Guest: I read the previous chapter again and tried to fix the misspelling and the confusion. Hopefully it's readable now. Thank you for mentioning it! You're actually the only one who mentions my misspellings and stuff. As for your question- Kurama doesn't like being in an inferior position, not even if that person was Naruto. He likes being viewed as an equal. That's how I interpret the furry fox though. Does that make sense to you? Thank you for your thoughts on the pairing and your lovely review! Enjoy another chapter! ^^

Madam3Mayh3m: Hahahah! I definitely understand why you would vouch for a MadaraxNaruto pairing. That guy is so unloved. Thank you for your opinion on that matter and the review as well! Enjoy!

RoseeAnn: So, we have Tobirama, a random Hyuuga or a newcomer from Uzushiogakure. Those three are pairing that I haven't read in any of the reviews, I think. I can see why you would choose them- passionate and level-headed. Thanks for your input, I'm still considering the many options and until they haven't reached the age of 15 and older, their relationships will remain platonic. Thank you for the lovely review as well! You're certainly not ranting not is your review boring, no worries! Enjoy!

Kalyle07: You do make a valid point but as long as they aren't close family members I consider it doable. Thanks for the review though, I appreciate it!

VanCloude: I think you're the second till now, I'm not quite sure. Izuna is a possible pairing, especially considering he is a pairing that is seldom seen in many fanfics. Thank you for your input in this though. I appreciate you took the time to review! Enjoy another chapter!

KaixDecayx: No need to blush, giving some attention to my faithful readers is the least I can do. You're taking your precious time to read my chapters and review as well. So, thank you. Zetsu will make an appearance soon. Thank you for your review!

ElPsyCongroo: I feel like I should point out the reasons why I wrote my story like that.

I know it's weird to have Madara crushing on her like that, but he is a teenager. Naruto views him as a friend, she hadn't crossed her boundaries- till now, she had regarded him and all her other male friends as friends, purely platonic. She gives out love and hugs freely. That's how her character should be if Naruto had been female. As for all the attention she receives from the clan. Well, that's easy, she has a lot of raw power that many Uchihas are envious of. Power is like a drug back in the Warring Era and Naruto has lots of raw power, so it's no surprise when she receives al lot of attention from the Uchiha clan. Most of the female Uchiha inhabitants aren't ninja so they wouldn't know, they would feel but not know.

Second, in the Narutoverse all the children grow up way faster than normal. We should not be comparing them to the childhood we had. Even less so if it was during the Warring Era. From the moment they can walk they are given harsh training to fight as soldiers. So no childhood nor innocence anymore. That means that they have to grow up fast, especially during war. So, no I don't find the age abnormal. Age doesn't count in a world where one trains to become a killer at the age of five.

Third, I found your statement about Naruto's strength valid, but even that can easily be explained. Naruto has Kurama inside of her, she can use nature chakra, she has the Sharingan, she can use her old intellect and sharp instincts from her previous body. Surely, she can be tricky and defeat her opponent. She knows jutsus that many didn't know during the Warring Era. She is living her second life. That alone makes her very special and deadly.

I'm not writing this because I'm offended or to offend you. I do understand your logical reasoning and answered politely with my reasoning behind it. I hope you aren't offended in any way and enjoy reading my story. And if not, well, no one is forcing you to read this story. Thank you for the review nonetheless, I'm always open for any criticism!

akasha (point) brunestud: Thank you for the lovely review. I'm glad you enjoy my story. As for following canon, I am not planning on doing that. I'm going to change a lot of things and let my imagination run wild and free! The pairing is still under consideration but in the end I will be the one to decide who Naruto will be paired with.

Siatuvai1002 & the epicslime: I'm not so sure about a harem. I prefer a couple as a pairing. ;)

LittleWesties9: Thank you for the adorable review. As of now, I can update because I'm free ad have no school until a week or two. Until then, I'll be updating regularly. To reply on your comment- they are young but there will be a time-skip coming soon, no worries! And I certainly don't plan on following canon, having Naruto's presence there is enough of an influence to have. Things will change, I will make sure of that!

