Chapter 1

Lying in a puddle of his own blood and water a young boy could be seen staring up at the sky. His blue eyes slowly lost their light as blood exited his body from the fist shaped hole in his chest.

'I-is this… Is this how it ends?' The boy thought as his blond hair stuck to his face from the rain that cascaded upon his dying form. 'I didn't even get to be Hokage.'

How could it go so wrong so fast? The boy couldn't help but wonder.

The day had started off like normal with him waking up, eating breakfast and brushing his teeth. That's when it spiraled out of control.

He had been called into the Hokage office along with his fellow graduates and friends. Sakura, his crush, was there as well looking particularly distraught. It was then that Tsunade, the current Hokage explained the reason for the girl's current state.

Sasuke.

His friend, or at least ex-friend, had left Konoha in favor for getting power. The first emotion that Naruto felt upon hearing that was anger.

Angry at how Sasuke could leave all of them behind. He had everything Naruto wanted in his life. People looked up to him. Girls were interested in him. Hell, even his own sensei favored him. The boy was called a prodigy and he threw it all away for what.

Power.

Yes, Sasuke had told them of his dream, no ambition. He wanted to kill his brother, the same brother who had killed off his entire clan in a single night.

Naruto couldn't understand how he could always act so grumpy. He had tried his best to be friends with him, something he thought had worked as despite how he often acted Naruto knew he enjoyed those times like he did himself.

So why?

Why was he lying here, in the Valley of the End with a fist sized hole in his chest. Didn't he see he only wanted to bring him back? So they could continue being team 7. He had promised Sakura he would bring him back.

Heh, he chuckled weakly as blood escaped his lips. She would probably be disappointed if she would see him now. Calling him a failure.

A failure. It was a term often associated with him. Looking back at his life Naruto couldn't help but agree. They labeled him as a failure of a shinobi, having failed graduation several times. He never let it show though, how much those words got to him.

No, instead he kept on smiling. Loudly proclaiming how he would one day become Hokage. How one day they would no longer look at him in disgust or loathing. How it would be replaced with respect and adoration. It truly was a child's fantasy, now that he thought about it.

He coughed up blood as he could feel himself getting more tired the longer he was lying there. Blanking out for short periods of time as he had to put effort into keeping his eyes open.

If only, Naruto thought. If only he would've fought back more seriously. If only his sensei had taught him properly then perhaps he would now be on his way to Konoha, dragging a battered and bruised Sasuke behind him.

And if only Sasuke wasn't so obsessed with revenge.

But alas… his life had been against him from the start, he realised.

With that he closed his eyes, a bittersweet smile of acceptance graced his face.

With that, Uzumaki Naruto, Kyuubi Jinchuuriki, son of Uzumaki Kushina and Minato Namikaze had died.

Not too far away two blurs could be seen traveling through the forest at high speeds.

''How far away are we Pakkun.'' Kakashi asked as his lone visible eye focused onto his smaller travel companion.

''We're close, i.. I can smell blood from here.'' Pakkun replied its enhanced senses due to him being a dog catching the smell of freshly spilled blood.

Nodding grimly they increased their pace as Kakashi could feel lingering traces of Kyuubi's chakra pass by him.

''Is this…'' Kakashi muttered as he looked at the Valley of the End that showed signs of a large battle having been fought.

''K-Kakashi…'' His companion muttered as it held its paw out towards a small speck lying in the middle of the valley.

''Oh god…Naruto!'' Kakashi screamed after focusing on it and recognizing the blond hair of his student. Wasting no time Kakashi jumped down before sprinting over to where one of his student was lying.

''No… No! NO!NO!NO!'' Kakashi repeated, losing composure as he got closer and noticed he wasn't breathing, a fist sized hole was in his chest from what he recognized as his technique. His hand trembled as he knelt down and moved towards his jugular vein. Hoping it wasn't what it looked despite knowing deep down it was already too late. ''Come on…'' Kakashi mumbled as he couldn't feel any pulse.

A little bit away Pakkun looked sadly as his summoner did his best to keep himself together while praying to any god out there that what he was seeing wasn't real.

