Ninja of the Void

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any characters associated with it.

"Talking"

Thoughts

Secrets

Standing within the courtyard, Naruto and Minato faced off against each other.

However the elder blond seemed cool and relaxed by comparison to his son as he didn't take a fighting stance as he stood passively before Naruto, "when you're ready kiddo".

Not even waiting for another word, Naruto sprinted in with a straight punch to which Minato easily side-stepped. Not wanting him to get away, the blond jinchuriki followed through with a wheel kick as he soon let out a barrage of combos with whatever he saw opened to attack with whatever he could dish out. However no matter how fast he moved he was no where closer to hitting his dad as he constantly dodged him by a hair length. Now it wasn't because he was anywhere near as fast as his father, it was just a point of not wanting to waste energy unnecessarily during this skirmish.

"You've got to stop thinking so linearly Naruto. If your opponent is physically greater then you in both speed and strength this is where strategy becomes a key factor in deciding who the victor is".

"Yeah? Then how about this?" as the young blond made a cross seal as three kage bunshins exploded into existence flanking the yondaime as his four corners were covered. Following the plan, one clone jumped for his legs while the other two went for his arms.

Seeing it coming, Minato jumped out of the way as the three clones ended up piling on top of each other. "Not a bad idea. But you need to be trickier then that".

"Like the other three bunshins I made?"

"What?" looking himself over three pieces of paper were stuck to him as they soon exploded into smoke turning back into his son as they had successfully grabbed his legs and arms anchoring him to the ground.

"Now our chance!" as the three other clones dog piled on as more clones appeared to build more to the stack. After building such a huge pile of bodies, "gotcha now dad" as the original approached confident he had captured the yondaime.

"Pretty good, you really surprised me there". Hearing this, it caused Naruto to look to his right in astonishment to see his dad leaning against a tree giving an amused smile, "your timing was really good as I didn't even sense the tag. However your dog pile gave me the opportunity to escape. It's never a good idea to lose sight of your opponent. So never be too excited to get the jump on them".

"Heh" as Naruto gave a scoff to this. "Looks like I'm going to have to give it my all now. Let's see if you can handle that!" Dispelling all but one clone, the bunshin ran to the pond of oil dabbing his finger in as it quickly took a seat concentrating his energy as soon orange like coloration appeared around his eyes. Upon completing this task, it dispersed sending its chakra back to its original as the color around Naruto's eyes changed to which his eyes became toad like slits. "How about round two?"

Minato kicked off from the tree as he walked to this son as he gave a proud smile. It had only been four days, but his son had made some rather spectacular progress. But somewhat unbelievable at how fast he was learning as he'd never even thought of using kage bunshin like that before. With this jutsu, his son was able to learn senjutsu from Fukasaku while at the same time he taught him taijutsu and chakra theory. With so many bunshins running around, his progress was rather staggering and almost alarming. At this point in time, he had even surpassed Jiraiya with his competency in senjutsu as he was now recognized as the first true sage of Myoboku. Although he couldn't gather energy yet, he had a bunshin currently sitting with Fukasaku at the spiky rocks learning how too.

Additionally his fighting skills were getting better. It was just a matter of building on top of them now as he endowed his son with every little tip and trick he knew when it came to different combat situations.

Giving a chuckle to himself, "whenever you're ready kiddo".

"Here I come then!" Naruto exclaimed kicking off the ground going faster then what he was normally capable of as the world around him felt so different. In a way the very environment felt like extensions of his senses as he could feel the breath of life of everything surrounding him. It was like he was nature itself. Just throwing his attacks, nature had become his weapons. "What an incredible feeling. It's almost like truly being alive".

But for this round, Minato knew he had to take this a bit more seriously. He had only seen his former teacher use this ability sparingly which was mainly due to aesthetics reasons. However he was quite aware of how formidable this power was as he had seen his former master decimate enemies with this ability. For this reason, he had to move even more as even dodging would not be enough. However, Naruto was not going to give him an easy time as he was like a machine gunning for him non-stop not even giving a second to think. Just from this exchange he knew his son was ready for any future challenges. But he still had so much more to teach. However there is just never enough time is there?

