A/N - So I attempted to put some what of a mini backstory into the story. I don't want to go to far into it though so I hope its enough. Quick stop to the Citadel, and then back to Omega.

"Okay okay I get it really I do," said Joker.

"Do you," asked Naruto in a bored voice.

"No not at all, can you explain it again?"

"Why not ask Shikamaru these questions?"

"Mr. Nara has expressed that explaining things to Mr. Moreau can be a drag or troublesome," explained EDI.

"Not to mention Shikamaru spends most of the time sleeping," sighed Joker. "So could you explain it to me one more time? Come on be your best friend."

Naruto sighed as he took a bite of his apple silently cursing the faking Shikamaru. Yes, explaining things to Joker could be extremely agitating, but it was easy to understand why he was slightly confused. If he hadn't been an inhabitant of his planet, he probably couldn't make sense of it either.

"So," started Naruto. "It happened almost 100 ago when our world was first colonized. The people living there were accidently exposed to large amounts of Eezo, and radiation. The Council immediately sent doctors to our planet in droves, but surprisingly not one person was killed from the exposure, instead we got our abilities. Enhanced strength to a degree, speed, and stamina. Certain families gained certain abilities unique to them such as Shikamaru's family able to use shadow powers. Most people have the ability to use one of the 5 main elements. Ay is one of the fastest people you'll ever meet since he uses lightning to enhance his speed. And Kiba ever since we were kids he's always had a perfect nose."

"What about the 9 tailed fox," Joker asked.

"Our records indicate that tailed beasts lived on the planet before we arrived. After we gained our skills we also gained the knowledge to learn how to seal them into a human."

"And everyone on your planet can use the abilities?"

"No," said Shikamaru sitting up from his fake nap. "While everyone is born with the inner abilities, if you don't train to increase them, like Asari with their biotics, the power will gradually grow weaker."

"What about Kurama?"

"What about him," asked Naruto.

"Do most people have something that powerful inside of them?"

"Of course not. There are only 9 tailed beasts, 9 different hosts, each placed within different villages. It takes years of practice but once you learn to control the beast within, you are virtually unstoppable."

"Well what about the war?"

"What war," sighed Shikamaru.

"I believe Mr. Moreau is referring to the 4th Shinobi War which took place 15 years ago," said EDI.

"The war happened because of a crazy ninja named Obito," said Naruto. "Suffice it to say, he believed the idea of an even crazier ninja named Madara Uchiha. I remember all the Kages petitioning the Council for help, but of course they ignored us. Long story short, they tried to rule our world and all the villages banded together to stop them."

"I think I'm starting to understand now," said Joker stroking his beard.

"Really," asked Shikamaru.

"Uh… no."

Naruto walked away knowing that he was undoubtedly going to strangle Joker if he remained in the cockpit. Just before he touched the elevator to return him to his cabin he heard Yeoman Kelly Chambers say," you have received a message at your private terminal Naruto." He groaned knowing that it was most likely a message from the Illusive Man again. He walked over to the terminal and opened his mail.

"Dear Naruto, you and I have never met. My name is David Anderson, and I'm the Councilor for humanity and also the former Captain of the previous Normandy. Word has gotten out that you are assisting the rogue group Cerberus for something. If you have the time to speak, please meet me on the Citadel - Office of David Anderson; Humanity's Councilor.

Naruto thought as he closed the letter. If he could miraculously get the Council to aid him, this whole battle against the Collectors might not be so hard.

"Naruto, just keep going to Omega," advised Kurama. "Talking with the Council is an utter waste of time. They didn't help in the battle with Madara, and they wont help now."

"I've heard of Anderson," Naruto replied. "He seems like a pretty straight shooter and if we could get help we should take it."

"No where in that letter did he say he'd be willing to help us."

"This means he also might be open to the suggestion."

Naruto could sense Kurama's aggravation but this was a chance that he couldn't pass up. He ran back up to the cockpit.

"Joker make a quick detour to the Citadel," he ordered. "We'll only be there for an hour at most. I need to go and speak with Councilor Anderson."

"Alright but don't expect me to go with you," he replied.

"Anderson would be happy to see you."

"I'm sure he would, but technically I left the Alliance without permission. And you don't just leave the Alliance without permission legally."

Naruto chuckled and said," understood."

