It is time for another disclaimer. I do not own Naruto, nor any of the movies or songs I will start referencing in this story. I place every thing in the stories for a reason, or try to at least. Hopefully some of you are music and music enthusiasts like I am and will supply me with ideas. (HINT!!!!)


Hokage's Office

Sasuke's tolerance for Naruto was just about to run out. Every minute of the way there, he would not cease his nauseatingly enthusiastic questions about the person they were supposed to meet. To make the matters worse, in Sasuke's mind, Naruto was prancing around like a puppy begging for a treat or to play with its master. How Kakashi could stand this conduct was beyond his level of reasoning.

As now they were sitting outside the office, Naruto's behavior finally ended his patience.

"Dobe, why don't you keep a lid on it? You know who is on the other side of that door, right??" Sasuke scolded.

"Of course I do! I just don't see how you can not be as excited as I am," Naruto's face beamed with a glow similar to that of a kid at Christmas getting the toy he most wanted.

All Sasuke could do was shake his head. "Listen for once. There are two important people on the other side of that door. One is a man you have looked up to for years and the other is a blood relative. How many of those do you have?"

"This… this would be the first." Naruto gloomily stated slumping back in his seat.

"So, wouldn't you want to make a good impression?" Naruto nodded. "Good. Do everyone and yourself a favor," Sasuke said looking intently at him. "CALM DOWN!"

Kakashi never took his head out of the book, but it did not hold all of his attention.

'It seems Naruto might take that to heart," he noted as Naruto looked at the door with quiet intent. 'Maybe Sasuke will be more to him than just a rival.'

A few minutes passed before Kakashi was summoned inside. The two boys just glanced at each other before Kakashi passed through the doors. If people knew what happened next in those two minds, they would have taken it as a sign of impending doom. The two boys had the same thought, but only one spoke it.

"Naruto, what do you think they want with Kakashi??"


Inside the office

Chronos's eyes lit up when he saw the second familiar face of the day.

"Kakashi wasn't it??" he inquired walking up the man extending his hand. "I can't thank you enough for dragging my sorry carcass and my stuff back here."

Kakashi glanced at the extended hand curiously. "What are you doing??"

Chronos looked as dumbfounded as someone being asked if grass was green. "You never shook hands before?"

"Can't say that I have."

"Okay, well where I come from, this is an expression of greeting and sometimes friendship."

"Typically here, we bow."

"Well seeing I have never bowed to anyone in my life; maybe you can humor me a bit."

Sarutobi just sat back soaking in the exchange of cultures displayed in front of him. 'Maybe Naruto and Chronos are more alike than I thought, but enough of this. There are things to discuss.'

"If you two would please take a seat, there are things that are needed to be discussed."

Kakashi nodded and bowed politely, while Chronos just smiled and gave Kakashi a pat on the shoulder as they took their seats. "We'll talk about this later."

The Third calmly put out his pipe and sat forward at his desk. To Kakashi, that signified all the intent needed for the conversation. These were matters of high importance.

"Kakashi, the reason you are here is that before we bring in the two boys, you will need to be informed of something vital as well as a secret that is going to be shared today if Chronos here agrees."

Both men's interests were peaked at this moment. Seeing that he had their full attention, Sarutobi continued.

"First off, it will be my intent to make Chronos the guardian of Sasuke and Naruto. This was given to be the intent of Uzumaki Yamada and Uchiha Kina. Since they had made their intent known while they still had seats of power, their intent stands and cannot be overruled by the Council or myself. Before that occurs, Chronos, you will need to know about those two. Some of it they will share in their own time. However, you should know that the Uchiha clan was massacred by one of their own, who is still at large. Naruto's past however is even darker still, but that will be shared when they come inside. I do not want to have to repeat a story twice."

Chronos gulped and nodded his assent while Kakashi had a curious look in his eye as the Third finished his speech.

