Chapter 2

To say that the group was shocked by the blondes appearance was a total understatement, they couldn't describe the level of shock they had for how he had recovered so quickly. Matsu was quick to begin feeling him up to see if he had truly recovered, and what she found caused her to turn beet red, "Miya-tan... his muscles... they're all pink muscles." she said causing the lavenderette to take a second to understand what she had meant.

There are three types-red, white, and pink.

Red is for stamina, but has less power (think marathon runners) within.

White is for explosive power, but only for an instant (think weightlifters) as they are meant for speed.

And pink is right in the middle, in a very small amount, that has both explosive power and stamina.

In reality "pink muscle" in humans does not exist. Humans have white and red. The only way to achieve something similar to pink is to build ones muscles to have both white and red. This way the white will give the you the explosive power you need while the red till let you go for long periods of time.

The fact that this human had what was defined as the 'perfect muscle group' was incredible.

"And, apparently my chakra also allowed me to do this, so I guess bilingualism is added to my already impressive skill list." Naruto added.

"N-Naruto-tan, how'd you learn our language so fast?!" Matsu exclaimed in shock.

"Simple." Naruto shrugged.

"Simple? I-I'm afraid I-I don't follow." Takehito said.

"Your language, it's simple. After replaying some of your conversations that I wasn't part of, I managed to break the dialogue barrier between my language as well as your own thus I learned to speak your tongue. Wasn't that difficult seeing as both our languages were so similar. Anyways, let's get out of here, I'm planning on sealing this place up so nobody can get to it." he told them as he looked up the wall they had come down. He'd have to wait for them to get up to the top before sealing the cavern up. It was bad that Jigen's Juubi was still alive, but it was worse that there were still lunatics out there that would willingly tear the world asunder just for their own sick amusement.

And he couldn't let that happen.

XxX

The explosion that shook the island scared everyone, but a quick call from Takehito assured everyone that they weren't under attack by anyone and that he, Miya, Matsu, and a unknown would return. Needless to say, upon getting to the base, a conversation between the blond ninja and a certain madman nearly cost Minaka his life. But he was impressed with the Sekirei starship, but he could have done better when it came to space travel.


Now, the blond ninja finds himself in front of his... charges.

And he wasn't all to thrilled about it personally, but he'd do what he was asked.

"Let me be the first one to say that I have no idea what's going on."

Whatever type of person the Sekirei were expecting, this certainly wasn't it. They had long ago reluctantly accepted the adjustment procedures that they went through to make sure that they could assimilate into human society. Today started out as just another grueling day when Minaka, the head of MBI, came in and cancelled all adjustments. He excitedly stated that a recent development as happened and to come out near the shore of the island to meet someone. When they had finally got there all that awaited them was a blond man. Minaka rushed to the man, conversed for a bit, and rushed off while enthusiastically waving back at the group.

Karasuba, a silken silver haired girl, narrowed her dark eyes in harsh scrutiny. She didn't trust this man. To be fair she did not particularly trust any of these humans. She watched as they subjugated her and the other growing Sekirei to years of restless tests, experiments, and adjustments. Truly, she came to have a certain disdain for that word, the very process itself telling them that they were flawed and needed to be fixed, that they needed to bend to the rules of this world. With every passing day she gained a new level of distaste for this world and its inhabitants.

So now that she is presented to another one of these humans, as if he were something spectacular that deserved special attention, she was more than willing to pass him off as another ultimately inconsequential man. His own admittance of obliviousness only furthered that thought. She would give him the special attention that Minaka felt he deserved if things went south and she had to fight for her little bird's survival. She mentally noted to make sure she'd kill him first just to spite them. She would make it public. She would make it quick.

"Apparently, I am supposed to help train you guys. But to be honest, the only other times I ever helped anyone before was by giving them little tips here and there. I never actually trained anyone full time."

Karasuba felt as her displeasure grew even more. The hubris of these humans almost reached an insulting degree now. She took a step forward and angled herself between the man and the others so she could remove him.

"You're supposed to train us? Throughout our whole experience here we have been told that we are too strong for humanity and had to be scaled down in power just to live amongst them. Now they want us to be trained by one of them? Not to sound overly rude, but you could understand why I am inclined to refuse." Her words may have had some sense of civility in them, but her stance and gaze held a different tone. One she was sure the man could understand perfectly.

"Hey now," he placated, putting both hands up in a surrender. "Trust me when I say I don't want to be here either." He put his hands down and turned to his side to look at the ocean surrounding the island. He took some time to admire the way the evening colors reflected off the water.

There was something in that action that gave her pause. Her close proximity allowed her to see his downhearted expression. She could see the fatigue in his face, and how his downcast eyes seemed to be watching a scene unfold that only he was permitted to view. He turned right back around with a joyful and carefree look placed back on for all the world to see. The entire series of events took only around fifteen seconds, but it told her all she needed to know about this man.

The way he earnestly greeted them, the way he naturally turned away to hide his true emotions, and the way he easily placed a smile back on his face when he faced them again all told of a man that carried a burden. He must have been used to leading others and that caused him to hide any emotion that would hurt the group morale. The way his eyes danced with despair when he tried to turn away from them, the pain in his eyes honestly surprised her. Taking in everything else that she was able to gather about him in that short time she could guess that he had a hard life, had been a part of something life changing, and just when he thought he was able to find happiness it was all ripped away from him.

She could think of no other way a man could give an expression like that. She may not know all the details, but yes, she knew everything she needed to about this man. Those eyes of his unnerved her, and she never wanted to see them again. They just looked so… so…

Lonely.

