*I DON'T OWN NARUTO*
Sai lead his team through the halls that lead to Gaara's office. Reinforcements from the Mizukage, and the Samurai leader Mifune, had arrived and with their help order was finally being reached in Suna. It had been almost two hours since the attacks and so far it didn't look like Sasuke was coming back, but the desert village had suffered greatly and had it not been for certain events far worse could have befallen them. Sai stopped and knocked on the door, a few moments later it swung opened and he and his team entered. Inside Gaara's office were his advisers, his two older siblings, Mifune, and one of the beautiful Mizukage's bodyguards, Chōjūrō. Gaara acknowledged Sai and every as they entered the room. He then looked around at everyone as they waited for him to address them.
"I want to thank everyone here for the efforts that they have be bestowed on my village. Without the help of Konoha, Tetsu no Kuni, and Kirigakure my village would still be in disarray. You all have my utmost gratitude, thank you."
"If you ask me you've handle everything very well so far Gaara-sama, the Mizukage's reinforcements are just here to help what you've started."
"Thank you Chōjūrō, but I've had a great deal of help, I can't take credit for it all. Naruto is the person who should be thanked."
"Ah yes Uzumaki Naruto, he just has a way of popping up in the most curious of situations, now doesn't he," said Mifune.
"Naruto is really an interesting friend, try as I may I still haven't quite figured out how he does it all," said Sai.
"I think at some point we've all tried doing the same same thing Sai," added Garra.
"Now Gaara-sama, like Chōjūrō stated you have shinobi, and samurai, at your disposal. We're here to ensure that your villagers are safe. The shinobi alliance is in agreement with this decision. We aren't very happy to know that Sasuke is once again causing problems. I'll never forget the mayhem he caused during the last Gokage Kaidan. He's a menace that needs to be stopped before he does more damage. We need to report to the rest of the alliance, there could be new developments that we aren't aware of. Once that's done we can get down to business and further discuss what needs to be done."
'Agreed,' said Gaara "Sai you and your team can head back home. Konoha needs it's finests shinobi as well. Please thank Naruto again for me, I hope that Sakura, and Shikamaru are in good health as well."
"I will relay that message to him Kazekage," said Sai.
"We'll see you out," said Temari and she and Kankuro approached them.
Sai nodded and he and the rest of his team silently followed the Suna siblings out of the office. They walked a little further down the hall and Temari stopped near an area that was out of the way of the hustle and bustle within the building. She turned around and faced everyone.
"I agree with everything that my brother said, we really owe you all a great deal. Please give Naruto our thanks as well."
"Yeah Temari is right, this is the second time Konoha has swooped in to save us. Naruto also saved my little brother, and I would have been a goner had it not been for Sakura's medical skills. I really do hope she and Shikamaru are alright."
"As do I, Nara saved me after all, and I'll never forgive myself if anything happened to him. You all need to make sure that what happened here does not accrue back in Konoha."
"Don't worry Temari-san we'll do everything in our power to make sure our home remains safe. Just don't lost your focus, you must also be on your guard."
"Of course."
"Sai-san is right, you mustn't let this waiver your spirit Temari-san. You need to use your feelings to fuel your fighting spirit of youth," proclaimed Lee.
"I'll make sure to keep that in mind," replied Temari.
"Sai-kun, are we ready to leave? This is little toad keeps squirming around,' said Hinata as she held her hands out. In the middle of her palms was Kento.
"We don't have time to spare sweety, this is why I'm so antsy. I need to get all of you back home."
"Oh yes of course, I understand," replied Hinata nervously.
"Well we won't keep you all any longer. Have a safe journey and give them hell," said Temari.
"Alright then it's time for all of us to get back home. Hold on to one another, and we'll be back in Konoha in no time," croaked Kento.
Kiba and Shino worked alongside Neji as they help civilians evacuate. The evacuation alarms had gone off again which meant that Konoha's villagers needed to be escorted off of the streets as soon as possible. By now all that was left were the elderly who were too old to move on their own or too stubborn to leave their homes behind. Everything was going smoothly and once there were done safely evacuating everyone Kiba and his friends had orders to secure numerous places around the village gates. The section of Konoha they were overseeing was quickly becoming empty and they were ready to head over to their next section when a very familiar scent caught Kiba's attention. Akamaru caught the scent as well and he barked happily at his master.
