Primroses & Nightshade

by Blazeraptor54

Out of the well, and into the sea. Naruto Uzumaki falls into the abyss in-between. At least, he that's what he was doing, falling, until he smacked hard into the ground in someone's estate. Now faced with a life of infinite possibilities while young, can he forge a new destiny for himself on this world? However, forces are at play, and perhaps there is a hero to rise amongst them!

15. The Hero Of Kuo Kuana!

Chapter Fifteen: The Hero Of Kuo Kuana.

"When people are protecting something truly special to them, they truly can become...as strong as they can be."

-Naruto Uzumaki.

---

{Mountain Passage.}
[Present.]

---

Naruto held his gaze firmly whilst his clones held onto Adam, and Blake. The shinobi reached down into his right most pouch, and slowly pulled out a headband. He took a moment to tie it onto his forehead, and then he breathed deeply in the airs of war in front of him. Gamaken, the massive magenta toad below him, readied himself as the beast in front of them roared.

The massive monster of a Grimm screeched as black smog emanated from the missing tail's area. He saw two, much thinner tails emerge with no stingers. He trumpeted all seven of it's remaining legs in challenge, and he could see smaller Grimm coming atop the mountain passage's ridgeline. Taking a deep another deep breath, and all of this information in. Naruto Uzumaki resolved himself fully to his duty at hand.

Till the battle was won, or death!

"Whatever you do, whatever you see me become." Naruto looks behind him, and smiles at Blake. "I really am happy to have met you, and your family!" The blonde then snapped his attention back to the monster and clapped both of his hands together. "Let's do this, Gamaken!"

"To the victory, or the good death that awaits us!" Gamaken declared before charging forward with all of his might. The massive toad saw insectoid-like creatures with spiky tails take aim from atop the ridgeline. "Naruto, we got company atop the ridge!"

Naruto roars out as chakra explodes around him! He screamed out as he formed the hand seals needed for then jutsu. A resounding ping of energy filled the air as he began to pour out everything he had left in the tank for the battle ahead.

"Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

The massive cloud of white exploded around them as the Spear-Tails launched their spikes. Only a mass of orange began to flow up from the passage's walls as ones in the air used their very own bodies to block the spears being thrown. Naruto was atop Gamaken still, his eyes having changed from azure to a blazing crimson.

His clones all had red eyes as well, and they ran at breakneck speeds up the ridge before tackling in groups any spear-tails they got ahold of! Ones lucky enough to be killed quickly by the odd rasengan here and there were amongst the few not literally getting pulled apart by the raging Naruto clones.

"RAAWR!"
"Hiya!"

Gamaken and The Girtablilu clashed. His mighty shield being set upon by the newly grown bony wrist blades of the massive Grimm. It slammed them forward, trying to stab through the shield, but it's efforts were met by Gamaken backstepped and then using his staff to trip the monster on it's side. Gamaken quickly followed that up with a mighty spear thrust that sent the monster flying back with a fiery explosion.

It got closer to the edge of the passage, and it stood back up before roaring out. Barbs began to form as they black lightning pass between them, forming that large net made of the dark energy. Naruto saw this coming, and growled as he looked on as it got ready to be launched.

"We can't dodge it, because it might breach Kuo Kuana's walls!" Naruto shouted as he looked on as the attack was launched. "Gamaken!"

Gamaken launched himself forward, roaring out as he put his shield and staff away. He began to weave hand seals, and then stopped after a fifth one. "Wind Style: Air Bullets!" Gamaken screamed as his throat expanded vastly before he launched out a massive ball of pure wind!

The Girtablilu screeches as it reformed the wrist blades into bony shields that tanked the impact from the ball of pure wind it dispelled it's own attack. Naruto's fox contorted into a very large smile, his canines growing as he felt The Nine Tails' power grow within him. His clones were starting to disperse due to that very fact.

"Yo, Gamaken, can we do something about The Grimm atop?!" Naruto asked as loud as he could as the toad backed off as giant bony barbs were launched at him. He brought his shield up just in time to block a particularly large spear thrown by the massive Grimm. It roared in frustration before Naruto grew animalistic. "Yeah, screw you too, bastard!"

"I have just the jutsu!" Gamaken declared before backflipping into the air. He made sure to target the ridge line carefully. As people were still retreating, but whilst he couldn't get all the attacking Grimm, he could get most. He began to weave hand seals rapidly, and the felt his throat expand out as he finished prepping the jutsu. "Water Style: Torrent Water Stream!"

The trio atop Gamaken watches in awe as a massive stream of water flowed forth from Gamaken's mouth. It slammed atop the ridgeline, and began to flood the passage as a massive wave of dirty water. Grimm were taken by it, and Naruto saw that some people were down there as well. Growling, he looked toward Blake and Adam nodding his head before leaping off!

He dived straight down, right into the rushing water. He got up top, riding the water like a wave with his chakra keeping him above it. He saw several people struggling to get ahold of the rocks and so he sprinted over to them. Quickly grabbing them up with his clawed hands, throwing them onto any outcropping he could fine that they could get ahold of!

Naruto Uzumaki became a red streak amongst the water as he ran as fast he could. He slid where he could whilst grabbing people up from the water, throwing them up onto the ridgeline. They were successfully grabbing ahold of it, and as he got closer to the massive Grimm he noted that it began to shift it's attention toward him.

Time seemed to slow down as he reached a woman, who was struggling to stay afloat just as barbs were launched out at him. He grabbed her before cartwheeling midair to flatten himself out angularly as possible to avoid the barbs with the woman in tow. He throws her up onto the now almost dry ridgeline where she quickly began to pull up people.

Naruto shifted his focus as he landed back into the flowing water. He saw the beast readying to stump him down, and so he grabbed a kunai with a wire attached to it. When the two front forelegs came down, Naruto threw the kunai onto a ridgeline before yanking himself up.

He flew through the air at breakneck speeds before flipping backwards just as Gamaken passed under him. Nearly missing his landing, he felt hands grab onto his outstretched ones as both Blake, and Adam, launched onto the massive toad's back! He stuck to the back with chakra as the massive toad warrior kept charging forward!

The Girtablilu charges forward as well, meeting Gamaken mid charge. Resounding metal on bone impacts the ridgelines above. The water being thrown into torrents all around them all. Naruto saw the blackened humanoid hands grab ahold of the shield before the two thin tails suddenly latched out to grab Gamaken's staff hand!

Gamaken's eyes widened when the massive scorpion stinger on one of the original tails came down. He certainly thought that it was going to pierce his back only for the pain to never come. His eyes widened when he saw that it was trying to, but it was being stopped!

Adam and Blake saw Naruto holding it back with his bare hands. The shinobi took a deep breath before red chakra flowed around him. It bubbled up, giving him a one-tailed cloak as the stinger opened up and sprayed violet mist. Blake's eyes widened in horror only that single energy tail extended out and covered her and Adam as it flowed over.

"Is this what he was talking about in the hospital." Blake realized as she saw his features morph to become more animalistic. He face scrunched up as she saw the absolute force of will it was taking for him to not lose control! She felt something slip down her cheek as Naruto roared out. "He can't do this alone, even with this giant toad helping him!"

She grabs Adam's satchel, pulling a syringe out with the serum before knocking the clone off her. Blake runs with all her speed that she could muster, gathering up momentum. Holding Gambol, the way Adam held wilt during a charging slash. She pivots before jumping up, her target was the organ she could see pulsing that created the violet mist in the tail.

Her aura shimmers around, gathering into her hands and upper body. Violet shielding came up around her as she got into the violet cloud of mist. She screamed out with all the anger she could muster, bringing Gambol out of it's scabbard and then slicing it right into the bone of the tail. Using both hands, she aimed and found her mark as it got deep enough to cut through the orange glowing organ in the tail!

"Get away from my home, and my friend!"

She angrily screams before feeling her katana actually go right through the tail's tip itself. Taking in a breath of the mist, she felt the pain immediately before slamming the syringe into her neck. Pressing down, her eyes widened when she realized that she had overshot her landing. Instead of falling off, however, Naruto's energy hand came up to grab her before yanking her back near him.

"Are you insane?!" Naruto screamed whilst watching Gamaken push back the monster, it's stinger no longer useful. Still, they had to hurt, he could already see the black smoke forming into something else. "Blake, are you okay?!"

"I'm better than ever, I couldn't just let it keep doing what it wanted. This is my home, my people, and you're my friend! So, you don't get to do these things alone, alright?!" She declared before the Naruto clone holding Adam came up and grabbed her as well. "We'll both support you in any way possible, got it?!"

Naruto at first glares before his eyes soften. A smile comes over his face as he punches his left palm with his right fist. "Right, I got'cha, good job by the way! Way to kick some ass!" He applauded her efforts as Gamaken shield bashes the massive Grimm, forcing it back a little bit. "I have a terrible idea, Gamaken!"

"Besides yelling at your girlfriend?!"

Naruto blushes bright red whilst Blake did the same, much to Adam's chagrin. He heard the toad boisterously laugh when it felt it's summoner get flustered. The Jinchuuriki took a deep breath and refocused before coughing into his hand.

"Not funny, ya know, anyway! I'm gonna need you to throw me up!" Naruto yelled out before running forward and leaping off. "Alright, let's do this, Gamaken!"

Gamaken grabs Naruto midair before tossing him up. He barely avoids a wrist blade slash from the massive Grimm just as Gamaken locks it up with his staff. He uses the massive shield to start bashing against the armored arms of the massive creature. Naruto took a deep breath, migrating all chakra from his cloak to his right hand.

"That doesn't work, why are you wasting my chakra?"

"Who said I'm wasting it, I'm getting Gamaken into the open, toads have the advantage in open combat!"

For the briefest moments, he heard stunned silence from The Nine Tails' before it chuckled. "Clever, perhaps I was quick to judge, that's actually brilliant logic." Naruto rolls his eyes as the red rasengan to form, not as big as the two-tailed version, but that meant less blow back.

He dived down, avoiding barbs that were launched his way with some cutting him from narrow misses. Angling himself just near the beast's chest, he twists himself before slamming the ball of vermillion energy forwards! It crashed like thunder, taking the beast off guard before it blasted it back enough to get to the edge of the passage's cliffside entrance!

Gamaken grabs Naruto with the shield hand, and then thrusts forward with his staff. The massive staff impacted the still recovering Girtablilu before the explosion that followed sent it flying off the cliff face! Blake, and Adam shouted in celebration as Naruto landed in front of them, no longer cloaked by The Nine Tails' power.

He was breathing hard, but then he smiled as he saw Gamaken leap into the air.

"Alright, let's keep this going, ya know!"

---

{The Eastern Wall.}
[Around The Same Time.]

---

Kali and Ghira both watched in awe as that giant toad battled against the massive beast. They both watched from afar as their daughter managed to cleave it's stinger off before getting saved by Naruto! Kali was emotional as she sunk to her knees, holding her hands up in prayer.

"Please, oh brothers above, please let my daughter and Naruto live through this.' She pleaded openly as others began to follow suit, praying for the success of the young heroes in front of them. "Please, keep going, don't stop…I know you can do this, Naruto."

Ghira was still standing up, and proudly screamed out. "Keep fighting, don't give up! Keep going, get him off the cliff's edge!" He screamed just as he saw a red light shimmering above the massive beast. He watches as the red light fell like a comet and impacts the beast with something that stunned it. "Yes!"

