Hello, all. My name is Atlas, and I'd like to introduce you to my first ever fanfic. I'm a long time lurker, and I hope you all enjoy reading. I tend to write very slowly, so uploads can be few and far between, I hope that doesn't ruin it for you. I will apologize for any mistakes in spelling or grammar in advance as I don't really have anyone I'm comfortable with to edit it. Thank you, and please review.

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO

Chapter 1 The Way Things Could Have Been

Introductions

October 10th

The Yondaime Hokage stood atop the Hokage Mountain, a slight frown on his face. He watched silently for a moment as the Kyuubi wreaked havoc on the village. The Yondaime took out several three pronged kunai, scattering them everywhere. Then he was gone, in a bright flash of yellow light.

The Kyuubi roared loudly, obliterating shinobi everywhere with a swing of one of its tails. It opened its mouth, and a ball of condensed chakra seemed to form. It grew and grew before blasting the poor village, killing dozens of shinobi and civilians alike.

Elsewhere, a blonde woman was currently in the middle of instructing a pregnant woman to push. "C'mon, Kushina, we don't have much time!" The woman yelled.

Uzumaki Kushina, grit her teeth and breathed for only a moment before pushing with a great yell. "I'm doing all I can, Tsunade-sama!"

Watching over them was the Sandaime Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. The old veteran was here as the last line of defense along with another student of his, Jiraya. The two had gotten word of the attack, but they hadn't prepared in time.

"Push!" Tsunade demanded. "I can see it coming!"

Kushina yelled, pushing with all her might before quietly breathing deeply, a feeling of relief washing over her. Her baby was born.

"It's a boy," Tsunade said, smiling as she cut the umbilical cord. She cleaned the crying newborn before wrapping him in a blanket and handing him to his mother.

"Welcome to the world, Naruto-kun." Kushina whispered quietly. "I know it's loud and scary right now." The blond baby seemed to soothe at his mother's words. "But there will be people to protect you."

A flash of yellow light filled the area, and out of it came the sweating form of the Yondaime Hokage. He breathed heavily, looking at the bundle in his wife's arms. "He's here," he smiled.

"Fastest man alive, but you're still late to your son's birth," Jiraya jokes.

The Yondaime scratched the back of his head embarrassingly. A few seconds after, a serious face donned the young Hokage. "Kushina. About the Kyuubi," he started.

"It's too risky isn't it?" she said weakly. The Hokage nodded. She smiled, "He'll be a hero, Minato. He'd be our little hero." Tears fell from her face as she kissed Naruto's forehead. "Be brave, little one. I love you."

Minato gently took Naruto from his wife, planting a kiss on the baby's cheek. "I love you, Naruto." He then looked to Kushina. "I love you."

Kushina smiled. "Hurry up, you're gonna be too late to save anyone, dattebane."

Minato looked at the three others in the area. He smiled, "Please protect him in my stead. Make sure he becomes the hero he was meant to be." With that, he disappeared again, in a flash.

Kushina seemed to black out afterwards, too weak to stay conscious.

A Few Years Later

Kushina was currently walking down the market, a hand holding her son as he walked beside her, a bundle of groceries in her other arm. "Naruto-kun, how about we eat some ramen when we get home?"

"Yeah! Ramen!" the blond exclaimed. "Let's go faster, Kaa-chan!" The hyperactive blond began to try and pull his mother with him.

"Slow down, Naruto-kun! You're gonna get hurt," Kushina laughed.

"Is Kakashi-oniichan coming home today?" Naruto asked.

"I believe so. So why don't we make extra just in case, 'ttebane?"

"Yosh!" Naruto exclaimed with vigor.

The mother and son entered their home, and Naruto immediately ran to play in the living room. Kushina started preparations in the kitchen, keeping an eye on her son just in case. Once everything was ready and the broth was waiting to finish, Kushina went over to play with Naruto. The two Uzumaki's sat and played with several action figures, Naruto telling his mom she needed to play the bad guy, because he was always the hero. Kushina giggled; yeah, he was a little hero.

Several moments passed, and the door opened, followed by a quiet "tadaima".

"Onii-chan!" Naruto yelled, running towards the door. "Okaeri!"

The masked, silver haired teen leaned down and hugged his little brother. Hatake Kakashi, adopted by Kushina after his sensei sacrificed himself. His left eye was covered by his headband, but he pulled his mask down. Kushina made him start taking off the mask at home when it was just the three of them at the very least.

"Okaa-chan made ramen today!" Naruto said loudly.

"Ramen? Is it a special day?" Kakashi asked. It wasn't Kushina's or Naruto's birthday. It definitely wasn't his.

Naruto nodded. "Today is the day you come home!" he excitedly. "You've been away on too many missions, onii-chan."

Kakashi smiled, "Okay, otouto. I'll stay home until you start the academy next month." Kakashi was an anbu commander, but the anbu core only allowed you to take so many missions before they forced you to take a break.