''Sensei… Sensei i'm sorry.'' A lone tear ran down his visible eye after realizing that it had no use. Naruto, his student, his sensei's legacy was dead. No longer among the living and killed by none other than his friend, using a Jutsu Kakashi had taught him personaly.

''Kakashi… it, it's no use.'' Pakkun found it surprisingly hard to form the correct words as he looked sadly at the corpse of the blond. He had so much potential, Pakkun had seen so himself as he had defeated the One tails. For someone so young to die by his own signature technique… Pakkun could already feel the self loathing that started to develop inside of Kakashi. ''It's best if we… If we bring him to Konoha so he could at least get a proper burial.''

Kakashi didn't reply. Instead he was focused on the smile his dead student held. He recognized the smile, having it seen on so many older shinobi who either had family members of them lose their lives or were on the doorstep to death themselves.

It was a smile of acceptance. Acceptance that they were gone, that they were about to die and didn't fight it a single bit. To see such a smile on his student was simply disheartening.

Finally Kakashi moved the dead body of his student in his arms before standing up. ''Pakkun, let's head back. The retrieval has been a,'' Kakashi had to swallow. ''A failure.''

A funeral was held later that same week. One that was attended by everyone that knew him including members of his graduating class. Kakashi had seen both Tsunade and Jiraiya crying as the coffin was lowered into the ground.

Kakashi still remember the look the Hokage had when she saw him enter her office, carrying the dead body of Naruto. She had stared blankly at it before Kakashi had excused himself after noticing she was doing her best not to cry. The woman had closed herself in her office for the rest of the day.

He remembered how he had stumbled upon Jiraiya seemingly drinking himself to death in one of the many bars. Kakashi could honestly say the man had never seemed older than he did at that exact moment.

Then where all his friends who were informed of Naruto's death shortly after they got out of the hospital. Even now he could see Hinata's look of disbelief as she received the news.

Tsunade had shortly thereafter declared Uchiha Sasuke a A-ranked missing nin with a very sizeable bounty, dead or alive.

In an unknown place ten holograms could be seen. Each standing on what appeared to be a finger of a massive demonic looking statue.

''Zetsu, why have you called us all here for.'' A man spoke up as purple ringed eyes looked at the plant-like man.

''We have important news to report. Uzumaki Naruto the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki is dead.'' Silence, no one said a thing as they processed the info and looked at their leader who signalled for Zetsu to continue. Here as almost mocking grin formed as the plant man's eyes locked upon Itachi's figure. ''It was reported he has been killed by none other than Uchiha Sasuke, Itachi's younger brother after he tried to stop him from going to Orochimaru.''

Everyone's eyes locked on Itachi who had closed his eyes as he heard what Zetsu told them. ''But that's not all. Uchiha Sasuke has been marked as an A-rank missing nin by Konoha wanted dead or alive.''

One could almost feel the amusement Zetsu held as all the attention was on Uchiha Kinslayer.

''Tch, should've gotten rid of that brat, un.'' Deidara spoke up not wasting a chance to bad mouth any Uchiha. ''Now we have to wait several years for the Kyuubi to reform, un.''

Itachi said nothing.

''This is an unfortunate setback. While we weren't ready to seal the Beast just yet it is unknown how long it will take for the Bijuu to reform with reports each varying in time. For now i want Zetsu to keep gathering information while keeping an eye out for any large concentrations of chakra. Kakuzu, Hidan, both of you keep collecting funds we will be needing soon. The rest of you will head out to Otogakure which i heard was Orochimaru's own village. I want you to go there and turn that village into a crater while keeping an eye out for any information regarding the snake. He's been a thorn in our sides for too long and even now is causing us trouble. Dismissed.''

One by one the holograms disappeared till only one was remaining. Red, glowing eyes staring upwards which held a small amount of regret that his plan for the Uchiha Clan's name to be cleared has backfired. ''Foolish little brother.'' Was all he said before he too vanished leaving behind an empty cave.

The sound of a baby crying was heard, coming from one the many rooms the hospital held in the Underworld.

