Yo guys. The exams are finally finished and I have a lot of free time now. So, you can expect more updates, or even new fics.

As always, thanks to iskandarrobby47, AtlasofChaos2000, D. 2.0, Mobydicks, hateme101, Uchiha badass, taran taran, blacknredrose37, StopTeasing, DragFire, fer gp, Lord-Itachi123, GV211, islamy96, yohanl2001, Solace Master Of The Sun, Devil's Darklight, GB108, Dark Jutten, cristifilip372 and guest(x2) for your reviews. They are much appreciated.

I didn't expect most of you to guess the masked man's identity. Well, maybe I should have revealed even lesser details. Oh, well. And one of you have also guessed my OC's identity. Cheers to Dark Jutten.

Disclaimer: Do not own Naruto or FT. Belong to their respective owners.

Continuing on;

...

Chapter 18: Uchiha Survivors

Punch was met with a punch. Each kick was countered by the other. Nothing seemed to separate the two combatants who went at each other with everything they got. Physically, as far as Taijutsu was involved, the masked man and Kawaguchi were equal.

With a swift quick to his chest, the masked man was sent flying back before he got back on his feet. He let a cough out as he rubbed the pain he felt near his chest. He grinned despite this.

"That is quite some power you got there."

Kawaguchi scoffed as the masked man got into his stance again. He had to be a bit wary as the Kitsune masked man still didn't use his weird smoke magic, as others had dubbed it. He watched Kitsune channel his energy into his feet as he lunged forward.

He bent to his side as he watched the punch from Kitsune move past his vision. As his punch was left hanging in mid-air, Kawaguchi countered punching him in the face. The masked man fell back as he disappeared into a puff of smoke.

Reappearing behind the current champ, the Kitsune delivered a fatal punch to his face. The man seemed to stumble as he fell down. The grin on the masked man's face vanished when he observed the man turn into a puff of smoke too.

"W-What!?" A kick intercepted him in the back as the masked man fell forward. Getting on his knees, he looked over his shoulder at the calm face of Kawaguchi.

"That was a Kage Bunshin..." Kawaguchi observed the Kitsune flinch at that. "Just as I had suspected." He nodded as if he had already guessed it. So, that meant that the surrounding rubble were all his clones transformed into it. Requires a lot of chakra and high skill to do it. "Who are you?"

Dusting of his pants, the Kitsune faced the man. "You know, I have the exact same question running in my mind." He adjusted his stance as Kawaguchi mirrored his movement. "You are a shinobi, aren't you?"

"Was. I was a shinobi. I am just a wanderer now." Kawaguchi answered with some disdain. He bent his head down a bit as his fists shook. The entire atmosphere around him shifted, as blood began going down his vessel, his heart thumping loudly. He felt …anger and irritation just listening to the Kitsune talk. "There is…just something about you." He snarled, flames banking.

"You mean my awesomeness?" Kitsune titled his head.

"Humph, I have to agree on that. You are strong, indeed." The play boy replied shifting a bit. "But, there is just something about you that shakes me up." Every fiber in his being felt uneasy, like the guy in front of him was his long destined enemy. His mere existence felt intolerable for some reason even though he hadn't met him until now.

The masked man had his hands up his head, "Not that it matters, but are you by any chance a long lost cousin of Sasuke?"

Instead of retorting like he normally would, Kawaguchi just closed his eyes and laughed. "You could say that in a way. But, it is by a long shot."

"Eh!?" The masked man flinched as he nearly face vaulted, "You mean to say… you really are related to that Bastard?!"

"Enough talking around." The current champ spoke in a stern voice as he opened his eyes. "I am not one to hold grudges, but something about you tells me to eliminate you. Don't take it too personal."

The cheery expression inside the mask of Kitsune vanished as he stared at the godforsaken red eyes. A sweat rolled down his temple.

"The S-Sharingan!"

..

