Twin Devils of Konoha

Chapter 5: Echoes of the Past

Menma's body collapsed onto the ground, his newly awakened Devil Arm fading away, leaving behind only faint embers of demonic energy. His breathing was shallow, his body wracked with exhaustion from the transformation.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took in the scene grimly, his aged yet sharp eyes scanning the wreckage left by the battle. The ground was cracked and scorched, trees were uprooted, and the lingering malice of Menma's transformation still tingled in the air. The Nine-Tails' had left its mark here, and though the beast's presence had faded, the memory of what they just witnessed remained fresh. 

"Take them to the hospital," Hiruzen ordered, his tone firm. 

The ANBU immediately moved to comply, lifting both boys carefully. 

Naruto, despite the fatigue settling in, managed to frown as he glanced toward his unconscious brother. His chest felt heavy, not from his injuries, but from the unease creeping into his heart. He had always known Menma was strong, but that… that wasn't just strength. That was something else entirely. 

The image of Menma's burning gauntlets, his shifting nine-tailed aura, and his inhuman power was burned into Naruto's mind. 

"Just what the hell was that, Menma…?"

His vision blurred, and unconsciousness claimed him. 

--- 

The Hospital – The Aftermath

When Naruto awoke, he found himself lying in a hospital bed, his body stiff but no longer paralyzed. The white ceiling above him felt oddly distant, and the rhythmic beeping of medical monitors filled the otherwise silent room. 

Turning his head, his gaze landed on the bed beside him. Menma was there, still, unmoving, unconscious. His brother's face was peaceful, yet Naruto could tell just how much strain the battle had put on him. His breathing was steady, but his skin looked pale, and his hands twitched slightly, as if gripping something invisible. 

Naruto clenched his jaw. 

"You better wake up soon, Menma." 

A knock at the door snapped Naruto out of his thoughts. The door opened, and Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped inside, his expression calm but serious. 

"I'm glad to see you're awake, Naruto," the Third Hokage said. 

Naruto sat up, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks, old man. "

Hiruzen nodded but then his expression darkened.

"Now," the Hokage began, folding his arms behind his back, "tell me exactly what happened." 

Naruto exhaled, rubbing his temples before starting from the beginning. 

He explained how he had been training alone, when a strange boy approached him, offering to train him. 

"I knew something was off about him, but he seemed strong… so I figured, 'why not?'" Naruto admitted with a sheepish shrug. 

Hiruzen nodded, listening intently. 

"But during the spar, he suddenly tried to kill me. Naruto's fists clenched at the memory. "He used these weird chakra-infused needles, ones that paralyze you and mess up your chakra flow. "

"So that's what those needles were for," Hiruzen thought grimly. 

Naruto continued, recounting how he had asked the mysterious assassin why he was being targeted. 

"And he straight up told me, 'I was hired to kill you and your brother.'" 

Hiruzen's frown deepened. 

"Before he could finish the job, Menma showed up." 

Naruto's voice became quieter. 

"He fought the guy… but he was getting beat." 

Hiruzen remained silent, listening carefully. 

"And then…" Naruto hesitated, his brows furrowing. "Menma… changed. His power just exploded. He had these crazy gauntlets, nine tails swirling around him… and his speed, his strength, everything just skyrocketed." 

The memory of Menma overpowering Illumi was still fresh in Naruto's mind. 

Hiruzen's expression darkened. This was bad.

"Menma forced the assassin to retreat," Naruto finished. 

Hiruzen rubbed his chin, deep in thought. The pieces were coming together, but there was still one major question. 

Hiruzen asked for info on the assassin.

Naruto nodded. "The guy said his name was Illumi Zoldyck." 

Hiruzen's eyes widened slightly at the mention of the Zoldyck name. 

"The Zoldycks are involved…? Then the bounty on these boys must be enormous."

The thought sent a chill down his spine. The Zoldycks didn't take just any job, they only accepted the highest-profile, most lucrative assassinations.

"Just who in the world wants these boys dead?"

After a long pause, Hiruzen finally spoke. 

"I will assign ANBU to guard you two from the shadows." 

Naruto let out a relieved breath. "Thanks, old man." 

Hiruzen simply nodded, before silently leaving the room. 

--- 

Hiruzen wasted no time. He sent out a messenger hawk, to Jiraiya, detailing everything, the attack, the assassin, and Menma's terrifying transformation. 

Meanwhile, the elite jonin gathered in the Hokage's office. 

Kakashi, Anko, Asuma, Kurenai, Gai, and several others stood before the Third Hokage, waiting for an explanation. 

Hiruzen relayed everything, Naruto told him. 

