the moonlight, so it made it easier for him to find me. After that, I saw him in a different light. He accepted me and my hair. He taught me how to love myself and my hair. He helped defined who I was. In a way, he made me into the woman I am today. And, because of him, you happened. I have no regrets,"
"Wow, that was beautiful. When I used to think of the answer to that question, I never thought I would hear that. Thank you for sharing that with me,"
"What about you? You're handsome like your father. I'm sure the girls in the village are all over you?" she smiles.
He chuckles while scratching the back of his head, "Not really. But, there is someone close to me. In fact, we're already mated… secretly…"
"WHAT?! MY SON IS ALREADY MATED AND I DON'T KNOW ABOUT IT?! WHO IS IT?! TELL ME! TELL ME! TELL ME!" She yells while violently shaking him.
"I will if you stop shaking me," Naruto says.
"Sorry! I just got excited. It's not everyday you get to meet your teenage son and find out he has a mate all in one day, ya know. Anyway, who is the lucky girl to snag my son?"
"Actually.. it's not a girl. It's a guy. He's name is Sasuke. Sasuke Uchiha?"
"Eh? You hooked up with Mikoto and Fugaku Uchiha's youngest son? That's quite the shock. Although, I was just as surprise as they were that Sasuke came out a beta and not an alpha like his brother Itachi or father,"
"Wait, you knew the Uchiha clan?" Naruto asks in shock.
"Of course, I did. In fact, your father and I were best friends with Mikoto and Fugaku. We were so excited to find out that we were pregnant around the same time. We knew you both would be the best of friends. Tell me, what does Mikoto and Fugaku have to say about you two being mated? I know you said you guys did it secretly, but if I know those two, no one in the village sneezed without the two of them knowing," she giggles. But her giggling stops when Naruto frowns. "What's wrong?"
"They're… dead… The entire Uchiha clan was wiped out in one night when Sasuke was about seven years old…"
"Oh no! That's terrible! Who could have done such a thing? They must have been powerful and bold enough to eliminate the entire Uchiha clan in one night?"
"It was Itachi… Itachi did it…" She places her hand over her mouth in complete shock. Before she could speak, Naruto continues, "But it wasn't his fault. He was a double agent for both the Hidden Leaf and the Uchiha clan. The Uchihas wanted to take over the Hidden Leaf because they were discriminated against and Itachi didn't agree with it. The Elders of the Hidden leaf gave Itachi an order to kill his clansman. He did it, but only if they agreed that Sasuke would live. Sasuke, saw everything that night and it changed him. He became dark and hell bent on vengeance. He went through a lot, mom,"
"It sounds like it. I'm sad to hear all of that. I'm sure there's more to the story, but now I just have a question: How did the two of you end up being mates?"
"It's kind of funny actually. We started off hating each other. There is this girl: Sakura Haruno who went to the academy with us. I liked her a lot, but she liked Sasuke. Sasuke, didn't like anyone. We used to fight all the time and get in trouble for it. People hated me because of the Nine-Tails, what happened the night I was born, and because I used to fight with Sasuke. We ended up on the same team together, despite my protests. I didn't do well in school and was weak. He was so strong. As much as I hated the guy, I respected that his strength. I also really didn't like him because of how he treated Sakura. Anyway, after our first mission together, he and I just bonded together and next thing we knew, we were inseparable.
We eventually mated while we were still about 12-13 years old. Just like how dad saw you, he didn't see me as a demon. He treated me like a normal person, and we fell in love. We were there for each other, we helped each other through the nightmares and eventually, nothing else mattered but the two of us. But, during our Chunin Exam, Orochimaru showed up to tray and take Sasuke. I managed to defeat him, but he gave Sasuke a Curse Mark. He used it to control him and eventually Sasuke changed. He started focusing more on his revenge against Itachi for killing their clan and ended up defecting from the village. I trained so hard to bring him back and I made it happen. A lot more happened in between there, but that is the gist of how we ended up together. He's doing a lot better and now, we're fighting to protect our home. That is why I'm doing this stupid ritual, so I came have more power to protect him and our home," Kushina listened to Naruto's story intensely. When he is done, she stares with an intense feeling I her eyes, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she shakes her head, "I was just listening to you and thinking how proud I am of you. You have your father's gift, ya know. He was able to uplift anyone with just a smile a few words. He was strong and courageous and would go anywhere for the people he cared about. You truly are our son. I am sorry both of you went through so much, but I'm glad you had each other to keep each other grounded. But, Sasuke is a beta, are you ok with that? You know beta males can't give birth to children, right?"
"Yeah, I know. Kurama and I worked on a jutsu that would use his chakra to create a womb for Sasuke. We have had the talk here and there, but I figured when the time was right I would surprise him with it," Naruto smiles.
"Well sounds like you have everything figured out from here. You have grown into a handsome, admirable young man. You father and I are very proud of you. But, I'm afraid we must cut this short. Even though we're not bond by the restraints of time in here, you still have a battle to win out there. Let's get to work!"
"Right!"
"Naruto… I've been waiting so long to say this to you again… "I love you, never forget that,"
"I… love you too… mom…"
"Alright, let's do it! You're going down, furball!" Kushina yells in excitement. Naruto wakes from his conscious as some of his chakra shoot out his chest and grabs hold of Kurama. "My chakra suppressing his won't last much longer, so now's your time to attack!"
"Right! Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Multiple Narutos appear and form Rasengans.
"You two are a thousand years too late to defeat me!"
Kurama grabs the chains and rips them off his torso before swatting most of the Narutos away.
