FINALLY got this chapter finished! Also- finally got a BETA reader! If there are grammar mistakes- I blame her! XD ENJOY THE CHAPTER! Please REVIEW! Some stuff in here may answer some of your questions!
Chapter 22: The Hidden Rain and The Hidden One
"Jiraiya," Minato called when the white-haired man walked through the makeshift door of the tent.
The blonde haired man was leaning over a large map of the all the nations, stretched out on a large table. It was dark out; most of the other shinobi had retired for the night or were still preparing for the Ame invasion tomorrow. Only a lantern on Minato's left lighted the small green tent. Jiraiya had changed into a Konoha uniform including a new shinobi hitai-ate. He had also pulled his hair back to the base of his neck.
"Minato," Jiraiya nodded walking over to the table.
"What information do you have on Ame?" Minato asked turning his attention back to the map.
Jiraiya pulled out a smaller scroll from one of the pockets on the jacket and unrolled it on the table. It was a map of Ame.
Jiraiya pointed to the very center, "In the center, at the top of the tallest building is where the leader of Ame and the Akatsuki is located. Surrounding the village is a large lake. That's going to be the easiest way to get in."
"I think we should send troops in a from every direction, even the ones that aren't so easy," Minato thought out loud, "we will have all our bases covered."
"I agree," Jiraiya nodded, "but there are only so many ways you can enter Ame."
"Then we will use every entrance we can find," Minato stated, "We will gather all the troops on the outskirts of the Rain country, and divide according to Shikaku's strategy."
"I wouldn't count on any aid from the Ame shinobi that aren't involved in the Akatsuki," Jiraiya informed his student.
"I wasn't counting on it, but why do you say that?" Minato asked.
"After Hanzo was killed, the Akatsuki took out anyone who went against them, leaving only those who support the leader in the village," Jiraiya explained.
"So once we are in Ame, we won't only have to worry about the Akatsuki but the Ame Shinobi as well?" Minato ask.
"I'd assume so," Jiraiya nodded, "but the Ame shinobi aren't powerful and are low in numbers."
"I should inform Shikaku of this," Minato said.
"Already did," Jiraiya smirked.
"Of course you did," Minato shook his head.
"Lets talk more in the morning? With the rest of the Kages and Shikaku," Jiraiya suggested.
"You're right," Minato nodded and rolled up the map his sensei had given him.
"Plus you need to get some rest," Jiraiya mentioned, "We can't have our fearless leader getting tired on the battle field from a lack of sleep, now can we?"
"I don't know about the 'fearless' part, but I agree," Minato chuckled. He blew out the small lamp that lit the tent and headed out, parting ways with the elder, "goodnight, sensei."
Later that evening, Minato laid in a small cot in the separate tent they had set up for him. He knew that he should be getting some rest, but his mind was running a hundred miles an hour. The main subject of Minato's thoughts was his son. Every time he thought of his young son, the picture of Naruto's anger flashed through his mind and a retch of guilt hit his stomach. Minato was purposely keeping tabs on those closest to Naruto, and so far none had perished. However that didn't mean none of them would. He hated that he lied to Naruto, but it was something he needed to find out for him self, and he really didn't need his ulterior motive getting out to the others just yet. Plus Minato was in no position to argue with the rest of the Alliance.
Trying to quiet his mind, Minato rolled over and tried to sleep. He would need his energy for tomorrow.
~O~
On the other side of the world, another familiar blonde was tossing and turning in his own bed. His mind filled with a nightmare of his worst fears.
He was running, or chasing something rather. Ahead of him was his father, but once he neared his father, the man turned his back and started walking way. His father seemed to get farther and farther away. Naruto tried to catch up, he tried to call out but nothing worked. It was no longer just his father, but his friends, Jiraiya and even Kakashi seemed to be getting farther and farther away.
Naruto was being left behind.
He sunk to his knee and the scene changed. Naruto now stood in the middle of the battlefield. Everything was covered in red. Everything was covered in blood. Then Naruto recognized several bodies across the field. Looking in horror, he looked at each face of the bodies, and then felt like he was going to be sick. The bloodied faces of his friends and comrades lay before him. Walking around he finally noticed the one in the center.
Naruto felt bile coming up the back of his throat when he recognized the blonde hair and blue eyes. His father's bloody body and face lying before him.
"Otousan!" Naruto yelled jolting himself up from his nightmare.
He breathed heavily as he sat up straight in his bed. He was drenched in sweat as he gripped the fabric of his shirt over his chest and attempted to catch his breath. His nightmare was still fresh in his mind as he tried to calm himself down.
Suddenly the door creaked open revealing Yamato poking his head around the door.
"Are you alright?" the older shinobi asked.
"I'm fine," Naruto replied whipping his head around to face away from the door.
"If you're sure…" Yamato trailed off.
"I'm fine," Naruto stated through his teeth.
"Alright," Yamato caved and closed the door.
"That stupid waterfall…" Naruto mumbled.
Naruto glanced out the window next to his bed and guessed it was about three in the morning. He decided it was no use trying to go back to sleep, aside from the fact that he didn't want to relive his gruesome nightmare. Naruto swung his legs over, pulled on his normal attire and headed out the door. After a little wondering, he found himself sitting on the edge of a spike watching the large ocean crash against the island over and over again. He didn't know how long he had been sitting there, but long enough that he watched the sun rise a while ago.
Eventually he heard footsteps behind him and when he turned to look Gaara was standing a little ways back with B standing right next to him. Gaara gave him a very slight smile, but Naruto didn't return the gesture.
"What's going on?" Gaara asked walking up behind the blonde.
"I'm fine, Gaara," Naruto replied staring at the ocean.
"That's not what I asked," Gaara stated in his typical monotone voice, "Yamato said that you screamed in the middle of the night. Was it a nightmare?"
"I can't hide anything from you, can I?" Naruto shook his head when he realized Gaara wasn't about to give up.
"No," Gaara stated with a slight smirk.
"Yeah, it was a nightmare," Naruto stated, "a very gruesome one at that. I got to see my worst fears first hand."
"The fears that the waterfall brought up," Gaara assumed.
"Yeah," Naruto shook his head.
