Naruto: The Red Fox

A/N: Here is Chapter 31. Well, this is the final chapter for Naruto: The Red Fox. I had fun writing the entire story. I hope everyone enjoyed it. Well, enjoy the chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Naruto.

"Talking"

'Thoughts'

"Demon Talk"

'Demon Thoughts'

Chapter 31: Legend of the Red Fox

It is a dark day in Konoha. Rain pours down to the earth as if it is crying along with its inhabitants. People fill the cemetery as they surround two particular tombstones. Next to the tombstones lay two coffins lowered into the hole in the dirt. The people watching the event cry for the ones lost during the war. Tsunade walks in front of the entire group.

"We are here today to honor two particular fighters. A week ago, they fought to protect us from evil. They gave their lives to give us a chance to live. We owe these two so much. If it weren't for them, the enemy would have defeated us. I know many shinobi fought their best in this war. These two fought the strongest enemy, who could have killed us all."

Tsunade pauses before she looks across the group, "The first man's name is Orion. Not much was known about him before this war started. In fact, we never knew he existed until the war started. Yet, when we needed help the most, Orion came to us with advice against creatures we never knew existed. Were it not for him, we would have never known how to battle those creatures. Orion has saved our lives with his leadership and knowledge. Even though his body was never found, we honor him as a friend and as one of us."

Tsunade pauses again as she prepares to say the hardest part of her speech.

"Naruto," started Tsunade as she sees the tears running down people's cheeks. "He was a shinobi of the Lead Village. In his younger years, he was treated like a monster. He was beaten almost every day. Since those days, he has worked hard to gain the approval of everyone around. He wanted to become Hokage to earn the respect he wanted so much. However, I believe he gained that respect. People cry for him. People wish he was still alive. If this is not approval, then what is? Uzumaki Naruto has fought for our village with so much determination and love that has saved us from destruction. He managed to tame a tailed beast and use its power to help us. Naruto will be missed and we will honor him as a shinobi of the Leaf Village."

A group of people grabs shovels and begins pouring dirt onto the two coffins. People sob for Naruto as those closest to him stand next to the hole. Even people, who never knew Naruto, appeared for his funeral.

The funeral ends as most of the people leave the area. However, a handful of people remain staring at the tombstone with the name Uzumaki Naruto.

Sakura, Sai, Shikamaru, Ino, Hinata, Choji, Kiba, Shino, Lee, Neji, Tenten, Gaara, Temari, Kankuro, Tsunade, Shizune, Kakashi, Guy, Yamato, and Sasuke watch the tombstone.

Tsunade allowed Sasuke back into the village. However, he will not be allowed to leave the village for a year and his status as a shinobi will be stripped until then. A group of ANBU will watch over him every day.

Choji holds on Ino as she cries, while everyone else cries himself or herself. Shikamaru holds on Temari's shoulder as she lets out tears.

Were it not for Naruto, Gaara would have continued his path of bloodshed. Temari and Kankuro are thankful for Naruto helping their brother. They will always be grateful for the only person to understand Gaara. Gaara feels the pain of losing someone close to him. If only he could save Naruto, he will, but it is too late.

Tsunade and Shizune cry for the person they consider a son or brother, respectively. Naruto changed their lives. Were it not for him, Tsunade will still be gambling her life away as Shizune will try to follow her as best as she could. Naruto brought them both back. Tsunade wanted to see Naruto become Hokage to pass the title to him.

Guy and Lee cry for such a lost. Guy has only known Naruto for a while, but the time spent with him has shown the power of youth within Naruto. Lee considers Naruto one of his rivals along with Neji. He wanted to fight alongside Naruto. Naruto was just like him. He wanted to show he could do anything, even without ninjutsu.

