A love in time 11

Feeling an empty space beside him, Kakashi woke up immediately and looked to the cooling sheets beside him. "Shit, how did she sneak away under my nose?" Kakashi muttered, looking around for the time and saw it was still the middle of the night. It was not even a full day since they cremated the Sandaime Hokage. Getting out of bed, Kakashi searched through his drawers for a warm jacket and folded a blanket under his arm.

It didn't take him long to set off and hunt down his trusted friend. He was long used to tracking her down and finding her. Although she came up with new ways to elude him, Kakashi was always quick to find a solution and track her. "She went far this time," Kakashi mumbled as he forced his legs deeper into one of the many surrounding forests of Konoha. He was grateful she didn't try covering her tracks this time but it would still be hard for others to find her. It was a silent message to him that she was okay with being found.

"Found you," Kakashi's eye gleamed as he broke through the tree line and found Naruto standing before a large hill. Approaching her slowly, Kakashi draped the blanket over her shoulders and touched her cheek. They were still warm. Kakashi sighed in relief that she hadn't been outside long. Her blonde hair was loose and flowing in the night's wind. Looking at the hill she was staring at, Kakashi asked, "I've never found you here before," he kept the conversation light. Unsure of how she was at the moment after witnessing her beloved grandfather figure die before her eyes.

"This is a special place," Naruto muttered. Although she was just staring at stone and dirt, her eyes seemed like they could see beyond the earth and see the outline of a secret cave within. Once she woke up, Naruto was determined to enter this place. However, once she got here she hesitated. It looked so different from when she last saw this place in the past. If the outside looked different then the inside must also look different.

She was frightened.

Naruto knew why she was frightened. Inside the earth before her, he wouldn't be there. It would only solidify to her that it wasn't only Hiruzen she lost.

Kakashi just saw a hill. "If you're talking about the medicinal herbs littering this place, then yeah, it's special." Kakashi recognised that most of the herbs here would be suitable for mild wounds, antiseptics, stomach aches, headaches and more once these herbs were crushed and diluted in water. Although he knew about medicinal herbs, Kakashi wasn't really interested in them until Naruto attacked him with a flurry of passion about the subject. "In a way, I was forced to learn about it," He sighed and rubbed the back of his head. Hearing the blonde giggle, Kakashi looked down and saw her looking at him. There was a change in her eyes. She was always determined but there seemed to be desperation in them too.

"Come here," Kakashi moved over to a nearby tree and sat against it. Patting the ground next to him for Naruto to join him. He waited until she was sitting next to him and they were staring at the hill before saying, "I am saying this not only as your sensei but also as a friend that cares for you deeply. I don't want you going back to Madame for further training,"

This time, a bitter laugh came out of Naruto. "I have to,"

"Why?" Kakashi pushed, "Because of those burning desires you face? Because you want more than anything to let it consume you?" He saw her stiffen next to him, "It made you feel powerful. Invincible. That you could take on the entire world." He paused to allow her to gather her thoughts. He was reminded of when Shikamaru called her an idiot. No matter how intelligent she was, Kakashi understood that she still needed guidance. "Do you honestly believe that you're the only one who's experienced that? That the Madame is the only one who can teach you how to control it?"

Pulling her eyes away from the hill, Naruto faced Kakashi. His face was void of any emotion. Licking her lips, Naruto confessed, "I want it. Madame can teach me to control it." Naruto was determined. "I can get stronger,"

"Her methods will only result in you losing control." Kakashi scolded her, ignoring the way his chest tightened when the light in her eyes wavered. "You're only learning how to control that thirst. It's not a long-term method." He knew she wasn't convinced, "You're just like Sasuke,"

Naruto bolted up, "I'm not like Sasuke!" She was furious. "How dare you compare me to that idiot?!"

Kakashi wasn't phased by her temper. "Oh really? You want to get stronger and you'll use harmful methods to obtain it,"

"That's not true! Madame's methods have helped me get stronger!" Naruto denied, hitting her chest, "I got a lot better at analysing situations and my speed and strength have gotten better!"

