1st Pov

Two months later

Uzumaki household

Things have been...rather nice since my impromptu meeting with Shikamaru and Hazuki.

I would often do my wall walk and jump training using the town roofs and would meet in the same spot with Shikamaru every other day. He would lay there watching the clouds and I would practice my playing. Occasionally we would talk between my songs and I'd find we both could talk on a similar wavelength. He could grasp how to have a higher level of conversation much better than anyone else our age.

As for Hazuki, our meetings were much more sparse but somehow even more relaxing. We would meet once or twice a week on the same trail and in the same spot. We'd simply sit next to each other and enjoy the scenery. Sometimes she'd talk about her brother and family, how things are going. She'd never elaborate on who 'she' was so I never asked, I had a good idea who it was anyways

Of course, there were always moments where my blood would boil because of the people in this village. It was only a week ago when I found kid's trying to beat up Naruto at the playground. And let's just say...

*Crack!*

I gave them a lesson they'd never forget

I got distracted from my musing by one of my fox's chakra pulse

Menma: Did something happen? Or did one of them find their target's

Placing my mask on my senses expanded

-BREAK

Byakko Pov

Land of water - Kaguya clan compound

Currently Byakko was waiting outside a cave entrance which seemed to lead to the residents of the one and only Kaguya clan. The last remaining bloodline of Kaguya Otsutsuki. At least of her direct bloodline if one ignored the complex web between the Hyuga, Uchiha, Uzumaki, Senju, and whatever else there was.

But that didn't matter to me, what mattered was who I was here for.

Byakkos strengths lied in agility and his muslce power, just like the tiger he was. His ability in stealth wasn't the greatest yet it would be enough. The clansman weren't weak by any means but they were only roughly between chunin and jonin level

Quickly making his way through the labyrinth of cave channels I had Baykko look for the patriarch's room before finding my target. I needed records, information on this clan, a map of the compound. Anything I could get Byakko's paws on

Byakko needed to transform between his small fox form and battle form often in order to sneak and speed through the place effectively, dodging many patrolling clansmen. When I found the room I needed it was fortunately empty. I had Byakko transform into my future self's human form and stored as many of the clans files as I could, they would come in handy later. Once I found the map I knew exactly where my target was

Speeding through the caves I finally came across the person I was looking for locked behind prison bars

A young boy with pale complexion and even paler white hair. Jade colored irises stared unblinking at stone while his facial features were accentuated with small bits of red face paint around his eyes and two dots on his forehead.

Kimimaro, wielder of kuaguya's bone kekkai genkai, future last survivor ofHehe Kaguya clan, and future strongest of the sound five

Menma: Finally, out of all, the young characters I wanted to recruit. Kimimaro was perhaps the strongest. If it wasn't for the illness he developed, he most likely would've been one of the strongest shinobi like Haku could. If I'd missed him and let Orochimaru have his way in another year then I'd never be able to live it down.

As Byakko approached the cave I saw that Kimimaro was distracted carving a face into the stone with his own bones

While it was a bit tricky for my foxes to use traditional jutsu it wasn't impossible. With a bit of space-time ninjutsu I had Byakko faze through the bars of the cell. Once I did Kimimaro's attention was finally on his new visitor and turned his head to Byakko

To say he was startled that a large deadly white tiger was now in the cage with him was an understatement. He immediately scurried backwards and shakily pointing his bone knife at me

Kimimaro: "Who- what are you? Ho-how did you get here?!" He stuttered at me

Observing more closely I saw that he wasn't shaking because he was scared, but rather incredibly confused. It seems he didn't understand fear for his life but fear of the unknown instead

Byakko/Menma: "Grrr~ I suppose that is a appropriate question, and yet before I answer I must know why you don't seem scared of me? You only seem surprised by my appearance."

Kimimaro was taken aback by that but his mind seemed to be relatively simple minded, probably has to do with being raised in a cell most of his life.

Kimimaro: "I - I don't know. I've just never seen something like you before, but I…" He muttered unsure while looking down in thought.

