Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Inner Secrets ❯ Chapter 21

Disclaimer: Yet again I own not anything related to any anime series.

 

Warnings: Same as ever.

 

A/N: ^^ Woot, I made it to this chapter! Wasn't sure if I could, but hey, I did it! But I did not do it alone, I have each and every one of you to thank for pushing me to bring this story so far. I sincerely hope you all will continue to pressure me into writing. ^^

Now on with the long anticipated chapter.

 

Previously on IS.

“Welcome back to the living, are you ready to become my slaves again?”

“Don't you touch them!” Naruto shouted as his knuckle turned white on his sword's hilt. “Don't you dare touch them!” He growled venomously. “You've screwed up their lives enough as it is, leave their afterlives in peace you monster!” Naruto growled causing all eyes to regard him.

“You speak as if you knew them…” Orochimaru whispered suspiciously as he eyed the cloaked figure.

“I did!” Naruto whispered as he brought his free hand up to his face, pulling his mask off slowly. “One as a grandfather, the other as the idol that protected my mother.” He admitted as he lifted his mask away.

“Naruto-kun!” Tsunade whispered in shock as she regarded the teen.

“Naruto!” Sarutobi exclaimed in shock.

“Naruto…” The blond man whispered as his blue eyes locked with the teen's. “Hana's son.” He added with a nostalgic look. “You've grown well.” He stated with a nod before his smile faded and he regarded the man that had summoned him and the third back to the living.

“But… if you are Naruto-kun… you two…” Tsunade mumbled in shock.

With a nod from Naruto, Neji and Shikamaru both reached up, pulled back their hoods and took off their masks, dropping them onto the ground. “All pretenses are now broken.” Neji whispered on the crying wind.

“Water will wash away impurities.” Naruto added.

“Leaving only beauty to blossom.” Shikamaru added quietly, his eyes darting to Neji's face.

“Well if this isn't a pleasant surprise.” Orochimaru whispered with a smirk. “Now that I know your true prowess, I want you even more.” He chuckled.

“Suffer!” He chuckled as two seals appeared on the backs of the two resurrected Hokage, turning their eyes blank and crimson. They were now his puppets…

With a piercing cry that cut across the very heart of the war ravaged lands, Naruto cried in both anguish of loosing the two again and in the pain burning from his cursed scar. He crumbled to his knees, his sword falling with a squelching sound. His vision turned red…

 

Chapter 21

“Naruto!” Neji and Shikamaru cried as one, moving sightlessly towards their kneeling comrade.

“But…” Tsunade stuttered as her eyes darted between the three before her and the three exact replicas standing to the side watching them. “If you are really who you three claim to be, then who are they?” Tsunade demanded quietly, her words carried forth by an echoing clap of thunder.

From the tree line walked three blood drenched teens, carbon copies of the real ones. They halted a ways away from the true crouching trio. “My name is Haku, I owe a life debt to Naruto-kun.” The fake Neji stated as his illusion fell, leaving in its place a tall young man who looked more feminine then masculine. “I apologize for the deception.” Haku said with a polite nod towards the female Hokage.

“'Bout damn time…” The fake Shikamaru muttered as he dropped his disguise, “God kid, you seriously know how to cramp a guy's style…” The bandage wearing man muttered in annoyance as he glared at Shikamaru. “The name is Zabuza, nuke Nin from Mist.” He greeted, his brown demonic eyes falling onto the crumbled Naruto. “Come on kid; don't let a little pain bring you down when you've come so far…” He whispered, his words not reaching Tsunade.

Tsunade dragged her eyes from the demonic man towards the replica of the blond. “And you?” She asked quietly.

The fake Naruto regarded Tsunade with apathy before his illusion faded and in his place stood the taller and darker man. “Uchiha Itachi…” He stated calmly causing not only Tsunade but also Orochimaru to draw in a sharp breath.

“But! You are with the Akatsuki, and they hunt Naruto-kun!” Tsunade exclaimed with a frown. “Naruto, you shouldn't hang around with dangerous people.” She chastised.

 

“Tsunade-sama…” Naruto whispered quietly as the pain in his curse seal vanished due to Orochimaru's shock at seeing the Uchiha Itachi again. “Please do not reprimand me, I know who I can and I can not trust and have through my life made only friends in which I could trust. Itachi-kun has my full trust, and I beg, if you love me so much as your eyes do claim, believe in me and my choices.