"You're an idiot too," Kakashi scoffed, resting an arm on his folded knee as Naruto grew bright red. "Perhaps you don't remember but you were a zombie. You had no emotions. Madame sent you back as a puppet. Or don't you recall barely living? You were nothing but a doll the Madame could use to do her bidding!" Kakashi grew furious in return. He was the only one left who saw what Naruto became. No one else knew how difficult it was for him to coax her back to the surface. He even thought about giving up on her. "Suppressing your emotions is no way to get stronger! She left you broken and you want to go back to her! Why? Because Sandaime-sama is dead?"

Naruto choked up. Refusing to let the hot tears fall down her cheeks. She had never seen Kakashi look so mad before.

"She is not the only option, Naruto. You grew stronger without her help. You grow stronger by being true to yourself. Not as some puppet. Why do you think Sandaime-sama always refused to let you be alone with her?" Kakashi jabbed a sore topic but he couldn't let her make rash decisions while she was mourning.

Kakashi saw her fists tremble at her side. It was times like this he realised how young she was. Even though Madame is the paternal grandmother of Naruto, there was a reason why everyone close to Naruto didn't want them getting together. It was why Minato wanted nothing to do with her either. That woman is dangerous.

"Naruto," He called her gently, seeing the turmoil in her eyes. He could see that darkness in her eyes that mirror his younger self and also the man he admired the most. "Don't forget, Naruto, I'm an option," She looked at him in disbelief. "Everyone I love is dead," His voice was calm and firm but this didn't stop his heart from aching. Naruto's eyes trembled at his words and her tears failed to stay put. "Until I met you. The person I was before is not someone I'm very fond of recalling," She took shy steps towards him before kneeling beside him, "It took a while before I took my sensei's teaching to heart. He knew more about negative emotions and how to work with them far better than any person I have ever met. Far more than Madame could ever achieve," Kakashi recalled this conversation with Minato. It was one that stayed true in his memory.

Flashback: Minato and Kakashi

"Is it alright for you to let her leave like that?" Kakashi watched as the dignified woman walked away. A young servant by her side, attending as if the tension in the air was never there. Looking beside him, Kakashi flinched seeing the cold look in his sensei's eyes. They were terribly cold watching the woman that is meant to be his flesh and blood.

"Kakashi," Minato's voice was quiet. "If that woman was your mother, can you truly consider her your mother?"

Kakashi frowned, recalling the tense debate between the two just moments before. Their relationship didn't seem to be one of mother and son. Kakashi could barely recall his own mother but he knew the atmosphere with her was warm. "Then, who is she to you?"

"A stranger," Minato didn't hesitate. "A dangerous stranger," Looking beside, a pair of mismatched eyes reflected their confusion. Minato ruffled Kakashi's hair, making the youth swat his hand away and laughed cheerfully. The icy aura around him disappearing. "Being around a negative person for so long can only make you a negative person too. I don't want to be like her, Kakashi. I want to be better,"

"What are you on about?" Kakashi grumbled, fixing his hair. "You're the least negative person I know. Even Kushina-nee-san is angrier than you are,"

Minato could only give a half-assed smile, "I was once like Diana. Actually, I was worse," Kakashi's eyes widened in disbelief. The blonde flicked his student's forehead playfully. "Now, don't look at me like that. I had a whole life before taking you on, Kakashi. I wasn't the person I am now. It took a long time to get here."

Kakashi looked back and forth between the retreating figure and his sensei. "What made you change?" He couldn't believe it. Though there were instances when Kakashi had seen a different side of Minato that was unbelievably scary.

Minato hummed, watching his mother disappear around the corner. "I didn't want to be like my parents. Instead of being controlled by my emotions and desires, I wanted to learn about it. I wanted to work together with it."

Kakashi saw a spark in Minato's eyes and looked to where his gaze went. He could see Kushina walking towards them with a bright smile. "Did it work?"

"I have my moments," Minato admitted, waving enthusiastically towards the redheaded woman. "Not for a second do I believe that the Namikaze are cursed. We're simply misguided." When Kushina was close enough, Minato was quick to have her in his arms. Taking in her scent happily as she shyly tried to push him away.

"Not in front of Kakashi-kun," Kushina whined, yet she didn't move far from Minato's arms. "How was your meeting with your mother?" She asked worriedly, glancing between Minato and Kakashi.

"Same as always," Minato replied gently, easing the worries in Kushina's eyes. "She doesn't want to change and that's her choice. All I need are you guys,"

"H-hey!" Kakashi yelled when Minato pulled him into a group hug. "L-let me go!"

