I don't own Naruto...or any of the other characters here in (except maybe Maze and Mada).

Characters revealed:

Yuffie Kisaragi: Materia hunting ninja girl from Final Fantasy 7 and Kingdom Hearts game series.

Sheena Fubayashi: Ninja girl from Tales of Symphonia.

Kite: Hero from the .hack games (look alike called Azure Flame Kite in GU).

Natsume: Ninja girl from .hack (both original and GU).

Angeal: Mentor like figure from Crisis Core-Final Fantasy 7.

Genesis: Rogue warrior from Crisis Core-Final Fantasy 7 and the secret ending to Dirge of Cerberus FF7.

Washu: Crazy alien scientist from the Tenchi Muyo series and mother to Ryoko.

Ghaleon: Hero turned villian turned hero again from the Lunar series (Silver Star Story and Eternal Blue).

Zach Fair: Hero of Crisis Core FF7 and mentioned in Final Fantasy 7.

Aerith: Flower girl/lead female character of FF7. Also appeared in the Kingdom Heart games.

Quina Qu: Party member from Final Fantasy 9.

Eiko: Party member from FF9

Ovan: From .hack//GU. Was mentor/brother like figure to Haseo as well as a hero turned villain. Avatar of the Eighth Phase.

Solfege: Teenager in this chapter. Mother of Polka from Eternal Sonata.

Impulse 9 Home Impulse

"Qu Place, huh? Sure has been a long time since we were last here" said Angeal as he looked at their former hangout.

"Sure has. I wonder if Quina is still running this place?" asked Genesis.

"Well, only one way to find out" said Sephiroth as he walked up and opened the door.

Inside the small restaurant was a lively collection of people of different species all eating their fill. They looked around and quickly saw who they were looking for. From a opening into the kitchen, they saw a big blue skinned creature wearing a chief's hat busy making up some food.

They walked up and sat on the stools by the counter as a small purple haired girl walked up and said "Welcome to Qu Place. Can I take your order's?"

"Yeah, we'd like the house special and a side of apple peach cider delite to drink" said Genesis.

"You serious? Well OK, it's your funeral. Hey fat boss, we need three house specials and that yucky drink you created" yelled the girl. The creature turned to look at her with a confused smile. "Why you keep saying that? Me not fat. Me rather skinny for me race you know, little Eiko."

"Yeah yeah, what ever you say fat man. Just hop to it and make up the grub" yelled Eiko as she went to work on other details.

"Boy, that little girl sure has an attitude, don't you think?" asked Angeal.

"She reminds me of Asuka" adds Sephiroth.

A few minutes later, the large blue creature emerged from the kitchen and said "If I remember correctly, only three little brats ever ordered this combination of may food. Ah, aiyo boys. Been to long since last seen" said the chief as he walked up and sat the food and drinks down before the young KNIGHT's.

"Yeah, it's been a while Mr. Quina. I see things are still going good for you as far as business goes" said Angeal.

"And you still have loud mouthed brats working for you too" Genesis added with a laugh which earned a scowl from Eiko.

"Aiyo, it is true to that. When you boys be getting back? Last I heard, off to join with the KNIGHT you three had. Why come home now? Miss the place did ya? Get kicked out or a mission have you?" asked Quina as it looked at them.

"It's mission related. That's the reason we stopped by, apart from seeing you and having some nice nostalgic chow that is" said Sephiroth.

"Well then, come on over this-a-way and having yourselves a seat and we talk the talk" said Quina.

(ten minutes later)

Quina sat back and thought on what it had just been told. It reached up and scratched its head before saying "See I do. Looking for any strange things happening with people are we?"

"That's right. Have you heard anything about people suddenly going crazy and doing things that is abnormal for them? Anything like weird black bubbles emerging from people as well?" asked Sephiroth.

"You're usually good with hearing things like this" said Angeal.

"Heard anything have I? To think of it now, I have heard some weird thing's happening here and there" said Quina.

"Well can you tell us?" asked Genesis.

"Over in Forte, from what I hear. Reports of people becoming violent and having strange bubbles forming around them. Best to check there with the count" said Quina.

"Over in Forte, huh? That's a three day journey from here" said Angeal.

"Then, we better eat as much as we can for the trip ahead, don't you guys think?" asked Genesis.

"Yes yes, eat lots you must. And take a few to visit family and friends as well" said Quina.

"Well, what are you waiting for, chef Quina. Bring us some more grub" says Sephiroth.

Quina nods as it gets up and goes back to the kitchen to get more food. Off to the side, Eiko thinks 'Oh brother, this looks like trouble. Glad I'm not a warrior and have to deal with that crap.'

(three and a half days later)

"Well, that was helpful" said Genesis as they walked away from the castle.

"Can't be helped. The count is a rather shrewed man and isn't one for letting outsiders deal with Forte matters" said Angeal.

