When he came home frazzled again, she couldn't decide. Punch him, or kiss him? There was a feeling in her gut. Namely, a firm kick from the restless child inside her. So, just kissing him really wasn't an option, since it was clear to her irrational mind that it was all his fault: everything.

So, just as Namikaze Minato finished greeting his wife at the door, letting out a deep sigh of exhaustion and donning a weary smile for being late, she smacked him across the face, grabbed his wrist, yanked him inside, and planted her lips to his. The warm, wet, chocolatey-tasting kiss lasted all of half a second for the dazed Hokage who nearly stumbled over his wife and face-first onto the floor. She maneuvered around him and shut the door, killing the night-air chill that had been spilling into the kitchen, glaring at him over her shoulder as he recovered.

"You're late." She huffed.

"Sorry dear Kushi-chan," he teased weakly, rubbing his ringing face.

They lived modestly, in a house that was comfortably small. He had just walked in through the backdoor, which lead straight to the kitchen. The floor was crystalline. A solid white tile; the walls a faded gold. A tall refrigerator stood against one wall, a long series of wooden counter tops adjacent to it. Kushina took a seat in a stiff wooden chair in front of the kitchen table. She was dressed in her night clothes, blue flannel pants loose like a curtain over her muscular legs, a long white gown draped over her torso, slightly obfuscating the glowing swell of her belly. She crossed one leg over her knee and picked up a pair of chopsticks from the kitchen table, resuming to eat a bowl of chocolate-covered, cooked rice.

"Where were you?" Kushina asked gruffly between mouthfuls of the crunchy meal, her puffed cheeks shifting as she chewed, "Who kept you?"

Minato just stared at her, his face long, lips slack. He shook his head, "Uh, Kushi-chan, isn't it a bit late to be-"

"It's a bit late for you to be home, isn't it?" she said, looking up with her furious green eyes, "Don't you remember what you promised me? You don't forget things like I do."

"Of course I remember! I'm sorry- but listen, it's not really my fault this time, I had an emergency."

"Who.

Kept.

You."

Minato swallowed, scratching the back of his head sheepishly, "Naruto." He said.

"Naruto?" Kushina blinked, looking down at her stomach.

"Yes, but not that one." He laughed at Kushina's bulged, sleepless eyes, "Another Naruto. A nuke-nin. They were conducting an interrogation on him, against regulations, but it was for an important reason, I guess. He'd mentioned Orochimaru. Er, I should say, we caught him earlier today. Nobody was even expecting him to be up and about - he was wounded pretty bad. It was strange." He wet his lips, watching the way Kushina shifted in her seat, probably disturbed by that beast-of-a-man's name. She'd always hated him. "An odd case. He had a strange chakra and a lot of... worrying information to share. I couldn't leave earlier." He debated telling her more, but decided against it, walking over to Kushina and planting a firm kiss on her forehead. He pushed away stray red curls of hair from her forehead, looping them around her ears; her hazy gaze fixed on her food. After a quiet eternity, he took a seat at the table across from her. She'd gone still, her eating ceased. But she resumed quickly again, consuming half a bowl of the crazy concoction she was devouring. Minato noticed at the bottom of the shallow bowl was bronze honey.

"Are you alright Kushina?" he murmured, but she ignored him, finishing her food in silence. He dared not ask what had gotten into her - he'd already had some idea anyway, "I'm sorry." He said again, earning a slight quirk of the woman's lips.

"Maybe I should get an office down there." She said, "Maybe, I should become your secretary? Or perhaps, I should just... move into your office. We could be joint Hokage." She joked, her wide veiny eyes arid with exhaustion.

He reached out across the table to take her hand, "No need for that. At least, if you really want to, we could work something out, but-"

She giggled, "You always take me too seriously! I would never want to do paperwork like you." She thrust out her pink tongue and waggled it, "Besides, I don't think it would be so becoming for Hokage-sama to be walked all over in front of every dignitary in the known world by his wife. No matter how magnificent she may be. They might just get the wrong idea." She giggled, "A leader has to look strong."

Minato rolled his eyes, watching as Kushina picked up the bowl and started licking it. He sighed dramatically and stood from the table, walking out with a huff; startling Kushina, who climbed confusedly from the table and hurriedly scampered after him, calling his name and shouting about his fickleness.


Naruto's 'room' was welcoming enough. He didn't appreciate the deception really - though it did interest him some. Who else did they lock up in a room like this one? Maybe traitorous diplomats? Civilians?

The room was shaped like an octagon, pink orthoclase walls narrowing to a tiny hallway; a secure metal door sealed shut. A synthetic black marble floor reflected his glossy image back at him. He'd taken a long shower, so his chin-length blond hair was damp and heavy, droplets of cool water dripping down his neck, hair clumped to the back of it. He really needed to get it cut down, but there was not a single thing already sharp enough in the entire room to hack at it. He pushed his hair from his eyes and took a seat on the puffy leather couch in the middle of the regal room.

He was dressed only in a towel - it wrapped tight around his entire frame like a pink robe. He'd felt awkward wearing the Fourth's pants, which bunched up at his ankles and still sweeped against the floor when he walked. So he'd decided to relax in comfort, while he could.

There wasn't much else to do anyway. There was a small bedroom in the room behind him, a few books on a shelf in there, but nothing worth reading. He could think of a few ways to use the objects in the cell to creatively escape, but he didn't want to do that. Still, he would remember not to put anyone actually worth keeping in this cell, as it was not secure; at least by his standards. There were at least three ways to escape, if not more. Even the most inept genin could smash apart the bookcase and arm themselves with a sharp wooden stake, in desperation. Suicide was just one thing to worry about in here.

But maybe he was underestimating them? The blond could only shrug at his idle thoughts. Ibiki wouldn't have picked this room without a good reason. Maybe he wanted him to get out, so he'd have a good reason to torture him later and look smug in front of the Hokage?

He swallowed thick, jovial meanderings passing quickly. His face hardened. He knew how dangerous his idle mind was. It was hard, even when he was busy, to keep himself from drifting to those times.

Torture? The modest kind that Ibiki employed was nothing next to the things that weighed upon his mind. Sure, he'd done well to hide the way his face would flicker in silence. And he'd done well to disguise the times would wake up in a cold sweat, panicking from the slightest sounds. Sure, Sakura-chan had suspected something. And maybe Tsunade'd some idea of it at some point, but'd done well to hide it all. To keep it all contained and under control. No one had said anything about it. And so it hadn't become a burden - his burdens were his own and not any other's. And as long as it stayed that way, he could handle everything.

But even so, it didn't change that his thoughts weighed heavily upon him. The stress of continued, repeated failure was great. He didn't want to think of the day he was supposed to leave with Ero-Sennin. He didn't want to think of the day they came. The day things just started cascading out of control. Because he knew it could all happen again. Especially now, even in a strange time, a strange world like the present.

He was supposed to have met Jiraiya in the redlight district, in the early morning to leave immediately to some town just a few dozen kilometers north of Konoha. But he'd arrived late. His rabble alarm clock was off by just a few minutes. So he'd taken a shower and thrown his things on in a hurry. Thankfully, he'd already been packed for days, but he was still just a few minutes off.

Someone must have tipped them off they were leaving. And maybe they would have made it? Maybe nothing at all would have happened. Maybe everything would have been okay.

He never learned their names. Though he'd seen them several times afterward. A man with bright orange hair, horrible black piercings through his flesh. He traveled with a woman who could control paper. Neither seemed concerned for the trifling collateral damage they caused. When he had arrived, Jiraiya had been in the thick of battle with them, surrounded by the dead and wounded. The ruins of a bar which was crumbling into dust.

He wasn't ever sure how he had done it, but Jiraiya had injured both of them. They were untouchable, at least to his skills back then, and when he had arrived, Jiraiya had told him - painfully - to run.

There was a deep look in his eyes, his pruned face contorted in a way he had never seen. The two must have said or done deeply disturbing to him. But he was never sure, all he could remember was that face and the way his own body moved, flying to his side. He'd wanted to fight. He could never run. He could not abandon someone with a look like that. Not his sensei. He would prove to that man his worth, that he could be strong, that he could do.

Naruto grabbed his face with his hands, pulling at the skin as he held back a growl. Anger still burned in his heart at how stupid he had been - and still was. If he had run, Akatsuki might have given chase. And since they were in the village again, reinforcements would surely have arrived. But instead, he had stood his ground and cost Jiraiya is stupid life. That idiot. He should have left him to die. He wasn't someone worth saving, even for that blasted fox.

Naruto sank into the couch, any attempts at relaxation gone. His heart pounded slow and hard like the steady rhythm of a punch. Before his eyes, he saw Jiraiya on the ground. A coin purse he'd been carrying had fallen out, coins clattering and spinning on the ground. He could see them spinning and whirling along the marble floor of the prison.

Blood was

everywhere

all

over

him.

His wrinkled face looked exhausted. And then, relieved, almost. Then he closed his eyes, going limp.

The door opened after a quick array of clicking sounds, which failed to wake Naruto from his visions. It shut just as quickly, a single person walking inside. It was enough that Naruto looked to his right and stared at a woman who stood inside the dimly lit room, baggy shadows under her frenzied, pupil-less turquoise eyes.

She had the same violet hair as before, though it looked a little messier than he remembered, the spiky tail held tight by a black scrunchy was much fatter. Her skin was brighter, naked shoulders smooth and strong like a polished suit of copper armor. She was unarmed, he noticed - her clothes unweighted, not a single holster on her. He guessed it was a precaution.

"Finally." Naruto said warily, forcing himself to forget again the blood and the coins vanishing before his eyes, "You brought food, didn't you Anko-chan?"

The teen's face scrunched up, "No. And don't ask. I don't know where it is, if they're even going to feed you again today. That's some lowly genin's job to take care of. How do you know my name, anyway?"

"Ibiki mentioned it."

"That idiot." She huffed, rolling her arms tight underneath her tear-shaped breasts, perking them up. She stood in the middle of the room, "I told him to stop doing that." She glared at him, "Well, whatever."

"What are you here for, if not to feed me?"

"The hell if I should know." She walked around and flopped down on the couch.

Naruto blinked, realizing he was practically naked with a damp towel around him.

Anko's head swiveled around. They gazed into each other's eyes. She laughed, her eyes roaming up and down his body, letting out a whistle. Her eyes lingered on his chest, liking the tightness in the muscles under his shoulders, it seemed.

Naruto's cheeks stung, but he ignored the sensation of her dirty gaze, "Are you here to heckle me?"

"Maaaybe, my handsome little nuke-nin." She said long and slow, her voice reaching into the depths of her throat. She scooted closer, leaning in, her left hand reaching out, surprisingly smooth fingers laying atop his, on the peak of the leather couch, her body scooting even closer. Naruto's eyes flicked downwards, drawn to the exposed flesh of her legs. The comfortable spats that clenched her thighs left little to his imagination. He swallowed, pitifully shimmying away from her, feeling his heart throbbing in her fingers that climbed along the back of his hand.

"What are you doing?" his voice was quivering with confusion and panic.

"Relax." Anko hissed, sniffing the air, "I didn't realize you'd just taken a shower. You smell good." Her nostrils flared wide as she came close, "Let me have a bigger whiff." She giggled.

Naruto climbed to the edge of the couch before stumbling off it, onto the floor. He scrambled to his feet, but not before the girl tackled him to the ground, straddling him. Naruto put his hands out in protest, "A-Anko! What do you think you're doing?! Get off me!"

