The Tale of KyuubiDash
Written by TheLunarArmy,
Edited by ScionTheKitsune and Ezn
Consulted by R4g3d, theunlovablerouge and wolf
Writer’s notes:
Sorry for lack of ponies in this prelude. However the reason for this is to set the stage for the rest of fanfic and without it will make the story feel soulless. More so this fanfic captures the essence of the Naruto lore and combines it with a new adventure for the Equestrian girls. Feel free to drop me an email at thelunararmy@hotmail.com for any suggestions and comments!
Prelude: Setting the scene
A perfectly cloudless day began to shine down upon the village of the Hidden Leaves. A slight breeze brought a cool and delightful aura about the streets. The dusty roads puffed up with brown powdery clouds as the doors to the various shops open for business. Each opening door greeted by a villager with broom in hand to sweep away the grime from the previous day. The marketplace had slowly started to awaken.
As early afternoon passed, a slightly annoyed Naruto and Sakura are standing outside the Ramen shop, impatiently waiting for Kakashi’s arrival. The pink haired ninja is sporting her usual short hair and red outfit. Both ninja take a look at each other and sigh as they realize that the Copy Ninja is living up to his “late arrival” reputation. Two patrons walked out of the noodle bar and with into Naruto, causing the three of them to topple over one another.
“Hey, watch when you’re going,” yelled the one patron at Naruto.
“Me? I was just standing here, you watch out!” replied the ninja. “Idiot…”
All three quickly stumbled to their feet, Naruto and the patron began to start a juvenile argument while Sakura and the other person watch the two aimlessly debating. Unfortunately things started to escalate. The patron delivered a swift punch to Naruto’s face which caused him to fall backward; a solid bull’s-eye on the nose. Sakura almost jumped in, but realized that Naruto probably deserved it for being so rude.
“Yeah take that, you bastard demon fox,” shouted the patron. His friend was in shock at what he did just done and Sakura clenched her fist.
“You might be tough enough to stand against the Hyuuga family’s best genin. But you’re still a punk with the damned demon inside of him.”
A crowd was now beginning to form around the four. Naruto lifted his head, blood from his nose now covering his mouth.
The patron’s friend pulled his buddy back, “What are you doing? You just punched a Konoha ninja - who is also the demon fox’s host - for no reason!”
“You think I’m intimidated by this punk? He should leave the village; he is an embarrassment to all ninja! Just look, I took him down in one hit...”
Realizing this, the crowd started siding with the angry patron, yelling harsh language and taunting the blood-faced Naruto. Sakura decided she had to get Naruto out before something terrible happened. She quickly unsheathed a smoke bomb from her pouch and slammed it towards the ground. However before it landed Kakashi appeared, grabbing both ninja in each hand jumping them out of sight onto the rooftops. The smoke bomb exploded in a harmless cloud of pink powder causing the surprised crowd to disperse.
The three ninja jumped across the town and towards the city’s border, where they stopped and walked along the grassy paths and into the cool forest.
“I didn’t need your help Sakura-chan,” Naruto said while wiping the blood with his sleeve. “That guy really had it coming. If you hadn’t…”
“What would you have accomplished, eh? Except get more people wanting to hurt you?” she scorned back at him.
“Sakura is right,” Kakashi interfered, “I know it’s hard to ignore what the people say, but you have to remain calm. Like the Hokage, the only way to gain respect is by showing you’re mature and mindful.”
“I guess so, but I really wish I socked that loudmouth at least once.”
Sakura delivered a swift bump to Naruto’s head to remind him to stay focused. By now they were at the base of the mountain and Kakashi turned around and started explaining the basics of channeling chakra to their feet, to help them scale the walls of the loose rocks. It took about an hour for Naruto to finally understand concept, and soon all three of them were sailing upwards, dodging the loose rocks with each footing.
Sakura seemed to be faster, but in classic Naruto rivalry style, he would not let her take the lead for too long. They reached the top, where they found a large clearing of stones which seemed to have been excavated; like some sort of quarry. Kakashi looked back at his exhausted students, who had taken a small break by sitting on the peak of the mountain drinking water from the cantinas.
His mind wondered to the missing stone. How odd, usually the Jonin are informed by Tsunade if there are materials excavated from outside the village. I didn’t read about any of this in the daily report. He walked to a section of smooth rock to examine the stone up close, with a flick of his wrist he unsheathed a kunai from his pouch and slit a small cut in his thumb.
His hands quickly formed seals. Boar, Dog, Bird, Monkey, Ram.
“Kuchiyose no Jutsu.”
A puff of smoke dispersed and in front of Kakashi awaited his eight loyal ninja dogs.
