Hey Guys!

First off, my apologies for the long wait but thank you for coming back to my story. Needless to say life has kicked me in the butt but I made it through and I'm so glad to be back.

General Info for you: I'll be updating this story once a month. The next chapter will be out Wednesday next week and new chapters will update the third Wednesday of each month from now on.

Chapter 3 Teaser!

(Chapter 3 is still in its final stages, so you will see slight changes when the actual chapter is published.)

-Previous Chapter -

Hi, I'm Uzumaki Naruto, nice to meet you." Naruto stated politely with a genuine smile. The small boy was taken aback by the politeness and hesitantly shook his hand in greeting. He looked up at Itachi for approval and saw his older brother smile. Sasuke's face lit up and Itachi felt the tension finally leave his shoulders.

"I"m Uchiha Sasuke. Thank you for inviting me to spar today." The young Uchiha stated as he politely bowed to Naruto.

"No, the pleasure is all mine." Naruto stated with eloquence not that of his age and then bowed back. Itachi looked down at the two with pride and smiled to himself.

'I think this was a really good idea' Itachi thought to himself. Itachi walked away from the two young boys and started to make a circle in the forest floor with a kunai. When he finished he beckoned both of them into the circle and placed one on each side of him and then drew a slash in the ground at each of their feet.

"Ok you two, we are going to spar today. We will have multiple spars so pace yourselves. I think you will both learn something from this." Itachi stated and then took a step away from them both.

"The spare will end when one of you leaves this circle or I stop the match. Do you understand?" Itachi asked the small boys. They both nodded at him with understanding and then turned to face each other. They each adopted their stances and looked to Itachi once again. Itachi raised his hand into the air and paused.

"Hajime!" Itachi stated and swung his arm to the ground quickly and hopped out of the circle.

Chapter 3

Eggs and Oaths III

Both boys stood in anticipation neither immediately going on the offensive. Sasuke flexed his fist and Naruto adjusted his stance slightly in response. The younger Uchiha seeing saw the blonde's adjustment and jumped into action and charged at Naruto finally began the spare. Sasuke started with a series of quick jabs and tried to feel out his new opponent.

Naruto deflected each of the strikes with ease and precision but Itachi could tell that he was extremely tense. Sasuke couldn't believe that he hadn't landed a hit yet and decided to step up his assault. He tried to add more variation into his attacks and threw in some kicks as well to test his opponent's dexterity. Naruto was still able to easily block the new variety of strikes thrown at him even though his movements were still, at least to him, sluggish due to his inability to relax.

Sasuke was still unable to land a hit and intensified his assault in hopes of invading Naruto's persistent guard by mixing in power strikes with the plan of throwing the smaller blond boy off balance.

Naruto was going over Sasuke's movements in his head and realized that they were the same as Itachi's. Itachi's strikes though were harder and faster obviously because he was more experienced but it allowed Naruto to finally gain his bearings and relax into the spar. Naruto saw an opening as Sasuke adjusted his footing to get more power behind a kick. The blonde pupil waited until the last second projecting the trajectory of his partner's leg and then swiftly stepped into Sasuke's guard, caught Sasuke's wrist and with a fluid circle motion effortlessly guided the larger boys body using his own momentum. Sasuke wasn't ready for such a swift counter and was immediately swept up in the motion. Completely unable to resist Sasuke was thrown out of the circle and tumbled head over feet until he came to a stop at Itachi's feet.

Sasuke was in a bit of daze not believing that he'd lost so quickly and unexpectedly. He'd never lost a spar to someone around his age before even regularly defeating kids years older than him. The shock quickly faded and a pout took over his face. Itachi saw this and helped Sasuke to his feet and told him to get back into the ring. Naruto returned to his starting position as well and waited on Sasuke to reach his own. Sasuke was going over the previous bout in his head trying to make sense of his loss but something didn't make sense. He finally reached his starting spot and turned slowly to face Naruto once again. Sasuke got into his stance once more but Itachi could see that he was noticeably more stiff this time. Itachi walked to the center of the make shift ring and slowly raised his arm. He purposely waited and watched the two boys and smirked to himself when he could see them twitch with anticipation and then without warning swung his arm down. "Hajime" Itachi spoke calmly and instantly removed himself from the ring.

