A love in time 014

Watching from a distance, Naruto hid her presence as she observed Madara meeting up with a young man that seemed familiar to her. Seeing their friendly bond, Naruto recalled the bloodshot Madara trying to protect a dying man in his arms before she turned up. Seeing their similar features, it wasn't hard for Naruto to deduce their relationship. Although their lips were moving, she wasn't talented in reading lips like Kakashi and she didn't want to go any closer and give away her position to Madara.

After leaving Momo behind at the tavern, Naruto was told he would find her when he was ready to talk further but he seemed to be avoiding her eyes. "It's odd," She muttered, ignoring Kurama who was out of his seal and headbutting her leg to get her attention. Judging from his personality, Madara was curious about what he didn't know and she spent time wandering around yet he never asked her what she saw or heard. She had an itching suspicion he was up to something.

"Naruto," Kurama grumbled. Looking up, the night sky didn't help hide the dark and distrustful look on her face as she looked at the Uchiha brothers. With a sigh, Kurama was forced to transform into his human form. Looking over her shoulder, he followed her gaze. He had so much to tell her. "What are we doing here?" Kurama grumbled when she didn't budge to give him attention. Snarling, Kurama moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, bringing his lips close to her ear. "We need to talk. Now,"

"We can talk here," Naruto replied coolly, her eyes narrowing when two other Uchiha joined the party. They proudly showed the bottles of alcohol they wanted to share and Naruto watched Madara's face eased into a lie. "How suspicious,"

Hugging Naruto, Kurama leaned his chin on her head and watched the group of Uchiha too. The reason why Naruto was lingering around would be revealed soon enough but he didn't want to wait. "Naruto, I know that man. The one that came with the toad," He felt her stiffen and knew she was listening to him. Holding her tightly, his eyes lost focus as he explained that the man with the toad is the Rikudō Sennin. She silently listened to his story - her eyes never leaving the Uchiha group as they got comfortable. This included how the bijuu came into being. Kurama only had memories from when he was brought into existence. He didn't know anything about the Rikudō Sennin since before then. Kurama only recognised the younger version of the man that created him due to his unique appearance.

Kurama's story only hurt Naruto's head but she kept her thoughts to herself. There were so many things happening that she felt like she was drowning. She couldn't handle all this information on her own. "Kurama," Naruto said after a while. "We need to have a long talk–" She was silenced as Madara and his brother quickly slaughtered the two men they were just laughing with before. Her eyes trembled as she saw their sharingan eyes change into a pattern that was familiar to her. "Itachi," She gasped, seeing the new variation of the sharingan and the two Uchiha quickly tried out their new skills.

Kurama held her closer to his body. His lips curled in a dangerous low growl. "Those cursed eyes," As soon as he realised the two Uchiha released susanoo. "We have to leave," Picking up Naruto into his arms, Kurama was quick to get them out of the area. Hearing an odd noise, Kurama looked down and saw Naruto trying to withhold a laugh. There was no mirth in her eyes. The moonlight through the treeline revealed crazed eyes that worried Kurama. He had been beside her for almost all her life. He was the only one alive that knew the truth of what was happening to her. Kurama was honestly surprised she hadn't lost her mind sooner. "Naruto," He could feel it, that she was overwhelmed and would fall apart one day.

Recalling what he overheard in Momo's head, Kurama took Naruto Northeast, "Hold on tight and don't wake up," Kurama warned before picking up a pace that would be considered inhumane. Naruto curled her body towards Kurama to protect herself from the harsh winds and within an hour he came to a stop. "We're here,"

Looking out carefully, Naruto's eyes widened as they were at the top of a large mountain. The full moon illuminated the peak as clouds softly rolled beneath them. Her eyes moved towards the old hut at the top of the peak when Kurama put her down. Feeling him nudge her, Naruto looked at him unsure. "Where are we?"