"I'm sorry, Naruto," Gaara said.
"For what?" Naruto replied looking up at his redheaded friend.
"You were in a state of depression yesterday, therefore I tried to help you by taking you to the waterfall, but after you left Motoi explained to me that with your current emotional state, the waterfall would only make things worse for you," Gaara explained, "I believed that it would help you past your anger but in reality it brought up all your fears and everything you were angry with. I made it worse for you, so I am sorry."
"Its not your fault," Naruto shook his head, "I've been sitting here a while now, and I've been thinking. My fears are always going to be there, but instead of trying to ignore them, I need to be facing them."
"I see."
"I can't keep running," Naruto stated, "maybe that's why I was so angry with my father. I thought because I was being sent here, I was running away from everything. I was running from my fears."
"But you aren't," Gaara said.
"I know that now," Naruto said, "I think its about time I faced the waterfall again."
"If you are ready to," Gaara nodded.
~O~
"Are you sure this will work?" Minato asked Shikaku.
The Nara nodded. It was just before dawn on the day they were going to invade Ame. Minato, along with Shikaku, Jiraiya and the other Kages, were meeting and finalizing the details of their strategy. Some were meeting over the Yamanaka's jutsu while the others were physically present. Minato leaned over the map that his sensei had provided. Shikaku had agreed with him about entering Ame through every entrance they could find.
"Since Ame is surrounded by a large lake, these are the only entrances into Ame," Shikaku explained pointing to the map, "the three bridges, one to the north, south-east and south-west. One of the companies will be invading from each bridge. A smaller company will be entering from the sky, and the last one will be coming through the lake itself. Each shinobi has been placed in the company through which form of entrance fits best to their style of fighting. Most of our water based shinobi will be invading through the lake."
"According to my informant's reports, Pein is the leader of the organization and is housed in the tallest building in the center of the village," Minato explained, "For some reason, there are six bodies, and each body possesses the Rinnegan. It is going to be hard to fight one on one with him. I don't know if each body possesses all the abilities the Rinnegan gives or if each body has one ability."
"It is probably best assume that each one can do all abilities," Jiraiya thought out loud.
"I agree," Shikaku nodded.
"The Kazekage, Jiraiya, and I will head to the building on our own," Minato stated.
"That's the only part I don't agree with, Hokage," A stated.
"What do you mean, Raikage?" Minato asked.
"If this Pein is as powerful as we believe I think it is going to take more than just the three of you to take him down," A explained.
"I agree with him, Minato-sama," Shikaku said, "the Rinnegan is very powerful, if all six bodies possess all the abilities, then it will be near impossible to take them down without a large force."
"What do you suggest?" Minato asked.
"I've come up with a plan," Shikaku stated, "we select the top three shinobi from each village- preferably three that are use to working together and create five sets. Each group will be placed in one of the five companies that are entering Ame. Their sole mission is finding one of the Pein bodies and take it down. Within the six bodies, there is most likely a leader, the main one, which I assume will be at the top of tower. Minato, Jiraiya and the Kazekage will head towards the tower to take out the main one. Once each set has taken down their Pein body, they will head towards the tower to aid in taking out of the last one."
"That is going to be our best bet," the Kazekage chimed in, "it's going to give us the best advantage in order to take down Pein."
"I agree," Jiraiya nodded to Minato.
"Do we know what the abilities are?" Onoki asked.
"Unfortunately, our information doesn't go that far," Minato shook his head.
"There is one thing I am worried about though," Mei spoke up for the first time since the start of the meeting.
"What is that?" Onoki asked a little annoyed with her chime in.
"Why are there six bodies?" Mei asked, "Why split up the Rinnegan? Even if all the bodies ordered around by the main one, then wouldn't splitting up the powers act in the same way of a Kage-Bunshin?"
"How do you mean?" Minato asked.
"Well, so far we know these are just 'bodies' right? So they are like shadow clones almost," Mei explained, "so wouldn't splitting the Rinnegan up into six bodies, split the power as well?"
"Even with that disadvantage, the Rinnegan is powerful enough that splitting it wouldn't do much and I assume there is some type of advantage to splitting it," Shikaku explained, "how ever, our information on this 'Pein' is somewhat limited."
"Even if there is an advantage, wouldn't you think that the Pein's know about this disadvantage of splitting the Rinnegan and try to over come it somehow?" Onoki asked.
"Hm," Shikaku thought, "the easiest way to overcome a disadvantage like this would be to stick together as closely as possible. If that is the case, then all the sets that are divided from the companies will need to rendezvous in order to make our strategy work."
"Then we will just need to plan on that," Minato nodded glancing around the room, "As long as everyone agrees on this strategy, then lets put it in to action."
~O~
A few hours later, Minato along with Jiraiya and Rasa stood at the back of their company, which was invading, from the north. It was pouring down rain, and they were at a slight disadvantage. The Ame shinobi they were used to the rain, but for them, it will cause a their movements to be slower. However, so far there had been no signs that Ame was aware of their invasion. Part of Shikaku's plan was to distract the army they had been fighting with a small portion of their forces and so far it was working. When the signal was given, all the shinobi headed into the small village as silently as they could.
Upon reaching the village, Minato along with Jiraiya and Rasa had split off from their company, which had begun fighting a group of Ame shinobi. The reports had been right, Ame's shinobi numbers were small, but the biggest worry was the rest of the Akatsuki members and the Pein bodies. In the back of Minato's mind, he was slightly worried about the man that attacked on the night of Naruto's birth. He was still out there, but Minato didn't have any reports about him since then. Minato had a sinking feeling that this man was thoroughly involved in both the Akatsuki and the war.
"Jiraiya, do you know that quickest way to the tower?" Minato asked. His sensei nodded in response and took the lead. Minato tried to stay focused on the task ahead and soon the tallest tower in the village came into view. However all of their strategy went out the window. In front of them stood all six of the Pein bodies.
"Shit," Jiraiya swore under his breath.
Inochi, can you hear me? Minato asked thinking quick on his feet to tell the entire alliance.
Yes, Hokage-sama.
I need you to relay to the other Kages and the companies that all six of the Pein bodies at the base of the tower.