She leaned in close, his stupid stretched-out hands now applied directly to her supple breasts. He tried to push her back, but he was feeling stupid at all the fuzzy feelings that were assaulting his pounding senses. He gasped, a ragged breath escaping his hot throat, "A-Anko I'm hurt, you shouldn't put weight on me-" he ground out, feeling a slight pressure where his recent wound was, but he knew that wouldn't deter her. She leaned in so close to him, her hands planted on the inside of his guard, pressing down on his chest, rubbing the towel with her silky palms, her lips reaching so close... head angling into his neck...

And then she took a few sniffles.

And stood up, fast as lightning. Naruto's world spun around and around; his legs crossing as he tried to sit up, groaning. What? She'd just said he'd smelled good.

"Just as I thought." She said triumphantly, "You don't smell even the hintest of snake."

"Wha?" he said stupidly, looking up at her with a crimson face.

"You don't have his scent." She said quietly.

Oh.

Shit.

"W-Well, I did just take a shower-" he said, stammering like a stupid idiot (which he was).

"His scent doesn't wash away." She said. He wasn't sure if he believed that, but the way she said it was with such conviction, her voice sharp and affirmative, he didn't want to disagree.

"O-Oh? You mean Orochimaru's-" he tried to play dumb.

And she was all upon him again, crouching low, her hands, jagged fingernails clawing into the soft fabric of his towel; her sleep-deprived, soulless grey eyes boring into his. Her bright pink lips crooked into a sneer, "Yes. I mean that fucking depraved, selfish, paedophilic, homicidal backstabbing son of a fucking bitch. His scent... His scent never goes away."

"O-Oh." Naruto swallowed again, "I take it you know hi-"

"He was my sensei." She said, standing straight up again, her breasts jiggling with all the sudden movement. Was she even wearing a br- "He betrayed me. Us. Konoha. All for nothing. All for his sick, twisted experiments; all, so what, so he couldn't die? Why was he so obsessed with..." she sighed, slumping. She flopped down on the couch.

"I-I guess it's a good thing then, that I don't smell like him." Naruto hedged slowly, releasing a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

The frazzled girl turned sharply and stared at him with her eyes narrowed like a predator; her body stiff like it was ready to pounce again. But she slackened. "It's almost a good thing." She said, "But if you really did encounter him, I still would have expected to smell him on you." She hummed, "Maybe it's not good enough. Maybe I should bring in little Hana-chan." She grinned wickedly, "She has a better nose than me."

"W-well, I did-I didn't fight him very long." He cooled down his blush, feeling her stare was now more vicious than it was vivacious.

"Oh yeah? Maybe I have a hard time believing that." She said, crossing her legs tight on the couch, planting a hand on one knee, leaning over to him. She patted the couch with the other, "Why don't you sit right here and tell me exactly how the fight went down. Ibiki told me the details were a little sparse, comin' from you." She grinned like a fox, "Maybe I've been sent to collect them? Sensei wouldn't lose to somebody like you, not unless it was a complete fluke."

"Maybe you're frickin' crazy." Naruto mumbled under his breath, to which Anko just smiled sweetly. He did take a seat beside her though, if reluctantly.

It was easy to lie to her about Orochimaru, or so he thought. He could easily recall one of the few times he'd fought him. The Forest of Death was a lot like the misty jungles and acidic marshes of Rain and Grass, so making things up wasn't too hard.

"He was fast." Naruto began, his eyes drifting towards the low ceiling of the room, closing his eyes, "His skin was sickly. He came to me asking for directions, but he could tell I wasn't buying it. That I knew he was more than some lost nobody wandering in the forest. He ambushed me then and there, a bunch of snakes flying out of the long black cloak he was wearing."

"Black cloak?" she hummed, latching onto that detail, "That doesn't seem, really, Sensei's style was-"

"It had red clouds on it." Naruto lied carefully, knowing a little bit of Orochimaru's history with the organization, "I don't know. Don't ask me. I've seen weirder fashion."

"Red clouds?" Anko frowned.

"Yeah, believe it! Anyway, he threw out his arm and a bunch of snakes came at me." He made a silly snake-like gesture with his hand at her, Anko's expression flattening in skepticism, "But, I uh, dodged." Shit, he shouldn't know the kage bunshin, right? How would he explain knowing such a technique? He wasn't sure he could pull that one off - it wasn't that widespread of a technique outside of Konoha, even among Jounin, "I can manipulate my chakra- purify it into wind chakra, actually. It allows me to create sudden gusts and winds without that much concentration, though it's better if I focus myself. I also used that to scatter them a distance away, so they wouldn't come slithering back to bite my ankles, or something." He paused, realizing his story was getting a little cumbersome. "He pulled back his hood all the way. He's really an ugly... ah fucking son of a bitch?" Anko stared at him, a slow smile spreading on her features. She nodded.

"He... was kind of crazy, or seemed that way to me at first. Talking about a lot of things that went over my head. He seemed very happy to have found me, and was describing how much fun he would have testing out something. I guess it was a kinjutsu of some kind. He said he intended to extract the demon inside me."

Anko nodded, "I'm not up to details on that. Ibiki said there's something odd about you." She hesitated, "I won't pry though. I don't care about that right now. So he wanted... this demon?"

Naruto nodded, "It's, I can explain it, I don't mind." He swallowed, "I guess you wouldn't care for the technical explanation. But, my clan, or so I've told, was always skilled at seals. I was given a few scrolls, growing up. And I mastered them as best I could. Read them almost every day after I got them. My father- I guess- I don't know." It's what Sarutobi said, at least, though he'd a feeling the man was omitting certain facts, like who the fuck his father even was, "-sealed me with this thing. It's a... demon of sorts. I don't really understand it. But it is a spirit that is mostly composed of a kind of chakra. It's called a demon, maybe because we don't know any better." Naruto trailed off, "The seal is very strong. It can't ever get out of me, unless I intentionally remove it. But only I could. Orochimaru shouldn't have that kind of ability, to force it to fail and release it. It would kill me."

Anko nodded curtly.

"I didn't exactly want to discuss that with him though. I didn't doubt that he couldn't do it. So, I panicked. It wasn't... I mean, it's not the first time someone has attacked me for what I am." Naruto's vision wavered for just a moment, recalling the old days... that seemed so far away now. Living in the orphanage - then on the streets - surviving day by day. Stealing what they wouldn't sell him, only to have it stolen or confiscated right back. And then, finally meeting his team; bunking with Sasuke and Sakura under the iridescent glow of the moon, "So I drew on its chakra. It is a very poisonous chakra. And I guess he wasn't expecting me to be able to use so much of it all at once - I just threw it at him. Almost like I was hurling a bucket of water at him; the chakra just splashed out and around him. He screamed in agony as I turned around and ran. I didn't look back, and, well, I decided I would keep moving after that. I didn't want him to find me again."

Naruto concluded his fabricated story, but not without shifting his gaze away. Talking about Orochimaru brought up many very real memories. He couldn't easily push them away, either. That disgusting wretch of a man had killed Sakura-chan without so much as a flick of his wrist. He could remember the way she shrieked Sasuke's name as a swarm of serpents bit into her neck and side, their deep arching fangs puncturing her skin with fetid, slurping gurgles. Her death had been almost instantaneous; her face paralyzed, green eyes wide with shock. She'd not even shed a tear as she slipped away. And he'd never even a chance to brush her eyes shut. Distantly, he wondered, would he see her again?

Anko watched Naruto as he stared vacantly into space, all the color drained out of his once scarlet cheeks.

The purple-headed snake-freak didn't say anything for a while. There was just comfortable silence, before she confessed politely, "Thanks... Kurama-san. I'm not actually supposed to be in here. But I don't think Ibiki-kun will mind."

Naruto nodded dumbly, just staring into space.

She shifted, ready to stand up.

He wanted her to stay. To chase away his thoughts. Even if it kept him up all night. But he couldn't find a voice.

In some weak attempt to warm the chilled blood in his veins, Naruto glanced at her and offered a limp smile, "It's nothing." He swallowed, debating something internally, before adding, his head craning as he leaned back, "I did notice earlier... that you have some kind of seal on your neck..." he paused, "It... gives off a bad aura." He lied.

Anko blinked.

"Oh. Yeah. Right." She sat straighter, covering the back of her neck with her hand, "I'm surprised you can feel it."

"I've studied seals for a long time. I can just feel them." Okay, that was a terrible lie, but he was curious, always had been, about the nature of Orochimaru's cursed seal. It had driven Sasuke almost to insanity. And the others he had seen receive it? They turned out far worse than him. He had studied the seal briefly in his time, wherever that time had gone, and he had not understood a single thing about it. He wondered if it was the same here, the same on Anko - as he had never looked at her particular seal before.

"It's from your sensei, isn't it?"

Anko nodded, her eyes wide, "I guess I shouldn't be surprised you could guess it."

"I had a feeling." Naruto wrinkled his nose, trying to hide his perception, "I don't want to offend you, but, my nose is pretty good and... you smell a little like your... former sensei."

Anko nodded grimly.

"Yeah. It's his seal."

"Are you worried about what it doe-"

"You better fucking believe it." She ground out, "Sorry, but I can't really talk about it. 'Specially not with a missing-nin. I'm not exactly a stupid kid anymore." She was almost his age, maybe just slightly older, so he doubted that.

"Well, what does it do? Is it painful? I can't exactly tell that from a glance. But, I could look at it, maybe there's something I could-"

Anko stood from the couch, "Sorry." She said curtly, "Even if you could do something, I don't trust you." She explained, turning around to face him with a menacing grin, her tan face brightened by blood, "The only person I trust is Yondaime-sama. And even him..." she looked away, the shadows under her eyes so deep, he could tell she'd been up for days, familiar signs of exhaustion causing her body to quake, "There's nothing that can be done. Even he conceded that. He said he wouldn't give up. But Sensei was... always good at what he did. He was... he's still a genius." She mumbled, walking away. Without another word, she left the room, the door shutting almost silently.

To his relief, Naruto could only think dumbly about the rise and fall of his chest, for a while.

And then, he drifted into restless sleep.


A familiar, dank dreary pond. He looked down, staring at the darkened visage of himself upon the putrid water. He waded into it, knowing where to move next. He navigated the languid darkness, even as the waters became freezing. Something was horribly wrong when a friendly face smiled, rising out of the water and sending gentle ripples, her body wavering gently in the shadows. He moved toward her, wanting to meet those pallid eyes again.

"Naruto-kun." She whispered as he approached, her form never growing close, "Naruto-kun... hurry!" but he was too late - her form twisted into an ugly sight - the blond's eyes looking sharply away as he heard the sound of steel punching through flesh. Just like before, he realized.

He took a step back, covering his eyes. He couldn't see that again. He would wretch all over himself. He turned and ran, the splashing of the chilling water softly fading away, like the sound was moving further from his feet. Until, he stopped, turning around in the dark. His eyes widened in fear, hands clutching his chest.

"Shit." He whispered, seeing tall warped trees reaching hypnotically into swirling sky. Clouds of fire danced around a heavenly moon.

"Long time. No see. Naruto-kun."

The young man was waifish, save for his long princely hair. One of his arms laid inertly in his cloak of red clouds. His dead eyes drilled into Naruto, who raised his hands.

"You bastard." He shrieked, his voice not his own. So much younger. "What did you do to Sasuke? Where is he?"

It was like he was not in control of his own body.

The man chuckled, "My dear brother. Where is he? Probably dead, somewhere. He was far too weak. Probably buried under the rubble of this pathetic village."

He turned and ran, wrenching his eyes shut. Running into the darkness. He could hear Itachi's footfalls on the forest floor, echoing. He ran hard, his feet smacking into the earth, running until the sounds distorted again. He began to sink again, mud melting completely into sludge. Slimy water began to burn with a fiery heat. He pushed on, panting for breath and ignoring the phantom pains, until, finally, he came upon a heavy light and looked up, all sensation vanishing. Whatever had been chasing him was gone. Tall silver bars materialized, the glowing crimson fur of the fox bleeding from the once empty void. He was resting with his head atop his folded paws. One of his bright eyes snapped open as Naruto's body slumped, stealing the acrid air of the prison with hungry breaths.

