Disclaimer: For the last time (for this story), I make no claim over Naruto, the characters or the entire concept. All is credited to the creative genius of Kishimoto-sensei.

The only characters I have rightful claim are the Nightwalkers. Adam, Saya and Ai are characters crafted by my friend, Belletiger.

Well, this is it. The final chapter of Land of Darkness.

Nothing else to say.

Enjoy.

xxxxx

Naruto: Land of Darkness

The Shichibi Awakens! Departure from Darkness Country!

xxxxx

Near Hanging Neck Cliff/Darkness Country

The wind whispered quietly as a cold draft came.

Sasuke was still unconscious after having been victimized by Itachi's Tsukiyomi. Since then, he hadn't moved a single muscle, nor had he regained consciousness. Anyone who had ever challenged Itachi’s Mangekyou Sharingan paid the price.

Uchiha Sasuke was no different.

Suddenly, a dark figure jumped down from a tree and dropped beside Sasuke's body. Then, the figure's brown eyes looked down onto the boy's prone form.

"Finally found him," the figure spoke as she emerged from the darkness.

It was Mitarashi Anko.

"I never thought I'd find you first," the purple-haired Jounin remarked, kneeling down beside the boy. As she touched Sasuke's arm, a chill went up her spine. "Wh... Why is he freezing cold? I better get him someplace warm before he..." That’s when she noticed the bite marks on the side of his neck. Her eyes widened at the sight of those punctured holes. "My god..." Taking her coat off, she put it over Sasuke to keep him warm until she could figure out how to help him. Unfortunately, all knowledge she had on the Night Walkers was based in stories.

As she scooped Sasuke in her arms, she glanced around to double check for any enemy ninja, hoping she could keep her presence hidden. "Good. Coast is clear. Time to find the others," Anko nodded. Holding Sasuke in her left arm, she put her right hand up, chanted quietly and vanished.

She reappeared several yards away and raced across the treetops with Sasuke in tow.

"Geez, why is he so cold? And those bite marks…” A frown crossed her face. “So, the stories are true then. These 'blood suckers' or 'Night Walkers' are not just your everyday folk tales. It's no wonder Yamigakure was said to have been devoid of any activity for the last seven years."

Looking down at the Uchiha child, Anko sighed to herself. We've both been cursed by Orochimaru's Cursed Seal. But these bite marks look nasty. I'm surprised Sasuke's still alive. Well, at least he’s still breathing. He should be fine…if I can keep him warm. The kunoichi grimaced. I didn't think the situation would get worse. I just hope I can reach everyone in time.

xxxxx

Southern Region/Darkness Country

Blood-curling banshees echoed through the forest area. The winds blew against the trees as the screeching cries seemed to consume all.

Damien observed with shock from afar; Adam was hunched over as his body became entirely coated with a sinister, dark violet chakra. His eyes were already gleaming with blood red light. The boy's face contorted with anger as he was slowly opening his mouth to reveal fangs so sharp that they could’ve been mistaken for hypodermic needles. Adam growled deeply as more chakra covered his body.

Slightly taking a few steps back, Damien murmured to himself in disbelief. It...It can't be!! How could he be generating this much chakra?! No, he can't be... NO!! Even, he wouldn't be THAT foolish!!

No response came from the half-breed. Instead, Adam's eyes remained locked onto the demon and he never once for a second batted an eye.

No, the boy wanted to look deep into the eyes of his tormentor and to take pleasure on the look of fear etched on the villain's face.

This was Adam's revenge.

Adam wanted to avenge his slain father, Tsukimaru.

Defend his mother's honor and prevent the demon from ever again raping her.

To prevent Damien from breaking Ai's spirit and violating her just as he did with Saya.

He would no longer stand for Damien's constant bedevilment.

Meanwhile, looking on from the distance and keeping his eye on Adam, Naruto was galvanized and in complete bewilderment. He too did not bat an eye as the Kyuubi within chuckled with malicious glee. "Adam!! Stop it!!" Naruto called out. "Don't release that demon within you!! Please, you're only going to make it worse!!"

HU HU HU!! IT IS TOO LATE, YOU RUNT. THERE IS NOTHING STOPPING THIS BOY FROM UNLOCKING THE SHICHIBI. DAMIEN HAS MADE HIS GRAVEST ERROR. ONCE THAT FOOL IS FINISHED, THEN THE REST OF YOU WILL BE EASY PICKINGS!! THE DEMON BAT WILL SHOW YOU NO REMORSE.

No! I refuse to believe that Adam would ever hurt any of us!

WHY DON'T YOU STOP HIM THEN? BECAUSE YOU ARE AFRAID AND YOU SHOULD BE! WE DEMONS HAVE NO SYMPATHY FOR THE WEAK! NOW WATCH AS HE MAKES SHORT WORK OF THIS STUPID FOOL. UNLESS OF COURSE, YOU'RE WILLING TO RELEASE ME SO I CAN KILL THESE TWO.

No chance in hell!! I'll save Adam just like I saved Gaara!! All I need from you is plenty of chakra I can use.

NO.

Why not?!

BECAUSE YOU WILL NOT BE NEEDED! YOU WILL ONLY GET IN THEIR WAY. RELEASE ME NOW!!

What am I? A broken record? I already told you: NO CHANCE IN HELL!!

SHICHIBI AND DAMIEN ARE ENEMIES I'VE LONGED TO SETTLE MY DISPUTES WITH!

Yeah, who cares what you want?! I'm in charge here... Wait! Look at Adam!!

SO, HE'S ALREADY READY TO TRANSFORM. THE DEMON BAT WILL FINALLY REVEAL HIMSELF.

"Adam!! Can you hear me?! You've got to stop this!!" Naruto called out, taking a chance as he raced forward. His instinct had told him to jump out to stop the transforming child. "ADAM!!"

However, the half-breed paid no attention to the pleading Genin and focused his attention solely on Damien. The dark purple chakra aura expanded and resonated. Damien couldn't have possibly predicted this outcome to occur and never expected for Adam to be pushed this far. He was always under the impression that the child was too cowardly to unleash his true potential. Thus, he viewed Adam as someone who lacked the heart to take part in battle and would cower behind his superiors.

Damien wasn't looking into the eyes of a scared child anymore.

The red glowing eyes that pierced a frightening and blood-chilling gaze was not even remotely human.

Even the chakra flow around the child became demonic in nature. His physical appearance alone was changing before Damien and Naruto's eyes.

"You stupid child... Do you possibly think relying on the demon bat is going to make any difference?" scowled Damien while tightening his fists and growling under breath. "You're only going to danger everyone. The Shichibi will NOT know the difference between friend and enemy! You will only kill them and your mother!! The demon will consume what's left of your humanity!!"

However, this did not stop Adam. He simply had one motivation in mind: kill Damien.

Then, at that moment, Adam closed his eyes and found himself...

xxxxx

The Soul Room of Adam

...inside a room shrouded in darkness with little source of light piercing through small cracks of the stonewalls around him.

Adam took a deep breath as his entire body was shivering from the cold chills in the room. He glanced around and gulped nervously.

"Where am I?"

Suddenly, a pair of red glowing orbs pierced through the blanket of darkness behind him. The half-breed stopped as he sensed an ancient presence lurking behind the shadows. Closing his eyes, Adam slowly turned around…and as he opened his eyes, the red irises widened as a malicious laughter boomed all around. Steel bars confined the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat inside with a seal placed over the lock.

"It's... you," Adam said, his voice dry and meek. The thing gazing down at him was scarier than anything he had ever seen before. Even Damien could not compare.. "What Damien said. You're the Shichibi. You're the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat."

The Shichibi chuckled. SO, WE FINALLY MEET AT LAST, ADAM. I'VE EVER WONDERED IF YOU AND I WOULD MEET IN THIS MANNER. WHAT'S THE MATTER? ARE YOU AFRAID OF ME?

"No...No, that's not it!! I never thought I'd be the host to contain you!! How should I have known?!"

I'VE ALWAYS DELIVERED A PORTION OF MY DEMON CHAKRA DURING DIRE SITUATIONS IN YOUR LIFE. MOST RECENTLY, I GAVE YOU MY CHAKRA TO ALLOW YOU TO SAVE YOUR FRIEND FROM CHIBI KUMORI.

"I don't remember. Naruto told me that I was giving off a strange chakra..."

INTERESTING. YOU HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THAT PREVIOUS EVENT? WELL, JUST NOW, YOU ARE ASKING ME TO GIVE YOU MORE OF MY CHAKRA TO KILL YOUR FORMER MASTER?

The boy quickly responded aggressively and in an outburst. His gentle demeanor was replaced with a determined and vengeful manner. "HE KILLED MY FATHER!! HE RAPED MY MOTHER!! HE HAS GRAVELY PUT AI'S LIFE AT RISK!! I WANT YOU TO GIVE ME ALL OF YOUR CHAKRA!! THAT MONSTER HAS TO DIE AND PAY FOR HIS CRIMES!!"

WOULDN'T YOU RATHER REMOVE MY SEAL AND RELEASE ME FROM THIS IMPRISONMENT?

"What?"

YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO GET REVENGE IF I SIMPLY GAVE YOU MY CHAKRA. RELEASE ME AND I SHALL ASSUME YOUR PLACE. THAT BASTARD WAS THE ONE WHO SEALED ME INSIDE OF YOU AND I HAVE YET TO REPAY THAT DEBT. IN ADDITION, THERE'S A CERTAIN FOX DEMON THAT I MUST REACQUAINT MYSELF WITH. IT'S BEEN FAR TOO LONG.

"But, this is MY revenge!! I have to kill Damien with my own hands!!"

HE WILL SIMPLY RIP YOU TO PIECES IN YOUR CURRENT STATE. IF YOU FREE ME, I WILL WIPE HIS PRESENCE FROM EXISTENCE AND AVENGE THOSE CLOSE TO YOU. AFTER I'M DONE WITH THE KYUUBI, THEN YOU WON'T HAVE TO RELY ON ME ANYMORE.

"You... You can do that?" Adam gulped, looking down at his hands. "But, this is my revenge."

I'M NOT GOING TO WAIT FOR AN ANSWER. WHAT'S IT GOING TO BE, CHILD?!

Seeing there was no other choice, Adam lifted his head quickly and pierced a gaze at the glowing pair of red eyes belonging to the Shichibi. He pointed at the demon hiding behind the shadows and frowned. "If it means avenging my father, mother and Ai, I WILL go through with it!! But you had better make good on your word, Seven-Tailed Demon Bat!!"

YES, NOW HURRY!!

Once again flinching back, Adam shivered as he approached the front door of the gates. His eyes lay on the seal over the pad lock. Once he removes it, the demon would at last be unleashed.

YES, YES... DO IT, ADAM. FREE ME!!

Shutting his eyes, the half-breed put his fingertips on the seal. His hands trembled uncontrollably as second thoughts crossed his mind. He knew he couldn't trust a demon with such tremendous bloodlust…but what other choice did he have?

For Adam, it was all about killing Damien.

But, for the Shichibi, the motivations were even greater.

Taking a deep breath, Adam FINALLY removed the seal and unlocked the pad lock. He dropped the pad and watched as the gates slowly creaked open. Then, before he could react...

WHOOSH!!

A giant clawed hand shot out and snatched Adam. The boy screamed as he was brought closer into the cavern and toward the Shichibi.

Gasping and wheezing, the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat's eyes and mouth widened. Adam paled at the sight of fangs the size of mammoths and rows of razor sharp teeth. The boy suddenly realized that he was being brought closer and closer into the gullet of the demon.

NOW, LET US BE ONE!! IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO PROVE YOUR WORTH TO ME, BOY!!

"NOOO!!"

AT LAST, I AM FREE!!

xxxxx

Southern Region/Darkness Country

"You must die..." Adam murmured as he lowered his head. His body suddenly started to grow unexpectedly and quickly. Gray fur emerged and covered the boy's entire body. His ears grew larger than his head and his head stretched out. "YOU MUUUUUUUSSSSSSSSSSST DIEEEEEEEEE!! RAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!"

Damien paled at the sight of the boy transforming and expressed an emotion that he had never shown since the night Shichibi entered his land: fear. It was etched and evident on the demon's face. His hopes that this would never again transpire were dashed.

Damien's nightmare was about to be unveiled.

Ripping the shirt off his body, a pair of stubs was revealed on his back. Then, those stubs protruded and lengthened out. His eyes were demonic blood red, revealing no shred of remorse or a hint of human depth. These eyes were filled with bloodlust. The dark gray fur covered his body. The boy's feet turned black and equipped with claws. His body had grown to the size of the largest tree within the area.

The stubs on his back ripped open, revealing wings that opened up. Blood slowly trickled off of the thin skin membrane.

Finally, there were seven long, slender tails protruding from his back, moving freely and wildly.

At long last, after nearly twelve years of being confined inside Sangara Adam...the Shichibi was loose.

The Seven-Tailed Demon Bat was free.

The demon glanced around and grinned. His eyes shifted onto Damien.

HA HA HA!! AT LAST, I AM OUT OF THAT PRISON!! THAT BOY WAS SUCH A LITTLE, TRUSTWORTHY FOOL!!

Stopping dead cold in his tracks, Naruto jumped back and looked up in horrifying awe. "No... Adam, how could you? What have you done?"

"DAMIEN. DAMIEN. IT'S BEEN SO LONG. ARE YOU SHOCKED THAT WE'D SEE ONE ANOTHER?"

Damien quickly regained his composure, reminding himself of how powerful he had become. "So, you tricked the boy. You made him believe that you'd avenge his father, that whore of a mother and that girl? He truly is a gullible fool."

"BUT NONETHELESS, I SHALL ENJOY MAKING A MEAL OUT OF YOU, DAMIEN! I WAS GOING TO EAT YOU HAD THE DEMON FOX NOT INTERVENED!!"

That's what you think!! I have obtained the Sharingan and Byakugan while successfully fusing those two Kekkei Genkai!! Damien thought while closing his fists. "You WILL NOT take me alive, Shichibi!! My power has grown since you were sealed!! By taking your life, I will be rid of that child! Killing two birds with one stone!"

The Shicibi chortled. "OH HO HO HO!! BUT CAN YOU REALLY CARRY OUT YOUR THREAT?! PROVE ME WRONG!!"

"I WILL SHOW YOU!!"

Naruto moved back as he watched Damien preparing to engage the giant Seven-Tailed Demon Bat. "Adam, why did you do this? You shouldn't have trusted that demon!! He won't have second thoughts about killing us all!!"

YOU SEE? THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU STUPID HUMANS SIGN A DEAL WITH A DEVIL. YOU PAY FOR YOUR IGNORANCE.

But Adam is a good kid!! He's just too trustworthy!! But, I don't get how he would agree to let his demon out!

BECAUSE HE WANTS TO AVENGE HIS FATHER'S DEATH, THE MOTHER'S HONOR AND PROTECT THE GIRL NAMED AI. TO THE DEMON BAT, THEY ARE NOTHING MORE THAN WASTES OF FLESH. SELFISH HUMAN DESIRES ALLOWED SHICHIBI TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CHILD. ADAM PAID FOR IT DEARLY.

Where is Adam? I don't see him...

HE IS WITHIN THE DEMON BAT BUT IT APPEARS THAT STUPID BAT HAS YET TO FULLY REGAIN HIS FULL FRAME OF MIND.

I've got to do something!! I have to save Adam!!

GET INVOLVED AND YOU WILL DIE! UNLESS OF COURSE, YOU WANT TO RELEASE ME?

When hell freezes over! I WON'T need you!!

YOU ARE MAKING A GRAVE MISTAKE, BOY. I'M GIVING YOU ONE FINAL WARNING!

You shut up and stay out of this!! It's time I, Uzumaki Naruto, step in!!

With that, Naruto picked himself up and glanced at the two opposing powers. He was not going to be pushed to the side and be a spectator. Naruto wanted to assume an active role in this conflict.

But, you can at least give me some of your chakra.

HMPH. YOU WILL EVENTUALLY BE FORCED TO CALL ME OUT WHEN THAT BAT PROVES TOO MUCH FOR YOU. FOOL!

Saya grimaced as she sensed the presence of the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat. Oh no…

She nearly collapsed, but Rock Lee prevented her fall. "Lady, are you okay?" asked Gai's student.

Sakura was rightfully worried. "Saya... You're looking for Adam? Right?"

"My son... So, he has done it. The demon has been unleashed..." Saya dropped to her knees and covered her face. "I was too late to save my little boy."

"Wait... What demon are you speaking of?" Ino raised an important question. She sat next to the unconscious form of Hinata. "What's this got to do with your son?"

Sakura nodded. "Yeah, I'd like to know. Does this demon know Adam?"

"You're sadly mistaken, young ones..." Saya sighed as she uncovered her face and faced the direction of the forest. She frowned. "Adam... Adam is the demon."

The others uttered gasps of shock. Lee, Sakura and Ino couldn't believe what they had heard; straight from the mother’s mouth at that! Sakura quickly approached Saya and turned her around to face her. "Now, WHAT did you say?! He's a half-breed. You and your demon lover had Adam! That is what your son told us! He never told us anything about a demon inside of him!"