Kushina could only laugh as she hugged the two men tightly. "That's right! All we need is each other!"

Nobody saw, but Minato's eyes flashed darkly as he held his precious people close to him. "Yeah, this is all I need,"

Flashback end:

Kakashi sighed, looking down at the sleeping blonde in his arms. She passed out after crying her heart out. "How long are you going to keep watching?" He looked to a nearby tree and soon Jiraiya revealed himself. "I'm sure you're on the same page as me. Keeping them far a part,"

Jiraiya nodded, leaping down and looking at the puffy face of his Goddaughter. "I hate to think what Naruto's present could've been had Minato not dismantled Diana's network before he passed on."

"I never really heard of why Minato-sensei fell out with her. He only told me that she was such a terrible person that it influenced his upbringing." Kakashi was fishing for answers. Although Minato taught him a lot about emotions and how to work with them, the man didn't talk much about his past.

Jiraiya's brow creased, "There's a saying that when a Namikaze loses someone dear to them that they go mad. The stronger they are, the worse the outcomes are. Before Diana settled in the Fire Country, she was a well-known underworld informant. People who had deep pockets would go to Diana for information about anything and everything. Arashi is the man Diana gave everything to. I don't know much about the man but from what I gathered they were second cousins and when he found an opening….Arashi ran,"

"Minato-sensei's father is still alive?" Kakashi whispered harshly, not wanting to startle Naruto.

"Maybe," Jiraiya shrugged his shoulders. It felt nice to talk about Minato with someone who knew him. It felt refreshing. "I can't find anything on him. This isn't surprising since Diana hasn't gotten ahold of him."

"So, a loss doesn't just include death," Kakashi took in the Namikaze features that Naruto inherited. "Sensei said it wasn't a curse,"

Jiraiya laid down on the grass comfortably. Kicking off his sandals in the process. "Nah, that's an old wives tale. Diana will be of no help to Naruto. Arashi is dead in my books. Seeing as I'm the one who watched Minato train his mind and I know most of his methods, I'm best suited to teach Naruto."

Kakashi clung onto her tightly, "What do you mean?"

Jiraiya closed his eyes. Getting ready to sleep right then and there. "I will be taking her with me. With Sarutobi-sensei gone, Diana isn't the only one watching her. Plus, I heard some nasty rumours about the Uchiha wanting to start a clan with our blonde." He could feel Kakashi's burning gaze. "The Elders have given her the foundation to lead should a political agenda come up. Hiruzen has given her the basis to read her opponents and consider every possible want and need. Itachi taught her how to fight against the Sharingan and trained her to be levelled headed in unknown situations….and you," Jiraiya opened an eye, watching Kakashi protectively hover over his ward. "You taught Naruto to never back down and give her all she needs to fight physically and spiritually. She was taught by the best of this village. I will teach her how to utilise everything that has been given to her that by the time she returns, nothing will make her crumble. Entrust her to me, Kakashi."

Kakashi didn't answer. Wrapping the blanket so it fit around him and Naruto, he closed his eyes and opted to get some rest.

XXXX

"You're getting better," Naruto looked down at the beaten pink-haired girl. She looked like absolute crap but the smile on her face made Naruto nervous. "Your stamina still sucks but you make up for it in your attack methods. Also, your steps are still too loud for my liking."

"Urgh can't you compliment me for once without all the criticism," Sakura sat up, lightly glaring at the younger girl. There was barely a drop of sweat on her and her clothes weren't even out of place. It annoyed Sakura but she knew she was leagues behind Naruto. They had been training hard for 2 weeks without breaks.

Sakura watched as Naruto seemed to be lost in thought again. It happens every now and then. As if she was weighing something heavily on her mind. It also wasn't just Naruto. Sakura had also seen their sensei look more out of it than usual. "Are you really leaving?" Green eyes met sceptical blue eyes. Holding her hands up in defence, "Hey, I know I haven't been the best teammate but I notice things,"

Naruto observed Sakura. When she wasn't around Sasuke, she was tolerable. Naruto didn't need the tolerable side of her. Naruto only wanted the smart side and the potential she had. "What have you heard?"

