Disclaimer: I do not own any of the following and do not claim to. This story is for entertainment purposes only.

Naruto Rend

Chapter 21

Naruto folded his hands behind his head and shrugged as the Kyubi growled, pacing back and forth along the cage's bars. Kyo sported a similar, although more human, grimace. He understood why they were upset. It sucked, dying by drowning instead of in a fight or peacefully during sleep. He got it. It pissed him off that he finally got straightened around and wouldn't have the chance to make it up to everyone. But the alternative to dying wasn't an option.

"You little fool. I can still get us out of this." Kyubi glanced over at Kyo. "You don't want to die a pointless death either, samurai. Let me out!"

"Don't, Kyo. Wait until the last possible second and then release yourself from the zanpakuto. I'm finishing the fox for good. No reason you have to meet the same fate as us."

"You're still on this kick?"

"The fox made this choice. I let him out and it will take time to get him back under control, if you can at all. I'm not risking him going berserk so close to everyone."

"Yet you were willing to if I agreed? I could have lied about cooperating and attempted to take over at any time."

"You think I was going to take your word for it?" Naruto shook his head and let his arms fall back down. "Kyo would have created a modified seal to protect me. By instantly cutting your power off, it'd be easier for him to put you back in the cage if you got out of hand. That would have taken your cooperation, since we would have needed to use your own energy to make the failsafe strong enough. We couldn't siphon your power without you willing giving it. Even if you've changed your mind, we don't have time to construct something like that now. Face it, Kyubi. You made your choice and this is the result."

The Kyubi's eyes remained locked onto his in an unreadable gaze.

"Naruto, I thought after talking to your teachers you'd gained some of your guts back." Kyo clenched his fists. "Are you really okay with this?"

"No, I'm really not. Even though I know how things would ultimately end up, I didn't want to leave Earl and Aizen for the others to face alone. Hell, I might have even gotten a few years pursuing my new dream with Hinata."

"Then, why?"

Naruto pointed directly at the demon. His eyes shown with a quiet determination as his face fell into a pure calm.

"I won't let the fox take another single life. I saw what a fraction of his power did to Konoha. Throwing a fully powered demon onto the pile of existing threats; can you imagine that kind of damage?" Naruto patted the spot on his stomach where the seal used to be. "And I know my friends, they'll do the same thing as what happened with Jashin and try to bring me back. They won't believe that this time the possession is permanent. They won't try and kill me. And when I put all that together, I realized something very clearly." Naruto gripped the spot stared hard at the fox. "You are the greatest threat, Kyubi."

The look that spread over the demon's face could have passed for shock. It kind of surprised him actually. Anger, an arrogant sneer, a biting reply, those were at the top of the list, but shock, not at all. Probably, the fact he wasn't bluffing had finally sunk into that furry skull. After cheating death multiple times, the fox was realizing this was it.

Naruto would laugh if he wasn't raging.

It had taken the support of so many people to finally feel normal again. Gaara reminded him of his beliefs. Hinata forgave his weakness and showered him with unceasing compassion and gentle strength. Iruka and Kakashi-sensei's words of confidence and helping him understand he wasn't alone. Even finally coming up with a way to speak honestly with his parents, to feel something about them, it was like a spark had re-lit inside him. He wanted to fight.

Everyone rebuilt him and he bit it the first fight out. Well, technically the deer of nightmares was his second fight, or did it count as a continuation since those three summoned it?

Does it really matter?

"I've had enough of this." Kyubi climbed to his feet.

"Fox."

"No, Kyo, we've done this your way. It hasn't worked."

The fox swiped with his paw and the cage dispersed into ether. Naruto's face scrunched up in confusion as the beast stalked over and the samurai placed his face in his hand with a groan.

"What the heck-"

"When did you become afraid of me, Naruto Uzumaki?" Kyubi peered down close enough its hot breath blew back the blonde hair on his head. "When did you become afraid of a stronger opponent or losing someone you wished to protect? When did you become afraid of hope?"

Naruto's mouth hung open as the fox settled lower.

"Answer me!" The fox slammed his paw down next to the ninja, shaking the mindscape and knocking him out of his stupor.

"I'm not afraid, Kyubi. I accepted that some things can't change. If I can't defeat you, all I can do to protect everyone is this."

"You. Gave. Up." Anger radiated off every hair on the fox's body. "You lost and you gave up!"

"I-"

"You betrayed my faith in you! You, who I never liked, who I never stopped thinking of ways to escape and consume, gained my respect. Locked away in that infernal statue, I called out to you and no one else. On the eve of what should have been a hopeless battle against Madara, I put faith in your ability to overcome the impossible. And you have rewarded that honor with fear and defeatism."

