I'm With you, Forever, The End

by Katsuki-1x

In the world of quirks 90% of the population has a quirk. Scientists believe that soulmates and quirks are somehow linked. Izuku and Katsuki are training at the beach when Izuku finds a fruit. Izuku eats the fruit and gains a power. On the beach the boys save a group of strangers that have washed up on shore. Izuku finds out what is power is and what it is called when the stranger

54. Chapter 54: Aftermath

Chapter 53: Aftermath

Summary: The resurrection, and the second wave of leaf Shinobi coming to Japan

Nagato stares in disbelief as Yahiko breathes on his own, his friend and teammate breathing for the first time in 18 years. And Nagato feels tears come to his eyes, "Thank you, Izuku." He whispers so softly because he knows the teen won't hear him. Izuku has done for him something he never thought was possible, brought back his friend, brother, leader. Repaired his damaged heart and healed a hurt he didn't know was still festering. And Nagato knows he will spend the rest of his life fighting for Izuku's dream of peace, if he can have Yahiko by his side again; then it is worth it.

Konan pounces on Yahiko, crying into his confused form as he looks around and studies his surroundings. Jiraiya explains something to him, but not much is making any sense. He remembers being dead, he remembers sacrificing himself to save his teammates and watching Nagato being driven to madness by guilt and rage. And his heart breaks as the disbelieving shock and hope that crosses over his friend's face, "Nagato," Yahiko whispers reverently, "I'm sorry." And apparently, that was all Nagato needed as he launches himself onto Yahiko and squeezes him just shy of being painful. But Yahiko laughs and embraces his teammates just as tightly.

Minato stares in disbelief, he should be dead. And part of him remembers watching his son as a Chakra Impression and as a safeguard to the seal. But as his son was about to unleash the eighth tail, a power Minato has never felt but commanding and calming managed to soothe the Nine-tails' rage and allowed Naruto to regain control. And over the last couple of months, Minato has watched the Fox. He could feel the seal was weakening, if nothing was done the Fox will be able to break through the seal. But the fox didn't, the hatred Minato sensed the night of the attack was no longer tormenting the fox. Instead, a green mist would come through the seal and the Fox would stay calm. Minato watched as his son became something like friends with the beast, deciding to work together, instead of sealing him like a prisoner. And it seemed like the Fox was starting to be happy every time Naruto visited and talked about his training. And Jiraiya sits next to him, explaining to him that all that was possible because some teen from another world views Naruto and the Fox as his brother. Someone, a stranger is willing to be a family to Naruto, show him love, and care for him in ways the village wasn't capable of.

Jiraiya tells him about this other world, how Naruto has had real genuine moments of happiness being with people that like him for him, regardless of what is sealed inside him. And Minato can put together the pieces of a puzzle he is starting to realize exists. The same person that gave Naruto happiness is the same person who gave him a second chance to be with his son. And he didn't give Minato a second chance for Minato, no, this person did it because it would make Naruto happy. And he looks next to him, and his spit-fire wife is waking up. And Minato has never been happier, but the question is, "what happens now?"

Jiraiya sighs, "the world thinks you are dead. And I believe it should stay that way. The other villages would not take the news laying down that their greatest enemy "The Yellow Flash" is alive."

Minato nods because he knows what Jiraiya is hinting at, "So where do we go?"

Jiraiya sighs and begins to explain things that have happened before his death, the real cause of the Nine-tails attack. And then he hands him a scroll. Minato reads it, he is confused as he reads about a boy's life, and he realizes this boy is the one who gave him a second chance. He reads about Naruto's treatment, the visions this boy had of this world, and countless others. And the quest to save as many people as possible to save at least one of the worlds. And Minato is smart enough to agree strategically that this strange world is the best option. "So we go to this other world? What happens to the leaf?"

Jiraiya sighs, "I have been to this other world, and we can't make an army appear overnight. Izuku believes there is a spy relaying information to the Calamity. And if they find out we are making an army to fight them, they will attack before we are ready. So they have been bringing people over a few at a time."

"And you trust this Izuku person?" Minato questions.

Jiraiya smiles fondly, "He has done for Naruto, Gaara, the other Jinchuriki things no one else would dare to do. He saved their lives, fought the Akatsuki almost single-handedly to save them. He saved my life and gave me a second chance to be the God-Father Naruto deserves. So, yes, I trust them." A sad smile appears on his face, "He cried. He cried for Naruto. A stranger cried for Naruto because of his treatment here. Gave Naruto hope that his soulmate wouldn't reject him, and he was right, Naruto has spent his entire life being told the fox belongs to the leaf. But Izuku helped him, helped save Sasuke and Itachi because they were important to Naruto. Izuku would lay his life down for your son, pushes him to be stronger, and understood his pain."

"I see," Minato soaks in the new information. "Where is Izuku, I want to thank him."

Jiraiya smiles sadly, "He is passed out right now. The amount of healing he did to save everyone and more, was enough to kill Tsunade over 10 times."

"Why? Why would he bring us back if it was so taxing?" Minato questions.

"Take a look around Minato." Jiraiya gestures, "He brought back people that would make his pack happy. For Naruto, he brought back his parents. For Kakashi his father. For Nagato and Konan their dead teammate. Because he has the ability to do so."

Minato shakes his head, "He claimed Kakashi?"

Jiraiya smirks, "he didn't just claim Kakashi, he made Kakashi his brother." Minato looks at Jiraiya confused. Jiraiya points at the copy-nin, and Minato observes a long-haired raven fretting over Kakashi, checking the man for any injuries that might have been missed. And to Minato's shock, Kakashi's eye is soft as he allows the male to care for him. Kakashi is so different from the broken 13-year-old he left behind. Jiraiya chuckles, "That is Shota, Kakashi's soulmate and Izuku's older brother."

Kushina decides it is time to tackle Minato, so she does. Happy tears come to her eyes as she finishes her talk with her son. She blubbers and tries to express how happy she is that her son has found people. She listened to her son talks about Japan, talk about the connections he has made with the other worlders. The conviction in his eyes when he told her he was happy, happy with his soulmate and being part of a pack. And while this confuses her, she accepts that she will find out soon enough. Naruto talks about Izuku with awe and reverence. He talks about the Spit-Fire blond that while he challenges Naruto, he is quick to provide comfort to Naruto when he is sad and distressed. He talks about these two teens like they hang the stars and moon. And she really wants to meet these people.

If Kushina was being honest, which she always is, she didn't like the leaf. They never really accepted her, for being an Uzumaki, for being a Jinchuriki. The only difference between her and her son was she had Minato on her side. Minato always accepted her, was the only one to rescue her when she was kidnapped as a child. So while the villagers glared and cursed her behind her back, she was still given fair prices when she went shopping with Minato. And when Minato was made Hokage, he tried to change things. But there wasn't enough time to revamp the village before the Nine-tails attacked. And she regrets that she forced her life on her son. But she listens to her son talk about the Nine-tails like he is a friend like he is not some mindless beast to be locked away. And Kushina doesn't know what to think about that, she was always taught that the Nine-tails was a weapon to be locked away. Only to be let out in defense for the village.

But listening to Naruto talk about Kurama, since he was healed by Izuku, he has been nicer. Izuku called Kurama a God, Fuji's brother. And Naruto talked about Fuji, Puppy Piles, controlled power, fierce protectiveness, and comfort. And it sounds like it is their fault as Shinobi who made the Tailed- beasts the way they are. And Kushina decides if one of the Tailed Beasts could give her a second chance to be with her son, they deserve a chance to prove they are more than Mindless Creatures of Destruction.

Sakumo is content watching his son seeing a shadow of the boy he left behind. And he thinks about their talk in the void, since his suicide whether trapped by guilt or because he committed suicide, he has spent an eternity in the darkness, only a small campfire keeping him company. He knew if he left the fire he would be lost. So he stayed, why? He's not sure. But he is glad he stayed. When he died, he thought all his regrets, and guilt would go away. However, they didn't they stayed like faithful companions and piled on top new regrets. When he committed suicide, his only thought was, he could bring honor to his son, his son would stop being treated as a traitor's son. But then, during his small eternity of silence and contemplation, he learned that no amount of guilt or regret compares to that of leaving his 5-year-old son on his own.

And during his reflection he realized his problems didn't go away, he just selfishly placed them on his child's shoulders. He left Kakashi alone, filled with guilt, scared, alone, and grieving. And he knows his son well enough to know, Kakashi probably blamed himself. Kakashi probably learned the wrong lesson or took Sakumo's death to mean "never break the rules". And while that is true, they are Shinobi, but Sakumo always believed that there was an exception. And if it was just the village shunning him and him alone, he could have persevered, but the ones he abandoned the mission to save, turned on him in their anger. The villagers turned to condemn his son for Sakumo's mistakes. And well Sakumo didn't see a way to fix it.

He doesn't know how long he is trapped with only the sounds of a crackling campfire, and his thoughts to keep him company. But his solitude is broken by the sounds of footsteps behind him, and he wonders who came to him in death. He hides his shock at seeing his son, taking a seat next to him. By the looks of Kakashi, Sakumo can estimate he's been dead for over 20 years. And he wants to know about his son's life, did he have friends? When did he make Chunin? Jonin? Does he have anyone special in his life? What about kids? Is he a teacher? Does he forgive Sakumo? Will he ever? Did he understand? Or blame himself?