The room fell into a stunned silence.

"You're telling me… that the Zoldycks, are after the twins?" Anko muttered, breaking the silence. 

"That's… bad," Kurenai said, her voice tense. "If even one of their top assassins was sent after them, that means someone is paying an insane amount to have them killed." 

Asuma crossed his arms, his face dark. 

"I don't like this," he admitted. "And I really don't like that transformation Menma went through." 

If Menma keeps relying on that power… he might lose himself." 

Hiruzen nodded solemnly. 

"Menma is power-hungry. That thirst for strength may make him vulnerable to the fox's influence." 

The room remained silent. 

"However," Hiruzen continued, "I believe Naruto is his anchor." 

Kakashi suddenly spoke up and asked if he can guard the twins.

Hiruzen studied him for a moment, then nodded. 

"Very well." 

--- 

Menma's Mindscape 

In the depths of Menma's mind, the sewer-like corridors were darker than usual.

Kurama, now free from his cage, snarled as he lunged at Menma, only to be zapped by an unseen force. 

"Did you forget?" Menma smirked. "I own you now." 

Kurama growled but said nothing. 

Menma turned away. He had bigger concerns.

"V!" he called out. "I need answers!" 

Silence. 

Menma frowned.

Taking a breath, he tried again. 

This time calling another name.

"…Urizen." 

The air shifted.

From the shadows, a towering, monstrous figure emerged.

Urizen was colossal, his body covered in thick, root-like flesh, glowing blue orbs pulsating across his form. His thirty-seven eyes burned into Menma and Kurama. 

Both felt an instinctive fear.

"Just what are you…?" Menma asked. 

Urizen's voice was distorted, echoing.

" I am your other half, the darkest part of your soul, your unending thirst for power."

Menma then asked about his past life

Urizen ignored the question" You want power, don't you? Hand over your body. Let go of your humanity."

Menma considered his offer, but ultimately refused.

Urizen laughed darkly.

"Then I will take your body by force."

Spheres of plasma energy formed around Urizen as he prepared to attack.

Menma summoned Kurama to his side and activated his Devil Arm (Ninefold Wrath).

Before Urizen could act, black lightning erupted between them, forming into a familiar figure.

V.

V calmly stepped between Menma and Urizen.

"That is enough." V's voice was calm but absolute.

Urizen stilled. The overwhelming aura vanished in an instant, as if it had never been there.

Kurama, still shaken, watched from the shadows. Just who was this man?

Menma glared at V.

"I deserve answers."

V sighed, shaking his head.

"Patience is a virtue, Menma."

With that, he turned and walked into the darkness, fading from view.

Urizen grinned once more, but his form also began to disappear.

"We will meet again."

As the mindscape grew quiet, Kurama's thoughts raced.

Just what is Menma? And why does he have two halves?

Looking at the boy in front of him, Kurama couldn't help but wonder.

When Menma becomes whole… just how powerful will he be?

Chapter 6 – The Gathering Storm

The Council Meeting

The atmosphere in the Hokage's office was tense. Hiruzen sat at the head of the long table, flanked by the village elders, Danzo, Koharu, and Homura. The clan heads were seated across from them: 

- Shikaku Nara, ever-calm, eyes half-lidded in thought. 

- Hiashi Hyuga, composed but clearly curious. 

- Tsume Inuzuka, arms crossed, her sharp teeth bared in a scowl. 

- Choza Akimichi, quietly serious

- Shibi Aburame, unreadable behind his glasses. 

- Inoichi Yamanaka, his brows furrowed in concern. 

- Other minor clan heads listened attentively. 

Hiashi was the first to speak, his pale eyes narrowing slightly. "Hokage-sama, I assume this meeting pertains to the recent attack on the Uzumaki twins?"

Hiruzen nodded grimly. Danzo, sitting opposite him, frowned as he leaned forward. "What exactly happened?"

The room fell silent as Hiruzen revealed the chilling truth. 

"The twins were targeted by an assassin from the Zoldyck Family."

Gasps erupted throughout the chamber. Even the normally unshakable Shikaku raised an eyebrow.

Tsume leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "Are the boys alright?"

"They are alive," Hiruzen confirmed. "However, Menma was forced to tap into the Nine-Tails' power to defeat his opponent."

This revelation sent ripple of unease through the room. 

- Shikaku sighed deeply, muttering, "Troublesome."

- Shibi adjusted his glasses, already contemplating what this meant for the village.

- Choza and Inoichi exchanged concerned glances.

- Danzo, on the other hand, smirked. 

"The boy has finally embraced his potential," Danzo said approvingly. "With proper training, Menma could become the perfect weapon for Konoha."

