This last part was born out of a dream I had, where I was in this very scenario. I knew I had to put it down on paper since it was so vivid in my mind, not to mention it sets up why Mark and Kaguya take in Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura to begin with...

Hall of Records File 3

"It was the last days of the Third Great Shinobi War. After our victory at Kanabi Bridge, Iwa was in full retreat back towards Earth Country. There were still a lot of concerns about a possible counterattack. So Kaguya and I were inserted behind enemy lines as merchants to try and learn anything we could." Mark let out a bitter laugh, "We were made in seconds! They dragged us to this wide open place in the road. Little more than a field outpost…but it was there that the longest eight days of my life would occur. It's where I fell in love…and earned a debt I could never repay." The Crimson Fox's eyes became slightly unfocused as he let his memories drift back to that day so long ago…

Dragged between the two same burly Iwa ninja, Mark's battered form was absently tossed into the dank hole. It had just finished raining and the ground was freshly wet. The muddy ground helped cushion his fall, but it was of little comfort to the battered ninja. A small trickle of water fell down through the hardened steel grate onto his face. "My last meal before I die…a few trickles of rain water." Mark's eyes grew heavy, deciding it was best to conserve what little strength he had. He slept for a few hours.

As he awoke, and sensation returned to his body, he noticed something very different, while he could still feel the cold muck against his legs, his back was now propped up against something soft and warm. His eyes opened to a most beautiful sight. Kaguya was holding him in her arms, cradling his head to her bare chest. He saw an open tunnel, which must have lead from his cell to hers. Her raven black hair was matted and tangled; flawless porcelain features caked with dirt but she was the most absolutely beautiful sight to him.

"Hi." She cooed sweetly, running dirty fingers along his face. He tried to reach up, but there was no strength in his arms to even cause a stir. She shook her head, "No…rest dear, Let's…just make these last moments count." She whispered.

"I love you, Kaguya Sarayashki." Mark said. Tears started leaking out of her emerald eyes.

"You don't know how long I've waited for you to say that…" she kissed him on the cheek, "I love you as well, Mark Potter. At the very least we'll be together in these few precious moments." The couple embraced, fully prepared to meet their death as shinobi of the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Mark faded out of consciousness again, accepting it would probably be the last time. Kaguya hugged her beloved, closing her eyes as well, accepting her inevitable fate.

"Mark! Kaguya!" A voice called out. Emerald orbs snapped open. Kaguya looked up to see the grate pull away. "Mark, Kaguya, if either of you are down there say something!" a voice called down.

"We're here!" Kaguya called up, "Mikoto, we're both down here! You guys are the most beautiful sight in the world right now! We need to get Mark out of here and now! He's in very bad shape!"

"The war ended shortly after that. The two of us were married and life went on. But those nine days in hell will always stick with me. I will also remember those who saved my life, incurring a debt I'm still repaying even now." He looked to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, "After all, after what your parents did for us…how could I not?"

"Our parents?" Sasuke replied.

"Yes Sasuke…the team that rescued us from hell were your parents…all of your parents. Minato, Kushina, Fugaku, Mikoto, Kizashi, and Mebuki. They found the encampment and pulled us out of that desolate hole in the ground." Mark said, "After they died, I knew there was only way I could repay their kindness…by looking after the three of you." He bowed his head slightly, "I only hope it was enough." The three Genin came up to the Fifth Hokage and embraced him. No words were needed to convey their gratitude.