A/N: ok, continuing on with the revisionist history of Two Hearts, here is the re-numbered chapter 4 (formerly chapter 7)
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any characters created by Kishimoto-san. Titokhan is mine of course. The owners of any OC's/jutsu I use that aren't mine will get credit if/when I use them
Two hearts, One Soul Chapter 4 – Memories
Namikaze Estate – The Next Morning
Sitting at his father's old desk in the house's library, Naruto is looking at the orange scroll Tsunade had given him from Sasuke the day before. He bit his thumb and smeared a bit of blood on the seal to open it
"Well, there is one benefit to finding out your undercover team-mate has found a member of your clan, even if it was by accident." Naruto thought to himself, "We get to use blood seals to prevent people from opening and reading communications."
Dobe,
Akatuski thought sending Team Taka to capture the 8 tails would be a good way to 'prove our loyalty', as the fool posing as Madara put it. I sent Hokage-sama the information on where to find Bee-dono. For all his so called insight, he still has no clue we're playing him. I'm intentionally burning out my Mangekyou to convince 'madara' to implant Itachi's eyes. But I honestly think we're starting to push our luck. Karin nearly passed out when Nagato died. We managed to cover, saying she must have not been feeling well and they bought it. She did say his death didn't feel like it was violent. So I suspect whatever special power you have that makes you, well you, managed to get through to him like you have everyone else (myself included). The way she worded it was 'it felt like a noble sacrifice'. And knowing you, I suspect were probably right there. Karin also suspects that outside of that sage mode of yours (which I also know about. for kami's sake, don't you have ENOUGH power as it is? How in Kami's name will I ever catch up to you enough to keep you honest? Just kidding, as big as the target is on your back, you need every scrap of power you can get), you might not have known Nagato was an Uzumaki as well.
Putting the letter down, Naruto remember what happened that day
Flashback no jutsu
Konan has Yahiko and Nagato's bodies wrapped up in her paper shortly after Nagato's sacrifice.
"Konan-sama, what will you do now?" Naruto asked.
"Yahiko was Nagato's Deva path, he symbolized the pain he felt trying to bring peace to the world. Our shared master Jiraiya truly thought Nagato was the one to bring peace to the world. When it looks like destiny has chosen you. I'm going back to the Rain village, continue his work as 'God's Angel'. I'm finished with Akatuski. But know this. If you ask, we of the Hidden Rain will come" was her reply
Bowing to Konan with respect, Naruto asks "Thank you Konan-sama. I've just really met you and Nagato, well other than fighting the paths of course. But when he died, it felt like someone stabbed me in the chest with a kunai. Why would something like that happen? The only other time I've ever felt like that was when I thought Hinata died to protect me."
"Wait, could it be? Nagato's family were refugees from a place called the Whirpool village. He told me his last name once? He never even told Jiraiya-sensei what it was. Wait, I remember. It was." Konan's face turned white as a sheet, then she turned and looked at Naruto, who understood immediately
"UZUMAKI?!" they said together
"Somehow, someway, every living member of your clan must be linked to each other, even if you're not aware of it. Oh Naruto, I'm so sorry. He's been so lost on his path to 'bringing the world peace by making them understand true pain', he must have."
"It's OK Konan-sama, I understand. It had to have been so hard. What we do now is remember Nagato-nii-san for the good he did bring, and for the brighter future ahead."
"His faith in you is well-placed Naruto, if there is a real path to peace, you WILL find it. Farewell"
Flashback no Justu KAI
Well, she was right there. But I did learn.
On the subject of the attack on the village. Did Hinata-chan really do that for you, plus finally confessing? We all knew she was gaga over you for what seemed like forever, but none of us felt right telling you.
"Sasuke-teme, when you do come home, you deserve the beating I give you for not telling me, even if I was too big of an idiot to really notice"
Whomever she sends to track down Bee should be careful, 'Madara' dispatched Itachi-niisan's old partner Kisame to re-capture him. And this time I suspect he WON'T be playing games like he has a tendency to. And if you haven't managed it already, get into Hokage-sama's escort team for the Gokage summit. I will not risk Taka's future much longer, and we may need them to 'disappear' into leaf custody. It might also be time to expand the number of people who know what's going on. And that includes the furball sealed in your gut. I trust your and Tsunade-sama's judgment there. Well, gotta go plan to finish razing the leaf and killing a certain blonde dobe. Can't have this masked moron figuring out how much of a baka he really is.
