Chapter 3: Rumor Has It-Age 7

"Rumour is a pipe

Blown by surmises, jealousies, conjectures

And of so easy and so plain a stop

That the blunt monster with uncounted heads,

The still-discordant wavering multitude,

Can play upon it."

― William Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 2

Hinata

The cold water splash to her face hardly jolts her awake.

'No, this still isn't a dream.' She frustratingly realizes.

Trickles of orange-gold rays of the coming sunshine slip in through her blinds, highlight her puffy cheeks and short violet locks.

She guesstimates that she's around age 6 or 7 as she studies every detail of her reflection, a glance to her desk's calendar confirms it's the latter.

How far backwards will she and Naruto keep going backwards? They've only gone forward once to 14, not even out of being teenagers. Will they time-leap at some point too far past 25?

'We haven't figured out a pattern to this, if there even is one.'

She bites her lip hard enough to tear skin, droplets of blood mixing with rivulets of water that remain in the sink. Footsteps approach from the hall, half-turning to see familiar brown locks.

"Trying to find a way to get out of training? Injuring yourself won't get you Uncle's sympathy." Neji mentions coldly from somewhere behind her.

A coil within her snaps, Neji who yesterday worried why she wouldn't fight him seriously now back to his scathing remarks.

No, if she's going to go through her childhood days again, she will not let him be this rude to her.

Hinata twists to look at him fully and whatever he sees in her eyes is enough to make him pause, stepping back just as she's suddenly upon him.

She poises two fingers up, jabbing harshly into his chest and right arm before he can move up his hands to defend himself.

"Enough. We're going to Father right now and he will tell you the truth behind Uncle Hizashi's death! I'm not going to let you blame me for the actions that our Fathers did or the choices they made long before we were even born." She orders.

Neji emits a low grunt as he collapses to the ground, retort dying on the tip of his tongue that he won't be bossed around by her of all people until she strikes at his left side, sees the annoyance swirling in her eyes like he is being a bother, driving her impatience.

Pain scorches through him like a wave, breath escaping his lips in sharp rattles.

'When did Hinata get this fast?! Or this harsh in her words?'

"Now, let's go." She states, helping him back up despite his attempts to shove her away.

Reluctantly, he lets her lead the way to Hiashi's quarters, ignores the looks of the attendants watching them, eyes that linger on a growing patchwork of bruises and burnt flesh crisscrossing against his arms and chest.

The Hyuga elders are the first to notice them, their grandfather straightening taking the pair in.

"What happened here?!" He asks in shock as he takes in Neji's injuries.

Was there an intruder in the compound?

Neji scowls, not ready to admit he lost to Hinata. He is the one who instigated her to try and refute his remarks, but this isn't the outcome he could've predicted from his words.

Hinata steps forward. "Neji accused me of harming myself in an attempt to get out of morning training. I proved to him I wasn't, though I hadn't meant to go so far in my attack."

The elders blanch in surprise that it's truly her who did this, Hiashi gesturing quickly for Natsu and Ko to take Neji aside to attend to his wounds at seeing him stagger on his feet. A flurry of whispers fill the air, Hinata clearing her throat to continue.

"No, before you take Neji away, Father needs to tell him something."

Hiashi's brows furrow, looking at his eldest in confusion. "And what exactly is that?"

"Tell him the truth about Uncle Hizashi's sacrifice. That he willingly chose to go in your place in order to protect the clan's byakugan from the hands of Kumo. Please...tell him so he'll stop trying to pick fights with me or look at me with such hate that I didn't do." Hinata pushes.

Hiashi stills, how can Hinata know about that? Did she go into his private study when he had been away at a meeting? Even then, he's ensured the truth about his brother's death is rarely spoken of, that the scroll containing his final letter is locked away out of sight in his room until Neji came of age.

Neji twists back around ignoring his pain, pearl eyes wide.

"What is she talking about?! Is that true?" He questions sharply.

Hiashi doesn't immediately look his way, sighing at the commotion caused as both attendants and clan members look between Father and daughter.

"What's gotten into Lady Hinata this morning?" A gardener asks softly, bundle of stargazer and tiger lilies gathered from the backyard slumping in her hands.

