1st Pov

Seven months later

Things have been relatively calm since that day. Three months ago me and Naruto had our birthday and celebrated with mom, some of her friends came over at different times just to give us happy wishes, but couldn't stay, I called many of them by nicknames that they came to appreciate (totally not)

(For those wondering the year is now 70, 5yaNb)

After Mikoto left that night I managed to hide in my room again so as to talk with Pakura some more

We established a loose partnership of give and take. My plans were to create a elite ninja group like the akatsuki, you know, just not with the whole world domination thing. But since Pakura was the first member besides myself she would work solo till all the groundwork was laid

I left kinja in her care for now. Not to monitor her but as insurance in case she wound up in bad situation. Elite jonin she may be but even the best of us can be overwhelmed by sheer number or top tier shinobi. Kinja would serve as her backup, besides it seemed the little guy actually took quite a shine to her

Regarding the mask id given her was one of the many backups I'd made. It allows the wearer to communicate with me and send signals telepathically to my mask similar to the ones my foxes wear. They can also surve as receivers for my chakra in the worst-case scenario, nothing like tailed beast chakra as a powerboost mid battle

I trusted Pakura to manage on her own, she was a battle-hardened ninja and knew enough about survival tactics. I also decided against monitoring her much through kinjas eyes. One time when she was at a inn I found she'd also taken a shine to kinja little fox form, who wouldn't, but when she went to take a bath in the hot springs with Kinja in tow...

*AH-HEM* *AH-HEM*

Kushina: "Oh are you alright Menma?"

Naruto: "You good bro?"

I was currently at the table having breakfast with my family

Menma: *cough* "Ye-yeah, I'm fine, just a funny memory, ahaha-hah..." I rubbed my head sheepishly

Menma: Officer I am only Five year's old, I have zero 'bad' thoughts. I've yet to even hit puberty *ahem*

Moving on

After settling things with Pakura I'd received a pulse from all my other foxes and gave them their respective destinations

I decided to have one fox in the land of wind, one for the land of grass, one for the land of waterfalls, two for the land of rocks, and three for the land of water

I had some specific people I wanted to recruit, but others I had to spit ball. This world follows the anime mostly but I can't be too sure, some events may never even occur since they had no impact on the 'main story' of this world at all. But there were some people who's abilities would be quite useful for the future and if I could get to them before others, then I could only gain

Besides all that though...there was one thing still bothering me. That outburst I had that night was not natural, and when I tried to ask kuro about it...

Flashback-no-jutsu

Kuro: "I'm working on it."

Menma: "Working on it? Working on what?"

Kuro: "Listen kit, it's not a problem for now, so I'd rather not discuss it. But I think it's best you delay your plans to leave the village."

Menma: "What! Why do I have to delay it?! And why won't you tell me the reason?!"

Kuro: "I get why your upset kit, but trust me. I'm working on the problem now and until it shows signs of getting worse I'd rather not divulge too much about it."

Kuro: "As for why you should delay departure. I know you wanted to leave before graduation so that you wouldn't be registered as a rogue ninja and just be considered a civilian. But trust me kit it's better you stay and be around those that can keep you grounded."

Menma: "Keep me grounded?"

Kuro: "People you trust, those who'd keep your mind steady and emotions controlled, the ones you care for. Please kit, just trust me." Kuro actually pleaded me

Menma: ". . . Alright Kuro, I'll trust you on this. But I expect you to be completely honest with me about this in the future. Got it?" I didn't have a reason to distrust kuro yet, but I didn't want to be kept in the dark like this

Kuro: "I promise kit. . ."

Present time

It still bothered me but I decided to push it to the back of my mind for now. These last five months, me and Kuro had grown closer as partners and he hasn't let me down yet, always guiding me and having my back. So I didn't want to have this throw a wrench in our relationship

There was another issue that I chose not to address with Kuro. And that was my absolute indifference to the bloodshed I witnessed that night. Despite being a bit more mature than most kids my age, there was no way I was already used to death like that.

Menma: Have I been distorted because of my past life, or was it because of the thing kuro mentioned?

