It was late as a young boy ran through a street, panicked. He looked down alleys, frantically searching for a place to hide. He kept his guard up and jumped off a building. As he did so, something landed and exploded. The blast sent him into the air and he flipped. He landed on a rooftop and kept running. He saw fires appear all over the town he lived. He kept up the pace and jumped from rooftop to rooftop. He looked and saw an open window. He jumped inside it and rolled before landing on the floor inside. He looked around and heard fighting below him. He saw a hallway and ran through it. He then stayed hidden and looked, seeing a man in a hood stab someone else in the neck with a blade that was on his wrist. The hooded man then stood up and looked towards a pedestal. The young boy then stealthily ran and the hooded man looked, missing him.
"Who's there?!" He asked. The boy stayed silent. However, he felt a pull and looked. The hooded man looked as well and gasped. The boy held on to something as the pull became stronger. The hooded man started to go towards what appeared to be a rift, but an energy shot out and sent him flying into a wall. The man gasped as he was impaled with a spear, dying soon after and collapsing with the spear to the floor. The boy felt the pull get stronger and he saw items get sucked in.
'What is that thing?!' The boy thought. The pull got stronger and sucked everything into it. The boy watched as the two corpses got sucked in. He then felt what he was grabbing give way and he got sucked in. He felt something start to flow through him and it burned. He then screamed loudly as he was pulled further into the rift and it closed.
Enter: Dan McGarrett, The Boy With No Home
Many years ago, a Nine-Tailed Fox attacked a village. Brave warriors known as Shinobi were combatting it in an attempt to protect the village. As they fought the beast, a powerful Shinobi appeared. This man was known as the Fourth Hokage. The power of the Nine-Tailed Fox was too much, and it threatened the everyone. To save the village, the Fourth Hokage sealed the Nine-Tailed Fox in a newborn child, sacrificing his life in doing so. It's been five years since that fateful day. Five years since that village was attacked. Five years since a newborn child… was labeled a demon.
It was night in a village as a festival was occurring. Fireworks exploded in the sky. Everyone looked at them, but no one noticed the rift that had formed. They didn't notice the body of a young boy falling out of the rift. All of them… except one. A single person noticed and ran to intercept. They made it just in time and caught the boy before he hit the ground. The person looked around before running towards a tower. They ran inside with the boy and ran into an office.
"Lord Hokage!" They said.
"Hmm?" An elderly gentleman asked. The person showed the young boy to the Hokage and they gasped.
'What the?!' The Hokage thought.
"I saw him fall out of some sort of rift in the sky. He almost landed in Training Ground 44!" The person said.
"He needs medical attention!" The Hokage said.
"The Hospital is closed for the festival!" The person said.
"Send for Medics!" The Hokage ordered, looking at two masked individuals.
"Right!" The two said, leaving in a puff of smoke. The person set the young boy on the Hokage's desk and looked out the window.
"I have no clue where he came from," the person said, "but I can tell he's all alone." A team of Medics then ran in and went to the boy, assessing his condition. The Hokage looked grim and sighed.
[Inside the boy's mind….]
The boy floated before opening his eyes and landing on the ground.
'Where am I?' The boy thought. He looked around and started to take in his surroundings.
"It appears you've been spared." A voice said. The boy gasped and looked behind him, seeing a man wearing a hood similar to the one he saw in that room he was in.
"W-Who are you!?" The boy asked, scared.
"There is no need to be afraid. I mean you no harm. My name is Ezio Auditore da Firenze. I'm an Assassin." The hooded man said. The boy gasped in fear and dropped down, curling into a ball with his hands over his head.
"Please don't kill me!" The boy said.
"Calm yourself. I'm here to help you." Ezio said.
'What?' The boy thought, looking at Ezio.
"I'm only able to appear for a short moment," Ezio said, "but you have a gift within you. Perhaps you felt it when you were running from those blasts?" The boy gasped.
"How did you know?" The boy asked.
"Because I have the same gift. It's called Eagle Vision. You need to learn how to unlock it further. I can help with that. I will transfer some of my energy to you." Ezio said.
"Why?" The boy asked.
"Because you will need it to survive. I will teach you all I know in terms of Eagle Vision, Free Running, and Unarmed Combat. You will be on your own afterwards." Ezio said. The boy was scared, but nodded and Ezio smiled.
'I feel as if… he wants me to be successful.' The boy thought.
"What's your name?" Ezio asked.
'I…. I don't know." The boy said. This stunned Ezio.
"You don't know your own name?!" He asked. The boy shook his head.
"No," the boy said, "I never learned my name. I…. I don't even have parents. I lived on my own for the past four years." Ezio thought about it and nodded.
"Then I shall give you a name. You will be known as Dan." Ezio said. The boy nodded and Ezio stood in a stance. The boy mimicked it and Ezio smiled.
[In the Hokage's Office….]
The Medics were still assessing the boy's condition when they gasped. The Hokage looked and saw the boy slowly stir. He then opened his eyes and looked around.
'Where am I?' The boy thought.
"Are you okay?" One of the Medics asked.
"I…. I think so." The boy said.
"Can you move?" Another asked.
"I don't think so. I…. I feel as if my body is burning on the inside." The boy said.
"Send for a Hyuga!" The Hokage said.
"No need." A voice said. The Medics moved out of the way and gasped.
"Lord Hiyashi!" One said.
"You know the situation then." The Hokage said. Hiyashi nodded and closed his eyes before doing hand signs.
"Byakugan!" Hiyashi said, his eyes shooting open and veins popping out. The boy was breathing normally and Hiyashi looked over before gasping.
'How is this possible?!' He thought.
"Is something wrong?" The Hokage asked.
"He fell from a rift in the sky, right?" Hiyashi asked.
"That's right. Iruka told me as much." The Hokage said.
"What is it?" A Medic asked.
"This boy isn't from this world." Hiyashi said.
"What?!" The Hokage asked.
"He had Chakra implanted into him from that rift. That's why he can't move. His body is getting used to having a Chakra Network and Chakra Points!" Hiyashi said.