“I am indeed the Kage- Gesshoku, and have been for quite a few years already. In the beginning it was my secret, one that no truly living being outside of my person knew. But then I befriended Neji-kun and Shikamaru-kun, and they have grown dearly close to my heart, so much so that I poured my soul and past upon their ears.” He explained as he shakily stood with the aid of his two best friends. “Prior to the Chuunin exams, I trained the both of them hastily, and the results were the victors of the exam. They are strong, loyal, kind, and wise, two people unlike any I had met before, and they became my true companions.”

“My, how touching this moment is…” Orochimaru hissed his eyes no longer confident, but now they were slightly nervous in glance. “But I'm afraid I'll have to cut this short. Naruto-kun, join me.” The man stated with a serpentine look that did not enter his icy eyes. “Though you are powerful now, I can make you more so. I can give you wealth, power, a future. I can make all your dreams come true, and all you have to do is join me.”

“He is right Naruto-kun,” A voice from the tree tops stated in agreement before its owner leapt down and stood beside his master. “Orochimaru-sama can make anything possible.” Kabuto admitted with a confident look.

“Tch.” Shikamaru muttered as he relaxed into a slouched position, looking bored as ever.

“You two obviously do not understand Naruto.” Neji said in a serious and emotionless tone.

“I have no desire in which you can quench, no dream in which you can fulfill. I have all I could want. I have friends, a family, a mentor, and they are forever mine. Though time may wrench them from my bloodied hands, it can not tear them from my heart.” Naruto stated as his blue eyes flickered between the two reanimated corpses of the Hokage that once reigned.

Orochimaru sighed. “You use too much art in your words Naruto-kun. Pity you had to decline, I suppose I'll just have to claim your body by force then.” He said in a falsely saddened tone as he reached up and moved a stray strand of hair away from his eyes, his fingers and mouth twitch simultaneously.

“You claim you have all you desire, I believe it not so. To prove it, I'll just have to remove all that you care for.” He admitted sinisterly.

 

Naruto frowned and opened his mouth, only to pause at a sound.

The sound of rushing wind reached his eyes, followed by the sickening sound of metal meeting and piercing flesh in a swift thumping move, cleaving through it mercilessly. The reverberation of it shot out, accompanied by the sound of a pitter patter far more thick then rain. Slowly Naruto turned behind him, and horror greeted his vision.

Behind the three of them stood Tsunade, golden eyes wide, a trickle of blood making its way from the corner of her mouth and from her heart stood a crimson stained blade, dripping rich warm life liquid onto the sodden ground. “Tsunade-sama!” Shizune cried out from the trees before racing to her mentor's side just as the woman's knees began to buckle.

Naruto beat her there, and tenderly caught her fragile falling form. “Tsunade-baachan…” He whispered breathily, his brilliant blue eyes brimming with tears. “Hold on. Please!” He cried out, his eyes desperate as they gazed into dimming golden eyes.

“Naruto-kun…” She whispered softly before she reached up and rand a shaking hand over the necklace around his neck. “I told you it… is cursed…” She whispered quietly, blood dripping more hastily down her chin. “It has claimed… me… just as it did… Grandfather… my little brother… and Dan…” She whispered brokenly. “Be strong… Naruto-kun… If I had… ever… had a son… I wish… he… had been you…” She coughed, blood flying forth from her quivering mouth. “I name you… here… and now… my… surrogate son… and… my… successor… the sixth… Hokage…” She finished quietly, though her words pierced the chilling air like merciless daggers.

Her rattling breath stopped and her hand fell limply to the blood drenched ground. Her golden eyes stared dimly up into Naruto's shocking blue. “Tsunade-sama…” Shizune whispered at the teen's back. “TSUNADE-SAMA!!!!” She cried an earth shaking cry that pierced the souls of all who fought this bloodied war. The message was clear to all who clashed for Konoha's sake. Their leader was slain.

Blue eyes stared down into Tsunade's lifeless ones. “No…” He whispered upon a breath. “You can not be gone.” He added as a chill wracked his frame, though the comforting arms of his most dear friends offered him some true warmth.

A chuckle of amusement rose up, bubbling before the somber group. “She is dead!” Orochimaru chuckled with glee. “For I killed sensei, and now I've killed her. All that is left of my old team is that idiot Jiraiya and he too will die by my hands soon enough.” The man stated with merriment. “So strong we were all hailed to be, and yet they fell like newborn babes would.”

“Shut up!” Naruto hissed a silver chakra aura swirling out from his very body.

