Note: This Fic is a Co-op between BNGwarrior and BigCC productions.

"Human Speech"

'Human Thought'

'Telepathic Communication'

"Demon Speech"

'Demon Thought'

The scene starts and we find our two authors adrift in the middle of a vast ocean on a wooden raft, dressed in the ragged remains of the previous chapter's attire.

CC: Looks up from his splayed position on the logs. Either I'm hallucinating again or its time for another chapter. He then grabs a nearby stick and pokes BNG with it Oy! Wake up you slouch it's time for the next chapter!

BNG: Groans before looking up and notices the readers. Salutation readers, sorry for the long delay, but we've been preoccupied.

CC: Yes. fleeing a bunch of natives hell-bent on sacrificing us to appease their volcano god, building a raft to escape, fighting off insanity caused by starvation and dehydration can really take up the hours. Not to mention my oh-so-graceful partner broke his arm falling down the volcano.

BNG: Hey! It was just my shoulder, not my whole arm! Anyway you're the one who forgot to grab any food or water!

CC: I was too preoccupied fleeing the natives that wanted to dunk us in molten lava because of YOUR drunken stupidity.

BNG: You're never going to let that go are you?

CC: I WAS NEARLY FLASH FRIED! Mmmh, Fried food. CC begins to lick his lips before approaching BNG, a knife and fork suddenly appearing in his hands.

BNG: Don't look at me like that! He grabs an oar to defend himself. While I try and prevent my cannibalistic friend from prematurely ending our partnership please enjoy this chapter of Naruto X.

CC: HUNGRY!

BNG: YARGGH!

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Chapter 6: Return of the Fox

(1 month later)

Naruto had been correct; he'd needed every ounce of his healing factor to survive telling Wanda the truth. Luckily the blonde had been able to wheeze out an explanation between hex-bolts, and the following day in the Genoshan Hospital had allowed the two to talk out what they wanted to do. Though if it was anyone other than Naruto, or perhaps his father, who'd been on the receiving end of Wanda's 'discussion, they'd probably been in that hospital bed for years, if they ever got to leave it.

In the end, the young couple had agreed to just take it slow and start dating as normal. Wanda could take her time to make her decision and Naruto would accept whatever she decided. The two had gone on dates or just hung out for most of the month, and now the day was coming where the two would have to separate for a time. Naruto heading back to Konoha and Wanda would be staying here, at least for a while.

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Naruto had just finished the packing the last of his suitcases before sealing them into one of his scrolls. Tomorrow was the day he'd be returning to the Leaf Village. His stay in Genosha had been pretty pleasant. He hadn't had to deal with many recruitment offers from either the Brotherhood, though his new friends made sure that he knew that if he wanted there would always be a spot open for him, or the Acolytes. The last month with Wanda had been something special, and he truly hoped she'd agree to take up his offer. The two were so similar; shunned, hated, and reviled just for being themselves, that he knew any relationship they had would last. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out, a strong heart and a will forged of pure steel, a warm laugh and a good soul just looking for love, all waiting just past a tough shell. Add to that, she was beautiful and a major powerhouse and Naruto knew he'd hit the jackpot. He just hoped she agreed.

A knocking on the door drew his attention from his internal reverie. Standing the blonde approached the door and opened it a crack to see who was knocking. Peeking out he found the woman who'd been drawing his thoughts for the past month. He smiled as he opened the door. "Hey Wands, what's with the late night visit. Not that I'm complaining mind you." he greeted.

"Hey Foxy." she said with a small grin. He didn't know what it was with girls and that nickname for him. Even before they saw his powers or knew about the fox, every girl called him that. Oh well just another of life's little mysteries. "You mind if I come inside for a minute. I want to talk about the big decision." she continued a little nervously.

Naruto felt his own nerves jump at that little statement, not sure what her answer would be and dreading a no. "S-sure Wands; come on in." he said stepping aside to let her enter.

Wanda quickly walked in and sat on the bed. She was nervous, rubbing her hands together. Naruto took the seat beside her. A tense silence filled the room. Deciding it was best for her to break her silence Wanda spoke up. "I've been putting a lot of thought into what you told me, about the CRA thing. I can honestly say it was the last thing I expected and to be honest I'm still not sure I can deal with it really. .."