"How old are you?" The Hokage asked.
"I'm five." The boy said.
"What's your name?" Hiyashi asked.
"My name is Dan." The boy said.
"What about your last name?" The Hokage asked.
"I…. I don't know." Dan said. Something then fell out of his pocket and a Medic caught it. He held it up and showed it to the Hokage.
"Looks like a type of nameplate." They said. The Hokage looked at it and studied it.
"Hmm…. McGarrett…. Could this be his last name?" The Hokage asked. Dan then gasped and remembered everything.
"I remember now!" He said.
"Huh?" Hiyashi asked. Dan looked at the Hokage.
"My last name IS McGarrett! I was part of a prominent family where I'm from!" Dan said.
"How'd you end up here?" The Hokage asked.
"My family was targeted by bandits and thieves! I was running away from them! They were going to kill me! I managed to escape them by going into a building! That's when I saw someone kill someone else inside a room! I went to a different location in that room and saw the rift that brought me here! The man that survived went towards it and was knocked into a spear by an energy blast! I…. I was scared and held onto something! Somehow the rift grew stronger by sucking stuff in and I got pulled in! That's when I was hit with something and my body started burning like crazy! The pain of it was unbearable and I screamed loud before blacking out! That's all I remember!" Dan said.
"You poor soul." A Medic said.
"We can help you learn to harness and control your Chakra." The Hokage said.
"What about a place to live and some funds to get me new clothes?" Dan asked.
"I'll handle that, too. We can have you start our Shinobi Academy starting tomorrow." The Hokage said.
"Shinobi? Is that like a guard or soldier?" Dan asked.
"It's similar, yes." A Medic said. Dan sighed and felt feeling return to his body.
"I can move my body now." He said, sitting up. The Medics helped him down and Dan looked around before sensing something off.
'I know this feeling! This intent… someone is looking to kill!' Dan thought. He concentrated and his vision turned a bit grey. He saw everyone around him in blue. However, outside the room, he saw a group of three in red and a single person in gold. That's when he remembered what Ezio taught him.
"The way Eagle Vision works is similar to how concentrating does. You just have to focus on your surroundings. You'll see four colors when Eagle Vision is activated: blue, grey, red, and gold. Blue represents allies, grey represents civilians and exploits, red symbolizes enemies and predators, and gold represents a person of interest." Ezio explained.
"Is everything alright?" Hiyashi asked.
"There's a group of four outside who are moving as if they're going to kill someone." Dan said.
"How do you know?" The Hokage asked.
"Let's just say I have an innate gift that I'm learning to control." Dan said.
"What should we do?" A masked person said.
"I'll follow them from a distance. Have a team of Shinobi follow me discreetly. When I give this signal," Dan said, holding his middle and index fingers out as if he were protecting someone, "that's their cue to move in and restrain them."
"If they resist?" Hiyashi asked. Dan looked out the window and saw them going towards the festival.
"They're expendable." Dan said. Dan then jumped out the window and rolled in the air before landing on a rooftop, lessening his impact and risk of injury. He then ran along the rooftops and found the group again. He tracked them further and saw them go down an alley. He discreetly landed on the ground and looked, seeing four masked Shinobi in hiding spots with Eagle Vision. He then climbed a building and listened to the conversation they had.
"Having fun, Demon Brat?" One asked.
"What do you want from me?" A voice asked. Dan used Eagle Vision again and saw someone else in blue. It was a child, probably no older than he was.
"This village had no need for the likes of you." Another said.
"Just leave the Leaf and go die in a forest somewhere!" A third spoke.
"Why can't you just leave me alone?!" The child asked.
"Why didn't you stop yourself from killing all those Shinobi five years ago, Demon Brat?" Someone asked. Dan then sensed murderous intent and knew it was time to act.
"I don't know what your talking about!" The child said. The one Dan saw in gold then drew a weapon and prepared to use it.
"Lies. Prepare to die, Demon Fox." He said. Dan then glared and jumped down before landing in front of the child. Holding an arm out with an open palm.
"Leave him alone! You should know by now of the Hokage's orders for this child!" Dan said.
"Who are you?" The leader asked.
"Doesn't matter. Either put your weapon away," Dan said, "or you will be restrained and charged on the Hokage's orders! This is your only warning!" The group was stunned, but they soon started laughing.
"You're bluffing!" The leader said. Dan gave a serious look.
"Am I?" He asked. Dan then faced his palm up and closed it, leaving only his index and middle fingers out.
"Huh?" The leader asked. Before anyone could speak, the masked Shinobi appeared in puffs of smoke around the group and had their weapons drawn.
"What the?!" One asked.
"ANBU?!" The leader asked. Dan glared.
"I gave you your warning. You refused to listen. Surrender now," Dan said, "or be eliminated." The group gasped and the leader dropped the weapon. The ANBU took the group into custody and one looked at Dan.
"We'll inform the Hokage of this," they said, "and question these gentlemen appropriately."
"Keep them separated. It won't do well for them to rehearse their stories." Dan said. The ANBU nodded and gave a paper to Dan.
"This will allow you to receive free meals at any location in the village. The Hokage asked for me to give this to you." They said. Dan took the paper and nodded.
"Thank you." Dan said. The ANBU nodded and left with the others in a puff of smoke, taking the group with them. Dan then looked behind him and held a hand out to the child.
'He looks no older than me.' They thought.
"You alright?" Dan asked.
"Yeah," the child said, "I'm fine. Thank you for saving me."
"Come on. I'll treat you to a meal." Dan said.
"I know the perfect place!" The child said. After a few moments, they found themselves at a place called 'Ichiraku Ramen' and walked in. An old man looked at them and smiled as they sat on a stools.
"Here for the usual?" The man asked.
"You know it!" The child said.
'He must visit often.' Dan thought. The old man then looked at Dan with a smile on his face.
"What can I get for you, young man?" He asked.
"I'll take a bowl of Beef Ramen with Mixed Vegetables." Dan said, placing the paper on the counter. The old man gasped and nodded.
"Of course!" He said.
