A love in time 19

"You can't interrupt her, Kakashi," Jiraiya held Kakashi's upper arm firmly. Stopping him from approaching the mediating Blonde. "She's in the middle of sage training and if you touch her right now, either you or her, hell maybe both of you, will turn to stone,"

"I won't touch her," Kakashi grinned at Jiraiya, "I'll just speak to her until she returns. I promise,"

Jiraiya felt his spine tingle. He released Kakashi and warned him, "I'm serious. Don't touch her or that heretic will charge you," Jiraiya hitched his thumb towards the Namikaze that was currently happily dog piled by Kakashi's ninken. "Honestly, Kakashi, why aren't you going after him? I'm sure you have questions,"

"I'm not interested in Minato-sensei's past. I only care about his future," Kakashi relaxed his shoulders, tucking his hand into his pockets as he looked towards Naruto. She was sitting on a large boulder, situated at the peak of a mountain surrounded by light clouds. "Why bring her here for sage training? Wouldn't Naruto benefit better being at Mount Myoboku?"

Jiraiya followed Kakashi's gaze. Although her sage markings weren't complete, Naruto had found great input of nature chakra rather easily. However, she still needed work finding the correct balance. "That's what I said but Naruto doesn't want to go there." He gave Kakashi the stink eye, looking the Hatake up and down. "I don't see what's so special,"

"Pardon?" Kakashi looked at Jiraiya. Confused with the man's sudden annoyance at him. "I haven't done anything, Jiraiya-sama. I came to bring her home."

"Tch, and if she doesn't want to go back to Konoha? You'll leave empty handed."

Kakashi tensed up again, "Naruto will come home,"

"Naruto could've gone home on schedule. Have you ever thought why she hasn't?" Jiraiya questioned, folding his arms as the cheerful squeals from Arashi filled his ears. "That damn coot,"

Kakashi recalled Sakura's words and became unsettled. Looking at Naruto once again, Kakashi saw how much she had grown away from home. She physically grew and no doubt she also grew mentally and as a shinobi. "Maah maah Naruto will tell me anyway and then she'll come home with me," Part of him was nervous. That 'what if' lingered as he walked towards her. Standing before Naruto, she seemed to be peacefully meditating as the flow of chakra around her felt different. "Maah maah here I am getting silly to see you again and you're looking peaceful. I must be getting old," Leaning forward, he aligned his face to hers. Kakashi was unaware of the scary smile on his face. "I can't believe you left me alone in the village. You don't know how much Sasuke and Sakura have put me through. I swear, Naruto, if you don't come home with me then I'll play dirty and drag you home,"

"Is that so?" Naruto grumbled, slowly opening her eyes. Not flinching seeing Kakashi so close to her face. Reaching out, Naruto touched his cheek before shoving his face away in annoyance. "You're too close," She ignored Madara morphing into her time beside her, and climbed down the boulder. Once she was down, she opened her arms with a large grin at Kakashi, "I've missed you, nii-chan,"

Kakashi melted, swooping in to give her a tight hug. Holding her preciously, Kakashi tangled his fingers in her hair and felt his body relax when she hugged him back with the exact ferocity he showed. "I've missed you so much," He whispered, making her giggle.

It was a few minutes before they pulled away. Grinning stupidly at each other.

"You'll come home, right?" Kakashi asked.

"As long as we take a detour,"

Kakashi frowned, "How long is this detour?"

"Does it matter? I want to take the scenic route,"

Kakashi sighed, feeling lighter around her mischievous behaviour, "No, it doesn't matter."

"Why'd you come, Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto was curious. Her aloof mentor was clingy but not to the point of tracking her down.

"You broke your promise. You were supposed to come home ages ago,"

Naruto's eyes widened, "I never promised to return in 2 years. I said it might take 2 years,"

"You don't contact me,"

"I send you letters," Naruto placed her hands on her hips. Narrowing her eyes at his claims. "I even sent you gifts from my travels,"

Kakashi felt his cheeks puff involuntarily, "Still," He pushed, "You didn't come home. You left me behind." He pointed at her accusingly, "You left me with those idiots for almost 3 years!"

