A/N: Before I start, I just want to say one thing:

Please don't kill me.

I know I said that my interest in continuing Beyond the boundaries had gone, but now… after a lot of thinking and inspirations later, I finally decided to take the pen up to write and give this another shot. This will go into a deeper flow, and will make more sense than the first version. Things will change much, though nothing that won't be too hard to notice. I am posting this as Beyond the boundaries V2 because it would be a bother to replace the previous work (Read: Lazy) and readers will not get confused with it.

So, to cut things short, please enjoy and don't kill me… yet at least. I have decided to give this another shot, let's see how this will turn out. Oh, this story will contain OOCness so you have been warned, OOCness and OCs. There you go.

Anyway, let's proceed.

Naruto Uzumaki groaned as he did his paperwork inside his office. Who would have thought that it was so tiring? The blonde haired man with the whisker marks on his cheeks leaned back in his chair and stretched both of his arms above his head. Looking outside the window, he could easily tell that it is about evening already. The rest of his days will be a tiring one even without paperwork. He had just briefed a gennin team with their assignment. A simple C-ranked mission, nothing too hard on the rookies.

A faint smile donned his face as a wave of nostalgia hits him right at the core of his head. He remembered who he was. The short tempered boy who wants nothing but to prove himself to the world. The boy who holds such innocence as much to be considered naïve. He wondered… is he still that little naïve boy today? His smile grew softer, knowing the answer. No. He is far from innocent. The blonde man shifts his head to the right, where he is greeted by the sight of his own picture hanged on the wall. It was taken three days after he became Hokage and he never thought that he was so tall…

It has been six years. Six, long and eventful years after the Fourth Great Shinobi War. It is still a wonder to him on how all the people in the world could survive, even with the power of a man who was considered God by his side. After the way, everything changed. There is no I. There is no longer Nations. There is no longer war. Everything has changed, be it for the better or worse. But for him… it's none. This state that he is, this transient atmosphere that constantly accompanies him, is far from peace.

This is not peace. At least not the peace that he had desired. The peace that he had desired was one with his mentor, with his fellow subordinate. The peace that rivals and rules among all peace. The peace of never ending peace. That is the peace he was searching for. Even he knew that this peace that he has having right now is nothing but a dream. It is not a dream, but think of it as a state of awareness. Like a state where someone experience before being awaken from sleep.

Oh, but it is far from a lie. This peace is merely the result of his hard work. Even so, it is not the peace he was searching for. It is not the peace that he promised to his mentor and comrades. The war was cruel. Thousands of lives was claimed, thousands were lost in the cost of finding his ideals. Every single night it came to haunt him. Was it all worth it? All of the deaths, all of the pain, and all of the lost? Was it all worth it to be resulted with something that is far from what it is that he wants?

The answer is still unknown to him. Because he is not the person to be answering that question.

"Hokage-sama, a person has come to talk to you." Hearing his name being called from the other side of the door would be the last thing he expected to happen today. Regardless, he could not keep a guest enter.

"Send them in." the door swings open slowly, not a single sound was made during this process. The blue eyes of the Fire Shadow rose significantly, showing his silent surprise. The figure on the door is a woman, a woman that he had never seen before in his entire life. From the way she dress, he could already tell that she is not from around here. Or this continent for that matter. She must be from a place outside of the Elemental Nations. The woman before him gave a silent but polite and curt bow, tipping her form slightly so that he could see her form of greeting. She stepped forward, stepping into the ray of light that shines and shows her face.

"Please to meet you, Rokudaime Hokage of Konoha, Uzumaki Naruto-dono." Her voice is calm and formal and so does her tone. He could tell that it was not from practice, but from experience. The twin yellow orbs that the woman possess glimmers in delight upon seeing his reaction. Which is nothing. She allowed herself to smile in his presence, something that he does not mind in the slightest. "I am Yakumo Ran, an overseer to a place far away from this land. I have come with the intention to benefit both of us."

A silent reply from the Hokage caused her to elaborate further. She resumes her speech. "It has come to my knowledge that there are foreign lands existing outside of my own. And I am sure that you are new to this too. I have come here to formally request an opening of diplomatic relations between our two continents." She paused. "Also, I am allowed to negotiate with economic treaties between us."

