A love in time 17

"You got everything?" Inosuke leaned against the wall, watching Tobirama pack his bags. It was the awaited day Senju was free to go back to his clan. "I'm going to miss you," Tobirama snorted, making Inosuke laugh. Pushing himself off the wall, Inosuke approached Tobirama. "I'll be free in a couple of weeks. I'll send you a letter when I'm home. Do reply to it, Tobirama."

"I suppose you plan to send more if I don't," Tobirama tightened the straps on his bag before hefting it over his shoulders.

"Ahh you know me well," Inosuke nodded, holding a hand out and firmly shook Tobirama's hand.

They both tensed when they heard furious banging at the door. Followed by desperate pleading from the princess.

Inosuke gave Tobirama a look filled with mirth and annoyance, "Don't suppose you'll entertain the Lady for one last round as a parting gift for me. I am assigned to her tonight."

"I'd rather die," Tobirama squeezed Inosuke's hand a little harder before releasing. The loud sobbing was grinding at his ears. "She's been like that since last night. I'm surprised she hasn't given up,"

"On such a fine specimen," Inosuke dramatically gestured to Tobirama, "Why, I would be begging on my knees too," He teased, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"Tobirama-sama~ Please! I beg of you! Just a moment of your time!"

Tobirama and Inosuke acted as if she wasn't there. Her voice was hoarse but it wouldn't be long before the Feudal Lord got annoyed again and forced his soldiers to drag her back to her room. Moving towards the window, Tobirama didn't want to risk leaving through the door and through the compound. Looking back at Inosuke, Tobirama would never admit aloud that he enjoyed Yamanaka's company. It kept him sane during his stay. "I'll reply when I have a moment to sit,"

"That's all I ask," Inosuke grinned, pleased that Tobirama would maintain their friendship. It was rare between clans to be friendly.

"Tobirama-sama~ please~ open the door!"

The two light-haired men looked at each other with a nod of understanding. Inosuke headed towards the door, planning to distract the princess long enough for Tobirama to leave the capital and away from her reach. "Ah that Lady of yours," Inosuke spoke up, looking over his shoulder as his hand laid on the door handle gently. "I sincerely wish you all the best in your grovelling,"

Tobirama could only drop his head and sigh. Inosuke hadn't brought up that conversation since that night. Tobirama should've known better than for Yamanaka to let it go. "Your wish isn't needed,"

"You'll be surprised, my friend," Inosuke waved Tobirama off, preparing to open the door. Once Tobirama was out of his sight, Inosuke sighed, his shoulders slumping before pulling himself together and opening the door. "Hello Princess," Inosuke quickly caught the distraught noblewoman in his arms, holding back his amusement by seeing the pristine princess looking like an absolute wreck. "Be careful, you'll fall and injure your beautiful face,"

"Where! Where is he?!" The princess shoved herself away from Inosuke and stormed into the room. "Where is he?!" She screamed, tearing the room apart as her handmaidens rushed past Inosuke to try and console the princess.

Inosuke only watched happily.

Elsewhere with Tobirama:

"This is bliss," Tobirama muttered, enjoying the gentle sounds of the wind and the scent of the fresh breeze. Opting to keep off the main roads, no doubt the princess would send some men to hunt him down, Tobirama took the direct route towards his clan through the thick forest.

After a few hours of peacefully travelling and avoiding the guards from the Capital, Tobirama noticed the sun was due to set in a couple of hours and decided to set up camp. "There's a creek nearby. I can catch a few fish for dinner," Tobirama nodded, liking his plan as he diligently set up camp and a few traps. Just as he prepared a fishing line, Tobirama sensed movement and looked up. His brow frowned when a squirrel happened to race by. Although the trip was partially peaceful, Tobirama couldn't help but feel on edge after spending all those weeks walking on eggshells in the capital. "If they ask me to marry the princess I might have to assassinate her,"

"I wasn't expecting such morbid words from a handsome face,"

Tobirama was quick on his feet, kunai on hand and whirled around to face the intruder. He didn't even sense him. This time, Tobirama's brow rose high on his head as he slowly lowered his kunai. He recognised the face immediately. He hadn't met another person who shared the same eye colour as him since he and Hashirama had felt that chakra explosion. "Ramon-sama," He bowed politely to the priest and put away his weapon, "I apologise,"

"Heh," Kurama disguised in his human form snickered, "I have faith you wouldn't land a passing touch on me." Ramon hid his thoughts, looking upon Tobirama closely the man was definitely handsome. The cold mysterious type. Ramon had seen Tobirama in passing while collecting some herbs to teach Naruto about. He didn't plan on revealing himself but Tobirama's cruel words caught his attention.

