Minutes after escaping the school

Naruto's piercing cerulean eyes bore holes into Koichi Shido as he choked the man. While the others probably didn't see or notice it. Naruto saw the man kick a student in the face to draw the attention of the dead. Naruto knew a snake when he saw one and this man reeked of cowardice.

He wouldn't think twice before sacrificing anyone in their group if it benefitted him. Just a couple minutes ago he had implied that he would be the best candidate for leading them. Just the glint in his eyes told Naruto everything he needed to know.

"Hey let go of him you bastard."

Yelled a student with hair that was dyed blonde as he grabbed one of Naruto's arms. Before anyone could blink he was on the ground writhing in pain clutching at his chest. Naruto's eyes never left Shido's as he glared at him. Shido's yellow beady eyes were full of fear as he grabbed at Naruto's hands, trying his best to lessen the blonde's grip on his throat.

"You think I didn't see the shit you pulled back at the school. How you kicked that student in the face and left him to die."

Naruto growled out. Everyone had gasped at what he revealed. Shido had just begun to lose consciousness and Naruto intended to kill him then and there. That is until Shizuka stepped on the breaks of the bus.

"I've had it! I can't drive with all this commotion." Shizuka said with an exasperated expression.

"I'll finish you later." Naruto snarled out at Shido who was coughing. Naruto delivered a solid punch to Shido's face effectively knocking him out.

Looking out the windows and only seeing a minute amount of dead. Naruto took notice of a convenience store just beside them that appeared relatively untouched. The clerk was just standing there staring into oblivion.

"Komuro, and Miyamoto-san guard the bus. Busujima-sempai and any other able-bodied person come help gather supplies. Shizuka-sensei stays at the wheel just in case we need to bail out fast." Naruto declared.

"Who made you the boss all of a sudden!" screeched an orange-haired girl that was part of Shido's group.

Naruto didn't bother to listen to anything else she said. Departing the bus and being followed by the rest of his group. Not a single person from Shido's group came to help them. It would be their loss.

Quickly dispatching of the dead in the area. Naruto stealthily made his way to the door. Pushing his way inside, he scanned the store and the only person inside was the cashier.

"Get all the food, water, and medicine you can." Naruto whispered out to the group.

The small group had begun filling their bags with whatever they could find. Naruto felt someone sneaking up on him and turned around with and found Saeko behind him.

"Sorry to startle you Uzumaki-kun I just wanted to talk to you." Saeko had said with an apologetic tone.

"Just call me Naruto please."

Naruto replied while giving her a small smile. He'd let his emotions get the better of him on the bus. He'd seen enough of Shido's kind to tell that he was a manipulative bastard. Deciding to focus on the task at hand, Naruto would deal with the snake later.

The smile Saeko gave him would've made any lesser man blush with her shiny pink lips, and beautiful purple hair. Being a student of the most renowned pervert in the Elemental Nations. He had some resilience to her charm. Give her a couple of years and she'd probably rival the natural beauty his Mother had.

"Well, Naruto-san you can just call me Saeko. It's like you've been training your entire life. The fluidity in your movements and your speed."

She had a knowing tone, she knew something was suspicious about him. She wasn't wrong, from the age of seven he had begun his training into becoming a shinobi. If only she knew he was holding back.

"The same could be said for you Saeko-chan."

Naruto replied as his cerulean eyes met her dark blue orbs. She stared at him in surprise at the use of her name and couldn't help but laugh at how bold he was. Hearing her laugh brought a smile to his face. Despite how grim their given situation was, it was moments like these that you had to treasure.

"You know I've seen a lot of people fight, fought a lot of people too. Not one of them has ever fought like you. Not to mention what you did with the shuriken?" Saeko had said to him while looking at him with a contemplative look on her face.

Naruto scratched the back of his head as he thought of an answer.

"Well, I trained myself for the most part though later in my life. I had some help from my fathers' old Sensei." His voice becoming sad at the mention of Jiraiya. His death still brought a pang of hurt to his heart.

Sensing his sudden mood swing, Saeko knew something had happened to his Sensei. "Ah Naruto, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up bad memories."

"It's fine you didn't know. Yeah, that old geezer taught me a lot though." Naruto had replied trying to make a joke to lift the depressing mood.

