Disclaimer: This is a fictional work from fan to fan, no harm intended to any character or authorial work of the independent series that this is based off. Star Trek belongs to Gene Rondeberry and Paramount Pictures, Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto, Shueisha, and TV Tokyo.

Chapter 8*

Three months later, almost one year after the destruction of the Enterprise-D, the sun rose over the Ishikawa home, the place were Keiko and her family allowed the young teens to stay, the soft glow of the sun shined on the tatami mats. The scent of freshly brewed tea filled the air as the house's systems hummed to life. In the quiet of the early hours, the six young ninjas sat in the dojo, their eyes closed in concentration.

The sound of the door sliding open brought them back to reality, and they quickly sprang to their feet, ready for whatever the day would bring. They had become accustomed to the routine of Starfleet Academy, where discipline and knowledge were their new currencies. Their uniforms, a common academy Starfleet cadet, composed of gray pants and shirts with a red shoulder strip, hug to their frames like a second skin. Each of them had a small patch on their sleeve, a symbol of their unique heritage and the world they had left behind.

Around their waists hung a pouch, a silent nod to their shinobi past. Within its confines lay the essentials of their new life: a hybrid PADD that contained the their day to day activities, a single knife from their time in Golana's past, said knife was made of their own discovered alloy that was baptized as Golanian Serendibite, and the federation was able to see, replicate and refine the process of creating this alloy.

Their days were a whirlwind of academic lessons and physical training, their unique abilities setting them apart from their peers. They studied history, science, and languages alongside their fellow cadets, but their afternoons were reserved for special sessions with the Starfleet's elite combat instructors. They learned to harness their chakra in new ways, blending their ancient techniques with the advanced weaponry and tactics of the 24th century.

Naruto took the time between classes to sit in a bench on the onpen square of the academy, and his mind brought back the memories of the first week on Golana's past.

Flashback*

On the following morning Naruto finally, decided to share everything that he learned previously from his parents imprint on his seal, so he opened his eyes and looked at his friends. "Guys, I... I have something to tell you," he began, his voice tentative. The room fell silent as they all turned to face him, sensing the gravity of the moment.

Sakura leaned in, her emerald eyes filled with concern. "What is it, Naruto?"

Choji spoke up, his voice gentle. "You can tell us anything, man. We're here for you."

Naruto lift his shirt a bit and channeled chakra to his belly, making the seal appear briefly. "This... this is like a mind pattern buffer, it contains a copy of my mother's and father's mind," he said, his voice filled with a mix of wonder and sorrow. "And Kurama... It's not just a beast. It's a part of me, a teammate, a... a friend."

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "A mind pattern buffer? How does that work?" he asked, his tone thoughtful.

"I can answer that." Jack voice said from the dojo's doorway, causing everyone to turn.

The young son of Beverly crusher and captain Picard said as he remember quite well discussing this topic with his mother. "The concept of a mind pattern buffer is fascinating. It's like a highly advanced form of our holodeck technology, but instead of creating environments, it stores consciousnesses," he said, his voice filled with awe.

"From what my parents told me, in our home planet we do have our version of electronics, but it's chakra powered, and the ink of this tattoo is a form the circuitry." Naruto said, his voice still shaky as he tried to make sense of it all.

Jack and Molly nodded, their eyes focused on the intricate pattern of the seal. "The way it's constructed is... It's unlike anything I've ever seen in Starfleet technology," Molly murmured, her eyes tracing the lines of the seal. "The precision, the complexity... It's beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Though now that I look at it, it does indeed reminds me of layers of circuitry that my dad often work on."

Endo of Flashback*

"Earth to Naruto, are you in there?" A sudden voice snap Naruto back to the present, and he suddenle become aware of his closest friends around him.

Sakura giggled lightly, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "You looked like you were a million light-years away," she said, her cheeks flushed with the warmth of her smile.

Naruto felt the heat creeping up his neck and onto his cheeks as he realized his slip. He had been lost in thought, his mind racing with the implications of their unique abilities and their new life in this unfamiliar world. "Sorry," he mumbled, his eyes darting away from the group.

"No worries man, but what did happened to take your mind so out of the present?" Jack inquired, a hint of teasing in his voice.

Naruto took a deep breath, "I was just thinking about our time in Golana, and how the seal on my belly is kind of like the circuitry of the Starfleet tech we've been learning about," he said, his eyes focusing on the distant horizon. "The way the chakra flows through the seal, it's like a microscopic network of pathways, just like the wiring in the ships we've studied."

