The Dynasty Of Tomorrow

by sinkintothestory

To anyone that knew Naruto Uzumaki, they knew he was a survivor. Someone who would go to the ends of the earth to protect his precious people, but what would happen when they are all gone. If he had the opportunity to save them, he would cling to that hope and pursue the challenge to ensure they live to see tomorrow. Time travel boyxboy don't like don't read Pairing: Undecided

8. Chapter 8 Memories

Chapter 8: Memories

Itachi blinked bewildered at the strange redhead addition to their team. Soma Uzumaki was by far the most mysterious and peculiar person he had ever crossed paths with. Especially since the kid just suddenly showed up in their lives.

He knew this kid was new to their village despite the clan being long associated with the leaf. Though the Uzumaki had been rumored to have been decimated more than a decade prior, so finding out the clan the leaf failed was still alive meant a lot to many of the adults in the village. Or at least that's what he had overheard from his parent's conversation the night previous before being told to go to bed.

Itachi pondered who was the clan head of the Uzumaki bloodline. He had only caught glimpses of the small gathered party as they had walked through the village only a week previously. He had been walking with his cousin Shisui to get soma dango after they had trained together.

He seemed to recall this particular kid bound by what looked like entrapment seals, carried by Jiraya of the legendary sannin. The small group followed after them as if there were following the boy wherever he went but that was more than likely due to Soma being one of the few children in the Uzumaki clan left alive.

Maybe it had been that somewhat frail redhead teen that was teasing the squirming child on the sannin's shoulder. Or even that older red-haired woman carrying a red-haired infant. Itachi wasn't sure and pushed the odd encounter out of his mind. Well, that was until said mysterious redhead appeared before him as a fourth member of his gennin squad.

Soma themself seemed bored. Their sensei put them through daily training and they all partook in D and C-ranked missions. Soma never seemed ruffled or bothered by anything they had to do. Just acted as if each mission was too easy, which Itachi agreed it was. The Uzumaki seemed to complete everything flawlessly, even capturing Tora that devil cat that even Itachi never left unscathed from scratches and bites. Even their sensei admitted to being unable to avoid getting hurt by Tora the cat in his youth.

Soma had been the only one to complete it with the cat purring and calm. Not a single ruby hair was out of place.

Itachi never really wondered too deeply about Soma. The Uzumaki was talented but Itachi doubted their skill surpassed his own, he was an Uchiha the heir to the clan.

He had been training since he could walk, sure Soma graduated young like him but that didn't mean much. It could have been part of the bargain the Uzumaki clan had put forth with the Hokage when agreeing on settling in.

They needed to establish themselves as a strong clan and the best way was to show their lineage was talented. Though watching Soma training and running through the mission made Itachi feel as though maybe the kid was just that skilled.

Itachi didn't pay much mind to his other two teammates, one was jealous of him and Uzumaki for both being so young and skilled above him. The other was too weak-willed for this field. Their sensei was a blur as the man was so transparent in his need to hold back kids from outshining him.

Then there was Soma. Itachi watched him interact with their team with ease. There was no resistance or reluctance just an easygoing friendliness. No biting words or snide comments ever even fazed the redhead. Soma was so levelheaded and not shy about helping his team. Even though all questions were aimed his way trying to get to know him was met with evasion or distractions.

Once Itachi had seen Soma with bruises on that pretty face. The redhead claimed they had fallen. When Itachi clarified that the ground wouldn't have left that marking Soma only snorted. 'Don't worry I gave the ground a good scolding.' that was the end of it and no one on their team dared question Soma again.

Then again the redhead never showed up with any bruises, and one of the village grocers flinched whenever Soma crossed his path after that.

The most surprising thing that came about was Soma revealing that he was a boy. Itachi thought Soma was a girl mostly due to his ways and mannerisms. Even their sensei had made assumptions about his gender because he seemed surprised by the information as well.

Soma did dress in only kimonos, had long hair, and even tended to move and speak effeminately. He was trained in seduction tactics and that alone made Itachi assume Soma was a girl at first. They were kids so neither could go off the base of outer appearance.

Soma himself didn't seem to mind or care that they thought him to be. The redhead seemed to move about life at his own pace. It was interesting to encounter someone, especially someone so young. Itachi was starting to like working with his odd elusive teammate.

Then their mission for the fire lord came about and Itachi's perception of Soma changed forever.

Bloodthirsty. He had never seen Soma move so swiftly towards danger, towards a man that was determined to kill even children. The redhead was precise and ready to kill the man that had nearly killed their teammate. That had nearly struck Soma himself down and it made the Uchiha awaken his Sharingan due to the rush of fear he felt for his teammates. That day Itachi awoke his eyes, opened his eyes to the red-haired Uzumaki.

He had almost died, yet there he stood preparing to fight back against that strange masked man. He actually made him retreat and that was astounding to see. Itachi had been upset their jonnin sensei had not reacted to the danger but froze in place leaving Soma and Itachi to charge after the masked man. He only had respect for Soma after that day.

Itachi spent day after day watching him, training with him. Soma was just so calm, tranquil as if he had been through horrors and this was all nothing.

After their disastrous mission for the fire lord Itachi's and Soma's other two teammates quit. The two eldest of their team left them behind because they couldn't take on the risk of what the Shinobi life was like.

It didn't matter though, he had Soma who had his back. The Uzumaki was his first friend outside of the clan and Itachi clung to the friendship. Even if there were times when Soma fought against it.

Itachi felt like someone actually saw him and treated him normally. Like another human rather than the Uchiha heir, the prodigal genius, the one who would guide others out. Soma look to Itachi and add to the pressures he already had, hell he only looked at the Uchiha to correct him in certain skills they built up together. The other kid barely spared him a glance outside of their own training but always had time for Itachi should the raven ask it of him.

Soma just moved, orbited around him and in his life with ease, and offered nothing but companionship.

It was refreshing.

Itachi wanted them to continue to grow together. He had pressure to move forward in rank and Itachi truly feared the thought of moving forward alone. That plus secretly he was lonely and truly dreamed as if he'd be set on a path of darkness should he push forward alone.

So he had pushed Soma to match his pace despite the redhead's reluctance. An opportunity arose for them to participate in the chunnin exams together and with Soma's guidance they breezed through it all. His unwavering faith in both Itachi's skill and his own set the standard.

Even when Itachi lay flat on his back held down by Soma's seals he felt nothing but calmness.

He still was passed to become a chunnin along with Soma and that was all that mattered.

It wasn't long afterward that Kakashi took them both in as apprentices. Something almost unheard of to have two apprentices on a single sensei's radar.

Kakashi had started the evening after his defeat by knocking on his window. Itachi's young brother was clinging to his chest and Itachi knew there was no way to remove the boy without fuss.

Sasuke was very clingy and as much as Itachi found that endearing he still had to hide a bit of embarrassment at Kakashi quirking an eyebrow at them.

Itachi knew that anyone that approached his window had to have been given approval to the grounds so he had not been worried about allowing the strange jonnin into his room. Kakashi had roamed his room and spoke of taking Itachi as an apprentice.