Elsewhere in the store, Kushina was filling her bag with whatever medicine the convenience store offered. There were just basic painkillers, some gauze, and various other medical goods. Though her mind was elsewhere.

She had never seen Naruto that furious before. Just the sheer rage she had seen in his eyes as his cold expression had unnerved her. All of it was focused on Shido. Naruto would've killed the man if it wasn't for Shizuka-san slamming her foot on the breaks of the bus. She knew Naruto only wanted to protect them.

Shido was implying that their group needed him as the leader to manage their resources. He had said as one of the only three adults that he would be the most suitable individual for the role. Which had implied that the rest of them were inferior to him and that he would prevent any conflict from arising in their group. After his speech, it was followed with applause from his group. That's when Naruto had begun his vicious beating of the Teacher.

Feeling someone tapping on her shoulder she turned to them quickly. Whoever it was had snuck up on her in complete silence. She let out a sigh of relief when she found it to be her son.

"Kaa-chan we're leaving now come on."

Naruto said softly as he offered her a hand since she was crouched on the ground. She gratefully accepted it and he hoisted her up with ease. Reaching down to pick up her bag full of various medical supplies and food. Naruto snatched it from her while giving her a grin. It was crazy to think that just minutes earlier he was about to kill a man. Not that she was fearful of her son, she knew he had her best interests in mind.

"You know I don't like you snatching anything from me." Delivering a light smack to his head, in turn, he laughed much to her ire. "Naruto, what do you plan to do with Shido."

At this the blonde's mood became serious. Those cerulean eyes she loved had become icy and his face was impassive.

"He's already manipulated his group to follow his will. He's the kind of man willing to do anything if it ensures his survival. I refuse to let anything happen to my friends, and especially you. If it comes to it I'll kill him."

Narutos' voice was bitter throughout the speech. He couldn't help but be angry when he talked about Shido, the bastard had reminded him of Kabuto and Orochimaru. He was trash that had abandoned a student that placed his trust in him, not only that but he proceeded to injure him so he could make it out safely.

While Naruto was a naturally forgiving person. He wouldn't be taking any chances of leaving the man alive. A man like Shido wasn't to be trusted, he'd make sweet promises to your face. Just to plot against you as soon as you turned your back.

"You're just my knight in shining armor aren't you ''ttebane." Her loving voice was music to his ears. Her verbal tic had come out to though she didn't seem to have a care in the world. "What have I done to deserve a son like you."

Kushina was giving him one of the most radiant smiles he's ever seen from her. Her silky red tresses that their clan was known for,

those luscious rosy lips, and creamy skin. Not to mention her mesmerizing violet eyes she truly was the most gorgeous woman he's ever seen.

It wasn't just her looks either. She was the most caring and cheerful person he had known. She always looked out for him, regardless of the situation. Though she was also one of the most impulsive, eccentric and irritable too. That just added to her beauty and made him love her even more. Probably more than a normal son should love his Mother...

"You've done more than you know. I love you Kaa-chan and I promise nothing will happen to you."

Naruto had replied quietly averting his eyes from her form. He didn't want to make things awkward between them, especially now.

"I love you too. We'll finish talking later."

Kushina replied still smiling while cupping Narutos' cheek lovingly. Removing her hand they both made their way out of the store followed by the rest of the group. Stepping back into the bus the door was quickly shut.

"Took you guys long enough." grumbled Takashi looking annoyed.

Everyone from Shido's group had been mumbling to each other the entire time they were gathering supplies. It was rather boring watching.

"Be quiet Komuro. It was a good idea to stop and get all of this while we can."

Said Saya as she struggled to carry her bag full of goods onto the bus. Casting a glance back at Shido, the man was still knocked out. Just how strong was Naruto? They were the same age, and yet he displayed skill in martial arts that probably surpassed her fathers' ability.

Turning her gaze to the blonde. His face had an impassive look as he stared at Shido. Unlike when he was choking Shido, where he had a look strong animosity to the man. It was the angriest she's ever seen him, a couple of months ago she thought he was just an idiot who liked to play pranks.

When shit hit the fan at the school. He'd become an entirely different person. It was as he flipped a switch, gone was the prankster she loathed. Replaced with a cold and calculative person who wanted to protect his friends.

