Echo of the Ghost Kitsune

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Naruto x ?

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Story Start

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A yawn escaped the tired young blond man's mouth. The sound of his sneakered feet was masked by the hustle and bustle of ongoers and car engines. It was a chilly September day in Amity Park, Minnesota.

The youth stopped to scan his eyes in one of the mirrors of the shops. Those cerulean eyes of his had seen better days. His spiked blond hair also looked like it could use a touch-up, maybe a cut? It had been a while since he last had his hair cut.

Naruto couldn't help but wonder when he would encounter his first entity? The universal consensus in regards to ghosts was that they are ectoplasmic spirits with unusual properties had been crossing over to the world, in other words, the spirit was bleeding into the living world.

He couldn't help but be curious why Amity Park? Sure it was a massive urban city reminiscent of Chicago or Philadelphia, but nothing about the Urban City so far screamed ghost.

Then again an outsider looking it always had a unique perspective than the home borns. It was also quiet and lonely moments like this that made him wonder if he made the right choice in following in Hagoromo's footsteps?

If maybe some worlds were just better off in their home? Either way, he had already gone through the trouble of forging a birth certificate and records to put on file and the databases so no sense in worrying about it now.

He had stopped in front of the place that was the local teen hang out. The name of the restaurant was called 'Nasty Burger.'

Seriously? Nasty burger? Who would eat from a place called Nasty anyway? Sound like something a child would come up with or at least something to appeal to children.

Well if it was still operating and was popular maybe the term nasty was some slang.

He had already seen the Observatory, a Major Research Lab, Museum, and other such modern buildings such as Skyscraper so there wasn't much else of interest he could check out.

For a place described as ghost central, it seemed relatively peaceful so far. It was a lot more docile than the blond's short accidental trip into the Ghost Zone.

Entering the fast food establishment, he found that the food smelled not only edible but decent, at least compared with fast food standards. Naruto ordered a burger, some fries, and a shake and sat down at one of the boots. He proceeded to eat his meal in peace. It was ok more or less ok seeing as he had better burgers before.

''Hey you!'' a confrontational and feminine voice had shouted out to him.

Naruto looked up, curious as to who could be shouting at him. He took notice the speaker was a teenager. She had raven colored hair with a bit of a shine to it, short cut, with a small pony tail at the top of her head, held back by a green hair tie. Her skin was slightly fair, maybe close to peach and she wore dark violet lip stick.

Her outfit consisted of a black choker around her neck; she also wore a black tank top exposing her midriff with a purple oval in the center. She was even wearing a pleated green and black plaid skirt over long purple stockings that tucked into black leather boots. On her back was a purple backpack that looked like a cow's udders.

''Don't you know by eating that you're contributing to the slaughter of innocent animals?'' her tone continued to be accusatory with lecture overtones thrown in.

Naruto gave her a quizzical look. It took him a moment before he realized what this girl was talking about. She must be a vegetarian. Make no mistake Naruto love animals; he just loved eating the delicious ones even more.

''I'd be with you on that, but unfortunately, meat tastes rather good.'' He casually replied to her said as he took another bite of his burger. The girl's reaction was both a mixture of disgust and annoyance.

''That's horrid...Vegetables and Fruit are a far healthier alternative, and you don't have to kill animals to make it.'' She continued to argue her point as Naruto merely took a sip of his shake as he looked back up at the girl. She was a bit on the slender side, but pretty cute all the same. Naruto was curious about just how develop this girl would be given some time. It was merely only one of those things that had evolved. While Naruto was no peeper like Jiraiya he had over the years grown to understand healthy sexual interests, but also exercised restraint.

''Depends on the person…meat has a lot of nutrients and such that some people need.'' He countered his argument. Throughout the years Naruto soon came to learn he couldn't spend all his time training. So he spent a good deal of time reading and with reading he broadened his horizons. Were it not for the fact he had already grown up when he became the Seventh his ability to adapt or learn things would not have gone as smoothly as it did.

''People can live without eating meat.'' The girl replied quite adamant that her opinion was right.

Naruto hated dealing with people persistent in their beliefs to the point of trying to push it on others. Like those damn Madara sympathizers, he had to deal with. As such he had no love for the cults or religions for any society he visited.

''The Neanderthals ate nothing but meat since agriculture took them quite a while to discover it.'' Naruto pointed out, but that didn't seem to discourage the girl. Why did she come over here anyway? He wanted to eat his meal in peace. They didn't even know each other. Was this something she often did? Go up and start lecturing random strangers. Not smart considering how some people could get.