"Apply this to the boy next to me, as well." Dan said. The old man nodded and got to work. The child looked at Dan and smiled.
"My name is Naruto Uzumaki! What's yours?" He asked. Dan looked at him and gave a soft smile.
"Dan. My name is Dan McGarrett." Dan said. Naruto looked confused.
"McGarrett? I've never heard of that name before. Are you from the Leaf Village?" He asked. Dan looked down and his smile faded into a frown.
"That's a bit complicated." Dan said. Naruto looked stunned before looking solemn.
"You lost your home." Naruto surmised. Dan nodded before feeling a hand on his shoulder. He looked behind and saw one of the ANBU Shinobi.
"I've been asked to give you this." They said. They then held out a wallet and a key. Dan took them and nodded.
"Thank you." Dan said.
"The address to the complex is on a piece of paper in the wallet." The ANBU said. Dan nodded and the ANBU left in a puff of smoke. A young girl then approached with Dan and Naruto's orders and set them down, smiling. Naruto and Dan then grabbed chopsticks and broke them apart before preparing to eat.
"Time to eat!" Naruto said.
"Thanks for the food." Dan said. The two then started eating and Dan stayed silent. The young girl then set a glass of water down next to him.
"What's on your mind?" She asked. Dan looked at her before swallowing what he had in his mouth.
"Just… trying to adjust. I'm new to the village. I…. I don't have anyone." Dan said. The old man gasped and looked at Dan in shock.
"You don't have anyone?! Not even a mom or dad?!" He asked. Dan shook his head.
"They were all killed. Everyone in my family. I…. I want them to be proud of me." Dan said.
"They will be." The girl said. Dan nodded and finished eating, placing the chopsticks on the bowl. He got off the stool and turned to leave, grabbing the paper he was given from the Hokage.
"Where are you going?" Naruto asked.
"To my apartment. I have a lot to do tomorrow morning," Dan said, getting down, "so I want to get some sleep while I can. Especially since I have to return this paper to the Hokage." Dan then walked out, but was stopped by an ANBU.
"Have you had your meal?" They asked.
"I have. I want to go to bed now. I'll leave you to return the paper to the Hokage." Dan said, holding the paper out. The ANBU shook their head.
"I was instructed to take you to the complex your apartment is in. No other orders were given." They said. Dan nodded and motioned for the ANBU to lead the way. When they reached the apartment complex, Dan noticed other ANBU. They were all surrounding the place. Dan soon felt worried, but they noticed and gave calming nods.
"We were just getting off. This complex is where all the ANBU stay when they need some sleep." One said. Dan nodded and relaxed a bit, but not by much. He walked in and they showed him the apartment. It wasn't much, but it did the trick. He soon sighed and went to the bathroom, seeing a shower. He turned the shower on, closed the bathroom door, undressed, and got in. As he showered, an ANBU came in and took his clothes before setting something down for him. Dan stayed in the shower a bit, looking to relax his mind and body. When he finished, he turned the water off, wrapped a towel around himself, and got out. When he did so, he saw an outfit for him and he put it on. The outfit was a jumpsuit that had a swirl pattern on one sleeve and the other was blank.
'How did they know what size to get me? It fits perfectly!' Dan thought. He then yawned and went to bed.
[The next day….]
Dan woke up around six in the morning and felt the need to go out and exercise. He left the apartment, locking the door to it, and ran off. He soon found himself at a part of the village that he figured was for training. He then started to run around the area and steadily increased his speed. After a few moments, he stopped and started doing some push-ups and sit-ups. After he finished with that, he started doing some stretches before sitting below a tree and closing his eyes. He then started to meditate, concentrating on the area around him. As he did so, he sensed five individuals. After a few moments, Dan opened his eyes to see the Hokage with Iruka, Hiyashi, and two ANBU
"I see you got up early." The Hokage said.
"I've been awake since six this morning." Dan said.
"Well," Iruka said, "we've managed to get you enrolled in the academy. You'll be in the same class as Naruto."
'A familiar face is good.' Dan thought. Dan then held out the paper to the Hokage.
"Huh? What's this?" He asked.
"The paper I was given last night that allowed me to get a free meal. I'm returning it to you." Dan said. The Hokage smiled and pushed it away.
"That's yours to keep. I refuse to accept it." He said.
"Might I ask why?" Dan asked.
"It's simple. You need the money I gave for clothes." The Hokage said. Dan thought about it and nodded.
"Speaking of food," Hiyashi said, "I'd like for you to join my family and I for breakfast. There's someone I'd like you to meet."
"Your daughter?" Dan asked. Hiyashi tensed up a bit and Iruka started laughing.
"He's got you there!" The Hokage said. Dan soon felt a disturbance and looked around.
'Where is that ominous presence coming from?' Dan thought. He activated his Eagle Vision and saw five figures to his right: two in blue, two in red, and one in gold. Dan gasped and ran in that direction.
"You might have to fight them off. Remember what I taught you." A voice said. Dan recognized it as Ezio. Dan ran faster and saw Naruto standing in front of three others with a young girl behind him.
"I won't say it again! Leave her alone!" Naruto said.
"Shut up, Demon!" One of the assailants said. The three then started to move forward, but Dan stopped them and forced them back.
"Leave them alone!" He said. The leader of the group stood firm and got in a defensive position.
"Guess we have to get through you." They said. Dan stood ready to fight and gave a glare. The leader then charged at Dan went to punch him. Dan caught the punch, twisted the leader's arm, and took the leader to the ground. The leader went to give a command, but Dan punched them in the throat swiftly and knocked them out. The other two then charged and Dan kicked one back before stopping the attack of the other and knocking them out with a punch. The third one then drew a Kunai and charged. Dan stopped the attack, disarmed the assailant, and knocked them out with the back of the Kunai before throwing it and stopping a Kunai from hitting the young girl. Naruto gasped and looked in the trees and prepared to fight, but Dan got in front and held out his arm with his index and middle fingers facing outward. The two ANBU that were with the Hokage then appeared and drew their weapons. Dan stepped back and motioned for Naruto to pick the girl up. That's when Hiyashi, Iruka, and the Hokage appeared.