Hiruzen shot him a glare. "This is not about making weapons, Danzo."

"Shibi spoke again, his voice calm but direct. "If the Zoldycks are after the twins, then there must be a high bounty on their heads."

Hiruzen nodded. "I have already sent word to Jiraiya. He will look into this." 

A minor clan head hesitantly spoke. ""If an enemy is willing to hire the Zoldycks, then Konoha's security must be increased. We should station a protective detail around the boys." 

Everyone agreed immediately. 

Danzo leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "Allow me to take them under my protection. Under my guidance, they will be untouchable."

Hiruzen's gaze hardened"No. However, you will allocate some of your forces to assist in protecting them."

Danzo's eye twitched in irritation, but he gave a reluctant nod. 

After that, the meeting continued with discussions on increasing village security, stationing ANBU around key locations, and preparing for any future assassination attempts.

---

At the Academy

Naruto and Menma's absence had not gone unnoticed. Their classmates whispered amongst themselves. 

"Where are they?" Kiba muttered, looking around. 

"I heard they were attacked," Shikamaru said, sighing. "Troublesome."

Hinata fidgeted, clearly worried. Ino, however, was the most vocal. 

---

A Visit from the Ichirakus

Later, Naruto stirred awake in the hospital to find Teuchi and Ayame Ichiraku standing beside his bed. 

"You're awake!" Ayame said in relief. 

"Heh. What, you guys thought a little assassination attempt would take me out?" Naruto grinned playfully. 

Ayame scowled and flicked his forehead. "Don't joke about almost dying, idiot!"

Teuchi chuckled, setting down a steaming bowl. "We brought you some ramen."

Naruto's eyes lit up. "Now that is a proper recovery meal!"

As he ate, Ayame glanced at Menma's unconscious form. "How is he?" 

Naruto's expression softened. "He'll be alright."

---

Returning to the Scene

Naruto left the hospital, with the Root ANBU shadowing him.

Naruto made his way back to the Training Ground

The area was a battlefield, cracked earth, scorched trees, and lingering signs of demonic power. 

Naruto's fingers curled into a fist. Menma did all this…

"What are you doing here?"

Naruto turned. Ino stood behind him, arms crossed. 

"Shouldn't you be in the hospital?" 

Naruto smirked. "Miss me that much?"

Ino huffed and said in his dreams.

Naruto asked her, how she found him.

"I tracked you," she admitted. "Your demonic aura… ."

Naruto's blood ran cold. She can sense it?

For the first time, the truth clicked, why the villagers feared them. It's because we have the fox's power.

So that's why they hate us,"

Seeing his troubled look, Ino shrugged "It doesn't matter. I know you're a good person."

Naruto blushed.

Ino looked confused as to why she said that. Why do I feel drawn to him?

Suddenly, a masked ANBU came flying through the air, slamming into the ground. 

Naruto and Ino turned, the ANBU was a kid their age.

The boy coughed blood, eyes wild with fear. "Run…!"

From the shadows, something massive emerged. 

A demon

It was towering, humanoid yet grotesque, its ashen skin was stretched over a twisted frame, jagged horns protruded from its skull, and its eyes burned like molten lava. It wielded a longsword, impaling a Root ANBU's corpse on the blade. 

Naruto and Ino froze as fear washed over them

The demon's gaze locked onto Naruto.

"The son of the traitor Sparda."

Naruto's mind reeled. Sparda…?

The name sent a strange pulse through his soul. 

It stirred something in Ino as well.

The demon suddenly threw its sword, impaling Naruto through the chest. 

Ino's eyes widened in horror.

"NARUTO!!!"

---

The Awakening

Naruto's vision blurred 

"Not again… seriously, I need better luck."

His eyes snapped open, and in one swift motion, he performed a kip-up, flipping back onto his feet

Ino's mouth dropped open "WHAT!?"

Naruto gripped the sword in his chest, and ripped it out.

He twirled it playfully. 

His voice was different, more confident, more cocky.

"Sparda this, Sparda that… can't you demons talk about anything else?"

The demon snarled, but before it could retort

Naruto hurled the sword straight back.

The demon caught it, glaring. 

"Ino, take the kid and scram," Naruto, no, Dante, ordered. 

Ino hesitated."Naruto, what...

"Just go." Dante

As she grabbed Sai, the demon lunged at her.

Dante caught the blade with his bare hand.

"Tsk. Play fair, ugly."

His Ebony materialized in his other hand

BANG!

A blast of demonic energy sent the demon flying. 

As it recovered, it snarled. "I will annihilate you, traitor's spawn!"

Dante smirked. 

"Yeah? Get in line."

Tbc