AN: Thanks to MidnightHunter's help, I have come up with a chapter total for Arc 3. The minimum will be 15, yes you read that correctly, 15 chapters. Why? Well, this is the three years which Naruto spent training in cannon. So, about 5 chapters per year. Expect a lot of craziness in this arc as the final part of this story, aptly titled Akuma no Senshi, will be the 4th Shinobi War. My take on it, that is. No spoilers…sorry

Not sure if I mentioned it before, but I graduate Dec. 13. I will not start Grad School until August 2015 which means I got 9 months to finish this story. It is my hope, that after graduation I can post chapters every other day, or every three days. So don't worry readers, this will get finished. Sorry for the lengthy AN, and I hope you enjoy the first chapter to Arc Three.


Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, and never will.

ITALICS – thinking

BOLD – demon talk/jutsu


Arc Three: Home is Where the Heart Lies

Chapter One


Naruto stared at the envelope in his hands with a teary gaze as he thought back to a week ago when this war finally ended. If it wasn't for Shizuka sleeping with him at night, the nightmares of seeing Fukui mouthing his last words, then being impaled upon his brother's blade, would have surely led to a mental breakdown. A possible deep bout of depression. The funeral for the last Harumasa's would begin in three hours, and he had a speech to make.

A very difficult speech.

Naruto sighed and debated whether to open the envelope to see what his master had said. For all he knew, it was Fukui's last will and testament. Instead of opening it, he placed it on the bed he was sitting on, then got up and decided to look out the window of his home. There, he saw rebels and samurai working together to get the funeral preparations finished.

It brought a smile to his face when he heard that Mifune spared any who surrendered. That smile turned into a frown when he was told that many rebels were a lost cause, and still loyal to Takeshi. So, Mifune gave them a choice; either commit seppuku or face execution by beheading. All chose to kill themselves as they wanted to be with their leader once again.

All lives lost in this war, either rebel or samurai, would be buried with full honors. But those funerals would come after the two brothers were laid to rest. Thanks to the Bushido code being printed, the civilians understood why this was, and didn't protest. They were just happy the war was over, and Iron Country was safe once again.

Naruto turned away from the window, and decided to sit on the bed again. Once he sat down, he stared at the envelope by his side. Wiping some tears from his eyes, Naruto opened it up and pulled out the folded piece of paper. Once unfolded, he began to read.

-Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze, my student,

I am gone from this world, but fear not, as I am finally with my wife, family and clan members once again. You don't know how proud of you I am, Naruto. From the day I first met you in my shop, I saw the pain in your eyes. They were the same ones I had when Mifune found me outside the orphanage many years ago, and I began to feel my youth come back to me. Even more so when I began to train you.

As time passed, I saw a younger me inside of that heart of yours…no, not like me, but a better me. I made mistakes, I admit that, and I have guided you the best I could in the hopes you would not make the same ones I did. There were many black spots in my heart, and now you have one in yours, Naruto. I dwelled too much on this pain, something which I should have never done. So, as the last lesson from master to student...

do not weep bitter tears for me, do not grow depressed like I had; let me rest in peace, but never forget the sacrifice I made. Take my clan name, Naruto Uzumaki, take it, and show that my heart, my samurai way, lives on in you.

-Your Master, Fukui Harumasa

Naruto smiled, then began to laugh; the depression slowly started to melt away. Shizuka happened to walk into the room at this time, and smiled at the happy laughter which came from her boyfriend. Even Kurama was wagging his tails in the mindscape.

"I see Fukui's words finally got inside that head of yours."

Naruto looked back to see his fair maiden. With a smile, he motioned for her to sit beside him; Shizkua did as told, and they quickly embraced each other. After a couple kisses, Naruto responded back in a slightly cheerful tone.

"Master Harumasa always had a way with words. And now…" Naruto put his right hand over his heart. "…his heart lives in mine. I am Naruto Uzumaki no more; Naruto Harumasa is my name. A name which I will carry with great honor."

Shizuka frowned, "But, Uzumaki and Namikaze was your parents. Aren't you dishonoring the ones who gave you life?"

