Chapter Seven

"Hn,"

Naruto gave a light grunt as he sat to the side, watching Tazuna and his workers build the bridge. It was his shift to watch the old man and it was really boring, even if he was meditating. He bet Sasuke and Sakura were having fun. "You know, instead of sitting there looking like a suicide suspect, you can help too. I bet it'll go much faster," Tazuna suggested. Naruto simply looked at him before going back to groaning.

A sweat drop formed on Tazuna's head upon seeing the complaining blond. Lazy ass kids these days. Going on with his business, he put down the pile of rails he was carrying and turned around to see Geko, one of the workers.

"Tazuna, can I have a word with you?" Geko asked. Tazuna gave a sigh before nodding his head. "Look Tazuna, you and I have been friends for a long time but…" Naruto gave another bored sigh, though he let his thoughts wander. More specifically to Uzushiogakure. He wasn't exactly sure what he was going to find there, but he could feel that the Force wanted him to go there, which simply made him eager to go.

"What do you mean your quitting?!" Tazuna yelled, earning Naruto's attention which irritated the blond. "The bridge is almost done! A week at best!"

"What's the point?!" Geko stated. "Even if Gato doesn't kill you or anyone else before the bridge is done, there is nothing to stop him from blowing it up anyway! Think about it Tazuna, why put yourself and your family in danger for something that is doomed to fail?"

"You sound like a coward."

"What?" Geko blinked in surprise, turning to the ever bored looking Naruto. "What did you just say?"

"I don't think I stuttered, coward!" Naruto insulted. Geko glared at him and Naruto snorted in response, "I'm sorry did I offend you? Well that's tough shit." Naruto snorted with Geko now growling at the younger man.

"Why you brat!"

"Go home already!" Naruto waved him off making Geko blink. "You quit right? Well run away like the coward you are. If you have any kids, I hope you don't tell them lies about how you helped Tazuna build the great bridge," Naruto muttered, Geko huffed as he turned around, walking away.

Tazuna sighed before he started to get back to work. But he heard a poof noise and turned around to see about twenty Naruto's that all gave him a mock salute.

"What are our orders Gramps?"

Tazuna couldn't help but smile.


"Whats up with you two lameos?" Naruto wondered as he saw his teammates plop down in their chairs at the dinner table, obviously tired. Sakura face planted on the table while Sasuke looked like he was trying not to fall out his chair.

"That damn Kakashi," was Sasuke's answer and Sakura could only groan in agreement.

"Aw come on guys, no pain no gain," Kakashi eye smiled.

"Fuck you!" the two genin snapped causing Naruto to laugh and Kakashi to sweat drop. "

Yo, whats with the ripped picture? You guys got moths or something?" Naruto muttered as he leaned back in his chair. Sakura looked up to see Naruto was referring to the portrait that was ripped, as if someone was missing.

"Oh," Tsunami started as she stood up and made her way to the sink. "It was a family picture, the person missing is my late husband," she finished quietly. Naruto raised a brow before shrugging, not caring about the eerie silence.

"He was a hero of this land," Tazuna sighed, prompting Inari to leave the table just as soon as the word hero left his lips. Tsunami called for her son who ignored her, she then scowled at her father.

"You know better to talk about him at the table! Especially in front of Inari!" Tsunami scolded, causing Tazuna to look away.

"What is the story behind this…hero?" Kakashi wondered, earning a grunt from Naruto.

"Who cares? If they don't want to talk about it, let it be. This isn't story time," Naruto stated rudely, earning a pinch to arm from Sakura. "Ow! That hurt!"

"Stop being rude Naruto," she scolded him quietly. He gave a grunt, but continued to give her a side glare which she ignored.

Much to Naruto's annoyance, Tazuna told them about the story of Kaiza, a hero of wave country.

"Greeaaat,"


"Whats the matter with you dobe? Tough time training?" Sasuke teased his teammate that sat across from him with a sneer.

"Fuck you Sasuke!" Naruto growled, as he was completely slumped on the table. Sakura sat by his side and rubbed his back soothingly while shaking her head. Inari sat by Sasuke, his grandfather on the other side of him.

"C'mon guys, no fighting at the table. Can't we just be happy that we're getting stronger? Next time we see Zabuza…"

"His ass is grass!" Naruto smirked, grinned darkly earning a nod from his teammates. With that said the three teammates started to chat a bit more on a lighter note, talking about how Zabuza and his fake anbu wouldn't stand a chance!

