Chapter 10: Return Part 2

"Things were falling apart. We just could not slow down. We were evolving into something greater, perhaps too much for our own good. And one thing always remained as I moved on. I saved a little bit of love just in case you would ever return home." ― Robert M. Drake, Beautiful Chaos


Naruto, Hinata, & Jiraiya

"First things first, would you two like to get some breakfast?!"

Jiraiya bellows it with as much enthusiasm as he can muster despite exhaustion seeping faster into him now, rubbing his eyes again to ensure he really isn't losing it and hallucinating the pair before him.

They're truly here though. Real.

Naruto slowly moves to stand, arm still wrapped around Hinata helping her up as she slowly opens her eyes at the sudden movement. The first rays of sunlight are coming in, running along the Naka river and grasslands bathing them in light yellows to pinks.

"Ah we're back." Hinata whispers in awe, taking in the scenery properly before noticing Jiraiya's amused grin on them. Her cheeks grow warm, slowly untangling herself from Naruto's hold.

'Sasuke must've came and gone without being seen.' She notes, the surrounding woods devoid of any people besides the animals who call it home. It made sense, he didn't want to make any unnecessary changes to the past if he could help it she supposed.

"I see you've both grown taller!" Jiraiya chuckles as they stretch themselves out. Not only that, but their eyes have changed, seen much of the world since being gone this past year. Blue and lavender orbs gaze at him with a warm hesitancy and he pauses, wondering what he should ask them or tell them about first.

So much has happened within Konoha and the other nations, the Akatsuki is starting to make their presence known...

"Seems like you're the only person here to greet us? We thought it would be...a bit chaotic upon arriving back you know!" Naruto questions, glancing around to see it truly is just them alone.

Jiraiya nods, slapping his cheeks feeling fully awake now. "I sure am! I received an update from Gamamaru on when you two would be returning back and made sure to be in the right location and time for it!"

"You saw a vision from The Great Geezer Sage? I'm surprised it was fully correct knowing how off-topic he can get! Gramps and Granny Toad should get him fitted with hearing aids if ones could be made for Toads!" Naruto muses.

"Right?! He thought I was saying fly instead of try and then brought up food during the vision!" Jiraiya chuckles.

He pauses then at a sudden thought before he can think of another story involving the Toads. 'Wait, I never took Naruto to Mount Myōboku or even told him about that location, yet he already knows Shima and Fukasaku that live there?'

His chest twists, he had to know then.

Of course he would start training with them if the opportunity arose, investigate about his parents, about his heritage.

Everything he never told him...

'Why isn't he confronting me? Is it because Hinata's here; is he waiting until she goes back home?' He wonders.

Suddenly the thought of food makes his stomach churn.

"I have onigiri if you're hungry Jiraiya, Naruto." Hinata offers breaking up the sudden silence, holding up her bag and Naruto brightens, pumping a fist up excitedly.

"Yeah, I'll take one Hinata! Ichiraku's or any of the general stores probably aren't even open yet going by what time it seems to be. I'm so glad our older counterparts thought to pack us some snacks you know!" He relates.

"It's not a surprise, but there's some curry ramen, melon pan, and pocky in here too." Hinata giggles, passing around the cups and packages.

Jiraiya follows them to the edge of the river, reluctantly accepting an onigiri and box of sweets from her.

He opens his chopsticks slowly, studying the pair as they casually converse over their plans for the day.

'They've gotten stronger, that much is obvious. Naruto's sensory range has improved and I imagine Hinata's has as well. They looked at me somberly for a brief second, what did they see in the future for them to look at me that way? That figure attached to Naruto's jacket, it looks like a child's toy and yet it's significant enough for him to pocket it.' Jiraiya considers, another thought popping to mind.

'I'm sure they went just about 10 years into the future, what's going to happen to Konoha in that time for them to hold such expressions?'

The questions spin in his mind, not realizing Naruto is calling his name until he looks up.

"Pervy-Sage? Earth to Pervy-Sage?!" Naruto asks, waving a hand in front of his face.

"Not my name, but yes?" Jiraiya snorts, pushing his hand back down.

Naruto snickers, gesturing with his head to Hinata. "I'm going to walk Hinata back to the Hyuga compound then you and I should catch up at my apartment or get some lunch."

Rice sticks to his throat, nodding slowly. His chest burns all over again, heart clenching at his serious look.

He swallows, ignoring the drumming of his heart in his ears. "Yes, there's much for us to catch up on."

Naruto nods, arching a brow at his sudden leery grin. Jiraiya waves him forward and lowers his voice, ensuring Hinata can't overhear them.

"So...you and the Hyuga girl huh? I saw the way you were holding onto her there when I first came upon you two! The last time we talked though you were trying and failing to win Sakura's affections."

Naruto squirms, cheeks gaining a reddish tint kicking at the dirt and grass. "Hinata and I are dating, yes. We're married in the future so it's not a big deal."