Running his tongue along his back teeth, Tobirama withheld a scathing comment. "You're far from the temple, Ramon-sama, and it is getting late,"

Ramon was amused. It was clear that Tobirama was suspicious of him. "Both statements are true but you underestimate the followers of Inari-sama. We are more than capable of taking care of ourselves. I'm collecting medicinal plants that grow along the water bank," Ramon gestured to the basket he was holding, half-filled with the plants he needed. Ramon initially had no interest in holding a conversation with Tobirama but the small quirks the man responded with amused Ramon. Perhaps this was a charm that influenced Naruto.

Tobirama noticed that if the priest continued to collect herbs until his basket was full, then it would be dark and too dangerous to travel back to the temple. "Allow-" Tobirama sealed his lips when Ramon held his hand up.

"I am a follower of Inari-sama. I can protect myself," Ramon said firmly. He noticed the unease coming from Tobirama. "For someone that was adamant on assassinating the only princess of the Fire Country, seeing you worry for a priest is funny,"

Tobirama sucked on his tongue. No matter how many times people told him that he was rude, Tobirama would never lash his tongue at the person before him.

Ramon decided to back off on teasing the tense white-haired man. "I'll be on my way then," Just as Ramon turned around he heard Tobirama call out to him. Hiding his feral grin, Ramon looked over his shoulder and smiled, "Yes, you wish to ask me something,"

"If it's not too much, could you tell me more about the Land of Darkness?" Tobirama requested

Ramon arched a curious brow, "The Land of Darkness? That dreary place doesn't need your attention…" Ramon paused, observing Tobirama even more intently, "Unless you're hoping to hide from someone. Are you looking to run away?"

"No," Tobirama quickly answered, "I plan to visit that Land once the war settles. I'm just itching a curiosity,"

"Hmm," Ramon hummed, facing Tobirama once more and approached him. "There's nothing for you there. You'll only be chasing your ego. If you go there, you will not be welcomed by the people. The Land of darkness is for those that wish to disappear and very rarely allows a seeker to meet the one they have in their heart. You will only find yourself wandering the outskirts until you turn away yourself."

Frowning, Tobirama didn't like Ramon's answer. "I still have to go there,"

Ramon only laughed, amused and annoyed by his stubbornness. However, based on what Naruto has told him, it was easy for Ramon to deduce why this man was so stubborn. "Whoever you're looking for, isn't there. You seem smart. I'm sure you're aware of why you decided to go instead of facing the truth,"

"What truth?" Tobirama stiffened, not enjoying the conversation.

Ramon stepped closer. The space between them could only allow the breeze through. They were of similar height as they stared each other down. Red clashing against red. "You know the truth. You're afraid of the answer." Ramon sprouted a feral grin, "You simply have to ask sincerely,"

As Tobirama opened his mouth, Ramon disappeared in the wind. Covering his eyes slightly with his arm, Tobirama could make out a silhouette approaching him. The newcomer gently burst their chakra to inform him they were friendly. As soon as they stepped out of the shadow, Tobirama felt his lips curl in discomfort. "Emi, why are you here?"

Emi nervously approached the cold-hearted shinobi. She felt hurt that he no longer greeted her like when they were younger. "I heard that today was your last day in the Capital. I wanted to be the first to greet you," She clenched her hands together, feeling the sweat gather at her nape at Tobirama's indifferent gaze. Emi wasn't sure when she noticed it, but as they got older he became colder towards her. No longer did he entertain her with conversations or would answer her questions. Part of her even believed he was ignoring her.