"Perhaps she's finally owning up to her birthright as heiress and showing Neji his place. He may be a prodigy, but he is still just a member from the branch family. I wouldn't be surprised if she starts using the Caged Bird Seal on him for his insolence in how he talks to her." A main branch member mutters back in return.

Hiashi keeps his gaze steadily focused on Hinata, she meeting his gaze despite the loud thrum of her heartbeat in her ears knowing she's said too much, done too much to not arouse his suspicion on her identity.

Because sure enough his byakugan activates, palms moving up primed for attacking.

"Who are you?"

Naruto & Hiruzen

'I don't have time for your questions, you know!'

Naruto grits his teeth, barely manages to keep his face from grimacing at Old Man Third's complaints.

"You can't just keep skipping school to paint all over the Hokage Monument and destroy public property! This is the 4th time this week I've had to hear complaints from Mr. Mitsuya on you destroying his fishing supplies and gear." Hiruzen continues.

Naruto stays silent, considers his options on how to escape from here. A simple apology isn't going to suffice and Mr. Mitsu or whatever won't care what he has to say anyways at his current age right now.

Hiruzen crosses his arms. "Don't you have anything to say for yourself? At least tell me why you won't go to your classes on time or always seem to sleep through them."

He responds truthfully, if only to hurry along the conversation.

"I do my pranks because it's how people notice me, you know! Otherwise everyone either pretends I don't exist or shoos me to go away! As for my classes, well...Iruka-sensei and the others don't make it that interesting."

He learns best by doing after all, though he wishes he knew that sooner.

Hiruzen shakes his head. "You'll only continue to get negative attention with your current antics."

Naruto holds up a hand, tired of his scolding, tired of his and Hinata's daily time-leaping into different bodies and places besides their own back at their house.

And all that's left now is a simmering rage about to boil over into the room completely.

"Relax Naruto. Getting too worked up is going to make him suspicious of you and I don't want you to spend the day locked in some cell." Kurama warns.

"I'm fine." Naruto responds tightly.

Strange Kurama has to tell him to be calm knowing his past in regards to the village, but they both know the consequences of giving into anger.

"No, you're not. But if this is the choice you make, I'll back you up as need be." Kurama decides.

Naruto gives a quiet thanks, because now that he knows everything about his family it burns at him to ask, to see what Hiruzen will say when lying is no longer an option.

"Old Man, I have a question for you now." Naruto mentions, cerulean eyes boring into his auburn. He already knows he's going to avoid giving him a proper answer, will never tell him the full details of his parent's deaths on the night of the Kyuubi attack.

Hiruzen quiets, nodding his head he's listening.

"Why didn't you tell me Minato was my Dad; the 4th Hokage? Or at least that Kushina was my mom? You promised them you would protect me with their dying breaths and yet all you do is check on me monthly to make sure I haven't died or made plans to escape the village." Naruto states point blank.

Hiruzen drops his pipe, sound of it cracking against the wood floor echoing out.

A mix of emotions rush across his face: surprise, anger, and then finally; guilt.

"...Who told you this?" He questions.

Naruto shrugs. "I learned about it years from now, it doesn't matter from who."

Hiruzen steps close to him, reaching a hand out Naruto rejects. He sighs, picks up his now broken pipe. Irritation pores off of Naruto in waves and he worries if it's all coming from him alone or if the fox is influencing his rage.

"How can you say you learned about it years into the future when you're but 7 now?" He further probes.

"I know you might not believe me Old Man, but I'm from the future. Both Hinata and I keep waking up in different bodies than our correct current age of 25." Naruto explains.

He's lost Hiruzen with that simple statement, cloud of suspicion rolling over his features like fog.

And so he catches his hand before he can drive it into his chest to knock him out, twists it in a way that makes him fall to the ground.

Bones crackling rings in his ears, skin turning a plum purple-red.

"Even though I look 7 right now, I have the strength of my adult form more or less. You promote the philosophy of the Will of Fire and I've done just that and surpassed you and everyone else from your generation." Naruto remarks, twisting his arm harder until he winces.