"He never told you because he never knew. Damien had hid that secret from my child and planned on telling him when he felt the time was right. Well, he couldn't have done it at a worse time," Saya said, biting down on her lips and wiping the flow of tears from her cheeks. "I knew my son became the host for this demon as soon as I was brought into Damien's captivity. I couldn't tell my son because I was locked away immediately following the attack at Yamigakure.” Her eyes narrowed as she recalled what she had been through. “Seven long years I've been isolated from the outside world…"

"Seven long years? How horrible!" Ino frowned. "I can't forgive anyone who separates their son from their mother!"

"You wouldn't understand. I was separated from Adam since I was looked upon as inferior to Damien's demon kind. We humans are nothing but meals to them. Damien chose to inflict unspeakable torture onto me, hoping he'd crush my spirit, that I'd die in my prison. But, my love for Adam and Tsukimaru was what kept me alive. I won't die so easily..."

"But, this demon. What is it?" Sakura asked.

Sighing deeply, Saya stood up with her back turned to the three Konoha Genin. "Months after his birth, Tsukimaru had taken Adam to the race he had long been affiliated with... the Night Walkers. As he presented our son to Damien, the demon saw potential in the boy…for you see, Adam could be exposed to sunlight. Sunlight normally kills any full-blooded Night Walker. But not Adam. With human blood coursing through his veins, he has developed certain immunities. Sunlight and holy water do not harm him. In fact, if he bites anyone, that victim does not become a demon. I take it your friend there laying down was bitten by Damien."

"I'm afraid so," Sakura admitted.

"I see."

"But I do not see how any of this has any connection with this 'demon' you mention. What is this demon?" Lee asked.

Saya nodded. "Right. You children wanted to know. Well..." She cut herself off and paused for a moment. She did not want to inform the Genin the truth behind Adam's true nature but…she saw no other choice. They had to know.

"Well, what then?" Ino demanded. "What demon?"

"Adam is the host of the Shichibi. The Seven-Tailed Demon Bat is sealed within him," Saya answered, her eyes downcast and her voice faint.

"WHAT?!" the trio was taken back by surprise.

"Yes, it is the truth. Thanks to Damien's Sealing Jutsu, he wanted to get rid of the Shichibi and grow stronger overtime. Once Adam was strong enough and trained to become a more efficient shinobi, he would have been molded into the ultimate ninja. Adam has and always had the potential to become a powerful shinobi but his kind heart has always prevented him from ever reaching his full potential."

"Unbelievable," murmured Sakura.

"This poor child has been through so much," Lee stated, his eyes downcast.

"So, what are YOU going to do about it?! You said yourself that your son's unleashed this demon?" Ino yelled at the woman.

Saya responded as a frown came to her face. "That's where I'm going now. Adam-chan needs me and I'm going to defeat the demon."

"Hold it!! You possibly can't be going by yourself?!" Sakura raced up to the woman and stood in front of her. "I can't allow it! Sorry."

Saya smiled slightly. "You're very thoughtful and caring for my well being. However, I need to be in the same location as my son. I NEED to see him again. Even if it means fighting the demon myself and bringing back my son."

"But, is Naruto not with Adam?" Lee asked Sakura and Ino.

The pink-haired girl nodded. "Yeah, he and Adam went to pursue Damien not too long ago."

"Your friend is in the middle of a war he has no business being a part of. I have to go there now!" Saya declared. "I suggest you kids remain here."

"But..."

Just as Sakura was about to speak, a loud shriek echoed from the background.

Everyone all turned toward the right direction where the source of the loud animalistic cry came from. Saya faced that direction and bit down on her left thumb.

"There. It's time for me to go save my son!" the woman exclaimed, looking down at her bleeding thumb. She quickly put it down on the tree branch that she remained balanced on and performed a summoning jutsu. The Genin coughed as the exploding smoke smothered them. Sakura waved the smoke away from her face and watched as Saya rode on the back of a summoned beast.

It was a large, beautiful snow-white owl. The body of the giant bird was covered with a thick layer of snow-white feathers, his eyes colored a gleaming gold. Saya stood on top of the owl's back and peered out above the canopies of the forest. Her intention was clear as she prepared to set off to where Adam was... or at this point where the Shichibi was.

"Saya!! You're going to get killed! From that sound of that demon, I doubt you can even save your son!!" Sakura pleaded. "You don't have to do this!"

"Girl, what is your name? In fact, what is the name of these other three young ladies?"

The pink-haired kunoichi stuttered. "W-well, I'm Haruno Sakura. The blonde is Yamanaka Ino. The other two laying unconscious are Ai and Hyuuga Hinata."

"I see. Well, I'm simply going to say this... If and when you four grow up to bear children, you will understand the strength of a mother's love for her child. Nothing and I mean it NOTHING is more powerful than a mother's devotion for her children. At this point in my life, Adam is the MOST important thing and nothing else matters." The woman faced Sakura with teary eyes. "...Sakura, if you were in my position, you'd agree. Wouldn't you?"

"I... Well, of course! But you're going into a situation where you might not even come back alive!"

"It's okay. If I die, then I will make it count. My son's life means more than my own," the woman smiled, turning her back on the Genin. "I must go."

With that, Saya pointed forward and called out a command to her owl summon. "Now, Kisakitori!! Let us depart from here!!"

"As you command, Saya!!" the giant owl bellowed, his voice thunderous and imposing.

With that, the owl opened his wings and started ascending above the tree canopies with Saya standing on top to lead the way. Sakura, Ino and Lee watched as the owl was already 20 feet into mid-air.

"I would suggest you children stay out of this!! You don't have any idea of what you'll be going up against! If I happen to see your friend, I will tell him that you all are safe!" Saya called out, letting the Genin know.

Sakura frowned and prepared to pursue Saya…but then Lee put his left arm out to stop her.

"Do not go, Sakura."

"Why not, Lee?! She doesn't..."

"She is going to save her son. Obviously, we do not know this boy or his mother well enough to intervene. This is their matter to solve. I understand just how strong a bond between a parent and a child can be. Of course, you know Gai-sensei is more than just a sensei to me."

The pink-haired Genin sighed and smiled briefly. "Oh, Lee."

"There she goes, guys," Ino said, pointing up to where the owl summon carried Saya off into the distance. "You think she'll be all right?"

"I am sure she will be. I saw determination in her eyes," Lee replied. "A determined mother can not be stopped or reasoned with."

Sakura watched the owl disappear into the distance. "Please, come back to us and bring back our friends." Adam. Naruto. Be careful…

As Kisakitori advanced, Saya looked out into the distance and noticed a heated commotion taking place. In fact, she saw what appeared to be the large presence of the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat. Her blood chilled at the sight of the behemoth.

"Saya-sama, are you going to be okay?"

"Yes. Do you see the demon ahead of us?"

"Yes and that is where your son should be, am I right"

"That's correct."

"Don't worry, Saya-sama. I know it's been a while since you've last summoned me."

"Almost seven years, Kisakitori."

"You're still as beautiful as I remember you."

Saya slightly blushed as she gently pat the top of the giant owl's head. "Thank you, Kisakitori."

"Anyway, we have a demon to stop and a precious little boy to save, right?"

The woman's expression changed into that of a serious gesture. "Yes, we're getting closer. Adam-chan, momma's coming!"

xxxxx

Southeastern Region/Darkness Country

Kanna’s eyes widened. The Shichibi has been released. She faced the Konoha-nin and expressed gratitude. "Thank you all so much but I must leave you now. I take it you understand."

"Not entirely…but you said this demon was contained inside Adam and now it's been released. You're crazy if you go out there by yourself," Kiba said.

Akamaru nodded while nervously whining and sitting on top of Kiba's hood.

"Don't worry. I won't be alone out there. If anything, Adam's mother will be there and some of my good friends will be there. Besides, it's possible some of your own Konoha-nin should be there to lend a hand. But I have to be there to support Saya and save her son from the demon."

"And leaving us behind?" Shino asked.

"No, if I do manage to survive... God willing... then I will come back for you."

"Or we already would have been found by our fellow Konoha teams," Tenten said, sitting beside Neji. "Neji still hasn't woken up. Kanna, what if..."

The female Yami-nin smirked. "Somehow, I think Damien's life will be cut short and your friend will be returned to normal. All the victims he has bitten will be cured from the Yami-nin curse."

"What about you, Kanna?" Kiba inquired.

"No, I was born as demon. I will outlive you children," Kanna looked down at her hands. "I'd rather stay this way."

Tenten smiled. "Well, that doesn't matter. You saved us and we see you as an ally to us. Now, you go out there and be careful."

"Heh, yeah. These wounds will heal rather quickly. Believe me," Kanna waved to the ninja. "Farewell, Konoha-nin. Hopefully we will meet again." With that, she vanished from the spot and left the three ninja behind.

"Gee, I hope she knows what she's doing. If anything, I wish I could heal my wounds like hers," Kiba grumbled.

Shino remained silent as she leaned back against a log and let out a relaxed sigh.

"No kidding. I hope she'll be okay…and I hope our teammates are okay too," Tenten finished.

xxxxx

Near Fukurou Lake/Darkness Country

Kagemaru bit down and summoned a large bat, as he was ready to embark on an emergency to stop the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat.

It’s as I feared! Adam has unleashed the demon! I must go!

Gai looked over at Kagemaru. "You have to go, Kagemaru? You did mention that a demon was in the land. That boy you told me about is the host for the bat demon?"

"Correct, and I apologize for leaving at such an abrupt time. But you must realize this boy is my student.” He paused. “No, he has become like a son to me. I must be there for him and to save him from the demon that has consumed his innocent soul."

"I understand. Your relationship with this boy reminds me of Lee and myself. Go and do what you can, my friend. Don't worry about Kakashi and myself."

"He'll awaken very soon. I'm sure one of your comrades will find you here sooner or later. Take care, friend."

With that said, Kagemaru hopped aboard his bat summon and yelled out a command. "Let's go!! Time is of the essence!!" The bat immediately followed his summoner's orders and opened its wings to lift itself off of the ground before flying off into the sky.

"Good luck, comrade," Gai smiled. His thoughts were now on the well being on his students and the other Konoha-nin. "This is getting completely messy. Those kids had better be all right. Right, Kakashi?"

No response obviously cam from the unconscious 'Copy Ninja.'

"You put up quite a fight, my friend. Next time, let's try not to kill each other," joked Gai.

xxxxx

Southwestern Region/Darkness Country

Guraida shuddered from the frightening presence of the Shichibi's aura. He faced Myotis and muttered, "You feel that, Myotis?"

Myotis acknowledged him with a nod. "I do. It appears Damien has told Adam the truth. The Shichibi has been unleashed and our greatest fears have materialized."

"Agreed."

"Now, hold it. You two said you'd be going? Why not take us to aid you?" asked Asuma as he stepped forward.

"If this monster is anything like the Kyuubi, then we will need to go there with overwhelming numbers on our side," suggested Kurenai. "You two are not enough."

"Don't worry. We do have colleagues on their way over there," Guraida reassured the adult ninja. "Yes, Kagemaru, Kanna and Saya will no doubt be on their way over there. Not to mention…if I know Adam, he’ll stop that demon himself with a certain technique taught to him by our own Kagemaru."

"What technique is that?" asked Chouji.

Shikamaru nodded. "That's what I'd like to know."

"Don't worry, my friends. IF Adam is still within that demon, he will do whatever it takes to break free. It just all depends on the boy's will. Believe me. It's much stronger than anyone of you may realize."

Biting down on his cigarette, Asuma frowned. "You sure have high hopes for such a grim situation.”

"Maybe, maybe not. It's all depends on Adam and his control over the demon bat," said Myotis. "Guraida? Shall we get going?"

"Not now. We will go when needed. Kagemaru, Kanna and Saya will be there. The least we can do is help the Konoha ninja here find their allies." That is if... Adam can control the demon. The last time I recall facing the Shichibi…I felt such overwhelming fear. Damien, you've just dug your own grave for pushing that boy too far.

"All right, everyone. Follow us. We will be able to pick up the scent of your allies easier than any of you," Myotis stated.

Kurenai and Asuma nodded in agreement. "Lead the way."

"Geez, what a pain. I actually wouldn't be surprised if Naruto was caught up with this mess."

"What do you mean, Shikamaru?" Chouji asked.

"Nothing. Just mumbling to myself." It's like I said, Naruto no doubt is already involved in this mess with this demon bat. He's probably done something reckless...

"Let's go, Chouji!! Shikamaru!!" Asuma shouted from the distance already ahead with Kurenai and the two Yami-nin.

"Right!!" the two Konoha-nin responded simultaneously.

With that, Shikamaru and Chouji raced off to follow the four adult ninja. Shikamaru's suspicion about Naruto involved with the Shichibi battle was right on the mark.

Though, the worst with the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat has yet to come.

xxxxx

Outskirts of the Southern Region/Darkness Country

Taking several more steps back, Damien's face twisted with an expression of fear and bewilderment. His body abruptly froze as every muscle fiber within his body stiffened. His mouth became dry and no words could describe the terror he faced.

"No, I will not fear. DO YOU HEAR ME!!" Damien roared, his voice deepening. "I am a TRUE lord of demons. A beast such as yourself would never deserve such a title. Your time has come and gone. Only demons like myself are worthy of leading the Makai to the dawn of a new age of darkness! Yamigakure was only the start. Soon, all nations will fall before my growing clan!"

The Shichibi was unimpressed. "IS THAT ALL? YOU HAVE RATHER WEAK MOTIVATIONS, YOU PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR A MAKAI LORD. YOU HOPED THAT I AND THE DEMON FOX WERE SEALED SO YOU CAN HAVE FREE REIGN OVER THE HUMANS WITHOUT COMPETITION TO GET IN YOUR WAY? AM I RIGHT?"

Damien was taken back from the Shichibi's response and scowled.

"WHAT'S THE MATTER? ARE YOU SPEECHLESS? BEING TALKED DOWN UPON BY A SUPERIOR DEMON MUST BRUISE YOUR PATHETIC EGO."

"YOU BE SILENT!!"

"THE SIGHT OF YOU MAKES ME LAUGH!! TO THINK THAT LITTLE COWARD, ADAM, FEARED YOU SO."

"And he should! For he was going to serve the future ruler of two realms! You and the Kyuubi's days are numbered. For I am the future."

"FUTURE? AH, YES. I HAVE FORESEEN YOUR FUTURE."

Damien grinned. "I see you're beginning to see things my way. You do see I will become superior to you half-wit behemoths."

"ON THE CONTRARY, YOUR FUTURE IS GRIM. YOU, MY FRIEND, HAVE A VERY SHORT LIFESPAN. YOU WILL NOT SEE THE NEXT SUNRISE."

Upon hearing this from the Shichibi, the demon scowled as his entire body tensed. "What did you say...?! I have NO future?!" He quickly calmed himself. "No, you're just playing with my mind. Aren't you? Yes, that's right. You proclaiming that I have no future is simply just you being in utter denial. You’re jealous that I will lead the Makai to revolution. A revolution that will mark the end of human civilization. You can't be satisfied if you and the beasts cannot have the share of the pie. Well, guess what? You aren't getting a piece! This whole realm is mine!"

"NOT UNLESS YOU PROVE YOURSELF TO ME, DAMIEN! YOU SPEAK OF A REVOLUTION? HA! WHAT A FARCE! YOU TALK BIG BUT YOU HAVE NOTHING TO BACK IT UP. IF YOU ARE SO POWERFUL AS YOU CLAIM, WHY ARE YOU HESITATING TO ATTACK ME? IT'S PAINFULLY CLEAR YOU ARE AFRAID. YOU'RE SCARED OF WHAT THE FUTURE MAY BRING. IN THIS CASE, YOU HAVE NO FUTURE!! FOR I WILL END YOUR PATHETIC EXISTENCE, WORM!!"

Damien found himself completely taken back by the strong and truthful statements from the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat. He didn't want to admit it but he was intimidated by the presence of the giant. Looking into the Shichibi's eyes, he realized that death would soon befall him.

There was no mistaking it.

He was completely outclassed by the behemoth.

However, Damien was not going to submit easily. Not without a fight.

Putting up a fake guard, Damien deeply chuckled. "...Then, I suppose I can't claim the top spot until I'm rid of you myself. Pitiful Adam... He just had to rely on you to save the day. No matter." Shutting his eyes and reopening them, the Sharikugan was activated. "Then, I'll just kill YOU myself!! With you dead, Adam will NO longer be an issue!!"

"I SENSE DESPERATION FROM YOU, DAMIEN. YOU ARE SIMPLY PITIFUL!! I WILL ENJOY DEVOURING YOU!!"

As he flew up to avoid any further contact from the Shichibi, Damien roared out and ripped off the shirt covering his body.

What covered his entire chest was truly a grotesque sight to behold.

There were eyeballs covering every section of his form. On his arms, chest, abs, back and torso. There were wet eyeballs rolling and being squished together, staring intently at the Shichibi.

Naruto witnessed this from the background, his face turning green. The foul and wet stench of the eyeballs made the Genin want to vomit. "Gross!! Just why are there eyeballs covering his body?!" Naruto covered his nose. "Man, I don't like where this is going!"

The Demon Bat was not impressed, as the stench did not bother him in the slightest.

"SO, THAT'S IT. THOSE ARE THE EYES..."

