Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Heaven & Earth: The Uzumaki Saga ❯ Chapter 4: Seasons Of the Demon ( Chapter 4 )

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

---[Interlude: Spring to Summer]
Sakura and Kazuo had just arrived at another scene that looked to be a massacre, all of the men...dead. There were bodies everywhere, the skin looked as if it was ripped away, shredded from their very bone. All of them Akatsuki men, just thugs and sweepers among the bodies.

"My god... What happened here? This is the second one..." Kazuo looked around, searching for any survivors.

Sakura looked at the bodies, and studied the attacks. Some bore the mark of a bear claw, while a very sharp, rusted blade either cut the others up. But it was strange, for each stroke of the sword; the cuts became smoother, from rough edges to a refined slice. "HE was here."

Suddenly someone gave a groan of pain, and began to crawl out from a dark building slowly. The rain-washing all of the blood away from the ground.

"Ughhh...this is the end...a-a monster I tell you!!! He killed all my men...and now...uurrggghhh..." The bloodied man spoke while blood was flowing out of his mouth and chest. After a few moments, he stopped moving and spoke his last words, "That monster...and his girl..."

Mother and son immediately looked at each other, and quickly continued their journey. The rain was still pouring down and the sky was gray, as they moved along the path...
---

Heaven & Earth: The Uzumaki Saga

Chapter 4: Seasons Of the Demon

Part 1: Fall, From Dust till Dawn

Just after the incident at Gjodai Temple, Naruto and Yoko began an adventure of their own. Traveling together, side-by-side, with no destination, or goal, walking aimlessly to find out who they are, and if they have a place to call home. Hand-in-hand, they walked through the mountain forest for days. When they would rest for the night, she would sleep at his side, while he stood awake, neither sleeping nor eating, but sat there guarding this little one. She was his cub, and he was her guardian now. Sometimes at the fireside, Naruto would look at the Rusted sword he took from Mugetsu. Sometimes it would be locked in the sheath, but other times it would unlock and be free to use. It as like it had a mind of its own, this blood rusted katana. Whether it was a curse or a blessing, it served Naruto now. Finally one night, he figured out it's secret...

Naruto sat at the fireside, examining the rusty sword for the fifth time. Every time he had tried to pull it from the sheath, but it never drew forth. But suddenly he had accidentally cut himself on one of the edges, and blood fell onto the hilt. Just then the Sheath unlocked itself, and he could draw forth the rusted red katana. It showed markings on it, something engraved into the sword just barely legible. The name "Muramasa" engraved into the katana. He still didn’t understand how the blade was released from its lock. Then he noticed the blood from his hand...the blood! This katana feeds on blood! Thus Naruto let a few more drops of blood fall onto the blade, and something happened. The blade instantly absorbed up the blood into wisps, and a small tip of the blade slowly repaired itself! So this demonic blade feeds on blood, and needs blood to rejuvenate. But for how long has this ancient katana been sealed away? The katana acted on its own, it would lock and unlock itself whenever it wanted. So Naruto put the sword away, it clicked when it was fully sheathed, and he put it to the side.

The man with two different colored eyes, looked at his cub. She slept quietly by his side, breathing in slowly. He took off his cloak and covered her from the cold of the night. They would reach a town in the next few days....

---

Sakura and Kazuo had left the White Deer Inn near Gjodai temple over a week ago. After seeing Yoko and Naruto alive, they tried to see any direct path across the chasm. There wasn't a bridge for miles. Alex and Hilda gave them as much info about the land and any paths to the next town, before they left their now closed inn...

"We wish you the best of luck on your journey. Find your child and your lost loved one, if it is him." Hilda spoke kindly to them.

Alex just then gave them a small map of the land he had been traveling around. "This should help you get around much easier. There is a bridge just a couple of miles west, and you will be able to cross it. The next town should be called Kokoro."

"Thank you, for everything. May you find safe passage to where ever you may be." Sakura bowed her head, and took the map from Alex. Kazuo bowed his head also, and thanked them for their hospitality.

Alex and Hilda bowed in return, and just as Sakura and Kazuo left, he spoke out again. "If you ever stop by the Valley of the Wind, you are welcome in our home again!"

Thus mother and son had been traveling westward, racing to catch up with Yoko and Naruto.

"Okaasama. Kokoro is near the Village of Earth isn't it?" Kazuo asked his mother.

Sakura though about his words, and replied. "Yes, so it is. We will gather any information and supplies once we've reached there. I wonder how our Yoko is doing..."

---

Naruto and Yoko had just arrived at this rather small, but busy town. They had entered a marketplace, and all sorts of vendors were selling items from their booths.

"Fresh meat!" - "Rice here! 2 bags for 2 ryo (2 gold)!" - "Ripe fruits! Fresh vegetables right from my garden!" - "Weaponry for sale! Katana, daggers, spears, bows and arrows! You sir-!"

The weapons dealer had stopped a man in a black cloak, who was traveling with a small girl who was wearing a pink shirt with small shorts. The man was fairly tall, he looked to be built like a soldier, and had wild golden hair, but what was really distinct was that he had two different colored eyes. "Come good sir! I have a fine selection of weaponry for you! You look like a strong warrior! Won't you need something to protect the little one? Come! Come see my selection!"

Naruto and Yoko walked over to the weapons dealer, and he surveyed the choice of weaponry that laid all about. There was a fine selection of katana and spears, not many daggers, and about two or three great bows. Yoko walked over to pick up a dagger, but Naruto immediately stopped her, and showed her that it was dangerous. After that moment, they began to walk away. The weapons dealer got a little anxious and tried to stop Naruto from leaving by grabbing his shoulder, but it was a bad mistake.

"Please wait sir! Isn't there anything-"

As the weapons dealer put his hand on Naruto's shoulder, he was knocked back and had a bear claw pointed in his face! It was a natural reaction for Naruto, only an accident, but the poor weapons deal was all shaken up and shaking in fear that he would be killed. Naruto simply looked at the man giving him the impression of (Don't Touch Me), and the odd pair left the dealer's booth.

Next, Naruto and Yoko walked into a bar/restaurant; the whole place went quiet for a moment to see who had walked in. Naruto and Yoko took a seat at a small table. Naruto checked his pockets for any money, and he had almost five hundred ryo (paper money) in his pocket. It must have been Mugetsu's cloak, because there was money in it, so at least they had cash to spare. A waitress came by and asked what they wanted. She looked at the small girl and smiled, then looked to the man who was fairly handsome, and seemed well built.

"What would you like?"

Yoko looked behind her father, and pointed at the board with writing on it. The waitress looked at the board, and saw the (Today's Special: Beef with Vegetables over rice and free miso soup). She smiled at the girl, and asked her...

"Is that what you want, sweetie?"

Yoko nodded her head, and then looked to her father, who was looking at her also. The waitress then asked the man for his order.

"And you sir?"