I see, he doesn't even understand his own curiosity. His instincts to survive are high, but he doesn't understand why he wishes to keep living. Without any knowledge of the world around him he will keep pushing and pulling at his own curiosity until someone gives him a direction to follow.

Byakko/Menma: "Chuckle, I suppose that's understandable. This vessels name if Byakko, but for you child, you may call me Menma."

I usually wouldn't give my name to someone I didn't trust. But Kimimaro wasn't someone I worried about giving that information to. I had even recently given my name to Pakura and Haku as well

Pakura has been performing many of the tasks I had asked her to, collecting information on different lands and the happening between villages. It seemed she was quite adept at it and even expressed that she wanted to make an informant network as well. In exchange for these tasks, I've had my fox in the land of wind watch over her pupil Maki. I've also had my other foxes steal ryo and supplies for Pakura and stash them in different outposts for her use. She's proven her capabilities and willingness to fight, so I gave her my name and trust

As for Haku, that was a more spur-of-the-moment kind of situation. I'd simply been telling her stories one night and she innocently asked. I hadn't even thought twice about saying my name until it already escaped my mouth. Yet I didn't regret it at all. In fact, soon after I had Tennyo transform into my true child form our connection became even stronger from then on. Pakura would obviously be flabbergasted and unwilling to follow a child my age, but for Haku it only made her feel happier that we could be on the same wavelength

Byakko/Menma: "But enough about me child, tell me. Why do you stay here in this cell instead of exploring the vast world outside?"

Kimimaro: "It's because- because my clan wants me to. My power is dangerous they said." He explained as if rehersed.

Byakko/Menma: "Grrrr~ Fools the lot of them, to contain one of such strong marrow as yourself not because you are a danger but because they fear you."

Kimimaro: "Fear me?" He asked stupefied.

Byakko/Menma: "Yes child, they fear your power, what they don't understand. Do you wish to understand?"

Kimimaro: "Understand? I- I want to. I want to finally understand my purpose!" He yelled with such emotion that it actually spooked me, for such a soft-spoken child he certainly had spirit when he wanted to

*poof*

Transforming into my future human form I knelt down to his height

Menma: "Little bone marrow, for my own purpose I require the power of people such as yourself. Are you willing to learn from me and follow?"

Kimimaro seemed both very eager yet extremely hesitant

Kimimaro: "I- I want. But the clan...I-" He continued to struggle in what he wanted

I see, even though the Kaguya clan has mistreated and left him here it is still the only place he's ever known and belonged. He needs to be set free before he can truly grow. Let's see, from this point in time it should only take about...

Menma: "Alright then, how about we make a bet instead?"

Kimimaro: "A bet?"

Menma: "Its where we both put something on the line and depending on the conditions, one of us will get what the other bets. In one year, you will have a chance to be free from this place. Within that year I will have Byakko stay here and I will occasionally teach you about the outside world. Should you choose to follow me after that I will welcome you with open arms. However, if you choose not to follow, I will help you find a safe haven. What do you say?"

Kimimaro eagerly nodded his head, his eyes shining with what I could only assume was hope.

I knew that even after a year he would most likely still want to follow me, this simply offered the chance to build more gratitude in him. I felt bad for manipulating someone so innocent like kimimaro, but if it meant gaining strength like his I had to bury my guilt

As I was ready to separate from Byakko when Kimimaro suddenly spoke up

Kimimaro: "Um, uh, mister Menma...are you, a god?"

…

…

…

Well for someone as naive as kimimaro a perspective like that isn't unbelievable.

Menma: "First let's drop the sir little marrow, were actually not far in age." Hes two years older than me after all.

He meekly nodded his head.

Menma: Still a god huh? When I hear that title a certain spiky emo ginger comes to mind. In that case...

Menma: "No little bone marrow I'm not a God, if I had to say what I was, it'd be...

"The demon that will drag them from their thrones..."