Sasuke jumped to his side dodging a fire fist aimed at him. Just as his cloak was about to swirl down, the floor underneath him froze, capturing his legs. A smirk played on his lips, even though he stood at a disadvantage. It was like he was in a mock battle with Natsu and Gray.

"So, you are a dragon slayer?" He asked the boy in front of him who was of the same age as Wendy. "What is your name?"

"Why should I answer, mister?" The boy cracked his fists in flames, moving forward to punch the guy. He was the guy that Kawaguchi nii-san warned him against. So far, he hadn't been doing much except for dodging. That was until he caught his fire fist with his bare hand. "W-What?"

Sasuke stared down the boy as he broke the ice capturing his legs with his katana. This kid's magic was exactly the same as Natsu. And the girl's…

Ice bullets slid past him as Sasuke released his hold on the boy. Yup, she was definitely using the same magic as Gray. She also looked like the female version of him. Raven hair, along with a delicately built body, face young enough that he might have thought she was barely older were it not for the full breasts underneath her fishnet armor.

Her dark eyes scanned his movements that was too old, too practiced, to belong to a child. At least eighteen- maybe older.

The kid regrouped with the girl in the meantime, "Nee-chan, I didn't need your help." And much to his annoyance, his sister ruffled his hair.

"Yeah, whatever you say," Her smile was faint but vanished as it shifted to the guy in front of them, who had been eyeing them curiously. She flicked her long raven hair behind her back, "We do not wish to fight you." Yeah, it was true. They had been trying to lay off spotlight. Fighting a full on battle right in the center of the city would definitely blow their cover. It was not what they want now, at least.

"Hn, I'll be blunt." Sasuke activated his sharingan. He observed the two in front of them stiffen at this. Hmm, maybe they know about the sharingan. "Why did you guys try to kidnap Wendy?"

"Who's Wendy?" The girl asked. Her gaze fell onto her brother only to see him recognize the name.

"Somebody tried to kidnap her?" The kid asked, his voice raising a bit.

That was just great. It seems like this brat had a crush on his guild's little dragon slayer. "Do not try to hide the truth. We are currently interrogating your comrades." Sasuke lied. The goons did not know anything. He had checked their memories with his sharingan after all.

What happened next, he couldn't have predicted. To say that it shocked him would be an understatement. He blinked in disbelief, as he could not believe his eyes.

The mission he had come for, his self imposed responsibility; to provide salvation to the living Uchiha on this side. It looked like it was in his reach at last. Now he understood why this kid and the girl felt familiar. Uchiha clan was always a tight knit community. There were many similar resemblances among the members of the clan, like the hair or their skin complexion.

The resemblance those two bore… there was no doubt about it. The boy looked a bit like Obito, and the girl... well, even he had to admit her beauty. But, then again, he assumed that it was only natural since she was an Uchiha. Naruto was in for an eye treat when he arrives.

He steeled himself, staring blankly at the boy who yelled at him furiously. "Who tried to kidnap her?!"

Even his sister, if his guess was correct seemed to be taken aback by the sudden outrage. A set of new two tomoe stared at him, as if demanding to be answered. Judging by the look of surprise on the girl's face, he deduced that it was his first time activating his sharingan. And, the kid hadn't even realized it.

He sighed. For kami's sake, you got to be kidding him... This kid activated the Uchiha clan's prized doujutsu for the sake of a girl. Sasuke could only hope that the kid doesn't end up like Obito. The last thing this world nneded was an Obito trying to destroy the world because his crush got killed.

Letting out a sigh, Sasuke began. "And, what is your relation with Raven Tail?" He knew the answer to that question. But, he had to ask for formality sake, just to be on the sure side.

And, the reply he got as a dragon breath aimed at him, which was instantly frozen before it reached him. Sasuke cocked an eyebrow as the female began scolding the kid. Still, freezing the flames was a first.

"Are you trying to kill him?" She began. Their mission was to lay low, and they needed to get moving soon. The outside battle must have surely caught the official's attention, who might be here at any moment. She pulled an ear of the kid who yelped in pain.

