From this point on, please disregard the previous Author Notes. I wasn't prepared for an 8 month long writing drought, and I can't make any promises anymore. Bear with me through this chapter as I try to get the spark back into my writing.


Chapter 5: First Act of Transparent Affection

Her heart ached a bit. Even after her quality time with Naruto two days prior, she wished to be near him. She had even gone over to his apartment, showing an initiative that she didn't even know she had herself. However, after knocking on the door for several minutes, she was disheartened to get no answer. Even with the little courage she had, for some reason, she couldn't build up the courage to actually call out to him, to announce that it was her that was there. After standing in front of his door for almost ten minutes, she swallowed the forming lump in her throat and began to head home before the tremendous downpour started up again.

Unfortunately, she wasn't to be so lucky. She made it as far as Ichiraku's Ramen stand before the torrential rains kicked up. She rushed into the establishment with no hesitation, actually with a small sliver of hope that the blonde in question would be there. However, the place was deserted, save for the two owners and the girl herself. As the two spotted her they waved.

"Hey Hinata, what are you doing out at a time like this?" Ayame called. The Ichiraku's had become familiar with Hinata due to her coming around often, especially on the days Naruto had been there. Ayame was the one to see the pattern of as soon as Naruto left, Hinata would come in and order the same thing he had just eaten, albeit, on a smaller scale. That's how she inquired on the fact that the Hyuga heiress was head over heels for their blonde patron.

"G-good evening Ayame-senpai, Teuchi-ji. I was trying to visit Naruto-kun, but he didn't answer the door." She spoke dejectedly as she took a seat, knowing she would not be able to go anywhere anytime soon.

Ayame set a hot bowl of ramen in front of her, much to Hinata's surprise, and told her it was on the house due to the weather. Teuchi patted his daughters shoulder, letting her know she could have a break seeing as Hinata would most likely be their only customer for a while now. The older girl hopped the counter with one hand and landed in a stool next to Hinata, making the younger girl smile at her performance of athleticism, even though she wasn't a kunoichi.

"So, you finally worked up the courage to go see otouto! Are you two finally dating?" Ayame got straight to the point, making Hinata choke as she slurped her ramen.

"N-no! We're not dating yet...I-I MEAN, NOT AT ALL! AH!" Hinata's face flushed red and she stumbled upon her words, though she didn't need to. She told Ayame everything, and in return, Ayame talked to Hinata about Naruto whenever they had time.

Giggling, Ayame leaned on the counter, her cheek in her hand. "You two would be so cute together. I think you would humble Naruto to the point where he starts paying more attention to his surroundings."

Hinata calmed down but frowned at Ayame's words. "B-but...I don't want to be a burden to him...I...I really like him. He's confident, silly, and a hard worker. He cares about his friends, and I can see that he has a huge burden that he doesn't want anyone to know about. Like he doesn't want anyone to worry for him. I-I don't think there is anyone else with as big a heart as Naruto-kun. So I don't want to be another worry for him. I want to stand next to him, a-and help him. And in turn, we can become stronger together." Hinata had all but forgotten that she was talking to Ayame as she poured her heart out like the falling rain around them.

"Awww!" Ayame cooed, making Hinata jump. "That is so sweet Hinata! You never told me that before! Naruto would be lucky to have you!" Ayame's voice quivered a bit, unbeknownst to Hinata, however Teuchi noticed.

Ayame did view Naruto as a little brother, and even though she was really close to Hinata, she wasn't nearly as close to the Ichiraku's as Naruto was. Ayame would put Naruto before Hinata any day. When Hinata had shown interest in Naruto, she and Teuchi had become cautious around the girl, wondering her motives for liking Naruto. Though Hinata had never shown any ill feelings towards him, and had been a wonderful customer and friend to Ayame, she had never given a true reason for why she had affection for Naruto. But now that she had verbalized what she was feeling, Ayame and Teuchi held a far greater respect for the starry eyed princess, and she would forever become someone important to them.

"...But..." Hinata's voice was low, barely audible over the patter of the rain and boom of thunder in the distance. "Naruto-kun...he...he likes Sakura-san."

Though she said this, her mind drifted back to the kiss Naruto had given her a few days back. She couldn't deny that he was obviously into her, but she couldn't be sure just HOW into her. The kiss did more to confuse her than to instill a sense of acknowledgment within her, no matter how much she truly wanted to believe her chances had risen with the blonde haired teen. It was only because just a few weeks ago, Naruto had been completely into Sakura, and like always, hadn't given Hinata the time of day. Hinata was drawn from her thoughts as she heard Ayame sigh.

"I-is something wrong, senpai?" Hinata asked with worry, seeing Ayame hold her head in what she believed was frustration. Ayame just smiled bitterly.

