Hola! Ya he terminado con mi tarea de Espanol! (Otra vez) Gah! Now, for those who don't understand this at all (I didn't either, I went to Google Translate to get this) it means: Homework de Spanish is el finished.

Sorry, I think I've consumed too much sugar, for I'm very hyper, and why whatever is above this above. But anyway, guess what? I didn't realize it until just recently, but I have 103 reviews! That means so much to me (even with the ones that don't help my already non-existent self-esteem xD) and I'm really happy! But now I have some sad news: as said in the previous chapter, this chapter is the beginning of the end. T-T. There may be 3-4 more chapters, and an epilogue (which is not included in the 3-4 chaps.).

But, enough with that depressing stuff! Y'know, I'm thinking, after I've got my other two stories along a steady path ( I posted them last week, and like nobody likes them, but whatever x3) I'll post another Naruto story. I don't have much together right now, but it'll be a Team 7 time-traveling fic. (Won't that be fun?) And there won't be any Sakura-bashing. I've read so much Sakura-bashing that I'm surprised that she won't be bashed.

But anyway, I want to reply to some people. I'm going to start doing this in my (popular) stories.

InARealPickle: Thanks for the info. I now know what a C2 is. (I just checked, and this story's in 6 of 'em.) And for the blood transfusion. I'm deprived of that knowledge except fro what I've seen on House. xD

EK12: Thanks, I'll see if I can make Kushina glomp him. It depends on how she's feeling, though. ;)

Also, the ages of the characters will be Naruto's back-in-time age. This isn't because of my wants, but for everything to flow along. (The group of time-travelers had a price to pay, and thus shall pay by going back in age, like Naruto. Make sense?)

Now, Onwards with the story! (Chapter 12-11 (11)) ! (I've got the gummy bear song stuck in my head!)

Legend

"Talking/talking in mindscape"

'Thinking/talking to Kyuubi'

"Bijuu talking"

'Bijuu thinking'

~Recap~

'He won't suspect a thing,' Naruto thought to himself and to Kyuubi, filled with mirth. 'And he won't know at all…'

~ End Recap~

It hadn't taken much to convince Kushina that Naruto was her son. She had somehow known that Naruto and she were related, but was waiting for him to come out with it. ("I knew you were my son! No one besides me can eat so much ramen without throwing up!" Kushina exclaimed before glomping him and rubbing her cheek against his soft golden locks.) It had relieved Naruto; he had thought that his parents would have reacted more strongly than they had. Nonetheless, he was indeed grateful for their understanding and acceptance. Now, if only he could inform them about the Kyuubi attack…

Currently, Naruto was training out in the training fields within the Namikaze compound, practicing his katas while Itachi observed.

"You have improved in your styles greatly, Naruto-kun." Itachi complimented, garnering a large smile from the golden-haired boy. It wasn't often that Itachi (let alone any Uchiha, really) gave out compliments. So when he did, it was something to be proud of.

"Thanks. It took me almost eight months to combine the two together." Naruto replied, honestly pleased with his progress. He remembered a year ago when he and Kyuubi were working on it in his mindscape. Kyuubi had relentlessly made fun of him for falling on his butt all the time.

"I still do," Kyuubi commented, chuckling. Naruto pouted slightly, making the Uchiha prodigy wonder what was going on in his little ototou's head.

"But you have, indeed, improved immensely, as the Uchiha said. Your control and accuracy of the form had improved greatly since we began. Not to mention that you have mastered control over my none-tails. That's something not to take lightly." Kyuubi said, Naruto nodding his head in agreement. He remembered the day where he had finally gained control of all nine-tails. He had felt, and still does, a sense of great accomplishment. It had been, after all, one of the hardest tasks he had ever done.

Smiling serenely, Naruto didn't notice Itachi sighing before going to sit under a tree with a nice patch of shade, and a book in hand. Summers were warm in Konoha, and that hadn't changed, despite being in the past.

