Author's Notes
Thank you guys for the support of the story, I'm glad there's people who still enjoy reading my art. Really from the bottom of my heart thank you! Huge shoutout to superxen003 and NarrativeScribe2004 for commenting and showing support! Okay I'm done with that, enjoy!
Chapter Three
Across the Forest of Death, in the eerie darkness of the foliage, a lone figure moved with an uncanny swiftness, navigating the tangled foliage with an agility that defied his usual demeanor. The twisted trees cast elongated shadows, concealing lurking threats, and the chilling screams resonated through the air. Yet, his gaze remained unflinching, devoid of fear, as he pressed forward, undeterred by the watchful eyes gleaming in the shadows. Death may linger, but he welcomed its presence only when earned.
"I can't believe I'm breathing fresh air again..." Naruto said shaking head disbelieving. Being trapped in a cage wasn't the best thing to experience. The sound of the Fox chuckling rung out in his head.
Kyuubi snorted "That arrogant snake thought he was taking advantage of a unstable situation not knowing he benefited our cause."
"But how did he manage to bring us out? That couldn't be on purpose. I'm sure even he's not that smart." The blonde asked in a questioning tone.
"The Yin Lock Seal your Hokage put on you was overridden by the overwhelming amount of Yin chakra from that Curse Seal, Orochimaru gave you. That cause your Yang half to submerge into darkness until the Curse Seal recedes, which can be at any moment. So we have to make the time we have count.." Kyuubi said with a serious tone of voice.
Naruto understands what's at risk and simply agreed with the underlying meaning behind those words. "If we messed up , we'll be stuck in a cage forever.." He wouldn't accept that under any circumstance. He snarls, the Third will pay for his transgressions, but not only to him but towards his mother.
"Indeed, in order for this plan to come to fruition , you'll need too keep suspicion off your back and we have no time to learn a Forbidden Jutsu." A dark voice rung out his head. Naruto nodded at the reasoning, agreeing with the sentiment.
"I agree, we'll just overload a clone with your chakra. Three Tails worth should be more than enough, I need you to seek out Orochimaru.. You'll have your freedom just don't get to excited because even though you can last longer doesn't negate that one hit equals death." Naruto warned Kyuubi as he jumped through the trees.
The Nine Tails scoffed "Hmph, who do you think I am? Just focus on your end human and I'll take care of my half." Kyuubi said ending contact. It will be easy to find Orochimaru, the scent of snakes can't be hidden from his nose.
After that Naruto continued in silence until he heard screams. As the echoes of a desperate scream reached him, the agile ninja hastened towards a nearby quarry. There, a colossal brown bear, its menacing presence evident, threatened a red-headed girl he recognized. Without hesitation, he engaged in a calculated dance with the ferocious beast.
Darting between the massive paws, he skillfully exploited the creature's blind spots, evading its powerful swipes. Swift movements and strategic strikes weakened the menacing animal. Utilizing the environment, he maneuvered around the rocky terrain, confusing the bear.
The red-headed girl, wide-eyed and captivated, witnessed the display of prowess. Mesmerized by the calculated precision of his actions, her initial terror transformed into awe as he skillfully incapacitated the beast. Effortlessly he channeled a bit of power to his hand turning it to claws, which bury deep into the tough skin of the bear.
The last last swipe splits its head when the bear is immobilized, killing it before it can suffer for too long. With that final, decisive move, the threat was neutralized, leaving the quarry in silence, except for the relieved breaths of the rescued girl.
He then lands in front of the Uzumaki girl and smiles softly.
"I can't believe we ran into each other like this again." Naruto small smile scares her. She is stuck to the spot in pure fear by this monster. She senses the malice from the blonde's curse seal. She's afraid that he'll kill her.
"Please don't kill me!" She begged
"I won't kill you, or hurt you. Say.. What's your name?" Naruto soothes gently.
"Karin." She cries quietly while introducing herself.
"Karin, I'm Naruto please don't cry.." He moved a bit closer to her, she shuffled a little clearly unsure of this person.
"Stay back, don't hurt me!" She begged once again, now her saying chains around threaten to pierce him.