The Night Walker abruptly cut off the demon. "These are the eyes of every victim I have fed upon. You see, I am quite…aroused each time I look into the eyes of my prey. I enjoy looking at the fear that is shown to me. So, as a reminder of the victims that I have feasted upon, some of the blood I have drained from a victim turns into a duplicate of the eyes of that victim. So far, I have hundreds of victims.” He paused. “Actually, I take that back. I have fed on approximately 20,000 victims over my entire lifespan."

"20,000 VICTIMS? GA-HA!! THAT IS QUITE A FEAT, DAMIEN. FOR THAT I CAN COMMEND YOU, BUT YOU SEE... I HAVE FEASTED ON MORE PREY THAN YOU EVER COULD IMAGINE."

"You think I’m doing this to compete with the likes of you? Out of all the victims I have fed upon, only two have benefited me. It's true I have gained many unique styles of Genjutsu, Ninjutsu and Taijutsu from my victims. However, by draining the blood from a girl of the Hyuuga clan and one of the last two surviving Uchiha clan, I have developed and fused their two Kekkei Genkai to create a new deadlier, Dojutsu... the Sharikugan."

"HA!! IS THAT SUPPOSED TO SCARE ME?"

"You'll see."

"BAH!! I'VE HEARD ENOUGH!! IT'S TIME THAT I STAY TRUE TO MY WORD ABOUT YOUR FUTURE BEING CUT SHORT!! HERE I COME, YOU INSECT!!"

With that, the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat flew straight toward the Night Walker.

Damien quickly flew up to avoid contact with the giant Biju as a purple aura flared around his body. Then, hundred upon hundreds of thin, tiny purple beams erupted from the eyes, raining down upon the Demon Bat. More repeated shots pounded away on the giant. The Demon Bat quickly closed his wings to shield himself from the incoming blasts. The Yami-nin leader cackled. "HAHAHA!! HOW DOES IT FEEL BEING ON THE RECEIVING END OF YOUR NEW SUPERIOR?! NOW, KNEEL!!"

The Demon Bat scowled. "YOU ARE ONLY LUCKY THAT I AM NOT IN 100 PERFECT FORM… OTHERWISE, YOU'D BE DEAD!!"

"THAT'S RIGHT!! YOU KEEP SPOUTING SENSELESS GARBAGE!! THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE TO ME - TRASH!!"

Opening his wings, Shichibi quickly lunged at the demon with his mouth wide open. He slashed across in an attempt to catch Damien; however, the Yami-nin saw the giant coming forward and rocketed upward to once again avoid the Demon Bat's wrath. He continued to unleash more purple beams through the eyeballs covering his body.

Shichibi shot a glance upward to locate Damien as each wound inflicted on his body was healing thanks to the demon's own special chakra.

"NOW, LET'S SEE YOU TRY THIS!!" Damien howled, the look on his face showed desperation on his part. Once again performing his one-handed seal, the demon bellowed out, "KETSUEKI ZEKKYOU!!" As he said that, a powerful high-pitched sonar beam came straight out of his mouth and struck the Demon Bat.

The Shichibi screeched loudly as the attack pounded and ripped off sections of his own fur. However, he quickly managed to shrug off the worst of the attack and flew out at the Night Walker. "RAAAAAAAAGH!!"

"WHAT?! HE'S STILL COMING?!"

"IS THIS THE BEST YOU'VE GOT?! YOU DISAPPOINT ME, DAMIEN!!"

No!! He's not even stunned!! Time to implement my Sharikugan!!

Activating his newly fused Dojutsu, Damien made eye contact with Shichibi and attempted to do what he had done earlier to both Adam and Ai. However, the behemoth lashed out one of his giant tails and slapped Damien away. "GAH!!"

"JUST WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE ATTEMPTING TO DO?! DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH. I WILL NOT FALL FOR SUCH A DUBIOUS TRAP LIKE THAT STUPID BOY!"

Having seen enough, Naruto put his hand down onto the ground. "That's it! Here I come!" Performing a series of hand seals, a large smoke cloud exploded around the Genin. "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!!"

POOF!!

The summoning was a success.

The ground trembled. Trees were crushed. The massive summon appeared out of the smoke as the sound of the collision echoed through the air. As the smoke cloud dissipated, a large, light brown toad emerged standing 100 meters high. Red markings covered the toad's body, and fitting his body was a large dark blue gi with tape wrapped around his giant gut. In the amphibian's mouth was a smoking pipe. Sheathed on the behemoth's side was a dagger.

The "Boss Toad" - Gamabunta - was back in rare form.

Naruto stood on top of the giant amphibian's head and gazed out to where the Demon Bat stopped to face their direction.

"Great, he saw us!"

Shichibi diverted his attention away from Damien and focused on Gamabunta with curiosity. "WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE?"

As he opened his tiny yellow eyes, Gamabunta uttered a deep groan and focused his vision clearly to get a perfect view of the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat. Once again, he had come into contact with yet another Tailed Beast. This wasn't, of course, his first time gazing into the eyes of a Tailed Beast, for he had confronted the Kyuubi and the Ichibi no Shukaku before.

"Gamabunta!" Naruto smiled proudly.

Snorting loudly, the giant toad looked up at the Genin. "You just had to summon me while I was taking my nap, you idiot!"

"We don't have time to that, Gamabunta. Look ahead. We have big problems!"

Once again setting his sights on the Shichibi, Gamabunta growled. "Another one? I never thought I'd have to face the Seven-Tailed Bat. This is quite the development."

"So, what do you think? We have any chance of beating him like we did with Shukaku?"

"I can't tell. I’ve never seen the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat."

"Another thing you have to know and this is important."

"And that is?"

Naruto sadly sighed and answered. "Adam, my new friend... That demon was placed inside of him. He's just like Gaara and me. But Adam was born a half demon…and his life completely changed once Damien sealed that monster within Adam. So, we have to at least stop the Demon Bat without killing Adam."

"That won't be easy I'm afraid."

"I know."

"GUAHAHA!! SO, THE LITTLE PUNK FRIEND OF THAT COWARD SUMMONED A GIANT TOAD TO DO BATTLE WITH ME!! WELL, THIS IS QUITE THE PLEASANT SURPRISE!!" the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat bellowed out in high-pitched laughter.

Taking offense to what the Shichibi had referred him to, Gamabunta reached down to his sheath and pulled out the blade. He then raised the weapon in front himself and glared at the laughing Demon Bat.

"You're going to regret calling me just a 'toad', you giant winged rodent!"

"HA! COME ON THEN!!"

Taking no chances at letting this opportunity slip away, Gamabunta took giant leaps across the landscape to attack the Demon Bat straight on. He took a giant leap out at the bat and went for an overhead slash with his sword. The Shichibi flew directly out of reach of Gamabunta and quickly made a u-turn to slam himself directly against Gamabunta's back.

"AHH!!" Naruto cried out as he nearly lost balance and fell back onto Gamabunta's head. He picked himself up and sighed with relief. "That was a close one but watch it!!"

"He's the one who attacked me directly from behind!"

"GAHAHAHA!! I LOVE THIS!! I FEEL ALIVE AGAIN!" laughed the Seven-tailed Demon Bat. He opened his mouth and prepared to bite down onto the toad's back.

KA-CHINK!!

Gamabunta spun around to prevent the Demon Bat from inflicting the deadly bite. He pushed Shichibi holding back the behemoth's fangs with his blade.

"You keep your teeth off my hide!" Gamabunta growled angrily, pushing the Demon Bat away and using his blade to slash at the left wing of the giant.

Howling out in excruciating pain, the Demon Bat threw his head back. "AAAAARGH!!" He quickly ignored the ripped membrane on his wing and once again lunged forward. This time he was more than determined to inflict a deadly bite on the giant toad.

“Not bad! But you've only just ticked him off further!!" Naruto exclaimed.

"Don’t worry brat! I've got this! I'll make sure to render him incapable of flight!"

"Good idea!" C'mon, Adam, you have to somehow regain control! Don't let this crazy bat keep you under wraps! We're doing our part! Now it's your turn to do something!

Lifting off the ground, Damien stopped and witnessed the battle at hand. His face contorted with anger. The thought of being swatted aside like an insect had further agitated him and to make matters worse... he was no longer involved in the battle.

Damien hated being an afterthought in all of this…which was why he was preparing to make his next move. "I will NOT be pushed aside! Shichibi, you will pay for overlooking me!!" Damien roared as he flew straight into mid-air and rocketed off to where the two behemoths were clashing. This is your final mistake, Demon Bat!! I know exactly where to weaken your great power! The source itself: the boy.

xxxxx

Already reaching their destination, Saya and Kisakitori watched the two behemoths clash against one another. Saya grimaced, she was too late. The demon had emerged in full form. "No... I was too late," Saya paled. Her body became stock still; no words could come out of her mouth, so great was her shame. "We were too late to get here. Now, that demon has completely taken over."

"Saya-sama, do not lose hope. I am sure your son is still within that demon. You can't give up on your precious boy.

"No, but... We'll have to force ourselves into battle against that monster."

"Well, Saya-sama, what do you propose we do?" the owl asked the woman.

Biting down on her lips, Saya's eyes were fixated on the battle between the giants. Even if that monster has been released, that's still my son out there! Though, it appears we'll be intervening. The friend that girl mentioned must have summoned that giant toad. I'll be coming to his aid if he knows what happened to my son.

"Saya-sama?"

"I've made my decision. We will enter the battle."

"Are you certain?"

"Don't question me. Just go!"

"Yes, my lady!"

With that, the giant owl pressed onward to engage in the battle against the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat. Saya's eyes were now filled with determination, for her only goal was to save her child whom she had proudly given birth to for Tsukimaru.

"Adam-chan!! Can you hear me?! Adam-chan!!"

Upon hearing the woman's cries, the Demon Bat turned his attention toward the opposite direction to notice Kisakitori flying toward him. His eyes narrowed darkly as a hunger for new prey invigorated his taste for blood.

"GUAHAHA!! ANOTHER PIECE OF MEAT BEING LED TO THE SLAUGHTER? AND WHAT'S THIS?" Shichibi grinned as he noticed the blonde-haired woman standing on top of the owl's head. "THE BOY'S MOTHER? WELL, THIS IS QUITE THE SURPRISE."

"Hey! Where are you looking?!" Gamabunta roared and performed a body slam against the Demon Bat's back. With the weight of the Boss Toad on his back, Shichibi roared as he fell face first. Gamabunta proceeded to pick up the Demon Bat by his legs and hurl him across the forest landscape.

BOOSH!!

"Yeah!! You got him!!" Naruto cried out. "All right, this is it! Just remember what I said. Don't kill him or Adam will die along with him!"

"Humph, I know! Stop yelling at me, whelp!"

Suddenly, the Boss Toad stopped and turned to see Kisakitori floating by his side. Naruto was awestruck at the beautiful sight of the rare white owl. "Wow, look at that owl!! It's almost as big as you!!" Naruto pointed at Kisakitori.

"Hum, well, he is a noisy one," the owl chuckled, gazing down at the Genin. "Saya-sama, what do you think?"

Taking a deep breath, Saya kneeled down and clutched her chest. "Oh..."

"Saya-sama?!"

Naruto noticed the woman kneeling on top of the giant owl's head and blinked. "Um, hey! Who's that? Is she going to be all right?!"

Gama-Bunta sighed. "So, it's you, Kisakitori. It's been a long time."

The owl slightly frowned. "Yes, it has, Gamabunta. You haven't changed much."

"Wait, you two know each other?" Naruto looked back and forth.

Picking herself up, Saya glanced down at Naruto. "Please, excuse me. You don't happen to be the one they speak of? A pink-haired young girl I ran into earlier is a friend of yours? She referred to you as Naruto...?"

"Oh, you met Sakura-chan?! Yeah, I'm Naruto! Uzumaki Naruto!!"

"And you happen to know what happened to my son, Sagara Adam?"

As he heard the name of Shichibi's host mentioned, the yellow-haired Genin gasped. "Then, you must be... his mother!! You're Saya!!"

"Yes, and I take you know my son is..."

"He's turned into that Demon Bat. Not to mention he's the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat. I heard everything and saw your son transform."

"What? Then, I was right. He has realized the truth. By the way, where is Damien?"

"That no good bastard? He was just taken out earlier by the Demon Bat."

Gamabunta coughed loudly as he immediately butted into their conversation. "Save all the talk for later! We have a Demon Bat to defeat!" The Toad Boss set his eyes on the recovering Shichibi. "The Seven-Tailed Demon Bat. I never thought I'd face him."

"Neither can I, Gamabunta," Kisakitori nodded. "This is will indeed be a challenge for us."

"Ok, first off, how do you two know one another? That's what I'd like to know," Naruto wondered.

"Naruto, there's no time for such trivial questions. We have a demon to defeat. In order to save my son..." Saya stated while her eyes filled with sheer determination.

"Right. I didn't know what I was thinking," the Genin replied as he quickly put shifted back on the Demon Bat. "Let's do it, Gamabunta!"

Holding the hilt of his dagger blade, Gamabunta leaped across to deliver another vicious blow to the Shichibi. Kisakitori followed in pursuit as he flew above the two behemoths.

The Boss Toad slammed the end of his dagger hilt over the Shichibi's cranium, which caused the demon to let out a high-pitched cry and fell down face first.

"RAAAGH!!"

"Now, Kisakitori!!" Saya called out, performing several hand seals as she exhaled a white wind mist through her mouth. She and Kisakitori both called out the same Ninjutsu art simultaneously. "FUTON: SHIROKAZETOPPA!! Wind Release: White Wind Breakthrough!"

Both the woman and the owl unleashed two great white winds, which swept across the landscape and pummeled across the Shichibi's body. The force of the winds was strong enough to force the Demon Bat several yards back, thus shifting the momentum to the two summoned beasts.

"Wow!! That was incredible!!" Naruto was in awe at the woman's display.

Saya frowned as she ignored Naruto's praise and focused on the Demon Bat. "We're not done yet, Naruto. As long as that demon doesn't stop, my son cannot be freed."

"Right! We'll get Adam back!"

Suddenly, just as the two prepared their next course of action, a flying figure came rushing past them. Naruto and Saya both gasped into shock as they saw that it was none other than Damien. The crafty Night Walker howled into laughter.

"KA! HA! HA!" Damien bulleted toward the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat. "Just as long as you're still here, I might as well seal your fate as I kill the boy within you!!"

"NO!!" Saya overheard the demon's declaration. "He's going for Adam!"

"But he's inside the Demon Bat!"

"Yes, I know that. Damien is going to go inside the Shichibi and kill Adam from within. Once that happens..." Saya stopped herself as she refused to acknowledge the repercussions. "Kisakitori, take us forward!!"

"Yes, my lady!!"

"Hold it!! We're coming, too!!" Naruto called out as he watched the owl fly across. "Follow them, Gamabunta!!"

With that, the Boss Toad leaped across in pursuit of the giant owl and help to stop Damien from carrying out his execution order... before it was too late.

xxxxx

Witnessing the events unfold, Kagemaru arrived with his bat summon and remained hidden under the tree canopy to conceal his presence. He was completely frozen stiff at the sight of the Shichibi.

"The Demon Bat has indeed returned and completely taken over Adam. Just as I feared would happen... This was unfortunately inevitable," Kagemaru sighed sadly. "Damien, you truly were a fool to push the boy too far. Now, you will pay with your life."

"Kagemaru!!" a female's voice called out from behind him.

Turning around, the former priest saw Kanna flying toward him. He didn't stop to greet her but pointed out to where the battle was taking place. "Kanna, take a look for yourself if you wish to see what has become of our Adam."

Fearing the worst possible outcome, the female Night Walker pushed some branches and peered out into the open. "What is there to see...?" Then, her face contorted as her eyes widened. "Oh, my..."

"We were too late, Kanna. The Seven-Tailed Demon Bat has been unleashed. The Adam we know is gone."

"No, that can't be true!" Kanna bit down on her lip. "Not Saya's little boy. That monster couldn't be him!"

"I'm afraid so."

"Is there anyway we can save him?!"

"Engage the Shichibi in battle and force the demon to release the boy. However, the chances of that are slim to none. If the demon has gained full control, there just maybe no way of reaching Saya's child."

Kanna scowled. "How could Damien seal that demon within an innocent child like Adam?! He didn't have to be the host for the Shichibi!!"

"No but what has been done cannot be changed."

"So, are you just going to give up on the boy you would proudly refer to as a 'son' you never had?! You may not be his real father but he enjoyed your company and you taught him many useful jutsus! Now, you're just going to turn your back on him?!"

Kagemaru scowled. "Look! What is else is there for me to do?! Saya is out there and what she is doing is suicidal! This is a Tailed Beast! They are one of the higher-ranked demons from Makai. You and I are inferior to them!"

"Look, I don't give a damn about all of this Tailed Beast garbage! All that matters to me is getting that boy reunited with his mother! Damien has brought great misery to them over the past seven years! Don't you even wish happiness to them? After all, they lost a wonderful man. Tsukimaru was a loving man and a father!" Kanna abruptly cut herself off as she looked down upon herself. "I mean... He chose Saya over me. Now…I think I’m sometimes envious like Mikon was but I realized just how happy Tsukimaru was. As long as he was happy, I would bear no grudge. It's time we return the favor for Tsukimaru and Saya, Kagemaru. Adam needs us."

