So this story has blown up. Way past my expectations. To everyone who has reviewed Stonepotrice, Cj, Tristan101, Guest, Follower, RikudoNaruto1, The Doom Slayer 94, and Filbam just to name a few, thank you very much, any criticism and support is taken full heartedly. I didn't think I'd be able to get this story past a few thousand words, but here we are nearing the 20k mark and I am still just starting with all the idea's I want to get across. One common question I want to answer is that this story will indeed tie in with the Marvel Universe, however while a big fan of the comics, I feel that the MCU verses the regular comic book universe, the movies are the best way to get this story across with the intentions I have in mind. In order for Thanos as a character to be more relatable and more compelling the MCU one fits better. Elements and characters from the comics will appear, but not as fiercely as some of you might hope. Sorry.

Anywho, this has take so long to do because I'm addicted to streaming games on Twitch and I love video games.

Sorry this took so long but I prefer quality over quantity.

"Your flames of youth burn brightly Naruto-san!" Gai gestured at Naruto's outfit from across the field of training ground 3.

The redhead cursed under his breath as the crowd continued to grow. Did that blasted Chunin really have to tell everyone?

Naruto had been one foot outside of the Hokage tower, having told Hiruzen of the strange vision, when he was assaulted by a familiar wall of green.

"What is it this time Gai?"

"Naruto-san. I believe I have come up with a style that could greatly benefit you!"

Oh. Taijutsu testing.

It had seemed interesting at the time.

"Really now? What's it going to cost me"

Gai knew Naruto would do anything now to secure the style. While an eccentric individual (as most shinobi are), Gai still knew his shit. When the man said he had something good for you, odds are it succeeded that and was fantastic.

"A spar my youthful friend!"

Gai stuck his hand out.

Izumo had heard all of that and had stepped out behind Naruto to see the both of them shaking hands, agreeing to the fight.

The green beast of Konoha against the Titan? This wouldn't be something one could miss so easily.

While Gai and Naruto trained and experimented different fighting styles with one another every now and then, it was never a full on duel. Less than that, not many people had the privilege of seeing two Shinobi at the peak of their physical conditioning go hand to hand with one another. Kakashi, Hiruzen, Jiraiya and a few council members at most.

So of course a lot of people had shown up once the word got around.

Silver gravity defying hair told Naruto that Kakashi, the Uchiha brats and Pinkie were here. While he couldn't see him, he just knew that Itachi was here as well.

"Hokage-sama?!" a few people called out surprised.

"...you have to be fucking kidding me"

The crowd was already building to forty plus people, with more slowly showing up. Quite a few of the Genin teams were already here, some Chunin teams were approaching, and by now Danzo definitely had someone watching.

Indeed though, the Sandaime was present, walking through a gap created by the people of the crowd.

"Naruto, Gai" the Sandaime approached them, "you wouldn't have a problem with an old man such as myself being the proctor for your 'little' spar?"

The redhead grit his teeth even as Gai enthusiastically agreed, letting whispers run between the Genin and some Chunin. The Jounin and more professional ninjas judged this silently.

Naruto knew what this could mean.

A field promotion. Something only the Hokage could give at times of peace, and almost any Jounin could at times of war.

Naruto saw the little twinkle in Hiruzen's eye, the small curve of a smile, and he let loose another torrent of swears silently.

"Naruto-san!" the Green beast grinned towards him, a thumb ups and a smile, classic Gai.

"Gai" Naruto nodded back, uncrossing his arms and slowly beginning to walk towards him.

"May the best man win!" a female Shinobi called out, getting a few stares and some glares directed towards her. The blonde girl blushed and vanished back into her team.

Asuma. Interesting.

The redhead twitched in agitation, and he knew that a large majority of the Shinobi present would all judge said reaction.

But let them think what they want. Those words would hold a certain weight. Callous statements of inclusion or similarity deluded most into the lie that was the orphan boy Naruto. With a cold disposition towards himself, Naruto knew what exactly he had been deprived of during his childhood, but at the same time having that knowledge, the validation of where he came from.

He wouldn't trade that for the world.

Why?

Because Naruto knew the truth, and only a handful of others could possibly comprehend what he truly was, and what his existence meant.

'I am no man'

"Hajime!" Hiruzen barked, and Gai launched at Naruto.

A flurry of fists rolled forward like thunder and lightning. Naruto felt his retaliatory punch brush by skin and green spandex.