"I am so-sorry!" He apologized. He immediately rubbed the reddened ear which his sister let go. He looked over as Sasuke hadn't moved from his spot.

"You make a run, I'll cover our exit." The girl commanded, as the boy took a few steps backward. Shifting her attention to Sasuke, a chilly mist formed around her, "As much as I would like to continue chatting with a fellow Uchiha, we need to get moving."

Sasuke instinctively dashed forward realizing what she was about to do. The girl had finished her spell in the meantime as she touched the floor with her fingers. As soon as she did, magic soared through the road and a huge ice wall formed. It blocked the entire pathway along with the mist covering his field of vision.

Well, it was to be expected as he suspected her to be a part of the Uchiha clan too, which means she knows about the Sharingan. Blocking the opponent's field of vision was a given. His three tomoe spun around shifting into ocular pattern.

"Amaterasu!"

Black flames flared onto the ice burning it down. "Kagutsuchi!"(Flame control!)

The whole ice broke down as he caught the sight of fleeing girl with the boy no longer in sight. Frowning up a bit, he leaped from his spot to a nearby wall and flipped of it landing in front of her.

The girl halted as she leered at the sight of Sasuke, "Quite a persistent stalker, aren't you?"

Sasuke eased up his feet, revealing his eyes, "I ask you this again, what is your and Kawaguchi's motive?"

She gasped upon noticing his eyes, the danger her opponent possessed. The Mangekyou Sharingan… the eyes of unimaginable power. From the moment you awaken them, it was said that a slow descent into darkness begins. She gulped as she took out a sword, "Kawaguchi ni-san told us that you lose sight as a compensation for the power of the Mangekyou Sharingan."

They also knew what the Mangekyou was, huh? Interesting. "I take it that the pervert is also an Uchiha." It pissed him off to no end to know that an Uchiha behaved in such a fashion. His father had always taught him to behave well since Uchiha was an elite clan.

"We three are." She answered, all the while being wary of the man in front of her. She slid one of her arm behind her back slowly as she tried to stall him, "He also told us it helps us to control the Dragons and some tailed beasts he mentioned. I honestly don't know what they are."

"Do not try anything funny," Sasuke warned, observing her hand slid behind her back. She froze at the command.

Ah, to hell with it! She flipped the sword in her hand- metal reverberating through the alley. A chill wind edged in mist danced between the fingers of her other hand. Not static like Gray's or Dynamic like Lyon's.

Not even her brother knew what it was, where it had come from. A gift from the ice god, from Boreas, Kawaguchi mused- an icy gift to an equally icy, cold individual. A wild smile danced on her lips, as she let her magic rise to the surface, letting the black ice fill her finger tips. "Ice God's Rose Bloom!"

Icy black petals formed out of thin air, as the snowflakes descended down. He wondered if they could also use chakra along with magic as he inspected his arm. So, the snowflakes were there to restrict his movement, huh? "That's quite an interesting ability."

The girl clicked her tongue again. There was that look again. Argh, dammit. This guy was fighting as if he was inspecting them, testing their ability. He was looking down on them, not at all taking them seriously. Scrunching up her face, she began to mold some more magic before an explosion interrupted her, coming from the direction of the underworld bouts.

She noticed some worry flicker in his eyes as he snapped his head in that direction. Seeing as the stalker seemed distracted for a brief moment, she dashed forward forging an ice sword. Her strike was met with a flash of silver as a red head filled her vision.

Sasuke turned his head and acknowledged the red head's presense, completely ignoring the strike which was just being aimed at him. "What are you doing here?"

"You know, I got worried that you were seeing some woman while I wasn't there." Erza began in a rather sarcastic tone. With a strong push of her sword, she managed to get some distance between them and the Raven haired girl. "And, it turns out that you really were."

"What about the mission?" He asked. What was that explosion about? And, why would she think that he was seeing another woman. "This isn't like you to be jealous."

Much to the annoyance of the raven haired girl, Erza as well ignored her. She turned back and looked at Sasuke, her free hand pressed against his chest. "You know, when I said 'not now', I meant after we won the games."

