HIDDEN SAND CONVERGENCE VI

Despite saving the town and chasing away the being known as Hachiman, the group still was reprimanded. Endangering civilian lives, destruction of property, fighting within town premises. They were handed a hefty fine, which was slightly lessened for their assistance. Naruto and Hinata, and the Miyoshis were able to pay it off just fine, having the funds for it, although the Leaf shinobi would have this incident on their records. Guren and Gozu, on the other hand, are in a bit of a bind as they do not have the ability to pay.

On their way out of the building where they were reprimanded, Naruto makes an offer.

"We could pay it for ya, y'know."

"As if I'd take your money, you fool." Guren waves it off. "We got into this mess, we'll get out of it. Somehow."

Gozu nods. "We've already inconvenienced you enough."

"It was largely our fault, as well." Hinata looks apologetically. "We never noticed the Miyoshis tailing us."

"Of course not, we professionals." Seikai boasts. "Besides, you were acting kinda suspicious, hero. So we tailed you just in case."

Naruto grumbles.

"It's fine." Guren sighs. "We'll think of something."

"Although our lives won't be the same anymore." Gozu adds.

"We'll deal with that, too."

When they make their way outside, they don't get too far before they're stopped by a group of townsfolk. Guren and Gozu tense up. Their cover's blown. They've lost their home. Just as they'd finally settled down and started a life for themselves, just as they'd gotten comfortable. Should've known better.

One man takes a step forward and extends his hand, revealing a pouch.

Guren looks confused.

"We heard 'bout what happened. Heard you were in trouble, so we pitched in what we could."

Guren looks even more confused. "Wha-what're you talking about?"

A woman from the group answers. "You have a fine to pay, don't you? We just... wanted to help."

Everyone nods in agreement.

"But… you said you heard what happened. You know I've been lying to you all this time! We're wanted criminals!" She lowers her head, face hidden by her bangs. Her breath becomes shallow and she can feel her emotions overwhelm her.

"Maybe, but you're also our friends." Another woman speaks up. "You've helped us a lot these past months. Helped manage our lands, helped with our kids…"

"I'll be honest, we were scared when we first heard." A tall man steps up. "Was angry we were lied to, but… you've had your reasons for it, I'm sure, and you two've never wronged us. Then we remember how you've treated Yukimaru and that's not something you can fake easily. Figure… what's passed is past."

The man holding the pouch of money takes another step. "Please, take it."

Guren reaches over with her shaking hand, placing it over the pouch but not taking it yet.

"The shinobi've been talking lately. About bandits who just up and disappeared when they were nearby. That was you two, wasn't it? Keeping us safe."

Guren nods in response.

"Thank you." The man smiles.

Gozu comes by Guren's side and wraps an arm around her in a hug, his other hand clasping over Guren's as they take the pouch. "Thank you."

Naruto and Hinata smile at the display.

Isa nods. "A good end to it all."

"That's one way to put it." Seikai continues walking past the gathering, to the local inn.

While the adults were getting reprimanded, the kids have actually been hard at work. They volunteered to help out with some minor cleanup duty, not being allowed to do anything more strenuous. Carrying lighter items to and fro, delivering orders and supplies.

Kotori in particular is handling most of the deliveries, using her conjured birds to help her, with Yukimaru eagerly helping her. Shoto is using his Earth Style to help where he could to even the ground or raise support, with Yokumaru being delegated to a similar position.

Sangen, Tayuri, and their parents are also around and keeping an eye on them while their parents/parental figures are being reprimanded. Sangen's family may have retired from active duty but they're still Genin of the Hidden Sand. That's not something you can just stop. With their chakra strings, normally used for puppetry, they can lift some heavier objects up with some difficulty. Sangen can't lift anything like bricks or beams of wood, but something lighter is completely within his capabilities. Tayuri, meanwhile, has her trusty Binding Cloth which she's been using to wrap around items and lift them for the workers. Her cloth isn't that large, it's similar in size to Seikai's wrappings but made of much lighter material and are clearly not as strong or durable, but this is how much she can control at her current level.

In the distance, Maki has also been going around making sure work is being done and helping out herself on the rare occasion. From the roof of one building, she spots Tayuri trying to lift a pile of bricks with a Cloth that's too heavy for her to lift but she keeps trying regardless, putting a strain on herself and her cloth.

Maki Flickers over just as Tayuri lets it slip, the different bricks scattering and falling to the ground. The Jounin sends her Cloth and creates a cushion, collecting them gently before wrapping them in the cloth and lifting them all up.

"Ah, I- I'm sorry." Tayuri lowers her head.

"It's alright. Just be careful next time, alright?" Maki kneels down to reassure the girl. While there, she does get a closer look at the cloth. She takes it in her hands, rubbing it between her fingers to get a feel for the texture. "This is thinner than normal."