"This next part is for both of you. Since it is also your ancestor's desire to name you as head of the clan, you will at least need to be tested on fighting skill, leadership, judgment, and other skills needed of a clan head. There hasn't been a clan leader for the Uzumaki or Uchiha clans for several years now. I am not going to just bestow a title on anyone," Sarutobi scowled judgmentally at Chronos.

"There should be no need to worry on that account. Other than learning your fighting styles, I surely believe my experience as a Marine would acquit themselves towards my leadership capabilities," Chronos stated proudly.

Sandaime only grunted his consent before finishing his statement. "I am quite sure that your skills that gained you the rank of…"

"Sergeant, Sarutobi-sama."

"Right. As I was saying, your skills that you gained while you obtained that rank should translate nicely, but it would be unsightly for a clan head not to have achieved the rank of Jounin, especially if your charges made it to Genin before you did."

Kakashi chuckled inwardly at the thought of a parent being outranked by one's son. Chronos however couldn't help but wonder if children should be taught to fight at such a young age. He remembered seeing kids of seven and eight years of age being taught martial arts, but he was worried about young kids fighting and dying.

"Agreed, but one question has come to mind. How old are these boys?"

"They are both twelve years of age. Sasuke is one of the best, if not the best in his class, but a bit of a loner and rather moody. Naruto on the other hand lacks some of the basic skills, but he makes up for them in determination, effort, and enthusiasm." noted Kakashi.

"I guess it wouldn't be proper to be outclassed by someone less than half my age," Chronos groaned. "I still am not so sure children should be fighting at that age."

"In our society, children have a tendency to grow up fast," the Third pointed out. "In fact, some of the best ninja we had in our history made their way to the ANBU by their age."

Chronos could only shudder at the thoughts in his mind. For kids of that age to be fighting, and especially killing others seemed despicable. However, the skill lying underneath these people must be insanely high for youth to be that competent that soon.


Outside the Office

Naruto was about to lose his patience. He couldn't even sit still anymore, so he took to pacing the hallway waiting for any hint of what they were present for.

Sasuke himself was losing his calm demeanor as well. So much that he was letting his displeasure be known.

"Naruto, do you have any idea what they could be talking about in there?" Sasuke asked exasperatingly.

"Not a clue, but I can guess."

"Out with it, then."

Naruto let out a sigh of discontent before proceeding. "Probably discussing things like where he was going to live and how he'll be training, not to mention paperwork. You know how Ojiisan hates paperwork."

Sasuke grunted in agreement. "It also wouldn't be a surprise if he was explaining about all of the things he brought with him. Kakashi-sensei did state that he brought with him some odd shaped kunai, a katana, a crossbow, and some sort of small metal Bo."

"Do you think he is a great ninja?"

"Who knows, but at least he is related to us by blood; that should count for something." responded Sasuke.

Naruto scoffed at the idea. "Just because you come from some clan don't make you a great ninja." Sasuke growled. "But if he is as good as you and me, then he definitely is great, and I mean it!"

"Ha! If he is just as good as you, then we are in trouble," mocked Sasuke.

"You got a problem with me, Sasuke??" challenged Naruto glaring at him.

Before the two could get into any argument or fight, Kakashi opened the door.

"Ahem. If you two aren't busy, someone would like to meet you."

Sasuke smirked and quietly rose from his seat, walking past Naruto. As he walked past, he purposely bumped shoulders with him.

"We will finish this later, dobe," Sasuke threw at Naruto as he stood next to Kakashi.

Naruto just chuckled like he knew a secret, then followed the two into the room


Chronos's perspective

Chronos was bemusing the litany of information placed before him. He knew he had a long road of training ahead of him. If Kakashi was any indication, the soldiers or ninja here use rather unique methods for combat. Gone are the days he could rely on his sniper rifle and "eliminate targets with extreme prejudice" from great distances. However, that fact was not occupying his mind at the moment.

