I do not own Naruto in any way shape or form.

Hello again well we are at chapter seven now so yay I suppose. Well I hope that you have all enjoyed the last chapter.

Ok time for a rant….ahem stop posting messages on my other stories to yell about when this story gets updated. Tell you what really drives me insane, me working hard to update a chapter and instead of constructive criticism, reviews, or anything to do with that story I get messages effectively whining for when something else gets updated. Honestly a troll yelling about that story is less irritating because at least it's still about what is there instead of asking about another work. Please, please do not send another post like this. I understand I really do I have stories I want to see updated as well but nagging at me isn't helping. Please stop or I'm done, I will stop this story and delete if from the site, if you want to comment about this story do it here, not on my other work it makes me crazy, and if you think I'm joking I've deleted over 15 such reviews from my other stories already, it is that prevalent.

To give you an idea why this drives me insane I decided just to see how much I have written to date for this sight, just to see what my pace is like to show why this drives me insane. To date I've written 1569.3 pages at 11 point font single spaced…that is from 3/16/2014 to 5/6/2015…so that's about 156.9 pages a month…or if you want doubled spaced 313.8 pages a month. That is on top of working more than twenty hours a week and attending a full master's program and the work that entails…people so help me is some starts nagging me about this again I'm going to go insane.

Ok deep breath rants over….in with the good air….and out with the bad…..in with the good, out with the bad….ok I'm good…I think. Enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 7

"Talking"

"Thinking/Mental conversation"

"DEMON/God or the like/printed words"

"Jutsu"

-Duty Home and Abroad -

"Menma-kun no!" called the gentle tone of a chair bound girl currently looked down at the babe in her lap. The babe in turn blinked up at her in confusion his violet eyes showing puzzlement as to what the nice lady was saying as he nuzzled the fluffing thing in his hands giggling at the touch of it upon his cheeks.

"Nunnally you might." Called a blond man from across the small grass space between them. Even as he spoke, however, he saw that his words were too late. Just as the words were out the happy babe pulled the fluffy things up to its face letting out a happy giggle as he did what most little children do with something they like. What followed was a muffled crunch and a high-pitched whine.

"AAHHHH! YOU LITTLE DEVIL!" cried the source of the fluffy object which had been the object of the child's happiness a moment before. What that object was in fact was a tail, one that the child had gotten ahold of a few moments before. Now the fluffy appendage was pulled from his grasp and mouth the owner looking down at it with a pitying note to his expression. Soon enough that look had changed as he shifted his annoyed looks up at the redhead who in turn waved his arms down at the Kitsune.

"Fo-xy!" called the boy happily as he reached down towards the Kitsune who swung its eyes up to the three people watched his eyes narrowed at a particular pair.

"You let him do that." Stated the kitsune in an accusatory tone as his eyes traveled across Nunnally who still held the struggling Menma, before shifting over to where a blond man sat looking pleadingly over to the redhead beside him who in turn sat with her arms crossed in a small smirk playing across her face as she looked back at the fox.

"Oh, is the mighty Kyuubi been beaten by my little Menma-kun?" called Kushina happily as the fox gave a small growl of annoyance. At this his nine tails began to wave behind him, even as across the small garden Kushina rose from her stone bench her red locks parting into nine waving strands of their own. As the two fixed eyes with one another the others watching could swear they saw electricity leaping between the pair as they closed on one another.

"WHY YOU!" started the fox before the wheel bound girl cut into his words.

"Kurama, Kushina stop it you'll upset Menma-kun!" ordered the blond girl as both the fox and redhead stopped their staring contests to look over to see the annoyed face of Nunnally looking back at them. For half a second the two stood there before both let out a sigh their tails and hair falling as they received a small nod from Nunnally.

"Good, now Menma-kun apologize to Kurama-kun." Lectured Nunnally looking down at the babe who turned to the kitsune blinking at him a few times before nodding his head slightly towards Kurama.

"Sowy Foxy." Called the boy as Kurama let out a small chuff before moving over to rest in a small patch of sun one eye looking back towards the boy, who watched him with a sad little look upon his baby face. After a moments the great kitsune let out an audible sigh as with a flick, one of his tails stretched out to brushed lightly against the boys hair drawing a giggle from his lips, washing away any sadness present, before the appendage sank back to join its fellows curled around the kitsune.

"Alright Kit, now let me sleep." Muttered the kitsune as it settled down Nunnally giving it a wide smile as she turned her eyes up to see Kushina giving a guilty little smile while awkwardly rubbing the back of her head as she stood under the gaze of the chair bound girl.

"Hehehe….sorry." managed Kushina as Nunnally gave a small smile setting Menma down so that he could chase after a few butterfly's that were moving through the garden his little blue shirt and pants waving out behind him as the pair of women watched. After a few moments the pair saw the boy pause turning towards the entrance to the small garden. As they turned their eyes fell upon a pair of figures who were making their way towards them, chatting as they came. At the sight of them Menma let out an excited cry as his little legs carried him charging over towards the pair a wide smile upon his lips.

"Naru! Nata!" called the little redhead as he raced ahead just as Naruto and Hinata stepped into the gardens both smiling down at the little boy as he came running over. Without pause Naruto knelt slightly catching his brother under the arms and hoisting him up causing a fresh burst of giggles to escape the redheads lips. Soon enough the little boy was setting upon the tall blonds shoulders his hands full of his brother's spiky hair as he waved towards his parents.

Beneath the redheads perch Naruto's azure blue eyes slowly moved over his parents faces, seeing the warmth there.

Had it really been just a few days since they had meet for the first time? He wondered as he stepped slowly across the garden towards them, his mind casting back to the night when everything had come to a head.