Unfortunately, like many others in his shoes, he was a beacon of Chaos. Well, at least he knew what that Ranma guy was going on about when it came to Chaos forces.

''And when it was then they found a way to eat alternatively. '' She shot back crossing her arms.

''Look if you're trying to convert me it won't work. Meat is far too vital for my diet to change." His metabolism would have him waste away.

''Gaaah!'' The frustrated girl cry rung out. ''Why can't people like you understand!?'' She said in frustration.

''People like me? I'm just going to ignore that,'' The blond said as he finished up his food and went to throw away the remains. He ignored her as her as he walked away. 'The nerve of that girl…'' He looked at the directions he printed out. For the time being he was renting an apartment until his papers cleared and he was able to buy a house. Gambling his way to a quarter million left the blond with a nice little bank account until he could find another means to support himself.

He walked to the school and asked around until arriving at the office of the Vice-Principal/English Teacher/Substitute teacher L. Lancer.

He was promptly given his schedule based on the test he took a few weeks before this semester. Having been given a copy of books from the book room he went to his locker. Number 900. After putting most of his materials in the locker, he tried to sense if anything was amiss.

Naruto didn't seem to pay too much attention of the students heckling some girl something about her being emo or something. ''Well if it isn't the Emo!'' Naruto heard a male voice shout. He looked up from his locker to see a tall, blond, dumb blond type. He was top heavy, so he played sports with cruel blue eyes. Not a monster, more like a teenager who was petty and jerk with a style and trimmed haircut. Like the other jokes he simply wore a pair of jeans a t-shirt, black in color. From his red jacket with a sport's emblem on it he was obviously jock and his target of torment was the girl from Nasty Burger.

''Once again Dash you show how dumb you are by not being able to distinguish between a Goth and an Emotionally disturbed person.''

Naruto had to smirk at that one. The raven-haired girl had quite a bit of bite to her personality.

''You calling me dumb freak!''

''It's pretty self-explanatory, but since you're asking then yes, yes I am.'' He heard her say. He couldn't help but snicker at her comment.

''I'll show you to make fun of me Emo,'' The Jock said as he grabbed her shirt. That was taking things a little too far. It was pathetic on how school systems let jocks and other people with a bit of wealth get away for bully other kids as long as games for their schools had been won or their parents giving the school generous bonuses which a vast amount seemed to vanish mystically.

As if time had slowed down Naruto zipped over to where they at. His superior super human reflexes left the students in awe. A swift kick sent the blond into the lockers causing a semi-noticeable dent as he caught the girl in his arm bridal style when he crouched down to catch her. He then looked up and gauge the reaction of the now silent students.

''You think it makes you something to bully others? That it makes you bad to beat up on those weaker than you? Well, let me give you a tip. If I see you harass her again I'll break every bone in your body,'' He said and by making a point kicking a hole in the wall causing nearly everyone's eyes to pop out. ''Boo,'' He said as the students sped off leaving the hallway empty except for him and the girl. The girl eased out of his arms.

''I didn't need your help,'' The girl stubbornly stated in a huff as she smoothed her skirt.

''I helped because it was the right thing to do. Most people who received help usually reply with thank you.''

Suddenly and curtly the girl snapped. ''Whatever…just leave me alone.'' With that she made her leave.

Naruto made his way to his class. As luck would have it the girl was in his class. He ignored the curious looks and sometime glares she sent at him. He decided to go to the Library to see if they had any books. He liked this series of books, by Agatha Christine chronicling the murder/mystery/detective series which starred Hercule Poirot. Going up to the second floor he noticed in a corner in a dimly lit section of the library sat the black haired girl. It break time so most of the students were outside so that gave the girl a moment of peace of solitude.

She was on a lap top and noticed she was looking up stuff that had to do with the super natural. ''Yeah I know I sensed it too,'' She said to the computer.

''The ghosts have become restless lately.'' The voice from the computer answered. Whoever it was on the other side was using some device to mask their voice while they spoke.

Dark, mysterious and has knowledge of supernatural world. A side kick type. Naruto had seen it before. It was this reason why he had enrolled himself in the high school. A high percentage of these weird incidents always revolved around teenagers or young adults. If anything weird was going to happen then this high school would be one of the epicenters. ''I'll look into it…''

''Has anything unusual happen that coincide with this restlessness?''

