The Fallen Façade

First mission Pt.5 (End)

I can't - remember anything
Why can't I - remember anything?
Was this - our fated path?
Castrophony - Destruction...
I have to find him -  I don't need him
It's the only way - I have other choices
But how? - But why?
He separated - from me
Should I bother? - Should I feel sorrow?
Naruraki... - Naruto...
I will find you - I can't tell you now

This is how... I choose to live.

"Even if you don't remember much, I must still ask my unanswered questions."
"Go ahead."
"First, where is my offspring? Zankokuna Kyōfu?"
"I do not know."
"You must know. There is no other person who can possibly answer."
"Deary, before, you sssaid that you binded Zankoku down in hisss Chamber underneath your house. Is that not where he isss?"
"Oh, I suppose. Then he must be there."
"But your other-self said that he was in your mindscape along with the Nine Tailed Beast. Is that not true? Or was I being lied to?"
"Like I said, I do not know. I can't remember much."
"Then we'll just have to check. Enter your mindscape and check this instant."

Naruto didn't bother to continue saying anything as he sat down on the cavern floor and started to relax immediately. A second or two went by and the blonde entered his mind realm.

"Kurama."
"Naruto."
"Sorry I came in on short notice, but where is-"
"Master Zankokuna Kyōfu? Sorry Kit, he's not here anymore."
"Anymore? What do you mean anymore?"
"I know everything that happened but I can't say it all or else it'll mess with your mind. You and 'you-know-who' have to make up before I can say anything. But I can say that 'you-know-who' took Master Zankokuna Kyōfu with him."
"Naruraki... He took him?"
"Yes."
"And why do you call Zankoku Master?"
"Because he's the Ten Tails. The one greater than all us other Beasts. It would only be appropriate and respectful to call him Master."
"Oh, right. So, where must I look now?"
"Where must you sightout? Isn't it most obvious you must go after Naruraki? To say, it's best you go as swiftly as you can. It turns out he happened to run into both of your teammates."
"Sakura and Sasuke...? But why?"
"They're looking for you. Naruraki had a slight outburst and ran away. The only clear reason I know of is because he's your other half. Both you and him share the same soul after all."
"Then where are Sasuke and Sakura now?"
"It seems they're chasing after his tail. I have no clear sight as to why or how they managed to keep right inside the outward distance that I am able to sense but they did. And Naruraki is on the borderline of a possible destructional breakout. It's best if you go after him, like right now."
"Right. Thanks Kurama."
"No problem Kit."

"So?"
"I'm sorry... oh, Leader Kyōfu, but I must go."
"I'll let you off this once, but answer my question."
"Zankoku is not in the mindscape. Apparently my other half took him when we separated. Kurama told me when I saw him. If I go now, I might be able to catch him."
"Hm, go on then. And bring Zankokuna Kyōfu back at all costs."
"Oh, and deary, our Leader goesss by Leader Kanashimi from now on. Remember that, kuku~."
"Ahh... my apologies Leader Kanashimi."

Kanashimi only nodded before dismissing herself, as did the other Elders. It took a while for Naruto, who could process only a few things, to find the exit out of the secret underground cavern. The blonde was relieved when he reached outside with no complications whatsoever.

Taking a look around, all Naruto could do was notice the thick fog that seemed to be endless. It was quiet and looked to be just fine, but an uneasy feeling lingered in the air. And Naruto caught on to it right away.