Naruto: The Dragonoid's Legacy
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**Konoha Village Gates**
The group arrived at the gates to find controlled chaos. Medic-nin rushed between wounded shinobi, ANBU coordinated defensive positions, and civilians huddled in designated safe zones. The invasion had been repelled, but the scars remained evident everywhere Naruto looked.
"Halt!" Two Chunin guards stepped forward, weapons drawn, then recognized the Konoha Genin. Their eyes widened when they saw the Sand siblings. "Those are enemy combatants!"
"They're surrendering peacefully," Shikamaru said, stepping forward with his hands raised in a calming gesture. "We need to speak with a commanding officer."
"Lord Hokage is—" The guard's expression became pained. "There's a situation. You need to report to Genma Shiranui at the emergency command post."
Something in the guard's tone made Naruto's stomach drop. He could feel it now—that faint chakra signature he'd been tracking was getting weaker by the second.
"Where's the Hokage?" Naruto demanded, his voice sharp with barely controlled panic.
"Naruto—" Sasuke started.
"WHERE IS HE?!" Pink-and-gold energy crackled briefly around Naruto's fists before he forced it down.
The guard pointed toward the rooftops in the distance where the barrier had been. "The battle with Orochimaru just concluded. The barrier is down, but... you should hurry."
Naruto didn't wait for more. His body blurred as he took off at speeds no normal Genin should possess, jumping from rooftop to rooftop toward that fading light of chakra.
"Naruto, wait!" Sakura called out, but he was already gone.
"Let him go," Neji said quietly. "The Hokage... if what I'm sensing is correct, he doesn't have much time."
Sasuke's fists clenched. He'd seen that desperate look in Naruto's eyes—the fear of losing someone precious. It reminded him of a night long ago, when his world had burned and his brother had walked away.
---
**The Rooftop**
Naruto landed on the tiled roof to find a scene that would haunt him forever.
The Third Hokage lay on his back, his body broken and aged beyond his years. The Death God's mark was visible on his stomach where he'd used the Reaper Death Seal. Around him, ANBU medics worked frantically, but Naruto could see the futility in their movements. His enhanced senses told him what they couldn't accept—the Hokage's life force was nearly spent.
"Old man..." Naruto's voice cracked as he stumbled forward.
Sarutobi's eyes, dimmed with approaching death, focused on him. A small smile crossed his weathered face. "Naruto... you're safe... good..."
"Don't talk like that! You're going to be fine! The medics will fix you up and—"
"Naruto." The Hokage's hand reached out weakly, and Naruto grabbed it, surprised by how cold it felt. "Listen... to an old man's... final words..."
"No! You're not dying! You can't!" Tears streamed down Naruto's face. "I still have so much to tell you! About my training, about what I've become, about—"
"I know." Sarutobi's smile widened slightly. "Jiraiya... told me some. That you've... inherited something... extraordinary. That you're becoming... something more than human."
"Then you know I can save you! I have this power now! I can—"
"No, my boy." The Hokage's grip tightened fractionally. "Some prices... must be paid. I used the Reaper Death Seal... to stop Orochimaru. My soul... is already claimed."
Naruto's whole body shook. The dragonoid power inside him screamed to be released, to fix this, to rage against the unfairness of it all. But he knew—even with Milim's power, even with all his new strength—he couldn't fight death itself.
"I'm sorry," Naruto sobbed. "I should have been here! I should have helped you! If I'd just—"
"You did... exactly what you should have." Sarutobi's breathing was becoming labored. "You protected... your friends. You chose... mercy over vengeance... with that Sand boy. You showed... the Will of Fire."
Around them, more people were gathering. Jonin, ANBU, and then the other Genin who'd followed Naruto. They stood in respectful silence as the Hokage's life ebbed away.
"Naruto... I have a request." Sarutobi coughed, blood flecking his lips. "This new power... of yours... use it wisely. Don't let it... consume you. Don't let it... separate you from... what makes you human. Your bonds... your compassion... those are your true strength."
"I won't! I promise!" Naruto gripped the old man's hand tighter. "I'll protect the village! I'll become Hokage, just like I said! I'll make you proud!"
"You already have... my boy. You... already have." Sarutobi's eyes moved past Naruto to the gathered shinobi. "All of you... the next generation... you are the future... of Konoha. Protect each other... protect the village... and never forget... the Will of Fire..."
His eyes found Naruto's one last time. "I'm proud... of you... Naruto Uzumaki. You are not... the Nine-Tails. You are not... just a dragonoid. You are... a shinobi... of Konoha. Never forget... that..."