Naruto looked at the waitress and shook his head (No thank you). She bowed slightly and left the table to bring them tea. Naruto only looked at Yoko sitting in front of him, thinking to himself once again. Who was this little girl? Why did she call him papa? Where did she come from? It was now his duty to take care of her, his duty to find her home, his duty to stay by her side and try to raise her as his own. Even if he cannot recall his memories, he still had a sense of duty and paternal instinct. The waitress came back with tea and food. She put down a plate of cooked beef with steamed vegetables in a brown sauce, a medium bowl of rice for both of them, and a small bowl of miso soup on the side.

"Thank you and please enjoy your meal."

After saying those words she left the table and they began to eat. Yoko began to eat most of the vegetables and little meat, but she ate a lot of rice. Naruto let her eat whatever she wanted; he only drank from his teacup, just watching his little girl eat. She then pushed the plate over to her father motioning to him to eat also. Naruto still had a blank face expression, but if he could he would be smiling. He began to eat what his daughter did not, and Yoko drank some of the miso soup, but left some for her father also. From the waitress' point of view, it was simply father and daughter, out eating together. The daughter looks after the father, and the father looks after the daughter. It was cute, and very heart warming; she could not help but have a smile for the rest of the day. Soon after, Naruto and Yoko finished eating, and he left money on the table. Just as they were about to exit from the bar, suddenly five rugged men in white and black clothing came barging in. They took a seat at a booth, and began to cause a scene. Along with them was a young, but frail looking man, he was put in the corner to sit, and the other four were laughing out loud.

"AHAHAHAH!!! What's the matter Kosuke!? Don't feel like treating us to a meal!?" One of the men spoke loudly.

The frail man, Kosuke spoke meekly. "Please, we just want Priss back so that we may travel to-"

"Shut up! We have no time for your sympathetic stories! Hey Waitress! Bring us some food already! And some sake!" The second man spoke out.

The third man, sat there quietly, but also had a mischievous smile on him. "If you don't behave Kosuke, you and the others will never see Priss again."

"No... Please don't hurt her. I'll be quiet." Kosuke meekly said.

The waitress had a face of disgust when she brought them food and alcohol. Underneath her breath she spoke, "Damn Yakuza."

But the fourth man heard her, and grabbed her arm. "What was that wench? If we weren't here in this town, you'd all have no protection! And our taxes aren't as bad as that shogun!"

"Oh? And bullying frail young men, makes you any better?"

The first man stood up, and began to walk towards the waitress. "What was that!? Are you saying that you're ungrateful for our services!?"

"I would rather pay the shogun then pay you underground dogs!"

At those words, the four Yakuza men got up and the first man was going to strike at her with his bokuto (wooden sword). Just then Naruto had enough of this and grabbed the bokuto before it hit the waitress. She then backed away, and ran behind the bar. The four Yakuza men began moving around Naruto and surrounded him.

"What's this? A foreigner?" The first man took back his bokuto and began swinging it around him.

The second man took out his bokuto, and held it with one hand. "Interfering with our fun huh? Do you know who we are?"

"We are Yakuza, you will pay for your annoyance." The third man said coolly and took out his bokuto with two hands.

The fourth took out his bokuto and held it pointing at Naruto. "How unfortunate of you to pick on us. Now we will have to make you pay us for ruining our day."

The four of them began circling Naruto, all edgy at who would strike first. They all taunted at him and made faces as if to make him mad. But Naruto just stood there with no expression, looking at each of his opponents. Naruto's cloak covered up his body, so it remained semi-mysterious. He moved his right hand around to his back slowly and gripped onto the bear claw. Just then all four of them struck at once, in that instant Naruto made one great swiping motion, and all of them were knocked away! As they all shook their heads, to see what had happened, they all looked at their bokutos and saw that they were shredded to nothing! The cloak covered man just stood there, looking at them. They began to get up and rush out of the bar.

"You'll pay for this insolence! We will not forget this!" One of them shouted.

Another just before exiting spoke also. "We will get you back for this! We have more members then you think!"

And they had all left in a hurry, while the young man sat there in astonishment. He quickly stood up and thanked the man in black.

"Oh thank you kind sir! Thank you! You've saved me from those hooligans!"

Everyone in the bar was cheering, and the waitress came back to thank Naruto, and clean up the small mess. But then the young man named Kosuke had him sit down in the booth with him.

"I know we don't know each other, but I need of your assistance."

Naruto just sat there, looking at Kosuke. Kosuke began to explain his situation to Naruto.

"I'm apart of a pack of musicians that were traveling a little Eastward. But ever since a couple of days ago, bandits came and attacked us. The Yakuza did come to our aid, but that's were it got worse. Now we were to pay them back with entertainment. So they took our lead singer, Priss, and they're holding her in some compound to the south. Only the others and I managed to stay clear of them, but Priss is still with the Yakuza. Please sir, would you help us and free Priss from their stronghold?"

Naruto looked at the man, who was sobbing now, after he had told his tale. Naruto looked at the man, then looked at Yoko who was sitting at the bar with the waitress. Naruto reached over to put a hand on Kosuke's shoulder and he nodded his head in agreement. Kosuke was overjoyed, and he shook Naruto's hand in thanks.

"Thank you! Oh thank you! Take this and give it to Priss, she will know I sent you." Kosuke handed Naruto a sheet of paper. "We will be eternally in your debt! I will go tell the others and we shall wait for you here. Thank you kind sir!" And Kosuke ran out of the bar, jumping for joy.

Naruto still sat there, thinking of what he had just gotten himself into. He went over to pick Yoko up, and they exited the bar. Before he walked out the door, the barmaid stopped him and gave them a bag of rice.

"It's not much, but thank you for driving them away."

Naruto nodded his head, and Yoko smiled. The exited the bar and walked out of town peacefully without any trouble. Little did they know that they would be on an epic travel of blood and redemption. They began to travel south, following a path made by the Yakuza. It took another day or two to reach this compound Kosuke spoke of. Naruto and Yoko rested for the night, before they would enter the enemy's domain. That night he checked all of his gear, and then looked to his daughter, who was sitting at fireside watching him. Naruto cleaned his bear claw, and sharpened it with a smooth rock he did found in a river. Next he pulled forth the Mursmasa, but it was still locked into its sheath. Mysterious as it was, it still had a smell of blood and death on it, just on the bottom of the handle was a black stone, but since Naruto first opened it with his blood it began to turn faintly dark red. Yoko sat there watching her father inspect the Muramasa, and then he looked to her. Yoko's eyes open just staring at him, with the reflection of the fire flickering. Naruto motioned to her to come to him and she moved closer to his side. He took hold her and they stared into each other’s eyes, as if to communicate with each other telepathically. She blinked once, and then fell put her head onto his lap and fell asleep. Naruto put his hand on her head, and brushed her hair once, then he closed his eyes...

Mornings dim light had come, and there was mist in the air. Yoko was already awake and went to get water from a near by stream. She came running back to her father whose lips were moving but no words came from them. She had brought him some water in the bamboo shoot he carried. Yoko did not disturb him, but sat quietly and waited. After a few minutes, Naruto opened his eyes, and saw his daughter sitting there with water for him. They both stood up and she gave him the water. He took it and drank lightly from it. It was time to move. The thick mist was still in the air; they had begun to travel further south for almost half the day. Finally they reached a rather old broken down building, it was like an outpost during the old wars. Naruto and Yoko stood a good distance away, so that no one would take notice of them. They made camp and waited for the sun to set. During that time, a few things happened, groups of men were moving in and out of the compound. Some bringing carts of supplies, others bringing food and women, and a few brought carts of gold. Finally when the sun was setting, there were only men going into the outpost, it was time to move. Dusk was upon them, sadly enough it would be the last sunset any of the men inside would ever see, but they did not know what horrors they would encounter. Father and daughter would enter enemy grounds...