"Didn't I tell you I'm not here to hurt you? Plus why would I hurt family..." Naruto intoned gently.
Karin gave him a confused but still untrusting look.
Naruto sighed softly to himself at the look, "Listen we're both Uzumaki , can't you feel it? Our chakra is similar, look feel for yourself" Karin and Naruto interlock hands.
He fully encase the surrounding in his dense chakra his power was like a overflowing ocean. Suddenly chains started wrapping around him like a hug.
Karin closed her eyes and casted her Minds Eye of the Kagura, Her eyes snapped back open in shock at the warmth of his power, her mother always told her that their clan was wiped never in her life she thought she would find a survivor.
"You're really.." Karin intoned but couldn't finish the sentence.
Naruto smiled gently at the recognition in her eyes she realized it that he was telling the truth.
"Your hair.. it's just like my mother's, it's beautiful. There's no doubt that you're a Uzumaki." He said, still slightly sad about his mother not being alive.
She blushed the same color of her hair. No never complemented her like this. Naruto traveled to her arms and narrowed his eyes.
"Karin, Your arms.. what happened? Who hurt you?"
Karin shuts her eyes in shame.
Hundreds of bite marks, leaving horrid red scars all over her skin, are plainly visible. The sizes range wildly, making it clear that this is the work of a great many people. "M-My V-Village." Said weakly
"Why?" Naruto anger building is evident.
Karin sniffles. "My chakra heals people. Kusa makes its Shinobi bite me to get better quickly. They used up my Kaa-chan and they're doing the same to me."
Naruto looks in the heavens. His face is blank as stone. He will burn Kusa to the ground. Those thoughts is crossing his dark mind.
"No one will ever bite you again" He said firmly
"I don't have a choice." Bitter tears steam from her eyes.
"You do now." Naruto insists.
Karin looks up at him this time.
Naruto's chakra continues to stream out slowly, letting Karin feel up close just how similar their chakra is. She crawls to him, hoping it's all not some cruel dream or illusion.
Naruto lets her feel his arms and the chakra that exudes from it. Her own chakra resonates with it, making splashes of light blue chakra flick off their skin joyously.
"Welcome home, Karin."
She throws her arms around him and sobs into his chest. He became like a shield for her. The light that outshine the darkness.
"I swear I will protect you. You deserve to live a happy life." He continues
Karin remains glued to Naruto for their short journey to the edge of the village.
"What if your village say no?"
"What they say doesn't matter we're going find somewhere else that we can be together. Either way I'll keep you by my side." He said, strongly.
Karin melts at Naruto's words. She quickly discards the Kusa forehead protector and leaves it littered on the cold ground.
As they started walking he sensed people approaching them. His lone eye darken and both stopped suddenly.
"Naruto?" Karin asked in confusion. Naruto stepped to the side and a shadow clone came to life. He put his hand in a prayer motion and closed his eyes.
"Give me some space Karin" He asked softly, she nodded at the request.
"Fox, leave me with seven tails worth of chakra" He muttered. His chakra glowed as his eyes snapped open.
Slowly the clone became more feral then went back to normal, he then looked at the clone with a serious visage on his face, "I'll complete the Exams and I can't break character. The world needs to think I'm still the stupid, docile idiot. You'll take care of Karin. You already know what to do after that. Do as planned. Hurry people are coming."
Clone Naruto then looked to Karin and smiled softly, "Alright, let's go Karin, we need to leave." She nodded and snuggle on his side as they left the village.
"It's been a while since we seen each other... Isn't that right, Sensei?" Naruto said casually.
Several shadows appeared behind the blonde.
"Naruto..." Kakashi intoned with a pained expression upon his face. He wanted to give a student benefit of doubt, but it was per the Hokage decree that he needed to subdue his student. That ominous mark on his neck wasn't helping his case either.
Asuma stepped forward, a serious visage etched upon his face "Listen kid, we've been ordered to take you in. Don't make this harder then what it has to be." He said, inhaling the cigarette then flicking it away.
Naruto became amused by the situation and shook his head slightly. "There's a S-Rank missing Ninja that infiltrated the village, and yet I'm the one is chased. Tell me, who's the real enemy here."