I shook my head and tried not to think more on it. Those men were killers, I shouldn't have any remorse for cleaning filth

It was a bit of a problem that I couldn't leave the village before graduation. If I was just a civilian, the village wouldn't put too much stock in finding me. But if I became a ninja and defected after, I'd become a rogue ninja, and no village wanted that. The possibility of anbu being on my tail was annoying, so my only chance to leave would be after the villages strength was depleted to the point they couldn't afford to look for me. Which meant...

Menma: Dammit, looks like I'll have to depend on that snake after all!

Whatever, I was making my way to the training grounds after I received a pulse from another one of the foxes. This one came from Tennyo in the land of water, meaning she found her target

Placing my mask on my senses merged with Tennyo's

-BREAK

Outskirts of kirigakure

Tennyo Pov

Tennyo was already in her battle form which was already very human, meaning I didn't have to worry about transforming at all.

We were currently overlooking a snowy landscape, and not far from our current position I saw a hut next to some woods.

As I got closer, I could make out that the huts condition was not 'normal'.

Menma: Ho~ Thats right, they should have caused this with their kekkai genkai.

Getting closer to the wreckage I took not of some of the blood stains

Menma: "These stains are old, perhaps a few weeks. Which means they should have already left by now. Let's see if we can make out any trail Tennyo."

I could feel Tennyo give something close to an affirmative through our link before moving around the hut and checking the ground. Since the person we were looking for was already long gone there wasn't much of a trail left.

But we didn't have to find things like footprints in order to get a trail. For a pseudo beast like Tennyo, finding a chakra trail was easy. An unexperienced user of a powerful jutsu like this wouldn't know how to suppress or hide their chakra after all

Once Tennyo finally caught the traces they had almost dissipated, almost. It took a few hours but we finally managed to reach one of the closest outposts to kirigakure

It'd be a problem if people saw Tennyo's figure even with how human she appeared. Luckily my avatars weren't just strong, but versatile. Tennyo's figure began to disappear as her veils loosely wrapped themselves around her body. She could channel chakra through her veils making them very durable or transparent

As we drifted through the streets following the chakra trail, we finally arrived at our destination just outside the alleyway. There next to one of the dumpsters sat my ttarget.

A child with frazzled and scraggly black hair and dark hazel eyes. Their frail bruised skin revealed their emancipated state yet despite these off-putting factors the child showed signs that with enough care they would become quite beautiful.

Haku, last survivor of the yuki clan, wielder of their ice kekkai genkai, and future follower of Zabuza Mamochi

Menma: Not anymore

Tennyo approached while carefully unveiling herself, lifting her sleeve over her mouth

Tennyo/Menma: "Child, why do you choose to strangle yourself like so?" We spoke in unison

I notice Tennyo seemed to posses a different mannerism and voice than my own, her voice was silky and smooth like a gentle mother. Strange since none of my foxes could even speak without my input

Haku looked up toward me and seemed confused by my question

Haku: "Wh-what?"

Tennyo/Menma: "You possess power do you not? Why choose to lay among the dirt rather than ascend on high?"

Haku seemed to become nervous when his power was brought up, even a little sad

Haku: "I don't like it, this power, it's more like a curse, it robbed me of everything..."

I could see where he was coming from, after all that power was what essentially destroyed the life he had before. He became a blank slate that with no direction other than self preservation. Zabuza shared the same dead eyes and they both empathized with each other, the difference was Zabuza had purpose, and Haku latched himself on to him in order to gain a semblance of meaning

But I didn't need a soulless follower, I needed a subordinate with desire and ambition, who were loyal to me because I could grant them that purpose, not follow it mindlessly

I had transformed Tennyo's body into my alternates human form and leaned down to the spooked Haku

Menma: "Many would kill for the strength you possess. Many spend their entire lives in pursuit of power for the sake of their own goals. But for you who was born with such strength, what is your purpose?"

Haku seemed too shocked for words. He had destroyed his home, hounded by kuna bloodline hunters, didn't have a ryo to his name. If my math was right Haku should only be 6 or 7, so I doubt he'd thought much about his future occupation. So, what did he want?

Haku: "I...I don't know." He said softly, almost a whisper.

I stare at him for a while, rolling the next words carefully on my tongue.