"Who told you that? Considering this mission involves the Capital, very few know of the details and I am confident that you aren't one of them," Tobirama turned his back on her, deciding to get a fire ready before the cold set in. He was mentally exhausted to attempt at running away from his cousin.

"Aww come on," Emi slowly approached him, "Don't be like that," She tried keeping the mood light as she watched him quickly make a small fire. "I was so excited for your return I couldn't wait and had to see you," Emi plopped down next to Tobirama, withholding a frown when he moved away from her and sat opposite her. The fire between them. Plastering on a smile, Emi continued, "I feel like we haven't had the chance to speak with everything going on lately. I miss our conversations,"

Tobirama felt his body shudder at her tone of voice. Everything she seemed to do made him angry. He couldn't look at her long before the boiling rage became unbearable. "Emi," He called her, doing his best to keep his voice even. "Stop playing around. You're well aware of our strained relationship," He almost saw her friendly mask crack. "I've constantly found you attempting to peek into the baths when I am in there. Not to mention the handful of times I've caught you trying to sneak into my room,"

"I thought you'd need the company!" Emi quickly explained, "And it helps to keep the other prowling women away from you!"

"I'm not desperate enough to seek help from you," Tobirama coldly dismissed her explanation. "I'm going to say this now, I don't know what delusion you've conjured to believe I even remotely want to be with you but I have zero attraction to you. I wouldn't place you by my side should you be the only woman left on this land. I would rather wither and die,"

"You don't mean that!" Emi exploded, her friendly mask shattering to pieces as she gazed upon Tobirama desperately. "I know you don't mean that, Tobi!"

"Don't you ever call me that," He warned her as he saw her become crazed in her fantasy.

Emi wasn't listening and she desperately poured out, "I know you feel the same way I do, Tobi! You even said it yourself, that I'm a functioning kunoichi! I'm your ideal woman! She began to list off, unaware of Tobirama's rising anger and disbelief. "I never hid my feelings from you. Although I was jealous you had to go to the Capital to warm the bed of the Feudal lord's daughter, I made sure not to interfere with your mission and stayed in the village! I'm a kunoichi with a fiery will! I fit your ideal type so why don't you love me back?!" She all but screamed.

If there were any enemies around, Emi would have alerted them to their position. However, Tobirama wasn't concerned, aware of the friendly seals that surrounded the area.

Tobirama felt his blood run cold. "Those are indeed the qualities I look for in a partner, however, that doesn't mean you will be my woman. You never will. I could never love you in this lifetime or the next." His cold words were like real wounds to Emi as she fell to her knees and clutched at her heart. "It will never be you,"

"No no no no no no no that's not how this was supposed to happen," Emi clutched at her hair painfully, "I'm the most sought after woman in the clan! The most beautiful! You're the most eligible bachelor in the clan! We're fated to be together! It has always been us, Tobi. Even when we were children, we were always together!" she thumped her chest harshly, slowly reaching behind her back, "You never cared when I got a boyfriend! Hehe but I know you care for me,"

Tobirama was faster than Emi as he was quick to activate his perfected jutsu, slamming Emi onto the ground and the surrounding area becoming heavy. Tobirama clenched his hand tighter when he saw a kunai in Emi's not shattered hand as she screamed as each bone in her body was being mercilessly broken.

"Tobirama! W-what is this?!" Emi cried out in pain, unable to move her head to look at Tobirama. Emi screamed louder when the earth around her began to shatter and the firepit became nothing but ash. She couldn't breathe. Emi couldn't tell if it was from her broken ribs or the pressure Tobirama dominated over her.

"For the attempted assassination of the main branch of the Senju clan you deserve a painful death," Tobirama's voice held no emotion as he stared blankly at Emi's suffering. It was nothing compared to the hell she put him through. Many sleepless nights, constantly on guard around the very clan members he was supposed to trust, hypervigilant of every noise and shadow and endless paranoia that didn't help considering they were at war. Tobirama was surprised he hadn't lost his mind. "Once I kill you I'll finally be free." He tilted his head in thought, "I could also make this look like an accident. You say someone told you about my mission then it'll be easy to pin the blame on them and get rid of two birds with one stone." Her screaming scratched at the thin wall holding back his insanity…his cruelty he longed to set free. "You dared to continue to use my familiar name without permission. That also deserves a prolonged painful death," He clenched his fist tighter, making Emi scream louder than ever.

