Disclaimer: check chap 1

note: the first part is Sasukeru's story about how he received the crystal necklace from Mayumi.

"Will you tell Naruto?" Itachi asked after they read the scroll together. Fugaku and Mikoto glanced at each other before their eyes were on their youngest son. The family was seated in the living room. The parents sat on the opposite side of their sons with the scroll opened widely between them.

"Not now," Sasukeru said. "It will be too soon."

He was overwhelmed due to the information written on the scroll. About reincarnations, time-traveling, and Black Zetsu. The last one was sealed in the sea with several layers of the signature seal. Nidaime passed this scroll to remind the reincarnations that it was there and should something happen, they needed to prepare for it. It has been decades since Black Zetsu was sealed. Nothing happened so far, Sasuke wanted to keep it that way. Naruto will not need to know unless something out of hand happened.

Mikoto said grimly, "I'm sorry, Sasuke. You are supposed to read it when you turn 17."

"It's not your fault, Mom. You didn't know. Don't blame yourself. Grandmother Tsubaki didn't mention my name. Maybe she didn't know either." The family was convinced that would be the case. Other than Nidaime Hokage and his husband, they thought no one else know about the content of this scroll. It was passed down in their family since Izuna Senju died. Mikoto saw her grandfather give it to her mother on his death bed.

How wrong they were.

The next day, Mikoto was told by her cousin that Mayumi wanted to meet Sasuke. Usually, they had family gatherings several times a year during the holiday season. Since Mayumi was the elder of the Uchiha Clan, being the daughter of Hashirama and Madara Uchiha, they would visit her during those times. She was rarely seen outside those visits because she got tired easily due to her age. Mikoto and her sons saw her during Tsubaki's funeral but only for short time. It was rare for Mayumi to call her great-grandnephew to meet her privately (since it was not a family/ Uchiha Clan gathering). Even she never call upon Itachi and he was the most remarkable Uchiha at this time. She was close to Tsubaki but not necessarily close to Tsubaki's grandsons.

Yet, Mikoto brought Sasuke to Mayumi's house in the Uchiha compound. Sasuke sat behind her mother and both of them sat in front of Mayumi in her living room. Mayumi was 68 years old. Her beauty was still there despite the wrinkles. Her long white hair was tied in a low bun. She wore a black kimono and grey obi due to her mourning over her cousin, Tsubaki. Sasuke's grandmother.

The boy has been in this house a few times during family gatherings and he saw the pictures of Mayumi throughout her earlier years. When she was young, Mayumi has long straight hair like Shodaime Hokage. Not only her hair, but her face as well resembled her late father. She looked like the feminine version of Hashirama. Unlike her older brother, Hiko has Madara's physical traits.

Mayumi stared at Sasuke for quite some time, before she said to her niece, "I would like to talk to Sasuke in private, Mikoto."

The said niece knew she was dismissed, "I understand, Auntie Mayumi." Makoto bowed to her and threw a glance at Sasuke before she went out. Sasuke was big enough to walk home by himself. Mikoto accompanies him here out of modesty.

After they were alone, Mayumi kept staring at Sasuke and she smiled a little, "How are you, Sasuke?"

"I'm fine, Grand Aunt," Sasuke replied cautiously.

"How were your genin missions?" She asked again.

"Dull," Sasuke admitted flatly.

Mayumi chuckled, "I bet it is." She smiled gently, "Sasuke, it has been one week since Tsubaki's, your grandmother's, funeral. Do you receive anything from her?"

Sasuke widened his eyes. He was stunned and lost for words. But, his silence has become Mayumi's answer. She calmly stated, "I see. So, you have it now. The scroll."

"How do you—"

"He told me," Mayumi smiled, "My uncle. Your great-grandfather, Tobirama Senju."

"He did?" Sasuke was surprised.

Mayumi closed her eyes, "After my brother, Hiko, awakened his Rinnegan due to his sorrow on your grand uncle's, Toshizo's death, he approached him. He told him that his Rinnegan could revive Toshizo in exchange for his life. My brother couldn't handle his grief and did it. Then, Uncle Tobirama told me that I could awaken my Rinnegan as well if I lost my loved ones repeatedly like my brother." She looked at Sasuke knowingly, "Do you know why?"

Sasuke nodded, "It's because of your parents."

"Yes, it's because of my parents," Mayumi agreed. "Both my fathers were the reincarnation of Rikudou Sennin's sons. Rikudou Sennin was the first one to own Rinnegan." She added, "You are similar to them. Are you aware?"