'Not a big deal?! I beg to differ!' Jiraiya wants to sputter, managing to keep his face neutral.

"Well Kid, that's big news even if you don't say it is! I never paid much attention to your classmates, but I see you're like me in more ways than one!" He remarks proudly.

Naruto frowns, wrinkling his nose leaning back from him. "In what ways?"

Jiraiya's grin widens, motioning with hands his favorite parts of a woman's body. "Don't play dumb, you know in the breast department! Not as big as Tsunade's, though you're both still growing! Ahh, so lucky you have her affections only for you."

"Don't look at Hinata that way." Naruto scowls, enough for Jiraiya to wave his hands up in mock defense. A flash of crimson runs across his eyes like a bolt of lightning, gone as soon as it came and he makes a mental note not to bring up Hinata's growing figure around him in the future.

Or maybe ever again.

"I'm just saying, you're a lucky guy Naruto! Anyways, don't forget who her Dad is. Hiashi Hyuga isn't the easiest person to get along with or please. Trust me, I know from experience." Jiraiya points out, recalling his disastrous encounter with the man over tea.

Naruto huffs, anger abated for now as he waves off the warning. "I'm not worried about her Dad or the Hyuga clan."

He peers back to Hinata then, her pearl orbs focused on the ripples and bubbling in the sea-green waters of the Naka river as morning fog dissipates over the stream. He's sure her mind is clouded with seeing Neji, Hanabi, and her Father again, unsure what to say to them when the time comes for them all to meet. As well, if they don't pack up soon and leave, someone (most likely Gai or Lee on one of their early morning jogs) will see them and start asking hundreds of more questions.

"Hinata, ready to go?" Naruto calls out to her, breaking her concentration and she nods, tacking on a smile as she moves to stand and brush crumbs off her pants.

"Let me impart some words of wisdom when it comes to the opposite sex." Jiraiya adds on in a whisper hiss.

Naruto rolls his eyes, but leans back in to listen.

"Make sure to use protection as you get two get older. Wait, you two haven't done it yet already; have you?" He questions. With all of Naruto's apparent knowledge and current behavior, maybe he doesn't need his advice when it comes to this matter of life and growing up.

Naruto flusters, pink blush darkening his face down to his neck.

"I'm not telling you that!"


Hinata

"Do you want me to come in there with you?"

Naruto asks it gently, squeezing at her hand. Sweat slicks her palms and briefly she wonders if he can hear the frantic lurching of her heart, the knots dancing and shifting about in her stomach like moths.

'Weak. All you could do is run away instead of face your duties as a Hyuga.' Father's words hiss at her from her nightmares and her chest tightens all over again, nausea bubbling up.

His gaze is always icy in each dream, disdain marking his features before waving her away to pretend she no longer exists. The punishment feels fitting, she after all stole a precious scroll from the clan, abandoned her duties as a kunoichi in this time period, left her clan expecting Hanabi to perform her role as heiress without sudden notice...

'For love, you did it for love.' She reminds herself, though Father probably already knows this.

Love and desires shouldn't have made her steal all the same.

"I'll be fine, but thank you Naruto. I know you need to catch up with Jiraiya." Hinata voices back, eyeing Jiraiya from the side. He'd taken to resting on the rooftops, on the lookout for anyone upon the streets as Konoha slowly came to life for the day.

The news of their arrival would soon spread like a wildfire, out of their control as soon as one more person knew.

He thumbs at her cheek once they turn the corner that leads up the manor, pressing her against the fence out of sight.

"Don't let anything Hiashi says get to you, no matter how angry he gets. I know he's not the warm and smiling hugger we left behind, though someday he'll be that way." Naruto relates.

"I know." Hinata breathes back.

Warmth encompasses and pauses the storm in her chest as Naruto leans into her, Hinata standing on her tiptoes to meet him halfway. His lips taste of the saltiness of the ramen and sweetness of the chocolate pocky, pressing closer to imprint the scent of oak and moss on herself.

"...We should meet for dinner later, maybe? If we both don't get caught up in everything." Naruto mentions when he breaks away.

Hinata's gaze softens, rubbing at his arms. "I'd like that. Follow your same advice too Naruto. Don't get angry; listen."

And then slowly she untangles herself out of his hold, peering up towards the manor and walking on ahead; alone.

At this time of day the attendants are already rising, watering the plants in the garden, feeding the koi fish of the pond, and splitting up between preparing breakfast and setting up the mediation/training rooms for afterwards. Everybody else should be getting up shortly and her heart jumps realizing the disruption she is going to cause to the usual morning routines.

Kō is the first to notice her, greeting the night guards for their change of shift when he hears the shuffling of her footsteps approaching.

Tantō blades and katana immediately rise towards her in warning, silver blades shining in the morning's rays. Byakugans become pinned on her from all directions, gasps slipping out in slow recognition as the weapons are lowered.

