Disclaimer: I own Zero rights to Naruto and DBZ
The next day, Naruto trudged into his dimly lit room, the shadows playing tricks on his weary mind. He flopped onto his bed with a heavy thud, feeling the weight of his training session with Yugito pressing down on him. His body was sore, muscles aching from the relentless drills they'd pushed through. As he stared up at the ceiling, his thoughts spiraled into frustration; he could wield ki with confidence, but his chakra control felt like a tangled web he couldn't untangle. He closed his eyes, hoping a brief nap would offer a respite from the chaos swirling in his mind.
Hours later, the sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the village as Team Goku gathered in Sasuke's home. The atmosphere was electric with laughter, a stark contrast to the unease that lingered in Naruto's heart. Sasuke leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a frown creasing his brow. "Yugito, when is your good-for-nothing boyfriend going to show up?" he asked, his voice dripping with mock irritation.
"Don't start, Sasuke," Yugito shot back, a smirk playing on her lips. "Just because you have your ice princess around doesn't mean you're superior."
Haku, seated beside her, blushed at the playful jab. The cozy room, filled with memories and inside jokes, felt alive, yet Sasuke's concern weighed on him. Just then, the door swung open, and Naruto burst in, his trademark grin lighting up the space. "Don't worry, the sexiest Saiyan alive is here!" he declared, striking a ridiculous pose.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, his expression unimpressed. "Yeah, right. I've seen Goku-sensei's pinky toe; it's better looking than you. You look like a ninja turtle that decided to play dress-up."
Laughter erupted, and Naruto's cheeks flushed with indignation. "At least I don't have a duck's ass hairstyle! If you went swimming, people would think a duck was trying to catch fish!" The playful insults flew back and forth, tension crackling like electricity in the air.
Goku, sensing the budding conflict, stepped in with a grin. "All right, settle down. I have something important to share." The room quieted, curiosity flickering in everyone's eyes.
Flashback...
In a dimly lit office, the Third Hokage leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady and serious. Sunlight filtered through the window, casting patterns on the wooden floor as he spoke. "I'm appointing you as Hokage," he declared, his voice firm yet warm.
Goku's heart raced, disbelief washing over him. "Old man, you can't be serious! I'm not from this time, and I know nothing about this village. I have a team to lead."
The Hokage smiled, a glimmer of wisdom in his eyes. "Your ability to lead is precisely why I'm considering you. We need someone strong until Naruto or Sasuke are ready. Your team is capable, even without you."
Goku paused, absorbing the weight of the words. "But I don't know enough about Konoha's history or the ninja world. How can I be a leader?"
"We'll teach you everything you need to know before the Chunin Exams. The village has a rich history, and you'll learn as you go," Hiruzen reassured him, a hand resting gently on the desk.
After a long moment of contemplation, Goku nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of the role. "I'll need a day or two to think about it."
End of flashback
The room fell silent as Goku's revelation sank in, eyes wide with disbelief and excitement. Finally, Vegeta broke the tension. "Do it, Kakarot," he urged, his tone surprisingly supportive. Murmurs of agreement rippled through Team Goku, the atmosphere thick with anticipation.
"Being Hokage is my dream, so I'll let you keep that hat warm for me," Naruto grinned, his enthusiasm infectious, filling the room with a sense of hope.
Goku felt the weight of their support bolster his resolve, a warmth spreading through him. After hours of laughter and shared stories, Naruto and Yugito decided to stroll back to his house, relishing the serene beauty of the night. The stars twinkled overhead like diamonds scattered across a velvet canvas.
"Neko-hime, I've missed moments like this," Naruto said softly, intertwining his fingers with hers, warmth radiating from their connected hands. The night air was crisp, scented with blooming flowers and the distant sounds of the village winding down.
"Me too, Naru-kun," she replied, her voice trembling slightly as she rested her head against him, feeling the familiar comfort wash over her. "Every day away from you feels so long."