Sasuke stayed silent again but it was expected. A bare teenager to be told he was a reincarnation of the God of Shinobi's son was not something to take lightly. Even for an Uchiha prodigy. He was still processing the whole scroll before Mayumi called for his audience. The old lady took the silence as a 'yea' before asking him again.

"So, have you read the scroll?"

This time, Sasuke nodded. Mayumi closed her eyes again, "I see."

"I'm one of the reincarnations of Otsutsuki's brothers like your fathers," Sasuke stated.

"Yes, you are." Mayumi acknowledged. Silence fell between them again as Sasuke continued to stare at Mayumi whose eyes were still hidden behind the lids.

"Why didn't you tell my grandmother?" Sasuke was curious. "My mother gave the scroll to my brother first but he couldn't open it."

"Then, she gave it to you and it's open?" Mayumi predicted that it may happen.

"Yes." Sasuke voiced his opinion, "I assumed my grandmother didn't know to whom the scroll is. She didn't mention my name or my brother. My mother said that grandmother only said to pass it to her grandson."

Mayumi opened her eyes to gaze at the table between him and Sasuke. She admitted, "Uncle Tobirama warned me to never tell anyone until it's in your hand. Not even to my cousin or niece. I can only talk it to you once you read it."

"How do you know it will end in my hand?"

She sighed forlornly, "I was there when Uncle Izuna was dying. He gave the scroll to Tsubaki so she would give it to her grandson despite Mikoto being only 9 years old at that time. Tsubaki never knew what it was. She thought it was an ahead family scroll that must be given to a male heir. Tsubaki thought because she had a girl, therefore, the scroll must be given to her grandson later should Mikoto give birth to a son. At that time, an heir has high priority than an heiress due to the elders' policy. It was understandable Tsubaki assumed that." She concluded.

"But, I know," Mayumi continued. "I believe she would give it to Mikoto before her death and it will be in your hand. No one can open the scroll unless it has my father's signature chakras which are..."

"Indra and Asura's chakras," Sasuke filled in.

Mayumi nodded, "Exactly."

Sasuke was silent for several seconds before he asked, "So, did you know my name before I was born?"

"Yes," she replied. "Uncle Tobirama told me. Your name and Naruto's name."

Sasuke gasped lightly, he asked, "Have you talked to Naruto?"

"Have you?" Mayumi asked back. Sasuke blinked and faced away. "If Naruto doesn't know, if you don't tell him, then I will not talk to him about it. I promised my uncle that I will only talk about it if you or Naruto read the scroll already. I will remain silent if you choose to not let Naruto know about it."

The young boy heard the unsaid and he asked for confirmation, "Do you want to talk to him?"

Mayumi was surprised for a fraction of a second and then smiled sadly at her grandnephew, "Can you blame me?"

This time, Sasuke was the one who was surprised as Mayumi explained, "My father, Shodaime Hokage, has passed away before I was born. I never talk to him. Can't a daughter have a wish to talk to his father? Even though just the reincarnation who has the same soul?"

Sasuke frowned lightly. It never crossed his mind that Mayumi has that wish. Well, no one could blame him. He was just 12 years old and has little social experience even in his clan. He was too busy to upgrade his shinobi skills until the scroll opened in his hands. "He won't remember. Even I don't remember the time in Founder Era."

"It's true but," Mayumi chuckled, "you have unmistakenly my dad's vibes. The way you behave and your stare. The resembles is uncanny." She said wistfully, "I think Naruto will have it as well since both of you were the reincarnation of Otsutsuki brothers like my parents. Even if he doesn't have it, I would like to know him. He doesn't need to know our connection from the past."

Sasuke was astonished. Then, she opened her palm on the chabudai between them, "Give me your hand, Sasuke."

Sasuke was confused but complied. Mayumi put another hand in Sasuke's palm and left it so the boy could see what was in. Sasuke saw a crystal necklace placed on his palm. Mayumi told him, "This is my dad's, Madara Uchiha's, necklace. A gift from my father for him during his pregnancy with my brother."

Sasuke's eyes widened again. Mayumi added, "After he died, my brother had it until his last breath. Now, I'm giving it back to you. "

"It's…" Sasuke didn't know what to say.

"Keep it. It's yours." She smiled. Her wrinkled fingers patted Sasuke's lightly.