Naruto swallowed the dryness in his mouth as his mind slowly started to work again. He'd been ridiculed by the fox plenty of times in the past. He'd been mocked a bunch too. Being chastised, that was new. Sure, he'd berated himself for missing something, but he continued to jump in battle after battle and do what was necessary. He was still in the fight even at his worst – he just had come to terms that there were limits. At least, it felt that way, or more accurately, he told himself that. He never really did believe it though deep down. Did he? To be told he gave up, as much as he wanted to argue, those sharp words were uncomfortably spot on. Having only physically committed up until now, that really was the only way to look at it wasn't it?

He just hadn't wanted to admit it.

"You're right, Kyubi." Naruto scratched the back of his head. "With everything that happened in the past, I thought I was realizing my limitations and accepting reality. I convinced myself each time I fell short of a goal or failed to save someone that it came with being a ninja. I truly believed I'd matured. I hated it, but I believed it – and I was wrong."

"I don't want your apologies. I want your resolve." The Kyubi's tails thrashed in the air as its reiatsu climbed. "I want your drive to win, your unwavering heart. I want the man I chose to inherit my power. Is that you, boy? Will your blinding spirit inspire me to stand beside you and combine our power to reach a level higher than it has ever been? Will you once again convince me to place my faith in you?"

Naruto saw nothing but pure intensity and sincerity in the foxes gaze. This beast, the King of all Biju and the embodiment of malevolence, cared only about power and honor. Despite that, Kyubi respected him enough to offer another chance. As the demonic reiatsu whipped around him in all its malicious glory, a lifetime of challenges and impossible victories rushed past his mind's eye. Each one strengthened the decision he made in front of Iruka and Kakashi. He had already decided to fight with everything he had. He had sworn he would defeat the threats. Now, now he understood the need to go beyond that. Winning wasn't enough. He needed to save every single soul.

"Yes."

"Do not speak to me with quiet determination! Shout your will to me!"

"Yes."

"Louder, Naruto Uzumaki!"

"I'll do it, you damn fox! I won't give up anymore! You have my word."

"And do you go back on your word?"

"No."

"Why?"

"Because I am Naruto Uzumaki and that is my nindo!" Naruto jammed his fist into the air. "Now, give me all of your reiryoku!"

It shook him free of the genjutsu almost faster than he recognized he'd been ensnared. Kurenai had gone completely white and fear radiated off of her as she stared into the rumbling horizon.

What is that reiatsu?

It felt dense, almost burning, but without heat. The sky darkened over the source as a red glow emanated out of sight beyond the city walls. Something about it felt familiar, not comforting, but not frightening. It had a harsh taint to it, unrelentingly ferocious without feeling threatening.

"It can't be." Kurenai's voice came out raspy. "Not now."

He'd felt it like this only once before, the naturally rough power tempered with a more soothing one. It'd been awe-inspiring at that time and it was equally impressive now. To freely control that much power, how could anyone not be corrupted by it?

"No." Iruka tried to hide his trembling as the gathered children's eyes widened in awe. "Not a third time."

"Relax, Iruka." Kakashi placed a comforting hand on Jiraiya and Tsunade's shoulders. "If you focus on it, you'll realize it feels different than those times."

"It's still th-"

"No, it's not. This is when he's mastered it. This is the power at its maximum like during the final clash with Madara. This is-"

"Naruto!"

Hinata broke out into a shakily giddy smile as a red comet streaked across the sky and landed in front of her. The Shunshin dispelled and the five intricately detailed fox tails swayed behind the glowing energy cloak. The crossed pattern of toad and fox pupils set within irises of gold stared down at her as an elongated tooth poked out of his grinning lips. He closed the distance in a heartbeat and pulled her into a crushing hug, the energy washing over her soothingly and replenishing her reserves.

"My mother is still fighting the one Arrancar and losing. Go back her up and then we'll regroup."

"Where are you going?"

"The Yondaime is in trouble."

He moved away from her, offered another smile, and vanished in a flare of reiryoku.

Minato cracked open his eyes as a powerful reiatsu landed by his feet. His son leaned down and sniffed at the mostly necrotic tissue that once passed for skin. A smile formed, cracking his lips further as fresh blood dibbled down his chin. Good, the lack of rage in his eyes meant Naruto was in full control over that power.

I'm glad I got to see you again, Naruto. I really am sorry for how badly I messed up your life and our family.

"This dark matter crap really is nasty stuff once it gets in your blood." Naruto gripped Minato's chest with a claw. "Yep, this is going to hurt you – a lot."

Kyubi's reiryoku flooded into his body, the deluge of demonic energy filling every cell and tearing the dark matter out. Each molecule in Minato's body screamed out in agony as the malignant substance fought to stay bonded. It couldn't and it bled out from his pores where the Kyubi's cloak destroyed it.