Gai's foot connected with the side of his head in the next split second, momentarily displacing the redhead.

"...what?" Naruto tilted his head back to look at Gai slowly, who had cleared the distance between them very quickly.

"My youthful friend… you did not think that I would rely on the same techniques as last time! In the springtime of my youth I was known as the Unpredictable Green beast for a reason!"

Typically, Gai had a certain 'method' when tackling his opponents.

Fake, fake, destroy.

Relatively simple. Go at the opponent with a fake, making them wary of any opening moves. Secondly, follow up with an underpowered attack, something that the opponent would be able to block relatively easily.

Then to end it, an all out strike.

This strategy would work on about 9/10 of the average Jounin, and even those on the borderline to full S-Rank status. Thing is though, when you're a dense son of a giant purple alien (even though Gai doesn't know this), it isn't much when your 'finishing' strike is just a glancing blow.

But that hit had hurt.

There was some significant force behind the hit and Naruto had no idea what the cause behind it was.

Several Uchiha that were present had their eyes focused on the Green Beast of Konoha.

Black had bled into red before the fight had begun.

They must have noticed the abnormality as well then.

"Fine then" Naruto cracked his knuckles and strode towards Gai, "I'll beat the answer out of you"

One second he was standing a few feet away, the next second Gai was in the air, a bit of blood spat from his mouth.

Many gave disapproving stares at Naruto, while the Hokage just frowned in sadness. These two always went at it their hardest. Both resented each other in some way, not enough to undermine their friendship, but enough for intelligent people such as Hiruzen to pick up on.

Gai hated the strength that Naruto had inherited. His abilities had come with Zero work, Zero effort. People like himself and Rock Lee had worked hard, aiming to become the masters of their craft before they finally bit the dust.

And Naruto had waltzed into existence with first place on his neck. So to speak.

The redhead hated the green man subtly because of his ability to use Chakra. At the core of his being, Naruto wished to be able to use his core. But the damage it had suffered due to his birth and partly from overexposure to the Kyuubi was enough to leave a large hint of resentment towards those that were able to use Chakra to significantly enhance the body.

All the techniques that people like Kushina had invented, his mother, one of the only things tying him to her was far from his reach. So far that the gap seemed insurmountable.

Gai had reoriented himself in the air, looking down at the redhead that was waiting for gravity to return the Jounin to the Titan.

"Tomon! Kai!" energy exploded around Gai.

Naruto saw Gai come down at him, a fist prepared to deliver a blow. In the span of two seconds he saw the air fluctuate around Gai's closed fist.

The redhead leapt back with wide eyes as the ground where he stood crumbled into a newly created hole.

Gai landed in a wide spread crouch, body glowing as he faced down his opponent.

"When did 'you' learn to project chakra like that?"

"Quite recently my youthful friend!" the signature grin felt almost feral as the Jounin slowly shifted into his next stance, "now bring it on Naruto"

Gai gestured Naruto forward.

Without hesitation, they turned into blurs for the audience. Rock lee enthusiastically called out for his sensei, as all the younger Shinobi watched with shock.

The elder Shinobi, aside from the Hokage, Kakashi, Itachi and a few of the Uchiha finally came to grips with what they were seeing. This was an A-Rank fight.

Straight and simple, two powerful Shinobi going toe to toe with one another with nothing bared. At times, the line between A and S was blurred, the difference in strength being so minute yet so infinitely dangerous.

Throws, punches, kicks, swipes, lunges even a brief period of combat that was airborne for a minute… this was incredible.

Gai ducked under a savage swipe that would have wrended flesh. He attempted a kick from his lowered position. A firm grip locked on his ankle and he was lifted into the air. Like a club, Naruto brought him down into the dirt with savage force.

A burst of chakra flew from Gai as the sixth gate opened.

Kakashi felt the need to stop. Six gates?

Naruto was strong, but… he wasn't that strong...right?

Too late.

"KEIMON! KAI!"

The Chakra projection rocketed through his foot, knocking Naruto back and stunning him for a moment.

Gai was causing himself some serious damage with this technique but it seemed like the older man did not care.

They both wanted this win badly it seemed. A level of self sacrifice and harm that Gai demonstrated through this was something only a Shinobi would be accustomed to. Inflicting pain on oneself directly to achieve a goal is much easier said than done.