"I'm not a big fan of this Sakura girl. I've seen her a few times, and the few times I've seen her around Naruto, she was turning his already mush brain into liquid air." Ayame was joking, but Hinata could sense the venom within her words. "I've never confronted Naruto outright about it, but I've talked to him about this so called 'crush'." Ayame's smile was completely gone as she began to think about the conversations she had shared with her blonde otouto.

Hinata kept quiet, letting Ayame get her thoughts together. She was curious, but also scared, about what Naruto and Ayame talked about.

"First off, believe me when I say what Naruto feels for Sakura is just a crush. A very sad misunderstanding that I hope you can fix Hinata. The way you feel for my otouto is real, and something that Naruto won't understand right away. When I asked Naruto why he liked Sakura so much, he told me it was because she gave him attention. After a while, I think Naruto started to believe that the negative attention Sakura was giving him was her way of showing affection. I hate to believe that without knowing what actual affection is, Naruto truly believes what Sakura does is a good thing."

A boom of thunder made both girls jump, as they had gotten lost in the conversation and even forgot that it was storming around them. The vicious wind rattled the ramen stand and Teuchi began pulling back the storm shutters.

"Actually Ayame-senpai..." Hinata began, a small blush crossing her face at the memory again. "Naruto-kun has been acting differently recently. W-we actually spent some time together two days ago. He walked me home and...he k-kissed me, on the cheek." Her blush intensified as she spoke the words, an adorable smile forming on her face. She had to admit; thinking of the kiss was making her feel a lot better.

Ayame, however, was sitting with her mouth hung open, simply staring at the Hyuga heiress. "HE WHAT?" She shouted, the sound amplified due to the closed in space. Hinata jumped again, Ayame's voice being akin to the boom of the surrounding thunder.

"A-ano, what's wrong now senpai?" Hinata asked with panic in her voice.

Ayame slapped her hand to her forehead. "Hinata, otouto is TOTALLY into you! There's no chance in hell he would have kissed you if he wasn't! Even if on the cheek! I haven't seen Naruto so much as hug anyone without thinking the world of them! He's hugged me, dad, Iruka-sensei, and Hokage-dono, no one else! He kissed you Hinata!"

The passion in Ayame's voice wasn't lost on Hinata as she felt her heart swelling with emotion. When she thought about all the times she had seen Naruto, it was true. Naruto made very little physical contact with other people, probably one of the reasons he had believed Sakura's physical contact was affection. However, she had never, EVER, seen Naruto kiss anyone. That meant...

"I was his first kiss?" Hinata thought with wide eyes. Before she could hit the ground, Ayame caught the younger girl.

Shaking her head, she called out. "Dad, code Hinata! Get the cot out!"


When he had awoken, it was a bit past noon. The rain had stopped from the night before. Sakura had already left, and in a hurry it seemed as his door was slightly ajar when he got up. After quickly checking his apartment to ensure no one had entered while he was sleeping, Naruto sighed and flopped back on to his couch. A smile graced his lips as he felt himself brimming with energy. He felt as if he could go toe to toe with Gaara ten times over.

"Alright, ignoring the weirdness that was yesterday, what's on the agenda for now?" Naruto groused to himself, though he was finding it hard not to think about Sakura being there for him the day prior. For all intents and purposes, Naruto was trying his hardest not to think that the girl may have actually started to become interested in him. As much as he still held some form of affection for her, Naruto honestly just wanted to be with Hinata. To solidify his thoughts, he pegged it off as a passing fancy, something that Sakura would probably have gotten over already, and if not, then soon.

Moving on to the next thing on his mind, Naruto frowned. He had wasted two days, and now that he thought about it, one of those times that someone had knocked on his door could have been important. 'I think I still have about two or three weeks before the mission to wave. But with things changing, maybe even that's not true. I have to be more careful. No more of this self-pity bull crap.'

Having a bit more resolve than he did the previous few days, Naruto got up, cleaned up, and headed out. At least, he tried.

"Slow down there speed racer!" Iruka called with a small laugh.

"I-Iruka-sensei? What are you doing here?" Naruto asked, having almost plowed right into his former sensei as he made his way outside. Naruto was actually happy, finding it refreshing for something else to happen that he hadn't seen in the future.

Iruka feigned hurt. "What type of greeting is that Naruto? I'm hurt!" He laughed again at the deadpan look on Naruto's face. "Actually, I was just sent to inform you that Hokage-sama would like to see you."

Naruto rose an eyebrow. "About what?"

"I don't know..." Iruka lied. Naruto noticed Iruka swallow after answering, making his stomach drop. Something wasn't right.

"Alright, let's go." Naruto called with less enthusiasm in his voice, which did not go unnoticed by Iruka. Instead of saying anything, however, Iruka put a hand on Naruto's shoulder and shunshined them to the Hokage's office.

The first thing Naruto noticed was Kakashi having the most concerned look upon his face that he had ever seen. The Hokage had a serious look upon his own face, his hands folded in front of his mouth, letting Naruto know this was all business. Even Iruka's smile was gone and replaced with a look of trepidation. The sinking feeling in Naruto's stomach grew more and more by the second.

