So this has taken so long mostly because i refuse to give just the war as I have dreaded it and think it shows in the writing. I wanted a chapter after it to upload too so you guys have something completely original.

This and the next chapter will be the war, again it feels rushed and its nostly just cause I dread it. I tried my best and hope it is still enjoyable. but i wont be dragging it out. Chapter 20 will be post war.

I know it has been a while but thank you all for the patience :)

The way they sealed up the Ten Tails in a barrier was just impressive. Naruto was amazed at his Dad's use of the flying raijin, it was so smooth and faster than his own, obviously. Well the man perfected it he shouldn't be surprised. Naruto wasn't sure how helpful Sasuke could be but Itachi had a susano, though, without both eyes could he do it? He stepped from Sakura and nodded

"Ready dobe?" Sasuke asked putting his hand on his sword at his hip.

"Naruto?" Shikamaru called gripping his wrist. Naruto couldn't help the way his heart accelerated, even now. Lifting his arm up through Shikamaru's hand to weave his hands with his own he smiled softly at the Nara

"I've got this" he assured him "try not to die on me okay?"

"Me? I'm not the one battling a raging beast. You don't die on me" he ordered Naruto smirked and nodded

"Yes dear" he teased before planting a lingering kiss on the man's lips. Ignoring the look of mouths falling, and Shikaku's chuckle, he walked toward the barrier.

"Be careful, we will sit back and try to come up with a plan" Shikaku said stepping up to Shikamaru. Naruto nodded over his shoulder.

"I'm coming too" Sasuke declared "I can help, I was taught by Orochimaru... for a while" he admitted "I never gave up the training" he shrugged and Naruto smiled. He supposed that was something to do with the mission that Shikaku had mentioned.

"Two students of two sanin huh" he chuckled before they both dove to the rocks ahead. Before they could make a plan Sakura landed next to them

"I'm coming too" she declared

"Sakura!" Sasuke sighed

"You think Tsuanade was the only sanin to inadequately train her student? I have been training with her longer than either of you had with yours. I'm almost there, a little time and I'll be ready" she said firmly and Sasuke huffed at her while Naruto only nodded. That sounded fair to him. Then he frowned

Does this mean we're the new sanin?

"I suppose it does" Kurama chuckled Naruto wasn't sure whether to be flattered or frightened at that thought. Jiyraiya hadn't trained him, not really. But he did through the toads he supposed...

Sakura was lethal, Naruto decided. Those fists would kill anyone if they didn't prepare for it. Not to mention she was fast. Naruto even caught Sasuke smirking in pride as she cleared the way. When she looked back he was surprised to see the same mark on her head as Tsunade's. The deadlock was something he'd read about in the history books, he hadn't expected to live his own when he summoned Gamabunta. He almost didn't realise it was Gamakichi until he spoke. Naruto smiled look who is all grown

Seeing Lady Katsui again was nice, the giant snake Sasuke stood on not so much. It was dark and even looked as angry as Sasuke's resting face. Though he sounded nice enough. Sakura stayed behind healing up the people who followed them in.

Obito took in the Ten Tails and the entire battle became harder again, but knowing sage jutsu worked was helpful. He had to remember to thank Gamakichi for that. If he didn't want to taje a shot before dissapearing they may never have figured it out. However stood next to his Father, with Obito throwing his grief in his face was enough to make Naruto shake. He tried to focus.

"You know what tomorrow is don't you?" He asked and it took all the restraint in him not to charge forward. His shadows seeped out on the floor waiting to lash out. He hadn't been thoughtless since he was a kid so he was surprised to feel them becoming defensive, like they did back then. Another way Shikamaru's gift had saved him. "It's the day they died! The day it ended. That fox you have, killed them!" He said as he slowly hid in his shield. He could feel his Dad's grief, regret, the slight shake inside.

"So it was the day I was born?" He asked glaring up at the Uchiha "they were both dying anyway so don't even try to twist it. You're the one who killed them not Kurama. You're the one who killed the woman who loved you like her own!" His Dad tensed next to him at the mention of his knowledge of his Mum. But he had no time to focus on him. Or let this go on too far, the more he heard the man speak the angrier he got.

