Just a quick Author's note.

Thanks for all the reviews, I'm glad most of you enjoyed the family fluff.

This is my first fanfiction so I'm not very good with tags etc. The story is definitely AU. Hopefully, the timeline works out because originally I planned on having Naruto and Kushina only two years younger than Minato's generation.

Now onto responses of the reviews, if you guys don't like me posting this in the Note just tell me in the next couple reviews and I'll just pm them.

KingSeahawk: I'm glad you like the direction it's headed! I'll do my best to keep the story remotely entertaining.

Time Parad0x: Good god man. Honestly, the last couple reviews you've left have been spectacular but this one takes the cake. Truthfully, I have no idea what I've done to deserve a review like this, it must've taken awhile typing all of it out. Truthfully I meant to write the story during the Second Great Ninja War, but uh. Yeah, I wasn't too knowledgeable of the timelines. It's definitely too late now so I'll just take this and run with it. By the time the war comes in full swing Naruto and Kushina both will be close to 16-18 just two years younger than Minato when the Third war started. I'll definitely take your ideas and run with them. Once again though a huge thank you.

Lord 7th: I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and the fluff, I don't plan on writing much more of it for the next couple chapters. The war Naruto will participate in is the Third War indeed. As for the last part, I have an idea about that.

TheSlySage: Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying it.

WindyCitySlayer1: Thanks for the follow-up review. I hope you enjoy this one as well.

Autismguy593: I sent a PM regarding this. Once again my apologies if I irked you. You're more than welcome to leave a scathing review though. Reviews like those should definitely push an Author to put more effort into his story and make it better. Thank you for the follow-up review though!

ShadowxNinja62: Haha, I just got really bored and suddenly a bunch of ideas for dialogue kinda flew into my head. I hope it wasn't too boring though, I know reading tons of dialogue can be that way.

Lara5170: I'm happy you find it interesting. Sorry if I wasn't vivid enough with the description I'll try harder. For now, here's just a quick description of him. He has Violet eyes (No rinnegan, sorry!), he has crimson/red hair like a majority of the Uzumaki clan. Sorry for not being vivid enough though, hope you enjoy this chapter!

GunBlade2019: Thanks for the review! I can't really let out too much without spoiling it. Thank you for the kind review once again.

R10roce: Thanks for the review. I'm glad you're excited but it's just been fluff for the last few chapters. Hopefully, the next few chapters bring a tad more excitement

Djberneman: I'm glad you like it, I always felt that was how Naruto may have seemed if Minato and Kushina actually raised him. I mean he learned Kage Bunshin a Kinjutsu in an hour for god's sake. Anyhow thanks for the review hope you enjoy this chapter as well.

Balemwr: Well I believe you read Time Parad0x's review and it seems pretty valid. Most of the points he brought up synced up pretty well with canon. The reason for the Third Shinobi War in this fanfic is based on the destabilization between all of the 5 Major nations. The war won't be happening for years since this is AU and Konoha will try to keep the peace between all of the Nations. However since Uzushiogakure is in alliance with Konoha, inevitably they will be forced into war once again if it does happen. I hope this explains everything, thank you for the review.

Chapter 4

It was time for Naruto to leave. Kushina had been avoiding thinking about it for the past week, just trying to enjoy every moment with him. Yet now the dreaded day had come. Her Jiji had come to pick Naruto up but he gave us some extra time to say goodbye.

Naruto and Kushina's eyes met while he stood next to Kenshin and he walked up to her and gave her a hug. She couldn't stop the well of tears that had been brimming since she woke up. Wrapping her arms around him.

"I'll miss you Naruto so much." the young redhead whispered her embrace becoming tighter around him.

Naruto just closed his eyes while stroking her back trying to comfort her. Taking in her scent of sweet peas. He separated from her, he was going to miss her dearly. "I'll come back to you I promise. As long as I'm alive you'll be part of me." Giving her a gentle kiss on the cheek.

"I know you will when you do come back just tell me everything, promise?" Cried the young girl. Crying her heart out into his chest.

Naruto's heart lurched at the sight but he was going to keep the promise he made to himself long ago. To be strong enough to protect the ones he holds dear. "That's the promise of a lifetime Kushina-chan."

"I'll say it again 'ttbane if you look at any other girls when you're gone." She let the threat hang in the air, giving him a small smile. Her eyes reminded him of Akane whenever she was training them into the dirt, promising pain.