"Wh...what's going on here?" Naruto asked nervously, his breathing starting to pick up.

"Have a seat Naruto-kun." The Hokage spoke calmly.

'Yep, something's wrong here.' Naruto thought as he did as commanded. "Look, Hokage-sama, I didn't do it! Whatever it was, I swear it wasn't me!"

The Hokage's eyes remained steeled, however, a small smile formed behind his hands. Only after a moment had it disappeared however, worrying Naruto all the more.

"Naruto-kun, I'm going to ask you some questions and I want you to be honest with me. There will be dire consequences to any lie that you tell me." The Hokage had only ever spoken this sternly to Naruto if he had been caught doing something that was either dangerous to himself or the village.

"A-alright Hokage-sama..." Naruto trembled. Even with the mindset and will of his older self, his younger half was still just as much intimidated by those he respected as ever.

"What happened to you the night you fought and defeated Mizuki." Sarutobi's eye bored into Naruto's like drills.

'Oh shit...he knows...' Naruto thought and swallowed the forming lump in his throat.

"Naruto?" Iruka called his name and put a hand on his shoulder again, making Naruto flinch at the contact. He looked up at his former sensei to see him smiling sadly, trying his best to reassure Naruto that things would be okay. It helped a little, but Naruto was definitely not looking forward to this conversation, not that he even expected to have the conversation so soon.

Taking just a moment longer to calm himself down, Naruto began to retell the entire story, starting from him stealing the Forbidden Scroll up to the previous night with him and Sakura. Naruto didn't know why he had told so much, but felt good to get things off of his chest. Being the only one to know about the future was starting to become a pain too, and Naruto instantly felt like telling Hinata the truth too, but found that would probably be better done once they got to know each other a bit more.

"That's the honest to Kami truth, Hokage-sama. Please believe it."

Sarutobi hadn't said anything or even made any indication of having heard Naruto at all. Through the entire tale, the Hokage just kept his eyes steeled and on Naruto. Kakashi had frowned quite a bit, especially at hearing that Sasuke deserted the village. Iruka of all people was seething in anger, especially at how little he seemed to be around for Naruto in the future. Regardless of whether Naruto was telling the truth or not, he was definitely going to start putting forth more of an effort to be there for his self-proclaimed little brother.

After subjecting Naruto to several more seconds of an unreadable glare, Sarutobi sat back in his chair and sighed deeply. "I believe you Naruto-kun." He said, making both Iruka and Kakashi pale. Though Iruka had already been more inclined to believe Naruto, Kakashi had actually hoped that Naruto's tales were false. It put everything into perspective for him.

Naruto was shocked speechless, something that Sarutobi noted he would need to learn to do more often. Seeing the blonde trying to formulate his next words, he awaited patiently. "B-but why?" Was all Naruto could get out.

"There were several things within your tale that you should have no possible way of knowing Naruto. Such as Jiraiya's true nature, his relationship with Tsunade. Her apprentice Shizune, and several places throughout the world that you have not visited as of yet. As I am very familiar with the seal the Yondaime placed upon you, I have no doubts that everything you've said is true, including the hibernation of the Kyubi. Main of all, however, is that I have only been informed of Akatsuki by Jiraiya, and no one outside of these four walls has any knowledge of their existence."

Naruto was sweating but had gradually began to get happier as Sarutobi explained why he believed him. However, something caught Naruto's attention. "Wait, but ero-sennin knows of the Akatsuki and he's not here."

"Geez, I can see that's going to be a headache already." A very familiar voice called out from the shadows. Naruto's heart skipped a beat and he turned instantly. His eyes widened and tears began to fill them as he took in the visage of Jiraiya, alive and well.

"E...Ero...Jiraiya-sensei..." Naruto mumbled weakly. All of the older shinobi in the room remained quiet, watching Naruto's reaction. "JIRAIYA-SENSEI!" Naruto shouted and launched himself into Jiraiya's stomach, wrapping his arms tightly around him as best he could.

Jiraiya frowned sadly, not able to fully comprehend the affection that Naruto was showing him. He was a bit disappointed with himself for not being able to return the feelings. He was even more disappointed that he knew he should have been in Naruto's life from day 1. "Settle down gaki, there's still a bit more that needs to be discussed."

Naruto's grip on Jiraiya weakened. He realized that even though he had what he could call 'memories' of his and Jiraiya's time together, none of it existed. The tone of Jiraiya's voice let him know that he held none of the 'memories' that Naruto had. Naruto looked up at Jiraiya as he let him go and the sadness in Naruto's eyes almost made Jiraiya's heart stop. Naruto was completely heartbroken.

