I have will never own Naruto, just like how I will never beat The Dark Void at Poker or Chess.

Fucking emotionless geniuses.

XXX

Letting out a content sigh, Athena wiped her brow and straightened up from her work. This was her fourth D-rank mission while on probation, and she had to say she was enjoying them. She had done many things she was not proud of during her tenure as a goddess, so she saw this as a good way to start repaying for her misdeeds. A meagerstart, but a start none the less.

Glancing over, Athena saw her two teammates busy repairing the fence surrounding the garden they were in while she weeded. Behind her, on the porch, stood the old lady who had requested the mission and her squad leader Ebisu. Athena returned to her work and smiled. At first she had been put off by the man's personality but soon found he was a truly skilled teacher.

Athena had worked diligently since the Hokage's demonstration to discover what the link was between magic and chakra. However, the documents she had access to as a broke foreigner were extremely limited. Her research became even more critical after Kratos returned from his first mission.

The news that Kratos had awakened the piece of Poseidon's rage still within him left Athena torn. She was glad Kratos had recovered one of his powers, as too many things had been taken from the man in his life. On the other hand, the fact these people considered such a spell commonplace disturbed her greatly, so she had devoted herself even more to her self-appointed task.

It was at this time she approached Ebisu out of desperation. At first she had simply wanted to know where to find information on chakra. Instead, the man began tutoring her himself in the basics of chakra and the theory behind it. When she asked why he was doing so, he simply said such knowledge was common throughout the Elemental Nations. If she was trying to learn about it, she might as well learn it right, and learn she did, at a frightening pace under his tutelage. The fact she was once the Goddess of Wisdom probably helped with this part. Armed her new knowledge, and some input from Kratos on the matter, she came to the conclusion that magic and chakra were, if not the same thing, at least extremely similar.

"Great job, team. We will meet again tomorrow at the same time." Ebisu's dismissal aroused Athena from her thoughts. The old woman's thanks while they were leaving left a warm feeling in the former goddess' heart. She began walking towards the hotel Kratos and her were staying in for the time being but then turned and began walking to the market district. Athena had something particular in mind to find even if she might not be able to buy it right now on the halved pay probationary shinobi got.

"Pretty Lady!" Suddenly, Athena felt something crash into her and latch itself onto her chest. Looking down, she saw a familiar mess of spiky blonde hair.

"Naruto, what are you doing here?"

"The orphanage took us on a field trip today. We were on our way back when I saw you."

"Won't the people in charge be looking for you?"

"Nah, they let me do what I want, and I don't put bugs in there beds." Naruto said with a grin. "Hey, where's Grey Guy at?" She barely contained a snort at the name Naruto had come up with for Kratos.

"He's off on one of the missions we need to do in order to join your village." Naruto began to pout when he was told this, but Athena could only giggle at the sight, especially since he tried to do so while still clinging to her.

"I'll tell you what, Naruto. Since Kratos isn't here, how would you like to join me while I look for something special?" He nodded enthusiastically, but still did not let go of her. After a small sigh and smile, she placed her arms around him so he would not fall and set off. As they walked, Naruto told her about his day, nearly whacking her in the face a couple of times with his exaggerated gestures. They soon found their destination, a shinobi equipment store.

XXX

Naruto ogled in amazement at the sights around him. He had wandered off while The Pretty Lady was talking to the large man behind the counter, and this place was awesome! There were so many cool weapons all jam-packed onto the walls and shelves, many of which were taller than him! He just had to get the Old Man to come here and beg to buy one of them for him. He always was a sucker for the puppy-dog. Then he could have an awesome weapon for when he started the academy and kicked everyone else's butt. The academy instructors would see how sweet he was and would have to let him graduate early. He would become a world famous ninja and the youngest Hokage ever chosen. It would be total-

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Sure enough, Naruto had been about to grab the handle of one of the many swords lining the store, its blade longer than he was tall. Whipping around, Naruto saw a girl about his age, hands planted firmly on her hips. She was wearing pink khaki pants and a yellow t-shirt with her brown hair pulled up in two buns. He stuck his tongue out and blew a quick raspberry at her before answering.