"And we're off."

Said the busty blonde at the steering wheel. The bus was moving at a decent speed though they slowed down when they reached the tunnel they were supposed to turn into. It was blocked off by a bus that was on fire with dead bodies burning on the ground by it.

"Mou, now we have to find another route."

Shizuka complained as she began turning the bus around. The sun was beginning to fade as darkness began to enshroud the city. The various lamp posts and burning wreckage had continued to light up the city. People's screams and gunshots could be heard all over.

Naruto turned around and looked at Shido's disheveled form as he lied down on a seat. One of the other students must have moved him he summarized. While he didn't hate the man, he detested how he was trying to manipulate them.

"What do you plan to do with him Uzumaki-san."

Naruto turned to the brunette who was glaring at Shido. It didn't take a genius to realize that Rei Miyamoto absolutely loathed Koichi Shido.

Even though Kurama was extracted from him. He could still relatively sense people's feelings. He knew when people were lying straight to your face like the Third Hokage had when he asked why people detested him.

He'd acted on impulse when he felt negative feelings emanating from the man. He didn't know exactly what Shido had planned. The man's group had already begun blindly listening to everything he preached. Blind followers were dangerous, they'd do whatever he asked them to do.

The lecherous looks Shido had directed at Kushina and depravity he felt from the man. That was all it took for him to fly into a blind rage and almost kill him.

"For now he lives. If he does anything that threatens any of us. I won't hesitate to kill him."

Rei nodded at him, a serious look on her face as she stared at the man's downed form. "I don't agree with you Uzumaki-san. We should just kill him now and be done with it."

"Call me Naruto, damnit!" His sudden outburst had made a couple of the students in the back jump. Naruto frowned at them, he wasn't that much a violent person. "As I said, we'll deal with him tomorrow. For now, we just need to rest. Shizuka-sensei will you be alright driving all night."

"If we don't run into any trouble. I suppose it would be." Shizuka replied as she maneuvered the bus around some debris on the road.

"If you begin to feel tired. I'll take over driving Shizuka-san" Kushina volunteered. All these kids besides Shido's track team, were hard at work protecting them her son included. She had to pay them back somehow.

"I'll keep that in mind Kushina-san. Thank you for the offer."

Naruto rested his head against the seat as Kushina started rummaging through the supplies in his bag. One by one everyone was beginning to sleep as the night progressed. Feeling his mother tap on his shoulder he turned to her.

Kushina was giving him a sweet smile, though the aura that emanated from her was screaming danger. "Why'd you grab these mister."

In her hands was a box of condoms. He figured he should grab a box or two while he was there. Better safe than sorry was his mindset at the time.

"Uhhh I can explain" Naruto begun nervously though the look she gave him made him shut his mouth. Damn, she was scarier than the Shinigami. Crying internally at his misfortune.

Kushina had continued to glare at him before she began giggling at him, being wary not to wake up anyone. "Well, at least you're being careful."

In such a short time Naruto had grown into a man she could depend on. Whenever she had needed help around the house Naruto was there. The past couple of months she hadn't needed to do anything around the house besides cook. Naruto had begun doting on her and she adored it.

Naruto was unlike any man she had met. Plenty of people had acknowledged her beauty as she matured. She was pretty and came from a very influential family. Both qualities attracted sleazy politicians and perverts. Both were people who just wanted to use her family name for their benefit, or just get into her pants.

She made sure to avoid those kinds of people. Yet after such a long time, she thought she had found the one. Only for him to betray her trust by having an affair. Afterward, she'd lost all hope in finding the 'one'.

Though Naruto has been there for her ever since, taking up all the chores the man of the house would be responsible for. Always complimenting her and making sure nothing interfered with the time they spent together. Even now, with the world being a living hell he still made her feel as if everything would be okay.

"Well, it's getting late Naruto. I'm going to go to sleep, you should too. Goodnight Naruto I love you." murmured the yawning redhead as she rubbed her eyes. Kushina snuggled into Naruto's form and felt the warmth emanating from him pulling her into a deep sleep.

