Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Heaven & Earth: The Uzumaki Saga ❯ Chapter 3: Children Of the Fox ( Chapter 3 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

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"Yoko! Let's go home now!" Yoko's brother called out to his little sister.

A little girl only 4 years old, came running out from the day care place, and into her older brother's arms. She took after her mother, green eyes short pink hair tied in pigtails, but her hair was very different. At the tips they were slightly tinted red, so her hair was pinkish with a hint a red. She was fairly small, and very light.

Her brother picked her up, and held her face to face, carrying her ever so lightly. "So where to today? Ramen?"

She smiled lightly and pointed in a direction towards the hill where a headstone stood.

"You want to see chichuie (father)?" He looked at her with a sort of sad smile and sighed, but nodded his head, and they began to walk towards the hill....
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Heaven & Earth: The Uzumaki Saga

Chapter 3: Children Of the Fox

The two of them had arrived at the headstone where their father's spirit was embodied. First Yoko's brother knelt down, then she followed her brother's actions. He saw that she was mimicing his movements, and smiled, while she then looked at the headstone, closed her eyes, and began to pray.

"Father lives inside of us, you know? He is with us always, here." He then pointed to Yoko's heart, and she then put her hand to her chest, and looked at her brother. "Even though you came after he left us, he is with you too."

She gave a small smile, and then opened her mouth to say something, but quickly closed it and nodded her head instead.

"Let's go home. Okaasama is probably waiting for us." He then stood up, and Yoko followed after him, and she took hold of his hand. He smiled down to her, and they walked home.

They had passed Ino's shop and Yoko's brother, stopped to say hello to his aunt Ino, and his best friends, Chouji and Chizu. They were all happy to see each other, and they saw little Yoko, who was shyly hiding behind her brother.

"It's okay, Yoko, these are our family." Her brother spoke softly to her.

"She's so cute! She looks so much like Sakura." Ino spoke with a joyous voice. "And how is your mother? I still can't believe how fast she was born. Just so suddenly! But she truly is a blessing."

Yoko stepped out and they all got a good look at her. She stood there just below her brother's waistline, and looked at the smiling faces.

"She is doing okay, if anything she's never been better. Well, we had best be going. Don't want to keep my mom waiting." said the brother.

They said their goodbyes, and continued home. Just as they had arrived, they opened the door and their mother was already in the kitchen preparing dinner. She turned around with open arms and had a great smile on her face.

"Welcome home, Kazou." She said to him, then knelt down as her little girl ran to her. "Hello! My little girl! I'm so happy to see you!"

"Unn!" Yoko made a noise, and hugged her mother.

She picked her up, and carried Yoko over to the table. "Come on. Can you say Mama yet? Ma-ma."

"Mmmnn" Yoko tried to speak, but couldn't.

Sakura sighed, and put her little girl down on a chair. "It's okay my little darling. Someday you'll speak for us."

"I still don't understand it mom. Shouldn't she be able to speak fluently by now?" Kazuo asked curiously, and helped his mother prepare the table for dinner.

Sakura gave a heavy sigh, and put food onto the table. "I'm not sure. It is odd, that she hasn't spoken a word, but then again... Our little Yoko is a special little girl. When the time comes, she will speak on her own."

They ate dinner shortly, then cleaned up afterwards. Kazuo took Yoko upstairs and Sakura finished cleaning the dishes.

"It's been nearly ten years since THAT day. And suddenly I have a child only recently. You never cease to amaze me, donna (respective title for a loved one/husband)." Sakura smiled and went upstairs to see her children to sleep.

---

The woman inside the house, then went upstairs. Waiting for darkness to fall, all the lights inside the house turned off. The man in a black and red cloak snuck his way into the house completely undetected. He made his way through the kitchen, past the small living room, and carefully up the stairs, trying not to make a single noise. He then passed the room with the woman, and then came to the room with the two children. One was a young adolescent just graduated to early Chuunin status, while the other was a small girl, sleeping soundly. The man moved towards the girl as quietly as he could. The entire house was silent, only the sound of an owl outside hooting outside. He then carefully picked up the girl, and put a spell on her so that she would remain asleep. Just as he reached the door exiting the room, the floor creaked! And the boy was already wide-awake!

"YOU-!" The boy was fully alerted, looked to the opposite bed, and yelled out, "YOKO! MOTHER!"

Suddenly the boy's mother was awake and on the other side of the man, trapping him from going downstairs or back to the room. He then looked to the side, and saw a window at the end of he hall, he covered the small girl and crashed through the window! Just as he landed on the ground, the boy and woman followed quickly. The man was about to make a break for it...

"Stop where you are!" Yelled the woman, who suddenly appeared in front of him. "Give me back my daughter, and I may let you live."

The man was completely covered in black and red, except for his eyes. He was holding the little girl in one arm, with the other stretched out in front of him on the guard.

"Who are you? And what do you want with her?" The boy asked angrily. The man said nothing. "ANSWER US!"

But behind the mask, they could see a sickly smile. They had no choice but to try and force him to return the girl. First the boy rushed in foolishly, and was knocked away with one hand. He fell to the ground, and got right back up. Then the mother tried to use a shadow ninjitsu technique to get close to the him and tried to grab her daughter, but instead was countered by the very same ninjitsu technique, it was a shadow inside a shadow! The woman saw her flaw and immediately tried to retreat from the blow that was about to hit her, but it was too late! The man had a Ninjato (ninja katana), about to strike her, when suddenly a kunai deflected the blade's stroke! The boy had thrown it, just in time to save his mother. The man scoffed and then headed straight for the boy with great speed! He was already on top of him, and was going to cut open his belly, when suddenly a great red flashing beam knocked him away!