Maybe he deserved a chance to prove himself.

"Alright!" He said as he turned back and sat down on the sand, drawing her out of her thoughts. "Let's start with the basics. Since I will be spending the majority of my time here on this island with you guys, I should probably get your names. I'm Uzumaki Naruto! Now sit down, relax, and introduce yourselves."

They were silent for a moment, most of the girls still unsure of what to think of the man, but they followed after Miya wordlessly acceded and came close to him and sat down, never breaking eye contact along the way. She sat at the far right with a silver haired girl taking up the spot next to her. A redhead came next, followed by the only male in the group and a purple haired beauty.

"I'm Miya, Sekirei 01."

"I'm Karasuba, Sekirei 04." The silver haired girl stated. Naruto gave her a nod. She looked him up and down and gave an unimpressed scoff.

"Um, hey, I'm Matsu, Sekirei number 02." Her voice caused him to soften his gaze.

"Mutsu, 05." Mutsu barely got the words out of his mouth before he picked up a long pebble and started prodding the sand with it. It was clear that he would rather get the whole thing over with so he could take advantage of the free day they have been given.

"Kazehana, Sekirei 03." She blew a bit of her hair off her face before sighing.

Miya was interested with how he was going to reach out to all of these personalities.

"I was kind of hoping you would tell me more about yourselves without me asking you. That was a little too much to hope for I see. I guess I could understand since I didn't either, but man, your replies are dry as dry can be."

He fell forward to lie on his stomach, a playful grin now taking residence on his face as he held his head in his hands.

"All I want for you now is for you to tell me what you know about yourselves, like your strengths and preferred weapons, all that good stuff. Let's start with you, the guy with the personality of a dead fish."

Mustu narrowed his eyes at that remark. He almost felt offended. "We have not been allowed to do any real physical activity until recently. We had to be adjusted properly so we don't destroy everything. We've just had enough time to know the basics." Naruto nodded at that, and just continued to stare at the boy.

"The basics being what exactly? Do try to be specific. Dead Fish."

"What's the point in giving my name if you aren't going to use it?" Mutsu asked in mild annoyance.

"What's the point in acting like you're just floating around in life like a dead fish? Also, what does any of that have to do with the basics of what you know about yourselves?"

The other Sekirei had various levels of amusement showing after that back and forth. They were starting to like him already. He was different from all the scientist that litter the place. He had a bit of a spark in him. Almost made them want to hang around him more.

"I am a battle type Sekirei. I use earth attacks and I prefer to fight with a sword like Karasuba and Miya."

"Thanks! Now you, wannabe gangster girl." He said looking straight at Karasuba. Her dark eyes glared at him.

"hn," Karasuba gave a hum of disapproval (Similar to that of a old prick of a friend of his) at being picked next, "I too am a battle type of Sekirei. I like to fight, and have all that go against me whimper at my feet.

That got a decent laugh out of Naruto, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. You are one of those types, I didn't mean to laugh. I swear it's not you, it's me. I just never saw how those types started out. After fighting what seemed like a whole organization of those types of people, I kind of grew curious if they were always like that, or if there was some school out there that teaches people to have some sort of complex. Now I know the answer."

He decided that he should cut her off before she could respond to that in any way.

"What's your story purple haired beauty?" He asked in a hurry.

"hmm?" Kazehana perked up.

"While you are beautiful, I actually meant the other one," and she immediately deflated.

"Please, refer to me by my name from now on. I would appreciate that. As for my basic details, I use a sword."

"That's it?"

"That's it."

"No likes or dislikes?"

"No."

"Lame, what about you Princess?"

"Are you talking to me now?" Asked Kazehana. She didn't mind the name, but the way he said it was a little bit too sarcastic for her liking.

"Yup, tell me about yourself."

"I am a Wind type Sekirei. I don't really use any weapons since I mostly rely on my wind abilities."

"Really?!" His excited energy took them all by surprise. It was true that he seemed to be relatively cheerful since they have seen him, but his whole posture was calm and relaxed. Now it seemed like he was trying to keep himself from bouncing around.

"Yea, I don't really use weapons."

He laughed at Kazehana and jumped up to his feet. "No silly, I was talking about your wind abilities!" He walked over to her and pulled her up with surprising ease; she felt weightless in his arms. It was a feeling that she was most welcome to. He ordered the others to stand up and follow as he dragged her closer to the water. They stopped right by the edge of the tide.

"Show me!" He said eagerly. A smile lit up her face, and a sudden mix of pride and anxiety pulsed through her. His joy was strange in how very contagious it was, and she was happy that it was her that cause the shift in his demeanor. It was not a grand gesture on his part, but the intensity of his emotions was powerful. Her heart sped at how he was looking at her like she was something special, as if her powers were something to be marveled at and not controlled or feared. It was completely different from how all the scientist treated and looked at her. She hoped that she could live up to whatever his expectations were. Seeing how thrilled he was, she didn't think that she could handle him looking at her with disappointment.

Gathering up as much energy as she could, she held her hand forward. A breeze picked up and was soon turned into a gust that swirled around the two of them. Then it all shot forward, a ball of wind energy tearing through the surface level of the ocean and headed out towards the horizon. All the water in its path shooting to the sides to make two water walls climb up to sky. The wake from the huge blast took a few moments to fill that gap and when it finally did, the two waves crashed into each other with a loud thunderous roar.