Sasuke blinked recalling their conversation, "Of course, I knew that." She thought of him as that stupid. "I am not an idiot when it comes to things like these."

"That doesn't mean that you can see someone else in the meantime." Erza half-glared at him and half-pouted. In any other time, Sasuke might have found it amusing.

"I assure you that this isn't the case," Sasuke spoke, grunting as he placed a hand on top of hers as if to reassure her. He never expected Erza to be possessive. Well, the world was really full of surprises. "What happened to the pervert?"

"Ah, apparently…" Erza wasn't able to finish as the air around them heated up. They all jumped, dodging a fireball which splashed against the ground. "That was close!"

Steam began rising up from the ground. Sasuke blinked as he instinctively stood in front of Erza, his sharingan flickering dangerously at the attacker. Kawaguchi helped the Raven haired girl onto her feet.

"Are you alright, Sachi?" The pervert asked his sister. His siblings' safety always came first to him. For him, keeping them protected, keeping them safe would always come first since he was partly responsible for dragging them into his mess.

"Yeah... thanks, brother."

Watching the interaction between them reminded Sasuke partly of Itachi as he lowered his arms. His brother went to great lengths just for saving him, even as far as to killing his clan and his parents. Maybe, the Uchiha clan members over here weren't exactly a lost cause like he thought them to be.

He glanced between a combat ready Erza and the siblings. Two dreams believed to be long lost, he realized as the chilly wind ruffled his hair. That he would do anything- even sacrifice himself to protect.

A Kitsune mask wearing figure jumped in front of him, with his back faced towards him. Ah, three if he considered his brother in arms.

"Took you long enough, Naruto." Sasuke spoke in a calm tone closing his eyes.

The masked man fidgeted around and looked back. "W-What are you talking about?" He stood proudly, pointing a finger to his chest. "I am Mr. Awesome. My awesomeness has travelled the whole land and my fame had spread far across and wide to the east and west from here. I have around three thousand followers, waiting for me back at the temple."

"So, have you learned his abilities, Naruto?" The blonde flailed his arms in protest as Sasuke ignored his indignant sputtering. He turned to Erza, "Let me guess. Naruto was in there fighting and somehow the fight got out of hand."

"My name is Mr. Awesome!"

"That pretty much sums it." Erza nodded. "It was confusing at first, but as the fight progressed, it became clear to me that the masked man was Naruto."

"Hey!"

Sasuke sighed, "You should have just informed me that you were arriving." He opened his eyes towards the blonde. Then again, the idiot was never really one to follow protocols. "But, I guess you always have been unpredictable."

As smoke rose towards the air, Sasuke picked up multiple footsteps heading towards them. He was sure Kawaguchi picked it up too as he was already on his feet and had held his sister by her arm. Naruto also seemed alarmed as he sensed multiple people approaching towards them.

"Must be Rune Knights." Sasuke said looking around. There was quite some havoc over here. Firstly, there was a big hole in the ground as smoke raised from it. Few buildings seemed to be damaged too, but nothing much intense except the road, which was frozen here and there.

"Get rid of the outfit." Erza suggested to Naruto as he still tried to continue up his act. "The guards will be here soon, and it will be difficult to cover for you if you still maintain that shady outfit."

"By shady, you meant how awesome my outfit is, right?"

Erza rolled her eyes and turned towards the entrance of the underworld bouts to see many people taking to their heels. As the wind blew slightly, she observed Sasuke. He was staring Kawaguchi with his sharingan activated in his right eye.

That was when she noticed the pattern of the Rinnegan in his left eye as the wind slightly brushed of his bang. He just specified about it once to her, but never really showed it to her. He always kept it hidden under his left bang. But, this one didn't have comas, or tomoes as he liked to say. Was his visual prowess already weakened?

Sasuke continued to gaze Kawaguchi as he stared right back. He took out a smoke bomb as Naruto tried to move forward. But, Sasuke gripped his shoulder, preventing him from chasing Kawaguchi. He shook his head as Naruto looked over his shoulder, letting go of the chase.

