Alright everyone, I appreciate the support on the first chapter! If you all liked that I'll try not to disappoint in the future. I have a few surprises in store for this story, but as I have said before I'm not abandoning my other stories. I plan to finish all of them unless I delete them, so please do be patient if you are concerned in the future.

(A/N)

"Beast Speech/Jutsu"

"Beast Thoughts/Jutsu inside head"

"Talking"

"Thinking or emphasis"

Earth/Echo Creek Diaz Household 5:35 AM

Marco woke up to his phone's vibration in his pajama pocket. He had set it to vibrate and put it on his person as to not wake his parents. Not that they would ever expect him to sneak out for anything unless it was justified. Like a birthday present, which reminded him.

He needs to get a present for Janna's birthday in a week. Even if she annoys the hell out of him sometimes... well... okay "most" of the time, he still considered her a good friend of his. He had never missed her birthday or anyone's for that matter.

When he was younger he always remembered his family members birthdays along with Alfonzo, Furgesion, and Janna. His family thought it was very thoughtful and cute that he always made them a present or even bought one for them. They responded by calling him a sweetheart, to which he blushed brightly and hid himself in his shirt and that only made them think he was all the more adorable.

Marco obviously knew about Jackie's birthday but only put it in Valentine's cards since her birthday was so close to it. (A/N If I wrong about that sorry I don't know everyone's exact birthday. Mostly just that Star and Marco's is somewhere between when school ends and Christmas) Whenever Janna got a gift from Marco she played it off and asked mock questions about "Is is poisonous?" or (after she turned 12) "Is it a vibrator?" That last really pushed Marco to a new point of embarrassment. While Janna played it off or made lewd comments she clearly appreciated it.

Marco decided to get her present after meeting with Madara. Marco had already gotten dressed in his normal clothes except wore a grey hoodie today, put a note on the counter saying he went to get Janna a present, and walked out the door to the park.

When Marco arrived he saw that construction was still underway and seen they were also building something new to the park. Marco was thinking and realized he only had 9 minutes left!

"Okay Diaz think! How are you going to get passed them, and why would Madara ask him to come here if he knew about construction?" Thought Marco and wracking his brain for an answer to his problem's when it hit him. "He's testing me." He concluded.

It made perfect sense!

There were police officers showing up here and if he were caught he would be arrested and sent to juvie for trespassing. Madara did tell him about missions where you weren't allowed to be caught. This was his first "mission" and the stakes were high, for him at least. Making him begin to question if he is really up for this.

Marco then remembered why he was doing it. If there was even a chance that a man as powerful as Madara would hurt his loved ones for not doing what he wants then he would do to what he has to do. While Madara did say he was free to make the choice on his own, Marco has been lied to before. He won't trust Madara until he gives him a reason to.

Also, Madara is powerful, if his tales are anything to go by. He could make him stronger, strong enough to protect people he cared about. Now that Star is gone, if some other dimensional being showed up and his karate and the police's guns aren't enough they could be screwed.

Marco clenched his fist and looked for the quickest and stealthiest way past all the employees and police. He noticed a truck bunch of bricks packed together for the new building and rushed to it after putting his hood up and a black bandanna on his mouth. He wouldn't want anyone to recognize him just in case. Marco noticed a crane moving several girders at once to the other side of the construction site near a large pile of dirt about 30 ft tall near the excavator which was currently unoccupied and outside the construction fence. The wheels in Marco's head began to turn as he noticed the lack lighting around the girders.

"Thank God the Sun hasn't rose just yet, that would make this much more difficult." Marco thought as he ran up to the girder pile after the dump truck came by.

When the crane picked up the pile Marco held on to the top of the pile as it went up. Right as it got to where the crane operator could see the position of any dangling people he pulled himself on top of it putting himself right above everyone's view. If he had to guess, he was around 45 ft in the air Marco let out a breath he didn't know he was holding and holding on to the cable holding the girders up so he wouldn't lose balance and fall to his most likely death.

