Chapter 39 Conversations between Friends

Under the outlining forest of Konoha a certain self proclaimed mad scientist was working on his newest project. He had a clone dealing with the infiltration since some people thought the whole cloak and dagger gambit was oh so impressive. See how well that works against a tactical nuclear strike or a giant radioactive labradoodle. He was pretty sure some equipment would survive. Mostly sure. Ok not entirely positive but the resulting explosion would be nice.

In any event Brainiac was busy reading the Necronomicon. If he was going to be the worlds first cyborg mad scientist, he first needed a body. Even as a slightly more resilient clone. He was still a poofer, and he did not like the idea of poofing. To much smoke not enough explosions. He finally found a chapter that he could work with. It was a chapter on how to summon objects and creatures from parallel Universes.

"What about this", asked Brainiac as he handed the Necronomicon to Konohamaru.

Konohamaru took the book and began reading. His eyes narrowed as he thought on the implications.

"It could work, but you never know what you could get. It might be useless", said Konohamaru.

"Well we have grade A Naruto DNA contained in vomit, at the very least it could act as a focus", said Brainiac.

"I suppose so, but how would you switch your mind into the resulting body. After all if you did a brain transplant then your brain would just dispels as soon as we took it out", asked Konohamaru.

"Memory transfer, we use the fish guys psychic powers to mind switch permanently. Then we kill it", said Brainiac.

"Technically if we do that then whatever we summon will be turned into a shadow clone and you into a real person, The subject would need to be a parallel Naruto so the mind can handle your brainwaves or else you would cease to exist. Do you realize how dangerous this all is", asked Konohamaru.

"Not in the slightest, remember I'm a mad scientist. We don't think ahead. If I were to have the opportunity to make a killer mutant bunny rabbit you can bet your ass I wouldn't give two shits for the consequences", said Brainiac smiling.

"What I am saying is that if we do this and dispel the other then you, the clones, and Naruto get those memories. Years of memories from a different Naruto, who lived in an entirely different universe. Most men would go insane from that", said Konohamaru.

"We're immune to insanity remember", said Brainiac.

"Naruto is immune, you...Well thats debateable",Said Konohamaru.

"Then we only add fuel to the fire that is my mind, I get to be even more insane. I fail to see any bad side here", said Brainiac.

Konohamaru sighed as he shook his head.

"Fine, try if you want, but I refuse to help if that Deep One does. I have the sufficient level of psionic power to do the process myself. But don't conjure anything we cannot handle", said Konohamaru.

"Oh don't worry about that. Once we are done I will have a real body to experiment with. Then all shall know why I Dr. Brainiac is a name to be feared", said Brainiac as he lifted his fist to the air overdramatically.

Konohamaru blinked. Though it was not for the slightly mad comment at the end of that sentence.

"You're not a doctor", said Konohamaru.

"And you're short", retorted Brainiac.

"I'll have you know that my Yithian body is a healthy eighteen feet tall", said Konohamaru.

"You apart of a race of time traveling body snatchers, I'll bet that isn't even your original body", said Brainiac.

"That's not the point", said Konohamaru.

"Oh I'm sorry I couldn't hear you over my science", said Brainiac.

Confused by the statement, Konohamaru looked to Brainiac to see he was writing mathematical formulas on a chalk board he got from...Somewhere.

"Where did that come from", asked Konohamaru.

"I don't know, but thats not important. Come Igor we have work to do. I will have a real body and become cyborg of great power.

Konohamaru sighed.

"Fine, just don't call me Igor", said Konohamaru.

"I make no promises", said Brainiac as he continued with his equations.

Naruto explored the tower in his search for Hinata. so far he had little luck. He was walking down a hallway when he seen the last person he wanted to see at the time. Gaara. Naruto tried to ignore him but Gaara smiled at Naruto, a psychotic look in his eyes. Naruto glared at Gaara and just walked past. He did not see the contorted face of anger on Gaaras face as he left.

"No, not now mother. Soon, very soon we will have his blood", said Gaara to himself.

"You know I can hear you. And did you just call a demon mother", asked Naruto.

Gaaras hateful eyes turned once more to Naruto.

"I will kill you and prove my existence", said Gaara.

Naruto shook his head.

"Gaara, it was Gaara right", asked Naruto.

Gaara gave a small nod though his glare remained.

"Anyway Gaara, trust me when I say that compared to what I have seen in my life, you are about as threatening as a newborn kitten. I mean no disrespect but I have stared into the faces of beings that would drive you mad.. Well for you..madder just by looking at them", said Naruto realizing Gaara was already quite mad, he didn't need the help of Great Old Ones or Outer Gods for that.