Naruto shook her head, finding Kakashi's reasonings. "You could've told me or found me earlier. You're so dramatic - oww lemme go!"

Kakashi pulled at Naruto's cheeks. "You ungrateful brat. Have some decency to show some remorse that you left people waiting for your return. You can't disappear like Jiraiya-sama. No one cares about him," He complained.

"Oi!" Jiraiya yelled, "I heard that,"

Pinching her cheeks extra hard, Kakashi felt satisfaction when her eyes teared up before releasing her cheeks. He observed her carefully and noticed her habits from when she was a child. She couldn't hold his gaze when she tried to hide something. "So, what do you want to tell me?"

"What? Nothing," Naruto shook her head, rubbing her abused cheeks. She felt her heart beat furiously and her hands get sweaty. Naruto was anxious. She couldn't bring herself to look at Kakashi. What if he didn't believe her? What if he threw her away just like Itachi did? Just the thought made Naruto's heart ache that she didn't realise she turned pale and her fingers trembled.

Kakashi picked up her change of mood and grabbed her shoulders, "Naruto," He was glad he trusted his instincts to hunt down the blonde. Something was wrong. "Tell me. I'll listen," Her wet eyes timidly met his, and Kakashi was reminded of her younger years. When she would cry into his chest yet no sound came out.

"Promise." Naruto's voice came out quietly and shook, "Promise me you'll listen to the end."

Kakashi's gaze hardened, "I promise,"

Taking a deep breath, Naruto asked, "Has dad ever told you about time-walkers?"

Madara

It felt odd. He felt like he shouldn't be here. Madara's whole body tingled as he watched Naruto interact with her beloved brother. It was an intimate moment where the little sister confided in her big brother and was instantly met with support. Naruto told her brother everything. Everything except revealing Madara's identity and the identity of the person Naruto could only speak to in his time.

When the sibling duo moved to sit under a tree's shade to discuss further, Madara found himself following them. Leaning against the tree as the two spoke back and forth. Madara didn't believe he had a relationship like this within his clan. One where you could speak freely and from the heart. A gnawing jealously bloomed in his heart.

Closing his eyes, the wind passed through his hair and the sounds of Naruto and her brother flowed into his ears. He had hoped to take hold of Naruto's weakness yet he was the one who felt weak.

Soon, longing appeared in Madara's heart. He craved a relationship like Naruto's relationship. He wanted someone he could spill all of his woes and concerns too without judgment as Head of the Uchiha Clan. Madara just wanted someone who would listen to him and not stroke his wounded ego.

Even as her brother spoke, he found that Naruto would listen in return and ease any of her brother's worries or questions. He wanted that. Someone to confirm that his feelings were valid. No matter how bitter and angry they were.

It took him some time to bring himself to look at the two. They were sitting comfortably in each other's presence. Madara couldn't see himself doing that with his younger brother. They were close but they couldn't expose their vulnerability to each other like this. Perhaps it was their childhood that made them that way.

His eyes met Naruto's after she sent Kakashi away to speak with her grandfather. He saw her fingers pat the open space beside her. Knowing what she wanted, Madara scoffed yet he found himself sitting beside her. "Are you satisfied?"

Naruto, hurt by his curt tone, replied, "Don't do that, Madara," She could see that he was uncomfortable, "I watched Momo's death and had to confide in Kakashi. I deserve a bit of leeway. Especially from you,"

Madara sighed, "I did not mean to speak to you that way," It was his way of apologising. "I can never have what you have," His eyes followed her brother. He was being teased by the two older men.

Naruto followed his gaze. "Kakashi? He's my brother. He took care of me when I was abandoned by another. He happens to be an Uchiha," She chuckled bitterly.

"A foolish Uchiha," Madara pitied his clan member. They severed a good relationship. "You speak so freely,"

"It's something new I'm trying," Naruto rubbed her pulsing forehead, "I don't want to go mad and I don't want to know why I haven't gone mad yet,"

Madara hummed, "Will you show me who you can not touch?"

"No," Naruto immediately denied him access, "Unlike here where you can't hurt Kakashi. You can hurt them. I can't let you meet them,"

There was still mistrust between them.