"You're just a stupid girl. What would you know about cool ninja stuff like this?"

"Hey! I'm in the academy already. I bet I know way more than you do."

"Oh yeah, well I'm going to enter it next year, and I'll do way better than you ever could."

"Yeah right. They wouldn't even let a dumb doody-head like you in."

"You're the doody-head."

"No, you."

"NO, YOU."

The two charged and tackled each other to the ground, yelling at the top of their longs. They began rolling around, kicking and punching as best as six and seven year old children could. Suddenly two pairs of hands appeared and pulled them apart. Naruto looked up and saw the Pretty Lady, now with an old-looking spear on her back.

"What are you doing Naruto?" The blond pointed an accusing finger at the girl

"She started it. I just wanted to hold that sword for a little bit." Athena smirked.

"After I told you not to touch anything?" Naruto had the grace to blush and look sheepishly down at the ground. The girl started to laugh at him before the man from the counter lightly cuffed her on the back of the head and scolded her.

"Tenten, I've told you how many times not to fight with other kids." Tenten too looked down at the ground and kicked her feet.

"Sorry, Uncle."

"I'm apologize for any trouble my niece has caused. She can be a bit of a handful at times." The man said, looking back at Athena.

"It's no problem at all. Come along Naruto." With that the two left the store and began walking down the crowded streets holding each other's hands.

"So Naruto, now that we've gone to where I wanted, is there any place you want to go before I take you back to the orphanage?" Naruto looked up at the sky, putting his thinking face on. The first place he thought of was Ichiraku's, but he had just been there a few days ago with Kana. He puzzled over the question as they walked, trying to think of somewhere to go. A smile began to form on his face as he looked around before pulling Athena in a new direction. It would be perfect.

XXX

Athena had to admit she was curious. When Naruto had told her he wanted to go to "the park", she had at first been confused. His explanation had not helped, so now she was surprised at the sight before her. There were many wooden and metal devices with children playing on them, laughing while their parents watched or even sometimes joined in with the merrymaking. In all her time as a goddess, she had never seen such a place. Naruto quickly led her over to one such contraption that was two pairs of metal poles with a crossbeam, and chains hanging down in between with seats. He called it a "swing" and got on one of them. She stood there wondering what to before he told her to push him. Athena did so and began to smile at his cries of "Higher!" and "Faster!". Queerly, the other parents seemed to quickly leave with their children once they got there, but she thought nothing of it.

After a while, Naruto jumped of the swing and brought her to the slide. Once again, the other parents left, but this time Athena took notice. What caught her attention the most was that while most of them gave her a brief glance, whether because of her looks or strange garb she could not tell, every one of them seemed to be trying their hardest to not look at Naruto. It was as if to them, he did not exist. She would make sure to ask about this.

The two continued to play together, laughing and smiling the entire time. After what seemed to be too short of time, the sun began to set, and they had to leave. Athena brought him back to the orphanage and returned to the hotel. She quietly crawled into her bed and faded off to sleep. Her final thought as she did so was that she could now see why Kratos helped him.

XXX

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat at his desk smoking his pipe, lost in thought. A light knock came upon his door and Kana stuck her head in.

"Lord Hokage, Advisers Koharu and Homura, and Mr. Danzo are here."

"Thank you, Kana. Please send them in." The door opened wide and in entered his old teammates and rival. As they did so, Hiruzen studied each of them carefully. Danzo was, of course, a blank slate, not letting anything slip even though Sarutobi was sure he knew what this was about. Homura was his old, apathetic self, and Koharu seemed agitated. His heart went out to her, as it was hard to put one's job first when your granddaughter is severely sick. His teammates took a seat across from him, while Danzo chose to stand in a far corner. Clearing his throat, the Hokage began.

