So...I've officially mastered the art of Kishimoto flashbacks. I don't know how I feel about that. XD Anyway, also...after this chapter I'm basically going to be pulling shit out of my ass as far as the plot goes since, well, I've kind of caught up to the manga now...with the expeption of Sasuke's little chit chat with the previous Hokage (which, by the way, what the hell am I supposed to do with Orochimaru? I mean, seriously! Kishimoto's not going to troll us with that creep...is he? Because if he turns good at the last minute and is actually helpful, then that's just WRONG. But if he tries to take over the world once Obito and Madara are out of the picture then that's really really anticlimactic...unless Kishi wants to be a major ass and suddenly make Orochimaru stronger than MADARA with the JUUBI.) Oye...I'll figure it out...I'm not obligated to follow the plot of Naruto, I just do that for your convenience. But since we have no idea how this is going to end, enjoy the next segment of what I like to call, "Jo pulls random shit out of her ass to make a decent story!" (and yes, you can call me Jo. XD)

ENJOI


Itachi

If only there had been time…

"Nii-San!" Sasuke called out to him one summer morning. He was running down the hall towards Itachi's room. Itachi groaned, the sun dancing through the curtains of his room. He had gotten home from the Sand Village late the night before, and he didn't know how long he had had to sleep, but it wasn't enough. The sun hurting his eyes, Itachi rolled onto his stomach and buried his head into his pillow, his waking thoughts the same as his uncomfortable dreams as he kicked himself mentally. Why had he kissed Ari back at the hospital? Ugh, he was so stupid!

"Itachi! You're home! Come on, let's play!" Sasuke cheered as he leapt on top of Itachi's back. Ugh…he didn't want to get up! Sasuke groaned when his elder brother would not stir, so Sasuke jumped up and down a little, tugging gently on Itachi's long hair. "Come one, Itachi…I want to show you the cool jutsu I learned this week! Brother…!"

"Mmmmffff," was all the exhausted Uchiha could muster with his squished face. He then turned his head to the side and begged, "Can we do that later…?"

"But you always say that!" Sasuke groaned.

"But I'm tired!"

"And I'm bored! You've been sleeping all day! It's ten o'clock already, Itachi!"

"Just…some other time, okay? Please?"

Sasuke crossed his arms and pouted, "you never make time for me…"

Itachi groaned and managed to roll onto his back with Sasuke still on top of him. He stared up at the boy sitting on his stomach and sighed. How could he resist such a sweet face? Despite his fatigue, Itachi reached up and tapped his little brother on the forehead and said, "alright, fine. Get up and let me get dressed, alright?"

"Yay! Thank you Itachi!" Sasuke cheered as he leapt off his brother and ran down to the kitchen. Enjoying his last few moments underneath the warmth of his covers, Itachi finally managed to sit up. He went over to his dresser and looked in the mirror. He was bare chested and handed even changed out of the pants from his ANBU uniform. His pupils were still dilated from his concussion and needless to say, Itachi looked like crap. And Ari didn't hesitate to tell him so when she came barging into his room moments later.

"Good morning, Uchiha residence!" he heard his sweet voice call out as she stepped through the front door. Itachi could hear Sasuke run up to her and jump into her arms.

"Hi Ari!" Sasuke cheered, "How are you?"

"I'm great, Sasuke!" Ari responded, "And how are you? And where's the rest of your family?"

"Mom left to run errands and Dad's at work at the Police Force's Headquarters today. Itachi's in his room getting ready. He and I are going to go train today!" Sasuke explained. Itachi grimaced as he heard foot steps approaching his room. The trip home once Ari had been discharged from the hospital was painfully awkward, neither of them able to say anything about that stupid kiss. Oh man…this wouldn't end well.

"Ita! Wake up, sleepy head!" Ari cheered as she poked her head in, but her eyes widened when she saw the shirtless Uchiha standing in his room wearing fairly tight leggings. Pushing down a blush she opened the door the rest of the way and placed her hands on her hips, "Did you even change when you got home last night?"

"No," Itachi responded flatly, "did you?"

Ari laughed, "since when would I have the decency to?"

Itachi chuckled at that one. He eyed her curiously though. Her hair was still a wild mane, but she was wearing a nice top and…a skirt…with heeled sandals. And she smelled fantastic. Well, she always smelled nice, but wow, was she wearing perfume? She still had a couple bandages around her wrist, but otherwise Ari was almost completely healed from her near-death experience. It was amazing how fast that girl's immune system could work.

Itachi gulped, trying to hide his blush as he managed, "You look…really nice."

Ari giggled as she took a step closer and Itachi even noticed a trace of makeup had been delicately painted on her face. She smiled, "why thank you! Saya's taking me out to lunch today…she says it's in celebration of our mission and what not so I figured I'd look decent for once."

"Well you always look decent," Itachi said. He then frowned upon the blush forming on Ari's face. Oh no, he didn't just make things weird again, did he? To redirect the subject, Itachi lifted his hand and patted the girl's head, teasing, "though you still didn't brush your hair."

Ari grimaced and swatted his hand away pouting, "But I did…!"

At that, Itachi chuckled, "relax, Ari! It wouldn't be you if your hair was tamed anyway."

