Darkness Falls

Chapter 5

Darkness Falls

Chapter 5

Hokage's Office, One Week Later

The elder village leader sighed as he looked over the photo Naruto had submitted for his shinobi identification card. Gone was the happy go lucky smiling face. Gone was the bright orange jumpsuit. Instead the blonde boy wore a black trench coat, a red circle with an upside down triangle with the kanji for 'Shadow Fox' in the center on the back with various other intricate designs, no doubt custom made.

Accompanying the new jacket, the boy had fitted himself a black sleeveless shirt that was just tight enough to show off his physique but not enough to restrict movement. His hands were adorned with two black finger-less gloves with metal plates on the back with the same kanji engraved in them that was on his jacket. A pair of ANBU style pants, along with combat shinobi boot sandals completed his new look.

However, the boys new appearance wasn't what troubled the old Hokage. It what was behind Naruto in the picture. The boys shadow had flared up into a fox head just behind him. Which had resulted in the poor photographer passing out after the photo was taken. Shaking his head, the elder man thought back of the discussion he had with the boy after the scroll incident.

Flashback no Jutsu

Hiruzen frowned as he looked over the boy in front of him. So young and had already taken a life for the village, yet showed no mental scarring what so ever from the event. It was surprising to the aged village leader as even the most seasoned of shinobi had breakdowns after their first kill. Yet Naruto stood steadfast. Putting a privacy seal around his office, knowing that sensitive topics were about to be discussed between the two of them.

"Naruto, about what happened tonight." He began cautiously. "How do you feel?"

"You are worried about my mental state I assume." The boy countered, earning a raised eye brow from the older man. "Truth is, I am fine. I have already rationalized that it had to be done. Mizuki-teme was betraying the village and framing me for his crime."

"And about his revelation of the Kyuubi?"

'Are you sure you can trust him?' Ahri asked from the back of his mind, a little concerned with what her container had decided to do.

'I am sure Ahri-chan.' Naruto mentally replied. 'Though I intend to keep our relationship out of it.'

The latter part caused the kitsune girl to blush heavily.

"Thing is ji-ji, I told Mizuku-teme the truth." The blonde began. "I've know about the kyuubi for years now. And, to an extent have communicated with it."

This revelation shocked the old man, as a sense of fear washed over his face. A multitude of different scenarios ran through his mind of possible outcomes, none of which were good in his mind. Everything from the fox manipulating the boys mind, to fully possessing the blonde.

"Naruto-kun." The Hokage began. "He hasn't tried to manipulate you or...."

"She." Naruto cut him off with a slight smirk. "And no, she hasn't tried to manipulate me or even threaten me. If anything she is more upset with how the villagers have treated me thus far."

"She?" Hiruzen repeated dumbfound.

"Yeah, the Kyuubi is female." Naruto scratched the back of his head and grinned.

"How long have you talked with.. her?" The old man sighed.

"Since my sixth birthday." The boy answered honestly, almost causing the elder man to fall out of his seat in shock.