Play: Rewriting History

by A-Lysdove63

*This is a 2nd installment of a series and CANNOT be read as a Stand Alone. Please read Rewind: Reversing History, First. Thank You! Uzumaki-Namikaze Minashi has spent ten years waiting for the history she grew up in to arrive. Grow up a second time in the Third war; she now faces times of peace even as the shadows grow and plot the Fourth War once more.

6. Chapter 6

Season 2 Chapter 6

Sakumo kept a step behind Nagisa as she led the way. Senses stretched, Sakumo couldn't feel the expedition group's chakra. The Hokage and his remaining guards stopped a step behind Nagisa, the ANBU staying back to keep guard, as they landed in a small clearing.

"Where is-" Sakumo started before Kudorama stepped out of seemingly nowhere, sans-mask. Sakumo's back stiffened at his friend's face reveal, despite his ANBU uniform, commander's cloak, and Dragon mask clipped to his hip. He heard the four ANBUs gasp but ignored them for Kudorama's gaze reflecting Nagisa's.

"Sakumo." Kudorama spoke, stopping Sakumo from questioning anything further. "I'm going to need you to breathe. I need you to stay focused, pup."

Sakumo glared. "We're the same age you ass."

Kudo's lips twitched at their familiar banter from when they were pups. "Yes, but i was born first, giving me rights to older brother status."

"Kudo." Sakumo said firmly, face losing all traces of patience. "What did you find?"

The Half Uzumaki-Senju just turned his head and the air behind him shivered as the barrier dropped. There, grouped on stretchers were almost twenty individuals. All but two were redheads. The two closest were silver haired…two people…who hadn't aged a day and Sakumo knew those scents! He rushed forward in blind instinctive reaction to pack but was caught by Kudo in a bear grip.

"Calm!" He barked fiercely. "They are alive, but unconscious. If you are not calm and you risk hurting their recovery and yourself. They are alive." Kudo repeated even as Sakumo settled down with practiced breathing and slowly walked to the two stretchers holding his older siblings. Siblings he thought long dead.

"They haven't aged a day since we said goodbye when they went to Uzu for father to grieve Oharu, Kan, and Iseya's deaths. I had an important Mission and couldn't go. Momo and Hikeru weren't as attached to Uzushio and instead stayed in Konoha to be supported by friends." Sakumo rambled, knowing Kudo knew, but he still couldn't help it as he saw their peacefully sleeping faces. They were Alive!

Kudorama's hand landed on his shoulder and squeezed. "There is much to discuss, Sakumo. But the survivors are our priority. Their secrecy is of utmost importance." Sharp red eyes snapped to the four ANBUs who's spines straightened at the Niidaime look alike, minus the missing red lines, and who they recognized by voice alone as the Commander. "Understood?"

The four Shinobi Saluted at the serious threat in their commander's eyes. He wouldn't hesitate to eliminate them if they were a threat to his family.

Sakumo rose and found Tsunade and Mariko doing their rounds and felt his chest swell at the fierce protectiveness and determination in Mariko's form. This had been good for her then. He can't imagine the pain they suffered finding the survivors, but working hard to bring them to somewhere safe was like a typhoon strengthening the spirits of the Uzumakis of Konoha.

Sakumo was jolted out of his thoughts and staring by Minashi tackling him with a hug. He kneeled and hugged her properly, feeling the tears at his throat.

"They waited. We came this time." She whispered into his skin and Sakumo stiffened. "i…I need Inojiro-san."

Sakumo nodded silently and stood up with Minashi still wrapped around him like she was a pup. He held her there and let the fox pup settle herself until she was ready to continue. He didn't blame her one bit.

"Put the barrier back up. We will wait outside it for my guard captain to return with word that the hospital is ready, guards are stationed, and an escort."

Kushina and Minato nodded and put up the stronger stationary barrier, making them invisible once more to the naked eye. Sakumo walked out with Minashi still clinging, Nagisa on one side and Kudorama on his other.

"You aren't wearing your mask." Nagisa inquired.

Kudo chuffed somewhat amused with her addressing the elephant and unclipped it. "Well, to keep suspicions off of our family, why not let something else distract the village? I'm long since old enough to protect myself and my family. Plus, Tachi has expressed interest in being stronger than his Uncle Sakumo and an elite shinobi like his Kakashi-nii and Minashi-nee." The Senju smiled crookedly. "Thus, this mask will need a new owner instead of being passed down through the Senju Family. Maybe…Mashai is still interested in such a thing."

Sakumo stared before bursting out laughing. "He did say that before, didn't he?" He settled down with a fond look. "I swore that he had just settled with taking the Uzushio one instead. It's why he and Mako had gone over anyways. They were looking to move there permanently. They were always more Uzumaki than Hatake despite their looks."

Kudorama hummed eyes glancing to where they both knew the now younger hatakes were resting peacefully.

"Miho-ba…was there still." Kudorama whispered. Sakumo straightened.

"Where-"

Nagisa grabbed his elbow as Minashi went stiff in his arms. She wiggled and he let the teen down. She looked up at him with grief filled eyes.

"She gave up her lifeforce to protect them." Minashi whispered. "Her hair was white Sakumo. Uzumakis don't start going white until we're well over a hundred. It fades after ninety, but pure white? Not until many more decades have passed."

Sakumo placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You saw her?"

"Kurama and I broke the seal when we couldn't figure out how to gently remove it." She admitted with watery eyes. "I…I couldn't stand watching them all…" She choked back her words with a frustrated frown.

Sakumo looked at Nagisa and Kudorama.

"Later." Nagisa sighed, rubbing her temples. "I'm still wrapping my head around what Miho-sama did. Such a seal…" she whispered before meeting Sakumo's worried gaze. "When Uzumakis make seals that cost lifeforce, the casters are always sacrificed. It's a very very forbidden art. Miho-sama knew this and still created such a seal. I don't know how long it was there or if she made it up on the spot. But it cost her life with Michi-sama's life next to be sacrificed. They had seven strong survivors in line behind them as anchor points and extra life force if for some reason Miho's and Michi's weren't enough."

Sakumo stared at her and slowly his eyes narrowed contemplatively. There was something about her tone that made it seem like she knew parts of the art personally. Was she talking about her tim-.

Their group was distracted when two additional ANBUs squads appeared along with Sakumo's guard Captain. From the markings on their masks, they were all Captains available in the village at the moment. Sakumo straightened even as Kudorama turned and faced them, mask on his hip once more.

Minashi felt the chakra flares of surprise from her comrades and felt her lips twitching despite the somber and tense air.

"Listen up." Kudorama barked sternly, and spines straightened as the voice matched their commander's. "This will not be a normal escort. We are slipping these survivors into Konoha and straight to the hospital's restricted section. Consider any word of their status leaking out as a one way trip to isolation lock up, your mask revoked, and possibly your entire Shinobi career ended. Well, that is if their family doesn't tear you apart first." he deadpanned at the end.

Minashi didn't need to see behind the masks to feel the dread and fear filling the air. She tilted her head as there was also a heavy dose of curiosity. Mostly because there was no one around that he was talking about.

What was so important that Commander Dragon revealed his face, that they were basically committing treason?

Sakumo turned to the 'air' behind him. "Drop it."

The air shimmered and the Uzumaki Adults that had all been on 'vacation' were revealed along with over a dozen and a half stretchers filled with more redheads.

"Holy Shit." someone choked out, but snapped their mouth shut very quickly at Kudorama's sharp glare.

Tsunade stepped forward. "Which floor has been prepared?"

"R3 Senju-sama!" Lion bowed.

Tsunade nodded sharply. "Good. Now, gently grab a shinobi or kunoichi. Stretchers are too obvious. We will be putting cloaks on them to cover up their looks. Two may take one to make it seem like they are somewhat conscious. The goal is to make it look like a couple of squads are returning injured from a mission if we're spotted. Thus this will be spread out. If any of you can make a Kage Bushin, do so and work with it to get a patient to R3."

Nagato walked to Sakumo and Nagisa as Minashi left to aid getting injured gently onto the backs of the Captains. With those numbers it left only four to be carried by the original party.

"Hokage-sama." Nagato started. Sakumo held up a hand.

"You don't even need to ask. I'll make sure you are kept informed on their statuses. After they have awoken, you are more than welcome to return and visit. I'm sure they will be comfortable seeing a familiar face. Just please send an informal report as soon as you're able for the records."

Nagato smiled, "Of course. Thank you Hokage-sama." he bowed and looked at Nagisa. "If i could request a ride? I've already said my goodbyes."

Nagisa snorted. "You don't need to ask, but it's appreciated. You're family Nagato-kun." She pulled him in a hug and a moment later they were gone.

Just as Sakumo had adjusted Mako on his back, Nagisa returned. Minato and Kushina were helping Mashi onto Kudorama's back, leaving Michi and Shouta to be carried. Mariko had already left with Tsunade and Sukitama for the hospital. Shouta went on Kushina's back moments later, and together Nagisa helped Minato carry the elder. Minashi had already left with Tsunade and Mariko to lay stronger security seals on the R3 Floor.

Due to the teamwork demonstrated by all three squads and the returned Expedition members, the survivors of Uzushio were moved into Konoha without notice and very quickly.