---

Meanwhile inside of the Yakuza base...

"Hey Priss! Sing us a song huh baby? How about that [Soldier Of Rose] one?" Drunken Yakuza started to shout out loud.

A young woman, probably just turned twenty, stood on a stage with a spot light on her. She had dark brown hair, and was looked frail, but she had a voice that sang her heart out. You could tell from her eyes that they had forced her to stay awake and make her sing nonstop for the past few nights. She was nearly exhausted, but it was her will to sing that kept her standing. They started up a jukebox and it began to play a tune...

[shizukesa wo hikisaku koe !! Oh green earth,]
[midori no daiichi yo !! whose cry pierces the silence.]
[ankoku no michi wo tozasu !! Dazzling light that]
[mabayui hikari !! blocks the pitch-black road.]

Outside of the base one of the watch towers saw a man in black with a small child behind him walk up to the main gate. The rain began to fall lightly at first, and the sky began to turn gray. The guards couldn't quite see his face because he was wearing a hood.

"Hey you! This place is restricted get out of here! Get out of here!"

But the man did not move, so the guards went down to see this stranger and force him to go away. About four or five guards came down and opened the gate.

"Who do you think you are-"

But in that instant the gate was open, the last thing they saw were two black eyes with red centers, and they were all dead. All of them slashed at the throat, so they could not call for help. The little girl simply followed the man and walked past all of them just looking at them quietly.

[kono ima wo ikiru ashita no tame ni !! Oh angel, fallen to earth,]
[chijou ni orita tenshi yo !! live here and now, for the sake of tomorrow.]

The music continued, and it was pretty loud and the men kept on roaring, so they had no idea of what would come to them. The man in black simply walked into the compound without any trouble, just then more guards came, about five or six more. When they should have sounded the alarm, they only thought it was just one man. Stupidly they rushed towards him with real swords drawn out. In a flash of lightning their swords were broken and the broken ends were stuck in their throats. The man in black walked passed all of them with the little girl by his side.

[Soldier, fighting and kill the wrong]
[kokoro ni akai bara !! Red roses in your heart...]
[Soldier, this is the way of love]
[shouri wo tsukamu made !! ...until you grasp victory.]

Just then the main gate to the outpost busted open, and there was a full room of men sitting around with swords drawn forth to see who had interrupted their resting time. Only a man shrouded in black with a girl by his side. The girl moved behind the man, and thus the angry Yakuza charged the intruder.

[te no naka ni mirai no kagi !! In your hands lies the key to the future:]
[shinjitsu no REJISUTO !! resistance of the truth]
[tamashii wo yusaburu no wa !! It is the power of bravery]
[yuuki no chikara !! that shakes the spirit.]

[ikite-iru akashi nagareru chishio !! Flowing blood is proof that you're alive,]
[aisuru hito no tame nara !! if it's for the sake of those you love.]

[Soldier, question of life or death]
[kokoro ni akai bara !! Red roses in your heart...]
[Soldier, meaning of life for you]
[shouri wa me no mae ni !! Victory is right before your eyes.]

Body after body, the Yakuza thugs were being picked off one or two at a time. It seemed impossible that just one man was slaughtering all of them like pigs! All of them shouting and screaming, but to the rest of the outpost it seemed just like another one of their parties. Down to the last few men, two of them rushed the stranger, while the other ran for the alarm. The two men were shredded to pieces, and just the last man reached the alarm switch...a claw was impaled through his neck and he was dead.

[ikiru yorokobi !! The joy of life,]
[sora tobu tori mo hana mo !! birds flying in the sky, and flowers...]

The song had a brief slow moment, and the men cheered even more. Meanwhile, the intruders were making their way towards the in-door bar. Reaching a long corridor, and even more Yakuze jumped out weapons ready to strike they rushed down the narrow pathway towards the dark intruder..

[kono mune ni chikatta !! We swore in our hearts]
[kono mune ni chikatta !! We swore in our hearts]
[We would not keep silent and let it pass !! We would not keep silent and let it pass.]

One after another, they all met death by this stranger. He cut through all of them like a hot knife through butter. Blood was covering the floor, almost like a pool. After cutting down the last few men again, he walked past all of the bodies piled on top of each other. The man and girl moved closer to a chamber door that was slightly open, they could hear them cheering on a woman who was singing. The man stood ready to charge in, with one eye peeking through the crack.

[Soldier, fighting and kill the wrong]
[kokoro ni akai bara !! Red roses in your heart...]
[Soldier, this is the way of love]
[shouri wo tsukamu made !! ...until you grasp victory.]

Just as the song came to an end, the woman bowed gracefully, and the men were going wild, calling for an encore show! Just as the jukebox stopped playing, Naruto kicked the door open, surprising all of the drunken, and now angry and shocked men! They all got up and surrounded the intruder. The girl stood behind the door watching the man in black cut down each and every man. Blood was everywhere, so much blood that a normal person would faint at the sight of this slaughter. The woman on stage just backed up against a wall in pure horror of this massacre. She wanted to scream, but her voice was already strained enough. She wanted to run, but her legs would not obey her. All she could do was sit there and witness this massacre. Inside, she was glad to see all of them dead, but at the same time was scared for her life. Who was this man? Why did he come here? One after one, all of them cut to pieces, when the last one, most likely their boss ran over to Priss, and used her as a human shield.

"Don't come any closer! Or I'll cut her throat!" The boss held a knife to the woman's throat. "Who sent you? Did the Akatsuki sent you to wipe us out like rats!? I thought we were allies!"

The man in black said nothing, and only moved closer to the panicking Yakuza boss.

"I SAID DON'T COME ANY CLOSER!" He shouted, and pressed the knife against the woman's neck, a little blood came out from a small cut, to show that he was serious. The man in black stopped. "Good. Now answer me-"

Just then the woman stomped on his food and the Boss let go of her for an instant, and the man in black was upon him in that instant. The Yakuza boss in a panic stabbed at the man. The man simply looked at the dagger in his shoulder, and looked at the Yakuza boss.

"Wha-What are you!?"

The man took hold of the Yakuza boss' arm with the dagger and pulled it out slowly. And as he pulled it out, he impaled his stomach with the bear claw, disemboweling him. Blood spewed out from his midsection, and the woman looked away in terror.

---

Naruto looked at the terrified woman, and pulled forth the piece of paper Kosuke had given him back at the bar. The woman known as Priss recognized the paper, it was a music sheet.

"Kosuke sent you?" She spoke a little relieved.

Naruto nodded his head, and turned to call Yoko to his side. Yoko behind the door, walked in trying not to step into the pools of blood all over the floor. Priss looked at the man, whose eyes were now blue and red, and looked at the small girl with him.