Tenten watches Neji as the Hyuga tries to hold in his tears. Tenten clearly shows her tears. She has so much to owe Naruto. Naruto changed Neji, allowing the Hyuga to open his eyes, which brought him to Neji. Naruto showed anything was possible with the right motivation. Tenten wanted to become a kunoichi. She could not do anything right, but she found her specialty. She only wished to see Naruto become Hokage.

Neji cannot believe the person who woke him up is gone. Were it not for Naruto, Neji would still be in the mindset of destiny. Naruto opened a path for him and it allowed him to move on. He became a better person and found someone who loves him.

Kiba and Shino watch as those around them cry. Kiba has known Naruto for a long time and has proven so many people wrong. Naruto defeated him and it gave him a chance to improve. Kiba will miss Naruto. Shino considers Naruto a friend, even if they did not know each other well. Shino only wishes to get a better perspective of Naruto and fight alongside him for a bit longer.

Kiba approaches Hinata, who turns to cry on his shoulder. Hinata will always hold a special spot for Naruto. He was the person who inspired her to fight on, even during the times when she wanted to give up. Hinata owes so much to Naruto. She only wishes to have done something to help Naruto.

Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji cry for the fallen friend. Shikamaru and Choji spent a lot of time with Naruto during the academy days. They never saw him as a monster, but only someone who wanted attention. Their friendship with Naruto only grew, but now he is gone and all they can do is honor his memory. Ino cries for Naruto knowing this one man helped change Sakura. When Sakura opened her eyes, so did Ino. Ino had a chance to know Naruto more often the past month, since he spent a lot of time in her family's shop buying flowers. She has grown fond of him and does not want to know the pain her pink hair friend is going through.

Sai only knew Naruto for a few months. Naruto helped Sai experience emotion he thought he eliminated long ago. Though he still needs work, he now has an opening to experience emotions. If only Naruto was here to help him further. However, Sai can only visit Naruto and explain his achievements.

Yamato lowers his head after watching one of his teammates buried. A body was never found, but it does not lessen the pain. If only he was there, he might have made a difference. However, what kind of difference was unknown. He could have made it worse. Maybe it could have been better. However, it is too late to know and all he can do is, pay his respects.

Kakashi clenches his hands. Another person important to him has died. He failed to protect his old teammates and now he failed to protect Naruto. He failed his sensei, Minato. However, he cannot let this event ruin his life. Naruto would not want that. Kakashi promises to protect the rest of the team and do the best he can for the future of the people he cares for.

Sasuke gazes at the tombstone. He finally gained someone who is a brother to him only to lose him again. Why is life so unfair? Why can he not have what he wants? Sasuke closes his eyes. Once he returns as a shinobi, he will do what he can to protect the people who have been there for him. He refuses to lose anyone else. Naruto has opened his eyes and he will do what he can to protect those he cares for.

The group begins to disperse after a moment of silence. The entire group turns their gaze to Sakura. Rin continues to hold Sakura as she slowly walks her daughter away from the tomb. Sakura walks slowly, but stops.

"A few more minutes," said Sakura.

Rin nods and quietly walks away.

Sakura turns her attention to Naruto's grave. He has done so much for her. He protected her and he has been there for her. He sacrificed so much for her happiness. She only wished to have noticed him sooner. How could she miss such a perfect man for her? He even healed her when she is supposed to be the medic. Naruto is her true love and she will never love another. Naruto can finally rest after so many years of abuse. However, if only she had a chance to share a life with Naruto, to grow old together and have children. Sakura says one last thing before turning around and leaving with everyone else.

"Thank you, Naruto. Thank you for so much," said Sakura in a weary voice.

Sakura turns around and begins to heading towards her friends. Sakura walks slowly as she approaches her mother and friends. Everyone turns around and continues their walk with Sakura behind the entire group. The rain continues to pour, but for a moment, it stops. Sakura walks on the wet grass, but she stops suddenly. Her eyes widen, as she felt something unfamiliar, yet familiar at the same time. An aura of safety surrounds her for only a few seconds as she snaps back to Naruto's tombstone.

