A love in time 22

"Urgh," Naruto grunted, having blocked an attack by Kakashi. Her feet dug into the ground to stop her momentum. Bringing down her guarded arms, Naruto looked at Kakashi strangely. "I don't get it. Why are you holding back?"

Kakashi sighed, "You're an idiot," He pointed at her rudely and ignored her yelling. "Comrades don't fight each other to death. Also, even though this is Uzushiogakue it's still not a safe place. We can't use all our stamina in a spar with nothing left over if we get attacked. Only an idiot would continue until they faint."

Naruto felt her face flame red. "I knew that!"

"Liar." Kakashi was quick to call her out. He approached the fuming kitsune and rubbed her head, "You're all sorts of smart and strong, Naruto, but you're still a kid." He tilted his head in thought before smiling, "By the way, happy 18th birthday, Naruto Uzumaki,"

"Nii-chan," Naruto gasped, she had forgotten entirely. She blinked in surprise when a gift appeared under her nose. "What's this?" She scoffed but eagerly accepted the gift and opened it up. She felt her throat close up and her eyes water up. Naruto looked at Kakashi in disbelief as she held up the photo frame in her trembling hands. "T-this is-"

Kakashi nodded, leaning over to point to the people in the photo. "Kushina really wanted a family photo together." He pointed to the red-headed lady with his finger trailing down to tap her bump, "There's you, Minato-sensei and me." He chuckled looking at the photo. He was frowning, Minato had his awkward smile and only Kushina looked excited to take the photo. "There's more of this waiting at home for you," He glanced at Naruto. Checking for her reactions. "There's a lot of things Kushina gathered to give to you. Now that you're 18 I can give them to you. I could've given them to you soon if you made Jonin first but you're still a genin,"

Naruto glared at Kakashi for that comment, "Thank you," She grumbled before bringing her attention back to Kushina. Her eyes greedily took in Kushina's appearance. Between her father and Kushina, Naruto said, "I look just like her," She felt a breath of fresh air knowing that. Part of Naruto was anxious she inherited nothing of her mother beside the chains.

"Hmm, I agree. If you had red hair and purple eyes, you'd look like a mini-Kushina." Kakashi held his tongue when Naruto's hair slowly turned red and her eyes matched the same shade as her mother's eyes. He felt his core shake when Naruto looked at him. Beside her birthmarks, Kakashi felt like he was looking at Kushina Uzumaki. "You're definitely her kid,"

Naruto laughed, dropping the henge and asked, "Do you think they'd be proud of me?"

"You could be a threat to the entire world and they'd still be in your corner," He shrugged his shoulders at her look, "They were both fiercely devoted to the people they saw as family. Moreso with Minato-sensei. I see it's been passed onto you," Kakashi noticed the dangerous look in her eyes and flicked her forehead. "Don't go burning the world when I die,"

"Only if you die of natural causes. Otherwise," Naruto shrugged, "Everyone's fair game,"

Kakashi could only sigh at her antics.

Just then, a toad appeared and handed Naruto a letter. "It's from Orochimaru," She said, dismissing the toad before reading over the letter. "Ha, he's agreed to cooperate with us."

"But," Kakashi pushed.

Naruto handed Kakashi the letter, "His loyal right hand has betrayed him. Kabuto has gone rouge once again,"

"He's taken Orochimaru's research on Edo Tensei," Kakashi was shocked. Closing his eye, he went over Kabuto's profile in his mind. "It doesn't make sense. Kabuto was definitely loyal to Orochimaru. Almost obsessed with him. When we met the two in Orochimaru's lair, Kabuto looked jealous when Orochimaru took your blood. It doesn't fit his motives,"

Packing away her gift carefully, Naruto admitted, "Kaguya's will - Zetsu. I wouldn't be surprised if that thing interfered. They've manipulated history. They're a master of their craft." Naruto summoned a small squad of toads and carefully informed them to inform her network, Shikamaru included, to be discreet and be wary of the Akatsuki member Zetsu.