Tsunade, Mariko, Sukitama, and a few Captains that were double as medics were already hard at work putting extra beds into rooms. It would be a little cramped, but it kept them closer together and took up less rooms. (less rooms to guard)

Sakumo himself didn't leave the room his siblings were put in as Tsunade set them up with proper nutrition and monitors. She left recording and transferring vitals to actual charts to the ANBU Nurses that had been hand picked by Tsunade and Kudorama shortly after they arrived.

Something in Sakumo's chest settled down. They were safe in Konoha. They were ALIVE.

He felt Kudorama's hand on his shoulder once more and felt a few tears escape.

"They're alive Kudo." Sakumo whispered as he bent over his knees in the seat he'd taken. Kudo's hand tightened and trembled.

"And they will recover, wake up and live." Kudo said with such certainty that Sakumo could do nothing but believe his words.

The Hokage leaned against the wall outside his siblings' room. They ended up sharing a room with the Uzumaki twins that had been found with them apparently. Sakumo would investigate that later when the survivors had awoken. For now he had Clan Heads and his Advisors gathering.

Closing his eyes, he gathered what in the world he was going to say. Kudorama had returned to duty, mask and all, and was reaffirming to those who were chosen to heavily guard R3 what the consequences would be for breaking this direct order. Sakumo wouldn't reprimand him for the threat. He too was at such an increased protectiveness that he'd issue the same thing in the Commander's place. Hell, he was basically about to do the same to the Clan Heads as he knew he couldn't hide something this big from them.

While he knew none were like Danzo, that paranoia was still there. He trusted his Clan Heads, but Konoha wasn't perfect. If they spoke in the wrong place and any deep undercover spies they haven't caught yet, found out that Konoha had been to Uzushio? The fragile peace they were in would shatter in a treasure hunt.

A shoulder bumped into his own, pulling Sakumo from his stressful thoughts. He met Nagisa's eyes and saw the calm resting within her gaze. While he also saw underlying stress, worry, and guilt, she would still have his back as he would have hers. He bumped her back and pushed away from the wall.

"Anyone else joining us?" He asked gently.

Nagisa nodded. "Minato and Tsunade. The others want to stay with them."

"Your student?" He asked due to the listening ears of the ANBU.

"Setting the security seals. No one without authorization will be allowed in."

Sakumo felt his shoulders relax, nodding. "How close are the Heads and advisors to gathering?"

The redhead's lips twitched. "We're technically running behind. But once they hear what was discovered, they will understand."

"Can you go ahead and lead them to a place we can talk and secure it?"

Nagisa nodded and walked away to do as requested.

Minutes later Minato and Tsunade joined him. Tsunade had a covered chart folder with her and a determined look in her gaze. Minato was as cool and calm as expected of a future Hokage. He would be representing not only the Namikaze, but the Uzumakis as well since his wife wouldn't be present.

Nodding, the Hokage led the way to where he scented Nagisa had taken the Council. The meeting room was smaller than their standard meeting hall, and not everyone had a seat, but one had been reserved for Sakumo.

He did notice as he walked in that Nagisa had been leaning her head on Inoichi's shoulder even as they whispered together. However she left him to join Sakumo as soon as he entered. He didn't need to ask to know the room had already been secured with seals to protect the following conversations.

Sakumo moved to his seat and waved for everyone else to either take a seat or relax. The Hokage did not sit, his eyes were on the table as he tried to find the words. He didn't speak for long minutes and the air grew with worry from the Clan Heads and advisors. Especially when they saw Orochimaru holding Tsunade so very close off to the side. The Senju head had yet to remove her face from the other Sannin's neck. Nagisa's face was blank, and Minato's was hidden behind his hair.

"Hokage-sama?" Fugaku called worried for their leader.

"Sakumo?" Tsume had started to stand to do something, anything, as Sakumo was extended pack, but the Hokage finally took a deep breath and sat down. When he lifted his face hackles rose at the utter broken look in his gaze that was mixed with happiness sparking in his eyes.

"Almost four weeks ago, I gave permission for Eight Konoha Citizens and one visiting Ame Citizen to go on a family Vacation. How, how could i deny such a request?" He chuckled sadly. "They had lost so much already and had finally gained more."

No one spoke as they watched the Hokage's throat bob and he worked to speak. They've never seen him struggle with words before.

"I know many speculated why their children weren't taken along if it was a family vacation. Many assumed that the risk of taking such highly important children out of the village, were for the most part, correct. In actuality, this was no Vacation, thus no children allowed."

"It was a mission." Shikaku whispered, but in the small and silent room it was heard.

Sakumo nodded sharply once. "The nine individuals were sent on an expedition mission. Originally this mission was just a gift. Something that would allow the ones it affected the most to finally get some long overdue closure. In the process, anything of value or importance found would be collected and brought back to be protected by the remains of their clan."

"Uzushio." Hiruzen choked out understanding where the Uzumakis had gone. "How? We tried to get in, but the waters were too dangerous."

Nagisa snorted, gaining the attention. The Uzumaki raised a red brow. "Is it really that difficult to understand how?"

"Only Uzumakis could pass." Kazou realized aloud as the same thing lit on the faces of the other Clan Heads.

"Or those considered Uzumakis." Minato added lifting his head and showing off an awed look. "Uzushio…even in shambles was beautiful."

"I take it the mission members found something important while on Uzushio?" Hiashi questioned to return back to task.

Sakumo nodded and glanced at Nagisa. The redhead took a step forward.

"Upon our arrival, we made camp at the cliffs." the two Elder advisors nodded their heads in understanding, having reference to what she meant. "Once complete we split up to cover more ground. What we found all across Uzushio were bleached bones and old signs of battle and destruction on the outskirts of the village. Except something very important was missing."

"They were only the skeletons of the Invaders." Minato huffed out still just as bemused as his other Sealing Masters.

The Clan Heads shared looks and saw Tsunade straighten nodding in confirmation, Nagisa's own grim look was confirmation enough.

"My apprentice, in her own curiosity and personal desires to search for her ancestors she's heard so much about and give them peace, left to scout further ahead. It wasn't thirty minutes later that she returned screaming for our attention. Following her to the central arches marking the heart of Uzushio's we all saw what she had."

Nagisa took a calming breath. "There was a massive Golden barrier protecting the central limits of Uzushio."

People jumped up and all started asking question after question that were all in similar regards.

"-survivors?-"

Sakumo stood up and slammed his hands down, anger in his face. "You all will sit down and be silent!"

Wincing the Clan Heads did as instructed and returned to their seats or positions against the wall.

"This is hard enough for us affected personally!" Sakumo scolded. "Let us finish and your questions will be answered with their reports. Only if there are any unanswered question at the end will you ask professionally like the leaders you are."

Properly scolded, the others nodded and turned back to Nagisa.

Nagisa rolled her eyes but continued. "We couldn't see through the barrier properly. The view from outside was blurry, but we could see bodies, not skeletons behind the barrier. My apprentice was then approached by a physical manifestation of the Niidaime Uzukage's consciousness. She was shown how to lower the physical aspect of the barrier that required nothing but the two basic things to all Uzumaki seals. Thus, soon we were all able to see that while the central part of uzushio had also shown signs of battle, there were no invader bodies. Only Uzumakis."

"Thus the clean up, collection, and identification began." Tsunade said professionally.

Nagisa looked to Sakumo and raised a brow. "Hm?"

"Your cousin."

Sakumo grunted. "He's already shown his face to the ANBU, if he is a vital part of your mission, then go ahead."

Nagisa nodded and looked up. "Our team Captain was Senju-Uzumaki Kudorama. He took over searching the Administrative building and Kage office for a list of shinobi, kunoichi, and citizen registration and compiling them into a list we could use to get a better count of how many, if any other uzumakis escaped the invasion or had already been out on missions."

Shibi raised his hand and Nagisa paused to nod at him. "Who…is Senju Kudorama?"

"My Second Cousin." Tsunade felt her lips twitching. "My granduncle's grandson."

The heads stared and Nagisa flared her chakra before they could act on their impulses to ask about the fact that the Niidaime had a child!

"We'll return to that nugget of information later." The redhead smirked before it dropped. "Now, while this was happening, you must understand for those of us that grew up on Uzushio, this was not an easy task. Mariko confirmed that none of her sisters survived along with her three of her four immediate first cousins. Kushina also confirmed the loss of her mother, grandmother and grandfather. Tsunade confirmed that out of her four first cousins that moved to Uzushio, two were lost. We are already aware that Ezume escaped and the hunt is already on to look for him. We are also in contact with his daughter Queen Sara in Wind Country."

Nagisa took a breath. "Sukitama Uzumaki, Kudorama's mother, confirmed that her sister, Ruriko Uzumaki or Ruriko Hatake, was also lost with her husband Hatake Satoshi. Thus, why it took us so long to gather everyone. It is hard to personally prepare the bodies of family that look like the same they did the last you saw them."

People twitched at her wording, brows furrowing.

"Not long after our arrival, My apprentice went in search of where the barrier seal had been constructed. This was because Tsunade and Mariko had noticed something about some of the bodies."

Tsunade stepped forward with a serious look. "While many had wounds that put them on the line or crossing the line into death, there were others that had wounds that weren't as severe. Further diagnostics noticed that their bodies were literally frozen and still under a very powerful jutsu."