At around that moment, Sasuke glared at his brother and ran up to the two announcing, "Itachi! I thought we were going to train today! You can hang out with your girlfriend later!"

Itachi's cheeks flushed a bright red and he glanced nervously over at Ari. The girl in turn giggled and stroked Itachi's hair, "I'll let you boys have fun…though Ita you might want to clean yourself up first."

"R-right," Itachi smiled, "I'll see you later…"

And with that, Ari gave Itachi a hug, congratulating him on his mission, before she turned to leave. He honestly wasn't too sure why Ari decided to pay a visit, but he was happy to see her none the less. Once gone, Sasuke looked up at his brother, watching Itachi get ready for the day.

"Why didn't you ask her out?" Sasuke asked, crossing his arms.

"Hm?" Itachi hummed, poking his head out of the shower curtain, "she's my friend. Why would I-?"

"Because you love her!" Sasuke cheered, throwing his hands in the air.

At that, Itachi frowned as he dunked his head back into the steaming water, "well…yeah but…it doesn't seem like there's any time for love…"

"And just what do you mean by that, Itachi?" Sasuke asked, sitting on the bathroom sink, his legs swinging freely, "It seems like you don't have time for anything."

Itachi frowned and sighed heavily. With everything he knew and love slowly starting to fall apart, Sasuke was right. There wasn't time for anything.

As they fought Kabuto, Itachi couldn't help but think back to all those times he had put something off due to lack of time. Kabuto thrashed about, calling the Uchiha perfect, but as Itachi looked at what his brother had become, and he felt like nothing more than scum. A worthless piece of trash.

He awoke with a start. Dammit, these nightmares would never end. That night…Sasuke's tears, his parents' screams of pain. His whole family…and how hardened his innocent little brother had become. What had Itachi done? Heaving heavily, Itachi let out a faint whimper.

"Ita…?" Ari asked sleepily. Itachi drew in a sharp breath and closed his mouth, terrified. Of what, exactly, he didn't know, but he was afraid and embarrassed at the state the sleeping woman had found him in. These nightmares happened just about every night, and since Ari had moved in, Itachi didn't want her to know how pitiful the man had become at the rising of the moon. He could usually hide it, waking quietly and then going downstairs to read a book to calm down. But that night…Ari had only been here a week and Itachi had almost completely forgotten that he now shared a bed with the love of his life.

"S-Sorry…" Itachi choked out, trying to regain his composure. Alarmed by the tone in his voice, Ari sat up and turned on the light. She looked over and her eyes widened when she saw Itachi's tear-stained face. He looked away, humiliated, and covered the side of his face with his hand.

"Ita…" Ari said gently. She placed her hands on his shoulders and he jumped at her touch, "Itachi, what's wrong? What happened?"

"My family…" Itachi choked out. Losing his composure he broke out to sobs, "Look, I'm sorry, but please leave me alone!"

"Shh, it's okay," Ari cooed, pushing some of his hair behind his ears. Her gentleness only made Itachi heave more, struggling to push his sobs back down. She couldn't see him like this! How humiliating. Noticing Itachi's hesitance towards her, Ari rested her head on his shoulder and sighed heavily, "and I won't leave you alone. You don't have to hide yourself away anymore."

At that, Itachi pitched forward and cried harder. He sobbed, "But I'm scum! I killed my family, I broke your heart…and now look where Sasuke is! I don't deserve to live. I'm trash!"

"Hey," Ari cooed in a gentle yet stern voice. She placed her hand under his chin and lifted his head up so he would look at her. Itachi sniffled and tried to turn away, but Ari grasped firmly onto the sides of his head with both of her hands. She smiled sadly and said, "you are not trash. You are a wonderful, kind man. There is no time to be feeling sorry for yourself, not when you are such a gentle spirit."

Itachi closed his eyes tightly and rested his head on Ari's chest, allowing the tears to fall before her as she held him close. He felt safe in her arms.

But she was right, there was no time for him. There was hardly any time for them.

Sighing heavily, Itachi kicked himself as Izanami activated. He even had a second chance. A second chance to make amends with Sasuke. A second chance to live with Ari. A second chance to be a father to Hana. But yet again, his time on this earth was short lived.

They finally subdued Kabuto and Itachi was able to activate Tsukuyomi and get the proper hand signs to deactivate the Edo Tensei.

"You're coming back, Daddy," Hana's voice echoed in his ears, "I just know it!"

And as if to only add to his guilt, Sasuke heaved a heavy sigh behind Itachi and said, "It looks like nothing I will say could change anything. When I saw you, I only followed you because I wanted to confirm whether or not the things Tobi and Danzo said were true. But that's not the only thing I confirmed…"

Itachi grimaced as the boy continued, "When I'm with you, I remember the past, the feelings from my childhood spent together with the brother I loved. And that's exactly why the more time I spend with you and the more we get along like we used to, the more I understand you. But the more my hatred towards Konoha swells. It's now stronger than ever before. I understand what you want me to do, and it's probably because you're my brother that you repudiate me. But it's also because I'm your little brother that I won't stop no matter what. You haven't changed, you can't make time for anything, and I'm not sure if it's because you can't or you're just afraid to get close to people. But for that reason, I refuse to change myself. I just can't back down from my resolve."