That sweet scent of tea leaves and lavender made his heart skip a beat and he left his post without even saying a word to Shino and Neji. However they noticed his quick departure and they nodded to one another as they quickly went after him. Akamaru barked with joy as he made his way towards a plume of smoke that appeared in the center of the market place. He leaped inside it and Hinata gasped as the large ninken jumped on her. She giggled as she held the large dogs slobbering kisses at bay.
"It's good to see you too Akamaru, but what in the world are you doing here?"
"Hinata!" Yelled Kiba as he scooped her up into his arms.
"Kiba-kun!" Squealed Hinata.
Her face was flushed as Kiba showered her with affection. He nuzzled his face in her raven hair, and he hugged her tightly. His warm embrace caused her to blush even further, but she couldn't help but smile as she returned the hug.
"Thank god you're back, I was worried sick about you," whispered Kiba as he lightly kissed her left cheek.
"It was never my intention to make you worry, I'm sorry Kiba-kun, but I'm alright and our mission was a success," said Hinata as she returned the kiss. She then looked around and saw that not only was Kiba there, but so where Neji, and Shino. "Nii-san, Shino-kun, but what are you all doing here? How could you have possibly know we were coming?"
"We just happen to be in the area Hinata, we're currently evacuating what civilians are left in the village," said Shino. "It's a good thing that you all appeared here instead of somewhere else, we actually have your new orders for you."
"New orders?"
"Yes, Tsunade-sama wants everyone on evacuation duty. We just finished checking central Konoha, we were about to tackle the southern portion. There are other teams ensuring that successful evacuations happen in northern, eastern, and western Konoha too. We need to make sure that there aren't any civilians left in our designated regions. Once we're done we need to secure the front gates and surrounding areas of the village walls. Naruto created several clones that are outside our borders. If anyone or anything comes within Konoha's territory Naruto will be informed. It's our job to provide support if anything gets by his clones."
"Wait, was the village attacked while we were gone? Is that why Tsunade-sama is evacuating the villagers?"
"Yes," said Shino.
"Is everyone alright?"
"I heard some civilians were lost in an explosion. Tenten also broke her ankle during her encounter with the person responsible for all of this."
"Tenten,' whispered Lee. "Who is the one responsible!?"
"It was the very women whom you helped capture a few months ago. Remember the taijutsu master?"
"It was her?" Asked Lee in astonishment.
"Yes, Tsunade-sama shared everything with us once we were officially briefed," said Neji.
"What about Sakura-san, Shikamaru-san, and Naruto-kun are they alright?"
"They're doing alright, Shikamaru is recovery and Naruto is with Sakura, she actually gave birth to a healthy little boy," said Kiba.
"Oh thank goodness, I was starting to get really worried. At one point things weren't looking too good for us. I'm very happy that they're doing well."
"So how are things in Suna?" Asked Neji.
"They lost a good amount of shinobi due to the virus. It's strange really, they weren't dead but they were knocked out unconscious all at once, and all their chakra reserved were almost depleted. That happened moments before the actual attack. Luckily Sakura was able to heal them. Before we left Gaara-sama was about to consult the alliance with Chōjūrō and Mifune"said Sai. "I think it's safe to say that Suna will be just fine."
"That's great news," said Kiba as he wrapped her arm around Hinata.
"It is, I'll go ahead and be the only one that reports to Tsunade-sama, she needs to know what's happening back in Suan. The rest of you can stay here and start helping out."
"Alright then Sai well do that," said Lee.
"When you're done reporting head for the front gates, we'll meet up there," said Neji.
"Alright, I'll see you all later."
With that said Sai took off running towards Hokage tower leaving behind the rest of his friends. Kento also decided it was time for him to leave as well. He said his goodbyes to everyone and in a few moments he was gone, a plume of white smoke was all he left behind.
"Alright let's start checking the southern part of the village," said Neji.
"That's where Kurenai-sensei lives," said Hinata.
"I know," replied Kiba.
"Do you think she and Mirai made it out okay?"
"I'm sure she did, but if you want we can check by her place first."
Kiba looked over at his friends.
"Hey guys why don't you go to the front gates. Hinata and I will evacuate the southern part of Konoha. It's not a very large area to cover and with my nose and Hinata's eyes we can evacuate everyone in no time."
"Alright then go ahead and do that, we'll see you all later then," said Shino
Hinata followed Kiba as they traveled from rooftop to rooftop when something in the nearby scenery caught her attention. To her left was what remained of Naruto's apartment complex. It was destroyed as was the building in front of it.