"I love you too." Naruto whispered to Kushina's sleeping form. It was like she had heard him because she smiled and laced their fingers together unconsciously. Leaning his head on hers he let the sweet embrace of sleep take him as well.

The second day of the Outbreak

Midday

Shizuka yawned as she rested her head on the steering wheel. It had been this way since early in the morning. They had been caught up in the ensuing evacuation. They hadn't made much progress trying to cross the bridge. Everyone had woken up due to all the noise except for the Uzumaki-duo and Hirano.

Countless cars were honking their horns to try to get the line to move faster. Hundreds of people were walking along the sidewalk in an attempt to escape the onslaught of the dead. All the noise produced by such a large gathering of people attracted the dead. The police had established a perimeter, though it was gradually shrinking as the policemen were being overwhelmed.

"They're close for a Mother and Son huh."

Takashi mumbled to no one in particular as he looked at the duo. Saya had ignored him as she had a contemplative look on her face.

"I can't blame them. With how everything is now I'd want to take my loved ones and hold them close too."

Rei stated while she watched the resting Uzumaki's aswell. Even asleep they were both breathtaking in their own right. Turning her gaze to the back of the bus she narrowed her eyes.

Shido had woken up his cheek was bruised due to Naruto. That had done little to hinder him as he resumed his indoctrination. Though this time he was painting Naruto to be a leader who used violence to those who didn't agree with him in line. It had been that way for most of the morning. It was a surprise the blonde had remained asleep for most of it too.

"We must keep our pride! A brute like Naruto doesn't belong with us! He is but one who would try to silence our voice. Let us work together and triumph over him!"

Shido had preached to the small group that would listen. Saya had enough and elbowed Hirano to wake up him.

"Hirano wake up"

This caused the chubby boy to stir, drowsily opening his eyes he came faced the pink-haired girl who was staring at him in disgust.

"Ah, Takagi-san. Good morning sunshine."

A drop of drool escaping his mouth as he spoke.

"Why'd you fall asleep? And you're drooling too."

The pinkette was waving her hand in disgust as she narrowed her eyes at her pudgy classmate.

"Well because of all of this."

Hirano replied as he looked out the window. Shido hadn't stopped his preaching either. Though they ignored most of it.

"I think it would've been better if we went towards the suburbs."

The black-haired boy continued as he looked at families carrying their belongings and children. Everyone was desperate to find a safe place to take refuge.

"There are other ways to escape besides cars. Since it's too dangerous to be in the city. People are probably trying to flee to an island without the infected."

Saya pointed at a jumbo jet in the sky to prove her point.

"So a place like Okinawa? The American military forces stationed there aren't there to fight."

The pink-haired genius shook her head disagreeing with the pudgy black hair boy.

"They'd probably go to Hokkaido and Kyushu. Those islands should be okay if they managed the situation appropriately. Those airplanes are probably headed there."

"So we should go to a place like that?" Hirano's eyes were closed and a smile on his face.

"It's too late for that. The armed forces are probably keeping the situation under control. They've likely started to be strict about who they let in too." Saya replied with a thoughtful expression on her face.

"Well, we could go to Uzushio." A sudden voice broke Saya out of her thoughts. It was Naruto's mother she had woken up a couple of minutes ago and was listening to her. "Foreigners aren't allowed there without the Uzumaki clan's permission so the infection surely hasn't reached there."

Shido had been listening intently to the redhead and a sadistic smile spread on his face. The crimson-haired goddess was his ticket to safety, he'd manipulate her to try and get on the island. While he was afraid of the redheads' son. He'd just need to run outside and say the man was trying to murder him, surely the police would arrest Naruto.

"They'd let you and your son on the island. But what about the rest of us."

Saya retorted.

"I'm the daughter of the Patriarch of the Clan. Otou-sama is a kind man, he'd let you and your families come with us." Kushina responded with a smile.

As one of the three adults there, it was their responsibility to take care of them and try to reassure them. Unlike Shido trying to brainwash the other students. A frown was on Kushina's face as she listened to the despicable man, currently, he was caressing a female student's face sexually.

Kushina looked towards her son who was sleeping peacefully. Feeling something in her hand she looked down to find hers and Naruto's fingers interlocked together. She must've done it in her sleep, it felt so right though. Just the simple touch sent butterflies to her stomach.

