Third Person POV ~

So many thoughts, so many things to do, so many doubts, so many questions yet there answers were to nearly none.

Naruto sighed heavily.

He needed to relax, that's what Kurama had been saying. But he couldn't, how could he? With all the problems and possibilities actually floating around him how could he just relax?

Sasuke.

Uchiha Massacre.

ROOT.

Danzo.

Akatsuki.

Counter seals.

He just wasn't strong enough or he wasn't trying enough. The thought of some ROOT shinobi sneakily attacking Tsunade and succeeding, no his paranoid mind just wasn't helping.

What was he supposed to do?

He needed to vent or at least talk out some doubts or just talk to someone.

Naruto POV ~

"Hmm. Kit, I think we should talk. I have a few doubts myself too but maybe we can deduce to some answer of sort about your dojutsu. I've been trying to pinpoint what exactly it is but I still am not sure." A heavy voice echoed through my mind.

This definitely has my interest.

I sat in meditation pose, closed my eyes and feeling a familiar tug in my mind I arrived in my mindscape. Kurama was lazily lying on the grass field but I could see the contemplative gaze. I nodded.

"Go on. You have my attention."

He eyed me for a second then closed his eyes sighing, the heavy exhale messing my hair, he opened his eyes again and began speaking.

"You remind me of my father. The one who created the ninshu. The father of all nine biju."

Confused but somehow I felt proud, it did sound like a compliment after all. I looked at him quizzically and gestured him to continue.

"Well I guess I should give you a history lesson. Not many know of or think of him as a myth. My father, Rikudou Sennin, Hagoromo Otsutsuki. He was the founder of ninshu which led to the creation of ninja world. He was the son of Kaguya Otsutsuki and alongside his fraternal twin brother, Hamura, were the first to be born with the same powerfulchakra as their mother. Together, he and his brother defeated their mother, who had become the terrifying Juubi, by combining with the Shinju, in battle andsealed the powerful beast within himself, thus making Hagoromo the firstjinchuriki.

He was really kind, actually both the brothers were. They cared deeply for their mother but they realized she wasn't a good person they thought her to be. She had the whole world under Mugen Tsukuyomi and was being fed by the sacrificed humans chakra that was linked to the Shinju.

Kaguya was later sealed in the moon, Father stayed on Earth and Uncle left to reside on moon to take care or watch upon their mother. Kaguya, till date no one knows where she originally came from. She possessed Byakugan originally and a combination of Sharingan and Rinnegan after she ate the fruit from Shinju. The Rinnegan also is said to be a myth but is not." Kurama informed and eyed me giving me a moment to register the information. Sure I have read books. I definitely have read about the Sage Of Six Paths but also I thought of him as a myth. Now that I know he was real I wanted to know more about all of them. Of course Kurama didn't like much to talk but both of them needed this. If he said he saw his father in him, this was far above any compliment he had ever received.

I sat down against a tree near the fox facing him.

I nodded ready to gain more knowledge that somehow no book could enlighten me with.

"When Father became the jinchuriki of Jubi, he received his purple Rinnegan and a combination of Sharingan and Rinnegan, it looked something like a third eye on forehead, red, rings like Rinnegan but also had the tomoes. Hamura was the one blessed with pure Byakugan. Father was a really kind and someone always ready to help, just like you Naruto." He said in rare show of affection with a slight smile and continued, "You don't need to know everything about his life. I'll tell you, the way you're currently planning to travel actually gives me nostalgia. I remember it as being a part of 10 tails. He wanted to travel to spread his knowledge while you want to gain. That's a little different but somehow same because knowing you, you wouldn't hold back if you see someone in need like Father and I am honestly grateful that you aren't going berserk hungry for power." I nodded slightly, really thankful but solemn because I knew what he meant. "Upon reaching his old age, he could no longer carry the Juubi. And the Juubi was terrifyingly powerful. So he decided to split us in 9 parts. That's how we were created."

He continued, "Father had two sons. One became his successor and other jealous of the formers' success. You see the one that succeded was not so great in the beginning but he was a kind hearted ningen, was helping everyone or anyone and believed working together was what was true strength. The latter, who didn't succeed was a prodigy, he was someone who created ninjutsu and was naturally really talented but very arrogant and solo worker. Does this remind you of someone?"

I closed my eyes and sighed.

"Me and Sasuke, isn't it? We're just like them. In a way at least."

He snorted and nodded, "One was a Senju Clan ancestor and other was the one that awakened the pure Sharingan. Hence, the Uchiha Clan ancestor."

Interesting.

"Is this why I feel his consciousness, like ttebayo.. connected to me?"

He nodded, "Could be."

"Did the Senju guy have any dojutsu?" I couldn't help but ask.

He took a minute to answer, "Asura? No. Not that I know of. The only one with a dojutsu was Indra, and that being those blasted eyes, Sharingan."