"Lady Hinata?" Kō states cautiously and Hinata nods, aiming her own byakugan back at them all to show it's her.

"Good Morning...I've returned. Is Father in?" She asks gently.

Nobody speaks for a painfully long minute, enough for her to believe they didn't hear or don't fully believe it's her. Kō clears his voice and nods, gesturing for her to follow him inside.

"He should still be in his private quarters, but I will take you through the back gardens to greet him as an urgent matter." He explains.

Hinata nods, letting him lead the way despite them both knowing which way to go. The manor hasn't changed much at all in her absence it seems, same mahogany flooring and scent of jasmine and pine in the air.

"Big Sister?!" Hanabi cries out midway into their walk around the side of the compound, Hinata turning to see her shoving her way through attendants and guards to wrap herself around her legs. The action topples them to the floor, Hanabi scooting further up her legs and wrapping her arms tightly around her.

"Hanabi, I can't move!" Hinata giggles, and it's then she notes the sharp cut of her chestnut hair now barely at her neck, the fast thudding of her heart against her chest.

"Good, now you can't ever leave me alone again!" She snaps and it sounds so much like Boruto, like Himawari that she can't help but squeeze her back.

"Why didn't you say you were coming back to today?!" Hanabi huffs, not caring for the stunned and confused looks they're getting from their fellow main and branch clan members as they peek out of their rooms or step out into the hallway to get a better look at the commotion.

"Is it really her? She's come back?" Hiroki whispers to an aide.

"It certainly looks like Lady Hinata, hair is longer and she has our clan's eyes and skill. I saw from the window when she greeted the guards at the gate." Hanae murmurs back, both scampering away when Hinata catches their eye.

'So much for trying to come in discreetly.' She sighs.

The crowds are broken up again as Neji steps forward, taking in Hanabi's clutching of her with the same stoic face from her memories until a small grin cracks at his lips. He's gotten taller, changed to a different style of tan attire.

"It had to be true of Hinata's reappearance for Hanabi to get this excited so early in the morning, especially on the day of her all day training trip with Uncle." He mentions and Hinata swallows back a wedge of shock and joy to see Neji truly here before her once again.

Alive.

Hanabi moves to kick at him when he attempts to pull her off, pouting. "Noo, I'm not letting her go! We can skip the training for today and catch up with Big Sister!"

Neji scowls, rubbing his head at her childish behavior. "You know Uncle isn't going to agree to that."

Kō coughs, interrupting the moment and gaining everyone's attention.

"Lady Hinata, let us continue on to greet Master Hiashi, yes?"

And after much prying and dozens of promises she's not going anywhere for good this time, Hanabi lets her go to continue on her way to Father's quarters.

The garden is alive with violet hydrangeas and bright daylilies shades of red to yellow swaying in the breeze. They aren't flowers she imagined Father would've wanted so near to his study, flowers whose sharp scents could easily slip into every area of his room with a strong enough wind.

'Hydrangeas, I had wanted to plant some before I left.' Hinata considers, recalling the seeds she had bought from the Yamanaka's Flower shop and left on her desk.

'Had Father found them?' She realizes, she hadn't yet been to her room to check.

Hiashi is already outside his room to greet them, expression giving nothing away as they approach.

Kō bows, nodding to her. "Lady Hinata has returned."

'All you could do is runaway; coward.' The harshness of his voice twists in from her dreams and she straightens herself, hoping he can't see her trembling as Kō turns back to leave them alone.

"I'm back Father." She manages out without a stammer to her inner relief, meeting his stern gaze.

Hiashi nods, looking her over up and down.

"Your hair...you grew it out like your Mother's." He notes.

She curls at her toes, wondering if that is good or bad to him as he moves to sit, tea already set out on the steps leading to the garden.

"Welcome back. Come, let us talk. You've kept much from me I intend to find out all about." Hiashi relates.

Hinata shuffles before doing as he says, sitting opposite him as he pours out two cups of green tea. He passes her cup over, heat singeing her tongue gulping it down too fast trying to avoid the chill of his stare.

"No more secrets or lies Hinata, start from the beginning." He orders.


Sakura & Kakashi

"You can go back sensei, but I'm staying here." Sakura resolves.

She's read the letter twice over, Naruto and Hinata arrived back in Konoha sometime this morning. It's probably shocking all their classmates and sensei, wondering what to make of how they got back and what they saw in the future.

Since reading said letter it's been a debate on if they should stay or go. They haven't even talked to Gaara yet, what would be the point in going back now without accomplishing their main reason for coming?

Kakashi blows out a breath, following her gaze over Suna. Lady Chiyo had been willing enough to direct them to the nearest accommodations: Mariposa Lily aptly named after the bright orange wildflowers that grew on the east side of the village amid the patches of shrubbery. It's a moderately priced hotel that gives them a 360 view of the city from the rooftop and most importantly, quick updates from the messenger hawks on how things are going in their village.