The others would notice as well as Naruto silently took his seat again. Iruka was kicking himself again for not being there for Naruto in what Naruto had explained of the future. Kakashi had resigned himself to remain silent as the discussions continued. He had far too much to think about in regards to his own place within Naruto's future.

"Naruto..." The Hokage spoke up. "I will be honest with you as well. I ordered Iruka and Kakashi to keep an eye on you after you awoke in the Hospital. It was in regard to the Kyubi."

Naruto's eyes drooped even more, however, he did not say anything. The Hokage knew he wouldn't, as since he knew Naruto was telling the truth, he knew Naruto was mature enough for information that would be harder to swallow. He did not like hurting Naruto as he knew he was doing right then, but if not then, things would have only gotten worse.

"As such, Iruka and Kakashi were positioned as ANBU within your apartment." Naruto's eyes shot open and his mouth fell, letting Sarutobi know he understood what he was saying. "The nightmares that you've been having Naruto, you've been speaking in your sleep. You've said the word 'Akatsuki' and 'Pein' several times, as well as calling out Miss Hinata Hyuga's name quite so many times."

Despite the revelations, Naruto's mind immediately drifted to his nightmares and his mood dropped even further, only because of the thought that Hinata hadn't been saved.

"Pein is the leader of Akatsuki." Jiraiya said. "That's all I've found out about him. But you just gave us a description on his looks and abilities. Even if what you say isn't supposed to happen for another four years, this information is invaluable. You're already a hero gaki." Jiraiya spoke in hopes of shifting the constantly declining mood of the room. However, Naruto had barely heard him as he looked up and addressed the Hokage.

"I'm sorry for keeping this all a secret jiji, I didn't know how to tell you all without...without you thinking I was being influenced by the Kyubi." Naruto spoke honestly and humbly, the pain that he was experiencing from the past few moments seeming to take the life from him.

Sarutobi shook his head. "It's me that should be apologizing Naruto. I am glad to know and see that you will grow into a fine young man, even without me there to guide you. Do not be ashamed of feeling the way you did, as you can see that I also jumped to a conclusion. You were more spot on than I would like to admit." Naruto was rightfully guarded against the Hokage. Sarutobi DID think Naruto had some of the Kyubi's influence being imposed on him. However, after their meeting, he knew that was no longer the case. "It's also because of this that I wish to tell you the full truth Naruto. The truth about your mother and father."

The tension in the room tripled, more so for Kakashi as he had just recently found out the truth himself. Iruka only knew of the Fourth Hokage being Naruto's father, as the Hokage had revealed it to him the night of Mizuki's betrayal.

Just as Sarutobi opened his mouth to speak, Naruto was struck by another migraine. This time, however, it was just like the first time he had received visions of the future.

Starting from the point Hinata's death this time, images blurred through Naruto's mind, though he was able to comprehend every single scene with uncanny clarity. From meeting Killer Bee, to Sakura's false confession to him. However, instead of continuing on, the images began to burn, like pictures being set on fire. They were replaced with Naruto sitting on Hokage mountain with Hinata on his lap. Then the same scene burned to show Sakura sitting on his lap. And once more it burned to show Ino. They weren't happening at different times. They were different possibilities of the future.

When the images began to change again, just like normally, Naruto saw the man with the orange spiral mask. He took his mask off to reveal...Obito Uchiha? The name came out in Kakashi's voice. The picture burned away again, this time to reveal the orange masked man as...Naruto himself.

In the Hokage's office, the four older shinobi had jumped to their feet. Sarutobi had just told Naruto that the fourth Hokage was his father and Naruto had fainted. However, only moments after, Naruto's eyes shot open and his body began to convulse.

"A seizure?" Iruka asked with fear in his voice.

"No! Look at his eyes!" Jiraiya said.

Naruto's eyes were reflecting images, as if he were looking at something that wasn't really there. Kakashi revealed his sharingan to see closely what Naruto was seeing. His own eyes widened as he saw the images just as clearly as Naruto was seeing them. "Obito Uchiha?" Kakashi called before losing the will to stand and dropping to his knees. However, he moved to a kneeling position to continue to view the images reflecting from Naruto's eyes.

"What else is there Kakashi?" Jiraiya asked.

"So...so many things, too much for me to comprehend. It looks like the other Kage, though the Suna Kage is different, and our own is Lady Tsunade."

"A Kage summit?" Sarutobi mused.

"It appears to be." Before Kakashi could view anymore, however, Naruto's eyes slammed shut and his body stopped convulsing. He lay unconscious on the floor, only the rising and falling of his chest letting the others know he was alive.

To their relief, he also began to whisper in his sleep. However, he spoke words that would silence everyone in the room with shock. "Mom..."


The visions that Naruto had ended abruptly, ending at the point where he would be facing Obito Uchiha as the jinchuriki of the ten-tailed demon. Even with everything that had happened up to that point, there were three things that he focused on most, and several other primary but less important things.