'Ne, Kyuubi, when do you think he'll attack?' Naruto asked. He knew that Kyuubi was well aware of who he was referring to. It was a subject they didn't often talk about, but, Naruto had thins sinking feeling in him that was growing ever so steadily, and he was worried. Worried that his friends and family would be torn away from him, all by his former best friend.

Kyuubi didn't respond for a bit, knowing the thoughts that were going through his kit's mind. Kyuubi let his host go through the katas one more time before he tugged on the young ninja's mind, telling said ninja that he was ready to reply.

Naruto put away the wooden katana he had gotten from his dad on the porch table before walking over to sit by Itachi.

Itachi didn't bother looking up when he saw the boy coming over. It was times like these, he knew, that it was best to stay silent, rather than voice your thoughts. In time, he would be able to say his thoughts, but for now, he remained quiet. Naruto needed to sort out this problem himself.

Sitting down besides Itachi, Naruto was thankful for the elder's silence. It was all he could ask for at the moment. Appreciating the silence given, Naruto gave his full attention to his tenant.

"He will attack soon," Kyuubi began, seriousness echoing in his voice. "I believe him to be here already, though he had yet to reveal himself." Naruto tensed, but did not say anything. "It would be wise if you told your father this," Kyuubi continued. "That way he can inform the village of this, and make sure everyone's ready for this. Although," Kyuubi mused. "This will have to be done in secret. We do not want him finding out. If he does, he'll be even more cautious, and won't attack when he normally would."

Naruto nodded in agreement. In order to get the best possible advantage against Sasuke, he would need to inform his father. 'I agree with what you're saying. If we can prepare the villagers for a sudden attack without Sasuke knowing, it would be a tremendous help. I don't want to worry about anyone while I'm fighting Sasuke,' Naruto told his tenant determinedly. 'I'm not going to hold back this time. I WILL kill him, and I WILL put an end to this madness. It's been going on for far too long.'

Kyuubi smiled at his kit, proud. He had grown up from the brat he was when he was thirteen. 'And time will only tell how things will turn out,' Kyuubi thought, solemnly.

Though Naruto couldn't hear Kyuubi's thoughts, he knew what his tenant was thinking, for he was thinking the same thing too. Naruto smiled grimly at the thought. The two had come far, and they weren't about to let someone ruin it all because they wanted revenge. No, the two were going to fight until they died. Jinchuuriki's and bijuu's never closer than the two were.

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It was a clear blue day, the sun was out shining, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. The Rookie Nine, along with the Subaku siblings, had decided to meet up and go on a picnic. It was at this time that Tenten and Ino were dragging Naruto and Shikamaru, while the others were following along, silently laughing at the misfortune of their two friends. They had all brought something along to make the picnic more enjoyable. Chouji brought a couple (3) of picnic baskets filled to the brim with food, courtesy of his mom; the Subaku siblings had brought two coolers filled with drinks; Hinata and Neji brought blankets where they could sit; Shino brought a boom box; Ino brought the music for the boom box; Kiba had brought games they could play, as well as Frisbees and the works; Lee and Tenten brought old albums for everyone to see.

Naruto and Shikamaru, though, had only been informed of the picnic that same day, and thus weren't able to bring anything. And thus, they were being dragged at the front of the group.

The villagers watched in amusement as the group of ninja walked along. They didn't look like anything but teenagers having fun. Though they knew, without having to be told, that these teens held secrets to themselves, though they knew it was for the good of the village. The villagers couldn't help but sigh; kids so young, being forced to kill, forced to fight. But, 'twas the life of a Shinobi. And so, they smiled at the group who had managed to keep their somewhat childish demeanors. And they prayed to whatever gods existed; they prayed for them to keep that attitude, keep that childishness. For once it's gone, it isn't ever coming back.