Kakashi stepped closer "You are Naruto, right? If you're not controlled by the Nine Tails then there shouldn't be a problem." The silver hair Joūnin tried to reason with his student but saw the young blonde shake his head. He became angry, he didn't want to fight his own student. The son of the man he looked up too.
"Naruto don't you understand the Nine Tail Fox is evil!" Kakashi yelled.
"To me, shinobi is evil... I use to respect you and everything this village represents but much has changed since I was sealed away for months." Naruto intoned impassively
Kakashi narrowed his eyes, "Then you are lost, the Nine Tail Fox is nothing more than a beast intent on destroying everything our predecessors had built. To throw away the peace our forefathers strived so desperately to achieve and maintain is ridiculous Naruto! Didn't you want to be Hokage?"
Naruto lone eye sharpened, and he clenched his fist in anger. "Such arrogance..."
Red and purple chakra exploded from his Tenketsu, his curse mark glowed ominously as the flame like pattern etched across his face. His chakra force was so strong it push Kakashi, Asuma and the two Anbu behind him back slightly.
"S-So much chakra... " One of the Anbu said covering his face from the wind and debris
"His chakra, it's completely different from just a moment ago, it's fiercer, darker... Can that really be the dumb blond kid my father spoke highly of?" Asuma said, shocked by the amount of power Naruto is producing.
"This isn't no normal chakra, is this the power of a Bijuu container? What is this!?" The other Anbu intoned nervously
Kakashi slowly exposed his sharringan, "It's the power of darkness."
Naruto just stared at them with all the hatred he can muster "If any of you criticizes my way life, let me kill all your love ones. Live through isolation and being hated for something out your control... And when you finally find light let it be stripped away from you as you sit in darkness for months. Not knowing when you're going to be free.. "
Naruto snarled "Only then, you can understand the hatred I have with you Shinobi!"
Kakashi now with the resolve to end this pointless back and forth readied himself, "Naruto, this isn't going to go like it did the last time. Give up peacefully or I'll bring you in by force." He warned seriously.
Naruto dawned a feral smile and licked his sharp teeth in anticipation, "Let's test that theory shall we?" He said hungry. He then casually swept his right arm from left to right, while uttering his technique he learned from the Fox.
"Cleave"
Suddenly dozen of cuts appeared on the four Joūnin across their body. For them it was instantaneous, they couldn't even react to the attack. Grunts of pain can be heard from everyone but it was nothing fatal; the message he sent was loud and clear though... there's a way he can cut them down.
Kakashi mind was racing the most though, he couldn't understand why he couldn't at least track that attack. 'Danmit! What was that move? Even my sharringan couldn't see through it that shouldn't be possible!'
Naruto smile grew as he prepared for the battle ahead of him. "COME SENEI, PROVE TO ME MY WAY OF LIFE IS WRONG!! SHOW ME YOUR WILL OF FIRE!!!" He screamed, dashing towards them.
Land of Waves
After traveling for a few hours, clone Naruto and Karin finally reached the bridge in Wave country.
When they reached the bridge, Naruto paused momentarily to look up at the gate entrance, and the name of the length of steel and concrete crossing the channel before him, engraved on the plaque. He blinked in astonishment when he saw the name.
"No way…" He said lowly
Karin caught on to his whisper of disbelief, and quickly looked in the direction he was. Her expression mirrored his when she saw the title of the bridge, the very structure laid out before her, plastered right above her head.
"The Great Naruto Bridge... Wow, you must be famous here huh?" Karin pointed at the sign, then back at him. She looked between the blonde and the sign several times, her incredulous expression unchanging, before she unexpectedly burst out laughing. Naruto glared at her as she bawled away, slapping him on the shoulder and clutching her chest as she struggled to breathe through her extreme display of amusement.
"A bridge is named after a fish cake! I can't believe this!" She wheezed through chuckles. She wiped a tear away from her eye before grinning up at the sign.
"Are you done?" Naruto asked eyebrows twitching.
"Yup… for the next few seconds," Karin snickered.