It had initially thrilled him at being able to have such a talented man who knew how to use a Sharingan to train him. Itachi had detached Sasuke from him laying the young babe onto his bed while he contemplated this all.

"What about Soma?" Kakashi looked at Itachi with something akin to surprise as of he had suddenly realized something.

"What, you can't train without your boyfriend?" Itachi immediately flushed in embarrassment and shook his head.

"No, nothing like that. I refuse to leave my comrade behind. He's been with me from the start and I won't abandon him until we are both established as jonnin." Itachi spoke refusing to acknowledge the thrill of excitement that arose from Kakashi referencing Soma as his partner beyond a teammate.

That reaction would have to be something he dealt with in his own time. Itachi was far too focused on what Kakashi's offer was.

Kakashi seemed pleased by his answer and snickered.

"I'm just teasing you a bit. I've taken you both on so you and your friend with being trained together." Itachi was elated and when presented with the document to become Kakashi's apprentice he signed it without hesitation.

"Get dressed, we're going on a trip to see little red." Itachi practically scrambled to get dressed. He stayed silent but Kakashi was amused by his enthusiasm.

They traveled to the Uzumaki compound and were soon greeted by an annoyed Soma.

Itachi flushed noticing the redhead was dressed in a sleeping kimono, the shoulder slipping down showing pale skin. A blonde boy was clinging to him clutching the glimmering red locks that somehow still seemed to frame his soft features beautifully. The baby was still sleeping while nuzzling the calm glowering red-haired Uzumaki.

He knew of Soma's and Naruto's relationship by now, that they were supposedly closely related coming from the same branch line. It was how he find out that it was in fact Soma who ran the clan despite his extremally young age. Soma had let it be known he was working to get into the jonnin ranks as soon as possible for the little blonde boy. Soma planned on officially adopting the boy, it was something that made Itachi think highly of the Uzumaki back when they first were getting to know one another. Though side by side the pair looked eerily similar, it was almost strange.

Their coloring was vastly different though so that eased some of the strangeness, they most likely had strong genes as the Uchiha clan all shared a sameness to them.

"To what do I owe this displeasure to have you both show up at my home in the middle of the night..." Soma trailed off looking annoyed at the duo.

Itachi realized they truly did just barge in the middle of Soma's sleeping rather rudely. A bit of guilt twisted in Itachi's gut. He really had been far too excited about this opportunity to realize they were probably crossing a boundary.

"Oddly enough I found Itachi in a similar position as you when encountering him this evening. Only he had his little brother clinging to him." Itachi immediately willed away his flush of embarrassment and tensed hearing a scuffling coming from down the hall.

They all immediately calmed noticing an older red-haired Uzumaki teen walking half asleep towards Soma who looked relieved.

The older man took the blonde babe away and though Soma didn't realize the older teen eyed the two of the Shinobi at the door. His gaze was heavy with threat, a warning from that singular look before taking the child and leaving.

Soma seemed oblivious to this and Kakashi who seemed amused tugged Itachi forward while Soma called a clone to attend to them while he moved deeper into the home.

While Soma was occupied Kakashi and he examined Soma's clone. It was solid but Itachi could barely tell they're was chakra put into the creation. He also didn't know where Soma would come up with the idea of a solid clone without an elemental attachment. Unless it was a shadow clone. Though neither had been taught how to create a shadow clone just yet.

When Soma returned Kakashi sensei immediately questioned Soma. That rubbed Itachi the wrong way. Soma was a good guy that worked hard for his clan, he didn't rush in to steal from the leaf.

Soma had dispelled the cone and explained that it was a wind clone. Itachi eyed Soma who was quick on the uptake and had dressed in his usual training attire, wearing actual hakama for once even if he didn't seem to enjoy the constricting material. Though Soma was talking about the danger of using wind clones and that took Itachi out of his ogling.

Itachi was fascinated, realizing that was probably why he had trouble trying to pinpoint the clone's creation.

Soma was just very inventive though that had to come with his clan's background. Uzumaki and their seals were dangerous because they were adventurous enough to create the destructive things their brains thought up.

Soma grimaced when Kakashi offered up the apprentice contact. For a moment panic set in as Itachi assumed he would deny the opportunity but Soma was soon signing and sealing the deal with blood like he had. Itachi still had his friend by his side at least and that uncurled the unease in his gut.

Kakashi pushed them both to the brink daily, missions and training were so all-consuming that Itachi almost missed it.

Soma began to distance himself from the Uchiha. It was subtle but the more Itachi pushed the harder Soma pulled.

They become jonnin in a blur of months and Kakashi's contract had stipulations.

Both Itachi and Soma were drafted into anbu.

Itachi was thrilled and Soma fought against the placements almost tooth and nail. It baffled Itachi, how could Soma not want to continue with Itachi?

Didn't he share that same comradeship, haven't they shared the same blood, sweat, and tears clawing their way into these positions? They were brothers in arms but here was Soma tugging away to carve out a dual life as a regular jonnin while still running himself through anbu.

Itachi didn't understand.

Soma was so skilled and talented that anbu captain Dragon took him under his wing. Practically allowing Soma free range to jump from team to team, from mission to mission with no problems. He was practically grooming Soma to take over his position but Soma stood resistant to it all.

Itachi got frustrated and left Soma on his own for the first time in a long time to sort himself out. He needed to understand he was skilled and needed here not as a face in the village when they were meant to kill.

That's how Itachi found himself ignoring Soma at social gatherings between clans. He showed up to Naruto's birthday party because no matter what he would not let his relationship with Soma affect Sasuke's and Naruto's friendship. Itachi stubbornly ignored Soma then, only catching a glimpse of Soma chatting with several clan heads, his father included before focusing entirely on his brother. It was how he acted in many social situations between the pair from then onwards.

When that party ended Itachi was made to go out in an anbu mission with Kakashi and their team. There was an ache at Soma for not seeking him out as he had in their past. Itachi had been so distracted he had gotten attacked while out on his mission and had to kill an unlucky kid that had even discovered them. They weren't allowed to have witnesses. It made Itachi sick and uncomfortable to have to live like this.

He needed Soma here but that bastard was refusing to stick permanently with Kakashi's team. He was letting Itachi bathe in the blood alone, drowning in it. Watching him suffer and turning a blind eye to it like everyone else did. Soma wasn't there and Itachi's emotional upheaval couldn't take this without him at his side like always. They finished the mission but Itachi just felt more hollow.

Several weeks later he was also dragged to the Hyuga lands after not seeing the redhead. His father had insisted they show up to the party and went out of his way to chat with Uzumaki Soma. The redhead just drew everyone to him like a moth to a flame. He couldn't help but glimpse at the petite teen on occasion at the Hyuga heiress's third birthday party.

Itachi felt like a man that had been on a deserted island and finally found fresh water in an oasis. He drank down Soma's appearance but refused to interact beyond what would be considered polite.