-Flashback-

The attack was over; small bands of guards were still moving bits of debris here and there, even as few medical personnel finished tending to the injured but the castle had fallen back to the silence of the night otherwise. Euphemia's medical corps had been able to save many, but had almost been too slow. Luckily as the pink haired woman had begun her work she had encountered both Tsunade and Hinata as well. After the briefest of explanations the pair had raced to help her as they worked to stabilize the most severe cases, Eve herself only pulling through thanks to all three's efforts.

Meanwhile within the main hall the Namikaze family had yet to let go of one another, Kushina still with her head burying into her son's shoulder just holding him as she continued to cry tears of joy at this simplest of contact. Beside her Minato held both, his own tears falling in silence as his arms wrapped around each of them unwilling to let either go. Both stood in silence, simple basking in the happiness at finally finding their son. Finding the boy they thought lost so long ago.

The two were not alone, however, Naruto as well stood in silence his arms wrapped around the pair holding them to him even as their warmth spilled across him, embracing him just as their arms did, and somehow telling him more than words ever could convey. For what felt like hours the three remained like that, the moonlight bathing over them through the windows as the family stood reunited. Until the final member of the family let out a small cry of confusion from his position between his parents.

"Momma…what wrong?" called little Menma blinking between the three taller figures not understanding why they were crying. In reply to his words all three turned their attention down to the boy who still sat perched on one of his mother's hips blinking innocently around at each in turn. In reply all looked down to him smiles upon their lips.

Shaking away a few tears Kushina looked down to her youngest child lifting him so that his head was now level with her own as she nodded toward Naruto, her voice still shaking with happiness as she spoke.

"Me…Menma-kun this is your brother….this is Naruto-kun." Whispered Kushina watching as the little redhead turned his eyes up to the blond man across from him, moving down from his spiky yellow hair past his blue eyes and settling upon the whiskered cheeks his hands reaching out instinctively for them.

Smiling softly Naruto leaned forwards slightly so that his little brothers hand could pat against his cheek drawing smile to the boys lips as he blinked up at Naruto.

"Naru?" said the boy a little hesitantly as Naruto broke out into a wide fox like grin, that almost cause Kushina to begin crying anew at seeing her own face reflected in her sons."

"Yep, I guess that makes me your big brother." Spoke Naruto as the little redheads eyes grew along with his smile.

"Naru!" called the boy happily as he leaned forwards both his arms reaching up to wrap around his brothers neck as he was drawn into his arms. Kushina was not able to keep from letting fresh tears spill at this site; the sight of her children together for the first time…her family together.

From above the little redhead Naruto turned his eyes between the two adults, a soft smile upon his lips, as he nodded towards a door leading off of the massive entrance hall. A few moments later the group was sitting inside a small but welcoming room the wooden walls decorated with large tapestries as a dimly lit chandler hung above them, casting its light down upon comfortable chairs and tables, meant for visitors to the castle.

As they entered the group soon found themselves seated across from one another; Menma having fallen to sleep not long after their arrival, the trip and excitement being too much for him as he dropped off. He now lay upon a large comfortable couch his little hands seized upon his mother's dress as she ran a hand lovingly through his red locks.

Beside her sat Minato who gave his wife and youngest a small glance before turning his eyes up to see his eldest sitting across from him, looking a little lost as just what he should be doing. Minato wasn't far off on this point.

.ok…..ok so my families here….and they don't hate me….so….so now what do I do… Wondered the blond as he glanced up to his parents his mind failing him as to what to say, leaving his mouth to pick up the slack.

"Um…so…granny Tsunade told me what happened...I mean how you…" Floundered Naruto as Minato found himself watching his speak, each word and action like a familiar wave from his own younger self. There too was Kushina, as though he was watching his own past sitting before him, the thought oddly comforting to him. As though at least in this way he knew the man before him.

"How we died." Offered Minato sighing as he pulled his mind back to Naruto's words. In reply Naruto nodded a little lamely even as Minato looked towards his son swallowing heavily as what was to come. He had feared what was to come next…known it had to come…but he would not run from this…he owed his son that much.

"I…well after what happened…with the whole fighting….look I'm so….." started Naruto before Minato interrupted him.

"Naruto…I understand if you hate me for… for what I did." Started Minato before a small movement drew his eyes around. It was Kushina, which even as he spoke she had reached out to take his hand, her voice cutting him off.

"What we did…" she stated looking from Minato's gaze back across to her son before continuing.

"Naruto we know it isn't an excuse but we never would have sealed the Kyuubi in you if…no…no that isn't enough we never should have put that burden on you." began Kushina as Naruto seemed lost as to what she was saying.

Just as Kushina was about to continued Naruto, despite himself, let out a small chuckled at her words causing both parents to suddenly stop. In the meantime Naruto tried and failed to fight back a smile as he let out another small chuckle. For a moment the parents looked on completely lost as to what their eldest could possibly be finding amusing about this situation, their minds already conjuring the worst answers to that question as Naruto fought his emotions back under control.

"I don't care about that hehahahe I was trying to apologize for punching you." Managed Naruto unable to keep himself from chuckling at the idea that both his parents and he were trying to apologize to one another at their first meeting. At his words both Kushina and Minato looked on dumfounded.

"Bu…but I…we.." started Minato as Naruto shook his head smiling over at the pair.

"Did what you thought was best to protect me…" Spoke Naruto as he managed to get his emotions back under control.

"What happened wasn't your fault, if there's one thing I've learned as emperor it's that you don't know what will happen with any choice you make…so please, you don't have to apologize to me… my parents apologizing seems weird anyway you know." Finished Naruto reaching up to scratch at the back of his head his. The mannerism was so much like Kushina's own that Minato found himself letting out a small snort as he looked over to his wife, who was currently blushing. Glancing over Kushina saw her husband's gaze as she looked down her hands moving over, to play with the sleeping Menma's hair as she spoke, her voice showing her embarrassment.

"Wha…what? It's not my fault he's like that you know." Murmured the redhead as her eyes turned up to see not only Minato's, but Naruto's face turned up in smiles as her.