"We got need of any bullheads we can get!" Aurum came running up towards The Belladonna Family before stopping. He looked at them before bowing to them. "Lady Belladonna, Chief Ghira, we need to use your bullhead to get people off the ridges that are crucially in need of care!"

"Use it, go, what's your name?!" Ghira ordered him whilst starting to run with him. "Kali, I'm going to go up and help with what I can!"

"Ghira, please be careful!" She shouted after him before hearing a massive explosion in the distance. She got up on her feet before seeing the massive Grimm fall off the cliff. A chorus of screams, and cheering filled the air from the wall. She saw people crying, some jumping up and down, and others falling to their knees in joy. "Keep going, Naruto, protect my daughter please…"

"We're counting on you, Naruto Uzumaki."

---

{Rocky Sand Wastes.}
[At The Same Time.]

---

Gamaken fell down with a hard slam against the mighty Grimm. He landed right on top of it as it sent a wrist blade out. It slashes across his face, sending a large bit of blood flying into the air. Naruto, and the others were stunned as they saw the massive toad get injured before jumping away in retreat. Blood poured from the wound across it's eye, luckily it didn't take it out!

"Ken!"

"I'm fine, this is why I'm so clumsy, Naruto!" He spun the staff around as the Girtablilu screams out as it got up. He watches as it begins to slam itself around, writhing in some sort of pain. It then charges out as fast as it can go. "Here it comes, hang on!"

Gamaken evasively maneuvered away as the beast slashes at them with it's wrist blades. It then used the other thin tails sprouted from the originally cut off one to slap at Ken. Lashes formed across the toad's side from where they hit, but it was where the second tail originally stood that Naruto worried as the black smoke collected back around it.

The massive beast screamed out before suddenly dropping down. They were confused, because surely they hadn't done that much damage to it. Gamaken backed off, observing it as it began to slam it's fists and legs around. Suddenly, it grew barbs all across it's body before they grew into large spikes. The massive beast screeched out as it then ripped off the other forward most leg.

"What's it doing, it doesn't make any sense, why is it hurting itself?!" Blake yelled out as Naruto and Gamaken continued to observe it. She notices that it then tossed the limb aside before slowly lifting and balancing itself up. "Oh no…it can't be…"

It was as the beast's other forward limbs suddenly broke open, forming a second set of much larger appendages. Scorpion claws now adorning where legs had been. The humanoid arms of the beast unfurl, and suddenly orange spots began to glow around it. Naruto's eyes widened as the beast began to form a ball of energy in front of it!

"Is that a…Tailed Beast Bomb?!"

"A what?!"

"Gamaken, we gotta move!" Naruto screamed before the large toad warrior began to move.

He hopped just in time as the massive ball of energy the size of a small house was launched right at them. It slammed down, exploding with an incredibly large force. Rocks, sand, and debris flew up as the beast stood off to the side. Watching as Gamaken landed with a crash, the toad's cloak was slightly singed from the ball narrowly missing.

"Wait a minute…" The shinobi sees the orange organs in the arms glowing again. It began to swirl energy between its hands, and Naruto's azure eyes snapped open in realization. "That bastard, it's creating a bootleg version of my rasengan, get your own technique, bastard!"

"That's hardly the issue here. Now I'm certain, that thing is using chakra of some kind, but it's a very dark version." Gamaken observed before dodging as the ball came flying right at them again. He backflips midair before weaving hand seals and launching air bullets right at the monster. It too, however, began to dodge by scurrying to the sides. "It's an incredibly fast learner, but with all the limbs it has, there's no real way to lock it down for a decisive blow!"

Naruto thought about it before a lightbulb metaphorically appeared above his head. He smirks before looking toward the others, and giving them a foxlike grin. "So, this'll be horrible idea number four today! I just hope you guys don't have a heart attack!" The blonde shinobi turns back toward the massive beast as it began to form another ball. "Hey, Gamaken, can we do a combination jutsu?!"

"I guess!" Gamaken jumps, narrowly avoiding the other ball. "Got anything in mind, do you even know any elemental jutsu?!"

"Not exactly, but this guy reminds me of a fight I had where Chief Toad was helping me!" Naruto quickly weaves the hand seal needed. He focused hard as he mixed his chakra with Gamaken's, and began to channel it in rotation. "Let's do a combination transformation!"

"We'll need something that can lock down all of it's limbs at once!" Gamaken yelled before throwing his shield and staff into the air so it wouldn't get caught into the transformation itself. Blake, and Adam were both holding tightly to the clone holding them. "I see what you have in mind, gotta say kid, that's crazy even by my standards!"

"It's all that I got left that I haven't used, sheesh, I'm outta ideas!" Naruto yelled before feeling Gamaken leap away to avoid the ball of energy again. He took a deep breath, and focused hard. "Let's do this, now or never!"

"Transform!"
"Transform!"

A large cloud of white smoke erupted over the battlefield as the massive Grimm missed it's last attack. Preparing itself, it began unfurling those giant scorpion claws before narrowing all of it's red eyes. Looking around for a surprise attack. It screamed out as it began to charge, trying to beat it's opponents to the punch so to speak!

The punch never came, but four brilliant crimson tails did.

They all smacked into the beast, sending it flying back. A red humanoid hand with fur grabbed the falling staff, and then the other grabbed the shield. It's red eyes glowed in the darkness of the smoke before their owner leapt into the skies. Eclipsing the sun, the massive beast took shape as it emerged. Blake, and Adam were no longer being held by a clone, instead they were holding on for dear life to tufts of crimson fur!

With a mighty roar, the opponent for The Girtablilu had shifted! It's nine tails unfurled, with it's hands clutching the mighty toad warrior's weapon.

"HIIIYA!"

Blake was the first to realize what had happened. Instead of being atop a toad, she is clutching the fur of a fox as it descended down. It brought the shield up as it dove, smashing right into the massive Grimm. Blake almost let's go before one of the fur tufts suddenly wrap itself around her. Adam nearly freaked out when he felt a fur tuft down the same for him.

As Girtablilu was sent sprawling back, it raises the pinchers up to snap at the offending shield arm. Only for two large tails to suddenly lash out, and take hold of them. Spinning on its hind legs, the makeshift nine tailed fox slams the massive Grimm across the desert sands. Retracting the tails, it hissed out a war cry before sprinting toward the massive Grimm.

"What is this?!" Adam screamed out before looking over at Blake. "This is insane, I thought he was just a human with superpowers!"

"This is…him, isn't it…" She murmured out before realizing as she felt something leave her eyes. This wasn't just Naruto coming up with a plan, this was him exposing himself fully with everything he had laid out on the table. "The Nine Tailed Fox, isn't it, Naruto?"

"The Nine Tailed what?!"

"RAAWR!"
"HIIYA!"

The false nine tails stepped to the side just as the ball the Grimm formed was launched. It twirled on its clawed hands whilst unleashing all nine of it's tails into various angled smashes that sent the Grimm sprawling. Using the staff, it flipped forward off the ground before smashing the staff down with a fiery explosion right on top of the massive monster!

BOOM!

Blake, and Adam realized they were upside down as the massive fox flipped backwards. It landed on the ground with a slide before dashing forwards again. It sidestepped barbs being thrown at it, and using six of it's tails, it locked down all of the offending limbs the monster could use against it!

Using it's staff, and shield, it took turns simultaneously bashing into the creature before smacking it with the staff. Flakes of bony armor began to chip off as Gamaken and Naruto continued their combined assault. With a massive roar, The Girtablilu suddenly had an orange glow coming from it's mouth and arms.

In that instance, it was too late!

A massive pulse of black lightning surrounded it as spikes shot out from all around it. Some pierced through the side of the fox as it was launched off. In midair, Naruto and Gamaken's combined transformation disappears before Blake and Adam start to fall off. Blake screams out in panic as Adam tries to grab onto anything he can.

Naruto suddenly launches himself at a falling Gamaken, and landed on the desert floor with both of them clutched into his arm. His stumbling compounded with the massive gash on his side. Blood was spilling out as he struggled to stand up, Gamaken was in a similar situation as it struggled to staunch the bleeding with a fiery tip of his staff.

"Gah!" Gamaken yells out before taking a deep breath. He struggled up, and saw the massive demon in front of them as he called out to his summoner. "Stand up child, this fight is far from finished!"

Naruto took deep breaths as he clutched his fist before slowly standing up. "Yeah, you're right!" He declared before taking a deep breath. "I ran out of options though, but we're damaging him! Look, I can see spots in the armor now, maybe one of my rasengan can finally work!"

"Perhaps, but we need to somehow keep it's body focused on something else." Gamaken narrowed his eyes, his left one still bleeding profusely onto the ground. He then felt something deep beneath them, and smirked. He quickly scoops the young warriors up onto its massive back with Naruto forming one single clone to hod them. "I have my own insane idea. That lightening blast it does can be used against it, but you have to trust me. Wind chakra is a hard counter to lightening."

"It is?"

"Yes, child, it is. Do not hesitate when I start this, but there is a chance that it can kill you." Gamaken warned him before raising his shield up to block a barrage of barbs heading his way. He then sighs out before smiling. "Young madame upon my back, you said this was your village, correct?"

"Well, my father rules it, but I'm supposed to follow in his footsteps!" Blake answered whilst getting confused. "Why does that matter right now?!"

"Your cartographers will have to forgive my clumsiness on this one." The massive toad warrior began to form hand seals. He focused on what he felt as he did. He dodges to left, and right as the massive demon fighting them launches attacks. "Naruto, I sense a chunk of wind chakra on you!"

"Eh, what do you mean on me?!" Naruto looks around before suddenly reaching down into his front right pouch. He pulls out a green crystal, the one Cloud had given him. He observes it, seeing it glow lightly when he applied chakra to it. "Do you mean this dust crystal?!"

"Dust what, never mind, I can sense it! It's pure wind charka! Do what you need to do. Wind chakra will get you past that lightning, but it may also help you slice this monster open!" A loud ping resounded throughout the desert as Gamaken finished his final hand seals. "You well need power, draw it from inside of you, I know you still have some left!"

Naruto took a deep breath before nodding his head. He looks at the green crystal in his hand. Remembering how he came to this world, and all those that had helped him. It filled him with determination, and slowly he tried to form a rasengan overtop the crystal, but then watched as it dispersed immediately.

Forming shadow clones, Naruto took a minute to mantra. "This is insane, this is insane, there's no way I can do without training…I was never good at this!" The shinobi fidgeted when he hesitated before shouting. "I don't think I can do what you're asking! I have no jutsu that can really work with elements!"

"You're wrong! The rasengan was meant to be paired with an element. Minato Namikaze was trying to combine it, but he never had the time!" Gamaken shouted in reply, still holding onto whatever he was planning. "Please, hurry, I don't know how much I can keep dodging this monster!"

"It was, that means it's an incomplete jutsu, right? If the Fourth Hokage couldn't do it, and I have no training in elemental jutsu…how can I…" Naruto shook as he looked down at the crystal in his hand. He gripped tightly before taking a deep breath. Hesitating still, he then heard someone trying to talk to him. "Huh?"

"Naruto, you can do this, we believe in you!" Blake shouted as she looked the azure eyed shinobi in the eye. "You promised, remember, and you never go back on your word right!" She passionately screams out to him whilst pleading with him. "Don't ever give up, never give up, that's all you talked about! Never go back on your word!"