-BREAK

1st Pov

Timeskip-no-jutsu: Seven months later (A/n: for those wondering i am doing a month count so its October now)

Road to Uzumaki residence

It's been some time since I first made contact with Kimomaru.

It seemed him and Byakko acted rather brotherly when I was gone. I'd always find Byakko wrapped around kimimaro sleeping form and he would couple closer into Byakkos fur. Seemed kimimaro really liked his white color. Of course, they were always careful. While the clan never really bothered with kimimaro they still needed to feed him so Byakko would turn into his fox form and hide in a corner.

Recent days had been rather peaceful. I hadn't seen Hazuki much, apparently, she and her bro had been upping their training recently, most likely because Neji will be entering the academy soon.

(A/n: Menma turns 6 this month which means Neji has already turned 7, so he's one year away)

I still play my shamisan on the same rooftop every other day with Shikimaru listening though recently he now brings Choji along sometimes, I don't talk to him much but he still appreciates my music.

Concerning the current people I've entrusted with my fox masks. Pakura is currently amassing personnel for her intelligence network, mostly out of old friends she trusted and favors she cashed in. I'd warned her plenty about the dangers of Jiraiya own intel network but she assured me she'd be careful, but it would be inevitable that some news slipped through the cracks. Just hopefully not her identity or who she worked with.

As for Haku, we were almost inseparable at this point, whenever I checked up on her she'd always stay close when I transformed. I'd always reminded her that the body was still Tennyos, not my own. But she'd still insist on holding my hand or cuddling. She was honestly the next closest person to me outside my family.

Kimimaro wasn't far behind really. I always tried to teach him as much as I could and educate him whenever I visited. I worried about the slightly fanatical look he had whenever it was time for his lessons, almost like he was listening to someone preaching the gospel. He always looked forward when I would possess Byakko since it meant I'd be telling him more stories too. Despite his zealous nature he was so pure and innocent I always indulged his requests.

I broke my chain of thoughts when I realized I was in front of my house door. In my right hand a bag that held Naruto birthday present for tomorrow, a pair of dark green goggles like what he wore before he'd gotten his headband in the future. I decided to get it a bit early since I intended to start his training soon

When I opened the door however I saw that the lights were off in the house

Menma: Strange, Naruto should be home by now. And even if moms still sleeping we'd usually still leave one light on for her

I immediately became worried and put my guard up. Making my way tactfully through the house I came across the kitchen entrance and slowly reached for the light switch.

But before I could someone else hit it first.

Kushina/Naruto: "SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Two voices I recognized shouted.

When the lights turned on, I was about to immediately lash out at whoever was there. But once I saw my family, I became dumbfounded instead

Naruto: "Woah! Look at that mom we completely shocked him. This was a great idea after all just to see that stupid look on your face big bro! Ha-HaH!"

*Bonk*

Naruto: "Ooow~" He whined and held the bruise on his forehead.

Kushina: "Don't poke fun at your brother like that mister." She scolds before turning to me.

Kushina: "Sorry for surprising you like this Menma. I know you and Naruto's birthday is tomorrow, but recently I've been thinking that just because you boys have the same birthday doesn't mean we have to celebrate the same day. I've decided from now on we'll celebrate one of your birthday's one day before, and the others on the actual day. And we'll switch who goes first each year, that way you can both have your special day instead of share it." She finished explaining with a bright smile

Honestly I was touched. I didn't mind sharing my day with Naruto, it was usually just the three of us anyways. Mom's friends would drop by occasionally or come for her birthday but not ours, I didn't hold it against them at all.

But here Mom was, trying to make things as special for us as much as possible. Despite all the hate and hardships, it was moments like these, with a loving family like this. They just made me so-

A smile bloomed. One so pure and bright that it eclipsed all the dark feelings in my heart for this single moment.

So Happy!

- BRAEK

Kuro Pov

Inner world

Kuro: "Hmph, good for you kit. Enjoy it while it lasts."