Sephiroth was about to respond when they heard a voice speak up.

"Excuse me, are you here about the incident?" asked a young girl who was walking up to them.

"Actually yes. Can you tell us anything about people going insane with black bubbles coming out of them? asked Sephiroth.

"Sure, but not out in the open. The count has eyes and ears all over the place. It will be trouble if he learns of this. By the way, what are your names?" asked the girl as she led them to a secluded spot with in the city park.

The three KNIGHT's gave her their names to which the young girl nodded. "Nice to meet you three. I'm Solfege."

A few minutes later, Solfege felt comfortable enough to speak with them. "It all started about a month ago. There was a terrible storm that hit the city. A man named Kans was outside when the storm hit claimed to have seen a man appear. He didn't reveal all that much, outside that there was an air about this guy that felt evil."

"Did it happen at night?" asked Genesis.

"Yes, and Kans is known to be the drunkard of our city. So not many people take his word as meaning anything. Anyways, he claims that this person disappeared as quickly as he had appeared. But before he vanished, he held out his hand and some strange light appeared and floated into the sky. It then entered into the home of the Ashford family. It was then the man vanished, a smile on his face as he did so" said Solfege.

"I'm guessing this is were the incident starts?" asked Angeal.

"Yes, it all began soon after. At first, Marco Ashford seemed to be acting well as he was the only person home at the time. However, one day and with out warning, Mr. Marco began to act weird. He started to exhibit sudden explosion's of anger and violent tendencies towards everyone. When guards would try to step in to stop him, he would easily over power them. And weirder yet was that black bubbles would start to emerge from his body" said Solfege.

"What happened to this Marco?" asked Sephiroth.

"Well, it became such a hassle to deal with, that the count was forced to call for outside help. He had to swallow his pride to do that though. Anyways, an exceptionally strong man showed up and challenged Marco when he was at his worst and managed to beat him. Marco was shackled and locked away deep with in the cities dungeon and as far as I know, he's still there."

"And what happened to the one who stopped him and what was his name?" asked Genesis.

"I'm not sure what happened to that man, though I do know he didn't walk away with out some injury. Seeing as I wasn't there to see it, as was the case with all us kids, I'm not sure. But I'm guessing he left afterwards. As far as his name goes, I think it was Okan or Owan or something" said Solfege.

"Well guys, I think I know what we need to do next. We need to find a way into the dungeon and speak with this Marco guy" said Angeal.

"Assuming he's willing to talk with us to begin with" adds Genesis.

"Well, I might be able to help you there as well" said Solfege as she grinned at them.

(inside the dungeon)

"Well, that was totally unexpected" said Sephiroth as they emerged inside the dungeon.

"Tell me about it. On second thought, never mind. I never want to go through that sewer again" says Genesis.

"Well, we're here now right? Let's see if we can find this Marco guy" says Angeal.

"Hey look, it's the guard station" says Sephiroth as he sneaks over to it. He peaks inside to see the guard on duty asleep. So moving quietly, he opens the door and makes grab for the prisoner location sheet lying on the desk. "OK, now let's see where our guy is" he adds.

It doesn't take long to locate his cell and after a few minutes of walking, they finally arrive. Angeal peeks inside the room to see a shabby and decrepit man being held by giant metal braces off the floor in the center of the room. "Hey, you Marco?" he whispers from the door.

The man looks up at them and asks "Who's there? Not the guards seeing as the only come by to check on me ever now and then."

"What, you mean they don't even bring you food? That's rather rude of them" says Genesis.

"Yeah, but I don't need to eat. What ever is inside me is keeping me alive, though I wish it didn't. I've been down here so long, stuck like this, that I've almost forgotten what it's like to live normally on the outside. Now, who are you and why are you here?" asked Marco in a weak and wobbly voice.

"We're with KNIGHT. We heard that you might know something about PHAZE and we wanted to meet you. But the count isn't very helpful" said Sephiroth. "PHAZE? Is that the name of the sickness with in me? Well, what do you want to know?" asked Marco.

"Anything and everything about what's happened to you. About the time the incident happened. About the man a person named Kans saw and about the person who stopped you. Anything that you think might help us to help you and others who have been infected as well will be a great help to us" says Angeal.

"Alright, I'll tell you what I can" said Marco as he began to tell all that he knew.

NH

Cid leaned forward in his chair, his face grim from the news he had just heard as he thought on what he had just been told. "So, it was Ovan who stopped this man and it might have been Ovan who started the whole thing in Forte, am I right?" he finally asked.

"That appears to be how it looks sir. From what Marco told us of the man he said battled him and what we learned from this Kans person afterwards, it would appear to be the same guy and that guys fits master Ovan's description perfectly" said Sephiroth.