"Stay the hell away from my son." Red chakra was leaking out from the woman, and what looked like a single red chakra tail. She was glowing with power violently, and spoke in a furious tone. "GIVE ME BACK MY DAUGHTER, NOW!!!"

Behind the mask the man was actually smirking! And he dodged all of the woman's attacks! This infuriated the woman even more, and suddenly there were NINE Red Chakra tails waving all around wildly! But the man stood before her, and held a finger to her, shaking it left and right, motioning [No. No. No]. And in an instant he was upon her, face to face! Immediately she tried to strike him with all nine tails! BUT...something happened...something that has never happened before! The man single handedly (literally), deflected all of the tails!

"What!? How?!" The woman was baffled by this and was in pure surprise.

In that instant, the man's hand began to glow, and with an open palmed hand, he pressed his fingers into her abdomen!

"Goguou-Fuuin (Five Element Seal)"

And she was knocked out, her chakra sealed back into her. Just as the boy rushed to the aid of his mother, the man threw a flash/smoke bomb and disappeared into the darkness, leaving the woman and boy in the silent cold of the night...

---

"Okaasama! Hang on!" Kazuo rushed to his mother's side, and checked her for any wounds. Surprisingly that Dark Shinobi left them unharmed. He helped his mother sit up, and regain consciousness. "Who was that man..."

Sakura shook her head clear of the haziness, and was glad to see that her son was unharmed also, but then realized they had just lost Yoko. "Yoko-...unngggh..."

Sakura was still in pain from that last blow to her abdomen. It felt like it was burning, when she tried to gather chakra to heal her body. She then lifted her shirt just to reveal what was causing such pain. And Kazuo saw for the first time a strange seal on his mother's abdomen. There were nine markings, then a spiral, something that he had never seen before, but then as the seal tried to glow, there was another seal on top of it! Five smaller spirals, each with the symbol of the five elements (Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, and Metal).

"Ahh! I can't remove this seal. There is an imbalance of chakra flow in my body. Kazuo, take me to Godiame. We need to get their assistance." Sakura spoke to her boy, and he helped her up, and back into the house.

"Yes, mother. But Yoko!" Kazuo spoke rapidly.

"Unngh...I know. But there is nothing we can do for now." Sakura catching her breath. "We will seek answers tomorrow. Come we must rest."

Mother and son, returned inside, and tried to rest. The next day they went to see the Hokage, and told her of the grave news.

"So they came just as you fell asleep? And kidnapped your little girl?" Godaime asked with shock.

Sakura had a frown on her face, and responded back. "Yes. They took my Yoko. We could not stop this shinobi and we don't even know who he is or why he took her."

"I see. Well if he was wearing black and red, he might have been associated with the Akatsuki. You know they have been going after you for some time now." Godiame nodded her head, and began to pace around her office.

"But they came to the source! Right here in our own home! How would he have gotten past any of the gates without getting spotted by any of our border guards?!" Kazuo exclaimed.

Sakura then Spoke, "This was no ordinary shinobi. he knew where we were, and even stood up against us." She also remembered her abdominal pain. "Unngh..."

"Okaasama!" Kazuo moved to her quickly.

Godaime also rushed over to her aid. "Are you alright?"

"That man, used the Five Element Seal on me." She explained the fight that they had last night, and revealed to her the seal on her belly. "I would have unsealed it myself, but if not for the chakra imbalance..."

"Hold still. This may sting a little." Godaime began to concentrate, and her hand began to glow. Then she pressed her hand into Sakura's belly. "Goguou-kaiin (Five Element Unseal)!"

Sakura felt a sharp sting, the wind nearly knocked out of her, and nearly fell over, but Kazou assisted her back onto her feet. Just then the Five Element Seal disappeared, and her chakra flow was back to normal. She began regain her breath, and Kazuo helped her sit down on a small couch.

"Well, there is not much we can do, but I will look into this for you. You have my word." And Godaime dismissed them from her office.

Mother and son returned home and saw their family waiting for them. Shikamaru and Ino, Kiba and Akamaru, and even Neji and Hinata came too. Everyone just hearing of the news, and trying to comfort them.

"We just heard." Shikamaru spoke immediately. "And gathered as quickly as we could."

Ino went to Sakura's side. "My God, the Akatsuki, they will never stop hunting you."

"Come! Akamaru and I will track this bastard and tear him limb from limb!" Kiba spoke angrily.

"If there is anything the Hyuuga Clan can do, we are here for you." Neji spoke.

"There is not much we CAN do. No trace left, no idea who, or why. All is lost, and chances are very slim, next to nothing if we even knew where this man went." Kazuo spoke out.

"Thank you everyone. I appreciate your condolences, and your help, but this is a matter only for the Uzumaki." Sakura humble told them. "Please, go home, and do not worry for us. Naruto, wouldn't want you all to be a crutch for us all the time."

"But what about Yoko! She could-" Ino began to speak out rashly.

"As you wish. But if you need us, you have only to send word, and we will help you to the ends of the earth." Shikamaru said with disappointment. He knew something was going to happen, but it was not their right to interfere unless called upon.

Sakura bowed in respect to them all, and told them politely off. "I know, Shikamaru. Again, thank you all for your concern."

Everyone then left out of respect, and now Kazuo and Sakura returned to their home.

"Mother. What are we going to do?" Kazuo asked eagerly.

"I don't know. All we can do is wait for Godaime's help, and pray that Yoko will be okay." Sakura said gravely.