'All the while before, I had a loving wife that was at home while I was on duty or on tour. Now, I am alone here and now taking care of two, not my one little daredevil.' Chronos had to fight back a tear as the memory of his son surfaced.

Just then, the door shut so Chronos stood from his seat and turned around. But when his eyes captured the sight in front of him, he was paralyzed. It was neither fear nor wonder that griped him, nor a heightened sense of things as one of his favorite movies proclaimed. It was a sense of bewilderment and astonishment.

In walked two boys and it wasn't the fact that one of them was clad in the loudest orange jumpsuit he has ever seen. It wasn't for the fact that both of their heads practically screamed for a haircut. How anyone would allow these two kids to have haircuts that looked like a sea urchin and something best kept on a girl was beyond his comprehension. What captured Chronos's attention were their faces. They were familiar to him… too familiar. So he did what came natural.

Chronos raised a trembling arm and pointed. Sasuke and Naruto started to think either they did something wrong or that the man was mentally unstable. That was until he spoke.

"Ja-James??" Chronos shockingly asked pointing at Naruto.

"Uhhh... Mister, my name is Uzumaki Naruto," he stated looking at the man in total bewilderment.

Everyone could see the shock on Chronos's face drain away, replaced by a deepening sadness and remorse. For what seemed like eternity, no one spoke until he was ready to do so.

"I guess you wouldn't be him," Chronos glumly spoke while looking away, hoping to hide the pain he felt. Naruto noticed and decided then and there to find out why.

"Who did I remind you of?" he asked calmly walking forward to meet his gaze.

Looking down, he saw the face that so reminded Chronos of the son he had lost. If it wasn't the whisker-like marks on his face or the long and wildly unkempt hair, he would have scolded the boy for wearing something best seen on a bottle of orange juice. Instead he walked over to the chest he brought with him and opened it, removing the photo album.

"Everyone should take a look at this," he muttered softly as he flipped through the pages looking for a specific photo. As they crowded behind him, he stopped at the one picture he was looking for. It was a warm summer day on the boat dock at the old lake he fished at as a child. This was two summers ago, when everything was right in his life.

His father thought it would be best to take his sons and their boys fishing on the lake that day. A day for men it was called, even though there were two boys present. Everyone was shocked by the appearance of those two youngsters in the photo.

Pointing at the blond in the picture, Chronos spoke gently. "This was my son, James. I assume you can see the resemblance." All the rest of them could do is nod numbly, except for Sasuke, who saw the other young boy.

Drawing everyone's attention to that person, he tapped Chronos's shoulder. "Who is the other child in the photo?"

Looking up, he smiled at Sasuke with fondness. "That was one of my nephews, Jason. He always tried to pick on me, throwing insults and other various barbs."

Naruto couldn't suppress the laughter as he spoke. "Sounds familiar, right Sasuke?"

"Can it, baka."

A short period of silence ensued while the relatives studied the photo, until it was broken with a simple question from Kakashi.

"How long has it been since they passed on?"

"They died a month later," Chronos mumbled with a tone of hardened loss. "It was the day before I left to be stationed on an island overseas. I was over a thousand miles away with my unit. Everyone else gathered for a family reunion and to also celebrate my parent's fiftieth wedding anniversary. That night, while everyone was eating, a violent storm stuck. No one in my family survived. That was about eighteen months ago."

Naruto could see the tears starting to form in the man's eyes, and strangely enough, in his own as well. Sasuke took a step back and saw the nightmare of his family being taken from him flashing before his eyes yet again, bringing his own tears to surface – tears that he'd wanted never to shed again. The three of them might have cried together in the common bond of suffering and loss, until the memories were interrupted.

"Everyone has experienced loss in their lives. Kakashi here lost comrades and loved ones in the line of duty, as I have. You three experienced the loss of family in the most inexplicable and horrible ways imaginable. For most people, it breaks them fully. However, for a chosen few, they are given a second chance at life," Sarutobi said warmly. "This is yours. Come and sit. There is plenty to talk about."