So Kakashi tells him, about team seven, his ideals to never break the rules. How his friend Obito got through to him, the quote that changed his perspective, the quote he teaches his students, and lives by. "Those who break the rules are trash, but those that abandon their friends are worse than trash!" Kakashi talks about his friend's death and being given the Sharingan so he can look after their other teammate better. His guilt for killing his teammate. And Sakumo knows how much that must have hurt his boy. And he talks about Minato, his teacher, role model, father figure. And Sakumo can't even be upset that he was replaced, because he gave up that right when he killed himself. Then he talks about losing Minato in a devastating attack on the village. His son put everything he was into ANBU and taking mostly suicide missions, because what does he have to live for, all his precious people are dead.

But then a small smile appears on his face as he talks about his rivalry/friendship/brotherhood with Gai. And Sakumo remembers the boy, would pester his son, and he is glad his son still had someone to look after him, no matter how reluctant Kakashi was. He talks about his students, Minato's Son, and Uchiha, and a civilian that has near-perfect chakra control.

Then a sad silence, like he is holding himself back from saying something. So Sakumo hums, "Well… That's quite a tale, son."

Sakumo hears an almost choked sound as Kakashi speaks, "Yup."

"It's too bad… Both of us died far too young." Sakumo muses trying to get his son to keep talking. But silence follows as Kakashi looks sadly in the flames. And Sakumo knows Kakashi's sadness, the subtle shake of his shoulders as he keeps the noises in, not willing to show weakness or vulnerability.

And when Kakashi gets his emotions under control he sighs, "regardless of how it ended, you did everything you could have." And Sakumo stares at his son in confusion, shock, something, but Kakashi continues, "I understand what you went through now… why you broke the law to protect everyone else…" And Kakashi releases a shaky breath, "I'm proud you were my father."

And it takes a few moments for Sakumo's shock to fade, but when it does, he is quick to thank his boy. They sit in silence again, not awkward but definitely heavy.

Kakashi sighs again, "you would have liked him."

"Who?" Sakumo asks in confusion.

"My Soulmate." And there is a grieved smile on Kakashi's face, "he accepted me, even though I'm broken. He is going to be devastated when he wakes up."

"When did you meet?" Sakumo asks.

"A month ago," Kakashi looks down sadly.

Sakumo's eyes widen, "he must have been from far away if you only met a month ago."

"You could say that" Kakashi smiles sadly, "he's actually from another world."

Well that would explain why Kakashi didn't meet his soulmate until a month ago, and he wonders how that is even possible. But before he can get his thoughts in order to ask his questions, the area is engulfed in a green mist. Kakashi's eye widens and relaxes as the mist covers his form. And Sakumo smiles gratefully, "I guess you really did come here too soon. There must be things you still need to do."

"Dad…" Kakashi breathes out a choked sound, as he starts to fade.

"Im glad we got to talk," Sakumo smiles. "And thank you for forgiving me…" And his son is gone. And he is expecting to be alone in the darkness again. But a warm sensation envelops him, and he thinks he might be passing on. And he thinks he's ok with that because he can see his wife again. And he fades with a smile.

But he takes a breath with a gasp, confusion, shock, and a small amount of disappointment filling him. But he is a Shinobi, so he pushes the confusion, shock, disappointment down to observe his surroundings. And he sees his son, Kakashi is being fretted over by a long-haired raven. And Sakumo studies his son's face, and there is a happiness in his eye that Sakumo has never seen before. Kakashi raises his hand to cup the other man's cheek, a soft look in his eye as he pleads for forgiveness. And the Raven engulfs his son in a squeezing hold, burying his face in Kakashi's chest. And Sakumo realizes this is Kakashi's soulmate.

Kakashi's soulmate doesn't let go, and Kakashi doesn't seem to mind as he whispers and pulls the man closer to him. And Sakumo smiles because he can tell they obviously care about each other. Even only knowing about being Soul Mates for a month. Sakumo must make a sound, because Kakashi looks at him, something close to disbelief in his eye as his breath hitches, "Dad…"

And the man that Sakumo still doesn't know the name of, looks at him with a sad cautious glare on his face. And Sakumo thinks Kakashi probably told his soulmate his past and Sakumo's death. And while it doesn't seem like the man holds it against him, he looks torn between being angry at the pain Sakumo caused Kakashi, sad because Kakashi had to go through that, and cautious because he doesn't know if Sakumo will hurt Kakashi again. But Sakumo smiles gently just glad that he has a chance to build a relationship with Kakashi.

And while Sakumo doubts they can have a father-son relationship anymore, because they look basically the same age. And he doubts Kakashi needs a father to guide him in his life anymore, Sakumo can still be a friend, someone Kakashi can turn to. Sakumo thinks he is ok with that. "Kakashi," he breathes out. He can see the almost lost expression on Kakashi's face, a sign to show he is unsure of his next step.

But the Raven puts a hand on his shoulder, and the almost unnoticeable tension in Kakashi's form bleeds out with a sigh. He places a hand over the raven's on his shoulder, and looks at his father daringly, waiting for Sakumo to catch on.

Sakumo's eyes glint teasingly, "Oh… aren't you going to introduce your old man to your friend, Kakashi-kun?"

Kakashi glares at the teasing tone he received from his dad, but he smiles softly at old memories of his father teasing him when he was five. He sighs, "Dad, this is my soulmate, Shota Aizawa." There is a protective almost defensive gleam in Kakashi's eye, and Sakumo wonders what Kakashi is thinking about right now.

Sakumo smiles trying to appease his son, he regards the other man, and after a moment he bows, "Thank you Aizawa, for taking care of my son." There would be plenty of time later to sit and talk and get to know his son's soulmate properly, for now, the man deserves his thanks.

Aizawa studies the man, reading him for intent. He will be the first to admit, he is worried for Kakashi's wellbeing. Kakashi has been hurt by this man before, regardless of the reasons, no parent should leave their child alone like that. And Aizawa doesn't know if he will ever forgive this man on Kakashi's behalf. But seeing the uncertainty on Kakashi's face, the longing, and the way Kakashi pushes the hurt down in favor of having his dad back; Aizawa thinks it wouldn't hurt to get along with this man, for Kakashi's sake. He doesn't want to add to his soulmate's pain by forcing the man to choose. So he pushes down his own feelings and forces a smile, "I will always do everything in my power to protect those I care about."

Sakumo nods, while he doesn't know the man, he knows conviction when he sees it. And he can't be anything more than thankful that he got a second chance. Now that he has had the chance to do more than a threat assessment, he realizes he has no idea how he is alive right now, who brought him back? Who does he thank for this chance? He doesn't even know how it is possible, as far as he knows there is no power that can resurrect someone who has been dead for over 20 years. He knows about the Second Hokage's Edo Tensei, but as far as he knows, the resurrected know they are dead. There is no breathing, no heartbeat, just a feeling of dirt mimicking life.

For him it is different, he doesn't feel like he has died at all. He takes a slow dramatic breath, just to feel that he can. He puts one of his hands over the pulse on his wrist, and indeed he feels the slow steady thumping of his heart pumping blood in his body. "How is this possible?" he whispers in shock, awe, and confusion.

Kakashi sighs and rubs the back of his neck, wanting nothing more than Izuku to wake up and explain how Sakumo is alive. But he glances over at the teen and is unsurprised the boy is passed out. He smiles softly, "It's a complicated story, but you are alive because Izuku wanted you to be."

Sakumo pauses in his examination of his body, "who is Izuku?"

Aizawa is the one who answers, "My Problem Child." And his explanation doesn't clear up anything for Sakumo. But Aizawa doesn't care, Jiraiya has been going around with the scroll of memories to catch the newly revived Shinobi up to speed. So Sakumo will learn eventually.

Kakashi observes his soulmate, Aizawa is clutching his arm to his chest, hiding it from view. Kakashi moves to pull the man's arm away from his chest, hearing Aizawa hiss in pain. Aizawa doesn't try to stop him, even though his face is twisted in pain. Kakashi observes the skin shown to him, a gasp falls out of his lips as guilt rises. Aizawa's arm is black and bleeding, the skin looks burnt and blood oozes out of cracks in the blackened skin. The sleeve is torn and frayed above the damage, and Kakashi is horrified that Aizawa is worried about him and disregarding his own pain. "What happened?" Kakashi whispers horrified.

Aizawa looks down at his hands and arms, wincing at the memory of watching Kakashi being run through with a giant blade. And he doesn't notice the black sparks arcing off his skin as his vision is consumed by the amount of blood that came from Kakashi. "I thought you died," Aizawa whispers out.

Kakashi puts his hand on Aizawa's soul mark, rubs small circles on his skin, "I'm sorry, I put you through that."

Aizawa doesn't seem to hear him, but the black sparks stop trying to break through his skin. Kakashi fidgets to access the pouches on his Jonin Vest, knowing he has some bandage wrap in one of the pockets. Kakashi tries not to jostle Aizawa too much as he searches the pouches, finding the one the wrap is in he pulls it out. He inspects the wrap to make sure it is clean and free from dust and debris. He doesn't know much if any of the damage can be healed, but he doesn't want the wound to get infected.

