The Champion's Reward

by 10tailed-Jokester

He vanishes after a failed mission to fight for glory and women in the Land of Earth. Four years later his village is in desperate need of his return. But are they ready to handle him with a new attitude and a new goal? So much could happen in four years and they are not ready for it.

21. Grief's Trials

Annd he is back folks! It's time for a few of the stories mysteries to be solved! As for my lateness, I blame alcohol...all of it.

"Talking"

'thinking'

"Stronger demon talking"

'stronger demon thinking'

Jutsu/Attacks

-(Transition)-

---

Grief's Trials

Jiraiya chuckled as he placed down his cup of sake. "I understood why you left, Hime." The white haired male said to Tsunade as they both sat of a roof in Tanzaku-gai, a bottle of sake laid between them. "Hell, I don't blame you. After Minato and Kushina's death, I couldn't stand to stay in the village. Even now I'm kept awake from the sound of his voice. He was like the son I never had." Jiraiya said sadly as he looked over the setting sun.

Tsunade sighed as she poured more sake in her cup. "I can't take the job, Jiraiya. I'm not cut out for it, besides you're way more suitable than I am for it. Every time I even think about Konoha I just think about how I let my Jii-san down." She then sighed again before downing her cup. "The little brat was right. I'm nothing but a shell of my former-self."

Another chuckle escaped Jiraiya's lips. "What an annoying brat, amirite? He definitely gets his hyperness from his mother. Hell, Minato's looks are the only reason I believe the kid is his, besides that, everything else is Kushina." Both Sennins shared a laugh. "But the brat is loyal to the village, even after what the bastards on the civilian councils and some of the villagers have done to him."

Tsuande frowned as she recalled some of the treatment Naruto had received. "I don't see why that brat didn't just give up and leave. Why does he still fight for people who hate him? Who spit on his name and everything he does?"

Jiraiya smiled softly. "When I first heard of his treatment, I asked the brat the same thing. He told me that, even if hundred people kicked him down, spat on his name, treat him like shit, he'll still get up with a smile on his face," Jiraiya then looked at Tsunade. "because there's still a few he would die for and he won't stop protecting them no matter what."

"That's his nindo, his ninja way."

-()-

Tsunade stood in front of a plaque. Her hair was matted to her head as the rain pelted down on her body. The Hokage stood unfazed by the cold rain and stared at the letters written on the grave. She then slowly knelt and ran a hand through the engraved letters, one by one. A goofy yet perverted smile flashed in her mind and the blonde allowed the tears to fall, though they were masked by the rain. 'Jiraiya.'

A firm hand touched her shoulder and suddenly the rain around her seemed to push away from her body. The Hokage looked up to see blue eyes looking down at her in slight worry. With the rain away from her body, her tears were shown and Tsunade reached up to squeeze the hand on her shoulders. She gave the blond demon a sad, yet thankful smile before looking back at the grave.

Naruto sighed before looking up at the sky. "Being a demon, I don't care too much for heaven but I hope heaven is filled with busty models, Ero-sennin." Naruto said before Tsunade's shoulders shook making the demon look down at her.

"That's a way to send him off, Naruto-kun." Tsunade said and Naruto closed his eyes.

"Ah, I can't think of any better way for him." The demon said with a grin. "Come Tsunade-chan. I may have blocked the rain but you can still catch a cold out here."

Tsunade scoffed. "I'm the best medic in all of the Elemental nations, I'm not afraid of-of-of-ACHOO!" The Hokage sniffed and sent a glare to the demon who was on the floor laughing.

-(With Kurenai)-

Kurenai let out a small smile as she came up to the small tea house. She then rolled her eyes as she heard Yugito mumble again about the weather. "For the last time I can't control the damn weather." The hanyou said with annoyance before a small red aura covered her body and the hanyou was immediately dried from the rain.

"Oh yeah but yet you and that asshole fling elements around like your gods or something." The Nibi Jinchuuriki complained before her form was covered in a light blue aura. "I mean don't you have more practical uses for your abilities besides killing people?" The jinchuuriki said and Kurenai rolled her eyes.

"Well if you must know, drying my hair is much easier." The hanyou said and Yugito only mumbled more. Kurenai ignored her before finding her seat with her friends. "Hey girls." The hanyou said with a small smile. Suddenly she was tackled to the floor by all three women. Yugito gave her rival a smirk at the action.

"Oh thank Kami you're alright Nai-chan!" Anko said.

Hana nuzzled into the hanyou. "We heard you were in critical condition from that last fight! Jeez we were so scared!"

Yuago nodded. "We tried to see you in the hospital but they said you already checked out! And then we searched all over the village but still couldn't find you!"

"You got a lot of explaining to do!" All three women said to the hanyou who was struggling to breathe. The three got off her and Kurenai took in several breaths before giving them a cheeky smile.

"Well you see, it's sort-of a long and complicated story." Kurenai tried to say but Anko shook her head and pointed to their booth.

"Oh hell no, you're gonna explain this and you're gonna explain this now!" The purple haired woman practically commanded and the other two just nodded their heads.

Yugao looked at Kurenai's companion before glaring at the blonde woman. "But first you wanna explain why you're hanging out with this homewrecker?" The Jonin pointed at the Jinchuuriki.

Yugito's eyes narrowed and she bared her teeth at the kunoichi. "Who the hell are you calling a homewrecker?!"

"Oh I'm sorry, I believe if you fuck another woman's man, that classifies you as a homewrecker." Yugao said with her own glare. She didn't back down when the blonde woman got in her face and Kurenai pinched the bridge of her nose.

"If you two don't destroy the teahouse, I'll explain everything." Kurenai said with annoyed sigh as she saw Yuago and Yugito still having their stare down.