After wiping their tears, everyone returned to their seats and for the next hour discussing many topics. First, Chronos introduce himself, going through most of what he already explained to the Third. Both of the young boys listened as he talked about his experiences being in the Marines and his family with rapt appreciation and wonder. Naruto even asked if he had jutsus he could share, but was disappointed that he couldn't. The next comment from Chronos made everyone pause.

"Do you think that this line of profession is glorious?" asked Chronos, filling the air with the concerns weighing heavily in his mind. Sasuke didn't respond but Naruto did for him.

"I do this only to prove myself and to protect those that are precious to me," he stated firmly.

"Do you still want to know what skills I used in the Marines?" Both boys nodded. "I guess then there will be a use for the movies I brought with me. If you truly want to go down the path of a warrior or ninja, then you will definitely see a couple movies I have. If you still want to go down that road, then I will help."

"Why would you want to change what we want to do with our lives?" asked Sasuke curiously.

"One reason that I imagine Kakashi and Sarutobi-sama knows quite well. War is not glorious and most times never honorable. It is an ugly thing." Both boys looked at the two hardened Shinobi and saw they agreed to their fullest extent.

Sasuke, taking Chronos's earlier stories to heart, then did something no one seen him do before. He actually opened up for the first time about the massacre that took his clan. He told of how he found everyone in his clan dead in gruesome fashion. He told of how his brother told him to use his hate as a tool to drive him. Those listening that knew of those events saw what was driving Sasuke to excel and silently vowed to either help change his ways or help bring finality and justice to the events.

What shook Sasuke to his core was two simple motions made by Naruto and Chronos. Chronos, knowing firsthand the pain of losing family, placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. Naruto was not quite as good with physical forms of comforting and friendship, but his words made all the difference.

"Sasuke, sorry if I was a pain. If you want help, or even if you don't, I will give it to you." he said with a look of grim determination. Sasuke saw this and nodded, actually giving his first true smile in ages.

After that display, the Sandaime concluded that it was time to share the biggest secret of all.

"Chronos, since you have seemed to take an interest in these two. I assume then you agree with becoming their guardian?" Both Naruto and Sasuke looked at the Third and then Chronos with disbelief. When he nodded, Naruto plastered the largest grin he ever mustered in his short tortured life. Sasuke however nodded in agreement while smirking at Naruto's cheesy grin.

"If that is the case, then you three should now be aware of why things are in this village for Naruto. Sasuke, I assume the last few days that you noticed how harsh Naruto's treatment by the villagers has been."

"The display was despicable and unnerving, Hokage-sama. Most of the villagers would insult him openly, even going so far as trying to throw objects at him. I've seen his apartment vandalized and he only seems to be able to properly eat at one ramen stand without fear of poison." mentioned Sasuke, disgust dripping off his face.

"The reason they do that is out of fear. Twelve years ago, Naruto was born on October tenth. You realize what that day is right?"

Chronos sat back and watched as Sasuke shown real fear on his face, but suddenly he appeared calm. He heard why from the boys own lips.

"Other than being a dobe and loud, there is nothing that shows to be that he is the Kyuubi. And he can't be it anyways. It was defeated by the Yondimae Hokage."

"What do you mean? What is the Kyuubi? Why in HELL does that justify a boy being treated that way??" Chronos questioned in a slight panic.

"Kitsune no Kyuubi was a powerful nine-tailed fox demon that roamed the land. For some reason, it attacked the village the day Naruto was born," the Third Hokage explained. "However, contrary to our history, the demon could not be defeated by human hands or human skill. In order to stop the beast's rampage, an elaborate sealing jutsu was performed by the Yondaime to imprison the demon."

"This can't be true," Chronos scoffed. "There are no such things as demons."