But with his new technique, Gai believed he could win.

Similar to Tsunade Senju, the legendary healer and grandaughter of the Shodaime Hokage, Gai was using chakra to further enhance his strength in order to have some kind of effect on his redhead opponent. In every spar it only seemed like Gai could vaguely annoy the much younger boy. He needed something to overcome Naruto's natural resistances.

However, unlike the refined and clean chakra technique that Tsunade had developed, this was a more frankenstein kind of technique.

Gai was bringing the chakra into the different points of his body, then forcibly expelling it with his punches, individually timing each and every release to coincide with his strikes. The usage of the 8 Inner gates allowed for him to be more accurate with this release.

He traded this incredible strength for a much worse condition.

Since the chakra is being expelled forcibly in order to have this explosive effect, the Tenketsu points within Gai's body can not stand the strain of these random and large amounts violently exiting the user. It puts a strain on the chakra network as well as the physical body. This is made only worse by the usage of the 6 gates.

Incredible power, in return for incredible pain.

Physically, they were on an entirely different level than most other Shinobi.

Sasuke was barely able to figure out what was going on due to his inability to see what was happening, but he did realise how much stronger Naruto was.

The gap between the two of them was just… it was insurmountable at this point.

There was no way he could go toe to toe with him.

"Morning Peacock!"

"GAI! NO!" Kakashi was the one who called out, even as the older Shinobi blanched or started to react. But the move had already started.

For Gai and Naruto, there was only the fight.

The Jounin started the attack with yet another vicious strike to Naruto's head, kicking the redhead up into the air.

Most would be killed by such a strike.

Not given even a second to come to terms with his situation, the 13 year old was assaulted with a barrage of punches, each sending flame after flame brushing across his body. Gai's fists and chakra projection was creating physical flames due to the friction.

One final punch sent Naruto down to the ground, crumbling into the earth, dust and smoke rising from the crater he now occupied.

"Gai" Kakashi was beside the crouched Shinobi, "what have you done?"

The fight appeared over.

Many Shinobi were moving towards the hole in the earth while the Hokage and Kakashi were standing with Gai.

Sasuke was shocked.

Had Naruto been...?

That move had looked incredibly deadly.

Rock Lee typically was unsure of how to feel, so some tears dripped from his eyes. Hyuuga Neji was viewing his teacher in a completely different light.

Ino felt a little sad that the good looking kid might be dead.

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes.

He knew something was up.

A lite chuckle echoed from within the still dirty air.

"Oh please"

The Smoke had cleared.

Naruto lifted himself up onto the training ground, out from the wreckage of dirt he had created in his plumet back to the ground.

The rags that he had once called a shirt slipped from his skin.

His purple skin.

"You think that would be enough?"

Most took a long time to respond and recover from what they were seeing.

Kakashi was able to take note of the black bruises forming across Naruto's torso before the seal re-triggered, cloaking the true form of the redhead.

"It takes a lot for me to get serious Gai" Naruto strode forward towards him, "but I guess you win"

Hiruzen figured out two things that very moment Naruto announced those words.

One, he's a complete brat.

And two, he's a clever brat.

Instead of just having to explain what he was, instead of giving the truth, it appeared Naruto was taking one out of Hiruzen's book.

To Lie.

Every Shinobi present had seen the purple form, what the real thing looked like under the cover, and that would take a lot of time to insure that secret remained within the borders of fire country, let alone the village.

Right then and there, Naruto could have shattered the illusion for good. He could have let the truth finally come out. But even as he had strode from the mist, purple skin partially visible, the looks of shock, horror and even disgust started to appear across the faces of other Shinobi. Perhaps they were assuming what Naruto had, that he was in fact an experiment of Orochimaru?

They would never trust him at the present moment, let alone believe him. Even the Hokage telling them the truth would have little effect on them. What humanity did not know would always terrify them, and even if the truth must be the absence of all other factors, the sheer shock value that Naruto's existence was guaranteed its implausibility.

So instead of telling the truth, Naruto made it seem like the seal that had been visible on his purple abdomen was responsible for his change in color. As if he had some kind of secret technique. A hidden ability that was responsible for his strength and resilience.

Just like he released what Naruto was doing, the other Shinobi were connecting the dots.

'That Purple form' Asuma Sarutobi felt the need to clench his trench knives, 'whatever it is… it can take Gai on…'

Kurenai had her arms crossed but was studying the redhead intently.