Itachi said nothing as he forced Kabuto to weave hand signs. But within him, an epiphany occurred. Sasuke was exactly right, it wasn't that there was no time. Itachi never made time. He was too afraid to. He was afraid of his brother walking down the path of hatred because he loved Itachi too much. He was afraid of breaking Ari's heart because of his own resolve and his orders to betray the village. He was afraid of becoming a father, and making the same mistakes with his child that he did with his brother. And yet…despite everything…all his fears came true. And now, more than ever, Itachi longed for time that for once didn't exist. When he was alive, Itachi made excuses saying there was no time, but that was only because he didn't want there to be time when in actuality he could have easily sat down and explained things to Sasuke, he could have mustered up the courage to ask Ari out on a much more proper occasion, he could have fessed up about his orders and his heart condition sooner and could have survived corrective surgery. He could have given Ari the love she truly deserved and possibly even a baby, a little brother or sister for their flower. Only now, when time actually did run out, could Itachi see these mistakes. And suddenly, Itachi felt himself forced to cram everything he wanted to do for his brother and his family into a few brief moments. He wouldn't waste time any longer.

"Goodbye," Sasuke finally managed to say as the Edo Tensei was released.


Ari

We finally managed to free the Bijuu, but alas they were sealed away in the Gedo Mazo, the giant sealing statue. I looked around and suddenly saw pillars of light shooting to the sky.

"What the…?" I asked.

Bee cheered out happily, "Naruto! Ari! Saya! The Edo Tensei's been released! Itachi saved the day!"

I smiled sadly, relieved that the Impure World Resurrection was over, but that also meant Ita…

…and Saya!

I turned to my friend as she struggled to walk up next to me, her body beginning to disintegrate. She looked up at me as her body glowed and she smiled, "I guess it's time to go."

"Yeah," I said in a soft voice, "go take a break. You earned it. Though tell me…I'm not too much of a dud as an adult, am I?"

Saya laughed, "you're surprisingly not as senile as I thought you'd be. But damn! When did you get boobs?"

I smirked and covered my chest, slightly embarrassed, "Oh, shut up! But Saya…I really am sorry…for everything."

"Don't be…" Saya said, her voice fading, "you were…the best friend I could have ever asked for…even in death…"

"As are you," I said, smiling sadly.

"And you make a great mom…I hope things work out for you…" Saya whispered, her soul lifting out of her body as the Edo Tensei dissipated.

"Goodbye, Saya," I whispered to myself, "goodbye, Itachi…"


Sasuke

He stared in awe as Itachi staggered forward, his hand lifted in front of him. Itachi chuckled and said, "I feel as if I'm slowly losing consciousness…before saying goodbye, I will tell you what you wanted to know. There is no need to lie anymore…what I did that night before leaving you, it's exactly as Danzo and Tobi told you. I will show you the truth…and also…"

Itachi didn't finish but instead activated a genjutsu. Suddenly, Sasuke found himself standing at Nagano river before a younger Itachi and Shisui.

"This is…Itachi's memory?" Sasuke said to himself. Shisui turned to face Itachi, one of his eyes appearing as if it had been gouged out.

"There is no way to stop the Uchiha's coup d'état anymore," Shisui stated, "a civil war will happen in the Leaf and the other countries will try to take advantage of it to attack. It will turn into a war. When I tried to stop the coup by using Koto Amatsukami, Danzo stole my right eye. He doesn't trust me anymore. I've decided to protect the village in my own way. He'll try to take my right eye as well, so I'll give it to you before that happens."

Sasuke and the younger Itachi watched in horror as Shisui pulled out his own eye. He smiled as blood poured out of his socket and said, "You're my best friend, and the only one I can ask of this. Please protect the village and the Uchiha's name."

Itachi took the eye and Shisui leapt into the river, ending his life. Sasuke watched as Itachi turned to leave, fighting tears. Sasuke followed his brother through the genjutsu village. He knew this route…

Before Sasuke could reach Ari's apartment, the Tsukuyomi fast-forwarded to a meeting with the Third Hokage and the elders. The risk of the coup had grown even worse and the elders were all in a panic. It was after that meeting when Danzo gave the orders.

What Sasuke found interesting was that there had been a choice for Itachi. And yet he chose to save the village and Sasuke with it. The memory then flashed forward to the fateful night. Itachi had done most of the killing and positioned himself atop the telephone pole in the center of their clan's residency. He had yet to destroy their parents, and he braced himself as he and Sasuke watched a little Uchiha boy run down the street.

"Sasuke," Itachi's thoughts rang out, "I should have told you before all this happened…but it's too late now…"

He then disappeared to finish off the remaining two Uchiha before Sasuke could discover them. As Itachi appeared from behind his parents, their father said, "I see…so you joined their side…"

"Father, Mother, I…" Itachi began, his voice shaking, but Mother cut him off and smiled sadly.

"We understand Itachi, it's alright," she said.

Father continued and said, "Itachi, promise me that you will take care of Sasuke."

Itachi narrowed his eyes as tears began to stream down his face and mustered, "understood."