But back to the fight, Naruto had created two bunshins as one stood in front as the other was helping his son. "Most likely it's rasengan". Upon completion they charged at him at full speed in a single file line.

Just like what he did against Neji, his clones served as meat shields as he would then push past them with a surprise rasengan.

Easily dispelling the clones, he saw what was coming next. So forming his own rasengan being careful to match his son's power, he canceled the opposing rasengan. Spotting the forward momentum, the elder blond glided with his arm intercepting it in his hand as he used his other hand to push Naruto's elbow up unhinging his shoulder unbalancing him completely from his center to which he quickly followed through by throwing him over his shoulder to the ground as Naruto eyes reverted back to normal ending his sage mode.

Standing back up rubbing his butt in soreness, "I guess I've got a long way to go till I'm at your level".

"Don't worry" as Minato rubbed the top of his head. "You're getting their just fine" as Naruto gave a sheepish smile to this. "By the way Naruto, that rasengan you did. Who taught it to you?"

"It was self taught. Something you left in your notes as it also talked about wanting to finish your rasengan or something like that".

Minato's brow arched at this peculiar piece of information. "Strange . . . . Why would I put the notes behind rasengan in my research?" But shaking his head to this, "why do you use two hands to do it? Can't you do it with one yet?"

"I need two hands to form it. It already takes a lot of concentration on my part just to make it. So that's why I use a clone to help me. It lessens the concentration I need as I can keep my eyes on the fight without getting distracted. It's kind of like looking left and right at the same time ya know".

The elder blond blinked at this for a while. But suddenly it seemed like an epiphany had struck him as he soon broke out into laughter. "Why didn't I ever see it before? It was right there staring me in the face! Such an elegant and simple solution to a difficult and complex problem!"

"See what? What didn't you get?"

Calming back down, "nothing Naruto" coughing a bit. "I'll tell you about it later. But for now I need to go back to the city and get the parts I need to fix the watch. Just stay here for now and learn what Fukusaku has to teach you".

"Got it dad" and feeling one of his clones return, "I'll be getting it eventually".

Minato gave a nod to this as he transformed into his henge before teleporting away.

~ Fire Country (city) ~ (late evening)

"It looks like I managed to collect everything I needed. I'll be able to get me and Kushina-chan home in no time". Walking down the business district, his attention was immediately grabbed by a familiar smell as he then spotted twin blond pig tails peeking out from some curtains coming from a bar. Knowing exactly who it was, "no, I should just walk away. I have meddled enough in this time as it is as I should leave well enough alone". Taking another step he stopped as he let out a heavy sigh. "I'm such an idiot".

Tsunade let out a soft sigh. For her, this was just like any other time for the last decade or so. Like many of these times, she'd be drowning her sorrows with either gambling during the day or heavy drinking at night. "Dan . . . . Nawaki . . . ." she muttered as she looked down in sorrow.

"You should really cut down on the drinking Tsunade-sama. It's definitely not good for your health".

The old medic jolted a bit in slight surprise as she looked to her side to see an old man taking his seat next to her. "You . . . . You're that envoy from Konoha" she said with a slight slur to her voice. "What are you doing here? What about that little blond brat?"

"I was just taking a walk through town seeing to a few errands. As for Naruto well . . . . He's been working hard in his preparations to defeat you. I'd be worried if I were you" giving a soft chuckle to this.

Tsunade gave a sharp scoff as she downed another cup of her sake. "Worried about what? I can deal with that brat without breaking a sweat" as she poured herself another cup downing it instantly. But slamming the cup against the bar allowing the buzz to take over, she seemed lethargic as a thought crossed her mind. After a moment of silence, Tsunade spoke up seeming a bit calmer now. "That brat Naruto . . . ." seeming a bit cautious about what she was about to say. "Is he who I think he is?"

Sensing what she was really asking, "Yeah, he's the fourth's kid".

"Figures" as Tsunade gave a small smile. "Naruto . . . . Only a name that old coot Jiraiya could possibly think of . . . ." as she took another drink. "Heh that little brat . . . . I can definitely see them in him . . . . The very best parts of both Minato and Kushina . . . . He'll definitely grow to become one fine ninja someday . . . . I probably should apologize to him later for insulting his father when he finds out".

