Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

I just want to watch the whole world burn

Chapters 15 through 18 are now Re-written Etheral-23

Chapter 17: Deshi Basara!

XxX ~ Last time ~ XxX

Yugito opens and closes her mouth a few times but no words come out. Finally, she clears her throat and says; "Pardon?"

Kouhei says; "Yeah! Uzumaki did weird impossible things like I heard. Two women having children together was one of them... and without extra equipment even"

"How exactly-? Just how?" Sputters Neji.

Kouhei shrugs "Some weird seal thing I think. At least, that's what I heard"

Karui raises a brow; "Why would they design a seal that allows two women to have children together? That's just bizarre"

"It's said that most Uzumaki go both ways. Hell, maybe Naruto here likes men too but it's so repressed he himself may not know it"

Naruto was seemingly suffering from a spontaneous stroke if the gurgling sounds coming from his throat were any indication, he finally sputters a; "WHAT?! NO!"

Kouhei holds up his hands "Jeez, take it easy"

"And here I thought your village was filled with free minded hippies" Says Karui.

Lee shouts enthusiastically "Love should know no bounds as long as the flames of youth burn bright in all of us!"

Tenten leans close to Neji and whispers; "Was that Gai-sensei told us? His speeches are so much alike I can't tell anymore"

Neji whispers back; "Would you be surprised if it is?"

Tenten shrugs. "Not really" She smiles teasingly at Naruto. "Come on, this is Konoha. It's right on our tourist slogan; 'First Hidden Village to legalize gay marriage'. You don't have to hide in that closet and wear just one pair of socks all of your life"

Naruto glares at her with the intensity of the sun. "I won't even speak to you again" Tenten just laughs.

Omoi sighs; "If people ever rediscover that kind of seal. Then women won't bother to date men anymore"

Karui glares at him. "If all men are like you then the hell we won't! I actually think it's awesome the Uzumaki found to make dumb men irrelevant"

Sakura weakly raises her hand. "I do want a husband thank you."

Haku just raises a brow. Just men? How limited

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

"You ready? This will hurt you know."

"Just get it over with Naruto."

The blond looks dryly at his Uchiha teammate from behind him. After looking up the right seals, and reigning in his emotions after locking lips with Haku, which was damn awesome! Though he noticed Sakura coming back looking like she wanted to maim someone with Omoi giving him a knowing shit eating grin.

He looked at the custom triple layered seal he began creating to restrain Orochimaru's and let Sasuke use his chakra again without reprisals or an evil voice speaking in your head.

Tenten watches as Naruto uses an ink brush with precision on Sasuke's chest and back. "So what will this do Naruto?"

"When I pour chakra into this seal it will slowly close in and over Hebi-Teme's little hickey sealing it in triple layered demon ward."

"Wouldn't a single layer be enough?" Neji asks sitting on a boulder while watching carefully.

The blond shook his head. "No. The seal I saw reacts with the person's emotions. And no offense Sasuke but you can be a hothead. Thus it would that seal would never function right."

"Hn," the Uchiha grunted.

Chojuro adjusted his glasses as he watches from afar. "So what seal are you using Naruto-San?"

"Something I made on my own. I combined the elements of the four demon ward seal with the fifth. Once you see the mechanics and break it down making your own seals are easy."

Haku stood beside Naruto as he worked, much to our rosette's displeasure. "Zabuza-Sama tried learning the art of Fūinjutsu by teaching me at the same time. Admittedly both of us never got it right, save only explosive tags and sealing scrolls."

"This is an art that takes time and patience. Granted I can say much since I am bit of a hothead. But knowing Zabuza he probably snapped?"

The Hyoton user looked away sheepishly. Her surrogate father literally teared through the books and sliced them in half with his sword.

"Have a name for it?" Karui asks while sharpening her sword.

"Will name it later, first have to seal up this menace."

Everyone tenses seeing Naruto going through some hand signs. His right hand glowed blue with chakra as he laid it on Sasuke's bare shoulder. The Uchiha gritted his teeth holding back a scream of pain. Damn it hurts like Naruto said! The words written on his body burned as they slowly rose up to his shoulder surrounding and covering the curse mark.

Fūin!

Soon everyone sees a bright glow as Naruto takes his hand off the seal. He takes a deep breath as he sees Sasuke sucking up as much air as he can. Walking around and kneeling in front of his teammate who holds his shoulder painfully.

"Well?"

As the pain subsides the Uchiha heir blinks. He looks up at Naruto; "It's gone. I can't hear it anymore. And my chakra, it feels normal again," The relief rolls off his voice.