Sasuke-teme
Rolling up the scroll, he opens a drawer in the desk and places it with the other 4 scrolls sent over the years. "Kyuubi, can you hear me? You read the letter right?"
"Yes, I did kit. I have to say I'm impressed. Keeping me, the Kyuubi no Kitsune, one of the most cunning creatures in existence, so in the dark on this plan until just now. He is right though."
"And I know praise from you is not so easily given, so thank you. I have to get to the Hyuga compound, time to go over the ground rules with Hiashi-sama."
"Good luck there Kit. Remember, fathers tend to be VERY protective of their daughters. If he's handed ANYTHING that unsheathed is long, pointy and very sharp, you DO know what to do right?"
"Ya, RUN"
"Good, now go impress your vixen's sire. And remember to bring her along when you come talk to me later"
Hokage's office, about the same time
"Come in Hinata, Master Drumheller is already here." Tsunade calls to the Hyuga heiress as the door to her office opens.
"Thank you Hokage-sama, Titokhan-dono…" Hinata started before Titokhan waves her off. As soon as the door is closed, Tsunade activates the full array of privacy seals "I am a humble servant of all the elemental nations. You honor your village and clan with your actions, but I assure you, there's no need for such formality."
"Hai, Titokhan-sama. You did mention you wished to speak to me about how I can assist my Naru-kun in training to gain more control over his 'tenant'?"
"Yes, what you will be doing is serving as his 'beacon' as It were. The almost unanimous feeling among those closest to Naruto is he always serves as some kind of beacon showing them the right way. For what he's going to try, under normal circumstances, this is a burden no one should try to bear alone. And with how he feels for you, as his most precious person, you can serve that role quite well. Though with developments of the last week or so, I suspect Naruto's 'tenant', as you called him, will be more co-operative than many of us suspect." Tito raises his hand to stall their questions before they ask them.
"After what you told me about last night's council meeting Hokage-sama, I suspect the level of respect the Kyuubi has for the boy has increased a great deal. Plus, after what you accidentally revealed to myself and the kumo messengers, he might have to reveal more of whatever secret the 2 of you are hiding." Hinata's eyes widened a little at that comment. "But that's something you will need to talk to him about. I need to go prepare Bee-sama for his part in Naruto's training. Farewell for now, I'll be back before you leave for the land of Iron."
Pulling his mace of its belt clip, he pressed a button on the handle, which caused the chain to retreat into the weapon until the ball could be heard clicking into place. He then drew his sword from it's over the shoulder scabbard and brought the base of the mace's handle together with the hilt of the sword with another audible click. The ball section of the mace both shrank and the spikes receded into the ball itself. The combined weapon looks kind of like a halberd. He then takes an odd stance, the sword's red blade erupts into black flames. He twirls the weapon in front of him, appearing to create a portal to somewhere else, which he walks through. The portal fades away behind him.
"Didn't know he could do THAT." Tsunade absent-mindedly jokes while everyone sweat-drops at the man's almost casual display of power. "As for what else was mentioned Hinata, this is an SS class secret at the moment. Assuming your father doesn't put Naruto in the hospital with the family sword, bring him back here."
"
Entrance to the Hyuga compound
Naruto walks up to the entrance of the compound and is greeted by Neji, who surprises him with a formal bow. "Uzumaki-dono, it is an honor to welcome you"
"Um, thanks Neji-san" Naruto returns the bow just as formally "But seriously, this Uzumaki-dono thing has to stop though. We're friends, not to mention you're older than I am."
"Staying true to yourself, even with all that's happened. Most other people having as many accolades as you've had thrust upon you would have it go to their heads. With you, it's just another day. You'll make a fine Hokage after all Naruto-san. Please come with me." The two make the walk through the compound, talking about a few things. Neji even blushing a little when Naruto mentions something about Tenten. Arriving at the entrance to the Main house, Neji turns to Naruto, who is turned in such as way so that he's looking away from the house "Hiashi-sama is waiting for you in his study. But I must inform you that I've made it my sworn duty to protect Hinata-sama and Hanabi-sama above all others."
"What about Tenten-chan?" Naruto jokes with his trademark megawatt smile locked in place.