"Old man... Grandpa..." Naruto's voice broke completely.
Sarutobi's hand went limp in his grasp. The light faded from his eyes. The Third Hokage, the Professor, the God of Shinobi—was gone.
For a moment, everything was silent.
Then Naruto threw back his head and **screamed**.
The sound was raw, primal, filled with anguish that transcended human grief. Pink-and-gold energy erupted from his body in waves, cracking the roof tiles and sending shockwaves through the air. His eyes blazed pure gold, his horns emerged, and his wings tried to manifest before he forcibly suppressed them.
"NARUTO!" Kakashi appeared beside him, his hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Control it! I know it hurts, but you have to control it!"
"HE'S DEAD!" Naruto sobbed, the energy still crackling dangerously around him. "He's dead and I couldn't save him! What good is this power if I can't even save one person?!"
"Some battles can't be won with power alone," a voice said softly.
Jiraiya stepped through the crowd, his face etched with grief. The legendary Sannin looked older than Naruto had ever seen him. "The old man made his choice. He traded his life to protect the village. That's what it means to be Hokage."
"It's not fair!" Naruto's energy flared again.
"No. It's not." Jiraiya knelt beside his fallen teacher, his hand resting on Sarutobi's chest. "But he died as he lived—protecting what he loved. There's honor in that."
Slowly, painfully, Naruto forced his power back down. The horns receded. The energy dissipated. But his eyes remained gold, unable or unwilling to return to blue just yet.
He looked around at the gathered shinobi—some he knew, many he didn't. They were all staring at him with varying expressions. Fear. Awe. Confusion. Suspicion.
*They saw,* the Kyuubi said quietly. *They saw you lose control. They saw the power.*
*I don't care,* Naruto thought back bitterly. *Let them see. Let them fear. It didn't matter anyway. I couldn't save him.*
"Everyone, clear the area," Jiraiya ordered, his voice carrying authority. "Give the Hokage dignity in death. Medics, prepare the body for burial rites. ANBU, secure the perimeter and begin damage assessment."
As the crowd began to disperse, Jiraiya gently pulled Naruto to his feet. "Come on, kid. We need to talk."
"I don't want to talk."
"I know. But we need to anyway." Jiraiya's expression was serious. "What just happened—your power manifesting in front of all these people—it's going to have consequences."
"Let it," Naruto said hollowly. "I don't care anymore."
"Naruto..." Sakura approached hesitantly, her eyes red from crying. "I'm so sorry."
Behind her, Sasuke stood with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. But Naruto's enhanced senses picked up the tension in his teammate's body, the way his fists were clenched tight enough to draw blood.
"The Hokage was a great man," Neji said, bowing respectfully. "He will be honored."
"His youthful spirit will live on in all of us!" Lee declared through his tears.
Naruto wanted to thank them, wanted to appreciate their support, but the words stuck in his throat. All he could see was the old man's lifeless eyes, the smile that had faded into nothing.
"Naruto," Shikamaru said quietly. "The village is going to need you to be strong now. Whatever that power is, whatever you're becoming—people saw it. They're going to have questions."
"Then they can ask someone else," Naruto muttered. "I'm done for today."
He turned to leave, but Jiraiya's hand on his shoulder stopped him.
"You're not running from this, kid. Like it or not, you're at the center of a storm now." The Sannin's eyes were serious. "In a few days, the Council will convene to choose the next Hokage. And they're going to want answers about what you are and what you can do."
"What I am?" Naruto's voice was bitter. "I'm the kid who couldn't save the one person who always believed in me. That's what I am."
"You're also the kid who defeated Neji Hyuga, stopped a rampaging Jinchuuriki, and survived an invasion," Kakashi interjected. "Don't diminish what you've accomplished because you couldn't prevent the inevitable."
"It wasn't inevitable! If I'd been stronger, if I'd gotten here faster—"
"Then you might have died too," Jiraiya said bluntly. "Orochimaru is one of the most dangerous shinobi alive. Even with your new powers, you're not ready to face him. The old man knew that. That's why he ordered everyone to protect the village instead of helping him."
Naruto wanted to argue, wanted to rage, but the truth of Jiraiya's words cut deep.
"What happens now?" he asked quietly.
"Now, we mourn. We honor the dead. We rebuild." Jiraiya's expression softened. "And tomorrow, we figure out how to explain to the village that their number one knucklehead ninja has become something out of legend."