"SHUT UP ALREADY!" Inari shouted causing everyone to pay attention to him. Naruto blinked at the outburst and was about to voice his thoughts but the kid continued.

"None of you are strong enough to face Gato! Your wasting your time! Gato has lots of bad guys and power to kill you, you think because your shinobi you can just come here and save us?" Inari demanded. Naruto gave a grumble as he straightened up a bit, though he noticed Sakura was watching him carefully.

"Listen kid, you don't what you're talking about, alright?"

"Ugh! You piss me off the most! You try to act like you're the coolest person ever but your not! You don't know what we've been through, the pain we have suffered! You live in a village that is successful! I bet you've never gone hungry and…"

"Have you?" Sakura interrupted him with a blank stare, her hands on Naruto's mouth and Sasuke's chest, stopping them both from doing something that would be funny but would cause problems later.

"What?" Inari looked confused, so Sakura elaborated.

"Have you ever gone hungry? Answer truthfully now, also keep in mind that your mother and grandfather are right here. Now, give me an honest answer, have you ever gone hungry?" Sakura demanded. Inari glanced at his mom who had a raised brow then towards his grandfather who wanted to know as well.

"N-no,"

"You ever been beaten?" Sakura continued.

"No,"

"Well your little ass needs to get a good one!" Naruto threw in, moving his teammates hand. But this statement only received a chop to the throat, causing him to fall to the ground in pain.

"Then you have no right to be spewing out nonsense like you have experienced it first hand. You are the lucky one Inari. You have a mother that cooks for you and a grandfather that goes out everyday to work and make sure both you and your mother are taken care of," Sakura stated.

However Inari was still being ignorant and started to speak, "I have suffered though! I have been lied too! I bet not one of you have had someone make an important promise and not fulfill it!" Inari spat.

"…."

"….."

"Hahahaha!" Naruto laughed as he recovered from his attack and laughed like something was really funny, but it was a dark laugh. "Wow, you really need to get your ass beat. I guess your moms hasn't taught you about respect and being careful about what you say," Naruto sneered. "Since we've got here, you have done nothing but complain, sulk and whine the whole damn time! Grr! This is a waste of my time!" Naruto suddenly stood then left, slamming the door. Inari scoffed as he sat back.

"Whatever! Good riddance! He talks all high and mighty! But I bet he never experienced loss!" Inari huffed with Sakura raising a brow as she gazed at Inari.

"Like losing your father?" she asked with Inari looking away, confirming her question. "Of course he hasn't," Sakura smiled softly. "Naruto-kun's parents are dead. Died the night of his birth," Sakura said with Inari's eyes widened a bit and he looked at the ground while Tsunami frowned deeply. "Naruto-kun had no one to raise him. He raised himself." Sakura then gave a soft sigh. "So no, Naruto-kun never experienced the loss of his parents. But you have never experienced a life without them."

Sakura then stood and left to find her boyfriend. Sasuke too stood but he went up stairs without a word. Kakashi sighed shaking his head at the events of tonight. Sakura walked at a nice decent pace, not really rushing to find her teammate. He wouldn't have gone far, and she wanted to give him enough time to probably vent his frustrations, if he could that is. "Didn't think you'd look for me so soon."

Looking up, she saw Naruto above her, sitting on a thick branch staring up at the crescent moon. "Mind if I join you?" she asked with Naruto giving a dry chuckle.

"You know I don't care Sakura-chan, so why do you keep asking?" he wondered with an even tone. Sakura gave a shrug before she hopped onto the branch, sitting beside him. She then rested her head on his shoulder as she closed her eyes.

"I don't know. Maybe someday you might surprise me and not want me around anymore," Sakura replied. Naruto didn't respond at first before he slowly shook his head, giving a mutter of,

"Silly girl." Sakura gave a soft smile before she raised her head, then grabbed his chin, pulling him for a gentle kiss. Naruto relaxed a bit more as he then pushed forward, kissing Sakura back. The two sat in the tree kissing for several minutes, enjoying the taste of one another. Gaining an idea, Sakura pulled away then gave him a small smile.

"Spar with me."

"Eh?"

"Spar with me, let's let loose for a little bit," Sakura suggested with Naruto gazing into her eyes. "It'll help you feel better, and it will give me the workout I need today," she elaborated. Naruto gave it some thought, mulling it over before jumping off the branch. Holding out his arms, Sakura fell into them. Setting her down he grabbed her hand and led her deeper into the forest.