Menma: "Then, would you be willing to follow me?"

Haku's eyes almost immediately shot towards my own.

Menma: "For my own purpose, I require those who wield power such as yours. But I will not deprive you of the chance to have your own goal. It is my firm belief that we must all live for the sake of finding and achieving our purposes. To mold our fate with our own hands." I spoke gently

I held my hand out towards him

Menma: "Will you give me that chance? In exchange for your loyalty and strength, I ask you let me help forge your destiny together."

For the first time since I'd found him, Haku's eyes shone with a spark of life to them. He reached his hand out and gently grasped my own

After that we both walked out the alleyway still hand and hand

Menma: "Good, now let's see. We should get some boy clothes that match your size. Then see about finding a temporary shelter and supplies." I listed off

Menma: Honestly I don't know why Zabuza had him dress so feminine, I mean if it was Haku's own preference than it's fine but something tells me Zabuza just thought it was more effective for deception purposes

Haku: "Um...uh..."

Menma: "Oh? Would you prefer girl clothes, its a unique preference but I don't mind one bit." *chuckle*

Haku: "Um, well yes...its because...I am a girl..."

I stopped in my tracks

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Menma: NNNAAAAAAANNNIIIIIIIIIII~!?

-BREAK

TIMESKIP-NO-JUTSU

Three months

Konoha Outskirts road

I was currently walking down one of the snow covered roads that lead back to the main town while lost in my thoughts

After the Revelation, I went about buying Haku GIRL clothes for HER! I rented at an inn and spent the rest of the day cursing CB.

Another alteration, but it shouldn't be too much of a problem. As for how I got the ryo. Well, out of all my foxes Tennyo was the best at thievery. She could manipulate her vale as nimbly as her own fingers. With her human appearance and invisible cloth it was rather easy to steal hundreds upon thousands of ryo from merchants and people passing by

Thankfully that was enough, my foxes didn't actually need to eat and could survive off the natural chakra in the atmosphere. So other than shelter and supplies for Haku, Tennyo didn't need much.

For the next few weeks, I taught Haku the basics of chakra control and ninjutsu. We didn't get into anything too extensive because I myself was still learning the basics. I'd have to simply take care of Haku for some time before I got a bead of Zabuza

I wasn't originally planning to get involved with him but seeing as I really couldn't take care of Haku 24-7 since I had my own training and life to live. I made my own plans for him now that he was necessary.

Fortunately Haku's attitude seemed to improve by the day. When I first had Tennyo reveal her true form she became so ecstatic and cuddled with her every night. When I wasn't there Tennyo would either be in her fox form playing with Haku or her Battle form indulging her. Seemed my fox had quite the motherly disposition when transformed, who knew?

But now I had another strong piece of the board. Haku truly had the potential to become one of the most powerful ninja in this world. I needed to prevent her original fate no matter the cost. Every few days I'd spend several hours looking after Haku. Sometimes just to talk or teach her. To say that I found the time rather pleasant was an understatement

With how the village treated me and my family I obviously didn't have any friends to hang out with so spending peaceful time with someone outside my own family like that was rather nice.

I was distracted from my musing by the sounds of sniffling and hiccups. Looking around I didn't see anyone, strange, almost no one used this path.

Strange, as I followed the sounds of crying I ended up behind one of the larger trees on the side of the road. There I came face to face with a head of dark blue hair and wide, blank, pupils. A trait I remember being only part of one clan

Was this, Hinata? Damn of all the times to run into her!

To be honest, I loved Hinata, one of my absolute favorite characters in both appearance and personality. She was the 'full package' as some people in my last life would say

And yet I did everything in my power to avoid her. Why? Because I valued the relationship her and my brother would have in the future too much. In fact, I intended to teach my knuckle head brother what it meant to appreciate someone like her far sooner than he did in canon

But that was why I didn't want to be involved, Hinata was, in a sense, rather simple to get close to. Not to say she was easy or anything, far from it. But she appreciated those who were honest, kind, and hard working like Naruto. While I didn't consider myself a good person, I could never bring myself to be cruel to her. So for the sake of their relationship, I didn't want to make any early impressions before Naruto

But this staring match was getting awkward so I needed to say something

Hinata?: "*sniff* Why don't you take a picture it'll last longer." *sniff*

Menma: "Uh sorry...are you...okay?"