"I bet money on Yugao-chan." Anko whispered to Hana who got into a thinking position.

"I don't know Anko-chan. I think I got bet on the underdog here." The dog-nin replied back which got an eye twitch from Yugito and Yuago.

'It's good to be back in regular society.' Kurenai thought ironically.

-(Later that night)-

Naruto sighed as he walked through the village. He carried a bottle in his hands and he destination was in no place in particular. The demon decided it was best to give Tsunade time mourn on her own, as everyone mourns in different way. 'As much as I hate to say this, Ero-sennin wasn't that bad of a person.' Kushina called out from the demon's head. 'I mean sure he was like the biggest pervert to grace the elemental nations, but he was a hermit that strived for peace. I respected him more than your fath- I mean Minato.'

Naruto ignored her slip-up and grunted. 'Peace. There will never be peace. Peace didn't exist before people had chakra and it certainly doesn't exist now.' Naruto sipped from his bottle before scratching his beard. 'Think about it. If people really wanted peace they would find some way to resolve their differences. While I don't agree with most of what Jiraiya did, he was a man of his word.' Naruto thought back as he thought about his old mentor.

Kushina sighed in agreement. 'He doesn't deserve to rot at the bottom of some man-made lake.'

Naruto didn't reply to her as he was too consumed in his own private thoughts. Thoughts that included Kushina. While Naruto didn't and never want to admit it, he did enjoy the woman's company. However being trapped in his head had more cons than it did pros and it was only a matter of time before his mind filtered her out. Whether it took the next few seconds to a millennia, she will not always be there and a deep, deep part of mind thought that he owed her. After all she would've still been alive had that bastard not tried to seal Kyuubi within him.

Sweet release would be the best thing he could give her. 'But how?' The demon thought before he heard someone call out his name and quickly grabbed the hand that was going to strike him. The blonde demon blinked a few times to see an annoyed Sakura and a smiling Ino. Naruto raised an eyebrow as he released Sakura's hand. "You know you're lucky right? Had it been anyone else, I would've blown your head off." The demon siad with annoyance.

Ino chuckled and placed her hands on her hips. "I told Billboard-brow not to do it but apparently her forehead is to thick listen."

Naruto smirked. "I believe that." He then held his chin in thought. "You know, Virgin-brow, I'm sure your headbutts are deadly." Ino giggled as Sakura glared at the both of them. "Now what do you guys want? I make sure to insult Prude-and-Young only during the day."

That did it for Ino as she held her stomach while loud laughter escaped her lips. "K-Kami Saukra! And here I thought I was the master of insults!"

Naruto gave her a toothy grin. "I'd say I'm more of an insult connoisseur."

Sakura, red in the head at the insults, growled. "Shut the fuck up! Both of you! Geez, this is what I get for wanting to check up on this asshole." The pinkette said and Naruto only poked her in her large forehead.

"Come now, Forehead-chan, you know I do it out of spite."

Ino grinned. "You mean love, right?"

"Nah, I know what I meant. As for how I'm doing? I'm doing fine." Naruto said as he finished his drink before throwing it off to the side. "I'm not a mourner. Things die, it's part of life. It's best to move on, nothing good ever comes out of grieving."

Ino sighed and mumbled. "Try telling that to Shika."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "What? Is he swiming in depression and self-pity?"

Ino blushed and jumped, not knowing about Naruto's enhanced hearing. The blonde female frowned and looked towards the ground. Naruto crossed his arms and looked at Sakura for answers. She sighed. "He…has been very distant since…Asuma." She said as she placed a hand on Ino shoulders and the blonde female sighed.

"I just missed my team you know. Sure they got on my last nerve and I always wanted to strangle Shika, but we were tight. They were like the brothers I never had. Chouji went to drinking and he's definitely not like you, Naruto-kun. The guy can barely hold in his drink." Ino said with a slight chuckle as she used a hand to wipe an eye.

"Heh, so challenging him to a drink-off is a no go?" Naruto joked out and the two females shared a small laugh.

"Unless you wanna carry his ass to the hospital." Ino then sighed sadly. "But Shika, he's so angry. Not only at himself but at you. I told you already that I don't blame you for Asuma's death but Shika has it dead set in his mind that you the main reason for sensei's death."

Naruto narrowed his eyes. "So what? He's gonna attack me? Heh, he be the world's dumbest person if he did. "

Sakura sighed. "Anger makes the smartest people do the stupidest shit. I mean look at Sasuke-ku…" She stopped herself before looking away. Naruto felt himself snarling at the name, their fight and his escape was fresh in the demon's mind.

"Listen Naruto-kun. I know this is a big favor to ask and I completely understand if you say no but," Ino bit her lip as her as Naruto's blue eyes bore into her own. "can you speak to Chouji and Shika? Please, I mean despite many circumstances, you guys were best friends. Maybe they'll actually listen to you instead of brushing you off," She faced the ground again and in a smaller, lighter voice, mumbled. "like they did to me."

Naruto groaned internally and Kushina giggled in his mind. 'You should do it.' She said. 'You were right about mourning, people need to get over it.'

'Yeah sure I said those things but I'm nobody's therapist. If they wanna ruined their lives let them.' Naruto thought and Kushina placed her hand on her hips.

'Oh it sounds like to me that someone doesn't wanna let their humanity show.'

'You damn right! I'm a demon, I don't care about most humans and I certainly don't give a shit about their emotional or mental wellbeing.' Naruto thought back and Kushina shook her head.