"Minashi found an underground bunker of sorts." Minato tilted his head trying to describe the seal room. "It had been sealed off, but she was guided by a living conscience on how to release it. Inside the room she found the epicenter of the Barrier seal. After scanning it briefly, she sent a summons for Kushina and I for second opinions. This was also because there were nine individuals down in that room glowing faintly gold."

"Niidaime Uzumaki Miho was kneeling there with her younger brother Uzumaki Michi. Around them were seven hooded individuals or Masked ANBU of Uzushio." Nagisa continued. "After further investigation into the elements, matrixes, and design of the seal, it was concluded that Uzumaki Miho performed a Fuuin-kinjutsu. She mixed protective barriers, preservation seals, and many others together into a Time-space Seal all to actively 'Stop Time' over central uzushio at the cost of her own lifeforce and those that had been in the sealing circle with her. Now understand that everyone in that circle must have been there willingly, otherwise the seal wouldn't have worked. Fuuin-kinjutsu in that forbidden art are delicate and sentient enough to take the will of the caster or casters into account."

Nagisa paused in her latter rambles at the dropped jaws of the Heads. -She had a theory forming in her head according to what Miho-ba had said to Minashi about feeling them reverse time. Miho's hair shouldn't have been that white after two decades. Streaked with white highlights maybe- Nagisa was jolted from her thoughts by Sakumo gripping her forearm. The Redhead blinked rapidly out of her internal thoughts.

"Hm?"

"You okay?"

"Oh, yes, i just had some distracting thoughts on some fuuin theory."

Sakumo raised a brow at her. "If you are silent any longer they will take it as a reason to ask questions."

The redhead snorted. "Alright. Where was I? Ah, Forbidden seal. After Kushina, Minato, Minashi and I realized just what Miho's seal had done, we changed plans. With only two medics that could make only a limited amount of clones, it was decided that only those that we could actually save would be prepared separately. Sadly that decision wasn't as hard as it should have been."

Tsunade nodded a grim look on her face. "I think those who were left were just giving Miho-ba and the volunteers time to finish setting up the seal. It was there to protect the bodies of the fallen so that one day whoever survived could at least return and give our Clanmembers proper burrial rites."

"Which brings me back to Miho-sama's seal. In the end, we realized that we could spend months disecting it and get no where. My apprentice noticed that it was created in a way that if we had actually tried to delicately pull it apart, the entire seal would collapse and all those connected to it would instantly die." Nagisa said grimly.

Minato looked at her sharply. "Is that why-"

Nagisa nodded. "That's why she was frustrated. She had found that out and couldn't let them die so simply. Minashi cherishes family."

The blonde sighed as a piece clicked together. "I thought there was another motive to her tearing the seal apart so determinedly."

"What?" Sakumo frowned.

Nagisa glanced at him as she told the room. "In combination of Sage chakra and Kurama's chakra, Minashi used brute force to overtake the Fuuin-kinjutsu and unmake it. Minashi holds only the Yin portion of Kurama's chakra. Yin, if given direct focus and drive, can take and destroy. Where as Yang Gives and Creates. They are not just dark and light."

Sakumo nodded and waved for her to return to the matter at hand.

"With the seal broken, Miho's lifeforce as the original and main caster, was forefitted. She turned to golden sand and according to Minashi, she spoke a few final words to her before passing on with a thankful smile. Leaving behind eight unconcious but uninjured individuals at the epicenter."

"We were also prepared to save those that we could." Tsunade cleared her thick throat. "It was difficult, but there were just too many that were already halfway to death, that it was more merciful to place a sedation seal on them and let them go without pain. Those that had a fighting chance, were given that chance with mine and Mariko's assistance."

"Eleven Uzumaki lives that survived the invasion and acted as the last wall between the enemies and the path to the seal, were saved." Nagisa spoke spine straight and strong as the main point was addressed. "In total there are nineteen Survivors that we found and saved on Uzushio. We also have a more accurate account of those who are still MIA for one reason or another. When Elder Michi awakens him and the others should be able to identify any others that were lost on Uzushio or weren't on Uzu during the invasion."

"Enabling the search for other Uzumakis out in the Nations to be a smoother and more refined search." Sakumo said before standing and meeting each Gaze of his main council. "Let it be known that at this moment this matter, these survivors are on a secrecy level that is at the same rank as a S-rank Secret. If word of Uzushio survivors gets out, and that Konoha sucessfully got onto Uzushio, the individuals responsible will be stripped of the shinobi status and sent to isolation for acts of treason. This will be in effect until further notice and i have lifted the gag order. You all know now, because it is too big to hide. These survivors will need therapy, support, homes, and time to heal and settle in. Everything with them in unknown at this point. They might even want to return to their homelands instead of stay in Konoha where we can protect them. All of this is unknown. All these people know is that Konoha betrayed them. They will be very unhappy when they wake and very untrusting. No one that doesn't have Uzumaki blood running in their veins or given explicit permission, is allowed near them until further notice. Floor R3 is officially in lockdown to protect it's patients."

Sakumo stood straight and crossed his arms, air intimidating like the Hokage he was. "Do i make myself clear?"

"Hai!" The advisors and Clan Heads confirmed in unison. Sakumo relented a few moments later as he sat down.

"When these survivors do wake…Hiruzen and Minato will be taking charge in my absense. I expect the remaining advisors and the Council to support them in my absense."

"Sakumo?" Hiruzen prodded gently as their Hokage's face was a mix of pain and happiness.

"Mashai and Mako were at the epicenter." He choked out. "My siblings are alive."

Eyes widened at that news and understanding quickly settled down any hurt from the prior threat. No wonder Sakumo was acting overly protective. His own family had been returned home.

"Understood hokage-sama." Hiruzen bowed his head. "We will do what we must to protect Konoha's longest ally and our sister village. We wish you luck and faith in passing along the news that Uzushio received justice against the ones that betrayed her."

Sakumo nodded and wiped his face with a hand. "Any questions?"

The silence held for a few beats and Sakumo nodded. "Understood. Now, i have been given permission to destract the village with Kudorama's identiy and linage if needed. For now, only the ANBU and the Council has been made aware. However, it is there if we need to distract the public with 'juciy gossip'." The Hokage snorted a mirthful smirk lifting his lips gaining a few huffs of laughter and soft gaufs.

"That will more than just destract." Tsume barked snickering. "That would be dropping a bomb and sitting back to watch the ensuing chaos." The Female Alpha paused, frowned as that information really settled in. Tsunade was watching her carefully, lips twitching as her fellow Matriark put the puzzle together.

Tsume jerked away from the wall and looked at Tsunade. "Wait! That pup always playing with your little girl, is he-"

Tsunade smirked. "I adore Tachirama. Wakana loves her cousin as do her brothers. Honestly putting my twins with Tachirama is always a recipe for either disasters or genius chaos. My cousin is very proud."

Hiruzen let out his chuckle. "Tachi-kun has been very well behaved in Kudorama's absense. He's aided Biwako and I in looking after your Naoki-kun whenever Asuka-san couldn't look after her son due to work."

Shikaku raised a brow. "Nara Asuka?"

"Yep." Nagisa smirked.

Chouza couldn't help letting out an impressed whistle. "That's some pedigree there. Senju, Uzumaki, and Nara…"He paused and frowned. "Wait, who was the Niidaime's partner. It was known that he never married."

Tsunade and Nagisa shared looks with Sakumo. They each snorted and felt the tension easing with this confidential but more relaxed gossip that distracted everyone from the Uzumakis.

"Well, Granduncle was never really interested in anyone with less intellegance than himself."

"Kudorama is like his grandfather in that regard." Sakumo laughed openly. "I swore the ass was asexual for years before he suddenly fell over himself for Asuka. Their dating was hilarious to watch."

Nagisa gently slapped his shoulder in repremand. "Leave the Senju alone. He's got a new horde of Uzumakis to deal with."

"Ah, but it's in his blood to handle them." Tsunade smirked. "Grandfather wasn't the only one enamored with an Uzumaki Princess."

"It's understandable why they couldn't and didn't make it public or official though." Minato hummed absently, yet calucatingly adding in new gossip. "Being Niidaimes of their respective villages was already dangerous as it was. A child born of such union would be targeted. Thus it's no wonder Niidaime-sama hid his child and further hid him in ANBU."

"That and Tobirama-sama could be petty about personal things. He didn't want his little pet project with Miho-sama to fall into hands that would let it get weak." Nagisa snorted. "Thus he kept the Commander position in the family."

Hiruzen suddenly burst out laughing. "Sen…sensei would do that!" he stuttered out between laughs. Tsunade chuckling with her sensei. Nagisa grinned sharply.

Sakumo snorted and clapped loudly. The whispers of the Council that had started to whisper to each other during Hiruzen's laughter settled down. The former Sandaime following, still smiling.

"This will conclude this emergency meeting. If people ask why you were all summoned, then use Kudorama as an excuse."

"Say the ANBU commander announced his intentions to retire and would be soon looking for applicants. Thus you all got to see his face and it was the reason the meeting was deemed so secret. You can hint at a lost line of the founders still around if you must." Nagisa added.

"Dismissed." Sakumo ordered and watched the walls glow before the barrier dropped and the Council was released.

Four weeks later…

The first thing that came to Michi's mind was that he wasn't on Uzushio. The second thing was he was thinking at all.

Was he in the pure lands? No…no that couldn't be because he couldn't feel any of his Ane-sans.

