Yo...

This is the last chapter of this arc, and I'm glad you guys liked how Naruto has started to sort things out. Everything he has went through is a lesson for him, from which he will benefit and he may not look like it, but he can be a good Jounin squad leader. Though it's a slow process, and he needs a little time to get his stuff together...

To free himself from "War mode" to "peace mode"...

Enjoy the chapter...

Chapter 76

Heroes of Konoha

Minato and Tobirama silently stood beside each other, their eyes were currently fixed on the vast forest that was ahead of him. It was still a little odd for him to be beside his "father", but nevertheless he appreciated what destiny was offering him.

His village was safe for now, his family was alive, and he was getting to spend time with his father...if one could say he was getting more than he expected.

"Tell me, how were you chosen to be Hokage?" asked Tobirama curiously, making Minato chuckle.

"Well, I kind of demolished Iwa's army in the Third Great Ninja War and had some good fighting skills. Hiruzen-sama took responsibility for the war and stepped down. He thought I was fit to lead Konoha...and that's my story" said Minato casually, while Tobirama just nodded.

"Saru always had an eye for talent. It just proves that he was the best candidate for the post of Sandaime..." said Tobirama in a satisfied voice,

"On that we can agree..." replied Minato in agreement,

"Minato, I want to know more about Naruto and Itachi..." said Tobirama hesitantly, making Minato smile a little.

"Naruto is a mystery which even I haven't been able to solve, you can never know what's going through that boy's brain. He's a great leader and a talented ninja, and he loves his brother deeply. I am well aware of the Uchiha's curse, and I almost lost him once to that curse...I know Naruto has a lot of darkness in him, even I've felt it. It magnifies his pain, anger, resentment but he's fighting against it for Itachi's sake. He knows Itachi adores him, and does not want his brother to turn into the same person which he is now...

...while Itachi is a little naive and impulsive. He's kind of like you" said Minato light heartily, and was surprised when a small smirk came on Tobirama's face.

"It's...good to hear" said Tobirama awkwardly, it was quite a new situation for him to be talking about such things.

"Yeah, Itachi is quite opposite to his big brother. He believes in the concept of comrades, but not the actual feeling. I don't doubt his will to protect Konoha, but I fear without proper guidance the boy can get easily swayed and he only listens to Naruto. He's stronger than a genin for sure, but he's not fit to be leader...at least not yet" said Minato honestly, getting an understanding nod from Minato.

"Is that why you have not promoted Itachi to chunin?" asked Tobirama seriously,

"Yes. he's not ready for that. Being strong does not mean you are fit to be a chunin...it has many other criteria which Itachi has yet to surpass" explained Minato in detail,

"I agree, but Minato...I just don't understand why did you chose Naruto for Blacklight?" asked Tobirama curiously, as a tired sigh escaped from his son's lips.

"Tou-san let me tell you something- you can pay a ninja to fight, you can pay him to kill, but you cannot pay him to believe. When we were about to enter in this war, none of us had any feeling we would survive...but despite being a kid, Naruto united the people of Konoha and even if the odds were against us our people still followed his lead. When he went up against 4000 Iwa troops on his first command, even then the odds were against him...but there his soldiers were standing proudly behind him, ready to die for Konoha. People believe in him, and where this world is heading we are going to need him once again...

...I won't lie to you, there is a high chance that if I fall Naruto might be the Godaime. He has his drawbacks, and just doesn't believe in himself or even respects himself for what happened in the war. But he's still my son, and I will continue to believe in him till the end" explained Minato passionately, making Tobirama smile

"I really want to believe it too, but..." said Tobirama hesitantly, and was not intimidated when Minato narrowed his eyes at him.

"But?" asked Minato sharply and in a harsher tone,

"Don't get me wrong, I do care about the boys...even if you don't believe me. You, Naruto and Itachi are still my descendants...but I can't ignore the fact that they are half Uchiha, and it's not just them being Uchiha is a problem for me...but I've been around Uchiha's longer than you. And I've seen brothers like Naruto and Itachi once before...and let's just say it didn't turn out well for anyone" said Tobirama vaguely,

"Are you referring to Madara and Izuna?" asked Minato in knowing voice, surprising his father.