When a commotion occurred with the kids Itachi's blood had run cold. Sasuke came to mind and once he arrived slower than he would have normally but Itachi was injured from his latest run of missions. He arrived at a scene of Soma and Shikaku doing their best at calming the situation, keeping clan heads from attacking what appeared to be supposed political representation from Kumo.

Soma's people had already bound them all and sent word to the Hokage. It all happened in the blink of an eye. Sasuke had clung to Itachi tears dripping from his eyes and Itachi just held his brother tightly.

Grateful to Soma for being there, so Itachi forgave the redhead for something he shouldn't have had to deal with in the first place.

Itachi became busy once more with missions and never got a chance to see or talk to Soma until he was sent to retrieve him for the Hokage.

Their captain stayed back as it was only to ensure Soma was brought forth.

The team arrived and Itachi watched in awe. Soma was training Naruto? It was disguised as child's play but it was still training. He watched a blonde miniature version of his longtime friend run about blindfolded trying to find the pulse of power Soma sent his way.

Maybe this was why Soma fought so hard to have a life outside of anbu. When was the last time he saw Sasuke...or even his mother. Guilt was twisting in Itachi's gut at realizing he was essentially becoming a ghost to his loved ones.

Naruto found Soma and the redhead practically lit up with pride cooing to the child. Another Uzumaki came out of the home and Itachi felt a pang of jealousy as the older man teased Soma. This was Nagato, Soma's closest right-hand man. He had changed from a sickly-looking teen to a healthy-looking man.

Itachi eyed the red head that seemed to tower over Soma making him look even more petite and that gentle gaze Nagato aimed at Soma before taking Naruto away only stirred those ugly feelings once again.

Soma turned to the group as they pulsed chakra to obtain his attention. Soma ensured Naruto was safe before listening to what the anbu had come to ask.

He came with ease relinquishing his weapons and was escorted with no trouble to the Hokage.

When Soma spotted Danzo and two others from the civilian council he refused to engage with the Hokage in any details of what was needed until they left. Specifically, until Danzo left.

That put Itachi on alert. It was no secret that Soma knew things about the leaf that others would be hard-pressed to know. His astute observations of people led him to be the best at connecting with others and if it weren't for the fact that Soma lacked the desire he would be an astounding candidate for the next Hokage position. Soma might as well have been a budding spymaster with how well he got information. He was trained under Jiraya in recent years as the man visited frequently now that he was free to see Naruto. So if the budding spymaster didn't trust the old warmonger that was something to be focused on.

Danzo was not to be trusted under no uncertain terms and Itachi would be sure to pass word to his father and Suishi. They would be sure to police any interaction between him and their clan members.

"I will not trust one of Danzo's dogs in the room either." Soma spoke suddenly as the civilian council was made to leave. Shock jolted Itachi and Soma's gaze was steadfastly aimed at a hidden panel. Two other anbu moved and pulled the false anbu out. The man had a blank white mask confusing Itachi.

Though the Hokage's face was twisted in actual rage, that was unexpected.

Once the hidden man was taken away and things settled Soma was offering information about the next mission. Even putting himself up to play as an entertainer.

The jealous twisting in his gut was making him sick.

It died when Soma spoke of his past growing up some odd years in the red light district...only having bleak options for a future. Itachi never really asked about Soma's past but with the almost heartbroken expression on the redhead's face at the memories, Itachi wished he had pressed more.

To find out Soma was trained as a Taikomochi was something that shocked him. Itachi wondered who taught the redhead the way of the Shinobi then. Those two paths rarely crossed but it did explain why Soma knew the art of seduction. They moved past the information and moved on so Soma could state his conditions to take on a long-term mission during Naruto's early development.

Naruto's training was critical and important to Soma, especially since Naruto had the unpredictable addition of the nine-tailed demon.

Soma was unflinching against the Hokage, it was a necessity that Naruto continue his training even Itachi could see that. The boy's chakra would corrode him, eat him alive should he leave it. He would never achieve full stability with his chakra had Soma not begun such training. It was just good training that even clan children could be taught versions of.

Hiruzen and Kakashi held some strange doubt and animosity when it came to Soma training the jinchuriki. Soma didn't even flinch or seem offended by their need for assurance.

Itachi was even made to confirm that it was safe, disguised as playing, and truly seemed to ease the boy's turbulent chakra as it was.

That soothed the room and Shisui was offered up as a trainer since he was injured and Nagato, Soma's second in command would need to run the clan in his absence.

They even added on a chunnin to ensure the Uzumaki heir got his educational needs seen to as well.

Soma accepted and Itachi was bound and determined to be part of the team that pretend to be his patrons.

The month passed by slowly and when Itachi found himself in that uncomfortable disguise he had been unprepared for the beautiful sight Soma had made.

When Itachi watched a disguised Soma dance and move with such beautiful controlled power and seduction he forgot for a moment that he was here for a mission. He could see Soma truly had studied to become a Taikomochi and would have probably been successful had he not found a passion for becoming a Shinobi. It was surreal to realize that had Soma not turned to the ninja way they would have never met.

That made his world tilt to even have to picture that scenario.

Itachi's breath had caught for a moment and he realized he was in love with Soma Uzumaki. The same man that seemed to not harbor any emotion romantic or otherwise to any but Naruto and those of his clan.

Itachi couldn't dwell on his heartbreak as soon they had to move. He focused on the mission to distract him.

It was refreshing to put a name to those festering feelings he had sat on for so long. Watching Soma who acted disinterested in conversation shoot ahead of them made that twisting in his gut blowback full force.

Itachi took the initiative from then on. Taking a few steps from anbu to seek out Soma to repair their bond. If he was going to get the redhead to look at him with anything akin to romance he would have to build that foundation back up.

He spent time with his family and Itachi realized this was why Soma seemed much more maintained than he was. Itachi was reminded daily of why he fought so hard and put himself through hell.

He wanted Sasuke and his world to remain safe and finally, he could breathe again.

Then suddenly Danzo and several Uchiha and civilians were caught in a scandal. His father came forth and apologized before they handed over the traitorous elders that had the nerve to try to undermine the clan head's words. Punishment was rolled out and it was like peace washed over his clan for the first time in such a long time.

Not long after Kakashi stepped down as captain and Itachi took over. Soma helped with his missions more since they were missing a member and that made his heart ache with want.

Days slipped by comfortably and Soma grew close to other Shinobi clans. His personality drew them all to him and his intelligence and charisma kept them fascinated.

He was everything Itachi was not... how he could lead his people from the get-go so effortlessly. Itachi knew he lacked that skill, that drive. The burden of others' lives on one's shoulders made him ill but for Soma, he thrived in it.

He was meant to lead to bond to unite those around him. Itachi envied that easy candor but enjoyed and basked when it was aimed his way. Soma was devoted to Naruto in this timeframe, his attention only aimed at the boy and building his clan back up. There was no room for much else in Soma's heart at that moment. He ignored any warm glances or was truly oblivious to Itachi's gentle advances.

He didn't want to pressure or overwhelm Soma with his emotions when they had such a tentative friendship as it was. The Uchiha doubted he could handle it well if Soma hated him.