“Oh, have I touched a nerve? Poor baby, first a grandfather then a mother. What next shall I steal from you?” The man chuckled with mirth as he motioned for his sword, and came his sword did, expelling a wave of crimson rain from the slain woman and into his open hand.

“Shut up!” Naruto hissed a second time his shoulders shaking with rage.

“Well here is my list of all I want. I want to kill Jiraiya, destroy Konoha and all that preside within. I want your body so that I can use as my own. I want to kill all your friends before your eyes one by one.” He listed with malice in his serpentine tone.

“Shut up!” Naruto hissed as he stood, the murdered woman in his arms. “What rights have you to do deeds as foul as this? What drives you to kill your once teacher and teammates? What is it that makes you desire the place you once called home be destroyed? Why do you take such pleasure in the pain and suffering of others?” Naruto questioned, tears running freely down his pale cheeks.

“I want to hate you, I want to despise you. But to do so would only lower me to your level. I may kill, but that is to save and protect many others. You kill for sadistic mirth. Orochimaru, I will fight with you and kill you. I will show you no mercy as you have never shown to any here.” Naruto paused as he placed Tsunade in Zabuza's arms tenderly. With great care, he reached up and closed the once so lively golden eyes, never to see them open again.

Naruto took a deep breath and closed his eyes as his hand fell away from the woman he had only known for so short a time. `This man is no longer man, as he gave up that right when he did all that he has done.' The Kyuubi whispered softly to Naruto. `He is a disease, incurable, undesired and a threat to the very health of all things whole. Only we can banish him to the bowels of hell, where he can and will rot for all he has done.' The fox stated quietly. `Dry your tears, retake your mask and do that in which you were born to do: protect! Jiraiya, Neji, Shikamaru, Itachi, Kimimaru, all the friends you've made through your travels and all of Konoha needs you. You are the only one that can protect them from this evil. Do as your mother's cousin did. Protect this village and all who dwell within. You are the only means to this happy end.' Kyuubi said in a fierce tone, causing Naruto to open his eyes.

`I will do this deed.' Naruto whispered to the fox as he stepped back from Tsunade, not once looking back at her. He walked towards his discarded mask and replaced it upon his face and pulled his hood up once again. Neji and Shikamaru understood the message well, and they too replaced their masks upon their faces and replaced the hoods of their cloaks. “My friends,” the blond began. “This is a fight that I must fight alone.” He paused. “No matter the outcome you must not interfere and you must do all that you can to prevent others from interfering as well. If you two truly love me, you will do this for me.” He stated as his eyes locked onto the man that had caused so much strife to all those in which he cared.

“Naruto-kun.” Neji began softly. “Never question our love for you. You are a friend dear to our hearts. We will do this for you, on the condition that you win and return to us alive and well.” The Hyuuga prodigy stated firmly, his words accompanied by a grunt of agreement from Shikamaru.

“Thank you.” Naruto whispered as a determined gleam shone forth in the silver chakra flowing around him.

“Haku, Shizune go tend to the wounded. Zabuza take Tsunade-sama to the elders. Itachi, find Kimimaro-kun and the two of you will work together to eliminate the forces of this vile snake.” Naruto ordered quietly. “I'm counting on you all.” He said softly before he reached up over his shoulders and pulled out his twin blades.

“Orochimaru, I charge you with murder in countless means and unknown numbers. I charge you with treason. I charge you with vile acts beyond human and even demon nature. You will repent for your crimes by my hand. Your life is your repentance.” Naruto stated coldly as he resumed yet again the role of his mask.

“Oh Naruto-kun,” Orochimaru sighed. “You've grown much in the yeas that I haven't seen you, but I'm afraid you haven't yet matured enough to contend with two former Kage and myself, not too mention Kabuto-kun.” He stated with a tsking sound.

“Alone?” Naruto questioned. “I'm not taking all of you and yours alone, which would be too risky. But, I will bring back old guests that you met once before.” With a devilish smirk, Naruto brought his blade up and ran it over his other hand drawing a trail of blood on his hand. “Kinjiru Kuchiyose no Jutsu!” He called out causing the golden-eyed snake man to step back as smoke flew out around his cloaked adversary.

“Heir, you have summoned me again.” The silky voice of Kisho purred; as his tall, lean golden form slowly became visible in the smoke while he crouched down with a smirk.

“Shadow Assailant.” Yukio stated with a wolf like greeting as he appeared behind his crouching comrade. “It's about time you've summoned us back to finish where we left off.” The Demon Wolf Lord stated with a nod as he eyed the two summons with a slight frown.