"I never go back on my word, that's my shinobi way!" Naruto yelled as he found his resolve before looking at the five clones. "Alright, let's do this! C'mon guys, let's go!"

"Your work is already half done, you just need to maintain the power and shape!" Gamaken shouted as he cartwheels to avoid another ball of energy. He looked down as it formed a black lightning net and tried to launch it at him as well. He barely backflipped in time to avoid it, grunting. "Your master always talked about how you grew up with people doubting you, not believing in you! You mastered a jutsu that took it's creator two whole years to perfect it! I believe you can do this! You have many people counting on you!"

"Pervy Sage…" Naruto felt tears stain his eyes as they started to fall from them. They were going to hit the toad's skin before they suddenly flowed into a sphere that began to take shape. It dispersed before Naruto could control it, so two clones joined his side. "If you believe in me that much, then there's no way I can fail!"

The trio began to take roles. One was shaping the ball of energy, whilst the other molded the chakra. Slowly, but surely Naruto added power to it in increasing measure. Not satisfied as he felt the ball was nowhere it needed to be! Naruto took a deep breath before summoning forth red chakra around him! It mixed into the ball of energy that began to swirl strangely.

Gamaken lands on the ground, slamming his palms down. "Here we go, Naruto!" He shouted before activating his jutsu. "Sage Art: Massive Water Flow Eruption!" The ground cracks, and shakes as a massive geyser of water shot out into the air.

The toad warrior jumps away as the water quickly began to create a liquid sandy basin. He landed on top of a higher area of rock and sand. Watching as the water began to flow out of the large aquifer deep below. It was slightly briny, but it was becoming fresher as the water continued pouring up from the chakra pressure. The Girtablilu tried to form that lightning attack again.

It was rewarded when the black lightning suddenly arched, and electrocuted its own master!

The pained screams of the demon echoed throughout the flooding basin. Naruto knew it was now, or never, and there could never be a never! He raises his right hand up, watching as his clones continued forming the ball! That said ball became large, very large, with the green crystal changing it's to a greenish glow! He remembered from the dream, with the person known as Ashura, that wind chakra did have a sort of greenish glow to it. He calmly held the ever-growing ball as it suddenly sprouted four blades around it.

Adam's widened in pure jealousy as he saw the power behind the attack. Blake's meanwhile focused on the person wielding it, and noting that the gash on his side wasn't healing. He was using every single bit of his energy in this attack!

Naruto felt the weight of the ball, noting that it was extremely heavy for chakra. Resolving himself, he then gave his command. "Jump, Gamaken!" He screamed to the top of his lungs as his clones disappeared. The massive toad complied, leaping right out at the Grimm. "Adam, Blake, throw me!"

The clone that was holding them follows them as they run over to him. Blake, and Adam throw Naruto with his lower body. They sling him off Gamaken's back. They both watch as he descends down, with Gamaken hopping to the side to avoid the electrical arching.

"C'mon kid, you can do this!" He prayed in his head, whilst preparing for the worst-case scenario. "I know now why I like you! You smell and act like him, Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki! They truly gave rise to an incredible child!"

"I may not like you, but if you're our only hope, then win!" Adam closed his eyes as he prayed for the younger teen's success.

Blake scrunched her face up, and screamed out. "Go for it, Naruto!"

The trail of energy left behind by the peculiar rasengan he held looked like shooting stars. Naruto saw his target coming up, and held it out in front of him. The massive ball screeches as he flies through the air. The blades whirling around it in the style of a fuma shuriken. He knew that one of his clones must've figured that this was the best way to form it. Still, it was slowly starting to die, and Naruto could feel it!

Near the water, watching as it rose past The Girtablilu's legs and around it's midsection as the lightning began to be channeled toward Naruto. The Jinchuuriki thought about everyone, and closed his eyes as he took a deep breath.

"Lady Kali, you've always been nice to me, and I've never had a bad thing to say about you. Thank you, you and Ghira both for saving my life!" He felt the lightning blasts impact the rasengan, but they deflected off. "Aurum, Luna, Kihana, you guys are truly friends…and I look forward to fighting with you again!"

"Pervy Sage, thank you for believing in me, I miss you…so please be with me right now!" Naruto thought about his master, and all those who were back home. "Let have strength from you all, one last time! I know I can't do this alone in spirit, so please, if can hear me…lend me your strength!"

His eyes closes as he thinks of Blake, and Adam. "Adam, you might not be such a great guy, but at least your helping me here. Blake…I wanna tell you more stories, so I have to win! No matter what, you're right, I cannot ever go back on my word!" The shinobi cocked his right back a little and got ready to thrust it forwards.

"This is it!"

For some reason, as he impacts his target, he felt hands across his right hand. His azure eyes were set ablaze with passion as he pushed forward. Screaming to the top of his lungs. Naruto felt the beast writhe in pain under him, it's feeble attempts to block him. However, it's power slowly began to climb as the orange spots on it began to glow.

In the distance, Gamaken's eyes widened before Blake covered her mouth as they watched as a massive black lightning bolt generate. It consumed both parties, with Naruto obviously caught in the middle of it! Blake screams out as she figured he was dead from that, but then sees the lightning distorted in shape as the blades of the ever-growing ball of power began to grow more and more. Gamaken's eyes widened when he started to sense something, something that he only felt once as a tadpole, all so long ago.

"This power…" Gamaken clutches his chest whilst staring out into the ever-increasing lake as a water torrent erupted around both parties. "I feel it growing in you, warm as the sun itself, could old man Gamamaru's prophecy be correct after all?"

"What is your limit, Naruto Uzumaki?"

Inside of the vortex of black lightning and water. Naruto's normally azure eyes were pure white as got electrocuted over and over by the lightning but still continued forward. It didn't matter, he couldn't give up, no matter what!

Till victory, or death!

That was the shinobi way, one life for the exchange of a thousand!

On his hand, slowly the skin peeled off to reveal black and red chakra swirling in it's place. He felt his other skin begin to burn off as well, but it didn't matter! He needed to win, he needed to save them, he was the only one who could!

Naruto Uzumaki was going to lay it all on the line for his precious people! Even if it meant losing himself, it didn't matter, what was his life to countless others?! Feeling more of his skin burn off, and the cloak of The Nine Tails take shape. It exploded into three tails, before a fourth tail started to emerge!

"I don't matter, I am but an ant, I am too weak…"

---

{Inside Of Naruto's Mindscape.}
[Time indefinite.]

---

The Nine Tails laughed as the boy flowed toward him. Surrounded in water, he was nearing his cage. Once the boy slipped past the bars, into his grasp, he'd crush the soul. That boy's body would be his own, the perfect cover for this new world!

"All of that effort, to just fall in the end." The Nine Tails' laughed before looking at the blonde child frozen in time. "It never mattered; you've never mattered. You're just another bobble for them, and when they're done with the glitz and glamor you'll just be back to being "The Fox Boy" again."

"Don't worry though, I'll be sure to pay a special visit to those fools who took you in."

Naruto was frozen in time as he held his hand out. The Nine Tails' was trying to ply more of it's chakra via flooding water over the boy. Dragging him closer, and closer. He could see the darkness inside of the boy, and he latched onto it with everything. Red waters flooded into the boys mouth, like clouds of blood.

The Nine Tails fully intent to possess him fully, just like in his prophetic nightmares!

He could see tears forming at the rims of the boy's eyes despite being frozen in time. The Nine Tails didn't care, instead he was dragging the boy closer and closer. Soon he'd have a human form, a form to blend in with, and when this world challenged him he'd burn it with the same face that these people had only begun to cherish.

"Why should you ever be happy, give up on living, and just fall into despair! You aren't strong enough for this, but I am! Naruto, give into me! Only I can save those you love so dearly!" The demonic fox tempted the boy's soul as it got closer, and slowly it started to slip past the bars. He laughed as he grabbed at the boy. Mockingly he held him in a sphere of light, his hand still outstretched with that inferno jutsu he was using in the real world. "Time to cease, it was fun while it lasted, brat."

"Get away from my home, and my friend!"

That voice, was it the girl's? What was that, no matter, it didn't matter. The Nine Tails squeezed against the sphere of light, watching as it started to fade a little bit. His soul core would be crushed, crushed into nothing, and he'd have the ultimate revenge on that blasted Hokage and his wife!

The possession of the body that used to belong to their dear son!

"Hey, wait up, I'm supposed to be keeping an eye on you!"

Okay, now those were getting on his nerves. Yet, they just didn't stop there. The Nine Tails watched as an energetic violet figure appear, it was in the shape of the girl. It was followed by the shape of an orange figure. Two golden figures, and soon figures of brilliant lights all. Reds, blues, yellows, greens, and much more.

"You don't owe us anything."
"You're my best friend, you know."
"Thank you for saving my granddaughter!"
"Tell us about yourself."
"I want to hear ore stories about Nami, and other places you've been."
"He's a brother in arms!"
"This kid is a hero!"
"Thank you for helping us!"
"Thank you!"
"You're hero!"

He had felt his influence begin to take hold, but then stop when the boy started to think of his friends. They weren't here, but how was this stopping his influence on the boy?! So close to fully taking control, to draw him behind the cage. They began to drag him from his grasp, and outside of the cage in a hurry it seemed.

The boys' feet were mere inches away, and The Nine Tails' claws barely tapped the soles. It was close, the freedom, but then slowly those same energetic people began to speak whilst drawing him away. The demon behind the cage raged, and slammed himself against it as more words came pouring in.

The Nine Tails watched in anger as it slowly saw it's red colored energy getting turned into a golden fire. He thrashed against the cage. "What is this brat doing, why can't I control him, damn these people! You don't know what I can do, what he can do! You are all no different than the rest of humanity! You all only want him for the power!" The fox screamed as he felt his chances of fully controlling Naruto slip away.

"Damn you all!"

---

{Above The Newly Formed Lake.}
[At The Same Time.]

---

Within the muddy swirling mass of water, black lightning. There was but one light, the light of The Girtablilu's eyes. They glowed malice, watching as the attack died down and a new set of white eyes replaced the boy's crimson or azure ones. His skin was nearly gone, turning into a substance much not unlike it's own.

Perhaps this child was more of a monster than human after all? A very interesting creation by the Gods. If it could eat this boy, the power would be astounding! It was about to try, when suddenly, upon the boy's right palm a glowing mark appeared in the form of a sun.

All at once the darkness peeled off his body, changing to a golden light that surrounded him in waves. Where it hit him his body would change, glowing yellow, and rolling off it changed it back to it's humanlike color.

"Never give up, that's my life's motto! Never give up, give it everything, from the top of my head to the soles of my feet! With all my heart, and soul! Never give up! This is too tough for me, everyone, please!" Naruto mentally screamed out as the rasengan began to regain life and grow big again. It's blades are growing larger, and larger, a light piercing the darkness! "As long as you're here with me, I can do anything!"

"I can win!"

"Urrraaaah!" Naruto screamed out as his eyes stayed white due to the stress. His pupils and irises were nonexistent as the light from his right palm flooded forward. It turned the greenish glow of the rasengan into a bright golden star! "AHHH!" Though his screams were more beastlike than human, his willpower remained firm as the golden flames rolled across him.

"Kali, Ghira, Blake!"