"The fox's energy will heal a lot of the damage the dark matter did, but your body will still need time to recover. You'll probably be out for a few days."

"Na- ru – to."

"I'd forgotten about my final meeting with the fox before Madara, when he gave me his yang chakra. I remembered how I thanked him for being him and you for sealing him inside me because that life made me who I am." Naruto removed his hand and summoned a clone. "I'm done blaming you guys."

Minato opened his mouth to speak. He wanted to reach out, to apologize and say so many words of praise. He wanted to.

He passed out.

Kushina wiped the blood off her face, tossing dirtied hair over her shoulder as she climbed out of the ramen stand the Arrancar sent her crashing into. Yanking the chunk of wood out of her shoulder, she wrapped wind around it and flung the shrapnel like a kunai for the blonde's face.

Harribel knocked it aside with her zanpakuto. Kushina was already after her, unleashing a razor sharp gale that wrapped around the sword and sliced at the woman's hands. The Arrancar dropped her weapon and the redhead attempted to sever her head from the torso. She dodged with a Sonido, caught her sword a moment prior to it hitting the ground, and charged yellow reiryoku in its hollow center.

"Ola Azul."

She stabbed at Kushina, the projectile shooting upward.

"Not this time!"

Reaching out with both arms, she gathered as much wind as her reiryoku allowed and swung her hands in an angle. As if nature itself created it, a colossal tornado took shape and barreled toward the ground. It gobbled up the energy attack and continued to suck in anything not bolted down.

"Cero."

Harribel swung her sword in an arc, a wide yellow beam exploding from its edge, cutting into the twister. It went about a quarter of the way up until the wind overpowered it and continued its descent, albeit slower. The Arrancar went to escape, but Kushina appeared and kicked her back into place.

Kushina backed away and Harribel charged at her with a sudden Sonido. The unexpected speed burst caught the ninja flatfooted and the zanpakuto ran through her stomach and out her back.

"Damn." Kushina coughed up blood. "You caught me."

"Your exhaustion is obvious, and made it readily apparent you've lost your high speed mobility via the wind."

Kushina gave a crimson grin and clutched Harribel's throat.

"Nah, I have enough for one more." She smashed her forehead into the Arrancar's face. "I just need to make sure all my efforts don't go to waste!"

She used another vicious headbutt and Harribel roughly withdrew her blade and prepared for another swing.

Crap.

Hinata appeared from below, flipping onto one hand and kicking the Arrancar into the maelstrom. The younger girl caught Kushina by the waist and zipped out from underneath.

"Nice timing." Kushina chuckled as Hinata set her down. "I probably couldn't have gotten away without losing a few limbs."

The claws faded back into the pendent and Hinata pressed a bare palm against the wound in her stomach. Blue healing energy began to flow, but Kushina caught her hand and lifted it away.

"That attack isn't going to end this. I'll manage to hang on. You worry about her."

Golden reiatsu pierced the wind and blasted the twister apart. Harribel stood in the sky, her sword changed to a body length shark's tooth. The white pants and shirt had changed into an armored skirt and smaller bone top, revealing her sharp face for the first time.

"Reserreccion." Hinata frowned and moved away from Kushina. "I prayed this wouldn't happen within the city."

"La Gota."

Water condensed around the tooth and a sword-sized water bullet shot straight for the Hinata. She leapt over it and sprung off a wall as the raiment took shape. The Espada was visibly fatigued from their fight and her movements were sluggish. Good, Hinata would know she had to press the advantage and not let her opponent control the fight from long range. That water projectile took out an entire building, and if Kushina assumed correctly, that was likely one of the Arrancar's weaker techniques.

Hinata broke out into a violent series of spins and flips as her jump carried her higher. Harribel struggled to block as the rapid flowing strikes kept her backpedalling higher. Clutching the blades edge, Hinata swung in a vertical arc, bringing in her foot down in a skull cracking heel stomp. The Espada plummeted toward the ground as trickles of crimson dripped over her glare. She righted herself as a gigantic column of water emerged from her sword and snaked around her.

"Cascada!"

The surrounding structures crumbled from the displaced air pressure as the torrent surged up and Hinata fell into it.

"Kaiten: Danpen!"

She twisted in a blurring whirl as the reiryoku whips snapped out, forming a razor sharp helix of energy. Cutting down the water like a propeller, Hinata increased the rotation's speed, diving faster until she emerged from the bottom, crashing with all the attack's lacerating fury into the unsuspecting Arrancar.

Harribel sped away before the attack could score a fatal blow. Hinata skidded across the ground in a low crouching spin and used a clawed hand to slow to a stop. Ignoring the groans of protest from her likely battered muscles, her head snapped up with a scowl as the Earl appeared in the sky. Harribel slouched weakly beside him, her arms failing to staunch the many wounds over her body.