Cid sat back and turned his chair part way around to look out the window as he talked. "But this doesn't make any sense. Ovan was the one who first brought the existance of the PHAZE to our attention. Why would he do that if he was the person behind it all?"

"We don't know sir. We can't even be sure if it really is Ovan who did it and not some one who is going around looking like him" said Angeal.

Cid nods and says "Well, that is true and all. But that isn't the only problem we have had while you guys were gone."

"Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" said Genesis.

"That bad feeling is a justified, seeing as we have yet to receive a report from Ovan or Ghaleon since the left to head to Novotia. And if Ovan really is the cause of all this, then we may have a problem that will be unprecedented in the history of KNIGHT happening now" said Cid.

"You want us to go to Novotia and check up on them, huh?" asked Angeal.

Cid turned around and gave them the most serious look he had ever given them as he said "Correct. Head out as soon as possible and find Ovan and Ghaleon. If Ovan really is behind all this, then try and capture him and bring him back for questioning. And if that proves impossible, then you are free to use any measures necessary to bring him down. Understood?"

The three KNIGHT's stood up and as one, said "Yes sir!" With that, they turned and left the room to get their things ready for departure.

(Novotia; five days later)

They moved fast across the tree lined mountainous terrain as they search for the outpost village inhabited by researchers who were studying up on the dragon race, knowing that's where the two masters would be at. "Guys, are you getting a bad feeling about this one?" asked Genesis.

"Yeah, somethings in the air that feels off. What ever it is, I'm not liking it one bit" says Angeal.

"Guys, over this way. I think I can see smoke rising from the mountain side" shouts Sephiroth as he changes direction with the others following quickly.

After a few minutes, the emerge from the moutains tree line only to see the ruins of a village slowly burning itself out of existence. All around them were dead bodies and blood covering almost everything. "My god, who could have done this?" asked Angeal as he saw the bodies of children mixed in with the adults.

"Wait, why are there children here? I thought this was just a researchers village for studying the dragons?" asked Genesis.

"Even researchers have families. They probably believed this would be a good learning experience for the kids to be around dragons" said Sephiroth.

As they looked around, the sound of a faint voice could be heard coming from the rubble. A voice that was crying out for help. Hearing the voice, the three KNIGHT's began to search desperately for its source for a few minutes, when Angeal yells out "Over here, I found him."

Sephiroth and Genesis rush over and find a middle aged man with a massive beam crushing down on his stomach. "OK, on three we'll try to move it" says Genesis which gets a nod from the other two. "Do....don't bother. I...won't be alive for much...longer anyways" says the man.

"Sir, we can still..." says Genesis, but the man interrupts him and says "Trust me, I can tell. My body has been two badly damaged to survive this. It's fine though. With my family dead, I don't want to live anymore anyways" says the researcher.

"Understood. Who did this to you and everyone else anyways?" asked Sephiroth.

The man hacked up some blood, but smiled at the worried looks he was being given as he said "Don't worry, I'm....well I'm not alright, but I can still tell you guys. It started a few days after those two from KNIGHT arrived here. We had reported to your group about seeing weird black bubbles in the area, many near the valley of the dragons higher up on the mountain. They went with a team to investigate."

The man took a moment to take a breath. It was obvious that he was fighting to stay awake long enough to finish telling them. "I was one of the ones who went with them to the site. When we arrived, we saw only one dragon and it had those bubbles emerging from it's body. Those guys, Ovan and Ghaleon, were forced to fight and kill it. Afterwards, Ovan said something strange that made Ghaleon mad. That led to an argument between them though I can't remember what is was about."

"So, it was Ovan after all" observed Genesis.

"Maybe, maybe not. Let's hear the rest of the story first" says Angeal.

"Anyways, for the next week, Ghaleon had an eye on Ovan. It was like he was trying to figure something out. Then, it came over a day ago. Ovan suddenly attacked us with this weird stuff covering his left arm. It was monstrous in appearance, like claws with those black bubbles emerging. Ovan butchered the whole village and when Ghaleon, who had been out looking around, showed up, he challenged Ovan to battle. I think they went to the dragon valley higher up on the mountain" said the researcher.

"Which way do we go to get there?" asked Sephiroth.

"That way" said the man as he lifted his hand up and pointed to a path. They could tell he was really struggling now with staying awake. "We....made a road.....to guide.....please find and.....help master Ghaleon....counting....you...." And with that, the man closed his eyes for the last time as death finally claimed him.

"Poor guy, must have been fighting off dying so he could deliver that message, hoping that hep would come" said Genesis.

"We'll bury everybody here later. Right now, lets go and find master Ghaleon" says Angeal. With that, the three KNIGHT's head off to aid their former teacher.