"Okay this should be good. Ready?" he asked, backing a few feet away from her. Sakura rolled her neck, nodding. Naruto slipped into his own stance which tightened, a moment later without warning Sakura rushed towards Naruto at break neck speeds.

"Hn," The blond grunted as he blocked the axe kick she gave him from above on his left. Sakura vanished again and appeared behind him, throwing a punch at his head. The blond however dodged it, and threw a round kick to her head.

"Your going to have to do better than that, Naruto-kun!" Sakura laughed. Naruto smirked as he jumped away from Sakura, summoning about ten clones.

"Scatter!" Naruto shouted, each of them disappearing. Sakura just continued to laugh, dispelling each clone that came at her. Sakura lunged at the real Naruto sending a combo of kicks at him. He dodged one, and blocked the other.

Skidding back a bit, he jumped into the air to avoid Sakura's oncoming assault. The blonde landed in a tree, but it was useless, considering Sakura just appeared beside him and decked him across his face.

The boy flew and crashed through trees, while Sakura simply smirked as she fell down to the ground. Naruto rubbed his face once he finally landed and stood up straight. With narrowed eyes, Naruto rushed at Sakura who egged him on.

Throwing her fist at him, Naruto easily escaped it before kneeing her in the gut then back handing her. But Sakura just continued to laugh and kicked him in the face. The blond skidded back and was able to catch Sakura's fist with an open palm just in time.

Naruto was pushed back a bit from the force the punch brought. "Sorry babe, but not today!" he roared and delivered an uppercut with his other fist to Sakura. Not seeing it coming, Sakura grunted in pain as her head went up. But Naruto wasn't done, as he let go of Sakura and dropped kicked her, making Sakura go flying instead.

Once Naruto stood up, he ran at Sakura who brushed off the pain and charged at him as well. The girl blurred in front of Naruto, bringing down a hammer fist that Naruto blocked with one hand.

This action caused a crater to form under Naruto, due to the pressure and power behind Sakura's attack. Naruto was doing his best to not fall under the attack, so with gathering his chakra, with his other hand, Naruto pushed his hand against Sakura's abs and released the chakra.

"AH!" The girl screamed, being engulfed in a pressurized wind wave. Blown away into the air by the attack allowed Naruto to relax for a short time. But that was foolish of him seeing as Sakura was making her way back down towards him with a charged axe kick.

Blinking, he looked up to see she was coming down towards him. Trying to at least move out the way was difficult. Within milliseconds she had already landed, causing a large shockwave to occur, blowing him back and crashing into trees.

"Don't tell me that's it Naruto-kun!" Sakura mocked. She wiped her mouth of blood and waited for him to respond. A minute nearly passed without any kind of reaction. Sakura sighed, about to let the spar end when she felt a breeze past through. A hand then emerged, gripped onto the trunk of a tree. A few moments later, Naruto emerged with a smirk on his face. Sakura smirked as she pushed off the ground, rushing and Naruto rushed too.

With cocked back fists the two clashed.


Come to me

Naruto's eyes snapped open and they focused to his surroundings. The first thing he saw was pink, leaning his head back he realized he was sleeping with Sakura. The two were cuddled up in the futon rather comfortably. He adjusted a bit, then froze as Sakura turned around to face him and snuggle deeper into him. His blue eyes watched her sleep peacefully and he hoped she was having better dreams than him. He slowly caressed her cheek, and she instinctively leaned into his touch with a smile. "I love you, Sakura."

As he expected she didn't say it back, but he knew that if she was awake, she would. That's what made him smile, he had someone who actually loved him. Naruto took a quiet deep breath, closing his eyes wanting to go back to sleep and simply snuggle with his girl. But…

Come to me

That voice wouldn't let him sleep. He frowned as he opened his eyes then began to sit up, getting out of the futon. "Naru…" he heard Sakura whisper tiredly, grabbing his arm to keep him in place. Naruto chuckled as he gently pulled away from her, but then whispered in her ear,

"I'll be back soon," he could see Sakura give a small pout before she fell back to sleep. With her hold on him loose he managed to get out of the futon. He put the covers over her body, keeping her warm while he silently grabbed and slipped on his clothes. Once they were on, he left the room, closing it behind him. He then headed out of the house, and let the Force take hold of his senses. He followed the path it had set for him, within minutes he came to the docks and saw someone fishing by a boat. With a resigned sigh, he pushed forward.