"No, you must be a spy/rogue shinobi from another region that managed to slip through our sensors at the gate!" Hiruzen hisses out, preparing to blast him with a combination of fire or water slipping out of his hold.

"I can counter your attacks too, you know." Naruto relates back as he casually dodges his rolls of fire and earth that burn his walls and shatter into his headboard and bedding respectively.

Hiruzen clicks his tongue, perhaps this isn't just a vicious prank.

Naruto moves with ease already knowing his skills, is behind him again and locking his arms before he can destroy his room any further.

He can't find a way to explain to himself his power, how his chakra signature matches that of Naruto and no one else.

"Orochimaru. He was your favorite student from the Academy graduates you took on to make a 3-man team. You wanted him to be your successor, but he left the village to continue on his unethical experiments. I'm sure you also might've also asked Pervy-Sage since you two like to peep on woman together, but he's too fickle to stay in the village for so long. Granny had already left Konoha at the time after I think his name was Dan died. After my Father's death, you had to take up the Hokage position again." Naruto mentions.

He's never been more thankful that Kakashi-sensei gave him lessons on the history of past Hokage!

'To think this is how I have to use it to prove my identity.' Naruto muses.

He relaxes the pressure he applies, Hiruzen instantly moving out of his grip holding at his swollen hands and arms.

He's both curious, alarmed, and annoyed. Unsure what to make of him except that he's a danger.

'Not good.' Naruto grits his teeth, he went too far.

"Look, I really don't want to hurt you any further Hiruzen or Old Man Third. I err don't know which honorific I should go with! What else can I say to prove I am who I say I am? Should I use a transformation jutsu to go into my adult form?" Naruto pursues.

A painfully long minute passes of them staring each other down, Naruto breathing a sigh of relief when curiosity wins out seeing Hiruzen's faint nod.

"Transform!"

Hiruzen's eyes widen a fraction taking him in, stepping back in shock.

"You truly are the spitting image of Minato when you get older, though I can see Kushina's features in you as well." He remarks in awe.

The Naruto he knows wouldn't be able to do any of this, couldn't be privy to all the secrets of the village unless he was telling the truth. He'd been in talks with the best scientists and researchers of Konoha on if it's possible to create a technique that could allow a shinobi to go back to a healthier body, but this is far and away beyond that. Naruto by the time he's an adult, will have technology it seems his generation thought was impossible.

"How? Start from the beginning." Hiruzen decides.

Naruto gives him a watered down spiel of Boruto's upcoming birthday. It started with the present he opened early that seemed to be a flash bomb, to he and Hinata waking up in their 12, 14, and now 7 year old's bodies with each passing day.

Hiruzen, Naruto knows, isn't like Jiraiya. While Jiraiya was curious, even eager to help him get back to his correct body and place, Hiruzen looks at him like he's an enigma to be studied.

"This...This is unsettling. And you don't have any idea who this scientist or group could be?" He asks.

Naruto shakes his head. "That's why I and I'm sure Hinata as well would like to study the books in the Hokage's private library/study. There's a chance we could learn something from the First or Second Hokage's old manuscripts, scrolls, and notes."

Hiruzen nods thoughtfully, but it sounds unconvincing to Naruto's ears.

"You must understand this is a lot to take in Naruto, I'm still a bit skeptical I must admit. I would like Inoichi or someone from the interrogation team to at least confirm your identity-"

"I know it sounds crazy, but we really don't have time for that, you know! Hinata and I only have a day! Just a day before we fall asleep and then wake up to be who knows what age!" Naruto argues back, interrupting him.

He scoots back from Hiruzen's hand once more, warning look in his eyes.

"You can take blood samples from both Hinata and I if need be, that will take less time than probing my mind for what you already know is the truth."

Hiruzen retracts his hand, old ebbs of Naruto's petulance rising up.

'What should I do in a situation like this? Naruto is stronger than me and any other ANBU officer I have on hand should things go awry. I have to do what's best for the village which means ensuring the man before me now doesn't have ulterior motives.'

"Alright, but it will take some time to procure the proper team to take the blood and match it to that on file of you two. I also request that I have Inoichi and Ibiki at least on standby to ask you and Hinata a series of questions. I will keep this information just between us 3." Hiruzen negotiates.