Yes, sir.
Minato nodded towards Rasa telling him at he had informed the rest of the companies about the location of the Pein bodies.
The other five sets will be there in five. Can you hold off till then? Inochi buzzed in Minato's mind.
I don't have much choice. Minato replied.
"Five," Minato stated; Jiraiya and Rasa nodded.
Minato pulled one of his special kunai from his pouch as the first of the Peins shot towards him, but the blonde threw the kunai he was holding up in the air and flashed to it so that way he was over the Pein. Forming a Rasengan he slammed it into the back of the bald man, simultaneously destroying the body.
"A mechanized body?" Minato thought out loud.
"Minato, watch out!" Jiraiya yelled.
Minato looked behind him only to find a large boar-like animal was charging towards him. Before he could react, the animal rammed into him, send him flying across the large open area. To prevent any more damage, Rasa had restrained the animal with his gold, and then he crushed it with a jutsu he copied from his son.
"Minato, are you alright?" Rasa called.
"Yeah," Minato grunted standing back up on his feet.
Glancing over at Jiraiya, he noticed that his sensei had called forth the aid of the toads and was currently in Sage mode. Minato made a couple of hand signs then summoned, Gamabunta.
"Minato?" the large toad yelled as he puff into existence.
"Gamabunta, I need your help," Minato asked.
"What do you need?"
"One of those people of over there has the ability to summon large animals," Minato explained, "if you can I need to you destroy any animal that they summon, that is until I get to the summoner it self."
"Ah, you got it, Minato," Gamabunta nodded.
"Thank you," Minato nodded and turned to Rasa, "Did you see which one summoned?"
Rasa turned a pointed to the smallest one in middle of the front line. The Peins had slid into a different formation. There were in three in the front, then one behind, and one in middle.
"Jiraiya, they are protecting the one in the middle," Minato turned a looked at his sensei, "Jiraiya?" The white haired man was staring the orange haired man in the center that Minato was referring too. "Do you know him, sensei?" Minato asked.
"I do," Jiraiya nodded, "he was a student of mine. Although when I knew him he didn't have the Rinnegan."
"What?" Minato replied.
"It was before you," Jiraiya specified, "It was back when my team and I were fighting here in Ame."
"I see," Minato nodded.
"So you have recognized me, Jiraiya-sensei," the middle one stated.
"I have, Yahiko," Jiraiya said narrowing his eyes.
"Yes, I was once called that," Pein replied.
"Where are Konan and Nagato?" Jiraiya asked.
"They are around," Pein replied vaguely.
"Something isn't adding up," Jiraiya whispered to the others.
"What do you mean, sensei?" Minato asked.
"Nagato was the one with the Rinnegan, not Yahiko," Jiraiya shook his head.
Minato glanced back over to them, "Well, it really doesn't matter now, we need to beat the ones in front of us first."
"You are right," Jiraiya nodded.
Rasa shot his gold towards the one in the center of the front line, but the one next to him pulled him away by the collar of him Akatsuki cloak.
"Tch," Rasa clicked his tongue and started to manipulate his gold so that it shot towards the one who pulled his target away. Sure enough, he didn't have as fast of a reaction the second time around and Rasa was able to wrap his gold around the body, but then the gold just fell to the ground.
"What?" Rasa exclaimed.
"That must be one of the Rinnegan's abilities," Minato explained, "the ability to absorb chakra from anywhere."
"Ninjutsu will not work on him then," Jiraiya noted.
"Alright then," Rasa shook his head.
Minato-sama, can you hear me?
Shikaku? Minato replied.
The men who are supposed to defeat the Pein bodies have been caught up in other fights with the remaining members of the Akatsuki group.
Shit.
Can you handle them? Shikaku asked.
I am going to have to.
Be careful, Hokage-sama.
"Our reinforcements aren't coming," Minato swore under his breath.
"What? Why?" Rasa asked.
"They've been preoccupied by the remaining members of the Akatsuki," Minato shook his head.
"It was done on purpose," Rasa stated.
"How did they know?" Minato wondered but never got a reply, "Then we must fight."
Jiraiya and Rasa switched sides. Jiraiya using sage-mode moved to the one who absorbs chakra, while Rasa went after the other. Glancing back, Minato noticed that Gamabunta had taken down another animal that was charging after Jiraiya. Turning his attention back to the man in front of him, Minato pulled out another kunai and shot forward through the gap that Rasa had created a moment ago. Right when he was about to strike, his enemy raised his hand and Minato felt himself come to a complete stop.
"Shinra Tensei," Pein said eyeing Minato. He pulled a black rod from his sleeve and drove it into Minato's arm, pinning him to the ground.
"Minato!" Jiraiya called but the other Peins prevented him from aiding his student, "tch."
Jiraiya's eye widened when Pein pulled out another rod, trying to repeat the same thing with Minato's other arm, but a large mass of gold prevented him. Minato took the moment of distraction and pulled the rod out of his arm. Once he was free he jumped back to join the other two.
"We can't beat them," Rasa stated.
"It's like they have no blind spot," Jiraiya stated.
"I may have the answer to that, Jiraiya-boy," Fukasaku who was sitting on Jiraiya's shoulder chimed in. "After watching them move around a little, it seems as though their vision is connected," the small toad explained.
"Like they are sharing the Rinnegan?" Rasa asked.
"Precisely," Fukasaku nodded.
"I believe they are being controlled by one person," Minato thought out load while holding his arm, "When that rod connected with my arm, I felt this presence trying to invade my conscious. It was coming from the top of the tower."
"So you mean these bodies are being controlled by those piercings all over their bodies?" Rasa asked.
"I believe so," Minato nodded.
Turning their attention back to men in front of them, the central Pein eyed Minato again, "You are Namikaze Minato, the Yondaime Hokage of Konohagakure."
Minato narrowed his eyes, "I am."
"I see," Pein replied raising his hand, "Banshō Ten'in."
Minato's body flew forward and when Pein connected to him, he grabbed Minato's throat and slammed him to the ground, causing the concrete around him to crack and cave in. Kneeling above him, Pein shoved a black rod in his shoulder and whispered, "You are also the father the boy who houses the Kyuubi."