'Yet you care for some humans. Look what you did for Tsunade-chan, is that not a part of your humanity? Or how about when you saved Kurenai? Or Yugito? Hell, you even apologized to me?' Naruto was silent and Kushina knew she struck a cord in him. 'Listen I know you care about your demon status but is it worth pushing away the people you actually care about because you're too afraid to show some small inch of care? I'm not asking you to do it for Chouji or Shika, in fact, fuck them. But do it for Ino, you do care about her, even if it is a small bit.'

'Alright, alright! I'll do it just lay off my ass will ya!?' Naruto said back in annoyance and Kushina chuckled.

'Mmm maybe I can lay on something else instead?' She purred and Naruto smirked as he focused back into reality.

"Alright I'll do it." The demon said with a grumble and both females looked at him in surprise.

"W-What? You will!?" Ino asked happily and Naruto rolled his eyes before he found his head in between Ino's breasts. "Yatta! Thank you Naruto-kun! I definitely owe you!"

"Honestly I thought you were too proud to do it." Sakura said with a raised eyebrow and Naruto just flipped her off and snuggled into Ino's tits, lifting the smaller girl off the ground. "For fucks sake can you guys not do this in public and Ino, what about Saya?"

'Saya? Wait a minute.' Naruto put Ino back on the ground, 'They're not.'

"Saya will be fine. This is Naruto-kun we're talking about and I know for a fact that we both fucked him." Ino said shamelessly while Sakura's face turned a dark red.

Naruto raised an eyebrow. 'Well I'll be damned, they are!' Naruto grunted to get both of their attention. "Anyways, where are the two sons of bitches?"

-(Few hours later: Training ground 7)-

Naruto sighed to himself as he walked towards the training ground. Convincing Chouji to man up wasn't as hard as the demon thought. All he had to do was beat sense into his large drunk ass, figuratively and oh so literally. At first the large man refused to listen to his words and then he blamed his actions on the alcohol, which was a big no-no in Naruto's books.

Blame yourself, never blame the drinks.

-(Flashback: Few hours ago)-

Naruto sat at the bar Chouji, watching the man drown himself in drinks. Most of the bottle was gone and Naruto was surprise that the large man wasn't passed out on the floor. "L…Li..Listen Narwuto." The large man slurred out. "I…i…I ca...can't help it that this…this right here." He picked the almost empty bottle and poured another shot, though he spilt most of it in the counter. "T-This right here…is..help…helping…me." He downed the shot and slammed the glass cup on the counter, shattering it. "U..Uh…oops. Se-see man? It's…the..drink's…fault."

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Is it really Chouji?" The large man slowly nodded his head and Naruto sighed to himself. "Alright new approach." He grabbed the bottle and swirled the remaining contents. "May I?" Chouji nodded his head again and Naruto grinned before finishing the rest of the bottle. "Ahh honey-flavored? It's good not usually my choice." Naruto then got up. "Buttt this is!" He then slammed the glass bottle on Chouji's head making the large man fall over with a loud thud.

The people in the bar stopped talking and drinking to see Naruto put a some money down on the counter. "This is for that table right there." Naruto said as he pointed to the empty table next to him before grabbing Chouji by the arm.

The bartender looked confused. "But there's nothing wrong-"

CRASH

Chouji groaned as his body was thrown into the table. Naruto kicked away some of the debris as a single finger was covered in black flames. He poked the large man in the forehead, effectively removing the alcohol from his system but not the pain. "Listen to me now Chouji. You can go the rest of your pathetic existence ruining your liver but what will Asuma think of you when you two meet again in the afterlife? Hell, what do you think Asuma is thinking about right as he's watching you. He's disappointed, disappointed that you decide to tarnish his memories, his experiences made with you with alcohol. You're a shinobi not some sad divorced middle-aged civilian. Grow the fuck up Akamichi and stop being this pathetic shit."

Naruto then went back to the bartender and pointed a bottle before laying his cash down. Naruto grabbed the bottle with a nod. He took a glance back at Chouji who was struggling to get up before walking out the door.

Time to counsel Shika.

-(Flashback ends)-

Naruto hear a dull thud as he step into the training grounds clearing. Shikamaru had his back to him and the nin was rest on his knees.

Shikamaru growled as he got back up though his legs and hands screamed in protest. The nin wasn't going to stop not until he was strong enough to take on the Akatsuki and…Naruto. They both caused the death of his sensei and he was too weak to stop them both. But soon that'll change and he'll avenge Asuma. He knew he was close, everyday since Asuma's funeral, he's been training himself on everything, from speed, to tijutsu, to ninjutsu.

His mother and father worry for him and logically he couldn't blame them. He barely sees them and when he does it's only for a little bit as he ate dinner or breakfast. He doesn't nap like he used to and most nights sleep is hard to come by so the Nara just trains more. He hasn't seen much of his team either. Chouji, he last heard, turned into an alcoholic and Ino was the only 'normal' one out of them all. Shikamaru gripped Asuma's knuckles in his hand tightly. He couldn't help but be mad at Ino, she literally sleeps with the same guy that killed their sensei.

He knew she was stupid but he didn't think she was that stupid.

Shikamaru shook his head. "I gotta focus." The Nara said out loud as he glared as the stump.

"Don't we all." A voice sarcastically called out and Shikamaru quickly turned around to see Naruto smirking at him with an unopened bottle in his hands.

"The hell do you want Uzumaki!?" Shikamaru spat out as he glared at the blonde demon. The man wanted to punch the smirk off the other man's face.

Naruto shrugged before holding up the bottle. "Was looking for a drinking buddy and knew you were around the neighborhood." The grin never left his face which only fueled Shikamaru's anger.

"You didn't seek me out for a drink." Shikamaru growled out and Naruto laughed.