"One week ago, four individuals attempted to kidnap one Naruto Uzumaki. As of now the kidnappers remain unidentified and at large. There have been no subsequent attempts or any unusual activity that can be linked to them. I believe the current crisis is over but the issue of further attempts prevails. I have called you here to review my plan to resolve this issue and hear your opinions." At that, Sarutobi took out three sealed envelopes and handed them each one. They quickly opened them and committed the contents to memory before proceeding to burn the papers on the spot. "Are there any questions?"

"Who do you have currently guarding the boy?" Homura asked.

"Right now Kakashi and Tenzou are guarding him, trading off every eight hours. As you know, they are two of our top solo ANBU, and as such, relegating them to such a task for an extended period would drastically hurt our income and reputation." The elderly man turned towards Danzo. "I leave the task of choosing the boy's permanent guards to you Danzo, for you know more about the individuals in our ANBU than anyone else. I trust you will choose the best people for this task." There was a flash of surprise then anger on the dark haired man's face, but both were quickly squashed.

"There is absolutely no information on who ordered the act?" Koharu interceded.

"No, from the description I received from an eye-witness, and from investigations by myself and the heads of the T&I department, there were no identifying features on their bodies or in any of the tactics they employed. There have also been no intelligence leaks to speak of."

"The report mentioned that the boy felt groggy and passed out for a few minutes, which suggests either a tranquilizer or a type of poison. Has the boy's blood been examined?" Danzo questioned from his corner.

"Yes, but unfortunately, it seems that the same thing preventing the substance in question from working on him also breaks it down completely, so no traces could be found in his system. We will be unable to identify where it came from." Sarutobi answered with a mental smirk. He could see Danzo's game. He not only wanted to know fully why his attempt failed, but also whether it could be linked in any way back to him, though he doubted the war hawk was foolish enough to have used any local toxin.

"Have you considered the possibility of this being an internal attack?" The unspoken question hung in the air. Hiruzen once again cleared his throat.

"Yes, which makes the two I have chosen more appealing. They have no allegiance to any ne in the village having only just arrived here." Danzo frowned at this.

"Should we so readily hand over our greatest weapon to these strangers?" Koharu and Homura looked at each other and nodded.

"We agree with the Hokage." Koharu answered. "The fact remains that these two seem to have appeared out of thin air, and we have no information on them whatsoever. Even if they were sleeper agents, no village would be foolish enough to send them in with no back story at all. It goes against every known rule of espionage. Also, if they were to show up to another village claiming to have either intelligence on, or the Kyuubi jinchuuriki himself, they are more likely to be kicked out or executed on the spot because of their own paranoia about spies." Homura shook his head in agreement throughout the speech.

"Very well then. As there are no further objections, the plan will be executed as written. I shall inform Kratos and Athena of our decision when they have finished their entry requirements. It will then be up to them to decide. You are dismissed."

XXX

Kratos stood alone once again on the roof of their hotel. Both gods had finished their probation and tomorrow their fates would be revealed. But there was a larger shadow looming than this. He clenched his teeth, hands balling into fists. Why now? Why him? His soul was stained red, his skin paled by his crimes. All he knew now was death as nothing else remained to live for. No child deserved such a fate as this.

And yet, he found himself wanting. Ever since he had come to this village, he had begun to open up again. It wasn't the people or the missions. No, it was that boy. Those terrified eyes of a child so familiar to him. He had done something to him, made him want to take up this role again.

A sharp pain lanced through Kratos' mind, and he fell to his knees. His hands tore at his head in pain. No, it had been so long since the last episode. This could not be happening!

Memories rose up and swept Kratos away in their tide. He summoned all his strength, struggling to remain on the surface, but he could feel himself slipping deeper and deeper into the depths. Finally his resolve broke, and he was consumed in the flood.