Itachi was comfortable keeping this peace between them just so he could siphon off any attention from Soma. It was how he realized Kakashi was in love with the beautiful redhead as well.

Itachi's stomach twisted when their former senpai would gaze at him. When his casual touches for the Uzumaki leader would linger or become a bit excessive. Kakashi himself knew Itachi's feelings long before probably Itachi even had. Yet still fell under the thrall of Soma Uzumaki.

They both stood on this chasm, this unspoken spectrum with Soma. If he was the only one blind to it they both silently accepted it. Neither Kakashi nor Itachi pushed for more. Not for a lack of feelings but they both knew neither could survive the rejection.

Soma was their shared world, they only could breathe really because of him. He had no expectations, no ulterior motives. He was simple, just happy to be involved with those that sought him out.

It burned Itachi to be so close to him and yet made to keep his feelings always in check. He ached to just hold Soma, embrace that beauty once. He could die without regret if he could.

He ached in want. The craving to taste the red heads lips was almost overwhelming but Itachi persevered.

Then Soma spoke of stepping down from being in anbu and teaching. Soma loved to shatter Itachi and test their bonds it would seem.

It was insane, it was stupid to throw away his longtime career to teach! Soma had to have been having a moment of idiocy.

They had been working so damn hard to get to where they were and to now throw away all that skill and talent and even Itachi. Cause that's what it was, he was throwing away the chance to have the Uchiha's back. People fought and coveted the position in his team, to be at his side to gain his favor but Soma seemed to take it for granted.

Itachi felt the betrayal and it stung, burned him, and shoved him away till he drowned himself back into his anbu work.

Soma avoided him and he went out of his way to do the same. Itachi would have continued to do exactly that had he not gotten injured and been forced to take a break from anbu to become Soma's teaching assistant while he recovered. It had been years and it felt like he had found his oasis again when seeing Soma after so long without him.

Soma had changed and Itachi was standing in unsteady ground because of that revelation.

Itachi had marveled at how beautiful the man had become. Itachi himself had changed growing taller now towering over Soma himself. It didn't distract from how lovely Soma had become. From the delicate makeup to the teasing bites of skin, even to his impassive gaze that only held a sultry stare of deep blue seas.

He was now more biting and swift. As shown when scolding Sakura for her lack of control when snipping at Naruto. The blonde boy was already proving to be a trained Uzumaki in fuinjutsu.

Itachi had watched impassively seeing familiar swirls and lines the blonde set up for a prank. He only recalled as Soma had used versions of these to mess with villagers who wrought his ire for messing with Naruto.

On occasion, Soma tweaked those same seals to decimate unsuspecting Shinobi. He missed the stubborn, foolish redhead. That familiarity of working at his side and knowing someone had his back.

When Kakashi drew the three of them away and the pair shared a short confrontation, Soma only talked back this was not an appropriate time to air out grievances.

Itachi agreed but he was just as surprised as Kakashi when they spotted a nervous-looking Naruto peak over the side of the building.

As Naruto settled into the ground Itachi took notice of the warmth the redhead had when looking at the blonde.

They were so close. When was the last time he and Sasuke had shared a moment? A time when Itachi could look upon his brother proudly because he mastered something he had endeavored to teach him. His time spent with his brother had been artificial and short.

Then after the other genin had joined the group was impressed with Naruto's bold declaration and devotion to Soma. That bond, Itachi didn't help but feel jealous that his brother and he didn't share that same kinship.

Itachi truly was an utter fool and he needed to apologize to Soma for such.

Soma didn't dream to take anything bad blood to heart and that eased the festering feelings Itachi had sat on this entire time.

He could only love the forgiving redhead that never ceased to surprise him.

T.D.O.T.

Kakashi eyed the newest additions to the leaf. Uzumaki they were but Kakashi was very wary of their intentions. He was hidden in the corner of the Hokage's office watching amused as Jiraya of the Sannin crashed inside carrying a struggling young boy.

That glimmering flash of red was unmistakably Uzumaki. The colors of glimmering rubies seemed to reflect off the boy and it was almost distracting that Kakashi had almost missed the menagerie of people that trailed behind Jiaraiya and the cursing child.

Kakashi was fascinated watching the boy pluck off seals as if they were just paper taped to him. In a movement so fast it made Kakashi's head boggle the boy had painted and glittered Jiraya and turned to face the Hokage.

The kid was gutsy and held himself as if he were a grown adult. None of the others in his party argued against a word the child said even if he could tell there was a tenseness and longing coming from the people huddled behind the child seeking refuge.

Soma Uzumaki was their leader, his word was absolute and Kakashi had no doubt the kid would do great things. Watching the Uzumaki kid fight for equal footing with the Hokage proved the boy was only seeking to better things for his people and that was something Kakashi could respect.

Soma flinched and turned to the door confusing Kakashi until he heard the soft whimpers coming from a newborn babe. Then the door opened.

Kakashi's heart stopped as one of the anbu guarding Naruto came inside the room freezing at the killer intent Kakashi aimed their way for daring to bring his sensei's son before strangers. Kakashi watched as the Uzumaki people shared a gasp when looking at the child and Kakashi himself withheld his own surprise.

The newborn and Soma looked very similar despite the differences in coloring.

They even shared the same whisker markings and the explanation as to why and what it meant made Kakashi's stomach twist. They were the perfect vessels and it made Kakashi wonder if it was well known did Soma himself have something sealed within him like Naruto.

Kakashi wondered but soon focused as the newborn was taken away and Soma Uzumaki seemed like he was defeated agreeing to join the leaf and share some of his knowledge. All because he knew there was another Uzumaki in the village.

The boy was smart and did his best to keep what control he had over the situation even bartering for a chance for Naruto to be raised as a clan orphan rather than living in the orphanage himself. They all knew there would be a waiting period while the clan home was built on their desired plot of land but Soma Uzumaki and his people gave up their Uzu headbands and traded them for the leaf.

When they were gone Kakashi felt a glimmer of hope take hold. Maybe Naruto would get a happy childhood instead of the bleak one he had been barred from intervening in.

It would be several weeks later when Kakashi would hear of Soma again. The little boy had been a force to be reckoned with, a prodigy of Uzumaki blood. Yet Hiruzen didn't utilize him. Soma was made a genin, put on a team, and shipped off to inspire the next generation.

He was assigned to watch over the kid and his clan while Naruto was only brought to them for visiting. Yet there was nothing they ever did that made them seem out of the ordinary. Soma was a normal kid, more put together than Kakashi was, and took to Naruto and his needs as if he were tuned in to the infant's mind.

Soma was definitely a prodigy though, more held together than any other before him though.

The kid created seal after seal and learned jutsu as if it were as easy as breathing. Learned at alarming rates and just was unruffled about anything. Jiraiya was also impressed with parting knowledge on the boy when given the opportunity.

Soma just took everything around him and made it work. The kid was flawless, his only weakness being that he cared greatly for his people and now Naruto was one of those people. That blinded him from having those bonds as the boy hesitated to progress.