"Tenten-chan as well. It was something YOU yourself drilled, or rather beat into me that day. Let's just say that anything Hiashi-sama does to you will pale in comparison that what I do if you EVER hurt her." And Naruto feels the killing intent rolling off the jounin."
"I fully understand Neji-sama, and you have absolutely nothing to fear. I would rather die than do anything that could possibly hurt my Hime. I know though is going to sound funny, but somewhere deep down, where even I wasn't aware of it, I think I've always loved her. She was the first person, even before Iruka-sensei, to see me for me and not the furball sealed within me."
"I heard that gaki" the fox rumbled mockingly
"Well it's true, and you know it"
"And I honestly don't know what I would do without her in my life now. I know without a doubt I cannot live without her. That said, while I have every intention of marrying your cousin, the timing doesn't feel right yet. But know that Hina-hime holds my heart, now and forever. I can be patient, I think. I just need to convince your uncle of that as well. Plus I might as well add Shino, Kiba, and Kurenai-sensei to that list while I'm thinking about it." Naruto said as he felt a shadow came up from behind him.
"Naruto, I cannot speak for my daughter's teammates and sensei." Hiashi says as he comes up to Naruto's side and places a hand on his future son-in-law's shoulder. "But you've just convinced me. And if your actions of late are any indication, I suspect you'll have no problems from them either. Though I am impressed by your conviction to wait to marry. Because after what you said at the council meeting, all of the clan heads, myself included, were convinced you were going to ask for my blessing in marry Hinata. And even if you weren't here to ask for it now, you have it anyway. Mainly because I know how impulsive you can tend to be, my only request is that when you two do decide it's time that we have a little warning before the wedding."
In a rare, but becoming much more frequent display of maturity, Naruto turns and formally bows to the Hyuga clan head "Hyuga-dono, your words honor me to no end. And know your daughter will always be safe with me, as I promise to do so with all of my heart and soul. And I always keep my promises." Suddenly, Naruto is glomped from behind (both of them falling to the ground) by his princess, who had heard the entire exchange after arriving form Tsunade's office. She then proceeds to smother her love with kisses all over his face once she turns him back over onto his back so he can see her.
"Naru-kun, I feel the same as you do. It doesn't feel like the right time, yet." Naruto gathers Hinata in his arms and gets back to his feet, holding his princess bridal style for a moment or three before setting her down. Hinata then goes over and hugs both her father and cousin before turning back to Naruto.
"Naru-kun, Hokage-sama had asked that I bring you back to her office to discuss something she said was a SS ranked secret. Do you know what she's talking about?"
"Looks like we know at least one person being added to the list. Cyclops should know too" "Hai, though there is one person we CAN'T tell. Though if the other three members of Taka have to 'disappear' at the Gokage summit, we might not have a choice" "Agreed. Tsunade and/or Kakashi
"Hai my Hime, I do. I need to talk to your father for another minute or so. I'll meet you at Ichiraku's for some lunch before going back to Hokage-sama. And if you run into Kakashi-sensei, drag him along. Take his icha icha book. That should keep his attention. Even if he has the thing memorized cover to cover by now." Hinata giggles at the thought of a near Kage level ninja being held hostage by a simple adult romance novel. But knows Naruto is right. As she leaves the compound, heading to Naruto's favorite place (outside of in her arms) in the world hoping to run into her loves surrogate big brother along the way.
With Hinata out of sight and earshot, Naruto turns back to his eventual father in-law "Hiashi-sama, when I do propose. I want the ring to be truly special, but it also has to be something that connects her to her mother." Hiashi simply nods "come with me. Hitomi had already planned for this day."
Akatuski hideout - Sasuke's Chamber
Sasuke is thinking back to the letter he sent to his friend with the plan to get the rest of Taka out of this situation. "I hope I'm doing the right thing. I'm concerned for their safety, Karin's especially. I never lost my feelings for Sakura, but I also feel the same way about Karin. Maybe once this is finally over, and I get back to the leaf, I can figure this out. Hopefully that will be soon. Only a few more objectives left to accomplish. Nii-san. How far ahead did you really plan?