"Annnnnd there's the little genius. You're right though, I never needed a drinking buddy. However what I do need is for you to get that whole 'self-pity' stick out of your ass. Yeah your sensei died but you made a promise to protect the village and your teammates, not throw a temper at some poor tree." Naruto said as he placed the bottle on the ground.

"Shut up! Don't you dare stand there and make yourself the noble and honorable person that you think you are! You don't give a single shit about the village or anyone for that matter!" Shikamaru yelled and Naruto narrowed his eyes. "I know about you Naruto or should I say I know what you are." Now Shikamaru had Naruto's attention.

"Oh really? And what am I, smart-ass?"

"You're a demon, a demon who only cares about his rank and himself! Everything you're doing only benefits you! Going out and sealing the Sanbi was for YOUR benefit!" Shikamaru then chuckled. "For fucks sake you even fucked the Hokage and the Mizukage for your own little amusement! That's why you do things, for amusement!" Shikamaru yelled the demon who now glared at him.

"And exactly how do you know any of this? You lack proof to your little accusations." Naruto said coolly.

Shikamaru laughed. "I'm a fucking Nara! We don't need most of the pieces to figure out the puzzle. But I don't care much for that, no I care about what you did to Kurenai-sensei!" That struck a nerve and Naruto clenched his fists. "You ruined her Naruto! And because of that, you ruined Asuma-sensei!"

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Oh please you make it seem like I never gave her an opinion on the matter! She knew what I was and decided to stay with me, not because I forced her, but because she loves me. Sarutobi-chan just couldn't take the hint like a smart man." Shikamaru clenched the trench knives in his hands and Naruto saw the action. 'Well it seems like talking isn't working, so time to go with plan B.'

In his mind Kushina grew confused. 'Wait, what's plan B?'

Naruto ignored her and rolled his neck while grinning. "So little Nara, if you're gonna clench those pathetic dildos in your hand then I suggest you better hit me with them."

Shikamaru glared at the insult before a small smirk came to his face. "Hmph, gladly." The Nara then rushed forward with his right fist cocked back and swung at Naruto. The demon stepped back from the swipe and ducked under another one. Naruto tried to swept Shikamaru's feet from under him and the Nara quickly jumped from the attack, this made Naruto grin as he quickly landed a kick to Shikamaru's midsection.

The Nara flew and landed a few meters away holding his stomach in slight pain. Naruto grinned and he placed his foot down. "Come on, don't tell me Sarutobi-chan was that bad of a teacher!" He taunted out. Shikamaru gritted his teeth before doing a few hand signs. Naruto narrowed his eyes as he saw Shikamaru's shadow, made by the moonlight, writhe before shooting off towards him. Naruto smirked before pointing a finger gun at the Nara. "This is gonna hurt me a lot more than it's gonna hurt you, buddy. Bang!"

A fireball shot out of his hand and Shikamaru eyes narrowed before he switched his handsign. "Kage Hei no Jutsu!" Naruto watched with slightly interested eyes as the Nara's shadow came up from the ground and blocked the attack. "Kage Nui no Jutsu!" The shadow wall shook before tendrils shot out towards Naruto.

The demon grinned. "Liking the new attacks shadow-boy!" He moved to jump over the attacks but found his body frozen. "The hell!" Naruto was then pierced by the tendrils, two were in his arms, as were his thighs and three were in his chest. Naruto's head slowly looked down and saw that his shadow was connected to the wall. This made the demon chuckle as blood escaped his lips. "Clever move you jackass."

Shikamaru huffed as sweat came down his body. His arms, locked in their position, were shaking and the Nara felt like he was going to pass out. "I've been training since Asuma's death, I'm not going to let any of my comrades die on me. Not anymore." Shikamaru said in shaky breaths before his body finally let go of the Jutsu and he fell on his knees.

Naruto grunted as he felt the tendrils leave his body. The demon flexed his right arm as he felt his healing factor come into play. "Heh, you sound like me when I was thirteen." Naruto said before he disappeared and reappeared with his fist in Shikamaru's face. The Nara was then kicked up in the air before Naruto grabbed his leg and swung him back down with a thud.

Shikamaru rolled on his hands and knees and spat a glob of blood out to the side. He was then sent into a tree from a kick to the stomach. Shikamaru sat up slowly against the tree as blood ran through the sides of his mouth. Parts of his body ached in pain and the fatigue he was facing was making it hard to keep his eyes open. Too tired to get up, the Nara looked up to see a bloody but healed Naruto looking down at him. "If you're gonna hit me, just knock me out. My stomach is fucking killing me." Shikamaru mumbled.

"Come on you know you faced a lot worse." Naruto said with annoyance before sitting down next to the Nara. He opened the bottle of alcohol and took the first swig. "You and Asuma made me out to be some kind of malicious guy and to ninety-nine percent of the population, I am. But that one percent, to that one percent, I can't harm them if I tried." He passed the drink to the shocked Nara who slowly took it from the demon's hands. "You're right a lot of things I do, I do for amusement, but what I have with Kurenai-chan, Tsunade-chan and the others is not amusement. You see I was turned into demons and with the memories and powers of other demons I thought I was some big bad ass motherfucker. Most parts I am but the one thing I can't get rid of is my humanity."

Shikamaru passed the drink back and held his stomach. "Let me guess, your humanity is why you care about Kurenai-sensei and Tsunade-sama?"

Naruto chuckled as he took a swig. "Pretty much. Don't get me wrong though, I can easily wipe out any battalion of shinobis without even trying. Whether they are friend or foe, I don't give a damn." He gave the drink to Shikamaru before looking up at the moon. "What you said earlier, about not allowing your friends to die on you," Shikamaru nodded as he took his swig. "I guess that admirable but also hard to do if you keep distancing yourself like this."

