Revelations Of The Mind

Ok here's the 7th chapter, hope yall like it, I actually like it myself, adds a couple more layers to the story. For those of your who have doubts about Naruto's mother, she was 32 when he left. So, when he came back she was 5 years older so she's 37. subtract 17 years, since that was when the fourth was killed and 2 more years for pregnancy and dating and you have an 18 year old mother. That's the math I'm working with so deal with it :P.

Otherwise, please leave a review and have fun with the reading. If you have questions please don't hesitate to email me or leave a review and I will respond. This applies to all chapters by the way. Anyway, ENJOY!!!!
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To My Reviewers:

TVO: I understand your concerns, and greatly appreciate your reviews, as one of my most avid reviews I listen closely. The reason behind Naruto and Sakura's inability to heal is that both their chakra systems are screwed up do to the combination of or mixing of their "Essences". Essentially, Naruto gave a small piece of himself and Kyuubi to Sakura so he could be a donor, now yes he did do this subconciously, but the fox kinda made it happen, Naruto just had to agree, which most psychologists agree you can do while unconcious. (I've taken Psyc. courses, who knew i'd use them like this.) Sakura can't heal because until the organ is transplanted, thus actually completeing the combination process and linking the demon in Naruto with the part of the demon in sakura, the circuit is incomplete. Imagine if you will a long electric cord with current running through it. If you were to cut it in half and place wool inbetween the connection, the current wouldn't get through. But once that wool is removed and the connection reestablished the current flows freely. That's the best way I can explain it. Feel free to email me though with any further questions. I think I have my email up here, if not, it should be up in Fanfiction.net...but under my penname "Stillnotwalking".

Nim Istar: I really appreciate your reviews and thank you for sticking up for my story. I'm very glad that you like it so much that you would do so. I hope you enjoy this next chapter and please review again if you see fit.

Peacemaker of the Phoenix Soul: Your short and too the point, and I appreciate that. Thanks a bunch

To the rest of my reviewer: Thanks a bunch, Plese keep reading and review as you see fit, thanks again.
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Darkness shrouded her vision, its shadow encompassing all of her surroundings, and she was frightened. Yet the place was comfortable in a sense, she felt that in some way she knew the place well, though she had no idea why.

It was cold as well and as such she was hugging herself, drawing her knees into her chest in an attempt to warm her vital torso.

Her eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness, allowing certain features to be made out that neither alleviated nor increased her uneasiness.

She had woken up in this spot and hadn’t moved, seeing as how she had no idea where she was it seemed the most appropriate course of action. After all, the last place she remembered being was on the rooftop trying to protect Naruto…though from what she couldn’t remember. However, she did remember feeling a splitting pain and the encroaching shadow.

“Naruto…” sobbed Sakura, her current predicament forgotten as her worry for her dear friend took hold.

“Don’t worry Sakura; Naruto is fine for the moment…” came a sudden deep voice from the surrounding void

A blast of red light followed, battling the darkness for dominance, and pushing it back further into the void from whence it came.

Sakura, blinded by the sudden occurrence of light, closed her eyes and brought her hands up to shield them from further punishment.

The light slowly receded, leaving a golden glow around her, and exposing the four walls of the room she occupied.

Moving her hands down Sakura surveyed her surroundings. Around her was a gold and wood room, torches lighting the area, allowing for the cold to recede as well.

As she swiveled her head about she found, a once overlooked, floating blue crystal near the left side of the room at least ten meters away from her. It seemed to be made of glass, shining in the light casting glancing beams in all directions, and as such directing a dazzling glare at Sakura, defeating any analysis by sight.

Intrigued, and seeing it as the only lead she had to her location, Sakura moved closer to it. She seem drawn in to the object in the oddest of ways, it was just inviting in a sense. Something about it just seemed to make Sakura want to hold it. But as she got closer her fear grew, as did the pull. The contradicting feelings overpowering her, and then the pain came. Her head started to pound, and it hurt greater with every step, the pain greater then than anything she had ever felt and her only want was to scream.