A middle aged man with black hair could be seen looking peacefully at the blonde haired woman lying in bed. Holding in her arms was a small baby who had a small amount of blond hair on his head. As the baby opened his eyes both male and female took note of his cerulean blue eyes that matched the woman that was holding him.

''So adorable~'' The woman said as she let the baby play with one of her fingers. ''What do you think Zekram-kun.'' She looked at the black haired male.

''I think it's a shame he looks almost identical to you.'' He joked before answering seriously upon noticing the woman's dangerous look. ''I mean, uh, he's indeed very cute.'' He answered nervously.

''You want to hold him?'' She asked him. ''Does little Naruto-kun want to see it's daddy?'' She small baby seemed to laugh as his small arms made grabbing motions towards the man who approached and gently took him out of her arm.

''He truly looks a lot like you…'' The man said with a smile. ''I wonder which power he inherits. Your flames or my Power of Destruction.''

''We'll have to wait till he's older.'' The woman said as she carefully sat up. Despite being a Phenix and capable of healing her wounds quickly she still felt the phantom pains of having given birth. ''Usually children show their powers around their seven or eight years old.''

The door to their room was suddenly opened as both parents looked at who entered. ''Zeoticus, Venelana.'' Zekram greeted the two.

''Lord Bael, you too Lady Riette.'' There eyes landed on the small bundle Zekram was holding. ''Is that…'' Venelana said as she looked at her ancestor.

''Indeed, this is Naruto… Naruto Bael.'' Both Venelana and Zeoticus took a few steps closer and looked at the small baby.

''Naruto… strange name.'' Venelana said to Riette as she noticed he had the same hair color and eyes. ''He looks a lot like you.''

''Hehe, It means Maelstrom which seems fitting as we can already see his potential. What brings you here?''

''Aside from visiting you and little Naruto-kun here we're checking up ourselves.'' Venelana placed her hand on her stomach causing the other two adults to understand she meant.

The pair left their room shortly thereafter allowing both parents to spend time with their child. At the end of the day Riette was allowed to leave the hospital after several check ups. The following days it was busy at the Bael mansion as visitors from all sorts of Devil Houses came by to congratulate both Lord Bael and Riette on the birth of their son.

A few Devils even tried to make several marriage contracts but were quickly shot down the moment Riette heard of those, telling Zekram she wants her son to find someone to love on his own and refusing any offer that was made. No-one dared to argue with the woman who could burn even High-Class Devils with a single touch, they weren't that stupid.

In a destroyed field, one of the many acres of land the Bael Clan owned Naruto could be seen standing. He was currently 13 years old and had had grown a lot over the years. His blond hair had grown both spiky and longer to the point he had a few bangs that were covering his eyes. He was both well built and tall for his age, being an inch or two taller than his good friends, Sirzechs and Ajuka.

Sirzechs was the son of Lord and lady Gremory. Whereas he looked a lot like his mother, Sirzechs on the other hand was almost a copy of his father with the exception of his face which was more towards Lady Venelana shape.

Sirzechs was a couple months younger than he was though that didn't stop them from becoming good friends the moment their parents had introduced them to one another.

Sirzechs had also introduced him to Ajuka who was one of his friends. He was a young boy with green hair which he prefered slicked back and light blue eyes several shades lighter than his own. Despite his young age he was smart and Naruto wasn't ashamed to admit that when it came to strategy games or anything the like he would not stand a chance. He was by no means stupid but Ajuka was just another level of smart.

Something interesting had happened to him, something that made him a hot topic to talk about throughout the Underworld. Unlike his parents who both held one of Underworld's most powerful abilities. Those being the Bael's Power of Destruction and the Phenix's flames. His powers had mutated much to their shock.

The first time he unlocked his power was with his parents when he was just past 8 years old. They were in an empty field much like the one he was standing in now before they instructed him to search deep within himself. He had done what they had asked of him but neither were expecting the results.

The first thing that happened was the incredible amount of power he had released. It was like a dam had been broken. It was so much and so potent everyone in the surrounding area could feel it.