Smooth me...smooth

Hinata?: "*sniff* What's it matter to you, huh?!"💢

Okay something wasn't right here. Naruto had already told me he met a 'strange eyed girl that was rather awkward' and that had matched Hinata to a T. But this girl was rather...aggressive

Menma: "Oh sorry if I seemed rude. You just obviously seemed...sad."

Hinata?: "Could've figured that one out genius." *sniff*

Yep something was definitely off, but I've already dug my grave, may as well lay in it

Menma: "Sorry about that, I'm not usually in the position of comforting people. But since I'm here why don't you tell me your woes." I said as I slid down the tree and sat next to her

Hinata?: "'Woes?' You've got a funny way of talking for a kid."

Menma: "Last time I checked my eyes they said you were a kid too."

Hinata?: "Your really cheeky ya know that." She scowled even more but it seems I've managed to lift her spirits a bit

Menma: "So I've been told."

Kuro: "Screw you kit."

Menma: "Love you too Kuro."

Hinata?: "*sigh* Sorry for snapping, I'm just...having a rough time." She said almost despondently

Menma: "Wanna talk about it?"

Hinata?: "Lets just call it's a family problems and move on, I really don't wanna get into details." She said seethingly

Menma: "Got it, but since I'm here already I may as well hang with you for a bit. I don't have anything better to do." I shrugged

She gave me a scrutinizing, obviously suspicious of my intentions. But since I hadn't poked fun at her or be pushy for answers she decided to just wait it out

And wait we did, we both just sat there in the snow enjoying the pleasant scenery. The only warmth available was between the two of us, but as chakra users, circulating it could heat our bodies well enough. Funnily enough, watching the snow reminded me of Haku.

Hinata?: "My brother..." she said suddenly and quietly

I looked toward her, clearly indicating that I was listening

Hinata?: "Well...he's not actually my brother, but my cousin. But we've been raised together since birth so we always depended on each other like siblings. Five months ago he lost someone dear to him, well, they were dear to me too but he took it the hardest."

Manma: Cousin who's like a brother, the only person I can think of is Neji. Was she raised beside him instead of separately this time, I'm so confused. But someone dear to him could only mean his father gave up his life for his brother to kumogakure

Hinata?: "He was like a father to me, more so than my own ever was. Today when we were talking, me and bro got into a argument and he said...he said I was just as privileged as that Harlot."

Now that was a interesting detail, my question must have been obvious by the look on my face

Hinata?: "I don't wanna talk about her, while I don't dislike the current life I have, she's the reason I was denied my own birthright...just because she was first..."

I think I was starting to get the picture here

Menma: "So, do you hate him?" I asked bluntly

Hinata?: "No, no, I know bro didn't really mean what he said, just got heated in the moment. Doesnt mean it hurt any less though, I just needed some space to vent a little."

Menma: "I see, if it means anything I'm sorry for your loss. Losing someone precious to you...It must feel like losing a part of yourself."

Hinata?: "Have you...lost someone too?" She asked hesitantly

Menma: "Not that I can remember. But I've never stopped thinking about what it would've been like if he was still with us. How our lives probably would've been so much happier." I said with a far away look

She seemed to be sorry about asking at all but I waved it off

Menma: "But its fine. I won't dwell in the past or think about 'what ifs', I only want to keep moving toward the future I desire. I'll carry the dreams of those who've fallen behind, the lessons they made for us, and even if it means I'll need to walk through hell while bearing the weight of the entire world. I still wouldn't hesitate to do so as long as those I hold dear are safe. I'll push through all of it no matter the cost." The longer I spoke the more steel entered my eyes.

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When I didn't get a response back, I looked at her only to see her face lit up like a raspberry and completely in awe

Menma: "What? Did I say something weird?"

Kuro: "Kit, I'm a thousand year old fox who hates humanity, and even I can tell what's going on here..."

Menma: "I don't get it."

Kuro: "*sigh*,That blonde kozo's not the only one that needs help I see."