Sakura shrugged her shoulders. "I heard it from Ino who overheard Shikamaru complaining to his mum about it," Naruto sighed, "I think….I think it'll be good if you go with Jiraiya-sama. I know it's not my place but...you're not happy here are you?"

Naruto frowned, "What do you mean?" She moved to sit in front of Sakura, genuinely curious about what she had to say.

Sakura was now nervous. Her cheeks slightly flushed as she tried to explain, "Well, I used to think of you as my love rival," Naruto's disgusted face made her panic, "I know it's not like that! Don't look at me like that!"

Naruto chuckled, "For someone with a big forehead like you, you can be pretty stupid,"

"Shut up!" Sakura screamed, pushing Naruto down to the ground yet the blonde wouldn't stop laughing. "S-stop laughing at me!" She whined, watching the way Naruto's smile lit up her entire face. It was real. "A-anyway," Sakura cleared her throat. "I ended up watching you a lot - stop giving me weird looks!" Sakura pinched Naruto's cheek. "As I was saying," Sakura took a deep breath, "The more time you spent with Sasuke the more desperate you looked."

"I looked desperate?" Naruto was flabbergasted. Never had someone called her that before and although she was offended, she wanted to hear more about it. "How?"

Sakura shrugged, "I thought it was a boy problem but you're okay around Shikamaru and Choji, but whenever Sasuke was involved you gave off this feeling to not approach you. Even Ino noticed it. We thought it was a tactic to make Sasuke fall for you," Sakura went quiet.

"What made you change your mind?" Naruto asked softly. There was conflict in Sakura's eyes.

"Do you remember the Sound team that attacked us in the forest during the exams?" Once Naruto nodded, Sakura continued, "When you were unconscious, I noticed the way Sasuke would look at you. It was…." Sakura clenched her fingers, trying to explain the terrible look in Sasuke's eyes. Feeling Naruto's hands on hers, Sakura gasped and looked at the blonde. Never in her time knowing Naruto had such a soft look been directed at her.

"You don't have to continue,"

"I k-know I can be ignorant," Sakura shook her head, "But even I know how powerful the Uchiha clan is when it comes to politics,"

Naruto flicked Sakura's forehead. Dusting her pants off as she got up, "Don't worry about him. He's nothing compared to his clan,"

Sakura saw it. It was faint but the desperate feeling radiated off the blonde. Getting up quickly, Sakura didn't want Naruto to leave her and in a rush, hugged her from behind. She was in a panic. "Please," Sakura whispered, not understanding why tears were gathering. They were the same age yet Sakura felt so behind Naruto. The only thing she could boast of was her height over the blonde. Holding her tighter, Sakura found herself begging. "Please go with Jiraiya-sama. I know it's incredibly selfish of me. Especially with how I've treated you and I know you don't believe me but I care for you, Naruto."

Naruto was surprised that Sakura hugged her. It was unexpected. Touching the girl's arm, Naruto said slowly, "I always planned to leave with Ero-sennin. When I get back and you're not strong enough, I'll pretend you don't exist."

Sakura's arms dropped and watched Naruto walk away. "You could've said goodbye like a normal person!" Sakura yelled after the retreating figure. She was determined to show Naruto that she'd be a splendid shinobi and not only that, "I swear I'll be a better healer than you'll ever be!" She yelled her word as Naruto continued to ignore her. "That idiot," Sakura muttered with a smile. Although she didn't like being treated like this it only made her more determined to have Naruto acknowledge her.

Naruto didn't make it far when another pest swarmed her. "Your clinginess is getting annoying. I don't care how long we've known each other but it's getting annoying now."

Shikamaru sighed as he matched her pace. "Are you going to leave me crying too?" He jabbed her side when she rolled her eyes.

"How much did you hear?"

"Enough," Shikamaru led her towards the Nara compound. "It's good to know you're accepting Jiraiya-sama's offer,"

"Your nagging helped," Naruto teased, the tension from her shoulders melting away as she got comfortable around Shikamaru. "I only put it off so far to get the basics hammered into Sakura."

"Tch you could've told me and saved my breath,"

"It got you out and moving. I'm sure your mum appreciated it," Naruto glanced over. "You look tired. What'd you find?"