No, no, the long he let his senses expand the more the man realized…he…he was in Konoha? Because that was Tsunade not too far away.

Slowly the rest of his senses caught up with his chakra senses. He smelled antiseptics. A Hospital? Konoha's Hospital? How? The seal was supposed to hold them until their people could be put to rest and keep any non-main family blood out. Sure, Tsunade held that requirement, but he didn't think the young woman would do as such after the devastating loss of her fiance.

Michi focused his senses to those nearest to him and internally felt a bit of relief. Namika. His wife was near him, probably in the same room. Her twin brother Shouta too, and then young Kaiya was with them. A bit further away he felt the other four that had volunteered for the seal grouped together. His own boys, Ren and Riku. They seemed to be paired in Mashai-kun and mako-chan's room. The man mentally snorted at that. The twins would have thrown a fit otherwise if they weren't placed with their fiance.

Slipping his senses to the others nearby, he felt a shutter leave his chest in a puff of air and the beeping of his monitor increase. There were others that resonated uzumaki chakra. His people, his shinobi and kunoichi. There had been others that lasted long enough to survive the seal?

How long had they been under? He could have sworn it was a long time. Half a century should have passed, if so Tsunade should have been long gone….no…no he remembered a feeling clashing with the Fuuin-kinjutsu. Another Time-space seal that made their wait feel longer. Michi needed answers.

It felt like sand was crusted over his lashes, but the youngest child of Ashina, brother to Niidaime Miho Uzumaki slowly fluttered his eyes open to find himself in a hospital room as suspected. The lights were off, and only the lights on the monitors and light from the windows gave him the ability to adjust with ease to seeing after so long.

His body felt like a ship had been dropped on it. Blinking slowly, he started processing his surroundings. Turning his head, he was met with the sight of his sleeping wife. She was still as beautiful as the day he met her. There were a few lines around her eyes from how often she smiled, but it only made her more beautiful. Tears filled his eyes as something settled into his mind.

No matter what had happened, they survived. They could live the rest of their lives together. He didn't know what happened to get them here, who got them here, but above everything he was grateful.

(oh, there was still underlying anger and betrayal burning in his blood, but that could be addressed later. He had a feeling that whoever messed with a Time-space Fuuin-kinjutsu was responsible for their rescue.)

Michi was pulled away from his staring when he felt a chakra spike across the village before it was suddenly rushing in the direction of the hospital. Curious, Michi sent his own chakra out to the resonating feel of the chakra as it neared. His brows rose at the very young Uzumaki child racing to the hospital. They were incredible fast as they even shunshined at impressive speeds to get to whichever floor michi was on. He felt a fluctuation to the chakra around him and mentally scolded himself. He should have noticed the security barrier surrounding him and his people sooner, but now he realized why he didn't see it as a threat. This young Uzumaki was the creator of it.

Said young Uzumaki's chakra was much easier to read once she was inside the barrier. (sensory dampeners, a nice touch for recovering sensors.) Oh, she was still practically a baby. Michi cooed mentally before frowning a pinch at how close her chakra was resonating. His violet eyes widened as he realized who she felt like!

The door to his room was opened with a snap and his own wide eyes met Bright Cerulean eyes on a young face that wasn't quite uzumaki in the eye shape or bone structure, but her chakra was completely Uzumaki. Not to mention that shade of golden blonde!

Michi opened his mouth to talk and coughed on the first attempt to speak. He missed the blonde teen's movements and soon had a straw and cool water soothing his dry throat. Gazing at the young girl's face he couldn't help but smile at her when she pulled the cup away.

"You are Kenta's Child." He whispered and saw the girl jerked, surprised blue eyes upon him. "What is your name?" Michi almost begged.

"Uzumaki-Namikaze Minashi."

Michi chuckled softly. "What a beautiful name. Whirling Possibilities." the older Uzumaki watched as the younger's chin trembled as she held back her emotions. Slowly he lifted his arm closest to his granddaughter and touched her long blonde hair. "This is from your mother then?"

She nodded and moved closer so he wouldn't have to reach so far. "Hai. Namikaze Seina."

Michi smiled larger at her. "You may take after the Namikaze in looks dear, but i hope you've never doubted that your chakra is pure Uzumaki."

Minashi finally smiled, even if it was a bit wobbly, and there it was. "Un!"

Michi's eyes crinkled. "You have your father's smile." He hummed. "The Uzumaki smile." His granddaughter let out a few giggles before wiping away her tears that were escaping. "Now my child, care to tell me how we are in Konoha?"

She nodded quickly and he patted the bed beside him. Instead Minashi pressed a button on his own bed and the elder hummed as he was lifted to a reclined seated position. Minashi then climbed onto his bed when he shuffled his legs away to make enough room. He took her hand and listened as she talked about the betrayal of Konoha and how it wasn't Konoha as a whole's fault.

Konoha and the Hokage were innocent. However the man, Shimura Danzo was not. He was a greedy power hungry warhawk who sold Uzushio to the other Nations just so he could continue his next steps in making Konoha the only power. He failed however when an undercover Uzumaki survivor sought justice for her people. She got close to the Sandaime and trained in Konoha until she could gather what she needed. Provided evidence against the former Councilman, and finally took him and his private army down. Danzo was executed for his treason against Konoha citizens and betraying Uzushio, Konoha's sister village.

"I've been wanting to see Uzushio ever since i could remember." Minashi whispered longingly. "Minato-nii said we could go one day, but it just didn't seem to be happening. Then…then I found a reason that the Hokage could use and we were allowed to go. Only family was allowed to go. The only non-blood Uuzmaki that came was Minato-nii, but he's married to Kushina-nee, so he's still an uzumaki."

Michi chuckled. "From what you said of his sealing skills, he definitely is one."

Minashi beamed. "Un!" she vocally agreed before sobering. "When…we got to the eddies, they were just as Sandaime-jiji had warned. They were impassable. But…But i could feel Uzu. Her anger, her pain, her grief, sadness…and before i knew it i had let my chakra and blood into the currents and they calmed long enough for our group to pass."

Michi nodded. "Blood and chakra are the base to everything Uzumaki, including Uzushio."

Minashi nodded wiping away another tear. "We saw the damage, the skeletons and had thought everyone already decomposed. We were prepared to come for just ritual send offs and getting rid of the invaders. Plus some of the documents so we could track survivors. But…but then-"

"You found the barrier." Michi hummed eyes closing.

"We saw the bodies within too." Minashi whispered, fingers twisting. "I…we..we couldn't let that stand. Them just laying everywhere when they were long due for resting with the ancestors."

Michi took her hands and violet met wet blue eyes. Minashi took a calming breath and continued her tale of meeting Miho's consciousness at the top of the barrier. Guided in how to lower the dome. They worked for days gathering all of their family into once place. Identifying them, preparing them for burial. But, tsunade had noticed something strange about the bodies and Minashi kept feeling Uzushio insisting to go somewhere. They realized it once Minashi confirmed the epicenter seal.

"You all were alive still." Minashi choked out. "Frozen in Time, but alive."

Michi could see where this was going and smiled sadly.

"But there were only two medics…and so many had wounds that were too far gone. Those that could be saved were separated and prepared." Minashi's voice had gotten softer, guilt flickering in her chakra. "I…"She looked up and met Michi's wide gaze.

"You broke the seal." He concluded. "You and your partner." Michi saw her flinch. "I've known the kyuubi rests within you as soon as you crossed your barrier into our area of the hospital. I will not ask why you hold him instead of Kushina, but i do wish to be informed how that is possible later. Now, you used the kyuubi's chakra to forcefully break the seal?"

"Hai, I hold only Kurama's Yin chakra. With it and the fact that i'm a sage, i was able to use the Yin heavy chakra in a way that was conscious desire and will to tear and destroy the seal you all were keeping active. I…I couldn't just let you all commit suicide when there was a chance for you to live."

Michi reached up and cupped her scrunched up face full of pain, frustration, and so many other things that the elder knew this young uzumaki had been through much in her life already. Teary eyes met his calm ones and he saw her collect herself once more.

"What happened next?" Michi encouraged gently.

"We brought you all to the surface to prepare for travel. Tsunade and Mariko-oba focused on healing the other eleven survivors. Once everyone was stable, we prepared proper funerals for our lost loved ones and sent them off as tradition said. From there we took everyone back to Konoha because that is where Tsunade had the better supplies. The public doesn't know where we went or that we slipped you all into Konoha."

"Well, except the Hokage, his advisors, and the Clan Heads. Sakumo couldn't really hide something this big from the people that may be needed later in helping everyone recover. But it's treason if it leaks outside of the Council. And the ANBU have been threatened too with committing treason if they let anything leak-" Minashi rambled before Michi moved, sitting up straighter and pulling the blonde into his arms for a proper hug.

"Thank you Granddaughter." He whispered into her hair, smelling the faint traces of seasalt still in her hair. Thus it couldn't have been too long since they returned. The longer he held her however there was also a familiar scent he remembered from his youth. He pushed her back and narrowed his eyes at her. "You…smell like my father."

Minashi blinked at the random statement, tilting her head curiously on where that came from. Michi just huffed at the familiar action.