The Jinchuuriki felt the rasengan beginning to tear the creature below him to pieces as tears flooded his white eyes and fell into the swirling mass of energy. They glinted like diamonds falling towards the swirling sun. He had his mind flooded with memories of them, those in his mind, even the one's that were sour.

All memories were precious, just like them!

"Cloud, Matilda, Tucker!"

Naruto remembered the times he went fishing, going to Tucker's shop. The grandfather granddaughter duo would teach him to clean certain fish. He would do favors for them. They treated him like one of their own! Even the fact that they had webbed toes and all as well! Something they were embarrassed about! Then there was Cloud, who he remembered listening to music and discussing Ninjas Of Love with!

"Aurum, Luna, Kihana!"

The trio he had survived with flooded his mind. In the desert where he had expected to fall, and die. They lifted him up, they trusted him completely, and he trusted them completely. The very first people he told about his truths. He remembered that Luna, and Kihana were probably still in the hospital!

They needed him to win because they couldn't fight anymore! He had to fight for them, he had to fight for all of them!

Everyone, all of them, were his most precious people in this world. This demon under threatened it all, threatened their lives, the lives of their loved ones, and the place he came to call home! Then he thought of one particular set of people.

"Pervy Sage, Sasuke, Sakura, Kakashi sensei!"

He imagined them pushing him forward. Sasuke, the source of his ire for so long took on new meaning. In a way, his actions that day set into motion events that may had at first seem horrible. To be stuck in this new world, a world he could barely understand! Yet, it was because of Sasuke that he was able to meet the others, and form the bonds he did.

That Naruto was able to find home!

The massive Grimm screams as it's arms get torn to shreds as the ball of swirling energy consumes it more, and more! Naruto's golden form shines through the darkness, a falling star of hope inside the vortex of despair! It happened then, for only the second time in his life, and soon he saw the sunlight pierce the vortex.

With whole lake churning into a maelstrom, Naruto closed his eyes. He then roared out one last time before fully thrusting his right arm fully forwards!

The Girtablilu screeches one last time before the sphere grows into a vortex itself. Launching from Naruto's hands, it consumed it's target before blowing back against the blonde and sending him flying into the air. The ancient Grimm screams out in agony as it's body was torn to pieces, fine micro blades shredding into it, forever ruining it, destroying it!

As it faded into oblivion, it stared up into the sky as the golden light went further into the air. It was majestic, and perhaps some innate need for light reached it, because it reached up before finally dissolving into particles as the attack did it's job!

Gamaken, Blake, and Adam saw all of this. Seeing the vortex of water, and black lightning stop as a golden light launched from it. Blake eyes adjusted to the brightness due to the fact that a rain was now falling. A sun shower, it would seem, due to the massive amounts of water from the vortex falling back toward earth.

They were confused at first until Gamaken moved just as the flood of water stop swirling, and flooded the entire basin in massive tsunami like waves. Even Gamaken struggled in these waters, and Blake along with Adam was forced to hang on with dear life as they approached the golden light. That's when Blake realized what it was.

"It's Naruto, Adam, look!" She yelled before throwing Gambol at him. He was confused at first before Blake threw herself off the head of the toad! "Gamaken, throw me!"

"I'll catch you both!" The magenta toad shouts as he catches her before throwing her like a fastball.

She opens up her arms, grabbing Naruto midair just as she felt her violet aura shimmer. Flipping forward a few times, she saw that he was out cold, and his right arm badly mangled. That's when the resounding boom came as the vortex exploded fully. She saw a massive wave coming, and knew that if Gamaken didn't make it she would be as good as dead along with Naruto.

That wasn't the way it was going to end!

Gamaken leapt up, using all of his mustered strength as Adam reached. He grabbed Blake by the collar, pulling both her and Naruto onto the toad before grabbing the toad's haori as it began to descend. The massive wave passed under them right before impact, and they watched as other geysers of water opened up across the area.

With rain falling all around them, both Adam and Blake watch as Naruto's golden cloak shimmers before finally dispersing off him. For the briefest moments, she swore on his right palm was a white light in the shape of a mark similar to the sun shuddered before disappearing in a bright glow of dust-like energy!

Gamaken breathed hard as he laid into the water. He hiccups a little before sighing into the drink. "This is why I hate being sober, now my eye and side hurt." He bubbled the water from his speech before laying flat before starting to float as the water levels reached high enough from the bottom of the basin. "As I said earlier, my apologies to your cartographers."

Blake was staring out over Gamaken into the huge lake beginning to form. The geysers of water kept going, making the water level rise higher, and higher! The more she looked at it, she released that this basin really did sit much lower than normal.

It was almost as if it was malformed bowl.

"Blake, look!" Adam called out before pointing toward where Kuo Kuana would be. In the skies was about seven bullheads heading their way. "Looks like they won out after all, good, that means this nightmare is officially over and done with."

"Tell me about it."

Both she and Adam snapped toward Naruto. The shinobi was already opening his eyes before groaning. "Ow my arm, why does it hurt so bad, did I break it again? Sheesh, I really need to stop doing that, ya know." He weakly said whilst trying to move it, and hissed. "Yep, definitely broken, crap."

"You literally just flew across the sky like a golden comet, and you're whining about just a broken arm?" Blake questioned him flatly before noting that he was shivering slightly. "Um, Naruto, are you okay?"

"What, me, never better minus the freshly rebroken right arm!" He answers with bravado before beginning to shake even worse. His breathing became ragged. "I need to get up, help me, please."

"You're literally huffing as if you're running a marathon."

"I'm good, I promise I mean seriously I'm me it's not like I'm gon-urk!" Naruto suddenly spat out foam before his eyes rolled back. He fell flatly onto the back of Gamaken, shuddering as he coughed up more foam. "Iduntwamtorramen."

That's when her panic ensued!

"Ahh!" Blake screamed in shock whilst shaking him, noted his eyes were rolled into the back of his head. "Oh crap, I think he's having seizure or something!"

Adam got up, getting Naruto onto his side to where the foam could leak down and out of his mouth. "No, I think he's just done for the rest of this month." The redhead sat back and continued to let the foam drip down out of mouth. "Keep him on his side."

"R-right!"

---

{Kuo Kuana Hospital.}
[Five days Later. 2:45pm]

---

Naruto shot up as the sun beamed down on him from an open window. He had bandages across his entire body. His left arm was put into bandages, he didn't know why, but sure enough he didn't really need a reason. Bits, and pieces came back to him before he rubbed his sore head.

Dry, that's all he felt, especially in his throat. He was alone in the room, but to be fair the room was practically surrounded with things. Lots, and lots, of things. Balloons, letters, flowers, heck even some chocolates it! Still, what caught Naruto's attention first was the nice jug of semi-iced water. He reaches over to it with his sore left arm. Attaching it to his finger via chakra, he drags it over to him.

"Alright, now I'm in business." He celebrated this small victory before tilting his head back, and chugging down the water. He moaned greedily at the cool contents washing down his throat. How long had he been out, he didn't know! "Oh man, this is so good, I guess I've been out for a minute if water is tasting like heaven."

"Mom, I'm telling you, Naruto's probably still out."

"Huh?" Naruto heard talking from behind the door, and then heard it click open. Slowly, Kali Belladonna entered without looking toward the bed. Blake was right next to her, and before both could fully process the fact Naruto was upright he greeted them with a two-finger salute. "Yo, good morning, ya know!"

"Ahh!"

Both mother and daughter scream, scurrying for the door before stopping themselves. They heard the laughter coming from Naruto, which made Blake cross her arms in indignation. Kali was calming herself down before pinching the bridge of her nose.

"I'm surprised that we got here when he woke up. I'm just surprised that I argued about it, good instincts, Blake." Kali complimented her daughter before sighing and then smiling brightly. "Good afternoon, actually, you've been out for a good minute."

"Oh, can't be that bad, what two days?" Naruto asked whilst trying to reach the bed adjuster. Blake walks behind him, leaning the bed up to where he could sit upright comfortably. "Thanks Blake, I owe you one, my back was really starting to hurt!"

"Try more like five days."

"W-what, five days, are you serious?!" The shinobi gasped as he clutched his head. "Oh man, did Gamaken make it out okay, what about Adam?!"

"Adam is fine, that giant toad is still currently in the new lake." Kali told Naruto before giggling a little bit. "I think he's starting to get used to it, he says that it feels similar to the words of where he's from."

"Huh, that's a little neat." Naruto replied before looking at his right arm, and struggling slightly to mold chakra in it. "That's weird, I can't really mold chakra in my right arm at the moment."

"Dr. Vista said that those translucent lines he sees in you were cut along your right arm. They're healing, but there's a chance you won't be able to do the stuff you normally do for a minute. It's also causing some disruptions for your healing." Blake told Naruto whilst slightly looking away bashfully. "Not that I read through your chart, or sat in here sometimes, that would be weird."

"No, it wouldn't," he corrects whilst smiling softly. "I think it's super nice! Heck if it was you in here, I'd make sure to stay near. Hey, so, you said lake right?" Naruto then rubs his chin before humming. "I don't remember there ever being a lake nearby."

"You don't remember?" Kali questioned him disbelievingly. She adjusted herself before coughing into her hand to clear her throat. "Naruto, during your battle, Blake said that you and Gamaken created a massive lake."

"Eh?!" The blonde shinobi screeched as he looks at Blake. "Wait, seriously, did I really create a lake out there?"

Blake giggles at his antics before getting her scroll out. "Here, this is recent pictures, Gamaken is pretty much hanging out there." She told him before handing him her scroll. "If you also notice the waters are clearing up, Gamaken said that he's doing that."

"It's huge, like really huge, how did that even happen?! Wait, I think I'm starting to remember. Ken was trying to keep the monster from using it's lightning attack, and basically used water to make it shock itself." Naruto felt his head start to throb slightly as he thought back to it, remembering bits and pieces. "Ow-ow-ow, okay, trying to remember hurts."

"Well then how about you shut up, and let us get you something to eat." Blake suggested before going toward the door. She turns back, and smiles. "By the way, we're thinking of naming the lake after you."

'Wait, really, why?" The Jinchuuriki inquired before blushing a little bit whilst looking around the room. "Did you guys get me all of this stuff?"

"No, pretty much all of Kuo Kuana wants to show their love for their new hero." Kali pointed out before taking a seat. She looks at him before he starts to really process things going on. "When you were passed out news spread about Gamaken, and basically people went up to him to ask questions. Namely, Sienna, and she got intimidated easily." The matriarch of The Belladonna family hummed before filing her nails. "He wanted to go into Kuo Kuana to wait for you, but me and Ghira had to convince him that you'd be safe."

"Well duh, I trust you with my life, ya know." Naruto laughed before grunting in pain. "Still doesn't explain why I'm getting a new lake named after me."

"Naruto, it's not just a lake." She stopped him in his tracks, and then looked into his eyes. "You're going by something more than just a hero. It scares me a little bit, but on the other hand it's justly rewarded."

"Okay, so what's going on, what are people calling me? Fox Boy, or something?" He felt a little deflation at the words. He then smiles before continuing. "It's fine if they do because that's not just me. I am also a really awesome shinobi, and I guess hero now. So, if anyone hates that, they can shove it!"