Soon there after a set of gasps were heard as both Zekram Bael and Riette looked at their son who stood before him. His arms were covered in flames, but what caught their attention was the color of the flames. They were dark red and crackled with what appeared to dark crimson colored sparks which destroyed anything it touched. His parents had to take a few steps back from the immense heat that came from the flames covering his arms.

His father quickly recognized the sparks as being his clan's ability but was still confused regarding the color of his flames. A glance towards Riette showed she was as surprised as he was as it looked like some sort of mutation of both their powers they simultaneously thought.

They had asked him to call his power back before immediately bringing him to someone with more understanding on the matter. Once there their speculations were confirmed that it was indeed an mutation between Phenix and Bael powers and aptly named it, Flames of Destruction. Of course, once news came out that the current Bael heir had an entire new bloodline, a combination between two of Underworld's most wanted powers they flocked to him to catch a glimpse of said power. The fact that it could apparently be passed down to any future children he might have was enough for their greed to come to the surface.

Luckily for Naruto though, his father made sure they all stayed away as he wasn't used to the attention on him. They all listened. After all, nobody wishes to be on bad terms with the Bael Clan, the one clan which held the rank of Great King due to having the purest blood.

Back with Naruto they boy could be seen forming dozens of magic circles each second. After realizing that he had incredible reserves for his age he had started early on with several exercises to help him control it.

One such exercise was the one he was doing now. It helped both increase his control over his power while simultaneously helps increasing his casting speed.

Some had already began calling Sirzechs, Ajuka and himself the future of the Devil race as each had shown a high degree of expertise over their powers despite their young age. Not to mention that each of them had above normal amounts of Demonic energy compared to Devils their own age or older.

Releasing a sigh, Naruto stopped what he was doing allowing the remaining magic circle to shoot a concentrated beam of crimson flames straight down which expanded upon coming in contact with the ground. Naruto had to squint his eyes as the light it gave off was too much even for him. As it died off Naruto looked at the scorched area that reached close to fifty foot in diameter.

''Pretty good for a single attack.'' Naruto nodded to himself in satisfaction before he turned around and calmly made his way back home. Hopefully his father had something he could do.

''Tou-sama.'' Naruto greeted his father as he entered the mansion before noticing the other people in the room.

''Ah Naruto-kun,'' His father returned his greeting. ''Let me introduce you to Lord and Lady Sitri.'' He motioned over to the couple standing near him. Naruto looked at the black haired man and woman who both had violet eyes like his father had.

''Nice to meet you.'' Naruto bowed his head in respect before turning his head slightly to the right where a young girl could be seen standing. She had long black hair set in twin tails with a pair of violet eyes that looked at him with barely hidden curiosity. ''Who's this?'' He asked the adults in the room.

''That's our daughter, Serafall.'' Lady Sitri spoke up. ''Come on Sera-chan, say hi.''

Slowly the young girl stepped towards him. Her eyes were focused somewhere else missing the raised eyebrow Naruto had as he watched her stop in front of him.

''Uhm… Nice to meet you, Naru-tan.'' She shyly introduced herself, still not looking at him.

Naruto stared at her outstretched hand for a moment before accepting it. ''Nice to meet you as well, Serafall.'' He then looked at his father. ''You know where Kaa-san is?'' He refrained from using the more affectionate suffix in front of the guest. While he never said it out loud, Naruto enjoyed spending time with his mother more than his father. He didn't hate him or anything but he felt more connected with his mother compared to his father.

''She should be in the library, at least that's what she told me.''

Of course, his parents had noticed this even without him having voiced so but neither made any effort to change him. If he prefered spending time with his mother over his father they weren't going to stop him.

''I see… I'll be going then.'' He bowed once more before walking off to find his mother.

''Such a well mannered kid.'' Lord Sitri commented as they watched his form disappear from their eyes.

Zekram chuckled lightly, glad they had beaten proper manners into him early on or who knows how he might've acted.

Naruto released a tired sigh as he entered his bedroom and let his gaze wander around. It was big, way bigger than it should be for being just a bedroom. Then again, most Devils owned ridiculously large homes. Initially he was confused why someone would need a house that big when most Devil families were made up from two to three members. He came to realise that most of the spare rooms belonged to staff which was mostly made up from maids.