“Ah Kakashi, it’s been a while since you called for all eight of our noses. How can we help you, friend?” asked Pakkun.
“This quarry is new and within thirty kilometres from the village, bordering Orochimaru’s domain. I need you to search the area and report any unusual scents; I feel that this stone doesn’t look like it cut by normal methods.”
“Right,” said Pakkun, “Spread out, do a thorough search of the area, leaving nothing unsniffed.”
Sakura looked up, “Do you think Orochimaru is behind this, Kakashi-sensei?”
“Alright,” yelled an enthusiastic Naruto, “let’s looks for the slimy snake and his evil plans!”
“TajūKageBunshin no Jutsu.”
The area filled with hundreds of orange jumpsuits and they began to search around the rock walls alongside Kakashi’s hounds, looking for anything out of the ordinary.
<>-<>
As the sun began to set, clones started to disappear one after another, bringing an exhausted Naruto to his knees. “Nothing,” he whimpered. Pakkun had finished talking to his team, after which they disappeared into a cloud of smoke. Only the pug remained behind to talk to Kakashi.
“You were right Kakashi, the stone was not cut or damaged but rather moved. I suspect an Earth style user may have caused this large section of the mountain to sink into its current shape.”
“Hmmmm, this is very peculiar; anything else to report?”
“Not from a dog’s perspective,” responds the smiling pug, "However I wouldn’t stay here for long Kakashi, Orochimaru isn’t blind to a technique like this.”
“Yeah. Thanks for the help Pakkun. That will be all.”
“Very well, good luck Kakashi,” the small pug said before disappearing in a puff.
Looks like a better investigation team is needed for this, thought Kakashi as he ascended to the peak of the mountain. As he reached the top he saw Naruto almost passed out on the floor and Sakura, with kunai in hand, scratching dirt off a particular section of stone.
“Kakashi come look at this!” she shouted.
While taking a step back, her eyes expanded in awe. In front of her was a marking similar to the symbol on Kakashi’s jacket. As he and Naruto joined Sakura’s side, his eye closely examined the dirt-covered insignia; engraved in the solid rock.
“Wha--- Why is a Konoha symbol engraved in this wall, Kakashi sensei?” enquired Naruto. Unbeknownst to him it was actually an Uzumaki insignia, a fact that Kakashi was forbidden to reveal.
“It looks like this site was used by the Hidden Leaf, but it’s strange we haven’t heard from its existence, or that it’s not marked on any of the maps,” explained Kakashi as he wiped the remaining dirt from the engraving. “Someone must have uncovered this recently and failed to report their findings.”
Naruto stepped forward to take a closer look, suddenly the ground started to tremble. The insignia glowed and a sudden rip caused a doorway leading to a secret passage hidden behind the stone face. The trembling stopped and the three stunned ninja stood at a newly created opening. The passage revealed a well-kept hallway, lit by candle light.
“Aha, a secret door,” yelled Naruto. “No wonder the ninken could smell its existence!”
“We should probably report this to Lady Tsunade, right Kakashi-sensei?” asked Sakura.
“In a normal situation like this I would, Sakura, but we are so close to the Sound’s border we cannot risk leaving Konoha property within Orochimaru’s hands. As much as I hate adventuring, we have no choice but to see what’s inside this cave.”
<>-<>
The trio walked inside, the door closing behind them, causing both genin to shake a little in fear. Kakashi walked ahead, searching for any traps, but only found a single door at the end of the hall with an inscription, which read: “For those sealed with fear, for those loyal to bear the pain”. Underneath it was another Uzumaki insignia. As Naruto and Sakura approached the door the insignia glowed and the stone door lowered into the ground.
As they passed through the door and entered a large dome shaped structure. The walls curved to meet up at the ceiling where a large chandelier was hanging from a single chain. It had many lit candles flickering and it brought an ambient glow to the entire room. Littered across the room were many strange iron contraptions and chains. In the middle of the room stood three stone statues; the middle one held a staff in his left hand while his right contained a large stone sphere with a triangle engraved in it. The other two statues were identical ninjas, each hosting a forehead protector and flak jackets bearing the Uzumaki symbol.
A sudden rumble caused the dust to fall from the walls around the ninja; again the door slammed shut behind them. The same ominous aura that Kakashi first felt when he entered the quarry arose again. Something was about to happen. The ninjas quickly leaped into formation as the statues started to move and shake their stone limbs.
“Who dares enter this sacred temple of the Demon Fox? Only those with loyalty are able to save the ones who suffer, no others shall enter this domain,” boomed the middle statue.