"So you came to rescue me... Kosuke! Where are they?!" She asked worriedly.

Naruto motioned his head as to say [Let's go, or Let's leave], and he began to walk out. Priss looked at the man in black a little confused, then looked at the little girl in front of her. She was smiling softly, and Yoko took Priss' hand and pulled her to walk with her. The three of them exited the outpost, past all of the dead bodies, past the pools of blood all over the floor and walls. Back out into the open road, where the sun was just rising again, it was dawn again. They traveled back to town, and entered the same tavern they had met Kosuke. But the mood was very grave, and the barmaid was surprised to see Naruto return, along with Yoko, and now a third member. Although she was happy to see them return safely, she bore sad news for them.

"The Yakuza returned here, and they killed the remaining musicians. Only a few got away with my help, but the man, Kosuke stayed behind the entire time." She paused for a moment to let them grasp the news. Priss fell to the ground and began to tear. "I'm sorry. They killed them to set an example, and left. There was nothing I could do."

Priss was sobbing heavily. "...Kosuke..."

"He did give me something just before he stood up to the Yakuza." The barmaid reached into her pocket and pulled out a letter for Priss.

Priss took the letter, and opened it quickly. It read...

[Dear Priss,]
[If you are reading this then it means your safe, and that kind man saved you.]
[I'm sorry I couldn't be with you to the end. But the Yakuza have returned to finish the job.]
[They were never going to let us go. So I sent the others ahead, and stayed behind waiting for you.]
[I wish I could have gone with you to the very end, but it was my time. Please if the kind man is-]
[-with you, please ask him to take you the rest of the way. You can trust him, I trusted him to-]
[-bring you this far. Live Priss, live for those of us who died, live to fulfill your dream,]
[live to sing to your hearts content. We will always be with you, and remember,]
[that I will always love you.]
[Farewell, Kosuke]

Priss' tears fell onto the letter as she read it. Yoko went to her side and held onto her hand. While Naruto just stood there, not understanding why this woman was crying, or what had happened to the man he helped. Then Priss wiped her tears away and stood up to face Naruto.

"I know you saved me because Kosuke asked you, but now I am in need of your assistance. Please sir, I beg of you, will you take me to Tokyo? I need to get to Tokyo to find the others. I won't cause any trouble, I-I can watch over the girl when you need me too. Please..."

She bowed her head down in sorrow, begging Naruto to take her to this town called Tokyo. They had no real direction or path to follow, so he thought...why not. He took hold of the woman's shoulders and she looked up at him. Naruto then nodded his head in agreement and she was overjoyed.

"Thank you. Don't worry I know the way."

Yoko was jumping now that they had another companion to travel with. Naruto simply turned away and began walking out the door. And thus it was the end of Fall...

---

Sakura and Kazuo had just arrived at Kokoro, and sought help from the Hidden Village of Grass. They asked around for any information pertaining to Yoko and Naruto. Just then they had reached a tavern, and asked the barmaid the same questions. The barmaid smiled and told them the tale of a man and his daughter just passing though, helping a stranger, and ridding the town of one of the Yakuza syndicates. Sakura and Kazuo were a little surprised at this news, and walked out of the bar.

"He was here and now they head for Tokyo?" Kazuo asked his mother.

Sakura began to think, and answered her son. "He must have left just a while ago, maybe four or five days ahead of us. But why are they heading for Tokyo? It's nothing but a small city with gamblers and marketers."

"At least they are okay, right mother?" Kazuo spoke.

Sakura looked at her son, and smiled. "Yes, at least they are okay. Now we know where they will be heading, we must gather supplies quickly and make haste if we can catch up to him. I pray that he doesn't get into more obstacles in his way. Now we must head west, through the forest of willows and the snowy mountains of Fuji to Tokyo."

===============================================================

Part 2: Winter, A place to call home

The trio of Naruto, Priss, and Yoko had been traveling for quite some time now. Almost two weeks across the grassy plains, with the cool wind in the air. Winter was coming, and the days grew longer. On the third week, they had reached a forested boundary, great tall trees with shades of red and gold. Just then Naruto heard something, like the laughter of a noble woman.

"Ohohohoho.."

Naruto looked into the forest and saw a pale, but beautiful woman all lone standing in the middle of the forest. He didn't believe it at first, so he looked away for a moment, but she disappeared when he looked again. Just then, snow began to fall. They continued into the forest, moving at a normal pace, but the snow began to really fall, so they sought shelter in a small cave they had found near by. Naruto started a fire, while Yoko and Priss were huddled together. He go the fire starting and they began to warm up.

"What are your names?" Priss asked politely.

Naruto said nothing, if he could remember his name then he would have said it, but his mind was clouded and his thoughts rearranged. On the other hand, Yoko began to speak softly. She began to enunciate words and letters more clearly now.

"Yo-Yoko." She quietly said.

Priss smiled at Yoko, and replied back slowly. "My name is Priss. I'm a musician, and I like to sing."

"Songs?" Asked Yoko.

Priss began to talk about her life. "Yes. I write my own songs. My dream is to become a famous singer, and make lots of money so I can bring fortune to my family."

"Family." Yoko said and looked a little sad for a moment, remembering her mother and brother.

Priss was a little curious about her two traveling companions. "Do you have a family? Where's your mother?"

"Papa!" Yoko pointed at Naruto who was keeping watch outside of the cave.

Priss looked at Naruto, he was looked to be middle age, fairly tall, and well built. But then she remembered what had happened back in Kokoro with the Yakuza. She shivered and discarded the thought. At least that man was taking care of this girl, whether he was her father or not. But with the look on Yoko's face, somehow Priss knew that he was Yoko's blood father. She didn't ask any more questions, and helped prepare some of the rice that the barmaid gave them. The two of them ate quietly and fell asleep for the night.

The next morning snow had covered the entire forest, but at least it was not frozen. Priss and Yoko wore thick coats to protect them from the cold, while Naruto only wore his tight black outfit, with his black overcoat/cloak. He felt neither hot nor cold, nor freezing or burning, he simply kept on moving as if he weren't human, and with his daughter by his side. Priss looked at the two as if they were more than just mortals, almost like a lost demon with his guardian angel. But she was so small, yet they carried on like there was no tomorrow left for them. This inspired Priss to begin writing a song in her head, he was like a [Mad Machine].

As they continued to walk through the forest, they came upon a frozen river, but there was a bridge that crossed it. Naruto inspected the bridge and walked slowly across it. Yoko stood by the edge of the frozen river, and saw something move underneath the thick frozen sheet of ice. It looked like a big turtle at first, but she thought it was only a big fish. Priss took her hand and they crossed the bridge safely. They continued through the snowy forest, and the path started to climb uphill, into the mountains. As they began to take the path upward, Priss got the strangest feeling that they were being watched, not from behind, but from all directions, like a hundred eyes watching their every move. She threw the notion off and found it completely silly, because it was only them three traveling. A little further into the mountainous forest, a mysterious thing happened, a black cat crossed their path, but what was even stranger was that the cat looked as if it had a split tail and it disappeared into the white of the snow. They found it very odd and superstitious that there would be a black cat out in the middle of the mountain. Was it the air? No, it couldn't be, they were not that high up in the mountain. Something was amiss about Mount Fuji this time of year. They continued forward again, and finally reached a clearing in the mountain. Almost like a basin, but not quite as big. It was an open ground that looked as if something might have been there, but nothing the eye could see.