"Then what of your continent?" Ran froze. She was not expecting such strong, firm and cold ruling voice from the man. "It would be an inconvenience for the both of us if I do not know the name of your country, no?"

There was a hint of embarrassment on her face. "Gensokyo." She said. "I am here on the behalf of my homeland Gensokyo." Gensokyo…? A rather unique name for a country. The idea itself was brought upon by her master, Yakumo Yukari. She said that there was no need to hide their true identity to their potential allies. Many objected, including one Kamishirasawa Keine, regarding the matter, most says that it would surely be danger in showing the true name of their home. But her master managed to reason, finalizing the decision.

"I see." The blonde haired Hokage nodded. "It certainly would not be a problem for us to discuss such matters soon, especially if my guest has come to a place far away from her home. You will be provided with the living accommodation here for as long as necessary. However, if you would like, we could consider on starting the discussion on the matter starting tomorrow. I am sure that whatever circumstances there is, it would be best if it were your leader who discusses the matter with me instead."

"Yes, most definitely so." she nodded, feeling a little bit relieved. Her master is the one suited for this task, not only will it give her and the Hokage a direct form of communication, it would safe her the trouble of teleporting here and back into Gensokyo.

The Hokage opened his many drawers, pulling out a small scroll, smaller than the ones he have on display on his desk. "In any case, this is a proper invitation to your leader. Whoever he or she might be, please send her my regards. I will be waiting along with my council in order to discuss about our… matters."

Ran nodded. "Thank you very much." She did a formal bow, showing gratitude. "By your leave?"

The sixth Hokage nodded. "My secretary will make the arrangements as to your stay with you. She will be showing you a tour of the village if you want." The youngest Hokage smiled. "I hope that you will enjoy your stay here Konoha."

Naruto sighed in a tired and exhausted manner. "Tell me, how is she Sasuke?" the Rokudaime sighed out as he calls for his personal guard who is hidden within the many shadows available inside the room. A figure, wearing all black with a little bit of white, emerged from the darkest corner of the room with arms crossed.

"The well-practiced formalities and overly attentiveness of your position… she's different." The dark haired and masked individual drawled out emotionlessly. "She's anything if not suspicious. I'll have my men keep a close eye on her." that was not a suggestion on Sasuke's part. It is his job after all, as the second in command within Konoha's military force. The first in command is obviously the Hokage, and he is the ANBU captain, making him the second one siting in the chain of command.

"You do that, you do that." Naruto stretched his hands upwards, closing his eyes as he felt his neck popping in relief. He then stands on his feet, taking his time to view and satisfy his evening with the sight of his village. "I'm going to go home early, tell me if something is up." He was about to leave, until…

"Aren't you supposed to have these papers signed by today?"

"Urk… just… god damned you bastard."

Sasuke was glad that he didn't end up being the Hokage.

"Hn, just make sure that you finish them." The raven haired prodigy stated. With his arms crossed, he turned his head towards the direction of the window, taking in the view that Naruto was looking at earlier. A sense of regret hit him, just like it always does. "I'm your assistant after all, one of my job is to make sure that you're doing what you're supposed to do." A suitable reasoning from the Uchiha.

"Urgh…" Naruto slump his head down to his table. Hard. The old slab of hardwood that is the table did not even react in the slightest. The thing's hard as steel… "And you are a shinobi under my command." The blonde Hokage brought his head up, giving Sasuke a 'U MAD' expression as he countered. "Can't do anything about that can't you!" the supposedly Hokage of the leaf village childishly point his finger at his black haired counterpart. No, the last thing he wanted to do is to call Sasuke his counterpart. In fact, there is more similarity in them than one could've guess.

The ANBU commander shook his head in an almost disappointed manner. "You beat Kaguya, saved an entire nation from doom and you beat me. Yet you still act like you did when you're twelve…" the Uchiha started to list accomplishments that the boy has done. "You don't know how pained I am to have someone like you as a superior. Officially."

