A/N: Not much to say this time around. Busy, busy, busy.

Holidays and two jobs suuuuuuck. Feels like I'm being run ragged.

My mental state isn't...the best at the moment, but I'm trying to hang in there. Might adopt a dog. House feels empty now that both of mine have passed away. Lonelier still given the anniversary of my fiance's death is coming up. Years later and it still doesn't feel real.

But that's enough about my personal life.

In any case, the fragments of "Creator" and "First Hunt" might be made into stories. I repeat. MIGHT! Same applies for that Weapon Masters of Remnant story with NarutoxTenten creating living weapons.

Again, all that depends on fan feedback. I've got a lot on my plate atm.

As ever we're still sticking to the "Embers" rule here, folks. If folks don't like this...well, I won't continue. Every review, every comment, no matter how large or small, keeps me writing in spite of my busy work schedule. I don't get days off anymore, so I try to respond when I can, but lately it feels like this has become a job in and of itself; albeit one I don't get paid for, one that it is often thankless...

No reviews? No inspiration. No inspiration? Sad writer. So speak up! Your words matter! That's no joke! As ever, I own no quotes, references, themes or memes.

As ever, I own no references, quotes, memes or themes found herein. Not a wit or a one.

They're merely tributes to legends and myths far, far, FAR greater than I...

Now let's go. Another teaser for Weapon Masters of Remnant.

Albeit a bit further in the future...

"Anything can be upgraded. Weapons, the environment, even people.

The only limit is your imagination.

Unleash it."

~?

Upgrade

"Uncle Naruto!" Ruby squeaked. "You did what?!"

Like mother, like daughter. Some things never changed.

Then again, there was peace to be found in familiarity, Naruto found.

"Well," The blond wheeled away from his forge and peeled his goggles back with a grin. "You mentioned Crescent Rose didn't have enough of a kick." he wiped a hand across his soot-covered face, grinning a little. "So I had a word with her. Tenten helped.

The little reaper clutched Crescent Rose to her chest. "...you...talked with my baby?! What did it say about me?!"

"Oi!" he flicked her head. "I MADE your baby, remember? Just like I made your mother's.

"Not answering my question, uncle!"

"I already told you, Ruby. If you want to talk with your weapon, you'll have to learn on your own time." he tutted when she looked away. "These weapons, the ones I make, are alive. They have souls; their own needs and desires. You need to be kind to them. Give them names, make them part of your family, hug them, talk to them. Crescent Rose is no different.

She made frustrated noises and kicked at the floor with a foot. "I know that...but its hard!"

Poor girl. Naruto took pity on her and decided to throw her a bone. "Has your scythe materialized yet?"

...no. He stays in weapon form." she looked to him with a growl. "Ember Celica turns human for Yang whenever she wants!"

"Assumes human form, Ruby." Tenten sashayed past, booping her nose as she went. "Use proper grammar."

Summer's daughter set Crescent Rose down with a whine. "Not! Helping!"

"And she's not said a word to you?"

"No!"

"Well, you do like weapons." Tenten laid a fresh ingot down, turning to face her at last. "You were gushing about Harbinger and Omen when you were here the other day, too. Maybe you've made her jealous."

Silver eyes snapped up to meet Tenten's brown. "You said she...?"

His wife nodded, pleased by her deduction. "I did."

"Crescent Rose is a girl?!"

Naruto snickered. "Did you thin she was a boy?!"

Ruby flung up her arms. "YES!"

He leaned back against the forge. "Well, there's your problem. Try picking her up now."

Ruby did so. Her face immediately went red. She looked left. Right. Left again.

Naruto wasn't surprised when she finally bolted.

"Thanksunclegottagoloveyoubyyyeeee!"

Kids these days." he sighed. "Were we ever like that?"

"No," Tenten plonked down in his lap, pinning him to his chair long enough to kiss his cheek. "We were worse."

"Heh. We really were, weren't we?" He wrapped an arm around her full waist. "Speaking of which...

She grabbed his hand. He let her tug him up the stairs.

The Forge was closed the rest of the day.

A/N: Aaaand there we go. Hope you enjoyed it.

Soooo? Should this be a story? Once again! This is an AU.

Hoe someone, somewhere, enjoyed this. I just don't know anymore these days.

So...in the Immortal Words of Atlas...Review...Would You Kindly?

No previews this time. Not with this weeks madness.

R&R~!