Naruto felt his heart crack a little at that; until…

"…but there is one thing for certain that I know, and that's that…that…that I really love you." she finished blushing and stuttering near the end. "These past few months with you have been the happiest I've had since before I can remember, and if being with you means I have to share with some other girls, well I guess I'm just gonna' have to deal with it." she finished with a slight blush and a smirk.

Naruto's voice stopped for a minute at that. He'd been so sure she was going to disagree, but she didn't. A million-watt smile creased his face as he responded. "You mean…you accept?" he asked.

Wanda nodded. "That's if, you still want me?" she added, old insecurities flaring up.

Naruto's response was to grab her by the shoulders and pull her into a deep kiss. When breathing became an issue the two separated. "Does that answer your question Shinku-hime (Scarlet Princess)?"

Wanda gave him a grin. "I think so, but better double check to make sure." she finished before grabbing him and continuing the kiss, which soon turned into a full-blown make-out session between the two. A couple hours later found a grinning Wanda, an unusual sight for anyone used to the girl's rather dour demeanor, leaving Naruto's room.

Naruto sat on his bed a rather large grin creasing his face. 'Life is good. Ain't that right Kyu?'

"You said it kit. A new mate for your little harem, and I've got to admit this one meets even my approval. She reminds me of Phoenix back in the old days." was the fox's commentary.

'Great, my new girlfriend is like one of the most powerful and destructive entities to ever grace the cosmos. Just remind me never to piss her off then.' Another knock came at the door. 'Wonder who that is?'

"Maybe it's your new mate coming back for another round of tonsil hockey?" suggested the fox with a perverted giggle. This little suggestion got Naruto instantly off the bed and to the door in a flash. Only when he opened it, he didn't find his Scarlet Goddess. Instead he found a rather short individual wearing a ragged, brown trench-coat. The only parts of the man visible outside his coat were his hands, which were slightly larger than normal, and a dark red lapel. He had dark black hair, which was quite shaggy, and his face was rather flat and simian in appearance, which was accentuated by the thick sideburns that covered most of the sides of his face.

The man gave a slight bow before speaking. "Good evening sir, I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but would you happen to be Naruto Uzumaki, I have an urgent message for him from my employer." He spoke in a calm cultured voice with a slight British accent, quite at odds with his appearance.

"This is he, and what can I do for you sir?" responded the blonde, wondering if the man worked for Magneto.

"You will come with me." the man's voice suddenly shifted, reverberating with psionic energy, his eyes now glowing with an eerie blue light.

'Crap, a telepath! Kyuubi mental defenses now!'

"Already on it kit. Let's see how he likes it in our world."

An instant later the two were swallowed in a world of black.

(Naruto's Mindscape)

The mutant telepath suddenly found within a massive sewer, the entire place tinted in a dull red light.

"What in blazes?" questioned the man.

"You wanted into my head. Well now you've got it." came a voice from behind him. Turning the man saw his target standing in front of, what appeared to be, a massive gate.

"How did I get here? Where are we?" demanded the mutant.

"I just told you where, inside my head. As for how, well I guess you've never tried to control two minds in the same body before." came the blonde's response.

"Two minds…" the man's voice trailed off as a pair of giant crimson eyes opened behind the blonde within the cage."The Kyuubi no Kitsune." breathed the man in awe and fear. He quickly turned to flee, only for four giant fox tails to launch out of the cage and grasp the man's limbs.

"I'm quite surprised you know about me mortal. Especially since the boy's condition is such a close-kept secret outside the Xavier Institute." came the fox's raspy response.

"Just another question to add to the pile Kyu, but let's start out with something simple first. Like what's your name. Oh and do try and keep from lying, my furry friend can tell if you do and he won't hesitate in turning your mind into a midnight snack."

"J-Jason Wyngarde." spoke the man trembling slightly.

"The infamous Mastermind?" questioned the blonde, getting a nod. Mastermind was a well-known mutant criminal, a potent psychic capable of projecting illusions onto others minds, manipulating them, and altering their memories. He was also a mercenary, working for whoever paid him the highest. He'd had some previous dealing with Magneto, but the man had no loyalties beyond those to himself. "What was your mission?"