Since his training in Japan, his Chakra control is significantly better than it was before, so with one hand, he makes the hand signs to create water out of thin air. He condenses it around his hand and starts cleaning the wound of any blood and particulates. Once he has done all he can to clean it, he takes Aizawa's hand gently and starts to wrap the arm in clean bandages. His only hope is that some of the damage can be healed when Izuku wakes up.

Jiraiya flits from one person to the next letting each person read the scroll of memories to get an idea of what is happening. He spends a couple of hours trying to answer questions to the best of his knowledge, not willing to disturb the exhausted teen. Sometime during the last couple of hours Minato has made his way over to Kakashi. And Jiraiya smiles at the unfiltered happiness that seems to glow from Kakashi. And Kakashi smirks playfully, as he teases Minato that he is now younger than his former student. He hangs back with Yahiko and Nagato watching the scene play out fondly. He turns to his former student, an apology escaping him because he wasn't there when his students needed him. And he tells them he is proud of them for trying to bring peace to the Rain Village.

The sun has started its early evening descent when a groan sounds from the side of the reuniting Shinobi, gaining their attention. A green Haired teen fidgets in the Ash blond's hold. The Ash Blond helps the other teen to sit up, "Nerd, are you ok?"

Bright green eyes snap open and study the people around him, he looks confused for a moment and then smiles brilliantly, "It worked, I managed to save all of them." He mutters, "Kacchan?"

Kacchan squeezes his arms around the other teen, "yeah, Nerd. Everyone made it."

Naruto and Shikamaru move to help the teen stand up. The teen smiles softly and fondly at the two, "Thanks, Naruto and Shikamaru."

"Troublesome Wolf!" Shikamaru shouts and bops the teen on the head.

Naruto laughs, "You had us worried there."

Izuku tenses raising his guard as his ears and tails twitch and sway behind him. Before anyone can ask what is wrong, cheering erupts out of the village as everyone starts to wake up. People who hated Naruto ten minutes ago start to Cheer his name. Naruto looks down uncomfortably, "You know, I thought this is what always wanted. I thought the recognition of the villagers would make me happy. But…" He pauses, "is it wrong that I don't feel anything for them?"

Izuku shakes his head, "It's not wrong, you spent your entire life fighting for their approval. And now that you drove off the invasion almost single-handedly to save the village, they have finally decided to show you the respect you deserve. It is up to you how you respond, but don't think for a second that you owe them anything."

"You're right, Zuku," Naruto sighs. "I don't owe them anything. But before we go there are some people, I want to say goodbye to. They have always been there for me, even when everyone hated me."

Katsuki huffs, "Are you talking about the Squirt with the Scarf?"

"Konohamaru?" Naruto asks.

Katsuki shrugs, "Sure."

Naruto smiles fondly, "he's like a brother to me. I teach him things when I learn them. He looks up to me."

Izuku smiles fondly as well, "If he's your brother, he is our brother."

Naruto smiles gratefully at Izuku and observes the crowd of gathered villagers. He spots his pseudo brother, "Konohamaru!" The kid with a scarf barrels into Naruto's form almost knocking him down tears and laughter both showing themselves. Naruto holds the kid tightly, waiting for the boy to settle down, "Konohamaru," Naruto calls.

"Naruto-nii!" Konohamaru greets, "I've missed you. Where have you been all this time?"

"I'm sorry Konohamaru," Naruto apologizes, "but a mission came down, and I only came back to help the village."

Konohamaru tightens his grip on Naruto, "Don't leave." He whispers into Naruto's form.

Naruto looks sadly at Izuku and Katsuki, they both shrug, "It's not up to us. He is still a shinobi of the leaf."

Naruto nods, "Konohamaru, I have some people for you to meet." Konohamaru looks on shocked, "This is Izuku and Katsuki. They are my friends"

Tsunade and Iruka join the group, "Thank you, Izuku. Because of you, I don't need to bury my shinobi."

Izuku blushes, "I didn't do it for thanks."

"Still, Thank you. I am in your debt." Tsunade bows.

Izuku hums, "Actually, there is something I need."

"What is it?" Tsunade asks.

Izuku hums again, "I need Fu and Utataka, they should still be in the Hokage Mountain. And a few shinobi that should be trained in Haki to come with us."

"Anyone you have in mind?" Tsunade questions.

Naruto perks up, "Konohamaru, Iruka-sensei."

Tsunade nods, "Who else?"

"Asuma-sensei and Choji," Shikamaru offers. "Kiba and Shino would be good too."

Kakashi croaks, "Genma, Hayate, and Raidou."

Tsunade sighs, "So be it." She looks to the other people that have been resurrected, "you all are going as well. All of you are supposed to be dead, if the world finds out that you are not, it will put the leaf in even more danger."

Sakumo, Minato, Kushina, and Yahiko nod. "Yes, Ma'am."

Tsunade nods at the easy acceptance, "Jiraiya, take them to the safe house. I will send the others over as soon as I can. Shikaku, Inochi we need to come up with a mission for these Shinobi." She receives nods from the others, she turns to Izuku next, "again thank you. You kept your word that you would help us if we needed it."

Izuku smiles softly, "it's always open. I'll let you know when I can bring more Shinobi over. Until then you are my eyes and ears here. And I will drop everything to come here, all you need to do is ask."

Tsunade nods, "Shikaku, Inochi let's go round up the Shinobi." She leaves with the shinobi.

Iruka looks at the group confused, and a bit scared. Well not scared, but definitely intimidated. "What's going on?"

Jiraiya gives the teacher a scroll, "Read this, everything will make sense after."

Konohamaru turns to Izuku and Katsuki, "Thank you, for keeping me alive and protecting Naruto."

Katsuki plops his hand in the boy's hair and ruffles it a bit, "No problem, Squirt. You are one of us, we look out for our own."

"So, you both don't have Chakra? Right?" Konohamaru asks with stars in his eyes.

Izuku chuckles, "No, where we come from there is a different power system called Quirks that we use. We are from a place called Japan. It's a different world than this one." Something sad and guilty flashes in his eyes, "But a couple of months ago I started to have visions, and in my visions, multiple worlds fall by an enemy called the calamity. I am only one person, and I cannot save all these worlds. My world has not been attacked by the calamity yet, so there is a chance we can save it. But I need all the help I can get, so our Mission is to go to these other worlds and build an army and save as many people as we can before the Calamity attacks."

Konohamaru looks on sad, understanding what Izuku is not saying, "So I'll lose my home?"

Izuku crouches so he is eye level with the boy, "This one yes," Izuku states honestly, Konohamaru chokes out a sob, "but, you're mine now, and wolves always share their homes with their pack."

"How long do we have?" Konohamaru sniffles

Izuku hums, "by the looks of our ages in my visions, I believe we 5 years before the calamity attacks the other worlds, and about 7 to 10 years before the Calamity attacks my world." Izuku picks up Konohamaru so they can move to the safe house, he feels bad that Konohamaru has to listen to this. But Izuku has never sugar-coated anything; he isn't going to start now. Konohamaru is sad now because he is still processing and doesn't fully understand.

"Why can't we bring the fight to the Calamity? Why can't we save the other world too? by the time the Calamity attacks your world they would be weaker." Konohamaru questions and Izuku wants to chuckle sadly because he had these same questions in his head when we learned of this threat. So he thinks how he explains to a child that it is impossible.

Izuku hums, "you know the history of Hashirama and Madara right?"

Konohamaru nods, "Yes, we learn that in the academy. They made peace after the war because the Senju defeated the Uchiha."

Izuku hums, "I remember it a bit differently." And Izuku knows the newly revived Shinobi are listening in. Ready to correct Izuku if he is wrong. "Izuna Uchiha, younger brother to Madara Uchiha, had a broken Sharingan. His Sharingan was not tethered to a center, so he centered on Chaos and battle. The calamity believed he was the reincarnation of Indra Otsutsuki. A piece of the Calamity began seeding distrust in the younger Uchiha, forcing him to believe that war was the only way to keep the Uchiha alive. So while Hashirama and Madara were basically sparring, Izuna and Tobirama were fighting to the death more often than not. Tobirama Senju was an amazing sensor, he sensed the corruption in Izuna, sensed the Calamity has already burrowed too deep, that words alone would not cure him. And Tobirama knew as long as Izuna was still alive; peace would never be had. But Tobirama didn't actually want to kill the younger Uchiha, so he held back and dealt a crippling blow to his opponent. Tobirama hoped that if he could disable Izuna so he couldn't fight that peace would still be had. Izuna's wound was infected, being the times they were in, the unsanitary conditions, and lack of medical knowledge there was little that could have been done to save Izuna. There was only one way Izuna would have survived but he refused treatment. Instead, he let himself die so Madara could get the eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. Izuna was Madara's center, with his brother's death and the broken Sharingan it was only a matter of time before he started to fall into madness. The calamity approached Madara, convinced him there was a way to bring back everything Madara lost." Izuku takes a breath, "Madara is still hurting, still being Manipulated by the Calamity. During the Second Shinobi War, Madara went to the village Hidden in Rain. He met a young boy there and gave the boy his broken Rinnegan, just for the boy to see his parents die at the hands of Leaf Shinobi. The Calamity watched from the Shadows as the little boy grew up in a war-ravaged land. The boy met two other orphans and they created something like a family. Three Shinobi from the Leaf village came to Rain, one of the three saw something in the little boy and his friends and decided to take them under his wing. He taught them to protect themselves against the harshness of war, taught them to look out for each other, and entrusted a mission of peace to a young boy. The years went by and the group of three started to work with others that wanted peace in the Land of Rain. Until the leader Hanzo, and a leaf Shinobi by the name of Danzo gave them an impossible situation. Danzo and Hanzo had the girl captured and taken to a meeting spot as a hostage. They told the boy he had to kill his friend to save the girl, but the boy couldn't do it. Instead, the friend made the choice for the boy and sacrificed himself for his teammates."