Joker got them through the Mass Relay and a minute later they were approaching the Citadel, the heart of the galaxy. The Normandy docked and everyone exited. Naruto gave the crew various orders of what to buy. Zaeed headed to the gun shot stating he needed a new sniper rifle, while Ay went to the Krogan gym to buy some heavier vambraces for his wrists, Jacob volunteered to watch Grunt so he remained out of trouble and Miranda remained aboard insisting she had work to do.

"So where are we headed," asked Garrus.

"I vote we hit up the bar," cried Kiba. "Our supply of booze on the ship is crap."

"We're on a mission Kiba," Naruto reminded him. "We don't need to be drunk when we eventually catch up to the Collectors."

"Whatever still buying booze for us and a couple of skin mags for myself." He gave them all a fangy grin, and sped ahead with Akamaru at his heels barking loudly.

"Go with that idiot Shikamaru," said Naruto. "Keep C-Sec off his ass. There has to be some rule on the Citadel about bringing a dog that big and not having it on a leash."

"Alright, but after I hit up the furniture store," he replied. "I need more comfortable pillows and blankets." He yawned and walked through the entrance gate with his hands on the back of his head.

"Well aren't you lucky Naruto," said Garrus hitting his shoulder playfully. "Now that the beast, dog boy, and lazy ass are gone you get the honor to be my wingman. It's not an honor I bestow on many humans, but you qualify."

"Why do I have to be the wingman?"

"Because you're human and Turians are far better looking."

"Garrus you have seen your face lately right? There is no way in hell that you'll ever get more chicks than me ever again."

A woman with black hair walked up to Garrus and ran her finger down his armor. She winked at him and passed him a small datapad before walking away. Garrus activated it and above shone a holographic figure of a phone number.

"Soooo," asked the Turian. "Where are we headed wingman?"

Naruto sighed and muttered," to see the Council."

They caught a cab to the Presidium where the Council had all its meetings. There were waterfalls pouring, Elcor's walking across a bridge, and cars zooming through the air. Councilor Anderson was speaking with hologram images of the other three Councilors.

"This meeting would be more productive if Udina was to join us," said the Asari.

"Perhaps Tevos," Anderson growled. "However Udina is simply my advisor and unavailable. As Councilor, I represent the voice of humanity and the Alliance." Anderson turned and smiled. "Garrus good to see you again."

"Anderson," he replied.

"What happened to your face?"

"Nothing big just got hit with a rocket."

"Unfortunate but I'm glad you're alive. I take it you are Naruto Uzumaki?"

"I am," said Naruto. "A pleasure to finally meet you Councilor Anderson."

"Likewise, I've heard a lot of good things about you. Allow me to introduce you to the Councilors: Sparatus, Tevos, and Valern." From left to right, he pointed to a Turian, an Asari, and a Salarian. "We wanted to ask you some questions about your return."

"What do you mean?"

"We've heard some unsettling information about you Naruto," said Valern.

"What are you talking about?"

"We called this meeting so you could explain how you returned," said Tevos. "Everyone believed you to be dead. We spoke with the 5th Hokage Tsunade from your home world and she insisted that your body was never recovered. And yet here you stand before us brand new and using a warship that is Alliance and Council property to do Cerberus' bidding."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me correctly Naruto. You are working with a known enemy of the Council doing who knows what. The Illusive Man is not to be trusted."

"And believe me, I don't trust him one bit. He is helping me to discover what's happening with the human colonies that have been disappearing. This Council is obviously too busy to help with those issues because just like the are with the Reapers, because they don't involve Turians, Asari, or Salarians."

"Ah yes Reapers," growled Sparatus mocking him. "The immortal race of sentient starships allegedly waiting in dark space. Ah we have dismissed that claim."

"How do you just dismiss something like that Sparatus," asked Garrus angrily. "You saw Sovereign during the Battle of the Citadel. Hell the Destiny Ascension was nearly destroyed because of it. If Shepard hadn't decided to save you three, you'd all be dead and this conversation wouldn't be happening."

"Garrus," said Anderson sadly. "No one else encountered the hologram on Ilos that told you and Shepard's crew about the Reapers. Without evidence from another source, the others think Saren and the Geth were behind the attacks."

"Oh that's a load of shit," snarled Kurama.

"Just speak with vigil on Ilos," said Garrus.

"That hologram is no longer functional," explained Valern.

