Makarov grumbled as he stared up at the bar top with narrowed eyes. He honestly didn't know where his dwarf-ism hailed from, but it was not appreciated. His father was tall, and so was his grandfather; the same could be said for his mother's side. So how come he was the one 'blessed' with such a small stature?

Hopping up onto the nearest stool, he situated himself comfortably against the bar. Not a lot of people sat at the bar, mostly because of the rickety stools that had been put through the ringer more times than Makarov could count; Probably going to have to break down and buy new one soon. He didn't want anyone getting hurt from it.

He sighed as he flexed his fingers, arthritis deciding to be a thorn in his side. He dreaded going back into his office anytime soon, but with the damages and reports being sent in by the Council, he had work to do. He faintly wondered if any of the other guild masters had to do everything he did... he hoped so.

He wearily opened his eyes, scanning who was all present in the guild. He was happy that everyone seemed to have settled in nicely. His eyes automatically pulled him in to the blonde spiked hair over towards the back of the guild. Naruto had seated himself at a empty table with a bowl of food that looked untouched. It seemed he had his attention elsewhere as his icy blue orbs took in everything going on around him; eyes that masked a harsh scar.

Makarov knew of few people that had been to war, he didn't like spending much time with them; they looked at everything with this look that made chills go down his spine. Naruto was different, though. While the boy had been through war and countless battles, he had this feeling that automatically made you draw in to him. His presence was reassuring and comfortable to be around. Despite his young age, he acted like a veteran mage.

"He's something, isn't he?" It was said quietly, but even through old age, Makarov didn't let it go unheard. He didn't need to turn his head to know who it was; but he was tempted to. He had never heard such a soft tone come from him, even as a child.

"He is quite different, I must agree." Marakov looked over, feeling the presence burn a hole in his side. But Laxus's vision was turned towards the topic of the subject. Marakov tried not to fall off his stool as he attempted to look up at his grandson's face; the man was extremely tall.

"How long?"

Ah, yes. He should have expected such a question. He couldn't fathom why Laxus trusted him so little; he was doing the best he could, couldn't the boy see that? He sighed, knowing the answer to that but refusing to believe it.

"A day before you did. Have you talked to him?"

Laxus wasn't the most social of the guild, not like he was when he was younger. Makarov was, sadly, willing to bet the dragon slayer had ignored Naruto. After all, if Laxus couldn't fight something with his fists, he often used the option of ignoring the issue at hand; a nasty habit which Marakov wished he would break.

"...Yeah. I don't see how Minato could look up to an village that trains children for war."

Makarov winced at the thought. He had to agree with him. No child should have to even think about the hardships that belongs on a adults shoulders; murder, drugs, weapons, and lies... none of that should even be familiar to any kid. But...

"No child should have to go through any of that. But if you think about, maybe the Elemental Nations had no choice. Their environment is completely different from ours, so it was very likely necessary-"

"That's a new kind of low, even for you, Old man." The growl that escaped the younger man's throat had Marakov wincing. "And You people think I'm cold hearted. For you to even think that it's okay for kids to be placed under that, proves just how much you need to step down as guild master."

Makarov scowled as he crossed his arms. "Now hold on just a minute, boy. I'm not saying it was okay for what they did. But their morals are not like ours, their laws are not like ours; the danger is greater there. The more treacherous it is, the greater the enemies power usually are; you know this. In order to ensure the continuation of the next generation and Shinobi skills, they opened up the academy."

Laxus sent a scalding glare towards his grandfather, but the man only stared back with a scowl. Honestly, it seemed every word Marakov mumbled, Laxus would turn on him faster than... well, lightening.

"Just because you believe it wrong, doesn't mean others do; morals are different between every person. That's what makes us individuals."

Laxus opened his mouth to speak, feeling the hot burning sensation of anger build up within his stomach. This has nothing to do with the people's individuality, it was what was right and wrong. Was the bastard actually going to stand up for a nation that he only visited once? The same one that killed Minato? That tried to justify placing a weapon into his nephew's hand at the age of six and expected him to be a tool for battle? Even the dark guilds had limits on what they were willing to do, which really said something in his eyes. He never knew he could feel this kind of anger towards the smaller man; he thought that level had been taken up long ago. Apparently, it was able to reach new heights.

"Now, let's all calm down before something you both will regret is said."

Both men blinked as they turned their bodies towards the voice.

The subject of the topic was sitting on top of the counter with a lazy slump to his shoulders and a bowl of half-eaten noodles resting in his lap.