A smile comes across her face.

"Baka," said Sakura to herself before joining the others.

A pair of red eyes slowly opens as the person tries to move only for him to wince in pain.

"I wouldn't move if I were you," said a voice. "You were badly wounded. I'm surprised you're even alive, Wotan."

Wotan's eyes widen at the voice. He tries to turn towards the source of the voice, but he winces in pain again.

"W-What are you doing here?" asked Wotan.

"I'm here to see what happened," replied the voice. "It seems like you lost."

"The old-timer got in the way. It wasn't my fault," explained Wotan.

"Foolish! I don't care if they're a hundred Orion's! I gave you a mission and you failed!" yelled the voice.

"I-I'm sorry my lord. G-Give me another chance and I will find the crystal and defeat Orion," said Wotan.

"No, it's too late. Orion has made his move. We need to move on to the next phase," stated the voice.

"What? But, I haven't found the crystal," replied Wotan.

"Don't worry. We will come back, for the crystal. There is still time," said the voice.

"Very well," said Wotan.

"When you're healed enough to move, we are returning home. Understand?" ordered the voice.

"Yes, my lord, I understand," replied Wotan.

Three Days Earlier

A pair of blue eyes slowly opens, as the person's first vision is a rocky ceiling. The person looks around trying to figure where he is. However, he is unable to recognize his surroundings. He tries to sit up, but pain shoots through his body forcing him to lie back down.

Another person walks into the room heading towards the blue eye man.

"O-Orion," said the blue eye man.

"Shh, you need to rest, Naruto," said Orion as Naruto falls asleep.

A few hours later, Naruto wakes up again, as he sits on the bed.

"Where am I," said Naruto to himself.

"You are at my hidden base," said Orion as he appears in the room.

Orion places his hands on Naruto's stomach and checks for any injuries.

"You've been out for a week. Your body suffered a lot. You and Kurama were so low on chakra that your usual healing ability was ineffective. I worked hard to save you," said Orion.

Naruto groans he tries to sit up, but Orion stops him.

"Rest, you still need time," said Orion.

"What happened after the battle? Did we kill Wotan?" asked Naruto.

"Wotan survived. Another former student of mine came for him," replied Orion.

Naruto's fist clench as the killer of Sakura's father lives. He was unable to avenge him and to make it worse; Wotan would be able to return to finish his job. He has to recover and begin chasing Wotan.

"Naruto, you never answered me before. What is your answer? Will you help me?" inquired Orion.

"Yes, I will. Wotan and his allies are too dangerous to be left alive," answered Naruto.

Orion nods his head and he prepares to leave.

"We need help," stated Orion as he turns his head to Naruto. "We can go back to Konoha and gather some of your friends to help us."

Orion looks at Naruto, whose face continues to be blank. The elder man sighs knowing Naruto's answer.

"You don't want to risk them do you?" questioned Orion.

"That letter you gave me last week had your plan to battle your students," said Naruto. "My friends are not needed. I'm the first one, am I not?"

"Yes you are. All right, Naruto, once you heal we will move," said Orion.

Immediately, Naruto stands up and begins walking to his new set of clothes. Orion sighs, knowing Naruto does not want to waste time.

"Naruto, do you want to say good-bye to your friends?" asked Orion.

Naruto freezes as he tries to make. He knows that if returns to Konoha and tells his friends of his plan to help Orion, they would want to come with him, thus, risking their lives. He does not want them involved any longer. Orion already has a plan, so, there is no need to risk them.

"I can't. If I do, I would only draw them into the fight," replied Naruto.

"If we survive this fight and you return. They are going to kick your ass," said Orion.

"I know," responded.

Orion digs into a nearby coat and takes out a seal. He unrolls the seal and activates it creating a poof sound. A large envelope appears from the smoke as Orion hands the envelope to Naruto. Naruto stares at the envelope and then opens it to reveal numerous papers within the envelope. He reads the papers as a confused expression occurs on his face.