"Naruto-kun's home was destroyed during the attack?"
"Yeah, he was singled out. All of this happened in the early this morning."
"Poor Naruto-kun, his home is gone."
"Yeah he was pretty banged up too, but you know how fast he heals. That guy can take a beating without making a fuss. Now get ready we're getting close."
"Right."
Kiba stopped on the ledge of building, he deeply inhaled the air around him while Akamaru followed suit.
"Alright activate your Byakugan and see if there are any villagers left in the area. I'll take care of everything else."
"Of course Kiba-kun. Byakugan!"
Hinata looked down at the homes below her, all traces of chakra were gone. She did a second sweep just to make sure but she was positive that everyone was already gone.
"It looks like everyone has already been escorted out. Is there someone else assigned to this area?"
"No, but I know who's responsible, it's Kurenai-sensei."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Her scent is all over the place. You know how she is. She probably took it upon herself to get everyone out of here as soon as she heard the evacuation alarm. Just because she's no longer an active jounin doesn't mean she won't take action when needed."
"I suppose you're right. Kurenai-sensei wasn't too keen on just staying at home after her baby was born, but she has Mirai with her. We have to make sure she did indeed make it to the tunnels."
"I''m sure she did, her scent is still here but it's about an hour old, she probably traveled with the people she evacuated, but we'll check just to be sure."
"Right," added Hinata.
They both headed towards the entrance to the evacuation caves that wasn't too far from their current location. Sure enough they both spotted Kurenai with her daughter in her arms. She was talking to a team of shinobi who were helping the last bit of people get into the tunnels in an organized manner. They landed nearby and Kurenai was taken aback at their sudden arrival.
"Kiba, Hinata, is everything alright?"
"Aside from all this mayhem going on yeah everything is alright," said Kiba.
"Kiba-kun and I were supposed to evacuated the southern neighborhoods of Konoha, but when we got there everyone was gone. We naturally assumed you had done the evacuation yourself."
"Good work you two, it was indeed I who got everyone out. I just couldn't help myself. I took it upon myself to get everyone out once the alarms went off. You see the southern area of Konoha is filled with regular civilians, I'm the only experience shinobi that lives there, and I wasn't about to wait for reinforcements. I know how long it can take to get everyone organized in situations like this. So I grabbed a few things for Miari, my gear, and I got to work on evacuating everyone."
"We're just relieved that you made it here alright sensei," said Hinata.
"Thank you for showing your concern but I'm afraid I can't just stand on the sidelines while all of this is going on."
"What do you mean?"
"Wait don't tell me you're thinking of helping out?"
"I already have Kiba,and what kind of response is that? I may have been out of commision for a little over a year but that doesn't mean I'm no longer a kunoichi. Konoha needs everyone right now and I'm going to help protect my village."
"Yeah but…"
"I trained you both, I'm very capable of helping out. Just because I'm a mother doesn't mean I've forgotten all my years of training. Besides it's only fitting that I get to fight alongside you both again. It's really been hard seeing you two and Shino go on without me, but I love being a mother," said Kurenai as she hugged her daughter.
"We understand sensei and it would be an honor to fight alongside you again, it will be just like old times."
"Yes it will be, I just wish I was coming back under better circumstances. I can't believe things have gotten so bad so fast."
"So you know what's been going on then?" Asked Kiba.
"As a matter of fact I do. Shikamaru visits often and he's been sharing information with me. I also spoke to Kakashi, he stopped by my home earlier today, he told me what happened to Shikamaru and Sakura."
"What about Mirai?"
"I was about to take her inside the tunnels. An area for children of shinobi who are out fighting is always created in times like this. It's sort of a daycare if you will, there are mothers there who volunteer to watch over other children, she'll be safe there."
"Are you sure about this sensei?"
"More than ever Kiba. I'll be heading over to Hokage tower once I'm done here. Kakashi, Guy, are there waiting for me."
"Hey aunt Kurenai, Kiba. Hinata," said Konohamaru as he and Moegi approached them.
"Konohamaru, what a surprise," said Kurenai.
"Are you guys being assigned to the tunnels too?" Asked Moegi.
"No we were just checking in with Kurenai-sensei, Hinata and I are assigned to the front gates."
"And I'll be heading over to Hokage tower," added Kurenai.
"Cool, Moegi and I are here to help protect the tunnels from within. We're supposed to report to Iruka-sensei."