Both Dreyar's eyes widened comically as they glanced back at the spot the blonde had previously occupied less than a few seconds ago, the table was empty. Laxus furrowed his eyebrows, his rage forgotten for an instant. How the hell did he not notice the kid move by him? He had kept his eyes on the blonde the whole entire time. How was he able to get behind, not only him, but the old man unnoticed? He felt the tension leave his body with little effort at the close proximity of his young nephew, who wasn't all that much younger than Laxus himself. How the hell did he do that, too? Make him relax so easily, without even trying?

"I understand where you are both coming from, I do. But it is not a reason to rip each other apart over something in the past." The blonde paused as he halfheartedly lifted a spoon full of broth to his lips. "From what I have seen, your town is quite peaceful; just as your nation is. So i'm sure you have never had to encounter the issues my nations had, fortunately. The Elemental Nations, while they did have small bouts of peace, was a war-torn place. Shinobi was relied on to keep the ones, who couldn't protect themselves, safe. There was men and women who wouldn't hesitate to kill anyone in their way, just because they felt like it. To step out of your house and wonder if you'll make it back in one piece from a trip to the market? That is what us Shinobi strived to keep from happening. No matter how many Shinobi there was throughout the nations, it didn't stop them from dying an early death; Dying before you turned twenty-five was common. The first Hokage decided to create an Academy that would allow children to learn the ways of their superiors, to ensure that the Shinobi code was never killed-out. We wasn't trained for the prospect of war, Laxus; we acted as guardians, of sorts." Naruto sighed as he sat his bowl to the side of him, stretching his arms behind his head. His blue eyes seemed to get a tad bit more darker as he spoke, making a heavy pit form in the other two men's stomachs. "While it may sound absurd, it would have probably been better had the Academy taught us a little more should a war had ever risen."

"I'm sorry, but I can't see where you both find this all okay!" Laxus growled, his anger coming back in a force. Although it wasn't just at the two before him. He was angry at the fact that Naruto even had to experience such a place that expected him to 'guard' grown men and women when he was barely a teenager himself! "It is the adults job to protect the children, never the other way around! That is pure cowardice! They probably didn't train you for a war, but they prepared you with weapons and expected you to give up your life to save people four times your age! Six years old is a little too fuc-"

Whatever he was going to say was cut off as Naruto merely gave a calm nod before placing a hand on the older man's shoulder in a firm grip. "When a child was signed up for the Academy, there was a contract as well as a child social worker that came from the hospital. Each kid was tested on their maturity, before they were sit down and explained the consequences of their choices in joining. Every child that took place in the Academy experienced someone they loved get lost in the violence of the nations, to be a Shinobi meant giving us the power to protect those we held dear and make the world a better place for everyone else. We knew there would be a time when we were forced to kill someone; but that was only when the enemy was too strong to detain in prison, or as a last result during a fight."

Laxus felt his anger dissipate into something else entirely. "It still doesn't..." He groaned as he rubbed a hand through his thick blonde hair, feeling slightly conflicted on how to go about this. Why wasn't the kid seeing where he was coming from with this? Killing was never the answer to any problem. The fact that Naruto found it completely normal, unnerved him greatly. Just what the hell had Minato found so fascinating with that dump? From what he had heard in the last three minutes, the place sounded like hell on earth. Children were meant to grow up with memories of playgrounds and open fields, not blood-curdling screams and red tinted weapons.

"If it's that hard to process, try not to think of it. Besides, the Elemental Nations are nothing more than a memory now of what use to be; there is no point in getting so worked up about something that you can't change." Naruto gave a small smile as he started picking at his bowl. He really wasn't all that hungry. Ramen didn't have the same appeal that it did to him back in Kohona; it just brought back memories he rather keep buried. It wasn't the same as speaking of the basics of his nation's economy; less personal.

While I might feel a few tears at your motivational speech, kit; Remember the topic that I am helping with? Kurama grunted as he didn't like the melancholy aura feeling up the cave that only served to make his nerves a frayed mess. Kami, the Kit worried him over the simplest of things.

"Anyways." That seemed to drawl the attention back towards him. "Jiji, you remember my... nine unique friends I spoke about the other day?" The gesture that the boy did to his head had Laxus raising an eyebrow. Should he be worried? He feels kinda worried...

"Ah, yes. The nine... Bijuu, if I remember correctly." Makarov blinked as he tried to remember all the other information his great grandson gave him, but it was a little hard through the alcohol faze that had settled over him earlier. He would like to say he remembered the basics... but that would most likely be a lie. But as long as he played it off to Naruto, he should be okay. Maybe it would jog his memory.

"Well, you know how we use Chakra instead of Magic? I have a feeling my team is going to leave it up to me to explain all of that, but I would probably confuse everyone. I'm not the best at teaching, let along explaining jutsu; I just perform them." Naruto rubbed the back of his head with a small sheepish smile. He really wish that he had paid more attention in the Academy. His ability to comprehend jutsu was just fine, but to explain the grit of the detail of chakra was beyond his ability. "I was wondering if I could allow one of my bijuu friends to explain it. It would make it easier for everyone."