Come to me


"Has anyone seen Naruto-kun?"

"He isn't sleep?" Kakashi asked with Sakura shaking her head as she stood in the kitchen where everyone but Naruto was. "Hm, that's strange. Sasuke?" the jounin asked, Sasuke gave a shrug in response as he ate his food.

"I don't know. I heard him get up late last night, figured he wanted to keep training," Sasuke muttered. Sakura hummed, it wasn't unheard of for Naruto to actually get up in the middle of the night in train, usually to keep himself awake from nightmares or because he was too restless. "Might want to check the meadow, maybe he passed out there,"

Sakura didn't say anything, she simply left headed to that meadow. Naruto was a big boy and could take care of himself, that's not what had her worried. What her worried that he usually told her where he was going, either by waking her up or leaving a note for her to find. But he did neither, which was not unlike him. She came from a place where death and tragedy constantly surrounded her, she taught herself that when something was out of the ordinary, she needed to be cautious. There was no telling if someone was a spy, a traitor, or just didn't feel like dealing anymore.

This was her chance to make sure Konoha didn't fall, the Empire doesn't come to existence and most importantly, Naruto doesn't die. Things were going right so far even though there have been some slight changes. Like the fact the Uzumaki Clan was actually a thing, or that Sasuke was much more amicable than the one she knew, hell that Kakashi was actually teaching them something valuable. But even though nothing disastrous had happened, it didn't mean it couldn't. She wasn't willing to take that chance, especially with her beloved Naruto.

"Oh, hello." Sakura's jade eyes focused on the pale girl wearing a kimono, carrying a basket. Sakura's eyes studied her quickly and deduced that this was Haku, and if memory served her right, this is where Naruto formed his true nindo. So why wasn't he here? "I didn't think anyone would be here," Haku muttered with Sakura glancing around.

"I was looking for someone, my friend. But he isn't here," Sakura frowned, finding no trace that Naruto could have been here. "Have you seen him maybe? Ye high? Blond cutie? Whiskers and blue eyes? Wearing orange?" she described with Haku frowning in thought as she shook her head.

"No, I haven't. I'm sorry," Haku apologized, though Sakura waved her off, running a hand through her hair. Sakura then noticed the girl kneel down and started searching the ground. Sakura hummed as her eyes studied Haku, closely. She hadn't really met Haku in her dimension, but she was surprised at how beautiful the young woman was. To think Naruto honestly thought she was a boy. There was just no way, and now that she was actually watching her, Sakura was sure that Haku was a girl.

She could tell that she had her breasts bound, tight it seemed; the way her kimono flowed down but also clung to her body giving an idea to the girl having curves, along with an ass that Sakura could admire. She also a very nice set of lips, but not only that, the feminine aroma that surrounded her. There was no doubt that Haku was a woman.

"So what are you doing out here this early?" Sakura wondered with a smile. "Flower picking for a friend?" she asked, the girl shook her head, a soft smile on her lips.

"In a way yes. My friend has fallen ill, and so I'm searching for herbs to make him a medicine so he can get better," The girl stated. Sakura blinked before she grinned.

"Oh, let me help you then. I'm a medic, so I can be of great help," Sakura smiled. The girl blinked before looking up at her.

"Are you sure? I don't want to be of any trouble," She returned. Sakura laughed before shaking her head.

"No it's okay, no trouble at all. As a medic, it's my job to help people in need," Sakura shrugged. The girl nodded in thanks, so Sakura continued. "So what kind of medicine does your friend need?"

"Well right now he is in a state of paralysis and his body gets surges of pain from time to time,"

"Oh, well lets see," Sakura got into her medic mode, looking around with a look of concentration. After a few minutes of delicate picking, the girl had a full basket. "There we go, now just chop and grind these up, put a smidge of water, blend it, heat it up and your friend will be better in no time," Sakura grinned. The girl smiled and bowed.

"Thank you very much. For someone so young you sure know a lot, are you just a medic or a medic ninja?" The girl asked. Sakura blinked, raising a brow, causing the girl to point to her headband."I noticed your headband, but I wasn't sure if it was real or not…there are some people who just like to play ninja," The girl sighed.