He thrashed about on the roof with his mouth open in a silent scream. His fingernails bit deeply into the stone, desperately trying to find a purchase to hang onto. His blades carved into his back, shearing skin and muscle only to be repaired by his own blood then ripped open again. Kratos was drowning in the sinful sea of his past.

It stopped. Kratos let out a slow, rattling breath. He could still feel the memories but only at the edge of his mind now. It was as if he had entered the eye of the storm and a calm began to spread over his body, relaxing every part of him. Soon his entire being, flesh and soul, was at peace.

Kratos laid there unmoving, unable to believe. He had been saved. Slowly, he allowed his eyes to open just a crack. Upon his chest sat two doves, one fully grown and the other barely old enough to fly. Each was pure white, but for a crimson red taint on their breasts. Kratos carefully reached up, taking care not to startle his saviors. He began gently to stroke them from head to tail.

Lysandra used to raise doves such as these at their home so long ago. He could still see her face when he brought her the first two for her birthday. Such joy she had felt, and he was the reason why. He remembered catching Calliope sneaking out of bed once again to try and play with them while everyone else was fast asleep. She had been so excited when the first egg hatched, doting endlessly over the newborn chick. He remembered all of this, all the happy times his family had had, for the first time in years. Kratos continued to caress each dove, and he began to understand.

"Is this you Lysandra, Calliope? Is this your way of showing you forgive me?"

The doves made no response except to huddle closer into his hand. A wave of relief washed over Kratos. It was as if a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders. All the years he had toiled, all the sweat and blood he had spilled to cleanse himself. Now he had received the forgiveness he most sought.

But could he forgive himself? That was the question he did not think he would ever be able to answer.

Kratos shook his head as his eyes steeled. He was being ridiculous. There was no room for doubt in a Spartan's mind. He had never worried about such things before. If the dead could move on, so could he. He had always known, deep in his heart, that this would never go away. But now Kratos had seen clearly. He had been given a second chance to move past it. Athena, the Shinigami, and the Hokage had given it to him, and by the gods he would do so.

The doves flew up, soaring towards the night sky as the reborn God of War rose up. He watched them go then turned and walked back into the hotel. A new chapter in his life was about to begin, and the start was the most important step.

XXX

High above Konoha, a pale purple hand stretched out, and the two doves landed upon it softly. The Shinigami gave a toothy smile while all three slowly faded into the night.

"Be at peace Ghost of Sparta. I expect great things from your family."

XXX

Naruto sat in the waiting room of the Hokage tower, literally bouncing in his seat. This was the best month ever! First he gets saved from the bad men by Grey Guy. Then meets the Pretty Lady and gets to see Kana and the Old Man. He got to play with the Pretty Lady in the park, and now Kana had come to the orphanage and said that Gramps had a surprise for him. He couldn't wait!

After what felt like forever, Kana took him to Old Man's office. Inside he three other old people, along with Pretty Lady and Grey Guy. Before he could even speak, Gramps interrupted him.

"Naruto, I would like for you to meet your new parents."

XXX

Damn that Sarutobi. Damn him to hell!

Danzo sat alone on his throne, brooding, hands clasped together in his lap. Not only had Root failed to obtain the Nine-tails, but because of the foreigners, Hiruzen was able to place him with a family, making it harder for him to make another attempt. Worse than that, he was in charge of protecting him. Should the boy go missing it would be on his head. Depending on the circumstances, Sarutobi could go so far as to have him executed for gross incompetence. His hands were bound. The power of a jinchuuriki was beyond his grasp now.

It mattered little in the end, he supposed. He would simply have to continue doing what he had been before. Slowly his strength, both politically and militarily, would continue to grow. Eventually, he would rest the title of Hokage from that fool and lead Konoha to its rightful place at the top of the shinobi world. His eyes flashed a cruel mirth in them as he opened two recently created files his men had copied. These two will be perfect additions to his forces.

XXX

Another chapter done.

Have a great Thanksgiving and don't be an asshole on Black Friday. See ya.

Glock3bb, The Dark Void