Every seasoned Shinobi could see the red liquid drip from the four small cuts above his heart.

"All of that for a drop of blood" Naruto murmured quietly, but loudly enough for each of the spectators to hear what he said.

And that sealed the deal for all of those that weren't in the know. Any of them that knew of Naruto, or had some kind of inkling as to how strong he was now thought that they had seen the source; the strange seal on his stomach.

Many of the older generation had some guesses as to who his parents were. Both of them were high tier seals masters, each having developed a sense of professionalism in the sealing arts at a young age.

Would it be too far of a stretch to suggest that their son would follow in their footsteps?

Only the Uchiha knew the truth, and even then only a handful of them actually did.

"It's been awhile since I've seen myself bleed before" Naruto strolled towards Gai and Kakashi casually, "but damn that was refreshing"

Hiruzen stared directly into Naruto's eyes, the silent question there.

'You are not going to tell them?'

Naruto cocked his head minutely.

'Later'

Hiruzen hummed and spoke firmly.

"The winner is Gai!"

A lot of the older Shinobi frowned for a few moments, before one by one a spark seemed to light up in their eyes. They were slowly realising what the purpose of the fight had been.

"God damn" Asuma smirked, turning away and walking back towards his team's training ground, "who would have figured?"

"Sensei?!" Ino looked confused, "what do you mean by that? Sensei!" the blond followed after her irritated yet smiling teacher.

Shikamaru hesitated for a moment, watching Naruto carefully.

Their eyes met from across the field and the Nara immediately looked away.

'Damn' Naruto frowned internally, 'almost everyone'

"G-good fight, Naruto-s-san"

The redhead refocused his attention on the seriously injured Jonin.

"You've done a good job Gai, but sadly enough, I don't think I could use that style"

"Still?" Gai coughed up some blood.

"Enough tough guy bullshit. To the hospital with both of you" Hiruzen puffed up at the both of them, grumpy expression and pipe in mouth.

Both of them nodded at the Hokage, slung an arm around one another and walked off towards the hospital.

Sasuke watched them leave.

"Uchiha"

That tone was recogniseable anywhere. There was only one group of people with a stick further up their ass then Sasuke's own clan.

"Hyuga" Sasuke tried to ignore him as Neji stood next to him.

"He is your teammate?"

"Support Shinobi. The new system the Hokage set up"

"I see"

Gai and Naruto were chatting as they walked further and further away. Even from the distance they had traveled to the training ground, it was clear to see that Naruto was supporting most of Gai's weight, and that the elder Shinobi was limping slightly.

"I do not understand"

Sasuke looked at the Hyuga now, whos confused expression had morphed into a deep frown.

"Gai-sensei lost" Neji stated fact, "yet the Hokage still called in his favour. He did not win that match, the Titan did"

Sasuke failed to answer, feigning cool indifference in favour of lacking an actual answer.

"It wasn't about who was left standing afterwards"

Both of them would swear unto their dying day that the Hokage HAD not scared the shit out of them.

Hiruzen stood silently behind the two of them.

"He is not the rival you two are looking for" the Sandaime nodded softly, seeing Naruto and Gai laughing and chatting, even though Gai was obviously in pain, "Naruto stands upon his own level. Something that you two would find impossible to even challenge"

Sasuke nodded grimly at that, thinking about the amount of times that the redhead had just flung him around like an empty sack of rice.

It stung his pride.

"You think you could do better than the Green Beast of Konoha?" Hiruzen laughed slightly, even as the Hyuga boy Neji gave him a petulant look.

"And what if I could Hokage-sama?"

"Then I would commend your bravery" Hiruzen was already reaching for his pipe again even as Neji puffed up, "and I would detest your naivety"

Sasuke bit back a laugh as the Hyuga went red with embarrassment.

"You had your eyes on him the entire fight" Hiruzen wasn't even looking at the two of them as he packed Tobacco into the pipe, "tell me what you saw?"

"Nothing"

"Exactly"

"What?" Sasuke asked that, confused.

Hiruzen finished packing his pipe and gave the two of them a meaningful look.

Sasuke saw that whatever Hiruzen was trying to tell the Hyuga boy must have clicked because he suddenly stiffened, almost in fear.

"Now you see. You will not find any challenge their Neji. Only defeat"

Hiruzen affectionately ruffled the youngesters hair, Sasuke bairly avoiding it by stepping back slightly.