Naruto's jaw dropped. This woman may be the strongest wind user he knew, and that meant a lot with how much he got to see people like Temari in action. Mutsu had said that they were just getting a handle on their abilities right?

"If this is how incredible you are now, I can't even imagine how amazing you'll be in the future."

He didn't really mean to say it that loud, and to be truthful he didn't, but their superior senses allowed them to hear his quiet murmur. That comment combined with the way he was now hugging Kazehana and spinning her around made them a little envious. She wasn't the only one who could do great things. The other Sekirei quickly found that they wanted to also prove themselves to this blond man, the only one to ever look at one of them with true wonder, almost childishly so. While everyone else probed and prodded, adjusted, he showed them in the small amount of time he knew them that they wonderful.

"I was questioning my apparent need to train you guys, but the fact that you have an elemental affinity makes this all worth it. That was great Princess!" She tried. She really did, but she could not bring down the smirk that was now on her face. If it was possible, he looked even happier than before. The way he called her princess this time was much more caring than the last time. She felt like she had a one up on the others, bragging rights for who was best.

"I have an elemental affinity too remember? I told you that use earth based attacks." Mutsu stepped forward to show the enthusiastic man.

"Hey! Stop interrupting the moment! No one cares about your earth powers Dead Fish." A dark cloud hung over Mutsu as he sunk into the background.

Naruto may have had a little bit of a bias when it came to wind abilities.

He felt that they didn't need to know that.

"Your turn Matsu, tell me all about yourself." He said gently. Oh sure he already knew of her technological prowess from prior conversations, but it never hurt to hear of them a second time. The others noticed how she was the only one whose name he actually said.

"I am a brain type Sekirei. I am not really up for fighting, but I am really good with technology, and I can learn anything really quickly!" Naruto chuckled at her eagerness and walked up close to her.

"Is that so?"

"Um, yes?"

He chuckled again, "Not sure?"

"Um…um… I…" He continued to look amused at the poor girl, before he patted her on the head tenderly.

"I'm jealous. I wish I had an ability like that. I'm not the smartest person out there, and there have been many times where I wished I was smarter. I can tell that it's going to be great having you around Matsu!"

She blushed. She was obviously not used to that type of tenderness and attention. She was starting to get a bit hot actually. Good Lord, could she be reacting? Already? She just met the man several hours ago, so she doubted that she was, but maybe, maybe he could be her chosen one. He could be the one that would always be there for her to live a life full of happiness. It wasn't a bad thought. She was becoming giddy at the idea of it.

"This was all short notice on my part, so that's all I really had planned to do today. I have some other stuff that I need to do, so let's meet up again in two days. I should be done by then. I was told that today was a day off for you guys. Go out and enjoy it."

With that he gave a friendly wave and walked back into the facility. Karasuba watched as he left. He had peaked her interest. He amused her mildly, enough that she decided to forgo on those murder plans she had for him, but he was only a mistake away from being added to her kill list.

He may be worth following. She got up and made her way in the same direction.

He needed to see Takami. He had too many questions and too few answers. Turning down a corridor Naruto counted the doors before entering the 14th room on the right. If he was not mistaken, this was Takami's office.

"And what can I do for you, Naruto?" He shut the door and looked at her. His reason for rushing was forgotten as he took the time to appreciate her silver hair and attractive features. There had to be something in the water here that was responsible for the unnaturally large number of stunning beauties that resided here. He made a mental note to store some to bring back to the elemental nations. Also, if Takami's knowing expression was anything to go by, he definitely had be staring at her for way to long.

"I'm flattered. I truly am, but I am seeing someone at the moment, so don't get any ideas alright? Now what is it you need?"

He scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "Heh, no need to worry, I am a taken man as well. I didn't mean to stare. I just get mesmerized sometimes. I promise that I never make any moves that would sacrifice my self-respect."

She kept her look of poise, but she was actually quite taken aback by his statement. Wasn't he supposed to be thousands of years old? It was rare to run into a gentleman such as him. She wondered how he came to be one. From the way he acts and talks most of the time, he seemed more like the playful type, but the second she made a lighthearted comment about her own modesty, he spat out a gentleman's reply like a memorized line as a defensive reaction. She internally laughed at the thought that he must of had a female friend or two that probably beat manners into him.

"Anyway," he stated. "I have a few questions that I never got to ask before. First of which, why am I training the Sekirei?" Takami nearly fell out of her chair at that one. He had spent the whole day with them and didn't even know what they were?

"I take it Minaka never explained then." At his nod she continued. "Simply put, the Sekirei are physically too powerful in almost every aspect. Their bodies and senses perfect in almost every way. Their fully matured muscles could very well crush a normal human, albeit unintentionally, like by giving a human a hug for example. So using our new combination of technologies we created a way to adjust their bodies, and make them able to live among us without being walking a devastation. We are hoping that with your skills and abilities, you could help them learn to harness their powers and abilities to an extent."

Naruto hummed in understanding. "I figured they were something similar to warriors with how they described themselves, and after seeing some of their talents first hand I guess it makes sense." He laughed pretty hard at that. "Is there anything else you could tell me?"

"From what we have gathered, it seems like the major goal for most Sekirei is to find the one that they are destined to be with. A person to love and cherish who will cherish them in return." She stopped when she noticed him get a little sad at those words. A small smile playing on his lips.

"A person to love who will love them in return huh? Sounds nice." He brought a hand to his sleeve and rolled some of the fabric between his fingers. "That's something we all want isn't it? I guess despite everything, they aren't that different from us at all. Wanting to be loved is such an innocent goal, but I think it's the innocence of it that makes it so wonderful. I hope they all find the one they are destined to be with."