"An interesting concept cadet." A sudden voice said as a well known woman approach them, it was Lieutenant Comander Kanami Uzumaki, the only relative of Naruto thanks to a mishap with D.S.S K-13 and some time travel.

"Ma'am" They all saluted as she reached the bench, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "If you don't mind me asking, how did you come to that conclusion?"

"It's the way that chakra, our bio-energy flows and is molded by the patterns on the seal, much like an electronic board does with electricity." Naruto explained, his voice growing more confident. "When we were stranded, I had a vision from my mother and father. They taught me a bit about the seal and our unique physiology. It's like our bodies are a living conduit for energy, and this seal helps regulate and enhance it."

"According with what Naruto described when we were in Golana's past, that tatto on his belly is a seal, that works much like a mind pattern buffer. And it did contained a lot of memories and instructions." Kiba said, his voice filled with a mix of amazement and a hint of nostalgia.

"Indeed, it does have some similarities with the early concepts of our transporter technology," Kanami said, her eyes thoughtful. "But your seal is far more advanced. It's not just a copy of someone's consciousness; it's an active part of you, guiding and protecting you. It's like having an internal computer with the knowledge and wisdom of your ancestors," she explained, her gaze lingering on the seal, her engineer's mind racing with the implications.

Then like a light bulb going on she got struck with a realization as it dawned on her. "You know what this is like? It's like a biological computer," she said, her voice rising with excitement. "A neurological network that can hold consciousnesses, just like our brains hold our thoughts and memories!"

Choji, who had been quietly processing the information, finally spoke up. "So, your mom and dad are like... in there, with you?" he asked, pointing at the seal.

"Yes they are, and only now my chakra made the connection between my mind and theirs." Naruto said, his voice still filled with awe. "But we don't have much time with them, their chakra is fading," he added, the sadness returning to his eyes.

"How long until..." Kanami trailed off, not wanting to voice the question that hung in the air.

Naruto's gaze was fixed on the seal, his thoughts racing. "Ten days or less, they are at peace with their unavoidable end, but I'm looking for a way to at least save their memories." he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "If we try to bring them into the physical world without their original bodies... They'll die instantly."

Ino's eyes widened with horror at the thought. "But why? How can that be?"

"It's just how our bodies works," Kiba spoke up, his voice tight with emotion. "Chakra is our lifeblood, and without it, we're nothing. It's like oxygen for us."

"And like that, any other body that may be presented to hold their minds, won't have a chakra circulatory system to keep them alive." Naruto concluded, his voice thick with the weight of his words.

Sakura, who had been listening intently, her eyes never leaving the seal on Naruto's stomach, spoke up, "But what if we could somehow integrate their chakra into our future kids? I mean, we are six now, in ten years we'll be almost adults, but mine and Ino's body will be ready... Ready to create a baby to hold their minds... Like a new beginning to them".

Her words hung in the air, heavy with hope and a touch of desperation. The room was silent as the others processed the idea. It was risky, and the thought of their parents existing in a child was both heartwarming and terrifying.

"That's crazy! ... And bordering on the unethical and forbidden!" Kanami exclaimed, her eyes wide with astonishment.

Sakura looked down, her cheeks flushing pink. "I know it's a lot to ask, but they are our family," she said softly. "And it's the only way they can live on."

Shikamaru leaned back, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "But isn't that a bit... unnatural?" he mused, his eyes distant. "I mean, the whole reincarnation or symbiosis concept. It's like we're playing god."

The mention of both reincarnation and symbiosis made kanami pause to think. "What Sakura's suggesting is indeed a form of rebirth, but it's not like our usual concept of samsara," she began, her voice measured. "In the wheel of life, we cycle through existence without a conscious choice or control. But what you're proposing is more like a deliberate merging of two life forces."

"But isn't that what the Thrill do?" Ino asked, her curiosity piqued. "They merge with hosts and share experiences. It's not the same as being born into a new body, but it's a form of symbiosis, right?"

"The Dax symbionts are an established part of Trill culture, with strict rules and understanding," Kanami said, her brow furrowed in thought. "This is... different. More intimate. It's not just sharing a life, it's sharing a soul."