"No," Minato's eyes widened in realization of Pein's plan. Minato tried to use his good arm to grab Pein's that was still holding down on his throat, but he found his strength was gone. Minato felt help-less.
"Minato!" Jiraiya yelled as he and Rasa shot forward.
"Shinra Tensei," Pein stated sending Jiraiya and Rasa flying backwards.
"Yes, I've heard you two are quiet close. So I'm going to use to you to ensure that the Kyuubi's Jinchuuriki comes to me," Pein stated as he shoved another rod into Minato's other shoulder. Then Pein motioned for another one of the bodies to come over.
The other Pein he had called over placed a hand on Minato's chest and started pulling the chakra from his body. Minato felt his strength slowly leaving him.
By the time Jiraiya had gotten back up to his feet, he glanced over just in time to make eye contact with the downed Hokage. Minato's eyes seemed desperate for something, almost like they were asking Jiraiya for something, then the Hokage lost consciousness from chakra exhaustion.
"Minato!" Jiraiya yelled once more, before Pein pulled his student into the tower, along with the other Pein bodies, leaving only himself and Rasa in the pouring rain.
~O~
Inochi? Can you hear me?
Jiraiya? What's going on?
Minato… he's… been taken.
What?
Please inform the others. The Kazekage and I are withdrawing. I will explain when we get back to base. Tell Shikaku to take command.
Yes I will inform them.
~O~
"What do you mean 'he's been taken'?" the Raikage voice boomed through everyone's mind.
"Exactly what I said," Jiraiya yelled back.
"Stop yelling," Onoki ordered.
"How did this happen?" Mei asked.
"I think it might have been their plan from the beginning," Rasa stated.
"What do you mean?" Jiraiya asked flicking his gaze to the Kazekage.
"Now that I think about it," Rasa explained, "during our fight, they confirmed who he was before making a move. They wanted the Hokage for something."
"Did they take him to draw the Kyūbi out?" Mei pondered out loud.
"Its possible. Nowadays, it's common knowledge that Naruto is the Kyūbi's host and that he is the son of the Hokage. It's also well known that they are rather close," Shikaku shrugged, "but if that were the case why didn't they do the same with the Kazekage to draw Gaara out as well?"
"Maybe they didn't know that Gaara is my son?" Rasa offered, "It is not as commonly known."
"They also might not know who the Ichibi's host is," Onoki thought.
"If their goal is to draw out the Kyūbi, we can't let Naruto know about his father's abduction. Knowing Naruto he will play right into the hands of the enemy," Shikaku stated.
"I agree," A nodded.
"Naruto is reckless and will lash out if he becomes aware of his father's abduction," Rasa thought out loud.
"So we are just going to leave Minato there to die?" Jiraiya asked through his teeth.
"Of course not," Shikaku replied, "we will come up with a plan. We still need to defeat Pein to end the war, but we will not involve Naruto to do so."
"Then what are you going to tell Naruto, if his father doesn't come back?" Jiraiya asked.
"That his father was causality of war," Onoki replied
"He doesn't need to know the circumstances of his father's death," A added.
"If it comes to that," Mei reminded softly.
"A lot of children back home are going to be orphaned due to the war," Onoki explained, "Just because he is the son of the Hokage, doesn't make it any different."
Jiraiya didn't reply. He knew they were right. He knew he couldn't go against the words of the Kages. If Minato were here, then he would agree with them to leave Naruto out of it. He would sacrifice himself for the village and for his son.
~O~
Naruto stared at the waterfall once more. He knew what he had to do. They had walked there in silence. Gaara had apparently explained the situation to B before hand. Naruto was thankful for that. He didn't want to explain everything he was feeling to a complete stranger, having to tell Gaara was hard enough. Naruto took a deep breath and walked across the water. He settled down in the center island and repeated the process once more.
When he opened his eyes again, the same figure was walking through the waterfall.
"Come to try again?" the figure stated.
Naruto stood up, "I know that I can't beat you."
"You can't chase me away either!" the figure laughed, "I know you better than anyone!"
"Then you should know right?" Naruto replied.
"Huh?"
"The reason dad sent me here," Naruto smiled, "He's protecting me because he loves me. He didn't want to get rid of me, if he did he would have done so a long time ago."
"Maybe he doesn't want to get rid of you, but everyone else in the village does!" the figure yelled.
"Probably," Naruto shrugged, "but that doesn't mean I'm leaving. They may not be able to cope with their hate for me, but I decide a long time ago that I wasn't going to hate the villagers or the shinobi anymore. I understand why they feel the way they do around me and I will only make it worse if I hate them back."
"But they… they've hurt us so much…" the figure said quietly clutching the fabric above his heart.
"I know," Naruto nodded with a gentle smile, "but I remember something dad once told me; 'It takes real courage to not be worried about what others think of you.' He's told me time, and time again that you've got to have faith in yourself."
"Then what does that make me!" the figure yelled as he shot towards Naruto aiming to attack him.
"I've only grown stronger because of you," Naruto smiled opening up his arms in a welcoming manner, "But now its time for me to face my fears instead of running away."
"What am I suppose to do now!?" the figure yelled again just as he was about to reach Naruto.
"What do you think?" Naruto asked.
Once the figure reached him, Naruto embraced him, "be like me, because you are me. You will always be part of me, and I need to accept that. Thank you for everything, but I will take it from here."
Naruto felt the figure relax in his grip, and then slowly the figure started fading away. Naruto took a deep breath and when he reopened his eyes, he was facing the waterfall once more. Turning around behind him, Gaara and B stood there waiting for him. He gave them a smile.
~O~
The next thing Naruto knew was he was in a strange room that B had led them to. Naruto looked around the room. The place he took them too was bright with yellowish walls and floors, but the strangest part was, he couldn't tell where the walls ended and the floors began. He also couldn't tell where the door was. B sat on the floor and waited for Naruto and Gaara to join him. At some point Yamato had joined them as well.
Naruto was the first to speak after a short silence, "Where are we exactly?"
"A sacred temple that allows Jinchuuriki to face their tailed beasts," Gaara explained.