Rolling his eyes, Naruto did not retort to his ex-teammate's statement. Instead, he sit upright and began to reach for his right eye. He blinked three times, before reaching for the eyeball with two fingers, he pulled out what seems to be a contact lens with the same eye color as his blue eyes, along with the white of his eyes. It's rare for somebody to have a contact lens as such. Yet he has it, meaning that he is not just 'somebody'. He is a 'someone', the Hokage of the leaf village.

Sasuke looked at the blonde curiously. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing, just itching again… ever since we decided to do that I've been having problems seeing." The blonde answered, still doing whatever it is that he's doing. He pulled out an eye drop from one of his many pockets, applying it to his eye.

"We agreed to it after all, dobe. It's only you who has problems… ever since we did that, I can't control my own chakra whenever I'm training. At least you don't bleed from your eye." the Uchiha raised his voice, not intending to accept what the blonde previously said. If one were to see closer, his right eye is a transplant, a replacement. The only way for him to be able to use it is to apply chakra onto it. His left eye changed color, showing a purple eye with rings and 6 commas in it. He removed the contact lens on his right eye, revealing them to be blue. Where else could he get a transplant other than the one who agreed to do it with him?

"I bled from my eye too you bastard." Naruto countered distastefully. "It's just like you have said. We agreed to it. You gave me your eye, I gave you my chakra. We're like two blessed lambs with similar hooves." The blonde shrugged, blinking, trying to get the solution in his eye running. When the contact is removed, his right eye is revealed to be red, instead of purple like Sasuke, with strange ripple like pattern and commas on them, just like the one that Sasuke has with him. Naruto threw the contact lens away, a grim expression on his face. "I am not going to wear that thing, it's uncomfortable. I rather pull of a Kakashi-sensei other than using that blasted thing…"

"Hn, then I better remove the twenty three suppression seals that I have with me," it was truly terrifying to see the Uchiha using sarcasm. He did what he wants, he removed the suppression seal. He could feel his entire body becoming lighter, his chakra pathways flowing smoother than before. "Hn… that's much better."

Seconds later, the two was greeted by the barging of the doors. A woman, dressed in a formal manner, her hair as black as night, a rather… young feature, her short stature supports that previous claim, an urgent expression on her face, and don't forget the stack of papers she's carrying. "W-W-What was that!? I felt a massive burst of chakra, so massive that I felt it from outside the village!" she shouted, almost demandingly. Almost because she'll demand in a second. "WHAT WAS THAT?!" There we go.

The two male was not even shocked that someone has just barged into the Hokage's office. It's obvious because the two men know who this person is. The first one to react out of the two male is the blonde Hokage, who waved his hand dismissingly at the petite woman. "Nothing's wrong Kotori-chan, just the bastard here taking off his entire suppression seal." He revealed like it was nothing. It is something. Something important.

The now identified as Kotori shrieked in terror. Nothing came out good when these two 'figures' are involved. Well she might have exaggerated that. Mainly because she is the only one who is left to clean up after the mess that these two made. She slammed her tiny fist on the table, shaking it. Surprising, since the one who did it is a person as small as her. "Hokage-sama, Uchiha-dono, please show some restrain with your abilities! I'm sure the Kazekage himself felt that uncharacteristic burst of chakra just now!"

eIt was then Sasuke's turn to reply. He subtly shrugged both shoulders, turning his face to the wall, not wanting to face Kotori. "Hn. If half of the dobe's chakra managed to get the Kazekage's attention, you should've been there when he contains all of it…"

"Mah, mah… no need to let Kotori-chan in on the past Sasu-teme," Naruto waved his hand almost trademarkly at the Uchiha. In all seriousness, he really don't want anyone to know what he could do with all of his chakra. He was nearly fined when he destroy a landscape in Iwa. Damned leeches… "Sasu-teme was just trying something out, no need to be so hard on him." his manner of speech caused the last Uchiha to twitch in annoyance.

"Still! You could have done that someplace else! I was sure that the village is on lockdown right now!"

"That, you can blame him." the Hokage snickered as he pointed at Sasuke. Seeing the bastard getting chewed off by Kotori is always a blessing.