"No, I'm a real ninja," Sakura confirmed with a shrug. The girl nodded before she spoke again.

"May I ask why you became a ninja?" Sakura gave her a blank stare for sometime before shrugging. "Do you have someone important to you? Someone you wish to protect?" The girl questioned. Sakura gave a shrug in response, though Naruto and Sasuke appeared in her mind.

Standing up, the girl brushed off her kimono. "A person becomes truly strong, when they have something to protect,"

Sakura blinked as she processed those words and as she did so, the girl walked off. A few moments later, Sasuke appeared with his hands in his pockets. He glanced at the girl then looked to Sakura, "Any luck on finding Naruto?" he wondered. Sakura looked past him at Haku who left and she gave a small smile before shaking her head.

"No. but "Zabuza will be healed within the next day or so," Sakura muttered, dusting herself off. Sasuke raised a brow before nodding.

"How do you know this for sure?" He asked as they started walking. Sakura gave a shrug in response.

"Because I just gave his companion the needs to heal him."


"This air…"

Naruto took a deep breath as he took in the ocean breeze. He was currently standing on the water gazing at the many whirlpools. The Captain said only true Uzumaki would be able to enter Uzushio like this. It made Naruto wonder how did the village get destroyed if only Uzumaki could enter. Unless permission was given, that could be a way to get in. He wished Mito told him more about the whole event.

He took note of the whirlpools that were around the island, figuring they were part of the islands defense mechanism. From the way it was all set up, he guessed it was very difficult for outsiders to find the island, let alone get to it. After twenty minutes of walking in silence Naruto realized that there was even more whirlpools around the entrance of the island. But unlike the others, these ones were spinning a bit faster. Though as Naruto walked towards the island they calmed down, almost stopping. He hummed, guessing it had something to do with his Uzumaki blood. As soon as he safely passed, the whirlpools restarted their spin track. He walked past the beach and through the forest, finally reaching the large gate of Uzushio, which reminded him a bit of Konoha's gates. He even saw a little check in stand that was in ruins to the side.

The gates were busted, rusted and covered in moss. Irritation rose in his chest but he continued on, he decided to get a good vantage point and jumped up, running up the gate till he reached the top. Once he did he gazed at what used to be what he figured was a marvelous architectural village.

The village was built in the center of the island with its giant walls surrounding the entire perimeter of the village. However a dried up river could be seen in the middle of the village with a number of aged worn down bridges going over it. Naruto looked to see two gates built in both walls on opposite ends of the river that would let the water flow in from the ocean, and through the other end without harm the village itself.

He looked further to see among the tall ruined buildings, to see at the very far end another building that stood about 60 foot high while the roof had four stone arch going in to hold a giant stone circular tablet of the Uzumaki insignia out to all for the village to see. Naruto could only imagine how lively this place was before it was ruined. Naruto saw images of red headed children running and playing down the streets while the adults smiled and noticed them.

Restaurant stands would be open with their owners trying to lure in customers. Women would be sitting on the empty benches gossiping and laughing away. And Naruto watched as all these people faded away into dust. The owners of the stands would fade away and their stand would grow old and brittle. The laughing women would fade away as the benches rusted. The playing children would also fade away just like the adults watching them.

He walked for about ten minutes inspecting the dead village of his clan. It made him angry. Then he stopped at seeing what looked like a mansion of sorts. Behind it was the towering building, which he guessed belonged to the kage. He found it strange that everything was a mess but the tower, as if it was never touched. Stepping inside he noticed what looked like a plaque. He wiped off the collected dust and read the words, House of the Clan Head.

Mito had told him that Uzushio didn't have a Kage simply because the Uzumaki didn't consider themselves Shinobi. Even though they did find themselves in Shinobi situations, and trained themselves as Shinobi, they were not a Shinobi clan. He set down the plaque and continued to walk inside the house, scattered around were aged skeletons of people with rags. He ignored the skeletons, looking around the house. Nothing. Everything was either torn down or just broken. He scowled, "What the hell am I looking for?"

Shaking his head he found the main room, what looked to be the office of the Clan head. It had to be the cleanest thing he has seen since coming to Uzushio. The carpet looked a little dusty but was a dark red. The walls had spots and cracks but was a light blue. Hanging on the wall behind the large wooden desk was six pictures of people. Two were women and four were men. They had serious expressions just like the Hokage portraits, so he concluded they were Clan heads.