A smoke bomb went off as Kawaguchi had disappeared along with his sister.

A few silent seconds passed as Naruto took of his disguise. He grinned, "So, where can we find Ramen in this god forsaken city?"

Erza and Sasuke looked around at the damage once more as Rune knights entered their field of vision. "I think Ramen will have to wait, dobe."

"We are going to get an earful from Master." Erza sighed and massaged her temples.

Naruto titled his head, "Master?"

..

Sasuke and Naruto never really cared much about etiquette. Oh, they knew respect had to be given where there was due. But, right now, they would prefer waiting for Kakashi to appear than hear the rants from their master, well Sasuke's for now at least.

"You brats! I was summoned by that advisor and I hated seeing his face again." Makarov yelled, a vein popping up his forehead. "You cannot even imagine how much I wanted to smash his smug face!"

Sasuke stayed silent, but Naruto sure as hell wasn't. "Well, it really wasn't our fault, old man. We had to act on self-defense."

"Why were you even in that area?" He asked. "That area crawls with many thugs and ruthless criminals. What business did you have there?"

"Some guy asked me to fight for him after I rescued him." Naruto shrugged.

"You didn't even bother asking why?" Makarov asked in disbelief. "Say, next time some guy comes and asks you to give him a lap dance, will you do it blindly?"

"EW! NO!" Naruto yelled, shivering at the thought. "Why would I want to do that?"

Sasuke smirked slightly at this, but his face went blank when his master turned towards him. "And you. First, you attacked the princess. And, now this?"

"Hn, most of the damage has been caused by idiot and some other people." He would keep their identity a secret as of now. "In fact, I was trying to control the damage. And, I wouldn't say I attacked the princess. Just asked few questions which she refused to answer when asked politely."

Makarov stared hard at Sasuke who didn't budge. He then sighed, massaging his temples in exasperation. "Who am I to scold when I couldn't even control Natsu?"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow at this. Anything concerning Naruto and Sakura's doppelganger wasn't going to end well. "What did he do this time?"

Makarov sighed once more as he got to the last Uchiha, "He went and picked a fight with Sabertooth's master. I just don't know what to do with that kid." He then turned to Naruto. "Considering that Sasuke here has only praise for you, I would like you to join our guild temporarily like your friend here. Though, you may have to wait a couple of days to enroll into the main team. There is a lot of regulation that needs to be taken care of."

"Got ya, old man!" Naruto grinned as Makarov could only smile. Looking between Naruto and Sasuke as they made their way towards the exit, he wondered if Gray and Natsu would end up like them after maturing up.

"Sasuke, where can we find a Ramen stand here?"

"I don't know."

Naruto brought his hands down. He frowned, "You have been here a couple of days, haven't you? And, you don't even know where a single Ramen shop is?"

Sasuke stared at his friend as he exited the bar, Naruto following after him. "I wasn't exactly running around the city looking for a shop." Well, there was this Strawberry cake, but he wasn't going to tell Naruto about it. In fact, never.

"Ugh. Where did you say Erza-chan went again?" Naruto asked. Anyone was a better company to a ramen stand than the bastard.

"I think she went back to meet with her friend, since I cut short their conversation earlier."

Naruto groaned. "Just great. Now, who is going to show me around?"

Sasuke stopped when he spotted his fellow team mate. "Well, there is one person who would be very interested. The only problem would be, she doesn't feel shy about showing her assets to the world."

"Now we are talking. Lead the way to her."

..

Erza stood outside their inn, as she leaned against a ledge. The waves crashed against the rocks, as the wind gently blew swaying her hair a bit. A frown marred her face as she recollected her talk with Millianna.

It ached her heart to no end when she heard of the real reason on why Millianna joined Marmaid Heel. Her nakama aiming to take revenge for her fallen comrade, Simon was commendable but against Jellal… she didn't know what to think.