“GET AWAY FROM IT!!!” yelled the voice once again

Sakura grunted in pain, nearly throwing herself in the opposite direction from her heading. Slowly the pain receded as her distance furthered from the floating gem.

Sakura sat down breathing heavily, wiping the sweat off her brow, and starred at the crystal trying to see through the glare what was inside.

Sakura concentrated on one spot, allowing her squinting eyes to adjust to the almost overpowering glare, willing herself to see through it. Then there was a flash of gold… and another… and another. All flashes accompanied by a small flash of black slightly below it. She starred harder at the continuous rhythm of color, until finally she saw what could only be blonde hair, and below it, the face of her dear friend.

“NARUTO!!!” screamed Sakura desperately, concern for her friend overpowering her doubts and fears. She moved out of her seated position and began to run towards the crystal again only to be cut off by a large fox…with nine tails.

“Don’t Go Near Him!!” growled the fox, his mouth barely moving “If you get to close to him without understanding why he is here, you will die along with him.”

Sakura fell back, scrambling back, trying to put as much space between her and the fox, only to run into a wall.

Kyuubi turned to face her, canines over his lips, providing a very intimidating sight.

“Why!? Why are you here!!?” yelled Sakura, her face the epitome of terror, knowing full well what the fox in front of her was. “The Fourth defeated you, you should be dead!!!”

Kyuubi snarled “He did not defeat me!! He sealed me…”

Sakura shrank back, what little courage available before fading into the air. In the face of such a demon what else was she to do but to fear, especially with the feral look the demon was giving her.

Kyuubi caught himself, and lied down in a submissive gesture, trying to prove he wasn’t a threat, “I ‘m sorry Sakura, I by no means wanted to frighten you, I’m actually trying to help you out of your situation.”

‘Liked I’d believe anything that would come out of demon’s mouth’ thought Sakura, backing away from the fox further expecting a trap from the void surroundings, paranoia taking over.

“Look I don’t care if you don’t believe me…” said Kyuubi sighing, somehow aware of exactly what she was thinking, “But you do care bout him don’t your…?”

Kyuubi moved his head, using his snout to point at Naruto, indicating him as the object of his statement.

Sakura, following his gesture paled slightly, fear forgotten for the moment and courage returning in the realization that Naruto was possibly in danger.

“What do you mean?” said Sakura slowly in concern for her friend, keeping her tone as level as possible.

“I’ll tell you but you have to stop fearing me first…” said Kyuubi a slight grin, or what could be considered a grin on a fox, appearing on his face.

Sakura sat forward, overpowering her fear with new found will, and starred straight at the fox, gaze unwavering.

“Alright, but only if you agree to not harm him…” said Sakura with great strength.

The fox laughed a booming laugh suddenly, apparently finding the statement very funny though fro reasons that Sakura was unaware of.

“I could no sooner hurt him then myself.” Said Kyuubi, panting slightly.

Sakura’s eyebrow arched in confusion, her brain trying to analyze the ever changing situation.

“Truthfully, I’m surprised that you didn’t ask me to spare you of harm.” Said Kyuubi, studying her lightly “But I suppose that is part of your character, I can see why Kit values you so highly…”

“Kit?” thought Sakura, staring in blank confusion for the third time.

“Naruto, that’s who I mean. Though, so you know, your actually kit too…I do have a more personal nickname but he’ll have to tell you that eventually.” Said Kyuubi smirking allowing his features to become softer. “Now, why don’t we make things a little less tense shall we…”

Sakura starred closely as Kyuubi began to shrink, becoming what could only be called a juvenile fox.

“Ah, now that is less intimidating isn’t it…” said Kyuubi, now busily jumping and prancing around, apparently enjoying his new appearance.

Sakura nodded slowly, gulping in awe of the sudden change of the demon to something very…cute.

“So…” squeaked Sakura “Explain to me why you seem to know Naruto?”

“Oh, that’s simple, it’s because I was sealed into him by the fourth when he was but an infant.” Said Kyuubi matter-of-factly.