“We are no match alone.” Kisho stated as he stood next to his taller comrade.

“You are not alone.” A strict female voice. “The Vessel of Kyuubi summoned more then two.” She stated as a thin silver haired woman walked forth from the smoke, her silver eyes and fox like ears pointed towards the two mindless zombies. “I am Yoko, Fox Queen.”

“And I,” Another voice joined in, “am Sorano, Bird King.” He stated as he soared down from the heavens. “It is an honor to fight at your side alas, son of Lady Amadare.” He stated with a casual nod towards the masked teen.

“I am Kaisa, Dolphin Ruler.” A tall figure swathed in golden robes stated, the ruler's looks neither male nor female, though his ocean blue eyes held great knowledge. “It is time Uzumaki Naruto.”

“Lord of Time, Ai came too!” A childlike voice stated gently, her tone elegant and regal despite the excitement expressed. The girl Queen was tiny, a skin a rich mahogany and hair as black as night and soft as silk. Her mane of hair was gorgeous.

“Son of Lord Hoshi, I accept your call. I am Kaito, Frog Ruler.” A second androgynous voice stated quietly.

“Child of Destiny, it's about time you called us, and I, Queen Aiko of the Monkeys do accept your call.” An amused female voice stated from well within the smoke.

“I am Rin of the Salamanders, an honor our meeting is.” She stated with a twinkle.

The smoke slowly dispersed, revealing all nine Demon Gods. They all stood proud and beautiful in their own rights. Power radiated from the nine in a golden thrum that lit up the sodden air around them with a glowing glare.

“Kisho, Yukio, Kaisa, Yoko, Sorano, Aiko, Kaito, Ai, and Rin, thank you for coming.” Naruto stated with a low bow as all Orochimaru and Kabuto both stood there shell shocked. “I beg of you to not interfere with my fight against Orochimaru, but his right hand man Kabuto, and the two zombies I ask you to contend with.”

“As you wish.” The wisest of the bunch stated. “You have much to do yet, you must prevail or else all hope is lost.” The androgynous Ruler of the Dolphins stated; blue eyes boring into Naruto, who inadvertently swallowed a chill.

“We are nine, we are whole.” Aiko stated with a smile. “I have long since yearned to feel this power again.” With a nod from the other eight, they all gracefully charged forwards, towards their designated targets in a Holy flourish.

“Come Orochimaru, let the execution begin.” Naruto said as he pointed both tips of his swords at the heart of the vile monster.

Hiding his unease, Orochimaru brought his sword up, parallel to his body before both he and Naruto vanished, only to reappear in the center with a furious clash of blades.

Metal scraped against metal, sparks flew to all heights as their blades collided again and again. Despite Naruto's two blade advantage, Orochimaru was holding the blond off in a stalemate of blades as they twirled and danced around each other, their feet as light as feathers on the sopping wet ground. They ducked, they dodged, they parried, in a sickeningly fast dance, one wrong move would be the end of them. Cloth was nicked, skin was scratched, but neither could land a fatal blow with blades alone. With a grunt, Naruto pushed himself backwards from the older man, and skidding backwards in a crouch, his eyes never leaving the serpentine ones.

“Kori Sutairu: Hokkyoku no o Nomu!” Naruto whispered before he exhaled a great breath of frosty air that sped towards Orochimaru in a long trail of ice and mist. The man leapt up into the air, jumping high over the attack and the ice wave raced past him, and the man landed swiftly on the shimmering ice trail.

A hiss was heard, and before Naruto could move, hundreds of tiny snakes shot up from the ground and wrapped themselves firmly around his arms, wrists, legs and torso, squeezing him hard and holding him still. A sharp bite on the wrists caused both blades to clatter to the mud with a squelching sound as the blond struggled against the serpents.

`I'm raising my chakra.' Kyuubi whispered as a crimson glow appeared around Naruto, instantly dissolving the snakes into ashes with great pain filled hisses. Without skipping a beat, Naruto bent down and retrieved his swords just in time to fend off Orochimaru's blade that clanged loudly against his two.

They stood there, forcing their blades forward, till both of their feet began to slide backwards in the mud, causing both to loose their balance and spring apart. Naruto slashes at the snake man's torso and leg simultaneously, and the man avoided both before sweeping his blade clean across Naruto's shoulder in an arc of crimson rain.

With a hiss of pain Naruto struck out, his blade striking the hilt of the nuke nin with great force, easily cleaving his index finger clean off his hand.