Kushina scowled and struggled to sit up against the pain.

This isn't good. Hinata can't handle both alone.

"Do not fret, my dear Hinata." The Earl floated gleefully by his umbrella's handle. "We must return home for the time be-"

A streak of glowing red darted by the rotund man, leaving clawed slices along his side. Naruto landed and immediately whirled around. Two bladed orbs spun to life in his hands and he flung them at the hovering enemies.

"Futon: Rasenshuriken!"

They screeched across the air, giving the Earl only the chance for his smile to dim. A large armored hand of manifested reiryoku swept in front of them, folding under the damage but ultimately withstanding the projectiles.

A Garganta opened behind them and the manifestation carried them all inside before it sealed shut.

"So he's going to keep being a pain in the ass." Naruto shook his head. "Damn it, Sasuke."

"Naruto, they were after Nagato."

"Yeah, I felt it." Kushina saw him glance down at her. "Is she okay enough to move or do you need to heal her first?"

"It would be best to heal her."

The conversation became fuzzy as Kushina's vision swam. She'd survive. It might take a few nights in the accursed hospital, but she'd come out okay. Her sight cleared enough she could see him dismiss the energy around him and his natural sky blue eyes returned.

They look so much brighter now.

"I'm sorry." Her voice came out in broken whispers. "I'm sorry, Narut-"

Hinata placed a comforting hand on her forehead, easing relaxing energy into her so consciousness slipped away.

Aizen watched intently from the entrance as Ulquiorra hoisted their final component into the altar and bound him so his hands hung overhead. Such odd ringed eyes that man possessed. To think, simple optical organs carried the ability to cross the barrier between life and death. Where time not of the essence, he may have properly studied them. Such inquisitiveness was unbecoming of him however. He finally gathered both pillars for the altar, and with it, his ascension could begin.

"Where has our friend, the Earl, run off to?

"He left to the lower levels, Aizen-sama." Ulquiorra stepped away. "He claimed it was time to begin preparations for that other artifact he showed you."

"Understandable." Aizen turned around to face the sullen girl quietly watching from the corner. "Orihime, come here."

The girl walked over slowly. She likely understood what was about to happen. The spare opening on the altar's opposite side and his constant reference to her unique power, she would be a complete fool not to realize her fate.

"I had truly wished for you to remain my guest." Aizen took her hand and began to guide her to the pedestal that would bind her for eternity. "I have greatly enjoyed your company – more so than I ever expected."

"May I ask a question?"

"Certainly."

"Why?" He stared directly into her unshaken gaze. "Why do you wish to bring so much harm to everyone?"

"I do not wish to harm others. It is merely a consequence of building things anew." She didn't resist as he helped her step up into her permanent spot. "The worlds have been flawed since their inception. There is no god to dry every tear and settle every conflict. The creator of this universe has long since abandoned it to the delicate balance of human, soul, and hollow. I will usher in a new universe, with new worlds and be a true god to all creation. There will be misery as this iteration passes, but it will allow for a far better one to take its place."

Ulquiorra shackled her arms overhead and chained her feet to the pedestal as he did with Nagato.

"Do you really need to make a better world instead of improving this one?"

"Yes, because as the Earl said, these worlds cannot be saved."

He activated the Hogyoku in his chest. The center of the altar, filled with dark matter, began to shine brilliantly blue. Starting at the toes, stone replaced Orihime's flesh as well as their other guests. She bit at her lip to hide her fear as the transmutation climbed higher until it reached her neck.

"I don't believe you."

The stone sealed away her voice.

"You should, Orihime." His words came out softly as he tenderly cupped the new statue's face. "I was born different in this world in order to see its flaws. It only makes sense I use my superiority to make things better." A bitter smile etched itself on his face. "For what other reason would I emerge into life so powerful, my mother immediately perished from merely being in the presence of my reiatsu?"

Momo Hinamori's spell relayed Aizen's plan to dispatch a few improved Arrancar in order to prod a response from Seireitei. An advanced interception party had been sent out to Rukongai earlier in the day. They wanted to test the enemy's strength and prevent any civilian casualties.

The survivors started coming in shortly after midnight.

Twenty members, each ranked from third to eighth seat, slowly dragged themselves into the safe haven of Seireitei. All of them survived. Yet, none of them returned unharmed. It would likely be a day under intensive care until they could fight again. All in all, it was a solid victory.

Then, they explained the enemy force. They went into great detail about all five Arrancar.

"Four to one." Gaara leaned against the wall as the other captains lounged around the Commander's office. "I wonder if that is due to limited number of troops on Aizen's part or it is simply him boasting."

"It makes little difference." Byakuya did not open his eyes as he sat with his chin tilted down. "The fact remains that such a ratio should not exist in the first place."