Sakura starred in shock, unable to stop herself from speaking. “Bullshit!!”
Kyuubi’s ears perked up at this, a slight chuckle emanating from his throat. “Now I have to say I never imagined a sweet little girl like you know such a bad word.”

Sakura quickly covered her mouth in recognition of her statement. But reconsidered her movement soon there after.

‘Wait a minute, this is a demon I’m talking to, and why the hell should I care what I say to him…’ thought Sakura

“Yes, why the hell indeed.” Laughed the Fox

Sakura’s eyes locked into a connection with the foxes at this.

“How do you keep doing that?” asked Sakura

“Doing what?” asked Kyuubi, a sly grin on his face.

“How do you keep reading my mind?” growled Sakura

“The answer, like all things, will come in its good time.” Said Kyuubi, still grinning. “Now back to the subject at hand, I was sealed in Naruto, as a last ditch effort by the fourth to save the village from me. Naruto was chosen because he was yet untouched by the taint of man, and as he was an infant his body would be able to grow and incorporate the seal thereby making it stronger. Also, he really was the only infant the fourth could use effectively.”

Sakura, realizing that she had no way out save to ask resigned her self to the question, “How was it that Naruto was the only choice?”

“Well, he was the fourth’s son, and as such the genetics allowed the seal to be completed perfectly and without flaw.” Said Kyuubi

“WHAT!? Yelled Sakura, surprise more then taking control of her thoughts for the moment.

Kyuubi’s pulled back his head at the sound, his ears lying flat, “Damn you loud…”
Sakura started breathing heavily, bringing an image of the mature Naruto to the front of her mind. The long hair, the calm feature and even his knew mild manner spoke highly of his ancestry. In fact the only thing that didn’t seem to be from his apparent father were the whisker marks. It was so obvious that she wondered why she hadn’t seen it before, and if that was true, then the likely hood of the rest of it being true was a lot greater. But the new information begged the question, who was the mother?

“By the lack of screeching I would say you’ve calmed down slightly, though I was under the impression that humans didn’t have to pant to relieve tension.” Said Kyuubi slyly, receiving a glare from Sakura that chilled even his bones.

Sakura stopped her glare, returning to a more solemn expression and asked the question beating at her mind, “…Who is his mother?”

“His mother? Shizune…the hokage’s assistant.” Said Kyuubi casually

“Shizune!?” gasped Sakura “When the hell did that happen…”

“About nineteen years ago to be exact…” said Kyuubi “Which would have made her about eighteen I believe. A fine age to bear children.”

“Nineteen years, that would have been at least two years before you came, which means they must have been married or something….” said Sakura silently, her thinking cap on

“I don’t pretend to be an expert on the human mating process, I would recommend you just ask her when you see her.” Said Kyuubi, annoyed at getting off topic.

“But why hasn’t she come forward and told Naruto about it!?” asked Sakura, a slight plead to her voice.

“As I said that would be a question for her not me…” said Kyuubi, moving forward and placing his head on Sakura’s lap.

Sakura tensed slightly, this wasn’t making any sense. Not only was the legendary greater demon laying on her lap, however cutely, but apparently the demon was also sealed within her dearest friend since before she had known him, and that friend in turn was apparently the son of both the Yodaime and Shizune-sama…what the hell was going on!?

Sakura grunted, placing her face in her hands in frustration.

Kyuubi yawned, “You know for all your intelligent and probing questions, you fail to ask the most important to you…Why are you talking to me?”

Sakura’s face came up out of her hands recognition clear on her face, it was indeed a question she hadn’t considered and was also just as important as the fox made it seem, and though she still did not trust the fox fully, she had to take the chance.

“Alright, I’ll bite, why are you here with me?” asked Sakura

“Quite simply, because Kit wanted to protect you.” Said Kyuubi

“That was simple, it made no sense…” said Sakura glaring at the fox strongly.