The group releases a breath they unconsciously held as Naruto smirked. As he stands he is soon tackled by Sakura in a bone crushing hug. Kouhei, Karui and Neji snort at the action; Lee and Tenten snicker while Chojuro and Omoi politely look away. Haku lightly twitches as she sends a glare at rosette. In the back of Yugito's mind Matatabi giggles.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Once all the teams were ready. And Naruto felt Sasuke was now fit to travel, Team 7 and company made a full sprint for the tower. When Naruto asked if everyone had their respected scrolls the blond was floored when everyone held up their asked item. Since they wasted enough time and this being the next to the final day they made a dash to the end of stage 2.

Least they have a day's rest there before whatever was next.

Moving through the branches the groups displayed a well-oiled team formation. Neji with his Byakugan at point beside Naruto. Sasuke takes rear with his stage-two Sharingan. Everyone else is in, by Neko's opinion, strategic and balanced places. For Genin to build this kind of structure after forming in a few days was truly something.

You truly are something special Naruto, Neko thought smiling under her mask.

Kuma Looked down with pride; Show those short sided fools what you can do kid. I'll have your back.

Naruto raises his hand up, which prompts everyone to stop. Sakura walks beside her teammate. "What's wrong Naruto?"

"Isn't that Kabuto?"

Everyone's eyes look downward on a branch below. Sure enough the fellow Konoha Genin is sitting, fixing up a wound on his arm. Neji and Sasuke scan the area as they all stay well hidden.

"There is no Genjutsu that is really him. Why is separated from his team," Neji asks in whisper.

Yugito narrows her eyes as she stands beside Naruto and Sakura. The Kumo Kunoichi had half a mind to go down there and smack the fool for nearly revealing Naruto's Jinchurriki status. But that was not her call; "What should we do Naruto?"

The blond Konoha Nin did not even think twice; "He is still Konoha. Let's help get him to the tower. His team might be there already."

Only Kouhei silently grumbled but said nothing. Kneeling down Naruto coughs lightly; "Kabuto!"

Quickly turning and going into a Taijutsu stance, the silver-haired Genin widens his eyes.

"Naruto? Glad to see you guys are okay. Why are Kumo and Kiri with you, along with another Konoha team?"

The Shoton user lifts his hand to stop the questions; "Explain on the way. But still have half a mind to deck you for that stunt in the first stage," Naruto lightly glares.

Kabuto rubs his head sheepishly; "I am really sorry for that. I kinda get into things when I use my cards. I did not mean to get you that upset."

"How did you know Naruto-Kun is Jinchurriki, that's not public knowledge?" Haku speaks up.

Blinking in surprise and pointing behind Naruto, the blond nods; "Thank Orochimaru when he showed up and attacked. He spilled what I am, but that does not explain how you know?"

"You fought a Sannin!" Kabuto paled but refocused as he adjusted his glasses. "It was kind of easy learning you was Jinchurriki Naruto. I grew curious why people hated you in the village, so traced that till the time of your birth. October 10th, day of the Kyuubi no Kitsune's attack. After that I pieced together that the Yondaime sealed the Bijuu into someone. That being you Naruto."

This guy is sharp. That's the first thing they noticed, the fact he was able to sort out all that was impressive. Still this man had Naruto and the others on edge. Looking over to Sakura, she shrugs as he sighs.

"Come on Kabuto. You can join us since you team is off somewhere."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

The group plus Kabuto makes their way to the tower by mid-afternoon. The only distraction before they all made it was Naruto saving a redheaded Kusa Kunoichi. Which he promptly got scolded by the less patient people of the group.

His calm and best response; "She was going to be eaten by a bear! Did you want me to stand by and watch?!"

Everyone sweat-dropped but continued forward. Landing near the multiple numbered doors around the base of the tower they all finally sigh in relief.

"Well that was fun" Naruto retorted sarcastically.

Karui rolled her eyes; "Oh yeah. Nothing says fun like a fight for your life against one of the Densetsu no Sannin. That was almost like a session with Bee-Sensei minus the bad rapping and the bastard actually wanting to really kill us."

Kabuto chuckles; "Well I'm off to find my team. Thanks for the help Naruto."

The blond waves it off as they watch the silver-haired Genin walk away.

Yugito and her team looked at Naruto "So now what?" the Nibi Jinchurriki asks.

The blond shrugs. "I guess getting ready for the next part of the exam."

Sakura snorts speaking absently; "I just wish Kakashi-sensei would have started teaching us something other than teamwork. I think the only technique he taught us was tree climbing."

Soon all eyes focus on them; "Are you saying your Jounin sensei has only taught you tree climbing?" Karui said in disbelief.