Kakashi though unsure felt this was a safe space for Naruto to grow up in. Soma protected the babe fiercely and worked tirelessly day and night to establish his clan and create a safe haven for those to be of the Uzumaki clan.

To watch a child eighty years younger than he accomplish this all was...humbling.

Kakashi cared very little for the lives around him or the bonds he created, the only thing keeping him going was Naruto. Yet even then the boy was now well taken care of with no need for a man like him to darken his doorstep.

It didn't mean he could give up the boy though.

So Kakashi watched and observed until the Hokage trusted the people enough and allowed Naruto to remain with the clan. It was all moving so fast for Kakashi.

Soma though stayed consistent despite it all. Working hard for his people and doing all he could to raise Naruto himself.

Kakashi was pulled from observation to attend to missions once more as their lack of manpower in anbu was becoming an issue. So he could only hear bits and pieces of Soma Uzumaki and surprisingly Itachi Uchiha. The two had become the talk of the anbu and Jonnin towers. The two boys were being held back, doing great feats, and showcasing outstanding teamwork.

He ate up any information about the boys. Itachi, Naruto but especially Soma. His levelheaded traits in battle were the opposite of his oblivious but stern nature. The boy kept himself almost alienated while still keeping social decorum and relationships intact. He never bonded above surface level unless they were part of his precious people. Yet he had such a devotion to the village to fight and protect and serve so viciously at his young age.

Kakashi had tried to cross paths with Soma hoping to officially get to know the Uzumaki leader. Though every time he tried the boy would bolt in the other direction, almost taunting him. Soma Uzumaki knew well that it was Kakashi who was notorious. Though by which reputation the boy avoided that was to be a question he would learn sooner or later.

The boy refused to interact with Kakashi and with how stiff the boy acted it most likely had to do with Kakashi's more than questionable habits. He even went so far as to drag away his just as impressive teammate Itachi when he tried to cross their paths before they took part in the chunnin exams. The last Hatake huffed and figured he would just need to take him by surprise after obtaining the Hokage's permission.

So Kakashi watched and waited gleefully when the duo was allowed into the chunnin exams. Kakashi was a man obsessed with watching the monitors, tracking them all the way until they reached the tower impressively fast.

Kakashi was eager to get one if not both of these young Shinobi as apprentices.

He watched the duo grimace when they were faced with their surprised sensei at the end and given the opportunity to rest up.

Itachi took this chance to sleep and Soma and he kept to themselves when others would join them through the days. Soma who was always social and friendly was quiet and subdued keeping Itachi at his side until the final test came about. Kakashi was Disappointed as so few passed this exam. They would only get to observe the boys once before the decision of making then chunnin would come up.

He wondered distantly which boy he would take in to train.

Their final exams began and Kakashi could no longer ponder on it.

Both boys showed forethought, aptitude, and battle strategy. Two prodigy's in their own right taking down those twice their size and age.

Kakashi had only intended on taking on one of the boys but could not choose one talent over the other. They were both going to be his to mold as the thought of someone else ruining this raw talent and wasting it made his blood boil.

He eagerly told the Hokage they were his at that moment.

He only had to decide how to obtain both boys as apprentices. Soma seemed stubborn and wished for nothing to do with him but he had a chink in his armor that wasn't his clan.

Itachi.

Kakashi plotted for a brief moment and narrowed down a plan to sign On Itachi as an apprentice first. Sneaking past the Uchiha on patrol was simple enough he going himself soon staring down a surprised and newly minted chunnin.

A boy was far too similar to not be his brother clinging to the ten-year-old. Convincing the Uchiha to become his apprentice was simple. Kakashi had been glad as when he faced down the boy's redheaded counterpart the boy was nearly ready to slam the door in his face.

He didn't know what he did to receive such hostility from Naruto's guardian but the boy barely looked him in the eye if he could help it.

He soaked in the immediate talent the boy had. Fascinated by his wind clone and wishing he had thought to copy the technique but was more focused on questioning the boy about his motives and methods himself. He had been rude and worried for a brief moment he thought he lost the boy and Soma would refuse to sign his contract.

Though Soma did sign up to be his apprentice as well and Kakashi put the boys through hell and back. Amused when Soma would fight him kicking and screaming when he made the kid complete anbu training.

It was in his contract and Soma had read and willingly signed it.

His two proteges were Jonnin in no time and drafted into anbu shortly afterward. Soma himself was at ease with everything once settled. The boy took the abuse of continuous missions and assassination missions naturally.

Like nothing phased him and despite Kakashi worrying about the now twelve-year-old the boy was in better mental shape than most anbu. He was leagues healthier of the mind than him, even after his first kill.

Soma carved a life in the village when not on anbu or jonnin missions. Talented enough that Dragon himself was grooming the redhead who meshed from team to team.

Kakashi was twenty when he first thought Soma was beautiful. Amused mostly by how his little redhead used that beauty and effeminate energy to pull enemies into a trap or obtain information.

Kakashi had been stunned when the Uzumaki leader had offered to showcase as a Taikomochi. A bit horrified to find that was one of the bleak options for the boy to grow up to be. The boy proved he had a talent in things other than Shinobi life.

Kakashi retired from anbu when both boys were thirteen. He was twenty-one and did as Soma did. Carved a life out for himself.

When Soma was fifteen and protectively caring for Naruto Kakashi's admiration for him only grew deeper. Kakashi could see that Soma would lay down his life for the blonde there was no selfishness in that redhead. That devotion was something that drew Kakashi as he could understand it.

The silent drive and self-confidence and altogether skill of keeping himself sane. Kakashi truly envied him for that last skill alone.

At twenty-three he realized he was in love with a boy eight years his junior. How did he cope with it, he flirted relentlessly with Soma so the redhead would never take his words seriously. Soma groaned at Kakashi's over-the-top groping and flirting now because to Soma Kakashi was just teasing him, not really meaning it.

Kakashi buried himself in his books and lingered on the hope that Soma would never find out. Kakashi the friend killer wasn't something he wanted Soma tied to. Nor did he want to be the cause of Soma's demise.

He was still horrified when he disappeared with Jiraya suddenly not returning for a long time.

No word or hint of where he was. Naruto seemed to be cared for but Soma was just gone.

Kakashi didn't like that feeling of unease. Then Soma returned, somehow even more beautiful.

His willowy frame dodged him and Itachi at every turn until he was through making his rounds. Soma had left only to return to them determined and changed.

When Kakashi finally caught him Soma delivered a devastating blow. It was like he had been in a haze until he and Itachi caught up to him finally. Then Soma decided to destroy their bond suddenly. Itachi was holding the redhead asking him not to leave them again.

"Yeah, well I'm going to be strictly homebound for the foreseeable future." Soma pulled away from Itachi's grip and it made Kakashi feel as if something unforgivable was about to be spoken. "It was part of my deal with the Hokage. I'm planning on helping to adjust the shinobi curriculum and have all the teams train under a team leader once a week. I will be working closely with the academy and genin instructors for a bit." Soma spoke and Kakashi felt sucker punched.