Naruto barely hides a groan. "Fine."

For now, he has to let him have his way.

Hiruzen nods, continuing on.

"In the interim, you should go to school as your 7 year old self. I have shinobi who watch your day to day schedule and it will look suspicious if you skip."

That and he knows Danzo keeps tabs on him as well with Root agents ensuring Konoha's weapon is still close by if need be.

This time Naruto doesn't hide his upset, scowling as he undoes his transformation.

The bad news just keeps coming!

Naruto & Hinata

"I didn't think the Academy's library would be so sparce." Hinata sighs.

Naruto nods, closing back another book on the topic of Konoha's Warring States period inventions from then to now. A thin coating of gray dust has collected on all these old history books discussing the village's past on ways to modernize shinobi weaponry.

None of them are as advanced as what they're dealing with.

Hinata glances towards the clock, frown deepening.

"It's almost time for class and I think this afternoon we're scheduled for practice matches to demonstrate good form and sportsmanship when training with an ally."

Naruto leans his head against his palm, he vaguely recalls this being one of the first times he fought Sasuke and lost. He had to listen to the boos and jeers of their classmates who instantly thought he would lose before the match even began.

But today, he'll win.

"Do you think Lord Third is actually going to help us? I'm concerned this is just a way for him to trap us and I'd rather us not fall asleep in some type of cell. Rumors I'm sure have already started to circulate across the chunin and jonin divisions of our actions." Hinata worries.

"He's the only one with access to the private libraries, you know. You have a point, but we've drawn enough suspicion to ourselves for today. We have to play things their way for now." Naruto shrugs.

A minute later the clock chimes out 8:00 am and they reluctantly head for class at the librarian's steely glare on them both to get moving. Class is just a waste of time, the basics they learn aren't of much use beyond simple D-rank missions.

"Get going Hyuga, I'm sure your clan would hate to hear you've been cutting class with the delinquent. Brat, you better not have left a mess of books for me to stack and reorganize!" Mrs. Hiroyuki sneers.

Naruto balls up his hands, on the tip of his tongue to call her an annoying hag only for Hinata to interweave their hands and quickly guide them away.

She didn't even call him by name, just the 'brat' or 'delinquent' who is always causing trouble for others.

They get a few looks as they enter the classroom, mostly from the boys while the rest of the girls fight to take the open seat next to Sasuke.

"Since when do you two hangout?" Kiba questions with a gesture to their joined hands.

Naruto shrugs, grinning back. "For years now!"

Sitting at the very back doesn't take away the stares, Iruka clearing his throat to get everyone settled and in their seats.

"Everyone looks like Boruto's age here! Ugh, it's so bizarre." Naruto laments just loud enough for Hinata to catch and she giggles her agreement. Boruto might even be a little bit taller than some of their old classmates and friends from this age by the looks of it.

They grow the subjects of history and science, morning dragging slowly into the afternoon.

"Alright everyone, quiet down! As you know, training is a fundamental skill and part of a shinobi's growth! We'll be heading outside shortly to conduct sparring matches against your peers. Use your knowledge of taijutsu and ninjutsu from our previous lessons!" Iruka explains.

Naruto yawns, forces himself to focus knowing there's a chance there could be something in these lessons he and Hinata need to know to return to their correct bodies and time, but everything Iruka says have matched so far what they already learned long ago.

He feels his eyes upon them as they form a single file line to head outside.

'I don't know why Lord Third wants me to watch these two so carefully to ensure they don't leave the Academy's premises.' Iruka considers, recalling the messenger hawk that arrived during lunch period. He directs them out to the training grounds, shields his face from afternoon sunshine. It smells of the approaching summer with saltwater blowing in from the east, greenery surrounding the school practically glows, azaleas and iris planted in the flower garden finally starting to sprout up.

Yes, it's strange for the class clown Naruto to suddenly be spending time with the quiet eldest daughter of Hiashi Hyuga, though it shouldn't warrant such extra steps to be taken.

He'd nearly thought it was one of his coworkers pulling a prank on him until he saw the official Hokage seal at the bottom of the letter confirming it's a real message.