The blond and rosette of team 7 look deadpanned; "Yep…"

Haku shakes her head; "Since we returned home and Zabuza-Sama became a sensei he has been putting Kouhei and Chojuro into their paces."

The two Kiri Genin paled, paces was being polite. More like getting their asses handed to them all over Kirigakure! Having one the seven swordsmen of Kiri as a sensei was all business and no gray area.

"Well when Ero-Sennin comes into the village he trains me, but I mostly train myself and help Sakura-Chan. Been teaching her my Taijutsu I just learned."

"Ero-Sennin," a round of confused looks from the foreign teams.

Tenten glares at Naruto, "will you be polite to Jiraiya-Sama. He is a Sannin Naruto."

"And a self-proclaimed 'super-pervert'! You seem to forget that part Ten-chan," Naruto deadpans.

Soon eyes nearly popped from their sockets, Naruto is being trained by the Gama-Sannin Jiraiya! But from the way it sounded it was only part time. So the blond really is self-taught, and now teaching his rosette teammate!

"What Taijutsu are you learning?" Lee asked half excited since being a Taijutsu nut.

The blond scratches his head. "I found this scroll in the library. Well in an area of the library that was no longer used. It was a mid-large scroll that had several smaller scrolls sealed inside. It broke down the form to very easy steps. Nenshou Tsuki (Crimson Moon) is what it has been called."

Soon all the foreign Genin are wide eyed again. Haku walks up to him "Naruto-Kun, that Taijutsu is your mother's self-made form."

Team 7's eyes widen in shock. Naruto has been learning and teaching his own mother's Taijutsu without even realizing it? The blond felt was really starting to feel somewhat woozy with all this. Neji looks at the Uzumaki evenly.

"It seems fate decided for you to follow your mother's path Naruto-san."

Naruto rests his hand on his forehead. Sakura, Haku, and even Yugito all looked concerned by his distant expression. "I don't believe in fate Neji. But I would at least like this madness to stop getting on my nerves."

A pity Naruto-San. You will see eventually we all are prisoners to fate. Whether we want it or not, Neji looks thoughtful.

Kouhei shakes his head; "Take it from someone who is a black sheep in their clan. Things will always be a whirlwind for you."

Naruto looks at the brunette shinobi in surprise; "Was that actual concern Kouhei?"

The Kiri Genin scoffs; "You wish."

"I think we should get to our respected doors and finish this exam," Sasuke comments.

"Right, when we get that done I want to meet up when we can," Yugito smiles.

All nod as they wave good bye to each other.

XxX ~ Yugito's Team ~ XxX

Opening their respect door, Team Kumo looks at the room as they enter. But all stop and raise an eyebrow at the carved words on the wall. The redhead swords-woman of the group narrows her eyes.

"Really… a cheesy riddle," Karui grumbles.

"What were you expecting?" Yugito lifts and eyebrow.

"Twenty half naked well-built men waiting on me hand and foot."

Omoi nearly chokes on his lollipop as he spits it out. Yugito only blushes and shakes her head in exasperation.

Opening their scrolls in an 'X' pattern together Samui appears in a puff of smoke. She gave a rare small smile on the beautiful busty blond.

"Cool. Glad to see you all made."

"Damn right we did," Karui declares with a smirk. "And we will be Chunin right along with you in no time Neechan."

Omoi only shrugged as he chewed his lollipop. Samui sighed but smirked at Kurai's enthusiasm.

But seeing Yugito's serious expression got Samui's attention. "Anything happened out there?"

The Nibi Jinchurriki sighed; "You could say that."

XxX ~ Team Kiri ~ XxX

Chojuro sighed as Haku was wrapped in her own thoughts while Kouhei looked at the carved out words on the wall. This whole test was fraying on his nerves. But he press on for Mei Terumi-Sama. But left him to wonder what she would think of all this.

"Won… Wonder how Zab… Zabuza-Sensei will take this news?" the young swordsman said nervously.

Kouhei grunts; "Which? Orochimaru running loose in Konoha? Naruto Uzumaki actually related to the legendary Red Death Kushina Uzumaki? Or the fact he is the Kyuubi Jinchurriki?"

"Uh… All of the above?"

Haku looks over to her teammates; "Zabuza-Sama highly respected and revered Naruto's Kaasan. I think he had a crush on her. But I could be wrong."

Kouhei looks dryly at the Hyoton user; "Well consider you were playing tonsil hockey with the blond. I say you'd staked your claim."

Haku blushed while Chojuro glared at his teammate; "Kouhei!"

"Oh shut up Chojuro. We both knew she is in love with that guy since could not stop talking about him five minutes in a conversation. I guess they would either have sex or make out in the forest. A shame was kind of hoping for…"

Kouhei did not finish that sentence when the entire room was covered in ice and Haku having an eerie sickly sweet smile with her eyes covered by her hair.