"Having officers with higher seats would balance that equation out a bit more." Mayuri stroked the metal trinket jutting out of his chin. "Including other variables, we can roughly anticipate we do not have the numbers to effectively combat four different fronts with this quality of Arrancar. Strategically, it may be better to start calculating which battlefield can be abandoned to strengthen the others."

"That leads to a significant amount of deaths."

"That is war, boy."

"I have been in war." Gaara focused his teal eyes on the scientist. "It is never a simple matter of statistical planning."

"Nonsense. While exact quantization is impossible, taking into account aspects such as the balance of souls between the human world and Soul Society, alongside potential increases in hollow strength, would allow us to select necessary sacrifices."

"Deserting a battlefield, sacrifices?" Byakuya stood. "The pride of the Gotei 13 should not be stained with such suggestions."

"Got to agree with the pretty boy." Zaraki's bells jingled as he leaned forward in his chair. "I say you let me and the entire Eleventh Division handle Rukongai. Most of us hail from that neck of the woods and we'd love a good fight."

"You couldn't cover the entirety of Rukongai alone." Gaara glanced over at the aged Commander staring off his balcony at the city. "At least one other division would be needed preferably two."

"We can handle it."

"It is not your fighting prowess I refer to. It is a basic issue of distance."

"And how many do you propose we spare for the fodder in the slums?" Mayuri poked at his ear with his little finger. "And what of the Fourth Division? There are only so many medics available."

Gaara spotted everyone's attention shifting to him. Even Yamamoto had cracked an eye and discreetly peered over at him. Being in the spotlight was the last thing he wanted. While he would voice his opinions, taking the conversation's lead was an entirely different matter.

I've overstepped my bounds again. As the newest captain I should be remaining largely silent. Those two weeks around Naruto really imbued me with some bad habits.

He pushed his concerns aside. The others were unaware of the strategic value of his side project. Small as it may be, the teams who stuck with his training were making progress. With another week, they likely could handle these Arrancar without injury.

"I agree the Eleventh Division should be our primary force in Rukongai. Leave the First, Second, and Ninth Divisions in Seireitei to defend it. As for the rest of the Gotei 13, divide them between here and Rukongai. Kurosaki's friends, including Rukia Kuchiki, myself, and a small task force of captains and lieutenants will protect Karakura Town."

He remained deadpan even as his nerves made him slightly uncomfortable under their incredulous looks.

"What leads you to believe the human world army will be less substantial than here." Mayuri grinned like a cat who caught a mouse. "Or is this the misstep of the young?"

"The residents of Rukongai, being spiritual in nature, have higher reiryoku than the living. It would be a mistake to assume regular hollows won't be drawn to the bloodshed and feed. It would be better to fail in the human world if failure is to occur at all. More than that, Karakura Town is in an isolated space. My sand should be able to cover the entire area, reducing the need for more Shinigami."

"This is only a temporary solution. Until Aizen and this Earl are dead, we will be locked in a never ending war." Byakuya stood and shifted his scarf over his shoulder. "Our primary focus should be on dealing with them."

"Ichigo Kurosaki and the others will deal with the orchestrators of this plot." Yamamoto moved away from the balcony and headed for the exit. "I shall select the squad accompanying Gaara no Suna. You are all dismissed."

Yamamoto stepped into the quiet room of the Fourth Division's recovery ward. Sado Yasutora and Rukia Kuchiki slept soundly under the patchwork of fresh bandages. He despised seeing children bedridden. No, calling those who traversed Hell successfully children was an insult. They were young warriors, and while it grated on his spirit to see them injured, they should hold their heads high.

He had been a fool, underestimating Aizen. Knowing the traitor fled to Hueco Mundo, he should have personally marched into the endless desert and melted its sand to glass until the whelp burned away to ash. Instead, he waited and allowed him to found an army.

He did not start preparing for the Earl of Millennium's arrival when Gaara first proved one of the special zanpakuto belonged to him.

I cannot lose myself in regret. I must do everything in my power to ensure victory.

Contacting the Royal Guard was the first step. While they were largely unconcerned about what happened in Seireitei, rightly judging only the Soul King's safety truly mattered, the Earl and Aizen threatened the grand monarch as well. He had been denied an audience. However, upon mention of the Millennium Earl, he was ordered to continue preparations as necessary. The Soul King would be made aware and get back to him if deemed necessary.

Continue as necessary. If that is all the support we shall receive, then we shall have to call upon all our allies, including those I doubted in the past.

Nel cuddled up tightly to the slumbering sword as they both snored softly. He sat down on the edge of her bed and let his head hang, enjoying the solitude of the moon highlighting the room. He waited patiently as the minutes ticked by until the little Arrancar stirred and rolled over to face him.