"Tobi,"

Tobirama heard her soft voice behind him. Neither scolded him for his actions nor held fear of his demeanour. He chuckled, "I must thank you for placing up your barrier in time. It would've been hard for me to get rid of any witnesses,"

"That's enough, Tobi," On her way to find Kurama, the fox had dismissed their lesson and sent her towards the Senju with an ominous grin. She had hid in the shadows and watched the interaction go on long enough. Naruto stepped out of the shadows and made her way in front of him. Looking into his eyes, Naruto could see the madness lurking beneath the surface just waiting for the opportunity to be released. "Kill her before she becomes so vengeful her spirit curses the land," Seeing the small smile on Tobirama's lips and the gravity around them lessen, Naruto knew what she said caught his attention.

"Heh, I can't have that happening or you'll never visit," Tobirama moved his gaze from Emi towards the woman in front of him. He could see clearly that she was waiting for him patiently and the fear that was not in her voice was also not in her eyes. With a wave of his arm, Tobirama had manipulated the gravity to completely crush Emi until the grass was dyed with her blood. Naruto's deep blue eyes held him captive as he reached out to touch her cheek, "Are you disappointed in me, Nami?"

Naruto felt her spine tingle at the affectionate name given to her by Tobirama "No. I'm surprised you didn't accidentally kill her earlier,"

"Ha!" Tobirama withdrew his hand and took one step closer towards the blonde. If she was with him in person, their chests would be touching and lips close enough their breaths would mingle. The light from the moon lit up their surroundings as they gazed into each other's eyes. "Will you forgive me, Nami?"

Naruto frowned slightly, unsure why he was asking for her forgiveness. Humouring him, Naruto replied, "Depends on what you say,"

"Nami," He said breathlessly. Tobirama desperately wanted to be able to touch her at this very moment. "Do you remember our conversation about the women of the night? You told me to spend time with them to learn more," Naruto nodded briefly, "I also told you I wouldn't lie with any other woman besides my wife."

"You did," Naruto wondered where Tobirama was going with this. The back of her mind had to remind herself that there were traces of a dead body behind her that needed to be cleaned up before the blood dried.

"Unfortunately, under the circumstances of being a shinobi I was unable to uphold that value. I do hold some shame when I recall what I have done before my mission,"

"Before your mission," Naruto muttered, slowly piecing together what Tobirama was trying to paint.

"I never shared my body with the princess, Nami. It was only an illusion. I admit I had to exchange a kiss or two, however my body was never given to her. I learnt how to develop my genjutsu from the women of the night and was able to avoid sharing a bed." Tobirama spoke firmly, "However I was uncertain if my genjutsu would be undetected in the Feudal Lord's palace and I didn't wish to lose my first experience with such a distasteful person."

Naruto held up her hand, stopping Tobirama from speaking further, "We spoke about this before. We're shinobi first and these missions are unavoidable should we be given them. I'm sure your wife will understand,"

"Nami," Tobirama cut off her mumbling, "I know you heard Emi call my name," He saw Naruto look uncertain, "My real name," Naruto nodded, taking a step back but Tobirama followed her pace. Making sure they weren't too far apart. "You're now aware of where I live and my name. I know where you're heading at this moment and your last name,"

Naruto's eyes widened, "How do you know my last name? You're the one who said we should never reveal them,"

Tobirama's eyes softened, "You got so excited that you blurted it out accidentally. I've known for a few years now." He chuckled when she cursed under her breath, "I believe in you Naruto Uzumaki." Naruto felt goosebumps when he called her name like that, "I want you to believe in me too. You may be aware now but allow me to formally introduce myself. My name is Tobirama Senju," He saw her stiffen her eyes wide in shock. He knew she was in disbelief that he was breaking the rule he set himself. "I hope with this information you will still call me Tobi comfortably, Nami,"

"W-wait just a minute," Naruto waved her hands around, taking several steps back and accidentally stepping on the remains of Emi.