"I wonder if there is somebody who can hear me here,"

Naruto looked at Madara strangely. Whether he meant to or not, Naruto saw loneliness in his eyes. "Madara-"

"I don't need your worries. It's no good when I'm dead in your life,"

Naruto understood his feelings, "Yes but at least I can still carry your memory. Not what's written in books about you. Also, think about it from my perspective. Time doesn't change that you're dead in my time and the only way I have access to you is with this."

Madara sighed, "You're annoying,"

"So I've been told," Naruto took a deep breath, "I'm going to look into your family tree. Please focus on the war and keeping safe. I'll do everything on my end and find you when I've found something,"

"Are you so pig-headed to believe you're able to do this all on your own? Your people don't know about me. They'll find you suspicious looking into the Uchiha clan. The Uchiha clan will find you suspicious for looking into them,"

"Look, I know I can't do a lot of things by myself but I can at least do this. Gramps has agreed to look into the Namikaze clan and the Old Gods. Ero-sennin has the New Gods. You might be in the middle of war but war is on the horizon here,"

Madara frowned, "What do you mean? Have those religious zealots figured out your identity to wage war?"

Licking her lips nervously, Naruto confided, knowing this may affect her future, "Have you ever heard of Jinchuriki before?"

"Human sacrifices are normal,"

"Not in the way you're thinking," Naruto turned her body towards Madara. Though if anyone looked at her it'd look like she was leaning heavily into the tree. "They're vessels, a prison, to hold the biju."

Madara's eyes widened.

"It's not a good thing. There are consequences," Naruto quickly tried to squash any ideas he may have. "The Jinchuriki are pariahs no matter where they go. If the jinchuriki isn't strong enough the biju can possess and overtake its host and go on a rampage." Taking a deep breath, she continued, "There is a group of S-class ninken who are gathering jinchuriki for their biju. Nobody knows what their plan is and this isn't confirmed," Naruto glanced over at the group of men before holding Madara's gaze, "I've heard word that combining of the nine biju creates the Jūbi. The Jinchuriki are under the protection of the Great Nations but a few have been taken and killed to extract their biju. It's only a matter of when the Nations will step in to put a stop to it all,"

Madara had heard of the Jūbi before. His mother would tell him stories but he had to confirm. "The one connected to the Rikudō Sennin? The very one," Naruto nodded. "What does this have to do with what we're doing?"

"It's just a theory." Naruto frowned, she had discussed it in depth with Kurama and he was inclined to believe her thoughts. "The one called Hagoromo - I believe he's the Rikudō Sennin." She held up her hand to stop Madara from interrupting him. It was by Kurama's confirmation that Hagoromo definitely felt like the sage he knew that Naruto was confident. "That time period doesn't have chakra besides those 3 people. It's known that the Sharingan manifested from the Byakugan. The Sharingan can manifest into the Mangekyo Sharingan. There's the possibility that's not the final stage for your eyes,"

Madara felt goosebumps rise. What Naruto was saying lined up with the writings on the stone tablet house deep within the Uchiha Compound. "What are you implying, Naruto? The Rikudō Sennin is known to have the rinnegan."

"I'm saying," She sighed, feeling insane for mentioning it aloud, "Somewhere down the line, Hagoromo's eyes will manifest into the rinnegan. The fact he's the first to have the sharingan proves that you're descended from him yet there is no other recorded rinnegan user in history."

Madara swallowed thickly. He was amazed at how she thought but he could also see the truth to her words. His knowledge of the stone tablet only confirms some of her words.

"I believe, just as the brothers each have their own dojutsu, the Rikudō Sennin had offspring and his kekkei genkai was split among his children. One of them created the Uchiha clan."

"So, what I'm gathering is that I was chosen because I'm a descendant of the Rikudō Sennin?" Madara asked, feeling out of breath when Naruto nodded her head, "And the Namikaze clan is also descended from the Rikudō Sennin,"

Naruto shuffled, "I'm also an Uzumaki," She pointed out, "The Uzumaki clan are closely related to the Senju clan," She mentioned the connection to the Senju purely because whenever she was with Hashirama she felt connected to him.