Onyx eyes of the boy gaze upon the crystals. It belonged to the Konoha's Founders. Hashirama made it for Madara. Sasuke didn't remember it but there was a nostalgic feeling when the crystals touched his skin. A welcome feeling as if it was finally at home. Odd. But, wonderfully. Sasuke was grateful for it, "Thank you."

"Let's say, Sasuke. Will you sometime bring Naruto here?" Sasuke was unsure. "I will not talk about the scroll or the past. I just want to know him. Will you deny this old woman's wish?"

—000—

"That's why you brought me to visit Mayumi-sama?!" Narutoru was shocked. Sasukeru was silent and yet it was an answer.

"Your grandmother died when we were 12. So, have has knowing knew all this time?" Narutoru asked in disbelief. Both of them were 16 so it meant Sasuke was given the scroll before this. Not when he reached 17. He has been knowing about this for 4 years!

Sasukeru admitted, "Yes."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Narutoru frowned.

Sasukeru reasoned, "We were just a child. Based on my grandmother's will, I was supposed to open the scroll next year when I will be 17 years old. Not 12."

"Are you planning to tell me?" Narutoru scowled.

He threw a glance at Sasuke and Naruto. They gave him a pointed look that he need to answer. Sasuke sighed discretely and muttered, "Someday."

The four men heard the voices at the front door. They were anticipated Menma to come to the living room with the sacred scroll and yet, four of them were surprised to see Itachi with Menma. With no scroll insight. Naruto sensed Itachi's chakra, however, he wasn't expecting Itachi to wear Uchiha's outfit under the Hokage's cloak similar to his dad's one.

"Itachi-nii!" Narutoru exclaimed.

"Oh, good, you are awake now," Itachi smiled at Sasukeru and Narutoru. "I would like to welcome you two but it's not a good time for that."

Sasuke asked, "What happened?"

Itachi forlornly said, "Three of nine bijuu went missing."

A series of gasps were heard. Itachi told them what Minato found in Sunagakure from the letter sent by a Minato's kuchiyose toad. The lack of a letter from Narutopi to Gaara. The two has been best friend and Naruto always sent a letter before his visit. Plus, Minato witnessed Naruto write that letter. And Minato confirmed that Ichibi who resided in Sunagakure has been missing. Godaime Kazekage admitted that.

"It was planned," Sasuke concluded. Itachi nodded in agreement.

Narutoru whispered to Sasukeru, "Gaara is Kazekage? Do you know about it?"

Sasukeru replied in the same manner, "No, I don't. I only know what's written in the scroll which is related to our variants. Not the whole thing happened in this future."

"Someone has to bid their time to capture Narutopi and I assume Sasukepi as well. They were missing at the same time. Now, several bijuus have disappeared at the moment and I just checked the sacred scroll has missed as well before I met Menma at the entrance of Hokage Tower." Itachi told them.

Both Sasukes widened their eyes as realization sunk in. The older one hissed, "Bijuu. Reincarnation of Indra and Asura, the sacred scroll," he snapped, "Black Zetsu."

Itachi closed his eyes in grief. Sasuke asked Menma, "Black Zetsu in this era hasn't been sealed?"

Menma shook his head, "No. We couldn't find him and he never approached me even though I have Rinnegan."

"He never approached Sasukepi as well," Itachi added.

Sasuke glanced at Itachi then remembered the vision from Rinnegan. He saw Naruto...

Stabbed on the stomach from behind.

His eyes widened as he glanced at younger Naruto, "You are not stabbed."

"What?" Narutoru blinked.

"What I saw through my Rinnegan is not one Naruto. But Two of them," he explained. "I saw him fall on blood pooling around his body and it was about Narutoru. It must be after the explosion. I saw it through Sasukeru's Rinnegan. That's why I found it odd. Something was missing when Naruto told us his wound was from an explosion."

"You mean..." Itachi narrowed his eyes.

"I saw another Naruto was stabbed from behind." He said grimly. "It's safe to say that it's from Sasukepi's Rinnegan. Narutopi must be hurt so Sasukepi could awaken his Rinnegan. Black Zetsu planned it all."

Menma asked, "What do you mean? Why didn't he take my Rinnegan? Why does he need his Rinnegan?"

"You only have one," Sasuke pointed out. "Obito in my time couldn't control 7 bijuus with only one Rinnegan. Bad Madara controlled all 9 of them because he has two Rinnegans. Since Sasukepi hasn't awakened his Rinnegan yet, he just needs chakras and some DNA from his Naruto. Then, deep remorse feeling as he loses his loved one to awaken his Rinnegan."

"We have to help them!" Naruto determined.