"Somewhere you might find answers. I will stay outside," Kurama urged her to go ahead. He watched as she gathered herself before she approached the hut that looked close to collapsing. Kurama wasn't sure if it was a good idea to bring her here but this might be the only opportunity they would get before the one occupying the hut disappears. He wasn't entirely sure how it happened but each tailed beast felt when the Old Gods would slowly disappear and the general direction. Then, a few years later a New God that felt absolutely disgusting would appear. However, the tail beasts would never interfere. It wasn't like they couldn't but the aura the New Gods gave off was a perfect repellent for them. His brothers and sisters refused to go anywhere near them. "That person should still be alive. Perhaps all this timing is meant to be," Kurama thought as Naruto entered the hut. All he could do now was wait for her to return.

Disappearing through the rickety door, Naruto heard a disembodied voice surround her.

"A human dares to enter my humble abode,"

Looking around, Naruto found nothing spectacular. In fact, the inside was barren excluding a dimly lit lamp in the middle of the floor. Though whatever was here, it could see her. "Well, it's definitely humble," Naruto replied, the air suddenly feeling heavy that it made Naruto question where Kurama brought her. Whatever was here could also hear her. Feeling her neck get clammy, Naruto muttered bitterly, "I hate ghosts,"

"I'm not a ghost!" An offended voice replied firmly, heavily offended.

Naruto had to cover her eyes as the wind in the room started to gather near the lamp. A transparent glowing figured hovered near the lamp yet the harsh winds in the room didn't budge the flame. Naruto felt her heart accelerate as the figure came into being. A blonde blue-eyed man with long flowing hair dressed in regal clothing that looked like a history book Naruto read. He was simply beautiful. "You–"

"I am not you," The blond man warned, "I am Takeminakata-sama to you, young woman. For my descendant, I shall allow you to call me Take-sama,"

Naruto was stunned. She wasn't expecting this. "A descendant?"

Take scoffed and with a wave of his hand a mirror appeared before Naruto. Flying to stand behind the youngster, Take placed a hand on her shoulder. "Why are you so surprised?" He squeezed her shoulder.

"No, I'm not supposed to be here that's–"

"Quiet," Take took her chin and forced her to look in the mirror. "Whether in this realm or another nothing can stop me from being with my children. Now look," Naruto stiffened as Take's eyes turned pitch black, including the sclera. Soon enough, Naruto's blue eyes started to disappear as inky darkness overtook and covered her pupils. Her lips trembled as they spread into her sclera. "You are most definitely a child of mine." Take commented, flying around Naruto until he was in front of her. "Oh, you have a scary look on your face. I'm trembling," His snarky smile and tone told Naruto otherwise.

The darkness in either of their eyes never left.

"What is this?" Naruto pointed to her eyes. "I've never heard of it covering all of my eyes,"

"Ha!" Take snorted, folding his arms. "Disrespectful daughter of mine. You know nothing," Flying closer, he got into her face yet she didn't budge. She was brave. "You know nothing of our blood,"

Naruto's lip curled into a snarl, "There's no one left. It's just me," She knew she caught God off guard, "As you've noticed, I'm from another realm. A time where you don't exist," She knew she was being petty but this person greatly pissed her off. Reaching out, she grabbed him by the collar and slammed their foreheads together with a cheeky smile. "A realm where I'm your only and last descendant. Trust me, I've tried looking for others."

Take grunted when his forehead was slammed. He matched her grin, "Heh cheeky brat," Grabbing the side of her head, their foreheads glowed momentarily before Take pushed Naruto away. "You have guts lying to a God," Her unwavering gaze never changed, "Although the number is on the verge of extinction the one you're looking for is good at hiding. Not even I can find them. Another cheeky brat."

"I'm not looking for another Namikaze right now. I'm looking for answers for why it's always this damn clan being sent to the past to fix," throwing her hands into the air, "Whatever the hell needs to be fixed!"