"How troublesome," Shikamaru groaned, shoving his hands deep into his pockets. "Well, what Sakura and Ino noticed are true. I got word that someone has been whispering for Sasuke to get powerful women to restart his clan,"

"I thought he'd be more zoned on hunting down his brother," Naruto hummed, wondering what changed in Sasuke's behaviour. No matter what methods the female population did, Sasuke never wavered in keeping his chastity and his main goal of defeating Itachi. "Who's been talking to him?"

"No clue," Shikamaru replied, "None of the councilmen on my radar is of interest. Whoever they are, they know how to stick to the shadows."

Feeling her throat constrict, Naruto asked, "Besides my name, who else has Sasuke been watching?"

Shikamaru felt uncomfortable, "Hinata Hyuga,"

"Ha!" Naruto's eyes gleamed, "How interesting. Let Hiashi Hyuga know without tipping him off who sent the information. Once I'm gone, you'll be in charge of the information that happens in Konoha." She felt her gut churn at the new information. Though, no matter how interesting it was, Naruto couldn't give her attention to it. "I have a bigger job to do outside of Konoha,"

"Are you planning on establishing connections outside?" Shikamaru asked, seeing the way her blue eyes gleamed.

"It's already been done. Don't think I've been lazing around on my C rank missions," Naruto grabbed Shikamaru to prevent from him bumping into a young child. "Everything from outside will ultimately end up here if they can't contact me. Of course, their point of contact will be you and whoever you use."

"Tch, sounds like a lot of work," Shikamaru complained but that didn't stop him from grinning. Besides the political drama that happened, Shikamaru was heavily invested in knowing everyone's dirty secret. Although it should've looked weird for two young children to start their own network it worked once they got a backing. "Dad's going to get annoyed at you,"

"What's he going to do? Turn away all this beautiful information?" Naruto only chuckled darkly, "I'd like to see him try,"

Shikamaru sighed, taking off his shoes as they entered his home, "Tadaima! Naruto's here!" With Naruto behind him, they both heard crashing. Looking at each other, they could only laugh as soon enough Yoshino appeared before them with a large grin.

"Naru-chan!" Yoshino squealed, pulling the blonde into a tight hug, "Oh my goodness, you're all dirty. Go clean up, my dear, lunch is almost ready." Yoshino gently nudged Naruto towards the bathroom, looking over her shoulder to hiss at Shikamaru. "Go get Naru-chan some of your clothes,"

"Hai hai I'm on it," Shikamaru waved his mother off. Already used to the woman's two-faced behaviour when it came to Naruto. Not even Ino got this special treatment. For as long as he could remember, the very first time he brought Naruto home his mother doted on her like she was her own daughter.

Meeting Naruto in the backyard after they ate, Shikamaru laughed at Naruto's serene appearance. "Imagine mum's surprise when we tell her we're not marrying each other,"

Naruto snapped out of her daze and laughed, "She'll be heartbroken for sure,"

"Knowing her, she'll find a way to make you part of the family," Shikamaru laid down on the patio as Naruto hummed. "When are you leaving?"

"Hmm in a few days. Probably in the next two days,"

"What should I do about Sasuke?"

"Ehh leave him be," Naruto used her finger to relax Shikamaru's brow. "I'll deal with him when I get back. Hiashi will take care of Hinata. Focus on yourself and get stronger. What applies to Sakura also applies to you."

"You won't talk to me, huh?" Shikamaru felt his body shiver at her smile. It was terrifying. "How troublesome,"

XXXX

With a heavy sigh, Tobirama trudged into his office. It was the early hours of the morning, having spent the late hours in the red light district. He stunk heavily of tobacco and alcohol but the experience there was always eye-opening. "It's been a while," He muttered, moving over to the lone mirror that was surrounded by books. Placing a hand on the glass surface, he gently asked, "Please, let me see her," He felt his shoulders relax when the mirror distorted until he saw the clear image of his blonde friend. His brow creased slightly, "Where are you now?"

Tobirama wasn't exactly sure where he was seeing her from but she seemed to be outdoors with an older man he had never seen before.

"What you're asking for is impossible!" The older man tried to explain, getting more frustrated with this conversation.

"It's impossible for an old man like you but I can do it. Watch me," Naruto confidently boasted, playfully bumping into the older man when he glared at her. "And you're the best person to help me with this super cool jutsu,"

Tobirama kept watching the duo even though he could no longer hear the conversation. The reflection was mysterious. It decided when it would allow Tobirama to hear her voice and it never allowed him to communicate with Naruto besides the time he saw her in the hospital. She looked happy. Incredibly so. More than that she looked determined.