Naruto smiled and played with her hair which made Shizuka lean into his chest.

"I didn't tell you this, but when I took control of Kurama's chakra, my parents left a chakra imprint inside the seal. Both had no problems of me taking up my master's clan name, and they were very proud at what I had become. Home is where the heart lies, Shizuka, and my heart is forever a samurai; my home is here, in Iron Country, with you always by my side."

Not another word was said between them as Shizuka decided to start an intense make out session. They didn't commit just yet, as both knew that Tobi was still out there, and capable of pushing this world into another Shinobi War.


Three Hours Later

Naruto connected the last of his armor, and made sure everything was attached correctly. By his side was Shizuka, who was dressed in an elegant kimono meant for these occasions. Almost all of Iron Country would be in attendance today to watch the last of a clan be buried, but all would be in for a surprise for when Naruto gave his speech.

"Ready to go, my love?"

Naruto smirked, and pecked Shizuka on the cheek. "Of course, my fair maiden."

Shizuka lightly punched him in the arm which made both of them chuckle. With a sigh from both, they walked out of their home and went to the town square where everyone would be gathered. As they got closer to where the funeral would be held, Naruto could hear people whisper his moniker; Akuma no Senshi. Some civilians tried to come up and shake his hand, but he kindly brushed them aside with a smile.

Soon enough, Naruto and Shizuka arrived in front of two elegant coffins. Both were made of polished steel, and detailed with gold and silver designs. These were designs to represent peace in the afterlife; flowers, Sakura petals, snowflakes, the Iron Country symbol, and more. Embroidered on the top of the casket was the names of whom were resting peacefully inside.

Fukui and Takeshi Harumasa.

Both brothers were in a brand new set of armor which was overtop of the most expensive kimono one could buy. These kimonos were pure white, with black edges. Resting by their sides was their swords; their right hand was placed overtop of them while the left hand was placed across their chest. Both eyes were closed, and a peaceful smile was on their faces.

Naruto looked at his master with a smile, then carefully placed his hand over Fukui's heart. Naruto took his free hand and placed it on his own. After a minute, he sighed then went over to Takeshi. Shizuka, Mifune, and the commanders all watched in silence to see how Naruto would react.

"I may hate you for what you brought upon us, but I am a samurai, and hate has no place in my heart." Naruto mumbled to himself in sadness. "Your brother, my master, lives within me now, Takeshi. I will take the clan name with honor. The enemy of my enemy is my friend…rest in peace, Takeshi Harumasa."

Naruto wiped some stray tears away, then walked up to Mifune and bowed.

"Uzumaki-san, I see you are feeling better." The elder leader smiled, though you could tell that sadness rested in his heart.

"I'm still mourning, but thanks to his last words to me I can finally start moving on." Naruto paused before he started again. "But, I must ask if you are alright, Mifune-dono. You lost a student, an honorable one at that."

"I have seen war, I have seen many die, and I have buried many comrades, Uzumaki-san. This day is like all the others, but this one will have a special place deep within. A student usually buries the master…not the other way around."

The elder samurai leader let out a sigh, while a couple tears fell to the snowy ground below.

"Come, Uzumaki-san, it is time to give your speech."

Everyone that was around the two coffins silently followed Mifune to the podium that was set up in the middle of the town square. Silence quickly engulfed the main village to where only the wind and scuffle of feet could be heard. As soon as everyone was gathered, and Naruto started towards the podium, it started to snow. It was almost like the gods were mourning with them. With a sigh, Naruto looked out towards the crowd of people; all were in black kimonos or in samurai armor. Time seemed to pass very slowly, and Naruto didn't know how long he stood there in silence. Eventually, he began one of the most difficult speeches of his life.

"People of Iron Country, I am Naruto Uzumaki, the Akuma no Senshi, and I am no savior. I did not win this war like many of you might think. No. I did not win this war…all of you did. All of you has shed blood in one way or another."

Naruto paused to take in the crowds' behavior. All were giving him their full attention, which brought a slight smile to his face.