Shikamaru sighed as he passed his drink. "I have to, I need to keep training." He looked at the trench knives that were on the ground just a few steps away from them. "That day, I just felt so weak. If I was stronger maybe-"

"What happened, happened." Naruto said before sighing. "But I understand how you feel. The day of the second invasion I almost lost Kurenai-chan. It happened so quickly, I didn't know what to do at first. When I awoke after the battle all I could really think about is how I could've prevented it, if I was only stronger."

Shikamaru chuckled before groaning in pain. "Self-pity doesn't seem like it suits you."

Naruto laughed along with him. "That's what I finally thought to myself. Honestly, it's not good for anyone, prideful demon or a lazy smart-ass human."

The two men were silent for a while as they just passed drinks back in forth with each other. Shikamaru then smirked. "Ino put you up to this, didn't she?"

Naruto chuckled. "She did. Though the whole kick your ass and then give life changing advice was all me." He boasted out. He then raised an eyebrow. "So should I expect the village to be bustling tomorrow over me and Tsunade-chan?"

Shikamaru closed his eyes and chuckled. "Do I look like a blonde woman to you?"

"Heh, lazy-ass."

"Troublesome blonde."

-(Next morning: Testuushi)-

The village of Testuushi was blooming as usual. Villagers shopped the outdoor venders and stores around them. Kids ran through the street playing streets and laugh of still drunken men echoed through the relatively small town. The few nobles talked among each other, throwing judgmental glances along the way.

Rana sighed as she finally left the clutches of her money-crazed father and walked right into her favorite bar. Some of the men in bar gave her a nod while a few give her body a few glances. However they knew better than to act on their advances. Speaking of which Rana looked towards the booth that has been empty for the past few months.

Her rival and best friend, Sakuya, placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry Rana-baka, the stud will be back. Whatever they needed in Konoha must've been really important." The silver haired goddess said as she directed the smaller girl to the bar.

Rana took a seat and sighed again. "It's just been so lonely and boring without him. Tou-san has been bothering me with those nobles from Yukagure. It's only a matter of time before he sends me off to some rich idiot."

"The stud wouldn't allow that to happen." Sakuya said as she poured Rana a drink. She then leaned on the counter. "Though I do miss him too, from his sexy voice to that long-"

"Oi Sakuya, try keeping those thoughts in your head." A gruff voice called out and Sakuya stuck her tongue out at her large father.

"Oh you miss him too Tou-san!" The sliver haired woman proclaimed to Kira and the large man just grunted as he cleaned a glass.

"Well that idiot was great for business. Still wanna kill the little bastard." Kira grumbled out as he poured a drink for a customer. "Nobody beds my daughter and gets away with it." He mumbled and Sakuya rolled her eyes.

"He's the only person I'll ever bed, Tou-san and last time I checked, I'm pretty sure he got away with it." 'Multiple times.'

Kira grunted again and Rana shook her head at the two. "I wonder what he's doing now? Those nins seems very desperate when they came for him."

Sakuya sighed, "Well from what I heard, Iwa and Kumo declared war on Konoha, Kiri, and Suna. Those nins that came for the stud were definitely Kono-nins, I recognized Yuuhi Kurenai, the genjutsu mistress, and Mitarashi Anko, the former apprentice to Orochimaru."

Rana blinked a few times. "I knew there was so talk of war seeing how Dad slowed his traveling but I didn't think it was another full blown Shinobi war." She stared down at the glass. "I hope Naru-kun is okay."

This time Kira scoffed. "Of course he is, Rana-san. You didn't forget what the bastard is?"

"I still worry."

Suddenly screams and gasped were heard outside and the occupants of the bar turned their attention to outside. Everyone widened their eyes as they saw civilians running away from the main gate, some were being trampled in the process as parents held tightly on to their kids.

"What the hell is going on?" One shinobi said.

"A riot maybe?" Another said and a few shook their heads.

A nobleman and his wife burst through the bar, their faces were pale as snow and their bodies shook in fear. "Shinobi-san help us!" The noble man said. "There's a demon at the gate! He's killing everyone!" A few shinobis blinked as they were trying to hear him right before a loud roar echoed around the area.

"WHERE IS YOUR SO-CALLED CHAMPION!?"

"That's not good." Kira muttered as he felt the killer intent crash through everyone.

"T-Tou-san?" He heard Sakuya said shakily.

Kira hopped over the bar and looked at the shinobi around him. "Shall we see the problem?" Most of them shrugged and nodded, not seeing a fight in awhile, while a few of them hesitated.

"You sure that's a good idea Kira-san?" A missing nin from Kiri asked and Kira gave him a glared.

"You back out of your village three years ago, Hisoki-san. We already know how much of a coward you are anyways." The Kiri-nin deflated a bit when the rest of the bar gave him glares. "Now it doesn't matter who this intruder is and what he's looking for. What matters is that he's destroying this village. The very village you live in. while most of you are missing-nins, I advise you not to make the same mistake you did with your original village, because if you do," Kira let out his own killer intent. "you will answer to me."

The men in the bar nodded sharply. One shinobi stood up and cracked his neck. "Eh, could be some good exercise for the games. Besides I'm sure I'm stronger than most of you bitches in here." The men around him growled while others yelled out at him. The shinobi just shrugged. "Fine, first one to kill that sorry son-of-a-bitch out there is officially the strongest and everyone has to buy him drinks."

The men agreed to the terms and begin to leave the bar. Kira sighed to himself and turned to his daughter and Rana. "You two stay in here. Don't leave the bar under any circumstances."

"But Tou-san-" Sakuya started and Kira gave her a sharp look.