"Zetsu is a known non-combative member of the Akatsuki. It doesn't have a partner like the others. Chances are, he's the true leader of Akatsuki and the pseudo-leader of Akatsuki doesn't even know. We have to assume its level of manipulation is at its peak and most paranoid to hide their tracks." Kakashi scoffed, "Just like the observer it is,"

Naruto sighed.

Kakashi watched her, "Naruto, there's a chance this war won't be silent. It'll be difficult to hide a fight with a team of S-rank shinobi."

Naruto grabbed her hi-ate from around her forehead and pulled it off. Staring at the design, she tucked it into her pocket and pulled out a different hi-ate. She tied it around her arm.

Kakashi saw the tattered hi-ate. It was the hi-ate of the Uzumaki clan.

"My dream used to be about being the Hokage. Now, my dream is to have a world where children never know the burden of war. Twelve is too young to be fighting, Kakashi. I know that will never change since we're shinobi but I at least don't want another generation experiencing war. Being Hokage would only be a bonus at this stage,"

"Naruto," Kakashi felt guttered. He recalled their time over the years. She would shout from the rooftops that she'd be Hokage and change the village.

They both went quiet when their video communications device went off. It was flashing red. Immediately, Naruto knew it was Shikamaru and picked up the call.

"Naruto, I know why the New Gods disappeared 13 years ago,"

Naruto gasped.

"Also, happy birthday you troublesome woman,"

Tobirama

"What is the meaning of this?" Tobirama ignored the files before him. He was glaring at the men in front of him.

Hashirama, sitting beside Tobirama, spoke to the Elder Council, "We're in the middle of a war. Discussions of marriage are of no importance right now. We should be focusing on food supplies, manpower and rebuilding our defences."

"I understand your concerns, Hashirama-dono," One of the Elders spoke on behalf of the rest of the group. "However, Tobirama is already 22 years of age with no prospective spouse lined up. We understand a marriage at this time is not appropriate, however, we ask for leniency with an engagement. Before you are three potential engagement partners with the clans we are on friendly terms with. This will help strengthen the bonds with the other clans as we reach the heights of this war."

"Have you forgotten the previous engagement you picked out for me," Tobirama hissed, pushing the files towards the Elder Council. "Your mistakes cost the Senju clan gravely,"

"Young Master Tobirama, we have vetted these women extensively. There is no room for mistakes, unlike your previous engagement." The Elder Council responded. "This is for the greater good of the clan. Unless you bring forward a wife then you will need to consider the three women before you. We have said our peace,"

The Senju brothers kept quiet until the Elder Council left. It wasn't until they were sure they were alone that Tobirama spoke up, "I won't do it, brother."

"Tobi," Hashirama sighed. Reaching towards the files, he carefully read through each one. "They are good candidates,"

"You swore I could go find my friend after the war," Tobirama refused to look at the files, "Are you going back on your word?"

"No, I would never," Hashirama responded firmly, "However, I still need to consider other options,"

"What other options are there?"

"Tobirama Senju," Hashirama's tone became firm. He could see his brother struggling, "You are smarter than me when it comes to politics. Consider the possibility you can't find your friend. You will have to return to the village and marry. I suggest you pick a bride now, once the war ends you can go and I will give you one year. If you can't find your friend in one year then you are to return home and marry one of these women. I ask you to pick one now and have your engagement ceremony to satisfy the Elders. That is all I can offer you as your brother and Clan Leader." Hashirama remained calm when Tobirama slammed his fist into the table.

"Brother I can't do it," Tobirama felt his body tremble. The last time he got engaged, he lost Naruto for years. The person he became at that time was a monster. Killing, training, learning, sneaking, killing, and winning for his clan. That was what his teenage years were like. Granted, he still behaved this way but never in front of Naruto.