"To the civilians, many of you have lost loved ones as a result of this war, but you took up arms, and fought the enemy back. To my fellow samurai, you have lost many comrades, but you continued to fight in their honor. And to the rebels, though we may have been enemies, you stood up to Takeshi's evil ways and helped end the tyranny that plagued this land."

The rebels smiled and bowed to Naruto, then looked at Takeshi's casket with a sad smile. Yes, they hated their leader, but in their hearts, they knew he was just a misguided person. There was still good within him which showed as the brothers died in each other's embrace. Naruto's voice broke them out of their thoughts.

"Enough about our victory, it is time to mourn the loss of two great samurai; the last of the Harumasa clan. They may live within each of our hearts, but there was one last thing Fukui, my master, entrusted to me." Naruto smiled and looked back to the caskets, then back at the crowd with a smile. "An Uzumaki I may be by blood, but in my heart, a Harumasa I am. Thank you."

As Naruto stepped off the podium, the crowd started to clap with smiles on their faces. Mifune and the commanders patted him on the back while Shizuka gave him a kiss. Today would be the beginning of a long road to recovery, but in Naruto's mind, he knew that with Shizuka by his side, and Fukui's memory in his heart; anything could be conquered.


Two Months Later

After the funerals, time seemed to pass by very quickly. For the rebels that remained, they were offered a home in the main village, but they refused. Instead, they all decided to show Mifune that they were not traitors, and that they wanted to change their ways. The meeting the commanders and Mifune had with a couple of them was intriguing to say the least.

The rebels agreed to set up multiple outposts along the border of Iron Country in order to set up an easier line of communication between the Elemental Nations and them. Not only that, is some rebels wanted to assimilate into the Elemental Nations to live the rest of their life. It was here, that Naruto brought up what he and Shizuka would be doing.


Flashback – One Month Ago

"I am glad you brought that up." Naruto said with a smile. "Shizuka and I were planning to travel the Elemental Nations in a month in order to free our minds of the mental anguish this war has caused."

The two rebels in the room smiled, and as one was about to reply, Mifune suddenly spoke up with a tired tone.

"Pardon the topic change, but before you agree to this Uzumaki-san, I must ask you of one thing."

Naruto shrugged, "What shall be your request, Mifune-dono?"

After a sigh, and with a smile on his face, the samurai leader replied.

"I have lived for a very long time, I have seen many children grow into fine soldiers, then die as I led them through three wars. Through it all, morale seemed to be very low, that is until you came, Uzumaki-san. You brought back the ways of our ancestors, taught our samurai and civilians things I wouldn't have dreamed of doing. It's time for change, a younger, more able bodied leader needs to take my place."

Mifune paused in his speech as he looked at Naruto, then the others, especially the empty chair where Fukui would have sat. For a brief moment, the elder leader swore he saw his student there with a smile on his face. Eventually, Mifune spoke again while looking into Naruto's eyes.

"Uzumaki-san, will you help free this old man from his burdens by becoming the next leader of Iron Country?"

Naruto thought about it, and sighed before he spoke in a warm tone. "Perhaps in the near future, Mifune-dono, as I wish to follow in the footsteps of my master. I have many more skills to learn, and my intuition is telling me that I am not strong enough to take the mantle just yet."

The elder leader simply smiled, "Just the answer I wanted to hear…Fukui taught you well. I will be waiting Naruto Harumasa, all of us will be waiting for your return. Go enjoy your vacation, you earned it."


Flashback End

The meeting didn't last long after that, and the rest of the rebels agreed to follow Naruto and Shizuka to Konoha. Currently, said people were at the gates of the main village ready to leave. A massive crowd had gathered to see them off which brought smiles to everyone's faces. Not many words were spoken, just a simple bow and a handshake to Naruto, Shizuka, and some of the rebels. Eventually, the time came to head out, and as they headed towards the border, only Naruto felt something in the air.

His eyes narrowed; it wasn't the cold wind which blew, but an aura like that when Danzo attempted to kill off the Uchiha clan. The question on Naruto's mind was one that he, nor Kurama, wanted answered.