Kazuo broke out in anger. "BUT MOTHER-"

"That's enough! We will go see your father, and seek for help. He will give us strength and help guide us through this difficult time." Sakura told her son sternly, and he obeyed. She began to think to herself: (Naruto... Please help us...)

---

Sasuke was traveling Northwest on his quest. He was passing though a mountain forest area, just as he heard something pass by. He quickly went into hiding and tried to see who was lagging behind him. A man covered in black and red clothing, carrying something on his shoulder. Almost immediately he recognized the colors...

"Akatsuki." Sasuke spoke to himself quietly. "But why is he out here this far? Where is he going, and what is that on his back?"

Sasuke decided to follow this man, and moved quietly in the shadows. He followed him until the man came to a sudden stop near a waterfall. Sasuke sat on a branch not making a single sound, carefully watching what the man was going to do. So Sasuke's surprise, the man uncovered his package, a little girl not older than five, maybe a year younger. And the girl sat there, looking at the man, while the man gathered some water from the stream. First he took removed the mask over his mouth and drank the water. Next he brought some water over to the girl to drink. The girl took the bamboo container, and looked at it. The man then motioned to her that it was to drink, the girl understood it, and then drank from the bamboo shoot. It was a strange sight, it seemed like this man kidnapped her, but is at least maintaining her. That was when he decided to intervene, when suddenly the man threw a kunai in Sasuke's direction!

Sasuke leap down from the tree and faced off with the man. "Heh. So you knew I was there. Who are you? Where are you going? And what's with the girl?"

The man stood silent, staring dead on at Sasuke. "..."

"Won't speak huh? Well then I'll just have to MAKE YOU!" And Sasuke charged straight at the man with great speed. Just then the man ran onto the water, and jumped into the thick foliage of the forest, while the girl just sat there, not moving.

The two shinobi began to fight upon the treetops, exchanging blows as they leap at each other. Both men were equally matched, thus the fight dragged on a bit. Sasuke grew tired of this and engaged his Sharingan, while the other man began to charge up his chakra. Just then Sasuke got a strange feeling from the chakra, it felt...familiar... Sasuke decided he had to finish this fast, so he made a quick hand symbol combination and then his hand began to spark. His chakra began to gather at his palm; the energy almost like lightning, and the sound was that of a thousand birds! It was the Chidori!

"Let's see you dodge this!" Sasuke tried to get a lock on the man, but he was moving with great speed. Finally he got a clear shot at the shinobi, and rushed at him as quickly as he could! But then something happened... The man began to charge something at his palm also, his charka began to swirl and create a typhoon! The ball of energy was very small but it showed great power. He couldn't believe it, it was the Rasaegan! "Rasaegan...but that's impossible-"

Sasuke made a grave mistake by losing his concentration, and was hit with the Rasaegan! But luckily Sasuke dodged in the last second, so that the Chakra bullet did not hit his heart! And with that instant, Sasuke was knocked unconscious. Just before he blacked out, he tore away at the man's hood revealing his face, and Sasuke looked straight at him... He couldn't believe his eyes!

"Im-Impossible...” His eyes widened, but began to fail him, and everything turned black. "...he's alive..."

---

The man returned to the small girl, who was still sitting right where he left her. She was looking at him quietly not making a sound. The girl neither feared him, nor was afraid of her situation. For some strange reason the man seemed familiar to her. She simply did what he wanted her to do, and went with him quietly, despite the fact that she was taking from her mother and brother, and in a place she did not recognize or know of. The man picked her up and they continued their journey through the mountain forest. They traveled for a few days more until they came to an old temple ruins.

It was an old monetary where monks used to live and pray to Lord Buddha. But it had been abandoned for years. Now the Akatsuki used this place as one of their many strongholds. The man walked in to the main hall, and walked towards the old and musty statue of the Buddha. Behind the great statue, there was a hidden passageway that led up into higher grounds, where a sanctuary stood. As they reached the sanctuary, the man took the girl into a room filled with books and all sorts of strange chambers. Just then a voice spoke out...

"Ahh! Kitsune, so you've returned!" Spoke an older man, with a wild tone. "Oh? And you've brought me the little girl, excellent, very good! Hahahahahaa! That's very good of you...Naruto!"

Yoko looked at her kidnapper, the man named Naruto. For some reason, this man seemed very familiar somehow. Even though she had never met him, she felt as if she had known him ever since she was born.

"So let us have a look at THIS, little demon spawn. Bring her to me." Said the crazy man. Naruto obediently brought Yoko to him, and he began to inspect her. "Ahh! So this is the second child of the demon. hmm? She looks so much like her mother, but she has a bit of the demon inside of her."

The old man looked at her carefully, and even noticed her red tinted hair. "Oh ho! Even her colors are showing! But something is very different about this one. Not like that boy. Oh yes, this one is VERY different!!!"

The old man began to get all excited and began to talk aloud to himself. "I may have lost all those inferior clones, but now I have the Super Soldier I wanted. He's much stronger than that sharingan boy I used. You see? I had blood from the wretched demon just as he destroyed my laboratory almost 10 years ago! I may not have the original demon, or the original power, but I've replicated it, and given him an artificial power, almost enough to withstand that of the original! Don't you see little girl? This is were you came from, that man is your father! HAHAAAHAHAHAH!!!! It's too bad that I had to wipe out his memories. But oh well, he won't be needing them. He works for me now! AHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!"

The old man continued laughing maniacally, while his soldier just stood there like a zombie. Yoko began to look a little scared, but simply sat in a corner and curled up. She started to miss her family...