"I think he will understand" said Minato calmly trying to sound sympathetic. But giving a slight pause before continuing, "Tsunade-sama . . . . I understand why you find it difficult to return to Konoha . . . ."

"Don't you dare!" she interjected almost breaking the ceramic cup in her hand. "Don't you dare try that sympathy crap with me! Don't you dare try to say you understand what I lost!"

"Please calm down Tsunade-sama" Minato said with a soothing tone. Giving a minute to allow tensions to ease, "I'm not going to try and say I understand everything. It was war, a terrible time for everyone with so many young lives lost due to vanity, greed, and hatred created by the darkest side of humanity. I too have witnessed war first hand and have lost people to which I'd always question why wasn't I strong enough to save them or be there when they needed me most. But what I do understand about you Tsunade-sama is the pain . . . . The guilt . . . . The regret of always questioning the 'what if' of things. What if I were there sooner? What if I was stronger, would they still be alive? But it's no good to dwell on the past. It only brings more suffering trapping you in an endless cycle of despair". But giving a soft exhale, he spoke up once more after clearing his throat, "although they may be gone from this world, they will always live on in our memories which we will always cherish".

Tsunade's face contorted slightly as her lips curved downward as her eyes appeared to water a bit almost on the brink of tears. " . . . . Then how did you move on with your life? How can you look at their gravestones without feeling all this emptiness?"

Minato gave a soft sigh as he folded his hands in front of him. "If they loved you just as much as you loved them then they would have wanted you to move on with your life. But most importantly . . . ." as he looked up in thought, "they would want you to forgive yourself". The old medic looked down as tears started to stream on her cheeks as it had been a long time since she really had to think about it. "But it's up to you Tsunade-sama. What I've said here tonight is purely what I think as you can choose to take it or leave it. But all that I ask is that you take some consideration to what I have told you" as he got up to leave.

". . . . You . . . . Just who are you exactly?" as Tsunade turned to see his retreating form.

The elder blond paused for a moment as he then turned back giving a warm smile. "Just a ghost from the past" as he soon left leaving the old medic to think about what was told to her.

~ Fire Country (city) ~ (three days later)

Teleporting right in, Naruto and Minato under henge walked towards the agreed area where the duel would be done.

"So how are you feeling Naruto? Are you ready for this?"

"Of course!" as the blond jinchuriki was brimming with confidence, "although I have to gather energy through my clones. Stupid fox" punching his stomach a bit, "because of him Fukasaku and Shima can't fuse with me to supply me with nature energy. So it's the only way I can gather it without doing it myself".

"But I do have to admit it's a rather creative solution".

"Thanks!" But then closing his eyes for a moment, his face became dead serious. "Dad . . . . Do you really think this is enough?"

"Don't think about such things. Just focus on the match and remember what you've learned. Keep this in mind and you'll be fine".

". . . . Right" as Naruto returned back to his confident demeanor. "I better get my bunshins ready then" creating three of them and sending to meditate.

Arriving to the open area, Tsunade was waiting by a wooden table with her assistant Shizune standing behind her. "I see you actually came. Let's see if you actually got any power in those tiny muscles of yours" as she placed her arm on the table ready to begin.

"I'll be kicking your ass soon granny" as Naruto took his seat placing his arm on the table taking her hand as he was revving to begin.

Shizune then positioned herself as she placed her hand on top of theirs. Looking to both of them making sure they were ready, she lifted her hand. "Begin!"

"Ahhhh!" Naruto roared as he pushed every bit of might he had in trying to slam his opponent's hand to the table.

Tsunade however gave a mocking laugh to this as she put her other arm on the table to hold her head up as she looked amused to the young blond. "Is this really it? You probably couldn't even wrestle my pinkie down if this is all you could muster" as she slowly started pushing him down on his side of the table just to embarrass him at how easily he was defeated. Expecting him to give a panicked look, the young blond still kept his confident smirk. "Something you find amusing you little brat?"

"Actually" as orange coloration appeared around his eyes, "yeah!" as he pushed back with everything he had just almost slamming her hand on the table but not quite as it was just an inch away.

Tsunade and Shizune looked on in utter shock and surprise. "No way!" they both thought. "He can perform senjutsu!" Up to date they had only known Jiraiya to be capable of this feat, yet here was a child capable of doing it and even better as he still retained his human attributes.