Suddenly, Naruto's heart began to pound, each beat echoing in his ears like a war drum. A surge of energy coursed through him, an all-too-familiar feeling, and before he knew it, he was transforming. Yugito sensed the shift in the air, a heavy pressure weighing down on her. "Naruto!" she cried, panic gripping her as she watched the familiar light begin to engulf him.
Desperate to maintain control, Naruto fought against the transformation, but the Kyuubi's dark influence clawed at his mind, whispering temptations and doubts. "Now's my chance!" the beast hissed, releasing a wave of chakra that enveloped Naruto, turning the serene night into chaos.
"Ahhh!" he screamed, the sound a mix of rage and despair as he struggled against the overwhelming force, veins pulsing with raw energy.
In an instant, Goku and Vegeta materialized before them, the air charged with urgency. "We need to calm him down!" Goku shouted, dodging a massive punch that sent shockwaves through the ground.
Yugito, heart racing, felt the air thicken with tension. Tears brimmed in her eyes as she watched Naruto thrash against the dark power. "Please, Naruto! You have to fight this!" she pleaded, stepping forward despite the chaos, her voice trembling with fear and determination.
Just as she began to faint from the pressure, Goku and Vegeta exchanged determined glances, ready to face the chaos. "We can't let the Kyuubi take over!" Vegeta snapped, determination burning in his eyes.
Back in the village, panic spread like wildfire, villagers recalling the horrors of the Kyuubi's attack years ago. They rushed indoors, locking their doors, fear palpable in the air.
Goku focused intently on Naruto, realizing the transformation was different this time—his fur dark red, eyes slitted like a predator's. "This isn't just a simple transformation; the Kyuubi's trying to take over," he muttered, concern etched on his face.
Vegeta and Sasuke joined him, ready to assist. "We have to pin him down before he causes too much damage," Sasuke urged, his voice steady yet urgent, the flicker of resolve in his eyes.
"Don't look at the moon!" Vegeta barked. "If you transform, we're in deep trouble."
As they devised a plan, Goku reassured Yugito, who was regaining her composure. "You're crucial to this. Naruto loves you, and you can bring him back."
Tears streamed down Yugito's face, but Goku's faith ignited a flicker of hope within her. "I'll try," she whispered, steeling herself as she stepped forward.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Sasuke and Vegeta engaged Naruto, expertly maneuvering to get him on his back, their movements precise and calculated. Goku held Yugito close, urging her to step forward and reach out to Naruto.
"Naru-chan, it's me, Yugito! Come back to us!" she cried, her voice filled with desperation and love, echoing through the chaos that surrounded them.
Inside Naruto's mind, he struggled against the dark tide of the Kyuubi. "No! Stay out of this!" the beast roared, pushing back with a flood of chakra, attempting to drown out her voice.
Yet, a familiar voice broke through the chaos, cutting through the darkness like a beacon. "Naru-kun, wake up! We need you!" The Fourth Hokage appeared, radiating warmth and authority, his presence a comforting reminder of home.
"Nani?" Naruto stammered, tears streaming down his face as he recognized his father. "Tou-san?"
"Yes, Naruto, I'm here," Minato said, enveloping him in a tight embrace that filled him with warmth and strength. "You must fight this."
"I'm upset about the Kyuubi, but I realize it led me to my friends," Naruto admitted, a mix of sorrow and understanding in his voice, his heart aching with the truth of his words.
"You were meant to control its power, and I always believed in you. Your mother and I are proud of you," Minato reassured him, his voice soothing. "Now, listen carefully: remember, your friends are your greatest strength. You have to trust yourself."
With a final, reassuring smile, Minato began to fade. "Now, return to them. They're waiting."
As Naruto reappeared outside, the transformation ceased. The glowing aura that surrounded him faded, and he shrank back to his normal self. Everyone rushed to him, relief washing over their faces like a tidal wave.
"Uhh, hi, everyone," he said sheepishly, a small grin breaking through the tension, the weight of his struggle lifting.
Sasuke smirked, shaking his head, a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. "As I said earlier, you're good for nothing."
Laughter erupted, breaking the heaviness of the previous moments.