*BATHUMP*

Kuro: "Grr, damn this things annoying. Thankfully things have settled down now that the kits gotten more people he can trust. The positive emotions are helping a lot."

Above Kuros head was a glowing mass or composed of black and white light. The amount of white light was far more than the black which seemed to be being pushed toward the center of the sphere. However, every now and then the black lights size would spike largely, only to then be slowly pushed back down by the white

Kuro: "Haa~, Lets both enjoy it while it lasts. Since even I'm not immune to its influence. It's a natural part of both of us after all."

…

…

…

-BREAK

Timeskip-no-jutsu: One month later

Uzumaki training ground

My last birthday I can say was the best day of my life so far. As for Naruto's day, saying he was ecstatic would be an understatement. He absolutely loved the goggle piece and wore it almost every day

I also began to bring Naruto to the training grounds so we could start his own training

Worst mistake of my life. Trying to train Naruto in patience and control was like teaching a bull to only knock down half the glass in a China shop. To give benefit of the doubt his seal was still shut nice and tight, because of that part of his chakra flow was stagnant

Seems like the only way to fix his flow of chakra would be to slightly loosen his seal with a burst of emotion or do it manually. Unfortunately, Kuro seemed to be against it, saying I should just let it happen naturally. It made things harder but I could probably still have Naruto progress faster than he did in the original

Today I was at the training grounds by myself and perfecting a few more jutsu. Before it would take me a few weeks to learn and master a jutsu technique. Now it only takes me a few day's

Menma: "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

*poof*

And after three days of practice I'd finally managed to make...four clones

Menma: "What the hell Kuro! I just spent what felt like gallons worth of chakra and yet I can only make these many clones?! I know I performed it right and even distributed the chakra evenly?!"

Kuro: "You just don't have the affinity for it kit."

Menma: "Affinity? But I should have the similar to Naruto's and he can make hundreds of clones?"

Kuro: "Admittedly this has to do more with me than you kit. Remember I am almost composed of all Yin energy. Yin focuses more on mind than matter. It enhances most genjutsu and elemental ninjutsu Your brother however has my Yang half. Yang energy focuses more on matter, giving the body strength and healing jutsu. In fact, the healing power my yang half, as much as I hate to admit it, could probably trounce the healing ability my raw chakra can give."

Menma: "Interesting… since shadow clones are meant to create temporary physical bodies its a yang related technique. If I tried to make elemental clones like water then I'd probably have itsissue. Problem is those don't record and transmit memories like shadow clones do."

Kuro: "That's right kit, while you could still perform the techniques themself. They won't be as effective as someone who has and overly strong yang. You could still power them up by just pouring more chakra but at that point it's just wasteful."

Menma: "Well I still intend to learn healing jutsu but this shouldn't be a big problem. Are their any more benefits or detrimental to having a lot of yin than yang kuro?"

Kuro: . . .

Menma: "Kuro?"

Kuro: "Its nothing kit, listen let's talk about this later. I'm feeling a bit drowsy. . ."

Menma: ". . . Alright, sweet dreams Kuro,"

With that the connection was cut. I knew there was something he was hiding but I still trusted Kuro, whatever it was, he would tell me as soon as it became a actual problem

Two pulses of chakra pulled me from my thoughts

Menma: Two? One is from Suzaku in the land of waterfalls, while the other was from Tennyo

I threw one of my spare masks toward one of the clones

Menma: "I want you to see what Tennyo wants, it most likely has to be something related to Haku or that 'other' matter." I pointed at the three clones. "One of you will go back home and make sure mom and Naruto are still fine. The other two will stay here and practice jutsu and Chakra. Understood?"

Clones: "Right!"

With that I placed my main mask on and connect my senses to Suzaku.

-BREAK

Suzaku Pov

Land of Waves - Takigakure

Suzaku was circling high above a rather impressive but not very large noble castle

Menma: "Strange, what drew your attention Suzaku?"