"To abduct you, and bring you to a specific reconnoiter point. I was supposed to plant evidence to get the incident blamed on Magnus." the man answered.

"Who hired you?"

"I don't know?" the man gasped in pain as the tails began to constrict him. "I swear I don't. I was hired through a third party and a wireless bank transfer. I was to leave you at the location at midnight and leave, and then the remainder of my fee would be deposited."

"Come now Jason, don't take me for a fool. We both know a man of your…credentials wouldn't take a job without getting at least some information on the client." responded Naruto.

"I tried. All I could find out was that they were very powerful and well-connected. The transfer was made through dozens of shell companies, throughout multiple countries. Given the circumstance I thought it best to back off. I don't like making enemies, particularly those with the kind of power this one seemed to hold. Everyone I tried to convince to tell me was too scared to say a thing, no matter what illusions or hypnosis I placed them under."

"I see. Well I thank you for your cooperation. I'll be sure to let Magnus know what a big help you've been when I drop you off to him and his acolytes. Kyuubi."

Surges of red chakra throbbed through the tails into the mutant psychic destroying his astral projection.

(Outside)

Naruto returned to his normal consciousness just as the now unconscious Mastermind fell to the floor. As the blonde picked up the unconscious mercenary to deliver to Magneto for punishment and interrogation his only thought was, 'Why do I get the feeling this is only the tip of the iceberg?'

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(The next day)

Naruto stood by the Raven, all his luggage pack up into a scroll in his pocket.

"Naruto, I assure you that Charles and I have agreed to put aside our differences so that we may figure out who sent Mastermind after you." Magneto said.

"Glad to hear it Mags," Naruto said, leaning against his plane, "say hi to the Professor for me, will ya?"

"I'll be sure to do it." Wanda said walking up to join her father and boyfriend. "I'm going to be joining the X-Men for a while to get to know your other girlfriends." Naruto gulped, nervous about how that was going to go.

"Well say hi to the girls for me." Naruto said. 'Better contact the Professor and have him raise the insurance policy on the Mansion again.'

"Good luck Naruto," Magneto said holding his hand out which Naruto shook. "Should you ever need a sanctuary, you will find one here."

"Thank you Lord Magneto." Naruto said. "It would be an honor." He turned to Wanda and stroked her cheek. "You take care of yourself, all right my Scarlet Princess?"

"You too, my Foxy Ninja." She replied. The pair leaned in and kissed one another before breaking apart. "Goodbye Naruto."

"See you when I see you Wanda." Naruto replied, climbing into the plane. With a last look down at Wanda and her father, he was surprised to see that Magneto had placed his hand on her shoulder and, to Naruto's even greater surprise; the Lord of Magnetism was still in one piece. Maybe he was a good influence on Wanda after all. With a smile, Naruto took to the skies, flying a single circle around Genosha before taking off to the Village Hidden in the Leaves.

'So what do you figure the village will be like when we get back?' Naruto asked.

"Don't know kid." the Fox replied, "Maybe no one will recognize you and give you any grief."

Naruto had to laugh at that though. 'Kyubi, when have things ever been that easy for us?' he asked his partner, who had to chuckle at his jail's logic. Naruto smirked before kicking the Raven into high gear, nearly breaking the sound barrier as he sped to the land of his birth.

In what felt like no time, Naruto passed over the village shaking a few windows and freaking out a lot of villagers. He circled the village once or twice until he found what he was looking for, a small patch of open forest on the edge of the village, perfect for dropping off the Raven.

As soon as Naruto landed and exited the craft, he was surrounded by a small squad of ANBU operatives.

"Let's see," Naruto said looking around, "I see Inu, Neko, Tenzo, Komachi, Towa, little surprised Itachi's not here."

"Who are you?" Inu demanded.

"Yeah, I guess I have changed a bit since I left." Naruto said removing his hat and glasses. Behind their masks, every ANBU's eyes widened.

"Naruto?" Tenzo finally whispered.

"The one and only." Naruto replied with a smile.