"Sasuke, get here" he called as the cloaks were completed time to get out of this barrier. If we're lucky he's overestimated his defence and blows himself up he thought. Kurama and Gyuki agreed.

-

Everyone was saved, sadly Obito was still alive. Going into complete tailed beast state inside the barrier was the best thing to do, they were sure of it even if he sensed Sasuke's disappointment of being left out of the fight. But then he spit up the tentails and all hell broke loose. A damned tree was sucking the chakra from everyone, even his cloak wasn't helping.

The devine tree! Gyuki explained the cloaks will only attract it now. The moment its roots touched Naruto he felt like someone had pulled the plug on his chakra reserves. His limbs turned to lead as he tried to pull himself free. Hearing his Fathers worried cry broke his heart a little. Eventually the strength left him and the light was dimming he called out but he couldn't hear his voice, he felt it though, he did speak. The tree covered him engulfing him in darkness for all but a moment. Before the wood splintered apart before he landed in the Old Man's arms

"I'm sorry that it took so long" he said, Naruto some how understood he wasn't just talking about the current predicament. But in his failure to keep his promise, his neglect, his stupidity on how he went about Naruto's upbringing. But all he could think, was it wasn't him he should be apologising to. It was his Mother. But now wasn't the time. So he said nothing. He had bigger concerns, the cloak on Shikamaru- He fell to his knees as Lord Second landed them away from the tree, he felt Shikamaru waver the cloak no longer on. No! He was ready to teleport to him

"Don't!" Kurama yelled and he froze. He couldn't not go! He was dying and Naruto couldn't breathe. Tears were pouring from his eyes as he glared up at Obito, who kept talking his bullshit. So many were dead, Shikamaru was dying! If he killed Shikamaru, Naruto was unsure how well he'd hold his own darkness in check. The tree had stilled and Naruto was ready to start hyperventilating. When Orochimaru appeared with two people, Naruto could barely hear him. The only thing he took in was the Five Kage were alive and on their way. So Shikamaru only needed to hold on. He wanted to go to him but it was like Kurama was holding him in place. That and the chakra drain. Kurama was already building his up, but Naruto couldn't focus. He was furious, devastated and terrified. It was too much

"Snap out of it!" Kurama growled "focus and we can hold onto him until the Hokage arrives" he said. Naruto blinked as his heart picked up, his senses some how clinging onto the hope Kurama was giving him. Lord First was talking, but Naruto couldn't take it in either. Something about fifteen minutes being the end and cutting down the tree. Then, as if understanding he needed it there was Sasuke, in a Susano of his own chopping through a root Obito had awakened

"Throwing in the towel already?" He taunted. Naruto grit his teeth, reached in with Kurama, to the other half to activate KCM. He felt lighter, stronger immediately. Beast mode helped but he wasn't in the fight completely. Every fibre of his being wanted to be on the ground. When felt Kurama engulf Shikamaru in a new cloak of chakra he almost collapsed but it was only keeping him alive more than healing. He wasn't used to Shikamaru though so that made sense. Naruto almost smacked his head on the floor, remembering.

Ino!? Inoichi!? He thought desperately. She or her dad had connected everyone while Hashirama was talking. Something he wasn't really paying attention to in his spiral of grief.

"I'm here, Naruto!" Ino thought

His earring, the stud! Break it!

"What? Why?"

Just do it!

Before she could he felt Tsunade land next to him and the restoration in the Shikamaru's depleted Chakra was immediate. Naruto almost sobbed in relief. He was truly starting to like that woman, he had another reason to both thank and respect her.

"Don't focus on me, fight, stay alive" Shikamaru thought to him. Naruto wondered if he could mentally glare at the idiot. The Kage had rounded up the troops, they would work on the tree, while he and Sasuke would fight.