Kakashi quickly stood his ground and kneeled, the genin following his actions. “Our pardon, great golem, we simply stumbled on this place by accident. Please pardon our intrusion and allow us a safe passage.”
The statue, now revealed to be a golem, laughed at the ninja and responded. “We have read your mind, Kakashi of the Sharingan, son of the White Fang. You care deeply for your students but it seems your loyalty is at risk; for it was you who lead to the death of your former teammates, didn’t you?”
Kakashi bit his lip. It was true, but he had to find a way out, by any means necessary.
“Your pass has been denied, Kakashi of the Sharingan. For trespassing with a disloyal heart, I sentence you to death.”
With that the two ninja golems leaped forward, rushing the group.
It took seconds for the golems to cross the distance of room, more than enough time for Kakashi to form his hand seals.
“Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu.”
A giant water dragon burst from the ground, snapping at the golems who now took up defensive positions to block the water’s mighty onslaught. However they appeared to be more than a match for the water jutsu as they quickly used a mud wall technique to snap its head in two. The water drizzled away, revealing hundreds of Naruto clones and Kakashi, with Sharingan revealed, standing ready to fight.
<>-<>
Sakura stayed at the back, keeping her eyes on the mage golem, who appeared to be staring at Naruto’s clones. It did not take long for Kakashi and Naruto to jump into combat with the remaining golems.
“Alright, let’s give them a taste of our kunai!” shouted Naruto, as all the clones unsheathed explosion tags from their pockets and threw them at the duo.
“Uzumaki Naruto Nisen Rendan.”
All the kunai hit their mark and ignited, but when the smoke cleared the golems remained unscathed.
“My turn,” said Kakashi, performing more hand seals before taking a deep breath in positioning his hand in front of his mask.
“Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu.”
A giant fireball flew straight towards the golems and they both prepared another wall to block the attack. “Now is our chance, Naruto!”
They both stood side by side while all but one of Naruto’s clones disappeared. Naruto moved his hand back and the clone started spinning a ball of chakra in it. Kakashi followed with weaving more hand signs then holding his right hand with his left, electricity started to build at his fingertips.
“Ready?”
“You bet, Kakashi-sensei!”
Both ninja sprinted toward the wall, thrusting their hands at the mound of stone; easily breaking through revealing one of the golems standing right behind it.
“RASENGAN!”
“CHIDORI!”
<>-<>
The room was filled with smoke as the two jutsus collided with the golem, rendering it to dust. The two ninja smirked at their accomplishment only to find the mage golem laughing in front of them. “You fools, where is your loyalty is now?” he said smirking.
The missing golem has flanked them and captured Sakura by her arms. Naruto turned around and shouted: “You bastard, let her go!”
Kakashi started forming hand seals for one last time in an attempt to strike the remaining golem.
“Naruto, I need you to distract the main golem while I try to free Sakura. Keep him busy for as long as you can,” whispered Kakashi to Naruto before sprinting across the room, Chidori ready.
Naruto didn’t hesitate to make five more clones and readied three Rasengans to strike the mage. He charged forward, straight towards his target. The mage did not move, but instead summoned rock walls to block the path of the clones, destroying them, leaving only Naruto and his own Rasengan remaining. As he reached the golem, it grabbed his arm and in swoop pushed Naruto to the ground, negating the attack.
“You are no match for a guardian of the Uzumaki,” said the golem. When he attempted read Naruto’s thoughts he made startling discovery. “You are….the Kyuubi’s Jinchuriki?”
Naruto struggled to loosen his arm from the stone hand, but the monster’s grip did not falter. He looked back as Kakashi battled the other golem; unbeknownst to him the mage was enchanting a ninjutsu with his other hand. Kakashi leaped back to catch his breath as he saw a circular rock wall enclose around Naruto and the mage golem. He didn’t have time react as he was more concerned over Sakura’s condition. Whatever the golem had planned for Naruto, it would have to wait.
<>-<>
Inside the circular room the mage released Naruto. He paced around the kneeling genin and then used a technique to make the stone walls transparent. They could see Kakashi being beaten by the other golem.
Naruto yelled at his mentor but the mage responded: “He cannot hear or see you; all he sees is a stone wall. We are alone in this room.”
“What do you want from me, bastard?”
“I want to test you. I want to test your will and your heart.”
“And what if I refuse?” demanded Naruto.
The mage snapped his fingers and revealed two more golems hidden in the wall behind where Kakashi was fighting. “I will send them into battle.”
Naruto stayed on his knees, tears started to form as he saw he was helpless to assist his friends. With much courage he stood up and spoke: “Please, take me instead. Please replace me with Kakashi sensei and Sakura. Let me fight your friends!”