"How do you-"

"I checked your history, but what I don't get is your constant suspicion of my boys being the same as those two brothers? Aren't you forgetting they are a Senju too?" argued Minato in protest,

"They are, and I don't deny it. But the resemblance is just too strong for me, even Hashirama-nii-san agrees with me. Naruto is so much like Madara, that it worries me sometimes. His ambitions, his lust for power, his anger and inability to deal with pain, but most of all his undying love for his brother. And you've seen Izuna recently, can you deny the fact that Itachi is similar to him at alarming levels?" questioned Tobirama aggressively,

And Tobirama got his answer when Minato couldn't say another word...and he was relieved that his son was not as naive as he had thought. Minato indeed had the same ability as Tobirama himself, he could also see in people's heart and know what they really were...

"I believe in them too, but I won't be blind either. Minato, you must do whatever it takes to keep both of them alive...if Itachi falls, then you'll have a bigger threat than Madara on your hands. Naruto is barely hanging on by a thread, and with his new eye powers he can prove to be more of a liability than before. And if Naruto falls, then you'll have an even more angrier Izuna in the form of Itachi...who I fear may try to destroy Konoha, the village which failed to protect his beloved brother. And I know, you don't have the heart to kill either of your sons if they turn against Konoha..." explained Tobirama frankly, as Minato looked at him in defeat.

"Do you have what it takes to defend Konoha? Even if it means killing your sons?" asked Minato straight forwardly, as Tobirama became silent for a few moments.

"The village is more important than just one person, no matter who they are. Even if I'm dead, I'm a Hokage and my loyalty lies to the people of Konoha. I understand if you hate me for being who I am, maybe if I was born in your time I would be like you- a pacifist. But this is who I am, and I can't change it- not now. I love my grandsons, but I won't let my love get in the way of my duty. All I'm asking is for you to keep both of them alive...and then everything will be fine" said Tobirama sadly, and Minato could feel his father truly regretted the way he was but at the same time he was at least honest and didn't pretend to be someone else.

"Maybe you're right...I promise I'll keep them alive" said Minato seriously, getting a relieved smile on Tobirama's face.

The Nidaime Hokage walked a few steps forward and looked at the bright sun that was shining in the sky...

"I'm proud of you...son"

(Barracks)

Mikasa slowly opened her eyes when the bright rays of the morning sun hit her face, but only seconds later a hand came in front of the light protecting her, bringing a small smile on her face.

She looked up and saw her head was resting on his naked chest while he just offered her a warm smile.

"Had a good sleep?" asked Naruto kindly, and was surprised when she gently kissed him on the lips.

"The best in years...I could use such a sleep everyday. What about you?" questioned Mikasa happily,

However she became a little worried when a conflicted look appeared in his eyes, and it really troubled her.

"Naruto...what is it?"asked Mikasa straight forwardly, and she was a little irritated when he gave her a fake smile but she could clearly see through him.

"I'm fine..."

"After what happened today, I think it's time we started being honest with each other. No more secrets, no more lies...and this isn't a request" commanded Mikasa, as one of Naruto's eyebrows raised up in surprise

"Since when did you become so bossy?" questioned Naruto lightly, and was a little tensed when a mischievous look appeared in her eyes.

"You don't know me completely...Namikaze-san" mocked Mikasa innocently, and laughed when he tackled over her quickly followed by a passionate kiss which she returned happily.

Their little foreplay continued for a few minutes, until Mikasa stopped and put her hand on his face...

"You can't sleep can you?" asked Mikasa patiently, as Naruto was a little surprised as well as ashamed when she saw straight through him.

"No"

"How long?"

"A few months...I am taking a few medicines to keep myself in proper shape, and not go bat shit insane" said Naruto jokingly, but it only increased her worries.

"It must be harming your body..." said Mikasa worriedly,

"It's fine, Mikasa. I just can't sleep, those faces still come haunting back to me. It terrifies me, and it's much better being awake seeing your naked ass. Didn't know you had such a beautiful ass" said Naruto mischievously, trying to lighten the mood and it seemed to work as her cheeks went bright red.

Guess some things didn't change about Mikasa...

"I just worry about you..." said Mikasa honestly, bringing a smile on his face.

"And I'm grateful for it, but I just need sometime to put this mess behind me. With the way I am now, I can't put my mother through this, nor do I want either you or Rangiku to suffer on my account. Itachi wants to spend time with me, so we've decided to get a place of our own. And I know it's hard to believe, but I want to stay with my little brother...he's even talked with Kagami-jiji about it" said Naruto happily, and Mikasa was really relieved on hearing the happiness in his voice...maybe being around Itachi could really cheer him up, and she only wished for him to be happy.