Take arched a brow, "I see, so you even lie to yourself." Reaching out, his touch was gentle this time as he cupped her cheek. "You do this so you won't lose control. Keeping everyone at an arm's length. You truly believe your lineage is a curse." Naruto saw hurt in Take's eyes. "That I am a curse to your existence,"

"I never said that," Naruto gritted her teeth.

"You didn't have to. Your actions say everything," Take, once again, placed his forehead on Naruto's and a white glow appeared. "The bonds you allow will only make you stronger. The one you're looking for is a shadow. A very talented son of mine. You won't find him but he will find you if you go to the Land of Darkness."

Naruto felt her brain itch. She felt like she heard of that area before.

"I know you have questions but I am limited as a God," Take released her. Looking over her features carefully, as if hoping to remember her. Reaching over, he flicked her forehead to get rid of the look on her face, "I am also limited in time,"

Rubbing her forehead, Naruto glanced at Take, "You already knew you were going to die."

"Just as you knew that only the Namikaze walked back in time," Take saw her ears get red, "Oh? Did you already forget you ran your mouth?" He smirked as she quickly composed herself. "You want to know why it is always my descendants. Why are select few being sent back and why do they keep on failing?"

"If you knew why didn't you say anything to them?!" Naruto threw her hands up. "We are suffering because of God's interference!"

"Tsk tsk tsk," Take waved his finger in Naruto's face. "It is not the inference of my brothers and sisters." Tapping Naruto's chin, he cheekily grinned at her annoyed look. "But definitely the interference of Gods. If you tell me how you figured it out it is just my children being sent back then I'll answer any of your questions to the best of my knowledge?" He offered. Take was certainly curious about what his descendants would say.

"I don't believe you,"

Take shrugged, "It's your choice,"

Naruto took a deep breath before reaching into her back pocket and pulled out a seal. Take was quick to take it to examine the seal curiously. "It's a modified blood seal. Since I'm just a soul that comes back I modified the seal to recognise similar chakra wavelengths." She hesitated before admitting with shame, "It also works with corpses," Naruto could feel the weight of Take's gaze, "Chakra, although slightly, can be found embedded in bone."

"You raided graves," Take loudly laughed. His descendant was a funny one. She seemed to be willing to do whatever it takes to reach her goal. "Naruto," At this point, she wasn't surprised that he knew her name, "Our blood is strong. We choose our bond. We are flexible." Reaching towards her once more, Take held her face gently. "The answers you seek will unravel before you in time,"

Naruto felt her nose scrunch. His words irritated her. "What you just said...really pisses me off."

Take only gave a grin, releasing her face. "You better go," With a wave of his hand, Naruto's body started to fade.

Locking eyes with the God that claimed to be her predecessor, she could see the resemblance. His eyes told her a lot. Although he knew he was facing death, he wasn't afraid to face it head-on. The cocky grin on his face that masked the gentleness he held for her couldn't be hidden. His friendly touch only convinced Naruto that this God truly cared for his descendants and furthermore when she gave him cheek Take didn't mind one bit. In fact, he seemed to revel in feeling that his descendant was as much of a menace as he was. "You said you would answer my questions,"

Take only grinned, "Perhaps another time,"

Naruto lightly glared at him. Sighing, she lifted her arms and soon her chakra chains gathered around them with the distinct markings that didn't belong to the Uzumaki clan. Naruto glanced at the marks that were hidden on Take's arms, piecing together that the so-called 'curse mark on her chains was in fact the mark of a God. Throwing her hands out and then quickly making a fist, her chains phased through the wooden hut and soon enough screaming was heard. Take continued to smile as Naruto threw her hands in the air and caused more chaos outside. "Don't try and run from me when we meet again,"

"I wouldn't think of it," Take grinned wider at her parting gift for him. He could sense that she took out quite a few of the creatures that had come to hunt him and Take wasn't surprised that his daughter attacked them with confidence that her attack wouldn't phase through them. He could only laugh as she disappeared from his sight. Her thought process was awfully scary. "She knows too much." Waving his hand, his hut was destroyed and he could see the black creatures screeching and eating their dead comrades. "Though, that's the fault of these slimy bastards." His eyes glowed dangerously as beady yellow eyes stared back at him from the dark. "That will be your downfall," Take laughed boisterously before speeding towards his enemy. Fully intending on weakening the shadow army in order to aid his descendant in the future.