A howl of pain escaped the man as he hastily switched hands with his blade and struck out at Naruto who ducked, escaping by a mere hair's breadth.

They clashed again in a furious spray of sparks, and while Orochimaru parried one blade, Naruto swung at the man's neck with the other, though Orochimaru's tongue stopped the blade much to Naruto's disgust and shock. With strength the blond never thought possible, Orochimaru wrenched the blade clean from the blonde's hand and swallowed it whole with a sickening smirk before he used the shinobi's shock to his advantage and plunged his sword forward.

Coming to his senses, Naruto moved from the fatal blow, but he wasn't fast enough to avoid the metal piercing through his swordless arm with a revolting squelch followed the sound of metal hitting bone. He screamed out. With arm felt as though every nerve had been set on fire before numbness set in.

Warm blood flowed down his arm and dripping like a steady river to the ground and the two stood still, one in pain the other in triumph. Naruto's lonely twin blade fall limply to the ground, as the Shadow Assailant brought his hand up the blade embedded deep within his arm, his palm being cut mercilessly as he gripped the stained metal. With effort, he pulled the blade an inch before a wet slimy tongue wrapped tightly around his neck and held fast.

Naruto felt numb as his oxygen was slowly cut off, his vision swam with colors, and his hearing sounded as if it were muffled. He felt cold.

`Naruto! Focus!' Kyuubi hissed causing an image of Tsunade's lifeless eyes to flicker before his fading vision.

Naruto's bloodied hand pulled away from the blade. “Rasengan.” Naruto whispered breathlessly as a swirl of blue and silver energy began to gather in his hand.

Wide eyed, Orochimaru removed his hand from his blade and began to untwine with tongue, but he was too late, for a spilt instant later Naruto drove his energy encased hand clean through the man's stomach in a flying whirlwind of blood and gore as his hand passed through the man entirely and came out the other side a deep crimson.

The grip Orochimaru had on the blonde's neck slackened, his eyes wide as Naruto wrenched his hand free and stepped back, ripping the blade from his motionless arm before he rubbed his neck. He was panting hard, though his eyes remained steadily on Orochimaru who stood down and looked at the damage in his stomach distracted.

Shaking, Naruto raised his good arm. “Tsurukusa Shinchintaisha…” He gasped out causing a golden vine to wrap itself in a protective manner around his heavily bleeding arm, trying to work its healing magic.

“I think I've… underestimated you again… Naruto-kun…” Orochimaru stated as blood trickled from a corner of his mouth, there was fear in his eyes. The image was suddenly broken however when Orochimaru crumbled into a puddle of goo, causing the blond to leap to the side in time to avoid a volley of kunai knives.

“As if I would be defeated so easily Naruto-kun.” He stated from a top a tree where he stood waggling his hand in mockery.

“Kori Sutairu: Hisame Bakuhatsu!” Naruto cried out as he leveled his palm at the man in the tree and unloaded a swift barrage of ice shards that obliterated the tree into a flurry of splinters. Orochimaru took six to the left leg before he managed to get away. Crimson stained the man's pants, and with great difficulty he landed heavily on his uninjured leg.

“Kusanagi no Tsurugi: Kuu no Tachi” Orochimaru whispered unnoticed causing a familiar sound to rear up behind him. He turned in time to see the discarded blade soaring towards him. He couldn't move…

The blade met flesh and penetrated well through the heart with a deep thump as the hilt's handle halted its progress. Blue eyes widened as his only good arm rose up and gently caught the falling figure that had leapt fearlessly between him and his death. “Yoko-sama…” He whispered breathlessly as he stared down into firm silver eyes. “Why? Why have you done this?” He whispered with sorrow.

“You are kin… I protect my pack. I knew… We all knew… that I… would fall today. So it was… written… so… It was… meant to… be.” He finished before her eyes slipped closed.

Milky white skin began to glow a radiant sheen that would make even moonlight envious as sparks of blues and purples began to fly up around her in a mesmerizing swirl. It circled the two of them as all fighting around them halted so as all could watch the death of a God. Her body fell into silver dust that swirled tenderly around the teary eyed teen before they fell into him, vanishing just as the colored sparks floated up into the air.

Black clouds parted a hole and the sparks drifted up into a golden bean of soothing light before the clouds closed back up behind it, leaving Naruto crouching down where he had caught the fallen Goddess.

“Yoko-sama…” He uttered softly.