Flashback no jutsu #1– Night of Uchiha Massacre
(What occurs next happens AFTER Itachi tells Sasuke to foster his hate)
"Tsukuyomi"
(in Itachi's Genjutsu world)
"Little brother, I'm placing a genjutsu on you so you know what really happened when the times is right. But I want you to memorize the other Uchiha's chakra signature you can sense right now. At some point he will come to you, as I will have likely died in your presence to awaken your Mangekyou. His sharingan will be the trigger to unlock some of the information I'm about to give you. Father and several of the clan leaders were tired of being used as police and were about to make a grab for power by killing the Hokage. A Coup de etat. My orders were to capture the leaders and make it look like they were killed. Danzo had other ideas. He wanted the entire clan killed, and contacted someone calling themselves Madara Uchiha to do the deed. I will take the blame for the attack because that is what is best for the village He is the one who killed the vast majority of the clan, including Mother. I had to kill Father and the coup leaders, I had no choice but to defend myself. I hope you eventually understand."
"We will meet again, I will have more instructions at that time"
Flashback #1 KAI
Flashback#2-searching for Naruto (who is searching for Tsunade)
"Tsukuyomi"
"Nii-san?"
"You are playing your part very well, I am proud of you. Unfortunately, you will need to take this a little further. Orochimaru, the one who gave you that curse mark, thinks you are the 'weaker' Uchiha. When in fact you will be far stronger that I. in your 'quest' to fan the flames of your hatred of me, and to get the power to kill me, you will seek him out. Based on my knowledge of his experiments, I know that the curse seal has a second level. I'm placing a second triggered genjutsu on you. Because I know the Fourth Hokage's legacy will try and keep you from leaving."
"What is the Fourth's legacy?
"Not what, who. Your teammate Naruto, unbeknown to you and the vast majority of the village, is the son of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze. His father also had to seal the Kyuubi no Kitsune into his only son at the cost of his life to prevent 'Madara' from using it to destroy the leaf, making him a jinchuriki. At some point, you and Naruto will fight. And you'll have no choice but to resort to the second stage of the curse seal. If/when you attack him in this state, these memories will unlock, as will the information I gave you earlier about the massacre. Tell Naruto everything you know, except about his father. Minato is truly a genius where seals are concerned. I'm sure he has a failsafe designed into the Kyuubi's seal to help his son at some point. Convince Naruto to keep the number of people involved in this to an absolute minimum until the time is right. You'll both know when that time is. "
"I understand nii-san, but do I have to kill you? You are my brother!"
"I have an incurable disease that is slowly sapping me of strength. By the time we face each other, my time will have come regardless. I would rather face the shinigami on my own terms if at all possible. 'Madara' will offer you my eyes almost immediately. Remember that deception is as much a ninja tool as weapons and jutsu are. And you'll be fine."
Flashback#2 – KAI
"You were right about everything nii-san. And Naruto truly is living up to his father's legacy. You would be proud, of both of us."
Hyuga Compound, Hisahi's private office
"Sit down Naruto, would you like a drink? Water, tea, something stronger perhaps?"
"Water would be fine Hiashi-sama" Naruto replies as he takes his seat.
"You know, your parents would be so proud of how you turned out. Your mother would have been Hinata's godmother if it weren't for what happened. When she died after giving birth to Hanabi, I felt so lost. Look behind you, this is the last family portrait I have with Hitomi. And you might see why a part of me still grieves to this day"
Naruto turns and looks at the portrait. Hinata had to have been two, maybe three years old. He gets one look at her mother and gasps. "My Hime."
"Amazing isn't it? Hinata is a mirror image of her mother. Much like you appear to be your father's, save for the whiskers." Hisahi points to another picture, one of his and Hitomi's wedding. Minato was the best man, Kushina was maid of honor. The whiskers really are the only difference. "It turns out though that Hinata is like her mother in more than just looks. You see, with the vast majority of Hyuga's, our primary elemental affinity is Earth. There have been a few Wind primaries. But nearly everyone is Earth. In the clan's history, there have been only two Water types. My wife Hitomi, and my daughter Hinata. I believe she also may have a decent Wind affinity. The primary form of Gentle Fist taijutsu is rigid, to match the earth affinity most of the clan has." Naruto is able to deduce where Hiashi is leading this.
"But because Hinata's affinities are water and wind, plus her natural grace and flexibility puts her totally at odds with this styles rigidity?"
