I probably shouldn't be releasing this in its current state but I am.
I may or may not have done something really cliche but I do have a plan for it. It's fairly bare bones but I have a plan… I should really run these chapters by someone before I post them.
Naruto woke up clawing at his stomach, rolling around in bed he agonized.
It was dark in his new room, pale green light filtered through a vent from the outside. Whatever time it may be is unknown, as is the time the young Uzumaki writhed. His abdomen pulsed, and cramped, as several layers of skin cracked, flaking from his body. Despite his attempts to scream, no sound escaped him.
Eventually, a small sliver of the Kyuubi's chakra seeped from the cracks of his body, easing his pain and filling the cracks.
Naruto, covered in sweat rolled onto his back, and stared at the ceiling, breathing heavily. "What was that!?" He wondered to himself. In need of an answer, he turned inward to the only thing that might know.
Closing his eyes, the blonde felt the embrace of warm water. Opening them he saw the familiar sight of a sewer, his mind.
Standing up the boy saw the cage of the monster that's kept him alive. The inside was near pitch black, the light puttering out just a few feet into it. The only light beyond that point came from the glowing red eyes of the beast himself.
The curtain of darkness split, revealing a crescent of swords that the beast called a smile. "Whatever brings you here my prison?" The fox's voice rumbled, faux ignorance lacing his tone. "It wouldn't have anything to do with you dying just now, would it?"
These words shocked the young Jinchuriki, his eyes wide and mouth agape. "What do you mean dying, you bastard!? I'm alive and well, ya' know!" Naruto shouted at his unwilling tenant with a furious glare.
The laugh that came from the imprisoned kaiju shook the stone of the sewer walls and caused waves in the watery floor.
"Alive and well? Alive for now, but certainly not well," the fox mused, enjoying the thoughts of freedom the death of his jailor entails.
Naruto was highly irate at the Kyuubi's flippant attitude and the notion that he was dying. His eyes narrowed as he clenched his fist and stared down the monster before him "Cut the crap you overgrown furball! Whatcha getting at?" The boy demanded.
The Kyuubi gave a glare at his nickname before chuckling, "How easy it would be to not tell you at all… Fine, when that Uchiha stabbed you, he did so into the seal and infused you with nature chakra. At the time I purged most of it, it would have petrified you otherwise, but some remained. Over the past few days, it has been drawing in nature chakra from your surroundings and this morning there was enough to attempt and petrify you again," he glared again. "Then the seal used my chakra to purge it and heal you but that will only work until it's built up enough to petrify you in one burst."
Naruto's stomach turned and his heart dropped but he kept a decent front of confidence. "S'pose I do believe ya'… How would I fix that?" Sweat had gathered on the back of his neck.
"That's the fun part. You. Can. Not." The fox reveled in the fear Naruto produced, it was a rare emotion for the boy. "It will be the death of you. Now wake up, you have visitors."
Naruto left his meditative fugue state and bounded to the bedroom door, quickly opening it to see a panicked Powder mid-knock. "What's wrong?" Naruto asked on edge from the fox's words.
"There's people upstairs in the bar! We got to go!" The young blue-haired girl whispered with great urgency.
The news made Naruto frown and furrow his eyebrows before his features softened and he looked at Powder with a large beaming smile. "Don't worry I'll kick their asses, ya' know! Wait here for a sec," he said while beginning to push past her but before he could leave her side, she hugged him.
"Please don't!" Powder looked him in the eyes with tears streaming down her face. "Please, please please please," she muttered, closing her eyes.
"I got this!" Naruto said before using Kawarimi to replace himself with a log he got from… somewhere… and made a clone to keep her safe before running upstairs.
"Aaah!" Powder shrieked. The sudden weight of the log sent her to the ground. "Ouch," she said to herself rubbing her chin. She looked up to see Naruto still there. He was just standing over her, smiling and sheepishly scratching the back of his head.
"Sorry 'bout that. The boss can be a little forgetful about how squishy civilians are sometimes," he said offering a hand to her.
"Boss?" Powder mimed looking at the clone with bleary eyes.
The sound of shouts came from upstairs followed by what sounded like a stampede of Krug. One of the voices sounded like Naruto.
As Naruto burst through the door into the bar, he slammed the heavy wooden door into someone's face, the loud thud echoing through the dimly lit room. The unsuspecting gang member staggered backward, clutching his bleeding nose.
There were about eleven gangsters in the bar that Naruto could see but about a third of his view of the ground floor was blocked by the actual bar, and Naruto had a very limited view of the second story. Seven of the gangsters were within a single side of himself and all of them brandished weapons of some kind.
A large man took a few steps towards him and asked, "Where's the girl?" The man snarled.