"I am sorry Kouhei-Kun; do you want to see what happens when you finish that sentence?" Haku asks in a sickly sweet tone.

Both Kiri males paled as they swore they saw a demonic mask behind the girl's body.

"I'll shut up now," Kouhei said meekly.

XxX ~ Team Gai ~ XxX

Neji looks at the carved words on the wall while his teammates take a breather. Lee was fixing his bandages on his arms while Tenten tied a rope around the crystal shuriken given to her by Naruto and puts it around her neck.

"Did you know anything about The Uzumaki Clan Neji?" the weapon mistress asks.

"No. I only heard of the Red Death but never her real name. How is it we know nothing of a clan as powerful as the Uzumaki?"

Tenten bit the inside of her lip as she looked down. "You think Naruto will be okay? I mean everything he learned about his kaasan and the fact he has clan. That really has to be bothering him right?"

Lee and Neji look at each other and then to their kunoichi. "Naruto-san is at a crossroads. Reclaim the honor and power of his lost clan. Or remain in the shadow of those who look down on him. I think the choice is obvious," Neji states. "And perhaps the gods would be generous and give Naruto the anchor he needs to sort this entire business out. Another survivor of his clan would be of great benefit to him. If his mother found a way to survive her could have helped keeping her son emotionally grounded."

Tenten looks down at her crystal shuriken. Putting it in her palm as she traced it with her fingers of her other hand she prays.

If there anyone out there listening. Please, just please… Give him something to hold on to. Something from his clan. Anything… please.

XxX ~ Team 7 ~ XxX

Opening their Heaven and Earth scroll and unrolling them into an 'X' together on the floor. The seals on the scrolls glow as puffs of smoke shots upwards. The three tense until they see the figure of someone all of them if familiar with.

"Iruka-Sensei!" Naruto and Sakura say together smiling.

Even Sasuke smirked with some relief.

Standing on the open scrolls the scarred Chunin smiles warmly at his former students. "Glad to see you three all passed."

Then finally taking a good look at the trio he paled. "What the hell happened to you all?" he asked with concern.

"Orochimaru," Naruto said simply.

The Chunin widened his eyes as he paled; "The Hebi-Sannin?! Tell me everything!"

Team 7 began to explain everything that happened while in the forest for the past few days. Iruka was impressed how Naruto was able to form and keep two foreign Genin Teams together who helped him heal and then aided him fighting Orochimaru and find his team. He grew concerned hearing the snake wanted to put a Curse Mark on Naruto.

Would that even be possible with the Kyuubi's seal? He was no expert but wouldn't that create a rebound effect? In which; Naruto would die and the Bijuu be set free. He learned Sasuke did indeed receive the damnable seal and attacked his comrades.

Thanks to Naruto he stopped the Uchiha but also went slightly wild being in 'One Tails Mode' if not for Yugito, Haku, and Sakura.

Iruka sighed after an hour and a half explanation. "Was there anything else?"

He was soon surprised seeing three pairs of eyes looking at him sternly. "I found out who my kaasan is. And the fact I am from an actual clan. 'The Uzumaki Clan'."

The Chunin teacher's eyes nearly flew out their sockets as he heard that uttered. But it was of surprise if anything else. "You're part of clan Naruto? You finally learned who your mother was?"

Sasuke growled. "Don't play coy! You're a teacher so you had to know about Naruto's real heritage!"

The blond and rosette looked at the Uchiha in shock; did he just defend Naruto?

"Sasuke, I never knew Naruto was even a part of a clan. Or who his mother was, the only thing I ever knew was him being Jinchurriki," Iruka defended.

Before Sakura was about to speak someone else spoke.

"Naruto…"

Everyone froze as the blond slowly turned to see none other than his grandfather looking at him mournfully. Turning fully Hiruzen saw a small amount of hurt but also anger in Naruto's eyes. The two stared at each other which brought about an uncomfortable silence.

"Office… Now," were Hiruzen's only words…

The blond nods after a moment, and the Hokage places his hand on his shoulder. "Sakura, Sasuke go rest. I trust my grandson in his work of seals that he used on the curse mark. If you're new friends come to find you then spend time with them. Iruka, I will tell you everything later," the old Kage said this while not breaking eye contact with Naruto.

The two Shunshin away before they hear replies.

"Naruto-Kun," Sakura whispers.

XxX ~ Naruto and Hiruzen ~ XxX

Appearing in Sarutobi's secondary office in the tower. The blond saw it looked like his Jiji's office in the Hokage Tower. Going to his desk Hiruzen activates the barrier and silence seals in the room. Moving over to the one couch of the room the Kage sits and looks over to his grandson.