“She is not gone… I can feel her here; with us. Not in physical form or ghostly specter, but her heart has joined to ours, though I think that is not all.” The fox whispered tenderly, though he too felt saddened at the fall of the Queen of all his kin.

Naruto rose as the golden vine on his arm dissolved, with his back to Orochimaru he raised his once wounded arm up, glad to find it fully healed before he slowly turned on the spot and regarded the man before him once more.

“The gloves are off.” Naruto stated with deadly calm before he was behind Orochimaru faster then the man could comprehend. “Katon: Taiyou Mori.” He stated as he brought his hand towards the man, a golden flamed lance firmly in his grip before he plunged it deep within Orochimaru heart. “Burakku Zetsumei Ki.”

From the ground sprung a tree whose wood was as dark as night. Its branches and vines wrapped holding around the mortally wounded man, keeping him unable to move and unable to escape as he rasped a rattled breath. “Furui Jutsu: Kontan Settou.” Naruto whispered as the tree bloomed to a hundred of feet, its crimson leaves stretching out beautifully to the sky as it bound the man. The blond plunged his hand into the man's chest and pulled away a blackened silver sphere of light.

As the light was fully removed, Orochimaru fell limp, dead and unmoving. With slow movements Naruto held the soul within his hand and stared at the blackened silver. “Your misdeeds have even touched your soul so deeply that it could never be cleansed. Punishment served.” He stated with finality as the curled crimson chakra around the soul sphere and crushed it. It shattered and vanished, never to heaven would it go.

Naruto turned his head to the side, his mask falling from his face and shattered on the ground as he regarded the zombies fade away with peaceful expressions. His blue eyes landing on the eight where nine should have been as they tossed the lifeless corpse of Kabuto to the ground.

From the tree line came Shizune, her eyes red with tears. “They are retreating.” She stated firmly, though her lip quivered in sorrow. The two elders stood at her sides, callously regarded Naruto in his blood drenched and weary glory. “We won.” She added before she crumpled to her knees in great sobs.

Naruto regarded the woman sadly; he understood what she was feeling, and just looking at her caused a damn in himself to break and silent tears streamed down his pale cheeks as he rested a trembling hand on the wood of the Black Death tree that held the corpse of the man responsible for all this. The tree would forever preserve the corpse, leaving it to stand as a trophy against any who would think to claim this village and its lands for their own.

“Naruto-kun.” Came the soft voice of Neji as his dear friend wrapped his arm caringly around the crying blond, his hold firm and gentle, and within a moment, Shikamaru joined in with his own support of a hand on the blonde's shoulder.

Both their masks were gone as well, but they stood there with somber expressions as the comforted their friend.

- - - - - -

Everyone was gathered in the war ravaged streets of Konoha, all staring up at a stage that had been lain out. Upon lay one coffin and at the black coffin's side stood Shizune, her pig held firmly in her arms. Behind her stood the two elders, serious and uncaring as ever.

“People of Konoha,” Shizune began. “Today we fought, and today we won, but there was a hefty price paid for this victory.” She paused. “Look around, all of you; you will all notice hundreds of faces are not with us now. They are the Dead. They died for this victory; their death was not in vain.” Shizune swallowed a lump in her throat. “To honor the fighters of not only Konoha, but also of the other country, we will carve their names into the base of Hokage Mountain. There the names will be honored and preserved for all time, for they are our heroes. Even our fifth Hokage's whose very face is upon that mountain will join the names placed upon it.

“Too many have died, but finally, our homes can be at peace from war. Orochimaru is dead, slain by the Kage-Gesshoku, and to him and his allies we owe a debt that can never be repaid.” Shizune's words caused some murmurs to arise. “Though our leader may have perished today, and our village may lie in near ruins, we prevailed. We all are alive. We can all rebuild this village together, though we can not do it leaderless.” She stated, gathering everyone's full attention.

“Tsunade-sama, upon her dying breath proclaimed the sixth Hokage. She called the Kage Gesshoku our new Leader.” Her words caused a slight shiver of excitement through the crowds as the cloaked figure whose face was hidden in shadows moved up upon the stage slowly. “This is our new leader, and I pledge my full allegiance to him here and now.” Shizune stated firmly and cries of agreement rose up from the crowd as the figure of power halted beside the open casket.

“All of you have done well to win this, for it was not I who won alone. Konoha, honored allies, I thank you all for this victory. Together we prevailed against odds of such a ghastly nature. As the Sixth Hokage though, I feel I should have no secrets from you. My mask was broken in the final show down, so now its time I reveal my face.” Naruto stated as he reached up and removed his hood causing great outcries to sound through the crowd.