Tayuri's shoulder stiffen. "Mom and dad… couldn't get a better one." She says in a meek voice but then lifts her gaze to look at Maki. In a panicked voice she says, "Ah, but when I become a shinobi, they said they'll get a proper Binding Cloth! I won't- I won't make a mistake again."

"Oh? So you want to be a shinobi, huh?" Tayuri nods in confirmation. Maki smiles and takes out one of her scrolls. She lays it out on the roof and slams her palm on the markings, getting something out of storage- a slightly bigger scroll. It's not as big as the one she usually carries on her back but it's of similar design and make. "Why don't you use this for now?"

Tayuri looks it over. "Is this…"

"A Binding Cloth? It is. Use it instead, alright? And when we get back home, find me. We can work on your technique." Maki winks and goes to help elsewhere.

Tayuri looks at the cloth, mouth agape. "I promise I'll give it back in one piece!" She declares.

"Ah, about that. Give it back when you become a full fledged shinobi, alright? It's yours until then."

Tayuri stares and tightly clutches onto her cloth, hugging it with both arms.

Eventually, they all make their way to that same inn, the Miyoshi brothers already sitting at a table and nursing their drinks. The other four sit down with them, after ordering their own drinks, and Seikai leans back in his chair.

"So, you wanted to talk, hero?"

"You know exactly about what. You said your father's an Uzumaki."

"Yeah, what of it? You want a big ol' family reunion or something?" Seikai remains dismissive.

"Brother."

Seikai sighs. "Fine."

"Listen, you heard that thing out there, didn't you? It was out for you two, it was out for Tamamo's descendants. The Uzumaki clan. We don't know where it went or ultimately what it even wants. You still aren't safe, none of us are. But if we work together…"

Isa leans forward, in contrast to his elder brother. "I understand your concerns, but the Miyoshi clan is not one to accept help. I don't know how much you know about us, but we're one of the few clans to not officially be part of a Hidden Village. We're affiliated with the Land of Wind but that's it. We've maintained this stance through multiple wars and smaller conflicts and that's not about to change."

"But you're members of the Uzumaki clan!"

"AND of the Miyoshi clan. We were born Miyoshi, raised as Miyoshi, by Miyoshi. That's not going to change. Your concern is noted and appreciated but our clan won't change the life we've fought decades for."

Naruto lowers his head. "Right, sorry. That was inconsiderate of me. But, still, do you think I could at least talk to your father? I promise I won't bother him with it, I just… want to ask what he knows about the Uzumaki clan."

"'Fraid that's not possible." Seikai takes a swig of his drink. "He died years ago."

"Oh.. I didn't know, I'm sorry."

"Don't be." He shrugs. "Man died where he spent most of his life."

"... Home?" Naruto guesses.

"No. Inside a woman."

Guren spits her drink and has a coughing fit.

"Umm… What?"

"Oh, yeah, he was our father in name only, really. Stayed with our mom long enough to have us two then moved on. We have like a dozen half-siblings that we know of, probably more we don't know of."

"So he died…" Hinata trails off.

"While trying to make us another half-sibling, yeah. Got a heart attack in the middle of it." Seikai looks over to his brother. "But he still managed to give us one, right?"

Isa nods. "Kuri, 14 years old."

"He's like a ghost baby." Seikai laughs.

"Don't call him that. He's a good kid, from what I've heard."

"How… How old was he when he died?" Guren can't help but ask.

"Hmm." Isa racks his brain. "In his hundreds, I believe. He was in his 80s when he fathered us."

"Riight." Naruto shakes that information off. "Well, listen, if something ever comes up, call on the Hidden Leaf. Someone I know is gathering remnants of the Uzumaki clan, trying to get everyone together in the same place but he doesn't have contact with everyone and he's lost contact with some."

Isa nods. "We'll get in touch should the need arise."

"But don't count on it." Seikai finishes his drink and slams his mug on the table. "Now, if that's all, we best be off."

"Going already?" Naruto looks between the two of them.

"We gotta make up for lost time and money. You got no idea how expensive it was to track down these two," Seikai motions to Guren and Gozu, "And now we had to pay even more on top of it, with nothing in return. We have a reputation to keep." He stands up and heads for the door.

Isa rises, as well, but gives a light bow to them. "Until we meet again."

When the two of them leave, the remaining four reposition themselves on the table to not be so clustered together and sit with more breathing space. They order some more drinks, with Guren especially getting the most alcoholic beverage they have.

Not long after, the kids all rush in, once again making the table barely fitting everyone but they manage.

"Sooo, we're gonna stay here for now?" Kotori asks, looking around.

The ground floor is a tavern but the stairs at the back lead up the multistoried building where there're rooms for any weary travelers.

"Yeah. Since the barracks got wrecked in the blast, we'll be here 'til we finish our mission."

"You three behave in your room, alright?" Hinata warns. "We're not the only ones here, so be mindful."

"Understood." They say in unison.

"I know Yokumaru and I can be mindful, but…" Shoto only glances over to Kotori, taking an unusually long sip from his juice.