"Have you…?" Naruto asked, but Gaara shook his head before he could say anymore.
"Alright sit!" B ordered then once everyone was sitting he continued, "You gotta start with a greeting! Bump fists with me!"
Naruto did as he was told and held his fist out against B's.
"Its been said before," B started, "Fist bumping can read hearts, ya know!"
"What?" Naruto replied.
"He means, when you bump fists with someone you care about, you can read what's in their heart," Gaara explained.
"Oh," Naruto nodded.
"Listen to my rhyme! Cuz! It's teachin' time!" B exclaimed, "Okay, Naruto. What kind of seal they got holding your beast in?"
"A Four element seal," Naruto replied.
"Four-element. That's some quality work!" B replied, "Stronger than my Iron-armor seal. You got the key?"
"I do," Yamato said pulling out the scroll, "are we really going to open the seal?"
"That's the only way!" B exclaimed.
"Don't worry, Yamato-taichou," Naruto smiled then turned back to B.
B held out his fist, which Naruto replied with his own.
The next thing Naruto knew, he was standing in a large open space. There, Naruto faced a large octopus-type being and when he looked closer he saw that B was sitting on his nose.
"So you are the Kyūbi's Jinchuuriki?" the large octopus asked.
"Yea," Naruto nodded then replied slowly, "You are the Hachibi?"
"Yes, you can call me Gyuuki," the Hachibi replied.
"Gyuuki?" Naruto repeated almost unsure of the word coming out of his mouth.
"Yes, that is my name," Gyūki nodded.
Naruto didn't reply but gave the Hachibi a large smile that told both him and B that the blonde was fully prepared to face off against the Kyūbi.
"All right, first things first, you need to face the nine-tails in your soul," B instructed.
Naruto closed his eyes like he has done several times before. Naruto knew that Gaara, B, Yamato and everyone else was expecting him to actually fight the Kyūbi for control, but it wasn't exactly what Naruto had in mind. He had a whole other plan.
~O~
"So, my vessel has come to grace me with his presence once more," a voice boomed.
"Kyūbi," Naruto called walking up to the large bars that separated him from the tailed beast. Naruto had done what his father had asked and not spoken to the Kyūbi much due to the belief that he was a bad influence. However, now the young blonde didn't believe that true to be as his father thought as it was. The large room was exactly how he remembered it, from the yellowish tint to the ankle deep water.
"So you have decided to try and control me?" the fox asked.
"No," Naruto replied stepping up and leaning against one of the bars.
"No?" the Kyūbi repeated a little surprised.
"I came here to talk to you," Naruto smiled.
"Talk?" the fox questioned with an almost laugh.
"While I was in Mount Myōboku, one of the toads told me that you were created when a large mass of hate attached it self to chakra," Naruto thought, "but I don't think that's true."
"Hn," was the reply he got.
"I think that someone created you. It can't have been by chance that nine tailed beasts were suddenly created by masses of hate attaching to chakra, thereby forming nine beasts with a sequential number of tails," Naruto continued, "So I am willing to bet that someone created you."
When the Kyūbi didn't reply, Naruto assumed he was right.
"I'm also willing to bet," Naruto stepped closer to the fox, "that someone who created you, gave you a name. So? Will you tell me the name he gave you?"
Silence was all he got.
"The Hachibi's got a name," Naruto said, "It's Gyūki. He probably knows your name and I could ask him, but I want you to tell me."
"Kurama," the fox replied.
"Kurama?" Naruto gave him a large smile, "It's nice to finally know your name, Kurama."
"Hn," Kurama grunted.
"Ya know," Naruto said squatting and resting his arms on thighs, "this person who created you, must have cared enough about you to give you and your brothers names. So, you can't be all hate, but that hate must have developed over time.
"Humans have feared you and used you for power for so long, so it's no surprise that you hate them so much, but not all humans are like that. I'm not like that. I don't fear you nor do I want to use you for power. That might have been what my father intended when he sealed you in me, but that's not want I intend to do."
"Oh? You're not you going to use me to win the war?" the fox asked with a sly tone.
"No," Naruto shook his head, "People have used you and treated as a monster that had no feeling, a tool to be used. But, you and all the tailed beasts are living beings, and should be treated and respected as such, so I don't intend to use you. However, I do want to work with you."
"You want to work with me? A tailed beast?" the fox questioned in disbelief.
"Yes, just because you are a tailed beast, doesn't mean you can't have friends, teammates or comrade," Naruto shrugged, "right?"
"Hn," Kurama grunted.
"Look," Naruto sighed, "I'm sorry that you are sealed in me. I'm sorry that other humans have feared you and your brothers so much that they sealed all of you in humans or other objects."
"Now, you are apologizing to me?" Kurama asked.
"Like I said you are a living being, and should be treated as such," Naruto said pushing himself to a standing position, "and I hope one day others will realize that too. What I intend to do is rid you of all that hate. I know how it feels Kurama to have all this hate inside of you. I hated the villagers, I hated the shinobi of the leaf for a long time, hell I've even hated the village it self, but then I realized the more I hated them, the more reason it gave them to hate me.
"Once I rid you of all that hate, I will show people there is no reason to fear you. I will show them that you are my friend, my partner," Naruto smiled.
"You think you can rid me of the hate inside me! Are you stupid? I am a living mass of hate! I haven't fallen so far that a child like you can influence me!" Kurama's voice boomed, but Naruto didn't falter.
"Maybe not," Naruto said gently, "but it's worth a shot. I don't want to sit around and watch someone who is so close to me be consumed by hate or fear, especially since I have been there. Kurama, we have been with each other for a long time and probably will be together for a while longer, so I can't sit around anymore and watch you be consumed by this hate. Even if you believe I won't be able to, I am still going to give it my best shot. You probably know that I am not one to give up so easily, Kurama. "
When the Kyūbi didn't reply, Naruto continued, "Look, I know it sounds like big talk coming from me, so lets make a deal."
"Hn, what kind of deal could you offer me?" the Kyūbi asked.