The fox released a yawn.

Naurto bowed his head slightly, trying to disguise his fatigue, "Things are fucked up. Real bad this time." He managed to say.

The demon wet its furry jaw and sighed, "They always are, with you."

Was the fox trying to be funny? There was a hint of mirth in that statement, but he didn't want to hear it. He was still trying to push away that recent mirage - he didn't need to remember watching Hinata skewered along-side her father as she fought to prove her strength before her dying, meaningless clan.

"With me?" Naruto scoffed, almost ignoring the fox's words. They were like worlds away from him, "As if you have anyone else to compare with."

"Oh, I do, young human." His voice resonated in a soft way, echoing through the wallless, infinite prison of his mind like a ripple, "I have neglected to mention the previous hosts of mine. But suppose I imagined even one such as slow as you, would assume that I have had them? I don't believe you have ever been arrogant enough to assume you are the first."

Naruto glared at him, "You know I don't assume anything when it comes to you. Baka."

"And for that, I am grateful." He stood up in his cage, "And perhaps, also cursed." He bared his fangs and moved about restlessly in his cage, pacing back and forth, "So. What is it this time? Last I saw you, you seemed more out of it than usual. I have not felt the presence of that conceited Uchiha in some time. Things cannot be so bad, if you are staying hidden from all-knowing gaze." He said with acid in his tone.

Naruto shook his head, "It's not that simple, but wait a minute would you?! You've never mentioned any of your former "hosts"-"

"Few humans, even those keener, wiser, and more powerful than you, have ever been interesting to me." He paused, "There are few human names I will remember at the end of time. Perhaps, yours might be one of them, if you continue to impress me. But, as for the rest, I have forgotten their names. Their faces. My former hosts have always meant nothing to me. Even the ones with the knowledge of how to imprison and control me." He barked, "Time will sweep their legacies away, even that fool Madara will falter in time." He settled down, his focus floating back toward Naruto's piercing gaze, "But, to answer your question, I cannot recall a time where I have been chained in one who was not of your blood; all who have ever contained me, have been of the Uzumaki name."

"I see." No, not really. The fox always made him dizzy when he started rambling about infinity and the cosmos. He was pretty sure he knew their names, but was too prideful to admit them.

"I willfully forget them. They are beneath me. Beneath time. Even beneath you. Pay them not any mind."

"Well, it could be important..." Naruto whined with a sigh, "But I guess if you don't know. Or don't care to..." He snickered, "It just sounds like an excuse for senility to me-"

The Kyuubi gazed holes through him.

"But there are more important things." He swallowed, giving up any attempt to sugar-coat what he was going to say, "I think I'm in the past, ah, Kurama-san." He blushed actually, fearing the inevitable slobbering roar.

But it never came. Naruto wiped his brow, noting the disturbed expression of the fox.

"In the past...? What do you mean by that? Tell me, are your visions getting worse? I had a feeling they were. Or is it about that almost-dying thing? My outward senses detect little trauma on your fragile human body."

Naruto struggled to keep the hyper demon from launching off-tangent and calm as he explained what details he could.

"Unfortunate you were caught so soon." The fox said at the end of his explanation.

"I would have died otherwise." Naruto explained tiredly.

The fox nodded, quipping, "So this all could have been avoided if you'd just let yourself go back there and killed that worthless trash with just a little piss of my power. You could have, you know? My power is infi-"

"Akatsuki would have pinpointed my location in hours."

"True enough, but-"

"I was exhausted. I needed water. And besides, isn't this a good thing? We're in the past. Not that I'm sure how the hell this happened, but don't you get it? Not only does that mean Madara doesn't know, but it also means, potentially anyway, that there are two of you!"

The Kyuubi blinked, "That is... an interesting conclusion. If it is correct, it would... explain some things."

"Er, what things?"

"Nothing. Just... my idle thoughts ebbing like flotsam. But, I doubt you are correct. There simply cannot be two of me."

Naruto nodded, "Er, right. I can't exactly confirm it yet." He knew it was pointless to argue with the beast's vanity, "So, do you get what I'm saying? If you can remember what you were doing before you were sealed into me, and just tell me what the hell happened to cause-"

"I have told you already." He growled, "That fool, that arrogant knave, the Uchiha. Madara. He ripped me from that host, one of your kind, as I have already said. He pulled me from that agonizing prison. And then his eye, that abomination of a thing, it stole my will from me. The details are hazy at best. I cannot and do not like to recall that time." He looked away, "I will try to, for our sake, remember, but I doubt it will come to me. I have all but banished those memories. And I doubt they will be of little help anyway." He snapped forward, "If you are certain that we are in the past, before I was enslaved, then you must kill that weakling. Rip out his heart - prevent him! Prevent him from doing anything! Show him what a fool he truly is and-"

"Well, I've already alerted the Hokage about it, but I don't think there's anything more I can do directly... Madara is way out of my league and the last thing we need to do is get captured."

The fox went silent, the fluster in his eyes gone. He slumped. Naruto just watched, listening to the dripping of water in the distance. He looked around behind him at the abyss, wondering what other demons lurked inside him.

"I don't like your tone. Where is the foolish boy who would recklessly charge any foe, damning the consequences?"

Naruto frowned, trying to swallow the panic beating in his temples, "It's easy to be like that when you have nothing to lose. But now that we're- I mean we must be in the past, right? So why should I- I can't afford to be an idiot anymore. I have to... I have to try to think. I have to think things through until it hurts. I cannot be reckless here. We need to make every action count. It's time I started doing what I should have, long ago. If I'd known better, anyway."

The fox studied Naruto like he was a puzzle to be played with. But only for just a moment.

"Leave me." He said finally, "I will dwell on this." He paused, "If you need me to help end that pathetic mortal's over-extended stay in this realm, you will have it."

Naruto nodded, "I'll need to continue using the contract, as well-"

The Kyuubi nodded, "That's fine, as always. Just, leave me."

Naruto nodded quietly, walking away through the sloshing waters, wondering if he should explore them further, against anxious throb in his body. Fear told him to run, to linger along side the glowing hearth of the fox's prison, until he woke on the other side.

He battled with himself briefly, before...


He woke softly to the sound of knocking. When he didn't move to get up, it evolved into a solid banging. He stood groggily, a voice carrying through the room, "Please come to the door, prisoner."

Naruto stumbled off the couch, his stomach clenching, and slipped across the floor. He'd gotten up in the middle of the night and changed into some clothes Anko had returned with, apparently. He was surprised to find his orange gi returned to him, a bloody hole in the back. His pants had been misplaced, or something, so he had returned to wearing the Fourth's. He supposed it was fitting - bright orange would make him more visible if he tried to escape. Or at least, they maybe thought that. He was well accustomed to blending in while wearing his favorite color, however.

Naruto dragged himself to the door and returned the knock with one of his own, "I'm here. I'm here. What's up?"

A slot in the middle of the door opened up, "Place your hands out here. You will be escorted to see Yondaime-sama this morning. He has something for you."

So soon? "Ah, alright." Naruto complied, reaching out and putting his hands through the slot. Cold metal cuffs clamped around his wrists. He could tell there were chakra dampening seals in them, enough to secure most jounin, but he scarcely felt it, save for a slight numbing of his skin.

He pulled his arms back and the door opened, the chuunin attendant walking away, a man once behind her smiling wide, "You are Kurama-san, correct?"

Half of his face was covered in thick white gauze, the other half, a sandy shade of skin. His lone brown remaining eye was folded in wrinkles. It stared impassively at Naruto, a loose smile below it.

He wore a white kimono, a brown hakama tied around his waist. He moved elegantly, to the side, gesturing to walk with him, "Call me Danzou, Kurama-san."

"Ah... what's this about Danzou-san?" Naruto's body broke out into a cold sweat, fear reaching deep into his heart. He steeled himself and said, "Are you sure the Yondaime really sent for me...already?"

Danzou nodded, "Yes. It's very interesting. Rare, even." He smiled, "He seems keen to bargain with you. I happen to agree with him. It does us no good to imprison those that might be useful to Konoha, should they prove willing. I hear you claim to be adept at the art of sealing?"

"Ah.. ha..." Naruto was at a loss for words, unaccustomed to talking so openly with the distinguished, illusive man. He'd never trusted him and knew he was up to no good, but he'd never had more than a hunch to go on.

"I am." Naruto said, leaving no room for argument.

"Let's... see what he wants, then?"

"Right this way, Kurama-san." He said, pulling him along a muted grey hall to a checkpoint where a pencil-pusher verified their identities and let them pass.

"Do you know what it means to be ANBU, Kurama-san?" Danzou asked casually as they passed a lone ANBU guard at the exit to the VIP prison ward.

Naruto casually shook his head, "In Grass, we didn't have shinobi like them, or if we did, I never met any." Naruto swallowed, realizing he knew scant little about Grass, but thankfully, so did Konoha. Kusa was a very remote, very obscure village. It had done well to hide its identity, even from its allies. He could afford to make up certain details, though he had to be careful. He wasn't sure what Danzou thought he knew.

Danzou nodded absently, getting to his point, "When one takes up the mask and joins ANBU, they forsake their identity. They become one with the village, in a way. Sworn to protect its interests unto death."

He grinned, looking at Naruto as they strolled up a wide black metal stairwell, Naruto taking a few steps ahead of the man, who didn't seem bothered by it, "It would be best you be respectful to them while you stay here. Be wary of them. They are well-trained and inexhaustible. They are the true will of fire of this village."

"I think I understand, Danzou-san."

"Good. Why don't you tell me what you know about Konoha, then? I hope your stay here hasn't been too unpleasant..."


Sandaime stood in the office, looking out to the waking Konoha, his hands behind his back, clasped tight.

"You are recalling select Shinobi then?"

Minato nodded, "If I could, I would recall them all for this - but that would raise alarm." He sighed, "And it's perhaps a bit selfish of me - perhaps I'm just overreacting-"

"Nonsense. This is what I would do in your position." He turned, "You hope to trap him, then."

"Yes."

The old man closed his eyes, swallowing a tired breath, "I have told you all that I know." He looked away, "I don't like that you're taking this out of my hands, however. He was... is my student. I am responsible for-"

"No you aren't, Hiruzen." Yondaime put a hand on his shoulder, speaking quietly, but firmly, "I am the Hokage now. I shouldn't have even burdened you with this."

"I'm not that old, yet." He chuckled.

"What worries me is I have heard that other name twice this week."

Hiruzen nodded, "Madara is an old legend, one that lives on in the hearts of the fearful."

The Yondaime nodded, "Still, it possible Orochimaru could be using that legend to garner fear. And perhaps he has discovered something that man left behind? If he has, that could make him more dangerous than we could ever imagine."

"If he is indeed coming here to take advantage of Kushina-chan's vulnerability, then he is very confident in his power. I would say it's too reckless to be him, but... perhaps I don't know my students as well as I used to." He sighed, "In any case, I would recommend you to talk to Fugaku-san. He probably has some information on Madara. The problem, of course, is getting him to freely dispense with it."

Minato looked down at his desk, it all a blur, "No clan does like to talk about its black sheep."

"Before you mention his name, try to confirm any missing scrolls or artifacts from their possession. The Uchiha clan have many old toys lying around that could have been taken."

The Professor's hands clasped at his waist as he turned around to look Minato seriously in the eye, "It may be wise to force your lovely wife to give birth today... or tomorrow. Though, if Orochimaru has spies here in Konoha, it is likely he will know when she enters labor. Altering her schedule probably won't change anything - though it's worth consideration."