Nodding vigorously "You'll have nothing to worry about Kushina-sama, as long as you don't look at any guys!" he laughed out trying to lighten the mood. He knew she trusted him entirely about the matter at hand and so did he. "Wait for me okay?" he finished softly.

"Baka 'ttbane, of course, I'll wait forever if I have to." She finished looking up at him with a smile on her face. Both she and Naruto were growing out of their childish stage and slowly but surely were on their way to adulthood.

Turning to Akane who was holding Misaki, her crimson hair flowing in the wind, a gentle smile on her face while her beautiful eyes held sadness in them. Hand Misaki to Kushina, she took him into a gentle embrace. "While I'm sad you're going, I'm proud of the young man you've become." she stated.

Nodding his head he embraced her in the hug as well. "Thank you Akane Oba-san, I'll miss you and Misaki-chan a lot." replied Naruto sounding more like a boy his age.

"Before you go I have something for you Naruto-kun." She said reaching behind her, pulling out a worn Hitai-ate that belonged to Uzushiogakure. "This is the Hitai-ate I got when I graduated from the Academy, I want you to have it." Her smile becoming even brighter at his expression.

'It looks so old, she must've taken really good care of it.' he thought before replying "I'll wear it with pride Akane Oba-san, and I promise to give it back to you when I return." said the young man.

Rubbing Misaki's stomach making her giggle he kissed her forehead. "You'll be grown up when I see you again little Misaki-chan." he stated softly.

Kushina's eyes once again connected with Naruto's, he gave her that smile that always pushed her worries away and made her feel butterflies. Yet now, she couldn't help but feel afraid. Sharing one last hug before Kenshin called out to them.

"Naruto it's time to go." He stated in a stern yet soft voice. Kenshin knew very well what they were going through. These were the kind of moments that they would recall on the entire time they were separated.

Naruto nodded at him still embracing Kushina he whispered to her "I'll come home don't worry... I love you." he whispered in her ear. Giving her a last chaste kiss on her cheek he stepped away from her.

"Let's go Kenshin-sama." voiced the young man. The older man nodded as he placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. Using a Mizu-Shunshin(Water Body Flicker) they were both gone in an instant.

Kushina couldn't help but put her face into her hands and cry. Naruto was going to be gone for years, her Jiji said they may be able to communicate sometimes but it wasn't guaranteed. Feeling a different hand on both of her shoulders she looked up to find her Baa-chan and Kaa-chan staring at her with sympathetic smiles on their faces.

"He wouldn't want you to be sad for him Kushina, you need to be strong for him." Stated her Baa-chan sagely.

Nodding at her they all went inside. It was kind of chilly outside and they didn't want Misaki to catch a cold.

Everything seemed like a blur to Naruto. While it was assumed that the Shunshin Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique) was a teleporting technique. All it did truly was enhance the Ninja's speed, making it appear that they had teleported. Though it only worked in short distances or the amount of chakra the user has.

Blinking Naruto found himself in a military-style barracks. Standing in front of a cot with a set of training clothes on it, the shirt has the number 7 on it. Looking around he saw many of the same cot's though without any clothing on it. Turning around he didn't find Kenshin but a lone ninja. He estimated they stood around 5 feet 7 inches with a lean build, and their face covered by a mask. They had what he assumed was ANBU attire and armor on them.

"Are you just going to stand there all day, get ready." Barked the Kitsune masked Ninja with a feminine tone. 'So this is how they operate, no questions asked, just follow orders.' thought Naruto as he quickly dressed in the clothing provided to him. The masked shinobi had made a hand gesture towards him, indicating she wanted him to follow her.

Outside

Outside there were 47 people if his quick count was correct standing in formation with a spot where he assumed he was meant to be. Many of the people in the formation were staring at him with confusion, irritation, and a couple with curiosity. Some of them had the famed crimson hair of the Uzumaki clan while a majority of them seemed rather mundane, looking like they had come from civilian families in Uzushiogakure.

"ATTENTION!" Shouted someone, seeing as all of the other individuals in the formation immediately stood straighter, and turned to face the direction to where the voice had come from. Following what everyone else was doing they stood firm awaiting further instruction.

"At ease." said the man, Naruto was able to see him now. He looked rather aged, compared to the others standing behind him. The only way he could tell was the set of grey hair on the man's head, all of them had their faces covered with masks just like the Kunoichi from the barracks. The older man's being a Kuma (bear) mask

"As you all may have noticed, we have a new addition to the group, step forward Cadet!" The man barked at Naruto.