With one last search over his features, Tobirama felt relaxed that his blonde friend seemed okay, before stepping away from the mirror. It would do him no good to obsess over the well-being of Naruto. Making his way to the bathing area, Tobirama met Mito in the corridor. He was just planning on greeting her and moving on, it was already so late when Mito stood in front of him. "What do you want?" He was tired and irritated.

"Where do you go so late at night?" Mito was worried. Hashirama barely saw his brother and it was making the man feel down. "Hashirama worries for you,"

Slicking his hair back, Tobirama sighed, "It's nothing to worry about. I am a grown man after all,"

Mito glared at his cheeky response, "Don't lie to me, Tobirama. Despite all the women chasing after you, I can tell you're still a virgin," She grinned when his cheeks turned red and he refused to look at her. "I understand war can make people jumpy but don't forget your brother always waits for you. We are waiting for you here." Mito moved out of Tobirama's way to walk by, "If you make me handle your brother alone during one of his moments I won't leave you alone,"

Tobirama shivered under her threat. Waiting until she was out of hearing range before muttering "Crazy woman,".

After washing up, Tobirama laid down in his futon waiting for sleep to reach him. "I hope this war will be over soon,"

Somewhere else:

"Where am I?" The unidentified figure muttered cooly. Looking around the unfamiliar site. "Ruins? Why would there be ruins like this in the Fire Country?" They were surprised when they went to kick debris, their foot went right through the stone. With a frown, they wandered around the ruins with a critical eye. Their ears perked up hearing movement nearby. Sneakily heading towards the sound, the figure wasn't surprised anymore as they passed through fallen buildings with ease. "I hope I'm not dead," They muttered as they got closer to whoever was nearby. Perhaps they could explain what was going on or they could force an answer out of the other person.

That was when they saw them. In surprise, their eyes widened as a blonde woman landed before them. Just as she was to jump away, they made eye contact with her sharp blue eyes. They seemed shocked to see them there. "You," They called out with a firm voice as the blonde woman stood tall. She was wearing odd clothing for such a cold night. "How indecent," They clicked their tongue. Keeping their eyes firm when her blue eyes flashed momentarily red.

Although an odd occurrence, the figure didn't feel threatened by the indecent woman. "Who are you?"

"How did you get here?"

The figure frowned at her rude answer. Folding their arms in annoyance but they needed information before they made their next move. The blonde woman quickly gathered herself and approached them slowly. Holding up their hand, pausing her movements. "Who are you?" They saw the blonde woman tug at her odd jacket, her bare legs on display as she wore scandalous pants. The figure didn't feel flustered by her appearance. They had seen many indecent people and she was far from the worst.

"Hey, don't get me wrong but you're not supposed to be here," The blonde didn't answer their question once more. Her eyes narrowed as she seemed to notice something glaring off about the situation before realisation came over her. "Hey, where are you from?"

"Answer my question first." They approached the blonde woman and loomed over them. They were getting annoyed by her behaviour. Looking down at her with only the moonlight helping them to see, they were surprised to see her look unaffected. Her blonde hair was roughly falling out of its hold and her skin was covered in a light sheen of sweat.

"No, you don't understand. No one can be here unless they're an Uzumaki." The blonde searched the intruder's face carefully. "This is Uzushiogakure,"

"Ha," They snorted, "You want me to believe this trash dump is the land of the great Uzumaki clan," They waited for an answer from the blonde but she only stared up at them. Their eyes seemed to have figured out what was going on and it only irritated them, "What is it?"

"I'm not lying, this is Uzushigakure and my name is Naruto Uzumaki. I'm the last surviving Uzumaki," Naruto watched the figure process her words carefully. She was surprised to see this man in her homeland. Not even Jiraiya was able to walk through Uzushio safely. Carefully, Naruto reached her hand out and gasped as she was able to touch the man's cooling cheek. Her eyes widened, ignoring his flinch at her sudden touch, "Impossible," She muttered. Naruto was sure she saw him walk through the building and the chaotic burn from Kurama within her only proved her thoughts to be true. "How are you here?"