"Where is this place? And why did he talk with your grandfather?" asked Mikasa curiously,

"It's in the Uchiha clan territory, near the Naka river. It's just a simple house with some luxuries, I think I can afford it with the money I have earned from my time in Blacklight. I really like being beside the Naka river from my childhood, I still remember the times when Kagami-jiji used to take us fishing. The river just calms my heart...I feel at home" said Naruto peacefully, as Mikasa intently listened to his memories.

"I'll be there if you need me for anything..." promised Mikasa,

"Thanks, what are you going to do? Are you going to continue-" questioned Naruto but was cut off when she instantly shook her head.

"I have already filed my resignation letter from Blacklight. I've had enough of Blackops for this life..." said Mikasa bitterly, but was silenced when he just kissed her affectionately.

"It's done...but what will you do now? And what about the others?" asked Naruto curiously,

"Quite the same, most of them are retiring from Blacklight. Shizune has already filled her papers for resignation and has been directly apprenticed under Tsunade-sama, I was quite surprised when she got the offer...but I'm happy for her, she really can't stand Blacklight anymore" said Mikasa happily,

"Well, she was just too kind hearted...but got the job done, regardless. Though being trained my Tsunade-sama is quite an honor, can't say she didn't deserve it. Shizune is the best medic I have ever seen..." said Naruto proudly,

"Hai, Iwashi has been invited to the Barrier Protection Team, seems like they noticed his skills in Fuinjutsu. He has been transferred immediately as your father quickly agreed to this request..." explained Mikasa, surprising Naruto.

"Well, well...I heard they needed new experienced men. Iwashi is the right man for the job, heard the salary is much higher than what Jounin receive..." said Naruto a little jealously, as Mikasa flicked his forehead.

"Naruto, the Barrier Team is entrusted with Konoha's security 24/7. It's a highly responsible job, and you have to be ready to be called at any moment. Sometimes you don't get leave for weeks...I'd say they deserve some appreciation for their service" scolded Mikasa, making him pout like a young boy.

"Fine, mother"

"You won't believe it, Izumo and Hana have been busted to chunin rank..." said Mikasa with a small chuckle,

"Why? What happened?" asked Naruto eagerly, Izumo was his best friend and something like this shouldn't have happened to him.

"Don't worry, it's their fault actually. When you were busy being a hero by rotting in prison, I gave my resignation so the authority's next best choice was Izumo. But he does not want to stay in this outfit anymore, so he declined and so did Hana when she was offered the position. So considering it an offence, the authority accepted their resignation but strongly urged the Hokage to punish them for not stepping up to their responsibilities. Your father did sympathize with those two idiots, even he's tired of the bureaucratic authority...so as a truce he busted Izumo and Hana to chunin and gave them guard duty for 6 months" explained Mikasa lightly, though she couldn't stop laughing as she remembered Hana's face when she was assigned guard duty.

"Man, that's harsh..." said Naruto in disappointment as she just ruffled his hair,

"Don't worry, after 6 months your father will promote them back to Jounin after a trial exam. And it would be nice since they can spend time together...they're after all officially a couple" said Mikasa cheerfully, as Naruto smacked his forehead.

"Damn it, he always had a fetish for the crazy ones...stupid Izumo" mumbled Naruto, but just smiled too sweetly when Mikasa glared at him.

"What did you say?" asked Mikasa intimidatingly,

"Nothing" answered Naruto swiftly, as she just looked at him suspiciously for a few moments before giving up.

"Genma's staying in Blacklight, says he needs the money to pay of his family's debts. He's also going to pay off the debt which Aoba's family owes to some merchants...said this was the least he could do for his friend" said Mikasa sadly, as Naruto gave a silent nod because both of them knew Aoba and Genma were good friends, until the former got killed at Shuri Castle along with Armin and Kotetsu

"Despite being a hardass, Genma did have a sense of honor...with everyone leaving Blacklight, I think he might just be made the next commander" suggested Naruto, which completely surprised Mikasa.

"You're right, he's the next in line to become commander. The authority were not too pleased since he does not give them much respect, but he's the only choice they have. It just means our comrades will be safe in his hands for now..." said Mikasa in a relieved voice,

"What about Anko?" asked Naruto curiously,

"Oh, considering her sadistic nature. She got a job offer from the Torture and Interrogation department under Ibiki Morino- the sadist. And she accepted the job in a blink of an eye...said it was ''according to her tastes''. Kami knows what that means" said Mikasa wearily, as Naruto just chuckled.