"Hn." The Uchiha rolled his heterochromic eyes. "Nothing happened. And besides, they can't lock the village down with the dobe's or my permission." True. Being second in command means that his opinion matters in rough situations. Naruto had personally told him that he has all rights when it comes to the decision making, but he rightfully decline. Of course, much to the blonde's dejection. Sasuke made a ripple appear in the air, he then shoved his hand inside, grabbing something of an interest. The item was soon revealed to be a white porcelain mask with the visage of a fox printed on it. He placed the mask on his face, completely covering it.

"I'm going to go and do what we agreed on." He is no doubt talking about Ran. He opened the window, sliding it and placing his foot on the edge before jumping out, landing on a nearby roof and jumping to the next. Soon his figure is gone, just like any other ANBU out there, Sasuke is skilled.

"Use the fucking door teme!" Naruto shouted at the fleeing ANBU, but his statement falls on deaf ears. The Uzumaki sighed, wondering if this job had been eating away his age bit by bit. "Is it too early for me to be saying that I'm too old for this shit?" he asked his second assistant, hopefully. As expected, all he got was a huff and the crossing of arms. She's still mad at him, great. When he decided to talk, things got serious. "So how is our newest guest?"

Kotori did not need to take another second to reply. "If you're thinking of doing what it is that I'm thinking you'll do, I'm afraid that I must disagree on that." She said smoothly. Naruto has to admit, he can't hide anything from this girl. "Hokage-sama, spying on an ambassador for a foreign continent would be the last thing we want. I know that Uchiha-dono's men are skilled to not get caught, but it's just uncustomary."

She gave him a valid argument. Naruto sighed and stretched his arms upwards before returning them to the table's surface. "I know you would say that… but I can't just leave a matter like this unattended. It's just too… sudden." Kotori kept silent in understanding. "It's too sudden no matter how you see it. We know that there are other continents out there, one that has different culture than ours, but Ran Yakumo did not look like she came from some continent that I know of."

True. He had done a number of travelling in his younger days. The Crescent Moon kingdom, the place where Temujin hailed from… these is strange lands. But they had the same thing in common, war. He don't know where Ran came from, she said that she will tell her master of the invitation that he gave her. He just hope that things will go smoothly, if he were to speak with whoever it is that is interested in creating this 'beneficial' relationship.

"Indeed…" the female secretary nodded, somewhat agreeing with her Hokage. "But it would not hurt to speak more about this matter with your shinobi council." Naruto definitely noticed the emphasizing of the word 'shinobi'. She wants him to discuss this matter with the shinobi council instead of his civilians… that is a good idea.

The Hokage nodded, taking up her suggestion. "Hm… okay then. Kotori, summon the council for me in the next one hour." He stood from his seat, popping his neck as he did so. "I'll need to see my favorite girl." A sly bright grin appeared on his face.

The young secretary smiled. "Hai, hai… you go and pick her up. And remember, don't overfeed her ramen." That last of statement came out as a joke instead of a warning. It is no secret that the Rokudaime Hokage of the leaf is addicted to ramen. After all, he did declared that everyone should at least consume ramen once in a week at time he was revered as Hokage.

The grin did not disappear from his face. "Heh, knowing who she is related to, that's impossible." He winked to the secretary, emitting a small blush from her. "I'll see you in an hour Kotori-chan." He pulled out a three pronged kunai, and then he disappeared in an orange flash, leaving the woman alone in the room.

.

.

.

"Wait! Who's going to do all of this paperwork!?"

Thank God for Hiraishin…

"Thank you for going through all the troubles of showing me around the village, Kotori-san." The blonde haired Ran Yakumo bowed in gratitude at the woman in front of her. She really is grateful. Doing sightseeing around the village has certainly made her even more aware of the people living her. Her personal opinions aside, she can already tell that these people here are not like normal people.

She has seen what the people called Shinobis. In fact, she knows that she was being followed by some a moment ago. Now, she can still feel them, but they are hiding their presence rather well. The woman in front of her nodded, smiling. "It was my pleasure, Yakumo-san. It is also my job after all." She explained. "If there is anything that you wish to consult with, please don't hesitate to search for me in the tower."

"Yes, of course."