"Eh? That long, Kakashi-kun?" Kushina asked, surprised. "Are you sure they will allow it?"

"I cleared it with Sandaime-sama," Kakashi answered. He pulled out a chair, placing Naruto on top of it before helping Kushina with the table.

The three of them ate, laughing and joking while Kakashi told toned down stories of "missions" he was on. Him and Kushina knew they were fabled, but Anbu weren't allowed to talk about their actual missions. So he told Naruto some missions he fabricated himself.

Several Months Later

Kushina was home alone, cleaning the living room when she heard a soft knocking on her door. She approached the door, confused. Opening, she saw an older woman with pale red hair and grey eyes.

"Excuse me," the woman said, "Are you Uzumaki Kushina?"

Ninja Academy

"Settle down, students." Iruka, the chunin in charge of this class, said. When he was ignored, he took a deep breath. "SHUT UP AND LISTEN!" he screamed, his head comically big. That always worked. He smiled, "We seem to have two new transfer students with us. This is Uzumaki Karin, and this is Yuki Haku." He presented the two children. One had red hair and eyes with brown narrow glasses. The other had long black hair and dark brown eyes.

"Wait a minute!" Naruto said, standing up suddenly. He pointed at Karin, "You have the same last name as me, are we related?!"

Karin's eyes widened. "Is your mom Kushina-san?"

"Yatta! I have a cousin now, dattebayo!" Naruto exclaimed.

"Naruto, quiet down!" Iruka scolded. "I believe she is a distant relative of yours, yes. The Sandaime has asked you to show her around Konoha today."

"Karin, when is your birthday?" Naruto asked.

"June 20th," she answered.

Naruto went into a comical depression."Ack! You're older than me! Forgive me onee-chan!"

Karin looked at Iruka, who could only give her a smile that said 'give him a chance'.

"But anyways, Naruto, since you'll be showing Karin around, would you mind if Haku went with you?" Iruka asked.

"Sure, she's welcome to join as well," Naruto answered, going back to normal.

"Actually, Naruto-kun, I'm a boy," Haku said simply.

The entire class was silent before a loud "HUH?!" escaped everyone's mouths, excluding Iruka's, who only found out just moments before.

"Karin, Haku, why don't you guys go sit and we can get started with class," Iruka said.

Naruto raised his hand, pointing to an open chair next to him with the other. "Karin-oneechan, you can take this seat next to me!"

"Haku can sit here," a large boy with brown hair said. His name was Choji Akimichi, and he was constantly snacking, and now was no exception.

The two kids found their ways to their respective seats and Iruka started the lesson, talking about the history of the Second Ninja War.

Naruto leaned over to Karin, "Hey, that guy to your left is Sasuke Uchiha. He has trouble being a decent person, but that's just his way of showing he likes you."

Karin looked over and her cheeks went flush. She whispered back to Naruto, "Are you his friend?"

"Yeah," the blond answered proudly, "His mom and my mom are best friends."

Karin smiled and leaned over to Sasuke, whispering. "Hi, it's nice to meet you."

"Hn," was the only thing the Uchiha said, not bothering to look at her.

Karin's face faltered. 'Talk about edgy…' the redhead thought to herself.

After School

Once school was over, Naruto was joined by Haku, who introduced himself again.

"So are you guys ready for your tour?" Naruto asked with a smile.

"Lead the way, Naruto-kun," Haku said. Naruto started to walk backwards, much like a tour guide, leading them everywhere he knew. Sasuke joined them just before they started, but he didn't say a word. He showed them a lot of the market districts, a few parks, some training grounds, and finally, Naruto's favorite place of all, Ichiraku Ramen. The tour ended and the four kids were hungry.

"Let's eat hare, guys, I'm starving," Naruto said, walking into the booth.

Haku and Karin looked at each other confused, but Sasuke walked forward. "Best to just join. He won't be moving any time soon."

"Oi! Teuchi-ojisan, I want a large miso ramen and extra pork!" Naruto exclaimed.

"Sure thing, Naruto-kun. Welcome back, Uchiha-kun. Who are you two?" The old Ramen chef asked.

"My name is Yuki Haku, I moved here recently."

"I'm Uzumaki Karin, I also just moved here."

"Uzumaki huh?" Teuchi said, "Are you related to Naruto?"

"I think we come from the same clan, yes," she answered.

"Well, what will you two have?" Teuchi asked. Naruto and Sasuke went here often enough that Teuchi knew their regular orders, though Naruto kept insisting on saying his order.

"I'll have a shoyu ramen," Haku said.

Karin pondered at the menu for just a moment longer before deciding on a miso ramen.

Teuchi served the four kids and they all collectively clapped their hands and said "Itadakimasu."