The old Kage gave both of them a smile and started to meander towards the village, probably to use the rest of his free time just admiring the daily life of Konoha.

Neji walked away as soon as the Hokage had left.

"Neji!"

Tenten ran up to the boy, almost no one was left in the training ground, and it was painfully obvious that she had waited for him.

"What?!" he didn't mean to snap, but he was unnerved.

"Lee went to the hospital to…" Tenten slowly stopped talking as she begun to notice the state that the young Hyuga was in, "never mind" she whispered at the end.

Both of them stood their for a few more moments before separating and leaving to their respective destinations.

"You're becoming careless"

Proxima sashayed past her husband, casually walking up to the figure that her spear had impaled, driving the blade further.

The last breath of the temple guardian was expelled as the lady of the black order let the body drop to the stone floor.

Corvus said nothing, his gaze fixed solely upon the roof of the temple they were standing under. The stone dome covered the 50 meter space, with concentric circles composing of pillars holding up the heavy ceiling. The temple was located in the center of the strange capital city. Most worlds did have some kind of faith or organisation that the general populace believed in. But it was almost like the locals had tried to forget that this temple had existed in the first place. Glaive had found less and less living people the closer he had got to the temple. Their skill in fighting had increased however. That betrayed that this was a special location.

"Maw is already giving his speech, we'll be done soon here" Proxima was ignoring her husband's state in favour of wanting to leave the temple. This place gave her the creeps. It's clean marble floors, yet dirty grey pillars and ceiling, all covered in depictions of color and vivid detail unnerved her.

The smallest of twitches in his senses told Glaive that they were not alone.

"Come out" Corvus echoed into the quiet and bloodstained place, "I will not ask again"

The small yellow figure, wrapped in cloth and mask, appeared from behind one of the pillars.

This was the caretaker. Others were the defenders, each attacking without hesitation in order to defend the temple, but this creature was what kept it clean and immaculate. It cared for the ruins.

So it would have answers.

"What is this place?"

"A testament to what once was"

"Why?"

"Our faith believes in the restoration of the universe, to bring together what has been separated"

"And you think a multicoloured light show would do that?" Proxima stepped up to the crouched figure, even as she gestured to the intricate paintings on the walls.

The creature hissed at her.

"You! You come from their existence yet you mock them!"

Loud boot prints stepped into the sanctum, slowly approaching them.

"What are they?"

Corvus glanced behind him as his lord stepped up to him.

Thanos had removed his helmet, carrying it under his arm.

The creature considered the purple figure, and the man holding the spear, both of them having shown they were curious, unlike the girl.

Before she even knew it, Proxima had been teleported out of the temple, leaving only Thanos and Glaive with the caretaker.

"They are the beginning. The greatest force in the universe"

The temple began to hum, as the drawings and art all began to glow.

Purple light, the green echo, a hum of blue, the searing red, mindless yellow, and the resonating orange.

"They are called, the infinity stones"

Thanos was silent for a moment, even as he and Glaive studied the images, depicting the stories and tales of the stones.

The Titan finally spoke.

"What can they do?"

And the caretaker told them.

Gai laughed again even as he winced in pain. Lying there in the hospital bed with Naruto standing by the door and his student Lee beside him was heartwarming. He knew that Kakashi was in the hallway and while his friend and rival acted cool and composed, the Hatake did care for him.

Friendship and bonds made those of the leaf strong. Something that the other Hidden villages failed to grasp was the source of their strength. Not everyone can consistently survive and bloom through war and tragedy, but the leaf proved to not be just any rag tag collection of people.

The bonds they made, between rival clans and friendly spars. Through team training and generations, the leaf prospered from the connections that the people made with one another.

To truly feel and understand one another was the foundations for connections to be made, allowing deeper bonds to form. The will of Fire.

Passed down from generation to generation, the First Hokage believed that understanding was the key.

Many could argue that this was not why the leaf prospered, but at the same time, any could argue that this was exactly why the leaf prospered.

At this serene moment, even though he knew he was injured, Gai was able to appreciate the home and haven that his ancestors and their comrades had given him.

"I'm not kidding. Best rest for at least a week" the medic sighed even as the Shinobi grinned at one another.

Gai would be out of here in a few days. Probably less.

But the medic also knew that everyone, besides the student perhaps, were aware that Gai would be taking it easy for awhile.