Tobirama frowned, waving his hand around to manipulate the water from the river to wash away the remnants of his former tormentor. Tobirama made sure the surface Naruto was stepping on had no traces of blood before he approached her again.

"Stay there!" She pointed at him rudely, her eyes sternly telling him to stay put as she gathered her thoughts. Naruto searched through her memories. Hoping some wise-ass comment from the Sandaime came forth to hint at what Tobirama was up to. She searched her mind desperately but nothing was sticking out. Giving up, Naruto sighed and asked, "Why are you telling me this, Tobi? This conversation is all over the place."

"I'll tell you once you give permission for me to approach you," He smiled gently when she scowled at him yet she nodded her head after a while. Tobirama was quick to approach Naruto and take up the space closely in front of her. "If you tell me why you have no faith in me finding you then I'll tell you why I'm saying all of this," Tobirama felt his heart beat harder. It was the cowardly way to ask but part of him still wasn't ready for her answer.

Naruto felt her jaw drop. "Y-you bloody bastard!" She threw her hands up in the air before turning around and marching off. She didn't want to spend another second with him and his odd behaviour. Naruto felt her body stiffen when a firm weight on her back and a cold breath on her ear as firm arms went around her shoulders. She felt a sense of deja vu as his whisper caused her chest to flutter.

"Nami," Tobirama firmly whispered, his lips curling into a smile on her neck as he felt her heart beat furiously against his arms.

Naruto squealed, pulling away just in time as Tobirama lost his concentration and she whirled on him. "Don't do that!"

"Do what?" Tobirama tilted his head innocently. "Hug my best friend,"

"Yes!" Naruto felt that something was wrong with Tobirama. He seemed more persistent since the last time they met. Perhaps she should stop seeing him despite what they said last time.

"Nami, if you don't come to me I'll find a way to you when I'm sleeping," Tobirama read her face effortlessly. "I may not be able to track you down in person just yet but I can be persistent and find my way into your dreams. I can't recall how I did it that one time but I'm sure I can figure it out,"

Naruto was astonished but she couldn't have Tobirama and Madara meeting. "Fine! Fine! I'll spend time with you,"

"Good." Tobirama nodded, "You also never answered me. Will you forgive me, Nami?"

Naruto sighed, running her fingers through her hair.

"I'll get on my knees if I have to,"

Naruto groaned at his tenacity, "As amusing as that would be, don't get on your knees for me." She stopped him from even attempting to, "I can't accept your apology. I'm not in a position to accept it." Naruto said sincerely, hoping she was conveying to Tobirama that this wasn't a matter that needed his attention or his rare apologies.

"I understand," Tobirama nodded, he planned to ask for her forgiveness later on once he found her in person. Perhaps his grovelling would be more effective with physical touch. "Nami,"

"Hmm?"

"Will you still stay beside me even when I go mad?"

"Do you even have to ask?" Naruto lightly chuckled, getting used to his random topics, "Without a doubt,"

XXXX

Waking up, Naruto sat up slowly and found Jiraiya still snoring on the bed beside her. Throwing a pillow at his gut, Naruto muttered, "We have to check out soon,"

Jiraiya snatched the pillow before it could hit him and dropped it on the floor. "Liar. We still have 4 hours before check out. Stop waking me up when you wake up because you're bored,"

Naruto mimicked the last few words of Jiraiya mockingly before getting out of bed to wash up. She was feeling restless and knew Jiraiya was feeling it too. They had been at the lodge for a few days now and Naruto insisted they stayed put instead of looking for her grandfather. If what Takeminakata said was true, then she was being monitored already by Arashi. However, neither she nor Jiraiya felt the telltale signs of being watched. It only made Naruto more nervous.

Getting changed into fresh clothing, Naruto left the bathroom and immediately threw a hidden kunai toward the sleeping figure of Jiraiya.

Jiraiya was quick to roll out of bed with a dark chuckle. "How did you figure it out so quickly? I had thought you wouldn't know until a few minutes later," Jiraiya looked up at Naruto, however, the warm brown eyes were lifeless yet held curiosity.