"He may be in the village right now." Minato murmured, clutching his head, "There's likely no way to flush him out." Looking Hiruzen square in the eye, he said, "She'll give birth in my office if she has to. This place is fortified-"

"Who will guard her, however? If Orochimaru is among us, he could very well be masquerading as one of our ANBU."

Minato said, "Only those I trust - Kakashi-kun, your son, perhaps Jiraiya, if he's as close as he's supposed to be."

"I feel partially responsible." Sarutobi bowed his head, "Biwako and I will assist you. If you insist on fighting my foolish student, I will not intervene, but allow me to make sure he does not succeed."

Minato stared into the folds of his hands, "Having so many ninja in one location... could draw out other weaknesses in the village..." he sighed, "I don't want to risk other innocents, if Orochimaru tries to use diversionary tactics," he swallowed, "But perhaps I can leave those worries for ANBU."

Sarutobi offered a long smile, "It is a risk, but do not think you are doing something selfish. She is your wife, but she is also more than that."

There was an awkward pause, both men wondering that statement implied. Neither wished to talk about it.

So, Sarutobi cleared his throat, "As for the boy..."

"Anko reported he does not have the scent of Orochimaru on him. And she did not recognize his chakra, or any familiar behaviors. She said she believed he was being genuine." He smirked, "An odd choice of words for her, but useful initiative on her part."

Sarutobi smiled, "Her will is like a great blaze. I am glad she has come through all this stronger. One good thing has come about from him, at least."

The Yondaime sighed, "I can't look at it that way. She is still unstable. I'm not sure she will ever emotionally recover."

"She will, once he is dead, perhaps? Though I hate to think it coming to that. If not that, then time will. She endured much growing up and can still endure more."

Silence filled the room.

"As for the boy..." he said again, "Can we use him?"

"...perhaps." Minato said carefully, "Something isn't quite right about him. We've found no unattached intelligence and Grass isn't cooperating. It's likely he is as unimportant and unknown as we first guessed."

"Did you check him for genjutsu? What about that seal-"

"The seal is the most peculiar thing. But it is not malicious in any way. I can ask to study it further, but I doubt I will find anything - it's as he says - he is sealed with a demon. Or something similar."

"A jinchuuriki?"

The Yondaime shook his head, "I'm not sure of that. Doing an analysis that wouldn't kill him would be rather tricky." The Yondaime chuckled, "We could use him for bait, if Orochimaru is truly after him."

"And what if he successfully extracts the demon?" Sarutobi cautioned, "Or what if this boy is in alignment with my student? It would do no good to release him into his hands."

"I have a few ideas on my mind, but what would you suggest-"

There was a knock, "I have brought him." Said a man.

The Yondaime nodded, "We'll continue this discussion for later. I've requested for Kurama-san. We can start moving forward immediately with this."

"Come in."

The great red doors burst open and Naruto entered the chambers, his eyes wide, recognizing a younger Sarutobi standing before the window, the Yondaime turning toward him with a gentle smile, "Hello Kurama-san." He looked up at Danzou who stood piously behind him, "Thank you for running such a trivial errand for me, Danzou-san."

He bowed, "It was nothing." He smiled, "I suppose you wish me to part?"

"Yes. I won't trouble you with this whole mess, I think until later." He smiled, "You have come back from a rather extensive mission after all, enjoy your rest."

The bandaged man smiled and walked through the closing doors.

Naruto looked down at his cuffed hands and laughed, "So... what's up? It's a bit early. I was expecting to get some rest in my cell for a while." He grimaced, his stomach growling, "Somebody forgot to bring me food, too."

The Yondaime laughed, "Sorry about that." He studied the sleepless eyes of the blond, Sarutobi looking over his shoulder at him as well, "You can get out of those cuffs, right? I wanted you to demonstrate that for my friend, Sarutobi-san, over here. Oh and I'm curious too, myself." He grinned, "You gave my ANBU captain quite the scare last night."

Naruto blanched, "Well, I can, sure, if you really want me to." Naruto frowned, wondering the meaning behind such a thing. But he couldn't easily lie and say he couldn't do it again, it would make him suspicious. And weak. He didn't like either, "Just don't freak out like Ibiki did." He warned with a smile, his fists clenching, muscular arms throbbing tight. He sucked in a sharp breath, his gi expanding to accommodate his air-fulled chest. His eyes shut. He could break free using his own chakra, but using the Kyuubi's was what they expected him to do, and he didn't want to explain why he could use his normal chakra too. He was already unusual enough.

The toxic energy leaked from Naruto's arms, a cloak of scarlet waves dancing over his flesh. The thick metal joints of the cuffs began to crackle and warp. Sarutobi's eyes narrowed in study, watching as Naruto grunted, pulling his arms apart. The metal squeaked until there was a solid snap, his arms flying apart. His hands freed, he unclenched his left hand and continued channeling the chakra in his fingers, peeling the cuff off his right arm. He replicated the feat on his left and fell to his knees, scooping up pieces of metal that had fallen on the ground. The chakra faded rapidly from his hands as he approached the desk, placing the remnants of the shackles there with a grin, "Satisfied?" he grinned, "I could try it with a straight-jacket on if you want me to."

Minato chuckled lightly, though he seemed to drained to feign humor, "That won't be necessary. But seeing that for myself, that was very impressive, Kurama-san. That wasn't just brute strength, that wasn't even really chakra-enhanced strength. You eroded the seals using that tainted chakra." Sarutobi said, "I know only of a few, in my lifetime, who could so easily free themselves like that. Fewer who could do so using such a method."

Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, smiling, "Thanks. Though, it's not really me who just did that."

"Of course. So I owe my thanks to the demon inside you then?"

"In a way." Naruto mumbled.

"If it is the demon who freed you, I wonder, how is it you use its chakra? Why has it not freed itself from you?" the Sandaime mused with a dark look.

Naruto swallowed, "Maybe he respects me?"

Both men frowned, sharing a look.

Naruto raised his hands up in defense, "I know it looks bad, but... it's unfair to call him a demon. Would you call a wolf that hunts and eats a rabbit a demon? What about a kid who has no family? Who lives on the streets, who eats and kills to live? It's like that I think. All he has ever done that could be called evil has been in self-defense, or just to survive." Naruto swallowed, "Maybe that still makes it wrong. I don't know. Does it matter? He's not getting out. Although we have a s-symbi...symbiotic relationship," he met the Yondaime's, then the Sandaime's eyes, "He is still my prisoner. That will not change until I die." He grinned, "Maybe not, even then."

Sarutobi folded his arms over his chest, digesting Naruto's words carefully.

"It's an interesting topic of discussion. But not what I wanted to talk about right now." Minato said finally, "I'll be blunt. It's obvious that you have the tools to attempt an escape. And I have given you several glaring opportunities for it. So far, no one has tried to contact you and you have not tried to leave or leverage any advantage against me. I suspect you're working alone." He admitted, "Or ineptly working with another." He smirked at Naruto's feigned disbelief, "In either case, I don't have much time. I want to confirm what you said is true, quickly. So we're going to see how much I can trust you. Right now. Kakashi!"

Naruto almost had a heart attack as a young man jumped from the ceiling - his entire body changing like a chameleon to blend into the grain of the dark wooden desk he landed on.

"Kai." A familiar voice said, the jutsu withering, until a man in a jounin uniform hopped off the desk. He was taller than Naruto, even ignoring the silver hair that jutted far over him. He had a hitai-ate slanted over one eye, his other eye null of any expression, dark face mask pulled all the way up to his nose. From his slender torso down, dark cloth clutched at his skin.

Naruto realized how much younger he was, but only after a delayed moment. The same void-like gaze held in that lone eye, always made him seem much older than he really was.

Hands in his pockets, Kakashi yawned, glaring at Naruto for just a moment, before taking a relaxed stance at his side. He fished out a small book from his pocket and began reading.

"You will be allowed out into the village, provided Kakashi-kun stays with you at all times. Consider him the most talkative shadow you ever met." He grinned, "I hope you went to the bathroom before coming up here?"

Naruto flinched, "H-hey! No, I didn't." He looked at Kakashi, "Maybe I could do my business in the tower before we go?"

Kakashi turned and looked him, his eye crinkling in perverted glee.

"That might be for the best." Minato and Hiruzen laughed, "Anyway, depending upon how things go today, well, it'll go a long way to determining the usefulness of your information. And perhaps it will open up future opportunities for you." He glanced at Kakashi, "You're authorized to cover Kurama-san for the costs he incurs as a guest. Have something nice to eat for once Kakashi, you've earned a little respite."

Hiruzen interjected, "You are allowed anywhere in Konoha proper; D-level clearance. But be careful. If Hatake-san determines you to be a threat, he can summon help at any moment. But I'm not sure if that would even be necessary, considering his skills."

Naruto nodded, studying Minato more closely now, his eyes travelling along the young man's fiery cape, the lines of hardship under his eyes. "Minato-san, the information I brought is troublesome. Enough that you're taking a big risk on me. Not that Orochimaru... I mean, he's strong. And I don't want to fight him again, personally. And if he can... ah... extract demons, or control them somehow... do you worry that he plans to use the Kyuubi to... attack, maybe destroy Konoha?"

"It is no secret, that we are ashamed to have failed Orochimaru." Hiruzen slowly, "When he was a child... I thought he would grow into someone wise. Someone who could lead. But instead, greed, fear, and jealousy have stripped him of everything that would make him rational or righteous. He has done many sick things to further his own ends. Although destroying Konoha would be some feat, it is true that we worry. Orochimaru is more cunning than any serpent and certainly has the abilities to bring ruin and devastation, as he has done to Konoha's enemies in the past. Your information could save lives and maintain this golden peace I fought so long to achieve." He looked at Yondaime, and then Naruto, the young blond seemingly awed by the Sarutobi's words. The old man blinked, the image vanishing like it had been his imagination. Naruto was looking away, his eyes searching into the bookcase of the room, a hand covering one eye. He wiped it, teeth digging into his cheek. Sarutobi peered closer, but Naruto schooled the rest of his face, clearly avoiding the Sandaime's watchful eyes.

"I understand. I'm... happy to have this opportunity."

The Yondaime nodded, "Very well. Kakashi, you have your orders. Report with Kurama-san here, close to midnight." He sighed, forcing a smile onto his lips slowly, "Have fun now, you two. Especially you, Kakashi-kun."

"I'm sure we will enjoy ourselves very much, Yondaime-sama." Kakashi deadpanned, "But what about ANBU?"

Yondaime glared, "What about it? We already had that talk a few weeks ago."

Kakashi sighed.

"You can resume your duties there after some rest. Who knows, you might even get a promotion?" Minato smiled loosely, "Unless spending a few months off could really turn your reflexes into jelly. You won't turn into someone as clumsy as Obito just like that."

Kakashi laughed mirthlessly, clearly disliking the mention of that name, "Yes, Sensei."

"I almost feel like forbidding you from training too." He said with a challenging smile. Kakashi looked away, "You need to socialize more. Your body also needs its rest. You should pick up a hobby."

"I have been reading, as of late." Kakashi said stoically.

"I noticed." Minato said gruffly, bemused and maybe a bit soured, given the slight twist in his lips.

Kurama interjected, speaking with a restrained giggle, "I'm sure we'll enjoy ourselves today, Minato-san. I'll be sure to make Hatake-san follow me everywhere. Maybe we can go drinking? Clubbing. I've heard much about Konoha after dark."

Kakashi grimaced underneath his mask, "No you will not. I hate alcohol. I hate clubs. I hate bars. I hate smoke. I hate dancing."

The Sandaime laughed, "All right, Kakashi-kun. It seems you're quite transparent. You might want to work on disguising your eccentricities." The old man smiled wide at Naruto, "We understand. You two should be on your way now." He looked at Minato, "We have much to discuss, privately."