Now Naruto typically wasn't a shy individual. But who wouldn't be when they were called out to stand in front of a large number of people. Complying with the man Naruto stood at attention.

"What's your name, say it loud and proud now everyone needs to hear it." Said the man in an unyielding voice, the way he voiced it told Naruto that he needed to comply or face the consequences.

"My name is Naruto Uzumaki Sir!" Naruto had shouted still standing at attention. The man and the rest of the individuals behind him nodded at him accepting his introduction.

A windy breeze passed by and Naruto realized just how cold it was here, the frosty air seeping into his lungs had started to wake him up. He was sure they were still on Uzushiogakure, but by Kami was it cold.

"Now Cadets on with calisthenics." barked the aged man. Naruto sighed in happiness, surely it wouldn't be that bad right? Akane's training had put him in the dirt there wasn't any way possible this would be harder.

"189-190-191-192-." Naruto had counted to himself, pausing for just a second to relax and take in a deep breath. By Kami was he wrong, these people were training them to the bone. Not a second later the Kitsune masked Ninja had struck him with a baton on the abdomen. Lurching in pain Naruto started to continue his situps. "193-194-195-196-197-198-199-200."

"That's enough for now" voiced one of the Ninjas. Naruto started to look around, all of the other kids seemed pretty winded. He assumed that the workout had been upped, he had been given a week unlike the rest of the kids. 'So the kiddy gloves are off so to say, the actual training for everyone here begins now...' was all he was able to think before the next set of instructions were voiced.

"Stand up now we have a short run and you can rest for a little bit." Said the older Instructing Ninja. Naruto and many of the others groaned, after that workout they wanted them to run some? They had done push-ups, knee bends, leg lifts, you name it they did it. They had been provided some warm, salty water, but to many, it was the best water they had ever had in a while. 'At least it's a short run..." Naruto thought.

"Let's get going." voiced the kitsune masked Kunoichi from the barracks, she had been paying close attention to him. Now that he noticed it, certain groups of his peers had a certain Ninja following them assisting the older Shinobi in his instructions. 'At least it'll be a short run.' Thought Naruto as he started following along.

It wasn't a short run... The short run had consisted of running a couple of miles, Naruto couldn't give an exact amount as he was exhausted even with his reserves. The people instructing them though didn't even seem winded as if this was more a warmup. 'At least we're all sitting down now.' He thought as he looked around, they were what he assumed was a classroom.

Walking into the room she looked at all forty-eight individuals in front of her. These Pre-Teens were the one's that Kenshin had deemed viable candidates for her proposition. Though he made sure that the augmentations she had in mind were voluntary. Thought it didn't matter, with how they were physically training them the children were going to become exceptional Shinobi anyways. She was meant to train them in strategy, human physiology, and continue teaching them basic knowledge (mathematics, grammar, etc.). While they beat the physical training and Shinobi art's into them. She would be damned if they let their natural aptitude couldn't make the most of their abilities.

Gesturing to some actual caretakers they ushered in and quickly did their job. Giving the kids some cold water, and a snack. Clearing her throat to gain their attention since they were all digging in and not paying anyone or anything any form of attention.

"Hello I'm Satomi Uzumaki, I'll be your instructor regarding your studies, and strategy. While they build your body, I will be molding your mind to improve your chances of success. If you're not interested you're more than welcome to continue your physical training." She stated in a strong voice, her eyes scanning all of them. Nodding her head when she saw that they were all intently listening to her. 'Figures most Ninja would have a hard time keeping up to that training regime, except for Jōnin Nin and up.' She thought with a small smile.

A rather pretty lady walked in and she was around 5 feet 5 inches if his estimate was correct. While she was pretty he would admit she didn't have that regal beauty that Akane had. That was beside the point though, as she wasn't finished with her introductory speech.

"All of you have been called upon to protect the Uzumaki clan and Uzushiogakure and her villagers. The road ahead may be a long and rough one, but I'm sure all of you will do just fine. Please refer to me as Satomi-Sensei if you need a question just raise your hand." She finished while looking over all of them.

"Hai Satomi-Sensei." Choroused Naruto and the rest of the Cadets.

Naruto and the rest of his peers listened closely to her. He would sit through the most boring lectures if it bought him a break from what those Shinobi and Kunoichi called 'basic' training. She had begun her lecture about a certain subject with all of them listening to her intently.