First, he was sure that Hinata would live now. That alone made wanting to confess to her all the more important. Because in his visions, he still hadn't answered her proclamation of love. It made him want to jump into the future and kick his own ass for stupidity.

Two, right after Hinata had 'died' at the hands of Pein, Naruto went ballistic and was about to unleash Kurama, in which Naruto had learned his name through the vision as well. His father had appeared in his mind and resealed the Kyubi. His father was the Fourth Hokage, yet Naruto wasn't surprised anymore. The images had given him the emotional sense of his older self as well, so he took it in stride with the rest of his visions.

The third and final thing that stood out to him was his mother. Kushina Uzumaki, a beautiful, albeit loud, woman with a heart as big as her will of fire.

"Aww, that's what you think of me Naruto?" Her voice pierced through the darkness that Naruto hadn't even realized he was in. A shining flash of red light blinded him before everything came into view. He was standing in front of Kurama's cage, though he couldn't see the fox. Who he could see, however, was the very woman he had been thinking of standing directly beneath the seal of the cage.

"Mom..." He whispered.

"Hm? That's the only greeting I get? This isn't how it happened in your future visions." She smiled knowingly at Naruto. To both of them, this wouldn't be their first meeting. However, she opened her arms just in time for Naruto to run and jump into them. "You're tiny squirt! I'm glad I got to meet you as both a child and a grown man."

"Kaa-chan! I'm glad to see you again...or to meet you...or...fuck it I'm just happy you're here!" Naruto cried into his mother's chest. He had never met her, even if he had memories of it. He didn't care, for as far as he was concerned, this truly was their first meeting.

Another presence would make itself known, coming from the corridor that Naruto usually took to reach the fox's cell. "She gets tears and a hug yet I get punched in the gut?" Minato Namikaze spoke as he scratched the back of his head with a wry grin on his face.

"Tou-san!" Naruto called and launched himself into his fathers arms next.

"That's more like it!" Minato laughed and hugged his son close. Kushina walked over with tears starting to form in her own eyes. She wrapped her arms around them both the best she could, putting Naruto right in the middle of them both, his head on Minato's shoulder.

"Hello sweetheart." Minato whispered to Kushina. Kushina leaned in and kissed him passionately, something that they had not been able to do for some time. After a few seconds of not realizing their son was still sandwiched between them, the two leaned back.

"Hello love." Kushina whispered back with a loving smile. Naruto suddenly puffed into smoke and appeared by the Kyubi's cage.

"Kami, I couldn't breathe! Did you have to kiss that long? Geez, I could even feel mom's nipples getting hard through her clothes!" Naruto mock gagged.

Kushina's face lit up redder than her hair and she folded her arms in a not so subtle attempt to hide herself. Minato couldn't help it and burst into laughter. Kushina turned her glare on her husband.

"THAT'S NOT FUNNY DEAR!" Kushina bellowed with her hair fluttering every which way behind her. Minato instantly shut up as he realized the danger he was in.

"N-not at all! Naruto, apologize to your mother this instant!" Minato stammered out.

"FOR KAMI'S SAKE CAN YOU PEOPLE SHUT UP!" The booming roar was accompanied by a blast of wind that sizzled Kushina's hair and had her cowering right alongside her husband. Naruto, on the other hand, was soon the one holding his sides in laughter, much to his parents embarrassment.

"Kurama's awake!" Naruto called through his laughs.

"Dammit, can't a guy sleep for three years without disembodied chakra spirits and psychic brats waking him up every two days?" The Kyubi yawned as it walked into view of the others.

"So I take it you know about the future too?" Naruto asked, receiving a nod from the fox.

"SIT BOY!" Kushina suddenly yelled and the Kyubi found himself being pinned to the ground by dozens of red chains. A yelp left the fox's mouth before it knew what was happening.

"Honey, calm down! We did disturb its sleep!" Minato called, holding his wife back as she was rolling up her sleeves, fully intent on beating the fox into mush for scaring her like that.

"Dammit Kushina, I told you before I'm not into bondage!"

"How about a muzzle!" She retorted and suddenly red chains wrapped shut around the Kyubi's mouth.

Naruto puffed into smoke again, this time appearing behind his father. "I...I forgot how scary Kaa-chan can be."

"No kidding..." Minato agreed.

After the shenanigans finally began to calm down, Kushina released Kurama and the family sat directly in front of the cage with Kurama laying with his paws beneath him.

"Okay, as much as I'm enjoying this, how is this even possible?" Naruto asked. Seeing into the future was one thing, but having his parents appear together in his mind, and having Kurama receive the memories of the future was too much to handle.

Minato gazed up at the seal and sighed. "I can't say for sure, but I think when Kurama attempted to give you its chakra, it added a new function to the seal. What that is, I don't know exactly. But because of your visions and the way it's been effecting your mind and body, I think the seal registered the moment you pulled the seal off and the moment you fought Kurama in the future as happening at the exact same time. That's how we're here together."