"You're lucky we're always in need of medical personnel. There's...There's actually been a poison some of our shinobi have been inflicted with over the past couple of weeks from a mission they went on that perhaps you could take a look at." Chiyo grumbles out.

"Okay! When can I start? I assume these patients are in the intensive care wings of Suna's medical center?" Sakura questions.

Chiyo arches a brow at her eagerness, but nods. "Yes, report in at 7:00 am this Thursday after you get situated and rested from your journey here. I'll let the head medical director Tomoko know that you're coming and to let you in...if you're still here that is."

If she could research and treat this poison perhaps Lady Chiyo will trust in her enough to teach her how to put various poison techniques into practice on the field.

"It wouldn't be good to leave you here in a foreign nation alone. People don't look kindly to Konoha shinobi no matter their reason for coming at this moment." Kakashi regards taking her out of her thoughts, reminding her of the cold looks they got approaching the hotel, some openly looking at them with hostility as soon as they saw their headbands.

"You're a long way from home missy! Not afraid you'll get caught up in one of our sandstorms?" Maeda chuckles, Katahide snickering his agreement in finally letting them pass.

"No, I'd be more afraid of those scorpions at your shoulders!" Sakura beams back with a mocking grin, jade orbs locking on them until their eyes both completely cloud over.

And now the illusion, the real fun can truly start.

They yelp at the supposed black and red arachnids suddenly crawling up their shoulders, stingers threatening to pierce into their necks.

"Ahh, where did these come from?!" Maeda cries out, trying brushing off the creatures to no avail. Katahide attempts to stomp them away only to make dozens more appear, each one rapidly climbing up his legs and onto his arms.

"You didn't have to do that." Kakashi mutters as they walk in, though a hint of amusement underlies his tone.

Sakura shrugs, gazing back at the pair over her shoulder, the genjutsu will end as soon as their fully out of sight.

"They shouldn't have underestimated me. At least I'm not actually hurting them." She retorts dryly.

Though that encounter hadn't exactly put her in any of Suna's higher ups good graces, still she had needed to show she wasn't delicate.

And more so prove that she'll be fine without Kakashi's presence here with her or nearby her 24-7.

The only person who doesn't seem to believe that though is Kakashi himself.

Sakura crosses her arms, waiting for his rebuttal, some type of excuse involving the danger of being in this village alone as a teenaged girl, however Kakashi nods in understanding.

"I'm not going to push you or drag you back to Konoha if you feel there's things you can still learn and do here. It won't sit right with me though if I don't leave at least one of ninja hounds with you and I won't take no for an answer. Consider this me promising Lady Tsunade and your parents that I'm not just leaving you here without some reminder of home." He decides.

Sakura bristles, pursing her lips with a nod.

He summons Pakkun, the pug taking in their new environment curiously.

"This is quite a ways from Konoha. Are we on the hunt for somebody?" He questions.

Kakashi shakes his head, gesturing in the direction of Sakura.

"To keep things simple, I'll be heading back to Konoha to greet Naruto and Hinata who have returned back from the future. Sakura plans to stay here to hopefully study with Suna's best medical nin and discuss the issue of the Akatsuki planning to come here to take Gaara's one tail beast." He explains.

Pakkun gives her a dry look, it's been awhile since he's last seen her.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but not sure they'll take the word of mouth of a foreigner kunoichi to heart."

'Thanks for your vote of confidence.' Sakura muses, casting a sardonic grin at the dog.

She'd be better off with one of his more offensive dogs, though she bites her lip on the urge to complain.

It's lucky enough he's okay with her staying.

After Kakashi truly leaves she spends the rest of the day trying to figure out Gaara's schedule. He's flanked by Suna's elders going in and out of meetings from her spying, perhaps only alone come nightfall.

"He's alone now if you want to try. Heading towards the greenhouse." Pakkun suggests shortly after 9:00 pm.

A waning moon sits overhead, silver light scattering across the tan buildings.

'I'm sure he still has a guard nearby and there's too much moonlight to really hide properly.' Sakura considers.

Pakkun sniffs the air abruptly, ears pricking up in alert.

"Hold on, we're not alone." He warns in a low whisper.

And just as Sakura follows his eyes does a flurry of wind hit them, Sakura grabbing onto his vest before he's blown off the terrace.

"Hmm, so you really did decide to stay." A voice calls out overhead from the rooftop.

Ah, she recognizes that fan.

Temari.

"Not the way I expected to be greeted from you." Sakura smirks, leaping back from another up rise of wind from her fan.

Temari shrugs, teal green eyes narrowing.

"I can't give you a friendly hello when you're causing all this worry amongst Suna's citizens. On top of that Kankuro is still sick from a poison he got from his last mission so I'm covering his paperwork duties as well." She states back with a huff.