"Why?" Nagato whispers, "why did the Calamity do that?"

"For the Gedo Statue," Izuku states sadly, "What the Akatsuki has been sealing the Spirit God's Energy in is actually a Husk. It will revive the Rabbit Goddess, Kaguya Otsutsuki, Mother of the Sage of Six paths, Hagoromo Otsutsuki. She is a Goddess of the Calamity, her son sealed her away, and only a broken Rinnegan, the 9 Gods, and the Gedo Statue can revive her."

"How do you know this?" Minato asks.

"Because Fuji, my wolf is an ancient God, from before the Sage's era, before all the known Gods Eras. He is one of the 10 Gods of Creation. What you call Tailed Beast, are actually Fuji's Kin and the other 9 God's of creation. The Gods were attacked by the Calamity and the New Gods, and their world fell. Somehow the 9 Gods ended up here and made new homes for themselves, new domains to protect and oversee. The Sage allowed them to live free here. Kurama was captured by Madara and using the eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, Madara was able to control Kurama, forcing him to attack Hashirama at the Valley of the End. When Hashirama broke Madara's control, Kurama wanted to flee." There is growl building in his throat, "Hashirama decided to imprison Kurama and sealed him into his wife. Then he sealed the others and gifted them to the villages as a show of good faith, where the God's were forced again and again to fight and murder each other for the greedy purposes of their leaders." Something sad flashes in his eyes, "and over time, they started to feed on the hatred of others, their seals amplified the hatred and pain they felt and were each being driven to madness. But my seal helps them, Fuji's fire heals them. But they can no longer survive without a host."

Minato looks at Jiraiya, there is a sad look on his face, and Minato is confused, "What seal?"

Izuku pulls out the beast medallion and shows him the seal, "Study that seal, remember it perfectly. When the other two hosts come, you are going to help Jiraiya put it on them."

Minato hums as he studies the seal, "It's an impressive seal. How does it heal the Gods?"

"I don't have chakra like you have, but you can't form the seal with just Chakra alone." Izuku states, "The seal is powered with my healing flames and a portion of Fuji's power to bind the seal."

"I see," Minato whistles, "Impressive."

Izuku hums, "You took the other half of Kurama with you in death."

"I did," Minato nods. "He was too powerful for a newborn baby to hold."

"He still is," Izuku states. "He bonded with you, so I had to put him back inside you."

"Bonded?" Minato questions.

"Because you split your soul in half, and you split Kurama's soul in half, neither of you can exist without the other half. So to save you, and to allow half of your soul to remain in Naruto, Kurama bonded his half to your half." Izuku tries to explain. "He may not have saved your life, but he saved your soul. He is the sole reason I was able to give you a second chance."

Minato looks down in thought, "I see."

"Dad," Naruto calls out somewhat hesitantly.

Minato hums, "Naruto?"

Naruto smiles bashfully, and rubs the back of his neck, "once you get to know Kurama, he's not so bad." He places a hand over his seal, "he may be a stubborn fox, but he has always been there for me."

Minato ruffles his son's hair, slightly startled by the flinch he receives, "Then I owe it to him to give him a chance huh?" Minato watches as his son scampers off racing Konohamaru to the building they have arrived at, a small sad smile on his face. "Did he really have no one else? I thought Kakashi, Jiraiya, or even the Third would take him in."

Jiraiya stops walking before they get to the safehouse, this conversation is better to be had away from the other ears. "Kakashi was broken after you died, but he tried to take Naruto for your sake. He was denied by the council and told to continue being in ANBU. He was not allowed to even see your son. But he would leave him gifts and try to be on his guard when he could." Jiraiya informed, "I was constantly out of the village dealing with my spy network. And the third being forced to be Hokage again didn't have the time to care for Naruto. Everyone else hated him, and those that knew who he was, whose son he was were barred for associating with him by the Council."

"Why didn't the third do anything to stop them?" Minato questions.

"The council managed to take too much power from the Hokage after you died. Basically, Hiruzen used up all his power making sure Naruto wasn't killed. Danzo wanted to turn Naruto into a weapon and put him in Root as a mindless killing machine, but the third put him in the academy at the age of 5. Shinobi hopefuls in the academy are under the direct control of the Hokage, when the Counsel found out they sabotaged his training, forced him to learn the wrong information, and try to use Jutsu he would never have been able to do. The Counsel barred Iruka from teaching him anything more advanced than the transformation, substitution, and basic clone techniques. Naruto had too much chakra and too little control he never would have been able to master them. When he finally graduated, the third put him on Kakashi's team, stating the Sharingan would control him, to the counsel. The counsel then put restrictions on Kakashi on what he was allowed to teach your boy. He was ordered to basically ignore him and focus on the last Uchiha." Jiraiya informed. "They were hoping, if Naruto never properly learned how to control his chakra, he wouldn't be able to unleash the fox, or he would die out in the field and solve the problem."

There is a rage building up in Minato, and if the village wants to see a monster, he will show them one. They had no right to treat his son like that, "I wanted him to be seen as a hero. But I forced my son to live a life of loneliness and hatred for the village."

Izuku hums, "that may have been true before. But Naruto is mine, I won't let him be alone anymore."

"Thank you," Minato bows.

Izuku shakes his head, "I didn't do it for thanks." There is something like a glare on his face, "I did it because Naruto needed people to care. I share my soul with a wolf, I need people to care about and to protect. So I made Naruto mine."

Minato raises an eyebrow, Shinobi Paranoia making him think, 'there has to be more to this.' It just seems unbelievable that a kid from another world would come here just for Naruto. It seems impossible that the teen would be so selfless, and not have any ulterior motives. But as he studies Izuku and the Ash blond, he can't get a read on them. All he knows is their presences are massive, powerful, commanding. Similar to the way Kage's present themselves, confident, though not arrogant in their power. But their emotions, intent, are hidden, and Minato feels so out of his element, he always prided himself on his ability to read people like books.

Katsuki studies Minato sensing his confusion, unease, and distrust. He sighs, "it really is that simple. Kurama is Fuji's kin, it only makes sense that Naruto is Kin as well."

Minato hums an almost glare on his face, "So you were really after the nine-tails."

"No," Izuku glares. "Fuji gets lonely, so when I sleep my consciousness is in his den. He used to tell me stories about his kin, over time they became my kin. Then I started to have dreams of them, their suffering, the pain their hosts went through. I had dreams of the treatment the host had to endure, so I claimed them. It wasn't the hosts' fault for having a Spirit God sealed in them. Naruto didn't choose to be the host of Kurama. Gaara didn't choose to have Shukaku sealed in him before he was born. Most of their choices were taken from them, so I gave them a choice to be mine. I gave them a choice to let me help them, let me share their burdens and pain. And they chose to accept and be mine."

Minato stands there shocked at Izuku's explanation, and the emotions that flit across the boy's face are genuine. "Why?" Minato breathes out curiously. He doesn't understand why someone would take a stranger's burdens, and pain and want nothing in return.

"Because I went through the same thing," Izuku smiles something sad that passes in a flash, "but Kacchan was always there. Kacchan kept the loneliness away, he was a friend when no one else wanted to be. Protected me until I was strong enough to protect myself. Kacchan saved me." A revered smile flashes across Izuku's face, "maybe it's Fuji's influence, but there is nothing I can fight to give them peace. All I can do is give them someone who cares. Someone who understands."

"I see," Minato mutters thoughtfully. Minato bows apologetically, "I'm sorry for distrusting you."

"It's understandable, if the roles were reversed, I would be distrustful too; so don't worry about it." Izuku smiles blindingly. Cheering followed by a whiney groan from inside the safe house steals Izuku's attention turning his smile soft, "I think Naruto lost against Konohamaru."

Katsuki smirks, "Well that means we need to increase his training." His smirk turns dangerously playful, "since he can't win against a squirt."

Minato looks between the two teens confused and with a sense that he is missing something, "uh… What is happening?"

Izuku turns his bright green eyes towards Minato, never losing his small smile, "That whine came from Naruto. It's too deep to come from a kid Konohamaru's age, and it doesn't sound pained. Mostly dramatic, but there is a proud tone underneath."

"How do you know all that?" Minato asks awed.

"My ears are not just for show," Izuku almost pouts.

Minato studies Izuku's ears almost too intensely, causing them to droop a bit in embarrassment. But then they twitch perking up in alertness, listening for any threats around the safe house. Then Izuku's nose starts to twitch, no doubt smelling the air. He closes his eyes for a few moments, reminding Minato of chakra sensing, but he knows that is not it. Suddenly his face snaps in the direction of the village, eyes snapping open and intently focusing on the forest they came through. A protective rumble coming from his chest.

For several minutes nothing happens, except for the increasing intensity of Izuku's rumbling. "Kacchan?" Izuku calls just barely above a whisper, something urgent in his voice while his eyes never leave the forest.