After hearing Kanna speak out from the bottom of her heart, Kagemaru was convinced what needed to be done. Adam immediately crossed his mind. "Yes, I shouldn't turn my back on Adam. Not that gifted and kind young man whom I helped to father in Tsukimaru's absence. I owe it to the boy. If the Shichibi isn't stopped, there's no telling where that demon will go. Many nations will be put at great risk."

"And I know you wouldn't want to see any more villages destroyed just like Yamigakure?"

"Nobody deserves to have their home lands devastated. Considering the Demon Fox nearly destroyed Konohagakure."

Kanna closed her left fist. "That's the spirit, Kagemaru!"

"I've noticed the wounds on your body have already healed?"

"Yeah, I just got back from helping Saya kill that arrogant witch."

"Mikon has been killed, then?"

The female smirked. "You bet! Now, I'll be taking over as head mistress. If you don't mind that is..." She winked to the male Night Walker.

"IF we survive that is."

"We will. Now, come on! I'm not going to miss this out!" exclaimed Kanna as she flew out ahead.

Kagemaru frowned and ordered his giant bat to led him onward into the open.

xxxxx

Meanwhile, Damien was well within inches of reaching the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat. He torpedoed right through the Demon Bat's torso and found himself inside the behemoth.

RIP!!

"RAAAAAAGH!!" Shichibi threw its massive head back and screeched at the top of his lungs. The hole drilled through his torso was clearly a serious wound on the behemoth.

As the Shichibi staggered forward, Naruto paled. "Oh no!!" Naruto cried out, watching the Shichibi thrashing about violently. "Adam!!"

Saya scowled as Kisakitori raced out to get to the Demon Bat. Her eyes now filled with furious anger over what Damien had done. "I will NOT lose, Adam-chan!! I lost Tsukimaru but I will NOT lose my son!!"

"Saya!! Hold on!!" Naruto yelled toward the woman's direction. "Shoot, she can't hear me!!"

"She's going through that hole that demon drilled through the Shichibi."

"I hope she can find Adam inside that thing!"

Searching throughout the inside of the demon's bloody torso, Damien flew upward to pick up on Adam's scent.

"I know you're in here, boy!!" Damien roared, searching through every corner. Blood splattered across his body, which started to arouse his ever-growing hunger. I must be quick. That hole I've made will only close and heal up. He stopped as he overheard Saya's voice echoing out. "So, Tsukimaru's whore has come."

Suddenly, a loud rumbling was heard from outside. Damien did not waste anymore time and flew straight up in pursuit of Adam.

Kisakitori halted as Saya ordered him to stop. Protruding out of Saya's back were the pair of wings she used to fly earlier in her battle with Mikon. Her eyes turned yellow and owl-like.

"Kisakitori, remain here. I shouldn't take long."

"Yes, my lady, but are you sure you want to do this? If you don't hurry, this hole will close up and you'll be trapped inside the demon."

"Don't worry. I will return with my Adam-chan. Rest assured."

As she said that, Saya flew through the gaping hole through Shichibi's torso. Realizing there was little time before the Shichibi's wound would heal and recover, the woman flew up to follow Damien in a race to retrieve Adam.

Yes, I can sense you are here, Damien! You will NOT be taking my son! I'll make you regret raping my mind and body! Your end has come!

The Shichibi abruptly stopped as it lowered its head and went into a sleep-like trance. Considering what Damien had done, the behemoth was attempting to heal his wound with its own demonic chakra.

"Um, hey, what's going on? The Demon bat just stopped," Naruto blinked repeatedly.

Gamabunta narrowed its eyes. "He’s trying to recover. He knows he can't beat me with that serious wound."

"Then, why don't we just take him down right now?! He can't do anything if he's severely wounded!"

"Aren't you forgetting? That woman went inside the Shichibi! If we attack, her life will be endangered."

The Genin gasped. "But, Damien is in there! He’ll find Adam and kill him!"

"If he does indeed kill the child, the Shichibi's life will end."

"But we're not here to kill Adam! We have to do something!"

The Boss Toad groaned as he kept his ground. Staring toward the Shichibi, the amphibian puffed out smoke through his pipe. "Then, we'll wait."

"Wait...?” Naruto scowled. “How can we wait?!"

"You're worried for the well-being of both the child and his mother. Once she finds him, there's a chance the demon will lose his power and turn back into your friend. Though, it will be extremely difficult for her to tame a beast."

"If anything can..." Naruto turned toward the Shichibi. "It'll be his mother. Her love should be the ultimate weapon to bring back Adam."

"But then there's that demon."

"Yeah, Damien! C'mon, Saya, find Adam."

Just then from the corner of his eye, Gamabunta noticed a giant bat flying toward his direction. The presence of this bat captured Naruto's attention as he turned to find one giant bat and the two Yami-nin.

Kagemaru and Kanna both came into view.

"Great! We've got company!" the Genin frowned as he hopped into a defensive stance. "I'll bet you two are here to help that creep!"

Kanna was taken back by Naruto's accusation." Excuse me? We didn't come to bail that egomaniac for nothing! If anything, we're here to stop him and the Shichibi."

"Huh...?"

"Yes, we no longer consider ourselves associated with Damien," Kagemaru confirmed, glancing at the Shichibi. "We are close to Saya and her son, Adam."

"So, you came to help?! That's great!" Naruto smiled. Other Yami-nin that weren’t cuckoo-nutty-insane? Perfect!

"Yeah but it appears the Shichibi is out of it. Why did he stop moving?" Kanna wondered. Then she noticed the massive gaping hole through the beast's torso. "What happened?!"

Naruto frowned. "Well, Damien was desperate and just plowed through the bat!! He's probably going after Adam but then a woman named Saya showed up to chase him!"

"Going after Damien, eh? She's crazy if she thinks she can take him by herself," Kanna scowled. "All right, I'm going after her!"

However, Kagemaru put a stop to the female Yami-nin as she grabbed her left wrist. "Hold on, Kanna."

"Hold on?!"

"Yah, why not let her go after Adam's mom?" asked Naruto.

"She wouldn't accept our help. Let's just hope she can get out of there with Adam in one piece. Before Damien does..."

Naruto gulped while tightening his fists. There's something I've got to do! Wait, maybe there is... But not until Adam and his mom escape!

xxxxx

As she ventured inside the Shichibi, her keen eyesight scanned upward to locate Damien. Taking no chances, Saya flew upward as her wings allowed her to ascend. She was driven with the sheer determination to rescue her son even if it meant confronting Damien herself.

That same abuser who had raped her for his own pleasure.

Damien! You're NOT getting anywhere near MY son!

As she reached further up to she saw a view of a large purple sac attached to the top of the ceiling. Her eyes scanned through the interior of cocoon-like sac. To her shock, Adam was curled up in a fetal position inside the sac.

"Adam-chan! You're there!" Saya advanced closer toward the sac. She ran her hands across the sac, which spewed out purple-like puss through tiny holes. Slightly flinching, the woman ignored the vomit-inducing puss and prepared to rip through the sac. "Hold on, Adam-chan! Mommy's here." Her voice became soft.

Suddenly, as she raised her right hand, something grabbed a hold of her wrist and threw her aside. Saya grunted while being slammed against the walls.

"Heh, so you came after all, dearest Saya."

"Damien," Saya hissed as she pulled herself off the wall and scanned her surroundings. "Come out, you coward!! You're NOT going to stop me from taking back my son!!"

"Oh but that's precisely what I'm planning to do, Saya. You see... I cannot allow the boy to live, as he is the one to ensure the Shichibi's survival. By eliminating one Tailed Beast, I can rightfully take my place as the supreme demon lord."

"By killing my son?!"

"There is no other way," Damien wickedly grinned. "Killing Adam ensures that the Shichibi's fate is forever sealed. That's one Tailed Beast driven to oblivion." The demon advanced toward the sac and put his hand on its surface.

Narrowing her eyes darkly, Saya tightened her fist as her voice deepened. "GET. YOUR. HANDS. OFF. MY. SON!!" Without any hesitation, Saya launched herself at Damien with her fists and muscles tightening. "RAAAAAAGH!!"

"Bah!! You dare come at me without a strategy?! You're as foolish as the boy!!" Damien laughed out amusedly. "Like mother, like son!! You've just guaranteed your own grave!!"

"FUKUROU TSUME DAGEKI!!"

The Night Walker leader quickly telegraphed the woman's strike, phased behind her and grabbed her wings. He put his right foot across her back and began pulling at the woman's wings.

"AAAUGH!!"

"Does it hurt my dear? Oh, don't be like that. Just imagine how much more painful it was when I forced myself onto you every time I visited you in your prison cell," Damien snickered, his voice oozed with perversion. "So, even I couldn't break your spirit. Then, I suppose I should do something even more unforgiving."

"I... won't let you have Adam...! You're going to have to kill me..." Saya gritted her teeth.

"Yes, that's the spirit. Never show fear in the face of death. That's a good girl," Damien smirked, licking the sides of his face.

Glancing across at the purple sac, Saya lowered her head while chanting a prayer. Adam-chan... It looks like you and I are going to join Tsukimaru soon...

"Now..." Damien pulled Saya toward him and put his right arm around the woman's neck. "Time for you to greet the underworld." He pulled Saya closer to him and licked her left cheek.

Then...

BA-BUMP!!

BA-BUMP!!

BA-BUMP!!

Repeated sounds of a pulsating beat echoed.

Damien paused as he glanced ahead. His eyes shifted onto the sac.

"No!! I should be going for the sac!! I have to delay it!!" Damien howled as he threw Saya aside and flew out to pursue the pulsating sac. "I won't let you out!!" With that, Damien lunged forward, extracted his claws and sliced open the sac. "Now, to cut out your..."

Suddenly, a burst of dark purple light beamed out through the sac and caused the entire sac to spontaneously combust. Damien immediately shielded his eyes as the shimmering lights blinded him. "GAAHH!!"

Picking herself up, Saya faced the direction of where the shimmering light beamed out of the sac. Her eyes widened as soon as a figure rose out of the cocoon.

One foot stepped out followed by the other.

The figure opened its eyes to reveal a pair of red, demonic eyes shimmering with evil.

The face of this figure was revealed as Adam.

"Adam-chan...?" Saya uttered a silent gasp. Oh no...

Holding out his right hand and popping every bone in it, Adam grinned wickedly. Bloodlust filled his red eyes. Those eyes shifted their gaze onto his abuser. The demon that had used him, raped his mother and murdered his father.

Revenge was on Adam's mind.

Opening his eyes, Damien focused his vision and shook his head. Once he came to, the demon's blood chilled as he faced an Adam filled with bloodlust.

"What's the matter, Damien?" the boy snickered, his voice slightly altered and deeper. "Do you feel the balance of power shifting? You're the one who is scared and the proof is obvious." Adam tilted his head to one side as his stare penetrated through Damien. "What's the matter, you pathetic worm? You weren't expecting me to come out of that little coward. Even I have to admit it was getting stuffy. I have you to thank, Damien. At least, I am free to continue the wave of destruction I was preparing to lay to every known village."

"No... Adam..." Saya whispered, realizing that the Demon Bat still had complete control over the boy. That's not Adam-chan. Not my son! That demon is still controlling him!

Adam chuckled while advancing toward Damien. "I think it's about time we end this. No time to waste. It won't be long until I reawaken and kill everyone standing in my path. That includes the boy with the Kyuubi contained inside of him!"

"Bah, you still don't know your place amongst the demon rankings, Demon Bat," the Night Walker scowled angrily. "YOU CAN'T KILL ME!!"

"Sorry to say but your lifespan has expired," Adam frowned as he threw his arms out while the purple demonic aura around him expanded out. The entire area was shrouded by a thick, purple glow.

"You're a fool!! I WILL NOT be denied of my claim over the human world!!" Damien hissed while shielding himself from the rays.

Saya screamed out in hopes of reaching out to her son. "ADAM-CHAN!!"

xxxxx

Suddenly, as the purple aura expanded through the eyes and mouth of the Shichibi, everyone turned their attention back on the sleeping behemoth. The powerful rays blasted through sections of the forest around it.

Kisakitori immediately moved away from the incoming beams of light. "Oh no! Saya-sama!!"

"Damien and Saya must have gotten to him. Now, the boy is going to fuel the Shichibi with an even greater amount of chakra," Kagemaru observed.

"Damn! That demon is fueling off that boy's chakra! Every time he's even emotionally distressed, the Shichibi just gets stronger!" Kanna feared that the worst was about to come.

"All right, then it's time we do something about it. You ready, Gamabunta?" Naruto asked the Toad Boss.

Holding his blade in hand, Gamabunta prepared to resume his battle with the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat. Puffing out smoke, the Toad Boss stared down the demon. "Always ready! It's time we end this!"

Throwing his head back, the reawakened Shichibi let out a thunderous laughter. "THAT WAS QUITE REFRESHING!! NOW TO PICK YOU LITTLE WORMS APART ONE BY ONE!!"

"Ugh! C'mon, Adam! Stop giving this guy more chakra!!" Naruto called out. "C'mon, lady... Try and bring some sense to your kid!"

xxxxx

"Don't think for a second that I'm going to let you carry on with this!!" Damien howled as he summoned three clones of himself to attack Adam straight on.

Anticipating the demon's next offensive strike, Adam smirked as he launched himself straight at the clones. Without even touching them, his demonic chakra expanded and wiped them out. Damien seized the opportunity; he snuck up behind Adam and thrust his right hand’s claws through his torso.

SHICK!!

Saya's eyes widened in horror as her entire body stiffened. She watched as her son was impaled through Damien's claws.

"ADAM-CHAN!!"

"Heh, not so tough, are you...? Now, hold still. This should not take long..." the Night Walker stopped himself mid-sentence. His eyes and mouth suddenly widened as Adam faced him without any show of concern.

Adam snorted in annoyance as his red eyes gleamed. "Is that all you've got?!" Grabbing Damien by his arm, the boy tightened his grip and chuckled. "Why don't I return the favor for what you've done to me?!"

With that, Adam pulled onto Damien's left arm and…

RIP!!

He quickly and easily tore Damien's left arm out of the socket.

Literally.

Damien threw his head out as he unleashed a high-pitched howl. Blood spewed from the torn socket area. Saya was horrified at her son's actions; she cried, "Stop it!! Adam-chan, stop it!!"

Glaring toward Saya's direction, Adam once again scowled as his demonic instinct started to take over. "Why don't you shut up, you annoying wench?! Or... I will KILL YOU!!"

"Adam-chan!! I know you can hear me!! STOP THIS!!"

The half-breed snarled. "That's enough!! You've just dug YOUR OWN GRAVE!!" roared Adam. But before he could take another step, he completely froze in place as his body started to tremble. “Er…what…” Dropping down to his knees, Adam clutched both sides of his head while his body quivered as if he were having a seizure. "Momma!! Did he hurt you...?!"

"Adam-chan...?" He’s trying to fight back against the Shichibi! “ADAM-CHAN!”

"Momma!! Please, protect me from the monster!! PLEASE!!" Adam screamed, his eyes wide and filled with sheer fear. Throwing his arms around, the boy grabbed his hair. "Please, protect me, momma!! I..." His voice quickly altered once again. The demon was completely taking over. "AUUUUUGH!! KILL!! KILL!! BLOOD!! RAAAAAAGH!!"

"Release my son you monster!!" Saya demanded out of the Demon Bat. "He's NOT your puppet for your own sick and cruel pleasure!!"

The leader of the Yami-nin could be heard laughing. "Heh, you can't tame an ancient demon like the Shichibi," Damien snickered as stepped forward. His clothes already stained with his own blood. He ignored the threshold of pain after having his left arm ripped out of the socket. "He, like the Kyuubi, is beyond reason. These beasts care for nothing but inducing FEAR and bringing DEATH to the people of this plane of existence. The other side is an even crueler world. I know…for I was born and lived there for almost my entire life." His eyes were set on Adam. "For you see, Saya, your son must die. If I am to be guaranteed to be rid of the Shichibi, Adam cannot be allowed to live anymore."

"NO!! DON'T!!"

"Shichibi!! IT ENDS FOR YOU NOW!!" Damien raised his hand over Adam.

"STOP IT!!" Saya raced out toward Damien as she prepared to throw herself at the demon. ADAM-CHAN!! PLEASE, COME BACK TO ME!!

Damien twirled, anticipating Saya's lunge. Scowling in annoyance, the demon bit down on his lips and backhanded the woman aside with his free right hand.

WHAP!!

Saya was sent reeling back and rolled across with a red imprint across her cheek. Crumpling on the ground, Saya groaned and spat a wad of saliva mixed with blood.

"Stay down like the dog you are!" Damien howled, pointing down at the woman.

As his body quivered, Adam's head snapped back and faced Damien. The dark purple chakra aura expanded as numerous tendrils came shooting out at the unsuspecting demon. Damien was caught off guard as his right arm and legs were being tied down by the tendrils extending out of the chakra aura. Gritting his teeth down, Damien struggled to break the tightening grips applied by the tentacle-like extensions. However, his efforts were to no avail.

Adam's demon power was stronger than Damien would even expect.

"LET ME GO!!"

"HEH. NOW, WHY WOULD I DO THAT? THIS TIME I WILL NOT LET YOU GO!! YOUR WORTHLESS LIFE ENDS NOW!!" the Demon Bat and Adam roared out simultaneously as their voices became unified.