"You'll find him inside, he's the captain of the team assigned here."
"Alright then thanks aunt Kurenai."
"Wait Konohamaru, please take your cousin inside with you," said Kurenai.
She looked down at her daughter and kissed her tenderly on the forehead. "Be good for your big cousin ok?"
With that said she handed her over to Konohamaru who reluctantly took the little girl into his arms.
"What's going on here?" Asked Konohamaru nervously.
"Listen to me Konohamaru they usually have an area for children whose parents are shinobi somewhere inside. Report to Iruka like you're supposed too, he'll let you know where you can drop her off."
"Aunt Kurenai you can't be serious."
"Please Konohamaru, I need to get to Hokage tower as soon as possible. If you do this for me I can get there much faster."
"But I…."
"Konohamaru, I know you've been briefed on everything that's transpired. You know we're in a very difficult and dangerous situation. As shinobi we need to work together, right now our job is to take care of those who cannot protect themselves."
Kurenai bent down and pick up a small bag, she then handed it over to Moegi.
"A few of her things are in here, make sure to leave it with whoever is in charge of watching over the children."
"I will Kurenai-sensei."
Konohamaru looked down at his little cousin who was now happily chewing on his scarf. She was awfully happy, she had no idea what was going on and just how horrible things currently were. He then looked up at his aunt who was waiting for him to say something.
"You can count on me aunt Kurenai, I'll make sure Mirai stays safe, no matter what."
"Thank you Konohamaru now hurry, the two of you need to report to Iruka. Be safe and look out for one another."
"We will and you guys do the same as well."
Kiba, Hinata, and Kurenai nodded in agreement. They said their goodbyes and left. Kurenai lagged behind for a bit and she turned around one last time to silently say goodbye to her daughter and nephew.
Karin couldn't help but shiver as she heard the second round of alarms coming from Konoha. She and Naruto weren't that far from the village, so the loud droning sound was still pretty clear. She wondered what was going. Whatever was happening one thing was clear, the hospital staff probably had already figured out that she wasn't in her room, or anywhere inside the building. She sighed heavily as she sat herself down in front of Naruto.
"This is just great, I swear I better not get in trouble for this little outing Naruto," muttered Karin to herself.
She knew very well that Naruto couldn't hear her, she had been making little comments to him for quite some time now, and not once had he acknowledge her. She teased her hair around her finger as she looked at Naruto, he had such a relaxed expression on his face, and his breathing was very shallow. Karin scooted herself closer towards him, she found it fascinating how he was able to detach himself mentally to the point where his physical form was almost in a state of slumber. Karin was never one for meditation, it was beyond frustrating trying to calm her thoughts. She couldn't even stay still right now let alone do what Naruto was doing. Suddenly the town evacuation alarms came to a stop. The last bit of sound faded off and once it did all that was left was an eerie silence.
"That was the second time the alarms went off. I guess it's safe to say that the entire village has evacuated by now. I wonder what's going on, whatever the case is things are getting serious Naruto. I hope things are going better on your end."
Naruto turned around when heard a familiar voice say his name. Behind him was his friend Killer B.
"What I see with my own eyes is quite an exhilarating surprise!"
"Wow B," said Naruto.
"Yo Naruto long time no see, what brings you here to this place of tranquility?"
"To tell you the truth I'm not entirely sure. The kyuubi didn't say much just that we were going to go deep into a meditative state, but I'm confused as to why you're here, and why is this place so special?" Asked Naruto as he looked around.
"This place where we stand cannot be reached by a mere ordinary man, ya fool."
"B's right Naruto, this place is scared to Biju's and their jinchūrikis," said the Kyuubi as it walked closer towards Naruto.
"I remember you said that we can communicate with the rest of the Biju here, but how is that even possible?"
"What you see before you is a sanctuary where the 9 jinchūrikii can link. It's an incredible place don't you think?"
"Link?"
"I'm sorry Naruto let me explain," said another familiar voice.
The eight tails came out of nowhere, as if materializing from nothing. It lurched over so that it could get a better look at Naruto.
"Kurama doesn't understand how to take the time to properly explain things, and B is more interested in making up lyrics."
"Kurama?"
"Yes Kurama, that's the nine tails name, didn't you know that?"
"No I didn't," said Naruto as he turned around to look at the giant fox behind him.
"Oh don't look at me that way, it's not like you ever asked me for it," huffed the demon fox.
"Jeez you unbelievable," sighed Naruto.