"What's that supposed to mean, hmm?" She leans on the table, squinting her eyes at him.

"If you don't know, I won't tell you."

"I know what you mean, I was just being-" She clasps her hands over her mouth, realising she'd begun to raise her voice.

Shoto smirks. "See?"

Kotori grumbles.

Yokumaru tries to play mediator while the rest of them laugh at the display.

After some time of small talk with the occasional silence, Guren brings up an elephant in the room. "So, what's to happen to us when we go to the Hidden Sand?"

Naruto rubs his head. "Well, I'll try to talk Gaara into letting you guys go and hopefully we can get Granny Tsunade on the same page and then..." He pauses to look at Yokumaru, "I was thinking if you'd agree to come to the Hidden Leaf."

Guren raises a brow while Gozu keeps his usually stoic expression.

Yukimaru is over the moon at the prospect. "Can we, Guren? Then, we can all be together!"

"I… don't know. Going to a hidden village, especially the Leaf, after everything that happened…"

"I told you I'd talk with them. I'll make whatever arrangements are needed. You guys've spent a lotta time running and hiding, I figure it's maybe time to stop, y'know? You've been through a lot, you deserve to leave in peace."

Guren looks at him, then to Yukimaru, and then to Yokumaru. She'd spent so long relying on herself and trying to rise to the top of the ladder. When her mother died at such a young age, when she was taken under Orochimaru's wing, she'd practically given up leading an ordinary life. It was always about overcoming adversity and never trusting anyone.

Then Yukimaru and Gozu came along and gave her hope once again. She found people to love and a place to call home. A family. And now her real family has resurfaced in Naruto's student. It almost seems too good to be true, like she's being tested before everything gets snatched away again.

She takes a lot at Yokumaru. Her cousin has been silent but she can see his demeanor- face lowered, tense shoulders. He obviously wants to say something but is worried. Maybe he doesn't want to come off as pushy. She seemed kind of meek.

She sighs. "Yeah, alright. If your Hidden Leaf will take us in, then we'll come with."

Yokumaru lifts his head, a bright smile on his face. Guren's guess was right, he did want to say something. "Then… we can be like a family, right?"

"Not 'like', kid. We are a family." She pats the silverhaired boy on the head and turns to Yukimaru. "Guess you better get used to having him as an uncle." She chuckles.

"Uncle?" Yukimaru tilts his head.

"Yeah, he's my first cousin, so that makes him your uncle even though you're older."

Yukimaru chuckles nervously. "That might get a bit confusing."

"Yeah, well, we'll have time to figure it out, yeah?" She smiles.

That evening, Naruto and Hinata go to their room while the kids go to theirs. Guren's household is still intact as it was far enough away from the blast but it's nowhere near enough to house extra people.

NWith Naruto sitting on the couch, Hinata is lying on her side snuggling against his shoulder. "It's nice to have quiet. It feels like these disasters keep following us."

He chuckles, rubbing her shoulder. "I think they are. But we keep winning, and we'll keep doing it 'til we have to."

"And the kids. They really stepped up, despite their inexperience. It's only been so long but they've grown a great deal." She giggles. "I'm really proud of them."

"Yeah, me, too. I can't imagine these past few months without 'em. I'm glad things turned out as they did. That said, it IS nice to get a few evenings to ourselves." He leans down to kiss the top of her head.

She moves to look up to him, a knowing smile on her lips. "Oh? Were you thinking of something in particular?" She slides up from her lying position, pressing herself against his arm.

"I might have an idea or two."

"Only two?" She turns over and straddles him. She places her arms to rest on his shoulder, very deliberately pressing her breasts tighter together right in front of him.

Naruto is caught completely off-guard. The meek and dignified Hinata is now showing a side he'd never seen and never even imagined he'd see from her. More confident and even sultry, even her voice and tone has nothing in common with before. He wasn't about to start complaining.

She leans down and passionately kisses him. She runs her fingers through his hair, pulling on his golden locks.

He runs his hands over her back, from her shoulders inching lower and lower until he reaches her lower where he moves his hands under her shirt. He then moves his hands up, to remove the cloth that's getting in the way.

It's then that their moment is interrupted by a voice by the window. "Um.."

They hastily spring from their position, but it takes them a moment to get their bearings given what moment was interrupted. They were so absorbed in it, they never sensed anyone there. As they take defensive stance, they understand why they didn't hear this person.

By the window stands a man, his clothes obscured by a heavy brown cloak. A sash tied around his head keeps his black hair at bay, letting his hair frame his face, falling under his chin, with a single strand of hair fall between his eyes. One black, one grey.

"S-Sasuke?!" Naruto cries out in surprise.

Hinata turns beet red, steam practically fuming from her head. "W-what are you doing here?"

"I, uh, heard you were here, so…" He looks between the two of them. This might be the first time Naruto has seen him flustered. "I think I should go? I should go."