Sakura puts up a cement wall, blocking the mini tornado she flaps forward.

As soon as the wind dissipates she leaps forward, hoping she won't be causing too much damage with her next move.

"Earth Release, Earth Flow Spears!"

The rooftop tiles instantly crack, Sakura balancing herself upon a spike as close as she can get to Temari to get her to listen.

"I can look into Kankuro's poison; honest! All I ask is Lady Chiyo and the other hospitalists give me a chance and teach me some of their poison abilities. That isn't too much for me to ask for; is it?" Sakura inquires.

Temari stays silent, forcing her to go on.

"You know, I'm not sure Shikamaru would like this inhospitable treatment I've been getting as a guest here so far!" She points out brightly.

It's a bit mean to bring him up, but she can see the shift in her eyes, the tinge of red to her cheeks.

'It'd be meaner if you brought up Shiho who's clearly crushing on him and is happy for all the alone time they get in the library together. That would truly throw her off guard.' A darker thought slides in.

She ignores it, because she's sure Temari knows about her own complicated feelings for Sasuke, that they can twist at each other's hearts if need be.

Temari lowers her fan slowly, regarding her in a mix of disdain and amusement.

"...I'll talk to the docs. But what do you want with Gaara?" She asks slowly.

Sakura straightens, expression turning somber.

"To help. He's in danger Temari and it can't be ignored."


Naruto & Jiraiya

"Are you seriously paying for all of this?!" Naruto repeats giddily, already well on his way to his 5th bowl of miso ramen.

Jiraiya nods, letting him go on ahead and order the tonkotsu ramen and pork dumplings he's been eyeing on the menu.

"Yup, it's on me today Kid! Order whatever you like...but go easy on my wallet." He chuckles at his widening grin, waving Teuchi back over.

"Good to have my favorite customer back!" Teuchi beams, Ayame nodding her agreement before they move on ahead to the next customers coming in for the lunch rush. The familiar air of broths and colorful spices surrounds them, bowls toppled high with vegetables, beefs, and eggs passed about.

"Ah, I know it sounds strange, but it's nice to see Ichiraku's back as a simple stand again! It's become a high-end indoor restaurant in the future, has an upstairs when we went since it's so popular with the population boom Konoha will have in a few years. Oh yeah, and it has all these brand new fancy redwood flooring and shiny white tiles!" Naruto mentions in-between slurps of noodles.

"What brought on the visit there? You and Hinata's older counterpart treating you?" Jiraiya guesses.

Naruto shakes his head, finishing off his 5th bowl just as Ayame comes in with his 6th bowl and the plate of dumplings.

"They were having an eating contest, Hinata's older self is the current winner. I wanted to compete to see if I could win first place's prize of a set of gift cards to various stores in Konoha, Suna, and Kumo. Sometimes we saw our old classmates there too, like Sakura coming off of a day shift at the hospital or Kiba bringing Akamaru and all his litter to get the scraps and bones!" He explains on eagerly.

Jiraiya snickers as Naruto's expression brightens at the memory, gesturing with his hands wildly the apparent stack of bowls he and Hinata ate.

"So...I completely lost! Hinata no matter how old she is can out eat me! She even beat both Choji and his Dad without trying you know!" Naruto gripes, but his eyes soften recalling the moment he knew he was going to lose (when Hinata was over 8 bowls ahead of him), pointing behind the cash register.

"The winners photos will go up there some day." He goes on.

'This is the most he's spoken since returning back here to the past. I knew food was the best way to get him to open up!' Jiraiya smiles, trying to picture his story. Ichiraku's has always been a simple wooden stand since Teuchi started it, it's hard to picture it as anything other than that.

But Naruto's influence must change it, grow it into the megaplex he describes.

"What about me? You've yet to mention what I've been up to in the future! Making more Make-Out Paradise books as I go on international book tours and sign copies for my adoring fans or wait! Let me guess, they've gone on to become popular movies for the adult entertainment scene?!" Jiraiya questions.

He notes the briefest stiffening of Naruto's shoulders, cerulean eyes clouding over like a rolling fog.

And with it, shutting him out.

His gaze buries into his bowl, voice quieting. "You...You're off traveling the world like usual getting new perverted ideas for your books, never staying in one place for long."

'Sounds like a lie.'

Though he won't call him out it, not here.

Not now.

So his twists the conversation back towards safer waters of his classmates, of Hinata and his future family life.

Still once Naruto finally decides he's full after 11 bowls and 3 plates of dumplings, he wonders if he's going to get the actual truth out of him, if he's going to have to pressure him to get some answers on what he saw in the future...

Afternoon sun warms them as they walk along the village greeting various civilian and shinobi doing double-takes at Naruto's presence being back, some running up to make sure it's not a clone. They head to the Hokage Tower to greet Tsunade and the advisors, not staying long enough to be stuck in the series of meetings Naruto's return is sure to cause.