"Go ahead Naruto-Kun."

"I have a clan and you never told me. Why?" the blond spoke in mix of hurt and rage.

"For your protection. During the third Shinobi War your mother carved her legend into Iwa and Kumo. Kushina was extremely respected and feared with her prowess as a brilliant Kenjutsu, Taijutsu, and Fūinjutsu mastery. She also had a rare form of chakra and held the special kekkei Genkai where she could create actual solid chains from her chakra."

"You didn't answer my question." But was secretly in awe by his Kaasan's skills.

"During the Second War, your clan was nearly destroyed by a joint attack from Iwa, Suna, and Kumo. They deeply feared you clan's power. And so when our forces were at our weakest they attacked. Kushina was blessedly in Konoha weeks before the attack. I feared if people knew you were a direct line of the Uzumaki and the Uzukages they would use you for their own ends. You would be forced into the CRA and the council would have found a way to obtain the Legacies of Uzu I have protected for you."

"While they would be controlling me on a short leash…" Naruto muttered.

Hiruzen nodded as Naruto walked over and sat beside him. "Did… Did my kaasan…?"

"She loved you Naruto. When she learned she was pregnant she was over the moon. Her sole wish was to meet you and help you become whatever you dreamed."

The old Kage's eyes grew solemn seeing his grandson tremble. Tears lightly streamed his eyes as he raised his hand and rested it in Naruto's hair.

"I want her back… Is it too much to ask just to have my Kaasan still with me… all I want is my mom back is that too much to ask?!" Naruto broke down as he cried in earnest as he holds his head with his hands.

All that loneliness and pain you kept locked away is finally coming out. Twelve years you held it in for so long, I am glad it is happening now with me still here. Kushina… if there was a way… I'd ask the gods themselves to take my soul so you could come back. He needs you far more than this broken old man.

Remembering something he leaves the couch to his desk. When he didn't feel the old man's hand on his head he looks over with puffy eyes.

"Jiji?"

It broke Hiruzen's heart hearing how soft broken and horse Naruto's voice was. But maybe this would help. Smiling as he opened his drawer he found what he wanted. The blond looked confused as he saw his grandfather pull out a medium size large green scroll with gold lining. It was about the size of his mother's Taijutsu main scroll.

Walking back he hands the scroll to Naruto. "That was your mother's. She asked me to give this to you as soon I could. This is the right time."

"What is it?"

Hiruzen shrugs, "I do not know. Kushina placed a blood seal on it. Only someone of her blood can open that scroll."

Looking at the scroll in his hands he slides down off the couch to the floor. Finding the seal that required a drop of blood he bit his thumb. And smeared his blood down the seal. Both tensed seeing a glow but heard what sounded like lock unlocking. Resting the scroll on the ground he unfurled it.

"What the hell…?" the blond and old Kage were perplex seeing the beginnings of complex Fūinjutsu array. Hiruzen now standing as Naruto unfurled the scroll completely which was about the length of a human, the two were absolutely dumbfounded.

"I have never in my life seen such a vastly complex seal array" Hiruzen rubbed his chin.

"I can't even make out most of this. Tenrai Suimin," Naruto tilted his head as looked closely.

"Divine Sleep? What is this that you left for your son Kushina?"

"Do you know fūinjutsu Jiji? Or my clan's?"

Kneeling beside his grandson Hiruzen looks just as intently at each and every detail of this odd seal. "While admittedly I am no Uzumaki when it comes to fūinjutsu. I am a master in my own right; I did study your clan's seals, which included the three kinjutsu seals. But this, I never saw this seal in my life."

As both continue their study, they see a single design of a hand in the center of the paper. And something written down underneath it.

Sochi! If you gotten this from Jiji put five droplets of blood on the tips of fingers and thumb of your right hand. As well as a long smear of blood on the center of your palm. Then place your hand on the center of this paper dattebane!

"Dattebane?"

Hiruzen smirks; "Who do think you take after the most?"

Following the instructions he bit his thumb again a put droplet of blood on his fingertips and thumb and a smear line on his palm. Without hesitation he placed his hand on the seal. For moment there was nothing until quickly the seal glowed brightly and a pulse-wave of chakra knocked both back into the couch which skidded an impressive ten feet away. The sound was almost deafening while his hat been blown off a reeling Hiruzen looks and checks his also half-knocked grandson.

"Naruto!"

"I'm okay."

The two look seeing the energy receding back and begin to take a female shape. Both were wide eyed until they covered them as a blast if bright light exploded in the room. Soon silence and the light fade as both rub their eyes and look back to the scroll.