(dragon valley, twenty minutes later)

They ran fast into the valley, expecting any possible event to be awaiting them, but all they saw was nothing but barren land and skeletal remains on dead dragons. And standing at the center of the place with his back to them, was Ghaleon. "Master" yells Sephiroth as he and the others arrive.

"So, you three finally arrived then? I had a feeling you'd come. Cid would make that choice, and I'm happy with that" said Ghaleon as he kept his back to them.

"Master, did you defeat Ovan?" asked Angeal.

Ghaleon's response is a humored laugh as he says "No, I didn't. His new power's are beyond my abilities to deal with. I don't know where he is at present, but I do know he isn't far away from here."

"Master? Why do you not look at us? Shouldn't we go looking for him. After all, it's four on one now" asked Genesis.

"You're right, we should go and look for him. But before we do that, there is something important we need to do" said Ghaleon as he turned to look at them. The three younger men find themselves shocked as they see Ghaleon's face. A large bloody gash around his left eye with black bubbles emerging from it. Blackish purple colored armor like skin had began to cover his pale flesh as he said...

"I need you three to....kill me" he says with a mixture of sadness, regret, pain, and acceptance in his voice.

"What? But, we can't...." says Angeal as they look at Ghaleon, wondering if this one some kind of joke.

"You have to, I've been infected by the PHAZE. It happened when Ovan struck me with his demonized left arm. And what's worse is the fact it's also taking over the demon in me. What your seeing now growing on my skin is my Avatar state on the verge of going out of control. Please you three, do me this last service and kill me while I can still fight back the urge. I don't want to loose myself in this power. And it would make me happy if I died by your hands" said Ghaleon with a smile.

"But...." said Sephiroth.

Ghaleon sighs and says "I understand, I'm asking more of you three than I ever should be allowed to. That's what makes this so much harder for me. If none of you will attack me willingly, then I'll just have to attack you guys first and force you to kill me. I'm sorry..." says Ghaleon as he unsheathes his sword, then jumps at them as he yells out...

"By starting this fight with you, the PHAZE and the effect it's having on the demon sealed with in me will start to drive me insane. The longer you three hesitate to kill me, the more likely I will loose myself and will try to kill you or at least infect you like I was. So, kill me...PLEASE...before that happens" shouts Ghaleon.

Sephiroth, Genesis, and Angeal jump away as Ghaleon lands on the ground. They bring their weapons out and ready to fight the most difficult battle they have ever experienced in their lives. The battle where they would have to kill their own teacher, a man who had become a father to them. Yelling out a battle cry, they all charged in an the battle began.

RN

"Man, it must of been hard to fight against your teacher like that" said Naruto.

"It was and it's a memory that still haunts me today" said Sephiroth as he looked to the window.

"What happened next master?" asked Roxas.

"Well, we battled master Ghaleon as he wanted us to. However, even though he wanted us to kill him, he didn't make it easy for us to do what he wanted" said Sephiroth.

"Because of the PHAZE?" enquired Namine.

"That's right, the PHAZE had started to erode his mind already and was taking control of him with little difficulty. The fact he was an Avatar didn't help matters much either" said Sephiroth.

"I was wondering about that. You say Avatar's are humans with demons sealed with in them, right? But, how could that be possible since only nine exist total" asked Naruto.

"Well, that's the thing. The world is a much bigger place than what you and Hinata knew about, Naruto. The nine that you were aware of where called Bijuu, but the world is filled with more demons than just them. They come in many varieties, shapes, sizes, color, etc. You would be surprised at just how many there are and I'm sure some may even be stronger than those nine Bijuu" said Sephiroth.

"What kind of demon was sealed with in master Ghaleon?" asked Hinata.

Sephiroth thought about this for a moment before saying "I'm not really sure what it's species name was, but I do know it was humanoid in appearance with skin that was like armor. The fact that master Ghaleon was changing into it during the fight because of the PHAZE was proof of that."

"Well, I'm guessing you won seeing as you wouldn't be here now if you hadn't. So, what happened after the fight?" asked Roxas.

"Well..." started Sephiroth as he began the next part of the tale.

(flashback)

Ghaleon laid on the ground covered in his own blood, the lower half of his body laying a good three yards away as he looked with strained vision upon his former student's, covered in dirt and grime and some of Ghaleon's blood as they took a minute to catch their breaths. They had finally did what had been asked of them and now it was time to say goodbye.

Ghaleon smiled as he looks towards the sky and says "Thank you, boys. Thank you for doing this....for saving me."

The three of them snap back to reality as they rush to his side and take up kneeling beside him. "Master....we are so sorry for this" said Angeal as he and the others fought back the tears the threatened to come. He had been more than just their teacher. He had been a friend, a brother and father like figure, and he had been practically everything to them for many years. Ever since the day they had become a team.