He dragged his feet towards the bed before allowing his body to fall onto it. Despite his aching muscles having already healed due to the Phenix blood in him he was still tired despite not looking anything like it.

He closed his eyes and before he knew it he was already asleep.

Blue eyes fluttered open before staring around in confusion.

''Already morning?'' Naruto said to himself before he sat up only for him to frown as he appeared to be in some sort of sewer? Standing up he noticed just how big the ''sewer'' he found himself was. Narrowing his eyes he spotted a bright light up ahead. Looking behind him it was the opposite as he couldn't see a thing so with a shrug he started walking towards the light.

He arrived in what appeared to be an even bigger room if that was even possible. A large cage was before him except it was completely empty. He took a few steps closer to the golden bars. Wondering where he was and what sort of animal this cage before him was meant for.

A sudden light that appeared in the middle of the empty cage caused Naruto to jump back, his arms already coated in crimson colored flames in preparation for what was to come.

As the light died down Naruto's eyebrows rose as he stared at what looked like an older version of himself except… weaker? He couldn't sense any Demonic energy from the man before him. And what was with the look on the man's face? He was looking at him with an expression befitting one of sadness.

''Who…'' Naruto looked the older blond over. He had blond, spiky hair more wild than his own. He did note that it was the same shade as his mother's hair and his own. He had a pair of jaw-length bangs and piercing blue eyes so much like himself. He wore a green jacket with over it what he recognized as a white haori which had a flame motic. Finishing it off was the headband the man had around his forehead which held a strange symbol he couldn't quite recognize. ''Who are you.'' He asked warily of the man in front of him. Despite not sensing any Demonic or Holy energy from him Naruto could tell the man was still dangerous.

Instead of answering him the blond man slowly made his way over to him. Naruto narrowed his eyes as he increased the output of his flames the closer he got while carefully stepping back. While he was sure that if he wanted to he could've erased this man from existence, a part of his mind was against it. ''Don't move closer.'' Naruto warned as several magic circles came into existence, floating behind him.

Despite his warning the man didn't listen, seemingly aware of the inner conflict he was having in his mind that stopped him from acting till he stood a mere feet away from him.

Do something! Naruto could hear himself screaming in his mind.

Fight him, kill him! Do anything! Yet, despite his mind warning him he was powerless for some reason and he didn't like it any bit as this man could strike him down without any effort if he wished to.

He was surprised however as instead of striking him down, the man brought him in a hug. A hug that was strangely comforting for some reason. His arms hang limply to the side, the fire having dissipated the second the man had embraced him.

Why? Why does this feel good? He didn't even know this man.

''Sorry…'' He heard him mutter. Sorry for what? This wasn't making any sense.

''I'm sorry for putting such a burden on you. If only i knew… If i knew this was going to happen i would never have sealed the Kyuubi in my own son.''

Hold on! Son? Kyuubi? While he looked a lot like him, last time he checked his father had black hair and violet eyes whereas his mother looked more like the person in front of him. And what was this about sealing a Kyuubi? Was that the reason this cage was here? He had heard of Kyuubi Youkai, the strongest of their race but never of sealing one in a child.

''I'm sorry.'' He pushed the man away. ''I think you're mistaken me for someone else. My father is Zekram Bael, current leader of the Bael clan and i can tell you he looks nothing like you.''

The man frowned. ''I know. I am-no, was your father in your life before this one.'' Naruto was sure his eyebrows would've receded into his hairline if they could. Previous life, like reincarnation and such?

''I've seen it all, your previous life. From the moment you were born till you died from my place, here, inside you.''

''Phrasing.'' Naruto muttered.

''Though i can't say i really was a father to you, can i. Especially not compared to this other man.'' Oh Minato had indeed seen it all and could see the genuine care the man had for his son.. Which was also his son in some weird way.

''Wait! What is your name?''

''Oh… hehe.'' The man scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment. ''Namikaze Minato, Yondaime Hokage of Konohagakure no Sato.''