Minato turns his gaze to the blonde, he stands there confused at the protective stance the other teen has, matching the stance Izuku is sporting. Katsuki hums, "Nerd."

"Get Minato inside, bring Kakashi, Jiraiya, and Iruka out here," Izuku almost orders. Before Minato can protest Izuku snaps his green eyes to him, "No one knows you are alive yet, I can't sense chakra, and I have never smelled these scents before. If they are enemies, we can't allow them to know you are alive. If they are friendly, then they are probably the people Tsunade sent. Either way, I need Kakashi or someone that can confirm their identities."

Izuku flashes a quick small smile at the blond as he watches Kacchan pull Minato inside. He doesn't think it is an enemy, but Izuku can't be too certain. His observation Haki doesn't work as it should here, it is hard to get a read on something he has little experience with. All he knows is these people are unknown to him, and he has newly recovered exhausted packmates in the building behind him. He won't risk letting his guard down. It doesn't take long before Kakashi, Iruka, Aizawa, Jiraiya, Shikamaru, and Kacchan are landing next to him.

Kakashi raises his eyebrow, "what's got you riled up?"

Izuku continues to look at the tree line and hums, "I'm not sure, a group of people are heading our way."

"Could be the Shinobi Tsunade sent us." Kakashi hums.

"Could be," Izuku sighs. "That's why I called you out here. I will need you to verify their identities. I have never met these people before, so I don't know what to look for in their chakra to know their identities."

"Ahh, I see." Kakashi hums.

"With the others recovering, and the revived," Izuku looks down slightly, "I can't risk everyone's safety." His ears perk up at the sound of a twig breaking, he's not sure if it was intentional or not. They don't seem to be trying too hard to hide their presence, so either they are friendly, or incompetent. "If it is them, I suggest we leave as soon as possible."

"Why?" Iruka asks

Izuku hums, "Last time we were here we were being followed by the calamity," At Iruka's wide eyes Izuku continues before the man can interrupt, "it seems to track us using the trees we are around."

Kakashi hums, "I agree. If the calamity finds us, they will know you were able to revive people long thought dead."

"Exactly, if Pain's defeat doesn't raise flags, then reviving legends will." Izuku sighs.

Another crunch of leaves calls Izuku's attention. As the intruders get closer, Izuku can distinguish the different scents. He smells a Canine presence, seems like a dog. Next to the dog, there is an almost wild scent, similar to a dog, but definitely human. There is a scent that smells like a beehive or something similar. Like a cloud of tiny presences. Izuku can recognize the expansion boy that helped him, Kacchan, Kakashi, and Aizawa take out Pain. Izuku's stance relaxes slightly, knowing at least one of the people is confirmed. Izuku can also feel the presence of Chomei and Seiken so that means Fu and Utataka are with the shinobi. This helps Izuku settle a bit more. It is likely it is the Shinobi Shikamaru and Kakashi requested.

All of a sudden, A girl with green hair and green, orange dragonfly-looking wings bursts out of the forest. She takes a quick look around, and tears fill her eyes as she locks eyes with Izuku and Katsuki. "So it's true?" She quickly wipes her eyes and smiles widely, "Fuji!" She shouts excitedly, emotionally as she sprints to Izuku to tackle him in a hug.

Izuku smiles as he catches the girl, "it's good to see you Chomei, Fu."

The girl sobs something in his chest, overwhelmed by the reunion. But Izuku can tell it's mostly happy emotions. He rubs her back as she tries to get her emotions under control. It only takes a few moments before she loosens her hold on him and lifts her face off his chest. "Sorry," she blushes in embarrassment. "It's just I'm so happy to finally meet you, Fuji. Chomei said you were going to come for us. She said you are family."

"I am," Izuku smiles. "If you want me to be. Fuji is Chomei's brother."

"So you are my brother!" Fu declares with a smile.

Katsuki growls a bit, Fenrir feeling left out. So he smirks and lets a bit of Fenrir's influence alter his voice, "Chomei," He growls playfully. At the girl's wide cloudy eyes Katsuki's smirk widens, "I think you're forgetting someone."

Fu's cloudy eyes are clear as new tears begin to fill her eyes, she turns to Katsuki. "Fenrir?" She gasps something heartbroken, and sad, "Chomei thought she would never see you again. You were so badly injured during the war. She thought you died."

Something sad flashes in Izuku's and Katsuki's eyes, before Izuku clears his throat, "Fu, there is a lot we need to explain to you, but we can't do that here." His eyes flash dangerously, "We are not safe here, the entity that attacked Chomei's world is back."

Aizawa clears his throat interrupting their conversation, "Kakashi has verified and explained a bit about the mission. We are ready to go."

Izuku nods, "Fu, Utataka," he glances at the teen leaning against a tree, "I promise I will explain everything in a safer location. But I need you both to come with me."

The teen glances at Izuku, eyes untrusting, "Why should I trust you?"

Izuku sighs, "because Seiken is my brother, so that makes you, my brother. Your burdens, your pain, your hatred, you don't have to bear them alone." Izuku smiles warmly, "Let me show you a place where you don't have to hide. Where people care about you." There is a small flicker of hope shining in honey eyes.

It's silent for a bit, and Izuku thinks Utataka is about to decline his offer. But a small sad smile appears on Utataka's face as he nods, "sounds better than being on the run, hunted like an animal."

Izuku releases a small possessive growl, his eyes turning slightly feral. Katsuki pops a small explosion on Izuku's back, "Nerd, we don't have the time to hunt right now." There is a promise of a smirk on Katsuki's face.

Izuku's features settle as he manages to push Fuji's protectiveness down, "you're right Kacchan. Next time?"

Katsuki smirks dangerously, "Next time."

Izuku smiles blindingly, ignoring the confused looks from the new arrivals that are now flashing slightly wary looks at Izuku. Izuku understands, he does make a pretty intimidating first impression. Well maybe not the first Impression, because he is still short. But if he is serious enough, lets his aura out freely, or lets Fuji's influence out a bit, if he's protecting someone, he makes a pretty terrifying image.

But the adults trust Kakashi so since he doesn't react to a threat, they settle their wariness and study the scene. Izuku sighs out the last of Fuji's protectiveness and turns his bright green eyes to the group that has gathered outside. Sometime during the reunion with Fu and Utataka, the others have left the safe room. "Shall we get going then?"

Shikamaru sighs, "as much as I wish we could have rested a bit before going back, it's probably for the best so we can get everyone settled."

Izuku nods and presses his comms set to tell Ace that they are coming back and tells him to gather the others and let him know when he is in the Ninja's training room. Ace tells him everyone is already in the training room. Izuku smiles and transforms into Fuji's massive form, bowing his head and allowing the others to climb aboard.

Kakashi, Aizawa, Shikamaru, Naruto, Konohamaru, Iruka, and Choji follow Katsuki's lead and leap onto the wolf with no hesitation. Izuku thinks it is because Iruka, Choji, and Konohamaru have been on Fuji before. Fuji grumbles something out in a growl. And the dog that Izuku doesn't know the name of yet, barks at him.

The boy with wild hair and red marks adorning his cheeks grins at the dog, "Let's go Akamaru!" The dog barks excitedly at the boy and both leap onto the wolf. The presence that feels like a bunch of bugs leaps up silently. Kushina, Minato, and Sakumo are quick to get over their shock and leap up as well. Nagato, Konan, and Yahiko follow. Jiraiya and the others follow after seeing nothing happening to the others that climb up the wolf's back. Katsuki pops a couple of explosions to let Izuku know everyone has boarded. Izuku yips back.

Katsuki nods and presses the button that links him with the Matchstick. Since they are all touching Fuji, they all teleport at the same time. Landing in a familiar training room. He does a quick scan of everyone they left behind, he senses exhaustion, but no injuries. He nods to himself and follows the others off Izuku's back.

Iruka stands in shock, he wasn't expecting to be teleported. He doesn't know where he is, he can tell he is not in the Leaf village anymore. And while he is all but a desk shinobi, he has gone to the other villages before. None of the five great nations have buildings this advanced. Judging by the size of the room they landed in, the building must be massive to house such a large training room. He takes a moment to take everything in, it only takes a moment for his teaching instincts to rear their head.

He looks around and the first group Iruka spots is two boys and a girl. One of the boys seems to use fire without hand signs, so it must be one of those quirks he's heard Izuku talking about. The other boy uses a black sand-like substance, not unlike Gaara's sand. At a closer inspection, it is obvious the boy is using his sand in a similar way to the former Kazekage. The girl seems to be using water, she dances almost as if her body is made of the water she uses. And he is about to step in a stop the spar, witnessing two boys gang up on a girl is wrong, and he believes she is going to get hurt. As he is strolling over there to lecture the group of kids about the importance of spar safety, he stops in his tracks as the girl smirks. Confused he watches, the girl summons a wave of water from behind her and pushes it forward. The wave crashes into the stream of fire with a hiss, sending steam in all directions. And Iruka worries because that amount of water should not be used inside, the water damage could compromise the structural integrity of the building if not properly treated. But to his shock, the water disappears as quickly as it appeared.