"I don't know…makes me happy to know I got that from you…well besides your right hook. You know you mess up my helmet pretty bad." Chuckled Naruto as Kushina found herself smiling a familiar fox grin despite herself.

"Ya well I guess I should have expected my son to be that strong." Replied Kushina as Minato shifted so that his hand was now resting on his wife's lap. As he moved, his eyes turned back to Naruto's before he began speaking.

"Naruto I know it's a lot to ask, but we'd like to be your family…we want to know you." Spoke Minato the longing in his voice obvious, even as he tried to remain calm. In reply Naruto smiled softly as his eyes took in the three before him.

"I wouldn't have it any other way Minato…I have a father, a mother, and a brother. I think it's about time I got to know them." Smiled Naruto.

The night had slowly gone on, the four members simply sat together speaking, learning basking in the happiness that came with having this chance to be a family.

-Flashback end-

In the days following the attack the palace had found itself slowly returning to a state of normality. The pounding of construction could still be heard from a few areas, and the guards were noticeably increased; armored forms now decorating much of the grounds. Alongside this a new sealing barrier had been set up across the grounds and walls, Minato and Kushina having added their own considerable skill to Naruto's, so that the palace was now more secure than ever before.

At the moment, however, the emperor's focus was not on such matters.

"Naru-ni up!" called Menma happily as he tugged lightly at the blond locks he had gripped in his little fists. Smiling to himself Naruto obliged his brother, kicking off the ground once sending the pair momentarily skyward. As the pair went airborne the little Menma let out a happy giggling as he was given a brief glance over the walls of the garden. Soon enough the two fell back to earth Naruto thumping back beside Hinata, who was smiling softly up at Menma who was laughing happily.

"Again! Again!" called the redhead as the group within the gardens broke out into small laughter at the boys cries. Without pause Naruto did just that hoping up again and again, his little brother crying with happiness each time he parted from the earth, and each time she reached up to once more embrace the pair. There in the sun bathed garden, with the laughter of Menma echoing out it was easy to put away the worries of the world…at least for a time.

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However, not even the happiness of a child as innocent as Menma could shelter the group for long. Soon enough the little redhead, had once again, run himself to exhaustion. His small form now lay curled beside the resting Kurama, the babe having marched over to wrap himself in the Kitsune's tails. The pair now lay slumping the boy using the unknowing Kurama as both pillow and blanket.

Across from this rather entertaining sight Naruto sat beside his father, both looking from the resting form of Menma and Kurama to where Kushina was leading the other two women in taking as many photo's as possible of Kurama's situation, chuckling audibly to herself as she did.

"You know, they do remind me a lot of one another." Smiled Naruto glancing around at Minato who let out a small sigh.

"Hai…my very own kitsune princess." Smiled the man nodding towards Kushina, who had her wide smile upon her face as she nudged Hinata nodding over to where Naruto and Minato sat. As the pale eyed girl turned she saw Naruto's eyes upon her a moment before going bright red. The next moment she was turning back to looking ahead, even as Nunnally and Kushina giggled at her response.

"Not that you don't have your own princess by the looks of it." Added Minato smiling over at his son had a small blush on his cheeks as well. As Minato watched Naruto raised a hand up to scratch at the back of his head letting out a breath as he did.

"Ya…and I'm completely clueless." Chuckled Naruto as Minato nodded his head, one arm reaching over to pat his son on the back lightly.

"Well at least your that far, trust me you'll always be clueless." Remarked Minato as the pair watched the women chatting happily for a bit longer their minds enjoying the simple happiness of the moment, fleeting as it might be.

But as their eyes looked out, they saw the scarred grounds of the garden, areas still burnt from the fires, or splintered from the battles. Wall-e had not left Eva's side for the past few days, and the garden was lesser for his absence. Each blemish upon its beauty standing in testament to the horrors that had played upon it a few night before.

"So…what are you going to do now Naruto?" asked Minato noticing the worried look he had felt so often on his own brow now mirrored on his son's. The look of a leader who is forced to know that what stood before him was unclear. Letting out a short sigh Naruto leaned forwards his elbows now resting on his knees as he looked out, eyes distant.

"What I have to…peace isn't going to come easily. I'd even say it may be all but impossible at this point." Whispered the blond as his mind showed him small flashes of that night, the fires, the injured …the dead. As the memories flashed by Naruto found himself tensing slightly knowing just how much worse things could have been. Horrible images of Nunnally….Wall-e…dead, and for what.

"You know what I have to do." Whispered Naruto in a heavy voice as Minato looked sadly at his son.

"Hai…I know. But no matter what know we are here for you Naruto." spoke Minato noticing a dull smile crossing Naruto's lips as his eyes slowly shifted back into focus.

"Thank you…for understanding." Whispered Naruto as he shook his head slightly a smile retuning to it as he drew in a deep breath.

"We'll be meeting tomorrow…I'd like you to be there if you can." Spoke the blond as Minato nodded his hand reaching up to rest upon his son's shoulder.

"If that is where you need me, now how about you show your old man some more of that sealing." Smiled Minato as Naruto shot him a small smirk shaking his head.

"I swear you're like Kassan and me with ramen." Chuckled Naruto as Minato shrugged not bothering to dispute his statement.

"Maybe, but to think my son would be a seal master that would lecture me." stated Minato as Naruto nodded his head.

"And to think my dad would be the fourth Hokage, funny old world." chuckled Naruto as the pair began to chat once again. On the other side of the field with the three women Nunnally was shooting small glances towards her fellow blondes a small smile touching her lips as she saw them diving back into their discussion.

"Ok, I think they're distracted." Whispered the chair bound girl as Kushina stopped chatting animatedly glancing over to confirm the girl's words. After a moment Kushina nodded as both women turned to Hinata with sly smiles upon their faces.