Maybe he has a reason to be concerned, Naruto hasn't once tried to make a silly prank or interrupt him since class began and his few glances in his direction showed a hint of annoyance marring his usual jovial expression that he doesn't want to be here.

'Fine. I'll make sure he's out in this first round.' Iruka decides.

That way he won't be a nuisance to any of the other matches and he can watch him without worrying he'll run off.

Once everyone is lined up properly, Iruka pulls out his whistle.

"Alright, let's have our first match be Naruto Uzumaki vs Sasuke Uchiha!" Iruka announces.

Naruto doesn't boisterously declare victory like the last time they had practice matches, stepping forward silently with a confidence that makes Iruka's stomach twist.

'What's going on with him? Does it have something to do with the fox?' He purses his lips, it's the first time he's seen Naruto quiet for a matchup, especially knowing Sasuke is the top student of their class.

Is this what Lord Third was warning him about?

"I wish I was facing a stronger opponent than you of all people; the dead last." Sasuke grunts.

Naruto chuckles. "I'm plenty strong though compared to you right now! You'll see in a moment!"

"Go Sasuke, make him pay for that remark!" One girl gushes.

"Yeah, finish this match fast so we can get to the real fights! Naruto doesn't stand a chance against you Sasuke!" Another shouts.

Hinata eyes the growing crowd of fawning girls, squeezes her way through shoulder jabs and harsh looks until she is just outside the ring created in the dirt, heartbeat swishing in her ears wondering how Naruto is going to handle this. She does what she couldn't do at this age originally, sucking in a breath.

"Go Naruto! I know you can beat him!" Hinata yells out.

A momentary hush falls over the crowd as she feels stunned and disgusted looks sent her way. Hinata ignores the warmth rising to the tips of her ears, whole face happily burning pink as Naruto sends her a gleeful thumbs up.

"Of course the quiet weirdo of our class likes the delinquent." Natsume mutters, earning her nods of agreement.

The perfect weird-idiot couple.

"Don't worry; I will!" Naruto promises right back.

'I just need to not hit Sasuke super hard, that shouldn't be too difficult.'

He returns his attention back to Iruka, to Sasuke frustrated this is being dragged out.

Iruka gazes between them both before nodding.

"Begin!"

"Remember not to do anything drastic Naruto, it's not his fault you and your wife are stuck in this situation." Kurama advises.

"Never thought you would be giving me so much advice today Kurama!" Naruto laughs in return.

But he's right, balling his hand into a fist while skirting Sasuke's coming jab for his stomach. A flash of surprise crosses his dark eyes before he continues on, kick dodged as well in trying to topple him down.

"Sasuke, don't be too mad at me for what I'm about to do! We take both of each other's arms out down the line in the future anyhow." Naruto mentions.

Sasuke scoffs. Is this some new stupid tactic of his? Distract him with random jibber in the midst of a fight?

"Your idiotic plans aren't going to work on me." He volleys back, even if Naruto is faster than normal, knows exactly when to block or leap from one of his attacks.

Sasuke sucks in a breath, Naruto is making this more annoying than usual.

"Fireball jutsu!"

The flames are swept away in a sharp gust, Sasuke rushing forward for another punch only for Naruto to turn into a puff of clouds, glancing around for the blond as the smoke clears.

'A substitution jutsu?' Sasuke blinks in shock.

If he was Itachi, this match would've been over minutes ago. His fireball jutsu would've landed and burnt that smile off his face, better than the measly streams of crimson that didn't even seem to get near Naruto's body at all. Everything he and Father have taught him aren't working and he can't figure out if Naruto's somehow cheating to turn things for once in his favor.

"Behind you!" Naruto teases and then the crunch of bone breaking fills his ears, metallic taste swimming up as his vision goes black.

Iruka gapes in horror as Naruto's punch to Sasuke's nose takes him down instantly. It had looked like Naruto was trying to hold back and yet the damage is clear from the sharp violet-red blooming out out across Sasuke's face, blood pouring out his nose like a leaking faucet.

Screams and gasps follow, pointing and tears all in Naruto's direction.