"Don't leave the bar, Sakuya." He then sighed before hugging her. "If I don't return wait until nighttime and travel to Konoha. I know you'll be safe there." She nodded into his large chest. They broke apart and Kira gave her one last look before leaving the bar.

Sakuya felt a soft hand on her shoulder and looked to see Rana giving her a small smile.

-(With Kira)-

The large man ran along the rooftops till he saw the battle below him. The intruder laughed darkly as he sliced, punched and kicked away the shinobis from the bar. "Mwhahaha is this all you got?" The demon said as he grabbed the neck of one man and tossed him into another. He used his sword to block the swords of two men before pushing them back and slicing their midsection. "Are you humans always this weak?" He laughed out tauntingly.

"Kami, what is this guy." One nin gasped out before he did a few hand signs. "Yo! Someone with some wind Justus, help me out here! Katon: Karyu Endan!" Two nins landed next to him and did a few hand signs.

"Fuuton: Goukuuhou!"

"Fuuton: Daitoppa!"

The blast of wind and sphere of wind merged with the fire, making a large wave of fire that the demon just grinned at. The attack seemed to have hit him and a few buildings behind him were destroyed in the process. The attack died down and bits of fire covered around the area.

"Did we get him?" Someone asked and the rest of the nins waited around in bated breaths.

"I guess we did! See was that-" The nin stopped talking and a few of the men turned to him. The nin eyes went blank as his head rolled on the floor.

"Wha-" Another said before a sword impaled through his chest. His body was lifted with the sword before being flung into a burning and collapsing building.

The demon grinned as he licked the blood off his sword, showing the rest of the men his sharp teeth. "Such simple creatures." He laughed out before pointing his sword at the rest of the men. "You deserve to be conquered by demons. We are the more evolved species, the more powerful and glorious beings to walk this plane of existence!" He then sneered. "And yet you are Kami's children?"

Kira landed on the ground and some of the men smiled in relief. "Seems like someone have envy-issues." Kira said not intimated by the harsh growl the ripped from the demons throat. "What could possibly want with our small village anyways, demon?"

The demon grinned as he saw that this human wasn't threaten by him in the slightest way. He may have found a challenge. "I'm looking for that pesky little demon, Naruto." Kira eyes narrowed as some of the men whispered among themselves. "His death is long overdue."

Kira flexed his arms as he prepared himself for a fight. "And why would I tell you? If anybody is going to kill that annoying bastard, it's going to be me." Kira said with a slight grin and the demon growled.

"The stupidity of this species never ceases to disappoint me."

Kira eyes narrowed as he quickly duked under the demon's sword swing before thrusting his shoulder into the demon's stomach. The strength behind the human surprised the demon which allowed Kira to grab the demon's arm and throw him over his shoulder into another burning building that collapsed under the force.

"Whoa Kira-san made quick work of him." One nin said and Kira glared at him.

"Get up your guard you fool!" But it was too late as something sped past the nin and three large claws marks appeared in his face before he fell on the floor. The demon flexed his blood claws and laughed.

"Hoho! You are the first human to ever lay a hand on me." He threw his sword at he Kira who quickly dodged it but not the knee to the stomach that quickly followed. The large veteran flew back but landed back on his feet. He held his stomach and glared at the demon who only grinned at him.

Kira stood up to his full height which was a bit shorter than the demon's 7 foot height. The old 'War Bear' did a few handsigns before touching the ground "Let's see if this old-timer still has some fight in him. Koka no Jutsu!"

The demon watched as the ground under the man quivered before slowly incasing the man in a thin form of the earth. Kira stood up and rolled his shoulders before getting into a stance and beckoned the demon forward. The demon grinned before roaring and charging forward with his claws cocked back. Kira grinned as he too charged forward and delivered two fists to the demon's chest.

Unknown to the demon and man, two figures were watching the battle from the safety of a building.

-(Same time Konoha)-

Naruto sat in front of a tree as he watched Yugito and Kurenai spar. Well their spars usually involve beating each other to the point of exhaustion. Kurenai dodged each one of Yugito's flaming strikes before using a gust of wind to blow her opponent back. Naruto sighed before closing his eyes, allowing himself to involuntary get sucked into his mindscape.

He sighed again as he felt grass tickle his back while Kushina laid on his chest, watching the sunless sky of his mindscape. The woman on top of him sighed in content as she drew circles on his chest. "Jeez, I try to get lost in my thoughts and suddenly I'm sucked in here." Naruto complained though he made no point to move. The woman would just latch onto him even harder.

Kushina pouted and wacked his chest. "Stop that! You know you came to see me." She said childishly and Naruto rolled his eyes. It was silent for a moment and Kushina bit her lip as she moved little around Naruto's chest. The demon was about to call her out on it when she spoke up. "Tell me more about demons." She asked quietly.

Naruto looked down at her in confusion before shrugging. "Like what?"

Kushina was silent again and Naruto was a bit irritated at the woman's sudden shyness. "Why won't you say that demon's name." She felt his breathing pick up and a light growl escaped his lips.

"Because in the demon world. Words have power."

"What do you mean?"

Naruto sighed. "Calling the name of a demon is pretty much like summoning it to you. However you can't just say the name like any other word. You have to inflict strong emotion in it, like hate or grief. Most of the time we don't answer the summons but it gives us a slight boost in power, knowing that our name is being called and spread around." Naruto paused before looking down at Kushina. "And that's why I refuse to say his name, even thinking about it makes me wanna blow up a few villages. I don't wanna give that bastard the satisfaction."

"Has-Has someone ever tried to summon you?" Kushina asked and Naruto chuckled while shaking his head.