"Can you find their chakra?" Itachi asked.

Naruto blinked. "Let me try," his body glowing and all yellow chakra surrounded him. His eyes were a fusion between Kyuubi's pupil and the toad's. Naruto tried to widen his search to his limit. He senses every nature movement and chakras but none of it from their older variants. The longer he tried, the more frustrated he became since nothing other than Sasukeru and Narutoru that he sensed was similar to his and Sasuke's chakras. After almost half an hour he did it, Naruto transformed into his normal self with a deep frown and shook his head defeatedly. "I can't sense them..."

Itachi concluded, "Minato-sama couldn't sense them. You can't sense their chakra either. What choice do we have?"

"Indra," Sasuke suggested. "Indra could sense Black Zetsu. He has done it and none of his reincarnations can do it. Indra could find him."

He turned his eyes on Sasukeru, Narutoru, and his Naruto, "We should summon Indra and Asura by harmonizing our chakras."

Narutoru was dumbfounded, "Come again?"

—000—

"How do we do this?" Narutoru blinked at the older version of him. They were in the back garden with both versions facing each other. Naruto stood in front of Narutoru and Sasuke stood in front of Sasukeru. Side by side.

"We have to synchronize our chakras in great amounts. The bigger the better because that will shape Indra and Asura's presence faster," said Sasuke.

Naruto added, "The amount of chakras have to be the same. Sasukeru and Sasuke's chakras must have the same amount. Narutoru and I will do the same. I will tell you two if you need to add more." Since he was the only sensor type among the four, it will be his job. The last time they did harmonize chakra was with Madara and Hashirama. Madara was a sensor type and Hashirama was skilled in organizing chakra so there was no problem when they did it. The Founders balanced their chakras easily to match Sasuke's and Naruto's chakras.

"Let's begin," Sasuke said after a side glance at Menma and Itachi on the other side. All of them nodded.

The four of them raised their hands towards their other variants and the chakra flowed from their hands met. Steady, the chakras swirled, and sometimes Naruto's voice would tell Sasukeru or Narutoru to add more chakra. They never had to do to bring out their chakras in a massive amount at one time. Narutoru was reckless but he never took out his chakras as much as this. Both younger variants were in awe at their joined chakras with the original one. Their eyes widened as the chakras shaped into something after several minutes passed. Not something. But, human bodies. Even Itachi and Menma were astonished at the sight.

Slowly, the chakras were shaped into two bodies, and then as time goes by, the body become clearer. Other than the originals, there were a series of gasps when Indra Otsutsuki and Asura Otsutsuki appeared. Hovering above the chakras harmonization provided their appearances. Their eyes were closed but they opened their eyes at the same time. Indra's eyes scanned the people. Lingering on Sasukeru and Narutoru longer. Narutoru was shocked beyond words. He gaped at the Otsutsuki brothers. Even Sasukeru couldn't conceal his surprise. Both of them almost couldn't believe it despite they were told that they were reincarnations. Being told and seeing it firsthand was a different thing!

Asura was looking around and smiling at Naruto. It was a kind of smile of people who greet an old friend. His smile somehow resembled Hashirama's, Naruto realized. Was it because Hashirama was Asura's reincarnation? He was wondering if he looked like Asura as well since he has the younger Otsutsuki's soul as well.

"We meet again," he greeted amiably.

Naruto grinned, "Yes, we are."

Sasuke and Indra saw Asura and Naruto's greeting. Then, Indra and Sasuke locked their gaze in silence. They didn't need to exchange friendly greetings as they thought it was unnecessary. Their silent gaze was as good as one. Yet, Sasuke added, "Unfortunately, not for pleasure." Indra didn't comment on that. Sasuke continued because he wanted to get his point crossed, "Due to unknown reason, four of us, have arrived in this era. Sasuke and Naruto in this era have gone missing, along with the sacred scroll and several bijuus. Black Zetsu still on the loose."

Asura turned his eyes on Sasuke and then to his older brother. Not only him, but everyone's eyes were on Indra since Sasuke was so fixated on the elder Otsutsuki. The silence from Indra annoyed Sasuke. Indra didn't seem surprised or anything. His face was void of any emotions. Sasuke saw these personal traits in his clan. They were the mask that the Uchiha clan wore to hide their feelings. Yet, not even a blink eye or a subtlety twitch eye or anything that gave them away what he thought. Asura has shown a reaction the second time they were summoned by their reincarnation. This meant, that even as a chakra, they have thought and personality. Yes, some people could be this good at hiding their reactions or thought. Indra could be in this category.