"Show yourself this instant!" The Hokage ordered.
"Is she okay, Naruto?" Dan asked.
"She has a few scrapes," Naruto said, "but she's fine."
"When they give the signal," Dan said, "we're getting to a safe place."
"Understood." Naruto said. He then discreetly moved towards the girl and helped her up. At that moment, four people appeared and Dan stood near Naruto and the girl.
"What's her name?" Dan asked.
"Hinata Hyuga." Naruto said. Hiyashi looked behind and gasped.
"So they tried to harm the Hyuga heiress." Iruka said.
"Hiyashi," the Hokage said, "leave this to us. Get your daughter to the Hyuga compound."
"We'll go with." Dan said. Naruto nodded and the leader of the four that appeared glared and started to attack.
"Now!" Iruka said. Hiyashi then grabbed Hinata and ran. Naruto and Dan followed him as the group of four engaged in combat.
[At the Hyuga Compound….]
Hinata winced in pain as her wounds were cleaned. Naruto sat across from Hiyashi as Dan looked for trouble.
"It appears I owe you a debt, young Uzumaki." Hiyashi said.
"I just did what was right." Naruto said. Hiyashi looked at Hinata with concern.
"It appears I must start training Hinata in the Jyuken." Hiyashi said. Hinata then nodded and Naruto looked at Dan.
"Why are you just standing there?" He asked.
"I'm making sure no one followed us." Dan said.
"Huh?" Naruto asked.
"They already tried to hurt Hinata once." Dan explained.
"Your point?" Naruto asked. Dan looked at Naruto with full seriousness.
"Who's to say they won't try it again?" Dan asked. Naruto gasped and Hinata whimpered. Hiyashi stood up and gave a serious look.
"I won't let that happen." He said.
"Seeing as how you're part of one of the strongest clans in the village," Dan said, "I have no doubt in this regard."
"Which clan is also strong?" Naruto asked.
"From what I hear," Dan said, "the Uchiha."
"You've heard right. The Uchiha are strong, too. They have the Kekkei Genkai of the Sharingan," Hiyashi said, "and us Hyuga have the Byakugan. You'll learn more about it when you start the academy. Until then, just relax and try to enjoy yourselves." Dan looked outside again and gasped as he saw a mob.
"We've got company!" He said. Hiyashi went on alert and looked at Naruto.
"Keep Hinata safe!" He said. Naruto nodded and Hiyashi went to deal with the mob that had formed outside. Dan stayed back and activated his Eagle Vision. The entirety of the mob was in red.
'All of them are enemies. Be careful, Lord Hyuga.' Dan thought. Hinata got up and went to Naruto.
"T-th-thank you f-f-for s-s-saving me." She said.
"You don't have to thank me. I did it because it was the right thing to do." Naruto said.
"I…. I still w-want t-to th-thank you." Hinata said.
"Just accept it, Naruto. There's no changing her mind." Dan said. Just then, Dan went on alert and got in front of both Naruto and Hinata.
"Is everything okay?" Naruto asked. Dan gave a motion to be quiet and both Naruto and Hinata stopped talking, silencing their breathing. Dan then motioned for the two of them to hide and he stood ready to fight. Naruto and Hinata hid and stayed still and quiet. As soon as they did so, the door busted open and someone walked in.
"Where's that Nine-Tails brat?" They asked.
"Not here." Dan said.
"Tell me where he is!" The assailant said. Dan gave a glare before raising his fists.
"Not a chance." Dan said. The assailant then charged at Dan, drawing a Kunai. Dan caught the attack and disarmed the assailant before knocking them down with the back of the Kunai.
"Why you!" The assailant said. Dan punched the assailant in the throat before striking them in the gut with the back of the Kunai, effectively silencing him and incapacitating him. Someone else then ran in and charged, sensing where Naruto and Hinata were hiding. Dan then threw the Kunai at the person with stunning speed. The Kunai struck the person in the side of the neck, cutting their jugular. The person then fell down and landed with the Kunai still imbedded in them. Dan knew from the look what had just happened: he had killed someone. Hiyashi ran in with some ANBU and they gasped when they saw the sight. Dan shook in shock and fear. Hiyashi knew from that and went to Dan, kneeling down and placing a hand on his shoulder.
"It's okay, Dan." He said.
"I…. I just killed someone." Dan said.
"You saved the life of two friends." Hiyashi said.
"I…. I'm a murderer." Dan said. Hiyashi and the ANBU then grew concerned.
"Dan? Are you okay?" Hiyashi asked.
"I'm a monster!" Dan said. Naruto and Hinata then left their hiding spot and ran to Dan.
"Dan! Snap out of it!" Naruto said. Dan gasped and ran from where he stood to the window.
"Dan, wait!" Hiyashi said.
"Stay away!" Dan said. He then jumped out the window and ran off.
"DAN!" Naruto yelled. The ANBU started to chase after, but he was too far away to see. Hiyashi gasped when he saw the direction Dan ran in.
'He would never!' He thought.
"Inform the Hokage," Hiyashi said, "and send for additional units! Close off Training Ground 44!" The ANBU gasped and left in clouds of smoke.
[At Training Ground 44….]
Dan had just ran past the gate and hid in some brush when the Hokage and several ANBU appeared.
"Why would he enter here?!" An ANBU asked.
"Because he sees himself as a monster." The Hokage said.
'So they know what I did.' Dan said.
"What should we do, Lord Hokage?" An ANBU asked. The Hokage got serious and stood firm.
"Half of you go in and find Dan McGarrett! When you do," the Hokage said, "I want him brought to my office. The rest of you will stand guard here in case the villagers decide to form a lynch mob!"
"YES, LORD HOKAGE!" The ANBU yelled.
"Scatter!" The Hokage said. Dan looked around and stealthily ran towards a clearing. He soon gasped as he saw the body of the hooded man and the one he killed.
'They were sucked here, too?!' Dan thought. He then approached and used Eagle Vision, seeing there were no ANBU in around.