"But why can I feel this aura here? What has gone on since I left Konoha? Tsunade and Jiraiya only told me about my cousin, the new Hokage, among other small talk. Hmm."

"I don't think we want the answer to that, kit. But, perhaps Hashirama was right. Whenever you live, there will always be war."

Naruto shivered at that thought, but then remembered Tobi, or Obito; this orange masked man. Naruto sighed, then replied to Kurama.

"The more I look at it, the more I feel like this entire world will be at war once again."

Shizuka looked at Naruto with worry; she wondered what Naruto felt that she didn't. With the hopes of breaking her love out of his funk, she grasped Naruto's hand and squeezed it. It did the trick, and Naruto looked at her with a sad smile. Although no words were said, that look spoke volumes. Shizuka knew that their trip was not going to be as peaceful as they once thought.


Elemental Nations

Ever since Naruto entered Iron Country, things were not well in the Elemental Nations. For almost two years now, tensions have rose, and now they are at a point where one wrong move could thrust this Nation into war once again.

Oto, Iwa, and Kiri have all prepared troops and have started to encroach on the borders of the Land of Fire. Of course, this was not without consequence. Thanks to Jiraiya's spy network, Kumo, Suna, Ame, and Konoha, was prepared to launch a full out assault if the time came. Right now, it was at a standstill, everyone was waiting to see who would make the first move. Not wanting to take any chances, Konoha, Kumo, Suna, and Ame declared Martial Law.

This law has been in place for two weeks now, and the only missions was border patrol and security detail. Another threat which further increased tensions was the rise of a new Akatsuki, and the worst part? Not much was known about their members. The only one Jiraiya could manage to confirm was this orange masked man as the spies he sent vanished without a trace.

Things were not looking good for the Elemental Nations, but once person was about to change all that. One person who has spent a week traveling with his entourage.

Naruto Harumasa.


Konoha Gates – One Week after Leaving Iron Country

The trip to Konoha was stressful to put it lightly. Naruto, Shizuka, and the rebels had to almost constantly avoid border patrol squads just so they could enter the Land of Fire. Not only that, there was missing nin that thought they could take on Naruto, but after seeing his samurai gear they quickly backed off. But, they did not leave without a warning to them.

"Go back home, samurai." A missing-nin said. "War is nigh, enjoy your life of peace whilst you still can."

Thanks to this warning, Naruto, Shizuka, and the rebels sped up a little bit. Although they all wanted a peaceful vacation, and wanted to stay out of this possible war, they knew their experience would greatly boon Konoha and their allies.

Izumo and Kotetsu sighed as they looked at the vast wilderness which surrounded Konoha. Although tensions ran high, the gate guard position was still damn boring.

"Wonder how Naruto's doing…it's been almost two years." Izumo pondered out loud.

Kotetsu looked at his friend then shrugged, "All of us are wondering the same thing, Izumo. Some rumors said he was in a war, some say he was enjoying a peaceful lifestyle."

As Izumo was about to respond, he caught sight of multiple people coming towards them. How the border patrols missed them baffled them greatly. They quickly called the hidden ANBU, and discreetly motioned to the incoming group. Said ANBU nodded, then quickly formulated a plan to surround them.

Meanwhile, with Naruto and his crew, they silently walked towards the gates until Naruto held up a hand to stop.

"ANBU-sans, you may come out now, we mean you no harm."

For a brief moment, nothing happened, but then ten ANBU jumped from their hiding spots and surrounded the group. One of them, who was in a dog mask, quickly recognized the whisker marks which made him smile.

"Stand down everyone, it's just Naruto and his guests." Dog said in his usual lazy tone. "Nagato is eager to meet you, you know."

Naruto nodded, "Been a while Kakashi." After a pause, he introduced his guests. "Everyone, to my right is my lovely girlfriend Shizuka, and behind me are some rebels from the recent war I partook in. They wish to seek residence in Konoha."

Kakashi's eye widened. "A war…in Iron Country. Hmm, perhaps you could help us with our problem then."