"I told you before that people feared you and your brothers, therefore they sealed you inside humans and objects, but if I can erase all that hate in you, and all the fear in them, I will free you from the being inside of me," Naruto said, "although I will die once you are extracted from me, but I am willing to do that so you, and Gyūki and the others, can live the way your creator intended."
"You are willing to die so that I can be free? You are willing to give your life for a tailed beast?" Kurama asked in disbelief.
"I told you once before that I hoped you and I could be friends," Naruto nodded, "Friends sacrifice for each other and they work together. They also trust each other. So, will you work with me? Will you trust me?"
"Trust a human?" Kurama repeated.
He is different from Kushina and Mito. He never declared that he would keep me at bay. He never feared me. He never hated me. He never blamed me for what the villagers did to him. He even stated that he is willing to die to give me my freedom. But what makes him trust me?
"Why do you trust that I will not take over your body?" Kurama asked.
"Even when I unlock the seal, I can relock it at any time. Plus I've tapped into your chakra before and you haven't tried to take over, even though you've had many chances to, especially when I was really young," Naruto replied, "although I don't know if that was you or due to the seal. But you've protected me as well and saved me several times. I want us to be partners and friends, but to do that we have to trust each other. I can't expect you to trust me if I can't trust you. So, I am willing to trust you, if you are willing to trust me."
Naruto held out his fist waiting for the foxes reply.
"You are an idiot, saying you would trust a tailed beast," Kurama laughed, "but I'll trust you."
"If this makes me an idiot than I happily accept being an idiot for the rest of my life," Naruto smiled when Kurama's large fist butted up against his own.
When their fists collided, Bee's words about reading each other's hearts radiated in his mind. Naruto knew in his heart that Kurama truly trusted him and he had every reason to trust the fox. Kurama would forever be his friend and ally, until the day he set the fox free.
~O~
Naruto opened his eyes and found he was not in the same room as before, but a set of dark blue, almost purples eyes were staring back at him. Those eyes belonged to a woman who couldn't be much older than him. Upon seeing the women for the first time, Naruto thought to himself that she was beautiful and had stunning long red hair. She was dressed plainly in a long green dress over an ordinary beige shirt.
The woman raised her hand a placed it gently on her chest as she smiled at him, then she called, "Naruto."
"Who are you?" Naruto asked, "And what are you doing here?"
The women chuckled gently, "Why don't you take a guess?"
Naruto eyed her for a while, and when he figured it out his eyes widened then softened.
"Oh? Did you figure it…" the women asked but was cut off by the young blonde embracing her.
"Mom," Naruto whispered, "I've waited so long to meet you."
"Minato must have told you," Kushina whispered as she returned the embrace.
A few moments later, Naruto pulled back and wiped the tears from his eyes and nodded, "yeah, he told me I would get to meet you one day. There are so many things I wanted to ask you!"
"Well," Kushina smiled, "Since you didn't need my chakra to tame the nine-tails like Minato planned, we've got plenty of time."
Naruto smiled back at her as they found a spot in the large empty room to sit. Naruto watched her for a moment until Kushina gave him a look.
"What you are looking at?" Kushina asked a little embarrassed.
"I'm just glad you are as beautiful in person as you were in the pictures," Naruto smiled.
"I'm just glad you got Minato's hair and didn't end up with my hair," Kushina laughed and messed the blonde hair, "You've grown it out though."
"Yeah," Naruto shrugged, "I guess I wanted something different."
"So, what did you want to ask me?"
Naruto smiled, "How did you and dad fall in love?"
Kushina's face turned almost the color her hair, "Oh, well, that embarrassing, ya know!"
Naruto chuckled, "you've got a word tick like I do when I get excited. Dad never told me it came from you!"
Kushina laughed then thought for a moment, "Lets see. Minato and I met when I first moved to the village when we were just kids. In fact on my first day at the academy, when asked what our dreams for the future was I yelled out that I wanted to be Hokage. Everyone laughed and afterwards they started calling me tomato."
"So dad was the one who stopped the bullies?" Naruto assumed.
"Nope," Kushina replied shaking her fist, "I beat those bullies in the ground. After I beat them a time or two, I gained the nick name…"
"The red hot habanero," Naruto finished for her.
"Minato told you?" Kushina asked a little surprised that he knew that.
Naruto nodded, "But he never told me why, but I guess that would be the reason."
"Yes," Kushina nodded, "In fact I thought Minato looked girly and weak when I first met him. That was until a certain incident."
"A certain incident?" Naruto repeated.
"I've always hated my red hair," Kushina continued, "But thanks to Minato I came to love it. You see, I was brought to Konoha because I have very special chakra and the hidden cloud wanted it desperately enough to kidnap me. As we walked along, I slowly pulled my hair out to leave a path. Minato was the only one who was able to find my trail, and after he recused me, he told me my hair was beautiful and he noticed it right away. After that, I saw Minato as the finest shinobi ever, and he changed me. My bright red hair had brought me to my soul mate."
Naruto looked towards the ground and pulled his knees to his chest, "Dad's pretty amazing, huh?"
"He is," Kushina replied poking her son, "You are a lot like him."
"That funny," Naruto chuckled, "He says I am a lot like you."
"Why does he say that?" Kushina asked.
"I guess its because of several reasons," Naruto shrugged, "I'm stubborn, impulsive, and headstrong. I tend to be fearless, cheerful and kind to others, and as I grew up I became more levelheaded and calm. So, I guess the older I get the more I'm like him. I've even been praised for being a tactician." Naruto then looked down and sighed, "He did say I inherited your quick temper though."
"Did something happen?" Kushina asked noticing her son's quick change in mood.
"What makes you say that?" Naruto replied.
"You get the same look on your face as Minato does when something it bothering you," Kushina replied, "Now, spill."
Naruto sighed and shifted his legs so that his knee was propped up and his arm was resting on it, "Dad and I had a terrible fight the last time I saw him. We've never fought like that before; in fact we hardly fought at all. I feel awful about it, but I'm still so angry with him. I'm still angry at what he did."
"What did he do?" Kushina asked.