"Heh, no wonder why Aurum calls you spunky. His grandfather, Argenti, is coming here as well. A lot of the villages are sending their chieftains to meet you." The woman reached over, grabbing his hand gently. "It's good for you be awake, and safe, son."

Naruto blushes at that before, smiling as he weakly squeezes her hand back. "I know what I said the other day must've hurt you both, but I do love you guys. I just…" He stops himself before trying to come up with the right words. "I don't see myself as a child needing guidance, I haven't for a while, you know?"

"You aren't a child, that's for sure. You're a hero now." Kali stated whilst rubbing his hand, and then looking at the various bobbles around the room. "We're thinking of naming the lake Uzumaki Lake. You said that name means maelstrom, right?"

"It does."

"Good, you see, perfect fit!" Kali gets up before jumping over to hug tightly. "Just please stop doing the heroic stuff for one good solid month, or two, okay? Because this has been a roller coaster ride." She felt him sniffle a little bit on her before he weakly returned the hug. "Because, Naruto, me and Ghira love you too."

Naruto felt such warmth in that moment, and he smiles as he watches her leave the room afterwards. He looked at himself in the mirror, and he knew it.

Naruto Uzumaki was where he needed to be!

---

{Newly Named: Uzumaki Lake.}
[One Week Later. 1:00pm]

---

Gamaken had casually tied a large tank onto his back. He looks down at the gathered crowd in front of him. He felt the call again, this time the elder sages pulling him toward Myōboku. His time had finally came, and though the waters weren't crystal clear today they would be. That massive aquifer he opened up brought with very nutrient rich soil to the surface.

If one squinted, perhaps nearest to the water, blades of small grass would start to poke up. Such a bewildering sight, even for him, because just a couple of weeks prior this was all just desert. Gamaken took a minute to look down at Naruto, who is currently still wrapped in bandages.

He nods his head at the boy. "It is my time, Naruto, I have the missive you wanted me to deliver to Jiraiya." Gamaken said whilst lowering himself down. He saw another blonde next to Naruto, who seemed very bewildered. "Wait a minute, is that guy next to you a sage?"

"Am I a what?" Cloud asked whilst looking toward Naruto. "No, I'm not this sage, I'm a Toad Faunus."

"Ahh yes, people with animalistic traits are called Faunus here. I suppose I should've figured, having not sense natural energy in you." Gamaken said abrasively before smiling. He lowered his fist down toward Naruto. "I need to burrow some of your chakra to get back."

"Sure, hang on a second." Naruto raises his right fist up, although it wasn't perfect, charka began to flow through the arm. "My right arm has finally started to heal properly. I can't believe this goodbye for now, fighting with you was awesome!"

"That's the thing, Naruto, it's for now. I look forward to the day that you summon me again." The magenta toad stated before looking at the crowd. "This crowd is getting rowdy; besides, those two otter Faunus are wanting to start putting fish into this lake."

"Oh, that's Tucker and Matilda!" Naruto called out before waving at them with his left hand. "Hey guys, sorry for not visiting, I can't really leave the house without getting swarmed too much!"

"We understand!"

The voice of Tucker carried through the crowd before Naruto turned back around. He was standing in front of them all, because not only was this a goodbye ceremony for Gamaken it was a celebration for him. With saddened gaze the newly minted teenager smiled before flowing a massive amount of chakra into Gamaken.

"I hope that one day, and one day soon, we can try to bring Pervy Sage over here." He told Gamaken before feeling something roll down his face. "It was awesome, every moment of it, so take care of yourself!"

"Fare thee well, Naruto Uzumaki. Go, be merry, but do not be fruitful and multiply just yet." Gamaken laughed before finally, he bursts into a large cloud of smoke!

Naruto was standing, blinking before looking over toward Ghira. "Um, what did he mean by that?" The question itself sent the crowd into laughter. He was at first slightly annoyed before he started laughing too. Oh well, that could wait.

"Alright everyone, let's get this party started!" Naruto declared before hearing the crowds cheer whilst he walked towards them. "Alright, so what's fir-whoa!" He cried out whilst getting picked, and getting crowd surfed toward somewhere.

"Well, this is awesome! Hey, mom and dad, if you're up there…are you proud of me? Ah, who am I kidding, of course you are, ya know!" Naruto just laid back as he got taken by the crowd, music already started to play whilst guards and soldiers kept an eye on the party to make sure no Grimm would interrupt it. He smiles when he saw Kali, and Ghira in the crowd. "Because of you guys, I'm happy, and I'm home."

He shot them a thumbs up, and with the biggest smile he could muster, Naruto Uzumaki officially gets into the partying mood!

---

{Across The Endless Sea: Mount Myōboku.}
[Five Minutes Later.]

---

A tall man with a long white mane sat shirtless amongst the lake. He had some paint around his eyes, whilst white stubble had begun to form a beard on his face. His name was Jiraiya, and he was sitting amongst lily pads. Four months ago, he would've been an active spy for Konoha, and four months ago talks of him taking a student on a trip for three years were happening.

His student, Naruto, wasn't going to be taught much on the ways of becoming stronger. No, Jiraiya was aiming to have taught him to become more of a man during this time. The closest thing the older man could offer as parentage, because he knew no matter how much Naruto seemed like he wanted, that time for him to form that bond was probably long gone.

Yet, thoughts of the student filled his mind with sadness. Amongst the lily pads he was sitting on was various containers of sake. Since Gamaken had went missing for two weeks, Jiraiya had fallen into a depression. Whatever happened to Naruto must've happened to him, and maybe it was the last ditched effort for him to live.

Tilting his head back, Jiraiya took a long swig of alcohol before tossing the empty container onto a lily pad. What was the point of going back, there wasn't any, all of his life investigating The Akatsuki had been to keep Minato's son safe. His student, his godson, and it was all undone because some Uchiha brat wanted more power to kill another brother.

It made him cold!

It made him bitter, and the more he heard of The Elder Sage's rambling about fate changing the more he wanted to just crawl into the water and drown. Fate just didn't change on a whim! prophecy didn't just stop and begin anew. Either someone committed, or someone died, there was no change. Tears threatened to spill from him again, he had been in mourning since Sasuke's account.

That little bastard dared to lie after killing his student! Accident, or not, none of it would've happened if the little bastard didn't run off in the first place. Jiraiya got up, grabbing an empty bottle. "Goddamn it all!" He screamed before throwing it hard against the stone statue of a toad. He fell onto his knees, and sullenly looked at his reflection into the water. "I can't do anything right! All my students just die left and right…I am a failure."

"Jiraiya boy," Jiraiya's head snapped up to see a small green toad with a white goatee, and large eyebrows sitting on the lily pad across from him. "Jiraiya boy, are you okay?"

"I'm not okay, how can I be, Pa?!" Jiraiya exclaimed whilst throwing his hands up in frustration. "I've lost too much, I can't keep doing this, what child of prophecy exist that I wouldn't just kill again! I've never been able to complete my mission, my life's work, and I gave it all to hope again! Look what hope did, Pa, look how hope screwed me over again!"

"Jiraiya boy, this isn't the end of your journey, you must find resolve." The toad, Pa, encouraged him before looking on at his student and summoner. "From what I hear of this, Naruto boy, he would've wanted you to continue forward."

"Idealism only gets to go so far. It's why Minato was cut down before he could complete his vision of a united shinobi land. It's why Nagato died in his battle with that bastard Hanzo, and now at the pinnacle of my hope, I lose someone I should've just raised from the ground up!" Jiraiya slapped the hard lily pad, sobbing as he looked into Pa's eyes. "At what point is it enough, Pa, at what point do the people I cherish stop dying! At what point, please, I am begging you to tell me!"

"I need a sign, any sign!"

POOF!

Jiraiya saw a large shadow overtop before it slammed into the lake. He yelled in surprise, being too drunk to react fast enough before being thrown into the water. Pa just sighed, and hopped into the water, grabbing Jiraiya by the collar of his haori and pulling him up. The man coughed violently! fresh water being ejected from his lungs as he gained back his ability to breathe.

"What in the seven hells!" Jiraiya yelled as he climbed onto a lily pad shakenly. "I swear to The Gods, Bunta, I'm not in the…the…mood?" Before him wasn't Gamabunta, no, it was Gamaken! He sported a fresh scar over his left eye, which was nursed and tended it seemed. "Gamaken, oh Gods, what happened to you?!"

"I had a terrible battle with a monster! Luckily, the locals there helped patch me up!" Gamaken declared whilst joyfully holding a large metal barrel of some kind. "Cheers, Jiraiya, for this is such fine liquor!"

Before Jiraiya could even muster anything, a little stream of liquid fell right on his head. It was indeed highly alcoholic, and he took a bit into his mouth. He spat it out before sticking his tongue out. "Bleh, what is this stuff, it tastes like some sort of overtly sweet fruit!" He declared whilst recoiling for the ending stream.

"It's called Peach Wine. Apparently it's common in the place, um, Kuo Kuana!" Gamaken snapped his large toad fingers before laughing heartedly. "It was truly a sight to behold, the locals about started to worship me, and mind you that had every single reason too!" Gamaken took a large swig from the metal container. "Without me, Jiraiya, they, and Naruto would've perished! It was such a legendary battle, that student of yours truly embodies your teachings to the letter!"

Jiraiya looks up in awe, and shakes before starting to sob. "He's alive, my godson is alive! My student is alive, and in another world?!" The man cried out as he lifted his hands up to the sky. "I can't believe it, of all the luck that boy had, I'm sure it had ran out when that Uchiha bastard said he fell into a rift in time and space!"

"Bahaha!" Gamaken chortled before raising the tank of liquid up, he joyfully held it aloft above their heads. "The boy lives, Jiraiya, the boy lives, and he is a finer warrior now! He, and I made the most excellent pair! He even used something to modify Minato's jutsu to take an elemental form!"

"Wait, what?!" Jiraiya stood up in awe as he looked at Gamaken. "You mean to tell me, Naruto, completed Minato's jutsu!"

"Not exactly, Jiraiya, he used a sort of crystal. Upon examining, I confirmed that it was sort of chunk of solid wind-based nature chakra! It was surreal, and it badly injured his right arm afterward, but he made a full recovery! Heavens be praised, I am back, and wasn't stuck there!" Gamaken saw other toads gather around, namely Gamabunta and Gamahiro. "Brothers, sisters, I have returned victorious!"

"And drunk like a skunk!"

"Yes, I have Gamabunta, I am drunker than I ever have been!" Gamaken joyfully shouted as he tossed the tank over to him. Gamabunta observed it whilst Gamaken gained impatient look on his face. "Hurry up, and drink it, your minion in that world procured as a gift for me and us all!"

"Naruto, he's alive?!" Gamabunta shouted before looking at the container, and then taking a long swig out of it. "Great Toads above, what is this flavor, this is quite something!"

"Peach Wine!" Gamaken told Gamabunta before watching it get passed to Gamahiro. "My brother, I wished that you were summoned there, it truly was a glorious occasion! I dare say this rivals your time with the boy Gamabunta, when you took on The One-Tailed Beast, Shukaku!"

"Really?" Gamabunta laughed at his question before he looked down at Jiraiya, and then held out his hand. "I told you that I knew somewhere in my lions that boy was alive, my sons wouldn't shut up about his name not fading in the contract. Gamakichi, and Gamatatsu are going to be absolutely pleased with the news, ha!"