He liked Takami. Although he has not been on this island long, he could tell that she was one of the most caring of the people here. It was like she was a mother and these Sekirei were her children. The tone she uses when she talks about them is much more affectionate than anyone else on this island. Something about her made him feel relaxed, he felt that he didn't have to hide so much of himself in front of her. He got the feeling that she would nonchalantly accept him for who he was, regardless of what that person was like or how behaved. It was an alluring quality of hers for sure, one he hoped she never lost. He would make anyone who tainted such a person suffer. Even with all the people he has met in his life, it was rare to find someone who was so accepting.

Takami herself wanted to know more about the man sitting in front of her. This wasn't the only time she has seen him get lost in his own little world. It was a habit that he had that was starting to so more and more. What could he be thinking about? Why did he always look so tired and lonely when he was with her? Her natural curiosity frequently went into overdrive when it came to Naruto. "Hey there, you alright Uzumaki?"

"Hm? Yea, just thinking. Would you mind being there the next time I meet the Sekirei, I would like to have you there while I talked to them."

"I could do that."

"Thanks."

"Anytime."

They sat in silence. It was a comfortable and tranquil silence. Unknown to them, a silver haired girl had been listening and made her leave from the other side of the door, her opinion of the blond man changing more from her initial thoughts. She had pegged him as a just another MBI employee that wanted to change them, but now she knew that there was more to this man, and she hoped he might actually make their time here more pleasant.


Two days had past fairly quickly. Naruto watched as they all gathered around him and Takami, their eyes questioning. He was wearing his own clothes now: a long sleeved dark shirt zipped up to his neck, and grey pants that tucked into was looked like some type of combat books. On his left sleeve he wore a green braided string with miniature symbols inked across the material, while wrapped around his wrist was a black string of green crystals which none of them could understand or comprehend their use of, and on his thigh he wore a black pouch. Over the whole outfit he wore a high-collared orange coat with black flames on the bottom, the sleeves were cut short as well.

Finally, on his forehead, just under his bangs, was a long black cloth with a metal piece in the middle of it. It was what he was wearing when he first had met Takami. The Sekirei were wearing what Takami called the "Disciplinary Squad" uniform. It consisted of a tight black leather top, a mini skirt, and black stockings. He noted that they lined up in the same order as last time. Maybe they put Matsu in the middle to keep her surrounded and protected since she was the only one not battle capable. While watching them he idly hoped the decision he was about to make would not come back to haunt him.

"Why is Takami here?" He was beginning to think that the only look that Miya had was that impassive look she was currently sending his way. Did it take too much energy to form another expression. She didn't even look bored, just blank.

"She is here to answer everything that I can't." He had to hold his hand up to stop any more questions. "After sleeping on it and coming more into terms with my situation, I decided that it would be wrong of me to ask for you to tell me all about yourselves without being willing to talk about myself as well."

That got a few looks from the people gathered around the beach.

"I was never one for subtlety so I'll just say it. I am roughly 12,798 years old. I have been sealed inside a crystal for all the years I mentioned except a single moment to reseal a monstrous beast that is hellbent on destroying this entire planet. I have saved humanity a grand total of twelve times. One from a older version of the beast currently sealed away. One from a man who used the said beast to cast a worldwide illusion on the population. Once to stop a mad goddess, quite literally at that. Once from a man I considered a brother who had to be the most stubborn man I ever knew. Once from a set of twin gods hellbent on destroying the planet as they wanted to harvest the planet for its energy. Once from a man who was far more powerful than any other. I then saved the world from my own son who had been driven mad with power and I had to stop him. And then there were several altercations with other remnants of the gods that wanted to kill the planet, all of which I either drove off or outright killed." he summed up his history.

No one was sure what to do with that small bit of information. Most of the Sekirei looked at him in confusion, and Takami looked like she was having trouble processing what he said, probably trying to figure out how it was scientifically possible before she made any statements, but Karasuba knew. There was no doubt in her mind that he was telling the truth. His eyes held no deception, and he didn't show any other signs of lying. The biggest reason she believed him though was because of how well it put the pieces together. That was why he looked so astonishingly lonely. What is more lonesome than being the only person in the world that didn't belong in a modern era like this?

"I knew you were different from us, but another timeline? What, where? how?" It seemed that Takami had forgone trying to solve the answer herself and what trying to figure out what question to ask first.

"Takami, could you tell us how you found Naruto?" A soft voice asked out. Kazehana wasn't the only one who wanted answers. Karasuba hated when things confused her.

"I'll be honest, I thought he was simply here to help train us to use our powers." Mutsu said in shock.

Taking a deep breath, Takami cleared her throat and decided that she should take her time and start from the beginning. "Several days ago Miya and Matsu went digging around the island to see if anything else from your ship got separated from the crash. The metal from the ship dated back hundreds of years, and even though you guys were inside and placed into something that simulated cryogenic stasis, we could not rule out the possibility that any attachments to the ship may have disconnected and been buried due to the passage of time. They eventually found something not too far from the ship, a cave actually." She sighed and took that moment to let the others take in what has been said so far.

They were listening with rapt attention.