As the crane got closer to its destination Marco saw the dirt pile. Now was his chance! Marco backed up and began to sprint then leap at the dirt hill. Time seemed to slow down for him as he neared the edge of it then quickly tucked and rolled using his falling momentum to roll down it at a high speed. When he stopped at the bottom after rolling for a bit he groaned in pain. The impact still hurt but not nearly as much as two broken legs. Marco wasn't as afraid as he could have been had it not been for the fact him and Star had fallen from higher.

Marco jumped to his feet dusting himself off and running to the top of the hill to meet Madara. (A/N The one where Star and Mina Loveberry were at) Marco arrived right when the deadline for his training would be. 6 AM.

Standing before the young Latino was Madara with a blank look on his face. "Am I... late?" Marco taking a few short breaths. Madara replied simply.

"No you're just in time actually. I'm glad you decided to come here. I also sensed you enter the park, but wanted to see how you fared on your own. I have to say I'm impressed, none of the non-chakra users I know of could attempt what you did. Much less at your age." Madara said raising a hand to his chin. "So, are you sure about this? The training I put you through will be far more difficult than anything else you know of on Earth. More so after we train your body enough to where you don't die from the chakra training." Madara said giving the boy one last chance t back out. Though it was quite doubtful he would.

If he came this far he wouldn't give up easy. Something the Uchiha's and Uzamaki's have in common in the Elemental Nations is they never gave up easily.

Marco got a fire in his eyes that resembled a certain blonde haired jinchuuriki from some time ago. "I will accept your offer to train me. I don't care how tough it is I will push on." Marco said in complete assurance.

Madara remains quiet for a moment before he speaks again. "One last thing. Why did you want to accept my training? What is your reason for getting stronger?" He asked making sure the earlier stages of Uchiha blood didn't make him power hungry.

Marco looked surprised then dawned a serious look. "I want to become strong enough to protect those close to me. Even if they don't want it or need it, I want to be there for them and strong enough to stand by them. I would give my life for any of their's any day." Marco finished with complete determination and conviction burning in his tone and eyes, and the sunrise only seemed to make the fire in his eyes glow much brighter.

Madara was very shocked, but hid it well. He looked at Marco and seen the faces of an Uchiha with the most conviction in his actions and an Uzamaki with the most determination to accomplish the impossible.

Madara let a grin take over his face. "Well, I guess we should get started then." He said as he stood in front of Marco.

"When do we start?" Marco asked.

"Come with me. We can't expect you to get better in such limited space." Madara responded walking down the hill.

6 Hours Later The Creek (A/N The same creek they were at in "Star vs Echo Creek" and "Just Friends")

Marco was dripping with sweat and had long since removed his hoodie. The past two hours could only be explained as hell for Marco.

Madara started him off with academy basics but not jutsu because Marco doesn't even know how to form it yet. He had made Marco run 6 miles in 10 minutes and every time he failed to do so he had to do 50 squats, 50 push-ups, and 50 sit-ups. Marco is beginning to think Madara set him up for failure with how ridiculous the punishment is to run faster than an adult who works out with a 2 mile jog in 10 minutes.

In any case Marco was exhausted, but refused to give up until he passes out. *Grumble* Though with how he didn't even eat breakfast this morning, Marco had been going the entirety of this insane workout with nothing in the tank and it seems Madara noticed too.

"Take a break to get yourself a decent lunch and water. Don't eat something to unhealthy or to much, or else you will throw it back up when we start again." Madara said motioning him to go. A ninja can't just not eat. Otherwise they won't be able to function properly or gain any muscle.

Marco just nodded in thanks, grabbed his hoodie and deodorant, then headed to the nearest grocer to get an apple, some water, and a sausage biscuit they sell in the cafe.

Meanwhile

Janna had woken up at 9 AM, which is pretty early for her since she usually sleeps in during the summer, but she wanted to catch up with Marco and figure out why he acted so odd. However, when she arrived at the Diaz's place his parents told her he left hours ago and said it was an "important purpose" but didn't give away what he was doing knowing he likes to surprise her every time he gets her a gift.

Janna left to look for him and checked all his nerdy hang outs and with Jackie, but no one has seen him. She had looked all around but just couldn't find him. Which was unusual for her unless he was on Mewni or on some other magical adventure with Star, but she doubted that was the case for obvious reasons.