I laid my head back and massage my temple, "I am aware Uzumaki are blood relatives of Senju. But my Sharingan look-a-like is not how I have seen of Sasuke or Kakashi. Do you have any thoughts about it?"

He stretched and yawned, "I am doubtful myself. Still, I am sure it will not be the same as that Uchiha ningen or Hatake-no-gaki eyes. What you have is different. It is definitely not Sharingan. You do not have their blood. Who knows maybe one day you will get your answers and so will I. I talked to you about this so that you have at least some lead towards your answers."

I nodded. "Well then, I'll take your leave Kurama. You should rest. Arigatou for all the information. You were a great help."

He wrapped one of his tail around me and eyed me then ruffled my hair softly with another huffing. I chuckled at him and faded away returning back to my consciousness.

I should freshen up. I guess a little stroll around village wouldn't hurt. I've been working nonstop. Maybe I'll head over to my old apartment today. Make lunch, refresh old memories. I don't have any missions for a few days after all, a little rest would do me a favor.

Third Person POV ~

After few relaxing hours spent in village strolling, Naruto was in his old apartment shirtless just wearing grey sweatpants. Humming softly and swaying hips lightly, cooking dinner.

Meanwhile...

Hokage Tower ~

Tsunade had summoned Team Kakashi with Yamato for a mission. She was contemplating whether or not to add Naruto with them. He had proved himself and completed every mission assigned without complaining with every other team she added him with, also showed good leadership.

Finally she made a decision.

"Team Kakashi" she addressed "this mission is sort of a vacation. To strengthen the alliance there will be exchange of at least two teams apart from the village ambassador. Your team is the first to act upon this. Also, along with this you have to deliver a scroll directly to the Kazekage and return back when you receive a reply. You may leave tomorrow." Tsunade spoke.

The team nodded and Kakashi grabbed the scroll thrown towards him in mid air.

"Oh and you will have a plus one in your team." Tsunade continued.

"Plus one Tsunade-sama? Who is it?" Kakashi spoke lazily.

"Naruto. Inform him about the mission. He had no missions for a few days so he wouldn't show his face to me. Dismissed." Tsunade answered.

She might have forgotten a little detail that he lives in the Namikaze's now and only a handful of people could enter the compound.

(*sigh* Tsunade..)

Sakura was about to volunteer and talk to Naruto but before she could say anything, Kakashi spoke, "I'll go and inform him. Be at the North gate tomorrow at 08:00. Ja ne!"

And just like that, Kakashi poofed away leaving behind nothing but leaves and smoke. The rest members of team Kakashi just blinked and shrugged. Oh well.

Naruto's Apartment ~

Naruto felt a slight spike of chakra getting closer and tensed slightly but upon recognizing, loosened up but still stayed on guard.

Kakashi arrived at the apartment that used to be a trash chute and now was completely opposite and quiet empty. He crouched on the window sill and observed the apartment, it was obviously cleaner than it had ever been, there was new furniture, painted walls and it looked lively than it had ever been but he could not understand why was the apartment empty. He couldn't see bundles of clothes, there weren't any plants that he knew were supposed to be in the blonde's apartment, he knew Naruto loves plants. The smell around the apartment confirmed that Naruto hadn't been in the place for long. Still in thought he gazed around more and his eyes landed on Naruto.

He could not decide if Kami was showering blessings on him or was playing with his emotions. Surprisingly, he hadn't seen Naruto since his birthday night and now suddenly he gets added on the team for more than a week and now he is blessed with a sight that he wished he had his Sharingan out to capture in his memory forever. He was trying his best to push down his perverted thoughts but his mind just wouldn't stop. He was a healthy man and the blonde was, unsurprisingly, attractive. And all that skin on display while the blonde performed domestic chores was awakening things and thoughts that shouldn't. Really shouldn't. Naruto was shirtless, his back towards the window, cooking.

Naruto turned around, didn't give a single movement to express his surprise, which Kakashi assumed, he wasn't.

Kakashi drawled his hand in air for a lazy wave and greeted cheerfully, "Yo!"

Naruto gave him a gentle closed eye smile in reply and said softly, "Hey sensei."

Really, Kakashi's heart shouldn't have clenched at that sight.

Pushing all his rather questionable feelings, Kakashi could only stare how mature and beautiful his student has become.

Naruto had his bangs pinned with a set of pink hair clips, shirtless and a pair of grey sweat pants hanging low on his waist, one or two centimeters lower and he would've been able to see his ass crack. He took in a shaky breath at that thought.

His body was more defined than the last time he had seen, the 6 pack abs were way more visible and he could also see the sharp V-line clearly.