"Inside this cave, the two of them found a large crystal, about the size of small vehicle, and Matsu, Takehito, Minaka and Miya also discovered that inside this cave, was a large egg-like boulder with three ropes around it with a warning to leave it alone lest we court death. Needless to say, Minaka's stupidity almost got us killed, but at the same time, it awoke the entity within the crystal. The sheer amount of pressure it released put us on or knees until it suddenly vanished as soon as it came. After a brief conversation, we decided to give him a rundown of our history seeing as he gave us a rundown of his past, not really needed as it was literally carved into the cavern walls around us."

"Wait, are you saying that just by waking up, he nearly sunk the entire island?!" Kazehana exclaimed.

"The entire island was nearly torn apart by this guy, Miya, you need to keep a eye on him before he does something crazy!" Mutsu said in shock.

"Are you some type of god?" Karasuba asked curiously.

"Ok, I'll admit that waking up is never easy for me, but I'd never intentionally harm anyone without a proper reason to do so." said Naruto as he saw the looks on all their faces before he stepped forward, "I should start by saying that I am 100% human. I am a soldier though. I come from a village of soldiers. I'm my time, those like me are taught from four years old how to fight and kill. I was from one of the biggest 5 countries in the world, and each country had its own village of warriors, each with their own set of values and skills. My village was unique in that it preached that power should be used to protect others. My team and I were told two things while growing up. 'We are those that endure,' and that 'those who break the rules are trash, but those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash.' These are messages that I would like for you Sekirei to believe in and accept as well."

The reactions he got from the girls and Mutsu were varied, but for some reason it was Miya's gaze that held his the most. Her impassive eyes taking him in as their ever judging nature showed him some measure of respect. He could tell that she was something like a leader to these Sekirei, so her approval of him meant a lot. Telling them about himself looked like the right move so far. He did not mind telling these guys about himself. Seeing as he was from a different dimension he doubted any information he gave them would be of any use for anything other than fulfilling their curiosity. They also did not seem to recognize his forehead protector as a symbol of being a shinobi.

He was wearing it when he first met Matsu, Miya, Takehito and Minaka. When he had awoken she saw a soldier, and even now she still described him as a soldier. So he decided to use the terms warrior and soldier instead. They were more familiar with those and it gave the same general idea of what his job entailed. "Long story short, every major village has a world recognized leader called a Kage. For example, my village leader was called the Hokage, and a neighboring village had a Kazekage. In order to become a Kage you had to be one of the strongest warriors in the village." He paused and looked towards the water again.

"I had a fairly difficult childhood so I made it my goal to become the Hokage so that people would people would finally accept me and so I wouldn't be so alone. After officially become a soldier of the village, I teamed up with Haruno Sakura and a douchebag named Uchiha Sasuke." He smiled at his own story. It was obvious that the people he just mentioned meant a lot to him. Miya could tell with how he eyes shined with joy and the thought of them.

"I loved Sakura-chan about as much as person could possibly love another person. She had pink hair, and a lasting beauty that put all the planet's greatest wonders to shame." He sighed and immediately everyone knew that Sakura, in particular, was someone who was very precious to him. It wasn't just that it was the first time any of them heard him use a honorific. It was how at peace he was when he was talking about her. He voice sounded so loving and distant, like thinking about her was pleasant and painful at the same time.

Takami and Miya were both more perceptive than the rest, and they both noticed how that look on his face took shape like it has been placed there many times before. The way he tried to conceal his pain and remember the joy at the same time was practiced, like he had got used to the idea of never having her but just wanted her to be happy. When he talked about her, he talked like a man that had slowly resigned to keeping the woman he loved happy from afar. He started talking again and cut that flow of thoughts from continuing.

"Sasuke on the other hand was a pretty boy, and I hated how everyone instantly loved him. His whole clan was killed by his brother one night though, so while everyone he met praised him, he was still one of the only ones that could understood being alone like me. However, he eventually left to get stronger, and we all separated for three years to train. Sakura and I ran into him a bunch of times later but never could catch him. It wasn't until a war took over the whole continent, and we all had to get together to fight an organization that wanted total control of the world that we finally were able to be reunited. Bastard always had to make everything hard." He smiled at them but they could hear the sorrow in his words.

It was odd to them. They have never seen anyone who has ever just laid everything out to bare. In the Sekirei's experience humans only hid things from them. Even Takami had to admit that she never met anyone that was willing to do that before. Though he never ask for it, they all resolved to never tell another soul of the Uzumaki's past. He may be trusting of them but they were not trusting of others. It took a lot to give away so much of yourself to strangers like he just blatantly did to them. That earned him the respect of all those that were present.

"To finish, we won the war, I became Hokage, Sakura and Sasuke got together and had a kid, and I did the same when I married what has to be the kindest, most devoted, and warmhearted woman in the world, Hinata Hyuuga." They all wanted to feel bad about how that ended, but the absolute elation he had on his face when he mentioned his wife and family took that pity away. His story had ended with a happy ending.

Or at least it was supposed to…

Until he had to be sealed away after Isshiki had been killed along with Boruto to ensure that Isshiki's Juubi couldn't break free.

After all that Takami watched as Naruto answered any questions they may have had, and told them stories of his time as a ninja. Stories of peculiar people he met along the way, like a man named Bee that only spoke in raps and two friends that would do the strangest acts in the name of youth. Then came the surprise of the day, "Alright, fun time is over. It's time we get down to business." Naruto said as he stood up and cracked his neck followed by his back.

"Well, what do we need to do?" Kazehana said.

"Well first off, I need to gauge your skills, so the best way to do that is by having a spar." Naruto said smirking.