Tobirama flinched when Hashirama gripped his shoulder. He saw a folder move into his line of sight and shuddered. He felt suffocated. He finally had part of her yet the world seemed to be separating them again. "Brother, if I do this, I won't be kind to her or the world,"

Hashirama felt sorry for the poor woman being engaged to Tobirama. "That's why I chose this woman for you. Hana Kurama. The Kurama clan are known for their genjutsu prowess." There was a photo of a young woman with brown hair and eyes with pale skin. "There are rumours, not confirmed but I can find out, that Hana has a civilian lover. A baker's boy."

"Are you, the noble Hashirama Senju, suggesting I enter into a contract marriage?" Tobirama was in disbelief but Hashirama was ever serious.

"I'm suggesting making it work with the options you have," He pushed the other two folders towards his little brother. They were folders of a candidate from the Yamanaka clan and a civilian clan. "Once I've done my own check on Hana, I will invite her and her parents over to discuss marriage options. Your engagement ceremony needs to be confirmed."

"I…" Tobirama still wasn't comfortable getting engaged again. He knew he was lucky that he was unattached for as long as he could. If he declined these candidates then the Elder Council would come back hot and pressure Hashirama to get it done. "You and I are going on a mission. When we come back I want it all done,"

Hashirama sighed in relief, "Leave it to me, brother,"

"When I said a mission, I didn't mean a fight with the Uchiha!" Tobirama scowled, using his sword to block the attack coming from Izuna.

"I said I was sorry!" Hashirama whined, "How many times do I have to say it?" He deflected Madara's attack. They were ambushed by the Uchiha clan. How was he supposed to know a reconnaissance mission would turn into a full-blown fight between Senju and Uchiha? However, Madara noticed something different with his old friend. Madara seemed more feral in his movements than before. "You," Hashirama frowned, taking on Madara's attack. When they got close to each other, Hashirama asked, "What's wrong with you?"

"You shut your mouth and just fight," Madara hissed.

"We can talk this through, Madara. There does not need to be any more bloodshed! No more death!" Hashirama tried to reason with his childhood friend.

"I came to fight. Not to talk," Madara scowled. Their katana clashed with Madara having to give way first as wooden pillars came charging towards him. Landing a safe distance away, Madara arched a brow, "Seal-less jutsu. I have to admit I'm impressed but not impressed enough,"

Hashirama frowned, "Excuse me?" He felt slighted. It took him hours upon hours to achieve seal-less jutsu. "Is this a new tactic of yours?" He mumbled before blocking another attack. He looked into Madara's eyes and noticed something different, "You've changed,"

Madara frowned and blew a fireball into Hashirama's face. Of course, he knew his attack wouldn't affect the man much. "You talk too much for a crybaby,"

"I'm not a crybaby," Hashirama gasped.

Just as Madara was about to attack once again he heard an urgent call from his little brother. Turning his gaze, Madara gasp seeing Izuna hunched over and blood pouring out of his mouth. Madara was quick to be at Izuna's side and held him close. His pupils were shaking and would feel his chest tightening. He knew Izuna's condition of critical yet he could hear Hashirama calling his name.

"You cannot win against me. Why don't we end this conflict and let us talk," Hasirama was hopeful as he held his hand out towards Madara. The fight around them had stopped. He could see Tobirama in the corner or his eyes breathing heavily. No doubt his fight with Izuna was taxing. "No more fighting,"

"Brother," Izuna gasped through painful breaths. "Don't listen to him. He's killed many of us. He won't stop,"

Madara frowned, pulling out a smoke bomb to escape with Izuna.

Hashirama sighed when the able-bodied Uchiha's disappeared. However, what he noticed were a lot of Uchiha left behind who had given themselves up to the Senju. He frowned, looking over the battlefield. Hashirama could feel it. The bloodshed was close to finishing but the blood spilt was far from over. "Round up the defectors!"

"Yes sir!"

"This won't end peacefully," Tobirama warned his warmhearted brother. "It's too late for peace. We've killed so many of each side. We have to end this, brother,"

Hashirama clenched his fists, "I know, Tobi. I know." He gave Tobirama a weak smile, "How about we finish up your engagement ceremony?"