Here is a list of the ages of the characters:

- Hashirama/Madara: 13 years old

- Tobirama/Izuna: 11 years old

- Naruto: 10 years old

- Itama: 8 years old

Asura's Will

.

.

By Angelbloodlover

.

~ "Let no man pull you so low as to hate him."

―

Marthin Luther King Jr., A Knock at Midnight: Inspiration from the Great Sermons of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.

.

.

.

Chapter 10: Clusterfuck

"In the world, those who break the rules are scum, but those who abandon their friends are worse than scum."

- Uchiha Obito

One whole year had passed already and Naruto couldn't believe how fast time flew by. It felt like it was yesterday when she had been carried like a rag doll through the gates of the giant compound.

Glancing around her, she noted with a slight grimace that the children were being trained in groups of twenty before another trainer took up the mantle to train another batch of future shinobis. Most of them were male ninja. Discrimination of the fairer sex was still considered one of the strongest reasons to not let girls become ninjas. If the women in the clan still want to become a kunoichi then they would be the ones to become spies. Viewed as fragile, soft, too sweet, vulnerable, weak. Women were being sheltered because they were precious and needed home to create more offspring- that didn't mean that they were neglected and abused. The opposite, they were treated fairly and right by all but not one male Uchiha would want his female family members to become a part of the war.

She could understand their reason but that didn't justify their actions. Men and women were equal. Why was that concept so hard to understand?

Hidden rage and murderous fury bubbled beneath her skin. She realized that even she was being sheltered at times. Madara and Izuna kept taking missions after missions while she had to stay in the compound for most of the time and help in the healing ward. She loved helping in the ward but her mind and heart would be with her precious people. If it weren't for the fact that she had given them self-made bracelets where her special seal was engraved on it, then she wouldn't have been able to concentrate on anything. She would be able to know they were in danger the moment their chakra flickered in distress.

Medical knowledge during these times was hardly noteworthy. It was abysmal and slightly worrying to see so many people die because of lack of skills. In her time they would have been able to patch up and treat almost everyone. Even the very difficult case would have received some form of treatment. But here, it was a despairing sight. She had prevented cases were one would have been amputated if it hadn't been for her presence. So, it was with renewed energy that she had helped the healing wives.

With a sad smile, she left her wandering thoughts and her sorrowful memories. Without another look to the training children, she walked towards the agreed destination. Today would be the day Tobirama would join them. He was the only one who didn't accompany them to their special training ground. Even Izuna had soon joined them after he expressed his interest in joining. Neither Madara nor she had refused him, in fact, they had ushered him along and he had met Hashirama and Izuna with slight curiosity and hidden doubt. Now, Nauto could safely say that in Hashirama he found another worthy sparring partner and in Itama he had found a good friend.

Today was also a good day to train- the sun rays were dancing on her tanned skin, the cloudless sky was clear. Her fingers were itching for some excessive training. Being cooped up in the healing ward didn't help either. She was fidgeting and ready to get some needed action. When she saw the faint outline of two waiting figures, she waved happily, ignoring the jealous looks she received from the girls her age. Really, jealousy made their face scrunch up hideously. Such a shame.

Sliding her feet to a stop, she smirked playfully. "Ready for some training?"

Two crooked smirks were their reply.

If Naruto had known the meeting would be a downright disaster, then she would have tried for a different approach. But now, she was doomed to salvage the situation.

"If I had known that you were from the Senju clan," Madara sneered, an ugly expression taking control of his usual carefree facial features. "I wouldn't have befriended you. Your dirty clan killed our brothers!" He shifted in a fighting stance, Izuna copying him without any hesitation.

"Madara! How can you say such-" Tobirama cut his brother off, a deadly glare etched on his youthful face, "Aniki, stop reasoning with the Uchiha! They have killed Kawarama and almost succeeded in killing Itama! Let's take them out. It's three on three!" Tobirama finished seriously, ruby-red eyes glinting merciless.

"Tobi-nii ..." Itama murmured ruefully, wrenching his hands in nervousness.