It's only when the sky becomes stained with shades of amber and pink that he realizes how far the day is getting away from them.

He pats Naruto's shoulder getting him to stop before they become buried in the coming night markets, gesturing in the opposite direction towards the training grounds.

"I know you learned a thing or two in the future; time for us to test it out! Normally you'd be bouncing on your heels to show off any new technique or skill you learned!" Jiraiya relates, practically tugging him along.

Naruto shrugs, a half-smile as he buries his hands into his pockets letting him pull him. "Ah, it's not as fun to show off anymore as it used to be you know."

Jiraiya pauses, hand moving up to touch his forehead making his grin slide into a frown. "Well, you're not feverish."

Naruto pushes his hand off his head, picking up the pace to get ahead of him. "I'm not sick just because I don't feel like parading around any new moves!"

Jiraiya moves to catch up with him, bumping their shoulders as the pavement beneath them turns to grass. "Earlier it sounded like you knew the Toad Sages, I assume you went to Mount Myōboku then?"

Naruto nods, holding up his palm as a spherical swirl of blue forms.

"I've perfected the rasengan and did Sage mode training." He relates, blue of his eyes washing away to yellow.

Jiraiya matches him, getting into position. "It's one thing to show it, but can you attack with it too?"

Naruto arches a brow, Jiraiya going on at his confused look.

"Let's make this a friendly match, a test of all that you've learned." He reasons.

"And the reward?" Naruto further prods.

Jiraiya clicks his tongue, feeling the tempo of his heartbeat rising again, a swish of bile stinging the back of his throat.

'This is it.'

"...The answers you want regarding your parents." He replies after a moment.

As soon as the words leave his lips, Naruto unleashes a barrage of shadow clones, rasengans pinpointed on him from all directions.

"You better keep to your word Pervy-Sage!" They remark in unison, Jiraiya dodging out of the way of each one's attacks.

The breeze gets stronger, blowing up branches and blades of grass, putting him in the center of a growing whirlwind.

"Wind Release: Vortex!" He hears over the gust.

The gale force whistles in his ears and for a second he sees what looks like chains coming out of the ground.

'Adamantine Chains?'

He leaps back out of the rising twister and approaching chains before they close him in, puffing out his cheeks.

"Fire Release: Flame Bullet!"

He sweeps the fire across the line of clones, the real Naruto appearing from above with another rasengan spinning brightly, blue mixed with white forming the shape of a shuriken.

"This is a rasengan I can toss you know! My nature affinity: Wind Rasengan!" He grins, launching it straight down.

It nicks part of his hair off as he creates a substitution, tearing into the ground creating a crater and scorching the surrounding earth in a charcoal black.

Jiraiya whistles from the untouched trees across the way, impressed and stunned all at once.

'He's learned so much in only a year.'

He jumps down with Naruto leaping in beside him, taking in his work before sighing.

"...It could be better, my older self knows a lot more cooler varieties of the rasengan, can even do Mom's sealing techniques way faster. I don't have his full connection yet with Kurama to make them though, however I will eventually you know."

Jiraiya shakes his head, sweat sticking to his forehead.

"I'll make sure to be on the opposite side of the village when you use said moves." He jokes making Naruto laugh weakly.

The ache in chest turns into a blaze, Naruto slowly meeting his gaze proper.

And it's then he sees tears pricking his eyes, silently falling down in a crystal clear track.

"What's wrong?" Jiraiya frowns, reaching a hand out only for Naruto to step back.

"I lied earlier, I'm sure you knew that back at Ichiraku's. There's so much I want to, no need to ask you about, tell you about...but it hurt too much to say it at the time." He manages out, voice crackling.

"Why didn't you ever tell me about Minato or Kushina? Why did you leave me here in Konoha alone?!" He rasps out, words morphing into a growl.

'And why do you have to go on this mission to fight Pain and die?! What will happen if I tell you of your death and you still go anyways, still cause me and Granny this pain all over again?' Worry clenches at him.

What if he can't change the past? But he promised his future self and Hinata he would...

Crimson burns in his eyes, the eyes of the fox and he balls up his hands tightly before the fangs and elongated teeth can show.

Jiraiya swallows, quiet and forlorn laying back into the grass with Naruto following.

There are no good answers that will comfort him, that will take away this guilt sitting him on like lead.

Neither speak, Naruto digging his hands into the dirt, anything to keep his hands occupied.

"Get angry Naruto, you know he deserves this!" Kurama snaps out.

"Leave me alone." He grunts in return, though Kurama's voice only gets louder, echoing in his ears.

"No, Jiraiya played a role in your loneliness, in this pain you're feeling now. Don't bury it again, let it come out. Explode." He urges.