"That is a waste of your skills." Kakashi felt regret upon saying those words at Soma's bitter expression. He couldn't take them back, Soma had so much talent and skill. He had the fortitude to be the greatest, the absolute best of them all even better than Kakashi. He could do this all and still hold himself together. Soma could be there for when Naruto needed guidance, cause that boy would be eventually made into a weapon as all other Shinobi villages did. The only thing keeping anyone at Bay was Soma's power and reputation, his standing kept people from all the bad that lurked just outside their doorstep.

Didn't he understand that. This would stall him, and his career and make others in the village mock him. The heavy burden of being a prodigy would bring mockery on him and Kakashi didn't want that for Soma. He didn't want Soma to drown under that pressure, feared it even.

Couldn't bare any thoughts of others looking down on Soma. Not after all he's sacrificed to get to where he was today.

The kids had too much to lose here and Kakashi didn't exactly have any way to protect him. Kakashi's reputation had been shit for years, ever since his father killed himself. Every since Obito died and gave up his eye. Since Rin used him to kill herself. Since Minato died on him. Since Itachi drowned in sorrow and blood under his command.

Soma was the only thing left untouched by his sullied hands. He couldn't protect his ranking in the forces if he went off teaching.

Soma didn't hear him or Itachi though. With that the redhead closed himself off to them.

Kakashi felt numb again.

Live moved like a blur only coming into focus in moments.

He still saw Naruto in the village but was ignored by Soma in passing at meetings. The redhead disappeared otherwise.

Soma came back into his life and it was like he could breathe again. With him he obtained his sensei's son as one of his students.

Kakashi was astounded by how advanced the boy was and how similar he took after Soma. It was like looking into the past though Naruto was oddly more childish than Soma had been at that age. There was still naivety and innocence in that child. Naruto had talent but what he lacked was a bloodthirsty drive. An understanding of what life and death situations could mean for those around you. Sasuke was the same and Sakura the only girl of the bunch was wearing rose-colored lenses when it came to Shinobi life.

Soma though, he had changed.

Beauty, grace and patience. He had been made to teach and it sickened Kakashi to admit to it even to himself. The boy though was just a natural leader and that in itself was what made it so simple.

Diligent in his duties and progressive in his methods.

Still Kakashi's talented little killer came back with a shroud of mysterious and new skills at hand to be used. Soma became so much more dangerous and Kakashi felt the ache to lord over his red-haired Uzumaki it was nearly overwhelming.

Kakashi was in love all over again and he let himself fall.

T.D.O.T.

Soma felt uncomfortable under the harsh light after so long staying in. He was watching over Naruto and Sasuke spar the two only allowed to practice taijutsu. Sakura was being put through drills to help her catch up to their stamina and strengthen her body.

Sasuke would have to go through chakra control exercises with Sakura while Naruto was drilled with Geinjutsu training with Itachi.

It was always surprising to everyone around Soma that geinjutsu was his area of weakness. Soma could detect and dispel them but casting one was entirely out of his skill set. Hell, he could only do what he could because he was a bijuu container.

Though Naruto was like Soma, a close combat specialist that has a nearly endless supply of chakra. Soon Soma would need to pull aside Jiraya and they would need to go over Naruto and his sage training.

Jiraya had spent many days staring at Soma's face and Naruto's a touch too long as of late. He made a point of it before letting Soma know he would be off for a while. He would return around the chunnin exams in several months' time. Oddly he was the only one to really eye the pair like that and Soma found that fascinating.

Jiraya was a man that remembered details, small tidbits that created the bonds of those around him.

They would cross that bridge when they got there though.

Soma called for everyone to change activities and settled back with Kakashi who was preparing the obstacle course he created for the kids. Itachi had flinched seeing the traps set out and Soma tried to hide his snort at all the humiliating pranks set out through the course.

The redhead was more or less keeping all the rookie nine on track with training. Shikamaru had been motivated with his first encounter well enough to realize that he had chosen the path of a Shinobi and there was no time to slack when you're just starting out.

Soma just sighed and dodged Kakashi's arm that tried to snake around his waist. A single blue eye opened to size up his once upon a Sensei. Kakashi seemed to have finished the obstacle course and was reading one of Jiraya's perverted books. The redhead snorted and went back to quietly contemplating the current events in his life.

"Soma Chan you look so pretty when you worry." Kakashi stubbornly wrapped his arm around Soma's narrow waist and gazed over his book at the redhead.

Soma's hair was free and unbound only glimmering like ruby stones in the sunlight. His pale face was turned upward towards the sun but his eyes were closed shut. Today he wore a beautiful vermilion kimono that showed his small shoulders off and Kakashi knew would show off a lot of leg when Soma moved about.

Uzumaki Soma was eye-catching in every way. It was difficult for Kakashi to keep his hands to himself. Especially since Nagato was so grabby with his clan head. Kakashi wasn't jealous he just found it unfair to be left out.

"When are you going to finally throw caution to the wind and marry your dear old Sensei Soma Chan? I'm not getting any younger." Soma groaned at Kakashi's mocking flirtation.

"Go fall off a cliff and die pervert." Soma huffed and shrugged off Kakashi's hand that had slipped down and cupped his ass. The Uzumaki leader walked over observing Naruto trying to break out of one of Itachi's lower-powered geinjutsu.

Itachi was focused on watching Naruto and taking the boy's training seriously. Soma crouched down and eyed his blonde hair who frowned and seemed to shake off the illusion with some unease.

His light blue gaze blinked looking between Soma and Itachi who now aimed his attention toward the crouched redhead's very exposed skin. Itachi's red gaze seemed to travel hungrily along Soma's body and Naruto held back a snicker.

He could even see Kakashi sensei staring like he always did when he thought no one was watching.

Soma had a lot of admirers but had remained single and devoted to the clan and ensuring that the leaf trained the future generations appropriately. Naruto always wondered if Soma even noticed his crazy fangirls and guys. Soma wasn't close to anyone really though, just Nagato and himself.

It always made even Naruto suspect that maybe Soma's and Nagato's relationship was more than what they said. Though the mischievous glint in Nagato's eyes every time he was openly affectionate in front of Soma's fans made the blonde doubt there was anything romantic between them. Nagato was probably doing that for fun and Soma was just an affectionate person. Eyeing Kakashi and Itachi's expressions made Naruto almost pity them...almost.

Itachi turned back to Naruto and the two began training again letting all those thoughts flutter in the wind.

Soma stood and went to observe Sasuke and Sakura in their training. Sakura had learned the wall walking technique quickly but was now being made to build her stamina while tree climbing.

Sasuke had begrudgingly asked Sakura for some tips but Naruto refused until Sasuke played nice with Sakura.

Soma had been proud of his younger counterpart for using such a tactic. Everyone knew exactly how stubborn Sasuke could be and right now the boy still had not changed his opinion on the pinkett.

Naruto was willing to work with her but Sakura in turn openly expressed irritation with him. This team had a long way to go in terms of teamwork but their practical and theoretical skills were spectacular.