"Forgive me for this." Dan said. He then searched their bodies, taking what he could. He then saw the bracer on the hooded man and took it before taking his pouches. Dan also took some knives off the hooded man and placed the belt they were on around his waist.
'I hope I never have to use these on those ANBU.' Dan thought. He looked around more and found a bag. He put some items inside it and saw a sword near the hooded man. Dan grabbed it and examined it, seeing it needed to be repaired. He found a scabbard for it and put the sword inside before placing it on the bag.
"I have to keep moving! I don't have time to waste here!" Dan said. He then ran from the area and towards the center of the grounds. He kept running, not stopping for anything. Two predatory animals started chasing him and he grabbed two of the knives.
'At least I can give these guys a reason to fear.' Dan thought. He then threw the knives and hit the predators in their throats, killing them. Dan then disappeared from sight and erased any trace of his presence there. The ANBU soon found the area and gasped.
"These must be the men he was talking about!" One said.
"So they were transported here with him." Another said.
"We just missed him. He got what he needed from the corpses and ran." A third said.
"He probably killed the two predators over that way, too." A fourth said.
"He's scared out of his mind. We have to find him!" The leader said.
'Before he ends up dead.' The leader thought.
[Meanwhile….]
Dan panted heavily before tensing up as he heard snarling.
"Who are you?" A voice asked. Dan looked behind him and saw a wolf.
'Oh, crap! I have to run!' Dan thought. He tried to move, but gasped and collapsed.
"Nngh!" Dan exclaimed.
'My legs!' Dan thought. He looked at the wolf again, pure fear in his eyes.
"I asked you a question." The wolf said.
'Did that wolf just talk?!' Dan thought.
"Who are you?!" The wolf asked.
"D-D-D-D-Dan! M-m-my name is Dan M-McGarrett!" Dan said.
"Why are you here?" The wolf asked.
"B-because I k-killed someone," Dan said, "and I d-didn't want the villagers t-t-trying to kill me in r-retaliation." The wolf approached Dan and had a serious look. Dan clenched his eyes, bracing for the death blow. However, he felt himself being lifted off the ground. He looked and saw the wolf under him.
"You're exhausted. I'll take you to my den. You'll be safe there." The wolf said. Dan didn't fight back or argue.
'Is this how I die?' Dan thought. The wolf then ran off and headed into a den. Other wolves then surrounded Dan and he closed his eyes, sighing in defeat.
"Go ahead." He said.
"Huh?" The wolf asked.
"You brought me here to kill me, didn't you? Just get it over with." Dan said. The others gasped and the wolf looked at Dan.
"You seem to be very vigilant and hyperaware. I like that." The wolf said.
'Huh?' Dan thought.
"I don't mean you harm. I merely wanted to see your reason for coming into my territory." The wolf said.
"Then why bring me here?" Dan asked.
"Because you're needed in the Leaf Village." A voice said. Dan gasped and looked up, seeing a giant wolf.
'Holy-!' Dan thought.
"My name is Gosei. I heard from a friend in the village of what you did." The wolf said.
"You brought me here to turn me in?!" Dan asked. He looked behind and saw the ANBU.
"Just calm down! We won't hurt you!" One said. Dan freaked and reached in one of the pouches.
'I hope this just stuns everyone here!' Dan thought. He then pulled out a an object and threw it down. The moment it broke, the area was surrounded by smoke.
"What the?!" Gosei asked.
"A smoke bomb?!" An ANBU asked. When the smoke cleared, Dan was gone.
"Where did he go?!" Gosei asked.
"I can't sense him!" A wolf said. One sniffed the air and gasped.
"We can't track him! The smoke is all I can smell!" They said.
"He must have picked those items up from one of the corpses that got sucked in that rift with him." An ANBU said.
"If he stays here any longer," Gosei said, "he'll be killed." A wolf then ran out, going towards the center of the area. Not far off, hidden from view, was a hooded man.
'It appears I have a new target.' The man thought. He then ran off and followed a small trail, pulling out a Kunai knife.
[Outside Training Ground 44….]
A mob of villagers surrounded the gates, each with torches and pitchforks. They all were shouting and yelling incoherently.
"Please stay back!" An ANBU said.
"BRING US THAT MURDERING CHILD!" A villager yelled.
"GIVE US HIS CORPSE!" Another said. The Hokage looked into the gated area and had worry in his eyes.
'Please be okay, Dan.' He thought. As this happened, Dan was running and killing predators and venomous creatures. He kept running, not stopping once. As he approached the tower at the center, he dodged two Kunai and looked behind him.
"I found you, murderer." A voice said. Dan gasped and threw down a smoke bomb. The pursuer had grinned and did a hand sign.
'Foolish brat.' They thought.
"Ninja Art: Forest Wind!" The pursuer said. A strong wind blew and cleared the smoke. However, Dan wasn't where the smoke was.
'He hid himself that fast?!' The pursuer thought.
"Where are you, you fiend?!" They asked. A presence appeared behind him and had a serious intent to kill.
"Right behind you." A voice said. The pursuer gasped and went to run, but it was too late. A blade was sent across his throat, killing him. Dan, who hid nearby, had seen everything as he saw someone in a jumpsuit similar to what he wore, but with a vest on and a headband on his head. The headband was over his left eye, as if it were hiding something. Dan stayed still but the person landed in front of where he hid.
'This is it for me. This is where I die.' Dan thought.
"I'm not gonna kill you," the person said, "and I won't let anyone else do so either. Come on out, Dan." Dan slowly exited his hiding spot, holding a smoke bomb in his hand.
"I can't go back. They'll hang me." Dan said.
"I'll harm anyone who tries." The person said.
"Just who are you? I thought only ANBU were pursuing me." Dan said.
"My name is Kakashi Hatake. I used to be in the ANBU. They requested my help in finding you so you could be taken to the Hokage's Office." The person said.
"Where I'll be sentenced to death for murder." Dan said, about to drop the smoke bomb.
"No," Kakashi said, "that's not what will happen."