"Just answer me this, are you really my godparent? Keep this promise and tell me what my parents were like." He grumbles.

Jiraiya nods, reaching to pat at his hand though Naruto retracts back from his touch like it's fire.

'Yeah, guess I deserve that.' He figures.

"I am; you're my godson Naruto." He confirms.

Naruto's gaze hardens, eyes turning stormy. "Well, you've been a crappy one."

Jiraiya laughs bitterly, sitting up some.

"I know, so will you allow me to be a bit less of a crappy one by hearing me out?" He asks.

The seriousness of his tone is is enough to get Naruto's full attention, turning himself completely towards him.

"Minato and Kushina were both important figures to the village before your birth. Minato for becoming the Fourth Hokage and Kushina for being the Nine Tail's previous host. The rogue shinobis that played a role in their deaths and during the Third Shinobi World War are still out there. I've been researching them for years now away from the village, from you." He begins.

Naruto nods, pulling out an file from his bag.

He fights down a growing tremble in his hands, within these photos is a picture of Pain, of the man who could still one day kill Jiraiya...

"I know; the Akatsuki. There's information I have you should know about as well."


Hinata

"10 years, it seems so far away though it comes on quickly just as the seasons change. Hiashi considers.

Hinata nods, following his gaze over the garden. It was the beginnings of Fall when they left, now they've returned back in late Spring, dragonflies dancing over the koi pond to the steadily rising heat of warmer days coming.

"Tell me about it, the future; the clan." Hiashi motions and Hinata blows out a breath, wondering where to start.

"The clan is doing well Father, we've come together as one instead of two separate branches. I bring the kids by often to train with you when I work/volunteer at the hospital or the infusion centers while Naruto attends meetings at the Hokage office to prepare for taking over." Hinata reviews.

Hiashi's brows furrow and her stomach churns at knowing what he will ask next.

"Kids? You're married to Naruto and have children with him?"

"Yes, a son and a daughter. Boruto and Himawari." She explains.

She passes him a photo of the pair, watching intently as his fingers slide over their faces, over their eyes...

"Do you know if they've inherited the byakugan?" He questions, handing the picture back.

"Himawari has. She exhibited it once when Boruto made her mad, they argued sometimes over whose toys are whose or what game to play next. Ah, anyways he once ripped off her panda's head plushie when she broke one of his Kamen rider figures."

Hiashi nods along as if he understands, mainly just to observe how easily Hinata recalls the encounter, smile brightening her face.

"We don't attack each other when we're mad. Boruto. Himawari. Apologize to each other." Hinata commands, stepping between the duo.

Boruto scowls before withering at her glare, Himawari's eyes are still that pearly white like Mom's, fingers aimed for his chest in a way that makes him shiver.

The remnants of their playing lay scattered at their feet. Cotton stuffing ripped out of Himawari's favorite pink and purple panda with the red and blue capes and arms of Boruto's toys interspersed within.

"I'm sorry Hima. Don't be mad, I'll let you play with my Kamen Rider team and cards." Boruto mutters.

As long as she doesn't decide their arms or heads need to keep being taken off.

"Do you accept your brother's apology?" Hinata asks, bending herself down to Hima's level, wiping at the last of her tears.

White washes away back to blue, Himawari launching herself forward into his arms.

"Yay, thank you Bolt. Yes, I'm sorry too!"

"Looks like a tornado came through here." Naruto regards behind him, glancing to the kids.

He grins mischievously at their worried looks, lifting them up in a spin making them break into a fit of giggles.

"Were you two being little twisters?"

Somehow in his twisting he pulls Hinata in, cheek to cheek until they're all just a bit dizzy and laughing.

The memory seems like yesterday when that afternoon had happened months ago...

"Are you mad?" Hinata abruptly clarifies, studying Hiashi's expression carefully.

Hiashi sets down his cup, tea now cold from them barely touching it.

"No, I only want what's best for you Hinata and the clan as well. Though I'm...displeased you could say that you went to such efforts to get away from the clan by stealing the scroll...get away from me."

'You wouldn't have understood.' Hinata counters to herself, keeping her lips pursed.

And even now she doubts he truly understands, not from the way his shoulders are so tense, the way his same stoic expression remains unchanged...

"I want to put your skills to the test." He mentions as he moves to stand.

Hinata blinks, standing up after him.

"What? Right now?" She asks softly.

Hiashi nods, gaze turning towards the main dojo. The one normally reserved for meetings for the entire clan.

"We will hold a mock fight; you and I. I know before you held back on your sister, but prove to me you've learned from your time in the future. You left originally just to be with Naruto, however love wasn't the only thing on your mind clearly in this passage of a year." He reasons.

He gives her an hour to get ready and meet him there, surprising him perhaps when she readily agrees.

"No way, she's actually going to fight Hiashi? Didn't she lose to Hanabi already? Is he trying to embarrass her further?" Hitomi mutters.