Hinata?: "I-I, um, I see...tha-thats really coo- I mean ho- I mean, um admirable! Yes, admirable, that's it! I uh, have to get back now. Take care!" She immediately scrambled to get up and away

Menma: "Wait! I didn't even get your name!"

She paused mid run and shyly turned halfway toward me

Hazuki: "I-its Hazuki..."

And like that she was gone

I see, her names Hazuki. If I guessed what this alteration means then I suppose its fitting she's named moon. Especially if any of it had to do with those bandages she had under her bangs

I headed back on my way home with many thoughts going through my mind that day

Timeskip-no-jutsu

Next day

I decided to do some walk on wall training today, jumping from building to building while trying to find a nice spot to practice my new hobby

It didn't happen often, but new memories of my past life would pop up every now and then, and a few weeks ago I learned I used to play a certain instrument

Even though I saw the instrument I still couldn't see myself, as if I was a censored blur. I suppose there's no point in expecting my past identity to ever be known

I reached a rather barren roof that had a bench under shade to rest on

Menma: That should do it

When I settled myself I took the wrapped up instrument off my back

A shamisen.

I was shocked honestly, to know I played it before. I still had no idea what my past ethnicity was but it didn't matter. Although I gained the knowledge, I still had little experience actually playing it in this life. But I found re-learning it actually relaxing

Since it was still a bit too big for me I laid it across my lap and began to tune it. After a few seconds I decided to get started

Recommendation: Tsugaru Shamisen

(A/n: I find this instrument very calming)

I gave a long sigh and wiped the sweat from my brow

Menma: Damn I must have had years of practice in my last life to get something like that down pat

I strummed the eastern guitar a bit more before my senses caught someone listening while I was focused on playing

Looking to my right I saw someone hanging off the roofs doorway

A boy around my age wearing pain brown shorts and grey shirt. He had some pretty mean looking olive eyes but had some pretty funny looking spikey hair all tied into a ponytail that looked more like a pineapple than anything else.

Shikimaru Nara, shadow possession specialist, and most intelligent leaf tactician

He had his eyes closed and nodding his head slightly. Seemed he was rolling the tune through his head a bit. When he realized I'd stopped playing he opened his eyes that met mine

Shikimaru: "Sorry, didn't mean to disturb you. Its just that this is the best spot to watch the clouds usually but I wasn't expecting someone else to be here." He said lazily but I could tell it was sincere

Menma: "It's fine, no harm done. If I'm messing with your spot I can leave if you want?" I offered

I had no problem with shikimaru, from what I knew he was the most likely person for me to get along with. Whenever I wasn't spending my time with those I liked I usually preferred the sweet release of silence whenever I trained and relaxed

Shikimaru: "Nah man, I can tell this spots giving you some good vibes for your music so I just don't wanna mess with it." He explained back to me

After that it seemed we reached an impass and sat in silence for a bit

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Menma: "Wanna just hang out while I practice?" I asked bored

Shikimaru: "Sure." He shrugged

And like that a beautiful friendship of laziness and smarts was born

-BREAK

Authore note: 4.3k, slowly building up the length of these chapters.

Well there you have it, our second member of our future organization and with a unexpected twist. Plans for how Haki and Zabuza will be handled will be explained in a future chapter, maybe after another few years

I wonder how many picked up the what the exact alteration concerning the hyuga clan Hazuki was. I'm sure some of you have and her immediate outburt should be a clue as to who she will turn into in the future

As for shikamaru and menmas relationship there will be more light shed later on, but as to why I didn't stretch out their meeting it was actually because there was nothing too wright. Menma nature is inherited like a crafty fox, he loves to trick others and is almost always scheming in his head, but unless its training or spending time with his loved ones he likes nothing more than to laze about enjoying life. Both he and shikimaru are just two lazy dudes who like to think

As for that bit of fanservice in the beginning thats about as much as it will extend to, I'm not here to sexualize anything between a max 13 year old in this series. Maybe Tsunade but nothing explicit. I may try to touch on more things like that when I get to shippuden but thats a long way

Also for those who haven't pieced it together, Hazuki and Haku are harem.

Thats all for now, Bye Bye