"Wha…what?" managed Hinata looking between the two as their smiles grew.

"Oh I think you know Hinata-chan." Smiled Kushina as across from her Nunnally nodded in agreement.

"I have to agree Lady Hinata, it is plain to see how you look at him." added the blond girl as Hinata found herself flushing bright red at their comments looking pointedly away from them. As she looked away her hands ideally moved to begin playing with the hem of her lavender sweater.

"I…I don't…I mean…I can't." Stuttered Hinata as on either side of her both women leaned in, still smiling.

"Oh and why not Hinata-chan, you don't have to go back to become heiress to the clan, the hokage herself seems to support you being here, and we both know that you enjoy being here." poked Kushina as Hinata blushed all the more looking down at her lap trying to keep from showing just how much she was blushing at this moment.

Ideally Hinata heard a few soft footfalls as she concentrated looking away from the pair, but paid them no mind until another smatter of voices joined the conversation.

"Nunnally." spoke a voice traced with a small sigh as if the speaker was shaking their head as they spoke.

"Oh leave her alone Lulu, besides she's right, even you said so." Called a happy tone almost bubbling with excitement.

"You know she's right, besides I could always just say it's a long term mission..oh that might be entertaining to see the councils face, Hinata Hyuuga on a seduction mission." Ideally added another voice. This final voice being enough to draw an audible eep from Hinata as she looked up to see Tsunade standing beside both Euphemia and Lelouch all three looking around at the blushing girl.

"La…lady Tsunade." Whispered Hinata as she saw the blond woman's face turning up into a wide smile.

"What, it's not like after what we found out, either of us are really looking to go back to Konoha. After Shizune gets here I'm setting up shop with Euphemia here." chuckled Tsunade jerking a thumb over at the pink haired woman who nodded happily.

"Hai, and it's not like we're letting Menma-kun leave." Added the pink haired woman as the only man in the conversation sighed shaking his head at their words.

"Euphemia you make it sound like we're holding them for ransom." Muttered Lelouch as he received a slightly unnerving smile from both of his sisters. After a few moments under their combined gaze the man shook his head on hand reaching up to rub at his temple.

"And you don't care…sorry lady Hinata but it looks like you're doomed, for what it's worth I'm sorry." Commented the man as he turned moving over towards where Minato and Naruto still sat chatting. As he departed both his sisters looked after him with pleased expressions before turning back to Hinata just as the pale eyed girl seemed to be getting ahold of her emotions again.

"Bu…but my.." started the woman as she felt Kushina's hand laying gently over her own drawing her eyes to the woman.

"Hinata, this is about what you want, not your clan, not your father, and not Konoha. Trust me…your mother would have agreed with me on this." added Kushina smiling softly as Hinata looked around at the group slowly before glancing over to where Naruto was now speaking with Lelouch. As she watched him Hinata found herself wondering…wondering if just maybe her childish dream could actually come true.

Then with a little push Hinata found herself standing. Looking back she saw the group smiling after her nodding her onward as she stood a few soft steps across the garden, noticing as she did that Naruto's eyes found her own. Maybe it wouldn't happen…maybe things would get in the way…or maybe…just maybe she could find happiness in the west.

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Meanwhile across the capital within the larger mountains the bordered the city armored solders stood sentinel moving across stone walls and bridges as they glanced down periodically into a great grassy courtyard where groups of figures moved back and forth between one another. The courtyard stood slightly apart from the mountain, on the edge of a sharp clubface so that the sun could reach down upon the tall walls and towers that surrounded it.

The rest of the prison sat securely within the very walls of the mountain, but each surface embedded with a smattering of seals that kept the prisoners from breaking through and attempting escape. Speaking of prisoners a small group of them were currently standing in the open yard grouped together, and casting small glanced up to the guards who marched past every now and then, seemingly at random.

"Oh come on." muttered a blond as she threw back the hair from her face as she spotted another patrol going out just as the last ended.

"They're at complete random." Continued the blond as she crossed her arms before the simply grey clothing that decorated the prisoners. Across from her a tired sounding voice spoke, laced with self-loathing.

"Ino…ju…just stop it. We aren't getting out of here." murmured a pink haired girl the fight having left her long ago. At her words Ino turned an annoyed look on her face as her eyes turned to her friend.

"Sakura how can you say that. We need to get out of here, Konoha is at war, we can't just sit her and let them be attacked." Called Ino as beside her a feral looking man nodded in agreement his brown hair waving slightly as he turned to face Sakura as well.

"Ya, we may have lost one, but that doesn't mean we give up. Besides we have to get back. I'm not spending my life in this dump!" called the man as across from him a red eyed woman let out a sigh shaking her head at her students blazon words.

"Kiba keep it down, we don't need undue attention." Lectured the woman as Ino shot the man as annoyed look.

"Ya at this rate the entire country will hear you." Added Ino as she noticed a small movement near the entrance to the yard.

"Hu, hey Kurnai isn't that Kakashi?" asked Ino pointing over to where a few figures were being lead into the courtyard by an armored force. As the group turned they saw the unmistakable silver grey hair of Konoha's most well-known Jonin as he stepped into the yard, draped in the same gray garb they found themselves in.

"No…they couldn't have gotten him to." Whispered Kurenai as beside her Sakura looked up sadly to her sensei eyes falling on him just as a fresh wave of sadness washed over her.

"Kakashi sensei..." whispered the woman, even as across the yard Kakashi seemed to spot the group turning towards them. As he stepped forwards the guard behind him stepped back through the massive iron gates the doors slamming shut behind him a moment later as a faint pulse of chakra went up once more.

Soon enough Kakashi found himself standing before the group looking slightly happy despite himself at their precise.

"Sakura, Ino, Kiba, Kurenai thank kami we thought the worst." Spoke Kakashi as the group looked to him.