"The Hokage will want to be notified of your return." Neko said.

"The Old Man in his office?" Naruto asked. Inu nodded. "Then all I have to say is don't touch my plane." Naruto clicked the key fob, causing the plane to chirp before fading into nothingness. He waved a farewell to the Anbu before he disappeared in a puff of red and black smoke.

The Hokage was sitting in his office, fighting his mortal enemy, the bane of all kages and leaders, that indescribable evil whose very name makes grown men weep: paperwork, when suddenly a large puff of red and black smoke appeared in the center of his office. The Hokage sprang up with a kunai in hand ready to strike when the smoke dissipated to reveal his adoptive grandson.

"Yoh Gramps." Naruto said with a smile on his face.

"Naruto," Sarutobi said before lunging forward and embracing the boy. "When did you get back?"

"Just now." Naruto said. "It's great to see you Gramps. Mom says hi."

"I'm glad you're home Naruto," Sarutobi said.

"No offense Old Man, but this Kami forsaken pit of a village never really felt like home." Naruto said rubbing the back of his head. The Hokage nodded in understanding.

"Well Konoha was your father's home, and he left you a house." The Hokage explained. "Unfortunately, you'll have to move in later, for right now, I believe you should head to the Academy to introduce yourself. The first class of the year will start anytime now" He then went behind his desk and wrote a quick note before stamping it with his seal. "Here head to the classroom on the note and give this to a man named Iruka, he'll be the man with a large scar across his nose. He'll be your instructor along with another man named Mizuki."

"If you say so Gramps, so where is the place?" Naruto asked, taking the note. The Hokage pointed out a building, and with a salute to the village leader, Naruto disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"You've certainly changed Naruto." The Hokage said with a small grin. "And I can't wait to see the kind of legend you become."

(Shinobi Academy)

Iruka Umino looked over at the small sea of faces which was his class of students. They were all about fifteen years old, a little less than a decade younger than the chuunin himself, and all in their final year at the academy. They were also an, overall, arrogant bunch, most so assured that they'd pass the final exam in six months to become fully ranked genin. Iruka couldn't help but sigh at the thought that over two-thirds of his three dozen students would either be coming back next year or dropping out of the program entirely, but that was how the system worked.

This year the passes were pretty obvious, and more than a few were a little surprising. There were several clan heirs to some of Konoha's most powerful clans, plus a couple of prodigies, and even a few unusual cases that just might surprise him.

First there was Kiba Inuzuka, the youngest heir to the Inuzuka Clan, though his elder sister currently held the title of clan heir, Kiba constantly made claims that he would take that title for himself. He was a physically fit young man standing at about 5'6" and showing a good bit of muscle. He had spiky, dark brown hair, the standard Inuzuka fang-like markings on each cheek, and small, narrow, slit-like eyes. He was dressed in dark grayish-brown pants reaching to his calves and a grey, hooded fur-lined coat, with the hood usually placed on his head, and blue shinobi sandals. The boy was strong for his age, but was also extremely impulsive and reckless, something that would have to be evened out if he ever wanted to take his sister's place as clan heir.

Nearby soot the ever-stoic Shino Aburame, current heir to the Aburame Clan of insect handlers. The boy was the tallest child in his class, standing at a good 5'9" with pale skin and bushy brown hair. Most of the boy's body was concealed by the heavy sea-green jacket with a high, upturned collar that concealed most of his face and his dark sunglasses, along with his deep blue pants and shinobi sandals. Like most of the Aburame Clan the boy was calm and calculative, almost insect-like in most perspectives, and was quite solitary in nature, though it probably not by choice, since most considered the boy a bit creepy.