"Repeat that please. I am sure that I heard you wrong. I must have, because I believe you said you would like for us to spar." Kazehana said into the quiet that had ensued after his strange request. She normally would not give anyone the time of day, but she was starting to really like Naruto, so she didn't want him to get himself killed trying to teach them, at least not until she impressed him some more with what she could do. She was already addicted to the way he made her feel and the way he would look at her. She wouldn't let anything take way the potential to have more moments with him.

"Yes, please do not tempt fate Naruto. Even if you are a warrior from another era, you still are only human. Fighting against us will only endanger you, and while I may have once planned on killing you earlier, I do not wish for your blood to be spilt needlessly." That was the most concerned anyone has ever heard Karasuba speak to a human. It was still a bit harsh, but this was a huge for anyone who knew her.

The same went for Miya as well, she certainly didn't want Naruto to die just yet. He did not appear to understand how powerful the Sekirei are. He was told that they were too strong for humanity right? She was sure he had been told that multiple times. While she may have approved of him, he was too confident in his battle prowess. There was only so much that a human could do, and facing a Sekirei, let alone five of them, was not in their realm of capabilities.

Naruto laughed. Laughed! As if he didn't just ask them to accidentally kill him, "Don't worry about me guys. I can handle myself no prob-"He had to stop because I silver and black blur sped at him. The Sekirei knew what had happened immediately and tried to look away. His story must have gotten Karasuba too excited and she couldn't wait any longer to see exactly what he was made of. The adjusters were a bit overzealous when working on her, so her natural battle instincts took main priority over her other functions, making her many times more bloodthirsty than she originally was.

"Oi," the Sekirei all looked up with surprise and relief showing on their faces. There was Naruto holding Karasuba's sword at bay with a small black dagger. Karasuba though looked ecstatic. She honestly tried to kill him with that blow, cut his head clean off his neck. The speed and strength she used to rush at him may have not been her best, but the power she put behind her strike was enough to cut through a building. He pushed her back, and looked at his weapon. He gave a small tsk before tossing it on the ground. There was a cut in his knife that went jagged suddenly. Her sword cut into it and he must have twisted the blade to better match her angle of attack so that it would not go all the way through.

To be able to notice that and react that quickly was, quite frankly, very astonishing. While Kazehana and Matsu took that at face value and gave sighs of relief. Mutsu looked bored and Miya was wondering what kind of humans lived in his dimension for him to brush Karasuba away like that. He did seem a bit winded however. Blocking that blow must have taken more out of him than he wanted to show. That wasn't even Karasuba's best. Miya's eyes narrowed at him, trying to communicate her message. Hopefully he understood now the difference in power.

"I hope you know I have no way of making more of those currently." He said as he walked over to Karasuba and took her sword away before he bopped her on the head lightly with it.

She just looked at him with a pleased expression.

"Oh yes. You'll do nicely Naruto. You'll do. I look forward to the day when I kill you." Kazehana quickly pulled her back to the rest of the group before she could do more harm to the blond man.

"And that is exactly why I am taking your sword away. Consider yourself in timeout, Crazy." Karasuba licked her lips like she already tasted his blood on them, so naturally Naruto decided to stick his tongue out at her and promptly ignore her existence for a few moments.

"Like I was saying before Crazy over here lost her top, I can handle myself against you guys no problem." He quickly sent another look over in Karasuba's direction to make sure she wasn't going to rush out at him again. Who knew what sort of weapons that wannabe gangster girl had hidden on her. "However, as you have been told, I just came out of a crystal only a few days ago. You can imagine how sore that can make a person, not to mention how drained I've been feeling ever since I woke up. You guys deserve the best, but I can't give that to you right now. So you are going to give it to each other." He said with a smile as he looked over them.

"So you mean.." Mustu started

"Yup! You guys are going against each other in a free for all! Exciting right? I want to see your strengths and weaknesses. I want to see how you guys fight and handle chaos, and seeing as you already know all that about each other, you can push each other to your limits. It saves me time and allows me to get my strength back." He tossed Karasuba her sword back. "And no killing! Yes, I'm looking at you Crazy."

Even though he impressed them by surviving Karasuba's attack, the Sekirei were wary of some of Naruto's words. They doubted that he could handle them in a prolonged fight. The chance to spar and push themselves was great however. It would be the first time they were allowed to go all out since they came to Earth.

They could finally establish a pecking order between them, so everyone would know who was number one. For Miya it was a chance to get Naruto to realize that they were beyond him, so that he would understand that he needed to distance himself from them like the others. She did not like comparing them to him, but his safety was important. For the others it was an opportunity to get Naruto to look at and treat them like he treated Kazehana. They would show him the things they could do.

"The whole island is your playground, go wild!" At his call Mustu, Kazehana, Karasuba, and Miya disappeared from sight. Matsu looked around nervously before she too leapt away. Seconds later, anarchy reigned over the island. Trees were cut down in the central forested area. Chunks of earth were mysteriously shooting up at dangerous angles, and a whirlwind decided to introduce itself to the area.

Naruto walked over to Takami who had taken a seat on the stairs that led into the facility and sat next to her. He leaned back and propped his elbows up on the steps behind him for support. In the corner of his eyes he could see Takami give him a smirk.

"Impressive block. I'm glad to see that you're alive." Takami said to him, her voice almost lost in the explosions of sound around them. Naruto chuckled at her words and closed his eyes. His head lulled back into a comfortable position. She looked him over. He looked tired, more so then she had thought he did before. She could not speak from experience, but judging from the man beside her, being crystallized isn't something that could just be shrugged off. At first she thought he would be perfectly fine like how Miya was. Their circumstances were a little similar. The exhaustion on his face said otherwise. "Aren't you supposed to be watching them?"