"I can keep fighting too!" Kushina uses her chains to pin Kurama to the ground, "Now Naruto!"
Naruto activates Sage Mode again to increase the effectiveness of his attack.
"It's over! Sage Art: Massive Rasengan Barrage!"
Kurama is forced back by the attack, but the onslaught doesn't stop there. The real Naruto summons more clones to stand behind him while he summons another Wind Shuriken. The clones grab ahold of Kurama's chakra to pull it into themselves. To keep Kurama from attacking, Naruto hits him with his final attack.
"It's over! Your chakra is mine!"
With one last haul, Naruto releases his Shadow Clones to fully absorb Kurama's chakra. Once the Nine-Tails chakra is inside of him, his body glows and looks like it's on fire. Behind him, three more tails grow, totaling seven tails.
"So, this is the true power of the Nine-Tails?" Naruto says in wonder while looking at himself.
"Yes. You did it, Naruto. I'm so proud of you," Kushina smiles.
"Thank you, mom. I couldn't have done it without you,"
"That's what mothers are for. Now, be sure to take care of my son-in-law and keep making us proud Naruto. We'll be watching,"
"Will this be the last time I see you?"
"No. As long as you're alive, your father and I will always be with you. And, whenever you need us, just come back here. We'll be waiting for you," She walks up to Naruto and hugs him a final time before disappearing, "I love you, son,"
Naruto opens his eyes to see a weakened Kurama still laying on the floor in the aftermath of their battle. With caution, he walks over to the fox's head and sits down next to his snot. Giving Kurama time to wake up, Naruto thinks about his conversation with his mother.
"There's still so much for me to know. First thing when I get back to the village, I need to do some research,"
"You've definitely grown stronger, son"
"Are you back to yourself?"
"Yeah. You've completed the ritual, so I'[m no longer under the influence of my own anger,"
"Dad… I'm sorry…"
"You're sorry? What do you of all people have to be sorry about?"
"I'm sorry for what my mother's clan did to you. I didn't get a chance to ask her about what you said, but it sits heavy with me,"
Kurama turns his head away in shame, "You weren't supposed to know that. That was something I had planned to keep with me until I finally pass on from this world,"
"You didn't think I would repeat the actions of my ancestors, did you?"
"No. Over the years, I have come to understand that you and I are no different. You're no more a weapon than I am, and that's technically my fault. It's the price one pays when being the vessel of the second strongest tailed demon. Just like your mother, you didn't ask for this, you were chosen. We're only meant to be used as weapons to win wars. And, after they're done using us, then they throw us away or try to kill us. You'll never know a moment's rest as long as you have me,"
Silent moments pass between the two of them before Naruto stands up, "Well I'm going to change that," Kurama turns back to look at Naruto in confusion, "It's like you said, neither of us choose this life for ourselves. But, we're stuck in it. And, as long as I'm alive, I will make it a goal to change the way people view you too. You're not the monster you think you are. People made you out to be that way. There's the reason for your suffering, just like they were for me. But, I'm going to change all of that. You'll see. Someday they'll look at us in admiration and respect instead of as weapons to be feared. I promise!"
Kurama continues to look at Naruto before chuckling to himself and rolling over onto his stomach and curling up in a ball.
"You always like to prove people wrong. One of your most endearing qualities. Now go, you still have work to do in the real world,"
"Are you going to be alright?"
"Yeah, I'm just a little weak right now, but I still have plenty of chakra to spare if you need it. Jut let me rest for right now. I'll join you a little later,"
"Alright than, get some rest, Dad. I'll see you soon,"
Naruto puts his forehead to Kurama's snot before leaving his subconscious.
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In the ritual chamber, Sasuke and Killer B watch as Naruto's body glows for a quick second before three tails grow from Naruto's backside. Both give a sigh of relief.
"That kid did it, yo! It's time to celebrate!"
"He sure did. He's full of surprises," Sasuke says with his arms crossing over his chest.
"Yo, Little Uchiha, he's waking up,"
Just as B says, Naruto slowly opens his eyes and relaxes his position. With a quick yawn and a stretch, Naruto smiles at them, "What's up guys?"
"What's up is you beat the Nine-Tails! No one has ever beaten the Nine-Tails before! It's an amazing feat for anyone to complete,"
"Thanks B!" Naruto smiles before standing up and walking towards Sasuke, "What do you think? Do I seem different to you?"
"Other than the three new tails, you're still the same usuratonkachi I know," Sasuke smirks.
"Aw, why you gotta be so mean. Come on, as if you could have beaten the Nine-Tails by yourself,"
"You're right, I couldn't have. That's why it had to be you. I'm proud of you, Naruto," he says while poking the blond's forehead.
"Come on y'all! Let's celebrate!" B cheers.
"Yeah, I can't wait to tell Jiraiya, Kakashi, Captain Yamato, and Guy-sensei that I beat the Nine-Tails! Where are they anyway? Why didn't they want to see me do this ritual?"
Sasuke bites his bottom lip anxiously, "They left,"
"Left? Where did they go?"
"Back to the village. They told me to stay here and guard you,"
"Guard me? From what? Sasuke, what are you not telling me?" Sasuke remains quiet and turns his head away from Naruto's gaze. "Sasuke! Why are you not answering me?! Where did they go?!"
"They went back to yo village fool, ya fool. They wanted to neutralize the Akatsuki without you getting in their way. There, ya happy now? Come on! I have some sake going to waste in my hut,"
Naruto pauses for a moment, letting the shock overtake him before anger sets in,
"ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!"
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To Be Continued…