"You are a fox summoner." Michi grinned at those exotic shaped blue eyes widened in surprise. "Father was a fox summoner. None of us kids signed his contract and none of the grandkids signed. There were many contracts to choose from but everyone knew that the Fox Contract had the hardest test to pass, thus while many tried, none ever passed. Well, until little Kushina-chan and her special brand of stubbornness and trickery earned her the Fox Contract. I'm proud to see another has signed." He brushed his fingers through her hair, soaking in the feel of a piece of his youngest son living and breathing. Proof that he had escaped with those he could.

"That alone speaks for the type of person you are, and I'm proud to know that my Granddaughter is such a wonderful person." Michi beamed and Minashi couldn't hold it back anymore. She fell forward and sobbed into the man's arms.

His words only solidified that she'd done what was right. Once more she had proof that everything she'd sacrificed had been worth it. He wasn't upset that they couldn't save more. He was proud of her.

(Kurama frowned inside Minashi. He knows her DNA was changed to fit the time, but that Uzumaki had automatically recognized her as his blood. Something he hadn't expected and Minashi was too emotional to realize. He tapped a claw on his cave floor as he thought and theorized. He would need to speak to Minashi about his theories as it could mean something much greater than she realized. Rising the great Kyuubi moved away from the entrance of the cave and traveled deeper into it. He knew where he could start searching as his cave was the entrance to Minashi's soul. Bound to her soul, he could go to and fro with ease.)

Michi hummed a soft lullaby of their homeland as his granddaughter's chakra smoothed out with unconsciousness. Poor thing must have been overworking herself and piling so much guilt onto herself about lives that weren't hers to worry about. Those were on Miho and Himself. They knew what they were doing. What it would mean for their remaining people, and they had accepted that the time of the great Uzumaki Clan would end. One day their survivors would also die out and that would be an end to their blood. Yet this girl and her family had come to them and chose to save who they had the ability to. It was more than Michi could ever wish for.

Holding his granddaughter closer, he let her sleep against his body, and let himself rest as well. He was already feeling the strain of sitting up too quickly, but at the same time, his reserves were just about full thus allowing his natural healing kick in.

Michi wasn't sure how much time had passed before the door opened again. He felt the young man pause before his chakra spiked.

"Tsunade-sama!" The man shouted and Michi cracked open an eye to see an ANBU in a medical robe standing in the entrance. Tsunade was quick to rush to the room -why hadn't they noticed Minashi earlier? - Michi wondered absently as his great niece rushed to his bedside and was about to do a scan on him or move Minashi. He wasn't sure and didn't particularly care. He could sense the hope in his great niece's chakra. Reaching out with the arm around Minashi's back, he grabbed Tsunade's wrist before she could touch the younger blonde.

Honey brown eyes met his now open violets.

"Don't wake her." He murmured tiredly. "Namika will hog her soon enough. I want time with my talented Grandbaby."

Tsunade's chin quivered even as she smiled at him, tears in her eyes. "I won't move her. Let me make sure you're doing alright now that you're awake."

Michi hummed and released Tsuna to do her job. He felt her soft medical chakra enter his system and sighed at how it wasn't invasive but instead like a soft blanket brushing against his skin.

"You've improved. Ane-samas would be proud."

Tsunade's breathing hitched but her chakra stayed professionally smooth before drawing back when her scans were done.

"Everything looks good. Stiffness and soreness from being in extended staisis. So minor physical therapy and then you should be back to how you were before the seal. Well, except you haven't aged a day." Tsunade scoffed at the end.

Michi hummed petting Minashi's hair absently. "Am I the first to wake?" he asked, diverting from the talk of the price the seal cost his sister.

Tsunade nodded even as she pulled over a stool to sit in. "Hai. Everyone's chakra levels have been steadily rising since the seal was released. So it was just a matter of time before your bloodlines kicked in and let your minds wake up. We knew it would be anytime now."

"Hm, and how did my grandbaby notice first when no one else did? Let alone slip in without notice?" Michi inquired very curious on those matters.

Tsunade stared before chuckling softly and shooting the younger blonde a fond look. "Because she has been on guard duty since we returned to Konoha with everyone. As an ANBU captain it was partially her duty. But for some reason she has it in her head that she needed to be here until everyone woke. When questioned she wouldn't say why but just continued to stand guard. We'd just gotten her to go nap in a real bed…"Tsunade paused before wincing. "Ah, Kakashi probably isn't happy with her then. He was ordered to take her to the Hatake compound and rest there since there wouldn't be children there to disturb her sleep. They have sensory blocking seals on her room there. Brat must have diactivated them when her teammate wasn't looking."

"So she was monitoring us personally?"

"Hai. It doesn't surprise me that she felt it when you became fully aware. For how she got in? Well, she's a fox summoner Oji-san. What did you expect? Plus, she's Konoha's youngest Seal Master."

Michi's face turned to a deeply conecerned frown. "She's just a child though. Why is she piled with so many responsibilities?"

Tsunade met darkening violet eyes and knew what really upset her granduncle. Miho had a strict policy that no Uzumaki shinobi left Uzushio until they were at least fifteen for missions. Even during war, the fighting was left to the elder veterans while the children stayed safe on the island.

"Minashi has been a kunoichi since she was five-"

"FIVE!" Michi shouted snapping up, arms holding Minashi protectively and covering her ears to not wake her. "She was just a baby! What the Hell Tsuna?!"

The senju didn't react further than bowing her head. "I couldn't do anything about it. I hadn't been back in Konoha for long. Sensei was hesitant to lift the age restrictions because tensions were brewing again. It wasn't too much later when the Third War broke out with Iwa, Kusa, and Kumo."

"She fought in a war?" Michi choked out devastated. No wonder there was so much grief and pain in her eyes.

Tsunade nodded. "She made Jounin at twelve and fought on the front lines against Iwa in Kusa alongside her brother. They were the reason the war ended in barely six years. That and Sakumo is a brilliant man and a better Yondaime than sensei could have hoped for in a successor. He commanded the war in a way that gained the most for us and our allies without sacrificing our people."

Michi felt a distressed chittering leave his throat, and didn't stop it like he normally would. All Uzumakis had a penchant for mimicking their summons, and he and his Otters were no different.

"Tobirama and Hashirama must be rolling in their graves. They made this village with Madara to end child soldiers. I thought Saru had ended that practice."

Tsunade met Michi's gaze once more and there was a little humor there. Michi wanted to frown at her, but her words stopped him. "Well, you try telling an Uzumaki what they can and cannot do when they set a goal for themselves."

The elder Uzumaki paused, nose scrunching up disgruntled at the memories that simple statement brought up.

"Touche." he grunted relaxing back with a sigh, checking to make sure Minashi was still asleep.

"So, tell me grandniece, who else escaped?" Michi sighed once more.

Tsunade smiled a little more. "Fuso and Ise, unfortunately they died in Ame during the tail end of the second war. Their son Nagato survived. He's now aiding his best friend in running Ame. He did come to Uzu with us when we messaged him about our trip. Mariko obviously made it out. She has had a daughter since. You already know Kushina was here in Konoha. She's married to a fine young man and Godaime to be Namikaze Minato. They have a son together, Naruto. Sukitama is here with Kudorama and his son Tachirama. Then…" Tsunade reached into her doctor's jacket and pulled out a photo. She handed it to Michi who took it. His jaw dropped at the family photo.

"I got married Oji-san. Jiraiya and Orochimaru." She smiled and pointed to the children. "Eldest twins Itama and kawarama, our princess Wakana, and our youngest Naoki."

"You forgot Sara." minashi mumbled and sat up rubbing her eyes.

"Sorry to wake you." Tsunade hummed. Minashi shrugged.

"Wasn't deep asleep. Just…soaking in jiji's chakra." Minashi then yawned and glanced at her grandfather. "Cousin Ezume was last spotted in Wind country sixteen years ago. He had an affair with Queen Seramu of Roran. He didn't know she had a child. Sara is now Queen of the Roran people and they are wanderers after Roran's fall a couple months ago."

"We're doing what we can to look for Ezume." Tsunade continued.

"Good." Michi smiled softly at the two blondes. "Now, what about your father dear-" He stopped at the way Minashi quickly looked away. The elder smiled sadly. "Ah. Understood. You don't need to say more." He cleared his throat and turned back to Tsunade. "Then the last one would be the Uzumaki girl that got justice for us?"

Tsunade blinked, glanced at Minashi and nodded slowly. "Hai, Nagisa, she's one of my best friends. She's an amazing Kunoichi and Sakumo would have thrown the hat at her already if she wasn't set on not being a Kage."

Michi hummed at the name, not recognizing it right away. "I would like to meet her soon then. For now…please tell me Konoha's hospital food is better than Uzu's?" Michi pouted. "I could eat a whole whale."

Tsunade burst out laughing and stood. "I'll have something gentle for your stomach sent up until we know how you'll handle it."

"That's a no then." Michi grumbled petulantly. Minashi snickered behind her hands at her Jiji.

"Only for today Oji-san." Tsunade smiled, kissed his temple and headed out. "I need to get back to work. Minashi, you need to take a proper nap in your own bed. I don't care which one, but get out of this hospital. Michi-oji need to sleep too."

"Haiiii~" Minashi whined but kissed Michi's cheek and jumped from his bed. The elder waved at the two blondes before lowering his own bed back down. He was exhausted already and the longer it was quiet and he was still, the more he felt the exhaustion pulling him down. Looking at his resting wife once more, the Eldest Uzumaki returned to sleep, this time instead of nothingness, he dreamed once more of his sisters and family.