"Kakashi what are you doing here, is Konoha alright, are we still fighting? Is that what those explosions were a few nights ago?" asked Kurenai, as the silver haired man turned to her, his expression falling as he did.

"I guess I'm doing what you are now…and yes we're still fighting. I was part of a team that tried to put an end to this a few night ago…we managed to get into the capital alright…but we failed." Spoke the man his mind flashing to that night, the horrible helplessness he felt as the vines closed around him…and those eyes…pitiless…heartless. With a shiver Kakashi forced himself to focus back on the matter at hand turning a serious look as he did.

"I don't know who else survived…maybe nobody, they held me for a few days but after I didn't give them anything they sent me here." finished Kakashi as the group nodded. His words seemed to have a different effect on Sakura who shivered slightly at the thought of her own team…those that were gone…those she had lead into that.

"Did you get them, I mean did it work?" asked Kiba hopefully as Kakashi let out a sigh shaking his head slightly.

"I don't know, I managed to take out the one woman from the tournament, but the other targets may have survived. At this point I don't know if any of the others managed to do more than wreak the place." Replied Kakashi as the group fell silent.

"So…what now?" asked Ino sullenly as Kakashi looked around at the group, his eyes trailing up the walls and across the guards as he did.

"Well we can't do much in this place. So I suggest we leave." Smirked Kakashi as the group nodded in agreement…all but Sakura who turned around glancing at the group one by one as her own thoughts were not lifted by the man's words.

Bu…but we couldn't beat them even with surprise last time…if we try….what will happen to us…what will it help. Why are we even fighting this war? Wondered the woman as the emperors words flashed through her mind once again feeding her own self-doubt, even as around her the group began discussing their plans anew, ignorant to their member's mental turmoil one more whisper of thought issuing from her before she turned back to the discussion.

Sasukue-kun….im sorry.

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A day later Naruto sat once again with the windowed hall, the group before him now including both Kushina and Minato, who had insisted on being there, if only to support him in what followed. Down the great table Lelouch sat calmly looking over a small display of their forces glancing over to Cornelia, who had returned just the day before from the front her eyes narrowed at the troop information. Across from her C.C. and Euphemia sat both looking down towards where Naruto sat his hand intertwined as they looked around at the group.

After a short time Naruto finally spoke, his tone calm, but somehow edged, as though he was a still lake under which a terrible beast slept ready at any moment to strike.

"I'm afraid that we have received our final answer from the east with the events of a few days ago. I am sorry that my actions have put so many of you in danger." Started Naruto as the group nodded silently, knowing that their silent acceptance was all they could offer their leader. Beside him both Kushina as Minato watched their son trying to convey by their feelings alone that no one here blamed him for his actions.

"Our course is clear now. The elemental nations will not abide our peace until they understand that they cannot win a war with us… for that reason we will be moving soon." Spoke Naruto his eyes becoming heavy as he turned to Lelouch nodding at him. In reply the slender man rose his purple eyes turning around the group as he pointed out the map before them where a line of red and blue blocks showed their force.

"It looks like a simple victory here and there won't be enough. What the assassination attempt," started Lelouch, pausing slightly as he bit back a curse as a memory of his sister crying out in fear flashed across his vision. Shaking himself from this he continued hoping that none had noticed his momentary lapse.

"Showed us was that the enemy still thinks this is a war that they can win, and that any means are acceptable to that end." Continued the man raising one white clad arm to point to a position on the man his voice grave as he spoke.

"So we must show them that their belief is a lie, we show them that the peace we offer is not to save ourselves but to spare them, and to do that we strike at their very ideals." Continued the man as the table followed his arm down to the small spot on the map, a village hidden within the swirling sands of the land of wind.

"So, we remove one of their villages?" asked C.C. calmly her eyes watching Lelouch, as if daring him to speak as the table turned to him. In reply Lelouch shook his head softly.

"No, we don't remove it, doing that would only give them a reason to continue to fight, revenge is a strong motivator…I think we all know that." Replied Lelouch as beside him Cornelia nodded her eyes turning up to her younger brother.

"So you plan to take the village as our own, remove the idea that their hidden villages are protected." Spoke Cornelia as Lelouch nodded turning as Minato spoke.

"That won't be easy, the outpost may have had last minute defenses but Suna is practically a fortress in that sand." Added Minato as Naruto nodded towards his father.

"Hai, but a fortress cut off cannot last; with the fleet at our backs our forces can stand the desert, Suna will have little option but to surrender." Spoke Naruto as down the table Kurama let out a small yawn his eyes looking across at Naruto with a slightly knowing expression.

"Don't forget my brother is there Naruto, Shukaku may be mad at times but in the desert he is not someone to underestimate." Spoke the kitsune as Naruto nodded in reply.

"Hai, and Gaara is the same, but our choices are limited with Suna on the boarder any other move puts our forces in a position to be cut off, as much as I would like to avoid fighting old friends I will not risk our country for that reason. And as far as Shukaku, well Kurama what do you say, can you handled your older brother?" asked Naruto as Kurama's mouth parted into a fanged smirk.

"Oh so I'm getting to stretch again, hum beating him on the sands would be entertaining. Well with me there we've already won so I am all for it." Chuckled the fox as across from Naruto Kushina spoke.

"I can help as well, if I can get close to Shukaku I can hold him down maybe even seal him completely if we need to." Spoke Kushina as Naruto turned to her with a small shake of his head.

"Thank you Kushina, but this is a matter for the west, it may be selfish of me but I want to keep you and my brother safe here." spoke Naruto as Kushina looked ready to speak. Before she could voice her disagreement a hand feel across her own as beside her Minato nodded towards his son.

"We understand Naruto…we will keep everyone safe while you are away." Spoke Minato firmly as Naruto smiled at the man.

"I'm sure you will." Replied Naruto allowing a small smile to touch his lips as he looked around to where Cornelia sat, her purple hair falling down across the armor she never seemed to part with.