"Gamaken, is Naruto alright?! Did he give you anything to send back, why didn't he come back with you?!" Jiraiya yelled his question in rapid succession. The large magenta colored toad then got a serious look on his face. "Something is wrong, isn't there?"

"Unfortunately, Jiraiya, the boy is bounded by a power that even I can't overcome. I doubt anyone here can, even all of us summoning him at once. Still, interestingly enough, he was able to dispel me rather easily despite some resistance. That world he is in has a lot of natural energy in it, and if it's forming solid chunks of crystal, then that world is special! Our records spoke of such a world, but it was ancient legend to us. Though, to be frank, the amount of chakra there is less than here." Gamaken explained whilst giving details of where he had been, and then sat down in a meditative position. He then widened his golden eyes before pointing toward his back. "Naruto left something for you, it's about the Uchiha brat."

The gallant toad sage got himself sober, and stood up. He looked up, taking a deep breath before jumping onto Gamaken and running up the magenta-colored skin. He came to the top, and saw strange looking pots tied by a rope. He then saw the letter atop one of the pots, and ran over to it. He unsealed it quickly with a small knife he used to peel apples, and then opened it up.

"He can't be serious, even after everything?!" Jiraiya angrily exclaimed before nearly throwing the letter to the drink. He stopped himself before taking a deep breath. "I don't know what to do with this, because it's super time sensitive now, and I looked like a crazed fool."

"You have to make a choice, Jiraiya. I only pray that you please do as your student wishes, and to uphold your own teachings about hatred and the cycle." Gamaken offered up before angling his head to look behind himself. "He truly has become a fine young man, you know. That Naruto Uzumaki, the way he acted in the battle, is exactly the way his old man would've fought given the limited jutsu he had."

Jiraiya smiles softly, sitting down, and then looking at the hair clipping along with the headband with a picture of Team Seven in the letter. The man took a deep breath, and then looked up to the skies.

"Still always worried about even those who hurt you, such an annoying trait you have, Naruto. Still, I couldn't be prouder, but I don't know if I can ever risk your life like this again. That boy is like Orochimaru, sure he's pacified now, but what will happen if he sees you again…can I ever see you again?" Jiraiya sat there, pondering the crossroads of his two choices, and it startled him when he felt the hatred for Sasuke Uchiha bubble into his heart. "I'll make my choice, I promise, but I need time contemplate this."

"Just forgive me, Naruto, if I make the wrong choice."

---

{Konoha's Hokage Office.}
[Three Days Later. 3:23pm]

---

Tsunade Senju was sitting at her desk, a mountain of paperwork in front of her. She watches as Shizune, her student and assistant heads toward the door. Opening it, allowing Kakashi Hatake to enter. Accompanied by Sakura, the duo was invited in with a hand wave. Shizune quickly closed the door, but right before she did, she noted someone else standing out there.

"Your presence most of all was requested." She told him, but there was a hint of irritation in her voice. "You should be on your knees when you get in here, because if I was in that seat you wouldn't be standing here. I don't care what sentiment there is."

The teenager, who had raven hair, and onyx eyes nods his head. He quickly followed behind Shizune, who closed the door when he entered. Doing as instructed, still bound by chakra seals across his body as part of his punishment until his trial was concluded, he knelt down. Clad only in a loose T-shirt that was navy blue in color, and black pants.

"Prisoner escort successful, Lady Tsunade. I present you one Sasuke Uchiha." Kakashi offered up as he moved his hand to point toward Sasuke. "Prisoner was one hundred precent compliant throughout the process."

"I see, good, well as of today he'll be a prisoner no longer." Tsunade stated whilst glaring ice cold daggers at Sasuke. The Uchiha felt a cold chill run up his spine, it meant only one thing. "Kakashi Hatake, what is the punishment for killing your fellow shinobi?"

"Death, Lady Tsunade."

"Sakura, are you also aware of that?" Tsuande asked her youngest student, who nodded her head. The pinkette was close to crying, whilst she shook. Obviously, the trial must've concluded without Sasuke present. Tsuande turned her gaze toward Sasuke, who was looking down at the floor. "Are you aware of that?"

"Yes…"

"Sasuke Uchiha, as per the panel. I, The Fifth Hokage, order you to commit seppuku to atone for the murder of Naruto Uzumaki. If you cannot commit to this act, you will be publicly executed. Genin, teenager, it doesn't matter. You have broken one of the most sacredly held laws of Konoha, to murder your best friend, and teammate is unforgivable. I let you stew in in it for nearly four months because I wanted to hear the words that you were sorry, but you never said them, why is that?" Tsuande questioned the Uchiha, who stayed staring at the floor, whilst hearing Sakura whimper a little. "Aren't you going to answer me, or is this yet more defiance?"

"What defiance…how can I defy you. I have no reason to do so anymore. I realize what I've done, instead of valuing my friendship, I threw it all away, and for what? All because I wanted to kill my brother, and in doing so, I killed the only other person I could've called brother." Sasuke absently confessed as he looked into the floor polished reflection of himself, his hair was longer and unkempt. He appeared much older than he really was, the effects of guilt. "I don't deserve to live. I am the worst kind of traitor. I may not have taken his life directly, but if we hadn't clashed, he would be here."

"There is no amount of apologies I can give, no recourse, save for this one act of equalization." Sasuke took a deep, shuddering breath. He reached over to Kakashi, holding out his hand. "I ask that you please let Sakura Haruno leave the room, it's not fair to her to see this." He pleaded with Tsunade.

Sakura shook her head, and stayed next to Sasuke. "I'm not going anywhere. I promised you both that no matter what I'd be here…so I'm here." She comforted him before reaching to place a hand on his back. "Sasuke, if you beg, Lady Tsunade might- "

"I will not!" The Fifth Hokage yelled to the top of her lungs. "You will either die honorably here, and now, or I will drag into the streets! You not only took a shinobi from us, but you also took someone who was one day going to be Hokage! You took a legacy of one of the greatest shinobi to have ever lived, and the ultimate reason Konoha might even be standing today! There is no telling the amount of damage you've done, there is no other recourse!"

Sasuke felt tears well up in his eyes, and he took a deep breath. "I only ask that if you any of you see Itachi, just tell him that even though I hated him…I still loved him." He asked one last favor before slowly placing the tip of the kunai he was handed to by Kakashi up against his stomach. "Sakura, thank you, for always being my friend…I know I never said it, but…thank you."

"N-no problem, Sasuke. Let's be friends in the next life, alright?" She offered up before kneeling down next to him. "I'll be right here, until the very end. I forgive you."

"I can't forgive myself…" Sasuke took a deep breath, and then went to press down!

Only the kunai just nicked his stomach, and Jiraiya had his hand around Sasuke's wrist. He had weary look on his face, obviously having scruff on it. He stopped the blade from piercing the boy's stomach. Sasuke looked up in shock, as did Kakashi, Sakura, Shizune, whilst Tsunade was just ready to lose her mind.

"What the hell are doing, Jiraiya?!" She screamed as she got up. "Do not stop this, this is the law!"

"This is not what he would've wanted, and you know it!" Jiraiya screamed as he grabbed the kunai, and threw it against the door. Picking Sasuke up by his hair, roughly standing him up. "Besides, as much as I struggled with myself on either letting this happen, and lying later…I know Naruto would never forgive me."

"Naruto is gone, Jiraiya, he's dead and gone! Just like Dan, just like Nawaki, all because that selfish bastard killed him!" The Fifth Hokage screamed out as she pointed right at Sasuke. "He killed shinobi, and Jinchuuriki. Naruto is also your godson, Jiraiya! He was the child of Minato Namikaze, and Kushina, and you're letting his killer skirt?!"

"Wait…Naruto's the son of-no way!" Sakura yelled out before looking between Jiraiya, and Tsunade. "Lady Tsunade, is it true?"

"Yes, it doesn't matter now, the boy is dead! So, what does it matter if his secret comes out. He never knew himself anyhow, and I hate the fact I saw my own villagers stare at him…but it was out of my hands." Tsuande took a moment to gather herself before letting some tears fall. "You have no idea how raw this for me, Sakura, none once so ever. I am not delaying this any longer, sentimentality will not save that brat from death!"

"Tsuande, stop, you'd be killing someone that is innocent of murder!" Jiraiya screamed as he stood between her, and Sasuke. "Enough, just stop, and take this!" The man reached into his haori's pocket, and pulled out a letter out. "I didn't believe it at first, I thought Gamaken was too drunk, but then I saw something in this letter that I know for a fact only Naruto would have."

"Wait," Tsuande snatches the letter up from Jiraiya's hand. "What is this, did…did Naruto actually go rouge, or…or…"

Her mind was racing hundreds of meters a second, she was running herself ragged mentally. Still, she opened the letter, and looked into it. It was short, and she began to read it in her head. Each word carrying a heavy tone in her voice, and she looked at Sasuke at the end of it.

"Hey Grandma!

I'm alive, don't do anything to Sasuke if he's still alive! Please, spare his life if you have him. In this letter is proof of life, my hair, and the picture I kept of Team Seven. I'll be summoning a toad once a month to give updates.

Please, don't kill my friend because I failed to realize he was hurting too!

Signed, The Number One Knuckleheaded Hyperactive Ex Future Hokage It seems.

Naruto Uzumaki."

"That brat is…alive…" Tsuande shook before slowly taking the photo with the hair on it. "It can't be, please tell me this isn't a dream. Jiraiya, is this Naruto's hair?!"

"It is, I don't need to test it. Gamaken was summoned by him, currently it's only me, and Naruto on the summoning contract list. That means either the toads are hiding a secret student, which is against their own laws, or Naruto is alive and well." Jiraiya said with a small smile, and then he laughed. "Leave it to him to completely still worry about other people despite the situation he is in."

Sasuke was breathing hard as he looked at the picture, and hair clipping. He started to scrunch his face up, and then he fell to his knees as he began to sob. He pressed his forehead into the floor. He sobbed like a free man walking away from death row. Slowly, he lifted his head up, and looked at her.

"Is this real, is this a trick?" He questioned her before Jiraiya dragged him back. He wasn't going to protest, but then he felt the chakra seals on him being deactivated much to his own shock. "What are you doing, I am not free to go…I- "

"Just shut the hell up, brat. I'm not done being pissed at you, but my student wants you pardoned." Jiraiya finished the removal of the seals. He looked at Tsuande, who was just now sitting and staring blankly at the letter. "Tsuande, what is the punishment now?"

"House arrest, for three years." The Hokage adjudicated whilst looking at Sasuke, and then slammed her hand on the table. "You better not screw this up, Uchiha, do you hear me! You so much as take a piss outside without permission from my ANBU, I'll kill you myself!"

"Yes, Lady Hokage." Sasuke bowed his head before raising up. He looked at the picture of Team Seven, and the hair clipping. "Can I please see that photograph."

"I'll do you one better." Jiraiya shoved Naruto's headband into Sasuke's open palm. "You aren't owed this, no one really is, but if Naruto wanted to let anyone know that he was alive it would've been his best friend. Congratulations, Sasuke, you're going to live a life whilst my student is stuck in another world…there is no protocol for this."

Sasuke looks down at the headband before clutching it tightly. "Then I'll scour my families archives, maybe there's something that can help get him back! Maybe there's something at the very least that can make it to where we can see him." The Uchiha shook his head before crying some more as he felt warmth of the headband. "You were thinking about disobeying Naruto, weren't you?"