"You've become what the world needed, brother. Despite your suffering and yet here you are, pulling all the nations together to keep fighting" Gaara's thoughts filtered in through all the noise and Naruto was just glad to hear him. But it was hard to focus even Lord First was directing his thoughts to Naruto. He kind of wished Inoichi or Ino would turn off the mind connection. These people already saw way too much about him than he had ever wanted. But when everyone charged forward it took all Naruto had to not teleport Shikamaru away as he ran forward. This was his fight too. It wasn't just Naruto's fight now and he had to accept that the few he cared for deserved to fight too. Even Itachi had advanced, Bee and Gyuki. He needed to keep Obito busy. Reduce the risk to the people heading to the tree.

"Why do you fight? People betray you and the world made you suffer!" Obito spoke in the crater "all you got was hate, for simply existing. They don't deserve your sacrifice" Naruto had to clench his teeth so tight he thought he might break them. "You and I are the same" that almost made him throw up. He wasn't wrong, Naruto could admit that about the first part anyway. But not about those he chose to trust, chose to care for. Sure, most of the world had turned their backs on him the moment he was born. But Kakashi, Itachi, Shikamaru, Gaara and Jiyraiya had all protected him, loved and truly cared for him. Even Shikaku and Yoshino. Even years after he made all of them suffer. Hosokawa and the children, these were the people who kept him human, kept him open to have faith in others, like Sakura and Sasuke, Hinata and their friends. Even Kurama, who had waited lifetimes to be free, had loved him more than most, given him more than most. So yeah the world was shit, and he had every right to be vindictive about it. But the world was made up of good people and bad alike. Fear was the issue, grief, and pain. He could let the actions slide for some. For people like Obito? And Madara? Not a chance in hell. They let it consume them, caused thousands to die and multiple catastrophes in their pursuit of the Infinite Tsukuyomi. He'd never forgive that. And sure he was biased from his own suffering at their hands. But he really couldn't care right now. Obito kept talking, Naruto only heard the end

"Why do you keep fighting?!" He yelled clearly frustrated. Sasuke stood, and Naruto was honestly impressed with his strength, how he could keep up with Naruto. He must have as much Chakra as me he thought.

"For the few I care for mostly" he deapanned shrugging and then resisting the urge to rub his temples at the memory. At the edge of the Hokage tower, watching Asuma and his family, Hinata helping him find a way to protect the entire village. "But for the kids too" he smirked not missing the way Sasuke stood straighter looking a little smug. Obito looked surprised and Naruto could almost laugh "They're innocent, no way they deserve this shit you're blabbering on about. It wasn't their fault. Just like it wasn't mine, or my parents, or even Kakashi's fault for your suffering. If we were the same. We wouldn't be here now" Naruto practically spat at him activating KCM again. He called Shikamaru, and his friends. He was amazed at how quickly they came, without hesitation and his heart felt like it was about to burst with the gratitude he had for them as they each landed in a tail to take a rasengan.

Naruto was done. And Obito was vulnerable and the tailed beasts were reaching out, now Naruto was going to force the others out of him and hope the bastard died. Dad had figured it out, that Obito, his own student, the kid he had mourned was one and the same as the one who resulted the death of his wife. The curse of his son. Kakashi was still in the other dimension and it was making Naruto nervous he had no way to sense him. But he needed to focus as he, Sasuke and Shikamaru and his friends worked together to free the bijuu, he couldn't help but appreciate them again. Not one of them hesitated. Each tail with the chakra from the bijuu reached out taking hold. Shukaku being the only one he couldn't reach. Naruto's heart dropped a little

"We will deal with mine" Gyuki said taking over and Naruto didn't argue. It would be the best choice given the main chakra of him was a stronger connection.