Ghaleon shakes his head and says "Don't be, this was all for the best after all. As much as I hate to say it, the only way to save a person under the influence of the PHAZE is to kill them. Maybe....Washu....might find a better solution, but until then.....hack cough cough."

"Master" shouts Genesis as Ghaleon coughs of an alarming amount of blood.

When he finally stops, Ghaleon looks at them again and just smiles while saying "Don't worry, the fact I can still keep going now is a good thing as I have something to tell you three."

"What is it, master?" asked Sephiroth.

"Ovan.....he's the one behind this. I'm not sure if he created PHAZE.....or was it's first victim. But he's the one who's been spreading it around. You need to find him and stop him. If you don't.....then everything....every...one will suffer. I don't know why he's doing this, but he still.....has to be stopped" said Ghaleon, though it was obvious he was struggling to keep conscious and speaking to them.

"We will, master" all three of them said together.

"I know you three will. I trained you after all and I....can tell that you three.....have already surpassed me by....leaps and bounds. And....I...want you three to know.....I'm very.....proud.....of.....youuuuuuuuuuuu" And with that, the light in Ghaleon's eyes fades away and his body gives off a slight shake before becoming still and his breathing stops.

The three KNIGHT's bow their heads down and say the prayer of peace for their fallen master as their final act of honor to him.

"My my, this was an unexpected outcome. I was hoping he would last longer than this so he could help me" said a voice from behind them.

With out any hesitation, the three youths are on their feet, spinning around to face the owner of the voice with their weapons in hand and ready to fight. Seeing this, Ovan simply smiles as he says "He was right, he did train you three well. Your reaction times are perfect and your chosen stance is the most effective for starting a fight like this."

"You, how dare you show your face now, you bastard" shouts Genesis.

"Why? Why did you do this? What's going on Ovan. You, a legendary knight like Ghaleon. Why are you doing this? What is it you hope to achieve? Why did you force our master into this circumstance?" Demands Angeal.

"Why, do you ask? All of this has merely be chance that occurred as a result of happenstance. Ghaleon's infection with the PHAZE was not planned for, it just happened. Much like everything else that has happened since that day" said Ovan.

"Since that day? What do you mean by that?" asked Sephiroth.

"Why, the day I was infected with PHAZE of course. Everything that has happened since then has been all in an effort to find and achieve something that is greater than everything else that has come. Perhaps one of you three will fare better than Ghaleon did?" Ovan said as he turned to walk away.

"Hold it, do you really think we're going to just let you leave here with out fighting us?" says Angeal with a dark tone in his voice.

"We made a promise to our master to stop you, and we're going to do it here and now" adds Genesis.

Ovan stops and angles his body enough to look back at them as he says "I see. Unfortunately, I can't give you that battle yet as I have some place to be. If you need to fight me that badly, then you'll just have to come there to see me."

"And where would that be?" asked Sephiroth as he prepared to launch his best sword technique at Ovan.

"Simple, I'm heading to Rastara. To be more specific, KNIGHT HQ. There are many good warriors there and I'm hoping one will have that special talent that I'm looking for" said Ovan.

Realizing what this could mean, all three KNIGHT's lept forward as they yelled as one "Like we'll allow you to leave and kill more innocent people." But as there attacks were to land, a blast of light emerged from Ovan's left arm at it transformed into the hideous abomination they had been told about. The claw hand made contact with their swords and easily sent them back hard into the ground.

"Sorry, but I'm already late as it is. Like I said before, I'll be waiting for you there. Until then, don't take to long" said Ovan as he started to rise into the air. He gave them one final smile as his body faded out.

"Damn it, he's gone" yelled Genesis out of frustration.

"Then we better hurry and follow him" says Angeal.

"If only we had a way to contact KNIGHT, would could warn them of what's coming. Maybe they would be at least a little ready for it" says Sephiroth.

"True, but that isn't an option. All we can do is get there as fast as we can" says Angeal.

"Then what are we waiting for, let's go" says Genesis. And with that, the three KNIGHT's race towards the entrance of the valley as they began their decent of the mountain side.

(flash back end)

"So, you guys made it back and some how stopped Ovan. Otherwise, KNIGHT wouldn't be around today if you hadn't" said Roxas.

Sephiroth shakes his head at hearing that.

"Master, what happened?" asked Namine who, like the others, was confused by his action's.

"During the trip down, we were attacked by a dragon under the influence of PHAZE. We managed to kill it, but Genesis was knocked over the edge the cliff side we were on. Angeal managed to grab onto him, but.....some bad things happened and Angeal's grip failed him. Genesis fell into the darkness of the chasm the cliff over looked" said Sephiroth.

"So, master Genesis died then, right?" asked Hinata, though she hated having to ask that question.

Sephiroth hesitates for a moment, then says "Well, we're not sure. We wanted to go and look for him, but Genesis made Angeal promise to save Rastara and KNIGHT just before he fell. Though it was a hard decision for us to make, we left to continue the mission back home. But we swore we'd come back for him afterwards, even if it was only for his corpse."