"Hai, but not here. There are too many eyes and ears about the woods."

The ANBU nodded, then motioned for the group to follow them inside. Once they were in, the rebels were escorted to a hotel for temporary lodging, while Naruto and Shizuka was escorted to the Hokage Tower. Naruto smiled, as he was about to meet his cousin for the very first time.


Hokage Office

Nagato sighed as he looked over the border patrol reports as well as the reports from their allies. For the past many months, everything has been at a standstill, and nobody has made a move yet. No, Nagato was not afraid of making the first move, but he did not want to cause unnecessary deaths due to possible false intel which the enemy may have snuck in.

A knock was heard at the door which broke the Kage from his thoughts.

"Enter."

When the door opened, Nagato's Rinnegan eyes widened as he looked at his cousin. That surprise turned into a smile when he saw the beautiful girl standing next to him. The door clicked close, and the cousins quickly shook each other's hands.

"Nagato, a pleasure to finally meet you."

"And you as well, Naruto. If I may, who is this beside you; a girlfriend perhaps?"

Naruto nodded with a small blush, "Hai, this is Shizuka. Shizuka, this is Nagato Uzumaki, my cousin."

Shizuka shook his hand with a smile, "Pleasure to meet you Nagato-sama."

Nagato let out a small chuckle, "No honorifics please, just Nagato is fine." After a pause, the Kage started again. "I take it you were successful in the war seeming that you are standing before me?"

"Hai, and I am a Harumasa now in honor of my deceased master."

Nagato frowned, "My condolences, may he rest in peace."

It was at this point that everyone decided to sit down. Once they did, Nagato brought out his paths to do paperwork, and also to create shock and awe for his guests. It did the trick as Naruto and Shizuka looked at the man with wide eyes. They quickly recovered however, and the silence was broken when Naruto asked a simple question.

"Mind if I smoke in here, I haven't had one in a long while."

Nagato shrugged as he didn't care, but Shizuka had other thoughts.

"That nasty habit of yours…no, you're not allowed."

Naruto pouted, "But…my stress reliever."

An evil glare from Shizuka bored into Naruto's skull, though it made Nagato shiver as it reminded him of Kushina. Naruto sighed, then kissed his love on the cheek.

"Fine, only outside the house and not when around you. OK?"

Shizuka nodded, and gave a kiss back. It wasn't long after this that Nagato went into the long discussion of what has happened since Naruto left. After this hour long discussion, Naruto sighed and closed his eyes.

"To think, I help end one war, and here I am about to lead troops into another."

"The Shodai's words ring true…"

"Hai, and as a samurai, and on the honor of my master, I must help those which are in need. But first, I wish to meet everyone to see how they are doing."

Naruto finally opened his eyes, and looked at his cousin. His face and tone in which he spoke was professional; like a veteran of war.

"Nagato, before I commit and help lead our troops to end these tensions, I wish to meet some old friends."

The Kage nodded, then looked down to his village below. After a moment, he looked back to his cousin.

"Granted, the meeting will take place in five days; what materials will you need?"

"None. I will have all the materials made up, and battle plans set. That is, if you allow me to look at your reports over the time since I was gone."

"Permission granted, Harumasa-san."

Naruto smirked as he stood, "Commander Harumasa, cousin. That is how I wished to be addressed from now on."

Nagato shook his head with mirth, "Go on and meet your friends, Commander Harumasa, I can let you go over the reports tomorrow morning."

With that, Naruto and Shizuka walked out of the office. Once the door closed, Nagato smiled and looked at the Hokage monument; he focused on one person in particular. The Yondaime Hokage.

"You must be proud at your son. To think he can survive one war, then enter another without a hint of fear…just pure determination. And if what Tsunade and Jiraiya told me of how the samurai in Iron Country looked up to him are true, than I have no doubt at what he can accomplish. You have become a great warrior, my cousin, and I have no doubt your name will be spoken across the land for generations to come."