They all looked to be in their twenties at the time and all had red hair. Going from left to right, the 3rd clan head was a woman and so was the 6th clan head. Naruto thought she was very beautiful and didn't seem so high strung like the others. He could even see a smile if he looked close enough. Smiling at the picture he made his way behind the desk to see the papers thrown all over the place. Etched in the desk was 'I hate paperwork' sweat dropping he guessed it was the 6th clan head who made that. As he was looking all over the desk something caught his eye. He went back over to it and picked it up. It was a letter from, Konoha. Narrowing his eyes he began to read.

'Kurai-san,

We are sending our troops to help you out. They should be enough to help get rid of the pests of Kumo and Kiri. We hope that when the troops arrive you will still be standing. Good luck.

Sandaime Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.'

Naruto laid it down before going over more papers; as he was shuffling something fell off the desk. Looking at the ground was a small red book, almost like a journal. Picking it up, he opened it to see it belonged to Kurai Uzumaki. He then glanced to the Sixth Clan head, then flipped to the first page.

'Mom and Dad were feeling cheeky and gave me this diary today, but it's a journal. Only silly kids have diaries, it's not befitting to someone who is going to become the next head of the clan. But I guess I'll use it anyway dattebake.'

Naruto gave a small chuckle as he continued to flip through the book to see every page filled with black ink. He read some pages, learning about her time as Clan head and the difficulities of having so much responsibility and being the one her people looked too for guidance and protection. He also learned that she was the older sister of his mother, that actually got to him, causing him to stare at her picture for several minutes.

He then took a deep breath and began reading the last few pages which made him get a bit angry but confused at the same time. It talked about how Konoha was involved in the destruction of Uzushio, and she suspected that Konoha elder Danzo Shimura sent troops to help eliminate Uzu while also making a secret alliance with Kumogakure and Kirigakure. As Naruto read his hand began to shake, his anger beginning to rise and rise but he took a breath, remembering Mito's breathing exercises to keep his calm. Several minutes of that, he pocketed the book for later. Standing up he walked to the wall and removed the picture of his aunt to see there was a safe with a Blood Seal. He bit his thumb and swiped the blood which opened the safe, next thing he knew a light flashed the office.

Once the light died down, Naruto was gazing at a woman with long red hair and dark violet eyes. She had pale skin but looked a bit flushed, while wearing red robes with small blue whirlpools decorating the bottom along with black pants. "Ow, my head," she grumbled, Naruto simply stayed silent while watching the lady. Focusing on her surroundings she saw Naruto, then raised a brow, "Who are you?"

"I'm Naruto, Naruto Uzumaki. I'm Kushina Uzumaki's son," he told her carefully. The woman studied him before she jumped him giving him a hug, which took him by surprise.

"Yatta! I'm an aunt!" Kurai cheered as she danced with Naruto who was blushing in embarrassment. Kurai then looked around, "Where's Kushina? Is she around? I have so many questions to ask but so little time dattebake!" Kurai said excitedly, then she noticed Naruto's less enthusiastic expression which made her frown, "She's not here...is she?"

"No. She died when I was born, fifteen years ago," Naruto told her. Kurai closed her eyes and gave a shaky sigh. It was silent before Naruto spoke, "How are you here? Didn't you die?" what was up with supposedly dead Uzumaki women coming back as spirits or ghosts?

"Fuinjutsu," Kurai answered simply, opening her eyes to get a good look at him. Naruto hummed though he raised a brow, strange, that wasn't Mito's answer. In fact, he still didn't know how the hell she was able to be in his life the way she has. He would have to ask her about that. "Before those assholes busted my door down and raided my office, I used Fuinjutsu to seal my chakra away. So I'm dead but…"

"I get it," Naruto muttered with Kurai giving a thankful nod. "What happened? Why did Konoha betray you?"

"I don't think it was Konoha as a whole," Kurai muttered. "There was no way Mito-sama would let that happen. Besides I've met Hiruzen Sarutobi, he adored that woman. Sometimes I feel she was the Hokage and he was just the figure head," she grumbled with Naruto humming, he could see why she says that. "I feel it was someone in Konoha working independently, without Mito-sama and Sarutobi's knowledge. As to why?"

Kurai moved to her safe and pulled out a large scroll, handing it to Naruto who saw it was sealed. "That is what they were after. Inside there contains the precious knowledge the Uzumaki have gathered since the Sage of Six Paths."