Millianna had assumed that even Erza held the same rage going in her, to avenge their friend. But, the truth couldn't be closer than it could be. She was in love with him until recently, and she may still harbor some feelings for him. Feeling anger on such a person was difficult no matter what crimes they did.

A long distant gaze filled her eyes, as she stared at the buildings underneath.

"What's wrong, Erza-chan?"

She nearly jumped in surprise, but since she was so lost in her thought, she didn't react. She turned towards the approaching blonde, giving him a small smile in return. "How was Ramen?"

"Ramen?!" Naruto blinked incredulously, his cheeks flushed a bit. "That girl Cana took me to a Bar, not the ramen stand. I never thought that I would really break one of the three prohibitions."

"I think you are old enough to drink, Naruto." Erza smiled a bit as she went back to viewing the buildings.

Naruto walked and leaned against the railing too. "Yeah, well it's not about age. It's just something my mother told me about."

"Your mom?" As far as Erza knew, Naruto was an orphan. He did not meet his parents. Rather, he couldn't when they were dead.

As if reading her mind, Naruto folded his arms, "I know what you are thinking. It was just possible to meet her because of my dad."

"If I remember correctly, your father was the fourth Hokage, right?" She learnt all about that from the Rookie nine.

His eyes were filled with distant look, "Yeah. You know about Kurama as well, don't you?" He continued when she nodded, "He and I weren't exactly friends from the start. My father sealed him inside me when I was born. My mom and he got sacrificed in the process."

"Oh, I am sorry." She knew about that from Sakura and Hinata. But, actually hearing from Naruto was kind of sad. She knew all too well about losing someone. Old man Rob had sacrificed himself for her long ago. Simon had also sacrificed his life for her.

"Nah, it was a long time ago." Naruto grinned, but it only ached Erza's heart more. "He made the seal in such a way… well, that I could meet my mother when I was older. Which I got to."

"Oh, that's good to hear." Probably another thing possible from chakra.

"I even got to meet my dad in the war. I couldn't have asked for more," Naruto continued to grin. He caught few strands of her hair in his fingers surprising her a bit. "My mom had the same hair, as bright as yours. In fact, she was called the red hot blooded Habanero."

Erza recognized the nickname. Few of the shinobi back in Konoha had dubbed her that when she interrogated them. "Ah, I see."

"So, what's troubling you?" He asked retracting his hands.

Erza shrugged. It seemed only fair to share now that he practically shared his past, something which she cannot do as freely as him. "I never thought a day would come like this."

"What, you talking to me about personal stuff?"

"No." Erza shook her head. "Regarding my friends, Jellal and Millianna. I still don't know what he is thinking."

"Who? Jellal?"

"Yeah," she sank deeper into her arms. "He was influenced since he was young and forced to do many horrible things. My friend Millianna hates him for that."

Naruto remembered Nagato being manipulated by Obito, Obito by Madara, Madara by Black Zetsu and Sasuke by… well almost everyone. "I kind of understand what you are saying."

"It's not the whole truth. He…" Erza swallowed the lump in her throat. This was a lot harder for her to say than she thought. "He had killed one of our friends when he was being manipulated."

Naruto only stared at her. "Is he still being manipulated?"

"No. He is not." Erza shook her head quickly. "He has been on a journey of redemption for the past six years."

Naruto smiled, "I don't see the problem then."

"Well, except that it isn't." Erza turned to Naruto. "Millianna is looking to avenge our fallen friend. She… she intends to kill him. She, along with Kagura wants revenge on him."

Naruto chuckled, confusing Erza. "Sorry." He apologized when she narrowed her eyes. He did not mean to offend her. That word just reminded him of Sasuke. "This Jellal guy… it looks like he and Sasuke are a lot similar."

"Similar?"

"Both are atoning for their sins." Naruto's gaze fell down. "To be honest, Sasuke was manipulated for most of his life until recently. Due to which he came to be that bastard that he is, but that's fine. He is alright now."