Time skip 1 hour

Honestly, Naruto and the others wished her lecture lasted longer. Not just so they could have a break, her lessons were actually enthralling. She kept everyone captivated about her stories. The favorite being where the Second Hokage had sacrificed himself to save his team. While it was, in reality, sad whenever someone died, it was the harsh truth of the world they were being thrust into. Kill or be killed. She also pushed any naive thoughts of honor in the shinobi world.

From what she experienced most of the Genin from some villages, mainly the more pacifist villages such as Konoha. Believed that there was some semblance of honor in the Shinobi World. They told their enemies how their techniques were unstoppable while revealing how their Jutsu worked, and how it was impervious to anything they could do. While they continued to yap on and on, a smart Ninja would take the time to analyze this new found information and use it against them. Resulting in the loss of the battle.

What astounded her sometimes was her clan, the Uzumaki Clan. While out in the Elemental Nations some people did have abnormal chakra. Some individuals in the Uzumaki clan had

"That's the end for class now all of your instructors are waiting outside, have fun!" She chirped with a smile on her face. Most of the Cadets groaned Naruto included, sure they weren't lazy yet they had to run all the way back to the barracks now. They all made their way down the stairs and got into their marching formation. That's when the kitsune masked Kunoichi appeared in front of him and gestured to him and two others a boy and girl. Following her, Naruto looked around everyone was being separated into squads of three.

"For the remainder of your time here the individuals in front of you will be responsible for you and your training. Good luck!" Said the Kuma masked Ninja, giving them a salute which was reciprocated by the numerous masked instructors. With that, he vanished in a Shunshin.

"Let's get somewhere a little quieter." Said the Kunoichi. Gesturing for them to follow her. They all dashed through the woods and sat down when they were far enough away from the main group.

Naruto looked at the other two Cadets with him. The girl had blue hair that reached the nape of her neck, and gray eyes that seemed pretty vibrant. She was pretty but definitely not as pretty as Kushina. The other boy beside him wasn't as exotic as him or the girl. He had brown hair, brown eyes, and only just a little shorter than him though he seemed pretty tensed.

Clearing her throat the instructor sat down across from the three of them. Removing her Kitsune mask Naruto saw another beautiful woman with scarlet hair that framed her right eye, while it's length reached the top of her back. Alluring green eyes that showed immense intelligence, and to be quite frank she didn't seem a day over twenty. 'Since she's so young she must be immensely skilled. Also, why does it seem that I'm being surrounded by so many beautiful women, I don't get it...' Thought Naruto as the wind shuffled some leaves around them, the soft breeze doing nothing but making her seem much prettier.

"My name is Mayumi Uzumaki, you'll refer to me as Mayumi-Sensei when speaking to me. Since we're a team we will be introducing ourselves to each other. Your name, likes, dislikes, and plans for the future." She finished with a straight face while staring at the three.

"Well, I guess I'll go first, I've told you my name already, my likes are reading, and training. My dislikes are Fangirls."She said looking at the only girl on the team. "Dreams for the future, hmmm I don't know just yet." She finished with a small smile.

Naruto and the two others just looked at each other. Shrugging Naruto decided to go first out of the three. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki, I love my family, I just want to protect them. I dislike people who don't appreciate their family, besides that, I don't have many other dislikes or likes. My plan for the future is to get back to my special someone." He said while rubbing the smooth metal surface of the locket.

"Hello, my name is Hisana Kanai. My likes include swimming, my family, and flowers. My dislikes are those who pick on others, and assholes for the lack of a better word. My dream for the future is to open up my own flower shop." Voiced the now named Hisana with a smile.

"Hi, my name is Ken. My likes include reading at the library, my family, and the librarian. My dislikes are bullies and arrogance. My dream is to have a family and grow old." He finished with a smile small, looking at the ground not knowing how anyone felt about him.

"Wow we're all pretty similar, I agree with all of you including you Mayumi-Sensei. Let's all get along from here." Voiced Naruto with a grin, the breeze blowing through his hair making him appear more handsome.

"Alright if you think that warm-up was rough, it's time for my training." She laughed out, a sinister smile on her face sending shivers down Naruto, Hisana, and Ken's spines.

Just a quick note from the time I'm finishing this chapter. It's 3:50 in the morning so sorry if there's some fucked up grammar. If it's boring sorry, I hope you enjoyed it though leave a review, please.

Thanks for reading

-Kiege