"Lord Hiashi probably wants to see if she actually learned anything beneficial from the future and didn't just waste time watching Naruto." Hazuki grumbles back.

Hinata ignores their whisperings as she gets into stance, recalling all she's learned from her older self.

"Show Father, show everyone that you are not the same girl that disappeared into flames."

"I will." She promises to herself.

She activates her byakugan to match Hiashi's, blue flames forming at her palms shaping into lions eliciting gasps around her.

"I have elevated my Gentle Fist Father, the lions will drain chakra at the slightest touch." She announces.

As soon as Kō gives the go ahead she launches herself forward, Hiashi going on the defensive.

"I've never seen this move used by anybody." Hiashi remarks in awe. From the corner of Hinata's eye she can see the elder clan members and a mix of main and branch members gaping as well, stunned to see the gentle fist being used in such a manner.

Hanabi beams, fists pumped in the air excitedly only being kept down from cheering aloud by Neji's hand on her shoulder.

'Still, there will always be an opening, no matter how small or what jutsu is used.' Hiashi knows, switching to an offensive approach.

Palms strike and clash faster, Hiashi wincing when the lion's flames pierce and cut off a chakra point in his shoulder.

He jabs low into her dominant side, right leg falling limp.

Hinata swipes away sweat as she twists out of his range, gaze never wavering from him as she quickly makes another sign.

"Lightning Release: Lightning Current!"

Blue-white lightning crackles out of her fingers, forming into the shape of mini butterflies.

"Go!" She commands unleashing a stream of them right for Hiashi.

'She's been training in her nature affinities, blending our clan's moves with fire and lightning in ways I've never seen before, never thought she would be able to do.' Hiashi realizes.

He thinks of the last time he saw her, violet hair still short then, opalescent eyes unable to meet his gaze, a stutter that always grew worse around him...

The first ones wings land up on his arm, stinging and paralyzing him in place like the prick of a needle.

They land in a flurry, Hinata wobbling forward when he feels no longer able to move.

"Father-" She starts nervously as she undoes the jutsu, though Hiashi shakes his head before she can speak. He reaches forward to pat at her head affectionately, thumbing away streaks of her dark hair from her face.

"I've seen enough Hinata; this match is over." He declares, squeezing her hand and holding it up as the victor.


Elsewhere (Orochimaru's Hideout)- Sasuke

"Where have you been?" Sasuke grunts, glaring up from his simple breakfast bowl.

Outside it's overcast and gray for miles, smell of rain approaching from the East. Dawn brings a burst of humidity, a stickiness and dampness to everything and he clenches his fists already feeling sweat start bead his head before he's even started with training.

If they have another downpour today it will be too muddy to train using the latest prisoners he's taken from a nearby rice village, but it would prove a chance to see how well he could manipulate his snakes in a different type of weather and terrain.

Kabuto casts him a sharp look for his tone he ignores as usual, the man got annoyed at just about anything he said that wasn't praising Orochimaru or speaking more politely towards him.

Orochimaru smirks, Sasuke seemed to be so curious about his whereabouts nowadays.

He supposed he couldn't blame him, he'd taken to being gone sometimes for days with no explanation.

"Catching up on the latest news is all. Your old friend has made a homecoming as of yesterday to Konoha. Stronger than before." He purrs.

Sasuke looks at him properly then, onyx eyes seeming to turn a shade darker.

That's right, he hates when he brings up his past. The friends and loved ones he left behind...

"Why? He's unimportant." Sasuke scowls.

This is why he's been gone? When he could've been giving him more bodies to train with and experiment on he's been concerned about Naruto's return?

He grits his teeth, peering down to the scattering of cuts and bruises along his hands.

Itachi is still out of his reach no matter how much he's grown in this last year.

"Actually, you should care Sasuke. Naruto and Hinata came from the future. They're sure to know what happened to Itachi, what happens to you." Orochimaru relates, already having an idea of where his thoughts have gone.

Without having to look up again he can tell Orochimaru is smiling, knows that his interest is peaked.

"So how would feel about us taking a short break Sasuke? Pay your old friend and teacher a hello?"

-x-


I feel like this chapter is way too long, I didn't even cover all of Naruto and Jiraiya's conversation or the one Naruto will have with Kakashi. Sakura too, she'll be in Suna a bit longer. So it will all be saved for next chapter; this chapter was midway done so thought I would post it early though the next chapter may take me a bit longer! I worry people don't like too long of chapters; I don't know maybe I'm concerned over nothing lol.

Hope everything sounded realistic as well, I didn't want for example Hiashi to be super harsh on Hinata or Naruto to be all pissed and moody at Jiraiya for keeping secrets, they both had their reasons.

So, who do you think Sasuke will encounter first in a return to Konoha? Won't be Naruto!

Let me know your thoughts as always!

Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!