Itachi's sword began to shake and upon noticing this, Father urged his son to finish the job, "Don't hesitate. This is the path you chose. Our pain will only last an instant, unlike yours which will continue on forever. Our way of thinking may be different, but Itachi I want you to know that I am proud of you."

Itachi lowered his head and began sobbing as he struck down both Mother and Father, his father's last words to him were, "You really are gentle."

Itachi continued to sob in the memory, trying to regain enough composure to retreat, but a younger Sasuke stepped in, forcing Itachi to hide his tears. As the memory faded, Sasuke saw flashes of other memories throughout Itachi's life. Waking from nightmares, Ari lying in bed with him, kneeling down in front of Ari as he held out a ring, carrying a small girl with purple eyes in his arms. He heard the name "Hana" mentioned several times. But those flashes ended and Sasuke looked up to see his dead brother reaching his hand out to poke his forehead one last time.

"It won't need to be said again," Itachi said, "I lost the truth, and it won't come back. I always lied to you and asking you to forgive me. I always kept you far away with my own hands because I didn't want to involve you…or anyone else…but now I think…I think that maybe you could have changed our mother, our father…the Uchiha…I think that we could have lived in Konoha happily, you could have had the life you deserve…if I had just faced you from the start…tried to see things from your point of view and talked with you about the truth…but I failed and no matter what I say now, my words will not reach you. That's why I'm going to say what I really think…"

Sasuke instinctually closed his eyes anticipating a jab to the forehead as Itachi's head drew near.

But Itachi didn't poke his forehead.

Instead, Sasuke felt Itachi grasp the back of his head and Sasuke opened his eyes to see Itachi pull him close as their foreheads touched. Itachi smiled sadly and said, "You don't have to forgive me. No matter what happens, I will love you forever."


Ari

Itachi…you ended the Edo Tensei too soon…

I stared up in horror as we all slowly started to realize just what sort of mess we were all in. Once we realized that Tobi and Kakashi's sharingans were linked, it didn't take long to come up with a plan on how to counter his attacks. His ability to slip through was the exact same thing as Kakashi's Kamui.

But with that sharingan…

As I had feared, when Naruto smashed the mask into pieces, we no longer stared down a complete stranger hell-bent on destroying the world, but we looked into the eyes of Obito Uchiha, a man who was once a comrade and Kakashi's best friend.

But of course, if our day couldn't get any worse, my heart came to a complete stop and I let out a shriek, jumping back when another man joined Obito's side.

"Ari! What's wrong?" Naruto asked as Dad's chakra form began to emerge.

"Oh no…" Dad growled, "not him…"

"That man!" I whimpered, "But Itachi, he…"

Itachi had sacrificed himself twice. And all for nothing. I looked into the only set of eyes which ever haunted my dreams. The eyes which sent my life to hell. The eyes of Madara Uchiha.

"You seem to be having fun there, Obito," Madara noted, placing a hand on his hip. He smirked as he glared down at me, "It's been quite some time, but that terrified look hasn't left your eyes, half-breed."

"Ma-Ma…" I stammered, tears escaping my eyes. I crossed my arms over my chest in an attempt to comfort myself. I had never felt more terrified in my life! Completely beside myself, I let out a scream and fell to my knees.

"Ari!" Naruto cried out, but he looked up at Madara with the same fear in his eyes as he stammered, "He…he's…!"

"Ari, Naruto, stay calm, you'll be alright!" Dad tried to coax, but his efforts failed. He grimaced as he looked up at Madara and cursed, "Damn you…"

Ignoring our panic attacks, Obito looked to Madara and stated, "you defied the Edo Tensei. Very much like you to do that."

"But anyway…" Madara redirected his attention to his opponents.

"WHY?" Naruto roared, "Why is the Madara that was there, here! What happened to all the others?"

At that, Madara let out a chuckle and his gazed shifted to the right as he said, "Who knows…they're all probably…dead."

"YOU BASTARD!" I roared, unleashing my cloak. I was quickly running out of chakra and there was no way I could maintain this form for very long if at all, but my anger boiled over. First he captures Dad, then he kills Mom, and now, and now…and now this?

Madara and Obito completely ignored my outburst and continued talking their plans over. Were we really that weak in their eyes? Was this all pointless? I gritted my teeth. No…I wouldn't let it end here. Not while there were still people in this world I had to protect.

We fought as hard as we could, but the threat of the Juubi's arrival grew imminent as Obito used a discarded tentacle from the Eight Tails and the remains of Ginkaku and Kinkaku to make up for Gyuuki's and Dad's chakras. The Juubi would be incomplete, but it would still be the Juubi nonetheless.

Dammit, this wouldn't end well.

Obito continued to talk Kakashi down, and the copy ninja running out of chakra, he could no longer maintain a Mongekyo.

"Stay in your trash bin, Kakashi," Obito scowled as he attempted to absorb Kakashi into the kamui. Naruto in turn charged forward and rammed Obito in the head.

"Kakashi-sensei is LIKE ME!" he roared, causing Obito to retreat backwards. I collapsed to my knees, unable to stand any longer. I was too exhausted. And Kakashi was much worse.