Soma felt a burst of memories return to him it seemed team eight was done for the day as his clone had dissipated. Soma cataloged the memories and it seemed to have Ibiki help oversee their practice was really helping with Hinata's mental fortitude.

Soma was pleased as he knew the head of T. I would be a great mentor to bring the girl out of her shell while curbing Kiba's overly excitable personality, all while not forgetting to include and bring in Shino for equal participation.

He had selected each mentor specifically for each team. He knew Hinata had a lot of insecurities with her clan even despite Soma's interference with their structure. A lot of pressure was on her to hold up to their standard and currently, she was unsure and doubted herself due to her younger sister having an easier time taking to their clan-style kata.

Kiba was brash and had difficulty seeing beyond his scope of skills. Ibiki would mold him to really stop and observe a bit before barreling into any situation that he was known to do. The interrogator had a real specialty for breaking people down and building them up to use their quirks as a well-built mask.

Shino needed to understand his limitations and how his team filled in for him to cover those limitations. Shino wasn't arrogant but he was often forgotten and used to working alone rather than within a team. This adjustment would be difficult at first as he had trouble connecting with his team and others. Ibiki's knowledge about the human mind would be useful for the factual fanatic.

Kurenai had been relieved to have the extra help especially since she was a newly appointed jonnin.

Soma focused back on team seven. Sasuke had finally stuck to the tree and was freely running trying to imprint the memory of chakra control in his head. Sakura was balanced but running up and down the tree for building up chakra stamina. Naruto seemed to be able to break out of geinjutsu much more easier than he had the last several.

Finally, Kakashi called the team to break and Soma knew they'd be running his obstacle course before being made to take on D ranks which both Itachi and Soma would not be part of.

The kids needed to understand that despite Soma's and Itachi's presence during training they were not leading them through missions for team seven. The only concession would be their first C-rank mission would be accompanied by Soma. Not the secondary instructors though as Soma was already one person too many.

Hiruzen had been pleased as it meant extra eyes to oversee the kid's first time away from the village.

There were so few Shinobi teams that passed each year as only a few each year were even trained enough out determined enough to continue onward. Most others were taken on as apprentices so it wasn't like they would lack in Shinobi.

Soma absentmindedly began to think. Hiruzen always staggered C ranks for gennin teams. Team seven would be first, as Kakashi would be insulted otherwise. Team Ten would be next was Shikamaru and Asuma would wish to test the waters after Naruto's return and eager boasting would annoy the Nara heir till he took on a mission. Then team eight as Kiba would be practically snarling that they were falling behind.

Soma knew despite the changes the kids were still very similar personality-wise. Even Naruto who was currently stuffing his face with the bento Yahiko had made him that morning.

His younger counterpart despite all the changes in his life still has that same stubborn, and overeager personality. Some things you adjusted over time or with age and maturity, others through hardship. Other than the clan Naruto was still ignored or scorned by civilians and Shinobi alike.

Soma couldn't hover around him and he needed to form his own thoughts and mindsets about the village and its people. Naruto was different from him not raised in dire circumstances. Though it didn't mean the boy was blind and shared no hardship.

It was the same with this Sasuke who hadn't grown up an avenger haunted by the death of his entire clan. Yet somehow the boy still lived in the shadow that was Itachi.

They were all changing and Soma hoped for the better.

The Uzumaki head felt another burst of memories from another of his clones that observed team Ten. Genma had a good handle on how to motivate the team. The guy was quite used to pushing teammates who were reluctant or lazy into training. His motivating factor was finding one's weakness and exploiting it.

Ino's rivalry with Sakura and even Hinata spurned the girl into action. Choji was motivated by Genma bribing him with a promised snack. Though he would have to really put his all into the training session for Genma to concede as the man had a stubborn will that would not be won over if he thought you didn't mean it. Shikamaru was blackmailed as Genma knew the boy would be mortified if Sasuke or worse Naruto got Shikamaru's naked baby pictures.

How Genma obtained that was something even Soma was unaware of. The guy had his resources and knew how to get the results he wanted.

Asuma had been impressed and pleased that the kids had been working so hard.

Kakashi called the team to run his course and Itachi came to Soma's side.

"You've been pretty quiet today." Itachi spoke eyeing the redhead who snickered when Sasuke and Naruto both got smacked in the face with mud.

The Uzumaki head shrugged before watching Sakura hesitate and then helped both boys scrape the mud off their faces.

"I'm thinking up a regiment for their next group training." Suna watched fascinated as Naruto sent out several shadow clones to disrupt or disarm traps. Sasuke and Sakura covered him since Kakashi decided he was going to pelt them with rocks.

Both Itachi and Soma flinched at the sight of that infinite rock bag. They remembered that from their time of Kakashi's apprenticeship. Sakura got hit with a well-timed water jutsu and the kids were off running through the course and away from Kakashi's rocks.

"I swear that sadistic sensei enjoys this part of training the most." Soma spoke exasperated and Itachi hummed in agreement. Both recalled their short time as chunnin and now Soma felt team seven would be running full sprint to becoming jonnin now.

The redhead felt eyes on him and glanced over to Itachi. His gaze was hazy just entirely fascinated by the site of smooth skin on his shoulders. Itachi as of late had been eyeing Soma to the point that the redhead was as oblivious as he was noticed. Itachi really was besotted with Soma despite all the years and pain they wrought into each other.

It was strange to find out but Soma had more observational skill than he had in his past. He wasn't naive as many speculated. Having been in Jiraya's perverted tutelage was bound to have given him some insight into the world of sex.

Soma used seduction as a skill because he knew firsthand it worked. Sensuality got you information even if you hadn't meant for it to be given away. Kakashi and Itachi both reacted in different ways but both have away so much information by just their reactions alone.

Kakashi had been embarrassingly easy to figure out as Soma had known the man personally in his past. Kakashi only acted like a cheap flirt to those he liked. The guy had a complex a mile long of why he felt he hadn't deserved happiness and Soma played along until he knew what to do with the information.

Right now he had to focus so begrudgingly he pushed his discoveries to the side focusing back on the gennin.

Itachi had caught something and rushed to Kakashi to give commentary.

That was why Hiruzen had insisted on Itachi being this team's secondary sensei. Itachi was amazingly observant and ensured those around him corrected their mistakes or worked to cover them. He was great at helping free minds with little foundation and even better at pushing those with great foundations into soaring heights.

Sasuke obviously trusted his brother and the man led him down the right path giving a detailed understanding of simple training exercises that normally took the younger Uchiha days to complete. Sasuke had difficulties the first time with chakra control exercises but with Sakura's advice and Itachi's guidance, he figured it out swiftly.

Sakura was given logical and detailed explanations and rundowns on Shinobi life. How the things they train for and their bodies are now no longer their own. They were Shinobi first and foremost and Itachi pushed the girl into expanding herself further each day and keeping herself healthy to keep up.

Naruto though wary of the older Uchiha took to his advice as he had worked so long at Soma's side that it was the easiest to find where Naruto lagged behind. Naruto was Soma's carbon copy in technique and Itachi already had helped Soma improve on his own. It was simple to watch Naruto's tells and expand on how to improve those to break off geinjutsu was the best they could do but Itachi was determined to ensure Naruto made up for it by precision in all other aspects.