"Unfortunately, it is true. You may have no demons where you came from but they certainly exist here. Now, in order to seal away something as powerful as a demon like the Kyuubi, the beast needed to be sealed in a newborn. Naruto was chosen by the Yondaime for this very specific purpose."

Naruto froze in complete shock from this story. Jumbled thoughts raced through his twelve year-old mind. After a few moments of abject fear, a single thought was spoken.

"Will he get out or turn me into a demon??" Naruto asked frightened at the notion.

Kakashi put a calming hand on his shoulder. "No Naruto. So long as you stay strong, you will always be Naruto."

Naruto looked around and saw the comforting expressions held by the Third and even by Sasuke, instantly relieving most of the burdensome thought plaguing him. One part of it still remained. The Third saw this and looked for an immediate solution.

"Chronos, after what you have heard from these boys, has your intentions for their care changed? Will you still take them under your care?"

Naruto looked at the man trying to not show any hope. However, a few small words changed that.

"I was raised too well to allow family to be abandoned. I'm certainly not about to do that now," Chronos stated firmly looking Naruto eye-to-eye. Those words did it for Naruto, and he burst from his seat and hugged his new father, which was returned warmly. However, one question remained.

"Ojiisan, did anyone from my family survive?"

Sarutobi looked down mournfully. "I'm sorry Naruto. Your mother died at childbirth and your father died protecting the village during the attack. The rest of your clan was the first ones to fight the demon giving the Yondaime time to look for that sealing jutsu. And before you ask anymore, some of this needs to wait. Suffice it to say, knowing more about your birth parents is not good until you can defend yourself to a certain degree.

Naruto was confused and trying to sort things out in his mind about that last comment. His train of thoughts were shattered when Chronos chuckled with a hint of pride. Kakashi looked at him puzzled. "What is it??"

"Simple really. I am glad that my distant ancestors fought like true Marines. We're known for being the first to enter a fight, and the last to leave. I guess that means that I am going to have to train two new Marines, don't I?" Chronos asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

The other adults let out a warm laugh before continuing on, while Naruto and Sasuke stared at Chronos like he had grown a second head. The Third then pulled out a scroll that Chronos recognized instantly.

"I want you, Naruto and Sasuke to read this while I arrange for a few things. Tomorrow, I will have a few people go through the archives and see if there is anything left relating to the Uzumaki clan."

Naruto and Sasuke looked over the scroll studying its contents, while Chronos and Kakashi looked over some of Chronos's equipment.


To the Uzumaki and Uchiha clan,

I regret to be writing to you in this manner but from the past war and problems that arose due to my marriage to my beloved, Kina, it was necessary. We both wished to remove ourselves from further conflict. Too many deaths occurred for us to want to raise our family in Konoha.

Do not mistake this for any disapproval of the village or the clans. Both of us cherish them to the fullest. However, if this scroll was found, then our place of refuge was not lasting and the person bearing this scroll is to be given protection from persecution due to perceived dishonor as a result of our departure. It is also my wish that this person be given the opportunity to take my place as head of my clan, or of the Uchiha clan if it is necessary. If needed, let him or her undergo the trials.

To the last descendant,

You should have one half of the clan medallion given only to the head of our clan. The other half was left in my brother's care and should have been passed down. Retrieve that half and join the two pieces. At that time, the way shall be marked to our private residence. You may stay there and there are a few things there for you to train in on the way of both the Uzumaki and the Uchiha, depending on what gifts may be discovered in you.

Good Luck and remember the rules.

Uzumaki Yamada

Uchiha Kina


Sasuke and Naruto looked at each other with various thoughts rampaging through their minds. Sasuke was wondering what Uchiha clan secrets were kept at that private residence. He also wondered what kind of man that his ancestor married could lead her to trust a stranger with Uchiha secrets, even if the person didn't have the gifts present. Sasuke knew fully that those "gifts" were that of the Sharingan and anything like that present would be helpful for him.