"No, wait…" Naruto looks between him and Hinata, who's now covered her face with both hands in embarrassment and is sitting on the couch trying to hide. Naruto sighs and hangs his head. "I think there's no need. Why are you here?" Naruto joins him out on the balcony.

Sasuke points to the sky. "The Sharingan in the sky. I came to investigate it but by the time I got here, it was already gone. Then I found out you're here and had a hand in defeating some creature connected to it?"

Naruto grumbles and scratches his head. "This might take a while."

He goes on to explain to Sasuke what he knows. About the seal placed by the Uzumaki's predecessor, that it had the Sharingan and how it fought, that it mentioned abilities related to the Mangekyo, that it mentioned home.

"I see." Sasuke scratches his chin. "So it mentioned Amaterasu by name."

"And Shisui Uchiha's Kotoamatsukami."

"I've never heard of this Takemikazuchi, though, but it's highly likely it's another ability of the Mangekyo. And it spoke of them as if they were people?"

Finally having calmed down, Hinata joins them on the balcony, cheeks still reddened. "That's right, and it seemed greatly displeased with them. I believe you may not be safe either, Sasuke, if it hates Amaterasu so much."

"Then I'll deal with it should it come after me."

"Don't underestimate it, Sasuke." Naruto warns. "This thing… it wasn't normal. It felt like the more we hit it, the stronger it got. We hit it with fire that rivals your Amaterasu, strengthened by oil from Mount Myoboku andi t still showed more power than it did before. I don't know what it is but it's like nothing we've faced so far."

"I'll keep it in mind. Thanks for the warning." He nods. "I'll be in town for a while longer, I'd like to see this prism it came out of, if possible."

"I'll talk to Maki about it."

Sasuke turns to leave for the evening. Before he hops out, he looks back to them. "Sorry for interrupting." And he Flickers away.

Hinata's face turns red again and squeaks in embarrassment once again.

"I guess… we should just go to bed, huh?"

She nods stiffly.

The following day, Sasuke meets everyone. New and old faces.

First, he encounters the old faces. Purely by chance, mind you, but he found himself passing Guren on the street. They both had to do a double take, barely recognizing the other. Guren immediately goes into a panicked state of defence.

"What the Hell are you doing here?!" She demands. She almost lets out a burst of Crystal Style but remembers what happened the last time she did that.

"... People seem to be asking me that a lot. I'm passing by, on my way to meet Naruto. What're you doing here?"

"None of your business."

She takes a long hard look at him. She looks into his eyes, as unadvised as that is when facing an Uchiha. Her mind goes back to when she first met him. Cold, almost dead eyes that never look at you, seemingly focused on something in the distance. Uncaring. These eyes, however, are anything but. This time he's actually looking at her and not through her. This time he seems to be attentive.

"You… you really have changed."

"I suppose. A lot's happened since we met last."

Yukimaru walks up to him and tugs on his cloak. "It's because you found someone thinking about you, huh?"

"Heh." His lips curl into a light smile, something Guren thought to be impossible. "I suppose I did. Looks like you have, too, huh?"

"Mhm!" The boy nods excitedly.

"I'm glad." He turns around and walks away. "I suppose we'll be seeing each other a bit."

Guren watches in stunned silence. She whips around to Gozu. "That was weird, right?"

"I… wouldn't know. I've never met him."

Sasuke continues to where he'd been told to meet, at the temporary quarters for the Hidden Sand shinobi. There, he's led by some Chunin and Jounin who'd been warned of his arrival to the site where the Prism is kept.

He steps inside a room to find Naruto and Hinata already there, but a few other people, as well, one being a Hidden Sand Jounin with a large scroll strapped to her back. Three kids are about in the room, visibly about 7 or 8 years olds. A girl with a brown ponytail, in a sleeveless kimono shirt. A boy with unruly white hair and red eyes, wearing a hoodie. Another boy wearing a full kimono attire held together by a yellow belt, and black hair tied in a traditional topknot, chonmage.

Oddly enough, there's also 2 small toads. One with greying hair, and another with puffy purple hair?

"Well, Naruto, my boy, you were right." Fukasaku is intently focusing on the ground around him. "I can still feel natural energy coming out of it but it's faint."

Shima looks around. "It's diminishing at a slow rate but it's still around."

Maki appears worried. "So does that mean the soil around won't produce as much as it used to?"

"Hah, don't look down on natural energy, girlie." Shima dismisses her. "I said it's diminishing, not disappearing. If these things have existed for as long as we think, then the natural energy they've been releasing will stay around long after we're all gone and dead. You don't have to worry about a thing."

Fukasaku nods in agreement. "It won't be as potent as before since the source is gone, but it's been around for so long that the area has become naturally enriched. It might affect the quality of your produce but I don't think you'll notice much of a change."

Maki breathes a sigh of relief. "That's so good to hear. Thank you for looking into it." She bows deeply.

"No need for that. Naruto asked for a favour, so how could we refuse." Fukasaku smiles.