"I need your help, Nel Tu."

"Kay." She yawned and rubbed at her eyes. "Do I need to become super fusion Nelmehada?"

Aizen flicked the blood from his blade as the last of the Visored collapsed. His old captain's head rolled across the floor and tumbled over the edge of the warehouse stairs, making a thump every time it bounced onto a new step.

I never imagined the results would be so spectacular.

On a whim, he decided to sample the altar's capabilities. By directing it with the Hogyoku, he multiplied his reiatsu tenfold in a matter of hours and decided to put it to the test. He found the rouge Shinigami-Hollow hybrids and goaded them into attacking him. Although, provoking people who already hated him wasn't difficult.

Regardless, in mere minutes, he crushed them – exterminated them.

"I really am going to become the next god."

Aizen always remained composed – poised. He wasn't prone to grand expressions or being swept up in a moment of excitement. This time was different.

This time, in the abandoned warehouse littered with corpses, he was laughing.

Naruto raised an eyebrow as the two little ninja blocked the exit with matching glares. Sunk down low with guards up, they looked ready to attack him. Heck, the girl was actually thumbing a kunai tucked under her sleeve. Okay, he pissed them off a little bit … and at least the girl had a similar temperament to him.

"You don't get to leave until you apologize to them." Tsunade growled out as the boy nodded vigorously.

"It wouldn't do any good right now." He put his hands up defensively as she unsheathed the kunai and threatened him with it. "They're unconscious, unconscious!"

"Then, you can wait for them to wake up!"

"That could be days."

"Doesn't matter." The boy spoke up for the first time. "It's important"

How can I be related to anyone that quiet and reserved?

"Fine, I'll leave a clone."

"No, it has to be you. The Bunshin didn't say those things to them."

"Kid, I admit I was out of line. I lost my cool and said things in ways that I shouldn't have. But, there is a lot of stuff you're too young to understand going on."

The twins shared a glance between them and the girl lunged, trying to stab him in the face.

"What's there to understand you big dumb idiot!"

He lazily caught her wrist as Jiraiya calmly closed in, unnoticeably so, and punched him square in the groin. The eldest sibling collapsed into the fetal position on the ground with a silent scream.

"Mission accomplished."

The twins grabbed his jacket and began to drag him down the hall as he cradled his wounded pride.

Naruto Uzumaki, one of the most powerful ninja in the world, and I get taken out by two kids and a dick punch.

"Mom cries a lot and tries to hide it by chopping up onions." Jiraiya mumbled as they dragged him around the corner.

"Dad gets really quiet when people talk about all the things you've done." Tsunade pocketed the dagger. "They always look sad when people ask questions about you and they can't answer."

Naruto straightened out, but let them continue dragging them. They weren't telling him anything he hadn't already suspected. With all the times his parents tried to reach out in his past life, of course they would feel regret. Honestly, accusing them otherwise made him feel the guiltiest. He knew they were excellent ninja protecting everyone. He knew they were good people.

"Seriously guys, I'll apologize if you want, but I have to get going."

"Why?" Tsunade stopped as her face scrunched up and tears threatened to fall. "Why are you doing everything you can to not be a part of our family? You're our brother aren't you?"

"You don't have to worry about them being mad at you for blowing up." Jiraiya's gripped tightened on the collar. "They already said it was their fault, and Tsunade does it lots of times and they still keep her around."

"Do you really hate all of us?"

Naruto sighed and climbed to his feet. Figures, they see a mega temper tantrum and the parents are put out of commission, leaving him to deal with two confused kids. They expected everything could be fixed with an apology and a few hugs. They honestly believed family was that simple.

He envied them for that.

"Those are a lot of questions, and maybe someday, I'll be able to sit down with you guys and answer them. Right now, you're going to have to deal with knowing that I don't hate you, I'm sorry for how I handled things, and I will apologize to them right now."

"That's-"

Jiraiya moved in front of her and nodded at the door on their right.

"Mom and Dad are in there."

"Jiraiya, he didn't-"

"They believe in him so we will too."

Tsunade crossed her arms, stuck out her bottom lip into a pout, and looked away.

Okay, her, I can see as my sister.

He shut the door behind him. Minato and Kushina's beds were positioned parallel to each other. They slumbered easily, the bandages and paper seals keeping them comfortable enough to rest.

"Those two kids are really impressive. Hardheaded too, wouldn't let me leave even though I already checked in to see if you would be alright. Still, from what Iruka and Kakashi-sensei told me, they have good hearts and scary skills. You've done a great job with them." He inhaled softly. "I know – I know you would have done the same with me if you could have."

He still wasn't sure if he wanted to attempt being a part of their lives and them in his. It may not be an option to begin with. However, not moving forward wasn't the same as forgiving them. That was what it really came down to - forgiving them or holding a grudge.