"Dammit…Naruto, we're sitting ducks out here," I apologized, "don't worry about us, just take care of Obito!"

"But I can't leave you, he'll kill you guys!" Naruto snapped back. I glared at him, what did it matter? If Obito wasn't stopped, it would be all over!

"Naruto," Dad said suddenly, "switch to me!"

Confused, Naruto did as he was asked. Dad had done that a few times already, using Naruto's body to act on his own accord once his chakra cloak ran out. I would never get used to that…I couldn't take my father seriously when he was walking around as the boy I had raised. It was too weird.

Dad turned to Kakashi and held out his hand, "Kakashi-brat, give me your hand!"

"What?" Kakashi asked in shock.

"Just give me your hand!" Dad said again. Kakashi held his arm out and Dad flung the shinobi around and threw him so hard he crashed into Obito who quickly took the chance to absorb Kakashi into kamui when the copy ninja didn't have enough chakra to come back.

"DAAAD!" I shrieked.

Dad turned around and gave me a confused look, "What? Give me your hand too."

"ABSOLUTELY NOT!" I screamed at him, "You don't just throw people to their deaths when they're out of chakra!"

"Well he's out of the way now, so just give me your hand!" Dad roared back at me.

"No!" I squealed, glaring at him.

"ARIALA UZUMAKI GIVE ME YOUR HAND OR SO HELP ME YOU'RE GROUNDED!" Dad roared, letting lose his rage.

"I'M AN ADULT!" I roared back.

"Give me your hand!"

"Not happening!"

"I won't throw you! I promise!"

"I don't trust you! You're still on the fence with me, I hope you know!"

"I thought we made up!"

"And then you ruined the moment!"

"We're at WAR, Ari!"

"I don't care!"

"Agh!" Giving up, Dad spun around to attack Obito, but his hand only passed through the man. To my surprise, as his hand passed through, Obito coughed up blood.

"What?" I asked. But that was when I realized: Kakashi was on the other side of Kamui with the part of Obito's body that had disappeared. And now I felt like an idiot. Way to think ahead, Ari, way to think ahead. Ugh…this was why I left tactics up to Ita when we fought together…when he wasn't freaking out he could see things with a lot more detail than I ever could have hoped to have the patience to even imagine.

"Kakashi did that from the other side," Dad explained to both Naruto and I, "the difference between you and me is that I can hand out chakra freely. Now Ari, are you going to give me your hand or not?"

I grimaced and braced myself but Dad clasped tightly onto my hand and I felt a surge of chakra pass through my body, filling my chakra network to maximum capacity. I winced as my cloak took form once again, this time emitting a gold glow.

"I'm going to throw you, so don't panic," Dad said. I glared at him. That liar! Rolling his eyes, Dad explained, "Go help you Bee and your uncle! We need to stop the Juubi! And you're light enough for me to throw a good distance."

"You owe me," I growled as Dad lifted me so my feet rested in his palm and forearm.

"You ready?" he asked.

"Nope!" I retorted. Rolling his eyes, Dad chucked me as hard as he could anyway while I screamed, losing the rest of my dignity. I landed on Bee's head with, stumbling forward and falling on my face. Sitting up I brushed the dirt off of me and began to create my phantom dragon jutsu.

"We're gonna blow it before it revives!" Bee explained, "Give it all you got and make it as big as you can!"

I narrowed my eyes and pumped so much chakra into my jutsu that my body began to glow brighter than my cloak. I almost felt as if I was turning my own body into a Susanoo. Hm…I wonder if I could make that into an attack…

At around that moment, Dad and Naruto came forward in their full Bijuu mode and began to create a gigantic Bijuu Bomb

"Yeah!" Naruto replied, "We're ready to go Uncle Bee and Hattsan!"

"FIRE!" I called out as we all released our attacks at once, blasting the Gedo Mazo with all of our strength. "This is it! This is the end!" I called out as the explosion nearly pulled us off of our feet. Once the dust cleared, I sat up and looked around, no Ten-Tails to be found. I managed to let out a laugh. Did we…do it?

"Is this the end?" Kakashi asked in disbelief.

"Yeah…" Obito responded, managing to stand. The earth began to shake suddenly. It quaked so violently that we all fell, unable to stand. Obito smirked as he said, "It's the end…of this world…"

I stared in horror as ten tails came out of the ground. The head of the Juubi emerged, its single Rinnegan-like eye peering around, waiting for the kill. Obito and Madara leapt onto the Juubi's head and two chords came out and attached themselves to each man's neck to make the two the control center for the Juubi.

"You have got to be kidding me," I breathed out. This couldn't be happening…


Chinatsu

She felt as if she were floating in a dream. There was a child in her arms, she knew that much. Was it Ari? But where was she taking this child? And where was she to begin with? Had she not died and sent her daughter to another time in one last attempt to protect her child? Whatever became of Kurama? Was he alright?

Her thoughts drifted from trying to figure out what this strange sensation was that overcame her and her memories which nearly drowned her in her dreams.