"Monster! Iruka-sensei, call for help to get him imprisoned!" Natsume yelps.

"He's going to attack us next, isn't he?!" Kentaro cries, recalling his Father and Grandfather's stories of the night of the Nine Tails attack. Now he's come back to get his revenge.

Naruto winces, tuning out their remarks as Hinata steps forward holding out her hand. The longer they stay here, the more danger they'll create if they want the rest of today to go smoothly.

"Let's go!" She beckons.

Naruto nods, grabs her hand without a second thought or look back, racing them from the scene.

Naruto, Hinata, & Hiruzen

"How can I trust what either of two have said?" Hiruzen sighs.

The ANBU that had been watching Naruto's match followed as soon as they left the area, blocking them off just before they reached the marketplace. Any skepticism over his power has been pushed aside now, ready to use full force if it had been necessary to drag them to the Hokage's and before the Interrogation Unit.

"I was trying to go easy on Sasuke, you know! That punch wasn't meant to knock him out!" Naruto cuts him off before he can say anything else.

Hiruzen shakes his head.

"It's not just that, everything you said from earlier I'm going to need to have confirmed via Inoichi now that people have become even more afraid of you Naruto. You understand with your power that I can't risk you causing any further harm to your fellow classmates or any civilian caught in the crossfire."

Naruto opens his mouth to further argue he's completely in control of his abilities only for Hinata to squeeze at his hand, shaking her head it's a futile effort.

"Weren't you going to gather a staff of medical nin to take our blood? Time is of the essence for us and using Inoichi will waste said time we don't have." She mentions.

Hiruzen's lips flatten and she can see in his eyes neither she or Naruto are going to get things done if they continue to pushback.

Naruto leans his head back, scowling.

"Fine, you want to do both, don't you?! You can take our blood and have Inoichi prod at our minds if that will give you peace of mind. But afterwards, we want access to the Hokage's private scrolls and readings." He commands.

Hiruzen straightens at his bossiness, sees the flash of crimson in his eyes that this he won't take no for an answer on.

He nods, snaps his fingers an aid rushes to have Ibiki, Inoichi, and a pair of medical nin step in.

Neither Naruto or Hinata watch as the medical nin silently poke at their veins, fill up two vials with their blood before nodding to Hiruzen and leaving just as fast as they came for the laboratory.

Inoichi and Ibiki all the while look at them seriously as a threat to Konoha after all the debriefings and stories they've gotten from today. Naruto supposes he can't blame them for being suspicious of him being a jinchuriki, but Hinata doesn't deserve this...

He raises his hand as Inoichi steps forward. "Hey, can you just look at my memories alone? That should be enough proof since I'm the jinchuriki after all."

Inoichi brows knit together, such a thing is supposed to be classified information even from himself. He glances to Hiruzen for confirmation it's okay and he nods, knows he's wearing on Naruto's patience.

"Alright, stay still then." He orders.

Naruto's memories flood him in a rush, a sea of recollections both happy and painful all at once.

Training sessions. Death. War. Talks of children.

"Oi Kakashi-sensei, can we finish this lecture a bit early today? I need to head to the store to get Boruto's present before it closes." Naruto asks, glancing towards the overhead clock.

Also Hinata said she was going to make a new type of spicy ramen he's eager to try!

"Ah, that's right! He's turning 5 this month, isn't he? Inojin said he was going to paint him a picture, but he wouldn't say of what! Sai says he wants to keep it a surprise! I have nothing to add at this point either by the way! There hasn't been anyone suspicious who's crossed into Konoha's borders this month. I will say we've had an influx of residents coming from Kirigakure to visit, but they only stayed for about a week." Ino laughs from across the room.

She nudges Shikamaru to weigh in, he looks just as tired as Naruto after all rubbing at gray bags beneath his eyes. For the past week these meetings have been all-day events from sunrise until basically sunset.

"Hmm, oh yeah. Shikadai said he was going to make him something. He was asking his Uncle Gaara how to do sand sculptures, though I think he's gotten too lazy and may just get him one of those Shinobi-Kamen card packs." He mentions between yawns.