"The Geth are capable of remarkable technological achievements," said Tevos. "This is probably why Saren recruited them."

"You cannot be serious," yelled Naruto. "Are you all really that daft?"

"This Reaper threat proves just how fragile your state of mind is Naruto," said Sparatus pointing at him. "You have been manipulated by Cerberus and the Illusive Man, just as Commander Shepard was by Saren."

"Don't you dare speak about Shepard that way," Garrus cried. "We chased that bastard Saren all over the galaxy trying to stop him from conquering it. Shepard was one of the most courageous humans I've ever met, willing to do whatever it took to stop the enemy. He was a good friend of mine, but I will never forgive him for saving you three especially since you're just sweeping everything he discovered under the rug."

"All of this is irrelevant," shouted Valern raising a hand before Sparatus could respond. "The point of this meeting was is to discover Naruto's purpose for working with Cerberus."

"And you know now," said Naruto. "I'm trying to save the human colonies, that's it."

"That is all fine, but you shall do it with another ship," sighed Tevos. "As we have explained to you, the Normandy is Alliance and Council property. We are having an Alliance Warship brought to this area as we speak. You and your crew can continue your mission on that ship."

"I don't think so, we'll keep the Normandy."

"That is not a decision for you to make," shouted Sparatus.

Naruto laughed and brought his right hand down to the Kunai pouch he had strapped to his knee. He took out 3 and raised them.

"I am not a Spectre beholden to this Council," he said to them. "Therefore you three have no authority over me at all. Cerberus and the Illusive Man rebuilt the Normandy, and it is MY ship. It's no longer Alliance property so fuck you three useless bastards. I'll stop the Collectors without you, just like Commander Shepard stopped Sovereign and Saren without you. And unlike Shepard, when the Reapers do get here, I'll be here to say I told you so." Throwing the kunai knives with perfect aim, they hit the same spot on all three holograms projectors cutting the Council off at once.

"Assholes," muttered Garrus.

"I'm sorry about those guys," sighed Anderson. "As much as I would like to help you, there's no way I could overrule the three of them that much and get you the help you need without them noticing. I'll try to keep them off your backs as much as I can though."

"Thanks Anderson," replied Naruto.

The old man nodded to them, and they left before the Council could get guards down to the Presidium to arrest them.

2 hours later

Omega

Naruto was headed to the slum area of the Omega district he was in. He was having very little luck of tuning out Kurama who kept reminding him that the Citadel trip was an utter waste of time. Walking behind him was Garrus, Grunt, and Kiba. Grunt kept laughing as he clenched the Krogan shotgun Zaeed had bought him in the market. 'That big bastard should do some damage with this' Zaeed had told him. As they reached the entrance to the quarantine zone there was a human woman arguing with a Turian.

"I told you to get lost lady," he shouted pushing her.

"I need to get my things," she said angrily.

"No, we can't risk you bringing the plague back out to the rest of the population."

"I'm human you ass, we're immune to the plague."

"You're still not going in."

"Well I need to get in," said Naruto stepping forward.

"Didn't you hear what I just told her," the Turian barked. "No one is getting in. Aria's locked this place down so the rest of the station doesn't get sick."

Grunt walked up slowly to the Turian and head butted him knocking him out. Then he picked up his unconscious form, and flung it into a wall. As he was going for his shotgun Kiba grabbed his hand.

"I think you got him Grunt," he said.

"He's weak," replied the Krogan. "He has to die for being weak."

"Let this Turian live Grunt," said Naruto opening the doors. "And you can kill the next one with a gun I promise."

"Heh heh heh, fine."

"So the first mission you take me on is into an area where a virus is spreading that kills Turians," sighed Garrus drawing his sniper rifle. "How come we don't ever go any where nice?"

"Don't be a baby Garrus," laughed Kiba. "What's a little head cold?"

"A virus is not a cold, and I notice you didn't bring your little doggy with you this time."

"I can't replace Akamaru, but we can always get another Turian for the mission."

"Enough," said Naruto. "Let's get going."

They walked into the plague area not sure of what to find. There wasn't really any sunlight in this area of Omega so it was slightly dark. The streets were littered with the bodies of dead aliens: mainly Turians, a few Salarians and Asari, and one or two Krogan. As they turned walked onto the main street, there was a mound of corpses every where on fire. Naruto noticed Kiba placed a breather on.