-Teaser End-

New Story Announcement

I'll be starting a new story as well. This will also be updating monthly. 1st Wednesday of each month, so the first chapter will be released on October 4th. This is my labor of love and one true brain child. My outline is extensive for this story already so there won't be any issue with keeping up with the updates.

New Story Teaser:

The Sage's Request

After Sasuke dies on the battlefield by the hand of Madara, Naruto teetering on the edge of her own demise is offered a plea from the sage himself. With the chance to save the lives of many, Naruto must bare the weight of her past mistakes and the agony of seeing those once lost right before her eyes once again. How will she cope in the place that offers her so much hope and yet such intense pain. Time travel, femNaruto, Smart/Serious Naruto, Pairing yet to be determined

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." ― Mother Teresa

Chapter 1: And Then There Was One

What had gone wrong? So much had gone right. Even with the massive loss of life, victory was right there before them. The last push, that remaining bit, the final rush, and just like that the tides not only turned, they heaved themselves upon the shore like a possessed tsunami and ripped from everyone the very essence of hope. That last vestige of strength that allowed them all to push so hard for so long disappeared like smoke wisps in the wind. The Kages had given their all but Obito's summons was too much for them. If the Third Hokage fell then all of them would be slaughtered. Naruto was dying. They had all seen it. The brief stop that Gaara made to pick up Sakura was more than enough proof of how dire her circumstances were and Sakura was already weak, but she was the only one that had even a semblance of chakra left to aid Naruto as she stumbled upon death's door. Why was everything falling apart? What could they possibly have done different?

There was only silence, everything stood still after the chokuto pierced through Sasuke's chest. His face the epitome of shock. His body slack and mouth unable to utter even a whisper to the man before him. Madara continued to talk but Sasuke could hear nothing. His superior eyes could see nothing. Only darkness was before him. No one to greet him, no one to save him, just him the Uchiha avenger alone just like he always wanted to be. So why now at this moment did he wish for someone, anyone, to be here by his side. Where was the person to save him? Why did it have to come to this for him to realize that he had been wrong all along.

Sakura desperately struggled to keep Naruto alive, every thump of the dying blonds heart was weaker than the one before it. Sakura only had so much chakra to give and no matter how hard she tried she knew she wouldn't have enough to save her friend. She didn't dare even think what would happen if Naruto too didn't pull through. Who would save them from this mad man? Who would protect them from his crazed plan? Fear and panic threatened to over take her but in her darkest hour only her training wouldn't allow for such a deadly slip in concentration. "I need to focus on Naruto. I have to save her." Sakura pleaded to herself as she held back death fully knowing that the Shinigami was not known for his patience.

Naruto awoke in a dark room, nothing like the battlefield that she remembered being struck down on. Had Kurama been captured? Had she failed in her mission? Cold water washed up onto her sides coaxing the young warrior to acknowledge it. Naruto planted her hands firmly to her sides and started to sit up before halting at the deep baritone voice that resonated throughout the dark catacomb.

"Rise child, there is no time to waste here. There is much to discuss." The voice penetrated the darkness as if it was the only life within it.

Naruto jolted at the sudden interruption and steadied herself on her feet in a ready stance. Before her was an old man, horns protruding from his spiky grey hair, long grey goatee trailing down the center of his white cloak and floating … wait, why was he floating. Naruto's head tilted softly to the side as she examined the black spheres circling beneath his body and the ripples they caused on the floor beneath him. Before she could form a question, Naruto's train of thought was abruptly cut off by the mystery man before her.

"I am Hagoromo Otsutsuki, you would know me as the Sage of the Six Paths." The elderly man"s commanding voice resonated with power and Naruto could only stare in awe at the legend in front of her. Naruto slowly opened her mouth to speak but was halted once more when the great sage raised his right hand slowly to halt her.

"As I said before, we are short on time, things have taken place that were not suppose to so I must move forward before this brief window of opportunity passes." The direness of the situation dripped from the sages every word. The softness of his voice not negating the importance of the current situation.

Naruto immediately straighten her posture before him and waited attentively for him to continue. The sage amusedly huffed at the quick change in the young kunoichi and hope twinkled in his eyes.

"Before I can explain your importance in these current events, I must explain how my actions in a time long before your own has brought this devastation upon us all." Pain dripped from each syllable as the Sage readied himself to explain his mistakes.