Naruto was wondering what "gifts" could be related to him being an Uzumaki. He was giddy about having a new place to live and train if this private residence was anything decent. Surely it had to be since his uncle twice removed was the clan head. Then an idea hit him like a thunderbolt.

"Otousan, Ojiisan, do you know what this clan medallion is??"

Chronos playfully pondered for a moment, even though he knew the answer. Seeing this, Sarutobi decided to let Chronos have his fun while taking the scroll to read what was going on. Chronos then pulled out a medallion from under his shirt showing it to everyone. Naruto instantly recognized it.

"Hey. I got something just like that back in the apartment. I've always had it, even at the orphanage when I was younger," he mentioned cheerfully.

"Good," approved the Sandaime. "Tomorrow, both of you pack up your belongings and meet here by noon with the medallions. As for tonight, go grab some food and stay over at the Uchiha residence. You should get used to living together."

Naruto jumped for joy and started hugging Chronos and Sasuke. Chronos gladly accepted it, but Sasuke got annoyed and moved away before Naruto could hug him.

"No way, baka. We aren't that close yet. Got it?" exclaimed Sasuke raising a fist.

Naruto just laughed scratching the back of his head. "Got it. Come on! It's time to eat. Last one at Ichiraku's buys!" Naruto turned and sprinted out the door.

Chronos just held his head before groaning. "Does he always act like that?"

Everyone else laughed in unison. "EVERY DAY!"

"It's not too late to back out is it??" he replied dejectedly as he reached into the chest grabbing the bag of coins he had.

Sasuke just turned to him and smirked sympathetically. "Welcome to my world. Do not worry. He'll be fine until he gets there. Follow me, I'll show you the way." They both bowed, Chronos taking his cue from his new son and left towards the restaurant.

Both of them made small talk on the way there, conversing about basics about life in Konoha, the academy, and the basics of the ninja arts. About halfway to their destination, they ran into a certain someone.

"Ohayo, Sasuke-kun. How are you this evening?" asked Sakura.

"Better than the last time we met. Let me introduce you to someone," motioning to Chronos. "This is Uzumaki Chronos. He has taken me in as my guardian. He is also somewhat of a blood relative since his great grandmother was an Uchiha. Otousan, this is a classmate of mine, Haruno Sakura."

The shocked look on her face told it all. But her mind was still racing with too many thoughts to handle, so her mouth got rid of the excess.

"You are really related to that baka, Naruto?? You got a father now?? He does look strong, but what is he like?? Does this mean you will be living with Naruto?? This is a lot to take in..." exasperated the young girl.

Chronos took it upon himself to calm the situation noticing the look of distress on Sasuke's face. Seeing that he remembered girls like this in high school, he figured he could handle this well.

"Sakura, please do not insult Naruto in my presence, alright?" Seeing her nod, he finished his thoughts. "Yes they got a father now, in a sense. Of course we will be living together. What kind of parent would I be if I let them live all alone? Speaking of that, why are you out late alone?"

"My mother was meeting friends today and she gave me some money to grab dinner," she stated holding up the 125 ryo she had.

"Interesting. Since I have no clue how much that is, maybe you can tell me what this is worth," Chronos asked pulling out one of the gold coins in his bag.

Sakura's eyes widened and snatched to coin from his hand. Flipping it a few times and twirling it in her petite hands, she handed it back with a smile. "A gold coin? Probably at least 500 ryo."

Chronos sighed in relief. "Good. I was worried I wouldn't have any money here." A grin slowly spread across his face, like a cat that just caught his mouse, and then looked at Sasuke. "Since you are going to eat like we are, why don't you come with us? I am sure we could use some company and I always appreciate having friends over."

Sakura smiled with pure happiness and looked over at Sasuke. "See? Even your father appreciates my company. Maybe you could get used to it, too!"

Sasuke just groaned as he saw Chronos and Sakura walk down the street chatting away.

'Ugh! This is going to be so annoying...' he muttered in his head as he shuffled down the street after them.