With Naruto and Shizuka

The couple held hands as they walked the streets of Konoha, and as they did, some of the civilians quickly recognized Naruto. Those that did quickly went to spread the news; no doubt that by day's end, the whole of Konoha would know that Naruto Uzumaki had come home.

"So this is Konoha…interesting place." Shizuka said as she took in the sights. "A lot bigger than Nadeshikio."

"Yep, this is where I was born, but even though I spent so much time here, I find that my home will always be Iron Country. It's too warm here."

Shizuka giggled, then asked a question after her laughing ceased. "So, where's your master's shop at? You could start the business back up again, you know. I could always supply the seals, while you can supply swords to the ANBU or kenjutsu users."

Naruto suddenly stopped in his tracks, his eyes wide in surprise. Then suddenly, he quickly kissed Shizuka on the lips.

"You're a genius! I completely forgot about my master's emporium."

Each of them laughed as they ran towards the store. While they were doing so, multiple people in a certain BBQ restaurant happened to get a glance of the two people that were talking. All of them had disbelief on their faces.

"Troublesome." Shikamaru started. "But, was that Naruto?"

Sai nodded, "I believe lazy shadow is correct."

Everyone at the table groaned at Sai's habit of nicknaming people. Some of these were good, but some were just terrible. For instance, Kiba's was wet dog due to what he always smelled like, and Chouji's was BBQ annihilator for obvious reasons.

Shino fixed his glasses before he spoke for everyone, "Perhaps we should visit Naruto. Why? I would like to find out more about his time in Iron Country."

The Konoha 12 all nodded, and quickly paid for their meals before they got up and tried to see if they could find their friend.


Harumasa's Emporium

Naruto and Shizuka stood in front of the shop, both had frowns on their faces as they remembered who the shop was named after. With a sigh, they tried the door to see that it was locked. Knowing they would pay for it later, Naruto promptly kicked the door in, and entered the shop. Dust covered nearly everything, but everything was where it was like Naruto remembered it.

"Love, you mind if you vacate, I have an easy way to dust this place."

Naruto nodded and let Shizuka do her thing. She spun around to create a mini tornado, then used Great Breakthrough to push all the dust out of the shop. It wasn't perfect, but it got the job done. Due to the chakra usage, a couple ANBU showed up with Jiraiya; the ANBU left shortly after knowing it was nothing to worry about. The Toad Sage, however, stayed.

"Hey gaki, glad to see your back. How's Fukui by the way?"

Naruto shook his head sadly and held a hand over his heart, "He lives on in me now, godfather. I may be an Uzumaki, but in my heart I am a Harumasa through and through. It was his final wish."

Jiraiya's chipper mood instantly turned somber, "I'm sorry Naruto."

Said person nonchalantly waved his hand, "You had no idea, so please, do not beat yourself up about it. My fair maiden is helping me heal, so you needn't worry."

"Sorry about having to enter another conflict right after you got done fighting a war." The Sennin started, his mood brightened a little.

Naruto replied in a professional tone as he started to fix up the store by completing the dusting, and going over the samurai armor to see if it needed repairs.

"I have endured one war, godfather, so enduring another is a trivial matter. I am a samurai, I must show no fear in the face of battle as emotions can blind me to what the enemy is planning. My master always told me that it only takes one strike to cripple or end the enemy in front of you."

The Toad Sage interrupted as he watched Shizuka go into the backroom to tidy up things. As Shizuka did, Naruto pulled a pack of cigarettes from his kimono, then motioned outside. Jiraiya understood.

"I take it you have done this many times then?"

Naruto nodded as he pulled a cancer stick out and put it in his mouth. As he put the pack away, Jiraiya lit it with a minor katon jutsu. After Naruto took a drag, then exhaled, he began.

"Thanks, and yes I have crippled the enemy in one blow before. At one point, we were losing the war, but I negotiated with Mifune and we agreed on civilian armament. It was a crushing blow to Takeshi, a blow which he never recovered from. His counterattack was a failure because of it, and we won the war as a result."

The Toad Sage whistled, then ruffled his godson's hair. "Damn gaki, sounds like you were facing armies twice the size of your own."