''No nothing at all, well this new guy showed up but...'' the raven-haired girl trailed off.

''You know I don't believe in coincidences. Has this blond done anything unusual?''

''Well do you count putting a hole through the wall unusual?''

''He put a hole through a wall? There have been documented cases where possession has given people near the super human level of durability and other attributes. Do you know this boy's name?''

''I didn't think to ask...'' The girl replied.

''That's sloppy Samantha.''

Samantha scowled. ''I don't think he was overshadow. He's just some new kid, and he's nothing important.''

'If you say so...''

''Look I have to go. I'll contact you more when I have more information.'' Sam said cutting off the computer.

Naruto disappeared in a swirl of leaves wondering about this new development. Exiting the janitor's closet, he walked into the hall filled with the hustle and bustle of many teens. There were the preppies, the geeks, the pretty boys, the Africans, the Asians, and pretty much more general and typical cliques that made up high school.

''Alright Fenturd cough up your money!'' It was the hame blond from before but bullying some black haired boy. The boy was wearing a white t-shirt with some design on the front in red and a pair of rough blue pants. On his back was a blue backpack or from what Naruto could see from the side as the boy was being held against the lockers.

''Some people just don't learn!'' Naruto said as he placed a genjutsu on himself. After walking up behind the big blond, he proceeded to tap his shoulder. The blond snapped his head around, ''Wha...'' Only to his eyes instead of coming face to face with Naruto, he saw a giant floating head of an evil ghost Nogitsune.

''I SHALL DEVOUR YOUR SOUL WITH KETCHUP MORTAL!''

Said blond dropped the boy and went down the hallway screaming. A mixture of laughter and looks of confusion and pointing was occurring at what happened. Well so much for trying to keep himself under the radar. ''You ok?'' Naruto asked extending his hand. The guy took it, and Naruto pulled himself up.

''Thanks, man...how'd did you do that?'' He asked in confusion. He didn't see the evil mask of certain death and was dumb founded that the school bully and star jock was scared away by the new kid.

''Trade secret I'm afraid. Still after chasing him away from picking on that raven haired girl he'd learn."

''Oh, you must mean Sam Manson of the Manson family,'' The boy said as he opened his locker.

''Manson family?'' When people's families were brought up, it was because they were of importance or high standing.

''Yeah the Mansons are one of the richest families in Amity Park. They practically own a quarter of it along with dabbling in a few businesses across the state. They said members of their family are big in Engineering, Real Estate, and Stocks.''

''Huh...you think with money like that they send their daughter to private school.'' Naruto voiced his thoughts.

''Yeah well...there was supposed to be some incident that was real hush-hush, and as such the next thing anyone knew she was attending public school.''

''Hhm, and knowing the rich type they spun this around into good publicity showing they're quite respectable people and could grace us mere mortals with their presence.'' He had heard about a similar incident of sorts in regards to regular schools.

As they walked and talked, whispers could be heard.

''Like I said those are just rumors.''

''Hey isn't that the new kid?''

''I heard he beat up Dash!''

''You know he's pretty cute!''

''He's hanging out with the ghost freak!"'

''Eew you don't think he's a ghost freak too do you?''

Naruto couldn't help but have a contemptuous frown in as he heard the students not so subtly whisper. Naruto looked to the boy for answers. ''I'm not exactly well liked around here. It's because of my parents. Amity is split down the middle between wanting to award them with the key to the city or to lock them away in the Insane asylum.''

''Something to do with Ghosts?''

''Yeah my parents...Amity's first and only professional ghost hunters.''

''You think they cut you some slack if your parents are dealing with specters and such.''

''Yeah well, must ghosts are pranksters and such. If they aren't scaring people they're most stealing things or other things considered juvenile. As such a lot of people view them as jokes. It doesn't help that they're both scientists and build a lot of weaponry and stuff. Latest rumors say I was created by them. Name is Danny Fenton by the way.''

Naruto extended his hand. ''Naruto Uzumaki...'' They shook hands. It always felt so weird to have to say his first name first.

''That's a cool name? Where are you from?''

''From out east. I was born in one of the small islands, but raised in Japan for the majority of my life. I know English and other cultures so well because of my tutors. You can say my father was famous where he was from, but because of the enemies he made I have to go by my mother's name.'' Not exactly a lie but close enough to truth that he didn't put much thought into remembering it.

''Wow that must be tough...'' Danny said, placing a sympathetic hand on Naruto's shoulder.

''You get used to it. Anyway what class you have next?''