“That is right!” He called out over their ruckus. “I am indeed Uzumaki Naruto, bearer of Kyuubi, son of Lord Hoshi and Lady Amadare.” He proclaiming brought astounded silence to the people. “I am the Shadow Assailant, and my two partners,” he stated as his two cloaked friends appeared at his side and unhooded themselves, “are none other then Hyuuga Neji, and Nara Shikamaru.” He stated to the shocked looks of the people.

“These past few years the three of us have trained diligently as we destroyed threats to Konoha and its allies. Though in your eyes I am the demon that attack, I will strive to defend this village. I will work endlessly to repair and restore this great land to its former glory. Neji-kun and Shikamaru-kun will be my advisors and right hand men. We have always fought for you.” Naruto finished.

“Naruto-kun tells the truth.” Neji stated. “He is strong, he is powerful, and he is honest and true. He will not lead any of us astray. He has my allegiance.” Neji concluded with a firm nod.

“He is wise and kind, a friend that will never betray.” Shikamaru added. “To him I pled my allegiance.”

“You have my skills.”

“You have my blades.”

“You have my respect.”

“You have my acceptance.”

The people of Konoha spoke up one by one, the façade of the demon had been broken, and they all knew they had done this boy, no this man a great disservice, and yet he held it not against them.

“The Sand is your ally.” Gaara spoke up with a smirk and a nod at Naruto.

“All our countries are your allies.” One of the other Kage stated, and the others nodded in accord.

“Long live Uzumaki Naruto! The Sixth Hokage!” The crowd cheered.

- - - - - -

“I'm beat…” Naruto sighed as he collapsed on the couch a month later, the village fully restored.

“Well you have been working like a mad man.” Neji commented teasingly as he placed a drink of warm coco in his hands. “Go and rest.” He ordered softly, and with a nod, Naruto stood and trotted down the hall and towards his room, leaving Neji and Shikamaru alone.

“I'm surprised he is still standing.” Neji commented thoughtfully as he heard a door close in the distance.

“Are you—“ Neji began, only to be cut off as gently lips pressed against his own. With wide eyes, he took a sharp intake of breath giving the Nara a chance to slip his tongue inside Neji's mouth. They kissed, their eyes slipped close as Neji wrapped his arms around the taller teen's neck, while Shikamaru wrapped his arms snuggly around Neji's small waist.

Neji groaned into the kiss as he fisted his hand in Shikamaru's silky free hair. Shikamaru kissed him all the more passionately, the sound spurring him on has he slipped a hand up the Hyuuga's shirt, caressing his back in tender strokes. They pulled back for breath, only to clash back together in a heated battle of tongues, fighting for dominance, and with ease Shikamaru won. Shikamaru pulled up Neji's shirt, growling in frustration that he had to release the smaller teen's lips in order to do so, and once free, he tossed the shirt carelessly away and kissed Neji all the more fierce.

A strong hand moved from his back to his stomach, and gently but firmly, Shikamaru moved his hand upwards and began to massage and pinch Neji's taunt right nipple, causing the teen to moan deeply.

Neji's hands began slipping up and down and around Shikamaru's broad shoulders before Shikamaru ripped his own shirt off, allowing Neji to caress him skin on skin, their stomach flush as they kissed. “Neji..” Shikamaru whispered as he pulled back for air before he rained kisses all over the prodigy's jaw and neck. “Neji…” He moaned as he licked the other's ear, enjoying the shiver of pleasure quivering from the other teen.

“Uhn…” Neji groaned deeply and Shikamaru began to nibble on his sensitive ear. “Oh God!” He whispered breathily as a hand rubbed his straining erection through his too tight pants. “Shikamaru…” He groaned, tossing his head back allowing Shikamaru more access to the long milky span of silky skin.

Hungrily, he devoured, nipped, kissed, and bites at the Hyuuga's neck, his ministrations already leaving bruises. “Gods Neji…” Shikamaru groaned as his hands moved and deftly unbutton the Hyuuga's pants before he pulled the zip. With haste he removed the others pants, boxers going with, leaving Neji standing naked to Shikamaru's hungry eyes.

“Please.” Neji whispered in Shikamaru's ear, causing the Nara to shiver before he fumbled with his own pants, removing them and his boxers with haste before he laid them both down upon the couch. They were caressing, grinding, kissing, nipping, and worshipping each other with great reverence.

