Author's Note:

Hey everyone! Long time no write huh? Lol, please don't stop reading this because I suck at jokes. Anyway, sorry about the long pause (again). But I've been struggling emotionally and mentally these past few months with my self-esteem, loving myself, trying to be healthier, and working all while still fighting with adults during the pandemic. I just hope all is well with you guys and that you are staying safe. Also, please take a moment to think of those who have been lost during this time as well as those who are still here. You guys are survivors and I'm so proud of all of you, no matter what you're doing.

Throughout my fanfiction "career", I have always had great support from you guys, especially on my darkest days. Therefore, I like to always thank those who are still reading, reviewing, and subscribing. I get multiple emails daily from those who subscribe to my work and leave reviews. I promise that I'm not ignoring you. I just suck about responding to people within a good time, but I do read them before I reply and try to get to them as quickly as I can. They brighten my day and bring a smile to my face every time I get a message, no matter if it's just someone subscribing or reviewing. You guys are awesome and thank you for the love and support.

Also, I decided to revisit one of my old, favorite games: Final Fantasy X. I just love the story and cry at certain scenes no matter how many times I play the game. Are any of you into Final Fantasy games? If so, what are your favorite ones and why? I'm all for sharing opinions and discussing amazing games.

On another side note, I feel so embarrassed for the previous lengths of my chapters. I'm going to try and push for longer chapter lengths to make up for my absence. Can't guarantee anything, but I'm sure as hell going to try, especially with the war arc taking its toll on me with the amount of research and adjusting I am doing for this story. Alright, enough rambling, let's get on with it, shall we?

"Taking on too much can burn you out while taking on too little won't bring you the desired satisfaction. But do as much as you are able brings about the best rewards and motivation,"

-Badbutt94

Chapter 71: War Arc: Konoha and The Uchiha Clan's History

Normal P.O.V.

The air is thick with tension and shock as the Four Legendary Hokages stand before Naruto, Sasuke, Orochimaru, and the rest of former Team Taka. The most shocked of the group is Naruto. Although he has met his father on numerous occasions inside of his subconscious, having him in front of him was another beast. With cautious, heavy footsteps, the blond fox slowly moves towards his father with an outstretched hand.

The older waits patiently for his son to approach him with a smile on his face. Once the two are close enough, Naruto spreads his hands along his father's face.

"What's wrong, son? You look like you've seen a ghost," Minato chuckles.

Suddenly, several tears form in the corner of the teenaged boy's eyes as he embraces his father.

"It's really you. You're really here. I can actually hold you," Naruto cries into his father's chest.

A sense of warmth fills the older blond fox's chest as he returns the embrace, "Yes son. I'm here. I'm always here. It's ok now,"

Everyone in the room allows them to have this moment, however very few understand the strength of this moment. Since Naruto had to grow up without his parents or ever really knowing them, this was a blessing and a privilege to even have this moment with his father; despite the fact, he is embracing a reanimated corpse.

As he continues to hold his son. Minato looks up and smiles when he notices Sasuke standing completely still and wide-eyed.

"Well don't just stand there, come over here and embrace me too. After all, you are my son-in-law Sasuke,"

Turning his head, Sasuke tries to hide his blush from the even more shocked expressions from the others in the room.

"See dad, I told you he was prideful," Naruto smiles as he wipes away his tears.

"Well, I personally think he's even more handsome than you've been telling us. Your mother would have loved to personally meet him. Wait until I tell her about this joyous reunion,"

"Hn. If you ask me, he's still the same brat from when I was alive," Hiruzen grumbles while folding his arms.

"It's always nice to see you too, old man,"

"No surprise that you're still just as disrespectful. I see Kakashi failed to teach you any manners,"

"How is my student by the way? I hope he wasn't too distraught over my death," Minato asks politely.

"Kakashi-sensei is doing well and he's super strong too! One time he~"

"Excuse me," Everyone turns to look at the First Hokage after he interrupts Naruto's bragging, "Sorry to interrupt but could someone please tell me what the hell is going on?"