''English with Mr. Lancer. He's an ok teacher but kind of strict.''

''I have that teacher as well. Might as well go,'' Naruto said as the two boys went to English. Yet once again the girl, Sam was in his class. Naruto had a feeling this was going to be a reoccurring experience. After sitting through the rest of his classes the last bell for the end of the day rang. Naruto was on his way to the exit when screams filled the hall. Students turned and came running in, barreling into each other and knocking other students down. Like a heard of scared animals those upright were trampling over those caught on the ground. It was then with an eerie green glow Naruto caught sight of what had the students so terrified. It was a dark green ectoplasmic tiger. The creature gave a roar as it got ready to pounce. Flinging is backpack to his front Naruto channeled chakra into a seal on the inside and summoned a foot long Katana. Imprinted on its white blade at the bottom was an array of seals. Grasping the handle Naruto charged forward as the ghost tiger made its move. Moving into a baseball style slide for safe he slid under the creature with the top of his Katana slashing it's underbelly.

His momentum coming to a halt Naruto poised it's blade at the creature. The creature gave a roar before it went intangible and passed through the walls out of the school. Naruto hoisted his blade over his back and made way for the exit. He knew that shit just a lot more complicated. He exited the building and was making way to his apartment. He didn't feel like dealing with any questions and would save that for tomorrow. Even if he had to go as far as using some Ninjutsu to alter memories. Though the first thing of business he was going to take care of was the person following him.

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Naruto hummed a solemn tune as he continued his journey down the side walk. He had stopped for a few donuts and some coffee before he continued his journey back to his place. It seemed like his persistent follower was going to continue following him until he put a stop to it. Glancing around and noticing there were few people nearby he made his move, quickly spinning and latching onto the wrist of the person following them.

He then dashed into the alleyway, yanking his pursuer into it with him and slammed them into the dumpster. The person gave out a feminine cry of pain. He quickly pinned her, one hand on her shoulder while the other latched onto the left arm. Naruto let the person go once seeing who it was.

''Manson?'' He voiced her name in surprise that it was the Goth chick was his follower. Regardless of who it was he wanted to find out why she was following in the first place. The girl swung out her right hand which Naruto avoided with ease as he took two steps back.

Sam massaged her shoulder where he slammed her into the dumpster. ''Thanks, alot ass-hole!'' She said acidly.

''I'm the ass-hole?'' He asked as disbelief filled his voice to which he summarily began to point out why he was in the right to defend against her choice of action. ''You were the one following me. You could have been a thief,'' He held up a finger a he began listing of who she could have been. ''Murderer, spy, or even a rapist. I had every right to defend myself.'' He paused and then asked the questioning that had been at the forefront of his mind since he realized it was her. ''Why were you following me?''

''I wasn't following you. I just happened to be heading the same way.'' She lamely lied, not much convinced of the lie herself. She hadn't expected to be caught so she didn't plan that far ahead.

''I doubt it. I'm heading to my apartment complex and from what I heard your family is pretty well off and lives nowhere near this side of town so try again."

''Who told you?'' She asked, trying to change the subject.

''That doesn't matter...so...are you going to tell me or should I try piecing the puzzle together of one Sam Manson by asking our esteemed student body?'' the underlining intent behind his actions was somewhat spelled out.

She gave him a menacing look then relented,''Fine...I saw how you fought that ghost.''

''Yeah, you and half the school.''

''No I mean I really 'saw' as in I'm not just some statistic. I don't just run and scream like a chicken with it's head cut off at the sight of ghost. It's kind of hard to explain...I can...feel them sometimes. I get these really intense headaches.''

''That's curious...do you have any mental abilities?'' He asked as she looked up at him surprised.''Let's just say I'm not exactly normal myself and things like this don't really surprise me. Among the things I know, intense headaches are usually a sign telepathic abilities emerging.''

''Wow...you're smarter then you look...no offense.'' she quickly covered up the semi-insult.

''I'll take your sort of compliment in stride then. By the way, I suppose this makes us even since I saw your little library thing." .''

Sam went rigid at that. ''You were spying on me?'' She asked, angry and upset that were privacy had been invaded.

''You can be pissed if you want but remember that a school library is a public place and you can't justify being angry as you're here now for following me.''

'Damn him!" She mentally cursed, not being able to refute his logic. Why couldn't he be like most of the dumb blondes at the school obsessed with popularity, wealth, clothes, and money? Stupid blond.