Janna was getting increasingly frustrated with the whole problem as a whole. She couldn't stop herself from feeling a little worried, but quickly shook it off. "Calm down, girl. It's Diaz, he couldn't get himself into trouble without me or Star if he tried."

Her thoughts were interrupted when saw a familiar dorky face walk out of the Grocery Store with some simple foods and a water, but strangely missing his signature red hoodie. He also had a thin layer of sweat visible on his face having cooled down a bit inside the air conditioned store. Janna walked up to him with anger and relief, though only one shone through.

"Diaz!" She shouted walking up to the startled boy annoyed. "Where have you been I've been looking for you all day, but no one had seen you! Where have you been?!" Janna spoke with obvious frustration.

Marco rubbed his neck after swallowing his sausage biscuit's last bite. "I was um... working out." It wasn't a lie he just didn't give all the info. Before Janna could speak again Marco had a question of his own. "Um, why were you looking for me Janna?" Marco asked.

Janna suddenly stopped and mentally cursed herself for letting that slip. "What am I supposed to say? 'Oh I was just going to spy on you and find out why you were lying and acting weird yesterday.' Yeah that won't make him up his guard at all." Janna thought sarcastically as she did her best not to reveal anything else.

"Just wondering if you got me something good for my birthday next week. Everybody knows you never half ass the gifts you give people on special holidays, much less their birthdays. Besides, why are you working out? Trying to get your ho bod back? And yes, Star told me about it." She said hoping to come off as nosy so he doesn't suspect something.

Marco just shook his head. "Just... trying to improve myself, and a few more muscles wouldn't hurt. Also no I won't tell you what I'm getting you. The cute look on your face is to good to pass up on." Marco said as started walking away not even realizing what he just said.

Meanwhile, Janna was thrown for a loop as she didn't expect that out of him. A bit of pink dusting her face as she came to her senses and trailed behind Marco, staying out of sight.

Marco finished his apple and water on the way back to the creek and tossed it into a trashcan and the bottle in a recycling bin. He then slipped down into the creek and under the bridge where Madara Shushined them away in a swirl of leaves right before Janna got there.

When Janna did show up all she seen was a few leaves fall to the ground, as she looked around seeing no escape points which pissed her off at how she lost him. She is clearly not used to Diaz avoiding her so easily.

Elemental Nations/Land of Fire Forest 4 Days Later

After training the same way for almost a week, Marco finally completed the training exercise he was given after Madara added kunai and shuriken throwing and target practice (which is a record somebody who never trained like that before). Marco was pleasantly surprised with his progress when Madara reminded him that physical training works differently for their people.

After their first day of training, Marco picked up his present for Janna from another dimension. Marco was also suspicious of her attitude and hid her present with Buff Frog until it was time for Janna's Birthday.

Madara then told Marco that for the next step in his training is to awaken his chakra to a conscious level of use instead of random bursts like before. Madara said this was the easiest part for new ninja considering all the training he will have to do afterwards. Marco had then brought out his own Dimensional Scissors to bring them to The Elemental Nations, which shocked Madara that a human without the use of chakra was able to take on 1,000 Hekapoo clones at all. Much less it taking only 16 years.

When they arrived Marco had spent the next 30 minutes trying to awaken the chakra until he felt it spark up from inside him and Madara sensed the flare in chakra. "Good. Now, try to focus it in your feet and start running into the forest." Madara said pointing to the side where it was open enough for someone to run for a while without running into much.

Marco did as he was told and rushed forward with the boost he moved faster than expected. If he had to guess, he was moving at 63 miles per hour. Barely 3 miles faster than when he completed the exercise, but he was knew so he was probably lucky to reach 3 more miles.

Madara appeared in front of him causing Marco to lose focus on his chakra, slip, and tumble passed him into a tree. Marco groaned slightly as he pulled himself up. Madara then spoke.

"I see you have more chakra than the average academy student or genin since you were able to even reach that much more speed on first use. Most people new to this can't do it at all and you were able to do it because you had more chakra thus giving you a small boost first try. However, you lack chakra control. The amount of chakra you have depends on what jutsu you are able to learn and how many, while chakra control means you can use jutsu with less chakra put into the technique and other categories like running faster or jumping higher." Madara explained as he let his student absorb the knowledge before Marco spoke.