Naruto

Naruto found herself back in her rented room and sat up with a hard look in her eyes. "The Land of Darkness," Her mind wandered as she recalled both Tobirama and Hashirama believing that she lived there. It made her chuckle. She already had a mental list of things she needed to get done before she returned to Konohagakure. Feeling a toad summons appear next to her, she arched her brow as the toad handed her a note. "Wait there," She said before it could disappear.

Meet me in the Water Country in three days.

We need to talk. NOW!

Jiraiya

Naruto felt the back of her neck sweat and chuckled nervously. "He must've heard about the temple," The toad nodded in response. His information was more extensive than hers that it was truly frightening. Reaching over for a pen and paper, she wrote a reply for her Master.

I have good news. I'm sure you will be curious.

See you then.

Naruto

Folding up the note, Naruto tied it to the toad before getting ready for her day. Barely having a minute to wash her face, she noticed her crystal ball flashing and groaned. Heading over to the ball, she waved her hand and soon she could see Shikamaru's face. "It's barely sunrise. What are you doing up so early?"

"I haven't slept yet," Shikamaru grumbled, rubbing his tired face. He showed a stack of papers to Naruto, "The council is making a move behind Sasuke and Diana's faction is getting noisy."

"I'm not too worried about the Uchiha," Naruto dried her face while asking, "What is Diana up to?"

"There's been word that Diana has slow-progression dementia and is attempting one last manhunt. We haven't been able to figure out who she is looking for."

Naruto thought back to Take's words about a hidden descendant. It couldn't be a coincidence. "Does she look like she's dying?"

Shikamaru shook his head, "She looks like still be around for another decade,"

"A real shame," Naruto smiled bitterly. She could hear a commotion on Shikamaru's side and soon enough Shikamaru was shoved away and his face replaced with her beloved sensei. "Kakashi-sensei," Naruto greeted warmly. The man looked on the verge of tears, "You look healthy,"

"Naruto Uzumaki! Where are you?" Kakashi questioned, sticking his finger at the crystal ball. "You were meant to return home a year ago! I've been suffering here without you,"

"Stop being a baby," Naruto gently scolded, feeling her lips twitch as Kakashi continued to complain. She didn't stop him. It was times like these that she felt grounded. That she was a regular shinobi student on a training trip with her Master. Not some odd one out that gets sent to the past. Naruto carried the crystal ball with her to the bed and sat down as Kakashi rambled on about his students, challenges with Gai and his multiple attempts to flee women. Naruto listened to Kakashi carefully and responded in kind to him. If anybody else saw this side of him they wouldn't believe this was the aloof Hatake everyone saw around the village. In a way, his debrief was healing not only for Naruto but also for him.

Naruto recalled Take's words - "You do this so you won't lose control. Keeping everyone at an arm's length." Part of her refused to admit that he was right. Out of the people she was close to as a child, only one of them remained and she was listening to him talk about buying new Icha Icha books since they were worn out. After losing the one to initial betrayal and abandonment and the second to death, Naruto was afraid to deepen any of the bonds she created. Sure, she knew Shikamaru and Choji before she met Kakashi but Naruto felt that Kakashi was different. Kakashi felt like the older brother she regretfully adored and she was certain he felt the same.

"So, you have to come home soon alright?" Kakashi pressed, folding his arms firmly as he waited for her answer.

Naruto shook her head, "I still have much to learn, Kakashi-sensei," She knew he wasn't happy with her answer and going back to the village would only limit her. "No wonder that mega pervert rarely returned," Cutting off the connection with Kakashi before he could start nagging, Naruto finished getting ready and gathered all her belongings.