Madara barked in laughter, "You can't be serious." He shook his head but part of him believed where her thoughts were going. "It's annoying but it makes sense. For as long as both clans have been around, we've always been involved with each other." He found himself picking at the dry skin on his hands, "You want to trace back the Uchiha and Senju to the beginning of chakra to confirm we have a common ancestor? To confirm why we have been chosen."

Naruto nodded.

"Your theory is missing one thing. There has never been an Uchiha who has time-walked,"

"Are you sure though?" Naruto pushed, "Imagine you told your Elders what you were experiencing. What would they do?"

"They would throw me underground and-" Madara paused, lost in thought. "I have to confirm something,"

Naruto understood as Madara disappeared. Now that she said everything out loud, she felt crazy. "I need to know the Uzumaki and Senju family tree." If she was correct, she would find offspring between the two clans that lead to her birth and if Takeminakata truly saw the future then he created the Namikaze in hopes that one day his line would meet a Senju or Uzumaki. That God just didn't know when the bloodlines would join. "Why couldn't he just send a revelation to the Senju clan," Naruto grumbled, dusting her pants as she got up. "Why are the Gods so annoying?" She could feel Kurama grumble in agreement.

It was complicated.

"Now," She was speaking to Kurama as she approached the men, "Either I go back to Konoha early and look up the Senju's family tree or I go harass Tobirama."

Hashirama

Hashirama found himself on the floor, staring at the ceiling as his heart raced erratically. He was glad no one was nearby to hear him scream and fall. Holding his chest, he looked beside him and found Naruto looking at him apologetically for scaring him. This was the last thing Hashirama was expecting. He hadn't seen her since she was a young teen and now she had grown up. The fact she had aged showed Hashirama that she wasn't a ghost.

Getting up slowly, Hashirama whispered, "What are you doing here? If you're looking for Tobirama he's in his room,"

Naruto shook her head and pointed at Hashirama.

"I can read lips," The Senju reminded the blonde, making her blush in embarrassment. "You were looking for me?"

Naruto nodded, opening her lips, "I know you're a Senju," She noticed him stiffen, "I'm an Uzumaki. My mother was an Uzumaki,"

Hashirama picked up on her past tense. He never felt suspicious of her and Hashirama couldn't figure out why. "Do you need help?"

"Yes," She quickly waved her hands about when he looked concerned, "No no no, not that sort of help. I want to know the Senju family tree until its origins."

"Okay. Follow me,"

Naruto was stunned. She rushed through Hashirama and walked backward, "Just like that? Don't you have questions? Shouldn't you be suspicious of me?"

Hashirama only smiled, "I trust you,"

"Are you stupid?"

Hashirama's smile faltered. He supposed this sort of reaction was normal. "I trust you as you trust me. It's why you've come to me instead of my cute little brother. Tobirama would ask questions,"

Naruto nodded her head, agreeing with his statements. "You should be more cautious. I could send information about your clan's layout to the enemy,"

"You won't," Hashirama was confident. Reaching through Naruto he opened his office door and closed it firmly behind him. Walking over to his shelf, he browsed a large section of scrolls and books before he found what he needed. Pulling out a leather-bound book, Hashirama brought it over to his desk and opened it up. Naruto leaned over his shoulder as he asked, "What are you looking for?" He made sure to look at her as she spoke.

"The founder of the Senju clan,"

Hashirama nodded, turning to the centre of the book. The page was well-worn and yellow from age. His finger traced the page until he showed a name - Asura Ōtsutsuki. He noticed the confusion in Naruto's eyes, "Suprised it's not Senju. Me too the first time I saw this. Asura is the progenitor so both Senju and Uzumaki." His finger travels down to point to Asura's children.

Naruto was shocked. She was expecting a marriage between the Senju and Uzumaki like Hashirama and his wife. Definitely not this. For her, Naruto saw Takeminakata as selfish. Making his descendants go through so much until his blood was mixed with an Uzumaki. Naruto firmly believed if the Namikaze and Senju or Uzumaki met earlier her ancestors wouldn't have been driven mad. Naruto believed the blood of the Rikudō Sennin helped to stablise the madness. It was the only outside factor she found to be different from other time walkers in her lineage. However, this left a gap with the Uchiha. Why were they going mad? She could only find out once Madara told her.