“Ok…see if you can follow me here…” said Kyuubi, sighing slightly to cover his gulp of apprehension from her glare. He had to admit that Naruto was right to be afraid of her wrath. “You were injured protecting him, as he was you, this much you know. However, your wounds had landed in such a way that they caused extensive damage to vital areas. As such you both were bleeding in, well, floods. Now, as you know, your blood carries a small chakra signature, I believe you call it your chakra profile. Following me so far?”

“Of course…” said Sakura rather offended

“Alright. The amount of blood loss you incurred caused it to run and reach each other, and as such intermingle. Your chakra profiles mixed and combined, and part of me was transferred to you.” Said Kyuubi watching Sakura’s face. “You see, Naruto never had his own true chakra signature, he was always in limbo because of my influence, however, when his blood touched yours his profile changed to match it in an effort to save you.”

“Save me?” asked Sakura, rather surprised.

“Yes…” sighed Kyuubi “ You see when you protected him from the attack, using yourself as a shield of sorts, you took about fifty hits to your back, two of which landed directly in your kidney’s, shredding them beyond repair.”

Sakura gasped at this, she knew the implications of such an injury, and if her calculations were correct, there wasn’t a soul in Konoha that would be able to give her the transplant she needed to live.

“However, Naruto’s feelings for you being what they are, he subconsciously changed his profile so that he could be a donor for you, and thereby save your life…although I must admit I did have a small role in nudging him foreword in that but the final choice was his.” Continued Kyuubi

“So my kidneys are gone then…” said Sakura in a shocked haze.

“Yes… and at the moment you’re going through the transplantation surgery with Naruto as your donor, and if you weren’t you body would die in two days.” Said Kyuubi solemnly

“But, why would he do all this for me, he was grievously injured, not to mention unconscious!!” said Sakura, emotions riddling her face, though which ones could only be left to conjecture.

“Aren’t you thinking at all!? The boy has been in love with you since you were toddlers…” snarled Kyuubi, compassion for the brat shinning through his exterior; he really did wish the girl would catch on quicker for Kit’s sake.

Suddenly, a slash of light appeared before Sakura’s eyes, blocking out everything else. Images of events flashed through her mind at incredible speeds, yet she was able to hear all of it.

“Sakur-chan!!!...Sakrua-chan…I’ll help you with that Sakura-chan….I’ll practice with you if you want Sakura-Chan…Yes, One free Ramen COUPON!!!...Don’t worry Sakura-chan, I’ll bring him back, I promise…” said Naruto’s voice coming through the images.

“What is all this!?” gasped Sakura
“His memories…it should really be surprising that they are mostly about you…well you and ramen anyway.” Said Kyuubi, adding a slight spark of disgust to the favorite food of his host.

Sakura watched in disbelief, image after image flowed by, until finally one caught her eye. “Wait, stop it there…”

The images slowed, finally leaving an image of Naruto fighting Gaara, to save her…

“I though Sasuke saved me from Gaara then…” said Sakura

“That wuss!?” laughed Kyuubi rolling onto his back “That boy couldn’t defeat himself, let alone a that demon.”

“Sasuke-kun is not a wuss!” yelled Sakura, glaring down at the fox.

Kyuubi sighed in aggravation, his voice gravely, “He paled in the face of Orchimaru, while Naruto faced him down to save him and you, only to be hurt substantially. He also relied on that cursed seal given to him by the very same man that nearly killed Naruto and You, eventually loosing control and almost killing Naruto, who wouldn’t kill him even though my power would let him because of a promise to you. And finally, He took the easy rout, pursuing power without effort. In the end the boy is a traitor and cannot go any farther then he already has and is beyond saving…but that’s just my opinion, Kit still wants to save him.”

Sakura’s face fell during Kyuubi’s statements, each one like a searing dagger jammed into her heart, breaking down the walls of mistruths she had built around it. In the end it left her with only the grim reality of Sasuke’s actions.

Sakura looked up, slightly recovered but eyes becoming wet, “Why does he still want to save him?”