Although my foxes couldn't speak on their own, through our connection I could feel their intentions or a general response without any words. It was a little weird

Menma: "A familiar presence? A pulling force? What could be causing that?"

The only reason Suzaku was even in the land of water was because Pakura had recently made her temporary base of operations between here and the land of grass. Because of the nations relative peace she figured it'd be the best area to lye low. Here the funds and Intel she needed flowed naturally and Suzaku had the greatest speed to deliver messages and funds to her and her agents

I had Suzaku descend carefully. There shouldn't be anything to create such a pull in this land, and yet I felt like I was missing something

My answer came when an excited shout coming from one of the castle balconies.

?: "Hey you up there! I don't know why but you wanna come down here? I've never been friends with a big bird before!" *giggle*

There stood an energetic girl with light lime green hair and bright orange eyes waving up toward us.

Kuro: "Careful kit, I know now why my tail was drawn toward this girl. She's the vessel of Chomei. While he's not as strong as that stupid octopus, he makes up for it in versatility and annoying fast speed. He's not outright hostile, in fact he's infuriatingly positive, but he's not against defending himself." Kuro informed

Menma: Chomei, that was...the seven tails! Which means this girl was...damn what was it...Fu! Thats right Fu of Takigakure. She participated in the sand villages chunin exam and eventually captured by two of the akatsuki.

Going over all the info I had on the girl, which wasn't much, I realized that this was an opportunity. My goal was to prevent the jinchuriki from falling into the Akatsuki's hands and thereby stop Obito and Madara...

And the most effective method, would be to terminate her before they got their hands on her. Preventing Chomei from reviving for another decade...

Menma: "But could I do that?" I asked myself while looking into Fu's eyes full of life and curiosity

Kuro: . . .

No

No, I wouldn't kill someone undeserving. I'm willing to do whatever it took to save the future but if I killed what few principles I had then I'd just be killing myself

I had Suzaku descend further down, perching itself on the railing next to Fu, who became so shocked she fell on her behind

Fu: "Woah! I didn't think you'd actually come down big guy. Just felt like a gut instinct to call out to you?" She muttered in disbelief

I see, she hasn't begun connecting with Chomei yet. From what I remember Fu was one of the few jinchuriki who was actually on good terms with their tailed beast

Fu: "But now that I got a closer look at'cha your not a regular old bird are you?" She asked curiously but now a little cautious.

I stared for a little longer, weighing my options before coming to a decision.

Suzaku/Menma: "Apologies, it seems Suzaku became a bit too curious after feeling your chakra."

Fu: "What-the-what! I wasn't to expecting you to talk either big bir- I mean, Suzaku" she said unsurely

Suzaku/Menma: "Chuckle, Thats fine, it's the usual response after all, actually your reaction might be the most normal I've had so far." *ruffle*

Suzaku/Menma: "This vessal is named Suzaku, but the name you may refer to me as is Menma. And it nice to meet someone else who's like me."

Fu: "Like you? I don't know how I'm like a bird but it's nice to meet you Menma, I'm Fu!" She greeted energetically.

Quite the spunky one isn't she?

Suzaku/Menma: "Chuckle, Nice to meet you Fu. And when I said similar I did not mean appearance wise."

*poof*

Transforming into my alternates human form I hopped from the rail to the floor and faced the now guarded Fu

Menma: "I meant another jinchuriki like myself Fu, a vessal for a powerful tailed beast."

Fu eyes went round.

Fu: "Woah your the same as me?! How many tails does your have?! Can yours fly?! Is that why you can become a bird?! Hey maybe we can fly together since apparently mine can fly like a bird too?!" She rapid fired question after question.

Yep, its official, I'm definitely gonna lose my mind if I don't stop her

Menma: "Hey Kuro, can we connect our seals together?"

Kuro: "It's possible, but for now I'd wait till she connects with that family nut bug first."

True, even if Chomei's as friendly as kuro says he may take the opportunity to break right out of his seal, and its been shown the Akatsuki are strong enough to handle fully released tailed beasts as well

Memma: "Calm down Fu, but I'd actually like to answer the question you asked earlier."