''Fire shadow?'' He looked at the older blond who didn't reply. He shook his head. ''Regardless, Minato huh… What are you doing here? If what you say is indeed true and i have indeed reincarnated why are you still here. What are you even?''

''I am a small part of my original soul. When i died sealing the Kyuubi in you using the Shiki Fujin i imprinted a copy of both myself and Kushina incase you ever needed us.'' He frowned. ''Unfortunately it seems Kushina's imprint is no longer here for some reason.'' His form began to flicker between transparent and solid. ''It seems my time is up.''

''Wait already?! You still haven't explained the rest! What does this all mean, where are you from and how does this affect me!?''

Instead of replying the man brought him in one more hug before he took a few steps back. ''Despite you no longer being my son i want you to know that i'm proud of you and once more i'm sorry, Naruto.'' With that being sad the man slowly became more and more transparent before he was gone. Naruto stared at the spot the blond had previously occupied with mixed emotions. This had brought up so many questions he honestly wasn't even sure what to do.

Naruto groaned lightly as he woke up. Blue eyes staring at the ceiling of the room, not bothered in the slightest from the naked body he could feel pressed against his side.

How long had it been? How much time time had gone by since he first had met the blond man deep inside his conscious? That's right, 4 years since that day and he was not any smarter when it came to said topic. The first thing he had done the next day when he was awake was asking his parents if either were familiar with the symbol the man wore on the headband around his head. Unfortunately, neither of his parents had the slightest clue and when asked about it he told them it came to him in a dream as to not raise any suspicion.

There was also that man's name, Minato Namikaze. He had searched through the massive library for any hints regarding said name only to come up with nothing. While there were some Minato's, none matched the description of the one he had met in his mind or wherever it exactly was.

So, after numerous failures to gain any information Naruto had given up and instead using the time to train more vigorously than he did before. His mother was concerned as he had trained himself to the point even his Phenix blood was unable to properly heal him.

It had paid of however as he was widely known as strongest youth followed closely behind by his friends Sirzechs and Ajuka who, like him, were recognized as prodigies when it came to fighting and power.

Surprisingly, Serafall had made a name for herself with her unique ice magic compared to the rest of her family whom were all water users. She had undergone quite the personality change as well. No longer was she the same shy little girl he had first met. Instead she became more outspoken yet kept her somewhat childish part of her that could get on his nerves sometimes. Though she seemed not to care, in fact she seemed to do it on purpose whenever he was around much to his dismay.

''Morning Naruto-sama.'' A woman's voice from his right snapped him out of his memories. Looking at the owner of the voice he stared right at a pair of green eyes which stared sleepily back.

This was also something that had changed about him. After reaching a certain age, puberty started to happen and with that came hormones. He had did his best to ignore them as much as he was capable of but eventually, after a certain hard training session he just couldn't help himself and woke up the next morning with one of the many maids that worked for his father in his bed. Naked like himself.

Of course with his luck his mother had to enter his room that exact day after noticing he wasn't awake yet when it was close to noon. To say she was angry was quite the understatement and chewed him out for a while. Thankfully his father had managed to calm her down so he could explain that it was bound to happen with how his hormones were acting up and that is was better he did it with one of their maids instead of some random woman he could've picked up from the streets.

So eventually she conceded which prompted him to sleep with their maids whenever he felt like it, as long as they agreed of course. While he could go out and probably get a girlfriend or whatever he wasn't really interested in anyone much to the dismay of several young women as Naruto had grown quite handsome over the years, looking more and more like the man he had met in his mind those years ago. His training had given his body a nice amount of muscles, nothing over the top though. His hair was a bit longer than his younger self yet shorter than Minato had with less spikes in them. His height had increased to the point that he was just a few inches shorter than his father was, much to his delight.

Releasing another sigh Naruto got out of bed before grabbing some clothes and heading for the bathroom that was attached to his room, cleaning himself before preparing for another day. Hopefully one a bit more interesting than lately as he had gotten quite bored.. Perhaps he could ask Sirzechs for a spar again if he's free...

End Chapter.

AN: Riette, who's Naruto's mother in this story is an OC. In this story she's the sister of Lord Phenix.