His cheeks didn't have chubbiness, the whiskers only enhancing the beauty, that was one Uzumaki Naruto. His jawline was sharper, hair longer but not like Minato, he did not have eartails, eyes like always sparkling with mischief, curiosity, innocence and wonder. His smile was so kind, Kakashi was subconsciously reminded of Minato and Kushina. Kakashi smiled to himself thinking that. Minato-sensei and Kushina-nee-san would have been proud how their son had grown up to be.

Naruto turned towards the kitchen again and served food in two plates. He walked towards Kakashi with plates in his hands and asked, "Why don't you join me for dinner tteba?"

The ex-anbu nodded absently and slipped in the apartment soundlessly and sat beside him.

Naruto smiled looking at Kakashi then blindfolded himself. "Enjoy the dinner please."

Kakashi watched with pride and wonder at the same time as the blonde blindfolded himself. He could just smile how Naruto had grown into such a fine man. Naruto was always thinking about others before himself but the way he expressed now, so calmly, it is soothing. Naruto has changed. No, Naruto has grown up.

Both muttered a "Itadakimasu." simultaneously.

The dinner was silent but there was no awkward air between the pair.

After finishing up the dinner while Naruto was cleaning the mess he finally asked, "It's not like I don't appreciate your company ttebayo but I have to ask, did you need something from me, Kakashi?"

Kakashi chuckled. He absentmindedly noted how his name had lacked the usual 'sensei' from it and again, he absentmindedly noted how he really didn't mind, "We have a mission tomorrow. Sunakagakure, scroll delivery A rank. It is also somewhat like a vacation for us. Possibly more than a week. Tsunade-sama asked one of the team member to inform you, you are our plus one."

By the end of explanation Naruto had finished and was facing Kakashi and listening carefully. He nodded thoughtfully. Before Kakashi could continue an ANBU with Cat mask appeared. She nodded her head towards Kakashi to which he mimicked the gesture in reply.

She then proceeded to talk to Naruto, "Uzumaki-san, Hokage-sama has asked to inform you that Jiraiya-sama has arrived."

Naruto nodded, "Arigatou Anbu-san." and handed her a white lily flower with a grin.

The Anbu took the Lilly and questioned, "What is this for Uzumaki-san?"

His grin didn't falter, "No reason. It would look nice on you. Your brown hair compliments the color of the flower."

If the female ANBU wasn't blushing before seeing the appearance of the blonde, she sure as hell was now.

Kakashi couldn't see if the woman was blushing or not before. After all the mask hid it all but he noticed how her ear tips turned pink. She was definitely blushing now and Kakashi was amused. The blonde had just made an ANBU blush. She nodded respectfully to both and shunshin out of the apartment silently.

Kakashi turned to Naruto and then is when, under Kakashi's gaze he saw his own reflection and flushed in embarrassment.

Naruto finally noticed he wasn't wearing a shirt and squeaked adorably. He padded frantically around the apartment looking for his shirt. Kakashi noticed, his movements were still soundless and graceful. The young man would be great for stealth, Kakashi noted. Kakashi could only watch in amusement at how cute that squeak and fluster was. He chuckled.

"Go-gomenas-sai sensei. I di-didn't notice until now I w-wasn't wearing a sh-shirt." Naruto appologiesed stuttering heavily not meeting the Jounin's eye, now completely dressed but still a bit of pink adorning his cheeks. Kakashi waved his hand in dismissal.

Kakashi was still staring and feeling an eye, Kakashi's eye on him, he covered his face with his palms and blushed in a beautiful shade of red.

"Ka-kas-kakash-h-hi y-you-you're sta-staring." Naruto managed to squeak out stuttering.

Kakashi could feel blood rushing to his face and head at how cute the blonde was and at that moment he was more than thankful of his mask that hid it. He chuckled softly and Naruto blushed harder, he was most likely looking like a tomato with blonde top instead of green.

"Hai hai. See you tomorrow morning at 08:00 hours at the North gate." Kakashi spoke softly bending further lightly to match the height of the younger with his hands resting on hips, his face leaning closer to Naruto. The blonde was still the short one in his age group and it just increased his cuteness. Naruto gulped visibly and stared in Kakashi's eye with innocence and amazement. Kakashi stayed in the same position and eyed the blonde more than he intended to. His flushed skin, sparkling big beautiful blue eyes and slightly parted lips. Kakashi could feel his face heating up again so he moved back to ruffle Naruto's hair which he noticed was shinnier and softer than it used to be.

Naruto smiled shyly, "G-good night Kaka-sensei. See you tomorrow tteba."

Kakashi returned the smile with his eye curving in a happy crescent and waved good bye. With that he leapt out of the window just the way he had entered and walked away.

*-*

Shinju - Good Tree

Juubi - Ten Tails

Gomenasai - Sorry

Itadakimasu - Prayer said before eating food.

Arigatou - Thank you