The golem smiled and with a snap of his fingers the other golem disintegrated into dust, leaving Kakashi to tend to Sakura’s condition. The mage smiled, as the walls become opaque again.
“You have the spirit of loyalty, Uzumaki Naruto. But I sense you have become corrupted by the monster that resides in you.” spoke the golem. “If you wish, I can grant your greatest desire.”
“What do you mean?”
“I can take away the pain the Kyuubi has caused you. I can take away the hate the Kyuubi has bestowed upon you. I can take away the nightmares the Kyuubi has caused you. In short, I can take away the Kyuubi. Forever.”
Naruto held his stomach with his left hand and fell to the ground. A chance to get rid of the demon fox… forever? But how… wait… do I really care? I could be free. For good.
Naruto raised his head, tears of joy clearly visible. “What would happen to me, and to my friends?”
The golem continued: “They are no threat to this place anymore, and are free to leave. As for you, I will merely extract the fox and seal it in a different container. You will be free to live your life without it.”
Naruto started to tear again, so much that he could feel the ground shaking. Oh, it was shaking!
“Your friends are trying to break through the wall, but I fear they won’t be kept out for much longer. Now is your chance, loyal Naruto. Do you want to be free?”
Naruto thought back at what happened earlier that day, at the ramen shop. To be free would remove the pain of knowing the hatred of the other villagers. To be free could make Sakura finally fall in love with him. To be free might mean he would be acknowledged by everyone in the village. This is was an opportunity of a lifetime!
Naruto quickly kneeled in front of the golem again and gleefully yelled: “Yes, please free me golem. Take away this damn Kyuubi.”
<>-<>
The golem levitated his staff and orb back into his hands and with a powerful enchantment he started to make them glow. The staff splintered into small toothpick-sized spears which proceeded to pierce Naruto’s skin, causing him to lay flat on his back, similar to a complex acupuncture. With his left hand free, the mage focused all his concentration into the orb and the stone crumbled away to reveal a glass sphere inside. The golem placed the sphere on Naruto’s stomach, right on top of the Fourth Hokage’s seal. With the sound of thumping on the walls filling the room, the mage hurried and started forming hand seals while preaching the forgotten Uzumaki sealing ninjutsu incantations.
The empty sphere started to fill with ominous orange goo. It boiled and bubbled inside the glass orb as it slowly started to fill from the bottom up. While the golem kept chanting he could feel his own body starting to weaken, a side effect caused by the power of the kyuubi desperately clinging to Naruto’s soul.
“We are nearly done, Usumaki Naruto,” he spoke, “I have unsealed three quarters of the Kyuubi’s power and trapped it inside the orb.”
Unfortunately Naruto was lapsing in and out of unconsciousness due to the pain. But he could feel the darkness in his heart leaving him.
Just as the mage started the final verse in the incantation, Kakashi broke through the wall using his Raikiri jutsu. This threw off the mage’s concentration and caused the glass orb to crack. Thinking Naruto was in danger, Kakashi leaped forward and struck the mage with his Lightning Cutter.
“No, you fool!” the mage yelled. “You will release the Kyuubi!”
Kakashi looked at the orb and could see the demon cloak forming around the crack he caused. The mage started to crumble. Kakashi realized the horrible mistake he just made, as a he clearly saw the evil chakra with his Sharingan.
Facing what was left of the mage he frantically asked, “How can we stop the Kyuubi before the orb shatters?”
“I can grant you a fraction of your Sharingan’s true power, use it to send the orb into another dimension… do so now… before it’s too late…”
The golem crumbled into dust but not before stabbing Kakashi’s eyes with one of his staff’s fragments. Kakashi felt an intense burning sensation in his Sharingan as he felt its power momentarily increasing. It would be a once off jutsu, he thought. I’d better make it count.
Kakashi stood up and closed his Sharingan eye while observing the hovering sphere above Naruto with his own. It was not completely full with the orange goo but he had to follow the golem’s commands, for better or worse. He reopened his left eye and revealed a Mangekyō Sharingan. The power was overwhelming and he could feel the remainder of his chakra rapidly depleting. Sparing no time he created a rift in the dimension and forcefully pushed the sphere through it. The sphere reacted by regrowing its protective stone hide, even though the cloak tried to resist, however it was engulfed in wormhole’s attractive force.
In the blink of an eye the contained Kyuubi was gone and Kakashi finished the technique by yelling: “Kamui!”
Kakashi was so bewildered by the Mangekyō’s power that he passed out next to Naruto. Sakura quickly ran to their aid. She stood watching as the remainder of the Kyuubi’s cloak receded back into Naruto’s seal, unaware of the mysterious orb that was now banished into a dimensional rift.
To be continued…