Naruto pointed to Asura's name. "Who are the parents?" She needed more clarification. She didn't recognise the Ōtsutsuki name.

Hashirama chuckled, "Actually, the elders passed on word that Asura's father was the Rikudō Sennin. It's funny, isn't it? Imagine being descended from a legendary Sage that managed to defeat the Jūbi. If such a legend was true then I'm sure my ancestors would've written it down somewhere. Oral stories only hold so much truth,"

Naruto felt her ears pound furiously. There was no way it would be a mistake. Asura was the son of Hagoromo. Gaining Hashirama's attention, she asked, "Does Asura have a sibling?"

"Hmm not that I'm aware of. It's possible though and I wouldn't be surprised. It was unheard of having an only child back in those days,"

Naruto thanked Hashirama for his help.

"Would you like a seat?" he pointed to the chairs over his desk.

Naruto shook her head, "Thanks but I would fall through them unless those chairs magically have nature chakra in them,"

Hashirama rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, "Naruto," He caught her attention, "How long have you been around Tobirama?"

"Well over a decade. It's been a long time," She could see the concern gather in his eyes, "I've told him multiple times that we can't be together. I've tried to convince him to not find me. He won't be able to find me,"

"Why is that?" Hashirama swallowed thickly, worried about Naruto's answer. "Perhaps you're not able to tell me because you haven't told Tobirama the truth."

Naruto's eyes widened, seeing the potential this man had to become Hokage. She grinned, "I take back what I said. You definitely have some brains in there," She playfully teased the upset man. His reactions were cute that he made her laugh. "Interpret this how you will. In your present, I'm not alive but in mine I am."

"What sort of a riddle is that? It just sounds like you're already dead or haven't been born," He huffed but when Naruto wiggled her eyebrows at him he stopped. She still had that teasing smile in place. He understood why Tobirama wouldn't be able to find Naruto. "Oh my," He whispered breathlessly, "What should I do?" Hashirama hissed, moving closer to Naruto, "I told Tobirama that he can leave once the war settles to find you!"

Naruto could see he was truly distressed, "Don't worry, I'll try to get through his thick skull."

Hashirama sighed in relief, "Are you going to see him now?"

"Nope," Naruto smiled, "I'm having fun with you," He would never know that he was her idol. Her favourite Hokage and the man she inspired to be like. However, Naruto didn't believe she could be like Hashirama. This man didn't have a cunning bone in his body. "You're interesting,"

Hashirama laughed, "You're interesting too. I like you, Naruto,"

"I like you too!" Naruto was excited. She hadn't felt his giddy in years.

"As much as I'd like to get to know you better you should go to him," He chuckled when she pouted, "Do you know the way to his room from here?"

"If you show me to the garden I can find it,"

He pointed behind him, getting up to open the window to show her the garden. When she morphed through the wall, he said, "Take care, Naruto,"

Naruto turned her head, giving him a farewell grin, "I wish you nothing but the best," Waving farewell, Naruto was familiar enough with the garden to retrace her steps back towards Tobirama's room. The stars were bright tonight and she soon found her best friend gazing up at the moon through his window. Creeping closer to him, Naruto was mesmerised by his features as he was deep in thought. The soft glow of the moon illuminated his pale features, making his ruby red eyes sparkle but they couldn't hide the anguish in his eyes. Naruto truly found Tobirama handsome. He was definitely the popular type.

She parted her lips as she approached him, "I thought you would be in your cave," Instantly, Tobirama's eyes were on her. The anguish disappeared, only to be replaced with warmth. "I hope I haven't been gone too long,"

Tobirama reached towards her, focusing his concentration to pull Naruto through his window and onto his lap. His arms instantly went around her waist and hugged her tightly, "You're late,"

"Oi oi don't blame me for the time. I still don't know when I'll appear," She laughed lightly but she noticed something different. Tobirama was still able to hold her and she hadn't fallen through his lap. She could feel his breath hit her neck as he nestled between her shoulder and neck, "Tobirama?"