Kurama…he…he was so handsome. He clearly had no idea how to interact with humans. But Chinatsu felt that that is what added to his charm. How often she dreamed of being able to live happily ever after with this man. She knew it was impossible. Her father tolerated the idea of Kurama visiting every now and then. He had even grown on many clan members as a comrade. Mito and Hashirama even seemed to like him.

But to say that she had fallen in love with a Bijuu, Chinatsu wasn't sure even her elder sister would support that idea. Hashirama had caught onto the growing affection, and being the kind and understanding man he was, he didn't seem to object. In fact, he was happy for his sister-in-law. He was, however, concerned for the couple's safety.

"I want you to be happy, Chinatsu," Hashirama had said, "and I want you to be able to live in peace with Kyuubi, but your father will not stand to see you with an inhuman being. To him, Kyuubi and his family are nothing more than masses of chakra to be controlled."

"I understand that, but if I could just get him to see my point of view…if Mito would at least just approve of this…maybe things could work," Chinatsu had whimpered like a child. At that, Hashirama frowned and heaved a heavy sigh.

"Don't get me wrong, Mito thinks very highly of Kyuubi, but you and I both know that she would never approve of you marrying him," Hashirama said, "she's far too protective of her little sister. If it were any other woman in your family, that would be different. But the fact is, Chinatsu, you're one of the Uzumaki clan's top kunoichi, and for that reason you have a huge bounty for your head. Mito doesn't want to see you give yourself anymore reason to be persecuted by the enemy."

"Then what am I supposed to do?" Chinatsu heaved a heavy sigh, "pretend like my feelings for the Kyuubi do not exist?"

"That's an impossible thing to do," Hashirama smiled, "but for your safety, you can't let anyone else know. At least not for now. Enjoy your time with Kyuubi. I'll try to talk some sense into Mito. If I can get her to approve of your feelings for him, then we'll revisit the subject, but until then, try to lay low."

Chinatsu was forever grateful for Hashirama's infinite wisdom and kindness. However, following his advice was much easier said than done. Later on in that evening, Chinatsu went to see Kurama. Her heart heavy, she knew she wouldn't be able to see him with her heart torn as it was.

"What do you mean?" Kurama asked angrily. His voice was threatening, but his eyes showed an indescribable sorrow within that only broke Chinatsu's heart even more.

"Kurama…I wish I could explain this to you more but I…I can't see you any longer," she repeated, "It's just too difficult…humans and Bijuu…we live in two different worlds."

"And since when has that ever stopped you?" Kurama roared, obviously heartbroken. It was moments like this when the Uzumaki woman wished her love didn't wear his heart on his sleeve. "And why so sudden? Has your family not grown to welcome me? Am I just being tricked or something?"

"No! It's not that at all!" Chinatsu said, "this has nothing to do with my family it's just that I…I…"

"You what, Chinatsu?" Kurama asked angrily, "tell me! The least you could do is tell me what you really think of me! If it's because you hate me that you're leaving, go ahead and say it."

"That's not it…" Chinatsu let a tear escape her eye before she stared Kurama down and took in a deep breath as she said, "It's because I love you!"

Kurama's eyes widened and he took a step back. Chinatsu said no more, but closed her eyes, anticipating that he would kill her. If there was one thing Kurama hated, it was stupid human emotions that got in the way. She had a feeling he would think that love was a weakness and lose faith in Chinatsu's ability as a strong woman. To her amazement, Kurama lowered his voice and asked, "but love…I'm not human but…isn't love a reason for you to stay with a person?"

Chinatsu looked up at Kurama and was shocked to find his eyes watery and his cheeks flushed. He stared at her with the curiosity of a child, unfamiliar with human affection like love. Chiantsu smiled and wiped a tear from her eye as she explained, "you're right. That is a reason to stay with someone. It's every reason to stay with someone."

"Then why won't you stay with me?" he then asked, "if you truly love me…then…why can't we be together?"

"Kurama…" Chinatsu breathed. She sighed and shook her head, "the fact is that even though my family likes you, even though the village appreciates all that you've done, they're still afraid of you. They can't see all the good things in you that I can because they're so wrapped up in preconceptions that they refuse to open their eyes. My father especially…if he knew that I loved you…it would be a sure death for the both of us. I have a duty to my people, as you have a duty to yours. I can't allow my feelings for you get in the way. Especially not if this love is only foolish and one-sided on my part."

"But…" Kurama began, looking away, "what if we were both fools? If your feelings were returned…what would you do then?"

"I…I don't understand…" Chinatsu narrowed her eyes, horribly confused. Taking in a shaky breath, Kurama took a step towards her. He placed a clawed hand on her cheek, stroking it gently.

"I…I think this is how humans show affection…" Kurama murmured as he closed his eyes and touched his lips to Chinatsu's. Shocked at first, Chinatsu tried to pull away, but she grew too wrapped up in his warm touch and she leaned into his kiss, throwing her arms around his neck. "Chinatsu…this is so selfish of me but…please…please don't leave me…because I love you more than anything…"

And later on that night, Chinatsu found herself so engulfed in her love for a man that she gave up on trying to please her clan as she gave herself to Kurama under the stars in the ultimate gift of love.