Kyuubi groaned in frustration, “I thought you were supposed to be smart. Haven’t you noticed, through all this, that boy is utterly devoted to you? He would kill himself to keep you happy, and he almost did to bring your “Sasuke-Kun” back to you, just so you would love someone other then him. Truthfully, I don’t understand his thought patterns but that’s my problem.”

“But why? Why would he do this…” sobbed Sakura, more to herself to the fox.

“Hmmm… this should answer your questions…” said the fox moving the images forward to one of the last.

The image appeared, the rooftops of Konoha its backdrop, and the event itself happening only three days ago. Naruto had stopped a fear on his face, but not a fear for his safety but rather one of his burden waking up.

Sakura watched as her past self snuggled up into Naruto’s chest and yawned leaving a smile on her face, Naruto starring at her with a soft smile on his face. She remember the comfort of that night, the contentment, and it brought a slight flush to her face…as well as made the dams of her eyes finally break sending tears down the side of her face.

“He really does care for me doesn’t he…” giggled Sakura sadly.

“Yes, it’s about time you figured that out, he is convinced that you don’t return the feeling s however. Rather that you like that wuss…” said Kyuubi, moving the image to Sasuke, fully transformed and holding his hand through Naruto’s chest. “This one to be specific…”

Sakura shivered, how could he have survived that, and why hadn’t he fought back at his full capacity she wondered…but she knew the answer…it was her…it was always about her with him, and it had taken her this long to figure that out.

“I’m sorry that I had to show you this, Kit wouldn’t want me too…but you deserve to know…” said Kyuubi

Sakura’s hand moved up on the fox’s stomach and started to scratch, eliciting a low groan from the now very comfortable quadrupeds.

“No it’s alright, thank you Kyuubi…I’m glad I know…” sighed Sakura, stopping her ministrations to get up making the fox whine, very uncharacteristic for a greater demon.

“You know, whining really doesn’t suit you…” said Sakura, giggling slightly.

“I wasn’t whining…greater demons never whine…” said Kyuubi, embarrassment apparent on his face.

Sakura laughed, “About that greater demon bit, I suppose you’re the reason why the towns people have always treated him badly then?”

“Yes, the reason neither you nor your friends knew was that a law is in place that disables the adults from tell people not of age about it. Though you and your friends will be of age shortly, so I assume they will all know of it before the end of this year.” Said Kyuubi

“Hmm…” grunted Sakura, nodding her head, she would have to deal with that when it came. “So, why is Naruto in that crystal…?”

“Bout time you asked…it’s a part of his psyche, as well as mine, it links you to his thoughts and life force and vice versa. As well as to his abilities, which he will have to explain to you in due course…” said Kyuubi “For now, you just have to agree to the transplant…”

“But, if I do that I’ll become like him right…” said Sakura, a slight flush on her face.

“Yes…” said Kyuubi, ears sagging lightly.

Sakura knelled, smiling broadly, “Alright, what do I have to do?”

Kyuubi perked up, a hopeful look pronounced on his face, “Walk towards the crystal and touch it, though I warn you it will hurt. But now that you know what it means for both you and him, you will be able to understand and they by survive.

“Alright then…” said Sakura, standing back up, readying herself mentally for the journey she was about undertake, reflecting on the previous pain.

‘I’ll just have to endure it…’ thought Sakura, moving slowly towards the crystal.

“Alright, it’s one, the transplant was successful…now all that’s left is to close them both up and leave it to fate.” said the tired form of Tsunade, visibly drained as to be expected.

“Yes, Tsunade-sama….I’ll close Naruto…” said Shizune, absentmindedly running a hand through the blonde locks of the boy.

Tsunade smiled, “Alright let’s begin…”

*One hour later*

The last stitch in place, Tsunade breathed a sigh of relief. It was finally over, the transplant was done and the dialysis machine had been removed, everything else was left to time and the strength of her will.

“Tsunade-sama” came a voice from behind her, sounding rather scarred.”

“Yes, what is it?” asked Tsunade, turning only to be faced with an unexpected sight.