"Did you....ever find him?" asked Naruto.

"We did make it back eventually, but we never found any trace of Genesis from our search. To this day, we still don't know if he did die and we just couldn't find his body or if he might still be alive out there. One thing I do know is this: just before he fell, during the fight with the dragon, the beast did manage to injure him."

"Wait, are you saying he might have been infected by PHAZE?" asked Naruto.

Sephiroth shrugs and says "It is a...possibility. One I hate to consider. Unless he ever actually does return, I'm still assuming that he died, yet hoping that he is alive and NOT infected."

"OK, so what about KNIGHT? How's it still around if Ovan was going to destroy it?" asked Namine.

"And what of master Angeal? What happened to him?" asked Hinata.

Sephiroth looked outside, then back at them and said "When me and Angeal arrived, all of Rastara was in a panic. It seems Ovan had taken some infected dragons with him to attack the whole city. It was a major battle that occurred with KNIGHT member's, all the various guilds, and even the royal army of Rastara itself working together to fight this threat."

"Me and Angeal finally found Ovan and we engaged him in fierce combat. In the end, we managed to win just barely, though not with out cost. Cid and most of KNIGHT's forces had been killed in the battle and all the other defenders also lost many good member's of their group. As for Ovan, he faded away like a ghost. We believed it was the end, but....."

"But what, master?" asked Roxas.

"Well, as he faded away, he said it wasn't enough. That he needed more. To this day, will still don't know what he meant. After the battle was over, it was time to rebuild. Maze took over for Cid, seeing as he died. And even though Ovan was one of us, the royal family didn't blame KNIGHT for what happened seeing as we had more than our fair share of losses. When all was said and done, the king declared this period of Rastara history over and done with. That's why you haven't heard all that much about it. It's something no one likes to talk about" said Sephiroth.

"Man, that kind of reminds me of the story about the Nine Tailed Fox attacking the village. So, what happened to Angeal and that PHAZE stuff?" asked Naruto.

"Once we were allowed to go, me and Angeal returned to Novotia to look for Genesis. As I already said, we never found him which hurt Angeal deeply. He left the order a few months later. Last I heard, he travels around doing odd jobs for people. I still run into him every now and then, but he just isn't the same guy I knew growing up. As far as PHAZE goes..." starts Sephiroth, but he is cut off by the sound of the PA in the room.

"Attention, this is your captain speaking. It is currently 8:38 pm. To all those who will be departing in Wave, we shall be making port at 7:43 am in the morning, baring any unforeseen delays. Make sure you get plenty of sleep and be ready to leave upon arriving. Goodnight" said the voice over the intercom.

"Well, you heard the man. Let's all get something to eat, then go to bed. We'll need to be well rested for tomorrow's trip to the Leaf village" said Sephiroth as he gets up to head to his room.

"Master, you didn't tell us about what happened to PHAZE" said Namine.

Sephiroth stops and looks back to say "Oh, that's right. After Ovan disappeared, so to did the PHAZE or so it would seem. Seeing as there has been no incident's involving it since that day, we can only hope that it's gone for good."

"What about your first student's, Zach and Aeith, master Sephiroth?" asked Hinata.

"I'll tell you abou them next time" said Sephiroth as he left the room. Everyone couldn't help but notice the sadness in his voice as he said that.

"Well guys, let's go grab us some grub. I don't know about you all, but I'm starving" said Roxas as he makes his way to the door with Namine right behind him.

As Naruto goes to follow, he notices Hinata's expression being grave and nervous and he goes to sit by her. He places an arm around her to which she leans into as he says "Hey, whay's wrong Moon Goddess?"

Hinata blushes from his nickname for her as she says "Nothing really. I guess I'm just a little scared. Tomorrow, we'll be getting back home. I'm just worried about how thing's will turn out for us."

Naruto gives her a squeeze and says "Hey, don't worry about it. We're here, together, and nothing is gonna change that. Plus, we have Roxas and Namine and master Sephiroth with us, so we have no need to worry about nothing."

Hinata looks at him and smiles. "Thank you, Naruto. Hearing you say that makes me feel better already." They look at each other for another moment, then lean in to kiss one another when the door opens and Roxas pops his head in, saying "Hey, you two growing roots or something? Let's go."

Naruto and Hinata pull away from each other and sigh, then smile as they get up. They join Roxas and Namine and head off to hrab some food. They would need all their strength as tomorrow was going to be a big day for them all.

YT

"So, this is the Land of Wave? Sure is different from the port towns back home" said Roxas as they walk through the streets towards the bridge that connects the island nation to the main land.

"Yeah, I never gave it much thought before, but things are more advance over in the west than here. Feels kind of strange when you think about it" says Naruto.