The demon's eyes widened as he looked deeply into Adam's. Somehow, much to his horror, not even his Sharikugan was doing him any good. He had exhausted his chakra by relying on his fused Kekkei genkai, and the loss of his arm had hindered him far too much.

Damien realized it yet he didn't want to admit it.

He was at the Shichibi's mercy.

At any given time, Adam would kill him and satisfy the Demon Bat's sensational hunger.

"Adam-chan..." groaned Saya. She picked herself up and fixated her gaze on her demon-possessed son. "No more... Please, just stop this. I want this to stop."

"Not until this bastard dies," the half breed sneered, seemingly enjoying Damien's painful anguish. The tendrils were applying more pressure on the demon's limbs. "Now scream. SCREAM!! Insect..."

Getting to her feet, Saya panted heavily and paced forward slowly. Her arms slowly extended forward as if she were asking for an 'embrace.' "Adam-chan, please, it's over. Don't let the demon consume your innocent soul." Tears started to form in her eyes. "Adam-chan, momma's here. Sssssh."

Listening to the woman's motherly cooing, Adam frowned at her direction and hissed, "Get back, woman. Your son is mine forever."

Ignoring the demon's threat, Saya continued to walk forward. A tiny smile curled her lips. Tears dripped down her cheeks.

"Are you insane?! Didn't you hear what I just said?!"

"Adam-chan, I know you can hear me. Ssssh, it's over. Just stop this. Let the demon finish Damien but please come to me."

The voice of the Shichibi boomed into thunderous, malicious laughter. "YOUR SON IS MINE, YOU NO GOOD WOMAN!! HE'S MINE!! MY MEAT PUPPET!! MINE FOREVER!!"

Saya immediately stopped as she glanced up at the ceiling of the demon's cranium. "Demon Bat, you may do what you wish with Damien. I do not care what you do with that disgrace of a demon. After all, you are one of the superiors of the demon kind, aren't you?"

Silence. The Shichibi gave no response. Even Adam stared down Saya with near lifeless eyes and the tendrils holding Damien were slowly loosening.

"Let my son go and you may do what you wish with Damien. I know how you demons take great pleasure in inflicting pain on the weak with your great power. Am I right, demon?"

"You... You'd sacrifice me for your son...? I... I gave you a home...!!" Damien growled, his eyes turning dark red.

"You violated me, Damien. No, you didn't just violate," the woman frowned while tightening her fists. "You RAPED me!! You not only raped me but you lied to me about Tsukimaru! You used Adam against his will! You hid the fact that the Shichibi was sealed within him!!"

Raising his voice and throwing his head back, Damien roared and bashed the back of his head against Adam's face. Adam refused to flinch, even as the tendrils pulled away from the demon. "You have no idea what you're dealing with, Saya. If I die, then you will be left with a demon you cannot control. The Shichibi has your child... Heh, and then you will die. You and I will both die here," Damien smirked. "Do you feel honored, being killed by your child?"

Saya glared at the demon with a lifeless stare. She nodded her head and smiled. "I do not fear death anymore. Because of you, I've already approached the doors of the afterlife after you've raped me repeatedly. If the Shichibi kills me, then so be it. If I die saving my child, so be it."

Damien was appalled. "...You morbid woman. You would seriously throw your own life away to save your failure of a son?"

"My son is not a failure. He will have a future…unlike you."

With that, Saya turned her back on Damien and closed her eyes. Then, she started humming a harmonic song to herself.

"HAHAHA!! THIS WOMAN SHOWS NO FEAR FOR DEATH UNLIKE YOU, DAMIEN. MY, HOW INTERESTING THIS HAS BECOME. TIME TO FEED ON YOU TWO INSECTS!!"

"NO!! LET ME GO!! I CANNOT AND WILL NOT DIE LIKE THIS!!" Damien screamed, his voice becoming strained. He continued thrashing but to no avail.

Adam shook his head as he faced Damien and turned toward Saya. His eyes repeatedly changed from being filled with bloodlust to their normal eyes. Damien noticed this turn of events. The boy's trying to reject the demon's control. This is my chance to escape as long as Adam is trying to regain control... Heh, even the Shichibi has its limits...

"WHAT IS THIS...?! ADAM, WHY ARE YOU REJECTING ME?!" The half breed suddenly twitched and convulsed. "Momma... Momma!!" Adam cried out.

"Adam-chan?!" Saya turned around, her eyes on the child. "Adam-chan, is that really you?!"

Pulling away the tendrils that bound Damien, Adam fell back while glancing around his surroundings. His eyes blinked while not realizing where he was. He quickly noticed Saya rushing toward him.

"Momma...? Where...?"

As Saya jumped out at Adam, she embraced him and pressed him against her. The woman's motherly instincts kicked in as she held him protectively. "Adam-chan, please stay close to me and don't move," she whispered into his left ear.

Nodding his head accordingly, Adam closed his eyes.

Damien limped toward the only exit of the chamber. He saw an opening…it was the demon’s ear! "My only escape out of here... I must retreat and recuperate..." Damien winced as he hopped onto the nearest platform and scaled toward the exit. I will NOT die!! Once I return, I will come back and kill you all!! Shichibi, you WILL PAY!!

Watching Damien retreat, Saya scoffed. "Coward. You've realized that there are demons with greater power than you could ever comprehend."

Adam slightly opened his eyes and pressed himself against his mother. "Momma... I'm sorry."

"Adam-chan, you're going to have to call back the demon back into you."

"What...? But, how can I do that?"

Saya put her hand on Adam's forehead and smiled. "Suppress your rage, my son. The demon feeds off on your emotions. It's over. Damien will die for his sins."

"Oh mother... But how do I suppress my anger? After what that monster did to you?!"

"It's okay, Adam-chan. I know I will be avenged... Your father assured me that."

"My father...?"

"In spirit, he said to me that the Shichibi will seal Damien's fate," Saya assured her son. "All that we've lost will be avenged." Looking up at the ceiling, the woman smiled as the ghostly image of Tsukimaru appeared.

The spirit looked down upon his mate and child like he was their guardian angel.

Tsukimaru, my love. I hope you're watching. Damien will soon be sent straight to hell where he belongs.

xxxxx

Limping out of the Shichibi's left ear, Damien wheezed as he grasped the bleeding stump where his left arm used to be. Realizing he was losing a large quantity of blood and chakra, only one conclusion came to mind.

He had no choice but to flee.

"No... To think I'd be reduced to this! My... My chakra level is depleting. I'll be forced to flee and at least recuperate from this," Damien snarled, gritting his teeth down. "Mark my words. I'll... be back and I will kill you all!"

Just as he prepared to take flight, he noticed Kanna, Kagemaru and Naruto across the distance. Gamabunta, Kisakitori and Kagemaru's giant bat were also present while present.

"They're still there...?!" Damien hissed. His eyes were now locked onto the Genin. "If I can't kill the Shichibi now, the Kyuubi's vessel will do!!"

With that, Damien launched himself toward everyone else with his sights immediately set on Naruto.

"HOLD STILL, KYUUBI CHILD!!"

Naruto panicked as he prepared for Night Walker. "Great! Here he comes!"

"Don't worry. We'll be here to stop him!" Kanna flew down beside Naruto and assumed a battle stance.

Kagemaru observed the incoming Night Walker. "He's fast! Watch it you two!"

"Oh please! I'll take care of him!" Gamabunta grumbled as opened his mouth.

"NOW, YOU THREE WILL DIE!!" screamed Damien. His last act of desperation was then...

…immediately cut short.

The demon stopped and found himself bound by long, black tendrils. He glanced across to see the Demon Bat's body with a purple chakra aura while giving off a subtle glow. Shooting out from the aura were at least four long, black tentacle-like extensions. One tightened its hold around the demon's waist while Damien struggled to break free.

"NO!! LET ME GO!! YOU CANNT DENY ME THE CHANCE TO KILL THE KYUUBI'S VESSEL!!"

Bellowing out in laughter, the Shichibi pulled Damien directly back toward him. It's face contorted, as the beast was hungry to feast upon the Night Walker leader.

"NOT ON MY WATCH!! HEH HEH!! LOOK AT YOU TREMBLE!! I THINK IT'S ABOUT TIME I RID THIS WORLD OF YOUR PATHETIC EXISTENCE!!"

"NOOOOO!!"

"GOODBYE."

As the Shichibi said that, he opened his mouth and immediately pulled Damien towards his massive maw.

"NOOOOO!! DON'T!!"

Ignoring the Night Walker's pleas, the Demon Bat threw Damien inside its mouth and rolled him down using his long tongue. Swallowing Damien down, the Shichibi licked its lips and snickered wickedly.

Just like that, Damien was swallowed.

Naruto was taken back by this turn of events and shuddered. "He... He just swallowed him?! Just like that...?!"

"Damien got what he had coming. That fool's arrogance was his own undoing. What a sad and pathetic way to have your life end," Kanna scoffed. "Kagemaru, what do you think?"

"Don't be so sure. He's now the least of our problems. We still have to deal with the Shichibi!!"

"Not to mention that Adam and his mother are still inside that thing!" Naruto snarled, his eyes glaring at the Demon Bat's direction. C'mon, Adam! What's taking you two so long?!

Grasping his blade, Gamabunta was anxious to return back to battle. "Humph, just look at him! How about I just arrange that ugly mug off that winged rat's face?!"

"But we have to at least wait for Adam and his mom!"

"But, it might be too late for..."

Snarling, Naruto did not want to hear about the worst case scenario. "No, I'm NOT giving up on those two!" Besides, if I can call off you, damn fox, then Adam can call off that Demon Bat! His voice echoed and was transmitted inside the Kyuubi's mind.

"I'D LIKE TO SEE YOU TRY!! YOU HAVE NO CHANCE!"

Keep telling yourself that, you carpet rug! Nobody, not even you demons, should ever count me out!

Focusing his gaze toward Gamabunta and Naruto, Shichibi chuckled with amusement. Having eaten Damien had satisfied his nourishment. Now he was more and willing to continue his attack on his other prey.

Slamming forward his right arm, the Demon Bat caused a tremor that flattened a section of the forest. He had full intent of killing Adam's friends and leaving no trace of them.

"He's coming this way!" cried Kanna. Her body trembling in fear at the sight of the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat. And who could blame her? "Damn! To think he easily disposed of Damien! If he can do that to him, then we're just little specks to this thing!"

"No matter what it takes we must work together and prevent the demon from devastating this land any further. It may be too late for Adam and Saya," Kagemaru feared the possibility of the worst-case scenario. He turned to where Naruto and Gamabunta were. "Boy, it appears...” He paled. “What?!"

Looking ahead, Kagemaru watched as Gamabunta was charging forward with Naruto leading the charge at Shichibi.

"NO!! WHAT IS HE THINKING?!" Kagemaru shouted in utter disbelief.

Kanna was flabbergasted. "He... He's actually going to attack the Shichibi head on with his summon?!" Just who is this kid?! He's lost his mind!

Meanwhile, Naruto was hollering out while pointing ahead to lead Gamabunta in for the head-on attack. The boy's was intent of rescuing Adam and Saya even if it meant entering the beast itself.

"HERE WE COME, YOU FLYING RAT!!" Naruto hollered at the top of his lungs as he captured the demon's undivided attention. "I'm coming for Adam and his mom!! I'd like to see you try and stop us!!"

Shichibi howled with happy, psychotic laughter. "HAHAHA!! THAT'S IT!! RUSH TO YOUR DEATHS!! YOU'RE NEVER TAKING BACK THE LITTLE COWARD AND THE WOMAN!!"

"WE'LL SEE ABOUT THAT!!" Naruto retorted, not showing fear at the presence of the Seven-Tailed beast. "ADAM'S MY FRIEND!!"

"HOW FOOLISH CAN YOU HUMANS GET?! OH WELL, YOU'LL BE JOINING DAMIEN!!" the demon bat continued bellowing out in laughter. Opening his mouth, the demon unleashed a massive black sludge. "YAMITON DOKUSUIHEDORO!! Darkness Element: Poison Acid Sludge!"

"NO!!" Naruto cried out as the gathering of acidic sludge came at their direction. "Gamabunta!!"

"Hold on!!" Gamabunta roared as he pounced up into mid-air to avoid the acidic sludge and formed a hand seal. "Suiton Teppoudama!! Water Element: Gun Bullet!" The giant toad spewed out a mouth full of water (shaped like a bullet no less) and watched as the Shichibi sidestepped the water attack.

SPLOOSH!!

BOOM!!

"HAHAHA!! IS THAT THE BEST YOU'VE GOT?!" Shichibi taunted the Boss Toad.

Gamabunta was none too pleased with the Demon Bat's mockery. "He's a cocky one."

"Gamabunta!! He's going to fire again!!"

"I know! I'm right on it!"

"COME DOWN AND FIGHT YOU COWARDS!!"

"Is that right? Well, you've just got your wish!" the Boss Toad roared as he came falling down and aimed to body slam himself across the Shichibi's back.

"WHOA!! HOLD IT, GAMABUNTA!!"

"YOU FOOLS!! YOU'RE MAKING THIS TOO EASY!!" Shichibi shouted and spewed out another mouth full of acidic sludge. "YAMITON DOKUSUIHEDORO!!"

"SUITON TEPPOUDAMA!!"

The water attack from the Boss Toad washed down on the incoming black sludge and pinned it down to the earth below. However, another section of the forest was melted away by the acidic slime.

Reaching for his blade, Gamabunta dropped down in front of Shichibi and slammed the hilt of his weapon under the Demon Bat's chin. Stunned from the vicious blow, Shichibi staggered back as he tried to immediately shake the effects.

"YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!!"

"Great job, Gamabunta! But we have to get closer! I have to at least get inside that hole Damien created earlier on that thing's torso!"

"The chances of that are slim if he continues spewing that acid sludge, but I'll try!"

"Don't try. We have to get this done! Adam and his mom are counting on us!"

Kanna and Kagemaru watched alongside the other two summons. They couldn't believe just how effective Gamabunta had proven himself in a battle with a Tailed Beast. If they had seen his confrontation with the Shukaku, they wouldn't have been taken back by surprised disbelief.

"This is unbelievable, Kagemaru. That kid and his toad summon are actually hanging with the Demon Bat!"

"Yes but for how long? The Shichibi isn't even fighting at full strength. Those two... will need a miracle to survive this," the male Night Walker lowered his head. Saya. Adam…

xxxxx

Saya glanced around her surroundings and fell back while losing her balance. The back of her head hit the side of an interior wall inside the beast.

"Mother!!" Adam called out.

Groaning in pain, the woman rubbed her throbbing head and winced. "Owww... it appears they're already engaged in battle. That friend of yours, Adam. I believe his name is Naruto..."

"What? Naruto is fighting him?!" Adam was shocked. "But, he can't hope to beat that thing on his own!"

"He's not on his own, Adam-chan," Saya responded as she gave an assuring smile to her son. "He has summoned the Boss Toad."

"Boss Toad?"

"Adam-chan, listen to me. It's over. There's no need to get angry anymore. Damien... I've felt him just now. Every trace of his existence eradicated."

"Damien...? He's... He's gone?" Adam was taken back.

"The Shichibi made a meal out of him. It's over. He won't be around to torment you and I anymore. We're finally free..."

Adam sighed and turned away. "Yeah, but it took me awakening a blood thirsty demon to kill him. I was forced to rely on that monster to avenge father, you and Ai-chan. I couldn't take anymore of his lies and deceits. I... I..." Adam opened his eyes and yelled. "...I HAD TO UNLEASH THE BEAST TO KILL THAT HEARTLESS BASTARD!!” He snarled with anger and rage. “HE DESERVED HIS DEATH IF YOU ASK ME!!"

"And that did happen, my son, but it's over," Saya approached the boy. "Please, suppress the rage that has been long been building in your heart. The demon grows stronger through your emotions. Please..."

Adam crouched down as he grabbed the sides of his head. "It... It's too difficult! I can't...! The Shichibi won't let me!"

"Yes, you can!! I know you have enough will to overwhelm the Shichibi's demonic bloodlust! I know you can do it, Adam-chan. Because if you don't, that new friend of yours, Kanna and Kagemaru will be done for."

Adam stopped and heeded his mother's warning. He couldn't let the Shichibi kill his friends and get away with destroying every square inch of the Darkness Country. Sakura and the other Konoha-nin would immediately be placed in further danger.

No, I can't let Shichibi kill MY NEW friends! Not Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, Kakashi or any of their friends! Not to mention Kagemaru, Kanna and mother! It's all up to me! Only I can suppress the demon's wrath! Damien's dead…but why am I not yet satisfied? It's because of the demon. He wants to kill more!

"Adam-chan!"

Overhearing his mother's cries, Adam let out a deep sigh and closed his eyes. He began to link his mind with the Shichibi and probed the demon's very thoughts.

xxxxx

Adam's Soul Room

Opening his eyes, Adam instantly reappeared inside the dark, empty space within his own soul. He glanced forward to come face to face with the towering, winged behemoth.

Adam and Shichibi's eyes both met simultaneously.

The boy's innocence and the demon's bloodlust.

They gazed at each other for a moment until Shichibi deeply chuckled.

SO, YOU'VE COME TO REALIZE THAT I AM ALL YOU NEED TO AVENGE THOSE DAMIEN HAD VIOLATED? YOUR DEAD FATHER, YOUR WHORE OF A MOTHER AND THAT LITTLE BRAT!