"It's alright Naruto, Kurama is after all the most difficult of the the Biju. He's not one to share his past."
"So I've noticed."
"That being the case you should know that this is his first time bringing a jinchūriki here."
"Hold your tongue Gyūki," warned Kurama.
"Wait this is your first time bring a jinchūriki here? Why is that, I mean you've had two other jinchūrikis before me."
"..."
"Having a human host doesn't mean that they have access to this place Naruto. Your mother and Uzumaki Mito never came here."
"Why is that?"
"Because both Uzumaki women merely held Kurama during their time as jinchūriki, they never merged with him like you did. This place can only be accessed to a jinchūriki who has a harmonious relationship with their Biju. Once that is achieved that jinchūriki has access to this place."
"And what exactly is this place?"
"It's our shared consciousness. You see all of us were once one being and so we're all mentally linked. This is the center of our shared mind. In here we can all connect with each other."
"Now I understand why you wanted to bring me here," said Naruto.
"Do share, I'm really interested to see why Kurama would bring you here. I'm not saying that your bond isn't strong, but he's not one for family reunions."
"But you're the only other Biju here."
"No, everyone is here, remember in this area we're all linked. All the other Biju can hear what we are saying, they just haven't shown themself, and they might not come out at all if they don't feel like it, but don't let that stop you from sharing your reasons for being here."
"Alright then," said Naruto as he looked around the vast room.
It was mind blowing that a place like this existed, and it was even crazier knowing that all the Biju were indeed present, they were just hiding. Naruto could feel invisible eyes on him but he shook that odd sensation off so that he could explain what was going on.
"Uchiha Sasuke has resurfaced and it looks like he's plotting something big. So far we've learned that his plan isn't just directed at Konoha but to the rest of the shinobi world."
"Uchiha Sasuke, that name rings a bell, oh wait that's right we had quite a battle, I remember it well," sung B.
"That's right he wasn't your run of the mill shinobi, he was, at the time, part of Akatsuki."
"That he was, but he was no match for us cuz."
"Well I can tell you both that's he's grown much stronger since your last encounter with him. He's left me with no choice but to pursue him and take him down, but there's a problem. He's already launched an attacked on Suna and Konoha. We're afraid that he'll send forces to take out the other villages as well. That's why we're here. The Kyu..I mean Kurama and I wanted to ask for your help. Our allied forces are spread out and it's put us at a big disadvantage, I need help ensuring that everyone stays safe during all of this madness. We lost so many people during the 4th great shinobi war, and Sasuke has already claimed some lives too. I don't want to lose anyone else especially at his hand, it will be like dealing with Madera all over again."
"So what, you want us to help you fight?"
"No, not exactly I just want you to protect the other villages. There's no telling where Sasuke and I will end up fighting, and he'll probably have some of his men attacking various places while he keeps me, and supporting allies, busy. His forces aren't just pushovers either, I've encountered them and they are indeed dangerous. Two of my friends have been wounded by them already. I currently have some of my clones surrounding all of Konoha, and I'm positive that Sasuke is headed there, but I can't protect my home and my family while fighting Sasuke. It's imperative that he gets no where near Konoha."
"I now see why Kurama told you to come here. I understand your concern and you can count on B and I, but we're already protecting our home."
"That's right, my older brother isn't playing around, he needs me at home to make sure it stays safe and sound."
"I understand, I wouldn't ask you to leave Kumogakure, but you should know that Sasuke's base is indeed in your land."
Killer B burst out into a fit of laughter.
"Man oh man is my brother going to flip. He's not going to be happy when he finds out Sasuke gave him the slip."
The room grew quiet after B's comment and as time went on Naruto was beginning to wonder if the other Biju were going to make an appearance. Suddenly Kurama snorted in frustration.
"You do all realize that if Sasuke were to succeed in overthrowing the great shinobi villages the first thing he'd do is try and gain control of us once more. I know that human affairs have very little interest to us but it would be foolish if you all ignored the threat that we're all facing."
"Spoken with such conviction Kurama," purred the two tailed beast Matatabi.
The blue flamed demon cat appeared and she gracefully made her way towards Naruto and Kurama. She looked down at Naruto who quickly jumped atop Kurama's head so that he could face the two tailed beast face to face.
"Ah yes if it isn't Uzumaki Naruto, you truly are a remarkable little human. The fact that you are here is a miracle. I never thought I'd see the day where Kurama would bond with his jinchūriki, let along merge with them. You being here proves that Kurama truly trusts you."