"Oh, but I am. I can feel everything they do. I can feel Karasuba and Miya clash. Karasuba's bloodlust and Miya's impassive energy give them away easily. Since Miya's energy hasn't changed I would but that she is winning, and you don't even need to try to find Kazehana and Mutsu." With his eyes still closed he pointed to the east. She saw a small tornado form and a person getting sucked up into it. She guessed that was Mutsu. Turning back around she was going to ask how he knew all this when she noticed an orange pigment around his eyes. The sun was shining right on him so maybe that only a visual effect created from the light. She looked around to see if there was anything that might be reflecting to his face when he laughed. "And Matsu is trying not to get caught in the crossfire. She's doing a horrible job."

He got up and she saw that the coloring around his eyes had vanished.

She brushed it off as only a reflection of the glass from the building. Naruto took a few more steps forward and held his arms in front of him like he was holding an invisible object. Seconds later a screaming orange blur crashed into his arms, and Takami's eyes went wide. In his arms was a scuffed up Matsu. She looked frayed and flustered but otherwise alright. How did he know she was falling?

"You okay Matsu? You lasted longer than I thought you would. These people are like monsters on the battlefield so don't feel bad about being the first one out." He gave her a reassuring smile. "If you want you can rest with me and Takami." He handled her with so much care. Takami was starting to wonder why he was so gentle with Matsu. It reminded her of how an older brother would treat his young sister. He was playful with everyone else; what was it about her that made him want to reassure her so much? Was it because how timid she is, or is there another reason?

"Really?!" Matsu's joy and relief was almost palpable. For her, being anywhere near Miya or Karasuba while they were fighting was the same as living her worst nightmares. They swing their blades like nothing matters except death. Matsu's relieved face became disheartened at her own performance though. Now Naruto will never think of her as special. She barely lasted a few minutes before she was blasted away. "No, I can fight some more! Please let me fight Naruto."

He chose to heft her onto his shoulder in reply and take her over to the stairs with Takami. "No need, this isn't where you truly shine anyway, right? Being able to survive everything was good enough. I'll teach you how to do better in time. For now just relax, you did well." He placed her on the ground, and poked her nose softly. "No worries, I already know great things will come from you."

A blush settled heavily on her cheeks and Matsu didn't even bother hiding it. She was almost sure now that he was having a unique effect on her. A pleasurable fever whirled within her body as she sat close to him. He was already back in his reclined position humming softly to himself, and she had an urge to climb on top of him and enjoy his warmth. She squashed that urge down mercilessly, and settled for placing her head on his shoulder. She barely knew him. There was no way she could do something shameless like that. She wasn't a pervert.

Was she?

"Oh, would you look at that." The happy voice of Takami broke Matsu of her thoughts. Takami squeezed Naruto's arm to get his attention. She tried to ignore how touchy she was with him. She was constantly reaching for and touching him. She normally wasn't that type of person. She liked her personal space and respected the space of others, but with him there was something that screamed for acknowledgment. So could not place what that something was, but she felt it all the same.

"Well lookie here. Someone please get a camera." Naruto said with a smirk as he got up and headed for the shore. Kazehana's energy was clashing with Karasuba's and Miya's, so that only left one person. Said person was lying face down with straps of seaweed wrapped around his body. The tide washed back and forth over him but garnered no reaction. For all intents and purposes he looked very much like…

…A dead fish.

A flash woke Mutsu up and he stared at the feet of the people in front of him. Naruto crouched down with a goofy look on his face and showed Mutsu what could possibly be the most accurate portrayal a humanoid could create of a deceased sea animal.

"And what you see here Mutsu, is the reason why from this moment on I probably will never say your real name again."

He could only groan at luck. The next time he saw Kazehana he promised he would get her back. Vengeance would come, and he will enjoy it. Picking Mustu up and holding him in a bridal carry, Naruto ushered the others to the west side to watch the conclusion of their first ever spar.

Naruto could not tell why he loved teasing Mutsu so much. Some people were just made for it he guessed. A body bursting through trees gained his attention, and the unconscious form of Kazehana rolled to a stop before them. Naruto looked at the Kazehana, and then back at Mutsu, who finally looked to be getting comfortable in his arms. With no warning he dropped Mutsu and picked up the unconscious girl. Mutsu would have complained, but realized that in doing so it would sound like he wanted to be in Naruto's arms instead.

And he most certainly did not want to sound like he was reacting, which he was not doing thankfully. He did not want a man as his Ashikabi thank you.

They all looked up and marveled at the blade dance that was being performed in front of them. Twisting, lunging, parrying, these girls were fighting like armed doves, such was their grace. A cut near her silver hair ran down Karasuba's cheek. Her bloodthirsty smile already filled with her own red life fluid. It was a gruesome look that Naruto had unfortunately seen many times before, and yet it never became something he got used to. Miya looked as pristine as ever, her gaze locked onto her opponent with deadly focus. Her sword was clean except for a single drop of blood that ran down the tip and dripped to the ground.

She was good. She was really good. This battle was over before it started Karasuba was only stalling her own defeat. With a tremendous yell the silver haired warrior sprang into action, her sword almost whistling in its speed as it aimed to pierce the lavender haired girls' chest. One hit, just one hit. If she could get that then that was proof that she wasn't so far behind, that she improved from their initial tests. Sadly, it was not meant to be, even with all her heart and effort put into her lunge, her strike was deflected and her hands sliced. The cut was deep and calculated. Until she got treatment Karasuba could no longer hold a blade. It was a brutal but effective tactic.