Noise alerted Mashai to wakefullness. His mind had been so sluggish for so long he couldn't process everything at first. There had been too many scents and he'd been so weak. Recently as he went in and out of conciousness he could have sworn that around the hospital scents he'd scented Sakumo. But that wasn't possible. Sakumo was safe in Konoha.

"-ashi" …. "Little bit." a whispery voice filled the air.

"Dad said…..See." another voice whispered back, but this one sounded more male…but young.

Relying on his strongest scense, his nose, Mashasi scented out who was around him. His mind partially calmed to scent Mako's unique scent nearby, and those two fuckers that he remembered trying to marry his baby sister too.

"Whoah." the male voice whispered closer now and Mashai got a much strong scent of the two now on either side of his bed. "He looks like dad." the young man smelled like canines and Sakumo.

A soft snort from the female that smelled like the ocean and…foxes?

"Well, Their brothers, what do you expect Kakashi? Like in most Clans the stronger genes normally run deep."

"Well, i thought he'd be like Naruto. He's got Kushina-nee's face despite Minato-san's colors."

"Uh huh. Well there are some Clan genes that beat the Uzumaki. He's got the Uzumaki jaw, but the rest of his face is Hatake." the female hummed. "I'm also an example of the other genes winning out Kakashi. I look all Namikaze except my smile and Chakra."

"True. You've also got the Uzumaki insanity." The pup teased, earning an impressive growl from the young Kunoichi.

"Be lucky Tsuna-oba forbids fighting in the hospital or i'd make you eat those words."

"Sure shorty." The pup snickered.

"I'm not short! I'm a late bloomer you fucker!" The female snapped hissingly.

Kakashi just chuckled.

"What has you in such a daring mood?" the female grunted.

Mashai heard a shift of fabric. "You're finally back to normal. You've been so pouty since you guys got back last month. All the pups have been absolutly pouting that their Mina-nee had been gone so long and then everyone came back so sad."

The girl, Mina sighed too heavily for someone that sounded so young.

"Talk to me Minashi." Kakashi murmured. "We used to talk-"

"I talked and you listened since i wouldn't let you leave." Minashi countered mirth in her voice despite the sadness tinging her scent.

Kakashi shifted again. "Same thing." He got quiet before sighing. "Are you still upset with me because of what happened after the attack? I already apologized and Kenji and Ryouta both made sure i understood where i was wrong to yell at you-" the pup rambled before grunting when the girl lunged and punched him in the stomach.

"Damn Hatake, do you ever forget anything? Baka, i long forgave you for that. Things have just been busy-"

"Minashi." Kakashi interrupted again. "I can smell that you are borderline depressed. If you won't talk to me, I'll tell dad and he'll have you back with Inoichi-san for therapy."

The room got quiet before the girl sighed. "I've already scheduled time with Inojiro-san, not Inoichi-san. Inoichi will be busy when everyone wakes up, but Inoijiro is technically 'retired' so i can see him."

"Is this about what you saw on Uzushio?" Minashi must have shrugged because all Kakashi did was sigh. "Another secret? Is it like the one with Nagisa-sama?"

"No."

"Is it as big is Kurama-san?"

Minashi giggled. "No. Don't worry Kashi, i promise that i'll see Inojiro and i'll be back to normal soon. I've just wanted everyone to wake up first before diving into that clusterfuck."

Kakashi snorted and chuckled fondly. "You are a walking Chaos. It's not surprising that your head is a disorganized mess."

"OI! I'll have you know that my mind is perfectly clean!"

"Good. That means you won't come home smelling like our friends right? It's bad enough Genma and Raidou are doing it on purpose." The pup huffed.

Minashi burst into soft giggles. "Aww are you being a prude about everyone going through puberty kashi-kun?"

"Guh~ Why would you say it like that?!" Kakashi whined.

"HA! So the fangirls have been bugging you! That's why you want me to cheer up so i can be their repelant again."

Kakashi's scent turned sour. "No. Course not." he mumbled.

Minashi snorted and Mashai joined her with a mental one.

"Liar." She called him out bluntly.

"So how much longer until the rest wake up?"

"Well Jiji woke up yesterday and ba-san showed signs of rising alertness. A few of the other survivors levels are just about full, so it's up to them now. You're just lucky you're family or else you'd be out of the loop. Plus being a Captain has it's perks!"

"Stop, rubbing it in." Kakashi grumbled half heartedly. "But…thanks for getting me in. I haven't seen dad like this ever. I mean Mariko-san has been making him happy, but it's-"

"Different with family." Minashi finished softly. "I know….when i saw them on Uzushio, i knew i had to make sure they lived and returned to Konoha. Sakumo has done so much for me, this is the least i could do to repay him. He gave me family, i wanted to return the favor as soon as i saw them."

Kakashi huffed a soft fond noise. "What do you think they'll be like? Dad can be a softie with family, but pretty kickass as a shinobi."

"Hm, Sakumo said his sister was more uzumaki than hatake, but mixed in a good way. The protectiveness of a hatake, but stubborness of an Uzumaki."

"So like you." Kakashi teased again.

Minashi blew a rasberry at him.

"What?" he laughed. "Minato-san is one of the most over-protective mother-hens i've ever met. You saw what they did to your house after the attack. Those traps are fucking deadly. Kushina-san had to make him lessen them so there would be something left if anyone dared to assassinate Naruto."

There was silence and Mashai was almost curious enough to try to lift the weights off his eyelids.

"Minashi…" Kakashi dragged out slowly. "Uzumaki Minashi…did you encourage your brother to set those traps?"

Minashi sniffed and shuffled. "Who said Aniki set them up alone? I will not risk Naruto being targeted again. I'm his auntie. I'm supposed to protect him until he can protect himself."

Skin hit skin, followed by kakashi's groan. Mashai could picture the pup facepalming.

"This only proves my point." he grumbled. "Anyways, what about this guy."

"A perfect older brother." Minashi hummed. "Sakumo said they were only a year apart, but Mashai-san always acted ten years older especially after their Ane-sans were lost."

There was silence for a few minutes as Mashai felt their gazes on him, taking in his features before kakashi broke the silence.

"Ne, do you think he can kick dad's ass?"

Minashi choked on air. "What?"

"Well….I mean i know dad is strong. Nagisa-sama and him spar all the time, but…it's different. He's another Hatake, he would know dad's tricks in a way that Nagisa-sama doesn't."

"Because they're hatake?" Minashi's voice said skeptically.

"Well, yeah. But they also grew up together. Dad and Nagisa's fights are cool in a way of two veterans."

"Sakumo has almost twenty extra years of experience on Mashai-san, Kakashi. Plus they need time to recover."

"I know, but still. Not counting the recovery, do you think he can beat dad?"

"Probably." a new voice called from the door, and Mashai almost twitched at that voice, deeper than he remembered, but the scent flowing in the same if fuller with age.

"Dad!" "Saki!" the pups called but didn't leave their spots.

"Hm. Minashi did i tell you that it would have to be a short visit? Kakashi, you do remember that you can't tell anyone about them yet."

"Hai~" the pups chorused.

"And about your questions pups, yes, Aniki had the tactical mind of an Uzumaki. Every time i thought i'd beaten him in a spar, at the last minute i always ended up losing because of some trick he had up his sleeve. Honestly Nagisa fights in a similar way, as does your sister, kushina, Minashi. It always drove Hizashi and Mikoto nuts when i had them spar her." he chuckled. "Still does." he tacked on with a chuff. "Now, Kakashi, since you were let in on this secret due to your relation to two of the survivors, if you wish to be closer, talk to Dragon. He can put you on some of the guard shifts around R3. I'm sure when Aniki and Ane wake, they will want to meet you."

"Okay dad." The pup was quick to jog out to do as such. The door clicked shut a moment later, and with it Sakumo let out a long sigh.

"How are you doing Minashi? Inojiro said you haven't seen him yet."

The female squirmed in her seat by Mashai's bed.

"I want….I…" She sighed. "I can't leave them yet. Miho-ba left them to me to protect. Miho…Miho knows what i did Sakumo. That's why her hair was completely white. I don't know how to tell Michi-jiji. He called me his granddaughter after one look at me. Kurama is not answering my inquiries on why he'd do such a thing. And-" she went silent and Mashai forced his lashes to crack open. Everything was blurry, but soon cleared with a few small flutters of his lids.

He found a blonde slip of a teen girl in his little brother's protective embrace.

"Breathe." Sakumo hummed and moved to sit at the foot of Mashai's bed so he could look at the golden blonde girl in the eyes…and wow. Mashai saw the beautiful young kunoichi…no wonder Sakumo was showing such protective body language. This girl had the looks of a heartbreaker and she looked barely out of her pup years.

"Now what is this you were talking about? What do you mean Miho-sama knew what you did?"

Minashi looked at her twisting fingers. "Active Time-space Fuuin-kinjutsu…aren't affected by other Time-space Fuuin-kinjutsu." Minashi whispered tears falling from cerulean eyes and down whiskered cheeks. "I've been thinking about it this last month….They…they've been waiting for almost half a centrury Sakumo, not…not the almost twenty since history says they were invaded."