The chakra technique that was used had been devastating to his internal organs, almost rupturing a few of them.

It should be at least a month before Gai could consider using it again.

'Crazy ass ninjas' the medic frowned internally before leaving the room, clipboard tucked under his arm.

"I suppose I'll leave you to it then" Naruto nodded at Gai, slipping out of the room even as a partially exuberant Tenten walked past him.

Gai just nodded at him, remaining strangely calm.

Perhaps he had gotten off lucky.

"Lee!"

Oh crap.

"Yes Gai-sensei?"

No.

"If you wish to challenge yourself Lee! To test your youth! Defeat Naruto for me!"

Decline. Decline. Decline. Dec-

"Of course Gai sensei! Naruto-kun seems to be the most youthful of opponents! He shall be my newest rival!"

"Attaboy Lee!"

Naruto cried.

"There there" Kakashi patted him on the shoulder as they left the hospital, "I know the feeling"

Another week of training awaited them.

Two voices argued loudly from behind the door of Wave Village's resident builder, the old man Tazuna.

"You need to leave Tazuna! Now!"

"But the bridge!"

The frantic neighbour merely cuffed the younger man on the shoulder.

"Rumour is that midget mired a Shinobi! Ninja! You don't have time to finish the bridge on your own you old coot!"

Tsunami cried softly as her father made a panicked retreat into their home, rushing upstairs to get his stuff.

"I'm not sure what to do Kenchi-san" Tsunami cried softly as the elder man looked out the window of their home, watching the streets.

If it actually was Shinobi that Gatou had hired to silence Tsunami's father, than this was a pointless act.

"The Hidden Leaf village" the retired Samurai was unwilling to admit this, but they needed help.

What better than a team of Shinobi.

"What about the Leaf?" Tazuna asked, hastily prepared bag slung over his shoulder.

"Request a mission. Some kind of escort mission. They can help the land of waves" Kenchi tapped his cane against the ground in frustration, "if I was back in my prime I could…"

He snarled, cutting himself off as he returned to watching the street.

A figure had appeared, calmly stepping towards his friend's home.

"You need to leave now brat" Kenchi growled, "go out the back, run for the river. Take Hidei's boat"

Tsunami held her hand up to her mouth even as the large figure with bandages covering its form approaching their home.

"I'll distract him"

Before the others could argue, the old man with greying hair stepped from the behind the door, forcibly closing itself behind him.

"You will go no farther Ninja"

The tall figure regarded him for a second.

"You're a Samurai"

"Hm" Kenchi snorted, drawing his immaculate Katana from his walking cane.

"Don't pick a fight you can't win old man" the large figure dropped the gigantic blade he had resting on his shoulder, "I won't go easy on you"

"I can say the same to you Ninja"

As Tazuna raced from behind his home, Kenchi engaged against the Ninja, the one from the Hidden mist with as much energy he could muster.

He was out of shape and practice, that much was obvious from the first few clashes.

But every second was time for Tazuna to escape.

"Your worn out old man"

"To lose is to die. I am ready to die Ninja… are you?"

The larger man increased the speed and ferocity in his attacks. It seems the aged Samurai had struck a nerve with that comment, as each of the swings and slashes were bone shaking. Such powerful.

"Stupid old fool"

This would be the last dance that Kenchi ever performed.

His roll as a Guardian would be assured. History may not remember him, but those that cared for him would. And that would be all that mattered to the worn out and tired old man.

"Who are you?"

Naruto was resting under the shade of a particularly green tree, the hot summer sun blocked out by the large leaves.

Wind swept lightly through the clearing, brushing sweat drenched spiky red hair away from his face.

"An individual"

"Sasuke and Itachi told me about you"

Damn.

"And?"

"I want to fight you" this girl was incredibly annoying.

Well, he reserved any further judgement on the Uchiha girl as she glared down at him slightly.

Might want to test her mettle first.

"Nah" Naruto yawned, stretching back like a cat, "don't feel like it"

A Kunai dashed the bark of the tree, digging deep into the wood next to his head. Naruto merely cracked one eye open, looking at her.

"Did Sasuke send you?"

"No" she snorted, "it means nothing to me that he couldn't beat someone his own age. No, what interests me" she began to twirl another Kunai in on her finger, "is that my older brother doesn't want to fight you"

"Because he knows what's good for his health" Naruto said calmly, eyes both open and staring at the frowning girl. This was an interesting development now.