Naruto felt the hairs on her neck stand up. "You should focus on breathing better. Jiraiya has a delay in breathing when he sleeps."

"Ha, how nitpicking. Should I say I shouldn't expect less from that child's offspring,"

Naruto's eyes widened as Jiraiya dropped his disguise and revealed the man she was nervously waiting to meet. He wasn't what she expected at all. A slender, rather effeminate, man stood before her. His long blonde hair reached his lower back and framed his face softly. Golden eyes, hidden behind round frames, that observed her appearance keenly were distant and cold. In fact, he didn't look older than his mid-30s. Dressed in familiar-looking robes, Naruto was in disbelief. Not only did he look like a Saint, but it also seemed he was related to a temple. "I heard stories that dad looked like a girl when he was young…I can see why,"

The older Namikaze arched a brow, "Are you insulting me?"

"Not intentionally," Naruto felt her lip twitch, forcing down a smile. "You're very beautiful. I'm Naruto Uzumaki. Daughter of Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki."

"Kushina?" He tilted his head, scanning Naruto's appearance, "I remember that fiery child. You have her features. Arashi Namikaze," He placed a hand over his chest, introducing himself, "I am your Grandfather,"

"Yes," Naruto muttered breathlessly, feeling her stomach lurch when this man didn't deny their relationship. Part of her almost feared how she'd react if he opted to deny her lineage because of Diana. "I have so many questions for you," Her heart trembled when his cold look slightly gave way. Taking a brave step forward, Naruto took a deep breath when Arashi didn't move and used this as her chance to throw herself at him and hold him tightly against her. With such a cold gaze, Arashi had a warm body, with a light scent reminiscent of laundry drying in the sun and most of all, Naruto eased into Arashi as his soothing and welcoming chakra enveloped her. Naruto's fingers dug into his robes as she felt her eyes sting.

Naruto had so many questions. Did he know her parents died? Why didn't he come to get her? Did he know how she was being treated in the village? What about the Namikaze clan? Better yet, was he aware of time walkers? She had so many things to say but nothing came out of her mouth but choked sobs and when she felt his strong arms wrap around her and told her tenderly, Naruto broke down in his arms.

Naruto wasn't sure how much time had passed but when she felt her tears run dry, she slowly pulled herself away from Arashi. Feeling embarrassed by her behaviour, Naruto couldn't look him in the eyes as she mumbled a quick apology.

"Never apologise to me," Arashi replied, bringing a hand up to wipe away the remnants of her tears. Cupping her cheek carefully to make her look up at him. Her eyes were red and swollen, however, the deep blues peered up at him with a slight sparkle. Part of his consciousness felt guilt. "That should be coming from me. For the daughter of Kushina, I am pleasantly surprised you didn't punch me."

"I considered it," Naruto sniffled, refraining from embarrassing herself further and restraining the need to nuzzle her cheek into his hand. It was awfully comforting. "Where's Jiraiya?"

"Hmm enjoying the company of trainee priestesses," Arashi didn't comment on Naruto's suspicious look. "Come, let us talk," He gestured to the small dining table and chairs. Taking a seat first, he noticed Naruto looking restless. Arching a brow, he asked, "Is something wrong?"

"Do you want tea?" Naruto felt her ears burn as she looked away. Ruffling her hair roughly, she felt out of place. She was used to Hiruzen serving her tea, and she on occasion would be allowed to serve him tea. Her brewing skills weren't the best but they also weren't bad.

Arashi nodded, "That would be lovely," He kept his thoughts to himself as she fluttered about to prepare the hot drinks. Arashi was feeling nostalgic watching her. He found her mannerism familiar and cute, just like his son. On the other hand, Arashi was also feeling a heavy sense of guilt and resentment. Arashi's ears rang when he heard Naruto speak up. Her back to him as she was pouring the hot water.

"I don't want to hear your story," Naruto felt herself gathering as part of her attention was focused on making tea. "I didn't come all the way to hear your reasons," Turning around with two cups in her hand and a sad smile on her face, she said, "Even though I desperately want to know everything."