"And besides, we have a bit of an interest in this ourselves, as it involves natural energy. You said there's a pond nearby, right? We'll connect it to our well back home, so we can come check up more often, make sure nothing goes wrong."

"That… would be incredibly helpful, thank you." Maki bows again.

"Ah, stop that! Seriously, listen to your elders when they tell you something. Alright, Naruto, if that's all, we'll head back home for now."

"Yeah, that's all. Thanks a lot!"

With that, the toads disappear in a puff of smoke, which Sasuke sees as an opportunity to make his presence known. He steps forward, looking at the shattered prism, parts ranging from as big as a hand to as small as an ant but they're here.

"Ah, there you are!" Naruto calls over.

Sasuke only nods in acknowledgement, his eyes focusing on examining the remnants of chakra present in the Keystone.

After a moment of awkward silence, Maki speaks. "So, you're the Sasuke Uchiha? Heard a lot about you."

"Probably not a lot of good."

She shrugs. "You'd be surprised. I don't suppose you know anything about this seal or the creature that was in it?"

"Unfortunately not. It's come to my attention that there's a lot I don't know about the Sharingan."

"Whatcha mean?" Naruto cocks his head.

"I'll tell you everything another time. I'd like to be sure of some things before I get into it."

"Okay?"

Kotori approaches, with the boys, having been to the side of the room until now. "Dad, is that the friend you mentioned?" She asks in a quiet voice but still clearly audible.

Sasuke has a delayed reaction. "Wait, what did you say?" He furrows his brows at the young girl.

"Ah, yeah, I guess we didn't tell ya." Naruto motions to the young girl by his side. "This is Kotori, Hinata and I kind of adopted her a few months ago. And these are Yokumaru and Shoto. They're our… apprentices, I suppose?" Naruto awaits some kind of reaction, similar to what he got back in the Leaf. "Feel free to say ya don't see me in the role."

Sasuke observes how Kotori acts around Naruto. She feels safe and at ease around him, that much is clear. You'd think these two have known each other for years.

"No. It actually suits you well."

Hinata smiles. "You truly are a different person from before."

"Well, I was hardly given much of a choice. You know how he is."

She chuckles in response. "Truly."

Sasuke whips around and begins walking for the exit, without any sort of warning. "I've seen what I can with my Rinnegan. I'll be off."

"Oi, hold on! You can't just walk out right away. At least stay for a day more, when our mission ends. We can catch up."

He stops and thinks. He's been on the road for a good while now. Might not be a bad idea to slow down.

"Sure."

He still leaves the room, out to do whatever he pleases.

For the remainder of their stay, they all meet up and talk of what they've done and lived through until this point that brought them all together. Naruto and Hinata talking of their meeting with the kids and the fights against the Great Beasts, Guren and Gozu- of their time living a normal life in town, and Sasuke- of this travels around the different lands.

The kids in particular are intrigued to hear about Naruto's friend and what kind of person he is, although they don't quite get the entire story quite yet. Maybe another day.

When the time comes for Naruto and Hinata to leave, Sasuke does, as well, taking off in the opposite direction to chase after whatever information he needs to find.

The same group that got to town is now leaving it, with an additional three passengers and an escort of Hidden Sand ANBU.

Over in the Hidden Sand, things go as smoothly as they can.

Gaara sat down with Baki and Kankuro and they listened to Naruto's explanation of Guren's situation, past and current. Naruto also relays the possibility of Guren, Gozu, and Yukimaru living in the Hidden Leaf and becoming official citizens, working to pay off for everything they'd done in the past. By the end of the explanation, Gaara nods.

"I understand. I will speak with the Hokage and ensure a smooth transition for them."

"Wait…" Guren has a questioning look. "Just like that? You don't need to ask us any questions?"

"I have heard what I require. Naruto's word goes a long way and if he's put his faith in you, then I've no reason to doubt his judgement. You will still remain under watch for the duration of your stay here, for safety concerns, but otherwise you are free to do as you wish."

Naruto grins. "See? I told you we'd talk things out. Now we just sit back and relax."

"Well, you still have missions you have to go on for the next two months." Kankuro reminds him.

"If that is all, I will begin making the necessary arrangements." Gaara gives a light bow and signals them they're free to leave.

"Whenever you're free, call me for a drink, yeah?" Naruto moves his hand to simulate drinking from a cup.

Gaara gives a light smile. "I certainly will."

Once the door is closed and Kankuro and Baki are certain the others are out of earshot, they turn to their Kazekage.

"You sure about agreeing so readily?" Kankuro asks.

"We must still remain cautious, Lord Kazekage. We can't be certain what that woman would do, given the unpredictable nature of her Crystal Style."

Gaara remains silent for a moment, looking over a document he'd prepared well in advance. In truth, he'd already partially come to a decision before Naruto even returned but hearing his friend's words reassured him.