"No."

EH? SO, WHY HAVE YOU COME, BOY? TO ALLOW ME TO FINALLY TAKE CONTROL? YOU KNOW YOU DON'T HAVE ENOUGH WILL POWER TO SUPPRESS ME! NOTHING WILL DENY ME FREEDOM! I'VE WAITED FOR THIS SWEET MOMENT OF BEING FREE FROM YOU!

"I'm sorry to say but this is where your fun ends, Shichibi," Adam declared, his fists tightening and a look of determination formed on his face.

The Seven-Tailed Demon Bat bawled out into laughter. HEH HEH... HAHAHAHAHA!! YOU'RE NOT TRYING TO BE A COMEDIAN, ARE YOU DEAR ADAM?!

"The only joke around here is your so-called 'bloodlust.'"

That dealt a vicious blow to the demon's over inflated ego as Shichibi became silent.

A comment like this would only anger a beast as powerful as the Shichibi…and yet, Adam was standing his ground against his inner demon (literally). "I've started to realize that I only needed you to eliminate Damien. Now that you've taken care of him, you're no longer any use of me."

THAT'S BIG TALK COMING OUT OF A LITTLE COWARD LIKE YOU! LIKE YOU WILL EVER SEAL ME UP!

"For as long as my rage is not contained, your power grows stronger. Now, my anger is being suppressed and that will be the cap that seals your power AND your control over me. Sorry Shichibi…but your freedom has been cut short. You and I will become one again. Now, get back inside me!"

HA! YOU TALK BIG FOR SOMEONE SO SMALL!! YOUR IDLE THREATS MEAN NOTHING TO ME!!

Adam smirked. "Then, why don't you attack me then? Come on, big guy."

The Demon Bat stopped and narrowed his eyes. He had just remembered that Adam was crucial to his survival. If Adam dies, his own survival would not be guaranteed.

"What's the matter? Come and kill me. I know you want to add me to your list of fallen prey," the boy challenged the demon. "I'd be a delicious morsel. Come on! I'm right here for the kill!"

...TOY WITH ME?

"Heh, I think you know who's in charge here? You know if you kill me then your fun ends here. Too bad!"

YOU LITTLE BRAT!! YOU WON'T DENY ME THE PLEASURE TO KILL YOUR WORTHLESS FRIENDS ONE BY ONE! I'LL MAKE SURE YOU WATCH AS I RIP THEM TO TINY SHREDS!

"You will not touch my friends. Shichibi, this is the end, friend," Adam stated as he formed a hand seal. Kagemaru, time to use that technique you've taught me that I didn't think I'd ever use. Then again, you and everyone else never told me about me being Shichibi's vessel.

I WON'T LET YOU DENY ME OF FULL FREEDOM!! COME HERE CHILD!! RAAAAAAAAAGH!!

As the demon reached out to snatch Adam, the boy completed the jutsu Kagemaru had taught him. He muttered the chant under his breath and narrowed his eyes forward. A red glowing pentagon appeared on the boy's forehead. "Fuyoukai Hoin. Spectre Sealing Method."

Just as the Shichibi came into close contact, a bright red beam shot out from out of the boy's forehead and struck the demon head on. Shichibi threw his head back and let out a horrifying screech.

RAAAAAAAAAAGH!! WHAT?! A... A SEALING METHOD?!

Adam opened his eyes as his he became focused. "I'm not done. I know this sealing won't completely bind you in place. But this will at least weaken you long enough to force you back where you belong... back inside me!"

NO!! CURSE YOU... IF ONLY I WASN'T WEAKENED...

"That's the price you pay for being sealed inside of me these last thirteen years, Shichibi. It's over. Now!" Adam declared, putting his hands forward and placing them over Shichibi’s face.

The Demon Bat was still paralyzed from the effects of Adam's powerful sealing jutsu, which had been passed over to him by Kagemaru. He realized that his freedom was short-lived.

HOW... HOW COULD YOU... DO THIS?! I WAS MEANT TO BE FREE!!

"In order to protect those I love, I will make sure and keep you in check, Shichibi. Nobody will ever have to die because I depended on you! I WILL NEVER LET YOU CONSUME ME MIND AND BODY!!"

MARK MY WORDS!! I WILL BE FREE!! YOU KNOW YOU WILL HAVE TO DEPEND ON ME IF AN ENEMY MORE POWERFUL THAN DAMIEN THREATENS YOUR LIFE! IN FACT, I HAVE FORESEEN MY FATE.

The boy froze for a moment as he listened to what Shichibi meant by 'fate.' "What do you mean?"

HEHEHE. IT APPEARS I WILL BE QUITE USEFUL IN SOMEONE'S AMBITION TO TAKE OVER THIS WORLD.

"Who...?"

I WILL NOT TELL FOR EVEN I DO NOT FULLY KNOW. BUT, I AM GIVING YOU FAIR WARNING. WHEN THAT TIME COMES, YOU WILL HAVE TO DEPEND ON ME TO FIGHT THIS STRONG ENEMY. THE OTHER BEASTS, INCLUDING THE FOX, MUST PREPARE TO PROTECT THEIR EXISTENCE IN THIS WORLD.

Adam did not like what he was hearing from the Demon Bat and wasn't sure what to expect from this 'enemy' Shichibi hinted at.

ALL I CAN LEAVE YOU WITH IS THE FACT THAT THIS ENEMY IS NOT A DEMON OR EVEN A NIGHT WALKER. BOY, YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS MAY HAVE WON THIS DAY BUT AN EVEN GREATER CONFLICT WILL TAKE PLACE WITHIN A FEW YEARS TIME. THAT IS WHEN YOU WILL BE FORCED TO RELEASE ME AGAIN. THINK ABOUT IT. HEHEHE.

With that, a blinding flash of light shrouded the entire room. Both Adam and Shichibi were engulfed by this source of light while being returned back to the material world.

VOOSH!!

It had only occurred just a few moments ago. Everything within the empty space froze as if time stopped. The entire dimensional room was white and empty as if the universe had been erased.

Suddenly, Adam rematerialized and found himself lying on the ground with his limbs spread out. His eyes were groggy and his body ached. Groaning to himself, the boy barely could move a muscle.

"Di... Did I... do it?"

Just then, as he waited for a response, a shadow casted itself over Adam's fallen form. The child looked up to see who had appeared. Much to his surprise, the face he saw was none other than...

His deceased father: Tsukimaru.

Adam could not believe at whom he was gazing upon. He was seeing a ghost from his pas. It was a ghost who had long since been dead for seven years.

"F...Father...? Is that you...?" Adam inquired.

Tsukimaru kneeled down and scooped the boy in his arms. A smile curled on the demon's lips.

"Yes, my son. It is I."

"Father... you're back... Somehow, I'd have... hope you'd return..."

"Unfortunately, I wish that were true, but the fact is I'm still dead. I know you and your mother miss me dearly but I cannot be with you anymore."

"Father... where...are we?"

"We're in the Spirit Realm. This is a separate universe where all souls migrate after death. It is parallel with the living world. All good and tainted souls are judged one after the other. I was already judged after my death. Because of my good deeds, I was sent here."

"But, that means I... I'm dead?"

"Far from it but you nearly gave your life up to seal the Shichibi. So, technically, your body is soulless as we speak. Your soul will return to your body in a few moments. This is the only way I could ever communicate with you and probably for the last time."

"So, after this, that's it?"

Tsukimaru nodded and sadly released a sigh. "I'm afraid so until you die and your soul turns up here."

"Father... Damien, where did he go?"

"Limbo. Souls tainted with malice and evil are sent there where they can suffer for eternity. Damien has what's coming to him along with his daughter."

"It was Shichibi who killed him... after I released that demon. Father, why did you have them seal this demon within me? Why must I accept the fact that I'm no longer just a half-breed! I can't even consider myself half human anymore! This... This monster..." Adam cried as tears rolled down his cheeks. He pressed himself against Tsukimaru's chest. "Why... Why must I endure this suffering? I didn't want this! What if I lose control over myself again and release that thing?"

"Adam..."

"Don't 'Adam' me, father. I want to know the reason why you had this thing put inside of me!"

Tsukimaru begrudgingly nodded. "Very well. There was a reason..." Sitting down with Adam on his lap, the man looked up at the white spaceless dimension. "The Shichibi could not be killed by any conventional means. Even a weakened Shichibi was very difficult to kill. Damien tried everything he could muster. Nothing came of finding the method of permanently killing the Demon Bat. Its regeneration was simply too ludicrous."

"The Shichibi has regenerative powers?"

"When the Demon Bat was critically injured, it had regenerated a white skin on its wings and half of its face was blown off only for that section to reform. It all depends on the amount of chakra it uses."

"The Shichibi couldn't close the hole in its torso just a moment ago..."

"Because it was sealed inside of you for the past thirteen years and it hadn't grown adjusted to reusing its regenerative abilities."

"So, that's why Damien sealed the demon in me?"

"That's not all," Tsukimaru responded as he smoothly palmed Adam's head. "He saw you as the chosen one for his latest experiment. You see, Adam, you're the first half-breed of my kind. Damien saw great potential in you. You were the first amongst our kind to be bestowed with the gift of walking during the day. You could freely walk out with the sun still out. You have gained immunity from the sunlight. Your chakra level was far greater than any of our own but that was mainly due to the Shichibi supplying you with an extra boost of chakra energy."

"So, I was meant to be Damien's... super soldier...?"

"Exactly. Damien tested you and he wanted to be convinced that you were not a failed experiment. His ambition was to one day have Night Walkers bred with humans. Once doing so, a new breed of Yami-nin would be born. Damien would have given them the name 'Day Walker.'"

"So, I am... a Day Walker."

"And Night Walker. You are one of both."

Adam blinked. "And I am the first of that kind."

"Amongst half breeds? Well, there are supposedly others."

"Really?"

"I suppose but I think you would like to find that out on your way."

"I guess."

Tsukimaru took a deep breath and exhaled in a relaxed manner. "The Shichibi was sealed into you to boost your chakra level to an extraordinary level. Damien wanted you to use you as his most powerful weapon against the humans. If you had stayed with Damien and become a young man, there would be no telling how strong you might have become. However, I am glad you didn't turn out to be a violent and bloodthirsty child that Damien had wanted you to become. You, like your mother, possess a gentle heart. You do not wish to inflict harm on others. I did the right thing telling Damien I would be taking you home and caring for you alongside your mother. We raised you to be a good boy, Adam. Thank you for not walking down the path of evil Damien intended you to choose."

"I'd never go down that path."

"That's good to hear," Tsukimaru smiled warmly, much to Adam's comfort.

"But, as a demon, doesn't that brand me as bad? Add the fact that the Shichibi is sealed inside of me."

"You view all demons as evil? What about Kagemaru, his two followers and Kanna? They're full-blooded demons like me but they are far from horrible people. Demons are no different from the humans. Yes, we have our share of good and evil demons but there are those who maintain neutral positions. Many despise humans while others do not. I would consider myself neutral."

"You?"

"There are certain humans I dislike but others I enjoy the company of. However, no human can ever compare to your mother, Adam. She was very special to me. I loved her."

"And mom loves you, father."

"Yes and one day we will be reunited in the after life."

"And I'll be there, too."

"Of course. Just as long as you remain walking on the right path in life. Besides, isn't there someone special in your life? A girl?"

Adam blushed as he tried to cover his face. "Well... there's... Ai-chan."

"That slayer girl? Heh, she's a spunky one but she's a good girl, Adam. Ai is the perfect girl for you. Hopefully she can toughen you up."

"Toughen me up?! Father, you're not suggesting that she...?"

"It's time that you grow up to become a man, Adam. Standing up to Damien was only the first step. However, you mostly had to rely on the Shichibi. Next time, you need to improve on your skills. Don't be afraid to use whatever means to kill an enemy."

"Yes, I understand."

"Good. That's exactly what I needed to hear, my son. Another thing."

Adam looked up at his demon father. "Yes, father?"

"When you and that girl get older, please, would you for me... have her bear your children. For me and for yourself, Adam."

"I... I haven't even started thinking ahead that far, father," Adam sweat dropped. "That seems kind of awkward, don't you think?"

"It's never too late to think about your future. I have foreseen that you will become a stronger shinobi than me."

"You think so...?"

"No, I don't think. I know," Tsukimaru clearly stated. "For now, though, I want you to look after your mother and the girl. You three are the last survivors of Yamigakure. It's time for you to find a new home."

"But, I'll have to leave Naruto and his friends?"

"They have their own home to return to. It's best this way. You three deserve a fresh start with Damien gone and the Shichibi sealed within you."

"But, will I ever see Naruto again?"

"Who knows? I also understand Naruto is the host for the Kyuubi?"

Adam nodded in reply to confirm Tsukimaru's suspicion.

"Interesting. At least there is someone else out there who can share their sympathies with you as far as having a beast sealed within you is concerned. Naruto and his Konoha clan are extraordinarily, gifted people. You have befriended some good people. One day, I hope you will revisit them again."

"I will. I intend to."

"So, what are you going to do?"

Getting out of his father's arms and standing up, Adam faced Tsukimaru with a determined glare. Never long were there eyes of doubt or fear. The child's entire demeanor has now changed.

Could have this been because of his father? Who knows but Adam knew what he needed to do for the rest of his life. This spiritual visit from Tsukimaru would be the benefactor in turning Adam's life around for the better.

"Father. I promise that from this day forth I will be responsible for taking care of my mother and Ai-chan. As a growing man, I will NOT let you down, father. I vow to become strong and lead a better life for myself."

Tsukimaru smiled and rubbed Adam's head gently. "Thank you, my son. I know you won't disappoint me. For I see a bit of me in you. Just don't forget about me, Adam."

"I won't forget this visit from you. Father, I love you."

"And I will always love you, Adam."

With that, both father and son warmly embraced one another. Happy, hot streams of tears fell down Adam's cheeks as Tsukimaru kissed the half-breed's head.

"Take care, my son. My spirit will watch over you..." Tsukimaru whispered as his voice trailed and his body dispersed into gust of wind. "...always."

Adam found himself alone but nonetheless happy. He had gotten something he had wanted for seven Years. Even if this had been a short moment, Adam was reunited with his father. Perhaps for the last time until Adam's life expired.

Thank you, father. I'll never forget what you said. It's time I turn my life completely around and for the better. Mother. Ai-chan. I will protect you to fulfill my father's request.

Then, before Adam realized it, a bright, illuminating light consumed him across the empty pocket dimension.

It was time to return to the world of the living.

xxxxx

Southeastern Region/Darkness Country

Neji opened his eyes as he regained his vision and slowly started to stir. His groans caused everyone to turn and face his direction. Tenten, Kiba, Shino and Akamaru were cautious as the white-eyed Genin eyed each of them.

Wait, white eyes?

"Neji...?" Tenten slowly approached her teammate. "Are... Are you okay?"

"Watch it, Tenten. He could still be..." Shino advised his warning to the kunoichi.

Akamaru jumped right out of Kiba's jacket and sniffed the air. The Nin-ken wagged his tail and barked.

Kiba clearly understood what his Nin-ken was telling them. "Akamaru's saying that Neji is back to normal!"

"What?! Are you sure?!" Tenten called out.

"What... are you going on about...?" Neji asked, trying to sit up but flinching from the pain across his body. "I feel like I've... just got wrecked."

"Neji! Thank goodness!"

Glancing over toward Tenten, he leaned back and tilted his head. She raced over to embrace him. "Owww...! Hey, watch it... where you hug me. I'm still... aching here."

Shino deeply sighed in relief. He turned around to see Kiba and Akamaru. "It's all good."

"Yeah but my concern is with Hinata. Damn, where is that girl?" Kiba shifted his eyes on the ground. "All this time and we still haven't found her."

"I know..." the bug shinobi nodded.

Suddenly, a shadow came dropping down from the trees above the ninja. Everyone turned and heard the commotion from the background. Kiba, Shino and Tenten were poised to attack as Neji tried to get a good view of the unknown figure approaching them from the shadows.

"Who's that?" Neji tried to focus but was too drained to activate his Byakugan.

"You kids are all the way out here? Geez, I've got a lot of work here," the familiar voice of Anko spoke out.

The Konoha-nin were relieved once the purple-haired Jounin stepped across with Sasuke on her back. Anko looked at each young ninja and counted.

"There are four of ya. That's good. But where are your leaders, Kurenai and Gai?" she asked the Konoha-nin.

"Well, you see... we were separated by those enemy Yami-nin," Kiba answered. "We don't where Kurenai-sensei or Hinata are."

Tenten sighed. "Lee was just here and helped us a moment ago. We don't know where Gai-sensei went. Neji is here with us."

"Rock Lee? Yeah, Tsunade-sama instructed me to follow him and that way he would lead me here. Glad I was able to find Sasuke here before I found ya," Anko lifted Sasuke across her back. Her hand had touched Sasuke's skin.

It was no longer frozen cold like it was moments ago.

"What...? Sasuke's not cold anymore?" Anko uttered a gasp and muttered to herself.

"Is there something wrong?" Shino asked the Jounin.

"No, nothing at all. I'm just relieved that there haven't been causalities on our side. Now, all we need to do is look for our other fellow ninja," Anko looked around her surroundings. "Geez, I was even lucky to get through this forest."