"Cornelia, I need you to gather the western and southern guard to join with the east, leave half on watch, but the rest are to head to the east." Called Naruto as the purpled haired woman nodded in reply. Next Naruto turned to Lelouch who had found his place sitting beside his sister once again.

"Lelouch gather the fleets as well, and I wish you to meet with Minato and Tsunade if possible to familiarize yourself with some of the eastern tactics." Continued the blond as Lelouch nodded looking over to Minato who seemed ready to offer any aid he could.

"I leave it to you then, once the forces have arrived we will depart for Suna." Finished Naruto as the members of the table nodded most rising to depart leaving only Naruto alongside C.C. and his parents remaining. After a few moments Kushina spoke her tone soft, but carrying an obvious note of irritation all the same as she looked to her eldest.

"Naruto I know we just found one another, but we aren't some delicate flowers, we can fight." Spoke Kushina, a hint of annoyance behind her words. Her words caused C.C. to let out a small chuckle drawing the redhead's eyes around to her, only to see the green haired woman waving her off.

"I…I'm sorry Kushina." Chuckled the yellow eyed woman as she took a few deep breaths fighting her laughter under control. After the woman managed to still her laughter she turned a pointed smile upon Kushina her eyes still holding traces of amusement as she looked to the redhead.

"It's just I have been trying to argue that point with him for years, and I can tell you it's a losing battle." Smirked C.C. as Kushina turned back to Naruto. As she turned to face him she saw her son his eyes closed face guarded as if he was preparing himself for something. Soon enough the blondes eyes opened as he faced his mother once again letting out a sigh as he did so.

"This has nothing to do with how strong you are mom. I know you can look after yourself, but what I know more is that if you are on that battlefield I won't be anywhere but beside you, protecting you, and I can't have that. I'm the emperor, and I must stand at the front, for my country. But if you are there I won't be strong enough to be that man, that's why, for me, I need you stay here where you are safe." Spoke Naruto watching as Kushina's face fell slightly small tears pooling at the sides of her eyes as she looked at him.

"Baka….why did you have to be so smart…" whispered Kushina as Naruto smiled over at her glancing at Minato.

"I guess you can blame my blood." Replied Naruto smiling over at his parents.

"And my sister." Added Naruto glancing over to C.C. who gave a small nod pushing herself up from the table, her arms stretching up causing the simply dress she wore to rise slightly around her as she cracked her head.

"Well then I'm off to have something to eat. Oh and Tsunade wanted me to tell you apparently her apprentice is showing up today, so make sure your there." Called the woman as she turned heading for the exit waving back as she disappeared through a set of large wooden doors. As the remaining three watched her depart each found themselves slowly rising as they made their own way out Naruto ideally glancing through a tall window as he passed checking where the sun was.

Hum a few hours yet…well I suppose I never did have good timing. Before a war I have a date…really smart baka. Thought Naruto as he headed down the carpeted halls of the place beside his parents.

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Meanwhile across the world within the land of wind a red-haired man stood upon the high walls of his village, the wind from the sands blowing small flecks of dirt around him as he scanned the horizon. With a sigh the redhead let his eyes fall to the land just outside his walls, where hundreds of shinobi and kunoichi worked raising battlements, great walls of stone and earth, or simply helped to wheel the massive siege weapons of their lands into place along the line. As the man watched he saw a group from his own forces wheeling a massive shuriken launder into place, the blades it sported twice as tall as a man. As the weapon found its position a small force of red and brown clad shinobi moved up flying through hand signs before the weapon lifted up onto its own towered of stone. Once it halted its procession walls raised on either side of it till it was just one of several such additions to the walls growing outside of his village.

Watching this the teal eyes man almost missed the small breath of air that signaled his sisters arrival.

"Gaara, you need to rest. You've been out here for hours." Whispered a blond woman her deep grey vest and uniform identifying her as a Jonin of Suna, as upon her back sat an oversized battle fan. Glancing up Gaara let out a heavy breath his ringed eyes closing for a moment as he looked back towards her and the village behind.

"Alright Temari…I'm sorry to have worried you." Spoke the man as Temari gave him a small smile to accompany the shake of her head.

"Don't apologize just get some rest. Our Kazekage can't be seen tired on us." commented the blond as Gaara nodded glancing back across the village as he did.

"Yes….I'm afraid Suna will need its Kazekage ready soon." Whispered Gaara as he stepped past his sister. Neither saying it, but both wishing that their brother was here with them. When Temari had been forced to return with the grave news she had seen it almost destroy Gaara. The loss of his brother standing as a dark testament to what his own choices had already brought about.

Soon the two were making their way down the wall, still in silence as a small clatter of footsteps drew them to a halt, as they turned to see a pair of chunnin approaching them, both clad in the grey and light brown of their nation. As the two spotted the siblings they spun to meet them dropping to knee as they arrived.

"Kaze-sama." Began the first as Gaara spoke, his tone calm in sharp contrast to their own anxious words.

"Calm yourselves, and stand my shinobi do not bow to me." spoke Gaara firmly as the pair rose nodding towards the redhead as they began gain.

"Yes Kaze-sama, we bring word the Raikage and Mizukage have arrived and are asking for you." Spoke the first shinobi as Gaara nodded to the pair.

"I see send word then, I will see them shortly within my office." Finished Gaara, as with a sharp bow the pair vanished in small flickers of movement.

"Both the A and Mei…what do you think this means?" asked Temari as Gaara's eyes narrowed slightly a deep breath parting from him as he started to once again descend the staircase.

"I do not know Temari…but I doubt it is anything good." Replied the man as the pair set off for the large central building, colored like the sand and stone of the walls, carrying the symbol of Wind emblazoned upon it.