"What's with you," he asked.

"There are too many dead people around here," he said. "I can't begin to describe what they smell like."

"I've grown accustom to burning bodies over the years," explained Garrus. "That's probably a really bad sigh?"

"Anybody else hungry," asked Grunt. They all glared at him. "No… guess it's just me."

Naruto looked up at a wall and it had a medical symbol with an arrow pointing at it. Sitting directly under it was a Batarian throwing up.

"Get away from me human," he moaned as Naruto approached. "I don't need your fucking help."

"I beg to differ," replied Kiba. "You look like hell, let us help you."

He raised a pistol weakly pointing it at them. "I SAID GET AWAY! YOUR KIND HAS ALREADY INFECTED US WITH THIS PLAGUE. THE LEAST YOU CAN DO IS LET ME DO IS DIE IN PEACE BEFORE YOU ROB ME!"

"We aren't here to steal from you," said Naruto raising his hands. "We're just here to look for Professor Mordin Solus."

"The Salarian? I'm not helping you get to that evil bastard." The Batarian began to vomit and this time there was blood mixed in with it. Naruto wanted to help him but he knew it was already too late. The Batarian rolled over and died.

"Poor bastard," muttered Garrus as they were walking away. "And I never thought I would say that about a Batarian."

"Just what kind of plague could do this," asked Kiba. "Most aliens are affected, but not humans at all. It doesn't make any sense."

Before Naruto responded he heard laughing mixed with snarling. He looked up at the rooftops and standing was a Vorcha holding a shot gun. As he looked around he could see more of them appearing all holding weapons and laughing. There were about 20 of them. Their razor like teeth and claws all sharpened to perfection.

"Vorcha," growled Kurama. "I hate Vorcha."

"Time to party," said Kiba. Everyone drew their weapons and took cover. Garrus was sporting his Mantis rifle, Naruto an SMG he borrowed from Miranda, and Kiba had a shotgun. Kiba and Grunt both charged ahead with Naruto close behind them. Grunt head butted the first Vorcha he saw into a beat down old car killing it. Kiba dove forward and pounced onto a Vorcha blasting its stomach open, but then he was pounced by three. Naruto ran towards him but the remaining Vorcha all headed his way. He sprouted his chakra tails, and pinned 9 of them to the ground. As he was taking aim at the leader, a hole appeared in its head.

"Scoped and dropped," cried Garrus reloading.

Naruto smiled then fired his SMG at the ones on the ground killing them, and swung his tails hard slamming all nine enemies through a wall. He looked at Kiba who was standing despite having three Vorcha on his back.

"Doton," he grunted. "Kajugan no Jutsu."

The Vorcha plummeted off his body and slammed onto the ground. Naruto watched them struggle to get up, but none of them could move. That jutsu dog boy had used, increased each of their body weight nearly by 200 lbs each. Kiba lifted his gun off the ground, and one by one killed each of the Vorcha. He turned to look at Grunt and the remaining 7. The Krogan was walking towards them covered in blood and all the Vorcha were on the ground dead. He had several scratches all over his face but otherwise he was unharmed.

"Nothing more pathetic than a Vorcha," he growled with a slight cough.

"Did you notice they weren't sick though," asked Kiba. "There's no way that anyone who has that plague would've been able to fight with us like this."

"Vorchas can adapt to anything almost," said Garrus breathing fast. "Their metabolism moves even faster than the Salarians."

Before Naruto could ask the two aliens were they alright, there was a scream. He looked up at some apartments, and saw man against a window with a Turian pressing a gun to his head. Garrus and Grunt headed for the stairs, but they'd never make it in time. Naruto grabbed Kiba with a Chakra tail and flung him through the window. There were some grunts and yells and when he climbed through the window he saw two Turians in Blue Suns uniforms lying on the ground dead. The man was holding a gun in his hand.

"Are you two okay," asked Naruto.

"Yeah," the man grunted. "My name is Steve, this is my wife Karen."

"Why did they attack you two?"

"Because we're human," shouted Karen. "No humans in the area are getting the plague. The Suns which is mostly made up of sick Turians now are killing any humans in the area."

"The Vorcha aren't getting sick," said Kiba.

"Then they must be responsible."

"Come on Karen," the man said. "Vorcha can barely add two and two, there's no way they could think of a plague like this."