Sephiroth smiles and says "We all live in one world, but we are all still divided up. It's not surprising that culture and technologies are different from one continent to the next. It's just on what the people in one particular place feel is most important to focus on than in other places. It doesn't help that relations and communication's between east and west have always been strained. Though I don't know why. Maybe some bad blood from past interactions and encounters."

"I like it here. It's so peaceful and serene in it's presence. It feels more classical than living in Rastara" said Namine.

Hinata nods and says "True, but Rastara isn't all that bad either. I personally enjoy both myself for different reasons. Each comes with it's own personal charm."

"Indeed, if time permits later, maybe we will do some exploring for a cultural education. Now Naruto and Hinata, tell us about what we should expect once we arrive in the Hidden Leaf village" said Sephiroth.

Both nod as Naruto is about to start when "Naruto? Is that really you?" was heard from the side.

They all turn to see a boy of ten with black hair looking at them. He was wearing overalls with tools hanging off them and a fisherman's hat on his head. Naruto gives him a good look, then he realizes he knows this person. "Inari? Is that you?" he asked the young boy looking at him.

"Naruto, it is you" yells Inari as he rushes forward and gives Naruto a hug. "Boy, maybe we should have had them hide their faces before getting to the Leaf, once we got off the boat to be more exact" says Roxas.

Naruto looks back and says "It's OK, he's a friend of mine I made on a mission here a while back." He then looks back and down at Inari and says "Hey, it's me. It's been a while, huh? You've gotten bigger, haven't you?"

Inari pulls away and wipes the tears from his eyes while saying "I'm not the only one. Is it really you? I heard you died on a mission a few years ago along with some girl. Was it all a lie?"

Before Naruto could respond, another voice is heard "Well, I'll be a drunk old fool. Is that really you, brat?"

Naruto looks over and says "Hey, old man Tazuna. Long time no see. Yep, it's Naruto in the flesh. Good to see you again. So, you've been staying clear of the bottle?"

Tazuna grins and says "The hell I have. At my age, you don't worry about the little things like "is it good for you or not". You do what you can to get as much enjoyment out of life as possible. So, mind telling me why you're standing here now and not pushing up daisy's like I heard you where?"

Before Naruto could reply, Sephiroth breaks in and says "Maybe we should talk about this in doors. No telling who might be listening in that we don't want to be listening in."

Tazuna smiles as he turns and says "Then follow me, we'll head back to my place so you can fill us in on all the details."

As they walk, Inari grins and says "So Naruto, is that girl your girlfriend by any chance?" while pointing at Namine.

Both Naruto and Namine blush as Naruto says "No, Namine is Roxas's girlfriend. Hinata here is my girlfriend." Hinata blushes at hearing that while Namine blushes even more at being called Roxas's girlfriend. Roxas also blushes at hearing that as well.

Inari smiles and says "OK, I get it. But you guys still swap around to keep things kinky, right?" This gets Naruto chasing after him while the others laugh.

(Tazuna's house)

"I see, so that's where you and Hinata have been for the last two years. And here I really did believe you had died kid" said Tazuna before taking a drink from his sake bottle.

"Yeah, that's one of the reason's we've come back. We need to find out why we were betrayed and how we ended up on the far side of the world" said Naruto.

"Do you know anything about the current state of the village, mister Tazuna?" asked Hinata.

"Well, I know that after both your deaths were reported, that Tsunade woman resigned as Hokage and left the village. From what I hear, she was a total wreck and she wanted to get as far away from that village as fast as possible" said Tazuna.

Naruto got a grave look on his face as he said "Does that mean she really was the one to sign our death warrants?"

Inari blinked in surprise and said "Huh? What do you mean?"

"Well, when we were attacked by those Anbuu guys, they had a copy of the order to kill us and the Hokage's official stamp of approval was on it. Only the current Hokage can place that stamp on something. This has led me to wonder if granny Tsunade really did order our death's or if she was tricked into doing it" said Naruto.

"She had to have been tricked some how. I can't imagine lady Tsunade wanting to kill you, Naruto. She cares about you to much to do that" said Hinata. Naruto looks at her and smiles while saying "Yeah, you're right Hinata. There had to have been something more going on and we need to find out what. So, where did granny Tsunade go after she left?"

Tazuna chuckled at hearing Naruto call her granny, then said "Funny thing, I heard she actually left to head to the west. You guys came here and she went over there. That's about all I know. Once you're finished over here, maybe you can find here back somewhere in your new home."

"Boy, guess that means we have more searching to do if she really did cross over" said Roxas.

"When we get back, we'll have to check around Rastara. Maybe some one has heard something about her" said Namine.

"A possibility that we shall look into upon our return. But for now, let's focus on the mission at hand. Who is the new Hokage of the village. It would be a good idea to know what we have to deal with for when we arrive" said Sephiroth.