"What about the Sharingan? That has to use up chakra as well right? You said I would be able to use it one day, too. So how does it work?" Marco asked understanding basics but wanting to know more about this 'bloodline.'

Madara responded. "The Sharingan grows the more you train and grow. If you use it in training so much you can get use to it and won't even notice the chakra being used, thus making fighting easier. However don't rely purely on it otherwise it could backfire horribly. Just because you could see the attck coming doesn't mean your body is fast enough to move with your eyes." He explained seriously making Marco nod. "Alright now we should work on control then after you complete both its steps we will move on to a more challenging exercise." Madara said before walking up next to a tree.

"Alright Marco, do you know how to climb a tree?" He said getting a questionable look from Marco before he nodded slowly. "Well, have you ever done it without your hands?" Madara said getting Marco to look at him strangely then he shook his head no.

Madara smirked then started walking up the side of the tree with his arms behind his back. Marco was slack jawed at this gravity and physics breaking sight.

Madara then spoke from a high branch. "You see you have to use a set amount of chakra to walk up the side of solid surfaces. You add to much, you blow apart the piece below your feet pushing you off it faster then you could put your next foot down. Don''t add enough you fall, plain and simple." Madara explained pulling out a kunai and tossing it at Marco's feet. "Use that to slash the tree where you fall from and try to get farther than that until you reach the top. We won't do anything else until you complete this." Marco nodded and ruched at the tree.

7 Hours Later

Marco was breathing deeply while sitting at the top of the tree holding on to the side as his red hoodie was covered in leaves and sticks with dirt covering his pants and face with his normally well combed hair was a mess. Madara was fairly impressed with Marco's progress. He had started nearly a week ago and was doing so well. Not as good as his generation, but still he could be considered a prodigy today with how quickly he picked up lessons and fixed the flaws.

"Congratulations Marco. You have completed the first part of the surface walking training. Are you ready to continue to the next step?" Madara asked considering Marco was more physically drained from the running and falling rather than chakra exhaustion.

Marco got to his feet and nodded still a little winded, but more or less fine. Madara motioned him to follow as he jumped to the bottom with Marco soon after using his chakra to soften the landing. Madara was right. Marco could feel like he had a good grip on how much chakra to put into his actions now.

Madara handed Marco an apple and a canteen of water while walking with him through the woods to their destination. Marco then thought of something he had been meaning to ask.

"Hey, uh, Madara?" Marco said making the ancient Uchiha turn his attention to the boy. "You're a reincarnation, right? So if someone brought you back and their chakra is keeping you here, where are they?" Marco asked while taking another bite of his food.

Madara turned his head foward. "Some moron of a missing ninja thought he could control me after the reincarnation but apparently didn't pay much attention to the missing pages that explained the conditions other than needing a sacrifice. I killed his partner and took control of the his mind using the Sharingan's hypnotic genjutsu. As long as he lives or doesn't perform the release seal I stay here." He explained making Marco surprised briefly shocked at the killing part, but then remembered this man was also a war veteran having been in two. He never did talk about the Fourth Great Shinobi War.

They finally arrived at a lake where Madara stopped. "This is the next part of the surface walking. The water walking technique. You will practice this until you can do it unconsciously and spar with my clone on the water. This will not just increase your chakra control, but also increase your reserves. After this you will go home, eat dinner, and rest. If you finish this today we will figure out your chakra nature(s). The element you can learn easiest." Madara said as he spawned in a Shadow Clone to watch over Marco as he went to get some chakra paper.

Marco took a deep breath as he finished his drink of water. He looked at his hand and clenched it into a fist. Marco could feel himself getting stronger day after day, little by little. For the first time since Star lost her spell book, he felt like he could do something. He was faster, stronger, and wiser than before. Hell if he was facing all of Ludo's old monster gang he could take most of them no problem. Besides Spikeballs, he seemed more durable then the others and stronger to.

Marco shook the thoughts from his head. Madara had already told him to never underestimate his opponent. No battle was a certainty, as even the strongest villain/hero can lose. Marco walked towards the water and got started.