"Impressive" Tsunsade grinned as she tightened her chakra focus pushing back until they were both evened out. "This might actually turn out to be a rather interesting bet after all".

Naruto grimaced at this. "Damn . . . . My first clone is about used up and I lost the element of surprise. What the hell am I going to do now?" Feeling his sage mode coming to an end he disabled his second clone to buy himself more time. "What am I going to do now?"

Tsunade cringed as she gripped Naruto's hand tightly as she pushed against him. "Quite impressive strength . . . ." as she had to use a fair amount of focus just to match him, but still that was not the same as really trying. But seeing things as they were, she figured she could strike up a conversation before crushing him. "Hey brat, tell me . . . . Why do you want to be hokage? Why does it mean so much to you?"

Naruto gritted his teeth as his eyes narrowed just trying to hold on. "Because . . . . I want people to acknowledge me . . . . I want to protect the village . . . . But most of all, I want to protect the people who live there. People I care about. People I cherish. For this reason I want to be hokage so I can be strong enough to protect everyone!"

The old medic looked on with some nostalgia at those words as they echoed to the core of her very being. "Is that so?" as she pushed against his hand to which Naruto resisted in futile effort.

"No! I can't lose! People are counting on me to win!" Just to make matters worse, his sage came to an end meaning he needed to use up his third and last one. But even so, it was overly apparent that losing was inevitable. "No! I can't think like that! I just need more power! I need to concentrate more power!" Keeping them steady just for a brief moment, Naruto closed his eyes as he absorbed more nature energy pushing himself to the very brink before it destabilized inside of him. "It's now or never!" "Ahhh!" he called in war cry as he put everything he had into this final run.

Tsunade surprised at the sudden burst of strength was overtaken. At the moment her hand slammed the table, the furniture broke under the extreme force which concluded the battle. The old medic blinked to this in surprise before closing her eyes giving a soft chuckle. ". . . . You definitely have great potential Naruto. I . . . . Apologize for my disrespect to the former hokages". Then taking off her necklace, she placed it around Naruto's neck. "You will definitely make a fine ninja someday" as she gave his forehead a peck.

Naruto's smile widened as he soon cheered at his victory, "thanks baa-san! You really are a cool lady!" as the over ecstatic child soon started to run in circles to his victory lap.

"Careful Naruto! You're wearing an antique!" as Shizune soon chased after him.

But watching them go Minato stood next to Tsunade making his voice just low enough for only her to hear. "You let him win didn't you?"

"And what If I did?" as she continued to watch the young blond and her assistant run around.

"Why?"

Closing her eyes in thought a small smile appeared as she reopened them as she saw of reflection of her brother and lover. "For this last time . . . . I'll believe once more in the will of fire".

Minato warmly smiled to this. "As soon as you get everything of yours together, we'll be off". After an hour or so of gathering their stuff they met to an open area as the elder blond took out his watch.

"Aren't we getting a move on?" Tsunade questioned. "If we go now we can make it to the next city by evening".

"Actually I'm pretty sure my method is faster" as he activated his watch as they were all gone in a flash.

~ Konoha (west gate) ~

Suddenly reappearing within the forest near Konoha, Tsunade and Shizune could only gape at the sudden jump.

Tsunade the first to get her wits back looked to the old man, "this technique . . . . I recognize it from anywhere. It's Minato's technique hiraishin. Just who the hell are you exactly?"

The old man seeming whimsical now gave her a strained smile, "as I said before, I'm just a ghost from the past".

"Don't joke with me! Only Minato taught this technique to his personal guards. There is no way someone like you can possibly know it!"

Minato rubbed the back of his head as he figured this was going to happen. However he shouldn't be staying in this time any further as he needed to get back as soon as possible. So, "just leave it for now Tsunade-sama. In time perhaps Hiruzen-dono or Jiraiya-sama will tell you".

Tsunade gave a disgruntled look, but for now decided to drop it.

Entering Konoha they were given a big greeting and cheers for the return of the slug sannin as she was immediately escorted to the hokages office where she was briefed alongside her former teammate Jiraiya as soon it would be decided who the next hokage would be.