Garrus and Grunt burst through the front door ready to fire when Kiba stepped in front of them. Garrus was breathing hard, and Grunt had a small amount of froth on the corner of his mouth.

"Do you guys know where Mordin is," asked Naruto.

"He's about 10 minutes away," said Karen. "He's set up some clinic and is offering anyone who comes protection from the Blue Suns and Vorcha."

"He's that strong," barked Grunt.

"We heard a rumor that the Blue Suns showed up trying to extort protection money from him. He told them no and to never return. They ignored him and prepared to fire, but he stunned them with some nerve gas and gunned them down. Positioned their bodies in the streets as a warning. After, he went right back to treating patients. Doctors don't do that."

"You should still go to the clinic," advised Naruto. "If Mordin is offering protection it would be safer than being here. Do you believe that someone else can save you from the Turians?" Steve and Karen looked at one another and remained silent. "Look we're headed to the clinic now, just follow our trail, in about 20 minutes and everything should be safe."

Naruto's gang looked at the husband and wife and they nodded their heads. They exited the apartment and got back on the path to the clinic. As they got back to the main road, Garrus leaned against street lamp and placed his head against it.

"Are you okay," asked Kiba.

"Just fine," he replied. Garrus coughed and promptly threw up all over the ground. "Okay… I'm not just fine. Oh crap this isn't good."

"You've got the plague," said Naruto quickly.

"No I've got the Turian clap. Of course I've got the damn plague."

"More Vorcha," growled the Krogan. Naruto turned and saw Grunt running directly at him. He turned around, but didn't see any Vorcha. He looked back at his charging ally realizing it a second too late and Grunt collided him into the wall. "Die scum."

Before Grunt pulled the trigger, Garrus fired a sniper shot destroying his shields and staggering him backwards. Kiba got on all fours his claws extending.

"Tsuga," he roared. He ran forward and spun turning into a tornado. He crashed into Grunt pushing him back into a rusted car. He sprung back by Naruto and Garrus with a back-flip. "Naruto what's wrong with your Krogan?"

"It's got to be the plague," sighed Garrus. "It's causing him to hallucinate. He thinks that we're Vorcha."

"Shit," groaned Naruto. "Alright we have to stop, but attempt not to kill him unless we're out of options."

"Well ain't this a bitch," groaned Kiba.

Grunt stood up slowly and wiped his bleeding forehead. He roared at the sky and charged again firing from his gun. Naruto used a quick wind jutsu and blew a gust of wind out of his mouth. It was slowing Grunt down and preventing him from taking proper aim, but not stopping him.

"Doton: Doryuheki," cried Kiba. A small wall of earth sprung up out of the ground. Unfortunately it obstructed Naruto's wind and Grunt picked up speed again. The Krogan charged right through the wall and hit Kiba head on. Kiba flew right into Garrus, knocking the ill Turian onto the ground. Naruto formed a regular Rasengan as Grunt closed in on him. Naruto charged and hit Grunt straight in the forehead with the attack, but the Krogan kept coming. He batted Naruto away with one hand towards a wall. Just before he hit it, Kiba flew through the air and caught him.

"How do we stop him," asked Naruto when he was back on the ground. His forehead was bleeding and his face was slightly bruised. "Bastard regenerates way too fast."

"If I can touch him then I can stop him," said Kiba.

Grunt roared and picked up a large boulder. As he prepared to fling it but Garrus shot him right in the stomach breaking through his shields again. Naruto activated a Chakra tail and tied Grunt's hands together forcing him to drop the boulder. Wrapping the remaining tails around the Krogan he began to slowly tug it closer. Kiba flew around and got behind Grunt and placed a hand on the back of his head.

"Doton: Chokeijugan no Jutsu," he roared. Naruto watched as Kiba grabbed Grunt by his leg and effortlessly slammed him against the ground and a wall several times before knocking him out.

"What kind of Jutsu was that," asked Naruto.

"Drops all his body weight and literally makes him lighter than a feather. I don't know how long he'll be out though. Garrus you okay?"

"I'll be fine," he said getting up slowly. "But we need to find that clinic quick. I'm starting to get dizzy."

Kiba flew and grabbed Grunt by his collar and lifted him into the air with no trouble. Naruto stayed near the limping Garrus as they continued on to the clinic. They rounded the corner, seeing the sign of the clinic. There were LOKI security mechs outside and numerous dead Blue Suns all up against the wall.