"Tell that to the villagers." Dan said.
"Dan, no!" Kakashi said.
"They already sent one assassin after me," Dan said, "who's to say they won't send another?! They want me dead because I killed someone! I CAN'T GO BACK!" Dan threw the smoke bomb down and ran like Hell.
"Dan!" Kakashi exclaimed. He then grunted and left in a puff of smoke. Back outside the gate, the Hokage was about to enter. However, Kakashi appeared and he stopped.
"Well?" The Hokage asked.
"They have guys inside. Dan knows the civilians in the village want him dead." Kakashi said. One villager gasped and the others started forcing the ANBU back.
"LET US THROUGH!" One yelled.
"BURN THAT FOREST WITH HIM IN IT!" Another yelled.
"SILENCE!" A voice boomed. The entire mob got quiet and looked behind them. Standing there, having Naruto and Hinata standing next to him, was Hiyashi.
"Lord Hyuga!" One said.
"Why are you here, Hiyashi?" The Hokage asked.
"Because Dan saved my daughter." Hiyashi said.
"The man Dan killed was after me AND Hinata! He wanted to kill me," Naruto said, "abduct Hinata, then flee to the Hidden Cloud! This was all a plot to steal the Byakugan!" The mob gasped in shock. Kakashi, the Hokage, and the ANBU all looked serious.
"Send for the Tracking Unit!" The Hokage said.
"No," Kakashi said, "I'll find him. He had made it to the tower in the center. He won't stray far from it."
"I'll help." Hiyashi said.
"So will we!" Naruto said.
"No." Hiyashi said.
"Huh?" Naruto asked.
"This forest is too dangerous for a child." Hiyashi said.
"It's just a training ground, right?" Naruto asked.
"It's more than that. They gave this place a name." Hiyashi said.
"A name?" Hinata asked.
"They call this place…. 'The Forest of Death.'" Hiyashi said. Naruto and Hinata gasped.
"Dan went inside there and he's still alive?!" Naruto asked.
"He has good survival skills, that one. Living the past four years of his life all alone." Hiyashi said. Naruto looked at the gate in worry.
'Dan….' He thought.
[Meanwhile….]
Dan had just killed another venomous insect and panted heavily. He used Eagle Vision and saw four in red in the trees. All of them were human.
'More of those guys?!' Dan asked. The four jumped down and charged at him.
"DIE, MURDERER!" One yelled. Dan dodged the attack and threw the assailant into another. Dan then started to run, but he had been surrounded.
"Your life ends here!" Another said. Dan threw a smoke bomb down and the group glared.
"That won't change anything!" The leader said.
"Think again!" A voice said.
"What?!" The leader asked. Out of the smoke jumped a pack of wolves.
"A Summoning Jutsu?!" An assailant asked. The smoke cleared and Dan gasped when he saw what had happened.
'They dug underground to here?! How?! I erased my scent!' Dan thought. Puffs of smoke then appeared and several ANBU appeared with Kakashi, Hiyashi, the Hokage, Naruto, and Hinata.
"WHAT?!" The leader asked. Dan gasped and started to run, but stopped when he saw two other children his age. One was a girl with pink hair and a red headband on. The other was a boy with black hair. The boy jumped up and threw shuriken. Dan winced and accepted his fate, but gasped when he heard sounds of pain behind him. He looked and saw the two with Naruto and Hinata. They each held a Kunai and stood firm, almost like a wall. He looked ahead of them and saw the shuriken imbedded in two of the assailants, each one in a non-vital area.
'What just happened?!' Dan thought.
"You won't lay a FINGER on this child!" Hiyashi said. Kakashi stood in front of the children, placing a hand on his headband.
"I don't want to use this," Kakashi said, lifting his headband up to reveal a closed eye with a scar on it, "but you leave me no choice!" Kakashi then opened the eye and revealed one that was red with black commas surrounding the pupil. The group gasped and the leader glared and gritted his teeth.
"You would be the one to show up, Kakashi of the Sharingan." He said. Hiyashi then activated his Byakugan and stood next to Kakashi.
"You're forgetting me!" He said. Kakashi then did hand signs and held his wrist. A large amount of electricity then formed in his hand and he glared. The leader gasped in shock and fear.
"It can't be!" They said.
"Surrender now," Kakashi said, "or you'll be eliminated!" The ANBU then drew their weapons and the Hokage went to Dan.
"No harm will come to you. I promise." He said. The wolves formed a barrier around the Hokage and Dan, snarling and growling at the enemy group.
'These guys are… protecting me? I took a life,' Dan thought, 'and they are risking their lives to protect me? Why? Why are they doing this?!' Dan clenched his eyes as a tear streamed down his face. The tear hit the ground and the sound it made caused Dan to open his eyes. When he did so, he saw Ezio with others.
"Dan," Ezio said, "we will allow you to access our skills. From this point forward, you are like us." A girl then stepped forward and knelt down to Dan.
"Where other men blindly follow the truth. Remember…." The girl said.
"Nothing is True." The others said.
"Where other men are limited," the girl said, "by morality or law. Remember…."
"Everything is Permitted." The others said. They all did the same hand sign and a symbol appeared above them. That symbol then became imprinted on Dan's right ring finger using Chakra. Dan soon became enveloped with the Chakra and the skills of all the others there, along with Ezio, and he gasped.
"Just who are you guys?! What do you do?!" Dan asked. They all stood with the girl and put a fist over their hearts.
"We are like you." One said. Dan looked at Ezio and then understood.
"That's why I have Eagle Vision." He deduced.
"Correct." Ezio said.
"You have the weapons," another said, "and the skills. Now, show them EXACTLY what we do."
"What do you do?" Dan asked. Energy then flowed through him and he felt pain, causing his eyes to close.
"We work in the dark," Ezio said, "to serve the light." Dan felt another tear stream down and hit the ground.
"We are Assassin's!" All, save for Dan, said. Dan's eyes then shot open and he glared at the assailants with deadly intent. The leader glared and charged. Dan disappeared from sight before appearing behind him.