After a short trip Gaara found himself seated behind his desk eyes turned ahead, passing over the few shelves and seats that decorated the simple office, the light of the sun filtering in from the window at his back. Soon enough the twin doors to his office opened as the familiar bulk of A entered his muscles apparent even under his jacket. Beside him marched Mei in turn, her slender form hugged by her usual blue kimono showing off all of her impressive curves to the redheaded kage.

As the two settled themselves Temari followed after them closing the door so that only the four of them now stood within the office.

"Mizukage, Raikage." Spoke Gaara softly inclining his head to the pair prompting each to do the same in return.

"Kazekage, it is good to see you still well." Spoke Mei a smile touching her lips as beside her A simply nodded moving to take a seat without further comment. The two soon found themselves seated before Gaara who had not taken his eyes from the pair blinking between them as his eyes narrowed slightly at them.

"What is it that you have come for?" asked Gaara finally, after a small bout of silence between the three. In reply he saw A grimace as Mei let out a tired sigh shaking her head slightly at the question.

"Straight to business…as expected." Muttered Mei sounding a bit disappointed as a chuff from A cut her off.

"Good, we have no time for games. Its simple Kazekage the assassination attempt failed, we have heard no word back from our forces sent, at least some of the enemy command had survived." Stated A bluntly as Gaara turned to him eyes narrowed.

"So your desperate move has failed…after everything else we now have to contend with the Empires rage." Stated the redhead as Mei let out a small sigh across from him.

"Yes, so it would seem. The best we can hope is that only one remains, but even that is wishful thinking. We expect them to make a move soon, and the only place possible is here." spoke the woman as Gaara nodded.

"We assumed as much before, what has changed that warranted both of you arriving, or have you simply come to help hold Suna against the attack?" asked the redhead looking between the pair as A gave a small growl.

"We are here to make sure Suna remains in power, if the empire gets a foothold in the elemental nations we may as well give up hope of every getting rid of them." Spoke A with his usual level bluntness.

"I see…so the Tsuchikage?" asked Gaara offhandedly already suspecting the answer.

"Fool is to unsettled to be anything but a hindrance to us." growled A looking pointedly away as Mei gave another sigh drawing Temari's attention back to her.

"What? More good news?" asked the blond as Mei gave her a pained smile shaking her head.

"I'm afraid so, you see we received a report from Konoha a day ago…it seems the Namikaze's have abandoned the village. Their location is unknown at this time, and as of yet nothing had been found." Finished Mei as both Gaara and Temari looked on in blank shock.

"But why…" muttered Gaara eyes narrowing as he tried to think of an answer. He had, had the opportunity to meet with both Minato and Kushina after the war, speaking to both a length about their son, and his influence on his own life. So why would they just leave, they had clearly stated their goal…unless…is it possible they found Naruto?

"I see…so when should we expect the Hokage to arrive." Asked Garra simply, as A scoffed shaking his head at the question.

"The old fool claims he does not have the strength to participate himself in the battle, his forced are to arrive tomorrow under the command of his elite Jonin…or what's left of them." Muttered the man his eyes losing focus for a moment as he tallied up the lives already lost in this campaign.

"hum….very well. I must ask are Yugito and B expected to make an appearance?" asked Gaara simply as A glanced to him nodding firmly.

"Yes both will be here shortly. Seems only our villages have any trump cards left to bring." Stated A plainly as he glanced across to Mei who shrugged at his statement.

"Not all of us were fortunate to gain the desirable factions of their forces back Raikage, though I must say killing that fool third again was enjoyable." Smiled the woman in her usual sensual manner that caused both men to involuntarily shut their legs as a matter of principle.

"And Iwa? Can we expect anything from them?" asked Garra as A nodded.

"Hai seems the Tsuchikage's granddaughter at least understands what we face, their forces are marching here as we speak, seems this first force is just the advance group." Replied A as the group looking to one another. For a time they continued like this discussion ranging from troop placement to supplies, before as the daylight began to wane Gaara once again found himself alone with his sister.

"Temari….answer me truthfully, do we have a chance?" asked Gaara looking up to where Temari stood her eyes lowering for a moment as she considered her answer. After what felt like an eternity she looked back to her brother with a weak smile.

"I don't know Gaara…but what else is there." Replied the blond as Gaara nodded looking out over his village.

"Yes…what else is there." Replied the man as he watched the night slowly moving over his village, wondering if he would be able to protect it from the storm raging on the horizon.

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Meanwhile within the empire a different storm was raging…and arguably a more dangerous one. Within one of the palaces larger rooms a group of three figures sat before what appeared to be a set of writing implements, larger scrolls unraveled across the ground before them, as pots of ink and pen sat here and there. Ideally the middle figure bent forwards her brow furrowed in concentration as she drew a few symbols upon the scroll before her the ink slowly forming an entrechat patter. As the seal neared completion the woman let out a breath, as with a final scratch she leaned back letting out a breath as she did.

Smiling at her work she shook a few strands of red hair from her face as she looked across the room to where the tutor sat watching his eyes trailing across her work for a moment before sighing.

"It's crap." Stated Kurama simply as an audible snap echoed around the room as the woman's hand closed breaking the quill in her hand to peace's as she glared across at the kitsune.

"What? Then what do you call that!" shouted the redhead pointing across to where Kurama sat, a large scroll laid out before him whit a messily drawn seal upon it. In reply the fox glanced down at his own handiwork before fixing the woman with a wide grin.

"Art." Stated Kurama in a mocking tone his words causing small explosion of chakra from the redhead as her hair began to separate into nine waving tails.

"THAT'S IT THE FOX DIES!" roared Kushina starting to rise even as golden chains began to clink out from her body. Just as she was standing, however, the blond beside her moved latching onto her shoulders his face twinged with real panic.

"Kushina-chan no please." Called Minato trying to hold back his wife as she rounded on him her eyes glossed over into white orbs of anger.