"Hashirama!" Tobirama scolded, clenching his throbbing shoulder, "No jokes. Izuna's wound is fatal. He's the last brother of Madara. Not even you will know what that man will do next now that he's lost his family,"

Hashirama frowned. Despite the impending loss of Izuna, Hashirama still felt something different about Madara.

Madara gripped his pants watching Izuna. His brother was asleep but his breathing was getting slower by the minute. It was only a matter of time before Izuna would pass. Madara could hear Izuna's last request in his head on repeat.

"Brother, take my eyes and avenge our clan. I know you can do it,"

Those were Izuna's last words before he fell into a deep sleep. "Naruto," He whispered, desperation touching his voice. "Please," He begged, "Please if you can hear me. Please, I'll do anything. Save my brother. I beg you," He closed his eyes tightly. Madara couldn't bring himself to produce any tears. It was hopeless muttering on his end. He recalled how Naruto had appeared magically and saved Izuna. He desperately prayed it would happen once more. "I can't live without him. I'll destroy this world if Izuna dies. You should know this better than anyone else, Naruto. Please, I'll do anything to save him."

"You,"

Madara gasped, his eyes flying open as looked at the guest across from him. Sitting on the other side of Izuna.

"I don't understand you,"

"Naruto," Madara whispered. He hadn't seen or felt her in over a year. Every day he tried to find their connection with no success. Yet there she was. Sitting opposite him with an unreadable look in her eyes. She was looking straight at him. "You came,"

Naruto frowned. "You called. I could hear your pathetic desperate cries when I was conscious." Folding her arms, she recognised the crazed look in Madara's eyes. "How old are you?"

"Twenty-five,"

"Impossible," Naruto muttered, thinking back to Shikamaru's findings. "You," She sighed, "You fucking bastard."

"Excuse me," Madara was offended and about to argue back when he saw Naruto glance at Izuna. "Can you save him?"

"You better remember these words. If you miss a fucking word I'll beat you bloody in the afterlife, you stupid bastard." Naruto glared viciously, "I don't know how you fucking did it but thank you for killing the New Gods,"

Madara was lost. He had nothing to do with any Gods or temples.

"I don't know what you were thinking but I never leave a debt unpaid. Give me your hands,"

Madara quickly held his hands over Izuna. Naruto placed her hands over his and felt her chakra flow and change into his hands to heal Izuna. "I've never killed a God."

"I'm not talking to the current you. I don't know how you do it but I'm thanking you now," Naruto frowned. All the evidence Shikamaru told her pointed her towards Madara. Nobody in her time would've known about the New Gods and been able to take them on 13 years ago. The only person she could think of was Madara. "They were killed using fuinjutsu,"

"I highly doubt my fuinjutsu skill would ever reach your level. Not even in 100 years,"

"I know," Naruto huffed. She was frustrated yet her work remained stable. "But you copied the one fuinjutsu I taught you with absolute perfection. Even the chakra output was perfect." Naruto glared at Madara, "I don't know what changed between us but soon I trust you enough to pass on my clan's greatest fuinjutsu."

"Naruto," Madara held her hands gently as he worked on his brother. "I understand that you haven't forgiven me for my actions. However, I am forever grateful for your help right now." He gathered the courage to keep his tone even, "I'm so sorry for deceiving you. I would do anything to make everything right between us,"

"Would you take Izuna's eyes and relocate him? Leave him somewhere no one will find him, let him grow old and never see him again,"

"I-" Madara went silent. "He's the only family I have left. Don't do this to me,"

"I never left you alone. Every day, I kept a fox near you. To keep an eye on you." Naruto confessed, "Six months ago, Izuna changed. I'm sure you noticed it too." She saw Madara's look and scoffed, "What? Did you really think I'd leave you alone after I found you? I couldn't have you going feral and ruining everything I've done so far. Answer me. Did you notice Izuna change?"