Hashirama felt tears sting his eyes and looked at the still Naruto, her aura clearly displeased and dark.

Then, chaos erupted like a volcano and swords were clashing and ringing throughout their shared meadow. Her eyes took everything in as fists were clenched in a deadly grip, nails breaking skin. Red trickled down but she didn't care. Nothing mattered if this mess wouldn't be fixed. Taking a deep breath, she formulated a plan. Enough was enough.

Naruto walked calmly in the middle of the battlefield. She ignored Madara's murderous stare, Izuna's shaking form (somuchanger-), Hashirama's pleading self, Tobirama's unflinching stare and finally locked eyes with Itama. He was on the verge of crying at the unfairness they were in.

"Enough," her words were merely a whisper. Her killing intent rose, her eyes became a demonic-red, smoldering like hot lava.

'In the end their shared friendship didn't mean anything... Naruto, take control of the situation and fix it before it's too late.' Kurama stated harshly, sad that his friend and jailer was suffering because of the ancient hatred between the opposing clans.

Everyone ceased their fights and gasped at the unbelievable killing intent. Never had they felt such demonic chakra choking them. Dark and ancient, it was twisting their way in their lungs, in their pores- it was everywhere. Air around them seemed to dissipate until they were grasping for breath and the inhumane feeling evaporated, leaving behind wispy chakra remnants of death.

No one dared to speak, wary and fearful eyes watching Naruto in a new light. Never had she exuded such demonic chakra.

Until, "Who are you?" Madara croaked.

Naruto didn't answer and settled for glaring at him, chin jutted upwards and eyes burning with such a rage. He flinched.

"I'm so disappointed. We are friends and yet you would dare to raise your weapons against one another!" Her voice shrill and loud, "What good did come out of this?! Look at yourself and tell me if you're proud of your actions!" Fury laced her every breath, "How dare you destroy the friendship we had built together in less than a second! Has war and death made you mad?! Is this the life you all want?!"

She locked her eyes with each individual, starting from Madara, "Friends, no, best friends don't push away each other this fast. Clearly, the bonds and memories we shared was nothing more than a farce for you." She ignored his hurt and frightful look, moving over to Izuna, "And you, I don't even know where to start. I remember a distinct conversation regarding this certain situation. I would have thought that you, at the very least, would have acted differently. Alas, I had put too much undeserving faith in you."

She continued incessantly. Her heart hurt. Her mask crumpled. Hot tears flowed down.

Eyes roved over Hashirama and Itama, a sad smile on her visage.

"You," Gracefully like a panther, "Are you happy with what you have achieved?" Narrowed eyes, she flickered her Sharingan on, ignoring the tightening of Tobirama's fists and his avoidance. "Do you find me a monster?! Am I that disgusting to you that you don't even have the audacity to look me in the eyes?" Burning and scorching like the Suna desert, "Look me in the eyes and tell me that the Uchiha and the Senju can't be friends!"

The moment Tobirama looked up, he was met with fierce, red-rimmed Sharingan eyes. He sucked in a deep breath, not knowing what to say in the face of this weird half Uchiha. "How do you expect us to throw away centuries of fighting and hatred? We lost loved ones, never to return to this earthly realm! Stop spewing out childish and non-realistic shit! Uchiha and Senju will never be friends as long as this fighting continues!" Angrier, disturbing eyes on her persona, "This world is no utopia so stop pretending it to be! I will forevermore fight for my clan until the day I die!"

Naruto stared, dried tear marks on her cheeks. "Leave."

Tobirama was sputtering, "What?"

"I said leave!" She roared. "I don't want your distasteful presence here." Turning her attention on the rest, "If you wish to forget the bonds we had shared then I bid you all farewell." Her voice became feather light and tranquil, hope blossoming in her heart, "But I will never give up on our friendship. I shall come here everyday and train and if you wish to continue our friendship then feel free to join me. Until then I want you all to leave." Her blood-red lips curled up darkly, "Don't you dare desecrate the place where we had shared so many beautiful memories!"

She closed her eyes and listened to the rustling of footsteps, hovering nearby. "Please leav-" Itama's voice interrupted her, "No! I will not leave you!" His arms snaked around her waist and she opened her eyes to the smell of saline and grief.