Just then Naruto began to get the feeling that they were not alone. He reached back to take hold of Yoko's hand and signal Priss to stay close. He also took hold of his bear claw on hand in case something came out to attack them. They moved closer into the center of the open area. In the center stood a single willow tree. It stood there cold, and blowing the in wind. As they came closer, the tree began to howl, as if calling for something, or someone. After a few more howls into the area, something began to move in the distance. It looked like three weasels carrying sickles in hand, they were moving fast towards them, very fast. Naruto took up guard and moved Yoko and Priss off to the side. The three weasels were already on top of Naruto striking at him with great speed, but Naruto fended each of them off! All of them striking simultaneously and rapidly, one trying to knock him off guard, while the other trying to slash at him, and the third just waiting for a right moment to strike. But they were no match for Naruto and his Kokuei Ryuujin (Dark Dragon Seal); Naruto simply caught each weasel and held it by the neck, not strangling it. Until he caught all three, suddenly they began to speak!

The 1st one spoke, "Stop! Stop! We surrender!"

"Please do not harm us! We meant no harm!" The Second one said.

The 3rd one yelped. "You are not human! You are one of us! A fellow demon!"

Naruto unsure whether to release these creatures or kill them on the spot. But for some reason he put them down. They each bowed respectfully and suddenly the area around them began to reveal itself. They were now standing in the center of a small town! Out of no where appeared small houses, a small great hall, a small garden, a small temple/shrine, and a pool that led into a river out of the town. Next the Weasels began to speak more...

1st, "Welcome to Village of the Spirits."

2nd, "We three are Kamaitachi, the mountain spirits."

3rd, "You've already met with most of our villagers. You met Yuki Onna at the forest entrance just as it began to snow."

1st, "I'm afraid Kappa was at the frozen river and informed us of visitors crossing the bridge."

2nd, "And Dodomeki was watching your movement over the mountain side. He has eyes all over the mountain and he sees all. Also Bakaneko crossed your path to see if you were superstitious or not, and if you would turn back because of it."

3rd, "And finally Yanagi Baba here, called for us when she saw you coming closer to her."

If Priss remembered correctly they were all ghost and spirit legends of lore. Strange that they would have a haven for ghosts and spirits deep in the Mounts of Fuji. But it would make sense, even demons and gods need homes, or safe places to stay.

1st, "Please Please! You are welcome here. You were not like the many other mortals that passed through our home. Only those who defeat us three are able to see our village and are welcome to stay."

2nd, "It has been a long time since someone of great strength defeated all three of us."

3rd, "It is an honor to meet someone as strong."

The three weasels bowed again, and ran off. Naruto, Yoko, and Priss stood there looking at their surroundings, unsure of whether it was real or they were hallucinating. Just then the willow tree began to take form of an old woman and began to speak to them.

"We are sorry for the inconvenience. But we must be sure whether you were good, or evil. Please allow me to give you a tour of our home."

She meekly began to walk, and began explaining. "Here is the temple of Gaki, he was a honorable monk who became greedy and stole from all of his patrons, for that he was cursed to live in torment. In that home to the left, is where Dodomeki and Bakaneko live. Dodomeki is cursed with the all-seeing eyes. He can neither stop seeing nor close all of he eyes, forever looking at the world around him. Bakaneko was his pet cat that would always play tricks on him, thus he would be by his side. In that garden is where Oni lives. He is a gentle giant, but when angered he becomes very vicious. The pool is where Kappa lives; he may travel to here and down the river at free. That house next to the garden is where Garei and Yuki Onna live. Garei used to be an artist, but was damned to live inside his own portrait, while Yuki Onna is a ghost of a beautiful woman who froze to death. Now those who are close to her freeze to death. And I am Yanagi Baba, Lady of the Willow. I am the elder of this village."

"Excuse me, old lady of the willows, but where are your village leaders? I thought the four best gods where the leaders of this village?" Priss asked curiously.

Yanagi Baba sighed heavily, and began to explain. "Yes that is true my child, but as of lately, our leaders have not returned from a meeting with a near by assailant. A strange powerful group that had just settled in the old ruins of lore not far from here. They left over four days ago and we have not had any word. We are worried that something might have happened, but we are too weak to venture out."

"Isn't there anything you can do? Why not send Kamaitachi?" Priss asked again.

Yanagi Baba sighed again. "Kamaitachi is our only defense against any outside forces. And Oni disappears from time to time. Kappa is only restricted to the rivers, and they do not go near the old ruins. Also Dodomeki cannot see our leaders for some reason, his vision is almost clouded somehow. It truly is a time of sorrow for us lost souls without any guidance..."

Naruto then took a step forward. Priss saw the look in his eyes, and Yoko looked to her father also. Yanagi Baba took a good look at the young man, and looked deep into his different colored eyes.

"You, you were the vessel of Kyuubi. But something is different about you..." Just then Yoko walked over to Yanagi Baba, and looked up at her. Yanagi Baba then saw the little girl looking up at her. Yanagi Baba knelt down to see the girl and then her eyes opened. "This child..." The old woman then stood up and sighed. "I see. So you wish to help us?"

Naruto nodded his head in agreement.

"So be it. We will keep your child and the woman safe here." Yanagi Baba took Yoko's hand, and Priss moved to her side. "Travel East of here, towards Fuji's Peak. There you will find the old ruins of an old king. But beware, these new inhabitants are strong, they bare the clothing of black and..." She paused for a moment and noticed that Naruto was wearing the exact same colors. "...red. You were once one of them?"

Naruto shook his head in disagreement.

"So you are a renegade warrior. I see. Well, please save our Elders." Yanagi Baba spoke slowly. Then she began to make drawings in the air. "You will know them as Byakko, Suzaku, Seiryu, and Genbu."

She made the images of a tiger, a sparrow, a dragon, and a turtle with snakes. Naruto imprinted the images into his head, and took off. The old woman picked up Yoko, and began to look into her eyes. "So this is what a true demon spawn (child) looks like? So young, yet so beautiful."

"What is it grandmother?" Priss asked curiously.

The old woman of the willows began walking towards a small house, and spoke almost like a mystic. "Curiouser and Curiouser. Come young ones, I will tell all..."

And the three of them went into the small hut. Priss turned to look back in the direction that Naruto had left in. She thought to herself and began singing to herself.

[Mad Machine!]

---

[suna-arashi ga makiokoru SAVANNA !! In a savannah enraged by sandstorms...]
[Mad Machine!]
tobasu BAIKU hyooteki oikakete !! ...I chase down my prey on a speeding "bike."]
[Mad Machine!]
[rikutsu ja nai mune ni tagiru honoo !! This fire burning in my chest defies logic.]
[Mad Machine!]
[anata to nara onaji yume mire-sou !! If I'm with you, we might share the same dream.]