Naruto looked into his eyes, not frightened at all when his pitch-black eyes melted into red.

"Unhand me, woman. I will not be fooled by you," Knowing he wasn't going to get answers from the blonde, the man moved past her and made his escape. There was no way he believed this place was Uzushiogakure. He had only been there once but the bustling city was magnificent and far ahead of its time. There was no way such a powerful island became these ruins. The ruins looked old and weathered as if Uzushio had fallen decades ago but it wasn't true. Word would've easily spread about the fall.

"Wait!"

He ignored her call and found his way to the beach. Just as he landed on the sand, they were surprised to be thrown back by an invisible barrier that not even his eyes noticed. "Release me!" They were getting furious by the minute and glared at the blonde that landed before him.

"Just listen to me," Naruto huffed, reaching out and she grabbed the man and pulled him towards her with a strength he wasn't anticipating. "Don't you find it strange that you can't interact with the environment like a ghost yet I can touch you?" Naruto gained his attention with her next sentence, "Didn't you find it strange that you woke up in a place you've been to before? And the last thing you remember is going to sleep." She gained his gaze, his red eyes never backing down but she wasn't afraid of him. "The environment around you is different from what you know? I know I sound crazy but if you just give me 5 minutes of your time I think I can explain what is happening." Naruto felt crazy but if it was possible. It is this man, she was sure it is this man that those shitty Gods had tied to her if what Kurama's ramblings hold true. Perhaps, if this man was willing, he'd help her beat those punk-ass Gods down a few notches.

The man could find no lies with this woman. Unless she was an expert but he did find his situation odd and he needed information. "The second you lie to me I will cut you down," She only laughed lightly at his threat and tried to pull his hand back. The blonde woman easily released his hand but her strength left him cautious of her. "You called yourself Naruto. I have yet to see a blonde Uzumaki,"

Naruto fingered her messy blonde hair carelessly, "Yeah my dad's genes are strong," Ignoring her hair, her gaze held his and said, "You're an Uchiha," His old clothing reminded her of an old friend she hadn't seen in a while.

The person saw her blue eyes darken and didn't comment. They did keep their guard up. It was his careless mistake to activate his kekkei genkai to threaten her. "You're foolish to give out your name during a war,"

Naruto wanted to rub her temples. She forgot there was a lot of secrecy back then. "There's no war here and if you haven't figured it out, your spiritual body is trapped with Uzushiogakure. The only one that can hurt you here is yourself."

He understood her words. She inadvertently told him that she wasn't a threat to him. The blonde woman was an odd one. If he had to guess, she looked no older than 18 years old. Perhaps even younger. He was definitely older than her and continued to speak casually to her. "You have 5 minutes starting now." He opted to sit on nearby driftwood, crossing his legs and resting his hands on his knee. His eyes never leave this Uzumaki as his instincts told him to never underestimate this woman. He smelt danger from her. "I've been bored for a while. This will entertain me in the meantime,"

Naruto sighed, biting back a scathing remark. Looking up at the moon, it shone brightly in the sky when she heard the Uchiha speak up.

"Call me Madara,"

"I'd rather not, Uchiha-san," Naruto returned her cheerful gaze to the man though something about her smile was anything but friendly. Seeing the man's brow twitch only egged Naruto on more. Naruto was sure this man would become an important figure in the past but for the life of her, she was never good at history and couldn't figure out who this man was to the Uchiha clan. The blonde also didn't want to risk listening to Kurama's rants just in case its chakra suddenly overwhelmed her.

Madara wasn't amused though he was curious. She didn't know him. Her reaction told him everything. Even the most ignorant peasant to the most sheltered princess knew who he was. "Your time is ticking away, Uzumaki," Perhaps there will be answers in her tale.

"Ha!" Naruto laughed, perhaps this was another way for the Gods to smite her. This man had the pride of Sasuke yet had the poise and rationale of Itachi. She was stuck creating her new Jutsu, while Jiraiya decided to let off some adult steam, so this event grew Naruto's interest.

Madara observed her tight smile and deactivated his Sharingan. Without the clarity of his dojutsu, her smile seemed even more frightening.

"I'll tell you what I know and whatever happens next will be up to you," Naruto decided, even if he was unconvinced, she could continue to figure out her circumstances alone.