Itachi knew how to work with teams as diverse as team seven and Soma knew the Hokage had been right.

Soma hummed to himself as though falling into a meditative trance. Karuma grinned down at his companion and Soma just settled at his side.

His bijuu was Naruto's other half and Soma needed to get the boy some training to connect to his version of the chakra entity.

Though it mostly consisted of Soma first teaching Naruto meditation. They would delve deeper after Jiraya and Naruto started their own training before the chunnin exams.

Soma just needed a moment away from the world his Karuma offered peace and comfort. It wasn't long maybe only a few minutes at most. It helped ease his troubled thoughts and Soma found himself blinking back at Naruto's gentle call several moments later.

Soma smiled at his Naru who was smiling brightly and a bit dirty from practice. Soma henpecked the boy cleaning his face snickering as Itachi did the same with Sasuke. Sakura was trying to hide her giggles as Kakashi kept muttering by her side.

Soma was glad he came back.

T.D.O.T

Soma lay unconcerned being dragged into the missions office dramatically several weeks later. Nagato had let slip that team seven would not be allowed an outside or C-rank mission unless Soma gave approval.

Honestly, Soma approved three weeks back as team seven had powered through forty-seven D ranks but it had not been time for their fated wave mission.

So the Uzumaki head had avoided capture by the frustrated gennin team until this morning. Naruto practically tackled him with Sasuke's help and they dragged the reluctant Soma to the office. Hiruzen was amused as it was the second time he'd seen the red-headed Uzumaki dragged into his office. Last time he had been but a child struggling in Jiraya's arms and cussing up a storm.

This time he was carried in by Naruto clones scoffing and mocking his clan heir and the Uchiha's honorable secondborn. Seals practically covered the redhead who was easily plucking them off and Sasuke was helping Naruto by jumping back and forth slapping pre-made seals onto the redhead to keep him stationary. Kakashi eyed them all amused and helped Sasuke place seals on the older unamused Uzumaki. Hiruzen snickered seeing Hatake's hands linger a touch too long here and there.

Soma snorted when all the gennin of team seven happily said that Soma thought they were ready for a C-rank mission. The redhead huffed and in a blur of movement the seals all fell off his body harmlessly and he stood up. Naruto groaned and Sasuke scowled. Sakura just looked nervous and hopeful. Soma merely brushed lingering red stands of hair out of his face before moving away from Naruto's grabby hands.

"If you lot had not been so impatient I would have let you know the Hokage and I already agreed to hand you brats a C rank." Soma pouted despite team seven's immediate enthusiasm. Even Sakura looked eager in an instant.

That eagerness died the second their client stumbled in drunkenly. Tazuna was just like Soma remembered. Naruto was called a little girl and the blonde snarled at Sasuke who snickered.

All in all a good day.

Though early the next morning when Soma was holding his parasol awaiting their client he had a blurb of guilt settle in.

He had almost forgotten about the wave mission and all its implications. Things would finally be picking up from here on out and Naruto would grow up fast and this time right.

Soma wore a traveling kimono with the colors of green leaves. His parasol was made to match and the hidden blade was luckily interchangeable.

Soma would be disguised as a Paramore to the client. It was so there was an extra layer of protection with a hidden Shinobi amongst them.

He had worn his hair long and unbound looking every bit as demurely as his act would allow. Truly Soma appeared to be a companion of the night.

Naruto was wearing a kimono the color of autumn leaves tucked into black traveling hakama. The blonde had his hair braided and was still learning how to use his hidden blade parasol so it was sealed away. He did have his war fan tucked into his waist, regular Shinobi weapons along with his pack strapped to his back.

Sasuke was wearing the dark blues of his clan poking at Naruto's hakama cause like Soma the boy loathes wearing them. Sakura was eyeing Naruto and then Soma looking almost astounded at the duality they both had.

Kakashi finally arrived checked the team's packs and they were off.

Soma played his part clinging to their client's side keeping the conversation light and teasing.

The kids directed questions back and forth and Soma felt the slap of memories nearly overwhelming. He pulled his thoughts back when he spotted the puddle of water far off in the distance keeping his expression hidden under his parasol but signaling Kakashi.

Kakashi wanted him to keep back and protect the client only to observe and Soma nearly rolled his eyes. Of course.

They crossed past the puddle and once Kakashi was in range action burst forth. Chains threatened to wrap around the jonnin but Soma knew the man substituted himself last minute.

The boys spun into action, Naruto stomping down on a chain that aimed towards the client was stopped short. Sasuke had already pinned one of the demon brothers in a tangle of chains. Sakura had fallen back to help cover their client as they were two opponents. She even raised a small wall of earth to cover their blind spot in case anyone else was lurking.

Naruto twisted with his war fan and jumped out and struck the demon brother. A thin line of red proved the blonde had cut the man.

Soma wondered what Naruto had done as the assailant the boy faced faltered stumbled and tangled the chain around his own feet.

Sasuke used this chance to kick the stumbling one head-first into the other and both were promptly knocked out.

Soma whistled and Kakashi came out of the bushes impressed. Then turned his blazing gaze on Tazuna while Soma set about tying up and calling forth a summons to deliver the bound men back to the leaf village.

Kakashi had interrogated their client and oddly no resistance came when Naruto insisted on continuing on with the mission. Soma tuned it out having already heard this all before.

Kakashi had tugged the blonde Uzumaki over to ask why the demon brother he faced became so strange and the boy chuckled.

"Aunty Azumi is a poison expert, I used a hallucinogen and always coat my main weapons with it unless we're practicing but it won't kill him. She's been teaching me this stuff since I was three." Soma snorted at Kakashi's dumbfounded expression. Itachi had already been teaching Sasuke the same as Naruto hadn't shut up about it on their playdates when they were kids.

Sakura was learning it from both boys currently as they had wanted her to be mindful of their weapons. Kakashi was probably flabbergasted that they had bothered to learn such things. His team was the future combat specialist group, at least that's what he trained them towards.

It was all so different that it snowed the redhead. He was changing things even if he didn't change it all there were still things he could do.

Soma followed the group this time at a distance as he knew nothing would happen until after they crossed the river.

His mind was focused and he watched the kids settle into their roles as Shinobi of the leaf.

Pride was an unfamiliar emotion but Soma felt it nonetheless. His clan imparted all their knowledge onto Naruto and he was the combination of their efforts and he worked hard to make them all proud.

The team settled and set it once again and Soma played his part. Naruto settled down and Kakashi watched the kids idly. Tazuna had gotten someone to help them cross the river. The kids were alert but very new to everything occurring. Though he eyed Soma as well. The man was tense, and Kakashi was immediately on guard as the boy had better senses than even him.

They landed and Soma opened his parasol but this time unlocked the base tube only slightly.

Kakashi caught the hint and prepared himself to look casual while searching for danger.

It seemed that things were about to get interesting.

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