Kushina kept a straight face, though she was just as lost as Naruto. "And because we love you so much!" She added. Naruto scratched the back of his head sheepishly. Hearing her say that never got old.

"Then what about you Kurama? Why do you only have seven tails left?" Naruto asked. The fox sighed and showed that instead of seven, he was down to six. "What the-"

"It's alright kit. I miscalculated. What your father says is right. I accidentally added a new function to the seal. Instead of you unlocking it and taking my chakra like you were supposed to, the seal is going to siphon my chakra into you completely until there is nothing left of me. Every single one of my tails will fade, and then I will follow as well."

"But doesn't that mean...you'll die?" Naruto asked the question that he already knew the answer to it. He looked around to his parents and saw the solemn looks on their faces as well.

"It was a dumb mistake on my part, kit, and I deserve what's coming to me. When I saved your life, it was only in my own benefit. But having seen the future with you now, I know that my sacrifice is for a much better cause than my own prolonged existence. At the rate my tails are fading, I will be gone by the time you return from Wave."

"No!" Naruto yelled, jumping to his feet. He immediately went to remove the seal, however, chains wrapped around his body, preventing him from moving. "Kaa-chan?"

Kushina had her eyes cast down, not wanting to see the hurt on Naruto's face. "I'm sorry Naruto, but can't you see Kurama has accepted his fate? You have no right to change that."

"But...but..." Naruto tried and failed to think of another excuse to try and save the Kyubi, until he realized that he had no clue if removing the seal would do that either.

"If I die, that also means that Madara and Obito will never be able to complete Infinite Tsukiyomi either. This is for the best Naruto."

"IT'S NOT FAIR!" Naruto cried, but made no move to struggle as his mother still had him bound. Just as abruptly as it had been in the Hokage's office, another vision struck Naruto.

(-)

Naruto was in his apartment. Looking at his calender, Naruto saw that it was the day of the Chunin exams. As Naruto was silently getting dressed and prepared for the events that he knew were to come, a small yip drew his attention. Turning around, he saw a fox kit ripping his couch cushions to shreds.

"Aww, come on Kurama! That's the forth set this week!" Naruto called before he went over to grab the baby fox. The vision would end as he was able to see into the fox kits eyes...and saw the eyes of the Kyubi.

(-)

Being inside of Naruto's mind, Kushina, Minato, and Kurama had been able to view the scene. Kushina and Minato glanced lovingly at their son while Kurama remained silent. Naruto shook his head as he came back to reality and attempted to sit down, just to be reminded that he was chained. Kushina released him and moved to hug him before he fell.

"..." Naruto didn't say anything, though all present saw that he truly wanted to.

"You will take care of him, won't you Naruto?" Kurama asked quietly.

"..." Once again, Naruto said nothing, turning his face into his mothers chest again as a fresh wave of tears threatened to fall.

"He will be like my son Naruto. Will you promise to take care of him?" Kurama asked just as before.

"...Hai..." Naruto whispered.

"What was that, kit?"

"HAI! HAI, I'LL TAKE CARE OF YOUR SON KURAMA!" Naruto shouted out and let loose the tears that had finally broken through.

Kushina pulled her son close, knowing that Naruto wasn't just crying over the Kyubi. He was crying over everything that he had seen and been through, both past and future. The anguish that Naruto had held in from his child hood, and the pain that he hid in the future all congregated at that one moment and unleashed itself from Naruto's soul, purging it. Minato moved towards them and wrapped them both within a hug as well. With a flash of his eyes, the seal fell away and the cage opened wide. Kurama moved out and laid around them, wrapping them all within his tails. The overwhelming emotions drove Naruto to cry himself to sleep.


"Even further..." Jiraiya sighed as Naruto finished explaining everything that had just happened. The rabbit hole just got deeper and deeper.

"So you're currently running on two tails of power?" Iruka asked, trying to keep track of how the seal was working now.

"Hai. Every week one of Kurama's tails is going to disappear. I'll spend that week absorbing his chakra and when it finishes, I'll most likely get another complete look at the future. So by the end of next week, I'll be at three tails and have another vision. At least, that's how dad and Kurama explained it."

To everyone's delight, Naruto had been alright and seemingly had forgotten about the tense atmosphere that had been prevalent before his little future trip. Even more, Naruto seemed to be happier than they had ever seen him, which in turn brought up everyone's moods.

"Naruto...can you make a rasengan right now?" Jiraiya asked, his hand on his chin.

"I can try..." Naruto said and held his palm out. To everyone's surprise, Naruto did it effortlessly. It was a bit larger than average as well.

"Remarkable..." Jiraiya said as he looked at the spiraling sphere. Even after having heard everything, Jiraiya couldn't get over the fact that Naruto could actually see into the future. However, even with his doubts, Jiraiya had also already been thinking of ways to use Naruto's abilities to stop Akatsuki and now even Madara and Obito Uchiha.