Naruto’s and Sakura’s mouths and eyes were open, wide open and beams of orange-red light erupted forth. Red flames of chakra rushed up form the ground swirling around the two, causing the sheets that covering their bodies to be removed, exposing their sewed wounds, which were rapidly healing over.

It was then that the shocked still Tsunade regained herself. Surveying the situation for probable cause her eyes landed on the red seal on both Naruto and Sakura’s stomachs. The seal glowed as if ablaze, showing the demon’s presence in both of them. Tsunade, smiled, her theory had been correct.

However, while starring at the seal something started happening. The left side of the seal started to stretch and a single line of glyphs ran up their left sides slowly. It started to run its way over each rib, eventually wrapping around the left shoulder and flowing down their left arms. It finally stopped at their hands wrapping a red ring of glyphs around their left ring finger.

The spreading red seal ended, glowing once more in a brilliant flaming red only to turn into its original dark black.

All together everything that had happened so suddenly faded. The light left their faces, and the two ninjas appeared as if nothing was wrong, though they were still asleep.

Tsunade walked forward, albeit staggering lightly, and check over them. Sakura’s pulse had become stronger and it seemed her chakra circulation system had been completely repaired, incorporating the new organ perfectly. All of the cuts and bruises were gone and their seemed to be nothing wrong, and when she checked over Naruto it was much the same.

‘I suppose it worked, though I wasn’t expecting such a show…’ thought Tsunade

Tsunade cleared her voice and addressed the shocked nurses, “Take them to their rooms…”

“H…Hai…” stammered the nurses moving about their jobs as only years of training and experience could provide given the circumstances.

The nurses moved the two ninja’s out of the operation room with their accompanying IV’s. Tsunade and Shizune watching as they went, starring at the door long after they were gone.

Tsunade was the first to move, going to a close by sink to wash her arms of the stench their blood had left. Shizune following close behind as always.

Tsunade laughed, “I guess I’ll have to deal with Naruto calling m Obaasan again.”

Shizune giggled, “Yes, I suppose you will, though I must admit I’ve always envied you for that.”

“Really? Well, I’ll call you obaasan if you want Shizune…” said Tsunade, chuckling slightly at the glare she received, but becoming serious. “He really has become a great man Shizune…”

“Yes…” sighed Shizune “He grows more like him every day…”

Tsunade nodded, “hmm, and he’s getting ever closer to his goal of being hokage...not that surprising considering his lineage I suppose, right Shizune…”

Shizune looked down, blushing slightly, refusing to answer, only to get a sly grin out of her mistress.

“Well, Shizune I have an order for you alright, it takes precedence over everything else.” Said Tsunade

“Yes, Tsunade-sama…” said Shizune, snapping to slight attention

“You are going to be Naruto’s personal nurse, you are charged with his care, and as such will tend to his every need.” Said Tsunade, enjoying the look of shock on Shizune’s face.

“Tsunade-sama, with all due respect, I refuse.” Said Shizune looking away from her mistress.

“No you don’t…” said Tsunade, voice becoming harsh. “You don’t have a choice this time, it’s a direct order from your Hokage, do you understand!”

Shizune glared at Tsunade, a harsher glare than Tsunade had ever received from her assistant, yet in the end it was Shizune who looked away.

“Yes, Hokage-sama…” said Shizune quietly, defeated and moving to the door.

“Shizune, on last thing…” said Tsunade

Shizune turned back, a questioning look on her face. “Yes?”

“This is your time, I don’t know what happened back then, but no matter what the problem is, you owe it to him to at least let him get to know you, outside of your secretarial job that is.” Said Tsuande, a caring smile on her face.

Shizune starred for a while, looking directly at Tsunade, as if trying to see her soul. Finally, Shizune blushed looking down and nodded, turning and walking out the door.

‘I hope this turns out alright…It’s been too hard on her fourth…’ thought Tsuande, after Shizune left looking up to the ceiling. ‘She’s too good to keep carrying that hole in her heart…hopefully Naruto can fill both your and his own spaces.’