What or who they saw let them speechless. For varied reasons.

Wearing an elegant green dress with a white t-shirt underneath, it hugs and fits her beautiful hourglass figure as her purple eyes widen seeing the blond on the couch. Her long flowing straight crimson hair going down to her ankles.

"Sochi," her voice was soft but held strength.

Exactly like Hiruzen remembers. But it could not be… "Kushina-Chan…"

Rising from the couch as his cerulean eyes stayed fixed on the woman before him. Sitting on her knees so they are eye level, light tears threaten to fall from both their eyes. His hand, almost moving on its own as it touches her fair-skin soft cheek. His other hand going through her soft silk like red hair.

"Ple… Please tell me you're not a dream… Please tell me this is not some sick joke, please," Naruto's voice was small and broken.

She felt her heart almost break seeing so much despair and small hope in his eyes, her precious son's eyes. Raising her own hand, the moment it touch his cheek he stiffened. Her touch, he felt this hand on his cheek before.

Once, a long time ago…

"It's really me… I'm really here Naruto. I swear on my life Dattebane," her voice also breaking as she cries.

It felt like a dam break within him as his whole body shook. Tears streamed from his eyes.

Never has he hugged a person so tightly in his life. Nor did he ever cry so much or loudly in his life. Since he was five he held in the tears, the sadness, and the pain. For so long he buried it all deep inside him and left it in the dark. Seven years of keeping the guise of a happy go lucky child masking what was really there. And now, whether by some act from the gods or not. His mother, Kushina Uzumaki is alive before him and holding him just as fiercely a she also cries.

The mask finally shattered bringing out all the pain of a twelve year old boy who wanted nothing more than have his parents who were taken from him. He was literally screaming out the pain as he cried like never before as he felt his body ached with pain.

"Oh Sochi… My beloved precious little Naru-Chan. You're in so much pain. Let it all out. The loneliness is over, the pain is all over. No matter how long it's been. I will never leave you. Let it out, let all out my sweet little baby."

"Just when you think
Hope is lost
and giving up
is all you got,
Blue turns black,
your confidence is cracked,
and there seems no turning back from here

Sometimes there isn't an obvious explanation
why the holiest hearts can feel the strongest palpitations

That's when you can build a bridge of light,
that's what turns the wrongs all right
that's when you can't give up the fight

That's when love turns nighttime into day,
that's when loneliness goes away,
that's why you gotta be strong tonight,
and only love can build us a bridge of light"

Feeling one hand rub his back soothingly while the other rest in his hair. The moment she sang, she sang the song which he will forever remember till the day he dies. Naruto felt his body unconsciously relaxing as he finally felt his pain melt away from his heart, now hearing that song not within a memory. His screaming slowly stopped as he sobbed silently.

Mama… is this how they felt when their mamas were with them? This warmth, this unconditional love, I feel so… I don't hurt… It doesn't hurt anymore…

When hearing that song Hiruzen had not doubt it was Kushina Uzumaki before him and Naruto. While tears came from his old eyes hearing the heart wrenching screaming that came from his grandson he knew it was all the years he held it in coming out all at once.

"I… I… Remember…"

Letting go as a tearful Naruto looked his also equally crying mother who looked confused. "You sang that in my crib. I was crying so hard. You were lying beside and held me tightly as you started to sing. For twelve years I kept hearing that song in my dreams."

Kushina's lip quivered as she hugged her son crying harder. He remembered! He remembered her favorite song! Twelve years… so that's how long it was.

Rocking slightly as she kissed the top of his spiky blond hair. "I am so sorry. My precious Naru-Chan, the loneliness is over. Your kaasan is back now. I love you so much, my beautiful baby boy. I will never leave you again Dattebane."

Soon Naruto's tears slowly stopped as Kushina felt her son's body completely relax, she heard faint snoring. Looking down she smiled seeing her son's sleeping face.

"You cried yourself to sleep. Get some rest Sochi."

"Kushina-Chan."

Looking up her purple eyes widen before she soon smiled; "Jiji. You look so old."

Chuckling Hiruzen walked over and knelt in front of the Uzumaki woman. Lifting his hand he touched her cheek as she leaned into her his touch. Just like Naruto, Kushina saw and deeply loved Hiruzen like he was her own grandfather.

"The gods have listened after all. But how are you alive? I saw your corpse with Minato's."

She fought back the tears, she knew her beloved husband was dead, but it was still hard to hear it.

"Jiji, do you remember the unique Kage Bunshin I created that only I could use," Kushina said slyly.