"Isn't day break supposed to be out soon?" asked Kiba.

"I'm afraid so. In fact, that should make this easier for us to find the others."

"Well, I can have Akamaru here sniff out their scent."

"Raf! Raf!"

"Well, at least we have you and Akamaru," Anko smirked. "All right, let's get moving!"

Reaching down and draping an arm around the back of Neji's head, Tenten helped her teammate to his feet. "Geez, that beating Lee gave you..."

"What...? Lee...?"

"You don't remember?"

"Just vaguely..."

"Hey, can you two stand?" Anko looked down at Shino and Kiba.

"Yeah but..." Kiba tried speaking but then was immediately cut off.

The Jounin stepped aside. "Ok then! You and Akamaru lead the way for us!"

"Huh...?" Kiba blinked. "Oh, might as well. Let's do it, Akamaru!"

"Raf! Raf!" the Nin-ken pounced in front of Kiba and started to sniff out the Lee's direction. It didn't take long for him to pick up on his scent and barked out. "Raf!"

"Good, Akamaru, you're pointing to the direction where Lee went. Let's move!" Kiba smiled as he and Akamaru raced ahead to lead the others ahead.

"Ready to get going, Neji? We still have to find Hinata after all, don't we?" Tenten started moving ahead with Neji in tow.

"Yes... and our fellow Konoha-nin..."

"With Kiba and Akamaru leading, they'll be sure to find them in no time."

Anko barked out at the two. "Hey, are you two just going to stand there and jabber? We don't have time to waste here!"

"Sorry! All right, Neji, now you hang on tight. I'm going to have to keep pace with everyone else."

"Do what you have to do, Tenten. I'll be fine..."

"Geez, you are beat," Tenten sweat dropped.

Anko turned and took off to catch up with Shino (whom had raced ahead). Her mind was on the other Konoha-nin, who were all separated at different areas of the entire Land of Darkness.

"I just hope we're not too late to find the others," Anko murmured while racing ahead with Sasuke in tow. "At least, I managed to find one piece of Kakashi's team. Where could those other two be?"

xxxxx

Outskirts of Southern Region/Darkness Country

SHICK!!

Gamabunta stopped as he had impaled his blade through Shichibi's torso, which stopped the demon dead cold. Removing the weapon from out of the Bat Demon, Gamabunta hopped back as he prepared to unleash another attack.

"Time to end this!!"

Kisakitori flew across to lend Gamabunta aid for a final strike on the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat. "Gamabunta! Don't forget about Saya and Adam!"

Naruto noticed a shimmering light quickly covering the Shichibi's entire body. He blinked and repeatedly shook his head. "Hey! What's going on?! What's that..."

Gamabunta realized what was transpiring and narrowed his eyes. "I see. So, it's been done."

"What's been done?! What's going on?!"

"That boy and his mother have done it. The Seven-Tailed Demon Bat's power is dwindling. I didn't think they would pull it off but they did it."

"Wow, they... they did it?" Naruto was taken back until he came into a realization. "Yeah, this had to be Adam's doing." Adam, I knew you wouldn't give up easily!

Suddenly, the Shichibi lowered his head as his entire form started to shrink down. The entire proportion of the demon became smaller and smaller in size. Taking the place of the Demon Bat was Adam, whom was held in his mother's arms. The very presence of the Shichibi returned back inside the confines of the boy's body. The seal had been put back in place to keep the demon locked.

Kanna pointed out. "Kagemaru! Look at that!"

"Yes, I see he used the special jutsu I had taught him."

"Yeah, this is incredible."

"More than just incredible. I didn't think he'd find the courage to use that technique," Kagemaru stated. "Even I'm quite surprised myself."

"Heh, whatever the case maybe, Adam-kun did it! He stopped the demon on his own!"

"No, we all did our parts. But, we also must give that brave mother of his credit, too."

Kanna nodded and flew across. "Come on, Kagemaru! Let's go and see if they're all right!"

"I'm on my way!"

Watching Kanna and Kagemaru flying over to where Saya and Adam were, Naruto tapped on Gamabunta's head. He pointed over to their direction.

"Well, at least I've already served my purpose here."

"Time for me to depart," Kisakitori stated before he exploded into a massive puff of smoke and vanished.

"Thanks, Gamabunta, but I'm going to go see if those two are all right. Just drop me off here."

"Go then. That woman and her child should be waiting for you."

Giving the Boss Toad a nod, Naruto grinned and slid down Gamabunta's back. Here I come, Adam! I hope you're all right!

Meanwhile, as Sakura, Ino and Lee stood by waiting, they turned as several figures appeared before them one by one. The three Konoha-nin were relieved to see that most of their fellow ninja had recovered the others. Anko, Tenten with Neji, Shino, Kiba and Akamaru had all arrived.

"Oh, you found us! Thank goodness!" Sakura smiled with relief as her eyes casted on each of her fellow ninja.

Kiba gasped as he saw Hinata's unconscious form lying next to Ai's. "Hinata!!" He, Shino and Akamaru immediately hopped over to their fallen comrade.

"Raf! Raf!" Akamaru barked while sniffing the blue-haired kunoichi.

"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura noticed the young Uchiha straddled on Anko's back. She hopped over and went over to check on the unconscious Sasuke. "I'm so glad you're all right."

Anko smirked. "I found him laying and picked him up. His body was almost freezing but now it seems he's gotten warmer thanks to my jacket I placed over him."

"Thank you, Anko-sensei."

The older kunoichi placed Sasuke down and frowned over his prone form. Strange. How could he have been so cold earlier and now he's already warm?

Lee reunited with Tenten and Neji while checking over Neji's injuries. He couldn't forgive himself for what he had done to Neji but he knew that there was no other choice. Considering Neji had turned into a bloodthirsty Yami-nin.

"Please, forgive me for what I have done, Neji."

"Lee, you... don't have to apologize," Neji coughed as he leaned against Tenten.

"Oh, just look at you, Neji. We're getting you all healed up as soon as we get back," Tenten scoffed.

Ino smiled as she saw Sakura tending to Sasuke. "I'm relieved Sasuke is fine. Though, where are Shikamaru, Chouji and Asuma-sensei?" Looking down at Ai, she watched as the slayer girl started to stir somewhat. "Oh...?"

Suddenly, Hinata opened her eyes. They were now back to their normal hue.

"Kiba, look!" Shino gasped.

"Hinata! Are you all right?" Kiba approached the girl. "Is it really you? I mean really you, right?"

Rubbing the back of her own head, Hinata groaned. "Kiba...? Shino? Akamaru? I'm... fine?" She blinked repeatedly and gazed around her surroundings. She spotted Neji and gasped. "Oh, Neji!"

Kiba and Shino exchanged sighs of relief. "That's our girl. She's back to her cute self."

"Neji's hurt because of me."

"Don't blame yourself, Hinata. Those monsters had turned you against us," Kiba reassured the young Hyuuga.

"No, it's my fault. That Damien bitten me and I became a monster."

"It's all over, Hinata. There's nothing you feel guilty over anymore. Neji will be taken care of. I can assure you that," Shino said.

Not feeling convinced, Hinata noticed the absence of their leader. "Where's Kurenai-sensei?"

Kiba sniffed the air. "I'm not so sure but we're hoping we'll run into her sometime."

"I hope so," the girl clasped her hands together. "And there's Naruto-kun. Where is he?"

Hopping over to Ino, Anko gave her hand with Ai. The Jounin scooped Ai in her arms and looked down at the slayer girl. "I take it this girl fought alongside you?"

"Yeah, she's a slayer girl from the Yamigakure. Or what's left of it."

Anko nodded. "I see. So, she's one of the last survivors. Are there others?"

"Yeah. There was a woman with us. She went to that direction just a while ago after summoning a giant owl," Ino pointed to the exact direction where Saya had departed off to earlier. "She left to go save her son. Saya and the boy are also survivors of Yamigakure I think."

"All right, then that's where we will be going then. C'mon, kids! We're heading off!" Anko called out.

"Already?" Sakura overheard the Jounin. "I hope Naruto-kun, Adam-kun and that woman are all right." At least we're all safe. Then, I guess those two did defeat Damien. If that's the case, then that's great. Adam finally has his freedom. Shifting her eyes onto Sasuke, the pink-haired kunoichi smiled. "Ready to go, Sasuke-kun? Naruto is waiting for us."

In little time, each of the Konoha-nin started heading out one by one. Their next destination: the site where the Shichibi and Damien had fallen.

xxxxx

Southwestern Region/Darkness Country

Guraida gazed toward the direction where he had sensed the Shichibi's power earlier. He realized that it had drastically decreased and faded. This was much to his relief and a sign that the Demon Bat was somehow defeated.

"Good, it seems the threat is gone," Guraida confirmed. "Myotis, I think it's time we move out to that direction."

Myotis was simply stunned. "To think the Shichibi was defeated. I... I didn't think it were possible."

"That's our Adam. All thanks to that technique Kagemaru had passed onto him."

"Hey, so, what's going on?" Chouji asked.

Guraida grinned and turned around. "It's time for us to head out, friends. The threat seems to have subsided."

"Are you sure?" Asuma inquired.

Kurenai readjusted her taped wrists and spoke up. "Could you lead us? There's a chance our other fellow Konoha-nin will be there. I need to know whether my team are going to be there waiting for me."

"Not to mention Ino is out there," Shikamaru said.

"Yes, we're ready. Lead us," Asuma faced the two Night Walkers.

Myotis smirked. "Yes, let us go then. Our brother, Kagemaru, should be there undoubtedly." And that means Damien has finally been killed! This is certainly going to be a turning point within the rankings of the Yami-nin clan. Some of the victims Damien has bitten will be restored to normal since he has died.

Guraida had the exact thoughts as his partner did. Yes, Myotis, my brother. This is the dawning of a new era for the Yami-nin. With Damien and his daughter gone, I feel Kagemaru should be the next in line to lead us. We'll see after we've taken care of business with the Konoha-nin.

The two Yami-nin faced the others and prepared to fly across. "Follow us!"

"Right!" the Konoha-nin confirmed.

xxxxx

Southern Region/Darkness Country

"Adam-chan."

Slowly opening his eyes and registering some movement, Adam stirred and looked up to see his mother holding him in her arms. She happily brought the boy closer to her and hugged him. Adam leaned his head against Saya's right shoulder.

"Momma, I saw father."

"Eh?" Saya blinked in surprise. "You saw Tsukimaru?"

Adam nodded. "Though, it was only momentarily. He talked me from out of the Spirit Realm."

"Spirit Realm...? What did he have to say?"

"He told me to take care of you and Ai-chan. It's about time we try looking for a new home. He sends his love to you and hopes to see you in the Spirit World."

Taking Adam's word for it, Saya warmly smiled and closed her eyes while visualizing herself with Tsukimaru. My love. Even in death, you are always watching over us. Thank you, Tsukimaru. We will be reunited once my time here in the living world expires.

Suddenly, both Saya and Adam glanced up to find the two Night Walkers dropping down from above. Kanna and Kagemaru raced over to the two to find them embracing one another.

"Adam-kun! Saya-san!" Kanna called out as she raced over and knelt beside them. "Thank goodness! You two are just fine!"

"Tsukimaru was the one who guided us," Saya smiled as she reassured the female Night Walker.

Kagemaru looked down at Adam and smiled proudly. "Adam, you used that jutsu I taught you. Didn't you?"

"Yes. But I didn't defeat the Shichibi alone. Father was there guiding me in spirit. I know... he will always protect me."

"Tsukimaru..." Kagemaru muttered as he remembered the fond memories of the late Yami-nin. Thank you, my friend.

"HEY!! Adam!! Are you all right?!" the high-pitched cry from Naruto echoed out from the background. This immediately caused everyone to turn and see the yellow-haired Genin dashing through the bushes. He took a breather while panting. "Adam..." His eyes were laid on the boy, the woman and the two Yami-nin.

"Naruto..." Adam gasped. "You're here, too?"

"Adam!! Oh, you're all right!! I thought we were going to lose you!!"

"Heh, are you kidding, kid? Our Adam won't go down that easily," Kanna replied. "He defeated and sealed the Demon Bat right back into his body! Not to mention he got rid of Damien for good!"

Scratching his head, Naruto deeply sighed in relief. "Well, that's a relief! At least, it's all over."

"Not quite," Kagemaru spoke out as he stood up. "We still have to find your comrades, child. Don't you have other friends out there?"

"Well, yeah, but..."

Just before Naruto mentioned them, the whole Konoha crew had arrived one by one. Everyone turned to watch as several parties dropped down.

Coming from the left corner of the forest: Kiba, Akamaru, Hinata, Shino, Sakura with Sasuke, Anko with Saya, Ino, Rock Lee and Tenten with Neji.

From out of the right corner: Guraida, Myotis, Kurenai, Asuma, Chouji and Shikamaru.

"Whoa!! You're all here!!" Naruto was taken back by surprise.

Kagemaru chuckled deeply. "I suppose I spoke too soon."

"Naruto!! Thank goodness you're still in one piece!" Sakura called out to her teammate. "Anko-sensei managed to retrieve Sasuke-kun!"

"That's great! And I take it everyone else have been cured?!" Naruto glanced over to Hinata. Then, much to his surprise, he saw Rock Lee. "And Lee is here?! Was your operation a success?!"

Flashing the 'Nice Guy' pose, Rock Lee answered Naruto's question.

"All is well for you, Konoha-nin," Kanna was glad to see everything back to normal.

Anko walked past Naruto with Ai in her arms. Once Adam made eye contact with the girl's unconscious form, he quickly pulled himself off his mother and dashed to the Jounin with his attention on the slayer girl.

"Oh no! Ai-chan!!"

"You know her, kid?" Anko asked. "She was moving just a little while ago."

"Oh... Ai-chan... I couldn't protect you..." Adam put his hand over Ai's face and casted his eyes on the ground. "I can't even look at you after what Damien did to you."

Naruto felt terrible for the half-breed child. "Adam..."

Suddenly, Saya got up and walked over beside her son. Placing her hand on Ai's forehead, Saya smiled as if she had an idea in mind.

"What's the smile for, lady?" Anko inquired.

"Because I can help Ai-chan. Please, set the girl down if you don't mind."

"Momma, what are you planning on doing?"

Kanna knew what the woman had in mind and watched from the sidelines.

Kagemaru cleared his throat. "Well, I better bring those two gentlemen I had left earlier. This won't take me long." With that, he put his right hand out in front and vanished into a puff of smoke.

Sakura set Sasuke down and joined in to watch Saya perform a ritual of sorts. "I'll bet he went to get Kakashi-sensei and Gai-sensei. Since they obviously appear to be the only ones missing."

"What's she planning to do?" Kurenai watched Saya kneeling over Ai's prone body.

Guraida confirmed. "She's going to heal Ai using a portion of her own chakra."

"You mean to tell me she's a Medic-nin?" Asuma inquired.

"She became a specialized Medic-nin after she gave birth to Adam," Myotis stated. "She was the best Medic-nin Yamigakure had to offer and worked hard to support her family. That family being her son and late-lover, Tsukimaru."

"I hope she can cure that girl," Rock Lee said.

As her hands became coated with a flow of chakra, Saya concentrated on harnessing her energy and transferring into Ai. Adam stood by watching and showing support for his mother. Everyone else had gathered to witness the procedure being demonstrated.

"C'mon... C'mon, now," Saya murmured as she concentrated.

"Ai-chan..." Sakura whispered while crossing her fingers.

As a few moments passed, Saya finally completed the procedure and knelt back after having exhausted enough chakra. She casted her eyes on Ai's body.

"I... used up all the chakra I could muster..." Saya panted and fell back exhausted. Kanna was there to catch Saya and prevented her fall.

"Now, all we can do is wait and see," Sakura kneeled beside Ai. "C'mon, Ai-chan."

"Just open those eyes," Naruto said.

In little time, Ai started to stir a bit and then slowly opened her eyes. Her vision was blurry until she focused enough to regain clear vision. Ai groaned as she looked up to see Adam, Naruto and Sakura's faces. Their expressions changed and smiled.

"It worked!" Naruto was relieved. "Adam, your mom did it!"

"She has exceptional skills as a Medic-nin if she can heal Ai-chan," Sakura nodded in reply.

Ai managed to speak up while trying to get up and glanced down at her body. She felt no numbing pain in her body. Ai wondered how this was possible and looked over toward Adam.

"Adam...? Did you...?"

Adam blushed and glanced over to Saya. "You can actually thank my mother for giving you the healing treatment."

"Your mother...?" she asked and tilted her head to spot Saya. "Wow, she's so pretty."

"Ai-chan, I thought you weren't going to make it," Adam said, crouching over and leaned closer toward the slayer girl.

"Well, you can't count me out, Adam. I don't go down that easily. Not even to that..." Ai immediately cut herself off. "Um, hey! Where's Damien?! Shouldn't we try and kill him?!"

"That's already been taken care of, Ai-chan," Naruto answered the girl's question.

"What? Who... Who killed him?"

"I did," Adam confirmed while attempting to keep the Shichibi to himself. "It's a long story, Ai, but I'll tell you later. All that matters is that Damien is gone and I'm finally free."

Having heard this straight from Adam, Ai nodded accordingly. "That's great to hear. Now, Yamigakure and its people have been avenged. My parents, too, have been avenged. Thank you, Adam-kun."