Kushina began nudging Naruto in a bid to wake him up. Not too long after the blond groggily opened his eyes.

"You awake sleepy head?" Kushina teased the blonde. Naruto turned his gaze to the breathtaking form of his Mother and gave her a small smile.

"Hai hai." Naruto yawned. He went to stand up and stretch when he felt a firm grip on his hand.

Looking down his face went red when he realized he and his mother were holding hands. Not in a friendly matter either, their fingers were still entwined since last night. He'd expected her to release it when she woke up. Looking towards her, cerulean eyes meeting violet ones. Kushina had averted her gaze from Naruto in a bid to try and hide the crimson blush on her face.

"He's comparable to a recruitment officer for a religious cult." Saeko's sudden voice from in front of them broke them out of their moment.

Narrowing his eyes Naruto turned around and looked towards Shido. The man hadn't realized he was awake and was still spouting nonsense.

"Comparable to? No, that's precisely what he's doing." Saya replied to Saeko as they looked towards Shido aswell. Rei had a nasty scowl on her face, while Takashi just stared at the man. An obvious schism had formed between the two groups.

While Naruto promised to kill the man if he continued threatening the well-being of their small group. While he could easily do it, he preferred if he didn't have to kill anyone at all.

The only way to prevent that was if their group separated. Given the status of the school, the city was bound to be even worse. Unless there was a safe place they could rest for the night. He didn't want to take the chance of leaving the bus, nor did he want to condemn the students following Shido to their deaths.

"So, what are you guys gonna do? I wanna come too." Shizuka said as she applied the breaks to the bus and stood up.

"You do?" said Saya surprised at the admission.

"Well both of my parents are dead and my relatives live far away. It's rude of me to say this, but I don't like Shido-sensei." At that, all of them laughed except for Naruto. He was too deep in his thoughts on how to avoid any unnecessary loss of life.

"Then what shall we do? This area of town is foreign to me." Saeko said seriously breaking the jovial atmosphere.

"Well, my parent's estate is in the same area as Komuro's. Knowing them they're probably fortifying it, we can go there and try to find information on everyone's families whereabouts." answered Saya.

"If we can't make it across the bridge today we can stay at my friends' house. It's not that far away and it's gated off. She also has a tank for a car." piped Shizuka more than ready to leave the bus.

"It'd be nice to have a place to rest, don't you think so Takashi." Rei said joining in on the conversation.

"It sounds safe enough, though getting there might be a problem." Takashi said seriously, earning nods from everyone.

Shido turned to look towards the front of the bus. Everyone up there was speaking to each other in a low tone so he couldn't hear their conversation. Shido narrowed his beady yellow eyes as he saw this they were plotting something.

"What's wrong, you guys? We should be working together." He said to them.

"Why would we want to work with you. You heard what Uzumaki-san said. You kicked a student in the face to escape from the dead." Saeko responded while glaring at the shady man.

All she got was a shrug from the man. "It's survival of the fittest he sprained his ankle. I'm not a strong brute like Uzumaki-kun so I couldn't carry him." A devious glint in his eyes.

"We have our own agenda. Plus this isn't some school trip, we aren't entitled to stay with you." Saya replied to the man's previous question. This earned looks of hatred from everyone in the back, a dangerous gleam in Shido's eyes.

"Oh? If you've decided to leave, then feel free to do so. Japan is the land of the free. Though it would be bad if our medic and fellow teacher left. After all these students are relying on you." Shido said as he licked his lips towards the end, eyeing both Shizuka and Kushina.

This earned disgusted looks from everyone but his cult. Naruto suddenly stood up and glared towards the man. His cerulean eyes pierced right into the man's soul with a look that promised death.

"If it's the land of the free they're more than welcome to leave filth like you. We were also on this bus first remember, we let you on. When we could have easily left you all for dead. You'll do what we say." Naruto growled out while he glared at Shido's cultists. Taking a shuriken out of his pouch Naruto threw it at Shido grazing the man's cheek. The man took a step back and cowered in fear.