Kakashi bowed, his hand reaching out, firmly grasping Naruto's wrist, pulling him along. Naruto blinked, shrugging as he followed. When the doors shut he pulled his wrist out from under Kakashi's hand. He was fast, Kakashi's deft grip broken by a subtle twist the blond's arm.

"You don't need to yank me. I'll follow. And do you mind what I call you?" He was on the verge of giving him a vindictive nickname, if Kakashi were lax enough give him permission.

"Just call me Kakashi." He seemed exhausted, maybe frustrated. But Naruto knew it was a deeper kind of both.


Loud. People clashing in the streets. Shouting and yipping. They bartered at collapsible stands and permanent stalls built into the sides of brick, stone or wooden buildings. The road beneath their feet was made of small, well-rounded reddish stones. They were held firmly in place, scraping against Naruto's feet as he walked. He wondered why the streets looked so different in this time and he supposed it had to do with the Kyuubi attack? That was the only explanation he had. Unless this Konoha were vastly different from his own, for some unknown reason he'd have to discover.

They stood in the center of town.

The sky was clear, a sun-brightened blue. It reminded him of Hinata's eyes, but hers were a much paler color. He wasn't sure why he was thinking of her again. Perhaps it had been that awful vision.

Naruto glanced over at Kakashi, the man dressed just like he remembered. Save for his reduced height and softer-looking skin, it was the same man he knew and... loved? He'd never thought about it, he realized. Maybe because he hadn't wanted to remember. And before that, he couldn't have dwelled on the idea of rejection for long.

Kakashi drawled, "Maa, you could use some new clothes. You look a bit silly, especially with such a strange hole in the back there." He said, poking his finger against the scar tissue on his back, making Naruto flinch and swing his hand carelessly about behind him, "I take it somebody stabbed you good, there?"

Perhaps he did. But this Kakashi was not him. No matter how much he seemed like him. He had to remind himself of that. It was important... because he couldn't let attachment rule his decisions here. He had no idea what kind of sacrifices he would have to make. He didn't now how this Kakashi would react to him, in time.

He swallowed, wondering if that was a good line of thought. He couldn't reason one way or another on it, being surrounded by so much noise. Such a familiar face beside him.

Naruto swatted the jounin's hand away, following him while keeping pace, gritting his teeth "It was a lucky shot. I would have won if I weren't beat."

"Well, the definition of being beaten is to not win."

"No- that's not what I mean- I mean, I was exhausted from travelling. They surrounded me. It wasn't fair. Besides, I was trying to stay hidden."

"Life's not fair. Especially not for a ninja."

"I know that, that's not what I mean- oh just forget it." They passed a few food stalls, Naruto's body clenching. He yearned to run over and buy something to eat, but Kakashi's pace was fast. He walked stiffly, clearly leading them somewhere.

Kakashi moaned when Naruto lagged behind, "Maa, my first impression of you? You're boring."

"Yeah? Well my first impression is that you're a dirty, perverted sensei."

His eye wrinkled, "Sensei? I hope not."

Naruto blushed, trying to cover his slip of the tongue, "You might be, one day. It's obvious to me - a total stranger - that the Yondaime likes you. He'll probably give you a teaching assign-"

"He knows I'll just fail them. No matter how good they are. I will never be a teacher." Kakashi said with both alarm and resentment dripping from his voice.

"You feel pretty strong about that." Naruto murmured.

"Any team he would assign me would be dysfunctional. Suicidal." Kakashi said, "I would be a terrible teacher." He lightened his voice, offering a poor imitation of a laugh, "People still lost on the road of life shouldn't be teachers."

Naruto swallowed as the young man turned and bored into Naruto's eyes with just his one. He shrank away, not wanting to argue, as he wasn't entirely wrong. Sasuke and Sakura and him had worked as a team. And worked well. But, they had broken up. Failed each other. And themselves. And Kakashi had never been a fair teacher - always focusing his efforts on Sasuke, instead of strengthening the whole team. But maybe he'd had a good reason for that? Maybe he'd identified Sasuke as the weak link. He knew Kakashi'd seen himself in Sasuke, at least a little bit.

Naruto let it drop.

They walked through the square, both shinobi effortlessly weaving through heavy traffic. Naruto was surprised to be surrounded by so many potential victims. He could throw out his arms - and cause great devastation here. But he supposed, this was a huge risk. Just as the Yondaime had said. They were taking a leap of faith, that he was being genuine. That his information was true. He guessed it was worth it.

No, it was. He could not remember the night of the Kyuubi's rampage, but he knew well enough how horrible it had been for everyone.

He stopped at a large store beside Kakashi, "Shinobi Imports," a neon sign in the window read.

A slender glass door opened up, Kakashi glaring at him expectantly. Naruto laughed. Had he been day-dreaming? He didn't recognize the store, but it looked familiar, with its large window displays full of pressed kimono, hakama, training wear, combat wear, stealth wear, and shinobi accessories.

Naruto walked, Kakashi falling behind, the jounin making not a sound against the hard wood floor. As if challenged by his actions, Naruto did the same, offering the man a smirk after he deadened his footsteps.

"Ohh. You're pretty good. I had you pegged for a civilian with the way you were walking before." Naruto grit his teeth, not remembering Kakashi to be so grating. He supposed he'd always been, it'd just been a while since he saw him.

He took the jibe in stride.

"So I guess if the Hokage is footing the bill, I should find something nice to wear? Practical. Comfortable. All-around. Just in-case I have to fight you guys, too."

Kakashi mumbled in monotone, "Oh, I know just the thing."

The two tread silently across the brown wood. The store seemed mostly empty. But then again, a store for shinobi could be full of them, he supposed. He wasn't the greatest sensor, though he had an affinity for tracking and detecting certain kinds of enemy. Namely, the ones who wanted to strap him to a table and rip out his fox.

They walked down a row of full-body-armors. They were extremely pricey and fairly impractical for his height and build. They stopped in the middle of the row, where Kakashi retrieved a... solid body suit just like his, complete with a connecting face mask. In the same deep, shadowy sea hue.

Naruto scoffed, "No thanks."

He almost wanted to say, Do I look like Lee to you? Do you want your student to be a clone? People will think we're running some crazy genetics program here.

Kakashi grinned underneath the mask, lowering the suit, "Well, it was worth a shot. It's definitely the most-"

"Boring."

"Boring?" Kakashi huffed, "It's practical. Professional. Easy to wash. Fire retardant. Inexpensive. Intimidating."

"It's not orange." Naruto said simply, "It's skin-tight. Also, doesn't exactly make me look very friendly. Plus, I don't want to be associated with being a pervert." Then he added, "Are you okay?"

Kakashi was glaring at him. But ultimately shrugged, returning the suit to its shelf. "I guess. Why?" he looked at himself, "Alright, maybe I'm a little tired. Sorry for being snappy." He joked, his voice slurring into an odd pitch, "I crossed the path of a black cat on my way home last night. Probably not a good idea right?" He proceeded to giggle briefly, as though he'd said something incredibly funny.

Naruto studied Kakashi carefully, speaking to him briefly about the store, realizing the young jounin had said more to him in the last half an hour than he used to in two months.

What was up with this Kakashi? He had his one eye hidden, so... the 'Obito incident' had already happened. Did that mean he'd yet to encounter some other horrible thing that would further ravage him? Or, was this Kakashi just someone slightly different? Or maybe Kakashi just got crankier and more mute as he aged?

Naruto shuffled about between the shelves, seeing a familiar orange track suit he'd worn as a kid. His eyes swelled and his heart stilled, hands reaching out. He was tempted to buy it, badly, but hesitated. "Maybe later," he hedged - it was too small for him, anyway. He'd be buying it just so some other poor kid wouldn't be forced to wear it. Not that it was bad... the tracksuit had served him well. Just that, it'd made people not take him seriously.

The blond sighed, noting that orange was not in abundance in the store. Most of the clothes were grey, green, brown, a kind of camo, or black. He did eventually find something to his tastes after some fruitless searching. A pair of orange and black camo pants. He picked them up, inspecting them carefully. They seemed tough, well-sewn, and sturdy. Not enough pockets for his liking, but it would do. Secondly, he took a bright orange short-sleeved shirt. It was thin, but not cheap; its fibers lustrous and flexible. It seemed sturdy, even if it was probably better suited for civilian wear. Still, he'd feel unnatural in anything but orange. Maybe it was too many blows to the head, but he was pretty sure he could never fight properly in anything but it.

Kakashi noted what he was holding, as Naruto turned.

"Isn't that a bit-"

Before Kakashi could critique his choice in fashion, they both turned, to someone walking around from between a pair of clothing racks, her arm burdened with a bundle of folded clothes.

"Hatake-san." She said with a cheery grin, blinking as she stared at Naruto, "Hey. You're that guy."

Kurenai was half a head taller than him, her spectral-ringed, scarlet eyes staring inquisitively. She filled out a green chuunin vest, a black mesh laying underneath it. A white mini-skirt wrapped tightly around her hips, extending mid-thigh. White bandages extended further, tied at the back of her knees, ending over the bony caps of them.

Naruto blushed at her penetrating stare. She leaned back, a reserved smile on her lips, hand reaching up, pushing dark bangs behind an ear, "I'm surprised to see you, actually. You looked pretty dead when I helped drop you off at the hospital."

Kakashi motioned to Kurenai, "Hello, Yuuhi-san." He said tiredly, glancing at Naruto, "You can thank her for your speedy recovery."

"Oh, it was nothing." Kurenai said with an easy grin, "Just some first-aid techniques. Hyuuga Hizashi is the one you should really be-"

Naruto shook his head, interrupting softly, "No. That's not true. He may have helped, but you share the credit to." he murmured, "I owe you my life. Call me... Kurama." A smile blossomed on his lips - it was nice to see someone like Kurenai, even if she looked almost nothing how he remembered. If he had to guess, she was nineteen or maybe eighteen years old, but he really couldn't say.

Her cheeks pinkened slightly. She swallowed, clearing her throat, "Yes, well, I don't know if I agree, but let's just leave it at that for now, Kurama-san? It is nice to properly meet you. And I see you're shopping for some new clothes it seems." She looked at Kakashi, "Is there something going on?"

"Nothing that you can be privy to yet, Yuuhi-san."

She huffed, "Oh please, you can tell me a little more than that Hatake-san. I'm almost a jounin."

"No. I know you. It'll become gossip in minutes."

"It's probably too late for that already." She smiled innocently.

"Maybe I was only playing at being a nuke-nin, Yuuhi-san?" he teased, Kakashi glaring at him. He cleared his throat, "I'm gonna go try this on. It was nice meeting you, I really owe you one for your help. Let me know if I can ever return the favor." He waved to Kurenai and turned.

Kakashi followed after him, "Sorry Yuuhi-san. I can't let him move on his own. He's still recovering, you understand? See you!" he dashed after Naruto, leaving Kurenai slightly flustered.

"Oh, that - that boy." She said with a grumble, "Always flaunting how he can keep everything from me." She chewed on her cheek, watching as Naruto and Kakashi disappeared.


Kakashi sat in the tiny, cramped black room with Naruto, one leg crossed over the other. He'd pulled out his perverted book and was reading it silently.

"Do you have to be in here?" Naruto whined.

Another page turned.

The blond stood in front of a full-length mirror. He glanced at himself, his toned, sun-dyed flesh. The grooves of his whisker marks were deep and red, cutting into his full cheeks. His blue eyes obsessed over his disheveled hair and clothes. He was a mess. That made him grit his teeth. Not because he felt embarrassed, but because he cared what others thought of him. He'd always sought approval, whether he deserved it or needed it.