Earth/Diaz Home 9 PM

Marco had figured out the water exercise fairly quickly. Do to him being an A+ student he knew about water flow and figured out he had to constantly change the amount of chakra he put into his feet to stay on it. Marco was also a better hand to hand combatant then ever. Madara already got him started on two different fighting styles.

The first one relied on Marco using the enemy's momentum against them, being more nimble, and faster than the foe (though a target of equal speed could work to). The second one relied more on swift and precise strikes, dodging, and fake outs or feints. Marco would most likely use the first one for larger opponents and the second for a backup fighting style after karate. Marco had also become adept with a kunai, though when he commented he was use to using a katana in Hekapoo's Dimension Madara said he could teach him some sword fighting styles next week to which Marco had eagerly agreed.

Speaking of which he would visit Sensei and work for his black belt. It had also been a while sense they hung out. Marco had also decided to text Jackie for a date two days from now (the day before them and all their friends spend the day doing what Janna wants to do for her birthday). Marco had a busy life now, but he was anything if organized so he made it work.

Marco arrived home at 7 PM, got a shower, and had some conversations with his parents over dinner. When he did dry off and begin to get dressed he noticed something in the mirror.

His training DEFINITELY showed through. He had a lean figure after working out a little after the trial with Hekapoo, but now he looked to be in as good a shape as a high school football star. He had lean sides, chiseled pecks, and a developing six pack. Like before, Madara did say physical changes can occur differently for chakra users. He could only imagine what he would look like in another week or two. While he isn't exactly ashamed of his body now, he is still shy about it. Which was odd even for him, in Hekapoo's Dimension he was extremely confident in his looks and skills.

As Marco walked in his bedroom he saw a picture of him and Star together holding a beach ball with smiles on their faces, it was labled "Beach Day!" Marco remembered that day. Him and Star gone there so Star could see an Earth beach. That day was filled with fun, laughter, splashing, a few magically summoned creatures, and a small tidal wave. Marco smiled at the memory, at that point in time neither had a care in the world. His smile then dropped.

But everything is different now.

Star had died and there was nothing he could do about it. She came back (thank God) and annihilated Toffee in a single blast. That didn't change the fact that Marco himself felt insignificant in comparison with those around him. Sure he did get Star out of the dungeon, but that was about it. Literally anybody could have taken his place then and it would not make a difference besides seeing Star again right before he thought she died.

Star was now on Mewni to stay, Marco had apparently been some part of alternate human, his something great grandfather is a paper corpse or something that is training him to the limits, and he doesn't know what to do about Star either. He has dimensional scissors and could go visit since he doesn't have a mirror phone. On the other hand Star has made no effort to contact him either besides sending his hoodie back on the same day he left.

Marco sighed. He needed to sleep. Today's training was great progress but draining and thinking about how much more complicated things had become would not help him right now. He slipped under his blankets, set an alarm for 6:30 AM, and went to sleep.

Elemental Nations/The Land of Fire Forest 10 AM

After Marco had eaten breakfast he met Madara at the river at 7 AM where he practiced his new taijutsu styles for 2 hours. He had improved quite a bit more. Then practiced academy jutsus (Substitution, Transformation, and Clone Jutsu). He managed to do all of them thanks to the chakra control practice the day before.

Madara then handed him a piece of paper. "Chanel chakra into it. This will tell us your chakra nature so we can get you started on some of the more advanced jutsus." He explained and Marco nodded. Madara had told Marco about how there are 5 normal affinities for ninja to have and that clans with special releases have certain elements that appear differently than normal. This would tell them if Marco had a clan with with release technique in his origin.

When Marco channeled chakra into the paper it cut perfectly in half, one side caught fire and turned to ash, and the other side wrinkled up. Marco and Madara looked surprised. Three affinities?! Madara expected the Fire as almost all Uchiha have Fire, but where the hell did the Lightning and Wind come from?!

Marco decided to break the silence. "Sooo... where should we start?" He asked awkwardly rubbing his neck. Madara shook his head then looked back at Marco.

"Well, we Uchiha have a 'coming of age' test for young Uchiha wanting to become aspiring ninja. It's called the Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu. It can come out as a large fireball of a torrent of flames depending on how much chakra you put in it and how you shape it. I will show you the hand signs." Madara said as he stood at the lake and moved slowly for the young boy to try it himself.