Into the snowy mountaintops, Naruto closed his eyes to concentrate, and began to move light and fast, his dark overcoat/cloak's tail trailing behind him in the cold wind. As he opened his eyes, they were black again. He traveled over the snow as if it was water, just moving quickly not leaving any footprint. He moved quickly through the slopes and past the frozen trees, like shadow among the white snow.

[kanashimi ga konagona ni !! I don't want to cool]
[chigirete-yuku made !! this raging passion]
[fukisusabu kono jounetsu wo !! until my sadness]
[samashitakunai !! is torn to pieces.]
[Don't stop your love, your love...]
[Tell me what you want,]
[tell me how you feel]

After a day or two of nonstop travel, he came to cliff overlooking a castle built into the mountain. This was the home of an old shogun where in his castle was almost impenetrable, because of the snow and ice. But it was the elements that help protect this castle that was his undoing. Legend says that the Shogun angered the demons that caused the weather, and they caste upon him a great avalanche and the castle was brought down from within. Truly it was, the Frozen Throne. Naruto continued on, and moved quickly without any detection, but suddenly he tripped a wire and all sorts of traps were triggered. Poisoned Kunai flew at him from every direction! He dodged as many as he could, and deflected the rest with his bear claw.

[teoi no kemono ne futari maru de !! You and I are like wounded beasts,]
[uete'ru hitomi ga SHO-TO shite'ru !! our starving eyes shorting out]
[furimuku setsuna ni obie nagara !! I look back, painfully afraid,]
[setsunaku kodou ga DANSU shite'ru !! while my heartbeat does a painful dance.]
[Tell me what you want,]
[tell me how you feel]

By now he was upon the gate, and busted in. It was silent, but then there must have been at least ten to twenty Akatsuki Shinobi staring at this stranger who wore the same colors as he did. At first they did nothing, and let him pass, just staring at him, even though they had never seen Naruto before, he looked to be one of the agents. Thus Naruto walked in and past them, down into the castle's depths., gripping his bear claw underneath his cloak just in case. As he moved down into the castle everything began to become more like a factory, almost similar to the laboratory that Mugetsu, his previous master had. But it was different, large wires and tubes everywhere, there stood a few men in lab coats, studying four big glass chambers. It was the Elders, Byakko the white tiger, Suzaku the red sparrow, Seiryu the blue dragon, and Genbu the black turtle. It looked as if they were being drained of their spiritual energy, and the life was being sucked right out of them. Naruto was disgusted at the sight, suddenly one of the scientists noticed Naruto standing there before them.

"Hey you! What are you doing down here? This is a closed area!" The scientist spoke angrily.

But then one of the scientists saw Naruto and looked carefully at him, as if he had seen him somewhere before. Then he had remembered. "You! You're Mugetsu's creation! But I thought he had died at Gjodai-"

[Mad Machine!]
[wakaranai yo ashita no koto nante !! I don't know about tomorrow and all.]
[Mad Machine!]
[butsukeaeru kokoro ga hoshii dake !! All I want is someone with a heart which I can crash into.]

Before the scientist finished his sentence, Naruto struck! He cut down all four scientists, and began looking for a way to free the Elders. Just then one of the last scientists he cut down crawled over to a switch and hit an alarm. Akatsuki agents and shinobi were on alert! There was no time they would be upon Naruto like bees in a hive. He then decided to try and slash at the glass, but the glass chamber was too thick. So he cut all the tubing and wiring all around, and suddenly that let the glass chambers down. The Elders were free, but still weak. Then Genbu the Black turtle tried to speak to Naruto.

"I don't know if you are here to help us, but we are too weak to move on our own. But we can turn into spirit gems to travel with you. Come brothers and sister. We must entrust our spirits with this man." The great turtle/snake wheezed. In a flash of light each great Elder transformed into a spirit gem, and fell into Naruto's hand, he put them in his inside pocket safely, and rushed out the exit.

[tokete-yuku nanimokamo !! Everything is melting away.]
[samishii JO-KU sa !! It's such a sad joke]
[nagusame yori cool na me ga !! that cool stares]
[yasashii nante !! are more tender than sympathy.]
[feelin' so bad, so bad.]
[Tell me what you want,]
[tell me how you feel]

As he was making his way out, all of the Agents of Akatsuki that were there, tried to stop him with all possible attacks, but they were no match, all of them cut down like pigs. A few did manage to get some kunai and shuriken to hit him, but Naruto simply brushed it off like flies. As he moved quickly up the mountainside, back onto the cliff over looking the castle ruins, there was a trail of blood leading all the way up to him.

[teoi no kemono ga aegu you ni !! Time flies, chasing us,]
[tobisaru jikan ga CHE-SU shite'ru !! like a suffering, wounded beast.]
[mezameru yasei ni te wo kamarete !! My awakening wild nature has me in its grasp.]
[kamen wo hagu tabi onna ni naru !! The more masks I remove, the more of a woman I become.]
[Tell me what you want,]
[tell me how you feel]

He turned around to face the castle, took out the four spirit gems, and closed his eyes. He began to move his lips as to speak a prayer, but no sound came forth. Suddenly the gems began to glow brightly and there was a great rumble over the castle's mountain. A great avalanche fell over the ruins, burying everything in its path. Naruto opened his eyes back to red and blue, and made his way back to the Village Of Spirits.

---

Priss had just finished singing her song to herself, and was now talking with Yanagi Baba, who was getting some food for them to eat. Priss sat next to Yoko, who was sitting next to the fire in the center of the hut.

Priss sat down, and asked the old woman a question. "Excuse me grandmother, but what did you mean by (This girl...)? Is there something wrong with her?"

"Hmm? Wrong? There is nothing wrong; if anything this is a blessing! This child is the child of Kyuubi, the great demon fox. She has pure demon blood flowing through her. You see, demons and mortals cannot mate with each other. Otherwise you would have abominations, and half-breeds that would suffer much. But this girl, she shows no signs of abnormalities, or anything unusual. Although her mother must have mated directly with the demon itself, or the source was the mother herself. It's something we demons and spirits have sought for." The old woman explained to Priss.


Priss looked confused. "What are you looking for?"

"Humanity. To be human again, to live normally, and peacefully. But the mortals see us only as demons or omens. Thus casting us out into the mountains. This village...is our only home and safe haven." Yanagi Baba sighed and smiled. She then handed Yoko and Priss a bowl of rice porridge.

Priss asked again. "And what of Naruto? The man we came with?"

"This Naruto. From last I heard, he was the vessel that Kyuubi was contained in. You see Kyuubi was always the rebel against our normal lives. He sought power and wanted to clean the land so that we may live peacefully without humans. But he was sealed away, over thirty, maybe more, years ago. I was surprised to see that Naruto did not have Kyuubi inside of him anymore. But I sensed something else. Something darker, unnatural, something that is bound to him now, and has yet to reveal its true nature. But it will come, sooner or later." The old woman showed a face of worry.