He wouldn't become a weapon though. He wouldn't look like Kakashi. He wanted to believe he was more than a weapon. He wanted other people to see that too.

To Kakashi's surprise, a sudden gust swept through the changing room, sending the pages of his book whirling. When he looked up, Naruto had already changed his clothes.

"Huh? What did you just do there? Well, that was a neat trick." Kakashi scratched his gravity-defying silver hair.

Naruto laughed, "I didn't think it would work, actually." He rubbed the back of his head, looking down. The orange shirt was a little tight and awkward on him, until he realized, "Oh. It's on backwards."

Kakashi shook his head after Naruto checked himself out in the mirror, tugging on the camo pants and orange shirt, shifting his weight , then making a fist, tensing his left arm until the soft skin bulged with hidden swells of muscle.

"Are you done primping yourself?"

Naruto huffed and looked away, almost reaching out to strangle the insufferable jounin, "Let's just buy this stuff and get moving, I can't even remember the last time I ate."

Kakashi nodded, "I can properly return the clothes you were wearing." He reached out and took them, storing them in a storage scroll he placed inside his vest.

"The gi's mine, but you can hold onto it for now..." he mumbled.

Purchasing the clothes took only a few minutes. He'd tried to convince Kakashi to let him buy some generic mass-produced shuriken at the cashier, but the jounin wanted nothing to do with an armed nuke-nin, apparently.


The blond's lips twisted into a pout as Kakashi pulled him inside into YakinikuQ. He hungered for that ramen he'd not tasted in over a year - Ichiraku. Enough that he almost just wanted to leave. But short of admitting he knew of a place he couldn't have (nevermind that it might not exist yet), there was no way to steer him elsewhere.

The air was stuffy, hot, the sizzle of burning grills his ears. It was familiar enough to pacify his stomach and his yearnings for the almighty ramen.

Kakashi and Naruto were about to take a seat in the far back, when a voice murmured, "Hatake-san."

The jounin turned smoothly. Nara Shikaku sat in the shadowy corner of the restaurant, his face covered by a wicked penumbra, the darkness ebbing about his face, working deep into the two tunneling scars that ran parallel on his right chin and brow. The man seemed relaxed, his voice gruff only due to the bit of sticky alcohol he'd downed. An almost-empty bottle of sake sat in front of him, as did the remains of a chicken lunch special.

Kakashi nodded to him.

"I see you've brought a friend." Shikaku said nosily, stroking his short beard, about to ask something, when he met Kakashi's dumb gaze.

He laughed like an old friend, "Oh, so maybe he's more a troublemaker than a friend. I see."

Kakashi shrugged, turning to glare at the blond, making Naruto squirm uncomfortably. He interjected balefully, "Kakashi-san's just being... himself I think. He's just gotten off from ANBU, I hear. He's just being moody. Also, I think he's really a girl." Naruto looked at Shikaku conspiratorially, "He doesn't like this assignment I think, and he's been pouty as a result. He probably thinks it's beneath him." He looked at Kakashi again, "I think he's got a severe case of cannot-stop-working syndrome."

Kakashi raised a brow at that, but didn't comment.

Nara nodded, "Hatake-san is a very hard worker."

Naruto introduced himself, "I'm Kurama. If you must know." He hesitated, "Kakashi is shadowing me today."

Shikaku looked at the young jounin. He didn't offer any information.

"Well, that's swell. Why don't you take a seat here with me, then? Call me Shikaku. Are you visiting Konoha from abroad? Right now I'm just hiding from my wife - She just gave birth a few weeks ago, you know." He laughed like he was being very funny, "But, I could use the company. Fatherly doubts n' all, if you catch my drift."

Kurama took a seat across from Shikaku without Kakashi's permission. The jounin sighed and sat beside him, pulling his book from the front pocket of his vest. Shikaku called over a waiter and Naruto ordered three bowls of ramen, to everyone's confusion. Kakashi ordered grilled sashimi.

Naruto smiled easily at the man. He'd never known him well. But he knew he was an invaluable asset to Konoha. To Tsunade. Even to Sarutobi. He also knew he was very perceptive, the man's dark beady eyes searching his own. Naruto met his stare neutrally and said calmly, "You'll make a great father, Shikaku-san."

"You sound so convinced. We just met." He laughed, picking up a nearly empty bottle of sake, swallowing the contents with a noisy gulp.

About to answer, he was interrupted by Kakashi, who was still passively reading his book, his voice droning, "Kurama-san was a fortune teller before he found his fated path and became shinobi."

It honestly sounded like a joke. So much so, Naruto nodded exuberantly. It was a funny excuse.

"Ah, yes, Kakashi-san is right about my past." Naruto said with a cheesy, sagely accent, "Don't worry." He closed his eyes, pressing his fingers to his temples and laughing, "I can see it now - your son - he will be wise and smart. And a troublesome pain in the ass."

Shikaku slapped his knee, grinning wide, "Oi, you're good. I just hope you're wrong. I've got enough trouble. Though, how did you know I had a son?"

"Eh, lucky guess?" Naruto laughed, rubbing the back of his head like a fool, "Or maybe, I can see the future." He teased, glancing at Kakashi with a smile. The jounin did not look so bemused.


They finished eating and left Shikaku in peace. Naruto's stomach was clenching in delight. Although the ramen they served was intended as an appetizer - light on substance and generic in flavor - it still tasted good to him. Three bowls was enough to hold him over until later. Standing in the street, they idled, chatting as they watched people pass between tall buildings into cramped alleyways.

"Thanks, Kakashi-san."

The jounin shrugged, "No need to thank me." He murmured through the face mask.

Naruto nodded, "Where to next, then?"

"Maa, what happened to the dance parties from earlier?"

Naruto laughed, "I can't dance either. I wouldn't fit in at one of those places."

"Grass not too luxurious of a place to live, ne?"

Naruto nodded.

Kakashi pried quietly, "You think you're comfortable enough to tell me why there're no records on a famous Kurama family in Grass, capable of the sealing arts?"

Naruto's heart stilled, "Ah. I suppose I do owe you an explanation." He said, calm voice close to trembling as he tried to keep his story straight, "And I'd definitely give you one if I could. Really, Kakashi-san. I'd love to know more about my family than anything else in the world." He sighed ruefully, "And it's not like I was left on the side of the road. I knew people who knew about them. One... older man looked over me as I grew up. I know that he knew more than he was willing to share about my heritage. But he died." Naruto recounted dispassionately, his voice distant and dry, "I don't really want to talk about it. But if you don't have any records, it's no surprise to me. It's not like Kusa could tell me anything." He added, "And because of the you know what sealed in me, most people weren't exactly thrilled to share information with me, either."

There was also one other person who had - no, two. Jiraiya and Tsunade. Both of them had known his parents. Jiraiya had mentioned his mother once - and he'd demanded more - he promised he would tell him, someday. "She was beautiful." He'd said. And that's all he'd ever gotten a chance to say.

Tsunade had been a little more forthcoming, but she named no names. "When you come of age, I will tell you Naruto. Rest assured, there are good reasons for the secrecy." She'd said tenderly, speaking little of it, though she'd said he looked and acted like his parents - which was a clue. If he had any idea where they had lived before coming to Konoha. He knew that Uzumaki were expert sealers - which likely meant his father and mother had both been from the clan - but it still didn't explain who they were or how he could find them.

He was hopeful, but he considered it a likely possibility he would not encounter them, even in the past. If they were nomads or wanderers, refugees or nuke-nin; short of letting the Kyuubi incident happen all over again, he was pretty sure he would never just stumble across them. Konoha was enormous. People came and left. And he had no right to impose himself on anyone, anyway.

He was a stranger here. A trespasser.

Naruto blinked for a moment, realizing he'd gone into a daze of thought. Kakashi was looking at him with concern in his lone eye.

"Sorry. I zoned out there." He said.

Kakashi nodded, "I believe it." He turned and pointed to the west, "Come with me, I'll bug you about it later. I have a daily ritual. It will only take a minute."

Naruto followed, knowing where they were headed.


The memorial lay atop an old hill. The path was well-paved and cared for, but the site was often deserted. People did not linger long. Or if they did, it was in the shadows; the thick trees that surrounded most of it. It was like a hidden grove in the city.

Kakashi approached the stone and looked down, closing his lone visible eye.

Naruto did the same.

There was silence for several breaths.

Then, Kakashi opened his eye and looked up, staring at Naruto.

"Alright. That's it. Let's go." Kakashi turned, but Naruto caught his wrist with surprising speed.

They met eyes, "No need to hide it from me. If you're embarrassed, don't be."

Kakashi's eye glazed over for a moment. He shrugged, "I guess it feels wrong, coming here with a stranger."

Naruto nodded, "I can't ever be anything more than that, Kakashi, I think. But maybe you'd like to talk about it? Why are we here. What is your ritual?"

"Maa, I don't use any blood, or anything like that." Naruto laughed, "There's no seal. Or sacrifice. I just... say what's on my mind."

"Ah. I see."

Kakashi shook his head, glaring at Naruto, "No, you don't. So don't say that you do."

"I'm sorry."

"When you are born and raised in a village, with family. You become comrades. Even if... you hate that person." Kakashi explained after a breeze moved by, combing through Naruto's wild hair, "That's all."

Naruto didn't budge. He resisted the blinding fury that bubbled at Kakashi's ignorant words. But he forgave him - how could he know, anyway? He didn't speak his mind, only staring at the slab of granite, inspecting the names. Thankful the memorial stone was much less cramped in this time.

Naruto looked away from Kakashi while the jounin stared at the stone. He covered his eyes for a while, making sure the man couldn't see him.


They took a seat in the grass. All desire to do anything evaporated in both men. At least, until a familiar voice reached their ears.

"Dynamic Entry!"

There was a terrible, reverberating impact. And then a shaking crash. A small, sickly tree had toppled over, a man standing in a small dust-cloud.

"Oh, I knew I would find you here, my eternal rival!"

Naruto and Kakashi shared a worried glance as a man came from behind a tree, his face and arms covered in sweat. He waved wide, "Kakashi-san. For once! For once you grace the sun with your presence! It has been long, my eternal rival! The autumn sun deep in my liver sings in delight!"

"What did he just say?" Naruto whispered.

"Cover your ears." Kakashi mumbled, his throat raw and dry, "Better idea. Let's play dead."

"I don't think that will-"

It was too late anyway, Gai was quick. The man was tall, with a tall smile and long, muscular legs. He was dressed in what Naruto always expected to see him in: a green spandex leotard. His hair was cut into a bowl-shape, eyebrows just as fuzzy as he could remember. He also had another in tow. A young girl with violet hair and rich chocolate eyes. She wore a pair of navy genin-issue shorts, a black tank top loosely draped over her torso. Around her waist was a slender black belt that kept a long katana against her hip. It looked disproportionately long for the young girl's height and rail-thin frame.

Gai locked onto Naruto's eyes, beaming, "Oh! My eternal rival shines bright, beside a shooting star!"

Naruto looked at Kakashi, snickering, barely holding in a thunderstorm of laughter. How could he have forgotten what it felt like to be around Gai?

Kakashi drawled, "Hello Maito-san."

"Oh, I am wounded by your indifferent formalities, my eternal rival!"

The thin red lips of the girl smiled gently at the two shinobi before her, "Hello." She bowed her head respectfully.

"Have you met my young apprentice, Kakashi-san?" Gai asked.

"No, I haven't." He looked at the violet-haired genin and nodded to her faintly.

"I'm Uzuki Yuugao." She said slowly, "I asked Gai-san to train me for the chuunin exams that are approaching this winter."

Kakashi bowed his head, "My condolences, Uzuki-san."

The girl giggled, slapping her hands over her lips.