"Choji should be coming too with ChoCho. They're visiting Karui's family up north in Kumo, though should be back in town next week." Shikamaru adds in after a moment's pause.

"You know, Temari could help Shikadai with that sculpture if he's serious about it. However, I imagine she lost her patience at Shikadai taking breaks to nap halfway through each session." Ino regards.

Shikamaru chuckles his agreement. "Yeah, he'll figure something out."

Kakashi sighs, knows when he's been outvoted especially since everyone has gone off-topic now.

"Alright, well if everyone has said their notes/feedback, then this meeting is adjourned."

Inoichi pulls back his hand as if it'd been set aflame, startled. Verdant orbs wide.

Ibiki studies his dazed look, concerned. "What is it?"

Hiruzen leans forward as well, awaiting his response.

"I saw my daughter...Ino, but older. She was with Shikamaru as well discussing their kids. More than just that though I saw vestiges of a coming war with all the nations united, a group in black robes, people we lose..." Inoichi trails off, having to take a seat. His voice goes dry matching the sudden white of his skin, stomach churning.

Ibiki feels his frown deepen. "Did you believe what you saw? It didn't seem to be an illusion or trick of the mind-"

"I recognize my daughter's laugh and manner of speaking no matter her age! That and...she was discussing clan matters and abilities only we know." Inoichi volleys back, face pale.

He glances back to Naruto and Hinata to confirm exactly what he saw.

Naruto gives a slight nod, expression grim.

'He might've seen his death or at least what leads up to it.' Naruto sighs.

Ibiki scoffs, still not convinced.

"Inoichi, what exactly did you see that's got you so spooked?! I mean, these two are just children-"

"They're not! I know what I saw Ibiki! And...And it included so many deaths, my own daughter in silent tears at a grave...I think my own." Inoichi thunders back, voice quieting to a hiss.

Ibiki freezes, words escaping him.

Hiruzen clears his throat to regain everyone's attention. "So I take it then we need to take what Naruto and Hinata are saying seriously then?"

Inoichi nods and a quiet falls over the room.

Finally, Hiruzen moves to stand, dismisses Ibiki and Inoichi back to their duties.

He gestures for Naruto and Hinata to follow him into the back hallways.

"I believe this library was made at some point early in Tobirama's tenure. As the second Hokage, he wanted to promote further growth within in the village including ways for each Hokage to learn from their predecessor." Hiruzen explains.

He flicks on a light flooding the room in a yellow-white glow, books and scrolls covered in spindles of dust lay before them. A majority are stacked all the way to the ceiling, will require a ladder.

"Our focus will be on space-time ninjutsu. I'm sure you know I've been in talk with Konoha's best engineers and scientists for a way to put such theories into use on the battlefield." Hiruzen mentions.

Hinata nods, recalling her conversation with Asuma-sensei. "Yes, Asuma-sensei mentioned you were looking for shinobi injured in prior wars or missions on ways to get their bodies back to a previously healthy state."

Hiruzen pauses, thoughtful.

"Ah, I haven't talked to that son of mine in months. I'm glad he actually remembered some of the projects I have in place."

Naruto points to a scroll larger than the others, gold seal wrapped around a thick cloth.

"That's a scroll related to forbidden jutsu, right?"

Hiruzen follows his gaze before sighing, nodding.

"Yes, it's actually notes I had to take from my former student as you already know: Orochimaru."

He brings it down for the pair, considers the time.

Half past 7:00 pm.

"You two are free to read here only up until 10:00 pm. I have other pressing engagements planned for this evening and I won't have anyone to be on standby to watch you after that." Hiruzen regards.

An ANBU slips out of the darkness as Hiruzen leaves, owl mask hiding his features as he observes them silently.

"Well, let's start with Orochimaru and work our way down. I'm sure he probably has the most information on time-travel." Naruto suggests, ignoring the ANBU's stare.

They spend the next two hours detailing Orochimaru's studies. A majority of it pertains to his desire for immortality, the bodies he collected from poorer villagers to conduct his experiments on.

Other scrolls discuss theories of mixing nature energy with an element to create enough force to cause a potential time rift.

"I don't know if Orochimaru is behind this. He's never interacted with Boruto and keeps to Otogakure." Hinata considers.