"Ninjutsu?"

"Nope, Magic."

"Eh? You mean like pixie dust and unicorns?"

"No I mean various techniques and styles that the human mind could not comprehend, smartass," Kurai's brow twitched. Naruto blinked as he looked down at the scroll a bit. "You see the Uzumaki clan felt that chakra was dangerous, unnatrual even. So through heavy meditation and soul searching, they were able to connect with a side of them that could only be found through death, for humans at least."

"What do you mean?" Naruto questioned, surely she was talking about something else other than the Force. Magic? Mito had never mentioned anything about magic to him during training or it being an Uzumaki style or anything of the sort. Apparently it was so...why not tell him? Did she not trust him or something? It was these questions, these doubts that made him suspicious of Mito…

"Let's see…" Kurai muttered as she concentrated and held out her hand. He looked amazed when blue fire erupted in her hand, it was calm, maintained. "This is spirit fire. If you noticed, no kind of seals or even an ounce of chakra," Naruto nodded in agreement as he sensed no chakra coming from the fire, but unlike ninjutsu...he did feel the Force.

"It's created from energy made from the spirit. Energy that has no limit, that won't cause you to die if you run out. It grows stronger and becomes more, the more you improve," Kurai explained with Naruto slowly nodding. "Masters, like myself and other clan heads learn to strengthen our spirit from the energy that surrounds us," and just like that Naruto watched as the fire turned from blue to white. "Mythical beasts, as humans call them, have no issues using spirit energy, which naturally makes them stronger than humans."

"Wait, mythical beasts?" Naruto blinked with Kurai nodding her head. "So I wasn't too far off from fairies and unicorns," he smirked. Kurai's brow twitched as she took a deep breath to calm her nerves.

"Yeah your her son alright, that smartass mouth," Kurai grumbled which made Naruto chuckle. "Yes mythical beasts. Humans however refer to them as Summonings," she rolled her eyes which caused Naruto to blink. "You think it's normal for animals to talk? That shit isn't normal. There are beasts who use chakra and those who don't. The ones who do are the ones who made pacts and contracts with the humans. Toads, Snakes, Hawks, Bears...that kind of shit." she informed with Naruto humming. "Then there are the ones who didn't. Kitsunes, Dragons, Lions," She went on.

"I've never heard of a Dragon summoning contract,"

"Because there isn't one," Kurai shrugged. "It's degrading to them. They aren't pets, they're living breathing creatures with minds of their owns, more intelligent than humans in fact," Naruto listened to every word she said as Kurai gave him a look. "From the look in your eye, you don't know your history. That's okay, guessing from the blond hair you're a half breed, and since your moms died no one properly taught you about being an Uzumaki,"

"No, I guess not." Naruto frowned as he thought of Mito.

"Well that's okay. I'm sure if you head to the lower levels of the library you will find the history on what the world was like before the Sage of Six paths showed up, and why mythical beasts don't roam the planet like they used too," Naruto smiled as Kurai gave him a encouraging smile of her own. Kurai began to pace around the room, looking around with a slight frown as she continued on her brief history lesson.

"Due to the Uzumaki's diplomacy, peaceful ideals and kindness, we were able to make not only allies out of the Kitsune and Dragon Clan, but become friends. Thanks to this friendship, they shared their knowledge with us, just as we shared our knowledge with them." she then turned to Naruto who was completely focused as she went on. "For decades, centuries even, the Uzumaki had been around, even around the time of the Sage. Our clan were able to use Spirit energy and do wonders with it,"

"This is what made them so powerful," Naruto assumed with Kurai nodding her head. "If we were so powerful how come…"

"We didn't survive the attack?" Kurai interrupted with Naruto nodding. "As time went on, teachings began to shift and soon enough the amount of Spirit users were dwindling and chakra became useful, though it hindered our strength. But no one seemed concerned except the elders. I'm sure if we had stuck to it, we would have survived." Kurai gazed out of the window to the ruins that was once her home. "They envied us, they feared us, so they destroyed us."

"I'm going to bring them back," she heard her nephew say and turned to see him holding the scroll tight. He then looked up and gazed into her eyes with a look of seriousness, "I'm going to bring back our clan. I won't let our history fade into nothing. I'm not letting the book close,"

"How are you going to do that hm?" Kurai wondered as she gestured to the village. "The village that once was on par with the greatest ninja village is ruins. I'm sure those with Uzumaki blood running in their veins is very little and scattered. How are you going to bring back our lost clan?" Kurai questioned sadly, looking away.