"So what now?" Naruto let the rasengan fade.

"This definitely changes everything. Naruto, what is the next big event that we should be preparing for?" Sarutobi questioned.

"The Mission to Wave. The bridge builder Tazuna is going to arrive within a week or two and ask for an escort back to Wave Country, under the guise of a C-rank mission. That's when we're going to be attacked by the Demon brothers Meizu and Gozu, and then again by Zabuza and his partner Haku, turning the mission into an A-rank."

The Hokage nodded and continued. "Are you confident in your abilities to defeat Zabuza and Haku?"

"Of course, especially since I'll have between three to five tails of power within me. But the thing is, I don't want to kill them Hokage-sama. They aren't really bad people, especially Haku. I want to save them."

Once again the Hokage nodded, understanding what Naruto was saying. Having the Demon of the Mist, also one of the legendary swordsman, join Konoha would be very beneficial, especially with the knowledge of the invasion that Orochimaru had planned during the chunin exams.

"I understand Naruto. I will send and extra team along with you to aid in subduing Zabuza and Haku then, however, I will need their Jonin sensei to be informed of the things you have shared with us here Naruto. As well, I will leave it up to you to protect the extra genin team when the time comes."

"You have nothing to worry about jiji, I would never let anything happen to my precious people." With his words, Naruto suddenly become sad as he realized he could not keep that promise in regards to at least two people in the room. A hand upon his shoulder brought him back.

"Don't sweat it kid. Everything you're telling us now will ensure that things are different. I won't be going anywhere, I promise." Jiraiya spoke with the same care that he had shown Naruto in his visions. It made Naruto smile to experience something he thought he would never truly get to feel.

"In the meantime," Kakashi finally spoke up. "We're going to be overhauling your training Naruto. Sakura and Sasuke too. I'm ashamed that I would send you and Sakura into the chunin exams with such little knowledge, and I apologize sincerely."

"I'll be teaching you Sage Mode before you go to Wave too gaki. I'm sure Ma and Pa will understand once we explain the situation and it shouldn't take you too long since you've already done it once." Jiraiya was still stroking his chin, showing that he was thinking as he spoke. It had been a while since anyone had seen Jiraiya being so serious.

Iruka sighed. "While I may not be as skilled as Kakashi-senpai and Jiraiya-sama, I was in the ANBU under Ibiki-sensei. I can help you perfect your hand to hand combat with a kunai as well as helping to develop more ways to use the basic academy jutsu. Some people don't realize how deadly those techniques can be when used properly."

Naruto was surprised to hear Iruka offer his help as well, but even more surprised that he had never known that he was part of the ANBU. Either way, he was grateful for everyone offering their help. It was more than he could have hoped for upon revealing the truth about his future visions.

"Thank you, everyone. I was worried at first, but if we work together I know we can change the future..." Naruto held back a laugh, noticing he sounded like Iruka for a second.

"Well..." Jiraiya started, a familiar smirk on his face. "I'd very much like to know who Hinata, Ino, and Sakura are whom were in your visions Naruto. What type of future were you thinking of, hmm?"

Naruto paled as he had forgotten all about it. But then something hit him. "Ino?"


"...I'm up all night to get lucky." Ino hummed while dancing lightly, watering the flowers at her family's flower shop. Ino did not dream that night, like she had hoped, but woke up feeling far more refreshed than usual. She also realized she had become addicted to reading and was currently in the middle of working overtime so she could afford to buy a kindle fire.

Just as she knew would happen, she began to understand the three tales she had read the night prior. As far as she was concerned now, the tales were different possibilities for their future and she even took the time before going to work to rename all of the characters with people within their village, albeit, there were some she couldn't reference very well.

"Alright, so if everything I read was forewarning me about the future, I can look forward to Sasuke being a total prick...okay, so that's not too farfetched. I can look forward to Sakura being a total bitch towards Naruto...also not too farfetched. I can look for Hinata being fucking awesome, all the time for some reason...yeah... Then I can look forward to being almost as bad as Sakura, correcting myself before hitting rock bottom, and then ending up with the man of my dreams." Ino paused. "What type of moron would believe any of that?"

"Did you just call me a bitch?" Sakura's voice made Ino leap over the row the flowers she had just been watering. The pale she held that was full of water was now empty, having dumped its watery cargo onto Sakura. Sakura just stood with a deadpan glare, dripping from head to toe.

"H-how much of that did you hear?" Ino called in fear but had leaped back over the row of flowers just to grab and shake Sakura by the shoulders.

"You were mumbling but I heard 'Sakura' and 'total bitch' in the same sentence." Sakura accused.

"Oh, then yeah, you're a total bitch." Ino said happily before picking up the pale to go refill it.

"That's mean Ino..." Sakura's voice was low, and Ino turned around in confusion.