"Typical Anko...she's the only one who has not been affected by this war. That woman is a real nut case...but a damn good soldier and friend" said Naruto honestly,

"Agreed" replied Mikasa,

"Rangiku also quit from Blacklight, she's been made a Jounin Squad Leader like you. And more surprising is your mother has taken her as her new apprentice.." said Mikasa a little jealously, as Naruto just caressed her cheek.

"Don't be like that, you know she's got skills in medical ninjutsu. Kaa-san is just doing what's best for everyone...thought I'm surprised Tou-san gave her a genin team. Thought I was the only unfortunate one..." joked Naruto, but Mikasa certainly didn't enjoy the joke.

"I just wanted to get to know your family better...Rangiku is my friend, she helped when I needed a good friend. She's a good person but with what's going on between 3 of us...I just feel it's unfair" said Mikasa jealously,

"Hey, I will personally take you to my family, and don't worry they'll accept you happily" promised Naruto, which certainly eased her tension.

"I'll hold you to it" said Mikasa seriously,

"Mikasa, I'll be honest with you. With my status as the next clan leader getting known, I've been receiving marriage offers from various clans...I've already got offers from Uchiha and Yamanaka clans" confessed Naruto, as Mikasa bolted straight up.

"WHAT!" yelled Mikasa furiously, as poor Naruto just cringed in pain. Damn, she could yell...

"It's not like I'm going to accept them, but I don't have a choice in this" said Naruto, but she just grabbed his shoulder.

"Of course you have a choice in this, don't you?" asked Mikasa menacingly, which would have terrified him but he was already prepared for such a reaction.

"Um, you see a clan leader does not have any restriction on the number of wives he can marry, hell he doesn't even need anyone's consent for that. There is practically no rule in Konoha that forbids it...and the clans of Konoha intend to use it fully in my case, for their political gains" explained Naruto in detail,

"It's stupid..." cursed Mikasa angrily, but Naruto didn't relent and continued to calm her down.

"I know, and if I deny such offers without strong reasons...it can spell serious trouble for my already small clan, as the other Konoha clans would consider this an insult which may even jeopardize the unity of our village. Something which I don't want..." explained Naruto patiently,

"Then what are we going to do?" asked Mikasa seriously, and in a "No- nonsense" manner.

"There is indeed a loophole in this, if I say that I am in love with someone...then the other clans can't force me, and my father can ease their bruised egos after that. The problem is the other clans would not stop pestering me if I say it's just one girl...this marriage is just for politics, and not a real one. So they won't care if they have to marry one of their girls as a trophy wife to me, while I continue to love you. But if I say there are two girls I love, and am already in a relationship with them...then this matter can be finished once and for all, without any damage to us" explained Naruto seriously,

"And the other one is Rangiku, I suppose?" asked Mikasa jealously,

"I'm being honest here, I love you both and I just cannot choose any one of you. It would be betraying all of us and living a lie for the rest of our lives, and I'd rather have a fake marriage for the rest of my life than having to chose between you and Rangiku. I love you, Mikasa...and I don't expect you to understand what I feel towards both of you, but it is what it is. Either I have both of your loves...or none at all, because I'm done betraying and lying to people I love and care about" said Naruto sadly,

None of them said anything for the next few minutes, as Mikasa tried to understand the whole situation. Now she truly realized just what kind of burden being born in a clan could be, much less becoming a clan leader. She hated politics completely, starting from today...

But she was also not blind towards Naruto's feelings for Rangiku, and he was being honest here. Mikasa didn't doubt for a second that he could not choose between her and Rangiku...it would destroy him, and that was the last thing she ever wanted.

The concept of polygamy was not new to her, it was widely practiced in their world. The Damiyo's had several wives, and so did the various clan leaders of Konoha...except for a few.

Naruto's situation had gotten a lot more complicated since his rise as a hero of the village, everyone wanted something from him. It was human selfishness at it's best, she trusted and cared about Rangiku. Mikasa was damn sure Rangiku felt the same towards her, or else she would have let her die on that beach when she tried to commit suicide...

One thing was for sure, both of them dearly loved him. And he loved them back even more...and she would be damned if she lost Naruto to a trophy girl, she had fought 7 years for her love to be acknowledged and reciprocated...and so had Rangiku.

Maybe they could try to work it out...she was her good friend, after all.