Madara instantly felt a barrier wash over him. He saw a golden haze only surround the three of them. Madara shook his head as he explained, "He's a good kid. Izuna was always the gentle one. Then," Madara licked his lips, "He suddenly went on more missions. He wanted to be on the frontline more. His language," Madara ignored the tears gathering as he recalled memories, "Became more aggressive. Violent. He became someone I did not recognise but he's still my baby brother."

"I know you would do anything for Izuna. You would put him over the clan,"

Madara nodded but refused to confirm her words aloud.

Naruto pulled her hands back. Looking over at Izuna, she could tell he would recover but he wouldn't be able to return to the shinobi forces. His heart would be in pain whenever he overexerted himself. Naruto told this to Madara. "We have to talk,"

Madara held Izuna's hand in his. He listened to Naruto's findings and her suspicions of a creature named Zetsu manipulating Izuna. She had gathered so much information while she was gone. "Why would it target my brother?"

"You're the strongest Uchiha since the founding of your clan. You're still young and have more room to grow. Madara, Izuna's dying wish was for you to take his eyes. Have you heard of the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan?"

Madara held Izuna's hand tighter.

"Open his eyes," Naruto requested and waited until Izuna's eyes were open to point to the cloudiness around Izuna's pupils. "Overusing the Mangekyo Sharingan can cause vision loss. It can lead to blindness. The only way to prevent that and awaken the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan is to implant another Mangekyo Sharingan with someone with close blood ties - ideally a sibling. Let me transplant Izuna's eyes into yours."

He burned the image of Izuna into his mind.

"My guess is that Zetsu will target you next when you are at your lowest point. A vulnerable Uchiha with powerful eyes." Naruto continued, "I want you to manipulate the manipulator."

"Naruto," Madara bit his lips when he looked at her. Unlike her cold voice, her face was pained while she requested the impossible from him. "Stay by my side. Always chose me. Always pick my side over all else. Over the one you can only speak to in this time. When you're with your brother and I need you, I want you to come to me without question. Our sacrifice must be equal. If you want me to live without my brother then you need to replace him. I can not fathom another day without my brother, Naruto. You understand this better than anyone else."

Naruto clenched her jaw. It was as if she was sharing Madara's pain. She could feel every ounce of his agony. His turmoil. The anger. The fear. It was suffocating. Yes, Naruto knew Madara's feelings the best. Their special people were what kept them anchored. They kept them sane. She would do anything for Kakashi. Naruto recalled her time with Tobirama. Part of her knew she was foolish for giving in. Even Kurama scolded her for indulgence. Her heart clenched as she resolved her will, "I will make a blood oath. An oath of not only death but eternal conflict in the afterlife," With no hesitation, Naruto pulled out a kunai and sliced her palm before holding it out to Madara. "I will be your brother."

Madara pulled out a hidden kunai and slashed his palm. Grabbing Naruto's hand firmly, he could feel the pull from their wounds and soon a subtle glow surrounded their hands before it disappeared. Pulling back, he could see his healed palm that only had the scar of their promise.

"Urgh!"

"Naruto!" Madara looked up, quickly moving to her side to grab her before she fell onto Izuna. "Are you okay?" Pushing her bangs out of her face, she looked pale and her skin clammy.

"Ha!" Naruto laughed, "It's my soul. The oath is imprinting onto my soul. Give me a minute and I'll be fine,"

Madara released Naruto. It was bound by their blood that even Madara could feel the change between them. When she left him for a year, Madara could feel bloodlust and craze bubble within him. He ignored the whispers of his clansmen who secretly called him a tyrant. He was foolish to ignore the bond he had with the blonde woman beside him. Tucking a hair behind her ear, Madara was envious of Kakashi. He could be with her in her original time to be her brother. "I will protect you here,"

"What?" Naruto couldn't hear Madara's mumbling.

"Nothing. We should to the eye transplant now then you should go rest. I'll arrange for Izuna to disappear and prepare for his funeral. It shouldn't be hard to fake my grief." Madara laid down beside Izuna. His hand found its way to his little brother's to hold.