As the steam clears Iruka notices the proud smiles on all three of their faces. None of the defeated looks he is used to seeing, Iruka is intrigued. He wonders what their teacher is like, for them to treat a spar as a learning experience, an opportunity to build each other up. Instead of a competition to beat your opponent into the ground and keeping them there.

His eyes flit to another group, Lee is sparing with a raven, who seems to be keeping up with the Tai-Jutsu master. In fact, he can tell Lee is struggling slightly, unable to land the quick devastatingly strong hits he is known for. There seems to be black coating Lee's arms and legs, and Iruka is curious to know what that is. It also seems like the other boy is able to stretch like his body is made of rubber, keeping Lee at a distance. It doesn't seem like the Raven is attacking Lee, instead, focusing on defense, even though Iruka could see opportunities the Raven is missing to deliver counterstrikes. This continues for a moment until Lee's stance changes, taunting almost. One foot poised in front of the other, knees slightly bent, hips cocked, one hand behind his back, and the other poised in front of him in a 'come hither' motion. The raven says something to him, Iruka doesn't know what was said he is too far away. But Lee nods and the Raven bites his arm appearing to be blowing air into his muscles, black tribal markings appearing on his arms and legs. Nothing much changed about his size, though he seems less lanky. His hair stands like Kakashi's gravity-defying locks. Then, he blurs, in a blink of an eye, he is in front of Lee, punch breaking through the teen's guard but stopping before he can hit the other teen. The teen targets openings in Lee's defense lightly tapping the boy's body. Then the teen disengages, calls out something, then suddenly multiple copies of his fist drop from the ceiling. Iruka watches Lee, concerned at the speed the fists are dropping. But to Iruka's shock Lee's eyes are closed as he weaves between the fists, dodging each potential hit by a hair. It's a few intense minutes before the spar stops, both teens smiling blindingly and breathing slightly elevated.

Iruka's eyes flit to Naruto, he is standing with a group of mostly unknown people. The only person Iruka recognizes before today is Gaara. But Gaara looks different from the kid he met 3 years ago, carrying lighter burdens than when he was Kazekage. The teen has a small smile on his face as he interacts with a group of people. Movement from behind the red-head draws Iruka's attention, and he is shocked as he spots a bushy tail that seems to be flicking happily. Izuku tells him something, Gaara nods almost excitedly and Iruka stands there dumbfounded as sand starts to billow out of Gaara. None of the group looks worried or wary so Iruka observes. The sand seems almost endless until it condenses with a high-pitched growl. To Iruka's shock, the one tails is released without going on a murderous rampage. Following the one-tails four other Jinchuriki start unleashing their Demons. And Iruka is frozen in fear, past encounters of the Nine-tails attack and the loss of his parents plaguing his mind. But the longer he stands there watching, trying to push the fear out of his mind, nothing happens just the Tailed Beasts being out. And Iruka observes, they seem calm, almost content in their surroundings. Izuku turns to Naruto, tells him something, causing the boy to fidget in excitement.

Naruto purposefully allows the toxic energy of the Nine-tails to billow out from him. And Iruka wants him to stop, Tsunade has told him about the damage the Nine-tails chakra causes Naruto. But Naruto perseveres condensing the chakra around him until a smaller than normal Nine-tails is out with a growl of freedom. Iruka tenses, waiting for the Nine-tails to strike out in his freedom. But he doesn't, he huffs annoyed but other than that he seems docile. The girl is cheering wildly as she lets her Tailed Beast out. And Iruka vaguely recalls the girl calling Izuku a brother, so he wonders if they all see each other as siblings. Then two powerful growls rip out of the group as Izuku and the Ash blond transform. Izuku unleashes his wolf standing proudly in front of the Tailed-Beasts, with no fear, no hesitation, but something fond, proud, happy radiating off the wolf's posture. The Ash blond transforms into another wolf, this wolf looks familiar, and he is pretty sure this is the wolf of Legend, the Wolf of Destruction: Fenrir. And if Iruka remembers correctly, the girl did call out to Fenrir before, so he supposes that the wolf he is seeing is really Fenrir. Fenrir's tail wags happily, playfully, as he growls out and crouches into a pounce-like stance. And then suddenly, Fenrir pounces on the Tailed-beasts, bringing the One-tails, and Two-tails to the ground. They roll around, clearly playing like he has seen Kakashi's dog summons do before. The other Tailed-Beasts hesitate for a second before the Nine-tails joins the fray. And Iruka never thought he would see the Fox being so playful. The other Tailed-beasts join in on the brawl, even Fuji pounces with a playful swish of his tails.

And Iruka observes the playful fighting session for a few moments before his eyes fall on the cautious forms of Minato and Kushina. And while Iruka was young when the two died in the Nine-Tails attack, he still remembers them. And Minato has a thoughtful look on his face, Kushina mirrors the look with slightly more guilt. And Iruka wants to know why she would look so guilty. So he meanders his way over the two.

"Lord Fourth, Lady Kushina?" Iruka calls.

"Call me Minato," Minato sighs with a cringe, "I'm not the Hokage anymore."

Kushina doesn't seem to be paying any attention to her surroundings, her eyes never leaving the pile of wrestling Tailed Beasts, "I never thought the Nine-tails was anything but a manifestation of Hatred. That is what Mito told me when I became the Jinchuriki for the Nine-Tails. I kept it locked away and chained only to be let out in defense of the Village."

"Kurama," A stern voice calls out almost protectively. The adults turn to see a teenager with black shoulder-length hair, and freckles, looking at the group of adults with a protective glare. "The Nine-Tails has a name, his name is Kurama."

"I didn't know the Tailed-Beasts had names, who named them?" Kushina asks.

The teen's glare intensifies, "they are not Tailed-Beasts, they are the 10 original Gods of Creation. They were created with the elements of the universe in the earliest stages of creation."

Kushina looks sheepish and bows, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend, I didn't know."

The teen's glare while not burning into them, is still there as he glares at the floor, "I'm not the best person to tell this story, typically Izuku explains it. But Fuji is the Original God of life, he is the strongest of the Gods. Kurama is the Mischief God, he's playful, protective, clever, and lucky. But he is also a prankster at heart. Gyuki is the God of the Oceans. Chomei is the God of the Sky. Seiken is the God of Acid. Kokuo is the God of the Plains and Agriculture. She is responsible for fertile land to grow crops. Son Goku is the God of Mountains and Volcanoes. Isobu is the God of the Seas. Matatabi is the God of Fire. And Shukaku is the God of the Deserts."

The other Shinobi and teens make their way over to the gaggle of adults. A heterochromatic teen leans close to the glaring teen, "Ace." He calls something soft in his voice.

A pout forms on Ace's face, "I know Sho, it's just I hate what they have had to go through. I hate that they were treated with such hatred. I hate that they were sealed and used as weapons for war and destruction. I hate how much pain they were forced to go through, tainting their souls with corruption all for the greedy purposes of those in charge." And Ace is shaking in overwhelming emotion.

The two-toned boy holds the distressed teen, "It will be ok, Ace. Trust Fuji to heal them, trust Fuji to care for them, and love them." The small smile on the teen's face is so breathtakingly genuine, "Not to mention they also have Fenrir, now to protect them."

"How do they know Fenrir?" Iruka asks curiously, "The Myths said Fenrir was a beast of destruction, imprisoned by the Gods of Asgard to prevent the end of the worlds."

Ace almost growls, "Fenrir is innocent."

Shoto nods agreeing with Ace, "Odin was afraid of Fenrir's strength, Odin couldn't control Fenrir. Odin labeled him as the God of Destruction and feared that Fenrir would bring about Ragnarok. But let me ask you something?"

"What is it?" Minato asks.

Shoto levels his gaze with the man, "Why do soldiers go to war? When the leader declares feuds with other nations, why don't they fight? Why is it that the Soldiers fight for their nations, their homes, their families? Why are the soldiers the ones to lay their lives down for a war they didn't start?"

Minato's eyes widen, "To protect."

Shoto smiles something small and little sad, "Exactly if you know your soldiers are fighting for the protection of their homes, why do you view the other side's soldiers as the enemy? Are they not doing the same thing? Fighting for the protection of their homes? Laying their lives down for a war they didn't start?"

Minato looks down almost ashamed because he has thought this many times before during the third Shinobi war. He was fighting to protect Kakashi, Obito, Rin, the other kids of his village, His wife, and future children. He fought, but he also killed people that we're fighting for the protection of the people they cared about. And he understands, "war is a terrible thing. And it is easier to dehumanize the enemy. It's easier to believe we are right and just, and what we are doing is making the world a better place. But the loss is felt on both sides, and it's terrible and both sides never fully recover."

Shoto nods agreeing, eyes looking fondly at the pile of still playing Gods, "Fenrir was raised in Asgard, taken in by the God named Tyr. And he trusted the God, was loyal to him. But Odin couldn't control Fenrir's strength, he has always protected what he cares about. And most of the time it went against Odin's ideals." He smiles, "Fenrir was also very competitive, loved to show off his strength. So one day the Gods used his pride in his strength to convince Fenrir to put on a show of strength in the form of a competition. Every attempt the gods made to chain him up he broke free until they got the calamity and the dwarfs to craft an impossible chain, made with impossible ingredients. And Fenrir would only agree to try out this new chain if one of the Gods would put their hand in his mouth as a show of good faith. Insurance that they would release him if he couldn't break out of this chain. Tyr volunteered, and since Fenrir trusted The God, he went along with the chaining. He struggled and he couldn't break free. It became apparent that the Gods were not going to free him, Fenrir bit off Tyr's hand. Fenrir howled for his freedom. The Gods silenced him, by shoving a sword through his mouth. I am not sure how long Fenrir was imprisoned there."