Departing from the crowds, Minato and Naruto found Kushina at a park bench happily talking with Hinata as they were discussing seals.

Upon the approach of her son and husband, the red headed Uzumaki's face dropped a bit as she knew what now must come next. "It's time isn't it?"

"Yeah . . . . It's time for us to go back home now".

"Why can't you stay?" Naruto asked rather saddened by this. "I don't want you two to go" as he hugged them both. "I don't want you two to leave me again . . . ."

"Naruto-kun . . . ." as Hinata couldn't find the right words to say to her friend.

Minato and Kushina heart broke at seeing this. However . . . . It had to be done. "Come on" said the elder blond. "We'll take a short trip together".

Naruto looked back to this friend, "it's OK" as Hinata tried to give a reassuring smile. "I'll wait here. So go be with your parents" to which he gave a nod too.

"Alright, hang on everyone" as Minato activated the watch.

~ Namikaze residence ~ (fourteen years ago)

Standing within the home, Naruto's parents dropped to their knees embracing their son as he returned it.

But after a while they parted from each other as Minato created a few seals as he summoned a camera along with a stand post.

"Dad?"

"Just something for you to remember us" said Minato. Giving a nod, Kushina took her seat at a chair as Naruto stood next to her. Setting the camera function on a timer, Minato stood behind his son as a moment later the camera flashed.

"So . . . . When will I get a copy?" said Naruto trying to be light hearted considering the difficulty of the situation.

"Don't worry" his father responded. "You'll be getting it in time". Then removing the watch in his pocket, he stared at it for a moment before handing it to his son.

"Dad?"

"I had great reserve if giving this to you. But now . . . . I feel that you're responsible enough to be this watches new keeper. Take it, it's yours now".

"I . . . ." as Naruto slowly took the watch as he held it in front of him, "I don't know what to say . . . ."

"You've grown up to be a great ninja Naruto. The very best your mother and I could have hoped for. But Naruto, understand the watch is different now".

"Different? How?"

"If my timing is right, you'll understand. But most of the original functions of the watch have been removed. However it still retains its ability to travel through time".

"So I can see you guys whenever I want!" the young blond said excitedly.

"Yes, but use it very sparingly. We don't want to corrupt the time stream with too many visits".

"Know that whenever you need us, we'll be waiting for you right here" smiled Kushina as she gave her son a deep hug. "Just whenever you can, come by and say hello OK?"

Naruto nodded to this as he soon stepped back. Making the calibrations as instructed by his father to the watch needing to ensure the previous jump incident didn't repeat itself, he was soon ready to depart. "Thank you, I was . . . . So happy to meet you" he said endearingly. "Know that . . . . Mom . . . . Dad" feeling a lump in his throat, "I love you guys" as tears started to appear.

Minato and Kushina too began to well up in tears. "We'll be seeing you later then".

Giving his final nod, he was gone as Naruto returned back to his own time.

After a while in letting things settle down, the pair took their seats on the couch. For a while silence hung over them as neither of them were uncertain of what to say. But for Kushina, it was just too much to bear. She would die before even getting the chance to hold her son as he would be forced to grow up all alone by himself. Holding her stomach, she just didn't know what to do.

"Kushina-chan . . . ."

"Minato . . . ."

"There is still a chance for us".

"What?" as Kushina shot off the couch looking to her husband in disbelief. "I thought you said it was impossible! You said time was fixed!"

"Yes" he slowly responded. "It is true. However . . . . That concept only applies to Naruto's perspective as that event has already happened in his time. But for us . . . . Time is still progressing as events are still occurring for us. Time can be rewritten".

"So we can still be with Naruto?" as Kushina's tone held a glimmer of hope.

"Yes . . . . And no" Minato responded as he tried to gather himself to what he had to say next. "The watch is designed to stay in constant sync with our time. However . . . . If we are successful . . . . If we survive after Naruto's birth . . . . We will have effectively changed our future . . . . But we can't see Naruto again".

"I don't understand!" Kushina exclaimed shaking head wildly at this. "Why won't we ever see Naruto again?"