"Correct. Ah, here it is." Through the conversation, Hiashi has been rummaging around the largest drawer looking for something. Pulling a box from the drawer, he hands it to Naruto. It has the Hyuga crest on it.
Opening the box, Naruto sees a scroll and a smaller box. Opening the scroll, he discovers these are katas for a different style of the Gentle Fist, one much better suited for someone with a lot of flexibility. At the bottom of the scroll there is a storage seal.
"That scroll is Hitomi's life's work. She was just as flexible as Hinata, and adapted the katas of the Hyuga earth based style to something more suited to her, and now Hinata's use. The storage seal is also a blood seal, only Hinata can open it. I know what it holds, and if you'll permit me, I would like to be there when she does. It's another reason the elders were not so fond of my wife" Naruto nods. "The other box though, is the real reason I asked you to come with me. Go ahead, open it."
Taking the smaller box out and opening it, Naruto is stunned to see a 12 carat, princess cut diamond, surrounded by 12 three/quarter carat princess cut amethysts, arrayed on a platinum band. It was arguably the second (or third) most beautiful thing Naruto had ever seen (to Hinata, and Hitomi)
"That is the engagement ring I gave Hitomi when I asked her to marry me. And it was my wife's desire that the man proven worthy of our daughter's hand be given this ring to propose to her with. You have proven more than worthy, and I will be proud to call you son."
"I..I don't know what to say. Thank you." Putting the scroll and ring back in the case, he then seals the larger box into a storage scroll "Kit, if my suspicions are right, he really needs to join us later."
"You better get going, you have to catch up to my daughter, don't you?"
"Oh Kami, yes. Can you wait about an hour and then join us? My 'tenant' has requested to meet you as well"
"If the mighty Kyuubi no Kitsune as requested me to meet him, it would be an honor"
"One hour, Hokage-sama's office then?" Hiashi nods. "Arigato, Father" Naruto bows and body flickers away to catch up to his princess.
Hokage's office, 45 minutes later. Naruto, Hinata, and Kakashi already inside
"Thank you both for coming,"Tsunade started as she activated the office's privacy seals "I apparently let it slip to Master Drumheller and our guests from Kumo about a SS rank secret regarding a mission Naruto had three years and change ago."
Hinata and Kakashi look at each other, quickly connecting the dots based on the timeframe provided. At the same time they ask "Sasuke?"
"Yes, Sasuke." Naruto states plainly. "You see, Itachi really was 10 steps ahead of everyone. And had apparently set up genjutsu triggers in Sasuke's memories based on certain things happening the last two times they ran into each other. One being the Uchiha Massacre, the other being when Itachi and Kisame initially were searching for me while Ero-sennin and I were looking for Tsunade-sama." Kakashi and Hinata nod that they understand
"When I fought Sasuke at the Valley of the End, and his Chidori hit my Rasengan with the second stage of Orochimaru's cursed seal active, it triggered them. In the dreamscape where we were just floating in, he told me everything Itachi had told him. And we came up with this plan to stop both Orochimaru, then later on for this false 'Madara' character that keeps popping up in both of our lives. Hokage-sama was briefed about the situation and agreed that it be kept as a SS rank secret until Sasuke and I felt the time was right. Sasuke has been covertly keeping in touch with a messenger toad summoning scroll I gave him with permission from Fukasaku-sama."
"More recently however, we've also been able to add blood seals to the messages." This got everyone's attention "As it turns out one of the members of his team, who was one of Orochimaru's lieutenants, is an Uzumaki by the name of Karin."
"With pedo-hebi out of the picture, we can focus on ending the threat of this false Madara and getting true peace in the ninja world. Sasuke's concerned for his team, as the remaining members of Akatuski are starting to get suspicious. He's asking for us to help them 'disappear', and the Gokage summit would be a perfect place. I know we can count on Gaara and now the Raikage, since part of this plan was worked out between Sasuke and the Raikages brother Bee. And I suspect this false Madara may provide an incentive for the other kages to tag along with us."
"Naru-kun, what about Sakura-chan? Shouldn't we let her know?"
"Sasuke wants to complete his mission my hime, he feels Itachi's memory deserves that much. Then he can return home. This mission is the reason he hasn't been listed as a missing-nin, and why after his teams' 'apparent' capture of the 8-tails, Kumo didn't put them in their bingo book. . Sasuke has promised me he'll tell Sakura everything, though I fully expect she'll knock me through a few walls."