"We are in the middle of the 4th great shinobi war, but for the first ever, all the villages are fighting as one against the common enemy," Naruto explained, "However, instead of letting me fight and protect my village, he sends me away to some island along with the Jinchuurikis' for the Ichibi and Hachibi. He claims it was to protect me, and that it wasn't his decision but that of all the Kages. I know that he also wanted to me to train with Kurama and I get it. I do, but I still can't help but be angry with him. Why didn't he just tell me? Why did he lead me to believe he was just sending me away?"
"I see," Kushina nodded and thought for a moment, "I can't say I agree with you, nor do I fully agree with Minato."
"What do you mean?" Naruto asked.
"If it were me I would be angry that I couldn't fight with my comrades, but you are a Jinchuuriki, so that means you need to be protected," Kushina explained, "Also, with the villages are fighting as one right now, if Minato made a decision that went against the other Kages, then it would mean a upset in the balance. He wouldn't risk that."
"Oh."
"You do seem to have my quick temper," Kushina leaned over a placed a hand on his shoulder, "the best way to fight that temper is to see the other person's perspective. Try to see things from his view. Being Hokage isn't always about choosing what is right or wrong, but some times it's about picking the better of two bad choices. Nothing in this world is black and white, or right and wrong. Try not to be so angry with him, I'm sure he had his reasons, and knowing Minato, it was hard decision for him as well. It might be hard for him right now, not having you by his side, especially if he knows you are angry with him."
"I guess you are right," Naruto shrugged.
"I'm your mother," Kushina laughed, "I'm always right!"
Naruto laughed.
"Trust him a little more, huh?" Kushina urged.
"I know," Naruto nodded, "I guess because of everything that happened when I was little, I haven't always trusted him. I know now that I need to, he's one of the only people who have always been there.
"What do you mean Naruto?" Kushina asked through her teeth, "What happened when you were little? Why didn't you always trust your father?"
Naruto looked at his lap trying to find the right words. His mother was already angry and would be even more so when she found out what happened.
"Naruto," Kushina pushed, "Tell me. Now."
"My senseis in the academy and some other shinobi," Naruto paused taking a deep breath before continuing, "they used mistreat me when I was little."
"Mistreat you? What do you mean?"
"Mostly physical and mental abuse," Naruto whispered.
"What?" Kushina almost yelled, "Where was your father?"
"Don't be angry with dad," Naruto shook his head.
"Why not?" Kushina asked, furious.
"He didn't know," Naruto replied.
"How could he not know?" Kushina asked failing to rein in her temper, "You are his son!"
"He didn't know because I purposely hid it from him for years. All the injuries healed themselves before he got home at night and none of the shinobi were smart enough to figure out who my parents were."
"They don't still…?" Kushina trailed off.
"No," Naruto shook his head, "Dad found out when I was twelve and took care of things."
"Why didn't you tell him sooner?" Kushina asked gently.
"He asked me the same thing," Naruto dropped his head, "I told him it was because I thought I could handle it, and that I wanted everyone to treat me normally. I told him, I didn't want handouts just because I was the Hokage's son. But I lied."
"You lied?" Kushina repeated.
Naruto nodded, "I didn't want him to be even more upset for the real reason."
"What's the real reason?" his mother asked.
Naruto took a deep breath before continuing, "When I was little I had terrible nightmares. Nightmares that showed the Kyūbi's attack when I was born, they showed people dying. So when the teachers and shinobi beat me and called me a monster or murder, I believed them. Back then, I didn't know I housed Kurama, and with those nightmares I thought everything I had seen I had actually done. I didn't know those were actually Kurama's memories.
"I never told dad about them, because I thought if he knew he would be like the rest of the village. I thought that if he knew he wouldn't want me anymore. He was the only one who seemed to want to be around me and I didn't want to loose that. I didn't want to loose him. I thought he only liked me because he didn't know I was a monster. I was so scared to loose him, so I pretended everything was perfect. I put on the front of a perfect son so he would still love me."
"Naruto," Kushina whispered.
"It's stupid I know," Naruto ran his hand through his loose hair, "Of course, I don't believe that now. I know I'm not a monster or a murder. I know those nightmares were from Kurama's memories and not mine. I know dad loves me no matter what I do."
"Of course he does," Kushina leaned over and embraced her son, "Naruto, I am so sorry you had to go through that. I'm glad that Minato was able to take care of things though. I hope you got out of the academy as soon as you could though."
"Eh, no?" Naruto replied.
"No?" Kushina pushed back and looked at her son curiously.
"I actually refused to take the graduation exam, three times," Naruto replied scratching the back of his head.
"Um, why?" Kushina asked.
"I didn't want to graduate," Naruto shrugged, "To be honest, I thought if I graduated that I would be put on teams with the shinobi who beat me, and I was terrified of that happening so I just didn't take the test so I would stay in the academy longer. I thought it would be easier to handle the academy teachers than the older, higher ranked shinobi. Again, I know my reasoning is stupid but I didn't know what else to think."
"Let me guess, Minato didn't know this?" Kushina asked.
"He didn't know my reasons, but he did know that I refused to take the tests," Naruto replied.
"I see," Kushina shook her head, "Other than the fight with Minato, your life has been better right?"
"Of course," Naruto nodded, "I've got great friends and an awesome team. I'm a Chunin now on Team Kakashi who was my Jonin leader."
"Kakashi? A Jonin leader?" Kushina laughed.
"He was actually kind of good," Naruto replied, "I also went on a training trip with Jiraiya for a few years, but with the war dad called us back to the village."
"I'm glad everything turned around for you," Kushina smiled, "I'm glad I got to meet you."
"Wait, you're not…" Naruto trailed off.
"My chakra is running out, so our time is about up," Kushina smiled standing up.
"Oh," Naruto did the same.
"Trust your father," Kushina placed her hands on Naruto's shoulders, "He is a good man and wants nothing but the best for you. He was so excited to become a father. I know he loves you very much."
"I know," Naruto smiled, "Thank you."
"I love you Naruto," Kushina embraced her son one last time, "Tell your father that I love him and miss him too."
"I will," Naruto replied as his mother started to fade away, " I love you too, Mom."
~O~
When Naruto opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Gaara's green eyes staring at him and instinctively flinched away from him. Yamato was standing next to where Gaara was sitting, prepared for anything to happen. B on the other hand was still sitting next to Gaara. Naruto blinked a few times to let his eyes adjust to the light.