Mashai saw his brother's body tense. "They…"

Minashi nodded. "Everything under Miho-sama's barriers were protected and unchanging. Her hair should have only been streaked with white highlights, not already starting to pull from Michi-jiji's. That's why his temples are white. They stayed in place while my seal went to work on eraseing what I knew." She said quickly, and chest heaving with a rising panic attack. "Sakumo, sakumo…no one went to them…not until i changed things….but…but i…jiji would only call me his granddaughter if my chakra told him so. It's how uzumakis recognize each other. Our chakra is all linked and is similar to our predecessors! That means that I-i-"

Sakumo placed a hand over her mouth and forced her to sit again, head between her knees. Neither spoke as the blonde worked to take deep breaths through her nose all while Sakumo's hand rubbed soothing circles on her back to follow.

Five minutes later Minashi was calmed and sat back up enough to meet Sakumo's steady gaze.

"That grandfather of yours is a grandmaster, yes?"

Minashi nodded.

"Then we will talk with him after you tell me everything miho told you before she left this world. If Michi-dono also knows of what you did, then it's just one more person one your side to help you protect this world. Plus he is family. Uzumakis especially are closely bonded to family. He will understand your actions and will not scorn you for it. You can also discuss the theory openly with him then and figure out how he easily identified you as his granddaughter without actual introductions."

Minashi nodded and let out a long shuttered sigh. "I'll probably have to have Ren-san and Riku-san inclueded. And I wouldn't force you to hide such a thing from your siblings, especially if they could be of help in the future."

Sakumo hummed and ruffled her hair. "One day this is just gonna end up being an open secret, huh?" he teased.

Minashi scrunched up her nose. "I could really care less as long as Obito, Kakashi, Minato-nii, and Kushina-nee don't find out. Well, and Zetsu. If that slimy little fucker figures out what i did, i'd be a target to replicate it so that he can go back and comlpete his plans the way he designed the first time with Indra."

"Speaking of him, You still need to clarify this Kamera thing one of these days. And that Queen Aika memory you unlocked."

"I didn't unlock shit. I've just got…an old soul that is very intriuging."

"Uh-huh." Sakumo deadpanned, but the smirk gave him away. "Let me know what Inojiro really thinks about that whenever those memories starts affecting your memory forest."

Minashi tossed her head back with a groan. "Uuhhhg. Don't remind me. The last shifting of my mental palace was such a nightmare, litterally. With Nii-san's soul now missing from Kurama's seal, it's been strangly less bright in there. Kurama says i'm just being dramatic though."

"Uzumakis do have a flare for dramatics."

"Not as much as Uchihas." Minashi smirked.

Sakumo chuckled deeply. "Very true. Now, aren't you supposed to be on duty soon? I thought you were purposely abusing your Captain status to personally guard Michi-dono's room. Thus why Tsunade ordered you to go home and sleep last night after Michi woke."

Minashi hummed and spun around again. "I am on duty. I never left my post."

Sakumo raised a brow.

"Dragon changed me to the oncall sensor. With my sensitivity and practical empathy, i can sense when the survivors shift from unconsciousness to active consciousness before any equipment. Dragon said that with so many of the survivors being veterans, that they'd be able to fool the monitors, thus a sensor of my skills would be needed."

Sakumo stared at Minashi for two full minutes.

"You annoyed him until you could take such a position seeing how i hadn't ordered such a thing."

Minashi just eye-smiled at Sakumo innocently.

"Tricky pup." Sakumo reluctantly chuckled. "Fine, give me a report on if anyone has changed."

"More should start waking up today with the level of chakra restored in their reserves and the changed activity in their chakras." The blonde looked up to the ceiling, spinning in the stool once more. "These four however are the closest to waking up with Namika, Shouta, and Kaiya-san in Michi-jiji's room next door. This is probably because their bodies weren't actually injured much. The other survivors will probably take another day or two, three max."

Sakumo let out a sigh. "That's a relief. How soon? Hiruzen and Minato have been working with me in my office, but i'll need to let them know when i'll be taking full time off."

The blonde stopped spinning and looked Sakumo in the eyes. "Well, you better send someone to them because your time off started as soon as you walked in the door."

The two stared before Cerulean eyes snapped to Mashai's own that were just barely seen through his lashes.

"He's been awake ever since i brought Kakashi in." Minashi raised a brow at him even as Sakumo's head snapped around and Mashai saw it full on with fully opened eyes…and…Kami, his brother had aged. Aged well granted like all hatake do, but he wasn't some fresh twenty year old anymore. His hair was also long.

"Aniki?" Sakumon reached forward, a tremble in his voice and Mashai turned his heavy head into the hand.

"-kumo." he whispered before coughing. Sakumo helped him to slowly sit up before taking sips from a straw and cup of water when offered. He ignored how he couldn't even lift his hand far off his own lap to hold the cup. Instead Sakumo was holding it.

"Sakumo." Mashai repeated and gave his brother a crooked smile. "Tadaima." and his little brother that was all grown up, but still a puppy with his emotions, broke into tears.

"Okairenasai Mashai." He smiled back and held onto his brother for another moment before those Hatake eyes narrowed. "Now, who do you think you are for feigning sleep when I've been worried sick about you, you asshat?!" he practically growled.

Mashai chuckled nervously, but couldn't move with the tightened grip in his hair. "Ma, ma, Sakumo. This exhausted Aniki was just curious about the pup that smelled like you. I wanted to hear what he was like and if he was like you as a pup."

Sakumo sighed and let his brother go. Mashai relaxed back into his bed with a smirk.

"He's not, nor is he like his mother. Brat is practically a replica of father to be honest."

Mashai snickered but settled down a beat later and turned his gaze to the young blonde watching him with sharp eyes. "Now little miss vixen, if you knew i was awake, why did you speak of such obviously secret things to my brother? Especially if you are skilled enough to make and break Time-space Fuuin-Kinjutsus."

"Because you're family. I would never ask Sakumo to keep such secrets from you if you could help us. Plus all of you in the main seal deserve to know why it took longer for someone to come to your aid. Whether be to put you all to rest, or to do as I did and break the seal and save those who could be."

Mashai hummed, eyes half lidded as he held the girl's gaze. "Well, if what i heard was right, then Michi-sama has already accepted you. Thus you already have our loyalty. However, i bet myself and the others would love to hear your story in full."

Minashi bowed her head shallowly. "I can do that. It's easier now to talk about it after so much time has passed."

Mashai raised a curious brow but just hummed and slid his gaze to his sleeping sister. "How is Mako fairing?"

Minashi turned her gaze to the other silverlette in the room. Head tilting and eyes going out of focus, the blonde read deep into the woman's chakra and the patterns.

"Soon. Next couple of hours. The Twins should wake before her."

Mashai nodded and turned back to his brother. "Ma, Sakumo~" mashai grinned sharply. "We didn't get a chance to tell you. And if Mako wont be waking for a while, then you will have free reign since i can't move yet."

Sakumo shot his brother a confused look. "Tell me what?"

"Mako's engaged."

Sakumo stared and stared some more before a deep growl rumbled up until the Hatake was actually barring his teeth. "Who?!"

Mashai smiled innocently. "Uzumaki Ren and Riku."

Sakumo's growl cut off as his face went blank. A split second later he was standing and leaving at a fast clip.

"Oi! Sakumo where are you going!?" Minashi spluttered.

"To find Tsunade or Mariko-chan and have them move those insane assholes out of my sister's room!" He shouted back but was heard in the hallway. "Tsunade! Get those Sister stealing Uzumakis out of Mako's room and lock them in their own room!" Sakumo's voice boomed in the hallway.

Cackling came from across the hall from Michi and Minashi couldn't help her own twitching lips.

Mashai snorted. "I warned Mako Sakumo would react like that."

"Ya know, i've seen him get protective before, but never irrationally over protective." Minashi giggled. "It's adorable."

"He's a Hatake." Mashai shrugged and grimaced at the soreness that prompted. Minashi caught his grimace.

"Do I need to call tsunade?" the Hatake shook his head and got a dry response in return. "What did you mean he's a hatake?" the blonde changed topics.

Mashai tilted his head at her. "Well, it's just that. Hatakes were once a nomadic wild clan. When we settled into Konoha it wasn't too hard of a transition according to dad's stories. Konoha just became a bigger territory to protect. However, to a Hatake, packs were our strongest bond. Pups are normally birthed close together. Thus right behind the bond to our parents, there was the bond to our siblings. For us it was different."

"Because Satoshi-san had three wives." Minashi stated and mashai blinked surprised that she knew their history so well.

"Well, yes. Momo and Kan were born the same year, Hikaru and I were born weeks apart, and Sakumo was born the same year as Mako and Iseya. As the older pup with two baby sisters to look after Sakumo had always been more protective of them. Just as Kan was over Momo, and I was over Hikaru. It's just in a Hatake male's blood to protect our female sisters. It doesn't matter if they are older or younger, they are pack and our instincts don't allow it. Thus why my nephew is so protective over you. I take it you lived with Sakumo for a while?"

"Hai. When Sakumo found me i was only four, my Nii-san and nee-san were too young to take care of me. Thus he had custody of me."

Mashai stared, squinted as he thought about that and what she had implied earlier, and grunted at the headache it produced. He'd leave that up for Michi to explain later.

"And you moved out when?"