"Yes, I am quite interested in knowing why we have been brought back a second time. Not that we don't enjoy seeing you, Orochimaru," Tobirama glares.

"It is always a pleasure seeing, what would have been my predecessors. Allow me to welcome you all back to both the world of the living and Leaf Village,"

"And why have you brought us back this time?" Hashirama asks in annoyance.

"I suspect that we're meant to be used as ploys during a new Shinobi War. Am I correct in my assumption, Orochimaru?"

"Actually, I asked him to bring you all back for my own reasons," Sasuke says, stepping forward.

"Hm? An Uchiha brat has the nerve to disturb my peaceful death? And for what selfish reason have you thought to bring us back, child?" Tobirama continues to glare.

"Now, now. Let's not be angry with the boy. How about hearing him out before jumping to any conclusions, shall we?"

"And just who are you?" Hashirama questions.

"Oh, I'm sorry for being so rude, sir," Minato bows before turning around and pointing to the back of his cloak, "I'm the Fourth Hokage. And this is my son Naruto Uzumaki and his mate Sasuke Uchiha,"

"What?! The son of the Fourth Hokage has mated with an Uchiha?! Has the world gone mad since we passed away?!"

"His son is also the third vessel of the Nine-Tails. Congratulations you two, I was wondering when you were going to finally do so," Hiruzen adds with his arms crossing over his chest.

"And that makes it better?!"

"Oh Rama, don't get your underwear in a bunch over something as little as that. Let's focus on the fact that The Hidden Leaf has survived long enough for a Furth Hokage!" Hashirama cheers. "So, who's the Fifth Hokage?"

"Actually, it's your granddaughter, Tsunade," Orochimaru chuckles.

A look of dread appears on the First Hokage's face as he sits on the floor, "Then the village is doomed if my granddaughter is leading it. I just hope she at least matured a little bit,"

"She was actually my student. I trained her myself along with Jiraiya and Orochimaru. They've all made names for themselves as Legendary Sanin. Your granddaughter became the head of and brought the world of medicine into a new age with all the new jutsus she's created. She earned her summon and is now nicknamed the Slug Queen. It is said that she has even surpassed you, my lord," Hiruzen brags with a proud smile on his face.

"She's also the godmother of my son and helped my wife: Kushina, give birth to him," Minato adds with a bright smile.

"Then I am glad. You know, when she was little, my wife: Mito would scold me because she picked up my old gambling habits. But I was a loser every time," Hashirama laughed while slapping his knees.

"Sorry to burst your bubble but she's a terrible gambler and a drunk too. She even earned her other notorious nickname "Densetsu no Kamo: The Legendary Sucker. Yes, a perfect candidate over me to become Hokage, eh sensei?"

"Give it a rest, Orochimaru. I've told you numerous times why I could not give you that title. You couldn't handle the power and responsibilities that came with it,"

"And you are the reason I defected from the village and joined the Akatsuki,"

"What you chose to do after my rejection has no barring on me. Although, if anyone has the right to be bitter, it's me. After all, you did kill me, despite knowing that the reanimated corpses of the First and Second Hokage along with your abilities and power couldn't take me on in my younger days,"

"I'm sorry, but can we put a pin in the petty hits you guys and focus on something more important here? Like, oh I don't know, THE FACT THAT MY SASUKE-KUN HAS BEEN MATED THIS WHOLE TIME TO THAT BLONDIE FOX OVER THERE AND I NEVER KNEW?!" Karin fumes.

"Calm down Karin. That's not why we're here," Sasuke sighs while folding his arms and not looking at her.

"CALM DOWN?! CALM DOWN?! I REFUSED TO BE IGNORED ON THIS, SASUKE! HOW COULD YOU NOT TELL ME WHEN YOU KNEW I HAD PLANS FOR OUR FUTURE I CREATED FOR US?!"