About a year after her affair with Kurama began, Chinatsu awakened one morning feeling worse than she had ever felt before. Her stomach churned uncomfortably and her head pounded. She staggered out of bed and slowly managed to get dressed. What was happening to her? Within minutes of dressing, Chinatsu was overwhelmed by the uncontrollable urge to vomit as she pitched forward and collapsed on the floor, hurling.

"What…what is this…?" Chinatsu asked herself. She hardly ever got sick. Scratch that, she just didn't get sick. Uzumaki didn't get sick, their bodies were far too strong for that. When she was able to stand back up, Chinatsu found that she was unbelievably tired, barely able to keep her eyes open.

"Are you alright, sister?" Mito asked at breakfast that morning.

"Yeah," Chinatsu smiled, "I'm just not feeling too well this morning at all. A little stomach bug, but I'm alright."

"You mean you're…sick?" Mito raised an eyebrow, alarm flashing across her face, "Chinatsu did something happen?"

"No…?" Chinatsu raised an eyebrow. Mito grimaced but otherwise said nothing more. She then looked up at Chinatsu, long suspicious of her sister's involvement with the Kyuubi and asked, "you and the Nine-Tails…what is your relationship?"

"Sister!" Chinatsu laughed nervously, "we're close friends, don't worry yourself."

"I know you're lying," Mito scolded, "I know that look in your eyes anywhere. Hashi's told me about your conversation with him…about you and the Kyuubi."

"Mito," Chinatsu sighed, "I won't deny my feelings for Kurama but—"

"You named him?" Mito asked, outraged.

"He named himself! Or…the Sage of Six Paths did…I don't know! That's his name which he told me!"

"Chinatsu…I don't like this at all," Mito groaned, "you can't keep seeing him!"

"And why not?" Chinatsu narrowed her eyes, "I'm a grown woman, Mito, I think I can choose who I want to love by now."

"Not when you're the younger daughter of Kumo Uzumaki! You have your own responsibilities to your clan and your village! Look, we appreciate all the Kyuubi has done for us but—"

"All that Kurama has done for us," Chinatsu corrected.

"Whatever, but the fact of the matter is that that man is the Nine-Tailed Fox! He's a loose trigger! We don't know how long he will cooperate with us. He could turn at any moment!" Mito urged, "Keep your distance from that beast, Chinatsu. Please."

Outraged, Chinatsu stood hastily and left the table and left her sister's home. She met Kurama in their usual spot, a clearing in the woods at the outskirts of Konoha which overlooked a small creek. She didn't know why her argument with Mito had gotten her so upset, but when she met Kurama, she was unable to contain the tears in her eyes as she buried her head into his chest and cried. Not sure how to react to the woman's sudden outburst, Kurama awkwardly patted Chinatsu on the back.

"Chinatsu…what happened? Did someone die?" he asked, horribly confused.

"No…" Chinatsu pulled away from Kurama and furiously wiped her eyes, horribly embarrassed by her display of weakness, "my sister's just an idiot. I'm sorry…I don't know what's gotten into me. I've felt awful all morning."

But what had gotten into Chinatsu, was a small blossom, though she didn't know it yet. A harmless, innocent form of life that wanted nothing more than to be loved. And just a couple of months later, Chinatsu discovered the growing blossom as she undressed to join her sister in the hot spring. As they wore fairly heavy kimonos, Chinatsu hadn't paid too much attention and failed to notice her growing womb. She had gotten suspicious, however, when certain cycles of a woman failed to meet Chinatsu on time, but she wrote that off as the result of high stress. But when she took her robes off that evening in the dressing room and tied her long hair up into a bun, there was no mistaking it.

She stared in the mirror, her jaw dropped. She turned to the side, looking her body over at different angles. She let out a small whimper. Oh no…

At about that moment, Mito came in, growing impatient with her sister's dawdling, "Chinatsu, what's—" but Mito paused, seeing Chinatsu's round stomach. She was barely showing, but having had two children herself, Mito knew a baby bump when she saw one. Mito stared at her younger sister looking heartbroken as she said, "I thought you told me that I didn't have to worry!"

"You didn't…you still don't…" Chinatsu said feeling numb. She glanced down and placed her hand on her stomach. As she did, she felt a tiny foot reach out and nudge her hand gently. Chinatsu couldn't help but smile, her heart filling with a warmth she had never known before.

"But Chinatsu! If Father finds out—" Mito began, panicked. Chinatsu sighed as she turned to her sister smiling.

"Can we just enjoy tonight? Please?" Chinatsu asked. Mito stared at Chinatsu with wide eyes but eventually sighed, slowly accepting her sister's fate and nodded. The next day, Chinatsu was so overjoyed with the news of her growing child, she left early in the morning to find Kurama. She found him in the mountains, sleeping in his true form. As she had been feeling ill from what turned out to be pregnancy, Chinatsu hadn't gone on missions since the morning that all began, so she was surprised at how difficult it was to wriggle into her black, skin-tight uniform that morning. She tied her armor around the fabric, concealing her belly in case anyone else was awake, and then tied her hair into a bun and strapped her swords on her back.

Keeping her hand protectively on her stomach, Chinatsu stumbled through the rocky terrain towards her lover, and now, the father of her beloved child.