"OH NO, NOT THIS TIME NOT WITH SEALING!" called Kushina turning back to see the fox grinning at her two of its tails making a "come and get it" motion that only seemed to infuriate her. Then just as she had managed to shake off Minato an excited giggle caused her to stop and look around to where her son sat.

Beside her, still giggling innocently, Menma had somehow managed to plaster both of his hands with ink and was painting all over his own scroll laughing as he went. The act was so innocent it drew every eyes till with a final stamp the boy leaned back grinning across at Kurama his hands waving above him.

"Foxy! Foxy! Fwinished!" called the boy excitedly causing the group eyes to descend to the scroll before him where a seal sat. For all his enthusiasm the seal itself was a mess of ink and crossed lines, but what was more amusing to Kushina, was that somehow here little Menma had still managed to mimic Kurama's sorry excuse almost perfectly.

"Well Kurama looks like my sochi's already at your level, I guess the mighty Kyuubi is falling behind." called Kushina her own tone now carrying the same mocking note his had previously. In reply Kurama narrowed his eyes at the woman before glancing to Menma as a lazy smirk crossed his lips.

"That is Kurama Sensei to you pupil, I expect to be addressed as you better while you are in my class." Fired back Kurama as Kushina and he began another glaring contest. Meanwhile Minato, having decided Kushina was not going to launch an attack, slipped down to sit beside his son ideally reaching over to whip away the excess ink from his hands as he glanced over at Kurama and Kushina's argument.

"You know Menma-kun, I think that your brother should have just cancel class instead of getting a sub." Chuckled Minato as the little Menma smiled over at Kushina and Kurama waving his hands at them happily.

Well Naruto, I hope your date is going well…cause at this rate sealing class is ruined. Thought Minato as he started to work a little with his youngest, his mind ideally wondering how his eldest was doing at that very moment.

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Across the palace grounds within a small hidden grove decorated by a few hanging lanterns which provided the only light a pair of figures sat illuminated upon a secluded stone bench. Before the two's eyes a small pond sat a few birds ideally moving across it dots of color on its still surface. From the watching pair a small giggle came as one of these birds a small duckling tried to follow after its mother only to bump into its siblings starting a small quaking conflict between them.

Looking down the giggling figures companion found himself smiling softly at the beauty he saw in her innocent laugh. His gaze did not go unnoticed as the woman's pale eyes turned up to his own assure orbs. As the eyes meet a small blush crept over the girls face as she looked back out causing the blond man to speak.

"You have a beautiful laugh Hinata-chan." Whispered the man, his words causing Hinata to feel a small warmth in her chest as she smiled ahead.

"Thank you Naruto-kun." Whispered the girl blushing, even as she felt a hand reach down to cup her own drawing her eyes back around to Naruto's soft smile.

"You know….well….you don't have to go back to Konoha." Managed Naruto as if he was somehow unsure about his words. As he spoke he watched as Hinata's eyes widened the red of her cheeks moving up slightly before she shifted slightly closer to him across the bench her hand tightening around his own.

"I…I'd like that…" whispered Hinata as she moved closer to the blond man she had once thought lost. As she neared Naruto caught a small weft of her, a gentle smell, something welcoming...something he remembered.

Smiling Naruto recognized just where that smell came from…what it meant to him. Leaning back a bit on the bench Naruto allowed his eyes to move out over the still lake as he lips parted.

"You know I never thought much about Konoha once I left…it hurt too much to." Began Naruto as Hinata's eyes turned up to look at him a small point stabbing at her chest even as he continued.

"I just…well I hated it so much, after what happened I started to look back, you know, at everything. The dirty looks, the people making fun of me, the fact I didn't really have anyone." Continued Naruto as Hinata started to feel heartbroken at his words, cursing herself for not doing more when she could have. But before these thoughts could grab hold Naruto continued his words carrying a lighter tone to them.

"If not for a few people I think I'd be pretty messed up…but you know there was one person I never got to thank. Never knew who they were, just every now and then I'd get a letter… or a small gift from them, nothing large, but for me they were enough to keep going." Spoke Naruto as he drew in a deep breath.

"And my only clue was always the same…just a gentle smell of lavender…" whispered Naruto turning so that he now faced Hinata, whose eyes had gone wide upon his final words.

"So Hinata-chan…thank you …thank you for being my sunny place even in my darkest time." Spoke the blond his words warm, as if they meant to embrace her of their own accord. At his words all the worry and fear she had felt a moment before vanished as that dull warmth blossomed over her heart joining gently with his words. Ideally she noticed his gaze, his hand upon her's as her lips parted, trying to say what she had wanted to say since she was a child.

"Naruto-kun…I." started Hinata, before her words were cut short as she found her lips captured in a tight embrace. Looking up she saw Naruto's whiskered Face before her, his eyes slowly closing causing her to do the same as both allowed their other senses to take hold. Then there was nothing…nothing but the soft embrace upon her lips, the warmth of his body beside her own, the softness of his hand upon hers, and the dull sounds of the growing night intertwined with their heartbeats.

Slowly the embraced weakened their lips parting as both blinked their eyes to see each other still so close hand intertwined under the lantern light. Ideally Hinata noticed a small blush upon Naruto's whiskered cheeks, even as she felt the same upon her own. Looking up she was Naruto's face smiling down upon her as he let his lips part and the words she had wanted to tell him for so long fell from them as her heart burst.

That night under the rising moon the young girls dream became reality, as the little fox boy and her joined hands under the western sky.

Ok and chapter end, yep no fighting this time, its build up. You might have noticed a lack of OC's here but that will be coming soon, and yes I know I didn't talk about Jiraiya he will get his turn, and I can stop you know as it won't be the simple everyone takes turns at yelling at him, honestly those always come off as forced in my view, and I'm taking a different path…kind of like I usually do lol. Anyway hope you liked the chapter and yes there will be more soon.

Songbird out.