"I don't see a problem with it. Do you want the whole guild there?" Makarov didn't miss the small flinch at the last sentence, neither did Laxus.

"I would rather it be the members that are related to my comrades, and any higher ranking mage in the guild. I don't want to scare any kids or anything of the sort. Kurama isn't the smallest Bijuu so he can get a little... um... yeah."

Laxus was lost on this whole conversation. He faintly remembered the mention of Bijuu in Minato's letter's, great huge beast made of Chakra. But what did that have to do with Naruto? And his head? He didn't like the fact the teen was self-conscious of the guild seeing one of his friends. He acted like he would be seen as a... monster. He shook his head. Surely, it had to be over something else. Bijuu have never been seen before, but that didn't mean that fairy tail would judge harshly. They had handled dragons and dragon slayers; what could get much scarier?

"Also, it would be best if I have a lot of room for him, like a field."

Good, I didn't know how much you believed me on being able to shrink. I can do it, but I really don't want to waste half my chakra to be a lap dog.

Natsu groaned as he plopped down on the ground. He had found the perfect mission, fighting a large monster somewhere in the eastern forest; but before he could leave with Lucy, Master Makarov called everyone out into a empty field. Well, the more powerful mages the guild had to offer. Even Gildarts showed up at the last minute.

It took a good ten minutes to explain to him about the foreigners being family and a additional five to get him to believe it.

"Master, what are we doing out here?" Lucy was the one to ask, seeing as everyone had been ordered to keep on the thinning grass around around the edges of the field. It wouldn't have bothered her but it was ordered by the blonde teen that could be no older than her.

"You are all aware that they have came across the ocean from a nation much different from our own. They use Chakra to battle. Naruto's friend has volunteered to explain everything himself." Makarov explained as he pointed towards the blonde who stood in the middle of the field.

"Ma, a little advice: don't make any sudden movements when Kurama gets here." Kakashi called out with a eye smile.

Lisanna drawled her attention away from the dark-haired man that seemed to tower over her older brother. Gajeel was favoring his left side as he cradled his ribs as subtly as possible; who knew that the old man could pack such a punch?

"Why is that, Daddy?"

Gajeel rolled his eyes at that baby-ish way that the youngest Strauss spoke. She may have just met her father, but that didn't mean she had to convert to being a three year old.

"You'll see." Madara's voice was quiet but it carried well being such a deep baritone. Gajeel couldn't help but flinch when the man forcefully slapped his back... right on the black bruise that had been a little too eager to form. Wendy had offered to heal him when he first entered the field, but he was positive he could walk this off. It didn't help that those red eyes was following him the whole way here with a stare that made him was to cringe. It was safe to say that Gajeel had a lot more training to do; the bar had been raised a little to high for him to see. Whatever power he thought he had possessed was quickly proven useless in a simple hand-to-hand fight. Every opening he thought he saw was nothing more than teasing, Madara was four steps ahead every time. He hoped that all the old man specialized in was hand-to-hand combat and not any type of magic; Gajeel had been hard pressed as it was.

Naruto rolled his shoulders before glancing at the small crowd a few kilometers away. He knew this was going to be troublesome, but it needed to happen if the guild was going to anything about Chakra. Somehow, the silent agreement among his comrades was to allow him to explain everything that needed to be gone over; he knew that they were lazy, but this was reaching another level, seriously. Stick the deadlast to the technical details of a complex energy to complete newbies; yeah, that sounded like a great idea. Jiraiya disappeared after Tsunade left to go looking for a place that resembled her casino, Kakashi had simply waved the blonde off, and Madara... well, he is just... being an Uchiha.

Concentrating a good dose of chakra towards his palms, he released a breath that he had seemed to be holding for forever now. No time like the present, eh? Slamming his hands down onto the ground, the normally quiet poof sounded more like a gun going off to Naruto's trained ears; but he knew that it was just his sensitive hearing affecting him... the side affects of containing nine powerful bijuu. He supposed that being launched into the air was a side affect of summoning his orange-furred friend as well, it seemed to happen quite a lot lately. Normally a person would scream and flail about as high as he currently was, but he could only find himself sighing in slight amusement as the wind whipped at his unguarded face and hands. Considering how hot the day was, it was a slight comfort for the rush of wind; even though his body stopped recognizing any signs of the weather around him. He couldn't feel the heat of the summer, nor the freezing ice of the winter that had Sakura ranting every morning. Maybe that was a side affect as well. He really stopped keeping count long ago.