"He was being manipulated?" This was new. Sasuke was being manipulated his whole life. He never looked like the type to be manipulated. He was like… an all-knowing, wise, aloof guy. He looked like the one to manipulate, not the other way around.

"I probably shouldn't say much…" Naruto shouldn't. But, after peaking her curiosity, it would be bad if she asked Sasuke about it. "But I'll say this. I understand his reasons for going down the path he went so please don't be quick to condone him." After all, Sasuke's clan was prosecuted, his older brother used and his clan killed in the process. The Shinobi world had been cruel.

"I see... I won't Naruto. You don't have to worry about that," She spoke gently, sinking into her arms again. The Uchiha knew all about her past, but she still knew nothing about his if her talk with Naruto was anything to go by.

"All I can say is as long as you don't give up, your friends will end up okay." Naruto gave her a thumbs up, filling in the words of encouragement.

"I hope that you are right."

"Come on, you got to participate tomorrow and I am excited to see these games and you in action." Naruto said, walking back towards the bar. Erza smiled staring at the retreating end of the blonde, before following him.

..

Sasuke frowned a bit as he finished reading half of a scroll. This scroll contained Erza's physiology, which Kakashi handed to him before he followed after her to Fiore. So far, everything seemed normal until the physiology of her eyes caught his attention.

A fake right eye, huh? Must be during the time she stood up for her friends in the tower. The chair beside him was moved and a figure huffed and sat down. Sasuke only nodded greeting the ice wizard.

"What's wrong?" Sasuke asked closing the scroll. "You look exhausted."

Gray crossed his arms, "Until now, I was in the middle of some tug-of-war between Lyon and Juvia, and I have no idea what it was about."

Sasuke looked at his fellow guild mate, "I wasn't even there, but I think I know what exactly went down." The water girl's stalking abilities were so scary that Sasuke was so thankful that she was stalking Gray. Nobody in Konoha, not even Karin seemed to pale in comparison to her. But, even Sakura was the same and in the end, she deserved a straight answer. "You must know how she feels, right?"

Gray's cheeks were a bit flushed, as he propped his chin against his palm and looked away. "I know."

"She deserves a straight answer, Gray." If she was really serious about Gray like Sakura that was the least he could do. "Why not give her a clear-cut response?"

Gray was adamant about it as he refused to meet Sasuke's gaze. Juvia… he hadn't thought of anything before. But, maybe Sasuke was right. "I guess I have to listen to your advice. An advice from a senior helps after all."

Sasuke cocked an eyebrow as he set down the sake, "Senior?"

"Yeah… you know, you and Erza," Gray spoke as the Uchiha froze slightly. He watched in amusement as he managed to get a reaction from the stoic Uchiha. "There is a rumor around the guild that you guys are a couple."

"Well, things are a bit complicated," Sasuke sighrd. Honestly, it was. He still couldn't get a read of what Erza wanted. One time, she says that they will have to wait, and there was this incident today. "I'd say we aren't a couple." Yet. "So, you have to do something regarding her. Got it, right?"

"Who? Juvia?" Gray asked. He sighed when Sasuke nodded. "Uh, ok. I will." The door to the bar opened just then, and he observed Sasuke's friend Naruto and Erza walk in. Naruto was a cheery, cool guy, but it was a bit sad that he had to take after the Flame Brain.

"And, one other thing, Gray." Gray turned back towards the Uchiha who stared at him with a stern expression. "Do not mention about this conversation to anyone." Especially the dobe. He released some of his killer intent to get the point across as the Ice Wizard was startled.

..

Back in the inn where Fairy Tail team A rested, their team had assembled along with Naruto. Everyone were in their night clothes along with Naruto.

"I am Natsu Dragneel, and this is Happy." Natsu offered his hand to Naruto who shook it. "Sorry, I was busy and wasn't around when you arrived."

Naruto looked to side scratching his cheek. Well, even he got carried away. "I was kind of disappointed to be placed as a reserve member for Team A, but I think it's for the best." He could study about magic in the meantime. "I can only hope I can do justice to the muscle guy."