"I'm sorry that it's come to this," Naruto apologised, placing her hands over Madara's eyes.

"The one who should apologise is Zetsu. Prepare your tears if you want to make a believable performance,"

Naruto sighed, "I'll get started. When you wake up you'll have the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan." Leaning forward, her face was parallel to Madara's face and whispered, "You left a note with the stone tablet your clan hides. It was you who told me about the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan through the pieces you left behind for me."

"Is it weird? Finding pieces of me when I'm no longer around,"

"Yes," Naruto frowned as her hands started to glow. She was about to start the procedure. "It doesn't feel good."

"Tell me," Madara requested, "Tell me about your first-time time walking," He could feel her fingers trembling over his eyes. Her voice sounded pained as she told the story that occurred on her birthday 13 years ago yet her voice was soothing as she worked her best to keep his pain to a minimum.

Naruto with Kyuubi in the past

"Why did you come to me?" Kyuubi asked. He was in his human form and they were taking a walk alongside the river.

"You won't indulge me like Kurama," Naruto replied. Looking up, the moon was full and reflected gently onto the water.

"That is true," Kyuubi nodded, "However that's also not why you sought me out."

Naruto paused. She waited for Kyuubi to stop and face her. Once she held his gaze, Naruto spoke, "I want you to be sealed into Mito Uzumaki, then Kushina Uzumaki and lastly into me, Naruto Uzumaki,"

"I hope you know what you're asking for." Kyuubi frowned, approaching his future host slowly, "Kurama showed me everything. I get manipulated by that Uchiha brat to serve under him before he gets defeated. That Mito woman seals me into her body and ignored my existence until she dies of old age, handing me over to your mother. The accumulated anger and resentment of those to hide in their bodies manifest through my chakra and feed into my emotions. Naruto Uzumaki, you're asking me to allow myself to go mad and kill your parents. You can change your fate,"

"But I didn't," Naruto replied. She resolved herself, having practiced this conversation over and over again in her mind. "I didn't change anything in my future and nothing has been rewritten in the history books. I let the Uzumaki clan get annihilated. I didn't give any information to Tobirama to avoid two great wars. I didn't change anything and kept my shitty childhood. I didn't do anything,"

"Tch you stupid brat," Kyuubi was furious with his future host. "Why didn't you move? Why stay still and ask this of me?"

"Then it will never end. I could have a happy life but then my offspring would suffer. The future will suffer. Kyuubi, I will find a way to end this even if I die before the finale."

"Shut your mouth," He growled and gripped her cheeks between his fingers, "You self-sacrificing piece of shit. You're so fucking annoying I could rip your head off and stomp you into the ground."

"Oh? So that's where I got it from,"

"You've been gathering the other jinchuriki in your time?" Kyuubi asked, releasing her cheeks when she nodded, "Prepare those bastards for war. You're so-" Kyuubi went silent, looking around carefully before sighing. Leaning forward, he whispered in Naruto's ear, "I may not indulge you like Kurama but I do believe you should experience the joys of being young,"

"What?" Before Naruto could question Kyuubi further, he disappeared before her eyes. "The crazy bastard,"

"Who's a crazy bastard?"

"Ah!" Naruto yelled, jumping on her heels when Tobirama appeared behind her. "Make some noise when you walk! You scared me!"

Tobirama smirked, "I'm a shinobi," Taking a chance at her shocked appearance, Tobirama was quick to sweep Naruto up in his arms and spin her around. He smiled softly when she laughed and placed her hands on his shoulders for support. With both arms under he thighs, Tobirama had to look up at her to catch her appearance. "You are cleaned up for once,"

"Wha- I bathe daily!" Naruto was offended. Tobirama's embarrassed looked showed her that she misunderstood. "I had an early day today." Reaching down, she caressed his cheeks, "I must've kept you waiting, Tobi. How long has it been?"