As Karin begins to cry, Suigetsu busts out in laughter to the point of rolling around on the ground, "See! I told you he didn't want your ugly ass! And you wanna know why?! Because he'd rather be riding Naruto's dick!"

"Why you little~"

"ENOUGH!" Tobirama yells as he unleashes some of his power to silence the room.

Everyone stumbles to find their footing as the building shakes and starts to crumble. What felt like a few moments were more like a few seconds while Tobirama effectively quieted the room. Once everyone settles down, he reigns in his power and intensively glares at the entire room.

"Who is that loudmouth fox woman?" Minato asks.

"Judging by her fox appendages, red hair, and the raging chakra inside of her, I'd say she's from your wife's clan," Hiruzen answers.

"I do not stand for the pretty bickering of children, especially over the affection for an Uchiha. Now, either someone tells us what is going on, or else,"

Despite the shake in his legs. Sasuke is the first to step up and speak, "As you all know by now, my name is Sasuke Uchiha. Currently, the is a war between Madara and Obito Uchiha and all the shinobis in the Five Nations. However, we did not bring you back here for assistance with the war. I just wanted some answers about my past,"

"Hn. So Madara has been reanimated too? Looks like I'll have to go and pay my old friend a visit," Hashirama chuckles as he stands up.

"Do as you please, brother. I have no business with anyone here. I will be retiring somewhere out of the way until the jutsu is disabled," Tobirama turns his back and gets ready to walk away when Hashirama stops him, "What is the meaning of this, brother?"

"You're not going anywhere. There is a war going on where our village and its people are in danger. We as the former Hokages have a duty to at least hear what is going on before turning our backs to them. Don't you think?"

"Hn. Fine than. I'll hear everyone out and decide for myself what happens afterward. Now release me," Hashirama does as his brother asks with a cocky smile.

"How were you both able to break the control of my jutsu?!" Orochimaru angrily asks.

"Foolish young snake. Although you were able to perform the jutsu. It was created by Tobirama and you used my cells. It is simple for the two of us to break it and free the others. However, it seems the jutsu created by my brother has caused some problems after our death. See brother, I told you~"

"Shut up, Hash,"

"You don't have to be so mean," Hashirama grumbles.

"Sasuke, before we answer any of your questions, allow me to ask just one: what side of this war have you taken? Are aligning with your clansman or are you fighting with the Hidden Leaf?" Hiruzen asks.

"I have sided with the Hidden Leaf. After killing Itachi and thinking that I avenged my clan, I learned the truth of the coup my clan members were planning. However, there are still some questions that need answers before I can fully devote myself to the Hidden Leaf,"

"Hn. I see, so you fulfilled Itachi's dying wish. Very well, I shall answer you questions with a story.,' Hiruzen sighs before clearing his throat, "Your brother, was unlike any Uchiha I have ever met. Intelligent, kind, and sensitive. He loved and cared for you even before you were born. However, he was born with a curse: his intelligence. At an incredibly young age, he completely understood the past and future of our village. Even at the tender age of seven, he thought like a Hokage. I would have loved to see him again that title in a different timeline. Sadly, it was never meant to be.

As he aged and his skills grew, he was forced to become an ANBU. In fact, he was one of mine. During his time, your clansman started developing a plot to use the Nine-Tailed beast that was sealed inside of Naruto Uzumaki to take control of the Hidden Leaf. It was a coup designed to get revenge on the mistreatment of days old. They wanted to prove that they were the strongest and most elite clan within the Hidden Leaf. Itachi sat in on all the meetings held by your father and came to warn me of their betrayal. Despite my sympathy for them, it was decided that the entire Uchiha clan needed to be eliminated. The only one that was suitable for this task was Itachi Uchiha,"

"But why him? Why couldn't you have someone else do this instead of forcing my brother?!"