"Please holster all weapons before entering the clinic," one ordered.

They complied and entered the clinic. Many sick aliens were on stretchers coughing and a few were asleep. There were humans tending to the sick.

"Get those Batarians in that corner more water!"

Naruto eagerly turned around recognizing the voice. There was a woman standing in blue pants and heels holding a clipboard and giving out directions. She had on a white shirt and her black hair was tied up in a small pony tail.

"You there," she ordered. "Professor Solus needs more painkillers to be given to the Turians in Wing B so hurry with your lunch and get going. Archie there's an Asari going into labor and she's also infected with the plague. We can't treat her because the drug is lethal to infants. Set up a sterile area so I can get ready to help her deliver, and then cure her."

"Hi Shizune," said Naruto quietly.

Upon hearing his voice, Shizune dropped the clipboard she was holding and turned around. Her face was pretty much the same save for a few streaks of gray hair. She took a step back and placed her hands together.

"Genjutsu release," she cried. Shizune turned around and scanned the room for enemy ninja. Naruto reached out and put a hand on her shoulder. She turned around wielding a senbon dripping in poison. "WHO ARE YOU?!"

"Shizune it's me Naruto."

"Impossible, Naruto's dead."

"I was dead, but I'm not anymore."

"I don't believe you."

"Shizune," said Kiba. "Believe him, he's Naruto."

"Kiba you're here too? Just what is going on?"

Garrus sank to his knees and vomited again. Naruto then in horror looked over at Grunt who was starting to stir. If he went crazy from another hallucination again inside the clinic, then people were going to die.

"Listen Shizune," cried Naruto. "I can't explain it right now, but I am alive. Now I have a sick Turian and delusional Krogan with me both ailing from the plague and they need immediate treatment. Can you help me?"

"Charles," she said pointing at an Asian man. "Take them to Mordin; I have to help that Asari. Whoever you are, we are not finished talking about this. Do not leave this clinic." Shizune turned and sped down the hall. They followed Charles until they came to a room where a Salarian was pacing back and forth at an astonishing speed. He was pretty old looking probably in his late 30's to early 40's, had a cream colored pigment and one of his horns had been severed.

"Professor Mordin Solus," asked Naruto.

Mordin looked right over, and upon seeing the sick aliens rushed right over to them.

"Krogan," he said extremely quick. He scanned Grunt quickly with his omni-tool and gave him the cure. "Already showing hallucinations signs would've been dead within hours. Cure supplement with neural blocker to avoid blood rage reaction. Excellent will be fine, will be fine." He turned to Garrus and cured him too. "Turian physiology resilient with simple immunobooster. Should be fine now." The Salarian turned to Naruto and continued his tirade. "Now to greetings, human. Curious. Don't recognize you from area. Too well armed to be refuges. No mercenary uniform. Quarantine still in effect. Here for something else. Vorcha? Crew to clean them out? Unlikely. Vorcha a symptom not a cause. The plague? Investigating possible use as a bio weapon? No no no. Too many guns, not enough data equipment. Soldiers not scientists. Yes yes. Hired guns-"

"Mordin," sighed Naruto with a weak smile. "Just relax we aren't hired guns. My name is Naruto Uzumaki and I came here to find you."

"For what purpose?"

"I'm on a mission with Cerberus to stop the Collectors."

"Crossed paths with Cerberus on occasion. Thought they only worked with humans. Turian involvement slightly surprising."

"This mission goes further than just one races' interest Professor," said Garrus. "We have to work together to take down the Collectors."

Yes, Collectors very interesting. Plague hitting these slums is engineered. Collectors one of the few groups with technology to design it. Our goals may be similar."

"So you'll come with us," asked Kiba.

"Yes Collectors must be stopped. But have to stop plague first. Already have a cure but need to distribute it to the entire district at the environmental control center. Vorcha are guarding it. Need to kill them."

"Yes we do," snarled Grunt with a smile.

"We'll handle the Vorcha," said Naruto. "Just be ready to leave."

All the lights in the clinic suddenly cut off. Four seconds later, back-up power came on and there was a red dim light throughout the room.

"What the hell was that," shouted Kiba.

"Vorcha," cried Mordin. "They've shut down environmental systems. Trying to kill everyone. Need to get power back on before district suffocates. Take cure and get going. Environmental center is just up the street."