"I must commend you, Baki. Even with such concerns, the initial report you sent via messenger hawks was very impartial."

"Ah, well, naturally." Baki is caught off-guard. "I must present to you the facts so you can be aware of the situation, but as the Head of ANBU and a member of the council, it's also my duty to advise you and express my personal concerns."

Gaara nods. "And they have been noted." He begins writing on the scroll in front of him. "However, I'm sure you knew what my decision would be the moment you made the offer to Naruto, when you first encountered them with the Hidden Leaf ANBU." He keeps talking while displaying perfect calligraphy. "I'm well aware of her bounty and the reasons for it, however…" He pauses to look outside. The Hidden Sand can be described as dull in many ways but it's still home and holds a certain charm that might not be as easily visible to an outsider. "Had things turned out differently then I, too, may have ended up hunted. I stand where I am because I was given a second chance by many people, and I plan to return that trust in kind. If this Guren has repented, then I wish her all the best. If she has not then she will face her punishment at the hands of the Hidden Leaf."

"I understand."

"Heh. Guess we were worried about nothing." Kankuro laughs.

-x-

Over the next one-two weeks, Gaara enters a correspondence with Tsunade, explaining the situation, although she'd already heard the details from Yugao and her team and thought it might come to this.

She begins the process on her end of getting Guren, Gozu, and Yukimaru citizenship but there'd be some stipulations they'd have to follow. Moreso Guren and Gozu, since Yukimaru is innocent and has no bounty on his head.

For one, they'd be watched by ANBU, for safety concerns, until the Hidden Leaf can rest assured that they have indeed changed. They'd also have to work to pay off their bounties. They can be taken off the Bingo Book but only once they prove themselves, and while under observation, they'd be kept safe. That would involve joining the ranks of the Hidden Leaf as shinobi, once again only working under carefully selected teams to keep an eye on them.

Guren and Gozu themselves agree to whatever requirements the Hidden Leaf has to feel safe. Most of them are reasonable and within what they expected, anyway. With that, their joining the hidden village is set and they will finalize the process in two months' time when they leave the Hidden Sand with Naruto.

-x-

About a month into their stay in the Hidden Sand, Gaara one days calls Naruto and Hinata into his office. A part of them is slightly worried as this isn't the usual social call. They've visited plenty of times, both in their capacity as shinobi and as friends. This sounds different.

When they enter, they see Gaara sitting at a large table, surrounded by a group of around two dozen people he doesn't recognize. Most of them with hair of varying shades of red.

Confused, Naruto steps into the room. "Uh, you wanted to see us, Gaa-" He stops, recognizing they're in a more formal setting. "Lord Kazekage?"

"Yes, I did. Or perhaps I should say," Gaara turns to the group around the room. "They did."

"And they are…?"

"I was informed by Lady Hokage of the recent activity of the Hidden Leaf. In particular, one Awaji Uzumaki, who I'm told you're familiar with."

Naruto nods in confirmation. "Yeah?"

"His intention to bring back the Uzumaki clan under the banner of the Hidden Leaf. I myself was never aware nor were any of the Hidden Sand council, or so they tell me, but I sent out word around the village."

"You mean…" Hinata looks around. "These people are…"

One man steps toward Naruto, a fairly large man with red hair flowing down past his cheeks. "Naruto Uzumaki? I've heard of your exploits," He motions to the room, "All of us have. And we heard recently what happened with the Prism Keystones. We were brought together by tales of your bravery and great deeds, motivated to come out of hiding."

"Ah, right." Naruto stares. He's aware of what the man's about to say but his mind can't entirely process it yet. Maybe once he hears the actual words, he'll snap out of it.

"My name is Kyodo. It's a name I've gone by for as long as I've been a refugee here, but my real name is Kyodo Uzumaki."

Nope, he still can't wrap his mind around it.

"And everyone else is, too?"

Kyodo nods. "Many of us are refugees who came here after the Hidden Whirlpool was destroyed. We formed families, had kids, lived our lives. But now…" He looks back to his companions. "We all spoke amongst each other, and we spoke with Lord Kazekage to receive his permission. We would like to once again stand with the Uzumaki clan.

"This is… unbelievable. I never would've thought… But are you sure? You've… lived here for years. Are you sure you want to leave it all behind?"

Kyodo chuckles. "Are you trying to dissuade us? I would've thought you'd try to recruit us instead."

"Ah, no! I'm just… still in shock, is all."

"We're all certain. We've spoken with our families about this. We'd like to return to our roots, even if slightly." He smiles, and the men and women behind him nod in agreement. "This is what we want, Naruto Uzumaki."

"They have my blessing." Gaara speaks up from his seat. "All they need is yours."

"I mean, yeah! Of course! We're gonna need all the help we can get, especially right now."

"So we've heard." Kyodo extends a hand. "I look forward to working with you."

Naruto takes it and they shake hands. "And I with you."