"How did it go?" Gaara asked.
"Exactly as planned," Naruto smiled sheepishly, "well sort of?"
"Sort of?" Gaara repeated.
"I got to finally meet my mom," Naruto smiled.
"Really?" Gaara asked in surprise, "How?"
"When tousan sealed the Kyūbi- I mean Kurama," Naruto explained, "he sealed some of mom's chakra in as well, so when the seal was broken, her chakra was released as well. So I finally got to meet her."
"That's great Naruto," Gaara gave him a sad smile. Naruto didn't have to ask, he already knew Gaara's back story about his mother, "but everything with the Kyūbi went as planned?"
"Yes it did," Naruto nodded and turned to B who was holding out his fist.
Naruto bumped fists with him and when he did, B and Gyuuki knew exactly how things went down. Naruto even felt the two tailed beasts bickering. Gyuuki was harassing Kurama about trusting his human, while Kurama was basically criticizing him for always trusting his. Naruto laughed a little at their bickering. Once things were settle, the four of them made their way back to the house they were staying in.
While they were walking through the forest, Kurama caught Naruto's attention.
Naruto
Kurama?
Not that I want to help you, but I've got a way for you to check on your father.
Really? You do?
It's one of my abilities. You can use my chakra to sense negative emotions like fear and hatred, but combined with your sage chakra, as well as your natural sensing abilities you can probably locate him.
That's amazing, Kurama, but why are you helping me?
Now that you have opened my seal, our emotions are connected. I can feel your constant worry about him. To be honest it's a little annoying.
Naruto chuckled a little inside, I see. Thank you, Kurama.
Hn.
You sound like Sasuke when you do that.
When Naruto returned alone to his room, he sat on his bed in a meditating pose and closed his eyes. Using Kurama's chakra as well as his nature chakra and his own, he reached out to see what he could find. Surprisingly, he was able to get almost exact pictures of what was going on outside. Pushing the other images of the way aside, he searched for his father's signature. After a few moments he found it.
Minato was tied, unconscious in a steel chair. He was badly beaten, blood running down his face. He was alone in a simple room. Naruto felt a retch in his stomach. He couldn't tell if his father was even alive.
Tousan… thought in his mind.
A second later, Naruto saw his father lift his head.
"Naruto?" Minato whispered.
Tousan!
"Naruto, where are you?" Minato thought.
I'm on the island. Don't worry about me. What is going on with you? Why are you like that?
"Naruto, I'm… I'm fine," Minato replied in his mind.
Obviously you are not. Tousan, I am coming. Please stay alive til I get there.
"No! Naruto, you better damn well stay on that island!" Minato shouted in his mind.
I'm sorry, Tousan. I can't.
"Naruto, I'm not asking as the Hokage. I'm asking you as your father, please stay there. You are safe there."
I can't loose you, Dad. Stay alive. Please.
"Naruto! NO!"
By the way, Mom said to tell you that she loves you and misses you.
"Naruto, you…"
Ah, I talked to her.
Minato closed his eyes and smiled, "you did it. You tamed the Kyūbi."
Tamed wouldn't be the word I would use, but yes I have
"Naruto…"
I'll be there soon.
"No! Naruto!" Minato yelled one last time before he was cut off from the connection.
When Naruto opened his eyes, there was a newfound determination flickering in them. Naruto shot from his bed and ran down the hall to Gaara's room. When the redhead opened the door and saw the flash of resolve in Naruto's eyes, he knew he was going to follow the blonde, he just didn't know where.
"Naruto, what's going on?" Gaara asked as he followed him to B's room.
"I'm not completely sure, but my father's in trouble," Naruto said.
Contact Jiraiya.
I didn't think of that. Thank you Kurama.
You never were very smart.
Ha- Ha, I know that.
Naruto stretched out his chakra, combined with Kurama's and nature chakra, as he searched for Jiraiya. The white haired man was standing over a large map with a few familiar faces around the room.
Jiraiya…
"Naruto?" Jiraiya both thought and said aloud causing those around room to look up at him.
What is going on with my father? Naruto thought in a harsh, demanding voice.
"I… um…" Jiraiya thought as he hesitated a moment.
Jiraiya! Naruto almost yelled at his sensei.
"Hold on," Jiraiya thought then turned to those around him. Shikaku, Inochi, Rasa and several others were still staring at him, waiting to see what was going on, "Naruto has found a way to contact me. Somehow he was figured out his father is in trouble. He is demanding to know what is going on. Inochi, will you please contact him and connect him to all of us as well as the other Kages. Please."
Inochi nodded his head.
Naruto?
Inochi? Naruto replied.
You are connected to Jiraiya, Shikaku, as well as the other Kages.
I see. Naruto internally nodded.
Inochi? Rasa called What's going on?
Naruto has some how managed to contact Jiraiya. He has also found out about his father's situation.
I was able to contact him. Naruto explained.
Wait! You were able to contact Minato? Jiraiya asked.
Yes, he's being detained. Can anyone tell me why? Naruto asked through his teeth.
Jiraiya glanced around the room; only two of the five Kages were there. Rasa and Onoki. He needed their permission to tell Naruto the situation. Rasa nodded at him, but he still need the old Tsuchikage to agree. Eventually, with Rasa encouraging him, Onoki agreed.
Hello? Naruto called again, still audibly angry.
Naruto, your father has been taken. We believe to draw you out. Jiraiya replied.
I see. Naruto replied a little quieter than before.
We weren't going to tell you, in order to keep you safe. Shikaku explained
So, you were just going to let him sit there?
Of course not. Rasa replied. Your father is a dear friend of mine. I'm going to everything I can for him.
Do you honestly think that I would let him die while I just sat here? Jiraiya asked.
No. You're right. I'm sorry. Naruto sighed.
But now that you know, I guess we have a change of plans. Shikaku stated.
What is the plan? Naruto asked.
I've been coming up with ideas, and now that I know that you can talk to Minato. I've got an idea. Shikaku smiled.
Then let's here it, Shikaku. Jiraiya nodded.