Arashi accepted the tea with a nod as Naruto took the seat across from him. "I wasn't active in your life so I believe that is fair. No matter how I feel…I cannot force my will upon you,"

"No," Naruto agreed, "Despite waiting days for you to turn up I would walk away right now if you did,"

The tea paused just before touching Arashi's lips. Humming lightly, he took a sip and savoured the taste. "Then, how did you come to find me? I'm sure you're aware of that woman's networking," his voice leaked his disdain for Diana yet he refused to utter her name past his lips.

"That old bitch doesn't know I'm here," Naruto scoffed, "She's losing her mind, last I heard. It's a real shame she won't die," bitterness seeped into Naruto's voice. Now that she was older, whenever she reflected back on her memories of Diana, she felt so stupid for not recognising the signs of manipulation.

"You've tried?" Arashi's eyes lit up, showing interest.

"Several times," Naruto sighed, and listed, "Two poisoning attempts, three accidents and when I tried to assassinate her I felt an unspeakable dread set in and didn't go through with it. Even though I planned for every possible outcome my gut said I would be the one dead if I went ahead. She's like a stubborn weed that won't die."

"I…agree," Arashi nodded, despite his saintly appearance he still sinned. "That doesn't answer my question though,"

Naruto hummed, "Takeminakata-sama sent me,"

Arashi stiffened, placing his cup down before he broke it. "Pardon?" he searched her clear eyes for an answer. "He's dead," He said firmly, "He's been dead for a century,"

"Then here's my question for you." Naruto narrowed her eyes, "Why are you wearing his markings?" She gestured to the sleeves of his robes. The same marks that appeared on her chains were also embroidered on Arashi's robes. "You also feel like him."

Arashi narrowed his eyes, "You've seriously met him?" Naruto nodded, "When? No, answer this. What year did you meet him?"

Naruto held her heart rate increase as she answered, "It was the night of his death. Before he died, he told me that you would find me if I came to the Land of Darkness. That you're difficult to find, even for him." She felt her throat swell up with emotions, "He never answered my questions, so by coming here I hope you would know the answers,"

"Naruto," Arashi started to feel anxious, looking into his granddaughter's eyes, "Does the Autumn of 12 years ago mean anything to you?"

"If you're referring to my birthday, then yes," Naruto nodded, recalling her interaction with Asura's priestess. She knew he wanted an elaboration but Naruto found it difficult to recall the memory. It was one of her worst birthdays celebrated. Opening and closing her mouth, Naruto struggled to find the right words to say, "Every year, there's a festival to celebrate the defeat of the Kyuubi. I went out alone and was almost lynched. You could say I was on the brink of death that day. That was the first time I walked through time," Naruto flinched when Arashi grasped her hands in his. She looked at him in surprise, finding fear and guilt swimming through his eyes. Now, he looked much older than his youthful appearance. Naruto felt hurt and angry at his reaction. It wouldn't have happened if he took her away.

Arashi clung to her hands tighter when she tried to pull away, "Please, when I left Minato that day I swore I would never look back at Konoha. No matter what happened to him or his offspring. That was my conviction,"

"Was?" Naruto seethed, "I don't need your sympathy now. I only need answers from you,"

"Ha," Arashi scoffed sadly, "Would someone tearfully cling to a stranger truly leave with just answers and no regrets?"

Naruto bit her lip, "You're fucking annoying," She said childishly.

"I would prefer you hit me than swear to my face," Arashi smiled, making Naruto falter. Arashi didn't need to see his reflection to know that his face had softened. "Don't get me wrong, although hearing your treatment hurts, that's not only the case. You're still sane,"

"Hmm so I've been told," Naruto tried to retrieve her hands again but Arashi didn't budge.

"You haven't fallen into the allure. Tell me what you know about time walkers and I will tell you what I know,"

"If you take back your word after I'm done I'll hit you for real," Naruto threatened, seeing him nod before she explained. Of course, Naruto omitted a few events and people. Although he was her grandfather, Naruto was still wary and Kurama agreed with her to be vague.