---

Sasuke awoke about a day later, lying in the same spot where he fell. He tried to get up, but his whole left side was in pain. Then he remembered what he saw...

"He's alive...Arrghhh.." Sasuke spoke weakly, but got up, and tried to move. "He's alive...he's alive..."

All he could think of was that Naruto was alive. He had to return to Konoha and give news to Sakura and everyone. But then he remembered...

"But why was he with that little girl... And why was he wearing the Akatsuki colors... I need to get back to Konoha."

He rested up, and bandaged himself as best as he could. It took him a little longer than usual to get to Konoha, due to his injuries, but he made it in about three days time. Just as he had arrived at the North gate of Konoha, he stumbled and the guards brought him to the hospital. Word had reached to all that Sasuke had returned, but sustaining heavy injuries. He was lucky to even be alive even after taking a near miss with the Rasaegan. If he hadn't dodged for less then a few centimeters, it would have struck his heart. So everyone came to see him, Shikamaru, Ino, Kiba, Kazuo, and Sakura. They came to visit him, and ask him normal questions. But soon as he began to fully recover, he told them of his encounter with the shinobi who kidnapped Yoko.

"...you'll never believe it." He paused, and took a deep breath. "It was Naruto."

Of course this caused a great commotion, and they were all shocked, surprised, and a little baffled at those words.

"That's impossible! He died over ten years ago. Are you sure that mountain air didn't mess up your brain, Sasuke?" Kiba spoke outwardly.

Sakura and Kazuo stood there silent and in disbelief. Then Ino broke the silence, "This is madness, maybe it was one of those Mugetsu's clones that survived, and is simply working for another Akatsuki man?"

"That was what I thought at first...but No. Not even the clones could perform the Rasaegan. This one created a small one with precise power and control. If anything he didn't even mean to kill me, but only knock me out." Sasuke sat up from his hospital bed, still aching slightly. "I saw him with a little girl-"

Suddenly Sakura and Kazuo perked up. Sakura immediately spoke out. "Was she small, and looked like me, with her hair tied in pigtails? Was she alive? Was she okay? Is she-"

"She was alive and well." Sasuke told Sakura calmly, and she sighed in relief. "The man even took care of her, but they were traveling. Their tracks led North-Northeast of where I was. Most likely they were heading towards the abandoned Gjodai Temple. It was strange, seeing him in Akatsuki colors..."

Kazuo began to walk towards the window, pondering in his thoughts. "So father is alive..."

"It's probably just a clone. We don't even know if Mugetsu died at that that fortress we blew up." Kiba said very questioningly. "What if Mugetsu escaped, and now he wants to exact his revenge?"

"He already did. He killed Naruto with that poisoned needle." Sakura spoke gravely, and then put her hand on her stomach. "He would have no use for revenge because he did not get Kyuubi."

"Although I do remember him saying something about Kazuo, and how he was special." Kiba recalled. "While Sasuke and I were trying to get in, we overheard him going on about something, but couldn't quite make it out. I WAS trying to break open the door."

"Something special? About me?" Kazuo asked, and grew very curious. "What's so special about me?"

"I don't know, but Mugetsu must have found something special about you. That's how he made all those clones that attacked you and your father. But you were only four during that incident." Sasuke answered him. "Do not worry. I believe that it must be something good inside of you that makes you strong. That is why he used you as a prototype Clone soldier. But he took Yoko; possibly to harness whatever he can at the young age before you have control over anything. But what? We don't know."

Sakura began to look worried, and turned away to look out the window.

"So we have a location again, and Mugetsu possible alive." Shikamaru began to analyze the situation. "When shall we-"

"No. This is our problem and I will go." Kazuo spoke out loud.

Just after saying those words, the room filled with laughter, Kiba gave a big hearty laugh, while Sasuke chuckled, and Shikamaru put his hand to his head and shook his head.

"You're only, what? Eighteen, boy? And only a second rate chuunin? Not even first rate." Kiba bellowed.

"The wilderness isn't kind to you boy. You need know how to survive out there for weeks, even months!" Sasuke lectured.

"You need a plan, strategize what you are going to do and how you are going to go about it. Not rush in and beat up anyone on sight." Shikamaru told him.

"First off, I'm nineteen. And I've gotten to First-rate chuunin last year! I know all about survival tactics and training from Kurenai-sama. Also did you forget that you were my team leader? Shikamaru-sama?" Kazuo rebutted all of their agreements.

"Kazuo that's enough. Behave yourself." Sakura spoke to him, and he listened to his mother. "Again, we do not need your help. This is a problem the Uzumaki, will deal with. I thank you for your concern, and Sasuke, I thank you for this great information. All of you have given us much support for the last few years, but now it is time for us to act upon our own. Naruto or impostor, we will get to the bottom of this. Come Kazuo, let us go home."

They all bowed in respect, Sakura and Kazuo left the hospital room, and returned home. As they reached home, Kazuo slammed the door.

"Mother! We should be out there looking for Yoko right now! We know where she is, why don't we go after them!" Kazuo spoke with an angry tone.

"Calm down, my son. We will go, but first we must prepare." Sakura tried to calm her son down, and spoke with a reassuring voice.

Kazuo calmed down now, and now was curious of this imposter who might be his father. "Mom, do you think father is alive?"

"...I'm not too sure myself. Of course, it's too good to be true, but we mustn't believe it so quickly. Remember Mugetsu is dangerous, and works in mysterious ways." Sakura had an expression of unsureness. But quickly changed her face to a serious tone. "Come Kazuo, it is time to prepare for our departure. We will save Yoko, and get to the bottom of this once and for all."