"Naruto, just give me time to think. I'll talk with Rangiku, tell her about everything- us, your feelings, the political mess you are in..." offered Mikasa, completely surprising the boy.

"You'd do that?'' asked Naruto curiously,

"It's better if I talk with Rangiku, she's my friend and I can't deny that she loves you as much as me. I've seen it in her eyes, I just want you to give us some time to think this through before giving you a decision...just try to keep the fangirls off your back for a few days, or I'll kill you" warned Mikasa, getting quick nods from Naruto.

"I will try to keep the clans off my back for a few days with the excuse of R&R...hopefully it'll work. And Mikasa...thank you." said Naruto happily and quickly came forward and planted a sweet kiss on her lips that just reduced the uncertainty in her heart.

"I've come too far to lose you...and so does Rangiku." said Mikasa silently,

"I'm lucky to have you two in my life, but I'd like to talk with her about all of this too. She deserves to hear my feelings and the truth from me too..." requested Naruto, as she agreed.

"You can do it after we return to Konoha, rather both of us will talk with her together...sort it out. Right now, it could cause a mess and everyone's in a happy mood...you don't want to be party crasher, do you?" asked Mikasa with a small smirk on her face,

"I think I really like this new Mikasa..." said Naruto excitedly before she twisted him over and was now on top of him giving her full view of her ''assets''

She gave a light kiss on his neck earning a satisfied moan from him, before looking him in the eye...

"I'm just getting started..."

(1 Hour Later)

Naruto was a little surprised when he found all his comrades standing before him in their Blacklight uniforms. Looking at his own clothes, he felt a wave of nostalgia hit him as he realized this would be the last time he or any of them except Genma would be wearing this uniform again.

Blacklight would forever be an unforgettable part of their lives, it had indeed caused them a lot of pain.

However it was the place which brought all of them together. Looking at the faces of his friends relieved him, none of them had imagined that these many of them could make it through the war.

"So, I guess this is it for us...Commander Phoenix" said Izumo calmly, but if one could observe closely the boy was a little sad.

"For Blacklight- yes. For us...never" said Naruto proudly, and without any further delay gave a tight hug to his best friend.

After parting with Izumo, he stepped in front of Genma as the boy just shrugged his shoulders. Genma was surprised when Naruto gave him a hug too, at first the boy didn't know what to do...and then in a moment of surprise and emotional display, Genma returned the hug.

"I know you'd be a great Commander, brother. Lead them well..." congratulated Naruto, and the girls were surprised when for a moment they saw Genma's eyes becoming moist, but just like that it was gone.

"I will, Naruto. Thanks for saving my ass in this stupid war..." said Genma awkwardly, as Naruto understood this was just his friend's way of saying "Thank You".

"Don't be a stranger to us..." advised Naruto, getting a nod from Genma.

Next he stepped in front of Shizune, who was more than happy to envelop him in a warm hug. And she was surprised when he lifted her up in the air and kissed her forehead lovingly.

"Thank you for being there and saving my sorry ass, doc" said Naruto jokingly, making her smile.

"I will never forget you, Commander..." said Shizune proudly, as Naruto just hugged her once more.

"I'm proud to be your friend. And I'll accompany you to meet Kotetsu's parents..." promised Naruto,

"Me too" said Izumo quickly,

"I will too" said Mikasa calmly, which brought tears in Shizune's eyes as it was a known fact that she had feelings for the deceased boy.

After parting with Shizune, he stepped in front of Iwashi. And the boy offered him a proud salute...

"I'll have your back every time, just say the word...Naruto" said Iwashi happily,

"Same here, brother. Just try not to blow up the barrier shield...Kami knows how much you like to tweak with Fuinjutsu" said Naruto jokingly, before giving a small hug to his friend and comrade.

"No promises, sir" replied Iwashi mischievously,

Before Naruto could even say something to Anko, the girl just gave him a tight hug...just before grabbing his ass lightly.

"Stay out of trouble, sexy" said Anko mischievously, and just gave a small wink to Rangiku who just sighed tiredly. Although nobody saw the slight twitching of Mikasa's eyebrows.

"I'll meet you at the bar...Anko" said Naruto happily, making her smile.

"I'll hold you to it"

Finally, he stepped in front of Rangiku who just came forward before imparting a small kiss on his lips, while Mikasa just looked away. Guess she had to get used to this part of life of Naruto Namikaze, but it also relieved her knowing that Rangiku did in fact love Naruto.