Then there was Shikamaru Nara, the heir to the Nara Clan, Konoha's famous clan of shadow manipulators. The boy was a typical Nara in nearly every aspect: lazy, uninterested and incredibly bright. The boy was one of the lower ranked members of the class, though this was mostly due to a lack of effort and the fact that he tended to sleep through most of his exams. He was a tall and lanky young man standing about 5'7" with black hair, usually tied up in a spiky ponytail similar to Iruka's own and narrow brown eyes. He was dressed in a green-lined mesh shirt, a short-sleeved, gray jacket with the Nara symbol placed on both sleeves and on the back, brown pants, and blue shinobi sandals. As usual the Nara's head was rested in his arms, apparently napping before class starts

Sitting next to the lazy Nara was his stalwart companion and best friend Chouji Akimichi. The young heir to the Akimichi clan was built just like the rest of his family: large. The young man stood a little taller than his friend at a respectable 5'8" with a very robust, some would say pudgy or fat, body. He had brown hair worn up in a slightly spiky fashion, a pair of red swirl-like markings on his cheeks, and small dark eyes. He wore a white shirt with his clan symbol on it, a short-sleeved green vest, gray shorts, and a long white scarf around his neck, and had bandages wrapped around the lower sections of his arms and legs. The large boy was a good kid and was loyal to a fault when it came to his friends. Right now, he was munching on a bag of potato chips, waiting for class to start.

Completing the traditional triad of InoShikaCho was young Ino Yamanaka. Ino was a very thin young lady, the results of the constant dieting a large number of Iruka's students seemed to favor, and stood a decent 5'4." She had long platinum blonde hair worn in a long ponytail that reached the small of her back while her bangs covering the right side of her face and pupilless, light blue eyes. She was dressed in rather revealing attire consisting of a short purple vest like shirt with a raised collar, a skirt that was cut off on the sides, purple and white elbow warmers, and bandage on her stomach and legs. She was a very attractive young lady, though the girl tended to be a bit controlling, read as bossy, and had some real talent as a kunoichi. Sadly that talent was often wasted as she was more interested in verbally sparing with her former best-friend and now rival Sakura Haruno.

Sakura herself was one of the few nonclan shinobi that Iruka actually though stood a good chance of passing the main exams. She was quite thin, some could even say a little scrawny, and stood at about 5'3" in height. She had long pink hair that flowed down past her shoulders, light green eyes, fair skin, and an unusually large forehead. She wore a red qipao dress with white circular designs, tight dark green shorts, and dark green shinobi sandals. Sakura was probably the most intelligent girl in the class, highly intelligent with good analysis skill, but she had some major faults. Physically the girl was the weakest person in the class, and the girl had a very bad temper as well, which often overruled her usually intelligence and forced her to charge into fights she couldn't win. If the girl wanted to succeed as a kunoichi she'd definitely need to shore up. Like her rival, the girl was deeply infatuated with the one Sasuke Uchiha.

Said Uchiha was the last survivor of the prestigious Uchiha clan. The young Uchiha stood a respectable 5'6" and had dark black hair, pale skin, a handsome face, and dark onyx eyes. He was dressed in a blue, short-sleeved shirt with a raised collar and the Uchiha crest on the back, white arm warmers, and white shorts. The boy was a very gifted student, some would even say a prodigy, and held a great deal of promise as a shinobi. However the boy had some serious issues that constantly worried the young Chuunin Instructor. The boy was arrogant, thinking his name as an Uchiha made him better than those around him and extremely antisocial not interacting much with his fellow students. Most of the female students in the class, save two, were completely infatuated with the young Uchiha heir.

One of the two young kunoichi-in-training was a young girl by the name of Tenten. The young girl stood at about 5'4" or 5'5" and unlike most of the other girls, who were obsessed with dieting had a fair bit of muscle on her body. She had lightly tanned skin, light brown eyes, and dark brown hair worn up in a matching pair of buns. She wore a pink sleeveless blouse and dark green pants along with matching green sandals. She was the daughter of the owner of a local weapons shop and was very skilled in manipulating and wielding the items her store produced. The girl was extremely strong-willed and devoted to proving that kunoichi could be just as strong as male shinobi.

The other girl was the young Hyuuga Heiress, Hyuuga Hinata. The girl was a mousy thing, standing at a slight 5'3". She had dark purple-blue hair worn in a short hime-cut, fair skin, and her white Byakugan were tinged with a light shade of lavender. She wore a cream colored hooded-jacket with a fire symbol on the upper right and left sleeves and fur around the cuffs and hem, with navy blue pants. She was a very timid and soft-spoken girl, and always seemed a bit depressed since about five years ago.