---
**Emergency Council Chambers - Several Hours Later**
The emergency council meeting was tense. Koharu and Homura, the Hokage's longtime advisors, sat at the head of the table. Around them were the clan heads—Hiashi Hyuga, Shikaku Nara, Inoichi Yamanaka, Choza Akimichi, Tsume Inuzuka, and Shibi Aburame. Danzo Shimura lurked in the shadows, his expression unreadable.
"The Hokage is dead," Koharu stated the obvious, her voice heavy with grief. "Orochimaru's invasion has been repelled, but at great cost. Preliminary reports indicate over 300 casualties, both civilian and shinobi."
"The Sand Village has formally requested negotiations," Homura added. "Their Kazekage was apparently killed by Orochimaru as well. The invasion was orchestrated by the Snake Sannin using both villages as pawns."
"That can be addressed later," Danzo's voice cut through the discussion. "Right now, we have a more pressing concern. The Uzumaki boy."
The room went silent.
"Multiple witnesses reported seeing him manifest some kind of transformation during the invasion," Danzo continued. "Energy wings, horns, glowing eyes, and power that reportedly allowed him to physically fight a Tailed Beast. Combined with the revelation that he's the Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki, this presents a significant security concern."
"Naruto Uzumaki is a loyal shinobi of this village," Kakashi spoke up from where he stood against the wall. "Whatever he's become, he used his power to protect his comrades and stop the Sand Jinchuuriki from causing more damage."
"Or he's a ticking time bomb," Danzo countered. "An unknown power combined with the Nine-Tails? He could be more dangerous than any invasion."
"That's ridiculous!" Shikaku Nara interjected. "My son and the other Genin who witnessed his transformation all report that he maintained control even under extreme emotional stress. That shows remarkable discipline."
"Does it?" Danzo's visible eye narrowed. "Or does it show that he's been hiding his true nature all along? How long has he had this power? What else is he hiding?"
"Jiraiya-sama briefed me on the basics," Hiashi Hyuga spoke up, his tone measured. "According to him, Naruto underwent some kind of transformation during their training—something involving an entity from another dimension. The details are unclear, but Jiraiya vouches for the boy's loyalty."
"Jiraiya is biased," Danzo said. "The boy is his student."
"And you're biased against Jinchuuriki," Tsume Inuzuka growled. "My son was there. He said Naruto saved their lives. That's good enough for me."
The council erupted into arguments, voices rising as different factions debated Naruto's fate.
Kakashi watched it all with growing concern. This was exactly what they'd feared—the revelation of Naruto's powers had made him a political target.
"ENOUGH!" Koharu's voice cut through the chaos. "We will not make rash decisions about a shinobi who just lost someone precious to him while fighting to protect this village. Naruto Uzumaki will be summoned for a formal inquiry once the mourning period is over. Until then, he is to be monitored but not restricted."
"That's too lenient," Danzo protested.
"That's final," Homura supported his fellow advisor. "We have bigger concerns—like choosing the next Hokage and dealing with the aftermath of this invasion."
"I have a candidate for Hokage," Danzo said smoothly. "Someone with the experience, power, and respect needed to lead Konoha in these troubled times."
"Let me guess," Kakashi said dryly. "You."
"Actually, I was thinking of Tsunade Senju," Danzo replied, surprising everyone. "She's one of the Legendary Sannin, a legendary medical ninja, and granddaughter of the First Hokage. Her lineage and power would send a strong message to our enemies."
Koharu and Homura exchanged glances.
"Tsunade hasn't been to the village in years," Koharu pointed out. "She rejected the position after the Third Shinobi War."
"Then someone should convince her," Danzo said. "Perhaps Jiraiya, her former teammate."
"And in the meantime?" Hiashi asked.
"In the meantime, I volunteer to serve as acting Hokage until a permanent replacement is chosen."
The room erupted in protests and arguments again.
Kakashi slipped out quietly. He had to find Naruto and warn him—the political games were just beginning, and the boy was right in the middle of them.
---
**Training Ground Seven - Late Evening**
Naruto sat alone on top of the memorial stone, his legs dangling over the edge. His eyes—still tinged with gold—stared out at the village below. Lights were being restored. Fires were being put out. Life was continuing.
But the Hokage was still dead.
*You're brooding,* the Kyuubi observed. *That's not like you.*
*Someone I cared about just died. I think I'm allowed to brood.*
*The old monkey lived a full life. He died protecting what he loved. There are worse ways to go.*
*That doesn't make it hurt less.*
*No. It doesn't.*
Naruto felt a familiar chakra signature approaching and didn't turn around.