"And I trust him too, even if he's still a big grouch."
"Yes well that will always be his demeanor, there's no changing that," chuckled Matatabi. "Now then I'll help you with your request. I'll go wherever I am needed, but under the condition that you clarify something for me."
"Umm, sure," said Naruto.
"Earlier you said that you can't protect your village and family at the same time. You then stated that Sasuke simply can't make it inside Konoha, why is that Naruto? I was under the impression that you had no family."
"You're right, I didn't have a family, but I do now. I married my girlfriend, and just today she gave birth to our son. Sasuke knows about this, which is why I can't let him get anywhere near my family."
"You're mated," whispered Matatabi. "Now things make sense."
"What do you mean?" Asked Naruto.
"You know what Gyūki said about Kurama not liking family reunions is true, but he pushed that aside for your family, which is now he's as well. You both share a mate, and a child. This changes everything. Did you hear that everyone?! Asked Matatabi as she raised her voice. "Kurama has a mate and child. This Uchiha business may have started out as a human problem but now we are obligated to help. We are all family, and now one of brothers has a mate and son. They too are our family and so we will do everything within our power to protect them."
"I second this notion, we must protect one of our own at all cost," added the eight tails Gyūki. "Besides Naruto saw to it that we were freed from Madera clutches during the war. Not once did he ask for anything in return and he even ensure that they rest of the great villages left us in peace once the war was over. He made sure that no other jinchūriki's will ever be created. Naruto stopped the vicious cycle of our imprisonment."
Naruto was taken aback by Gyūki's words. He had heard this before from countless other people, but to hear a Biju say it had a completely different kind of meaning to it. Suddenly two other Biju appeared followed by more and the next thing Naruto knew all nine of them were in the room looking right at him. The only beast that would not look in his direction was the one tail. Naruto remembered encountering it when he fought Gaara and so he decided that this is why the beast wanted nothing to do with him.
"Well now it would seem like everyone is in agreement then Naruto, we will all help," said Matatabi.
"Thank you all so very much, all of you" said Naruto as he bowed down.
"Now then where do you want us to go?" Asked Matatabi.
"Well lets see, we need to protect four large villages. So how about you all figure out who's closer to what village and those who are closer can be the ones in charge of protecting that area."
"That sounds simple enough."
"Those of you who are left over should still position yourselves close so that if backup is needed you can provide it. I'd like to think that something like that won't happen, I mean you're Biju, your strength is legendary, but I can't be sure when we're dealing with Sasuke."
"Understood."
"Oh wait there's on another thing," added Naruto. "I don't have the time to inform all the villages of this new alliance so please approach each village with caution and patients. I know that the kages know not to attack you but seeing a Biju at the front gates of your village would make anyone nervous. So make sure that you inform them that I sent you and my reasons for doing so. If they are stubborn please just let it slide, I know this is asking a lot but you're role is to protect, not to destroy, alright?"
"Don't worry Naruto we won't be doing that," said Matatabi as she shot the one tails a quick warning glare.
The raccoon demons ears went down and he quickly turned his head to the side as if he hadn't seen the warning his sister was giving him.
"Thanks again, all of you."
The giant Bijus in the room nodded at Naruto. He hopped off Kurama's head so that he could talk to B who was not far from Kurama's left paw.
"Alright then I need to head back. It was real good getting to see you again B, next time let's try and meet under better circumstance alright."
B smiled and nodded in agreement and together they shared a fist bump.
"We're in this together you and I little bro. Let's kick some ass and give Sasuke one hell of a show!"
"Yeah! Declared Naruto."
Coming out of deep meditations always felt a little weird. It always took Naruto time to fully become aware of his surroundings. He rarely went into such a deep meditative state so he was a little caught off guard on how foreign he felt in his own body. It almost felt as if he wasn't fully inside his own body, but he knew the sensation would pass with time. Getting use to your physical body again was hard especially after you've been using your astral body for sometime. Naruto slowly opened his eyes only to be shocked when he saw a pair of crimson eyes looking right back at him. Karin grabbed the sides of his face and began lecturing him.
"It's about time you idiot! Do you have any idea how creepy things have gotten?! The village evacuation alarms have gone off twice and since then the energy around here has entire area just has a whole new feel to it, even the birds stopped singing Naruto. I hope you were able to do something on your little cosmic adventure because I know something is coming, and it's nothing good."