Widening his eyes the old Kage let out a loud tearful laugh. "Of course! The Shadow Blood Clone, a perfect living breathing clone created by chakra and Fūinjutsu. So you were inside that strange seal all along?"

"Tenrai Suimin; a very rare seal given to me by Tsukiko Uzumaki. It is a seal of extreme emergency. If you are near death or know you're about to die you place your hand on the seal epicenter. Your body becomes pure energy as you are sealed within in a state of suspended animation. But also at the same time the seal begins to heal you and restore you to perfect health. While an Uzumaki can survive a Bijuu extraction, it is better to be safe than sorry." She gives a melancholic look at the scroll. "But requires so much chakra that it is nearly impossible for a common shinobi to make. Tsukiko-sama nearly died making it and…" Following her gaze. Hiruzen sees the scroll and the array disintegrate before his eyes.

"It's a onetime use only"

Sighing as he shook his head; "I will have to kiss that woman when I go to the other side. There is much I need to tell you."

Kushina nodded seriously; "Tell me everything."

XxX ~ two hours later ~ XxX

Sitting on the couch with her son's head on her lap, Kushina was told everything since the birth of her son to this day. Hiruzen sat beside her as he explained, he wondered if he should have pity or simply laugh evilly when the more shorted sighted people of Konoha meet the sight before him. While silently thanking he was not is at the receiving end of the coming hell storm. Kushina said she knew her Jiji did what he could, and the fact her son loved him so much as a grandfather like she does, that was all she needed to know.

With her one hand gently ruffling through her son's locks, the other was balled into a fist so tight the old Kage could see white knuckles.

"They denied my Sochi and left him a no name orphan for which he was nearly assassinated hours after I gave birth to him, and then abused, neglected, shunned by nearly the whole village for twelve years. This is what my Minato died for," Kushina seethed as she gritted her teeth.

"The only oddity was Danzo. Though he was against me openly in the council. He was secretly helping making sure Naruto-Kun was taken care of."

The female Uzumaki looked at him sharply; "Did he want him in his Ne forces?"

"Yes. We both know how he thinks. While he does love Konoha, he only sees shinobi as weapons. And Naruto being the Kyuubi Jinchurriki he saw a diamond that could made into a perfect weapon."

Shaking her head in disgust, she remembered that old war-hawk and never liked him. While she understood where he came from and could respect his beliefs, he was still an asshole.

"The elders?"

"Only Homura has been on my side with Naruto. Koharu, she never really trusted the Uzumaki Clan. Fugaku, and Danzo were quite vocal in training him as a jinchuuriki. But I made certain the civilians never knew of his true heritage. You know the problems it would have caused if everyone knew who his parents were and word got out"

"What about the other clans? Minato and I had plenty of friends. Surely someone-"

"You know as well as I do that having the jinchuuriki in a clan would make it look like there is a conflict of interests"

Kushina sighs. "So… there was no one to make sure he was okay?"

"A few were there for him. Your good friend Mikoto often brought him food and made sure he was okay. And Kakashi would often watch him from the shadows as an Anbu"

Kushina rubbed her eyes and groaned. "Oh Kakashi. I don't even want to think what happened to him after Minato and I were gone. Especially with everything he went through"

"Much as I wanted, I couldn't make Kakashi be a bigger part of Naruto's life. After that night, the boy simply shut down. I had to ask him to leave the Anbu and rejoin the jounin corps, if only for his mental state"

Looking down at her son she leaned down and kissed his forehead. "I promise you sochi. When we leave the tower you will have everything that was meant to be yours."

XxX ~ Sakura ~ XxX

After taking a long and rather relaxing shower, it felt good as the hot water washed away the dirt and blood off her while her muscles felt massaged by the heat of the water. After drying off and blessing the Anbu for getting her fresh clothes, the rosette moved through the halls out of curiosity.

Wonder how everyone is doing? Where is Naruto-Kun? He's been gone for a few hours. I know he will be okay with Hokage-Sama but I can't stop worrying.

Ever since like her blond teammate and learning about his clan and mother. She could not help herself but wonder more and more about Naruto Uzumaki. Ever since the graduation exam he changed so much, and revealed he had a Kekkai Genkai Shoton. Which in her own opinion was probably to most beautiful bloodline limit she ever saw, though never said that out loud.

But there other things she saw. Ever since that day he looked healthier and better muscle tone, and seemed to hit a growth spurt since he was now taller than her and around Sasuke's height. She knows he does not eat as much ramen anymore, and started eating proper foods.

But that was nearly a few months ago, how could it be that he became this developed that fast? Could it be the Kyuubi?

Naruto did tell her that the fox does heal his wounds and makes him immune to poisons. Perhaps it also does more, but why did it wait till now to act? But she can't focus on that. What could she do to help Naruto?