"There are so many things you could have done better, but I can't keep focusing on that. It makes me into someone I'm not. So I forgive you guys for everything that needs to be forgiven. Whether I choose to see you again, whether I can, I want to say I accept your apologies. I also won't let you feel guilty anymore about doing what you needed to as ninja."

Naruto reached into his vest pocket and pulled out a tarnished headband. The silken cloth was new, but the tarnished plate peppered in thin scratches and divots was the original. Kakashi-sensei had given it to him after the meal. Somehow, it survived the tower's destruction and Kiba found it in the rubble. Giving it to his parents would have been too much, so the jonin had kept it in their stead.

"I turned out alright, and you saved a lot of lives doing what you did. After being forced to put my loved ones at risk, I understand a little bit better what you must have felt." He tied the headband around his forehead and tightened it so it fit snug. "I won't run away from that anymore."

He went over to the window and opened it enough he could hop onto the sill.

"I- no, my team – we're going to make sure everything is okay. We'll handle the burden so you make sure everyone keeps smiling."

He leapt out into the night, the long black bands whipping behind his head as the wind danced around him. Landing softly, he went to walk away when an exaggerated gasp made him turn around.

Iruka smiled at him as a young boy wildly flapped his arms with eyes nearly bulging out of his head.

"It- it- it's you! Na- nar- nar."

He inhaled another ridiculous gasp and passed out. Iruka caught him with a chuckle and tossed him over his shoulder.

"Told ya he idolized you."

"You weren't kidding about his excitableness either." Naruto waved and started to leave. "Take care, Iruka-sensei."

"Where are you going?"

"After the bastards giving everyone trouble."

"And how are we supposed to do that, idiot-sensei?" Ichigo landed behind him. "Unless you can summon a Garganta with that crazy new power of yours."

"Jealous that I now have almost as much raw energy as you?"

"Ha, maybe while I'm sleeping."

"Someone's gotten confident."

"I survived that lady's training." Ichigo took a defiant stance and pointed directly at the blonde. "You have nothing that can intimidate me!"

"I can step up the training from kid mode, you know."

"What kid mode?" Ichigo spoke low as he leaned in with a psychotic glare. "You making crap up, Naruto?"

"What's the matter, Ichigo?" Naruto's feral grin stretched from ear to ear. "Don't like the fact I've been taking it easy on you?"

"I'll handle whatever you can throw at me!"

"Such youthful vigor, Ichigo-kun." Lee pulled the carrot top away. Come! Shout out your burning will along with me. Yosh!"

"Ichigo." Naruto gave a warning look. "Don't you dare."

The Substitute's smirk became wicked.

"Yosh."

"Louder, Ichigo-kun! Yosh!"

"Yosh!"

"I swear to God, if you start wearing a spandex jumpsuit!"

"Yosh!"

"Are you three going to be this loud the entire trip?" Shikamaru rubbed the back of his neck as he walked up the street.

"I think Ichigo-kun is releasing the stress brought on by Kurenai-sensei's genjutsu training." Hinata came up behind Naruto and stopped near him. "It can make you … unhinged for a little while."

"And what do you mean the entire trip?" Naruto faced the Kage as Lee and Ichigo began racing up the street. "I know you're not coming with us."

"Then like most of your answers in the Academy, you'd be wrong."

"You have a village to lead."

"Konan will keep everything going until Yondaime wakes up. This is big enough you need all hands on deck. Besides, like I told Hinata before, this isn't all on you three this time."

"Agreed." Shino materialized out of the alley. "I have missed enough battles. Unless, you mean to leave me out, Naruto?"

"I-"

Shino closed the distance instantly and leaned in.

"Naruto, friends should not hesitate to work with one another. You do consider us friends, yes?"

"Of course-"

"Then, we shall be accompanying you."

Naruto rolled his eyes and smiled as he folded his hands behind his head.

"Well, I suppose it will be nice to have Baa-chan's ultimate team assembled for a major mission."

"The Godaime's team plus Ichigo." Shino tugged the collar of his coat up higher. "You really must work on not excluding others, Naruto."

"I was including him."

"He cannot be a part of the ultimate team, as the Godaime did not select him for it – including him creates a new ultimate team."

Naruto snorted in amusement.

"I figured getting laid would have mellowed you out more."

"Your student – I really can't wrap my head around that – did have a valid question." Shikamaru stifled a yawn. "How are we supposed to make it back to the other side?"

"You plan on going back through Hell." Hinata's flat tone conveyed the same enthusiasm Naruto felt. "Since Sasuke is already back, the Akatsuki have likely recovered – and Jashin."