However, it felt different.

It didn't feel like Indra was hiding his emotion. If it was true, then this was his natural reaction. If it was his natural reaction, there was only one possibility why Indra looked unaffected by the news or when he was summoned. Something why he didn't need to feel surprised or hide his reaction. Something he expected to happen. Sasuke narrowed his eyes at him, "You knew. Aren't you, Indra?"

Itachi widened his eyes briefly when he and the others glanced at Sasuke. "Indra Otsutsuki. You knew what happens."

Again, Indra stayed silent. Asura looked at his brother with concern, "Ani-ue?"

Indra turned his head at Asura then stared at their reincarnations for a moment. He said, "Four of you, follow my hand seal."

They were surprised but when Indra moved his hands, the four of them followed it with deep concentration. It was not only the basic 12 hand seals that they knew but more. Sasuke and Naruto who saw the scroll about Indra Otsutsuki in Founder Era know that Indra invented many hand seals. More than 12. But, throughout the generations, his invention got diluted so only 12 hand seals are known nowadays.

Those hand seals were complicated. There were roughly 336 hand seals performed. Both Sasukes were able to follow since they have doujutsu. However, both Narutos were barely able to keep up since they have no doujutsu. Indra noticed it so he slow down slightly. Both Narutos catch up four of them glow as the seals' form. When all the hand seal was done, the Otsutsuki brothers shone for a moment then when the shine has gone, their appearances were no longer transparent but solid like any human. They were touching the ground and not hovering in the air anymore.

All of them were shocked to witness the unthinkable. Even Asura was shocked.

"Ani-ue! We can stand!" He moved his hands and held his brother's hand, "And I can touch you!" Indra looked at their joining hands and closed his eyes for a moment. He squeezed Asura's hand in his as he gaze deeply into Asura's eyes.

It was noticed by others. Narutoru, Menma, and Itachi didn't think much about it since they knew the brother complex syndrome in Uchiha Clan. They thought that was the case. On the other hand, Naruto blinked his eyes since he found it a bit strange for brothers. Yes, he knew about the syndrome. He saw Madara and Izuna but it felt different.

Both Sasuke and Sasukeru narrowed their eyes. Not because of the sight but because of the sudden feelings wash over them when Indra did it. They concealed their surprise because they scanned around to find out none of them felt it until their eyes met. As soon as Rinnegans locked their gaze into each other, Sasuke knew Sasukeru felt what he felt as well.

They felt a concealed affection from Indra towards Asura. Not just any feelings. Since both Sasukes have an older brother, they knew how it felt toward their brother. Yet, they were certain that it was not a brotherly feeling. Oddly enough, it was more like what they felt for their Narutos.

In silent agreements, the reincarnations of Indra agreed to pretend nothing happened. Especially, when Indra's eyes fell on them, it was a knowing look that he knew what his reincarnations sensed when he held Asura's hand.

So, that feeling was not imagination or random feelings. If that was the case, if he knew, it meant Indra was aware of that since he gave that look to both Sasuke and Sasukeru, it must be something he hid from Asura. If the story was anything to go by, since Indra and Asura have descendants of their own such Uchiha Clan and Senju Clan, it meant Indra never act on whatever feelings that Sasukes felt just now. At least, that was the conclusion Sasukes took.

"That's what I aim, "Indra stated then he looked at the others one by one, "Now, we can talk."

Did Indra has something he never told Asura?

Sasuke and Sasukeru believed he did.

Thanks for reading! Please review if you want the next chapter!

osho0204: Well, my drawing is not bad but it's not amazing either. Just so-so. But, I like it. I'm open for commission and you can see my drawing on my IG acc: @suseriotsutsuki. I made an art acc just for my drawing: @Inaseart. Just in case I want to pursue this field more seriously hahaha How was your exam? I hope you are doing great!
Yeah, I understand what you are saying. Since Indra is one of my favorite characters, that's why for me it's harsh. I get it, I get it.
Wow! To be honest, your idea about the swapping thing is really interesting! Man! Why I didn't think about it! Aaaah! Fascinating! I hope I don't disappoint you with my original idea.
Aww~ you're flattering! Really? Is my story that unpredictable? Wow... Thank you. It means so much to me. Tbh, I never intended to surprise anyone with my plot. I just write what I like to read. I'm grateful someone like it. It's such an honor for a writer to be told that. I'm over the moon! Thank you! *weeps*