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The place for the picnic was a well chosen on, courtesy of Ino. It was inside the village, but away from civilization. When she was younger, she would often come up to this hill to play. It was, indeed, and ideal location for a picnic; it had been left to Mother Nature, and Mother Nature had done her job well. The hill itself was large and somewhat flat, able to fit the group easily with room to play and run around. There were also trees in which they could use for shade. It also gave one of the best views of Konoha, besides the Hokage Monument.

They had chosen a large oak to dine under. It provided shade, but it also let through light, making the ground they were now on seem to be surreal. The boys set out the blankets and opened the coolers, the girls set out the food. There was pleasant chatter among the group as they all sat down and ate. The food provided by Chouji's mom was delicious. There was a variety of things to chose from, ranging from sandwiches to pasta to rice, and more in between. The Subaku siblings had brought various drinks, such as lemonade, water and soda. "We would've brought some beer, too," Kankuro said, shooting a glance at his elder sister. "But Temari wouldn't let us."

"Think about it, Kankuro," Temari replied, meeting her brother's glare with her own. "Do you really think that a bunch of fourteen year-olds should be getting buzzed up on alcohol? What would their parents have to say about it?"

"But technically, we're twenty and older, Temari," Kankuro argued. "Besides," Kankuro sent a wry look towards Naruto. "I bet you have a bunch of sake on you." The group looked towards a sheepish Naruto, who had a hand scratching the back of his head. They all sweat-dropped, sans Naruto.

Temari sighed. "I guess that's expected," She said. "How much do you have on you right now?" she asked Naruto, who had gone into a thinking pose.

"Hmm… I think I have enough bottles to get everyone here pleasantly buzzed." He replied, smiling. The group shook their heads at their blond Hokage before going back to eat.

The group of teens had soon finished their portions of the food, and there was some left for later (Chouji's mom really had packed enough) they began playing games, going back to when they were six years old, and laughing childishly at each other's misfortunes.

They had turned on Shino's boom box, and Ino had put in some of her music. The song that was playing as the teens sat down to take was "Hey Soul Sister" by Train. (Don't look at me like that. I am not weird to put this into a ninja fanfic.)

The sun was starting to set, and it was a gorgeous one, over looking their home city. Ino sighed in happiness before remembering that there were two people that hadn't brought anything along for this joyous occasions (besides themselves.)

"Shika, Naru…" Ino sang out, sending shivers down the spines of said persons. The two looked over to a mischievously smiling Ino. "You two remember that you didn't bring anything to the picnic, riiiight?"

Naruto and Shikamaru gulped, not liking the look on her face, or the sound of her voice.

"But! I have a solution to that." Her grin got larger, if possible. "One of you will have to sing a song." She said.

"'One of us'?" Shikamaru asked. "What do you mean by that?"

"Its simple. The two of you'll play Jan Ken Pon. Whoever wins won't have to sing. But the loser will have to sing a song for the group." Ino explained, noticing those who were not forced to be in this situation smiling at her plan.

The two contestants paled at this, and looked a each other. Nodding, the two called out, "Jan Ken Pon!" With their hands revealed, they both had rock. "Jan Ken Pon!" The two called again, this time both having scissors. "Jan Ken Pon!" The two called for the third time, and this time, the results were different.

Shikamaru sighed in relief while Naruto pouted. Shikamaru had chosen paper, and it had beaten Naruto's rock. Shikamaru smirked up at his Hokage. "Looks like you'll have to sing now, Naruto." Shikamaru said amused, now that he didn't have to sing.

Naruto growled. "Oh shut up Shika. You'll regret it." Naruto threatened. While Shikamaru took this seriously, he secretly laughed when Naruto had turned away.

"Okay Naruto, you have to sing us a song!" Ino proclaimed. "And you can't be in your fourteen-year-old form either." Naruto swore, making the group, even Gaara, laugh.

"Fine," He muttered. He let loose the strong genjutsu, and stretched. His fourteen-year-old body wasn't so bad, but the side affects of the genjutsu made his body cramp.