Naruto remains for a while longer and meets every single one of them, the ones born Uzumaki and the ones married to the Uzumaki. He tries to commit every single name to memory, although it may take a while. Hinata takes notes for him so he can re-read them later.

He stays and listens to their stories, their lives, their experiences and he in turn shares his own. It's agreed that once Tsunade and Elder Awaji fully finish preparations, the Uzumaki clan will officially reform and begin operating in the Hidden Leaf.

He does learn that there are those who decided against it and chose to remain in the Hidden Sand, and he fully intends to respect their decision. It would go against everything he stands for to force others into doing what they don't want to.

Naruto would meet up with them for the remainder of his stay to talk more with them.

One of the main reasons Guren decided to stay with Naruto's group is Yokumaru, to teach him as much as she can about their shared ability and the limitless possibilities it holds, as well as the dangers.

The kids have all been brought to a training area, large enough where they're free to do whatever they find a need for. The kids are sitting on the ground listening intently to Guren, with Naruto and Hinata sitting on some rocks by her side.

Shoto is the first to ask a burning question. "If this is about the Crystal Style, why are we also here?"

Kotori nods, having thought the same thing.

"Well, you guys are gonna be a team, right?" Naruto answers. "It's important to know what your teammates can do so you can work better together. Learn the full extent of each others' abilities and you'll be unstoppable!"

"Perhaps not entirely unstoppable," Hinata corrects him, sweat bead dropping down her forehead at his enthusiasm, "But it IS important to know what you're all capable of."

"So," Guren begins, "What do you kids know about kekkei genkai?"

Kotori raises her arm enthusiastically. "Oh, I know! It's a special ability that usually only people from a certain bloodline can do, like mom's Byakugan or my Avriary or Yokumaru's Crystal Style."

Guren nods. "You're right up to a point. Kekkei genkai are powerful abilities that go beyond what ordinary shinobi can do. But the Crystal Style is not one of them."

"It's not?" Kotori tilts her head. "Then what is it?"

Hinata turns to Guren. "It's true I've never heard of the Crystal Style before or since then but surely it's a bloodline limit."

"I did a bit of snooping around Orochimaru's labs and found some research he'd done on my abilities. The Crystal Style isn't a kekkei genkai, it's a kekkei tota. A bloodline selection, not a bloodline limit."

"A kekkei tota?!" Hinata jumps from her spot. "But that's… Lord Tsuchikage is the only person known to have a bloodline selection, and you're saying your ability is the same?"

"No, it checks out." Naruto interjects, remaining oddly calm. "I've seen both Old Man Onoki's Dust Style and Guren's Crystal Style in action firsthand. They're both super deadly in their own way."

"So, it's a really impressive ability?" Yokumaru looks between the adults.

"More than impressive, kid. Honestly, I'm surprised you're able to do a Crystal Wall so well with so little training. A kekkei tota is incredibly difficult to master; took me ages to get the hang of my Crystal Style. A nature transformation kekkei genkai takes two elements to make a new one, like Earth and Fire to make Lava. A nature transformation kekkei tota uses three. We in particular combine Earth, Fire, and Water to form Crystal."

Yokumaru nods intently, listening to her every word.

"Our kekkei tota… it doesn't just create crystals, it crystalizes its surroundings. You turn water into crystals, or the ground, or even the moisture in the air." She demonstrates by forming a Crystal Blade on her forearm. "But it can also crystalize people." She warns with deadly seriousness. "If you use this on a person, you can crystalize their entire body, right down to their blood, and they die instantly. As Naruto said, it's deadly."

Yokumaru gulps. "Then… it's good I never used it on anyone…"

"There ARE ways around it. We can't crystalize lightning or fire. That's why the Miyoshi brother was a particularly bad match-up for me. Or you can apparently coat your body in chakra like Hinata here did."

"Wait… you tried to crystalize mom?" Kotori raises a brow.

"We have a… complicated history." Hinata tries not to answer. "But you don't need to worry about what happened, we're good now."

Guren steps up to stand in front of her cousin. "Basically, I just needed you to know that this ability of ours is. It's not a walk in the park and it can be dangerous if used poorly, but if used wisely, it will be your greatest ally and an invaluable part of your team's arsenal." She extends her hand to him. "Are you ready to train it wisely?"

Yokumaru breaths in and grasps her hand, a firm look in his eyes. "Yes, ma'am."

"Alright." She pulls him up to his feet. "And don't call me 'ma'am'."

"Ah, sorry."

-x-

Yokumaru's training consists of a lot of practice with the Crystal Style while Kotori and Shoto practice on the other sides of the field along with Naruto and Hinata.

The main thing Shoto has to focus on is his Shorin martial art and strengthening his Earth Style ninjutsu, even though he primarily uses the body-enhancing Earth Spear to make his fighting style even deadlier. He practices relentlessly against Naruto's Frog Kata and Hinata's Gentle Fist, primarily focusing on that with some time dedicated to other Earth Style to increase his arsenal.