The door to her temporary living place was closed. As soon as it was closed, Ran released a heavy sigh. Her tour was brief, almost over in an instant. The secretary only showed her some of the most noticeable and important place and landmarks in the village. There is the village's academy, where children learn and are prepared for their shinobi life. Her personal thoughts aside, the thought of having children being trained to fight and battle is not something she would find appropriate. Especially, since they are humans.

Next are some of the training grounds. They are places where shinobi could train and practice, there is also a personal training ground used by the Hokage himself, but sadly, she was only informed about it. There are more than just the ones that she was shown, she was only shown three of them. The thought of knowing that there is a place where these shinobis could train privately impressed her.

But now is not the time to be impressed any longer. She needs to do her task. Ran stepped away from the door, before making sure that she locked it. She closed the window folds, keeping her from prying eyes. She raised her hand to a chest's level, lifting only her middle and pointer finger while folding the others.

Wordlessly, a tear of seam appeared on the air in front of her, seemingly out of nowhere. It opened fully, revealing a dark, void and deep space filled with nothing but eyes. Ran sighed, feeling relieved that she had done her second part of her task. She lowered her hand, preparing herself to do her third part of her task. And that is…

To report back to her master.

It was all too familiar for her. The sound of the gentle summer wind, the slight nick of air shifting through the vents and window… she felt it all. Supposedly, she is able to see. Supposedly. But she can't. It's because she is blind. She can't see the world, at least not anymore. Even more, her memories when her eyes are functioning weren't that memorable after all, she can't recall it.

She was very young when she was still able to see. A few years give or take. She is now ten, an age where she will soon step into her teenage years. Though she knows that she won't have the same style of experience like the other teenagers and kids out there, she is blind after all. But the thought never disturbs her. She is sad, yes, but no longer so.

She always finds a blessing in everything. There are blessings in grief, there are blessings in pain, and there are most certainly blessings in happiness. She was taught to smile even when time is hard. People thought that time has always been rough on her, but truthfully, it hasn't. She finds her current condition to be misfortunate, but she never wallows in her misfortune. Instead, she always thinks that there is bright side to it.

Perhaps it is those kinds of thoughts that have supported and made her strong until today. Of course, it is not only optimism that has supported her. There are her friends and her father.

"How are you, Kohana?"

Her head rose at the mentioning of her name. She knows that voice all too well. Too well. She reached her hand, doing what other blind people would do when they are trying to check something out. Her hands then felt a familiar frame, a frame of a face. She could feel the sharp outline and sturdy chin, the soft yet rigid hair with bangs overflowing from the sides. She can feel the familiar outline of nose, even mouth.

A small smile painted her face, her pale blue eyes glinted beneath the mist of blindness. "I'm fine, Otou-sama." She replied with a calm voice, yet it holds a serene emotion within it.

She could feel her father's smile turning into a small frown. She giggled, knowing the reason for her father's change of expression. "Hehe… I'm sorry, it's just so funny knowing what kind of face that you'll make… daddy."

The smile that she felt earlier reappeared on her father's face. She felt a pair of warm hands embracing her, folding and hugging her by the neck. She was buried into her father's shoulders, making her feel the warm embrace given to her by the man. She could hear him sigh, almost all too comfortable.

"Haah… hey, are you sure that you don't want to see?" he asked her. This is a question that is she is familiar with. Why? Because this question was asked to her many times, not just by her father. Her father could give her a new pair of eyes, and she would be able to see again. But, she refuses.

"No… I'm fine like this." She answered, replying to her father's question. Again, she returned the ever so familiar question with an ever so familiar answer.

She let go of her father's face and hug, returning and resting her back on the bed's headboard. She didn't need to see to know the frown that is now present on her father's face. It was always like this. Whenever her father would ask her this question, he would always make the same face. Again, she does not need to see to know what kind of face her dad was making.

"Okay… but remember, just say it and you will see in no time, okay?" her father's cheerful side seeped off, something that he is known greatly for.

She giggled, nodding her head at the same time. "Yes, I will daddy."