Naruto deadpanned as he calmly enjoyed his smoke, "I did."

Jiraiya looked at his godson with wide eyes, then started to laugh. After he calmed down, he began.

"Ah, just like your father. He took out multiple battalions of Iwa Shinobi with his signature technique in the Third Shinobi War…not long after that, the war ended."

Naruto nodded then he looked towards the street to his right. "We have company, godfather. It seems the Konoha 12 wish to say hello."

Jiraiya nodded; he knew when it was his time to leave. "I will tell Tsunade that you said hello. I look forward to fighting beside you, Naruto."

Naruto simply nodded, and continued to enjoy his smoke. As he did, Shizuka happened to come outside to see this. She simply sighed, and let her love have his stress relief. She didn't want to argue too much as Fukui's death was still fresh on his mind. Naruto might not show it on the outside, but inside was much different. Nightmares still plagued his mind, and sometimes he woke up in the middle of the night questioning why he wasn't the one to die. The medical term for this?

Survivor's guilt.

It would be a while until Naruto was finally free of this, but for now, Shizuka tried to comfort Naruto the best she could. It was working, but slowly.

"Hey Shizuka, sorry about my habit."

She shook her head with a smile, "No, you deserve it right now, but if you ever need to talk, I am right here."

Naruto smiled, "I understand…oh, here comes Shikamaru and the others."

The two turned to see the Konoha 12 advance towards them, almost all of them had a Chuunin jacket on; Shikamaru, Shino, Sasuke, Sai, Hinata, Sakura, Ino, and Lee. Two of them had jounin vests; Tenten and Neji. The rest, Kiba, Akamaru, and Chouji, were still genin from what Naruto could tell.

The medics, Hinata, Ino, and Sakura frowned at Naruto's smoking habit, and was about to tell him about it when Shikamaru shook his head. They sighed, and decided to hold off their frustrations for now.

"So, the troublesome Uzumaki returns. How's Fukui?"

Naruto stomped his cigarette out and sighed. "Gone, Shika, and my name is Naruto Harumasa now in honor of his memory."

"Condolences to you."

Naruto did the same like with Jiraiya, then introduced Shizuka. "Everyone, this is my lovely girlfriend. Shizuka, these are the Konoha 12. All of us became good friends over the years, and have even sparred together time and again."

"Nice to meet you, but instead of standing out here, we should go inside." She said with a smile.

"My father's home is not far from here, I can escort you all there."

"But what about the shop?" Shizuka thought as she looked back to the broken door.

Naruto sweat dropped and nervously chuckled, "Oh yah, I forgot about the door. Just have some Earth Clones watch the shop for now."

Shizuka nodded and did as told, then they all followed Naruto to his home.


Namikaze Household

Five minutes later, everyone had arrived where they instantly took a seat in the family room. Thanks to the seals in here, the home was free of dust, and hadn't deteriorated over the time he was gone. When Naruto went to the back to look at his garden, he pouted as everything had died.

"Ohhhh, now I have to plant everything again." Naruto then shrugged, "Oh well, time to make some tea."

As Shizuka talked about her time in Iron Country, Naruto put the tea kettle on the stove. Within five minutes, the kettle whistled, and Naruto started to pour tea for everyone. After everyone had a cup, Naruto finally sat down in a seiza position; Honjo rested across his lap like he was trained.

Out of them all, Shino found this interesting. "Naruto-san, do you not trust us? Why do I ask? It intrigues me that you are on guard in your own home."

Naruto smiled, and set his tea cup down on the table in front of him.

"Ah, yes, I trust you all, but an attack can come at any moment; even over a simple cup of tea." Naruto paused, then smirked. "Reminds me of that time when that assassin tried to kill me."

Lee made his presence known. "How un-youthful!"

"You are correct Lee, the action was dishonorable in my eyes. If you must battle your enemy, you must do it face to face. And if the enemy shall perish from the strike of your blade, you shall honor them like they were one of your own."