"You mean Elfmann-san," Wendy asked as she smiled. "I don't think strength will be of any issue to you, Naruto-san."

"Yeah, I know."

Talk about confidence, Lucy thought. She then turned towards Natsu. The real problem at hand, "Natsu, why did you have to fight Sabertooth?!"

Natsu sat on his bed, "Yeah, I actually wanted to mix it up more…" He raised his fist. "Too bad it ended right as I was getting fired up."

"I am sorry, Natsu." Happy cried anime tears. "It's my fault for getting caught." If he wouldn't, then he was sure Natsu would have stormed the place.

"What are you talking about?" Charla, the white exceed scolded. "We were lucky it ended the way it did."

"That's right." Wendy joined in. "If one of their team members were injured, we might've been disqualified."

"What if you already injured them?" Naruto asked.

"Well, for one, we would have to apologize and…" Lucy stopped when she saw Naruto smiling sheepishly. "You didn't." She growled.

"Well, I may have or may not have injured or hurt a Sabertooth guild member, whose name may or may not have been Sting." Naruto rubbed the back of his head, chuckling nervously before bowing his head down. "I am sorry."

"Naruto wasn't an official member at the time." Erza voiced her thoughts on the matter. "Plus the area was kind of illegal, so even if Sting wanted to complain to the authorities, he would have to explain his actions first. And, he doesn't know Naruto's real identity." So there wasn't any problem as of now. The only problem at hand was Natsu.

Everyone stared at the dragon slayer. Gray shot a finger at him, "You are incredibly stupid! Use your head a little!"

"Exactly!" Lucy placed her hands on her hips. Only Erza and Gray could force some common sense into Natsu's head. And, Gray really looked mad at Natsu. Perhaps, he was just as upset as she was. "Pour into it, Gray! Read into the riot act!"

Gray grabbed Natsu's collar as if on cue. "If you were gonna take the fight to them, you should have invited me!" And not leave him alone with Juvia and Lyon. God, that was a torturous two hours. "It's not fair that you get all the fun!"

"You are missing the point!" Lucy scolded Gray. That was why he got angry?! These both were idiots.

Erza walked in between them. "Just because you lost a fight doesn't mean you should get payback outside the Arena."

"That's not what it was about." Gray closed his eyes. "I just wanted to send a message to that Rufus bastard. That was all."

The images of Yukino crying popped into Natsu's head again. He lit his fist on fire, "Dammit! I am still angry at them." He seethed. "I think I'll go back and fight some more." He said walking towards the door.

"Count me in." Naruto joined him. Well, he was bored anyway and if the enemies were from Sting's guild, he was sure that they would entertain him.

"I am coming too!" Gray ran after them only for them to be blocked by Lucy and Wendy.

"Can't you just settle it in the tournament?" Wendy pleaded, to which Naruto immediately conceded.

He patted her head, "Who could deny such a request. We won't be going anywhere."

"Traitor."

"Back-stabber."

"Hey, I's not like you can deny such a good girl," Naruto protested against Gray and Natsu only for them to throw a pillow at him. He dodged it by bending down, but realized that he should have taken the hit. He realized it too late, as it had already hit Erza on the back of her head.

There were few things Naruto learned in his life. Bonds were important to a person. The three prohibitions of a shinobi, and never mess with women, especially ones like Sakura or Erza. Their echoes filled the area as Erza took a mere pillow fight to a whole new bloody level. Well, day 3 starts tomorrow and it was the day where miracles were going to take place. Swords dance in the Pandemonium whereas Lightning dances in the clouds.

Next chapter: Erza Vs 100 monsters.

Regarding the siblings and their personalities, well... the kid takes after Obito in a way and the girl takes after Mikasa.

I'll explain in the next chapter as to how Naruto appeared and why.

Has Sasuke used his powerful jutsus? He hadn't had the chance, but I can assure that it isn't far away. Next chapter, something may happen though.

Anyway, Until then, later!