Gaara once again glared at Naruto. His sand shifting around him as his gaze intensified. Naruto looked at the sight with detached amusement. In truth Naruto realized Gaara was quite dangerous, but compared to what else was out there in the universe he was barely a blip, not even worth noting. Though he was still a danger, one that had to be dealt with quickly.

Gaara turned around and walked away. Naruto stood still for a second before he turned back around to find Hinata. To his relief he found her sitting at a table eating with her teammates. She blushed as soon as she saw him. And it only deepened as he walked to her.

"Excuse me Hinata-chan, but I was wondering if I could speak to you", said Naruto.

Kiba raised an eyebrow at the odd declaration. Shino looked stoic as ever. Hinata slowly got up telling her teammates sorry severa times before following Naruto. He has walked for a while before they made it to a small lobby. hey sat in chairs directally across from eachother.

"W-what d-din you w-want to talk about N-Naruto-kun", asked Hinata nervously.

Naruto leaned back in his chair as he tried to find the right worlds to say. He was not very good at conversations of this nature. After a moment he looked to Hinata.

"I don't know exactally how to say this so I might as well just come out and say it, I know you have a crush on me", said Naruto.

Naruto watched as she turned a red so bright she looked like she could have caught fire. She shrank into her jacket as much as she could. She was breathing heavily and nearly hyperventilating. Naruto was somewhat confused by her response but decided to continue.

"I have to say that while I am flattered Hinata-chan, I am afraid I don't share the same feelings as you", said Naruto trying to sound apologetic.

Hinata looked ready to cry. She went over thoughts of why she would never be a good match for Naruto, then he continued.

"I assure you that the fault does not fall on you. It has nothing to do with your personality nor appearance as you are in fact quite attractive, and a joy to be around. However growing up the way I did has retarded my emotional development. I understand that this is a character flaw of mine and can fully admit to it as a flaw. However that being said I would like to become friends with you", said Naruto as he smiled.

Hinata looked up. Truth be told her mind went black when Naruto called her attractive and a joy to be around. Then the other words of his sentence slowly began to sink in. She had known he grew up alone so it should have been no surprise that his people skills were somewhat lacking, or even nonexistent. She smiled. He at least wanted to be friends with her. Soshe could be around him, even if it was as just a friend she would be able to talk to him. Not trusting her voice she nodded. Naruto smiled. He was about to say something when he saw Sakura walk in with Sasuke behind her. He was about to wave when Sakura behaved strangely for a moment. She smirked, then she grabbed Sasuke's arm and covered his mouth. She literally dragged him out of the room. Naruto thought they were gone but he saw that Sakura was peering around the corner. After a moment Sasuke was as well. Perhaps it was just another human reaction others did that Naruto was not aware of. He ignored them and turned to Hinata.

"Glad to hear it. But Hinata-chan if you don't mind me asking, why do you have a crush on me. I have never been called handsome, or sexy as our female peers tend to call Sasuke from time to time. And I rarely interact with others. So what was it", asked Naruto.

Hinata breathes slowly trying to gather the courage to speak.

"I-it was t-the first d-day of the a-academy, y-you gave your i-introduction. M-Mizuki laughed at you. I-instead of b-backing down, y-you proved t-to him that you would f-follow y-your dream to b-be a n-ninja and a scholar. Y-you weren't a-afraid to speak y-your mind. That was w-when I started to a-admire you. O-over time it g-grew", said Hinata while looking at the floor.

Naruto nodded as he listened to the story.

"I see, Hinata you seem to have severe confidence issues. Enough so that you have latched on to me as a source of admiration. If you want I can try and help you with your confidence issues,I'd be glad to do it", said Naruto.

Hinata looked around for a minute before she nodded slowly. Naruto smiled.

"Well I'll be off. I'm going to begin some research into possible ways to help you with your nervousness, it has been a pleasure to speak with you Hinata", said Naruto.

Hinata smiled and gave Naruto a quick nod. Naruto stood up and gave a small bow as he then walked off. As soon as he got around the corner He was grabbed from behind. It was a second later that he saw Sakura holding him against a wall, Sasuke standing behind her.

"So how did it go", asked Sakura smiling.

Naruto raised an eyebrow in confusion before he realized what she meant. He thought of a way to reply.

"It went well. I am going to help her overcome her shyness and we will be friends", said Naruto.