"For the most part only demon and cults know this particular summoning technique. Cults are mainly an old practice and not many demons use this summoning. Besides if someone did summon me, I'd never answer it. It probably be a waste of time."

-(In Testuushi)-

Kira panted as he stood in front of the demon. The rest of the men laid scattered and dead around him. The veteran flinched as another jolt of pain rocket through his broken left arm. The appendage hung limply at his side from trying to block the strikes the demon sent out. His armor was cracked and chipped in multiple places and most of his left arm was exposed.

The demon grinned through his bloody lips as he gripped his sword tightly in his hand. "Ningen, you definitely have proved yourself worthy to battle! Unlike these whelps and others I've come across with." The demon said as he motioned to the dead bodies around them.

Kira grunted but smirked. "I'll take the compliment." 'I'm running out of chakra and I feel this armor is on its last legs. One more jutsu.' The large man then chuckled to himself as he closed his eyes. "We all know how this battle is going to end." And the demon smirked. "Give an old man courtesy," Kira started as he went through a long sequence of one handed hand signs. "What do they call you? "Doton: Jigoku no Nadare!" The area shook and Kira thrusted his hand forward. "HAH!"

The demon's smirk remained on his face as the earth rose up in front of Kira taking buildings with it. The wave of rock, sand, and other debris crashed down taking and burying anything in front of it. The area continued to shake violently as the torrent of rock and debris flatten the trees and surrounding area. When the attack finished there was nothing but crumpled rock and buildings as far as Kira could see.

However none of that really mattered.

The 'War Bear' gasped and panted as he struggled to fight unconsciousness away. "I-I thought I told you t-two to stay in the bar!" Kira yelled out but he didn't turn around. From the safety of the few remaining buildings Sakuya and Rana appeared from its side. "Get back to the bar!" Kira yelled out again and Sakuya flinched at his tone.

"But Tou-san you're injured! We need to get you some help!" Sakuya said with wide eyes as she gazed at the destruction her father created.

"Aww how noble." A voice called out and Kira was too weak to to block the sword that went straight through his chest.

"ARGH!" Kira grunted out before he was kicked away.

"As for my name, human, I'm known as Rakasha, High Demon Lord of the 5th rank." The demon known as Rakasha called out to the dying nin.

"TOU-SAN/KIRA-SAN!" Sakuya and Rana screamed out as they ran towards the down man, briefly ignoring the demon.

Sakuya rolled him over to his back and placed his head in her lap. "T-Tou-san?" Sakuya called out and Kira coughed as blood ran down his forehead and mouth. "Tou-san." Sakuya repeated as tears fell down her chin.

"Saku-chan." The man said quietly as he slowly reached up and touched his daughter's cheek. The man smirked. "Y-You look just like your mother." Sakuya laughed quietly through her tears but that laughter quickly vanished when Kira's hand dropped.

"N-No." She whispered. "Tou-san? Daddy? DADDY!?" Sakuya wailed on his still chest as Rana bowed her head, a few tears escaping her eyes as well.

The two girls heard footsteps and but looked up to see Rakasha looking down at them pitifully. They have never felt more scared in their lives as the demon seemed to sniff them over. He then grinned before grabbing Rana by the neck. "Gah!" The small woman chocked out.

"Wait! Please don't hurt her!" Sakuya screamed out before a sword was pointed at the smaller girls chest. The same one that killed her father. "PLEASE!" The silver haired woman begged as fresh tears came down her face.

"Then call him. Bring him to me." Rakasha said and Sakuya sputtered.

"W-What? W-Who? WHO!?"

Rakasha gained a bloodthirsty before he plunged his sword in Rana's chest. The woman gasped in pain before she fell limp in his grasp. Sakuya could only stare in horror as she saw her best friend murdered in cold blood. "NOO!" The woman cried out as the demon dropped the dying body on the ground. One name echoed in her head as she saw her world crashing down, the grin of the demon kept flashing in her head.

"NARUTOOOOO!"

-(Konoha)-

"NARUTOOOOO!"

Naruto stood straight up with wide eyes, startling the two sparing females. "You okay Naruto-kun?' Kurenai asked. The demon ignored her as he looked far off into the distanced.

"I'm being summoned?" The demon said though more to himself and the two females gave each a look of confusion. "Sakuya-chan." Naruto whispered before he looked at the two women. "I…I need to go to Testuushi." The demon said and Yugito crossed her arms.

"You're literally going straight into Iwa, ya know." The blonde jinchuuriki said and Naruto shook his head with a frown.

"I need go." He repeated as his name echoed again in mind. "I need to go now!" He yelled as he sent lightning to his feet.

"Wait." Kurenai said as she ran up to him. "Let me go with you." Naruto nodded, feeling that arguing was a waste of time. Kurenai gave him a small smile as she held on to his arm.

"This is so stupid." Yugito said before she quickly grabbed onto Naruto's other arm.

"I'm pumping more energy than usual so hang tight." Naruto warned before they disappeared in a flash of light

-(In Tetsuushi)-

Naruto appeared at the supposed entrance of the village with a skid. Yugito felt on her knees as she gasped and panted for air, feeling Matatabi heal her probably damaged lungs. Kurenai fared better than her rival and her new body was alot more durable than Yugito's still human one. The purple eyed hanyou sent the jinchuuriki an arrogant smirk and Yugito only glared at her.

"Kira." They both turned to see Naruto looking around the pile of rock with a frown. Kurenai looked around as well.

"What happened here?" She asked and Naruto eyes narrowed.

"Let's find out." The demon said before rushing off deeper into what he remembered was the village. Kurenai shook her head and followed with Yugito grumbled before she ran to catch up. The three Kono-nins saw an incline that lead to smoother ground and some buildings still stood. Naruto jumped down and walked forward, his eyes were still narrowed. "It's quiet." The demon said in slight shock.