"Alright, spar over. Winner is Miya."

Miya's stoic gaze found him and she nodded before walking off. He gave a sigh shook his head slightly. He was going to fix that attitude of hers. She was always observing the world around her but missing the best parts. He refused to let her live her entire life that way. The more one focus on strength alone, the more isolated that person becomes.

"Let's get you guys back. I'll see if I can get you another day off to relax."

XxX

It has been two months since Naruto started training them. He stated that additional strength and speed would come in time, so the best thing they could work on would be technique. Unknown to anyone but Miya, this was probably the best training regimen they could have been on. Regular types of training do not yield the same types of results in Sekirei as it does for humans. They grow stronger based on the power of their emotions. This is also one of the reasons why an Ashikabi is able to unleash a Sekirei's true potential. Giving them techniques to use has they grew more powerful or used to their adjusted bodies was the best way to advance their skill.

He worked with Kazehana on channeling her wind abilities and to be more efficient with her use of them. He would take her aside and give her ideas on things she could do. He did the same with Mutsu and his earth abilities. When it came to sword practice he told them that while he wasn't really the type of person to use swords, he had fought one of the best sword users in the world in his era enough times to pick some things up. It took a while but he taught them all the katas he knew. Deadly, they were all exceptionally deadly and she had learned many new ways to kill people through those sword techniques he knew. Ways she never even imagined killing someone.

The people of his era were amazing, this world full of soldiers and killers, she never wanted to go there. There was nothing wrong with killing in her eyes, but the way these people seemed to make it an art form, a lethal and disgustingly beautiful art form, made her readjust her views of the capabilities of humans. She doubted any single one could even harm her, but if surrounded by a world of these assassins she believed one would be able to get a lucky hit eventually that could endanger even her life.

The other things he taught them all, Matsu especially, was how to dodge. He would come up with creative rules or exercises that forced them to their limits and increased their reaction times. He taught them how to analyze an opponent and find a pattern. Battles all have a rhythm he would tell them time and time again. Find it and take advantage he would yell. She noticed that as time passed by Naruto seemed to grow more and more lively, like he finally was granted some energy. He would drag Takami to every session, and while she would say words of protest, her smile never left her face.

"I think I have waited long enough. I want to see you guys put everything together. Today we are going to have a second spar." Before he finished speaking a blast of wind rocketed through the crowded bodies and carried Mutsu away and into the ocean. "And if you let me finish I would tell you the rules of this spar and your opponents" He walked over to Kazehana and bump her on the head.

"Today you guys are going to be fighting me."

"That's fine by me. I always wanted to see how good you were supposed to be!" Karasuba dashed towards the blond, intent on ending his life. She swung down with all her might expecting to see his blood spray into the air in a red mist and shower her body. What happened was quite different. Naruto vanished from sight, and a thunderous sound echoed across the island. Six feet into the new sand crater laid Karasuba's body, a foot on her back belonging to the kind orange loving man that they all came to slowly appreciate.

One of his arms was still in its casual striking position and the other held her sword and propped it over his shoulder. "I like the enthusiasm, but at least wait until I say go, alright?"

Jaws dropped.

Even Takami whom he had asked to keep track on his body's recovery was in shock. Seeing numbers was one thing, but seeing it first hand was breath taking. She honestly had to remember how to breathe. She could barely keep up with the Sekirei's movements and that was after watching them over these past couple months and letting her eyes get used to the speed. This however, this was another level entirely. How could he even control his body at that speed? Again her scientific mind made her want to understand him more. What did he go through in order to be able to move like that? Then her eyes widened in horror.

Even if he was considered one of best in his village, could other's in his time move like that. The humans in his era… If Naruto had called the Sekirei monsters, then those from his age could only be described as demons bound in flesh. How did such a kind and loving man survive in such a world? She almost puked at the thought of what that war he talked about must have been like. How many people like him must he have killed? How could you possible stay sane while fighting in a world where everyone around you could die that quickly? Just a blink and he had Karasuba subdued. That could have been a killing blow. In his age she could have been killed before anyone here would even know it.

Unknown to her, the remaining Sekirei had the same thoughts. Even Mutsu who made it back just in time to "see" the altercation was too shocked to move. Matsu shrunk into herself. After seeing that, she did not want to fight this man. Karasuba was out of her league, and now she was six feet under. Winning against that did not seem possible, no matter how she tried to figure it.

Miya was intrigued. She alone had caught his movements. Her eyes narrowed at him and she drew her sword, the action gained everyone's attention. It appeared that the weak human body was not universal. His era's humans were clearly more than meets the eye. It angered her that she underestimated him. She should have known when he was asked to train them that he was more than what he presented himself to be. Hopefully that was not a onetime thing and he had more to give. While she was not as bad as Karasuba, she had a thirst for battle that could not quenched by anyone she had fought so far. This may be a rare chance to cut loose.

Naruto placed his foot under Karasuba's body and kicked her towards her brethren. She landed on her butt. In her haste to remove the sand from her mouth she barely reacted in time to catch her sword.

"You're going to have to understand and use teamwork if you want to even scratch me. Don't worry about the speed, you'll get used to it eventually." He chose not to use the word 'adjust' after hearing the tone in Miya's voice when she said it. He jumped from the crater and smiled at them.

"Same rules as last time. The whole island is our playground; you win if I give up or if I get knocked out. Let's get wild."