"Tobi," He squeezed her lightly, "Call me Tobi, Nami," He felt her settle in his embrace.

"You've been practicing, Tobi," Naruto was impressed. She tested Tobirama's limits and returned the hug. "Wow," She mumbled, although he felt cold she was able to feel him and she felt her body melt into him. It was unbelievable. "This is amazing," She mumbled, clenching her fists into his clothes before relaxing. Part of her was curious as she felt his tight back muscles and ran her hands along his back.

"Nami," Tobirama groaned, "Do you enjoy teasing me? I'm doing all I can to focus,"

Naruto pulled back. Her eyes shone with excitement, "Come on! This is amazing! Of course, I'm going to use this chance to feel you up,"

"Have you no shame," Tobirama sighed. It still wasn't enough for him. It felt like hugging a rock. He wanted to know what her skin felt like, how she smelled, and most importantly, he wanted to know if her chakra felt as warm as he imagined it to be. Reaching up to hold her face in his hands, he muttered, "How cruel the Gods can be,"

Naruto's pupils shook, "Don't pray to those Gods then,"

Tobirama made sure to put Naruto down before he lost concentration. Climbing down the windowsill he closed the window behind him. "Have you been well?" Tobirama turned and already found Naruto sitting on his futon. He shook his head. After all these years he always remained surprised by her lack of common sense.

"Of course, you know me," She laughed nervously when he gave her a pointed look. "I'm serious. I've been training a lot with Ero-sennin and get this! Kakashi-sensei turned up a couple of days ago! He's been teaching me a few stealth techniques."

Tobirama listened intently as she babbled on about her days and adventures. She seemed to have a weight lifted off her shoulders. Every time she talked, her arms would go flying and her eyes would light up in excitement. Tobirama had to light a candle to be able to memorise every one of her expressions. He encouraged her stories and would calmly reply to any of her questions. Tobirama could feel his shoulders unwind as they fell into their familiar pace.

Their conversation went on until the later hours of the night.

Naruto shuffled off the futon and patted the space, "Get some rest, Tobi,"

"No," He shook his head, "You will be gone when I wake up,"

Naruto's face softened, "Yes but I'll be here while you sleep."

Sighing, Tobirama obliged and crawled under the covers. Naruto was sitting next to him and it didn't feel right. "Come here,"

Naruto arched a brow, "The blanket will fall through me,"

"Last time I gave you my bed it held you," Tobirama recalled, opening the blanket and giving her some space. "You look tired too,"

Naruto hummed, still unsure if she should.

"Please," Tobirama gestured for her to climb in, "It is giving me a headache seeing you sit there,"

"You're being dramatic," Naruto huffed, making her way under the blanket, and was surprised that it stayed on her. There was no warmth but it held her shape. She looked at Tobirama in surprise.

Tobirama smirked, "I told you," Reaching over, he pulled Naruto closer to him. Naruto was surprised and tried to pull away but Tobirama already held her tightly. "Don't make me activate that barrier trap, Nami,"

"I can break that easily," Naruto scoffed but settled down in Tobirama's arms. They were intimately close that it made her heart flutter. Their lips only a breath apart, "We shouldn't be doing this,"

"I am aware," Tobirama mumbled, "I am willing to face those consequences,"

"I'm not,"

"I am aware of that too," Tobirama nudged her nose with his own, making her breath hitch. "I will pay for my actions in hell, Nami. However, for tonight, I wish to hold you. Can you give me that?"

Naruto nodded, mumbling nervously, "It's comfortable. Like sleeping outside on a mission,"

Tobirama smiled, "Like a mission. Sweet dreams, Nami."

"Hm good night," Naruto closed her eyes when Tobirama's cold lips touched her forehead. She felt him lose concentration as she fell through his arms and his soft breaths filled her ears. He was fast asleep and she was able to reveal the anguish on her face. It mirrored Tobirama's perfected a few hours ago. Watching him sleep, she agreed with Tobirama, "The Gods are certainly cruel,"