"My mother, Kaguya, was not of this world." He rose his hand quickly to stop Naruto's questions, shaking his head slightly before he continued. Naruto agitated but understanding resettled herself before the sage as he continued.

"My mother came here to harvest the fruit of the Divine Tree. You've seen the tree that I speak of?" The Sage paused and waited for confirmation. He saw the slight nod of Naruto's head before he continued.

"She ate the fruit born from the tree and gained the power to rule the lands. With this power, she struck down all that would oppose her. Through these actions people saw her one of two ways: as a Goddess to be worshipped and praised or as a demon to be feared and obeyed. After some time she gave birth to two sons, myself and my brother Hamura. My brother and I realized that the way our mother ruled was unjust and oppressive, so to atone for our mother's sins we fought along side the people she ruled so harshly to bring an end to her tyrannical reign."

Naruto could see the pain in his eyes and feel the guilt in that statement and wanted so badly to speak but instead listened even more intently.

"My mother was distraught when her own sons came before her and stated that she could no longer rule. In her distress from our betrayal, she combined with the Divine Tree itself in hopes of reclaiming the chakra that she had passed on to my brother and I." The Sage hesitated in his words before continuing once more.

"Sadly, my mother lost herself in the pain of our actions and the great beast, Juubi, took control and started to rampage. My brother and I were thankfully able to stop her and won the battle. I sealed the Juubi into myself and lived with the burden of holding it under control for the rest of my days." The Sage admitted morosely. "A small price for one who has committed such a gross betrayal." His last statement all but a whisper.

Naruto was enraptured by his story. She could feel every emotion as if it were her own and almost wanted to cry for him.

"I was fortunate enough to have two sons of my own, Indra and Asura. I wished for my boys to follow in my footsteps so I taught them Ninshu." The Sage halted shortly in his words as he saw the confusion in Naruto's face.

"Ninshu is more than just the use of chakra. It is a way of life that leads to the understanding of ones self and others in hopes of bringing forth an era of peace. The ninjutsu you use today is a tragedy that I should have foreseen. But in my optimism, I just knew that only good could come from this great power. To my ever living shame, I should have known better." The Sage lost in his own thoughts let the words linger in the air.

Naruto watched the emotions flash in his eyes before he refocused on her and began his tale once more.

"Indra was very much like me. He strongly inherited my genes and was a true prodigy. Asura was the exact opposite and had to work extremely hard to become proficient. He had to depend on others to bring about victory in battle and as such others relied on him. I saw in Asura something new, something that had eluded even myself because I too was strong enough not to need help from others. Asura had allies, a shared dependence between others, a true trust and understanding that brought about harmony. My Asura had truly been living the way of Ninshu. Seeing this new path, this true path in Asura I decided to entrust the teaching of Ninshu to him. Indra felt betrayed and couldn't accept that his brother's dependence on others was more valuable than his unbridled strength and intelligence. It was my actions that started this endless cycle of hatred. My actions that brought about endless war and suffering. My actions that have led us all down this terrible path so far away from the peace that I wished for. My sons continue their battle to this day through their reincarnations. You are the strongest reincarnation of Asura thus far. A link so strong that I was able to pull you here to me and hopefully help you. That is why I have brought you to this place. It was my intention to give you a portion of my power to help with your battle against Madara. Madara has fallen into Kaguya's path and must be stopped. I felt that between you and Sasuke that he could be stopped but unfortunately Sasuke died before I could reach him. There is only one chance available to us now. One option that has the potential to end Madara and bring forth peace. I wish to offer this opportunity to you Naruto but I first want to know what it is you fight for?" The Sage waited solemnly and searched Naruto with his aged eyes as he waited expectantly for her reply.

Naruto was struck by that question deep in her heart. She only ever fought for one thing. It was the only thing to her worth fighting for, so the answer was the only thing she'd ever known. "I want to protect my friends and loved ones" It was stated resolutely but quietly with an intensity that even the Sage could feel.

Hagaromo smiled to himself and beckoned Naruto to come towards him. The area began to glow an intense red. A red that Naruto immediately recognized. The Sage halted Naruto's comment once again and closed his eyes and concentrated. One by one the bijuus entered the isolated room starting with the one tails and as the red dimmed and finally disappeared all together Kurama appeared before them. Naruto couldn't help but smile at her giant comrades and waited for the Sage to once again speak.