"Six months, fours day, thirteen hours and forty-seven minutes,"

Naruto could only hum in response. "Put me down,"

"You'll run away once I do,"

"I'm not a kid," Naruto huffed, "Put me down. I can tell you're struggling to hold your concentration,"

Sighing, Tobirama reluctantly put her down and replied, "I could hold you longer if you practiced too,"

"Eh I don't want to," Naruto shrugged. Quickly, Naruto held a finger up when Tobirama's face approached hers, "No, that's not what we agreed on. We're friends," She could see the thoughts churning in his head, "You won't make it back fast enough before you drop me. Don't even think of it,"

"But I am thinking about it," Tobirama smirked. He knew this action set Naruto on edge.

"N-no," Naruto tried to say firmly when he tried approaching her again. "Tobi no! Ah!" Naruto dodged his hand and spun on her heels.

"Nami," Tobirama warned and groaned when she took off running. Yet the grin on his face widened and quickly took off after the blonde woman. "Do not forget. I am faster than you and always will be," She had no chance to outrun him and was quick to swoop her up into his arms. Hearing her scream with laughter made Tobirama smile as he quickly flashed them both into his cave. He wasn't sure if Naruto would appear with him but when she was still in his arms. "Now, you're mine, Nami,"

"Tobi-" Naruto was quickly silenced when Tobirama kissed her.

Tobirama was careful to lay Naruto on the grass as he kissed her. Pulling back, he observed her reaction. She was in a daze and gently caressed her cheek. "Nami, come back to me," Her eyes instantly regained focus and she smiled at him. Tobirama felt his breath leave him and couldn't resist kissing her again. "Ah!" Tobirama was surprised when he suddenly found himself on his back - looking up at the mischievous Naruto.

"Tell me how you did that?" Naruto rolled her eyes when Tobirama arched his brow. "Tell me and I'll give you a gift,"

"Ah, you have convinced me," Tobirama's hands were on her thighs. Taking in the sight of her blonde hair cascading around his face like a halo. Moving her hair out of the way, he pointed to the rock near them. They had landed near the pond but on the rock, there was clearly a seal etched into it. "Hiraishin no jutsu - it's a space-time ninjutsu. I created it to be faster than you." He shrugged when she looked at him in shock, "Well, I assume I am the fastest shinobi in the Fire Country with this jutsu. Now, my gift,"

Naruto sighed, "You've become unexpectedly impatient,"

"I do not know when I will see you next. I will monopolise every moment with you when I can," Her sad smile was etched into his mind. Every emotion that passed on her face - Tobirama wanted to remember it all. "My gift," He urged.

Naruto tilted her head. "Open your mouth,"

"Excuse me,"

"Your kisses are like a virgin. I know you want more. Open your mouth," She leaned closer to his face and once his lips parted slightly, Naruto took that as her opportunity and shoved her tongue inside Tobirama's mouth. She could feel him tense under her and kissed him deeply. Running her tongue run along the roof of his mouth caused Tobirama to shudder. His small moan made Naruto smile into their kiss and tilted his head back so she could kiss him deeper. When she felt his tongue shyly play with hers, Naruto chuckled and quickly dominated the kiss. "Breath Tobi," She muttered against his lips before going in for more. During their previous kiss, Naruto could feel Tobirama wanting to kiss her more but he was shy despite his forward words. His lips were hers to dominate. Humming in delight, Naruto muttered against his swollen lips, "You taste so good, Tobi - ah!" Naruto found herself falling through Tobirama and her face smacking against the ground.

Feeling embarrassed and annoyed, Naruto sat up quickly and glared at Tobriama. "What was that for?!" She found the stupid Senju far from her. His face was beet red, his hand shyly covering his mouth with his trembling eyes.

"I…I the w-way you talk," Tobirama felt his heart beating furiously, "Is that how you always speak to your lovers?"

"Lovers?" Naruto frowned before clicking. "Ah you conservative bastard," Sighing, she walked over to Tobirama and knelt before him, "I'm sorry, I won't do that again if it makes you uncomfortable."