"You owe me a date, Commander" said Rangiku mischievously, making everyone chuckle as Naruto just hugged her tightly.

"Oh, I owe you more than one date...Rangiku" replied Naruto happily,

"We're finally going home...aren't we?" asked Rangiku emotionally, getting a happy nod from the man she loved.

"Yes, we are"

Standing on top of the Blacklight tower, the Namikaze family happily observed as their son/brother/grandson made his final goodbyes to Blacklight. Although Mikoto was a bit irritated by Naruto kissing Rangiku...

"Minato, I thought that..." said Mikoto in confusion, as her husband just put his hand on her shoulder.

"Not now, Mikoto. Besides, it's quite a long complicated story...maybe some other time" said Minato patiently,

"Yeah, you're right" replied Mikoto tiredly, while Itachi just smiled on seeing his brother.

Guess he finally got some leverage to tease his brother, although he didn't miss the way Mikasa was looking at Naruto.

"Oh, Nii-san...you've got some balls" thought Itachi with a small chuckle,

Meanwhile Hashirama, Tobirama and Toka just stood patiently beside each other happily observing their next generation bond with each other. It certainly was a sight for sore eyes...

"I don't know why but I would like to stay...I'm just not ready to leave before spending some time with my grandsons, Tobi" requested Toka, as Tobirama shook his head.

"It's not up to us, that choice must be made by Minato. With Madara out there, he might just need our help...but considering that we have Orochimaru out there too, it won't be strategically wise to keep us around" advised Tobirama seriously, as Hashirama playfully slapped his brother over the shoulder.

"Lighten up for once, Tobi. I don't know about the future, but right now I'm happy watching our next generation grow up...even if my system of ninja villages failed. These kids have a home to go back to, a place where none of them could be separated by their families, clans, or anything else. They are indeed a close group of friends..." said Hashirama happily,

Tobirama became silent after hearing Hashirama's advice, and looking at the happy faces of those young kids did lighten him up.

"Maybe you're right...brother"

The Nidaime Hokage's eyes shifted towards his elder grandson who now stood in front of his comrades...the boy was indeed a good leader.

"Brothers, it's been a long war. It's been a tough war..." began Naruto slowly,

Minato was keenly observing his son along with Mikoto and Itachi. This was the first time they were seeing Naruto as a commander, and it was indeed a proud moment for them. The most proud of them was Mikoto, who could just happily watch as her little boy had transformed into the wonderful man standing in front of her.

"You've fought bravely, proudly for your country..." said Naruto honestly,

He could see smiles on their faces, which indeed warmed Naruto's own heart. It was hard for them to believe the moment of freedom had finally arrived, and they were alive to see it...

''You are a special group, who found among each other a bond...that exists only in combat" said Naruto happily,

In response he got several nods from all his comrades, while some of the girls entwined their hands with the boys...

"Among brothers, of shared foxholes. Held each other in dire moments, have seen death and suffered together..." said Naruto sadly,

A look of remorse and grief was visible on all their faces, as they noticed the empty spots beside them. Friends who just didn't make it through the war...

After a few moments of silence, Naruto straightened himself and gave a firm, proud salute to his soldiers.

"And I'm proud to have served with each and every one of you..." said Naruto proudly,

In a final act of their Blacklight career, all the ninja of the small group gave a respectful salute to their commander and friend, Naruto Namikaze who had a satisfied smile on his face.

"You deserve long and happy lives in peace..."

Author's Notes: End of chapter.

So this is the end of the civil war arc, the fourth great ninja war as well as the Blacklight (Blackops genre) part of this story.

The story can take a new direction from this point, although Stana thinks this is a good place to end this story. It's not her decision, but this point indeed has a good ending feeling...though with the plots, plans, elements I have left for this story. I think it would be a little unfair for me and to you...to leave it just like that. There is so much more I can explore in this universe...

But just reading the last line of this chapter, gives me so much satisfaction. The kind of feeling an author gets when he finishes a story, the same kind of feeling I'm getting from the last line of this chapter...so, I'm still thinking about my decision.

So, if the next chapter is not up by Monday (28th july) then this shall be the end of this story. I'll change the story status to Complete if it happens and also inform you...

But if there is an update, then consider this story continuing for at least another year and several arcs. Or I might just write a sequel

(If story gets continued) Next chapter: Home

Let me know your thoughts if you want. Kami knows I love our interactions through reviews or Pm...

Until next time (If not, then the final time)

Blackwolf501