"Naruto, my child, I have decided to give to you what I never thought I would ever give. As Asura's reincarnation you have a predisposition to yang chakra, its what your body is accustomed to and what I wished to strengthen today. But with the loss of Sasuke, my mind has been made up. Instead of sending you back into battle, I'm going to send you back in time. In order to do that I have to gift you both my yin and yang chakra. Its the only way to make that journey safely. Naruto do you wish to save your precious people? Do you wish to sacrifice all that you know to save them from Madara?"

"Yes." It was spoken with such force that no one could ever question her resolve. The Sage softly nodded his head and glanced at each of his children before stopping on Naruto.

"You will no longer be the Naruto you know today. You truly are the child of prophecy. You going back in time will not strip that from you. Naruto Uzumaki of wherever you happen to land will not be the person I seek. I will seek out you and only you. I leave the path up to you. I have faith in your decisions. Know that my chakra will resonate in you, it will become a part of you. You must seek out these changes and master them. Once everything is settled you will have a chakra that is truly unique. You will have to seek out your own path to learn and control your new power. I give you my hope and once I have gained back my strength, I will seek you out once more. You have a chance to change all that has befallen so many. Each of my children has left a part of themselves with you and Kurama will for the first time in your lifetime be whole. You have much to adjust too and they will help you where they can. Their powers are in you but their knowledge is not. Seek out their aid and master all that you now hold. I'm not sending you back to preserve the time line. I'm sending you back to save people and defeat Madara. It is up to you to decide what path you take. Know that you can take council with my children. They will help guide you. Please raise your palms to me."

Naruto slowly raised her palms to the sage and then everything went black. Her mind was cloudy and her body ached all over. Every part pulsing with power she'd never known. She attempted to sit up but the pain overwhelmed her and she remained on the hard surface of whatever place this was. She finally opened her eyes and the dark room wasn't a place that she recognized. Dirty cement floors, molded stone walls, water pooling in sections of the floor further away from her. An unnaturally cold draft sweeping across the room. The young woman shivered harshly and the pain of involuntary movement shot through her muscles.

"Kurama are you there? Do you know where we are?" Naruto sighed when she was left with nothing but silence. She slowly rolled onto her stomach. Clenching her teeth with every minute movement. She managed to crawl onto her hands and knees and used the wall to stand shakily on her legs. She climbed the crates on the far wall for what felt like forever and finally pulled herself out of the window of the barren room. The relentless winter air assaulted her every sense but the blond trudged on slowly. She stuck to the shadows away from prying eyes and finally "found" some clothing to cover herself with. She wrapped her feet in an old shirt and her body in a tattered blanket. She wondered around Konoha's many alleys taking in the village that had been completely lost to her. Staring at the faces of people she didn't know, listened to the voices she could not recognize, breathed the air filled with scents that she hadn't smelt in years. The emotional dam within her quickly filled to capacity and it took everything she had not to break down and cry in the alley of a street she could no longer identify.

She was truly back. This was really Konoha. She really did have a chance to save her home and the people that she loved so dearly. The people that she had failed so completely. Naruto walked past a broken full length mirror propped against a wall in the alley and abruptly halted her steps. She scanned the foreign face in the cracked glass and slowly traced her whiskered cheeks. The foreign body of an infant did the same in the mirror before her. She reached out and hesitantly touched the small girl's likeness and could do nothing as her mind shut down at the realization. She was a child, not even a child, she was a toddler. Her eyes took in her head of matted, filthy brown hair, incredibly short stature, rounded face, emaciated cheeks, and the hauntingly blue eyes of a woman that had seen too much too soon. Those were not the eyes of a child and she had no idea how she was going to get away with having them.

Naruto breathed in deeply and decided it was more important to find out what the date was before making any sort of plans. She followed her ears to the market and stayed in the shadows. She found a newspaper and gawked at the heading. She wasn't even two. Her birthday was still months away. There was much planning that needed to be done but she wanted to make sure that she was completely undisturbed, so she stole some food and extra clothing and disappeared into the forest of death. It took her almost an entire day but she finally made it to the central tower and took up residence there until she could pull a plan together.

-Teaser End-

Hit me up in the comments and let me know what you guys think about the teasers!

I'm so glad to be back :)