Sitting nearby was the girl's cousin, Hyuuga Neji. Unlike his cousin, Neji was a proud; some would say arrogant, young man who stood a good 5'8". The boy had dark brown hair, worn long down his back with a dark headband with two straps framing his face holding it back, light skin, and normal white Byakugan. He wore a khaki shirt, dark brown shorts, and had bandages wrapped around his right arm, chest, and right leg. The boy was a very skilled student and a prodigy at his clan's arts and techniques, but was also extremely antisocial. He seemed to bear a grudge against his cousin for some reason.

The final member of Iruka's picks was another nonclan shinobi by the name of Rock Lee. A year ago Iruka wouldn't have considered the boy an option, but ever since he was taken under the wing of Maito Gai, one of Konoha's top jounin, the boy was showing some amazing progress. He was a tall boy, standing about 5'9" and had dark black hair worn in a bowl cut, large eyebrows, and big, perfectly round, black eyes. The boy had taken to mimicking his mentor's attire, wearing a green jumpsuit and orange leg warmers. The boy suffered from a condition that left him unable to use most ninjutsu and genjutsu, which severely limited his abilities, but under Gai's tutelage the boy was quickly becoming something to be feared in the field of taijutsu. Personality wise the boy was a bit overly friendly and extremely energetic, and tended to overreact at times.

Overall Iruka though they had a good batch of future shinobi this year. Granted a few, okay most, of them had a few quirks and faults, but hopefully their senseis could help work them through it. Iruka was just about to call the class to attention when a small cloud of red and black smoke appeared in the room. Iruka tensed slightly until the smoke cleared to revile a young man no older than any of his other students.

"You Iruka?" the boy asked. Iruka nodded and boy gave a great sigh of relief. "Finally! It took me nearly half a dozen tries before I finally found the right room. My dad says that my flair for the dramatic is going to get me killed some day, but what can I say; I am who I am."

"Um, can I help you young man?" Iruka asked raising his eyebrow.

"Huh? Oh yeah," Naruto said before pulling out the note the Hokage had given him. "The Hokage wanted me to give you this." Iruka took the note and scanned it before nodding.

"Attention class, we have a new student who will be joining us this year." Iruka called before turning to Naruto. "Would you like to introduce yourself?" Naruto shrugged and turned to his new class mates.

"How are you all doing?" Naruto said with a smile. "The name's Naruto Uzumaki-Sarutobi, and yes, before anyone asks, I do mean Sarutobi as in the Hokage. He's my adoptive grandfather. I hope we can all get along." The reactions of the students were thus:

'He doesn't look so tough; I could take him no problem.' Kiba thought.

'He certainly seems like an interesting new piece on the table.' Shino thought examining Naruto.

'Great another troublesome blonde.' Shikamaru thought lazily.

'Looks like an interesting guy.' Chōji assumed.

'He's pretty cute but not as cute as Sasuke.' Ino thought.

'He's nothing compared to Sasuke.' Sakura thought, unknowingly agreeing with her rival.

'He may be the Hokage's adoptive grandson, but he doesn't look like much.' Sasuke thought.

'I wonder if he can actually use those swords strapped to his back.' Tenten thought curiously.

'He lo-looks nice and k-kind of familiar.' thought Hinata as she tried to recognize the blonde

'Though he holds ties with Hokage, he cannot change his fate.' thought Neji.

'He should make quite the youthful rival and friend.' hoped Lee.

Our scene shift and we once again find our authors on board their raft. BigCC is lying on the deck, his head covered in dozens of large lumps while his eyes spiral. BNGwarrior is holding what remains of his oar, though the top part is barely connected by a few small slivers of wood, and he has a couple of large bite marks on his arms.

BNG: Hello again faithful readers, I hope you enjoyed another adventure here in the world of Naruto X. As you can see my partner and I have resolved our differences for the moment

BigCC: NAVEN FLORFIN HORVEN

BNG: Quiet you! BNG then slams the oar onto CC's head again, finally breaking off the top. As I was saying, please join us again next time as Naruto settles back into life as life in Konoha. Hope to see you again soon, and when we're no longer in danger of cannibalism. Until then read and review.