Gai looked at her, slapping her on the back, "Do not hold in your joy, my bountiful apprentice! Let the fecund spring of youth gush from your lips!"

"Gai. You're going to scar her for life."

Naruto lost it there, laughing like a lunatic. He started rolling in the field, rolling about until tears started streaming from his eyes.

"See that Uzuki-chan?" Gai encouraged, bending down to her level, pointing at the insanely-gibbering blond, who was now pounding the earth as he cried, a stream of agony and bliss soaking his cheeks, "My eternal rival is like a magnet for youthfulness!"


Naturally, they could not escape Gai, once he had gotten interested in Kakashi's "new friend". He demanded to fight him, but Kakashi said sparring anyone but him was out of the question. He really, really shouldn't have said that. But as a result, there they went, following Gai a distance from the memorial, a small training field with a dirt path leading through the trees.

Naruto readily agreed to sparring with Kakashi, stating that it would be best if he demonstrated some of his abilities. Perhaps as a gesture of good-will, Kakashi probably supposed.

They took twenty paces from each other and turned, Kakashi maintaining a bored look, his book in front of his face.

The blond sighed heavily, pursing his lips together, breathing deep and slow through his nostrils. He put his hands close to his chest, recalling the exercises he had worked on to deepen his connection to the Kyuubi. He would not use its chakra here, but it was still useful to center himself - he needed the utmost concentration to utilize wind chakra so freely, at first. It was not something he could do casually. Not without risking injury to Kakashi anyway - wind was the second most wild element. The wildest being lightning. But wind was no less dangerous, if he weren't careful with it, he could probably sever arteries and kill Kakashi, unintentionally.

He bent his knees and looked into his hands, feeling alert. Laughing at Gai had balanced him out. It was easy to push away negative thoughts that clouded his focus. He languidly pulled his head up at Kakashi.

A gentle breeze pushed through the grassy field, sending a rippling wave through the tall, bending grass.

Yuugao looked between the two nin, swallowing, "Ah, I guess you two can start now. Like, whenever." She said anticlimactically. Gai patted her on the back again.

"Woo! Go my eternal rival! Demonstrate the power of your youthful energy for us!"

Kakashi had his book out. He had lowered it just enough to look at Naruto from across the field. Then, he lifted the book right back up and began reading again. Naruto sighed, knowing Kakashi was just putting on an act. But at the same time, it was the man's style. He didn't like to be aggressive. He wanted him to make the first move. Naruto knew it in-and-out.

The blond grit his teeth, deciding he would earn his future-sensei's respect and prove his abilities in the open, even if it attracted suspicion. He needed to look useful at least. He may have just been just a fifteen-year-old brat, but he could pull his weight.

Naruto brought up his thumb and bit on it harshly, making the young Yuugao flinch. She watched raptly as blood slid down Naruto's thumb, his hands moving rapidly, "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" He declared proudly, slamming his palm into the grass, another breeze, this time harsher, kicked up into the air, blowing the golden grass so hard it bowed deep.

Kakashi stood impassively, his one eye drifting just a little bit as the smoke cleared, revealing a six-tailed fox. It was lean and fit, its tails flowing in the gentle breeze, almost like a living, orange flame. Its fur was a shimmering orange, intelligent eyes alertly snapping to Naruto.

"Thanks for coming Onoe. We're gonna beat the crap out of this guy, alright? This is just a spar though." He chuckled, "So hold back just a little. Do what we did last time we fought together, alright?"

The fox's eyes moved faster than Yuugao could follow, staring at its prey cautiously as it nodded in understanding. It moved away from Naruto, carefully treading through the grass, its majestic tails swaying elegantly. The young genin kenjutsu-user was awed, her eyes captivated by the graceful creature.

Naruto carefully walked forward through the field towards Kakashi, shaking his hand about as he widened his stance confidently, droplets of blood scattering in the field, Kakashi's eyes noting the wound was already closed after the action, unblemished tan skin where flesh had been brutally torn.

"Yosh!" Gai said, studying Naruto, "Your opponent is full of vigor, my eternal rival!"

Kakashi hummed, "It's a neat trick, but I have a summon too, you know." He pulled his free hand up and slid it into one of the kunai holsters strapped to his thigh, nicking a finger. Impressively, he performed the same seals one-handed. And all while reading his perverted book, summoned a blood hound. Its coat had a shimmery bronze sheen, its dark face deeply wrinkled. It looked up Kakashi then at Naruto, seemingly assessing the situation wordlessly, letting out a bark.

"Oh, it's so cute Kakashi-san!" Yuugao gushed, wanting to run up and pet it, "What's its name?"

"Yocchi."

Its eyes were attracted to Onoe and began to mirror its action, walking away from Kakashi, maneuvering closer towards Naruto, as he slowly approached.

The two shinobi and their summons analyzed each other carefully. Kakashi could tell Naruto was calm, but deeply excited. There was an uneasy, agitated step in each of his movements, like he might fly off the handle at any moment. He had a feeling he was the one responsible for the soothing breeze, but it was simply a hunch. He didn't want to put his book down, but he was realizing this fight could get a little serious, now that there were two opponents and a charged atmosphere. Now that he could see the experienced intent in those challenging eyes, he wondered. Who was Kurama, to make him take pause in the safety of field in his own village.

Mid-stride, Naruto came suddenly, propelled with surprising speed, fist cocked. But Naruto threw his leg wildly out into a high kick instead. At the same time, Yocchi lunged at Naruto, its mouth opened wide. Onoe kept its distance, circling slowly in cover of the grasses. Kakashi easily ducked under the circling kick, but Yocchi's lunge was just as ineffective - Naruto summoned a firm blanket of wind with his hands and gracefully pulled the dog behind him like a Matador, raising his arms to cover his face, blocking a solid punch from Kakashi. The jounin frowned, feeling and hearing his impact against Naruto's bones. The teen must've been made of steel, as Kakashi noted his knuckles throbbed gently.

Naruto's raised hands came down in a double-strike then, his hands formed into blades, chopping down on Kakashi's collar bones. He deflected Naruto's hands to the side with his book as he dodged, pages held in place by his thumb, stepping in close to him with a flash of his foot, his lone free hand clenching Naruto's shoulder. He twisted harsh, his knee flying up into Naruto's gut, using Naruto as a counter-balance.

Naruto didn't double-over, but did let out a pained grunt, sliding backwards in the dewy grass, aware of Yocchi readying to strike from behind. It lunged again, swiping at his paws, but Naruto tumbled away, rolling through the grass under its arc, the dog-summon landing with a long-skid through the grass where his target had been.

Gai clapped his hands, "Splendid! Oh, if Kurama-san loses this fight, I will do fifty laps around Konoha with one leg tied behind my back!" he looked at Yuugao, "And my lovely apprentice will do so with me!"

The girl looked understandably frightened, "Can I use both of my legs at least, Gai-sensei?" she pleaded softly.

Kakashi calmly approached Naruto now as the blond stood up in the field, his dog summon on Naruto's flank, attention turned toward Onoe, who lingered in the grasses behind them both.

Kakashi reached into his kunai holster again, this time pulling free a single kunai between two fingers. Now armed, he charged forward silently, expecting to slash Naruto against his whiskered cheek, but he was surprised when a sudden hand shot out faster than before, striking Kakashi in the back of the hand, the blade flying loose from his fingers. Naruto followed up by throwing a flurry of straight punches. He was quick and his attacks well aimed, but Kakashi had an impeccable defense, batting or blocking away his strikes with one hand. Naruto gritted his teeth, feeling foolish.

"Oh, Kurama-san has an interesting style." Gai remarked quietly, "Do you see it Yuugao-chan? Look at his feet."

"It looks kind of ridiculous to me." The girl said, frowning, "I can't make much of it."

Gai nodded, "It is a very sloppy style. But... there is something odd about it."

Kakashi would take moments to counter attack between Naruto's strikes, but Naruto's odd footwork left his balance difficult to place. He could bend and sway in odd ways, narrowly avoiding Kakashi's strikes.

"Well, he's fast." Yuugao quipped, "I can't follow his hands too easily either."

Kakashi got bored of defending and taunted, his book dropping from his other hand, "As I think I said before, you don't interest me much. I'm going to finish this."

With both hands free, Kakashi attacked with measured strikes, but to his surprise, Naruto's ferocity simply increased. They were entangled in a contest of blows, exchanging strikes against each other's forearms and open hands. Kakashi frowned as he recognized some of his own style in Naruto, who moved not quite as efficiently as him, making too many unnecessary steps with his feet, but made up with it in his ability to respond. He had amazing reflexes, able to defend against both of his hands, no matter how fast his punches went. Of course, he was going easy by not disrupting him with ninjutsu or genjutsu, but it was still impressive to him - it had been some time since he had fought an opponent in melee.

Kakashi threw an elbow aimed across Naruto's head - and to his shock - Naruto took the blow easily with a grin, delivering a crunching kick to the jounin's knee. He winced, hopping back, looking over his shoulder, grunting in annoyance, "Yocchi, what are you doing watchi-"

Onoe's paws swiped agilely as it sailed through the air, digging into Yocchi's tough fur behind Naruto. The hound flinched, unable to keep up with the fox's speed. While Kakashi had been occupied, Onoe had taken down his support, drawing it away and countering its weaknesses - Yocchi was an expert at making tactical, accurate strikes, which would otherwise be good against a wild-fighter like Naruto, but not so good against the graceful and swift fox.

Before Kakashi could deploy something, Naruto lunged forward, throwing out his leg just like Gai would, mimicking his signature attack.

"Oh! Very nice dynamic entry, Kurama-san! You are very observant! Your heart must shine with the flames of youth as well!"

Kakashi glowered at that obnoxious man's yelling. He barely avoided the flying kick, hurling himself to the ground just in time, a strange wind carrying the blond over him. Naruto landed easily and turned to see Kakashi's hands flash together on the ground, letting out a yelp as a he shouted - a small fireball rocketing towards him from where the jounin was laying. He threw out his hands in a panic, wild wind chakra enveloping the blaze, catching it like a ball. Naruto skidded backwards under the force of the scorching blaze, his feet digging into the dry dirt, the longer his wild wind chakra controlled the crackling flames, the larger it grew. It was possible, that if he held it long enough, the air-fuel mixture would kill the flame, but it was even more likely if he held it for even another second, there would be an incredible explosion in his face.

The fire grew into an incredible swirling plume of frenetic tendrils as he struggled to keep it under control. Yuugao shielded her eyes, Naruto letting out a painful grunt as threw both his hands upwards with all his strength, launching the inferno into the sky above. The huge fireball exploded like a firework, raining sparks like falling stars; fading into nothing.

There was a dumb silence as Naruto stood, dusting himself off.

"Hatake! What do you think you're doing? You could have killed him?!" Yuugao shouted, stomping her foot.

"Haa, I didn't put that much chakra into that."

Gai answered sagely, "Kurama-san must have used a wind technique there to hold back the fireball. Such a reckless and youthful response..." he gave a thumbs up to Naruto, grinning stiffly.

Naruto let out a ragged breath, his entire body steaming from the close proximity of the heat. Kakashi regarded him with a weird, analyzing look as he stood up from the grass. With a hidden smile, he shook his head. Naruto wiped his brow, letting out a relived sigh, eyes bulging suddenly when he looked up - barely able to react as Kakashi had just thrown a second fireball, easily identifying a major weakness of his.

But this time, Onoe was closer. The shining fox abandoned Yocchi, who was licking its wounds with a whimper, and hurled itself into the swirling orb of fire. It impacted the airborne fuzzball, but the fire dissipated harmlessly on contact with its coat, thin wisps of smoke rising from its unsinged hide as it landed. There hadn't even been a whisper or a sizzle of a burn.