"It was a matter of politics, my boy. Itachi had the trust of both the Uchiha, The Council, and me. It was a difficult task to ask someone of any age to do, especially your brother. With a heavy heart, he agreed to it on one condition: that you could live and be taken care of,"

"But why me? Why did he want me to live without everyone I loved and grew up with? Why did he want to take my innocence and make me hate him?" Sasuke asked, trying to keep his voice from breaking.

"It was because he loved you, Sasuke. You could live because you were the closest to him and you were young and innocent enough to not know about anything that was going on with your clansmen. He knew that by letting you live; he would be taking your innocence from you, but he also had a plan for you. He wanted you to grow up and learn to love the Hidden Leaf. He wanted you to take his place in protecting it,"

"Then why did he make me hate him so much? Why not just tell me the truth all those years ago or take me with you?"

"Because you were so influenced. He knew that if he took you with him, then you would miss out on the childhood you should've had instead of being aligned with a traitorous clan. However, he also knew that you had a tempter and started showing signs of being vengeful. In his eyes, Itachi committed the ultimate sin that only you could cleanse him of. He wanted you to grow stronger, eventually, kill him, and return to the Hidden Leaf with a purpose and pride. He looked to you as a new future for the Uchiha. He believed in you that much, Sasuke,"

This explanation shocks Sasuke. To know that his brother believed such greatness could come from him was astounding. But was Sasuke truly as honorable and as worthy as Itachi thought?

"With all the crimes I've committed, I would say not,"

"I have another question, why was my clan hated so much?"

"Allow me to take it from here, Lord Third," Hashirama continues, "You clan wasn't necessarily hated. Pride and love were the most powerful emotions an Uchiha can feel. This is going back to the years before I helped founded the Hidden Leaf. The Uchiha clan were descendants of the elder son: Indra Ōtsutsuki. Your clan inherited his eyes which are fueled by powerful emotions such as love and hatred. However, the Sharingan can also be activated in extreme situations where the wielder is threatened. Therefore, both your clan and their Sharingan are worth their weight in gold. However, the war between you and my clan has dated back for centuries. It was during the Warring States Period that our clans continuously fought for land and power. By the end of it all, only our clans remained as the strongest. However, who was to rule over the Land of Fire was the reason the wars never stopped. I met Madara during this period as children.

We became rivals and friends who eventually formed the Hidden Leaf after more fighting between our clans. When the time came to choose the first Hokage, I was chosen over Madara, which led to another war breaking out between our clans. However, I did not hold it against your clan members for their hatred and misunderstanding on Madara's part. I even urged Tobirama to take pity on them and give them a purpose when it was his turn to take over as the Second Hokage,"

"A most regretful decision on my part," Tobirama sighs as he continues, "However, against my better judgment, I created the Konoha Military Police Force with your clan as its members. I figured this would be a great way to focus their energy to serve our village while also honing their skills. In the end, they were not happy about it. Because the Military Police Force was in a remote location within the village, the elders of your clan felt that no real influence could come from their position. They felt that I had isolated them from the other parts of the village and its people when that was not my intention,"

"I don't know. That sounds racist if you ask me," Suigetsu says.

"What was that you brat?!"

"If this is all true, then how and why did they start playing the coup?" Sasuke asks.

"That is partly my fault," Hiruzen starts, "After the Third Shinobi war, it was time to choose the Fourth Hokage I had two choices: Minato Namikaze and your father: Fugaku Uchiha. Do not mistake me for my choice. Your father was an admirable leader and held a lot of great qualities. It was an extremely tough decision. However, Minato had a slight edge over him in terms of the people liking him more. I personally paid a visit to your father with my decision. He understood my reasoning behind it and even stopped some of your clansmen from revolting. However, as I look back on it, I often wonder if it was more of a ploy to throw us off from their coup,"

"My father was not a dishonest man," Sasuke growls.

"It seems you did not even know your father's true face, child," Tobirama scoffs.

"HOW DARE YOU!" Sasuke reaches for his sword to attack but Tobirama is quicker.

He unleashes more of his power to subdue the room again. Through this encounter, Naruto moves to protect Sasuke while Hashirama uses his aura to subdue his brother.