"We understand Naruto, and I for one thank you for trusting us with this." Kakashi nods in appreciation for the dedication needed to keep this so close to the vest for so long "I've held my share of secrets in my day, but I never suspected you of being capable of maintaining one of this magnitude for this long."
"You taught me to look 'underneath the underneath' after all sensei." Naruto replied with his trademark foxy grin.
"There's still a lot of preparation to do for both the Summit, your training when Master Drumheller returns from wherever he opened that portal of his to, and finding a way to make Sasuke's team properly 'disappear' when the time comes." Deactivating the privacy seals, there's a knock on the door. "Enter."
The door opens and Hiashi walks in. "Perfect timing Hiashi-sama. Kakashi-sensei, my 'tenant' has requested that Hina-hime and Hiashi-sama join the 2 of us in the mindscape that represents my father's seal. I'm going to ask him if he would mind if you can Hokage-sama may attend as well. You are like the big brother I never had, and Hokage-sama is as much my surrogate baa-chan as the Third was my jiji.
"Kyuubi, you were following along right? I know you had just asked for Hina-hime and her father, but baa-chan and Kakashi are just as much family to me."
"You didn't actually have to ask Kit, because I understand completely. The fact that you did ask is yet another notch in your belt. You never cease to amaze me, you know that? Lift up your shirt and channel enough chakra so the seal appears. Then have everyone you want to enter your mindscape channel chakra to their hands and place those hands on the seal. And I respect you enough to allow you to call me by the name my father, the sage of the six paths, gave me. Kurama."
"The honor is mine Kurama-sama, thank you."
Unzipping his coat and lifting his shirt enough to expose his stomach, Naruto channels the needed chakra to make the seal visible.
"Don't faint.. Don't faint." Hinata thinks to herself as she turns a bright pink
"Kurama has told me that to enter my mindscape, you all need to channel chakra to your hands and touch the seal. I, we'll explain when you get there."
Everyone channels chakra to their hand and places the hand on Naruto's seal.
Naruto's mindscape
Everyone opens their eyes to what appears to be a well lit room fitting to be a king's throne room (minus the throne and any other associated furniture). The Uzumaki and Namikaze clan symbols are embroidered on alternating banners around the room. One end of the room is a cage with golden bars, with a paper tag with the kanji for 'seal' on it at shoulder height, as opposed to 15 feet off the ground in the original mindscape. The cage is as well lit as the rest of the room. Inside the cage is the Kyuubi no Kitsune. The most powerful of the tailed beasts.
"Wow Kurama, you weren't kidding about the changes." Naruto said aloud.
"What do you mean Naru-kun, this wasn't how this has always looked?
"Allow me answer that Hinata-sama" Kurama spoke, causing everyone else to jump slightly "What? The Kit has told informed you that I do speak to him, and almost all of you have signed summoning contracts. Higher levels of said summons have the ability to speak your language." They nod.
"Anyway, up until very recently, the Kit's mindscape is a reflection of the feelings in his heart. And due to the neglect and hate of most of this village toward him for most of his life, that has turned his mindscape into a sewer, with the water levels corresponding to the level of hate and despair in his heart. With your confession of your love to him, the respect and admiration of his friends and the village, as well as the other parts of his life that brightened his soul have reflected themselves in the room you now find yourselves in. All of you played no small part in those changes, and you have my thanks as well because the Kit deserves it." Everyone nods, and Hinata snuggles up to her prince, taking his hand in hers
"But onto the real reason I asked for you specifically princess of the Hyuga clan. Have you ever heard of the term 'Two hearts, One Soul?'
AND..CUT.
A/N: My first attempt at a cliffhanger no jutsu, what do you think? It took 7 chapters, but I finally managed to figure out a way to get the story's title into the story itself. I'm kind of surprised with myself. Over the course of this weekend, I manage to get 2 full chapters of this story done as well as the description chapter of breaking the curse of team 7. Combined total of all 3, plus A/N's? 10k works plus.
As I've been going through the chapters after the condensation on chapters 1-5, I also decided to work through the newer stuff and a) tried to clear up some continuity gaps I inadvertently created and b) did the same with my tendency to be redundant in places.
As always, I do want to know what you guys think about the chapter/story in general.