Deciding it would be best to arrive in the Water Country first, Naruto headed on her way. She could arrive at the inn she knew he'd met her at in around 10 hours if she kept her pace up and kept her breaks short.

During her run, Naruto's mind was also running. There was one lingering question in her mind that she couldn't figure out. "What is capable of killing a God?" Her brows furrowed, "Or who?" Naruto felt that if she gained the answer to this question every other answer she sought would follow. Then, there was another question nagging her mind. Naruto swore she searched high and low, tossed over every infestation to find another Namikaze blood. It was just Diana and her. All the dead she came across died a long time ago. "Who the hell are you?" she muttered to the wind.

"Naruto," Kurama opened their connection. Abling himself to sense the world through her. "I suggest looking into the Uchiha too,"

Naruto wanted to roll her eyes, "I'm not exactly interested in looking deeper into that clan,"

Kurama nudged her in his mind, "You're being foolish or have you already forgotten. Madara was able to read that stone tablet under the temple." He caught her attention now. "I can only believe the sharingan can read that text,"

"What are you suggesting, Kurama?" Naruto felt her mind throb. There was so much to do and some areas she couldn't entrust to others. She had to gather the information herself.

"We now know there are other levels of the sharingan. This new variant might be able to see more than the normal sharingan. It might be able to decipher the temple's tablet further or any stone tablets that may be hidden at different temples,"

Descending from the trees, Naruto landed on the grass gently. Bringing her hands together she summoned a small team of clones. "Listening up, there should be at least 8 temples within 100 miles radius of where were are right now." reaching into her pouch, she pulled out a scroll and unfurled it. With a quick snap of her fingers, the scroll revealed cloaks, cameras, a vial of her blood and sealing paper. "Don't attack at the same time. Space out the attacks either a few hours apart to 1 week apart at a maximum. If you're unable to steal the stone, take a picture of it and send it back to me via summons."

The clones nodded at each other. Gathering in groups of two they collected the items needed before a lone clone looked confused on its own. Holding their hand up, they asked, "What will I be doing?"

"Head back to Asura's temple and take the stone tablet," Naruto ordered, clapping her hands to gather their attention as they slowly changed their appearances. "Do what it takes to throw the other temples off on what we're taking. Take other items of interest too. I've given you enough chakra to last 2 weeks if you don't go crazy with jutsu,"

Clone C snorted, "Please infiltration will be a breeze."

Clone G pumped their fists excitedly, "Woohoo! Once I've secured the stone tablet, I'll burn that bastard's temple to the ground."

Naruto could feel that Kurama wanted to speak to the clones and allowed the bijuu to take over her body. Her eyes soon took on the slits of the fox, "Don't get arrogant. Always assume you're being hunted." Kurama looked each clone in the eyes as they looked like any other person that would walk down the road. "Always assume the Akatsuki are watching you. Not some third-rank punk,"

The clones nodded in agreement. Quickly schooling their features. One mistake and they would pop out of existence...failing their mission. Kurama-Naruto waved her hand and in a flash, the clones all dispersed.

Naruto's eyes returned to their original shape as she bent down to collect her scroll. "Now we need a sharingan to translate those tablets,"

Kurama felt unsettled. There weren't that many to choose from. "That brat in your village?"

"What? And have him think I owe him one?" She snorted, "That's a dangerous move and from my reports, his eyes won't do." Tucking the scroll back into her pouch, Naruto jumped back up to the branches and took off once again. "Madara is also a no go. We don't know when and where in time I'll return to or when he'll turn up here. I could meditate now and return to the past but I could end up at the Senju Compound,"

"You wouldn't complain," Kurama clicked his tongue, figuring out who she planned to ask. "Heh, you really think that cursed child will help you? What do you plan to do? Swoon him over and let him know you unearthed his dirty laundry,"

"Kurama," Naruto warned, her voice tense as she felt rising anger at his jib. "Itachi murdered his entire clan and joined the Akatsuki. That fact hasn't changed. However," Her mind wandered back to seeing Itachi at her doorstep covered in blood saying he was never coming back. Although it was dark, Naruto swore up and down that his eyes still held kindness. The oddity is what caused her to investigate the Uchiha Massacre in the first place. It almost cost her life but she got the answers she sought. "The Akatsuki are also mercenaries with a high success rate. Hiring them will kill two birds with one stone - that is if Itachi is assigned to the mission,"

"What are you thinking?"