"Wait." Kurenai said as she strained her ears. "I think I hear something…or someone."

Naruto eyes widen before her rushed forward, towards the direction of his bar. The three nins stopped to see three figures, two were laid flat on the ground and another was hunched over. Naruto wasn't stupid, one of the body was too big.

Too big to be a regular person.

But that meant the other body was…..

Naruto felt himself go numb as the hunched over figure shot up in alarm to reveal Sakuya, her eyes were red and puffy from the amount of tears she shed. He saw the woman gasp at his form before she got up and rush towards him, crashing her body to his in a tight hug as she sobbed into his bare chest. Naruto didn't return the hug as his eyes were too focused on the unmoving bodies, particularly the smaller of the two.

"Naruto?" Yugito asked as she saw his face go blank. This wasn't good, she felt the build of demonic energy in his body and Yugito knew it was only a matter of seconds before the demon exploded.

Kurenai thoughts were along the same lines as she thought back to one of the first conversations she had with her blonde demon, before they were even a thing.

-(Flashback)-

Naruto shrugged his shoulders. But contrary to popular belief I don't sleep with every woman I see, I mean I have a set of rules and standards to follow."

Now this peaked Kurenai's interest. "Rules and standards?"

"Of course for example," He took a sip of his drink. "They have to have respect for their bodies and you be surprise with how many that don't."

Kurenai rolled her eyes as she took a sip of her wine. "I may have an idea."

Naruto then jabbed a finger in her direction. "Women like yourself are my dream goal." Kurenai blushed at the honesty in his voice, something she doesn't get often with most men that try to get in her pants. "I mean when I first took a glance at you I had to actually stop myself. How I manage to get Rana or Sakuya to be with me is still a wonder but you are so out of my league. Don't get me wrong though, I will kill anyone who tries to hurt them, fuck all the consequences." He said while leaning his head on his hand.

Kurenai was actually a little shocked at his confession. "Are Rana and Sakuya-"

"The only women I've slept with? No, but they are the only women I'll confine myself too."

-(Flashback ends)-

Kurenai eyes widened as she looked at the woman that clung unto the demon. 'Sakuya.' She thought as then shifted her gazed to the woman on the ground. 'And-'

"Rana-chan." Naruto finally said as he escaped Sakuya's grip and walked forward to the down woman. He knelt down in a puddle of blood but the demon didn't care. He reached forward tentatively and rubbed the girl's head. He brushed back a piece of her cyan colored hair and took the limp girl in his arms. "I-I'm so sorry Rana-chan." He hugged the girl to his body.

"Kurenai, you feel that?" Yugito's voice broke Kurenai out of her trance. The hanyou nodded and Yugito sighed before walking up to the still sobbing Sakuya. "We have to get out of here. He's going to explode." She told the crying woman.

Sakuya shook her head. "N-No! I'm not leaving him! That-That demon who killed T-Tou-san and R-R-Rana-chan is still around here!" Kurenai and Yugito looked at each other and then back at Naruto when they felt the area around them get hotter.

"What demon?" Yugito had to asked and a chuckled echoed around the area. "Who's there."

"Ahhh the great Naruto. It's been a while, parasite." Rakasha taunted as he appeared in front of the group. Kurenai and Yugito immediately went into a stance but Naruto stay rooted to his spot, his back turned to the demon. "Heh, this must be your little entourage I've heard throughout the realms of Hell." He focused on Kurenai in particular. "Mwhaha how pathetic can you get? A weak fledgling and some human with a Biju trapped with her body. Both are not even real demons!"

Kurenai glared the demon in front of her. He was tall and his stripe skin and feline features reminded her of a tiger. He was extremely muscular but she had a feeling his speed was nothing to laugh at. He wore a red and gold armored pants that stopped at his large claves. On his chest was a strap for his scabbard that was on his back and held in his sword. He was barefoot, showing his large claws and powerful feet. All in all Kurenai was defiantly not a fan of the tiger demon.

"What do you want? Why did you attack this village?" Yugito asked with a glared as she felt Matatabi bang around in her head. 'Kami, what's got you panties in a twist!'

"I'LL MURDER THAT SON-OF A FELINE WHORE! LET ME GO KITTEN! LET ME FEAST ON HIS HEART!"Yugito was taken back by her usual calm Biju's tone. She has never seen Matatabi so angry. In fact, she don't know who's more angry, her raging Biju or a quiet Naruto.

Rakasha laughed. "Silly ningen, it's obvious what my intentions are." He then turned to Kurenai. "Besides wanting to kill that sorry excuse for a demon, I wanna take his lesser for a joyride." He gave her a bloodthirsty grin and Kurenai shivered at his tone. "But first. Stand up Naruto! Come and defend you precious title against me! Or have you finally let your weak humanity take over? Crying over some nameless ningen like a little bitch."

BOOOM

Torrent of fire destroyed a building to their right and they looked to see a ring of fire surround the kneeling demon. He placed Rana down gently before standing up straight, his back still turned to Rakasha. The ring of fire went higher and wider before it covered Naruto's form.

Rakasha laughed. "Oh and this is supposed to scare me?"

The fire around Naruto's form quickly went down to his right fist as Naruto clenched it. The tiger demon was going to say something else but all he saw was black eyes before he felt something hot and hard slam into his stomach and the demon was sent flying. The three women blinked as they saw Naruto in the spot Rakasha previously occupied.

"You're a dead man, Rakasha."

---

*Gasps* No I didn't...

Yes, Yes I did.

Is this the last of Kira and Rana? Who knows.

Until next time