"I'll become Hokage," Naruto spoke firmly making Kurai blink as she turned to him. "I'll transform Konoha into a home for Uzumaki. I'll track them down, and offer them a place in our clan. I don't have a full plan but...I'll come up with something, but I refuse to let our clan die out," Kurai gave a small snort as she shook her head.

"Konoha," she scoffed. "Mito-sama believed in Konoha, so she left with the Senju and Uchiha; our clan members following her. My little sister believed in Konoha, and left our family. They believed in this village that granted equal opportunity, freedom, and...the Will of Fire," Kurai went on as she sat on her desk. "Our clan trusted and believed in Konoha, and yet...they backstabbed us. They were apart of...this." Kurai gestured again to the ruins. "If you were smart...you wouldn't trust them either."

"Then I'll make them into something worth trusting, worth believing in."

"Them?"

"The people. The people make Konoha, not the walls, the streets, the tower, the forest...it's just a village. No, its the people who live there, who die everyday for Konoha, that make Konoha," Naruto explained Kurai looking interested. "I will change them. I will make sure that Konoha becomes a place that can be depended on, that can be trusted. If that means I have to hunt down and kill every last person who wishes to compromise my will, I will do so. Because I will make Konoha into the new Uzumaki Clan."

Kurai gazed at the young man before her and she felt something tingle within her. She looked him over before giving a chuckle with a shrug, "I've been dead for over twenty years, so maybe you know something that I don't." Kurai shrugged as she stepped towards her nephew. "So, with that said I'm trusting you with this as well," she said, pulling a ring off her finger. Naruto looked at the ring to see it was made out of white metal with a small red gem. "This is the ring of whirlpools, it belongs to the Clan head. It also signifies leadership of the Uzumaki clan. If you are going to create a home for our people and lead them into a new era, I feel you should wear this...Uzumaki-sama."

Naruto gazed at the ring, then to his aunt before he smiled softly and took the ring, slipping it on his right ring finger. He gave a slight hum as he felt his blood stir a bit. "The ring is storing spirit energy constantly. You won't feel it after a while, but it will be helpful." she then took a deep breath. "I...I didn't want my sister to leave," Kurai said, getting his attention. "I felt as if she belonged here in Uzushio, with her friends, our family. But Mito-sama requested for a young Uzumaki to live in Konoha and she jumped at the chance," Kurai closed her eyes as she gave a sad smile. "Even though I didn't want her to leave, I guess going to Konoha was the best option. Because she got to live," Kurai smiled softly as tears ran down her cheeks.

"I'm sure she made new friends and made a reputation for herself. She fell in love and had her own family. She wouldn't have gotten that if she stayed in Uzu," Kurai sighed. "I don't believe in Konoha, call me old fashioned," she chuckled. "But my sister, your mother did. So if you're serious about this, can you please...please make it the place she believed in?" Naruto gave a soft smile as he wiped away her tears and he gave a nod.

"I will do the best I can."

Kurai smiled as she chuckled, "That's all I ask." with that she gave him a hug and he returned her hug. "I'm so happy I got to meet you, even if you are smartass," this made them both laugh. Kurai held him tighter and Naruto felt...sad, yet happy. He had finally got to meet an actual member of his family, his aunt no less. "I love you Naruto, and if my hard headed ass can love you...then I'm sure Kushina loved the hell out of you,"

"Thank you, Auntie," Naruto sniffed. Kurai gave a laugh as she pulled away and wiped his tears. "I'm happy I met you too." Kurai's smile softened as she kissed his forehead.

"No tears kid. The Clan head's are too cool to cry dattebake."

"But you just cried not even a minute ago, so I guess that makes not cool too dattebayo!"

"There you go with your smart mouth again!" Kurai scolded comically as she pinched his whiskered cheeks. Kurai began to fade and she released his cheek, a happy smile on her face. "I don't believe in Konoha, but I believe in you. Do your best, Naruto." Kurai wished with Naruto nodding with a grin on his face. Kurai gave him a wink before she completely faded into nothing. Naruto's grin began to fade into a frown and he looked down at the large scroll in his hands.

Closing his eyes he took a deep breath. He opened his eyes and turned heading out the room as he heard the call once more…

Come to me.