When he went through all of them Madara sucked in a breath and launched the fireball across the river destoying the ground and trees in its way. Luckily Madara didn't put to much into it otherwise he could have done much more damage.

Marco slowly moved through the hand signs he was shown, took a deep breath, formed some chakra in his lungs then spewed out a torrent of flames a little bigger than Madara, but not by much. It held for 5 seconds before Marco dropped it and coughed out smoke. Madara handed him the canteen of water to help cool his throat. Come to think of it, this was a common reaction to first use of Fire Jutsu through mouths. Madara remembered the first time he did it. He didn't have a canteen so he dived into the river.

Good times.

Once Marco was done he looked up to Madara. "So *cough* how was that?" He asked with a slight smile and cough.

Madara smirked at him. "Well, despite almost setting your lungs on fire, pretty good for a first timer. Most beginners can't make it bigger than themselves without a lot of chakra or insane control. Then again it is a slightly advanced technique that shouldn't even be available to genin since most don't have the reserves for it. However constant practice of the jutsu can increase your reserves." Madara explained genuinely impressed with the boy.

Marco blushed slightly under the praise coming from the most powerful Uchiha (besides Sasuke which Marco doesn't know). Madara patted his shoulder affectionately. "Why don't you practice for another hour and then tell me about some of your adventure and friends while you practice the speed of the hand signs?" Madara offered as Marco smiled and nodded.

4 Hours Later

Marco had told Madara about some adventures with Star including the baby sitting incident when she fed them cake which had shocked Madara until Marco siad the monster babies were more durable (or something, still don't know how that works for monster tadpoles) so they didn't die from it. He even mentioned his girlfriend Jackie when Madara mistakenly commented on how Uchiha men are usually attracted to strong women. Right now though Madara is having Marco work on another jutsu called Wind Style: Breakthrough. Which can either blow everything in the vicinity away or make a spinning vortex to save a falling ally.

Needless to say Marco is pleased with this one. Now he doesn't have to worry about his friends or family falling from high up. He promised himself to learn it near the end of the day just like with the previous jutsu. Marco was in the middle of creating it as a vortex instead of a gust of destroying wind, when Madara asked him to come over where he was sitting on a rock near the shore.

""Marco I've been thinking about this for a while now and I think that after you spend time with your friends we should head to Konoha, my village before I... left and died." Madara said in a regretful tone. He looked back up to Marco. "I did some bad things that almost destroyed this world Marco. I would most likely not be very 'welcome' in there, but I know a few people from there that could teach you a thing or two. Especially with your Lightning Affinity. I would be leaving you in there for at least a week to train, but come back right after. You don't have to accept, I just remembered what you said about getting stronger and someone there would definitely teach you after hearing your reasons for becoming strong. You wouldn't see friends or family for a little while, but I could watch them while you're gone." Madara looked into his eyes. "I assure yo nothing would happen in your absence."

Marco stayed silent for a while then nodded smiling. "You're right I am getting stronger to protect them all. I would appreciate all the guidance I can get and if they are as good as they say then... I trust you. A lot have people have done things in war they are not proud of. People on Earth get that pretty well. What matters is now and right now you have helped me get to a level I didn't think I was capable of. At first I didn't trust you, but now I think I made the right choice taking your offer and getting to know you." Marco finished with nothing but honesty in his entire speech.

Madara looked at the young man with a soft gaze. His great (something) grandson sure was something else. He is sure they would love to meet him. "Okay, Enjoy your time with them I will take you to Konoha next week. Before you leave though I got you something." Madara said unsealing a medium sized cardboard box. He handed it to Marco. "I know you will put it to good use." Madara said placing in his hands after he opened a portal to his room.

Before he stepped all the way through the portal Marco thought of something. "Hey who are the people you know in Konoha?" Marco asked.

Madara looked at him and said. "Legends. Naruto Uzamaki and Sasuke Uchiha."

Alright everyone hope you enjoyed it if you have a suggestion or something to point out tell me in the reviews.

I wanted for Marco and Madara to build a trusting family bond throughout this story, but want it to feel horribly rushed.

I wasn't entirely sure how to put the whole thing or if I should have put it off a little more, but I guess what's done is done.