Minato soon stood up as he looked to his wife trying his best not to break down. "In this case . . . . Time is like a river and with it . . . . It can break into different directions based on the choices we make in our lives. Our survival is the key point where our timelines will diverge as our watches will no longer be in sync as we can never see that Naruto again as we will effectively be traveling a different path from him. But if we survive" as he placed his hand over Kushina's stomach, "we can still be here to be with this Naruto".

Tears then began to stream down the sides of Kushina's cheeks as she held her mouth trying to control herself. "Is there really nothing we can do for him?"

"There are a few things we can still do which reminds me that I have to describe rasengan in my notes and rig the watch for him to fix later. But don't forget Kushina-chan" as he gave her a reassuring smile. "My watch can still travel through time and we still have six months before our timelines are no longer in sync".

"Does that mean . . . ." said Kushina rubbing her eyes dry.

"Yes, we can still be with him as he's growing up. But we can never show ourselves to him. Not until he comes to learn the truth on his own".

"I understand" as the red head hugged her husband to which he returned.

~ Konoha ~ (seven years later from Minato's present)

Naruto's birthday had come to an end as Hiruzen had left for the night. Feeling saddened by being alone once again, he soon heard another knock on his door. Opening it his face lit up to see who it was. "Ojiisan! Obaasan!" he exclaimed happily at seeing the elderly pair.

"Happy birthday" said the old man who was Minato under henge.

"Congratulations on turning another year older" said the old woman who was Kushina under henge.

"I didn't think you'd come" said Naruto in a bit of a whiny voice. "I knocked at your door. I was really worried you wouldn't be home again this time".

"I'm sorry" said Kushina petting his head. "It's really difficult to always visit you, but trust me that we try to as much as we can".

"Here" as Minato took out a frog shaped coin purse from his pocket. "This is a birthday gift from the two of us".

Naruto's eyes shined at this as he instantly took the gift and hugged it with all his might. "I love it!" he cheered. "From now on I'm going to call you Gama-chan!"

The old pair gave a warm laugh to this before proceeding inside. "Here, I'll help you clean up" said Minato as he sorted through the mess separating garbage and laundry into their appropriate piles.

"I'll get started in preparing your meal for the week" said Kushina as she got everything together. "How does ramen sound?"

"Yay! Ramen!" young Naruto cheered as the old pair gave another warm laugh too. Looking to the old couple, Naruto smiled as these were one of the few people that seemed to care that he existed. Although he didn't know when, he had known the pair ever since he could remember. Moving into the apartments the elder couple treated him so kindly. Even though he was assigned a caretaker by the hokage there would have been weeks he'd go starving if the elder couple didn't come by to take care of him. For this he loved them dearly. However it was rather difficult for him to see them. Even though they lived right next door, they never seem to be home most of the time. But at least they did visit consistently whenever it was his birthday or a holiday.

"So Naru-chan" as Kushina continued with her task. "What did you wish for this year?"

"If I tell you then it won't really come true" said Naruto cutely. "But if you can keep a secret, I think it will still come true" to which the elder couple gave a nod too. "This year" giving a wide smile, "I wished that I could have a friend".

Kushina giggled at this. "Oh Naru-chan, I have a feeling that it just might come true".

Minato gave a nod to this as he continued his daunting task of cleaning up after a seven year old. But finally reaching a table, a peculiar piece of parchment caught his attention. "Naruto, what is this about?"

"What is?" he questioned going to the table.

"This note here, it says you got seven years worth of free ramen at Ichiraku. Do you know who sent this to you?"

"No".

"Then do you know why?"

"Yeah, it's on the back of the card. It's says that for the seven years worth of free ramen all I have to do is call Sasuke a jerk whenever I see him. I think it's a really good deal" as he folded his arms behind his head giving a sheepish smile.

"Naruto! You know that's not a nice thing to do!" Kushina berated.

"Come on Obaasan" as Naruto gave his fox like face. "I don't think it's that big a deal. He calls me a moron constantly anyways".

The old woman could only give a tired sigh to this.

Meanwhile Minato concentration was on the note as it struck him as out of the ordinary. Closely examining it, ". . . . This handwriting . . . . It couldn't be . . . . "

~ Konoha ~ (Naruto's present time)

Hinata waited patiently for the return of her friend and right on cue a flash of light emerged as Naruto rematerialized in front of her. "Is . . . . Everything OK?" she asked carefully.