"Now, now Rama, behave. You were out of line for your comment," Tobirama only huffs as he looks away with his arms crossing, "I'm sorry about that. He's always had quite the temper," Hashirama laughs before turning to Naruto, "You there, Naruto was it? It seems you have grown into quite the young alpha. And with all those tails too. You must have conquered the Nine-Tails. Impressive to say the least,"

"That you sir," Naruto blushes with a bow.

"Lord Third, even though you did not watch over my son and had the Nine-Tails do it for the first couple of years, I would still like to thank you for protecting him when needed. I hope he was not too much trouble," Minato smiles.

"Actually, he was quite the prankster. I can't count all the headaches he gave me over the years,"

"Hn. If only I had someone who raised me that wasn't a physical manifestation of a powerful demon to look after me when my real parent disappeared. But hey, who's bitter about that past, am I right?" Naruto gives a cocky smirk.

"I would scold you, but then I would be more wrong in this situation. There are a lot of regrets I have when it came to watching over and protecting both Sasuke and you. Your lives were my personal responsibility, but I more often than not put them aside to care for other matters. True I was the Third Hokage and had to step back into my role after Minato and Kushina passed away, I still should have done a better job with influencing and making sure you both had adequate care. I am forever ashamed and indebted to Iruka and Kakashi for being there when I could not," Hiruzen steps before Naruto and Sasuke and bows low at his waist, "As your former Hokage, I ask for your forgiveness,"

The two are shocked by the sudden apology. Although both had their resentments and dislikes towards the Third Hokage's methods, they did not necessarily hate him.

"Stand up, Grampa Third. Although we appreciate the apology, it's unnecessary. Sasuke and I indeed went through some terrible events in our childhoods, in the end, it brought us together and made us stronger. For that, we could never be mad, right Sasuke?"

Sasuke smirks at Naruto's smile, "The dobe is right. In a way, if it wasn't for you… I wouldn't have my alpha or made the few friends I did along the way. So, thank you,"

The three of them stand tall in the middle of the room as everyone watches.

"I'm still upset about knowing you two are mated, but this is a sweet moment," Karin smiles.

"I think I'm going to be sick to my stomach," Suigetsu groans.

"Yes, as much as it is nice to have this moment, let us not forget that there is still a war raging right now,"

"That's right. You guys ready to go?" Naruto asks while looking around the room.

"I shall follow Sasuke anywhere," Jugo says.

"Then let us head out. Naruto, do you think you can teleport us there?" Sasuke questions.

"Of course! I put a tracking seal on Grandma Tsunade. I'll have us there in no time,"

"My granddaughter is up against Madara?! Rama, we must go get her! She is our family!"

"The amount of affection you showed that girl is sickening. But I suppose you're right. Plus, we can't let your old friend topple the Five Nations in one battle," Tobirama sighs.

"Well, I'm honored to have the privilege of fighting beside my family. Hopefully, this will make up for all years I was missing from your life,"

"You've already done that, dad,"

"Orochimaru, will you go with us too?" Hiruzen asks.

"Yes. I will join in the fight against Madara and Obito Uchiha,"

"And you're doing this of your own free will with no benefit? What made you change your mind after all this time? What are you playing at?"

"I play at nothing, sensei. Let's just say that after spending this past year within Sasuke's body, it made me curious to see what life awaits my student when this is all over,"

"Hn. If it were anyone else, I would say that your resolve is admirable. But I cannot complain if this is your true motive. I look forward to fighting side by side with you, just like our days as a team,"

"Alright, everyone! Hang tight! It's time we make our appearance on the battlefield!"

Everyone gathers around and touches each other as Naruto focuses. He enters Sage Mode to locate Tsunade. Once he finds her, he unleashes his and Kurama's chakra to teleport them to her location. With a bright flash, they were gone within seconds, leaving behind the Naka Shrine and their ungraded village.

To Be Continued…