"Morning, sleepy head!" Chinatsu cheered as she knocked on his muzzle. Stirring, Kurama jumped as his ears flicked up. He opened one large eye and was shocked to find Chinatsu looking up at him. He lifted his head and looked around, the sun hadn't even come up yet.

"Chinatsu…ugh…it's too early…why are you hear anyway?" he asked. Chinatsu giggled and leapt onto his head as she sat down.

"There's something I want to show you," Chinatsu explained. But suddenly, she grew a little concerned as to how Kurama would react to the news. She lowered her voice, "Kurama…this is a little off topic but…what do you think about kids?"

"Those poorly mannered brats of Mito's don't know any boundaries!" Kurama barked, "they have no sense of personal space, no social skills, and no—"

"I don't mean those kids," Chinatsu rolled her eyes. Her niece and nephew had strong personalities and could be a little overbearing at times. And they loved to play pranks on Kurama. "I just mean kids in general."

"Well, I haven't had a lot of experience with children…why do you ask?" Kurama asked, growing a little suspicious.

Chinatsu chuckled as she lied on her stomach, swinging her legs as she ran her fingers through Kurama's soft fur. "Well…how would you feel about having kids?"

"Well…if that's what you want…" Kurama noted, "But Chinatsu…I don't know if I would make a good father…I'm not the…Hashirama type…"

"No one is," Chinatsu giggled, "and you would make a great father!"

"But what about the whole…" Kurama asked as he rolled his head a little trying to find the right phrasing, "well…if we were to have children, Chinatsu…they wouldn't exactly be human. If we can't tell your family about us, I don't know how they would react to a baby."

"Yeah, I still have to figure that one out," Chinatsu groaned, "well, Mito's okay with it at least…she's freaked out about the idea, but she's okay with it. Really the only other hurdle we have to jump is my father. But if not…eh…I'd rather be with you anyway…"

"Chinatsu, where is all of this coming from?" Kurama asked, growing weary. Sighing heavily, Chinatsu slid off of Kurama's head and down his shoulder.

She looked up at him and crossed her arms asking, "could you shift for me? I need to tell you this eye-to-eye."

Hesitantly, Kurama sat up and shrunk down to his human form. Chinatsu led him to a nearby boulder where he could sit and then she took a seat on his lap. Before he had time to ask, Chinatsu took the armor that was wrapped around her middle off and placed Kurama's hand on her growing stomach. As if on cue, their baby nudged against Kurama's hand, causing the Kyuubi to jump and stare at Chinatsu as if she had two heads.

"Chinatsu…when…?" Kurama breathed.

Chinatsu shrugged, "about three months ago, I guess. When I started feeling ill." Again, Chinatsu eyed Kurama skeptically, not entirely sure how he would handle the situation. He stood Chinatsu up and slowly knelt to the ground and placed his lips to her stomach, kissing it gently. Several months later, Chinatsu screamed out in pain, unable to bear the agony any longer. But as the baby came out, Chinatsu was overwhelmed with tears of joy as she heard her baby's first cries.


Ari

The shinobi alliance had finally arrived, but even their numbers did little good. We managed to gain some momentum against the enemy, but the Juubi took out our headquarters with a Bijuu Bomb, despite the huge distance between the battle field and HQ.

But Dad being, well, Dad, he mixed his chakra with Naruto's and allowed the boy to give pretty much the entire army their own chakra cloaks. The Nara clan managed to stall the Juubi's movements with Shadow Possession jutsu. Naruto and Lee took the front and attacked Obito and Madara head-on, severing their connection to the Juubi.

"Unlike you, I…" Naruto spat at Obito, "I don't want to sever my connections with anybody!"

"Even if it only brings you pain and suffering?" Obito asked, "look at your half-breed friend down there for example. Do you want to end up like her?"

"I want to be exactly like her!" Naruto spat back, "she saved both me and Kurama from ourselves! She's the reason I'm still alive today!"

"But…" Madara glared at me, an evil grin forming on his face, "she can't even protect her own child."

Alarms went off in my head as fear struck my core as I asked, "Just what the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Ignoring me, Madara pulled out a sealing tag and lifted it up saying, "you were quick. I'm impressed with your powers as always. No wonder why you were feared by even your own father…"

Naruto leapt back to my side and raised an eyebrow, "this chakra…someone else from the Edo Tensei?"

"I-It can't be!" Dad panicked, "No…no, not her!"

"What are you talking about?" I asked. I could feel the approaching chakra as well, but I was no sensory ninja and I could not make out who the individual was. Dad, however, had obviously seen that chakra before.

With a distraught voice, Dad quivered, "Ari…it's…" but he didn't need to finish. She leapt up to the head of the Juubi, standing next to Madara. Her skin greyed, she had not yet been fully awakened, which could explain why she was still around even after the Edo Tensei was released. My knees buckled underneath me when I saw who she carried in her arms.

"It's Hana!" Naruto cried out, "what does Madara want with her? And who is that woman anyway?"

Madara took Hana from the woman's arms and placed the tag in her head. Color returned to her skin and her eyes brightened as she stared down at me and Naruto, horror washing over her face as she quickly realized what was happening.

"It's…" I whimpered, "It's my mother…"