"I really was, because honestly brat, you're no different than Orochimaru." The Sage said whilst crossing his arms, scowling at Sasuke with a furrowed brow before sighing. "If Naruto thinks your redeemable, and that's a big IF, then I'll honor his wish this one time. Understand me, you don't get a second chance after this, because I'll rip you apart myself, got it?"

"Yes, I understand, so…what happens now?" Sasuke questioned before Tsuande just glared at him. "Do I start my house arrest now, or- "

"Just get the fuck out of my office, Sasuke." Tsuande cursed at him before watching Kakashi and Sakura escort him out. The woman was looking down at the desk before screaming and slamming her fist into it. "Damn it all, after all this time, I steel myself to kill that brat and now he just comes back into our lives!"

"Lady Tsuande…"

"Shizune, let her vent, because it was choice that she made that she didn't really want to do. Seppuku is only meant for adults, or those who commit serious offenses. No one wants to see a young shinobi, a child even, commit such an act." Jiraiya instructed his friend's student before walking over toward the desk. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "I will not stop until I am able to see him, but there's something else going on where he is."

"And that is?"

"Gamaken said there was a force on the world drawing to keep him from leaving. It took the two toad sages to summon him back after extensive calls to summon him. Gamaken admitted that he ignored some of them because he was helping with an aquifer in a large village since he was there, and whilst Naruto was in recovery after a fight." Jiraiya took a deep breath, and smiled proudly. "He's hero now, just like his father before him, from what I gather."

Tsuande and Shizune both teared up at that. The former just flopped back into her chair, sighing. "That brat has always got the weirdest luck. So, he's stuck on a new world, and apparently it's populated. I'll need more information on this, any chance on him acting as a go-between?" She inquired from Jiraiya.

"Straight from emotional to business. You're starting to become Hiruzen Sensei, you know. Anyway, I don't know, to be honest. I'll shoot it past him, but I have plans to be summoned one day there." Jiraiya then took a deep breath. "However, there is the risk I might get stuck over there as well."

"Damn it all, so close, yet so far." Tsuande bemoaned before sitting back in her chair. "At least he's safe from The Akatsuki, that's really the best benefit from this."

"Yes, but there's one more thing. Gamaken was summoned to fight a giant monster called a Grimm. The issue is, the way he described them, they're similar to the ancient Yokai in the scrolls. Actual demons that The Uzumaki Clan got their name for sealing." Jiraiya took a deep breath, and sighed. "It means that if what Gamaken thinks is true, this might not just be an isolated incident."

"One door closed, five more opened. At least Naruto's alive, I want to write a letter to him personally." The Fifth Hokage looked toward Jiraiya. "Did he say who he was going to summon?"

"No idea, honestly, Gamaken said that between the time Naruto and him talked, he actually used much more chakra than normal to summon him. In fact, Gamaken wasn't really the intended summon, Gamabunta was." Jiraiya crossed his arms, and then bit his lip. "I guess I better go crack out some of Kushina's old sealing books. This is going to be a long day indeed."

"Maybe some of grandmother's scrolls can help." Tsuande got up from her desk, and then laughed slightly under her breath. "Looks like we will actually be reliving our youths again, late night study sessions and all."

Shizune giggles a little bit and looks at the pair. "Even when not here, Naruto, you still inspire the best of people and encourage them. I'll help anyway I can as well, hopefully we can get you home soon." She walked toward the door, opening it to exit out.

"Better grab the sake, it's going to be a long night."

---

{Across The Endless Sea: Kuo Kuana.}
[Three Months Later. 9:40pm.]

---

December snow fell hard across Kuo Kuana. A winter storm had blown in from the north. Naruto was currently huddled up within a golden yellow jacket. He wore heavy cargo pants that were orange in color. His pouches jingled every so slightly as he walked into the roads. People waved at him, some called out to him.

Still, Naruto went along his way. He had an objective in mind. On his back was a sack he tight with slack rope. It contained various gifts, and some for someone who he'd have to bring over from across the endless sea later. Walking up a large hill in the city, Naruto's hot breath created steam clouds as he ascended.

Cresting the hill he saw the ice along the ocean beach, covering the docks in the distance. It would be something he would have to take care of when it came time. Kuo Kuana, Ino Kai, and several other coastal settlements were already asking him to come clear the ice since he was the only one that could do it fast, and safely.

They didn't pay too badly either, each job netting him a thousand liens or more. It was enough to get his life started anew on his own terms. Of course, it didn't mean he had to pay for the roof over his head. The people of Kuo Kuana had gotten together, and though they didn't exactly build him a house, they furnished an amazing three-bedroom apartment.

It was ground floor, something he had wanted as a child, because ground floor apartments were usually warmer since they slightly buried to retain heat. Looking at his necklace, he smiled, and then looked up at the starry night sky. He saw so many stars on nights like these, and as he came to learn, each star had a different world.

He wondered if his life would be truly different if he had came somewhere else. Still, it didn't matter to him, he was and always would be Naruto Uzumaki. With a leap he cleared the street with ease, landing on top of a few apartments before scurrying across the rooftops.

The cold wind bristled upon him as he moved, gracefully, and intently. With the sack jingling with the various items, he had bought with the money that he had earned. Leaping across the streets, spinning around midair, the azure eyes of Naruto glowed in the darkness as he leapt up to eclipse the shattered moon.

Landing with a slide upon the snow-covered ground, he stopped right in front of the small gates to The Belladonna Estate. Of course, he just vaulted over them with ease. Whistling as he walked up to the front doors, he didn't even bother to knock as he opened them. The smell of a home-cooked meal flooded his senses, making his mouth water.

"Oh man, that smells so good, what is it?" He openly questioned as he took his jacket off, and kicked his shoes over onto a pile of other shoes. His black socks allowed him to essentially glide across the floor as he moved over to Cloud, fist bumping him. "Cause it's making super hungry, ya know!"

"Traditional Belladonna cooking for the holidays. Kali and Blake are pretty much slaving away in the kitchen." Cloud told him before looking upstairs to see Ghira standing there. "Chief Ghira, we have our honored guest."

"Pfft, honored, what am I royalty now?" The shinobi quipped before giving a two-finger greeting to Ghira. "Yo, Ghira, how was your trip to Ino Kai, Argenti still being Argenti?"

"Oh of course he is," Ghira laughs before looking at Naruto with a soft smile. "Welcome home, Naruto."

"It's good to be home, it's kind of lonely at my apartment." The teenager replied before stretching. He looked at the main room, noting some changes. "So, I heard my old room is getting changed around, what's up?"

"Hah, that's twenty liens my dear wife owes me!" Ghira declared before hopping down, grunting when he knelt down a little bit before standing up. "I'm not as young and spire as I used to be, curses of older age. Please, come, dinner should be about ready."

"I can't wait, it's been about a month since I was last here. I'm sorry about that, by the way, I was busy checking on the lake to make sure the water level maintaining." Naruto apologized before walking into the dining room. He saw Adam sitting there, and slightly grumbled before smiling. "Yo, Adam, how's it going?"

"It's going, I heard that you've been doing some unauthorized ventures past the wall." Adam hinted whilst sipping hot tea before sighing. "I suppose it can't be helped, after all, you are The Hero Of Kuo Kuana."

"Well, you, and Blake are heroes too." Naruto pointed out, but noted the gaze of Adam solely focusing on his tea. The younger boy reached into the sack, tossing something that Adam caught. It was smaller blade of some kind. "It's a tanto, I happened to go into Mon Kai, that village Fjall is from. It's renowned for their metal working, and I know you like blades, so there ya go."

Adam's gripped tightened on the tanto, and then he smirked. "Well, I guess you're right, I've heard that they forged my sword. I guess it would only make sense that I get the complete set." The older teen placed the blade down and under the table. "Oh, hello, Lady Kali."

Naruto turns around to see Kali standing there. However, something was different, and he pointed it out almost immediately. "Hey, Lady Kali, what's going on with ya? I didn't think that fish I got the other day in Ino Kai was that good, ya know!" He joked whilst noting her slightly larger frame. "On a seriousness note, are you okay, because you kind of look tired…and…and…"

"Bigger?" Kali finished for him.

"Yeah, I wasn't gonna say it, I'm sorry!" Naruto immediately apologized before rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "I mean, man, um…I…you know what I suck at this! Come here!" The blonde teen jogged up to her, but when he went to hug her Ghira came and lightly shoulder tackled out of the way a little bit. "Hey, what gives, I always hug her when I see her, ya know!"

"Hugging like that is off limits for a while, you must be gentle!" Ghira scolded him lightly before crossing his arms. He waited for Naruto to put the pieces together, but when the blonde drew a blank, he sighed. "My dear wife, and I were wanting to save this until we were all settled down. However, Naruto, the reason I just tackled like I did is because Kali is in a delicate state. In fact, Blake has been doing most of the cooking."

"Oh…are you sick?" Naruto asked Kali, seeing her lightly chuckle. "Hey, I'm not joking, I can go get some medicine if you're sick! Is it something horrible, am I walking into a lot of bad news! Ah, I knew it, I tell ya I'm horrible luck!"

"Calm down, calm down." Kali laughed before walking over slowly to him, she took one of his hands. "You've gotten more callouses, you really ought to take a break from time to time."

"Hey, and what would I do in my spare time, read Ninjas Of Love as much as Blake does?" Naruto asked.

"Shut up!" A yell came from the kitchen.

"See, point taken and ran with." The young teen pointed out before feeling his hand getting dragged over to Kali's stomach. He was confused at first, weirded out even, until she lightly pressed against the lower part. "What in the…hang on, what the…"

"So, has Jiraiya been working on that sensory training of yours?" Kali inquired.

"Of course, he has, I mean, but I must be doing something wrong with it…because…" Naruto furrowed his brow before his eyes widened and he retracted his hand immediately. "Holy crap, I'm so sorry, I almost hurt you and the…"

"Baby, yes, aren't you going to ask how far along?" She laughed whilst questioning him.

"Um, how far along, Lady Kali?" Naruto inquired whilst fidgeting and smiling. He was extremely giddy as he felt the hand he had used fidget a little bit. "I mean, wow, just wow! I didn't know that Ghira could still, or you could-ow!"

Ghira smacks him across the head. "We're not that old, brat!" He hollered whilst blushing bright red. "Last time I checked, I was only thirty-three!" He continued to holler, which elicited a small laugh from Kali. "That's extremely crass of you, Naruto!"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I just can't believe it, ya know!" Naruto laughed whilst rubbing the small lump growing on his head. He looked at Kali, chuckling. "No, seriously, how far along are you?"

"About three months, two weeks, turns out that party in October was a little crazier than anticipated." She stated pridefully before turning toward her husband, smiling. "Dear, please apologize for hitting Naruto on the head, poor boy knows no better…we're still trying to shape him into a young man remember."

"R-right, I'm sorry, Naruto. It's just that I don't like that kind of crassness towards my wife." Ghira apologized but watched as Naruto waved it off with a smile. "Bygones?"

"Already forgot what happened, so don't worry about it! Wow, so what does that mean? Do you guys know if it's a girl, or a boy?! Oh man, can I get a hint at the name, can I help with names?! I got so many names from my world, they're all super cool, and color coded too!" The blonde teen was gushing as he had stars in his eyes. "Can I teach him…err…her Ninjutsu?! Oh man, I can see it now, I shall create a second me!"