Just then Naruto had arrived back in town. Yoko sensed that her father had returned and she ran out of the hut to him. Shortly after Priss and Yanagi Baba came out, along with all of the other villagers they came out to see his return. Naruto stood there, quiet and blood frozen on him, although it was not HIS blood. He then pulled out the stones from his pocket. Suddenly the stones moved on their-own and glowed their individual colors. The Blue stone turned into a great blue dragon that then turned into an average sized man with long dark blue hair, he looked to like a nobleman. The Red stone turned into a great Red Sparrow whose colors were enough to make kings bow down, and the sparrow transformed into a beautiful woman who wore a beautiful red kimono, she had wild red hair that was tied off in the back. The White stone turned into a great White tiger with black stripes, he showed such majestic power and strength; it gave a great roar, and turned into a tall man who looked to be a great hunter or a warrior. Lastly the Black stone shined, it turned into the great turtle with snake coming from its shell, then transformed into a humble and wise, but strong looking old man. They were the great Elders of the Village, Seiryu the dragon, Suzaku the sparrow, Byakko the tiger, and Genbu the turtle/snake.

"Thank you great warrior. You have saved us from utter torment and near death. The wretched Akatsuki were draining our power, to harness for their-own use. They tricked us into coming to their lair, and used some type of magical machine giant to subdue us." The old sage spoke.

The blue haired man then spoke out. "They are getting stronger and their intentions are hidden from us all."

"We should go out and kill them all! They dare to subdue us!? The Four Beast Gods!" The red haired woman spoke with a fiery tone.

The warrior type man had his arms crossed, and had an unsure look on his face. "I agree, Genbu. This is unacceptable. We were treated like mere dogs, only using us for our power."

There was an uproar in the village, all of the spirits and demons began to get riled up. Just then Genbu tried to calm them down.

"Seiryu, Suzaku, Byakko! All of you calm yourselves. Gods do not wreak havoc because of one incident. Remember we are here for all eternity, we will outlast even those who would try tame us!" The great sage spoke. "You sir, we thank you again. Although, you do seem familiar..."

"He was the vessel of Kyuubi, Genbu-sama." Yanagi Baba spoke humbly.

Seiryu simply scoffed and turned his back. Suzaku simply spoke the name in surprise and began to laugh, "Kyuubi! HAH!" Byakko just looked at Naruto and turned away. Genbu was also surprised at this news, but he sensed that there was no more Kyuubi. "I do not sense the fox inside of him, but the girl... She is his spawn (child)!"

At those words all of the villagers, including the Beast gods, were shocked!

"How is this possible...” Genbu spoke.

Yanagi Baba explained as much as she could to the Beast Gods, and they understood. Naruto must have transferred Kyuubi to the mother, but now he carries a new, unnatural demon within him. They were all a little confused on how he came to receive such a dark power. But they threw the notion off, because he had brought balance back to the Village of Spirits.

"It doesn't matter anymore. Naruto, you and your friends are welcome to our village at anytime. Not many can find our Hidden Village; it must have been fate that brought you to us, and save us from those evil men. If you're ever in need a place to stay, here you may call home." Genbu told Naruto with a voice of pride.

Naruto understood his words and bowed his head in respect to the four gods. Naruto then remembered their original goal, they must continue on through Fuji, and finally reach Tokyo. The rested for another week or so, and prepared for departure from the Village of Spirits. Kamaitachi would lead them down the mountain and back into the normal forest area. They said their goodbyes, and the three weasels disappeared into the mountain snow. Naruto, Yoko, and Priss traveled through the forest for another week or two, when they finally came to a clearing. And just beyond in the distance, they could see a small city.

"Tokyo. We've finally made it." Priss was overjoyed and smiled greatly.

===============================================================

Part 3: Spring, You gave me new life, Follow the Wind

The bustling city, filled with market traders, gambling stores, and bars, awakes to new morning, and at a small bar in the backwaters of Tokyo is a woman with a voice like an angel. The bar's sign was lit up with neon lights, and it had the name "Hot Legs" on it. The sound of a small band starting up their daily rounds and songs. The bartender opened up the door, and a man with his daughter walked in and took a seat. The woman started counting and the band began to play...

[kimi wa kaze no you ni, aoku chigire nagara !! Like the wind, you disappeared into the asphalt,]
[ASUFARUTO ni kieta !! while being torn to pale shreds.]

[kesshite makenai to itta ano hi no koe !! "I'll never give up." Though I hold tightly to]
[dakishimete mo Just Wind Blows !! what you said that day, it's just the wind blowing.]

[hashiru hodo !! The faster I run,]
[BIRU no tani wa kuzure-sou de !! the more it seems like the valley of buildings will fall on me;]
[omoikiri !! I bite my lip]
[kuchibiru kamishimeru yo !! and tough it out,]
[kono arashi ga yamu made wa !! until the storm passes.]

[Say, Yes!]
[kinou yori mo atsuku ikiru dake !! I just live more passionately than yesterday...]
[Say, Yes!]
[iyasenai kodoku wo shitta kara !! ...because I've known a loneliness that can't be healed.]
[Say, Yes!]
[kimi ni kikoeru nara !! If you can hear me]
[kotaete !! answer me, saying:]
[I CAN BE!]
[I CAN DO!]
[I CAN SING!]
[I CAN LIVE!]

As her first half of the song begins, more people begin coming in, and the bar begins to fill up with customers. Just a few days ago, this bar/club had been vacant, but now they had a new upcoming singer and her band; Priss & The Replicants.

[kabe no ushirogawa, nanika kirameku no sa !! Behind the wall, something twinkles:]
[sore wa yoru no NAIFU !! it is the knife of darkness.]

[kimi ga kakushite'ta, yume no ERIA dake wa !! The only place I will never surrender is the area where]
[watasanai yo Forever !! you hid your dreams.]

[miageru to !! When I look up,]
[hitomi ga mada itai keredo !! my eyes still hurt, but]
[PURACHINA no !! if I can]
[namida wa hoshi ni naru ne !! grasp my future,]
[moshi mirai wo tsukandara !! these platinum tears will become stars.]

[Say, Yes!]
[kanashimi yori fukaku shinjitai !! I want to believe deeply that freedom...]
[Say, Yes!]
[watashi-tachi jiyuu ga niau koto !! ...is more becoming to us than sorrow]
[Say, Yes!]
[ima wa tooi kimi e !! You're far away now, but to you...]

[todoite !! ...I send these words]
[YOU CAN BE!]
[YOU CAN DO!]
[YOU CAN SING!]
[YOU CAN LIVE!]

Her song began to pick up and come down, there was a full crowd in the bar, and business was going really good. Priss would always bring in lots of business for Hot Legs. Her songs were filled with genuine emotions that came from the heart. People would come just to hear her voice and cheer for more.

[Say, Yes!]
[kinou yori mo atsuku ikiru dake !! I just live more passionately than yesterday...]
[Say, Yes!]
[iyasenai kodoku wo shitta kara !! ...because I've known a loneliness that can't be healed.]
[Say, Yes!]
[kimi ni kikoeru nara !! If you can hear me, answer me, saying:]
[kotaete !!
[I CAN BE!]
[I CAN DO!]
[I CAN SING!]
[I CAN LIVE!]

[todoite !! ...I send these words:]
[YOU CAN BE!]
[YOU CAN DO!]
[YOU CAN SING!]
[YOU CAN LIVE!]