The fall was considerably shorter than his flight up, as he only fell a couple of feet before he hit the soft fur of his companion. Once the typical smoke, that came with summoning any animal, cleared, Naruto couldn't help but laugh at the group far below him. He didn't get this kind of amusement when he first summoned Kurama because it was in the middle of a war; no one had time to spare gawking. But this was totally worth it, in his eyes.

Madara, Sakura, and Kakashi only stared with a look that screamed bored. But the other participants had expressions that made him grin. The dragon slayers were all wide eyed, pale, and slacked jaw. Makarov plopped down heavily onto the grass as he attempted to look up at the beast before him. Saying Kurama was gigantic was a understatement when Naruto was twelve, but after joining his yin and yang half, the fox grew two times his normal height. Gildarts couldn't help but stare at the claws on the animal before him. Each one would take about four people lining up head to toe to recreate the same length; he didn't want to imagine the teeth, or Kami forbid, what type of magic this monstrosity did. His own magic was devastating by itself.

What's with all the dumb faces? You act like you haven't seen a magnificent fox before.

Naruto rolled his eyes, the amusement gone quickly. Applying a little chakra to his fist, he punched down on the arrogant fox's head hard; knowing the beast would shrug it off like it was a fly. He didn't have strength quiet on par with Tsundae and Sakura, but it was really close. Mowing through Zetsu's on the battlefield had been the perfect opportunity to test out his strength and improve any areas that could use tweaking; it isn't like there was a limited supply. He wasn't sure how much that 'training' paid off in the long run of the battle against Kaguya, but he would like to think it helped a small portion. He quickly casted a genjutsu over the area to hid the orange furball from being seen by the towns people just outside of the forest.

"Don't get cocky, Fuzzball. I didn't allow you out to act like Sasuke. Do you think you could shrink just a bit? At least to where you don't tower over the trees. Unless you want me to continue to hold up a diversity genjutsu." Naruto's words made the fox pause with wide eyes. Diversity genjutsu was something the blonde came up with a year ago. It was a normal illusion, the only difference being the caster didn't have to come up with what they wanted to the victims to see; that information came from the person's mind itself. Typically, Kurama wouldn't care about a genjutsu being place; but he just knew someone was going to see him as some type of giant inflatable clown or as a giant flower... or something much worse that could damage his reputation with being the most powerful being... excluding his father and Naruto, of course.

Al'ight, Kit. Keep ya tail on, will ya? This is the first time I have been outside in a month. Geez, can't a bijuu get some freedom?

"The last time you got freedom, Kurama, you blew up a mountain." Naruto jumped down off the top of Kurama's head, falling almost gracefully in the eyes of the fairy tail members; The fact that he landed without disturbing the dirt on the ground and with no audible sound went unnoticed by everyone but Gildarts.

I thought I saw a spider, so I crushed it. How was I suppose to know there was a mountain behind it?

Kakashi smiled as he seated himself beside Makarov who had yet to recover. "Don't kill over yet. You haven't seen a portion of anything."

Makarov was still stuck on the fact that this was what his eldest grandson had to fight nearly twenty years ago. And the fact that his great grandson was talking to the fox... that destroyed a whole mountain... because he thought he saw a spider. The question that was floating in his mind now: how big is the spiders in the Elemental Nations? When Naruto explained about the tailed beasts, it was one thing; but seeing it for himself was entirely different. He watched with fascination as the enormous Bijuu slowly shrunk down until he was the size of a miniature chihuahua.

There. Now you can carry me, Kit.

"I didn't mean that small, Baka. Doesn't that deplete your chakra reserves?"

Kurama shrugged as he jumped up on to the boys shoulders, wrapping his tails around his throat. Yeah, but I can stay out here longer and go places. Now all the other idiots get to rot in your stupid mindscape for a while.

Naruto raised an eyebrow. He knew what the fox meant with his words, he just didn't know how to use them. But Naruto did, and a little teasing was in store. He gave a shrug, sighing. "Well, that's fine." Kurama blinked as he glanced over at the Kit. "Matatabi and Shikuku said that they like the idea. Something about claiming me as theirs or something like that, I don't know-"

NO! They can't do that! I was with you first, you are my Kit! You hear me ya catnip freak and lunatic?! Screw off! You can't just barge in and try to claim my Kit! Ya got your own! What happened to-

Naruto forced back a grin as he set out towards the edge of the clearing where everyone else was, Kurama ranting the whole way there. Maybe the fox picked the perfect type of dog; a yapping chihuahua seemed like the ideal animal.

Laxus had broken out of the 'holy sh!t' mode to the classic 'what the hell'. To say that he was lost was a understatement of the century. Where the hell did the fox come from?