"What the?!" He asked. Dan then kicked him in the back of the legs before grabbing him and throwing him back. The leader threw a Kunai directly at Dan. Dan caught it and charged at the group.
"What are you doing, Dan?! Get back!" Naruto said. The Kunai then became enveloped in Chakra and Dan glared.
'This is my fight!' Dan thought. He charged faster and the leader gasped.
"What is this kid?!" He asked.
"Your worst nightmare!" Dan said. The leader charged again, drawing another Kunai. Dan was faster, however, and jumped up. He sliced the leader's neck before throwing the Kunai at another. The assailants gasped.
"Boss!" One said.
"Why you little!" Another said. Dan then drew the sword that was on the bag and glared.
"Let's dance." He said. The group charged, all brandishing Kunai.
"Dan, no!" Hinata said.
"DAN, MOVE!" Kakashi yelled.
"Don't interfere!" Dan said. He then slashed one of the assailants before countering another.
"GRAAAAHH!" One yelled. Dan dodged his attack before stabbing the assailant in the back. Naruto and the others were stunned. Dan then channeled Chakra through the sword and it became electrified.
"LIGHTNING SLASH!" Dan yelled. He then gave a strike with the sword and slashed the remaining assailants.
"GWOOHH!" They exclaimed. Dan then forced the blood off the sword and sheathed it. The assailants then fell down as Dan walked away, electricity exploding out.
"Holy smokes!" Naruto said.
"That's insane!" Kakashi said. Dan then approached the Hokage and sighed. He took the bag off and held it out to the Hokage.
"This is all the gear I found in this place. I know you plan on holding it until I become a Shinobi," Dan said, "so go ahead and take it now. I won't give any resistance." The Hokage shook his head.
"That won't do. What you just did reminded me of how our Shinobi had been trained in the past. Keep the gear." The Hokage said. That got Dan's attention.
"What do you mean by 'in the past,' Lord Hokage?" Dan asked.
"I'll explain in my office." The Hokage said. Dan looked at the sky and got serious.
"Then let's not waste time." Dan said.
[At the Hokage's Office….]
"Let me start by apologizing for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Hiruzen Sarutobi," the Hokage said, "and I'm the Third Hokage of the Villiage Hidden in the Leaves. I hope you find our village to be lively and peaceful."
"I hope not all days are like this one." Dan said. Hiruzen nodded and pulled out the curriculum for the academy. He showed it to Dan who looked at it. He studied it and immediately gritted his teeth.
"Now you see why I let you keep the gear." Hiruzen said.
"This is outrageous! It's all just lectures and athletics!" Dan said.
"I'm not proud of it." Hiruzen said.
"How much pull does the Civilian Council have on Shinobi matters?!" Dan asked. Hiruzen was stunned and realized it himself.
"They have nearly an absolute say! They devised this academy setup!" He said.
"Hold a meeting," Dan said, "and allow me to speak at it. I want to address the issues of this system."
"It shall be done! I will have an ANBU get you at the appropriate time." Hiruzen said. Dan nodded and Hiyashi then hugged Dan.
"Thank you for saving Hinata!" He said. The boy and girl from earlier then approached Dan.
"My name is Sasuke Uchiha!" The boy said.
"I…. I'm Sakura Haruno." The girl said.
"Dan McGarrett." Dan said.
"What you did was so cool! I hope to be able to do that someday!" Sasuke said. Before anything else could be said, someone burst into the Hokage's Office and charged at Naruto.
"DIE, DEMON!" They yelled. They brandished a Kunai and stabbed Naruto in the stomach. Naruto gasped in pain before coughing up blood.
"Naruto!" The ANBU said.
"Naruto-kun!" Hinata said.
"Naruto, no!" The Hokage said. Hiyashi and Dan then glared and punched the assailant, knocking them unconscious.
"WE NEED A MEDIC IN HERE!" Dan yelled. A team then ran in and started working on Naruto.
"I don't… want to… die." Naruto said.
"Hang in there, Naruto!" Dan said. Naruto then lost consciousness and his eyes closed.
[Inside Naruto's mind….]
Naruto had opened his eyes and he found himself in a hallway.
'What is this place?' Naruto thought. He soon felt a presence and went towards it. When he went near it, he saw eyes and an evil grin. Naruto gasped and stood back in shock. Naruto looked further and saw claws and a body. The being before Naruto grinned.
"Do you know who I am?" They asked. Naruto shook in fear.
"You…. You're the Nine-Tailed Fox!" Naruto said.
'This is why I was called a monster! The Nine-Tailed Fox is sealed within me!' Naruto thought.
"Who are you?" The Nine-Tailed Fox asked.
"N-Naruto Uzumaki!" Naruto said.
"You shouldn't be able to get to this point at your age? Why are you here?" The Nine-Tailed Fox asked. Naruto then remembered and gasped.
"I was stabbed in the stomach!" He said.
"WHAT?!" The Nine-Tailed Fox asked.
"It's true! Someone stabbed me in the stomach! They called me a demon before they did it! It's all your fault!" Naruto said. The Nine-Tailed Fox gasped in shock before looking sorrowful.
"Naruto," he said, "I will heal your wound. I will also lend you my Chakra when you ask for it. I only ask you one thing."
"A sacrifice?" Naruto asked.
"No," the Nine-Tailed Fox said, "not that. I want you… to treat me with respect." Naruto gasped in shock.
"You get no respect, too?!" He asked.
"No." The Nine-Tailed Fox said. Naruto looked down in sorrow before getting serious.
"I told you my name," Naruto said, "but you never told me yours. If I'm going to treat you with respect, I need to know your name. Nine-Tailed Fox doesn't sound very respectful to me." The Nine-Tailed Fox looked shocked before giving a slight smile.
"My name is Kurama." He said. Naruto nodded and held out a fist.
"I hope to become better acquainted with you, Kurama-san." Naruto said. Kurama was shocked, but smiled and put a claw on Naruto's fist.
"Same with you, Naruto." He said.