Tobirama nodded, lowering his hand. "I would appreciate that greatly. It was…dangerous,"

Naruto didn't follow until Tobirama looked down at his crotch. She followed his line of sight and could see his bulge through his pants and a noticeable wet spot. Looking back at Tobirama, she could see that he was embarrassed and kept her mouth shut. He came just from kissing. "Do you enjoy dirty talking?"

"W-what? I do not know what you are talking about. I have never heard of lovers whispering as you do," Tobirama defended.

"Surely you have fantasies, Tobi, about what you'd like done while having sex,"

"Ah!" Tobirama yelled, covering Naruto's mouth but his hands just phased through her.

"You've had sex," Naruto tilted her head in confusion, "I get you're sheltered and old school but you must've had some wet dreams before,"

Tobirama glared at the confident blonde, "I suppose you know all of this from experience. Of course, you've had past lovers. You are extremely beautiful. Ha! Who would not want to be with you-"

"You know it's not like that!" Naruto scolded Tobirama, feeling hurt by his accusations. "You know I grew up in the Red Light District. You know my Master is an erotic novel writer. Don't accuse me of being loose. You should know better,"

Tobirama sighed, releasing his anger, "I must apologise. I did not intend to hurt you. I get jealous knowing that someone can sweep you off your feet when I am not looking."

"Yeah well, I'm too busy to have a lover. I barely have time to come here," Naruto sat beside Tobirama.

"Then what am I to you?"

"Outside these walls, you're my best friend," Naruto laid on her back, looking at the stars through the skylight, "In here, you're the one I want to indulge in."

Tobirama laid down beside her, "Then in here I am your lover,"

Naruto turned to look at him. He was already watching her, "It's difficult to admit aloud."

"I am your lover," Tobirama was firm, causing Naruto to chuckle. "It is easy to say,"

"A ghost can't be your lover,"

"You said you were not a ghost. I recall you getting mad whenever I would bring it up,"

"Haaa~" Naruto sighed, "Tobi, someone who can't physically be with you can't be considered a lover. You shouldn't be waiting months or even years to catch a glimpse of them."

"I agree but that only applies to outside of these walls,"

"You're so stubborn,"

"So are you, Nami. What I feel for you will not disappear," Tobirama was firm. "It will always be you,"

"Tobi," Naruto took a deep breath, "You'll never find me." Reaching over, she surprised Tobirama by being able to touch his face. Of course, she had been practicing. "For as long as you walk this earth, for as long as you're breathing, you won't find me here. I'm not alive when you're alive,"

"But," Tobirama frowned, "I know you are not a ghost. You age, you hurt, and your jutsu can be applied to my environment. Although I cannot feel your chakra I have seen you use it. You are alive."

"Yes," Naruto whispered sadly, "I am alive but not here," She swore to Hashirama that she would stop Tobirama from going to the Land of Darkness. It was a conversation she wasn't ready to have with Tobirama but lately, she's been having several conversations she didn't want.

"In these walls, I am your lover," Tobirama was firm and adamant.

"Tobirama!" Naruto sat up. Frustration was building up in her that she could feel her eyes stinging. "I'm not alive here!"

"Shhh," Tobirama soothed her. Holding her face in his hands as he touched their foreheads together. "I will ignore the way you called me just this once, Nami. I have considered our condition for over a decade. I am no fool but my feelings make me foolish. Nami, I do not want to wait for death to be with you," He could feel her weak grip when she held his wrists. Opening his eyes, he could see her silently crying. The despair was clear in her eyes. She didn't want to live like this either. "However, even in death, I will be waiting for you,"

"You're not making this fair for me, Tobi,"

"Why should I when the woman that fills my heart always tries desperately to leave me with a sad face? If you are going to commit to leaving me then at least do not show me a pained face," Tobirama gently kissed her lips. They were cold and stiff but he would remember every kiss they shared.

Without her knowledge, Tobirama hid a hiraishin seal behind her ear. Just by placing the seal on her and trying to hiraishin to her location with failure told Tobirama all he needed.

Naruto wasn't alive.