The blonde shook his head at her, and continued on, with her continuing to laugh out right at his own expense. So he decided to put the issue behind him.
The moment his feet touched the surface of the bridge, Naruto instantly felt a surge of nostalgia cross his mind. His memories took him back to his first real battle with an enemy shinobi outside of Konohagakure. Zabuza and Haku, two powerful combatants, the latter is whom he held in high regard, and respected beyond any other foe he had ever fought. He smiled softly.
Karin spotted the small grin, and matched it with her own, snide one. "What? Did the name catch on?"
"No… I'm just… thinking," Naruto replied smoothly.
"You know, if this bridge was named after you. They must hold a high opinion of you" Karin exclaimed, smiling warmly at her savior.
"Thanks," the blonde shook his head, yet kept smiling. "That makes me feel loads better."
Returning to the place where it all began…
This strengthened Naruto resolve after everything is over with to start anew…
Suddenly he stopped and turned to Karin
She looked at him worriedly "What's wrong Naru? Is everything okay?"
He a dawned a small smile and nodded. "Yes Karin everything is okay, but I have to leave you here for the time being. I need to tie up some loose ends.."
Karin eyes widened, she just got with him and now she's losing him already "N-No, take me with you! I won't slow you down just don't leave me please!"
Naruto became somewhat solemn "Karin..." Darkness shrouded his figure. The red head became somewhat scared. He continued, "Look at the darkness around me.. you won't find peace with me right now. There's nothing with me on the road I'm traveling but another battlefield."
She closed her eyes in fear, feeling the intense pressure emitting from him then suddenly it disappeared, he rose her chin upwards in a loving manner "We'll see each other soon." She nodded sadly accepting the reality of things.
She nodded in understanding and hugged him tightly, he smiled and reciprocated the hug back.
She looked up "Promise me you'll come back to me Naru" He chuckled softly.
"You have my word" He gave her the most loving smile he can muster. She blushed Cherry red once again. He pulled out his wallet and gave it to her.
"Here is some money, get a hotel and if you see an old drunk named Tazuna just say you know me. He'll help you out, okay?"
She smiled and nodded
"I'll see you soon" He said and disappeared, he soon reappeared in-front of a grave sight. It was a quiet, solemn place where only a few knew the true significance of what lay there. Naruto wore a serious expression as he approached the tombstone, his heart heavy with memories of the past.
Naruto closed his eyes and slipped into the dark recesses of his mind.
His cerulean gaze snapped open and now he has control over his body he willed the mental landscape to shift. The dank and rancid sewer changed into a vast green field of blue flowers. Uzumaki Naruto stepped forward and made his way to the large tree in the expansive clearing. He turned his gaze towards his caged friend and inclined his head towards the ancient beast respectfully.
"Hello Nine Tails," he intoned lowly. "It has been a while but you're finally free. Temporarily at least."
The blond took a seat on the soft blades of grass and leaned against the large tree. The nine tailed fox stepped towards the bars of his cage and he stared at him with an unblinking crimson gaze.
"It has been a while."
Naruto's lips quirked upward in a satisfied smirk. He went into a blissful silence before the Fox spoke out.
"It seems the Village will be attacked." The beast commented in a low drawl.
Naruto arched an eyebrow at the news. He had not known. He leaned forward curiously. The Fox released a sharp vindictive grin as he shared his findings.
Naruto nodded silently at the news and he leaned back against the tree. He drummed his fingers against the warm ground as his mind raced with the new information. Konoha will lose half its fighting force. Naruto heaved a heavy sigh and he opened his eyes slowly. He stared at the blue flowers thoughtfully about his team.
No, Uchiha and Haruno were no longer his concern. Dead or alive. They had nothing to do with him. He had moved on. The blond genin leaned forward and touched the petals of the azure flowers with gentle fingers. They were blue like the ocean waves. They were the colour of home.
"What happens to Konoha no longer concerns me." Naruto spoke resolutely as he stared up at the ancient beast with glacial eyes. "I have much greater things to concern myself with than the petty squabbles of halfwitted villages."
Kyuubi grinned wide and anticipatory. Naruto smirked at the ancient being and he gazed determinedly at the blue flowers.