Kiba took the cure from Mordin, and he Garrus, and Grunt all rushed out.

"Mordin," said Naruto. "Tell Shizune that we'll be back and not to leave."

"Don't worry," he said smiling. "Patients injured, and she's the best doctor here. She won't leave while they're in peril."

Naruto nodded and sped after his team. They were almost to the environmental group when a Vorcha jumped in their way. Grunt no longer hallucinating killed it by jamming his shotgun into its face. Before entering the environmental center, Naruto entered into Sage Mode. Using nature energy he could sense where the Vorcha were. There were too many to count. They rushed into the building, weapons at the ready. Garrus immediately dove behind a pillar and did what he did best sniping the unsuspecting. Grunt was laughing the entire time while showing the Vorcha no pity. He was head butting them, ripping their limbs off, and blowing them away with his shotgun. Kiba and Naruto fought back to back holding only Kunai. The unarmed enemies rushed towards them thinking them frail and weak only to go down. Kiba had two giant stone fists and were decimating the Vorchas bones. Naruto was hitting them too but enough to kill with one blow. Nature Energy amplified his blows making them that much tougher.

"Got any metal cord with you Kiba," bellowed Naruto holding a Vorcha so it couldn't bite his throat.

"Yeah," he grunted back. Kiba did a back-flip kick sending a Vorcha towards Garrus who took it out with the Mantis. He opened his pouch and flung a ball of metal like string at Naruto. Naruto caught it and placed the tip in his mouth tossing it back to Kiba.

"What are you doing," asked Garrus adding clips to his gun.

"Just stay back," Naruto ordered through clenched teeth. One by one Kiba flew around grabbing the Vorcha and began dropping them onto one another. Two sometimes three Vorcha were falling out of the sky at once time, but every time he grabbed one he tied a piece of the string to them. Kiba dropped the last Vorcha out of the sky at Grunt who grabbed it and threw it hard into the pile. They were all knotted and couldn't move at all. Kiba took out three small vials of oil from his pouch, and from the air poured it onto the Vorcha. Naruto made his hand seals and took a deep breath. "KATON: RYUUKA NO JUTSU!"

A large arc of flame blasted from Naruto's mouth and sped down the metal cord and engulfed the Vorcha igniting them at once. No matter what they did, none of them could move fast enough to avoid the flames. One by one they all fell to the ground dead, and finally Kiba smothered the flames with a quick earth jutsu.

"Not bad," said Garrus putting his rifle on his back.

"A lot of dead meat," agreed Grunt wiping the blood off his armor.

Naruto sighed and took Mordin's cure. With a little instruction from Garrus who knew a few things about tech, he fixed what the Vorcha did to the environmental center, and added the cure. The lights all changed from red to green and a giant fan began to blow.

"Can we get the hell off of Omega now," asked Kiba. "This place makes my skin itch."

Naruto nodded and they headed back to the clinic. Upon arrival Mordin smiled at them and shook their hands. All of the patients who were previously inside had come out, and were already beginning to look a little bit better. The formerly pregnant Asari was standing holding her newborn with a large smile on her face.

"Knew you could do it," said Mordin as he shook Naruto's hand. "Placed faith in the right people."

"I kept my end of the deal Mordin," said Naruto. "Are you ready?"

"Of course, will be strange working with Cerberus, but keep my promises. Will inform assistant that he will be taking over." Mordin sped away and Shizune walked forward with her arms folded.

"You look enough like Naruto," she said looking him up and down. "And you have the same fire in your eyes he had."

"Shizune," he said placing a hand on his forehead. "It's me."

"Is it really him Kiba?"

"He has the same stink the old Naruto had, it's him alright."

Hearing that was good enough for Shizune and she pulled him into a bone breaking hug. Naruto could hear her sobbing so he rubbed her back.

"What are you doing with Cerberus," she asked wiping her eyes.

"Long story," he sighed. "C'mon I'll explain it back on my ship."

"You have a ship?"

30 minutes later

Normandy Deck 2 Briefing Room

"It all makes sense now," said Shizune leaning against one of the ships walls. Naruto, Shikamaru, and Kiba had been getting her caught up. "Cerberus has done what Orochimaru's Reanimation Jutsu couldn't do. They truly brought you back alive flesh and blood with your own freewill. It's incredible and terrible all at the same time."