Mother and son, getting dressed for battle, and for a long journey ahead of them. They would travel for quite a while, before they could reach Gjodai Temple. Sakura put on her old ANBU gear, and covered it with traveling clothing, ready for battle, and she went to go check on her son. She brought in some old gear and clothing for him.

"This was your father's ANBU gear. He would want you to wear it." She handed him the sleeveless vest, along with the arm and leg guards, and helpped him suit up. Then he put on traveling clothes, so that they were both ready to be on guard. Next, Sakura went downstairs to the living room and removed a sword they had kept in a glass case on the mantle above the fireplace. She unsheathed the sword and inspected it. It was well kept and clean. She had tended to it every now and then. It was the memento given to them from Masato-sama. She then put it back in its sheath, and handed it to her son. "This belonged to your godfather. He handed it down to your father, and now it will be by your side. Keep it with you always."

He took the sword gracefully from his mother, and bowed his head. Kazuo strapped the sword to his back, ready to draw forth should he need to. Next mother and son gathered any food that they could bring with them, for this journey, although they would stop by any towns or villages along the way to pick up any quick supplies. Finally as they left their home, they went to visit the headstone, one last time.

"Husband, give us strength, guide us safely, and protect Yoko until we are reunited." Sakura gave a short prayer, and they left.

Just as they were about to exit through the Northern Gate of Konoha, they were stopped by Shikamaru, Ino, Kiba, and Sasuke who was on crutches.

"Take this with you. It's not much, but it will help you." Shikamaru and Ino gave whatever money they had kept for emergencies. Ino then hugged Sakura. "Be careful, and come back alive!" Next she hugged Kazuo. "Watch over your mother, protect each other, and come back alive!"

"Kid. You better come back in one piece! And beat up any strong opponents you run into for me! If you ever have any trouble just whistle for us! We'll come running like the wind! HAHAHAHAHA!" Kiba cheerfully said, and Akamaru woofed.

"Good luck, and Godspeed. Remember North-Northeast of my last location. Gjodai Temple shouldn't be to far off. If you find HIM...bring him back for us." Sasuke put a hand on Kazou's shoulder, and he nodded his head back at him.

And that was the last time Sakura and Kazuo saw them, as they exited Konoha and began their journey, to Gjodai Temple...

---

It had been nearly a week since Yoko was kidnapped, and brought to Gjodai Temple. The crazy old man, kept doing examinations on her. He would run strange machines and lights would shine over her body. But the old man did not touch her or harm her in any way. He only scanned her with the strange light. He kept her in a small room just outside of the strange room with all the big glass chambers. Every now and then the man known as Naruto would come and bring her a tray of food. He would wait for her to eat it, and then take the tray and leave. He was like a zombie, he didn't talk, he didn't move unless told to or ordered to. He stood there, without a mind of his own, taking orders like dog. Strangely enough his eyes would always glow red, a tint of blood red. He showed absolutely no face expression, almost like a blank face of death. He neither smiled, nor frowned, nor made any face of the sort, no emotion what so ever. Yoko found it strange that this man was almost like her. He didn't speak much, if at all, and just did what he was told to do. But one day, she decided to do something different...

One day he brought food for her, and stood there looking at the wall, just waiting for her to eat. But instead, Yoko walked over to the man; she was about as high as his thigh. She looked up at him, and tugged at his pant. The man then looked down at her with his expressionless face. They stared at each other for a good minute or two, and then she motioned to him to come down. So like a zombie he knelt down onto one knee and was at face-to-face level. She looked straight into his face, their eyes focused at each other. She then put her hands onto his face, feeling his cool skin, almost trying to figure out some type of puzzle or lock. First she traced his eyes with her small fingers, ran her hand through his hair, opened his mouth with her hands and examined everything, saw that he also had small fangs for teeth. Then she moved her fingers over his nose, traced her way from his forehead and across the birthmark that looked like whiskers on his cheeks, it reminded her of Kazuo, her older brother. Then she took his hand and looked at it, compared her little hands to his big one. She put his hand down, and then they looked at each other eye to eye once more for a short period. She looked deep into him, searching for something, something she couldn't quite figure out, but kept looking. Then suddenly her eyes beamed, and she smiled. Just then she began to speak...

"Pah...Pah...” She tried to enunciate and form words in her mouth, when finally. "…Pa-Papa?"

At those words the man immediately jumped up and backed off from the girl. The man looked almost as if he were spooked at her words. He still showed no face expression, but his actions showed such surprise and shock not understanding what had just happened. Yoko spoke softly again, her soft voice echoing in the small room. "Papa." But the man did not move this time; he had gone back into the comatose state he was in. Yoko's smile faded and turned into a small frown of sadness, and she spoke one last time before she went to eat her food. "...Papa..."

Somehow she had reached into the Zombie-like soldier, and touched something. Perhaps sparked something in his soul, and brought him back to humanity? Maybe even put a crack in the old man's brainwashing? She did not know. All she knew now was that this man IS her father, and she could almost sense it with her heart. Even though they had never met, and he had kidnapped her from her home, somewhere inside that empty shell...was her father's soul...

---

Sakura and Kazuo had just arrived at a small forest village, and stayed at an inn called, the White Deer In. Their hosts where a middle-aged couple, about Sakura's age, in their early thirties, her name was Hilda. She had a little boy around nine or ten years of age, the boys name was Pete. And the man of the house was a rather tall and built man named Alex. The man would never be around, always off in the deep forest ruins, exploring the old ruins near by. Sakura and Kazuo decided to stay for the night, and went to their room.