"What's gotten you so down? I was only joking." Though she know she was only half joking. Along with thinking clearly since that morning, Ino had been looking at their lives from the past few years. Both she and Sakura had become 'total bitches'. Even if she was just looking too much into the stories she read, she knew she needed to change, lest she truly end up like the characters she had read about.

"Oh..." Sakura replied. Ino saw that she was looking down in thought, but felt there was still some sadness from what she had just said. Ino wondered if Sakura had been thinking along the same lines as herself. Either way, she filled the water pale and went right back to watering the flowers.

"I should really learn a suiton jutsu or something..." Ino mused to herself. Sakura looked up, remembering where she was.

"Hey...Ino. Remember that talk we had about Naruto?"

"Of course." Ino stopped herself from saying more, hoping not to give away the fact that she had started thinking of Naruto just a bit more as well.

"I...I spent the night at his apartment yesterday..."

The pale once again fell from Ino's hand, this time splashing water all over her shoes. Sakura took a step back, not from the water, but from what she knew was next.

"YOU WHAT?" Ino turned and yelled, however, her turn was too fast and she didn't have enough traction in her shoes to stay grounded in the puddle around her. Ino slipped clean off her feet and landed hard on her back. The force sent a jolt up her spine and Ino passed out while drawing a sharp breath

"Oh my gosh, Ino are you okay?" Sakura cried and knelt next to Ino, only then noticing she was unconscious. Sakura began to panic. "What the hell! She couldn't have fallen that hard, could she?" Reminded of the previous night, Sakura immediately went to find an adult. She didn't want to go through what she did with Naruto again.


"Ugh, that hurt like hell." Ino said as she sat up.

"Oh my gosh, Ino are you okay?" Sakura cried while kneeling next to her.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Now what's this about you spending the night with Naruto?" Ino asked, however, Sakura's face took on alarm and she stood up, running farther into the flower shop. "Hey, forehead, where are you going?"

Sakura showed no signs of slowing, or even of hearing Ino at all.

'What the hell?' Ino thought, but realized her voice was just as loud as when she was talking to Sakura just then. "Whoa..." She said aloud and thought at the same time, creating an echo. "What the hell is going on here?"

Standing up, Ino rubbed her back in pain before turning around to see the mess on the floor. However, instead of just water, Ino's eyes went wide at the sight of her own body laying lifeless on the ground. "HOLY SHIT AM I DEAD?" Her stomach dropped as she blinked several times, yet the body lying on the ground was still her own. "No, no no no no no! I can't be dead, this is some straight up bull shit!"

"You're not dead Ino, but you're really close." The voice of Inoichi Yamanaka echoed around his daughter. "And spirit or not, watch your mouth young lady!"

"Daddy, where are you? What's happening to me?" Ino cried out, once again thinking and speaking at the same time.

"Calm down sweetheart, and think, don't speak. I'm on my way with Sakura, she just told me what happened." Just as he said, Inoichi and Sakura appeared from the greenhouse of the flower shop and stopped over Ino's body. Sakura was crying, obviously thinking the same thing Ino had. It made Ino smile knowing that even with their rivalry, she and Sakura still cared for each other. Inoichi looked at Ino's body and placed a hand upon her forehead. "You still there sweetheart?"

"Yeah daddy, but what's going on?" Ino was smart enough to notice that even though Inoichi was talking to her, he couldn't see her. Even more, when Inoichi placed his hand upon her body, Ino felt it.

"You most likely damaged your spine with that fall baby girl. It sent your body into shock and your mind instantly tried to eject itself from your body to ensure that you would not suffer brain damage. It's an innate ability of our clan, one that we haven't figured out how to do consciously yet. Actually, this is the first time in twenty years this has happened."

"Can you fix this daddy? And my spine?" She asked in fear of being crippled.

"Unfortunately, no. If I try to pull your mind back into your body before we find out what's wrong with you physically, your mind will attempt to eject itself again and that may cause it to reject your body all together. You'll be the literal definition of a ghost."

"But...but what am I supposed to do then? I don't want to be a ghost daddy!" She sobbed.

"Calm down baby girl and listen. There is one person I know of who can fix this, but it may be weeks, probably even months before I would even be able to get into contact with her, and that's if we're lucky."

"Who is it daddy? I don't care how long it takes, as long as we fix this!"

Inoichi sighed. "Then we need to find out where Tsunade Senju of the Sannin is."


A/N Once again, another chapter cut short because I wasn't really happy with how this was progressing. I honestly would just rather skip straight to the mission to Wave but it wouldn't make sense to leave so much open between one or two weeks.

Thanks to everyone who has been enjoying this tale, both old and new readers, and a promised shout out to Leaf Ranger, one of my longest readers and friend, as promised 8 months ago, lol. I would like to keep referencing other stories within the story, so any suggestions or request will be considered.

Anyway, I'm going to attempt to start the next chapter.