Remaining quiet for a bit, he looked to her. Although it was clear there was hurt in his eyes, he still tried to maintain himself. "Yeah" Naruto said slowly, "it's OK now . . . ."

Just as the Hyuga heiress was about to say something further they were interrupted by a mail ninja. "I have a package here for Naruto Uzumaki".

The pair snapped at this as they looked to the snazzy dressed looking man. "A package for me? From who?"

"According to the parasol, the yondaime was the one who sent it. Although very interesting that this was sent fourteen years ago specifically instructed to deliver this package on this exact day, on this exact time, and only to the person who'd answer to 'Naruto Uzumaki'. Made a bet with a couple of guys that you wouldn't be here, but it seems like I lost" giving a strained chuckle. "So sign here please and I'll be on my way".

Signing for the package allowing the mail ninja to depart, Naruto popped it open to find a letter inside along with a key. Unsealing the letter, the young blond began to read it.

Hinata stood next to her friend as she read it only for it to say 'For you, hope you like' along with an address. "Naruto-kun, this address is . . . ."

"It's my parent's home". So departing for the address the pair arrived as Naruto hesitant at first opened the door. Going inside, everything was a bit dusty with some of the furniture blanketed. Looking around for a bit, Naruto's attention was soon drawn to a small desk with a picture on it.

Following closely behind, Hinata saw the picture as it had Minato and Kushina on both sides with her friend standing in between them.

Naruto gave a small smile to this as he opened the drawer to find a blank piece of paper in it. Picking it up, writing began to appear on it as a message started to emerge.

"What does it say?"

"It seems this place is my home now. Dad set up a few things just for me and told me that he wrote a new manual for this watch hidden away in the house somewhere".

"Are you going to be alright?" Hinata asked as she took his hand.

"Yeah" sounding a bit more cheerful now, "it's going to be alright now" looking to the picture of his parents. "It's going to be alright".

Hinata gave a nod to this. "Let's get cleaning then".

~ Namikaze residence ~ (three days later)

It was a lot of work, but the pair managed to get everything in relatively good condition.

Of course they could have asked help from their teammates. But they wanted to avoid the many questions that would have popped up namely of how he managed to afford the house? Didn't he know it belonged to the fourth hokage? Or even in the off chance why was there a picture of them with him in it?

So this being the case they worked alone. Although it was fine by them as it meant more quality time between them.

However it would soon be disturbed by a knock at the door.

"Were you expecting guests?" as Hinata stopped her dusting to look at the front door.

"No" as Naruto gave a confused expression. "I shouldn't be expecting anyone. No one should know I'm here". Slowly the pair cautiously made their way to the door. Opening the door, they were surprised to see who it was. "Sasuke?" The young Uchiha in question looked rather disgruntled and almost ragged as if something was on his mind. "What are . . . ." but was interrupted as the emo grabbed him roughly by the shirt as he looked face to face with him.

"You're going to use your watch" he said venomously. "You're going to take me back and help me stop the Uchiha massacre".

To be continued . . . .

~ omake (don't take this seriously) ~

"According to the package, the yondaime was the one who sent it. Although very interesting that this was sent fourteen years ago specifically instructed to deliver this package on this exact day, on this exact time, and only to the person who'd answer to 'Naruto Uzumaki'. Made a bet with a couple of guys that you wouldn't be here, but it seems like I lost" giving a strained chuckle. "So sign here please and I'll be on my way".

Naruto ripped the package open as he read the letter that was inside. "It's from my dad!" as he quickly read it. Finishing the letter, "I have to go!"

"Wait kid, is there something wrong? Is there any way I can help?"

"No" as Naruto shook his head. "There is only one man who can help me".

A few minutes of running later, "That's impossible" said Teuchi, "I sent you off already from breakfast".

"Well I'm back, I'm back for lunch!"

Author's notes: I'm going to start speeding up the story as I feel things are progressing too slowly.

Also on another note, should I continue writing the entire story here? Or break it off at a certain arc in order to write a new one story from chapter 1?

So I thank everyone for taking the time in reading this fic and further extend my gratitude if you can review it as well.