Kotori's training focuses on general taijutsu but also using and getting used to her Aviary. The speed at which she can summon them, their duration, their strength and durability. In between practice, she also visits the messengers' station where, as Kankuro promised, she's allowed to get closer with the messenger hawks. Watch them fly, pet them, get to know more about their habits and lifestyle, and even gets the chance to witness chicks hatching from their eggs and being cared for by the parents. By the end of their stay here, she's able to summon a Sand Hawk, which quickly proves to be faster than any other bird she has.

When not doing their individual training, they also focus a lot more on kunai and shuriken. They've handled them previously but the focus has always been on other parts. This time, they spend much more time to using weapons that don't rely on chakra.

-x-

They do also spend time hanging out with Sangen and Tayuri, who they'd become much closer with over time. Tayuri still acts indignant, especially toward Kotori, but she's secretly the one who suggests to Sangen that they visit and play or train together with the Leaf kids. That's something Sangen has promised to take to his grave.

The two sometimes join in on the training sessions with Naruto or Hinata.

-x-

Speaking of those two, they don't slack off, either. As per their mission, they continue to do missions for the Hidden Sand, being teamed up with teams from the village and occasionally even teaming up with shinobi from other villages who're on the same mission as them. Nothing exciting happens during the following two months' worth of mission, or at least nothing that matches the fight.

When the mission at the Hidden Sand Village comes to an end and the time finally arrives for them to part ways, everyone comes out to say their farewells at the front gate.

Guren, Gozu, and Yukimari will set out for the Hidden Leaf with a group of Sand shinobi, led by none other than Temari. Naruto, Hinata, and their pupils will instead head directly for the Hidden Mist.

"Thank you for everything, Naruto." The Kazekage extends a hand.

Naruto readily returns it. Years ago, he was uncertain how precisely to act around Gaara but the two have grown closer with time and through adversity.

"Of course! We'll see each other again soon, alright?"

Gaara smiles. "Naturally." He then turns to Hinata. "And of course, thank you, as well."

She bows back. "We're merely doing our jobs, Lord Kazekage."

"Please. Just Gaara. We needn't stand on formalities."

Kyodo Uzumaki is also present to bid farewell. "We will meet again soon, as one clan."

"Until then." Naruto gives a firm handshake.

To the side, the kids are saying their goodbyes to Sangen and Tayuri, with Kotori being as overzealous as always, pulling the two Sand kids in a hug.

"Ah, let go!" Tayuri protests. "What's even with you! Let go!"

Kotori takes her time releasing them. As she does, Sangen has a slight blush, at which Tayuri puffs her cheeks and kicks his leg.

"Ow." Sangen winces.

Shoto steps to them. "Next we meet, we're probably going to be rivals."

Tayuri smirks. "And we'll win, just you wait."

Shoto and Yokumaru shake hands with their new Sand friends and prepare for their departure.

"So, you only have the Hidden Mist left, right?" Kankuro asks.

"Correct, but we may have a different stop before that." Hinata answers.

"The Hidden Whirlpool Village." Naruto states. "My clan's home. If there's gonna be any answers to… everything that's been going on, it's gonna be there."

"Hm." Gaara muses. "The Mizukage is yet to send word of any findings but if it's a situation like the Land of Earth's Temple of Stone Song where only you could enter…"

"Exactly. We gotta go and see for ourselves."

"Then, I wish you all the best, Naruto. May fortune be with you."

Before leaving, Naruto's group says their farewells to Guren's.

"We'll see each other soon, kid." Guren shakes his hand then Hinata's. She then leans down to be eye-level with Yokumaru. "And when we get to the Hidden Leaf, I'll be sure to find your mom. Yoi Kigatsu, right? Anything you want me to tell her?"

"Just… tell her I'm doing fine." He gives a light smile. The edges of his mouth tremble and he clearly has trouble keeping it together, although only Guren can see it right now. He'd been so absorbed by the training that he hadn't truly stopped to worry about his mom as he once did. Now, knowing that Guren will go see her before him, he's trying his hardest not to break down. "Tell her… tell her I really miss her, and when I go back, she won't even recognize me!"

Guren pats him on the head. "Sure thing." And pulls him into a long hug. He tries to hide his tears but the sniffling is quite audible.

When they break, Kotori rushes in and hugs him instead, with Hinata and Naruto coming in to reassure the young boy. Even Shoto offers a comforting pat on the shoulder. Once he calms down, he dries his tears and prepares himself for departure.

Naruto nods and his group leaves the Hidden Sand behind, ready for the next chapter of their journey.

Name meaning

Kyodo Uzumaki (うずまき キョウドウ, Uzumaki Kyōdō) = 'kyoudou' - 'doing together' or 'cooperation'

Author's note

When I named Yokumaru and decided he'd be related to Guren, it never occurred to me how stupidly similar his name is to Yukimaru. I kept having to go back and make sure I didn't write the wrong name by accident.