[kotaete !! Answer me, saying:]
[I CAN BE!]
[I CAN DO!]
[I CAN SING!]
[I CAN LIVE!]

As her song slow and softly finished, the crowd today was in an uproar chanting for an encore. Priss simply smiled, and spoke into the mic. "Thank you everyone for today's opening show. That song, Say Yes!, was dedicated to a very close friend of mine. Please stay for the next show, and enjoy the bar." She bowed politely and she exited stage left with her band members.

Priss had just finished her set, and went down to go see Naruto and Yoko who were sitting at the bar. Yoko was happy to see Priss and ran over to her. Priss had a big smile on her face and picked up Yoko.

"Hi~! <3 Did you like my song? It was dedicated to Kosuke." Priss told Yoko in a happy/sad tone.

Yoko nodded her head and gave her a hug. Priss walked over to Naruto and put Yoko down onto a bar stool. She wanted to say something to Naruto, but couldn't quite find any words. After all the traveling they had gone through, she still could not find anything to say to him. He had saved her from Yakuza, taken her across Mt. Fuji, gotten to actually meet the Beast Gods, and bring her safely to Tokyo. Finally she tried to speak to him naturally.

"So have you found out where you've come from? Or where you're home is?" She asked politely.

Naruto shook his head [No], still with that blank face expression. But then he took out something he found in his coat pocket a while ago. It was a worn out headband with the symbol of a leaf engraved onto the metal plate. Priss looked at it, but didn't know what it stood for or where it came from. It seemed hopeless, they would never find out where he had come from, or even bring back his old memories...

---

In the darkest corner of the bar, sat a rather large man in a dark cloak the same as his target. He had been sitting there for sometime, just watching the gold haired, different colored eye man. He made no noise or sound, just sitting there quietly. Something began to overwhelm the man, his soul filling up with hate, rage, and vengeance. He felt thirsty, so very thirsty, but it was a thirst not water could quench, but only blood. He would wait for his perfect time to strike, to kill, to drink his blood and eat the other man's flesh. He slowly got up and began to walk out of the bar, into a dark alleyway, and prey on those who happened to wander down the dark alley ways drunken and tired.

---

After the brief break with Naruto and Yoko, Priss went back to the stage to start up her second set. This time she sang, her other two songs of Bara No Soldier and Mad Machine for the rest of the night. Naruto and Yoko left the bar to explore more of Tokyo. The city was not big at first, but with each new day it kept on expanding, perhaps someday it will become the new capital instead of Edo. But who knew, all that the city was populated with was gamblers, marketplaces, tavern/bars, and clothing stores. This city was mainly a tourist city, people from all over the land would come here to see the city. There was no real information that could help Naruto's quest. But finally one day, at a tavern called "Lost Dreams", the barmaid there had information pertaining to the headband.

"Oh! You must be one of the shinobi of one of the great countries? Well, the nearest village would most likely be the Village of Wind. You have to travel Northeast of Tokyo, and through the hills, to reach the Valley of the Wind. There you should be able to find some sort of help." The barmaid gave her information, and smiled because the man was fairly handsome.

Naruto and Yoko thus began a new adventure. They would travel Northeast to the Valley Of the Wind. Before they set out, they went to the marketplace to gain supplies, and see Priss one last time. She had just finished for the third time this week, and was exhausted. Just as she went to see Naruto and Yoko again after work, that’s when they gave her the news.

"So you've found information?" She asked lightly.

Naruto nodded his head and showed her a map of where they were going.

"The valley Of Wind. I've always wanted to go there, but this is where I belong. If this is what it must be, then I wish you both a safe passage. Yoko, Naruto, thank you for everything. Remember you are always welcome back here. I will write a song for both of you! I promise." Priss began to tear, and Yoko went to hug her one last time. Priss picked Yoko up and gave a long hug. Then she gave Naruto a hug, but he did not respond, he just stood there. It was okay with her; she knew that he was only just a soldier with a lost purpose, and only a daughter to guide him.

Naruto and Yoko left Hot Legs, and that was the last time Priss ever saw them...

---

The large man that was following them stood over them, on top of a building just stalking them, and now he followed them on their path. Waiting for the most opportune moment to strike...

---

Just a few weeks later, Sakura and Kazuo had just arrived in Tokyo. They asked around for a man in black with a small girl by his side. All of the taverns and bar folk said that they should go see the bar called Hot Legs, and speak to a woman named Priss...

The End.

Epilogue:

Fall, Winter, Spring, Three seasons of the Demon, and the girl is almost five years of age. Summer comes again, with the fall of the Spring rain, and with Summer the Cherry Blossom season...

The answers are always just out of reach, you can taste it right in front of you, but you could never touch it. Naruto and Yoko head Northeast through the hills and into the Valley Of the Wind. Sakura and Kazuo are almost caught up with them, just lagging a few days behind. The woman known as Priss will become famous for all of her songs and emotion put into them. Her songs speak of the travels she had witnessed with Naruto and Yoko. The Village Of Spirits is now home to Naruto, the ex-vessel of the demon known as Kyuubi.

We have yet to see the full potential of the Kokuei Ryuujin (Dark Dragon Seal), but we learn more about the Muramasa. Yoko, a pure blood demon spawn, Naruto infused with an artificial demon, Sakura the new vessel of Kyuubi, Kazuo the half-blood demon spawn... Mother and son are not the only ones tracking Naruto, who is this mysterious figure that stalks them? What is his purpose? What does he want with Naruto?

We come to it at last, the board is set, and the pieces are moving…

Until next time, Chapter 5: Home, where the heart hurts...

Author's Note: Whew, Chapter 4, really took a lot out of me. I was debating on whether to skip the details and get into the action, but my NaruSaku members said, DETAILS! DETAILS! So I took the long path. Here are my points and credits:

-I, myself, am a very big fan of Bubblegum Crisis 2023 and 2040. So if the songs seem familiar they are from BGC 2023. The songs are as follow: Bara No Soldier [Soldier Of Rose], Mad Machine, and Say Yes!
-Priss is one of the characters in BGC, and is my favorite character. Although she's supposed to be one hell of a bad ass girl, I had to switch gears a bit, and turn her into a pop singer instead of the hardcore rockstar. I'm sorry, Priss don't beat me up!
-I used the demonology from a website of chinese and japanese folk lore. Beast Gods are Chinese, and most of the rest are japanese.
-This chapter is little more focused on the travels of Naruto and Yoko. I did want to do more, but it seemed like I was dragging and I don't to lose my readers. So you could tell I kinda sped things up a bit near th end.
-The idea of the beast gods being captured and being studied like animals, I was thinking of Final Fantasy 6 (3 in US), with the magicite and espers. And the castle in the mountian was supposed to be the Magitek Factory.
-Yakuza? Akatsuki? I don't know how I fit them together. They both just seemed like the kind of people who would work in the underground not together, but not against each other.

Thats mostly it for now. Chatper 5 will hopefully be my final chapter to close all of this. 5 will officially be the end, but I'll probably add more things later on, like an Appendix section, side stories, side notes, etc. That's it for now! Thnx for reading, again tell me what you liked, don't like, any suggestions, etc. Thnx!