"That's terrible," Kushina cried.

"Somehow, Fuji still heard his cries and came to investigate. Fuji has the ability to look deep into a being's soul and determine if they are truly evil. Fenrir was suffering from betrayal, his wounds severe with his struggles. Fuji broke his Chains, shattered his prison enraged at the injustice. He took Fenrir and healed his betrayed heart, and his wounds. Accepted him in God's home. And Fenrir gave his loyalty to Fuji. Fenrir considers them his family; he will lay his life down to protect them."

"If they were all on the Gods world, how did they end up in the Elemental Nations?" Iruka asks.

"The Calamity," Shoto begins. "The new Gods of Asgard, the Dwarfs, the lesser Gods of Valhalla, and the Calamity banded together and attacked Fuji's world. While the Calamity suffered severe losses, it was only a matter of time before Fuji's world was overwhelmed. I don't know how exactly they ended up in your world, but they lost the war. Fuji was able to push back the Calamity, but he lost his kin. Fuji ended up leaving to look for his kin, but he ended up in the Grandline where the people there were fighting the Calamity. Fuji decided to help them, he was sealed into fruit by the Calamity. Forever cursed to give his power to whoever ended up eating his fruit. Fenrir was still recovering from his wounds from his imprisonment, so when he recovered, he tried to look for Fuji. He spent the rest of his life searching all over the realms for his friend. He died and ended up becoming a spirit animal, or a guardian to whoever needed his strength to protect those they cared about."

Noticing the confused and lost expressions of the adults' faces Ace sighs, "Fuji manipulated Izuku's Soulmate Trait, to give his soulmate access to his Spirit Guardian. Fuji didn't know at the time that Blasty's spirit animal would be Fenrir, but it makes sense. Blasty and Fenrir share a lot in common. They both are fiercely protective of who they consider theirs, they are competitive, loyal to those they trust, and strong for those that need them to be." Ace has something soft and fond in his gaze, "I've known Blasty since we were five, long before Fenrir woke up. Blasty has always been protective of us, more so for Izuku and Luffy. He declared me his rival, someone he need to prove himself to, to compete against. But even so, whenever I needed him, whenever I had nightmares, or my past would haunt me, he was there."

Iruka hums, now understanding the look in the ash blond's eyes when he was looking at Naruto. "They sound like one and the same."

Minato nods in agreement, "knowing the truth it seems like Fenrir was more a God of Protection, rather than a Beast of Destruction."

"Sadly, it's just a different side of the same coin," Shoto states. "People that don't know him, people that haven't earned his trust, or people he thinks are threatening his pack; are more likely to call him the Beast of Destruction. All they see is his brashness, his violent words, his aggressiveness. But to us, his pack he is our God of Protection. He makes sure we eat right, makes sure we train as hard as we can so we can be strong too, he never allows himself to be weak around us. Because if he is strong, we can be weak, we can break. The only one that can see him be weak is Izuku. Because with Izuku, he knows Izuku doesn't need him to be strong for him all the time. He trusts Izuku to be the strong one sometimes."

Minato can see all too clearly how Shoto is absolutely right. It's the same as himself, he became the yellow flash to protect his own. To his village, his students, the people under his care, when they saw the yellow flash, they knew they were safe. But his enemies, the other side, the yellow flash was someone to be feared, to not even engage because he could wipe out an entire frontline with little to no effort. Being the protector, the hero, the savior to some, is also the enemy, murderer, villain to the others. Minato bows, "I am truly sorry for my treatment of the Gods. While ignorance is not an excuse, we were taught something different. We were taught to view them as dangerous, as weapons of destruction, as mindless beasts that would attack anything and everyone in their paths. But now that we know, we can teach the others the truth."

Ace sheepishly rubs the back of his neck, "I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have gotten angry at you for not knowing. You have experience with Kurama being Tainted, so you didn't know what he is like when his soul is healed, and he learns that people care. The Seal Izuku has been placing uses his flames to heal the damaged parts of the soul."

"The green mist?" Minato asks.

"You know about that?" Ace perks up.

Minato rubs the back of his neck, "I have some memories of being in Naruto's seal as a chakra impression. Every once in a while, the area would be flooded with a green mist, and Kurama would be calm and relaxed."

Ace nods, "Izuku couldn't fix Naruto's seal when he fixed the others."

"Why not?" Minato looks at Ace curiously.

A small smile breaks out on Ace's face, "Izuku sensed you both in the seal, separate from Kurama. So instead he would send a bit of his healing into the seal to heal Kurama."

Shikamaru sighs, "when we got here, Jiraiya needed to stay in the Elemental Nations to find the other holders. Since Izuku needs a seal master to alter the seals he could do nothing until we met up with Jiraiya again. We asked Izuku why he didn't fix the seal before we left like they did with the others, he said he sensed other presences in the seal. Izuku needed to wait until the Pain invasion to fix it."

Nagato looks down sadly, "he knew I was going to attack?"

"Yes," Kakashi sighs, "Izuku can resurrect people, but he needs a body to put the soul into. He didn't want to tamper with Naruto's seal because there was a chance he would lose you, and he wasn't about to sacrifice people to bring you back. The only way he could have done it sooner was if he made you both pass on."

"Why didn't he?" Minato asks curiously. Because surely that would have been the less taxing route to go.

"Because Naruto deserves to have his parents, and I have the ability to make that happen." Izuku approaches the group, eyes bright, glittering happily. Ace notices Izuku's posture is relaxed, open. And he thinks Fuji is calm being around so many of his kin, playing as they would have long ago. Izuku flashes a fond smile at Fenrir, who Ace notices is the only Holder still transformed. Fenrir is wrapped around the human forms of the other holders. Fenrir's tail wags happily, content to just cuddle with his family. Ace looks at the pile of cuddlers, Gaara has one of Fenrir's paws draped over him, protectively. The others lean against Fenrir to catch their breaths before moving slightly away. The green-haired girl is the only one who stays close to Fenrir, almost hugging the massive wolf. Fenrir lets the others retreat. Ace chuckles, it doesn't look like Fenrir is going to let his Panda go anytime soon.

Naruto hovers eyes flitting between Gaara and Fenrir, and his parents and Shikamaru. Now that his seal is fixed, he feels a pull of closeness to Fenrir, he thinks that is Kurama's feelings. Maybe Kurama was close to Fenrir in the past. When he let Kurama out he was hesitant for a few moments, he still remembers the rage he felt when he thought Shikamaru was dead. The way he rampaged and took his rage out on the one who had hurt his Soulmate. But even enraged he pushed Pain away from his Village, away from harming Shikamaru. Kurama trusted Fuji to take care of Shikamaru's wounds, trusted Fuji to save him. Then Fenrir helped drive Pain away from the village, they fought together. Kurama spitting fire and Fenrir's pouncing leaps. But everything they did only managed to drive Pain away from the village, nothing made him stay down, but of course, Pain was only a puppet. And unless you break a puppet or cut its strings the puppet is still going to attack. Then the moon-like prison, he could Feel Kurama trying to take complete control. But something made him freeze, something seemed to make time stop where he could gain a little control back so he wouldn't lose himself. Someone is begging him, desperation clear in their voice, Naruto is hurting this person, and he is not sure why that thought hurts. When he came back to himself, Izuku was there with a soft smile and understanding eyes. And Naruto knew he could trust that Shika would be fine. Izuku managed to plan, while Fenrir distracted Pain, allowing Naruto to regain Sage Mode.

At one point in Naruto's life, Naruto thought he would have to defend his village on his own because that is how it's always been. But when he broke out of the moon, Izuku and Katsuki were there, ready to help him. And they did it, they launched him towards pain during the enemy's cooldown allowing them to secure the win. They went with him to talk to the real body of Pain, to experience Nagato's side of his story. And Izuku took a hit meant for Naruto and proceeded to talk some sense into the other man. Naruto doesn't know what Izuku showed the man, but it worked.

While he wants to hate Nagato, he can't, because Pervy Sage is alive, the Village is safe for the time being, And Shikamaru is alive. The only reason Naruto had to hate the man is gone with Izuku's help. And Naruto realizes, after Nagato's story of his past, that Nagato is just as much a victim of hatred and war, as they are. The only difference is, Nagato was being manipulated from the start by the Calamity. So Naruto will forgive this man, hoping this man can be something like family to him.

Naruto studies Izuku, something seems off with the green-haired teen, but Naruto can't put his finger on it. Maybe it's something to do with the teen's eyes, the way they don't shine as bright as they should. Or as Naruto Inspects the teen, Izuku has a slightly sluggish feel to him, similar to the way he himself has felt after a long mission. Naruto knows Izuku's healing and stamina is nothing to scoff at, but Izuku fought Pain, healed while fighting, healed all the wounded and crushed Shinobi after the battle, resurrected 5 people, prevented Nagato's death from overusing the Rinnegan, fixed Naruto's seal, and resealed half of Kurama into his father. Then Naruto notices it, there is a slight sway to Izuku's movements as he tells talks with the adults. Now that Naruto has noticed all these signs, it's easy to tell Izuku is exhausted.