"Shukaku was once one with me. I'll get him" Gaara called appearing next to them

"Yes! Go Gaara" Naruto cheered

"Okay Naruto, it's a tug of war now, give it all you've got" Kurama instructed. Obito resisted, but it was futile. The Bijuu wanted out, Naruto wanted them free, and the forces came to help, he was outnumbered and it wasn't a hard battle of will after that. He saw his regrets, he saw his resolve falter in that moment of connection. He even saw his past and how similar they had grown. But it only pissed Naruto off more. How could he have suffered a life without his parents and been the sole reason for Naruto and many others not to know theirs? How could he live through the neglect and hostility of his people and create the same for an innocent child? This guy who ran late because he couldn't not help someone in need, especially the elderly. He wondered if he had lost Shikamaru, would he have turned out this way? He didn't think so, he hoped not but, he supposed he didn't really know. All for her, Rin, she meant everything to him, even then only a thirteen year old.

"Look at you now, an enemy of the world, spouting nonsense that its to help it. When it's all for her! You think she'd thank you? You think this is what she would want? You're delusional, no dream you make is going to bring her back, it's an illusion. She died for her village, for the people she loved and you're making her sacrifice mean nothing"

"Stop it!" He yelled

"That's the difference between you and me. I'd never dishonour the people I love like that" he snapped, realising that was true. No matter how much it hurt, he'd learnt as much when he protected the village, when he felt the deep seeded shame upon speaking to his Dad, at how he had once agreed to let Kurama destroy it. At how much he wanted to save what was important to Shikamaru and Kakashi. It was a relief to know if he was honest. "Rin would be so ashamed of you using her sacrifice to inflict so much destruction. What would she say if she knew what you did to my parents? To me? To Kakashi" he said seeing the resolve in his eyes break down the longer he spoke. From all he had been told, and seen she was a kind soul, one who would never want all this. Naruto couldn't relate to the dream to be Hokage, but he knew enough to know this wasn't what a Hokage would do, so he used it, he used the dream, the people and Rin to try to beat down that resolve. To make him waver in his choice. Because on top of his own anger and pain it just made him sick an innocent, brave and caring girls memory was being tarnished this way. The last big tug pulled the Bijuu free Obito fell while the seven tailed beasts all stood around. Sasuke released his susano, Naruto released the tailed beast form. He could sense the others, fear, because what was to stop the other tailed beasts from attacking now? Then Sasuke dove forward pulling out his sword, but Kakashi appeared sitting on Obito's chest kunai raised

"This is my job Sasuke" he said and the detachment in his voice scared Naruto. Before anyone could really react his Dad caught Kakashi's wrist. Which surprised him, because he couldn't deny that he deserved it. Even if he had now seen he was wrong. The man still did all this because he couldn't handle his grief and would rather live in a lie.

"How did you get through my seals?" Naruto asked stepping forward, it was bugging him. He needed to know.

"The eyes were never Nagato's" he said his voice shaking "Madara put them in him when he was just a baby. Black Zetsu is a part of Madara, body and soul, made from the demonic tree he used to keep himself alive"

Naruto cursed, so if he had known that detail none of this bullshit would be happening. "They were good seals, it took us a while to understand what was needed" he complimented but Naruto only snorted in derision. He didn't need to be praised by this moron. His Father seemed to think Naruto had lectured Obito the way his mother had but Naruto couldn't help but wonder if he saw it was just a rouse, a manipulation. His Dad advised he and Sasuke go to help Lord First. And Naruto, dispite his own thoughts, looked back to check on Gaara and Shikamaru before turning tail and running for the tree. He trusted Kakashi and his Father to figure out the right thing, and he had a feeling his Father would be, well, a little more understanding and kind about it, Kakashi at the very least deserved the correct closure to this. The best way to heal from it and Naruto wasn't sure his thoughts would accomplish that. Obito was going to die anyway. What was a few more minutes, they deserved to deal with the betrayal their way.

As he ran, climbing the tree he could hear Kakashi's words to Obito, through Kurama in his Father and he was not about to cry. He found himself hoping to be what Kakashi believed. And he wanted to be worthy of that trust and faith, his hope. Blocking them out he ran on, hoping to use the vantage point to find Lord First and Madara, if Kakashi and his Father said anything more he wasn't entirely sure he could keep going.