When had Itachi begun to tell his family about the 'Titan of Konoha'.

He had been one of his protectors at an early age, one of the few people that knew about Naruto and did not have any form of close relationship with him. Yet he was telling his family about him?

They hadn't even had an unoffical spar, let alone unoffical.

Naruto had always assumed that Itachi had kept his distance in order to keep their relationship professional at most. However this leak of details was enough to warrant an idea that he had different plans in mind.

"Itachi could wipe the floor with you if he wanted to"

"And you think you can as well?"

"I don't see what the big deal is. Talk around town is that you can fight decently well, but not a word about your Ninjutsu"

Naruto wanted to laugh.

She hadn't heard about the fight between him and Gai. Even then, it would have been told by those that had no idea what he was actually capable of.

Itachi of course, had been there. There was no way he hadn't seen the fight that led to Gai's temporary hospitalisation.

So he must have armed her with some kind of knowledge against him. While cold and indifferent were the most common words to describe Fugaku's oldest, he cared for his family. Dearly. Seeing him interact with Sasuke or his parents could spell out enough words for even a blind man.

It wasn't a long shot to assume he had carefully informed his younger sister as to Naruto's strengths without disclosing sensitive information.

"Fine then" Naruto forced himself up, acting lazy, "training ground three"

She shook her head, "right here, right now"

"Eh, fine" Naruto shrugged a second before he swung forward.

Her eyes went wide in surprise, obviously expecting more talk. An instant later, all surprise and shock had vacated her gaze, a cool layer of professionalism taking over.

Vaulting back, she vanished into the trees.

"Nope. Not having that" Naruto decided to play lumberjack, kicking and swinging at trunks.

Tree's started to topple like dominos, the redhead tracking the ravenette with brutal accuracy, breaking every tree she moved to.

A fireball rocketed out from the leaves of the last tree and Naruto just walked through it, noticing its potency.

Ninjutsu specialist.

She landed on the ground in front of him, panting slightly.

Oh.

Never mind then. A beginner.

He took one step and felt a Kunai at his neck.

"You're all brawn. No brain" he could feel her smirk even as the Genjutsu faded.

"You, are the dumb one here" Naruto just reached around his back and grabbed her, yanking her around and pinning her to the floor with a stomp.

In surprise to the move which should never have happened - the redhead should have surrendered - Itami had actually tried to drag her Kunai across his throat, putting significant force into it as she was manhandled.

Being thrown to the dirt and a boot pressed into her stomach was annoying and humiliating, but nowhere near as surprising as the lack of wound to his neck.

No gushing red blood, no response.

Like her blade was made of rubber or cloth.

"W-what?"

"Itachi didn't tell you much did he" Naruto grinned down at her, "this is where you yield and leave me alone. I'm out of your league little Uchiha"

What was it with Uchiha and their need to prove themselves?

Christ if anyone else from that clan talked about what he could do, Naruto had no doubts in believing that he'd have half the clan lined up to spar with him.

God damn it.

He lifted his foot, currently thinking about the horrors that could potentially be brewing, annoying the fuming girl.

"I don't know how you did it asshole, but I'll beat you one day. Mark my words you jerk"

Naruto felt a headache coming along.

"It's Naruto"

She paused for a second.

"Itami"

He made a shoo-ing motion with his hands, "get on home Uchiha. I only accept one challenge per day. And by the strange chance you happen to come across anyone else who wishes to fight me please tell them my daily quota is filled"

She wasn't sure what it was.

"Fuck you"

"When and where?" Naruto hummed sarcastically

This jerk!

"I have a boyfriend"

"I pity him" he made the shoo-ing motion again.

Itami huffed and stomped off.

She was going to spar with Itachi for the rest of the day then sneak off to see Ranmaru later at night.

Itami Uchiha was pissed and she needed to blow off some steam.

So hey, chapter done. Set it up for the wave Arc which I hope to surprise a few of you with. Questions related to Naruto as Thanos's son, or his (potential) siblings will not be answered as these questions will answer themselves. I do have a request for you all though if you wish to help me out. If you know of any good songs that are 'Guardians of the Galaxy' like, I would strongly request you post them in a review so I can work a little better with some good vibes.

Having a stellar day as usual,

Freedom

P.s: What's your favourite flavour of ice-cream?