Tenten decided to butt in, "Thanks to what happened at my shop all those years ago, I started to study the samurai. I found Bushido to be very interesting, and have started to spread it around Konoha. Many civilians are thinking of becoming one as the academy right now is too difficult for them."

Naruto hummed in thought before he replied. "War time academy is my guess, and I guess it wouldn't hurt to start up a samurai guild here in the Elemental Nations."

The Konoha 12 nodded, and each began to tell their stories of what happened over the almost two years they last saw each other. Each was unique in their own right.

Hinata created a new juken style which complemented her water affinity, and had become successful in creating medicinal balms and elixirs for both shinobi and civilian. These were sold in stores all across Konoha.

Ino, with the help of Anko, had become a poison specialist. Most of her poisons were never heard of, and only Konoha had the antidote. Speaking of antidotes, that was a lifelong project Ino hoped to achieve; created antidotes for all the poisons used in the Elemental Nations. Currently, she was only a third of the way done.

Sakura and Hinata worked together in the hospital and were quickly becoming renowned in the Elemental Nations for their medical prowess. After a mission near Iwa which almost resulted in Kurenai and Itachi's team (1) being killed, including the two jounin themselves, the Nations saw first-hand at what these two medical prodigies cold do.

After Hinata and Sakura finished off the remaining enemies, they had no choice but to treat all the injuries where they were at. From surgery's to limb reattachment, Sakura and Hinata did it all and saved the lives of their friends and sensei. And also saved one of the most promising generations of Shinobi that Konoha has produced in a very long time.

Neji and Tenten was awarded jounin when they were tasked with rescuing multiple ANBU, and Konoha shinobi from a border patrol that had gone bad. Neji and Tenten successfully lead the Konoha 12 on a high speed raid and rescue mission that resulted in no major injuries or casualties. The ANBU that witnessed this were so impressed, that they urged Nagato to make them jounin, and told Neji and Tenten that if they continued to impress, they would wind up in ANBU.

For the rest of the Konoha 12, it was basically the same. They improved their clan techniques, made great advancements in their skill, among other things. When Naruto asked why Kiba and Chouji were still gennin, both laughed nervously and explained that it was their brash attitude which kept them from advancing.

"So," Hinata started "what was life like in Iron Country? Some said you went through a war, others said you lived in peace."

Naruto snorted, "Peace…yah, it was anything but that. There is a reason why an assassin was sent after me as well as why my master has perished."

"Troublesome."

Chouji nodded, "I think Shikamaru summed it up very nicely."

Akamaru barked which Kiba translated for everyone, "Akamaru wants to know what war is like, seeming we are about to go into one."

Naruto sighed, a grim smile was on his face. "Before I start my tale, I must ask that you do not interrupt me. Also know that after today, I will be making preparations for a meeting five days from now with Nagato, my cousin."

Gasps were heard from some of the Konoha 12 as they didn't know this. It made Naruto internally chuckle.

"Yes, the Godaime is my cousin, but that is a story for another time. So, are you ready to hear my tale, one which is filled with the many horrors of war?" After the Konoha 12 nodded, Naruto started again, this time in a serious tone. "Very well, but when the time comes for us to fight side by side, you will seal off your emotions, and do the task which needs to be done."

Shizuka grabbed Naruto' hand and squeezed it; both smiled at each other and quickly kissed. After another sip of tea, Naruto started his tale.

From when he was training on the mountains of Iron Country, to his first brush with death, the story of the third civil war began to unfold. As the Konoha 12 listened intently, Naruto and Shizuka knew that by the end of it, the way they would view life would start to differ. But, by the end of this conflict, their lives would be forever changed.


1. As a recap, these are the teams for the Konoha 12. If you would like a better explanation, please see Arc 2 Ch. 1. Thanks.

Team Kurenai - Shino, Sai, Hinata.

Team Asuma - Ino, Shikamaru, Chouji.

Team Guy - Neji, Tenten, Lee.

Team Itachi - Sasuke, Sakura, Kiba.

Yes, I understand that most are chuunin or jounin, but these team aspects will still play an integral part in this arc. Thanks again.