"Are you ready for what's to come? Can you burden hatred once again when everything is set in stone?" The Fox asked.
"Those people are nothing but ants compared to us and they will pay if they decide to get in my way but... before we kill Madara we must deal with the nuisance that dare to sealed us away."
Kyuubi is impressed to think a mere human would be on the same page as him. Maybe this time he will put his trust in a human.
He closed his eyes and listened to the sound of the distant waves crashing against the jagged rocks. It was his fresh start - his new beginning - and nothing would stop him from reclaiming his freedom. Both have the image of freedom in their heads.
On outside world, he kneeled before the shrine, Naruto reached out and gently touched the mask that lay atop it. It was the mask of Haku, a friend he had cherished immensely. Haku's story had touched Naruto deeply, and the memory of their battle and Haku's sacrifice had stayed with him ever since. He clenched his fist.
Without too much thought, Naruto tied the mask securely to his face, concealing his features behind it just as Haku had done in life. He could feel the coolness of the porcelain against his skin, a constant reminder of the person who had changed his perspective on what it meant to be strong.
The mask is a reminder, a symbol of the sacrifices that ninja made in pursuit of their dreams and goals. But today, he had a different purpose in mind. He wanted to honor Haku's memory in a new way, to carry on his legacy. To make a world where no one is used as tools. Where kids didn't have to live without their parents and where even Bijuu can find peace.
With the mask of Haku concealing his face, Naruto made a solemn vow. "I'll carry your memories with me, Haku. I'll be strong for your sake. I won't forget your kindness and your strength."
Standing before the shrine, Naruto felt a newfound sense of purpose and determination. He knew that he had a long journey ahead of him, but he was ready to face whatever challenges came his way. With Haku's mask as his symbol, he would continue to grow stronger. He closed his lone eye concentrating on the Fox chakra.
"Finally, now then. Let's hunt for a snake..." Kyuubi intoned ominously.
With that he disappeared in a burst of speed.
Underground Anbu Cells
Hiruzen stopped by the door at Naruto's cell. He can't be placed in a regular cell, there's no way they'll risk the Kyuubi going out of control so incase of the worst he was placed in a fortified room of seals.
The Hokage placed the food down and knocked. Not twice but five times. There was no response. He was certain though, that Naruto was there in the room but simply ignoring him. He sighed and opened the door and walked in.
The place was cold. And eerily silent. Hiruzen sighed slightly. Many thoughts racked the Hokage mind , He knows Naruto was a miserable lonely child but he is also aware how dangerous this child can really be.
He wished he still kept his exuberance , his smile , his light. That was at least something good. But nothing made him smile anymore. There were still many problems that didn't look like they were going to go away. And there wasn't much he could do about it.
To feel so powerless to change things… Hiruzen had never been so frustrated and he was called the professor. He had learned every fire based jutsu in the fire country. He had solved many puzzles, and yet, Naruto's life was one he could not solve. No matter what he said, the villagers would undo it with their glares and blatant whispers of contempt. No matter how he tried to advocate for the blonde, he can never justify and undo the damage the young blonde caused.
Shaking his head, Hiruzen silently sat the food on the table and looked forward.
There was Naruto sitting in a corner. His lone eye were cast into the darkness.
He had been here all this time. Just silent. Just never reacting. When did it start? How did it even come to this point? Naruto had been happy. He had smiled and laughed. He had made sure his seal
But now, he can tell something was different. He spent the whole time sitting in that corner, motionless, as if dead.
It pained him.
"Naruto…" Hiruzen forced a smile as he walked over the child. His tone was gentle. Naruto didn't react until he stopped by the wall. Hiruzen tapped the red head on the shoulder. He almost startled him. "Lost in thought?"
Naruto faced the Third for a moment. There wasn't much on his face. He looked at the food on the table. Once more, he looked into the darkness as if looking for something. There wasn't much to look at. Just the bricks and bugs. But he looked at the insects as if he wish he was free like them.
"Are you here to kill me?" Naruto finally spoke. His tone was quiet and slow.