Naruto and Sasuke dug into their bowls immediately, eating with haste as if the ramen would escape if they didn't. Karin was a bit more tame, though still slurped quite loudly. Haku, however, was a bit proper while eating, though he couldn't help but slurp a little bit.

Several minutes later, both Naruto and Sasuke lifted their bowls and placed them on the table at the same time. "Ha!" They both exclaimed, catching Karin and Haku off guard. "Beat it, teme! I finished eating before you!" Naruto said.

"Not true, dobe! I put mine down first!" Sasuke declared.

The two boys glared at each other before they both turned to Teuchi. "Well, kids, I think this time it was actually a tie," the old chef said. Both boys groaned, taking out some small notebooks and writing another mark under draw. The two boys had competitions for everything. Who could throw the farthest shuriken, eat the fastest, or even who could spin their arms for longer. Their score was 52 wins for Sasuke, 47 wins for Naruto, and 22 ties.

"So this is where you all are," Kushina said, poking her head into the booth. "I could hear you two slurping from down the street," she laughed.

"Kaa-chan! This is Karin! She's an Uzumaki like us!" Naruto exclaimed.

"Hello, Karin-chan. I met your mother not too long ago. Did you have a good time at school today?" Kushina asked.

"Yes, Kushina-san," she answered.

"And what's your name?" Kushina asked.

"Yuki Haku," he answered.

"Let's walk you four kids home, shall we?" Kushina asked.

"Thanks for the food, Teuchi-ojisan," Naruto said, taking out his wallet and paying for the four kids.

"Not a problem Naruto. Come by anytime kids, I'd love to serve you guys again." He smiled, handing Naruto the change.

Sasuke took out his own wallet and held a bill out towards Naruto. "I don't wanna have to owe you anything," he said.

Naruto took the bill, smiling. "Thanks, Sasuke."

"We can pay you back too, Naruto-kun," Haku said, reaching for his wallet.

"Don't worry about it! Consider it a welcoming gift," Naruto smiled, a hand behind his head.

"Right, Haku, lead the way to your home, please," Kushina said. The four kids and Kushina walked to Haku's house, which wasn't too far from the ramen shop. They started for the Uchiha compound next and Kushina explained that Karin and her mother would be sleeping at the Uzumaki household until further notice.

As they approached the compound, it was eerily quiet. Kushina could sense something was wrong, and none of the lights were on. Naruto grabbed Kushina's hand, his eyes wide with fear. "Kaa-chan…" Naruto said. The three people looked at him, all with faces of worry.

"What is it, Naruto-kun?" Kushina asked.

"Something's wrong… Someone's hurt…" he said, his voice nearly cracking. Kushina looked at the compound before grabbing the three kids' hands and leading them away. Something wasn't right.

"Uzumaki-sama, my home is here," Sasuke said, trying to pull away.

"I know, Sasuke, but please just follow me," Kushina replied. She led the three of them to the Uzumaki compound, opening the door. There, Karin's mom was on the couch, drinking tea and reading a small book. "Aiko-san," Kushina said, "Could you please watch the kids for me? I have something urgent."

"Oh, of course," Aiko said. Karin walked over and hugged her mom, sitting next to the woman.

"Kaa-chan, are you going back?" Naruto asked.

Kushina crouched down to eye level with the two kids. "Promise me, you two will stay here and be good."

"Kaa-chan don't go back there, somethings wrong!" Naruto exclaimed.

"If something is wrong, I have to be there," Sasuke said.

"No! Both of you boys are staying here, that's final. Got it?" Kushina said sternly. Naruto and Sasuke looked down, nodding. "Sasuke, I need you to promise me. Mikoto-chan isn't here, so I'm like your second mother, much like she is with Naruto."

"I promise, oba-chan," Sasuke mumbled.

Kushina nodded. "I'll only be a moment, Aiko." She turned and left.

"Do you know what happened?" Sasuke asked Naruto.

Naruto went to the living room and sat down by the coffee table, followed by Sasuke. "No," Naruto answered. "But someone was hurting."

"How could you tell?" Aiko asked.

"I just… Felt it," the blond said.

Aiko smiled. "That's quite some gift there, Naruto-kun. Sensors are few and far between, and if you've unlocked that ability then you will be an important part to any team. Train that well."

"How do I train it?" Naruto asked.

"Hm, I don't know myself. I'm not a sensor. There are multiple types as well. Some do it by feeling someone's chakra, though the control needed for that is extreme," Aiko answered.

With Kushina

Kushina hopped from rooftop to rooftop, making her way to the hokage tower. The redhead stormed into the place, running up the stupid amount of stairs, and knocking urgently on the Hokage's office.

"Enter," the Hokage said promptly.

"Hokage-sama!" Kushina yelled rushing in, "There's been a massacre!

And that is where I will stop. Thank you all for reading, and I hope you continue to follow the series. I'll see you in the next installment.