"It could be a scientist working for him like how Kabuto was his right hand man. He had so many subordinates and spies under him that were loyal to his cause too." Naruto points out.

The owl ANBU clears his throat.

"You two have only 30 minutes left before I must escort you off the premises." He announces.

Naruto snorts, they could continue to ignore him but today has been exhausting enough.

And as soon as one of them falls asleep, the time-leap will start again.

"Come on Hinata, I'll take you home." Naruto decides at seeing her rub at her eyes.

Hinata peers at the half moon up above, takes in the scents of spring and summer in the air.

"Father thought I was someone else this morning. It took Ko's convincing that I was just having a rough start to the day, that I'd been having nightmares to even get him to agree in letting me out of the house." Hinata laughs gently.

If only this was just a nightmare she and Naruto could wake up from.

Naruto lightly pecks at her cheek as the Hyuga emblem comes into view.

"Let's find each other first thing in the morning, no matter what other mission or task is supposed to be happening that day."

Hinata manages a small smile, nodding.

"I'm hoping we're both within the village."

Hinata slips into her room, avoids Neji's stare and Father's annoyed frown at her behavior from earlier.

At least they know she isn't some spy or imposter, sure Lord Third's blood work results have reached them.

"Are you okay Big Sis?" Hanabi attempts after her bath and Hinata giggles as she shakes droplets out of her chestnut locks.

"I'm fine, just another long day." She answers honestly, hugging her tight. Hanabi curls herself against her pillows and blankets not wanting to leave and Hinata can't bring herself to stop her.

It takes two cups of chamomile tea and a sneaking of one of Ko's melatonin tablets before she can find her eyes growing heavy as well.

"Goodnight Big Sis! Don't worry, tomorrow will be better!" Hanabi murmurs.

'I hope so.' Hinata sighs.

She smooths out her hair, hair that will one day run right down to her legs.

"Goodnight Hanabi."

Hinata- Age 16

A bird chirps from somewhere in the garden and Hinata pushes herself upward.

'Long. My hair is long.' She notes at gazing to her violet locks.

She had it that way throughout being a teenager into adulthood, rubbing crust from her eyes.

A splash to her face clears it up, she's in her teenage body, most likely 16 or so from looking at the shinobi gear within her closet.

"Kurenai assigned you all a mission, didn't she? Good luck." Hiashi remarks over breakfast and Hinata smiles while hurriedly wracking her mind for what this mission is.

'A search and rescue? No, maybe an escort of a dignitary?'

It doesn't matter really, she won't be going on it this time.

She at least recalls where Team 8 always used to meet, slowing her pace at seeing Kiba already there, Akamaru barking happily to her in greeting.

"Hey Hinata! I thought you would be running late with all the commotion I heard earlier near the marketplace!" He beams.

She instantly thinks of Naruto, wracks her mind for where he could be today.

"Where's Naruto?" Hinata decides to just ask.

Too late does she realize she shouldn't have asked at his abrupt stunned look, to not know what he's referring to. It isn't Naruto's return from training trip with Jiraiya she thinks. So maybe Kiba's referring to a mission Team Kakashi did in regards to tracking down the Akatsuki's members like when he went to Suna to help rescue Gaara.

"Ehh, don't play dumb with me Hinata! I'm sure you heard it from one of your clan members that Naruto's just started training near the waterfalls for some type of new rasengan!"

-x-

So I hope Naruto and Hinata didn't seem too OOC. I just can't picture Naruto, even with how forgiving and kind he is in canon to just be completely fine with knowing Hiruzen actively lied and withheld the truth about his parents from him. Especially when he has to prove his point by showing him his true strength and knowledge of the future. Hinata well, I just had her tired of dealing with Neji's cold behavior! They're both grumpy from all the time-leaping you could say!

No, this isn't a separate universe or timeline. Naruto and Hinata are time-leaping to events that took place in their pasts and potential futures. They say and do things in their 24 hour time frame in that body that will slowly affect the future for better or worse. Sorry if that confused anyone!

Thoughts are always appreciated!

Enjoy. Review. Favorite. Follow!