XxX ~ Hokage Office: The Tower ~ XxX

Groaning Naruto rubbed his eyes. Man that was weird ass dream. His mother was alive? That felt like a cruel joke. Did the gods just enjoy letting him suffer that he had to endure that?

"Have a nice nap Sochi?"

His eyes widened as he looked up seeing his mother looking down at him smiling. She nearly gasped as he spun up and hugged her tightly.

"You're real! It wasn't it a dream!"

Kushina smiled sadly as she hugged her son; how many dreams have you had of your parents appearing and fading as you woke?

Hiruzen also watched sadly as he rubbed his hand through his grandson's hair. Tsukiko, if it was not for your brilliance at Fūinjutsu Naruto-Kun would have remained all alone. I can never thank you enough for this Uzukage-Sama. Now my grandson can finally heal his broken heart.

Finally Naruto calmed down after five minutes and let go of his mother. But no one could remove the genuine smile on his face.

"So you have a Kekkai Genkai like me Sochi?" Kushina spoke looking at Naruto.

His smile almost grew as he closed his hand and small light glowed in between his fingers. The redhead watched curiously as she gasps when he opened his hand. A pure crystal bracelet made with precision and absolute detail. She could see the insignia of Konoha at the center.

"It's beautiful," she said in awe.

With a blush he extended his hand to her; "Know it's late but happy mother's day," Naruto said in a whisper.

Tears almost streamed from her eyes as she smiled. Taking the gift she slid it on and let it hang on her wrist. She kissed her son's forehead as she hugged him.

"It's beautiful Sochi. I love it Dattebane!"

"Shoton is perhaps the most versatile Bloodline Limit I have ever seen. It fits Naruto-Kun's freestyle way of combat," Hiruzen comments.

Shoton? I never heard of that one before. I'll have to spare with Sochi and see myself. Also…

Letting go of her son Kushina smiled; "So, how well has Kakashi been training you?"

Seeing the look of confusion while Hiruzen hid his face under his hat. "What are you talking about? I have been mostly training be myself. Ero-Sennin trains me when he is in the village, but I just train on my own."

Kushina sighs. Not surprised Kakashi didn't dare to get closer to you. He's probably terrified you'd end up like all those he loved. She blinks in confusion as his other words reach her mind. Ero-Sennin? That has to be Jiraiya… Still a dirty old pervert; Like that nickname though Dattebane!

Naruto casted his eyes downward. "He only has been training Sasuke. I actually found your scroll on your Taijutsu and been learning that and teaching Sakura-chan on our own."

Calming down Kushina smiled back to her son; "Well if he isn't training you right now. I will train you and this Sakura-Chan if you like?"

Naruto literally beamed. "You will?!"

"Of course. I wanted to train you myself anyways. Plus I can meet your girlfriend," the redhead Uzumaki smirked knowingly.

Naruto blushed while Hiruzen chuckled. "Did that old pervert Jiraiya have you sign the Toad contract yet?" Kushina asked.

Shaking out of stupor Naruto shook his head; "Not yet."

The female Uzumaki beamed as she looked at Hiruzen; "Where is it?"

"I'll have an Anbu fetch it in my personal archives."

"Fetch what?" Naruto asked.

Kushina winked; "The Uzumaki Clan's summoning scroll. I was relieved when Jiji was able to save it."

"We have our own summoning?"

"Yep!" the redhead chirps happily with pride.

"Cool Dattebayo!"

Kushina smiled; Dattebayo… you really are my child. I won't let you down Sochi! And we will show them what two Uzumaki's can do!

XxX xx XxX xx XxX

The Uzumaki summoning scroll… now that will be kewl! Well? C-ya next time!

Nenshou Tsuki: Crimson Moon

A special 'S' rank level Taijutsu invented by Kushina Uzumaki. By combining Kenpo, Ba Gua Zhang, Hapkido, and Gung Fu; she made a fluid and complex form of Taijutsu that was extremely fast and devastatingly powerful. However due to its nature no one has ever been able to learn the complicated self-made Taijutsu till now with Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno. The Nenshou Tsuki is a five tier system in learning in which each level gets progressively harder and more complex.

Tenrai Suimin: Divine Sleep

The ultimate Fūinjutsu created by legendary Shodaime Uzukage Tsukiko Uzumaki. This seal was meant as an absolute last resort in the case of someone was badly injured or near death. By activating the seal the person is transferred into the seal and kept in a state of suspended animation. While within the seal the person is healed from their grievous injuries and restored to perfect health. Time has no meaning within the seal so a person could remain in it for decades if not centuries and never age.