"What is this?" asked Naruto.

"It is your destination or in other words, your mission. I need you to go there," said Orion.

"Okay, but I never heard of this place. Heck, I don't even know where it is!" shouted Naruto.

Orion laughs a bit before responding.

"Of course you don't. I highly doubt anyone would. Don't worry. I'll take you there then you'll start your mission from there."

Three Days Later

After three more days of healing, Naruto returns to one hundred percent. His chakra has returned to full capacity as he prepares to move on.

Naruto stands on top of a cliff as he gazes at the sunrise. He notices the forest as the wind blows smoothly across his face. Naruto sighs as he thinks over his decision to help Orion. Orion stated that he might not see his friends for a very long time. He will miss everyone. He will not have a chance to call Tsunade, Baa-chan. He will not be able to have ramen at Ichiraku's for a long time. He does not know when the next time he will see Shikamaru, Neji, Hinata, Choji, Ino, Shino, Sai, Guy, Lee, Tenten, and Kiba. Naruto is a bit upset that he cannot support Sasuke upon his return Konoha. In fact, he can only hope Sasuke escapes execution, but he has faith that Tsunade will be able to stop such an event despite Sasuke's previous actions. He will miss the Sand Siblings. To be able to mess with Gaara and Kankuro will have to wait as well as watching Temari's reactions.

Naruto closes his eyes as his thoughts run across the person he will miss the most, Sakura. She is the person he loves the most. She has finally returned his love after so many years. He cannot imagine the pain she might be going through as of right now. She thinks he is dead and he cannot approach her without her wanting to go with him into the war. How much he wants to hold her and comfort her. Naruto does not know how long it will take to help Orion. It could take weeks, months, or years. By the time, he returns to Konoha, who knows what will change. Sakura might move on with her life and she might become married to someone else. The question is, can he stand her being with somebody else.

A thought runs through Naruto's head as he hopes to give himself some hope. Naruto begins to build chakra and sends out a signal. He only hopes Sakura got it.

"Naruto, are you ready?" asked Orion as he approaches Naruto.

Orion gazes at Naruto's sadden expression. The elder man felt Naruto's signal and decides to give Naruto a bit of hope.

"I'm sure she felt it. If she truly loves you, then she will wait," said Orion.

Naruto sighs, "I know. It's just, I'll miss her. Well, I'm ready to go."

"All right. Remember, this is going to be a difficult fight. After I transport you to your location, you and I will go our separate ways. I wish you good luck," said Orion.

Naruto nods his head as Orion activates a seal.

"Teleportation Seal: Activate!" shouted Orion.

"Teleportation? If you had that, how come you didn't use it before?" asked Naruto.

"Excuse me? It takes a while to work because I need to charge it up. So shut it!" retorted Orion.

Naruto grunts, but he keeps quiet.

"All right, Naruto are you ready for the fight of your life?" asked Orion.

"As ready as I'll be," replied Naruto.

'What else can you get us into?' said Kurama.

'Who knows,' replied Naruto.

"By the way Naruto," said Orion snapping Naruto out of his trance. "I want to give you the nickname, Red Fox."

"Why?" asked Naruto.

"Intimidation," said Orion.

"How would that work against Wotan?" inquired Naruto.

"Who said it was for Wotan. Shadow Monsters aren't the only things working for Wotan," replied Orion.

Orion's seal activates revealing a large white portal. Naruto sighs, not knowing what is on the other side or when he will ever return to Konoha. He must put his dreams to become Hokage and marry Sakura on hold. True darkness is on its way and Naruto must be there to fight it.

The legend of the red fox begins here.

End of Book 1

The Red Fox

A/N: Whew, that is the end of this part of the story. The story will continue, so, do not worry about this ending. Naruto will return, but with time. Anyhow, I hope everyone enjoyed my story. It took months to complete, but here it is, my first complete story. Please leave reviews.