Gai clapped his hands, "Oh... impressive."

Onoe wore a prideful smirk as it turned around, standing at its summoner's side, white underbelly puffed, its six tails slashing at the air.

Kakashi stood calmly, Yocchi limping quietly over to its master, head dropped. Kakashi reached down with one hand and patted it.

"I think that's enough for now." Kakashi said finally, glancing at the blood hound, "You did good against such an unusual enemy. We'll work on your speed later, Yocchi-kun. That's definitely not your strong-suit." The dog nodded lazily and dissipated into a puff of smoke.

Onoe grinned wide, meeting Naruto's equally smug smile briefly, before vanishing without a word.

Gai clapped his hands frantically, "Oh! But it can't be over yet. A victor has not been decided."

Kakashi waved his hand, "He wins. Now go do your fifty laps, Gai."

"How hip." The eccentric jounin huffed, crossing his arms, "To throw the match like this, you disappoint me."

Naruto held back a pleased sigh as he met Kakashi's gaze. He reminded him a lot of Sasuke. That perturbed him, maybe a little, his stomach lurching as the thought lingered. But at the same time, Naruto smiled. It was easy to treat his future-former-sensei like he did Sasuke. He walked forward and stuck out his hand, smiling bright, "Don't listen to Gai. You didn't throw anything." Naruto laughed as Kakashi stared at his hand like it was a foul gesture he was making. He reluctantly reached out and shook it, "Not that I was exactly hiding it," he giggled as they released each other, "But you noticed I was using wind chakra, maybe even before we stepped out onto the field."

Kakashi nodded.

Gai made an "O" with his lips, stunned.

"My rival is such a natural genius. I must train harder..." he murmured to himself, falling on one knee, his voice transmogrifying into a shout, "Instead, we shall do one-hundred laps together, Yuugao-chan!"

Naruto kept his eyes away from the poor chocolate-eyed girl, not wanting to look at her likely agonized expression.

Kakashi walked into the field and retrieved his perverted book from inside the grass and Yuugao sprinted up to Naruto with sparkling eyes, "You did so well against Hatake-san, Kurama-san. It's like you could read his moves, right from the very beginning." She looked over his shoulder, then pleaded with teary eyes, "Could-Could you save me? I-I want to get stronger, but don't you think, one-hundred laps?" her voice trembled, reaching out to wrap her arms around his waist.

Naruto blushed, dodging her seductive hug, Gai chiming in, "Indeed! My student is as keen as I. You are fast, but not hasty. Choppy, sharp, and wild, but not imbalanced. May I ask who has taught you? It is rare to see such an opponent within the walls of Konoha." He reached out and grabbed Yuugao by the back of her dark tank top, dragging her effortlessly to his side.

Naruto bowed slightly to Yugao and Gai, beaming. Kakashi watched them in the distance, his eyes plastered to his book, "Well, I received basic training from several instructors. But that was it." He shrugged, "Most of the things I know... I taught myself." He hesitated, "But don't get worked up about it, Gai-san. I have had very good teachers, but they never focused much on me," he swallowed, "Or their instruction was short-lived. But, usually, they saw me as a waste of their time, I think. And maybe they were right, I did waste most of my chances to learn. But thanks. It's nice to hear praise after working hard, for so long."

Gai ensnared Naruto and Yugao into a tight hug, "Oh, spring burns in my heart, to meet such a young, accomplished shinobi. Your spirit burns with the will of fire, young Kurama." He pulled back and adopted a serious stance, his wide brows stiffening, "I look forward to a day close in the future, where we will train together. You are strong, but with much to learn yet!"

Naruto laughed, "Well, I can't promise anything, but sure Gai-san. I'd love to."

Gai backed away and waved to Kakashi, "I must now train hard to compensate for my rival's victory. Stay well, Hatake-san!" And then he was gone, running down the path with impressive speed, Yuugao looking heart-broken and fearful at his side.


The midday sun sank into the creamy clouds. Naruto and his "shadow" relaxing beside the field. The warmth of the sun's rays left an odd feeling in Naruto's chest. He felt refreshed. Hopeful, almost. Like things were going to turn around finally. Something about today... had felt good. But he steeled himself, afraid to give into the feeling. He watched Kakashi instead, noting the rehearsed way he read his little purple book.

They both turned their heads in perfect synchronization as someone approached them in the tall grassy field, "Hatake Kakashi." A stranger said, scurrying down the dirt path to the field. He was dressed in long grey and purple robes, his eyes distinctly of Hyuuga ancestry. His hair was dark, the top of his head shaved, the rest pulled into a tight pony tail.

The Hyuuga turned toward them and bowed his head as he stopped, "Ah, Hatake-san. I'm so glad to have finally located you. I have a summons for you from Hyuuga Hiashi, patriarch of the Hyuuga clan."

"You do?"

"Yes. Would it be convenient for you to come with me? He wishes to speak with you, immediately."

"Maa, I've got another responsibility with me right now." He said looking at Naruto.

"That's fine. Hiashi-san requested Kurama-san's presence as well." He said, scanning Naruto with his eyes.

Kakashi glared at Naruto, who put his hands up in defense, "Hey, I didn't do anything. Don't look at me."

The jounin sighed and bowed his head, looking up at the man, "Kurama-san doesn't have the clearance to enter the clan distinct You will need to tell Hiashi-san that he needs expressed permission for Kurama-san and I to attend to his summons, unless he's willing to come to us."

The messenger puffed, wiping his brow, "Tch. I will inform Hiashi-sama, but he will be displeased."

"Well, if you told us what the summons were for, I'm sure I could make up an excuse about it." Kakashi said lazily.

The messenger shook his head, "I do not know the reason." He sighed, looking both of them in the eye, "It is likely Hiashi-sama will contact you in the coming days. If not tomorrow. Please clear your schedules as I believe it is very important to him."

And then he left, not even bowing as he skidded off.

"Weird." Naruto said, Kakashi nodding, "Any idea what that was about?"

The jounin shrugged, turning his head back to his book.

Naruto just rubbed his temples, "How are you a jounin, again?"

"Beats me."


The office was almost pitch black, the Hokage wearily leaned over in his seat; his back to his village.

Kakashi submitted a written report quickly, providing sparse details on his little diversion with the captive nuke-nin, leaving a little time to talk with his former teacher. It was in Minato's hands, the folder opened, but the poor man's eyes were too burnt out to sharpen the blurry, tiny words.

"What're your thoughts?" Minato asked, rubbing his eyes with his knuckles. He was already dreading Kushina tonight, the baby so close. Even though he had told her he wouldn't be coming until past midnight... he looked up, knowing Kakashi would see the bloodshot veins in his eyes. He wondered if there were dark circles too.

"Scattered, I think." Kakashi said after a moment, "Ibiki or somebody else is more equipped to handle a psychological evaluation then me, I'm not sure why you asked me to try and conduct one." He sighed, "But, in the beginning, he seemed normal for a nuke-nin... or abnormal I guess, if you put it like that. Eccentric, but not anymore than most ninja. But, after lunch, I got a different view, I think. I cannot decide his emotional well-being. He doesn't seem to mind displaying emotion, which is odd, given Kusa's academic... standards. He was comfortable around me after a while."

Minato grinned, "Well, displaying a spectrum of emotion would be a healthy, sane, well-adaptive thing, wouldn't it?" He glared at Kakashi, as if to make a point.

The jounin stared stupidly at him, saying dryly, "I'm not sure I understand."

"Of course you don't." He sighed.

Kakashi cleared his throat, "He has odd skills. He has a contract with... the foxes. I wasn't aware there was one. It must be new. Perhaps he created or discovered it."

Minato nodded, "He may be the first one. I've not heard of one either, until now."

"The details on his combat abilities are in my report. I can't accurately rate him just yet. If I had to, I place him at middle-of-the-middle-road. He would make a capable chuunin operative with the focus I saw today, but, I don't really have any idea how well he functions in a team. I don't think I could injure him significantly without using my Sharingan. He's quick. Oddly, his taijutsu is... worse than most academy students, save for small details." He added, "Gai encountered us. It might be interesting to gather his opinion, if you see him soon, Minato-sensei."

The Hokage closed his eyes in thought, continuing, "That's all good to hear, but you know what I'm really interested in. If he told you something he believed to be true, would you believe him?"

"No." His eye wrinkled, "But that's a good thing."

"And if he told you something he knew was to be a deliberate lie?"

"I believe I could easily distinguish that from perspective truth."

Minato nodded, "What if he said Orochimaru had plans to visit us in less than forty eight hours?"

The jounin hummed in thought, but only for half a breath, "I think I would believe it." He considered, "Ignoring any evidence to support or deny that claim, he was forced to lie in front of me, a few times. He is not very good at lying. In-fact, he seemed to avoid doing it, making vague statements about himself. I think I can guess when he is being deceptive, perhaps ninety percent of the time. If not all the time."

"Excellent Kakashi." He slumped, "So this wasn't a waste of time. Do you think he is lying about Orochimaru?"

"That's... well, I wasn't the one who interrogated him. But judging from what I saw today, I would be cautious, but believe it for now. We cannot disregard the possibility. He is definitely suspicious, I'm not saying to just implicitly trust him - he acted and knew certain things that I detailed in my log that are suggestive of being in contact with an operative here in Konoha - right down to how easily he followed me in the streets. But I would recommend we stay your course. It is logical to prepare for the worst," he swallowed, "There has been a lull. The winds are calm. That would be enough for me to spike security for a day, just to keep watching eyes wary." He concluded softly.

They shared a knowing glance, the two exploring the comfortable silence, Kakashi's lazy eye rolling among Minato-sensei's collection of books on his shelf. Minato studied Kakashi's calm stance, noting distantly he seemed more at ease than before.

"What are you planning to do in preparation for the tenth?" Kakashi finally said, uncharacteristically breaking the still air.

"I'm still working on that. But I know for certain what you will be doing - I want you with Kushina-chan. She's expecting on the tenth, but I am planning on having you with her all tomorrow. The moment - the moment you think she enters into labor, you will alert ANBU. I will know almost immediately and summon myself to her side. If everything goes according to schedule, I should have a defensive matrix set up - well - I'll give you the exactly location tomorrow. I'm still working that out. But we will move to a secure location while ANBU sets up long-range tracking and sensor positions."

"Pardon, sensei, but if I am to be with Kushina, who will watch Kurama-san? Or will you have him on lockdown?"

Minato sighed, "I'm torn on that. We could place him with Kushina, to see his true intentions. But I don't want to risk something like that. Alternatively, we could place him in the open, to see if he is attacked instead of her. But if you're going to be with Kushina, there aren't many I want to trust with guarding him. Everyone else I truly trust will be supporting our defensive positions and in position to counter-attack."

"What if nothing happens?"

Minato grinned, "Well, I'll be quite the happy father then."


A figure cloaked in darkness huddled by the light of a crackling fire.

He thought of a cute girl with brown bangs that framed her beautiful star-like eyes. A girl who only wanted to make her parents proud. To help the sick and the wounded. Who had a heart of silver and gold.

He thought about what that heart must have done, staring down the shimmering light of a comet, held by the hand of a twisted freak driven mad by the ravages of war; the one she loved, too.

He couldn't fathom it.

But maybe, that was irony?

Was he wrong about all this?

The figure stood, collecting his thoughts, which swam like scattered flakes he used to leave on the top of his fish bowl growing up. One day, he'd forgotten to feed them those flakes. And when he had returned, they'd just been lying there too, like the flakes, on the surface, bobbing, their flecked scales brown and shriveled. Also like the flakes.

The man laughed quietly, clenching his fists, "Don't worry Rin." He whispered, "I'll fix this broken world."

He turned and looked toward the moon.