"Trust me. I would love a better suggestion." The blonde shrugged as Lee and Ichigo dropped into pushups on the far end of the street. "We can't stay here, letting Pain's barrier weaken as more hollow flow into this world. I doubt the Earl and Espada will be back since they left after grabbing the Rinnegan. And while, I'm guessing they'll be reserved for the Shinigami, it still doesn't mean those other Arrancar won't show up. We can't win a battle of endurance."

"Attrition." Shikamaru said.

"Whatever. The point is, their final plan is ready to go and we just sit here and deal with small fry. The tracker Ichigo has opened a portal to here so it probably can do the same the other way. It sucks, but it's our only route back."

Shikamaru cupped his hands in his thinking pose as Lee's and Ichigo's shouts echoed from deeper within the city. Naruto glanced over to where Iruka and his kid had been. When had they left?

"I concur with, Naruto. Why? Because it is our only option." The street lamps reflected off Shino's sunglasses. "Hinata explained the danger of Ichigo transforming was diminished, and Naruto is the same, because he now has control over Kyubi's power."

"Travelling to such a place will not be necessary."

The group spun around and Naruto growled as his eyes shifted to red.

"Jashin!"

"I am not he. Although, I feel I must apologize for my brother's actions."

Naruto blinked in confusion, the red returning to blue as Hinata gasped.

"You're the Rikudo Sennin."

Naruto tilted his head to the side as he studied the man. Yeah, he didn't look exactly like the other creep. The face was more angular and his reiatsu felt way too gentle. Hinata had told him all about Jashin's claims. Who'd have thought the bastard actually told the truth.

"I found this little one and her friend ready to enter Hell after picking up your trail. It would have been terrible for her to wander in such a place."

Nel poked her head out from behind his legs and Samehada did the same directly above her. She hopped to the side and reached out with a hand.

"Come with me if you want to fight the bad guys."

"Sennin-sama, what are you doing here?"

The older man smiled warmly at Hinata and sat on the air itself.

"As my friend, Gamamaru foretold, the time has come for me to use the last of my power."

"I always wondered how old the Great Toad Sage was." Naruto scratched at his chin with a single finger. "Didn't think he was that old."

"He converses with the savior of the world like they're relatives at lunch." Shikamaru shook his head. "I'm trying to wrap my head around it and he's completely unfazed."

"They are both saviors of the world." Shino kept his hands pocketed. "And it is like Naruto to lack astonishment in these situations."

"And reverence."

"I can hear you guys."

"They are not wrong, Naruto-kun."

"Is no one taking me up on fighting bad guys?" Her still outstretched hand clasped and unclasped. "I spent five whole minutes coming up with such a cool line!"

"Gi!"

The Sennin laughed as everyone bantered amongst each other.

"It is heartening to see all of you so full of cheer in spite of the dire situation. Placing my hope in you truly was the correct choice."

Naruto bit back a sarcastic retort to Shino as the Sage's words sunk in. His brow furrowed in a perplexed expression and the ancient man nodded as if recognizing the unspoken question. The blonde felt a pocket of air scoop him up like a chair as the same happened to the others.

"I am sure all of you have heard portions of my history, as I am sure you have many questions. Please, allow me to explain the story in its entirety, in a place where we will not draw as much attention."

Author's Notes:

Sorry for being a few hours late, finally got around to playing Telltale's Walking Dead Season 1 and watching DC's Young Justice ... time slipped away from me.

Anyway, this chapter, while it was written to life easily, had a lot of weight/importance on it. Obviously, Naruto's resolution needed to have a high degree of potency or else the previous internal struggles would have been needless, but more than that, it needed to happen without him suddenly switching gears. My goal, was to show him almost back to normal with the last chapter, but then have the Kyubi push him to that final step. So, in many ways Naruto came full circle, but with a maturity and true commitment that he never had before. It stopped being something that he did, and became something that he was.

Sculpting the fox's dialogue also took some tweaking. I didn't want to compromise the way he'd developed throughout Asunder and Rend (i.e suddenly making them friends and turning the Biju into this compassionate creature). I strove to keep the fox as the intimidating demon he was, one that values power and honor, and use that to both team them up and complete Naruto's growth.

The Vizored were something that I went back and forth on. At first, I wasn't going to include them at all. Then, it was going to be an obligatory cameo or section. However, I ultimately decided their most impacting purpose would be to demonstrate just how omnipotent and different this story's Aizen is in comparison to the cannon (aside from the lack of butterfly wings). And, indirectly, also show where Ichigo stands as well. I hated doing it in such a dispassionate way, but inserting the battle scene significantly lessened the potency of their deaths. This way was sudden, harsh, and awful ... all the things death bestows. It gave the scene (in my opinion) so much more gravity.

As for Orihime, I'm not ready to talk about her yet.

Hope everyone has a Happy New Year

I'll see you next week.