Naruto shared her plan, "I need to know how to kill a God and I can only think of one person who is crazy enough to at least defy them," Naruto chuckled darkly, her eyes momentarily being filled with Kurama's chakra. "As much as I want to cut his neck I need answers from him first." Kurama still wasn't sure who she was alluding to and kept quiet as she explained her thought process. "I'm sure the Akatsuki would also like to get their hands on the bastard that betrayed them. It's only fair I go after the man obsessed with ignoring God's efforts to extend his life,"

Kurama had a feeling of who she was talking about and with her information network, it wouldn't be too hard too long before she found him. Once she was determined, her information network worked overtime and beyond to get her the information she desired. It was insane yet Naruto rarely used the information network she crafted this way. Only stepping forward when it was necessary to lead them.

"I'll have the Akatsuki hunt down Orochimaru for me,"

Tobirama:

Staring at the ceiling, Tobirama felt a sense of shame. The deed was done but perhaps he rushed into it too quickly. Looking beside him, a head of long brown hair was on his naked chest. He felt the hairs rise on his arms before quietly slipping the woman off himself and gathering his clothing. Tobirama could pick up the scent of their night actions and his partner's perfume. He did his best not to scowl as he got dressed and left the establishment. The moon was a few hours shy of resting as Tobirama headed towards his sanctuary. "It had to be done," He told himself. It was best to share his first experience on his own terms than to have it forced upon him. Tobirama wasn't naive to believe that he could finish his mission without sharing a bed with the Feudal Lord's daughter. It wouldn't be possible with other shinobi nearby.

Clenching his fists tightly, Tobirama soon found himself outside the entrance of his oasis. He couldn't bring himself to enter with his dirtied body. Turning on his heel, Tobirama headed towards the river and stripped down before sinking his body into the cool water. Furiously scrubbing at his hair, his frustration got the best of him as he punched the water. Splashing water all around him. "This is ridiculous," He could feel the grogginess of his mind accumulate from overworking. Yet the second he stopped, Tobirama felt he would lose something.

As the water rippled, his appearance distorted along with it. His overthinking was going to get him nowhere and he knew it. However, that's all he did when he was alone. He thought about the war, the endless missions and bloodshed, the constant barrages of marriage interviews, and he dearly missed the presence of his best friend.

Looking at the stars, Tobirama was vaguely aware of why her visits decreased. It wasn't like her 1-year disappearance when he was sure she was a ghost or the time she would outrun him after their first big argument that he resorted to trapping her. This time it was different and as they were older and wiser it made sense. Tobirama concluded that his blonde friend distanced herself from him so she didn't feel reliant on a man she wasn't sure could be physically with her. Sure, she had the potential to be a fine kunoichi - so Tobirama only half believed her excuse to distance herself from him. He never questioned her because he knew, and he was sure she knew, Naruto would always return to him.

"Tsk," Tobirama clicked his tongue. "What an arrogant thought," He shook his head. He had so many questions yet they would go unanswered until the war was over. Tobirama was burning to know why he was able to see and hear Naruto. The fire only grew when he realised that on occasion he was granted his wish to see her through a mirror.

Feeling the cool night get to him, Tobirama got out of the river and proceeded to wait until his naked body was dry before putting his clothes on. Focusing on the moon, Tobirama was more curious about Naruto's actions. He wasn't delusional. Tobirama knew for a fact that his blonde companion kissed him. "Once we see each other again," He reached for his pants to put on, "I wonder how you will react, Naruto,"

Once the sun rises, he would leave with the other selected shinobi to spend a month in the Capital.