The room grew quiet as they contemplated the gravity of their discussion. The concept of hosting someone else's consciousness, especially Naruto's beloved parents, was a profound and sensitive one. The idea was both fascinating and eerie, raising questions about identity and existence that they had never considered before.

Choji broke the silence with a sigh. "Look, we still have time to think this through," he said, his voice calm and steady. "Let's not jump into anything without considering all the consequences."

Inside the seal Kushina, Minato and Kurama discuss the idea of passing their minds to their son's future child. They understand the gravity of the decision, the potential joy and sorrow that could come with it. They also understand that they might miss out on their son's life, but they want to ensure that their legacy lives on in some way.

"It's a bold plan," Kurama mused, his nine-tailed form swirling thoughtfully. "But it's the only way to ensure your survival," he said, looking at Kushina and Minato.

Minato nodded solemnly, his gaze on their son. "Our time here is borrowed," he said, his voice tight with emotion. "If this is what it takes to pass on our legacy, we are willing to take the risk."

"There's a catch though." Kurama stated, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. "For this to work, the mother has to be compatible with both your chakra and your emotional bond. It's not just about the body, it's about the soul. The transfer of consciousness is a delicate process, and it requires a deep connection."

"So it's either Sakura or Ino or both of them... Wait we could try and merge with the children in their bellies." Kushina surmised, her eyes thoughtful as she looked at the two girls standing before Naruto.

Minato's eyes widened, "No!" he exclaimed, his voice firm and unyielding. "The souls of our grandchild and Ino's child should grow and develop naturally. They are not mere vessels for our consciousness." His face was etched with concern and love for the future generations that could potentially carry his and Kushina's essence.

"The only way for you two to return to the world of the living is to be born again. As it won't interfere with the Natural cycle of life" a disembodied eerie voice was heard by just Minato, Kushina and Kurama, this voice was one that Kurama respected and feared... The Shinigami.

"Who or what was that?" Kushina whispered, her eyes searching the mindscape for any signs of an intruder.

"The one that Minato signed up his death warrant to seal me in here, the one that now owns Minato's soul... The Shinigami." Kurama spoke, his crimson eyes never leaving the spot where the voice had originated.

"What do you mean by the only way Shinigami-dono?" Minato asked, his voice steady despite the sudden presence of the Grim Reaper.

"The child you wish to be merge with your spirits must be conceived with love and intention," the Shinigami's voice echoed through the mindscape, its tone final. "The bond between parent and child is sacred. Do not treat it as a mere convenience." the disembodied voice of the Shinigami spoke, its tone ancient and wise. "Kami-sama, Yami-sama and myself spoke at length about your situation. You two are just fragments of a whole soul, Kushina have had her life and perished, so nothing is stopping her from reincarnating as her son's second child, but Minato... His case is not that easy." Shinigami's eyes narrowed slightly, the air around them growing denser with the weight of his words.

Minato's heart skipped a beat. "What... What do you mean?"

"Your contract with me binds your soul to service me, for a few eons... That's roughly 5 or 6 billion years, give or take a millennia or two... So If you Kagebunshin of Minato went through this, you will be severely weakened and have health problems... For many reincarnation cycles, until your soul fragment can rejoin the rest of it in a few eons." Shinigami clarified, his eyes piercing through Minato's spirit.

Minato's spirit visibly paled at the thought. "Is there no other way?"

The Shinigami's voice grew softer, almost sympathetic. "There is one other path, but it is fraught with danger and may bring about the unraveling of the very fabric of existence as we know it. And it can forfeit your son's life."

Minato's eyes hardened as he looked at the ethereal figure. "Never," he said firmly. "Naruto's life comes first. If there's any risk to him, we won't do it."

"It's your choice kagebunshin of Minato Namikaze, you either return to the rest of your soul in ten Earth days or embark in a though life cycles." Shinigami said and vanished leaving Minato and Kushina looking at each other, the weight of the decision heavy in their hearts.

Kushina stepped closer to her husband's mind pattern, her eyes filled with determination. "We won't risk Naruto's nor our grandchild's life," she said firmly. "We'll find another way."

"I'm sorry my love, it seems that we will be apart for a few Eons." Minato said, his voice heavy with the weight of the decision.

Kushina took his hand, her eyes filled with love and resolve. "I will miss you greatly my love, we'll tell our son about this turn of events, tonight," she said firmly. "We'll explain the risks and the alternative."