Sakura's smile fell as her eyebrows shot up. She let go of Naruto. As he was back on the ground he was actually quite interested in her newfound strength the curse mark gave her.

"You mean, you didn't ask her out", asked Sakura.

Naruto brushed his clothing off after Sakura let go of him.

"No I told her that while I am flattered she has feelings for me I did not return those feeling in the same way. Then I asked if she would like to still be friends and she agreed", said Naruto.

Sakura was quiet for a second before she sighed.

"You are hopeless", said Sakura.

"I did tell you I am asexual and you should know my social skills leave much to be desired. This should not have surprised you", said Naruto.

Sakura only shook her head.

"Fine whatever, do what you want. Just don't hurt the poor girl", said Sakura.

Naruto was confused by the statement. Apparently Sakura noticed this and spoke.

"If she likes you, then even though she knows you don't like her the same way. That won't change the fact that she still likes you", said Sakura.

"Well then as I said to you once before relationships evolve naturally. We'll see where it goes. In any event I was going to go find some books. I still wish to help her with her shy nature and become more outgoing and confident", said Naruto.

"Yeah you do that", said Sakura.

Naruto nodded and walked down the hall, but he was stopped by Sasuke.

"Hey Naruto, can I ask you something"

Naruto nodded and patiently waited.

"How did you get the earth scroll while we were out", asked Sasuke.

Naruto put his hand to his chin as he debated the merits of talking about it. He came to his decision.

"It was Kurama, the nine tails. I used it's chakra, though Kurama took control of my body while I used the chakra", said Naruto.

Sasuke gave a nod. He was about to leave when he turned back around.

"Weird name for the fox, either way I'll catch you latter Naruto, I'm going to go train", said Sasuke.

Naruto nodded and left.

Back at the underground lab Brainiac and Konohamaru as well as several dozen clones were working on the ritual to summon a parellel universe version of Naruto. Brainiac cackled as he poured the black vomit that contained what he once believed to be proof that Naruto committed Auto cannibalism but turned out to be something different, much to his disappointment. He poured it into the center of the seal to act as a focus to be sure that they would get a parallel Naruto. He smiled.

"So how long until this circle seal thingy is done", asked Brainiac.

Konohamaru turned to Brainiac and sighed.

"Soon, we should be finished in a few hours, but aren't you supposed to be sending clones out to begin infiltrating and researching the technology found. And verify if that meteorite is a color or not", asked Konohamaru.

"I had a clone deal with that boring stuff, I get to do the exciting things. Like punching a hole in reality with science to become a real boy", said Brainiac smiling.

"Please be silent", said Konohamaru.

"I'm sorry I'm much to busy punching a hole in the multiverse to hear you", said Brainiac.

Konohamaru shook his head. He almost wished he was speaking to the Deep One. Almost.

Dreamlands to find the only one he knew of who had this particular cloth. He had put too much effort into his puppet for all that work to go to waste. He stood before Hastur the Unspeakable sitting in his form of the King in Yellow. To the Great Old Ones credit he gave no quarter and ignored the being before him.

"So at last the puppet aster reveals itself, I should have guessed only you would toy with mortals in such a manner", said Hastur.

The Shadowed man stepped forward. The whispers spoke in alien tongues as he held up a strip of Yellow silk. He burned the strip of silk in his hand as the whispers continued. Hastur listened closely. He did not move nor did he respond. Then the whispers became a shrill cry of psychotic anger, best described as the sound of chaos. Hastur only shifted his positions in his stone throne.

"I do not fear you, nor do I care of the child or your plans. I merely wish to keep my true nature. I am a benign being I care not for the schemes of others. However should you force your change on your kin as you are doing now then I will become a nuisance to you", said Hastur.

The whispers continued to speak in alien tongues. Hastur nodded.

"Then we are in agreement, you do what you wish and I shall not interfere so long as you allow me to keep my nature, the child is yours. But if I may ask what is your plans for the child", asked Hastur.

The alien tongues became silent for a moment. Then the a single string of words could be heard.

"I will have a history when all else ceases"

The words were spoken in the human tongue. Hastur pondered on the words for only a moment before he nodded.

"A foolish plan, and one that may not work, but one who's rewards are great. Be that as it may I will not interfere, consider this my promise as your kin that I will merely observe", said Hastur.

The Shadowed man. Lowered his arms before he faded through the wall of reality to return to his palace of chaos. Hastur did not move nor did he care. He would watch and he would wait to see if his plans would bear fruit. It was a bold plan even for him. But then his plans were always like that. What else could be expected from as humans would call it, his Uncle.