"You're not gonna get her!" Naruto shouted and kicked the man in the crotch giving the man a disturbing amount of airtime and taking him out of the following fight. As soon as the man crumpled his compatriots processed what had happened, they riled themselves into a frenzy to fight a thirteen-year-old.
The ten gangsters rushed towards Naruto. He swiftly dodged their attacks and then leaped, delivering a powerful knee strike to the face of one of the gangsters with a broken nose. Sending him flying half a dozen yards away.
Landing the boy crouched and performed a sweep sending two more gangers on their backs. Standing back up Naruto crossed his fingers 'Kage Bunshin no Jutsu' and three copies of him appeared. At this, the conscious intruders all took a step or two back, they were scared. They've never fought a mage before.
Naruto was more than willing to exploit their hesitance, moved so fast that he seemed to materialize in front of one of the shorter gang members. He planted his left foot forward and span himself into a reverse roundhouse kick landing it into his opponent's side. The impact sent the woman flying into a private booth.
Meanwhile, the clones engaged the remaining gangsters, each demonstrating a proficiency in martial arts that the gang members had never witnessed before. The clones moved with synchronized precision, blocking incoming attacks, and countering with swift kicks and punches.
Naruto darted between the chaos, his movements fluid and unpredictable. He incapacitated another gangster with a well-timed elbow to the stomach, causing the man to double over in pain. The room echoed with the sounds of scuffling, crashing furniture, and pained cries.
The gang members, though initially aggressive, were now on the defensive. They struggled to keep up with the speed and skill displayed by Naruto and his clones. Fear crept into their expressions as they realized they were facing a formidable opponent.
Naruto stepped back from the chaos he created with his clones, the distant sound of heavy footsteps reverberated from the second floor. The gang members' eyes widened with a mix of hope and desperation as a hulking silhouette emerged from the shadows, wielding a massive sledgehammer.
The large man leaped from the balcony onto the staircase and then again to the ground floor. He swung the sledgehammer with a fierce determination, aiming for Naruto's still form. The air whistled as the heavy weapon descended towards the young ninja.
The fairly small teen held out his hand and caught the head of the blunt weapon, stopping all its force and the momentum of the man behind it. Gripping the hammer Naruto pulled it towards himself, dragging the larger man into range of his fist.
Naruto's fist connected with the large man's jaw, the impact causing the gang leader to stumble backward. With quick reflexes, Naruto followed up with a series of swift kicks and punches, exploiting the momentary disorientation. The gang members who had been momentarily relieved at their leader's entrance were now back on edge.
Seizing the opportunity, one of Naruto's clones lunged at the disoriented gang members, delivering a barrage of punches and kicks. The combination of the original Naruto and his clones created a chaotic dance of fists and feet, leaving the gang members bewildered and overwhelmed.
In the end, Naruto and his clones beat them all black and blue, those who were still conscious either lost the will to fight or could hardly move. Naruto looked around and noticed the first gang member he'd beaten up was awake again.
Kneeling in front of the pained man Naruto grabbed him by the scruff of his scratchy yellow shirt and began to question him, "Who sent you here!?"
The man grimaced in pain but refused to answer. Naruto tightened his grip, applying more pressure to the man's collar.
"I won't ask again, ya' know," Naruto growled, his voice dripping with menace.
The man's eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape route. He saw the moaning bodies that littered the floor and the three clones of the boy standing watch. He relented.
"It was...the boss. Silco. He wanted Vi," the gang member stammered.
A look of befuddlement made its way onto Naruto's face.
"Vi? I don't know anyone n… Oh!" Naruto let go of the hoodlum, smacking his fist into his palm in a Eureka, and allowing the man's head to fall to the ground with a thud. "She was Powder's sister or something! Yeah, no she isn't here. If ya find her tell us so Powder and I can smack some sense into her!"
Naruto stood and walked to the door that led downstairs. He opened it and shouted down to Powder and his clone, "Alright, it's mostly safe now!" Turning back to the gangster, "You able to walk right now?"
The man tried to stand but fell clutching his crotch. "Nope."
Naruto's clones began to drag the incapacitated men and women out of the bar, starting with broken nuts.
Powder and the clone ascended from the lower floor. Seeing the aftermath of Naruto's fight Powder was at a loss for words with only a small little, "Wow," escaping her mouth. Not only were there five of her new friend but they were all completely unharmed and surrounded by a bunch of unconscious adults. 'Vi would have been hurt, shit even Vander would have had at least a scratch!'
The thought of her family dampened her mood but not her astonishment.
Powder slowly began to ask questions about Naruto's clones and where he learned to fight.
Naruto had a clone pour them some juice and began to tell his friend about Konoha and the ninja there.
"Wait really!?" Powder was enamored by the stories Naruto told about his missions.
"Yeah, I painted all four faces before they even started chasing me," Naruto said, finishing up his recounting of his pranks. Powder burst into laughter, imagining the surprised expressions on the faces of Naruto's pursuers. She couldn't help but be fascinated by the adventures Naruto had experienced.