Adam responded with a nod and helped Ai by taking her hand. Realizing that Ai hasn't fully recuperated, he lent Ai a hand.

Suddenly, a puff of smoke appeared and caught everyone by surprise. Kagemaru had returned with both Gai and Kakashi in tow. Sakura and Naruto were glad to see their teacher back but noticed he was still completely out of it.

"Kakashi-sensei!!"

"Don't worry, kids," Gai grinned while holding Kakashi's body across his left shoulder. The Taijutsu fighter, too, could barely even move as Kagemaru needed to support his balance. "...Kakashi will be just fine. Just as long as we get back to Konoha."

"Heh, even though he's body has been completely spent, Gai-sensei is always sure of himself," Tenten chuckled.

"Gai-sensei!!" Lee roared, closing his left fist and fire burning in his eyes. "Look who is back!!"

"Lee, so your operation was a success. That's wonderful, my precious student."

Looking back and forth, Saya sighed with relief. She was glad to see people's happy faces. It had been so long since having seen positive emotions. No more despair.

Saya and her son were at last free from seven years of closed captivity. Damien could no longer haunt them. Tsukimaru had reached out from the grave beyond to grant them their deserved freedom.

"Momma, I think it's time we depart and find us a new home," Adam spoke out, facing his mother.

"What's that? Are you sure you don't wish to come back with us? We should find you a temporary home there for a short time before you're ready to get back on your feet," Asuma offered.

Ino nodded. "That's right. After all the hell you three have been through."

"We thank you for your hospitality but this is for the best," Saya answered.

"But we won't leave right away. After all, I have to greet each of you," Adam glanced at each of the other young shinobi. "Naruto, I take it these are all your friends?"

"More or less," Naruto shrugged.

"Humph, so he says," Kiba remarked, glancing toward the yellow-haired Genin.

"Excuse me," Hinata spoke out, walking forward as she faced Adam. "Adam?"

"Oh, hello. You're Hinata?"

The girl confirmed with a nod. "Yes. I just want to know why you don't wish to come with us?"

"Well, it's complicated but..." Adam looked down at his feet. He glanced over to his mother and sighed. "There's something I have to keep under control."

"Keep what under control?" asked Asuma.

"Yeah, I'd like to know," Sakura nodded.

Naruto kept to himself and watched Adam from the corner of his eye. He knew Adam still wasn't confident to reveal the horrifying truth of housing the Shichibi from within.

"Don't worry, Adam. Go do what you need to do," Naruto flashed Adam a grin. He stepped forward and got close to Adam to whisper in his ear. Make sure that bat stays in there where he belongs. Look after Ai-chan and your mother.

As his expression changed, Adam responded. "Thank you, Naruto. I won't forget everything you've said to me. Because of you and father, I've found the courage I've been lacking. Now, I'm ready and willing to protect the ones closest to me."

"That's great, Adam," Naruto smiled as he put out his right hand. "Enjoy your freedom. You and your mother deserve it."

"Don't worry. We intend to make this count. Father would be happy to see us free from Damien's captivity."

Overhearing the boys' conversation, Saya happily sighed and looked up at the skies. The sun was slowly about to ascend and dawn would soon return.

"As soon as Adam finishes here, I think it's time you three depart and come with us," Kagemaru whispered to Saya. "Sunrise will soon be upon us. Kanna, myself, Guraida and Myotis can lead you three to a path that leads out of the Land of Darkness."

"You're not coming with us?"

"With Damien gone, a new system must be enforced and a new leader must be selected. I think I am more than qualified for the job. All Night Walkers who had been bitten by Damien will have been turned back to normal and will no doubt be lost. It's only right we help lead these people to new homes. They certainly deserve better."

"Ooooh, that means I get to be the new mistress! Of course, I'll be impartial," Kanna declared.

Myotis cut in. "We'll all pitch in and do our part to reorganize the clan's pecking order."

"Though, our future is still uncertain. We'll see how things play out once we assume control," Guraida said.

"Yes, we'll see," Saya nodded. "I believe your future will certainly look better without Damien. That I'm sure of myself. Tsukimaru would want you four to lead the clan."

"For Tsukimaru, we will honor his wishes," Kanna promised.

Kagemaru nodded as he turned back to the Konoha-nin. "As for our Konoha friends, it's our duty to lead them through a short cut out of here. It's the best we can do until we meet again."

"You think we will see them in the near future?" asked Myotis.

"I'm sure we will, my friend. I'm sure we will. For I know Adam and Ai would want to see them again." And they will see them again. Adam has befriended a wonderful group of people. I think we also may have found ourselves new allies. In case, another group of renegade demons emerge, we can summon these young group of warriors to help us ward off enemies beyond the Makai. We shall see... or heaven forbid the Shichibi is ever released again. Then again, who else is there for us to be concerned with...?

xxxxx

Unknown Cavern Site/Outskirts of Darkness Country

Having departed from out of the Land of Darkness, Itachi and Kisame stopped in front of a cavern. Their attention was onto what was beyond the darkness of the cavern.

"Yes, we've missed the boy with the Kyuubi," Kisame confirmed. "We weren't even assigned to get him." Snorting, the Shark shot the figure a slightly annoyed look. "Why bother coming to us? You aren't assigned to capture that little punk."

As usual, Itachi was reserved and facing the cavern's direction where the figure watched them.

"Leader has been keeping an eye on you two and has been extremely disappointed. You failed to capture him last time and now you completely forget about the boy again. Typical men..."

It was a slightly altered voice but still had a feminine tone.

Scoffing in annoyance, Kisame reached for his Samehada. "I don't see you doing anything but staying with Leader! You have no right to criticize us..."

"Kisame..."

Immediately stopping at his tracks, Kisame noticed Itachi putting an arm out to restrain him from charging for an attack.

"Sorry, I shouldn't let my temper get the best of me like that."

"You’re excused. Actually, I'm here since I just discovered the one I've been searching for."

The Mist ninja caught on what. "The 'one' you're searching for...? You mean?"

"That's right. The boy possessing the Shichibi. I sensed his power. It's quite invigorating. I cannot wait until I'm ready to begin my hunt."

"The vessel of the Shichibi was in the Land of Darkness?" Kisame stopped as he recalled a growing demonic power earlier. "...So, that's what I sensed earlier. How could have we missed this?"

"Do not worry. Until Leader summons for us, we'll know when to strike. I must say though... this is going to get a lot more interesting than I previously assumed."

The figure slowly stepped out of the darkness. Only a few prominent features were revealed. This one wore a black cloak with red clouds. The hair of this individual seemed long, light blue and a white flower adorned the top of 'her' head.

However, her face remained hidden from view.

Whoever this was, she knew of her duty that was to come.

The Akatsuki would soon assemble to discuss their future goal within the next 2.5 years.

Until then, she would wait until she came face to face with the vessel of the Seven-Tailed Demon Bat - Sagara Adam.

xxxxx

Outskirts of the Southwestern Region/Darkness Country

Once Adam and Ai had finished becoming acquainted with the Konoha-nin, Kagemaru and the other Night Walkers (Myotis, Guraida and Kanna) led the Konoha-nin to the short cut leading out of the Land of Darkness. Their return home was well within half a day's time.

Once being told of Adam’s secret, most of the Konoha-nin looked at Adam with caution while others hoped that he would manage to contain the Demon Bat within him. The Jounin realized just how dangerous Adam may get if he didn’t maintain control of the demon from within. The Night Walkers had vowed to keep an eye on Adam closely to prevent an event of that level to ever occur again. The Konoha Jounin realized that they also would have to keep an eye on their very own Uzumaki Naruto.

Though, little did the Konoha-nin Genin (and Chunin) realize that Naruto, too, was just like Adam. He also housed a demon but the most powerful of the Tailed Beasts: the Kyuubi.

"Man, I can't believe all of this happened in just one night," Naruto stretched and yawned. "I didn't even get any sleep!"

"We all could use sleep once we get home," Sakura said.

"All right, kids. We've all said our goodbyes," Anko announced. "When we get back we'll be sure to get Kakashi, Sasuke, Neji and Gai to the infirmary since they'll need it."

"Perhaps an operation shall do them nicely?" Lee suggested.

"No way. I doubt they would need any of that," Chouji remarked.

Shikamaru scratched his head. "Geez, now we're just getting back on such short notice? And with no sleep to boot. How bothersome."

"We'll be sure and stop somewhere to rest along the way," Asuma said.

Ino yawned. "I hope so."

Gai glanced over to Kagemaru and cleared his throat. "Thanks for everything. However, don't forget you still owe me a one-on-one fight. Next time, the result will be different." With that, he flashed a quick 'Nice Guy Pose' (without the thumb but showing off his teeth only).

Amused by Gai's weird antics, Kagemaru deeply chuckled. "Sure, thing, my friend. Next time, it will be a fair encounter. You just make sure you and your friend, Kakashi, get better."

As Naruto turned around, he noticed Adam standing beside Ai and Saya. Seeing them without Damien around made Naruto comfortable.

"Hey, Naruto."

"Hum?" the yellow-haired Genin turned. "What is it, Adam?"

"Well, I just wanted to say... I just wish you the best in what you set out to do in your life, Naruto. Go and realize your dream of becoming, Hokage!"

Giving Adam a thumb up, Naruto smiled. "You grow up and become a man, Adam. You have two ladies to protect with your life."

Leaning her head against Adam, Ai took the boy's hand and smiled. "I hate to admit it but he's right. It'll be your job to protect me. Just like how it will be my job to protect you."

As his face blushed, Adam chuckled. "Of course, you and mother both."

"Goodbye, Naruto. Thank you for what you and your friends have done. Adam has developed a stronger sense passion and valor," Saya bowed to the Genin. "We hope to see you all again."

"Until we meet again, take care," Ai waved to Naruto and his friends. "Tell Sakura and the others I said bye."

Nodding his head and waving, Naruto bid his farewell. This would not be the last time he would ever seen the trio or the Night Walkers again. The knucklehead knew their paths would cross again.

Whatever fate would lead them in any case.

"NARUTO!!"

"HEY KNUCKLEHEAD!!"

"HURRY UP OR WE'LL LEAVE YA!!"

"Heh, well, it's time I go but we will see each other again! Count on it!" Naruto reassured Adam, Saya and Ai. His blue eyes gazed into theirs.

The Kyuubi growled from within Naruto with his eyes dead set on Adam while communicating with the Shichibi. AND IT CERTAINLY WON'T BE LONG BEFORE OUR PATHS CROSS AGAIN, YOU STUPID FLYING RODENT!

UNTIL OUR PATHS CROSS AGAIN, FOX. THE OUTCOME WILL BE DIFFERENT FROM LAST TIME!

Adam closed his right fist and pointed it toward Naruto's direction. "Safe journey."

"You, too."

With that, Naruto turned and raced off to catch up with the Konoha crew. Adam, Saya, Ai, Kagemaru, Myotis, Guraida and Kanna all stood by to watch the group set off on their trip back to Konohagakure.

"And I think it's time we depart before sunrise. At least, as far as us four are concerned," Kanna spoke up.

Saya pat both Adam and Ai across their backs. "Ready to get back to our old home, gather what we need for our trip and start searching for a new home?"

"Saya-san, am I not too much of a bother if I go with you and Adam?" Ai inquired.

"Saya, your family now. Besides, Adam could use your company. Besides, I also would like to have someone to talk to when I'm not too busy. You're more than welcome to live with us."

"Thank you. I just needed to know..."

Adam smirked. "Besides, I was wondering... When you're capable of training, could you teach me a few jutsus I could use?"

"Sure."

"Great!"

Saya giggled as the two young ninja carried on their conversation. "How cute." Well, Tsukimaru, this is just what you've wanted. Adam and I are finally happy. Whatever the future holds in store for us, we'll never know. But, I will never forget what you've done for us. I truly believe it was you had made this all possible in spirit. May we see each other again in the Spirit World.

Gazing up at the fading moon, she visualized Tsukimaru's smiling face beaming down on her.

xxxxx

Meanwhile, Naruto had caught up with Sakura and no longer was behind the whole team. He remembered everything that had occurred over the whole night, including meeting new friends and facing new enemies.

However, most shocking of all, Naruto discovered there was another child with a demon sealed inside of him.

"Naruto, tell me. Did you see whatever came out of Adam?"

Taken back by surprise, the yellow-haired Genin gasped. "What...? You mean you know?"

Nodding her head in response, she answered. "That's right. Ino, Lee and myself heard it straight out of Saya's mouth. I also believe Kiba, Shino and Tenten heard Kanna mention about it after Kiba told me. In addition, I believe Kurenai-sensei, Asuma-sensei, Shikamaru and Chouji know, too from those other two Night Walkers. Now, once we find a place to rest, I'm going to tell every one of them to keep that secret amongst ourselves. Nobody else amongst the teams here but us five know about this."

"But I was the only one here to actually see the actual Seven-Tailed Demon Bat," Naruto murmured to Sakura.

"Yeah but I suggest that we kept this secret. I don't think we want this news to become spread throughout Konoha. I have a suspicion there'll be demon hunters that'll want to find Adam."

"And that's something we can't let happen. So, we better tell everyone about this."

"About that," Anko overheard the two.

"What you heard us?!"

"You two aren't good at covering up the tiniest of secrets," the Jounin snorted. "Everyone who has been told from those Night Walkers about Adam's secret. We're keeping that confidential. Besides, we want those three to live the rest of their lives peacefully."

"Thank you," Naruto and Sakura let out a unified sigh of relief.

"For now, let's worry about our own problems."

"Like Kakashi-sensei and Sasuke-kun," Sakura's attention was now solely on her instructor and teammate.

Naruto nodded. "Konohagakure, we're coming home!"

(Fade to black; Roll to credits)

xxxxx

THE END

For now...

xxxxx

Finally, it’s been done and this is the longest chapter (not counting the mega chapters from my YuYuGiDigiMoon crossover series) I’ve written since the final chapters of the Millenniumon Saga of the original D-Fusion Series.

Naruto: Land of Darkness, Chapter 12: close to 24,504 words (in the story itself while excluding pre and post-story commentary). Go me!

First and for most, I want to thank Ultra Sonic 007 for putting the effort and extra time to beta-read this story. Make sure to thank him. Thanks again, Ultra! I appreciate it. Look forward to reading more of Legacy.

Whew and that about closes the book on Naruto: Land of Darkness, Part I.

As for those why I added the Sand Siblings? Well, to please the Gaara fans I suppose would be the best excuse. I mean a Naruto story to me isn't complete without the Sand Trio making an appearance (even if for a cameo)!

Yes, I said Part I. Why do you ask? Well, I can happily confirm that there will be a sequel! Yay!!

While the ending is open, I intended it to be so. I want to continue the saga of the Shichibi and Adam now having to face more trials in his life. As you may have seen, the mysterious blue-haired Akatsuki member appeared and has left us with a foreshadowing of the events to come. 'She' will indeed play major role in the sequel as well as the other Akatsuki members.

The sequel will of course take place within the Naruto Shippuden time frame. As for what I have in plan, well, you will just have to wait and see. All I can say is that certain events within the Post Time-Skip period will be altered since it is still set in an AU time frame. The title of the sequel series will be known as Naruto Shippuden: The Hunt for the Bijuu. Ok, honestly, the title is tentative. It is subject to change.

After the events of Land of Darkness, the whole Tea Country Race arc was been retconned out of this timeline. After all, it is a filler arc. Sasuke and Kakashi will be recovering from their injuries. Sasuke awakens to challenge Naruto and eventually leave Konohagakure with the Sound Four. Then, the events of the Save Sasuke arc mostly stays the same except that Rock Lee actually sets off with the crew instead of coming to Naruto's aid at the last second in the battle with Kimimaro. Sasuke and Naruto would still have their smack down at the Valley of the End. Meanwhile, Adam, Ai and Saya would have found a new home by then.

So, what can we expect in the sequel? Well, shorter chapters (at least through the first half of the story), some kick ass battles, Akatsuki in action, hopefully Orochimaru, the other Bijuu/Tailed Beasts plus a whole lot of other surprises. Adam will have a full set of awesome jutsus in his repertoire not to mention Ai developing into a stronger kunoichi. Just expect a whole lot of surprises to come.

Now, when will I post the first chapter of the sequel series? Eh... I can't say to be honest. Maybe after I finish the entire Burizalor Saga of my D-Fusion Ultimate Edition series (maybe a little before that story's conclusion). I'm going to work hard to think of an outline that encompasses the entire sequel's plot. Stay tuned. I still have other stories I need to work on and college that will take up some of my time.

So, this completes my trial run of Naruto fanfic writing. So, do I pass with flying colors? Are you ready for the upcoming sequel?

To be honest, I didn't think I would ever write a good Naruto story. This was the toughest fanfic work I've ever completed. I was pretty nervous when I started this. But, it seems I did all right. I'll grade this story and give it a B. I know there is some mechanics/concepts I still need to work on but I've always strived to become a better writer. This was a challenging testament for me.

Part I is now past us. Now, look forward to the future. Naruto Shippuden is upon us. If you didn't know, Japan has released the second series of Naruto. Check the anime out and read the manga. Meanwhile, I'll be off to continue my D-Fusion series again.

Thank you for the support (and criticism) and see you all later.

(Signing out)