"You know that like us he won't hisk his child life so... Let's just enjoy whatever time we have left together" Minato said with a small smile, squeezing Kushina's hand tightly.

The next day, the somber mood that hung over the house was palpable. Despite the warmth of the sun filtering through the windows, there was a chill in the air that couldn't be shaken. The once lively chatter of the children had been replaced by solemn whispers and contemplative silence.

Sakura, ever observant, noticed the heaviness in the atmosphere. She had always been attuned to the emotions of those around her, and the sudden shift in the dynamic was not lost on her. She approached the bench where Naruto sat, his eyes lost in thought as he gazed out over the garden. His hand rested protectively over the seal on his stomach, his thumb tracing the intricate pattern absently.

"Dear what's wrong?" Sakura asked softly, her voice tentative as she sat beside Naruto on the bench.

He took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving the seal on his stomach. "It's about the seal, the one that holds my mom and dad," he said finally. "They're fading... They don't have much time left." His voice cracked, and he swallowed hard, trying to keep his emotions in check.

"I'm so sorry beloved, I wish there was something that I could do, but even chakra can't beat death." Sakura whispered, her eyes filled with sadness.

"Actually there is... but we will need especialized medical intervention." Naruto said while deep in thought. "Their consciousness is fading, but there is a way to at least save mom, what do you think about a second child?"

Sakura looked at him with confusion, "But how? We're already have one developing in my womb, and in three or less months I'll be giving birth to her"

"By either transferring our daughter to an artificial womb, which I'm not doing by the way, the other method that have come to my mind is an extraction from one of your eggs and do an in vitro fertilization, with my mom's chakra and memories saturating my sperm so when the fertilization occur, the new embryo will be her reincarnation." Naruto spoke with a hint of desperation in his voice.

Sakura's eyes widened in shock. "That's... That's not possible, is it?" she asked, her hand moving to her own swelled stomach, feeling the life growing within her.

"There is an entity according with mom, the Shinigami itself said that her soul was free to reincarnate and that she could be our second child, so everything points to the plausibility of it." Naruto said, his eyes shimmering with hope.

"But, Naruto, that's... it's playing with the natural cycle of life!" Sakura protested, her hand still resting protectively on her belly.

"By what I saw from her memories, the Shinigami said that reincarnation is part of the cycle, mom had lived, endured, had a child and died, now her soul is free to either rest for a few centuries or come back and start a new cycle of life, the difference is that she is choosing were she will reincarnate, instead of being sent randomly across the universe." Naruto explained, his voice steady despite the turmoil of emotions within him.

Sakura took a moment to absorb the information, her mind racing. She knew that this was a significant and controversial decision, but she also knew that it was a chance for Kushina to live on. She took a deep breath, and then she nodded. "Okay, I understand," she said, her voice resolute. "If it means Kushina can be with us, I'm willing to try."

"Thank you honey, that's a load off my shoulders, let me see if Dr. Crusher is free to talk with us." Naruto said as he took out his PADD pressed a few buttons to make a call to Dr. Beverly Crusher.

The call went through and Dr. Crusher's face appeared on the screen. She was in the middle of checking the biobeds in the new sickbay of the Enterprise-E. "Naruto, what can I do for you?" she asked, her eyes scanning the young man's face for any signs of trouble.

Naruto took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his decision pressing down on him. "Doctor, we need your help. We as in Sakura and me would like to check on you about securing a second child and the possibility of an in vitro fertilization."

Dr. Crusher's eyes widened slightly at the unexpected request, but she remained calm and professional. "Naruto, are you sure this is what you both want?" she asked gently. "In vitro is a serious procedure and not without risks."

"Dr. do you know of another way to creating an embryo outside of a female's womb?" Sakura asked from Naruto's side, her voice tentative.

"There is more to this then you are willing to talk over an open channel isn't it?" Beverly said, her gaze shrewd as she studied the young couple. She had known them since they were found on Veridian III, had watched them grow and adapt to their new lives. "Come to my office, we'll discuss this in person, I'm giving you two authorization to take a shuttle straight to the Enterprise-E's hangar" she added, her tone firm but compassionate.

"We'll be there shortly, Naruto's out" Naruto said, his voice crackling over the com. Naruto cut the connection and both teens head over to the top of the main building were a mini spaceport had been set, it wasn't long before he and Sakura boarded the shuttle. The journey to the Enterprise-E was swift and silent, the weight of their conversation heavy on their young shoulders.