Naruto bites his lip, wanting nothing more than to pull Izuku to Fenrir's curled-up form and force the teen to sleep. But Izuku is talking with Minato, Kushina, and Iruka, and Naruto is not sure of his welcome at the moment. Naruto will admit, while he has had some time to come to terms that he is the Fourth's son, it hasn't really set in until now. It seemed like a dream, unbelievable, something his brain concocted to combat the loneliness. But he looks at his dad, and the resemblance he shares is unmistakable, Minato's hair is the same sunny blond as his own. Minato's eyes are a slightly darker blue, but that could be from age or experience. To be honest, he has always felt a connection to the Fourth, he was his Idol, someone to make proud, though he didn't know it at the time. Sometimes he would sit in his lonely apartment, look at the Hokage Monument and wonder if the Fourth was proud of him.

He startles slightly when a familiar voice sighs next to him, "Troublesome Blond." The sigh is equally fond as it is disinterested, and Naruto is amused because only Shikamaru can pull off that tone.

Naruto smiles distractedly, "Hey, Shika."

Shikamaru sighs again and studies Naruto for a few intense moments. And Naruto fidgets slightly uncomfortable with the scrutinizing look. Whatever Shikamaru was looking for he either found or didn't, because he hums, "your dad may be the Fourth Hokage… but that doesn't need to mean anything more than you want it to." Shikamaru pauses and locks eyes with Naruto, "but, Izuku gave you chance to have your dad back."

Naruto looks down in thought, before his training with Izuku he would have puffed his chest indignantly, and bull-headed his way to his father, and demanded attention. But that was when he was desperate for people to notice him, desperate for someone to care. He grew up learning even bad attention was still attention, so he made himself be as annoying as possible, people couldn't dismiss his presence then. He wore bright neon orange so he would stand out. He pulled pranks on people just for them to look at him, sure the looks were disgusted and hateful, but still, it was acknowledgment. But now he looks around the room, looks at all his new friends (packmates), looks at the way Fenrir still has Gaara trapped against him, Sabo hovers close with a small warm smile on his face. The other holders still lingering close enough to Fenrir that the wolf is happy, but far enough away to talk quietly with each other without disturbing his rest. Lee, Luffy, Kirishima, and Denki are goofing around at the other end of the training room, keeping their chaos to a minimum under the watchful eyes of Neji. Sasuke sits with his brother, both Uchiha watching over the group almost protectively. And Naruto nods, Shikamaru is right (as always) Naruto doesn't need his father's approval anymore, though he will admit that deep down he wants it. Izuku gave him a chance to have his father and his mother, to get to know them and be a family.

And then his mind jumps topics, Kushina is his mother that much he is certain. But he remembers Shanks saying Kushina was his sister, so he really is Naruto's uncle. And that also makes Izuku, Ace, Katsuki, and Luffy his cousins. And he realizes that as far as family goes, he is not alone anymore, he is not the only Uzumaki, though by the looks of it he is the only blond. But still, he has a clan now, and that is startling. And he thinks about what that means, he has people he can let down, he has a clan to prove himself to. Naruto flits his gaze towards Sasuke, something they had in common was being the sole survivors of their clans. But Itachi Survived, so Sasuke has a clan again. And now Naruto's mother is alive, his uncle, and whatever relation Nagato is to him.

Naruto flits his eyes to Nagato, it's hard to match the man's face to Pain. Not with the way the man is curled around his formerly dead teammate. Even though Nagato still has the Rinnegan eyes, the man's eyes are softer somehow, filled with childlike wonder, or happy disbelief. And Naruto understands now that Pain was a product of the Calamity. Nagato was a child, lost, grieving, desperate to find a way to keep his teammate and peace alive. It's why he used Yahiko's body as the face of Pain, even if it was twisted, it was a way to keep Yahiko's dream of peace alive.

A sigh breaks him out of his thoughts again, "Troublesome wolf needs to rest." Naruto startles and glances back at the adults, Izuku's swaying proves the teen is very close to face planting the ground. He nods his head and heads over to Izuku and his father.

"' Zuku," Naruto calls.

Izuku's response is slow, sluggish as he blinks startled at Naruto, "Huh? Naruto?... What's up?"

Naruto rubs the back of his neck and flashes a look towards Ace, and Shoto, "I was wondering if we could cuddle?"

Izuku stares wide-eyed at Naruto, not expecting the teen to suggest a puppy pile. He would like nothing more than to grab his pack and sleep for the next couple of days, but he needs to make sure the others are settled before he can. But he looks at Naruto with a critical eye, and the teen looks like he feels; exhausted, tired, barely standing on his feet. And while Izuku can typically ignore his own fatigue to complete the mission, it's hard to ignore when his pack feels like they are going to pass out. So, he relents with a nod, "Sure, Naruto." At Naruto's beaming accomplished grin Izuku smiles, "Let me get the others settled. And I should ask Kakashi if it's ok to use the training room for a puppy pile."

Kakashi meanders over at the sound of his name, "Don't worry about it, Izuku." At Izuku's wide-eyed stare Kakashi sighs, "I'll take them to their rooms. Give them the night for the mission to fully sink in. If they have questions, we can answer them tomorrow when everyone is rested."

Izuku nods at the almost order-like tone, "You're right Kashi." He fidgets and fiddles with his fingers, "Can we use the training room again?"

"Sure," Kakashi nods.

"Thank you, Kashi-nii." Izuku beams a massive grin. He scampers off to pull out training mats and starts laying them out into a comfortable area so the pack can relax and not be sore in the morning.

Ace and Shoto watch Izuku flit around making a perfect cuddle spot for them. The smiles on their faces are soft, as they move to wake up Katsuki. The wolf blinks awake and curls more possessively over Gaara. The redhead is asleep with a small content smile on his face. Ace points at Izuku conveying the setup the teen is working on. Fenrir growls out what Ace thinks is an affirmative sound and moves slightly so he can nudge Gaara awake.

Gaara groans and swats at the slight annoyance, there is a chuckle close to him. His eyes snap open as the chuckles get louder and he realizes with slight embarrassment that he fell asleep in Fenrir's hold. He squirms in Fenrir's hold, and the wolf releases him with a disgruntled growl. A hand is in front of his face, a clear invitation to be helped up. Gaara follows the hand with his eyes, up a strong arm to the familiar soft smile of Sabo smiling at him. And Gaara is so glad he has his sand armor on because he can feel his cheeks heating up. He grabs the hand and allows Sabo to pull him to his feet. "Thank you," he mumbles softly.

"Have a nice nap?" Sabo asks with slight amusement in his tone.

Gaara looks down in embarrassment, he didn't mean to fall asleep. He just felt so content being close to Fenrir. Not to mention Shukaku's happy almost purr-like sound as he felt Fenrir close to him. Perhaps Shukaku was close to Fenrir before he came to the Elemental Nations.

"Kakashi gave us permission to have a puppy pile here." Shoto supplies.

Katsuki, who has just shifted back into his human form, nods. "The Nerd could benefit from a Puppy Pile."

Shoto levels almost hard eyes on Katsuki, "how did it go?"

Katsuki sighs, "stressful." Is all Katsuki offers as his bottom lip quivers slightly as he remembers Kakashi's too still form, Shota unconscious but the damage was already done when he thought Kakashi died. His eyes water slightly remembering Shikamaru's broken and bloody body being thrown so far away, and Naruto anguished howls as he lost himself to Kurama. He doesn't fight it when two strong arms pull him into something like a hug, as he remembers his nerd's hard but not surprised face at the events playing out. "We almost lost them all," Katsuki whispers into Shoto's chest.

Shoto rubs his hand down Katsuki's sides, "but you didn't, everyone is safe and alive because of you and Izuku. Izuku's plan worked because he trusted you to help him."

"Yeah," Katsuki breaths out shakily. He pulls away and gives a small genuine smile, "thanks, Icy-hot."

Shoto gives one of his rare smiles back and starts to pull Katsuki with him, "Come on, I believe Naruto wanted a puppy pile."

Katsuki's tail wags happily at the thought of cuddling with the pack. And he can't find it in himself to make it stop. After witnessing the small moment of vulnerability from Katsuki, none of the others can find it in their hearts to tease him. Fuji yips when he sees Katsuki approaching already shifting into Fenrir's form. Fuji greets Fenrir by bunting his head lightly into Fenrir's. Once Fenrir gets comfortable their packmates spread out among the two wolves. Fuji nuzzles into Fenrir's neck happily cuddling into the other wolf as everyone gets comfortable. He relaxes slightly with every scent he notices, but he whimpers at the missing scents of Kakashi and Aizawa.

Fuji scans the room, searching for the two adults. There is a need building up in him as he locks eyes with Aizawa. He whimpers low in his throat, begging the man to come to cuddle. He needs to be reminded that Aizawa and Kakashi are indeed fine. It seems like Aizawa understands because he whispers something to Kakashi and leads the man closer to Fuji. While not directly cuddling with the wolf, they are close enough that Fuji can sense them well enough. Fuji rumbles a pleased growl as he curls deeper into his cuddling pack mates. After the last several nights of restless sleep, Fuji doesn't feel like stopping the fast, sweet whispers trying to pull him to sleep.