Hiruzen winced at the statement but nodded in the negative, "No of course not Naruto-kun but we do need to talk…"
Silence overtook the room for a few seconds, noticing Naruto reaction well lack there of he continued
"The incident at Wave and now the incident in the Forest of Death, would you like to explain yourself?" He stared at Naruto waiting for an answer.
Naruto still staring into the darkness feeling something there but chose to ignore it.
"I did what I had to…" he said impassively
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes, this is dangerous , to think it's came this far something had to be done , no.. it must be done for the sake of the village.
"Naruto-kun , what you did was assault several Ninja and Anbu personnel of the Village, don't you understand the implications? Granted given the circumstances, Orochimaru is under investigation but it doesn't change the level of cruelty you showed your comrades. " He took a deep breath and stared intently at the young man.
"Naruto" Hiruzen cut the grandfatherly tone since being nice was getting him no where. "One of my Joūnin almost died a few hours ago and Bijuu chakra was found at the scene..."
Naruto after hearing the underlying question made lone eye narrowed slightly and darkened but quickly went back normal , he stayed quiet , but the Third caught the look already. He got up and walked towards Naruto.
The Third placed both his hands on Naruto's shoulders. Naruto lone eye widened in shock then quickly turned into rage slapping his hands away. Hiruzen lips twisted upside down. He was apologetic.
"I'm sorry for not being there for you sooner, Naruto…" he stared into those confused blue orb for a moment before walking towards him, hands glowing ominously.
"Remember what I said, when I'm out I'll show you something truly interesting Hokage..." Naruto warned
"I am so sorry." The Third intoned, "Fuuinjutsu: Yin Lock"
Weeks Later
The night was dark and quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere of the Hidden Leaf Village during the Chunin Exams. Gekkou Hayate, a seasoned Jonin, moved through the shadows with the skill and grace that only a master of stealth possessed. His mission was a perilous one, a covert operation known only to a handful of trusted individuals, aimed at uncovering the truth behind the suspicious activities during the Chunin Exams.
With each careful step, Hayate drew closer to the clandestine meeting spot. His mission had led him to this point, and he was determined to unveil the secrets that threatened the village's safety. Little did he know that another sinister presence was lurking in the darkness, awaiting his arrival.
As he reached the designated location, Hayate's instincts sent a shiver down his spine. He sensed someone watching, someone who had anticipated his every move. His hand slid toward his weapon pouch, ready to defend himself against any threat.
From the shadows emerged Kabuto Yakushi, a man whose loyalty lay firmly with Orochimaru, one of the village's most feared enemies. Kabuto's cold and calculating gaze bore into Hayate's very soul, his presence sending an ominous chill through the air.
"Quite the impressive spy," Kabuto remarked with a sly grin. "But your skills won't save you tonight."
Hayate's heart raced as he realized the perilous situation he had walked into. His mission had been compromised, and he was now face to face with a formidable adversary.
Without hesitation, he drew his Katana and lunged at Kabuto, the night air filled with the clash of metal against metal. Their movements were swift and precise, a deadly dance of skill and determination. But it became increasingly evident that Kabuto possessed a level of expertise that surpassed Hayate's own.
Wounds opened on Hayate's body, and the pain threatened to overwhelm him. Yet, he fought on, driven by his unwavering dedication to the village and the mission he had undertaken. Seemingly after a while Hayate gained the upper hand on Kabuto, the white haired spy knew his death was inevitable but suddenly..
Hayate was sliced in half. He died with a shock looked plastered on his face. His vision blurred as the reality of his situation set in.
Kabuto loomed over him, his voice laced with malevolence. "Well then, that's surprising..You were a worthy opponent, Hayate, but your loyalty to the village has cost you dearly."
As the life drained from him, Gekkou Hayate's thoughts turned to the village he had devoted his life to protect. He had given everything to complete this mission, even his own life. His sacrifice would forever be remembered as a testament to the unwavering dedication of a true shinobi. Kabuto looked up to the short masked man, well boy. Clearly based on the height.
"May I ask, how can little ole me help you? My knight in shining armor." Kabuto said condescendingly
The voice mixed with malice spoke out "Take me to Orochimaru"