"I won't use your Chakra yet. I need to be in some SERIOUS trouble for that." Naruto said. Kurama nodded and let a small line of Chakra go to Naruto.
[Inside the Hokage's Office….]
The medics were stopping Naruto from losing any blood than he already has. They soon stopped as they saw the wound healing on its own. Naruto then regained consciousness and looked at the Hokage.
"Naruto-kun!" Hinata said.
"Old Man Hokage," Naruto said, "why wasn't I told of the Nine-Tailed Fox being sealed within me?" Hiyashi and the ANBU gasped in shock and Hiruzen looked ashamed.
"So you've met him." He said.
"When I was unconscious. Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Naruto asked.
"Because I didn't want you running away." Hiruzen said.
"I would never." Naruto said. He then got up and approached Hiruzen.
"I suppose you deserve the truth." Hiruzen said.
"I know the Fourth Hokage sealed him within me," Naruto said, "and he told me his name. I just have one question. Why wasn't he given any respect?"
"Not even I know the answer to that. However," Hiruzen said, "I can tell you that he is very powerful. Such power can be dangerous. When he was first sealed, it was within the First Hokage's wife. It was later passed on to her successor, who passed it on to your mother. You are what we call… a jinchuuriki."
"So," Naruto said, "a female jinchuuriki's weakest moment is during childbirth. Wouldn't that mean the attack on the village happened on my birthday?!"
"I'm afraid so." Hiruzen said.
"It wasn't his fault." Dan said.
"Huh?" Naruto asked.
"While you were unconscious," Dan said, "I was studying up on the various clans in the village. The founders of the village, Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha, had fought each other. When they fought, Madara had summoned the Nine-Tailed Fox. When the Nine-Tailed Fox attacked again, it was said that a person claiming to be Madara Uchiha had used the Sharingan to control the Nine-Tailed Fox." Hiruzen and Hiyashi gasped in shock. Naruto was stunned.
' Is that true, Kurama-san? Were you FORCED to attack the village because of the Sharingan?' Naruto asked.
' That kid is smart. Is he a friend of yours?' Kurama asked.
' His name is Dan McGarrett,' Naruto responded, ' and he is a friend.'
"I take it you're communicating with him. That means you know what I just said was true." Dan said. Naruto nodded.
"Kurama-san confirmed it." Naruto said.
"That explains why the Civilian Council has a say in Shinobi matters." Dan said.
"Not for long." Hiruzen said. He then pulled out a scroll and started writing after a few moments, he gave the scroll to an ANBU and they left in a puff of smoke.
"What's going on?" Naruto asked.
"Dan," Hiruzen said, "I realized just how weak the Leaf TRULY is. Because of that, I'm reinstating the old teachings. You showed me how weak we've become. I refuse to let another Genin team die because of the current teachings. Earlier today, I received a report stating that one of our Genin teams lost two members due to combat with bandits. The teachings are currently subpar. I'm reinstating the old teachings starting with the next class."
"What will the Civilian Council say to that?" Dan asked.
"They won't like it," Hiruzen said, "but I now have PLENTY of evidence that the old teachings must be reinstated. They'll have no choice but to agree. I'm also going to make sure they don't have ANY say in Shinobi matters. No longer will Shinobi cower to the Civilian Council."
"That would be wise." Hiyashi said. Hiruzen looked at Naruto and nodded.
"I will tell you of your parents." He said.
"I'm listening." Naruto said.
"Your mother was the previous jinchuuriki of Kurama. Her name was Kushina Uzumaki. Your father was the one who sealed Kurama within you. His name was Minato Namikaze. He's better known as one thing." Hiruzen said.
"The Fourth Hokage of the Village Hidden in the Leaves." Dan said. Hiruzen nodded and Naruto looked serious.
"Why did my own father seal Kurama-san inside me?" Naruto asked.
"Because he believed that you could be able to control Kurama's Chakra," Hiruzen said, "and now it's proving to be successful."
"There's an added bonus." Dan said.
"There is?" Hiyashi asked.
"Since Kurama is sealed within Naruto," Dan explained, "his seal won't weaken as easily as a female's would. Meaning that Kurama and Naruto are bonded for life."
"Meaning if Naruto dies," Hiruzen said, "Kurama will!"
"That's why they keep attacking me!" Naruto said.
"Precisely." Dan said. Hiruzen looked at Dan and smiled.
"I think you deserve to wear something other than that jumpsuit." He said.
"This is fine for now. Maybe after I graduate from the academy," Dan said, "I'll consider a new outfit. Until then, the jumpsuit stays."
"Then allow me to provide you with the proper accommodations for someone of your caliber." Hiruzen said.
"The place I have now is fine." Dan said.
"Very well," Hiyashi said, "I shall have someone come by with a gift on behalf of the Hyuga."
"Not necessary." Dan said.
"I'm not taking 'no' for an answer." Hiyashi said.
"Alright. I respect that decision." Dan said.
"Let's get something to eat. I'm pretty sure Dan is hungry." Hiruzen said. Dan's stomach growled loudly, causing everyone to look at him.
"That's an understatement." Dan said. Everyone then laughed and Kakashi held out a mask to Dan.
"You could benefit from this. I guarantee it." He said. Dan took it and nodded. Everyone then walked out and went to Ichiraku. Dan smiled and looked to the sky.
'I think I might be starting to like this place.' He thought. Hiruzen then put a hand on his shoulder and smiled.
"This is your home now, Dan." He said. Dan nodded and watched as everyone sat down, each having a conversation.
'Then I will protect it with my life.' Dan thought.
Dan: Man, I can't even BELIEVE it!
Naruto: What's wrong?
Dan: The Civilian Council is ordering more housing developments, and it stretches into Shinobi training grounds!
Hinata: They can't do that!
Dan: What's more is the fact they're ENCOURAGING others to ostracize Naruto! They're even talking about having him banned from all establishments!
Naruto: WHAT?!
Hiruzen: I won't allow this!
Naruto and Dan: Next Time: The Fall of the Civilian Council!
Hiruzen: They're gonna wish they never put Naruto on their shit list.