"We are close to where Sasuke said he last saw Yoko." Sakura took out a map, and examined it again. She pointed to a spot on the map, and traced a path they were to follow. "He was here when he encountered Naruto, and said that they headed into this direction."

"Mother, you don't believe it is him, do you?" Her son asked worriedly.

Sakura gave a sad smile, but shook her head. "No. You're father died in my arms. I only wish to get our Yoko back."

"..." Kazuo looked at her. He knew that his mother would give anything to have his father back with them. Hell, HE even wanted his father back, but it was not worth the risk or Yoko's life. But they both still hoped, that maybe it was him. And as they finished talking over the plan for tomorrow's end, they turned in for the night.

---

Meanwhile...

"Ohohohoho! It's even greater than I expected!" Mugetsu exclaimed out loud. "This child is a full blooded demon spawn! Unlike that half-breed from before! I could perfect the process now! MUHAHAHAHAHA!!!" And his evil laughter filled the abandoned monetary, echoing out into the dark forest. "KITSUNE! Come! I can finally perfect you, my Demon Soldier!"

The zombie Naruto, obediently came to his master's bidding, and stood before him. Mugetsu then ordered him to remove his coat and shirt, and Naruto was now half naked. He stood there before his master, ripped, and well maintained, a true soldier's body.


"Now, I want you to lay face down on that slab there." The mad man pointed to a dark, cold, marble slab with tools on the side table. Naruto walked over to the slab, and lay down, with his chiseled back exposed. "Good. Now hold still, while I complete you."

There were already markings on Naruto's back, like a rough sketch, or an outline of something to be tattooed onto him. Mugetsu got his tools ready, and fired up a machine just hanging above where Naruto lay. It began to hum and there was a red beam shining down onto his back. The mad man, then moved over to a panel, and began to enter equations, and patterns. After he completed it, he moved over to Naruto's side, and began chanting from a scroll. The demonic words foreign to Naruto's ears, but then the process began. The red beam began to trace along his back, and burned into his skin, while Mugetsu's chanting continued almost like chakra being absorbed into his back. Naruto just lay there, not moving even an inch, even though his back was burning. He lay there shaking slightly, but with no face expression. If he knew pain, he did not show it, he did not even know what pain was. The process did not finish for another hour or so, and Mugetsu finally told him to stand before him.

"Come stand for me." He inspected his entire back, the process was complete, and he had finally created the perfect super soldier. He had given him a newborn demon, Kokuei Ryuujin (Dark Shadow Dragon). It was a great rising dragon tattoo, which glowed violently red, with black eyes. With the information gathered from the pure blooded child, Mugetsu had created an entirely new demon! It was like a symbiotic parasite, it lived off of Naruto, but in exchange gave him incredible power at will. Even though it was an artificially made demon, it was almost strong enough to even rival that of the real thing.

"Now you are complete my beautiful work of art! You are now more powerful than any demon, spirit, or devil on this earth! You will shake the very roots of hell, and rule over the heavens! And with the new weapons I have for you, I will have no need for Basara, or Gulga anymore. Only you my beautiful soldier of perfection!" Mugetsu spoke out loud and eccentrically. "It's a shame that we won't need the girl anymore. We will dispose of her tomorrow. AHAHAHAHHAA!!!"

With those last works, the tattoo on Naruto's back slowly faded away, and Mugetsu went away into another room to rest. Just as he left the room, something happened...as the tattoo on Naruto's back disappeared, his eyes no longer glowed red, but instead one eye remained red, and the other turned blue...

---

The next day...

Sakura and Kazuo woke up early, and paid for the night. Just before they left, Hilda (their hostess) asked if they would come back again, but her husband barging in wildly interrupted her.

"HILDA! I've found it! The ruins of Gjodai!" The man spoke in excitement. "Now we won't have to live here anymore!"

Sakura looked surprised, and quickly asked the man, "Excuse me, sir? But we are heading to Gjodai Temple. Would you be able to help us-"

"What!? So you can take my treasure!? Go find it yourself!" The man scoffed at her.

Kazuo spoke out. "Please! You don't understand!"

"OH! I perfectly understand! You're treasure hunters! Trying to steal my find!" The man spoke wildly and angrily.

"ALEX STOP IT! They are paying customers, at least listen to them!" Hilda, his wife trying to calm her husband down. Alex then looked at his angry wife, and immediately calmed down, and listened to what the two customers had to say.

"I assure you, we are not Tomb Raiders. We only wish to get to Gjodai Temple, to save my little girl..." Sakura explained their entire situation to them. Just as she finished her story, Alex and Hilda had an expression of sorry on their faces.

"I see. Well..." Alex paused. Then Hilda spoke after him, "Alex just take them to the temple. Think if it were our little Pete had been kidnapped."

"Okay. I'll take you there, but would you help me also? I will explain along the way." Alex gathered his gear, and they left the Inn, and into the wilderness.

"Thank you." Sakura told the man.

Alex just accepted their thanks, and told them, why he was searching for Gjodai Temple. "I've heard that there was an ancient artifact that was sealed away by the monks that used to inhabit there. It's an accursed artifact, a blood rusted katana, called The Muramasa. I've been searching for it for almost fifteen years. It should bring a nice price, so that my family can live rich for the rest of our lives. You see, when Hilda and I were married, I used to be a carpenter. But ever since that damned war between the Sound Village and Konoha, they came and pillaged our home. We came to this small remote forest village to start anew, until I found the treasure of the ruins. My dream is to move to the Valley of the wind, and open a peaceful inn with my wife. I will build an inn , and we will be very prosperous, and kind to all travelers. A new home for my wife and son."