"Itama, go with your brothers."

He shook his head stubbornly, hot tears on his sweet face.

Sighing, she stared deep into his eyes, lulling him into sleep. Before his body crumpled like a sack of bones, she cradled him safely in her arms. "Hashirama, take him back."

Her words sounded so hollow and aged. Her heart was fluttering like a madman, body encased in sweat.

After she had handed Itama to a saddened and grief-stricken Hashirama, he, too, voiced his opinion, "I will also not give up our friendship. I will return, Naruto." His eyes crinkled upwards, promises and tears were shared. Tobirama cast one more fleeting look at Naruto and left alongside his brothers.

Only two more left.

Back facing to them, she waited.

Hope bloomed in her chest when she felt Madara reach out to her.

"Aniki. Let's leave. This place was never meant for us." Izuna stated coldly.

...and it was easily crushed by a forlorn sigh.

When everyone left, she broke.

Sobs were her only companions throughout the day. Even Kurama's comforting words didn't ease the heartbreak.

True to her promise, she kept training in their cherished place. A treasure trove filed with melodic laughter and alluring dreams.

She didn't want to face anyone and remained. Only one clone continued working in the healing ward, ignoring everyone and everything.

Days and nights passed. As did her hope.

Her training regime became harsh. She drowned in meaningless spars and sweat. Was everything all for naught? Was it so easy to erase such love and friendship? Naruto really didn't know why it had all turned out like that. Shaking her head, she stood up and started rehearsing her katas excessively. Flexibility and strength were a must for a Hokage and are still a must for a ninja.

It was with blood, sweat and tears that she had achieved many of her great accomplishment. Fondness crept into her heart and she smiled in lost memories, thinking of her precious friends. Everything had shaped her into the woman she had become and will be once again.

'You've become so sentimental Naruto.'

Chuckling, she answered the mightiest of the Bijuu. 'Kurama, I can't help but think of the future. Madara and Hashirama were to remain friends and my presence had disrupted their fate. I'm feeling like I'm to be blamed. Why am I even bothering with this?'

Kurama snorted at her ridiculous statement, his voice mocking and eyes narrowed in challenge, 'So cowardly of you to lose hope and give up. Pathetic. You're not worthy of the name Namikaze-Uzumaki Naruto!'

She stopped breathing and trembled in outrage. 'You stupid fox! I'm worthy of that name! It was mine and it shall remain so!'

Temper flaring up, Kurama was fed up, 'Then start acting like her!'

Naruto cussed the fox' existence when he shut their mental connection.

"Fine! I don't need you! I don't need anyone!" She screamed and pulled, blonde tresses drifting on the ground. Frustrated beyond words, she shouted violently, "Taju Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"

Hundreds upon hundreds clones appeared, ready to pulverize and destroy. "All of you, fight me!"

With a might battle cry, pandemonium was upon them.

Naruto was breathing loudly, feeling all the pent-up frustration dissolve into nothingness. Closing her eyes, she hummed a soft tune, feeling tranquil for the moment. She had needed this. This had always been her best coping mechanism- fight and tire herself out and get her shit together. She does love to write but there was a certain feeling of satisfaction to fighting like a raging bull.

Her blood became ice-cold and the slight widening of her eyes was all the reaction she displayed until she got a grip of herself. That chakra. No more words were necessary and she shot forward, golden chakra cloaking her. One power-boosted punch later, she watched the tree croak and moan until it fell down. The loud noise vibrating the ground.

There, another flicker of that dark, tainted chakra.

Angrily, she punched another tree and followed after it. "I know you're there! Come and face me, you coward!"

She roared in rage when he only flickered chakra in amusement. That filthy thing was mocking her. Flickering from spot to spot, she inched closer to her enemy until he was facing her. "Well, well, have you decided to face me, you vile creature?" Her eyes observed the black humanoid mass with glowing yellow eyes and jagged teeth protruding from his mouth. "You're finished."

His reply was the screeching of an animal as he too charged at her.