Naruto sighed, not looking forward to singing. What was he going to sing, anyway? He looked around, to see if he could find any thing to sing about. Looking up, he saw the stars coming out, and just so happened to see a red star* in the sky. And that's when it came to him.

"Aha!" He proclaimed, smacking his fist into his other hand. "I know which song I'll sing." He smiled, remembering the song. It was a sad one, but was also a pretty tune as well.

Smiling, he took out a scroll he always kept on him in a seal located behind his left ear, and took out a bottle of sake. (He'd never tell his dad about that he'd never be able to store sake in there again.) Out of the corner of his eye, he could see his friends chit chatting as they collected their items, and packed everything away.

Silently, he jumped to a large branch on the large oak that gave a clear view of his beloved village. The smile on his face faded from view, as he remembered the sad events that had taken place in the future. He didn't let his team mates know, but today was the day that his Sensei, Sakura-chan, Sai and his Baa-chan were taken from him. It wasn't until the next day that they found the bodies. But Naruto knew that they had died the night before, yet he couldn't bring himself to go get them.

Naruto uncorked the cork to his sake, one that he had been saving for when he was Hokage, so he could share it with his Baa-chan, and took a large swig. It burned his throat as it went down, and warmed his stomach. He felt the tears in his eyes, but didn't care. He started to sing.

"Natsuhiboshi…"

The remaining Rookie Nine, as well as the Subaku siblings, stopped their work when they heard the beautiful, yet incredibly sad voice. They all looked over and saw that their Hokage was the one singing. They all watched, and saw as the heart of their leader ripped into pieces once again…

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"Natsuhiboshi…"

The villagers all paused as they heard the voice. It was beautiful, but oh, was it ever sad. Minato and Kushina, who were eating out at a barbeque that night since Naruto was out with his friends, paused in their eating as well, listening to the tortured soul sing his beautiful song.

"Natsuhiboshi, naze akai?

Yuube kanashii yume wo mita.

Naite hanashita

Akai me yo…"

There was a pause in the voice's singing, and as the wind blew gently in through the village, it was as if it was playing the unheard melody.

And the voice started back up again, bringing the attention back to the singer.

"Natsuhiboshi, naze mayou?

Kieta warashi wo sagashiteru.

Dakara kanashii

Yume wo miru…"

The song ended, and those who listened could not help but wonder: who was the voice singing? And why were they?

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Naruto sighed as he finished singing. He didn't let the tears go, but he could tell that his friends could see the unshed ones glistening in his eyes. He could feel them, so why shouldn't they be able to see them?

He looked down from his perch to look at his friends, who were watching him sadly. He put on a bright smile, but both he and his friends knew it was fake.

He flipped from his perch and looked up at his friends with a pout. "I'm hungry! Let's go get something to eat!" He whined, causing the group to laugh.

"Baka, you just ate ten an hour ago! How can you be hungry?' Ino asked amusedly.

"Isn't it obvious?" He asked the group. They tensed, thinking he was going to bring up his tenant. "Because I can be!" he proclaimed, causing everyone, except Neji and Gaara (who sighed and shook their heads) to face-fault.

"Baka!" Ino shouted at him, hitting him upside the head. Naruto pouted, causing everyone to laugh. Lee gave Naruto, who had landed on the ground with an 'oomph' a hand up. Naruto brushed himself off, before tensing. He looked around, trying to find that source. 'It couldn't be…'

"What a nice reunion." A male voice said. The group of shinobi looked up to the branch Naruto had just vacated, and paled. (In Naruto's case, he paled even more so.)

"It's too bad that I'm going to have to kill you all," The man said, jumping down from the branch, a smirk on his face.

Naruto growled low.

"Sasuke."

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And there ya have it! I liked writing this chapter, despite it being sad.

*Natsuhiboshi is the song from the filler episode 182, after Sasuke leaves, but before Naruto leaves for training. I love this song. I've got it memorized. xD