Naruto briefly imagined a boy by his side, with black clothing instead of orange. He would be wearing a black headband, and have golden colored eyes. Perhaps even the same cat ears as Kali, and Blake. He'd have a scroll clutched in his teeth, already forming a hand seal. Meanwhile, a much older Naruto was standing next to him, a proud master to his student!

"Oh man, I can't wait!"

"Calm down, sheesh, we're not even sure if it's a boy or girl yet." Kali joshed whilst lightly punching Naruto in the arm, chuckling. "As for the ninjutsu stuff, can we even use what you do?"

"I mean, maybe, Gamaken did tell me you guys do have a little bit of chakra. I mean, everything living kind of has chakra. After all, like Sakura told me, everything alive produces physical energy, and of course everything has a soul, so there's spiritual energy. Wham bam, put those together, and you get chakra!" Naruto declared whilst pumping his fists before realizing something. "Although, to be honest, I don't know how to really grow someone's chakra reserves…much less teach to initially use it."

"Well, if you can ever find a way, you could open your own school. Besides, if you keep reading those bad novels, you'll rot your brain." Kali lightly chided him, chuckling when he started blushing. "I heard the newest one is raunchy."

Naruto blushes at that, looking away whilst beet red. "Hehe, well, that's because we're all young adults. So, what's the protocol around, do I have to wear a padded suit?" He inquired.

"Just treat her like she's very fragile glass, and you'll be fin-umph!" Ghira coughed up as he felt Kali's elbow leave his side. He winced a little bit, rubbing the area she had struck. "Never mind, treat her like glass with a bad attitude."

She giggles before looking toward Naruto, who was smiling brightly. "I guess the cats out of bag." Kali quipped with Naruto giving her a chuckle. "See, I still got it, sheesh…I need to sit down." She walked over to a cushion, and practically flopped down on it. "I forgot how weak I get when I'm like this, let this be a lesson to you. When you one day find someone, and if it happens to be a woman, be prepared to wait on her hand and foot when she's like this."

Naruto laughs before looking toward the kitchen. "I'm gonna go help Blake, she's probably overwhelmed, ya know!" He laughed before skirting past Ghira before lightly bumping him with shoulder. "Excuse me~"

Ghira chuckles raising his fist up at Naruto playfully before sitting down. "Adam, why don't you go and help them?" The patriarch asked.

Adam just stares at the tanto laying on his lap. He glared toward the kitchen before getting up. "Sure, why not, I think that sack Naruto dropped has our gifts in them." The redhead commented whilst pointing toward the sack Naruto had dropped when he discovered Kali was pregnant.

"Ooh, can't wait to-ouch!" Ghira shrilled a little as a welp came up on his hand from Kali pinching it. "Why, my love, why?!"

"Not until after dinner."

Meanwhile in the kitchen, Naruto saw Blake bouncing between several different spots, and quickly got ready. Naruto was wearing the pink apron as he got a hairnet out. He hummed as he walked up next to Blake, quickly getting the cutlery she was working with. He noted that it wasn't fish, but ham, and he found his mouth watering just a little bit.

"Oh man, this all looks good!" The shinobi complimented Blake's cooking far, and laughed as he began to read the recipe book that was open. "What do you need help on?"

Without missing beat, Blake handed him a masher. "I need you to mash down the sweet potatoes as much as possible. I'm making a sort of desert casserole with them." She revealed whilst already turning on the oven to the required temperature. She stopped for a minute, and turned around. "Are you growing out your hair?"

"Just a little bit, I honestly thought about cutting it into a buzzcut, but meh. I kind of like longer hair, ya know." The shinobi tucked one of his errant locks behind the hairnet. "Only bad thing is sometimes it can be so unruly!"

"I think it looks nice." She offered up, though slightly nervous about as Adam walked in. "What are you going for?"

He hums at the compliment before answering the question. "I don't know, really, because there was so many things I kind of thought about doing with longer hair. I guess I'll let it get down to the back of my neck before I decide to either keep it, or go back to my regular old short spikes." He told her before starting to rapidly smash down the sweet potatoes. "Why don't you go take a break, I can do this, and you too Adam!"

Adam just looked at him confusedly, and then watched as Naruto formed clones. He snaps his fingers, and nods his head. "I completely forgot that you're a one-man work crew." He turned to Blake, who was obviously on her last legs, she had been cooking for close for three hours. "Well, I guess we go and sit down."

"Yeah…" She turned back to Naruto, watching him rocking the hairnet and pink apron along with his clones. She smiles softly before walking into the dining room where her family is. "Be careful, try not to break your arm again!"

"Pfft, I don't know what you're talking about, Blake!" Naruto called back before turning toward Cloud who was busy jamming out. "Hey, spare some of that good music, ya know!" He held out his hand, to which Cloud handed him the earbud. "What's playing right now?"

"Oh, I got some good stuff going, it may be weird though." Cloud admitted with a small blush, and then watched as Naruto placed the earbud in his ear. "Well…?"

"I'm feeling lonely, I wish I could find a lover that can hold me, now I'm crying in my room~"

Naruto blushes a little before bopping his head to it. "It's, honestly, very catchy. I like it, I can get down with it. Besides, I'm started to think about possibly going on dates here soon. Why not, you know, I mean if I'm gonna live here, then I might as well enjoy it." The shinobi watches as his clone put the ham into the oven. "I think dinner will be done in about an hour, poor Blake, sheesh if I wasn't so late getting up I could've came and helped more!"

"Can't always hold the world up on your shoulders." Cloud said before looking toward the dining room, and walking over to Naruto. He got toward his ear, and whispers. "Listen, Adam has been here since this morning, and he hasn't lifted one finger…don't feel too bad. Honestly, he's starting to even get me mad at him."

"Well, that's just a little rude." Naruto replied before remembering what just happened earlier. "Ah, who am I kidding, I'm an idiot half the time."

"A hero idiot."

"Yeah, well, an idiot is an idiot still." The blonde shinobi countered whilst chuckling a little. "So, are you going to teach me how to play spades with the guards tonight?"

"Sure, why not, it's not like you can clean us out."

---

{Vale: Beacon Academy.}
[Minus Four Hours Mengerian Standard Time, 6:30pm.]

---

"So, we've been reviewing that video for over three months now." A man with silvery hair said as he leaned back in his chair, his designer glasses just hanging below his actual thin brown eyes. "From what I understand, it would seem that Menagerie has not only acquired a diamond, but someone who is reportedly an outworlder."

"The rest of Remnant has begun whispering about this boy. No doubt she will know about him soon enough, and then of course, she will try to recruit him." A messy haired man with red eyes told the silvery haired man whilst crossing his arms. He raised his left hand up to rub the scruff on his face. "Obviously, from I've gathered, this child couldn't be any more her opposite if he tried."

"I'm not so sure about that." The man sitting at the desk replied before sipping his hot cocoa. "Aww, this is very much lovely cocoa."

"Ozpin!"

"Right, right, I'm sorry. I've always had a weakness for good cocoa." Ozpin apologized before adjusting his green collar. He looked at a photo of the boy sitting at his desk, the subject of his obsessive research for the last three months since the video aired. "I wonder who the real Naruto Uzumaki is, no child having that amount of raw power is truly alright. I should know, but that's neither here nor there."

"Are you going to Menagerie in the spring?"

"Don't you mean are we going in the spring? The answer is of course, but still, I wonder who that young man is." Ozpin brought up a more recent video of where Naruto was sparring with someone, and that blonde haired youth was dog walking the poor boy. "If he comes from a world that even people eclipse him, well now, this makes it very interesting. What do you think, Qrow?"

"Or very dangerous, it might just be best to get them out of Remnant." Qrow stated whilst grumbling slightly, and sighing. "Still, I'm not too keen on the idea of what you're planning to offer him."

"Meh, more than likely he might refuse." Ozpin waived before sipping on more of his hot cocoa before finishing it off with a gulp. He got up, grabbing his cane whilst adjusting his coat. He looked at Qrow, smiling brightly. "So, come with me, I want to hear some more about nieces."

"Heh, which one? The spitfire, or the gun nut?" Qrow laughed, feeling the mood lift slightly. "You know that kid we are planning to meet in the spring does look like Taiyang an awful lot."

"Ah yes, Mr. Xiao-Long, now that you mention it they do have such a similar appearance." Ozpin laughed before walking forward onto an elevator. "I've always called it a pleasure to have brought you all up in the academy, Qrow. One day, when your nieces come of age, Beacon Academy will offer them the world."

"Part of me wishes they'd just choose something else to do with their lives, something a little safer." Qrow bemoaned before pressing the ground floor button. "Ruby, however, is just like her mother even at such a young age."

"Ahh, I see, well then why don't you ever show me a picture of her?" The headmaster of Beacon Academy inquired.

Qrow got slightly uncomfortable and sighed. "I don't think she's ready for being forced on a path." He admitted before looking over toward Ozpin, meeting his eyes. "You promised me that you wouldn't force the matter."

"And I'm not, simply making conversation, Mr. Branwen." The headmaster chippered before they exited the elevator into a crowded room. He looked at various students, and all of them busy gossiping about each other. However, his ears picked up some conversations about video from three months ago. "This certainly will Remnant's most interesting year to come."

"We'll have to navigate it, carefully."

---

Chapter End.
Act One End.

---

Trivia.

Naruto's partial transformation into KCM is similar to The Power arcs version. Probably the best filler arc in all of Naruto Shippuden…and it's not because Snake Naruto became the homie we all needed by decking Sakura whilst in the version two state…but damn if I didn't put that on replay. Also, this is our first hint of his power as an Ashura.

Uzumaki Lake is meant to be the catalyst for change for Menagerie as a whole.

Aquifers are sources of water underneath the ground, technically even The Sahara Desert has a huge aquifer. If it didn't, there wouldn't be oases. This partly why Vacuo nearly killed itself, they dried theirs up almost.

Menagerie being where it is on the planet has varying climates. Obviously, it's a weird mix of tropical, and temperate, as given that during Winter it tends to snow a lot.

Sasuke Uchiha feeling remorse for what he has done isn't too much of a shocker, this is a scenario where he doesn't get further dragged down by Orochimaru.

Matilda & Tucker have their second appearance in this chapter, and of course, it's something to do with fish.

Gamaken giving the area some natural energy to help it grow faster isn't too out of the picture. It's generally a consensus that all toads have sage arts on hand.

Gamamaru can, and has, sensed The Brother Gods and "The Dark Ones."

Potatoes are NOT native to Europe; in fact, they grow in Andes mountains in South America. Yes, I know, that shocked me as well. Yes, this goes for sweet potatoes as well.

Time zone wise, Vale is four hours behind Menagerie, Vacuo is a fully twelve hours behind. Mistral is four hours ahead, and Atlas is twelve hours ahead as well. So, think of it like this, 5pm in Menagerie is 1pm in Vale, Patch, and other cities in Vale, 5am in Atlas, Mantle, and Vacuo City. Meanwhile Mistral city comes in at 9pm, along with Argus. If this isn't simplified enough, I can try to do it more later, this is basically trivia/concepts. Not exactly spoilers.

Hair color can naturally radically change when puberty hits, just a bit of a factoid…maybe.