Minashi shrugged. "I didn't really. I mean most of the time since i turned twelve, i've been at the Senju-Uzumaki compound with Nii-san and Nee-san, but i also have a place there with Nagisa-shishou that i share with obito since we're both her apprentices. I also have a room in Tsunade-oba's house since i have a tendency to end up hurt and under her care. Not to mention i've got captain quarters at the ANBU HQ."

Mashai let out an impressed whistle. "Well aren't you an important little vixen." He smirked. "And you've done this much already and you're only how old?"

Minashi's lips twitched. "Guess."

The hatake hummed, lifting a slightly shaking arm to rub his clean jaw. "Well, you're Uzumaki, so that throws normal calculations off. Your mature mind leaves you coming off as older. But you are around Kakashi-pup's age if i'm guessing right. So…giving your statement of being a late bloomer in the heights department, i'm gonna say sixteen."

The blonde sent him an impressed look. "Close. I'm fifteen in a month. Kakashi's fifteen in two weeks."

Mashai wilted. "Fifteen? Sakumo's got a fifteen year old pup?" He let out a long whine-groan mix. "Kami, he's not going to let me live that down. I'm only six years older than his own pup. He's gonna call me pup now just because he can."

Minashi giggled and Mashai smirked a little to himself. He rather enjoyed making the pretty blonde Uzumaki giggle like that. The young Hatake wondered how fast he could recover, because if he dared to show any interest in the pretty kunoichi around his overprotective brother that had a paternal claim on the vixen-pup, he'd need to be in top shape. Minashi did have a point that Sakumo did have almost two decades of experience on him now. It would be a tough fight.

"Oi, Brat!" Minashi's giggles cut off as she whipped around to a narrowed eyed Tsunade Senju. "You agreed to tell me when patients wake! How can I check their vitals if you chat their ears off and leave them exhausted?"

Minashi looked at Tsunade innocently. "Took ya long enough oba-san!"

Tsunade glared at her. "Yes, well, i had to calm Sakumo down long enough to actually get from him that his brother was awake. Thankfully he's off to put sensei and your brother in charge of the village in his absence. Now, Hatake how are you feeling?"

Mashai was just staring at Tsunade. "Tsuna?"

The Blonde raised a brow even as her green hands hovered over his chest.

"Yes."

"Well, shit. I owe that bastard money."

The Senju raised an absent brow. "For what? And who?"

"Your chest did grow larger with age. Jiraiya."

Minashi's jaw dropped. Tsunade's chakra cut off as she stared at the Hatake.

"You're fine. Muscle stiffness and soreness. Physical therapy first before light exercise. We'll see in two weeks if you're ready for regular training. Now excuse me, i have a toad to hunt down and torture." With professionalism of a Doctor, Tsunade walked out of the room and it was only minutes later when KI flared across Konoha, feeling of Tsunade's particular brand of rage.

Minashi let out a long long sigh. "I'm not honestly surprised. Jiraiya still has a thin brain to mouth filter despite being married and a father."

Mashai choked on his water he'd successfully gotten himself. "That man is married?"

Minashi raised a brow. "Yes. and you just sent his wife to him in a rage for his past actions. I do hope their husband is able to calm her down. Then again Orochimaru's filter is even less practiced than Jiraiya's." the blonde shrugged and stood. "Well, I do need to get back to duty. Namika-san's chakra is rising in activity. Mariko-oba is on the medical staff, but the ANBU are also everywhere, so just holler if ya need anything."

Mashai nodded and held out his hand. "It was very pleasant to wake up to you Minashi-chan."

Cerulean eyes softened on him. "Thank you for choosing to return, Mashai-san."

He waved as the pretty kunoichi left and laid his head back against his bed. Exhaustion was creeping up on him and he didn't fight the urge to take a light nap.

Kushina sat at her father's side, hand in his own, all her focus on his chakra. Her amazing Imouto said her father would be waking any time now. Just the evening before her Aunt Namika had woken and Kushina had witnessed her imouto meet and reunite with her grandparents. Michi-oji had softly cried when his wife had woken before telling her all about their amazing granddaughter. Said granddaughter was now sitting in Namika's bed as the woman brushed and braided out her hair. She'd then brush it out again and try another braid. Minashi wasn't protesting and Michi was happy to just sit beside his wife in bed.

The hand in hers twitched and Kushina squeezed back, eyes snapping up to her father's face. Watching his eyes and brow crinkle before slowly red lashes fluttered open. Those Cyan blue eyes that she'd already seen in Aunt Namiko's eyes were revealed once more. But what was lacking in Namiko's eyes, rested in Shouta's, her daddy's eyes.

"Shina?" Shouta whispered out softly. Kushina nodded as her tears fell quickly.

"Hello Daddy." Kushina smiled even as her throat was clogged around her tears.

"Kushina." he smiled and lifted trembling arms. Kushina choked and gently lunged into her daddy's arms. Shaking with her sobs, she heard her father hushing and cooing at her even as he shakily rubbed her back and head.

"Hush my little pearl." He murmured into her hair. "All is well."

Kushina shook her head. "No, no it isn't, but it will be."

Shouta hummed tiredly but didn't argue with his daughter. Looking over her shoulders as she settled down and just hugged him, Shouta found eyes that were his twin and relaxed a fraction. She was smiling at him with her husband sitting with her. However, the bright blonde hair caught his attention then the Cerulean eyes watching his daughter with happiness and sadness. Shouta also noted the protective hold his little sister had on the unknown whiskered child/teen?.

"Shina, who's that?"

Kushina sat up, wiped away her tears and turned that bright smile he so cherished to the blonde teen. "That's my Imouto!"

Shouta twitched before remembering this was Miyuki's daughter talking (he ignored the pain about his dead wife and unborn child). His eccentric wife didn't give a rat's ass for formalities despite her pedigree. He turned his gaze to his twin and raised a brow. Too tired to see if their soul bond was working properly.

Namika's lips twitched. "Brother, meet my granddaughter Uzumaki-Namikaze Minashi. She is the Half sister to Namikaze Minato, Kushina-chan's husband."

"Oba!" Kushina yelped.

"H-h-h-HUSBAND!" Shouta sat up spluttering. "She's too young!"

Michi snickered. "Oh? But from the pictures, your grandson is adorable and has Kushina's smile."

Shouta's jaw dropped as his face went pale. "G-g-g-grandson? I'm a grandpa?! I'm not even fifty!" he turned to Kushina pouting. "Kushina?!"

The young woman now -kami when did that happen?- just sent him a sheepish smile. "Surprise?"

Shouta spluttered incoherently waving at his snickering sister, cackling brother-in-law (and uncle, but he ignored that part) and sighing daughter.

"No! I forbid it! You aren't even thirty! Too young! You're just a baby!"

"Well, sounds like Shouta-oji is awake." Said man turned to the new voice and found Mariko-chan standing there all grown up and smirking. There at her side was also a smirking Tsunade.

"Shouta." Tsunade greeted smirking. "How are you feeling?"

The Uzumaki just spluttered and waved at Kushina, his twin, brother, and Minashi even as the Senju looked him over with iryo-ninjutsu.

"Uh-huh. I understand, but you must know that Kushina is a big girl now and I've never seen a man so in love as Minato is with Kushina."

Shouta let out a long whine, pouting up at her.

"No you can't scare this one away. He's a very strong shinobi and even Iwa runs in fear of his name."

Shouta glared at Tsunade, crossing his arms with only little difficulty. Honey eyes met his dryly.

"Fight me on this and i'll sick My husbands on you. I'm sure together they could take you, Uzu's ANBU Commander or not."

Cyan eyes widened. "Husbands, as in plural?"

"Uh-huh." She smirked.

Shouta stared at his cousin by marriage, tilted his head at her and spoke his first thought. "So Jiraiya and Orochimaru pulled their heads out of their asses and you finally ignored what others would think? It's about damn time Tsunade."

Tsunade stared, hand tightening on her biceps as she smiled tightly at her cousin.

"Don't do it." Minashi called smirking. "It's not worth it. It will just mean he's stuck in the hospital longer."

"Oh? Are you volunteering as replacement?" Tsunade grinned. Minashi blanched. "I'm pretty sure you, Kakashi-kun, and little Kenji-kun are all due for a refresher training. It has been a while since we tested your teamwork in the forest of death-" Minashi disappeared in a blink of an eye, startling everyone. Kushina jumped up and pointed at the empty spot.

"That brat! I knew she knew Minato's version! Making her own from his notes my ass! I'm gonna kick her ass for that trick!"

Tsunade let out a curse. "Damn, Orochimaru was right. I thought she would train in Nagisa's version first."

Kushina grunted. "Minato says that Nagisa's is more difficult because it's more like a portal instead of folding space."

Tsunade stared at Kushina. "And she's trying to combine them right?"

Kushina's pout deepened, looking a lot like her father when he'd just done his own. "Don't remind me. I didn't study Space-time."

"Hm, well, since your father is just like the others, rest and physical therapy, i'm going to go hunt me down some brats. Maybe Obito-kun is home. I wouldn't mind teaching some more of my dodge training to him." The senju smiled and sauntered out with a plan to relieve some of her anger these Uzumakis were causing. Kami, they keep reminding her why she never visited. She still didn't understand how her cousins could just move there and not go nuts.

Shouta blinked and turned his attention back to his worried looking daughter. "Grandson?!" He exploded again. Kushina jumped and then let out a long sigh. That was totally uncalled for!