"If you think of hurting anyone in this group. I won't hesitate to end your life. We're leaving, grab your things, everyone." This gained nods from everyone in the group Takashi picked up one of the three duffle bags filled with goods and hoisted it on his back, Naruto followed suit with the other bags. Saeko and Rei exited the bus first. Followed by Saya, Shizuka, and Kushina.

"I'll cover the rear Uzumaki-san." Said Hirano as he pointed his improvised gun at Shido making sure the man or his followers wouldn't do anything drastic. Naruto nodded at him and they both exited the bus. Everyone had begun running up the overpass leaving the bus and a fuming Shido.

5 Hours later

"Maybe we should've stayed on the bus." Shizuka said as the group ran at a pace. They still had quite the distance to cover. The bridge they had planned on crossing was crawling with the dead.

While Naruto could ferry them across the stream nightfall was approaching. Plus the gunshots and screams of fear had been much. The boundaries set by the police had all been overrun more than likely.

"How much further is your friends' apartment Shizuka-sensei" huffed Saya they'd been on the move for hours and the fatigue was finally starting to set in. They only had an hour before dusk.

"It's walking distance from here." Shizuka said as they all slowed down. Takashi and Naruto both worked up quite the sweat carrying the goods they took from the gas station. "Ummm, ah there it is!" Shizuka shouted as she pointed towards the apartment. Just outside the apartment was the car Shizuka described.

"A humvee...What kind of friend do you have Shizuka-sensei." Hirano said flabbergasted.

"They won't be able to get over the fence. We should be able to sleep here safely for the night." Added Rei as she looked at the eight-foot-high wall surrounding the complex.

A gust of cool air blew past them as they all gazed at the complex. It would be nice to sleep on a bed for the night. Hearing groans and noise coming from inside they all narrowed their eyes. The residents inside had all been turned and had begun lumbering towards them.

Naruto and Takashi set their duffle bags on the ground as both of them readied their weapons. "Let's clear the entire complex so we can rest safely." Saeko said as she too readied herself.

Pushing open the gate Naruto thrust his kunai into the skull of one of the dead closest to the gate. Takashi delivered a crushing blow to the skull of another. Hirano remained by the bags with the other three to defend them as Rei and Saeko joined in. In but a few moments the entrance to the building was clear of the dead.

"Let's move everything inside and shut the gate. Even though the noise should've drawn all of them. We should still clear all of the rooms in pairs just to be safe." Naruto suggested.

"I'll go with Rei." Takashi said with a shrug. He looked towards Rei and the brunette gave him a nod. The duo then moved into the building.

"Well, that leaves us then." Naruto said to Saeko as he turned to Hirano. "Yell if anything happens" Naruto told Hirano and the rest of the group.

Naruto and Saeko ran into the building and ran up to the second floor. Naruto kicked open the door and went into the room. It was a rather quaint apartment, just the essentials packed into one room and a bathroom. Saeko kicked the door to the bathroom. Inside was two of them and blood everywhere. She quickly dispatched of the two with quick blows to their heads.

After around thirty minutes all four of them had come out of the apartment building. Everyone was covered in grime and blood as they waved over to Hirano and the others to join them inside. The door to the maisonette was still locked and had no signs of forced entry.

"Lead the way Shizuka-sensei." Naruto said as he walked over to the duffle bags.

Reaching down to grab two of the three bags. Only to have one of them snatched away from him. Kushina snatched the bag away from him and stuck her tongue out playfully at him. At least it was the bag with medical supplies, considerably lighter than the one he was carrying. Hefting it onto his back he followed the group inside after making sure the gate was secure.

Chapter end

The response from you guys was crazy by the way. 267 Followers, 216 Favorites and 31 reviews? Honestly, I can say that I didn't expect this at all. Thank you all so much.

I hope the story doesn't seem too cannon. Also, hope the dialog and interactions between all the characters seem okay. I feel as if it gets super monotone sometimes. Hopefully, that isn't the case but if it is I'll do my best to improve.

For those of you who may be angry as to why Shido is still alive. He won't be that much of an antagonist, to begin with. The world is ending whatever power his Father or him may have held is gone. Plus I want him for some interactions later. Also, the interactions between Rei and Takashi didn't happen due to Naruto stopping the bus to gather supplies.

I'm going to focus on updating my other story so don't expect an update for a week or two.

Until next time

-Kiege