If she could see, she would see the lone tear that slipped down her father's eye. He made an effort to wipe it, but more came out. Still, he managed to keep his smile. Because he promised her that he will always smile even if she can't see him doing so. One more time, he embraced his daughter into a soft yet powerful hug, careful on not hurting her.

"Daddy loves you and daddy will always be there for you." She knew this. "Daddy will get stronger and stronger each day so that he could protect you even more. " She knew this too. "Daddy won't give up even it if means getting my entire body crushed in order to see you." She knew this too. "And… daddy will become a better father for you." She knew this too.

"I know, I know, I know and I know." She replied to his promises softly, uttering it just like a whisper. "I know you love me and that you will always be there for me. I know that you will get stronger to protect me, I know that you won't give up even if it means getting your entire body crushed, and I know that you'll become an even better father than what you are now."

She hugs the man in front of her tighter. "I love you too daddy." She hugs even tighter, tighter than before. "I love you so much, and I love mom too…"

The mentioning of 'mom' brought a sad pang of both guilt and sorrow into the man's heart. He stood under his daughter's embrace wordlessly, not saying anything. As a father, it is painful to see your daughter in such conditions. But it is even more painful to know that you will be raising your child on your own. A child who lost their mother is the same as losing ninety percent of the source of their love.

That is why he is acting as both a father and mother for his daughter. It is hard. He has to admit it, is hard. It is even harder than saving the world from destruction. It's a responsibility that he will keep on doing and develop, even if times are hard and he is in doubt, it only takes the face of his daughter to keep him on the right track.

They say children are the perfect example of purity. But he knew that it is wrong. Children, no matter how innocent and good they are, are tainted by their father's sin. It is an inheritance that no men can break. He has no power to break that cycle, he has no authority. If he could, then he is no human.

If he could, then, he is God.

But, he is not God. So there is nothing he can do except to find an alternative to this condition. He once believed that life is broad, while it is indeed broad, it is also distant. If a bird were to fly so high up in the sky, it will die. And if a fish were to swim in a pond that is so small, it will die too. That is why there is this line, border, boundary in between them that makes all things perfect as it seems, that makes things good within people's eyes…

Whatever that thing is, he never knows. Probably he isn't even worthy to know.

He released his daughter from the hug, a content smile pasted on his face. He leaned down to plant a soft and warm kiss on her forehead. He leaned backwards, drawing space between him and his daughter. "I'm going to make dinner, what would you like?"

His daughter gave him a grin identical to his usual one. "Do you even have to ask?"

He returned her grin with his own. "Then Ramen it is."

"Yukari-sama, I have returned."

Inside a dark and poorly lit room, stood two women of similar height. One of them is dressed in a purple dress with short frilled sleeves, a long skirt that reached down to her ankles, and a beautiful golden hair tied to a single bun. She also wears a pink puffy hat, the color of her eyes are deep purple, increasing the exoticness this woman is giving off.

Her delicate, long and slim fingers traced upon the window in front of her. She felt the cold and smooth sensation of glass underneath her touch. It's raining in Gensokyo. And when it rains, it rains for days. Still, it is nothing worth worrying about. She retracted her fingers and hand from the glass surface, turning her attention at the other woman.

Her purple eyes blinked, taking in the fact that her servant has returned in an earlier time than expected. Her servant approached her, her steps slow and polite. Then she handed her a sealed scroll. Upon further analysis, there is a red stamp marked on the troll. It has the symbol of fire, signifying that it came directly from the Hokage himself.

The woman, Yukari Yakumo, nonchalantly opens the scroll, tearing off the seal. She then unveils the scroll, taking her time to read it. As she read the scroll, her eyes scanning from paragraph to paragraph, words to words… a small smirk made its way onto her face, changing her expression from calm to diabolic.

Though she has no diabolical thoughts, she has to admit that she is indeed impressed with this Hokage person. She then proceeded to roll the scroll close, placing it inside her person. With a dart of an eye at her servant, she spoke, "Ran, prepare the council."

"Yes Yukari-sama."

It's a new age for Gensokyo… whatever outcomes it might shows, be it good or bad, it is interesting.

A/N: So that's it. Leave a suggestion in the comments and don't flame. Actually, you can but I'll ignore it.

See you and have a good day/night!