''You know...you're pretty cute when your angry,'' Naruto found himself suddenly saying. While he wasn't untruthful that she was cute, he figured he would get a bit of a laugh at her reaction.

"S-Shut up," Her angry exclamation followed a flushed expression. "I still don't know whether I should trust you or not? You are suspicious you know that right? You appear out of nowhere, can fight ghosts, trying to find information on specific people; maybe the last one isn't accurate, but it's close enough don't you think?''

''Kuso!'' He was hoping the girl wouldn't be that damn smart.

''By 'damn' I guess I hit the nail on the head!'

Naruto looked up in surprise. ''You speak Japanese?''

''Courtesy of dear old 'mother' and 'father' you could say.''

''Hhm...you seem like a real individual, smart, different from the crowd, and observant. I know this is presumptuous but if you tell me more about you and I'll do the same.''

''Fact for a fact.''

''Fair enough but let's just say that some of the things I'll tell you will blow your mind.''

''I'll be the judge of that. My name is Samantha Amelia Manson.''

''Naruto Uzumaki, I use my mother's name to honor her, andI'm on my own."

''If you haven't heard about my parents you will eventually. Jeremy and Pamela Manson, whom own practically half the town. I swear there like the definition of the word preppy. Then there's my grandma whose pretty cool. She says I'm a lot like her and supports my individuality.''

''My parents, died when I was born. The plot of a madmen and well, its easier if I just showed you...'' He said as he pressed two fingers against the girls forehead. Certain memories were melded into her psyche. Particularly only things Naruto wanted her to know at the time. When it was done Sam fell back, against the dumpster into a sitting position.

The first thing that happened was her losing her lunch. The memories to real and vivid to be false. The next thing she did was something she hadn't done in years. She cried real tears as if everything she had witnessed personally occured to her. Naruto picked up the girl bridal style and teleport back to his place. By the time she came too, it was late in the evening. She groaned and sat up, looking around the strange room. Her head still spinning and her focus blurry.

''I hope you enjoy tea...'' Naruto said setting a cup on a desk nearby. ''Why?''

''I shouldn't trust you...but I decided I'm going to anyway. Whenever I travel having some confidants in places like this makes it both easier for me and having to sit through and slowly test whether or not you can keep some secrets is something I hate. I'm not the most patient of people you see. I'm trusting you with what I told you, Manson."

''What if...what if I told someone...''

''You won't because you're not the type too. And if you did I would have to kill you and everyone you told. You saw the memories. It would be easy for someone like me to do.'' He s coldly spoke to her resulting in Sam going pale.

''I won't...I won't tell anyone,'' She said, oddly meaning it. A small part of her mind was screaming at her for being insane. It was telling her to run, but then with Ghosts appearing and causing havoc in the last few centuries ago would it be all that unbelievable. The poltergeist who played small pranks and came to people and visions were becoming more powerful with each passing decade. No longer only being able to momentarily past people or become a visible form with bed sheets. They were growing real and could hurt people. They were taking all sorts of shapes and sizes and becoming more numerous by the week.

''Sam if you aid me I'll aid you...as simple as that. You have my back, and I'll do my best to make sure nothing happens to you.''

''Is that how you sweet talk all the girls? Tell them that no monsters or demons will hurt them or you'll rip them in two?''

He shrugged, ''It depends...is it working on you?'' He asked smirking.

She shook her head, feeling herself flush. She couldn't believe this cocky bastard was making her blush. She wasn't supposed to be pretty or sought out girl. She was the rich bitch or creepy goth girl.

''You're beautiful Sam and not only that I think you should leave your hair down more often.''

''Her hair?' Sam reached up to feel her hair, and sure enough, it wasn't in its signature small ponytail.

''Your hair tie is on the table. And don't worry about your parents I called using your cell phone and mimicked your voice. 'You' told them you were going to shopping for a change in attire.''

Sam scowled at him; she could imagine her parents jumping at joy.

He turned, smirking, ''I didn't say what style though. When you're ready, let me know. I'll take you home.''

Sam shook her head, still feeling a bit nauseous about what she experienced. She hardly knew him and yet he trusted her with some pretty dark secrets. On the other hand, he could kill her with ease if she told anybody, so that was out. This whole situation was just so damned confusing. She might as well enjoy the tea he made. There would be plenty of time to figure out more of this situation later.

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Chapter End

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If anyone knows of any plot holes or episode inconsistencies they noticed fill free to tell me so I can work out the mistakes different from the actual canon.