"I'm betting they finally got pervy sage to do it. Well, either him or Kakashi-sensei. They're the only two who I can think of that would be good for the job right now" said Naruto. He mussed at the idea of Konohamoru being Hokage now and found himself having a silent laugh at a nine year old bossing everyone around.

"Pervy sage?" asked Inari.

"That's Naruto's nick name for master Jiraiya. He's one of the legendary Sanin of the Leaf" explained Hinata.

Tazuna shook his head and said "Nope, neither of those two are the Hokage. It's some guy named Danzo I think."

"Danzo? Never heard of him. Have you, Hinata?" asked Naruto as he looked at her. Hinata shook her head.

"Well, I was there when he was made the official Hokage and I must say that I was surprised they would choose him" said Tazuna.

"And why's that?" asked Sephiroth.

"Well, I heard he was smart and all. A real military strategist, but....Well, to be honest, his physical appearance doesn't strike me as a Kage type. For one thing, he's missing his right arm and right eye. And from the amount of bandages he has covering his body and the fact he walks around with a cane, he doesn't strike me as some one who's capable of defending his village like other past Hokage have. I'd see him as an adviser, not the actual leader" said Tazuna.

"Yeah, that is weird. If enemy shinobo attacked the village, the Hokage is expected to be able to come out and defend the village himself if necessary. But from the way you describe him, I just don't see this Danzo guy being able to do that. All he can probably do is order others around" said Naruto.

"But the fact he's Hokage must mean he's good at what he does. Other wise, he wouldn't have been made Hokage to begin with" said Hinata.

"You're probably right little lady, but there is something about that man that I don't like. I can't shake this feeling he didn't obtain the Hokage title fairly. There is definitely something happening in the village seeing as since he took over, the Leaf's reputation has gone seriously down hill. It's like the village is becoming more war hungry and controlling" said Tazuna.

This brought a serious and grave expression to both Naruto and Hinata's faces. "Well then, all the more reason to go and find out what has happened" said Naruto with Hinata nodding agreement with him.

"Well then, we better get going. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can pierce the veil of mystery that has covered the village and the both of you" said Sephiroth as he stood up.

"Be careful then. I don't know why, but I feel you're walking into a dangerous place for you two now" said Tazuna.

"We and the whole of Wave are here for you guys. Need anything and we'll do what we can to help" adds Inari.

"Thanks. We'll remember that" said Naruto. After saying their goodbyes, Team One Winged left the home of Tazuna.

After a little walking, they soon arrived at a bridge and Roxas broke into a hysterical laugh. "Hey Roxy, what's up?" asked Naruto as they came to a stop.

"The Great NARUTO Bridge? Hah hah hah, what the heck did you do to become so great, bro?" asked Roxas as he pointed to the large sign on the bridge.

Naruto took on a heroic pose and said "I just saved the whole of Wave from an evil business man and changed how everything was done here is all."

Namine giggled and said "Well, you're all modest now, huh?"

Hinata giggled as well and said "Be careful Naruto, your ego will grow bigger from all that self adulation you now have."

"Huh, what's that mean, Hinata?" asked a confused Naruto.

"Alright, enough of the fun moment you four. Before we go any further, there's a few things to do" said Sephiroth, getting their attention.

"OK, first thing is this." He hands them some black colored coats with hoods on them. "Put these on and go ahead and hide your faces with the hood. Even though it's only Naruto and Hinata who need to stay concealed, it will be weird if only they are hiding their faces" said Sephiroth.

"Hey, thus seems some what familiar" said Roxas as he placed his on.

"What, the coat?" asked Naruto.

"Yeah, feels like I've worn it before. Maybe from a dream or something" said Roxas.

"OK, now for the second thing" said Sephiroth as he revealed two wrist devices and handed them to Naruto and Hinata. "These are the illusion devices Washu made for you two. When I give the word, just place a hand on the center rune and say reveal. It will alter your appearances for seventy two hours and make it possible for you both to stay hidden...at least till we learn the truth and discover if it's safe for you both to reveal your still alive."

"Why don't me and Hinata just use the transformation jutsu?" asked Naruto.

"I think this works better, Naruto. Using a transformation, we'll return to normal if we're hit by something. I think these devices will keep us looking different till the time's up or we release it ourselves" said Hinata.

"That's correct, Hinata. This is the safer way to do it. Now, but them on and let's go" said Sephiroth.

The journey was uneventful and it wasn't long before they could see the gates of the Hidden Leaf village in the distance. The time had finally come. One way or another, they wouldn't be leaving with out finding out the truth about what had really happened that day and how they ended up on the far side of the world with no memories of their past.

Impulse 9 Home Impulse

next time: Next Impulse......don't miss it!