The front door of the bar swung open, revealing Ekko wearing a tool belt worry evident on his face. "I came as quick as I heard people broke in. What happened? Why's there a pile of people out here?"
Powder stood up from her barstool with the most excited face she's had in days, shouting, "Naruto kicked their asses with ninja moves!"
Ekko's eyes widened with surprise as Powder demonstrated her interpretation of said ninja moves. He couldn't help but giggle and laugh at her performance. Naruto let out a few chuckles as well, the weight of the worlds lifting off each kid, if only for this moment.
It didn't take too much time or effort for Powder and Ekko to convince Naruto to show them his ninja moves.
As crazy as it was to see him walk up walls or duplicate himself, the undercity natives were most entranced with the Rasengan. It was small compared to summoning himself, but every facet of it was hypnotizing up close.
After a while, the trio decided to finally venture out into the undercity and get Naruto new clothes that don't have fist-sized holes in them.
Naruto, Powder, and Ekko stepped out of The Last Drop, and a gust of air, thick with the tangible weight of city life, enveloped them. The bar had provided a brief respite, shielding Naruto's senses from the full force of the undercity's atmosphere. He took a momentary pause, a hint of bewilderment flickering in his eyes as he grappled with the suffocating nature of the air.
The cityscape sprawled before him, a sprawling labyrinth of architectural marvels, unlike anything he had witnessed in Konohagakure or any other place on his journeys. The towering structures, a symphony of glass, iron, and stone, reached for the heavens. Massive arches and walkways interwoven between colossal towers, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of urban grandeur. Even the mighty trees of the Forest of Death, once the epitome of vastness, would bow in deference to the sheer scale of the undercity's architecture. It was a sight that left Naruto in awe, a tangible testament to the unique character of the place he now found himself in.
The trio made their way through the city walking through crowds that Naruto had only seen during the chunin exams.
They were able to get Naruto a pair of dull orange shirts and dark grey pants. As the kids strolled through the bustling streets, the vibrant energy of the undercity surrounded them. Neon signs flickered overhead, casting a kaleidoscope of yellows, greens, and a few reds on the crowded sidewalks. The aroma of various street foods wafted through the air, creating a tantalizing mix of scents that made Naruto's stomach growl.
Ekko, with his tool belt slung over his shoulder, led the way confidently, weaving through the labyrinthine streets with ease. Powder walked beside Naruto; her eyes wide with excitement as she pointed out different landmarks.
They made their way to a food stall with a creature unknown to Naruto manning it. Whatever it is, he's giant and bluish-green. He has an eyepatch over his right eye and a goatee.
Ekko and Powder sat at his stall so did Naruto.
"Hey, Jericho!" Ekko greeted the giant fishman.
Jericho, the giant Fishman, turned his attention from the sizzling grill to the trio with a wide grin that revealed sharp, pointed teeth. "Gahrah fa ga?"
Powder excitedly bounced on her seat, "I want the crispy eel skewers, the extra spicy ones!"
Jericho chuckled, his voice deep and rumbling. He turned his attention to Ekko.
"The usual, Jericho," Ekko replied with a mischievous grin.
Naruto scratched his head, looking at the menu, which seemed to consist of a variety of exotic undercity delicacies. "I'll go with whatever's popular here. Surprise me too!"
Jericho nodded, his single eye gleaming with amusement. "Ragha ha gef!"
As they waited for their orders, the trio soaked in the ambiance of Jericho's stall. The crackling sounds from the grill, the enticing smells, and the lively chatter of the undercity denizens created a vibrant atmosphere. Naruto watched with fascination as Jericho expertly handled the skewers, turning them with practiced precision.
A short while later, Jericho presented them with a feast. Crispy eel skewers for Powder, a plate full of fried frog legs for Ekko, and a bowl of sauce-drenched octopus for Naruto. The aroma was nearly irresistible, Naruto said a very hurried "Thanksforthefood!" before the trio eagerly dug into their meals.
It wasn't any ramen, but it was one of the most delicious things the boy had eaten. Even if it was a bit chewy.
The three friends all quickly finished their food, paid Jericho, then left for the last drop.
The Day had been long, eventful, and had barred worse than bad news, but things were looking up for two of three children.
Powder's mood was raised by the knowledge that she had a new protector who wouldn't leave her.
Ekko has recovered many of his good spirits.
Naruto unable to sleep stared at the ceiling, barely blinking, barely breathing, the only thing he did was think. Think and think he did, thoughts too macabre for Naruto's liking flowed through his mind like the rushing waterfall where Sasuke had done this to him. When alone the despair was near paralyzing.
And there it is! This took a while.
Tell me if there's anything glaringly wrong that I didn't catch since right now my brain is mush.