"What were you doing on Omega," asked Shikamaru. "That's not exactly your kind of place."

"Life hasn't been easy on me since Lady Tsunade left."

"WHAT," shouted Naruto. "WHERE DID SHE GO? SHE ISN'T STILL IN THE VILLAGE?!" They all looked at him knowing something that he obviously didn't.

"The 5th vanished from the village about a month after you died," said Kiba using the quotation symbol. "She just wasn't the same at all."

"It was the day after your funeral," continued Shizune. "At this point it had been about three weeks since you were gone Naruto. I showed up to work as usual and there was a note addressed to me on her desk. Lady Tsunade was basically telling me that with you being gone that she had nothing and no one else left to live for. She told me to enjoy what was left of my life, and to never attempt to find her because I wouldn't. That's the last anyone in the village ever heard of her."

"That was nearly two years ago though," said Naruto.

"True," agreed Shikamaru. "But we couldn't devote all of the resources to trying to find her. The other villages gladly kept a look-out for her but she never went there either. Not to mention it's a big galaxy Naruto. If Tsunade doesn't want to be found, it would be relatively easy for her to hide."

"So who's the Hokage now?"

"Naturally it would've been you next, but everyone agreed that it would have to be Kakashi."

Naruto couldn't even believe what he was hearing. Tsunade just vanished because he died? Unthinkable and horrible.

"What do you know about the Collectors Shizune," asked Kiba. Naruto looked up praying that she had an answer. He needed some good news at the moment.

"I don't know that much," she said slowly. "But I have heard of them. From the Omega 4 Relay correct?" They all nodded. "I've only ever seen them once on a mission. They were on a far planet making deals with a group of Batarian slavers we were sent to stop. As soon as we arrived, they fled."

The doors to the Briefing Station opened and Mordin walked in with Jacob.

"All settled in," he said with a smile. "Excited and shocked to be working with Cerberus." Mordin took a deep breath and continue." Illusive Man really branching out yes?"

"You're well informed Mordin," admitted Naruto.

"The Collectors have been abducting human colonies," explained Shikamaru.

"Not simple abductions," said Mordin quickly. "Wouldn't need me for simple."

"Entire colonies just vanish," growled Kiba. "No distress signals are sent out. No signs of attack, no evidence except that every human man, woman, and child is always gone."

"Gas? No spreads too slow. Airborne virus perhaps-"

"Hold on Mordin," said Naruto stopping him before he got on a roll. "You don't have to guess. We have samples from the colonies I'd like you to analyze."

"Of course analyze the samples. Going to need a lab."

"There is a fully equipped lab on the combat deck Professor Solus," said EDI. "If you find anything lacking please place a requisition order."

"Who's that pilot? No synthesized voice couldn't be… have to ask is that an AI?"

"EDI is an AI," said Jacob.

"An AI on board, non human crew members too. Cerberus more desperate than I thought. Which way to the lab?"

"Follow me," said Jacob. He and Mordin exited and turned right. All three men turned and looked at Shizune smiling.

"Am I supposed to read your minds," she asked.

"You know what we're up against Shizune," said Naruto. "You saw what the plague the Vorcha used on Omega was capable of. If the Collectors aren't stopped, this will spell trouble for humanity."

"I still don't understand why you guys need me."

"You're a medical ninja," exclaimed Kiba. "We could always use some quick healing out in the field."

Shizune smiled and said," you three may be grown up, but to me you're still the same brats who still used to beg Tsunade to give you a mission, or beg her to let you take the afternoon off so you could sleep."

"Just come with us please," sighed Shikamaru.

"Ohhh…. fine I'll come with you all. But I'm not one for doing a lot of field missions. I saw some medical station on Deck 3 when Miranda Lawson was giving me the tour. I'll be in there with the Doctor if you all need me." She turned and exited out with Kiba and Shikamaru closely following.

"Shikamaru, Kiba, and Shizune," rumbled Kurama. "Who's next from your home?"

Naruto smiled at that comment because the suspense of it was killing him too.

Doton: Kajugan no Jutsu - Added Weight Technique

Doton: Chou Keijugan no Jutsu - Ultra Light Weight technique

Doton: Doryukei - Earth Style Mud Wall

Katon: Ryuuka Jutsu - Fire Stle Dragon Flame Bullet