They traveled early in the day, and reached the area at which Sasuke fought Naruto. From there, Alex led the rest of the way...

---

Yoko awoke to the sound of evil laughter, the laughter of the crazy old man. Just then he called to Naruto, and told him to bring her to him.

"Kitsune! Bring me the girl, it's time to be rid of her."

Naruto brought the little girl to the old man. Mugetsu took hold of Yoko and dragged her to the large room with all the glass chambers. She stood there cold, and now scared.

"I'm sorry little one. But I have no use of you anymore. You've given me everything I've needed." He paused for a moment and then turned away to walk over to a table. He picked up what looked like a claw, a bear claw weapon! "This is my finest piece of work! The same weapon I used when I slaughtered that village of women and children. Kitsune! Take this and KILL the girl."

Naruto walked over to his master, and took the claw from him. He put it on his hand, and moved towards the girl. The girl looked at him with innocent eyes wide open, and tried to call to him. "Papa..."

Just as Naruto was about to strike at the girl, he raised his arm high, but stopped. Something inside of him would not do it! Mugetsu grew impatient.

"What are you doing!? Kill her! KILL HER NOW!" But he did not move. "I don't believe this! Maybe you AREN'T quite PERFECT!" Mugetsu grew angry and pushed Naruto aside, and took a dagger out to strike at the girl. "If you want something, you should do it yourself!"

Yoko cowered away, and called for Naruto again. "Papa!"

Just as he made a downward stabbing motion, his hand was stopped! Mugetsu looked at what had stopped him, and was in shock. "You!? WHY!?"

Naruto stood there with a fierce grip on the man's wrist, and tightened his grip. He then shook his head to motion (No). And with demonic strength he threw the man aside, hitting the hard stonewall.

"You would betray me!? I never should have brought you back to life!" Mugetsu scrambled to get up, and pulled a lever on the wall, that released what was inside the glass chambers. "BASARA! GULGA! Kill the traitor!" He shouted maniacally and ran as fast as he could.

There stood two men, who were the mad man's experiments. The fairly normal looking one with a chakram in hand, began to give a giddy sort of laugh. "Hee Heeee heeehe heheheheheeee..."

While the other was a large beast. He clearly showed surgical scars, and a metal plate covered his head. The monster was drooling and had a crazed smile upon him. Then he gave a roar that was terrifying as it was deafening!

Basara and Gulga, Mugetsu's original experiments, one was a mad man with the power to meld with shadows and travel around in them, while the other was a large abomination that could move faster than any known animal, and had inhuman strength. Basara disappeared into the darkness that filled the room, while Gulga stomped his feet in a fit. Naruto motioned to Yoko to go into the small room where she was held captive. Yoko immediately moved quickly into the room to hide behind the wall, watching silently from the room. Just then Naruto's eyes turned fully black with red centers, and he began to move around the room slowly, just walking with quiet power. Naruto and Gulga circled around each other, exchanging glances, Gulga trying to psyche Naruto out by roaring ferociously, but Naruto simply looked at him with quiet rage. Suddenly Naruto stopped by a pillar he was walking past and instantly stabbed into the pillar with the bear claw! He then pulled out a bloody Basara, with the bear claw ripped into his chest. Basara had a firm death grip on Naruto, and Naruto was stuck to the pillar. Suddenly Gulga began to charge him with great speed. What happened next was almost unbelievable...

Gulga charged Naruto with full speed, and threw a fist aiming to crush him instantly. But Naruto caught his fist straight on with his free left hand! Naruto didn't even bulge! He held his ground, the shear force of the stop boomed the laboratory! Gulga struggling against Naruto's grip, but it was no use, he could not move nor escape from him. Then Naruto began to slowly crush Gulga's hand, the demonic strength was overpowering the abomination. Finally Naruto let go of Gulga, and Gulga backed away, while he released himself from Basara's death grip. Then Gulga became enraged, and charged Naruto again! Naruto disappeared and reappeared instantly with the bear claw inside Gulga's stomach! Blood spewed everywhere, covering the floor, and it was over. Naruto moved over to where Yoko was hiding and picked her up. She looked into his black/red eyes, and they walked out of the laboratory.

Just as Mugetsu was about to reach the main exit behind the Buddha statue, Naruto teleported before him instantly! Mugetsu fell back in surprise, and began crawling away. "Stay-Stay away from me! You-You monster! I never should have revived you! I never should have brought that girl! You are monsters! ALL OF YOUR KIND! MONSTERS!!!"

Naruto put Yoko down, and she stood near the exit, while her "father" went to finish off the crazy old man. Naruto picked Mugetsu up, and looked at him dead in the eyes for a moment, then disemboweled him. The old man simply gave a gargling sound and fell to the ground trying to gather his internal organs. Yoko stood there, not moving, witnessing the entire scene. She showed no fear or any sign of terror. She just stood there, silently, watched her father kill the monsters below, and now kill this old man. As Naruto began to walk back to his, "daughter", there was something Mugetsu was carrying. A katana, it was rusted with blood, but strangely still usable. He picked it up and felt a strange demonic energy about it. He strapped it to his back, and went to Yoko.

He didn't know how or why he chose to save the girl. Was he free from the mad man's brainwash? Or was it just an animalistic instinct to protect a young one? Or maybe, it was a combination. Either way, they were free, and exited the Temple, and across a chasm. Just as they reached a safe distance from the Temple, they turned around and looked at the ruins. Naruto then began to concentrate, and reached his open hand out towards the direction of the temple...