"Figured I'd find you here," Kakashi said, settling down beside him. "This is where I come when I need to think too."
"The memorial stone?"
"My father's name is on there. My teammates. A lot of people I cared about." Kakashi's visible eye was distant. "Death is part of a shinobi's life, Naruto. It doesn't get easier, but you learn to carry it."
"I don't want to learn to carry it," Naruto said quietly. "I want to be strong enough that people don't have to die."
"That's an admirable goal. Impossible, but admirable." Kakashi pulled out an orange book but didn't open it. "The council is fighting about what to do with you. Danzo wants you locked up and studied. The clan heads are split. Jiraiya is running interference."
"Let them lock me up. I don't care."
"Yes, you do." Kakashi's tone was gentle but firm. "You care deeply. That's why you're hurting so much right now. But Naruto, you can't let grief make you reckless. The Hokage's last words to you—do you remember them?"
"He said to use my power wisely. To not let it consume me. To remember that my bonds and compassion are my true strength."
"Exactly. So honor that. Don't push people away because you're hurting. Don't let this turn you bitter."
Naruto was quiet for a long moment. "What if I can't control it? The dragonoid power—when I saw the Hokage die, I almost lost it completely. If you and Jiraiya hadn't been there..."
"But we were there. And you DID control it, even in grief. That shows incredible strength of will." Kakashi stood up. "Come on. Sakura and Sasuke are worried about you. Your friends are worried. Don't shut them out."
Slowly, Naruto stood as well. His wings manifested briefly, then faded. The horns flickered in and out of existence. He was still struggling with control.
"Kakashi-sensei... am I still human? With the Nine-Tails and now this dragonoid thing... what am I?"
Kakashi looked at him seriously. "You're Naruto Uzumaki. A knucklehead ninja who never gives up. That's all that matters."
As they walked back toward the village, neither noticed the ANBU operative watching from the shadows, taking notes on Naruto's unstable transformation.
Danzo would want a full report.
---
**Meanwhile - Unknown Location**
Orochimaru clutched his arms, both useless now thanks to the Reaper Death Seal. Despite the pain, he smiled.
"Kabuto, did you get the samples?"
"Yes, Orochimaru-sama." The silver-haired medic held up several vials. "Blood samples from the Uzumaki boy, collected from the battle site. Whatever he's become, it's not natural. The energy signature is unlike anything in our databases."
"Excellent." Orochimaru's yellow eyes gleamed with hunger. "A Jinchuuriki who's also some kind of draconic entity? How fascinating. I must have him."
"Shall I prepare an extraction team?"
"No. Not yet. He's too well-protected now, and I need to heal first." Orochimaru coughed blood. "But eventually, that boy will leave the village. When he does, we'll be waiting. I'll unlock his secrets and make that power my own."
"And if he's too strong?"
"Then we'll use the one thing he can't resist—his precious people." Orochimaru's smile was cruel. "Study the samples. Learn what you can. And prepare for the day when Naruto Uzumaki becomes my greatest experiment."
---
**Back in Konoha - Naruto's Apartment**
Naruto lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Sleep wouldn't come. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw the Hokage's face. Heard his last words.
*I'm proud of you, Naruto Uzumaki.*
"I'll make you proud, old man," he whispered to the empty room. "I'll protect this village. I'll become Hokage. I promise."
Pink-and-gold energy flickered around his hand briefly before fading.
The dragonoid power hummed inside him, eager to be used. Milim's personality whispered that he should be strong, should show everyone his power, should make them respect him through fear if necessary.
But the Hokage's words echoed louder.
*Your bonds and compassion are your true strength.*
Naruto made a decision. He wouldn't hide his power anymore—that ship had sailed. But he wouldn't let it define him either. He was Naruto Uzumaki first. Jinchuuriki second. Dragonoid third.
And he would protect his precious people with everything he had.
Even if it meant facing the entire world alone.
---
**To Be Continued...**
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*Author's Note: The Hokage has fallen, and Naruto's secret is partially exposed. The village is in turmoil, and dark forces are gathering. How will Naruto handle the political pressure? What will happen when the council confronts him? And what is Orochimaru planning?*
*Next chapter: The funeral, the interrogation, and the arrival of someone who might change everything!*
*Thank you all for the incredible support! This was an emotional chapter to write. Let me know what you thought!*
*Don't forget to comment, review, and add to your library!*