“Oh Gods!” Neji breathed out, his pale cheeks flush crimson, his white eyes darkened with lust as he stared into equally darkened eyes before lips clashes fiercely together again. “Please!” Neji begged as he moved to Shikamaru's jaw line.

Shikamaru pushed Neji's legs to the sides and settled himself between, moving to worship the other's chest while he offered his fingers to Neji. Neji sucked Shikamaru's fingers with long strokes, causing him to groan and nearly cum at the sensation, but he held back.

Once his fingers were soaked with salivate he moved his hand down, and gently prodded a finger into Neji, moving to kiss the prodigy in hopes to distract him from the intrusion. With tender movements, he added a second finger and began to stretch the puckered hole all the while kissing the teen below him senseless as a third finger was added.

Shikamaru pulled his hand out, causing Neji to groan and look deeply in the Nara's eyes. “Please.” He begged softly, and with a nod, Shikamaru positioned himself and slowly pushed in.

“Oh gods!” Shikamaru groaned out as he full sheathed himself within Neji's tight opening. He panted hard, having a hard time not giving into his release right then and there at the sensation.

“Gods move!” Neji begged as he ran his hands up and down the Nara's taunt and muscled back.

They moved together as one, groaning, panting, begging, thrusting, kissing and becoming one. They had no beginning and no end, and their groans echoed out in the living room as the made love together, sweat shimmering on their bodies as they caressed each other.

“Oh gods!” Neji cried out as he gripped Shikamaru's shoulders. ”I'm unh!” He groaned out before they both cried out each others' names, as their orgasms hit with such fierceness that their bodies trembled for what seemed centuries with their releases. Then finally, Shikamaru feel on top of Neji breathing heavily with Neji.

“Oh Gods!” Shikamaru muttered. “You're amazing.” He whispered breathlessly in his lover's ear. “Neji, I love you.” He stated with tenderness as he kissed Neji gently. “I love you so much it hurts.” He stated as he pulled his lips away. “I—“ He began only to have Neji kiss him again.

“I love you too.” Neji whispered softly before they shared a gentle kiss.

- - - - - -

Naruto sat cross-legged on his bed, a twitch visible above his eyebrow, he eyes were closed, and inside Kyuubi was laughing non-stop, at the blushing of his host. `Wow! I was sooo right about that!” Kyuubi said between fits of laughter. `Shut up.' Naruto thought to the demon within. `”Oh gods!”' Kyuubi copied before laughing again.

“Kyuubi, my virgin ears are bleeding, and you're laughing.” Naruto muttered with a pout, trying not to visualize what his best friends were doing but it was VERY hard not too. “God damn it…” He muttered, hearing that from them must be like hearing one's parents going at it.” He stated as he grabbed two pillows and held them firmly over his ears.

“Naruto-kun, Hokage of Konoha is reduced to a blushing child when his friends consummate their relationship.” A voice from the window stated in amusement, causing the blond to glare at his visitor, though the effect was lost with such a glaring blush painting his face so bright.

“Shut up Itachi.” Naruto stated with a pout as the house became silent. “Finally! I thought they'd never stop!” He cheered happily, causing the nuke nin to chuckle in amusement.

“You had best get some sleep Naruto-kun, tomorrow will be a very busy day.” Itachi advised and Naruto grumbled his compliance before he climbed in bed and promptly feel asleep. He was exhausted.

Itachi sat there, on the windowsill silently, regarding the sleeping blond with gentle eyes. Slowly, as though moving was difficult, he moved from his perch and across the room where he sat down on the bed and peered down into the relaxed and innocently sleeping face of Naruto. With half lidded eyes Itachi leaned down and ghosted his lips over Naruto's in a gentle kiss before he hastily stood and left.

He leapt through the window, never once noticing the heated eyes following his retreat.

- - - - - -

End of Chapter

Wow! That took long to write, but hey, its way longer then I thought it would be. Sorry for the long wait again, and I hope you like, please review! ^^ Ja!

Kori Sutairu: Hokkyoku no o Nomu

Ice Style: Arctic Breath

Tsurukusa Shinchintaisha

Vine of Renewal

Kori Sutairu: Hisame Bakuhatsu

Ice Style: Hail Blaster

Katon: Taiyou Mori

Fire: Solar Lance

Burakku Zetsumei Ki

Black Death Tree

Furui Jutsu: Kontan Settou

Ancient Technique: Soul Stealing