Arashi was surprised by her story. He was shocked. No one would believe this woman before him would dig up the dead to get her answers. "You managed to find a lot of answers on your own. Naruto, it's not known for sure who in our clan is chosen to go back in time. The potential to change the future, to monitor the past to prevent reoccurrence, to maintain jutsu lost in time, to document forgotten history, to know true history - we aren't sure why it was happening. There were many theories the Elders in our clan came up with. However, since we weren't sure who would be chosen or why they were chosen it was hard to understand. One thing we did know is that even when a Namikaze hid their time walking, they would go mad with noctre fever within a couple of years. It's what we called the time walkers who would do anything to sleep or hallucinate in the present and harm others."

Naruto was confused, "Who is this we? The Namikaze clan only has 3 people left."

Arashi's smile was crooked and gestured to his head. "Before the Namikaze clan dwindled to just two people," he didn't acknowledge Diana's existence, "Our knowledge of the World was extensive. I wasn't aware of our history until I made my way to the Land of Darkness. As you've mentioned, I feel like Takeminakata-sama because his spiritual residue is within me and what remains of him is what I know now,"

Naruto was completely lost. He sounded crazy but Naruto knew if she spoke about her time walking with anyone she wasn't close to they would view her the same way.

"True Gods never die, Naruto. Humans cannot withstand the true presence of Gods and Gods cannot descend in their true bodies or the landscape would be devastated. The day Takeminakata-sama died, is the day his proxy body died. Physical bodies are difficult to create and maintain because should their proxy body die they will lose a tremendous amount of power that puts them into a hibernation state for a millennium. Takeminakata-sama's descendants have the ability to absorb his essence and become living vessels to his teachings and memories,"

"Okay~," Naruto processed slowly, "But this doesn't explain the time walking. Takeminakata-sama is the God of Warfare and Hunting,"

"And?" Arashi arched a brow, his golden eyes gleaming, "Does being known for violence make him incompetent in other areas of life?"

Naruto shook her head, understanding quickly her ignorance. Her one and only meeting with Takeminakata showed her more than enough that he was far above his moniker.

"His blood through our veins. I'm sure you would've noticed your tendencies to observe your surroundings, taking in everything and leaving no small detail out, observing even your closest acquaintances' movements and mannerisms. That's not a habit you developed from your upbringing. His lingering essence isn't enough for a confident answer but I'm aware of his thought process around making his descendants time walkers."

Naruto felt her brain click into place. It would explain why Takeminakata wasn't surprised by the attack. "He knew? How long did he know? That all the Old Gods would be killed and replaced? He could've stopped-" Naruto closed her mouth. No, that didn't sound right. There must be a reason why Takeminkata didn't save the other Gods and allowed his proxy body to die despite the severe backlash. She thought about Momo. To Naruto, that delicate and vulnerable woman was the least capable person to complete whatever Takeminakata threw at them. "Takeminakata-sama saw their deaths but couldn't determine which of his damn sperm could pull off whatever his fucking plan was!" Naruto was pissed. Momo didn't deserve her fate. She didn't deserve her fate. Naruto could only imagine how happy-go-lucky she could've been.

Arashi could see her internal struggle. However, there was something that was bugging him. "You know why Takeminakata-sama is sending you to the past,"

Naruto stared at Arashi, "It's not a confident answer,"

Arashi snorted, behaviour unfitting for his religious appearance.

"I have a question for the essence inside of you," Naruto finally managed to get her hands free and held Arashi's gaze. "What happens if I fail? We're the last 2 Namikaze and you're too old to have kids,"

Arashi felt his jaw slacken, "Excuse me?"

"Ever since I knew it was just the Namikaze being sent back I swore to have no children until this fucked up situation is resolved. Who's going to finish Takeminakata's plans if I die?"

For the first time in 12 years, since Arashi absorbed the remnants of their God and processed partial memories, he felt absolutely sick to his stomach. Arashi cursed that his voice cracked, "You c-can't die,"

Naruto snorted, rolling her eyes and leaning back in her chair.

It was quite obvious where Naruto inherited some of her personality from. It was known between the two of them that their conversation was far from over. In fact, it felt like it was just beginning.