Fu stopped bouncing around and looked at my curiously

Menma: "I think I'd like to become your friend." I said sincerely.

Fu's eyes became even wider before lowering her head and shaking rapidly

Menma: Did I say something wrong?

I became worried until she jumped up with her arms raised high.

Fu: "WOOHOO! This is the best day ever!" *shakes my hand rapidly* "Congratulations Menma you have the honor of being Fu's first friend!"

Menma: What's up with the third person all of a sudden, and did she say first?

I thought Fu was a rather sad child before being taken in and cared for by the village leader? Could things be different again.

Menma: "First?" I inquired.

Fu became a little dejected at that and my eyes finally caught what lied behind those bright orbs of hers, sadness, loneliness.

Fu: "The lord of Takigakure has always looked out and cared for me and I've always appreciated it. But he's always said I should always be positive and be friendly with others. The problem is whenever I talk to the people here...I can see past their smiles, they always feel forced. Like their 'supposed' to be friendly with me and not because we are. Even though its tradition fir the jinchuriki to be treated and taught about unity I'll never be able to escape the fact that I am the 'secret weapon' of the hidden waterfall..." she finished dejectedly.

I see, it seems Fu wasn't as naive as I thought. In a way she's like Naruto with her hyper active persona, but under it all she's extremely sharp and able to read people.

Takigakure isn't a large ninja village so their military power is far behind the rest of their peers. So in order to have a Trump card they make sure their tailed beast is loyal and willing to lay their life for the village. But humans will discriminate over the smallest things sometimes, since their meant to be nice to her they act nice but underneath it all they still see her as a monster and weapon.

I decided that if I was going to let Fu live, then I'd take responsibility and change her fate.

Menma: "Hey Fu, are you alone here often?"

Fu: "Uuh sometimes? Shibuki likes to give me my breathing room but I still need to be monitored sometimes. But since he doesn't have many guards or ninja as security I tend to be able to get away enough."

Menma: "Then how about this, every other day when the suns low like it is now, try to keep come by here and if you see Suzaku in the sky that means we can hang out. As your first friend I need to be able to look after you, but since Suzaku does a lot of work for me, I can't do so all the time. This way we'll be able to meet often whenever I'm available. What do you say?" I offered.

Fu stood there slightly stunned before her eyes began to tear slightly, but before they could fall she quickly scrubbed them away and looked at me with sparkling eyes

Fu: "You serious?! Like super serious?! That'd be awesome, so incredibly awesome! You got to promise alright, cuz friends always keep their promises, right?!"

With the pure excitement and happiness she exuded; I couldn't help but feel content inside

Menma: "I promise."

-BREAK

1st Pov

Timeskip-no-jutsu

After a few more hours of just talking with Fu I disconnected from Suzaku.

Since I hadn't received any memories from home so that clone was still out and about. My other two clones were still sparring while the clone who connected to Tennyo sat on the side patiently. After seeing that I was done he gave me a nod before poofing out of existence.

After he disappeared, I received all his memories, and I was pleased to know my assumption was correct. The target I'd been waiting for finally arrived at the town Haku and Tennyo were at

It was time to meet Zabuza Mamochi

-BREAK

Authors note: 4.9k Another one down. Hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving!

I hope some appreciate me keeping track of the dates, the wiki timeline doesn't have any actual yearly dates so I have to use the believe it timeline. Problem is both timelines have info that the other doesn't sometimes its just a mess. But thanks to doing so I know about character age and life altering events.

Kimimaro joins as the third fox mask, I didn't mention it but each person Menma recruits gets a mask based on the number they were brought in by. As for whether kimimaro will still meet orochimaru, its a surprise.

The birthday may have been unnecessary but it was to establish that Menma will have heartfelt moments with people he's close to, to help keep him grounded and humble. As for the little tidbit with kuro, that will be fully explained in time.

Thats all for now, Bye Bye