---

The three traveler’s had just arrived at Gjodai temple, but did not enter it yet. They surveyed the area and checked for any type of traps or secrets. When suddenly, the ground began to shake.

"Earthquake?" Sakura yelled in the chaos.

"No! The temple is collapsing! We need to get out of here!" Alex yelled back.

Kazuo spoke frantically, "But YOKO!"

"We need to move! NOW!" Alex yelled back.

The three of them moved away from the temple, and nearly ran off a cliff. They stopped and looked around. Sakura dropped to the ground, tears began to run down her face. Kazuo kicked at the ground and cursed into the chasm. Alex was mad also, but he had not lost anything, much less to say for his two companions. He tried to give his condolences.

"I'm sorry. But that Temple was going to give out sooner or later. I pray that your child was not there when it fell." Alex spoke gravely.

Sakura just sat there crying her heart out. "My girl... My little girl..."

"First father, now Yoko... WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM US!? WHY GOD DO YOU TORMENT US!?" As Kazuo yelled with rage into the air, he suddenly noticed something...well actually someone...

On the other side of the chasm, stood a man in brown clothing along with...a little girl!

"Okaasama, LOOK!" Kazuo excited spoke and pointed at the pair.

Sakura wiped her tears and looked to the other side. There stood, Yoko waving at her mother, but also standing beside Yoko was...Naruto. "He is alive. YOKO!!!"

Sakura immediately got up and tried to run to her, but Kazuo stopped his mother from running off the cliff! "Okaasama! Stop!"

"LET ME GO KAZUO! They're right there! LET GO FO ME!!!" Sakura frantically spoke.

"Mother, stop it!" Kazuo had to struggle against his crazed mother, and had no choice but to knock her out. He then hit her in her abdomen, knocking the wind out of her. "I'm sorry. But don't worry, she is alive, and father is with her."

Sakura spoke weakly, and began to pass out. "...Yoko...Naruto...."

Kazuo stood at the edge, staring at the man who might be his father, but could also be just another clone. They stood staring at each other...

---

On the other side, Yoko saw her mother and brother. She tried to wave and signal at them, but then her brother stopped their mother from jumping the cliff. Yoko then looked at her father, and smiled at him, pointing towards Sakura and Kazuo. He looked at them, saw the woman was in pain, and then looked at the boy. The boy almost looked like himself with a few minor details. Just then Yoko took her father's hand, Naruto looked down at his daughter, his eyes returning to the normal one red and one blue. He did not know where he came from, or where he will go, but he would protect this girl as one of his own. Not knowing that she was his blood daughter, he softly squeezed her hand, and they began to walk away into the distance. Yoko looked back once more at her family, but quietly smiled walking away, knowing that she was reunited with her father...

The End?

Epilogue:

Sakura and Kazuo with new hope, now had another long journey ahead of them, to track Yoko and this "Naruto". Alex did not recover the Masamura, but did manage to recover pieces of the Golden Buddha, and made enough money to move with his family to the Valley of the Wind. The question of whether Gjodai Temple collapse on its own, or it was Naruto's doing, still remains a mystery.

What is the truth behind Yoko's demon lineage? What is the true power behind the Kokuei Ryuujin (Dark Dragon Seal)? What is this demonic blade that Naruto picked up, is it truly The Muramasa? Where will father and daughter go and who will they encounter? How will they return home?

All will be answered, in Chapter 4: Seasons Of the Demon...

Author's Note: w00t! Finally finished Chapter 3, and its looking pretty alright so far. Not much to say on this one, so I'll just point out my main points:

-For those of you who were confused about Chapter 2 earlier. Makoto = Naruto, Azami = Sakura. They had to hide thier identities, since they were on the run from the Akatsuki. And "Little Naruto" is Kazuo, thier first born son.
-Also if you didn't understand Naruto's death scene. He transfered Kyuubi into Sakura, so that if the Akatsuki ever got hold of his body, they would not get Kyuubi.
-Chapter 3 is for Yoko, their second child, and daughter.
-The character ages right now are as follows: Sakura (30), Kazuo (18-19ish), Yoko (4), and Mugetsu (40ish). There is roughly a ten year difference since Chapter 2.
-My idea for Zombie Soldier Naruto, was a bit random, So now he's back and alive, but without any memories of who he is or where he comes from. Only now, he doesn't have Kyuubi, he gets an entirely new demon. The Dark Dragon (yea kinda borrowing it from XboX Ninja Gaiden.)
-For the scene with Yoko and Zombie Naruto, I wanted to do one of those touching humanizing scenes. What kind inspired me was from the movie "Hook" with Robin Williams plays as a grown up Peter Pan. And when they're trying to refresh his mind, there's a touching scene with this little boy, and tries to find Peter Pan inside Robin Williams.
-As for the weaponry of choice, we have the bear claw and the Muramasa katana. For the bear claw think of wolverine's claws only its like a hand gauntlet/glove. It fits on top of your dosal side of your hand. He only has one, and its pretty bad ass, with four small razor blades. Think of a rake, and taking for of the claws, and putting it on your hand, only its not so flimsy, and can really cut through metal. As for the Muramasa katana, Muramasa was a famous swordsmith that made refined Katanas during the Tokugawa era. The lengend/saying goes that his Katana's would always thirst for blood. But would always bring an end to its user. Fortunately I'm gonna twist that around, for Chapter 4.

Okay, so there you have it! Chapter 3 up and ready! Please leave a review, talk to me people, tell me whats good, whats bad, any confusion, you want me to change something, or if its just freaking awesome. Thnx and Chapter 4 is currently in the works even as we speak!