A/N: Damn, that Kenobi episode. Almost makes me want to write Star Wars again, despite how badly it burned me...

Anyhow, here we are; the daily update spree continues~!

Bit of an interlude this time around, thought I'd try something different.

As ever, we're following the Ember's Rule here. That's no joke. Really, it isn't. If folks don't like this...well, it won't be continued. Every bit of feedback helps. Reviews are the fuel which keeps me writing in these crazy times. With my tight schedule -two jobs!- I simply don't have time to write a story folks don't like. Without them, my inspiration cannot take wing and I can't write a word. So by all means, speak up!

I'll spare you the long Q&A this time around and let the chapter do my share of talking for me. Got some big updates coming~!

Alright, then! Hope you're ready. I think I've kept you all waiting for long enough, no?

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

Shinobu and Kanae are, as ever, a treat to write. Rengoku, too~!

"Poor boy. You have no idea what you've wrought.

Yes, you've changed things. Congratulations. Some will live because of you.

But ask yourself this, my dear shinobi-turned-slayer. How many will DIE thanks to your actions here today?"

~?

Homeward (Interlude)

Seven days passed by in the blink of an eye.

Naruto barely noticed them; in truth, he wouldn't have recalled any of at all if Rengoku hadn't taken him aside afterward. He wasn't conscious for most of it. His mind slipped in and out of sleep like a moth to the flame, a candle flickering in the wind. Some might call it exhaustion, others his wounds, and perhaps it was, but in truth, he suspected it was something else.

Something more.

Of that days that followed, he recalled three things. Nothing more. Nothing less. First, Rengoku, choosing the ore for his blade; forcing his trembling hand around a chunk of rock. Second came Kanae. Her and Shinobu fretting over him, changing his bandages on the way home, soothing voices as pressing a cool cloth to his forehead. And third...the voices..

He heard eight voices urging him on as he slept. They didn't belong to Kyojuro or Kanae, or even Shinobu.

So familiar. So terribly familiar. He felt as if he knew them...did he?

"Not yet."

"Don't die!"

"Oi! Wake up!"

"Just...just hold on."

"Keep your eyes open!"

"Only little longer now, kid!"

"Tch. Kurama owes us big time."

"I can't look Bee in the eye if you croak...

It wasn't until they made it home that things truly took a turn for the strange.

(.0.0.0.)

"We're back!"

Shinjuro's bottle clattered to the floor.

"Oh? That took a bit...longer than expected...

His voice withered away as he saw his sons. He'd raised his head instinctively at Rengoku's call-hoping to see his boys alive and well. Mistakes were made. He'd been hoping and praying ever since he'd received word of their success. That had been more than a week ago now, the better part of two really, and still he and Senjuro awaited their safe return. He'd tucked his youngest son in only an hour ago, unwilling to let him stay up any longer as he awaited their triumphant return.

In that at least, his wish was partially granted. Kyojuro waved cheerily, unfazed as always. Naruto...was not.

He saw the bandages wreathing the boy's body. The bruises. The burns. The way he leaned heavily on two young women for support. They'd brought two girls home. Ruka would be so proud. That last bit was of particular interest to the aging Hashira, but he thrust it aside as he slammed to his feet to greet them.

"My boys!"

Kyojuro knew better than to flee; he only laughed as he was caught in a warm embrace. He returned it briskly, promising to tell him of their adventures at a later date. Shinjuro suspected there was a story to tell there, a grand one indeed, but right now, that didn't matter. His sons were home!

"I see you skulking over there." he turned a weather eye on his eldest, "Come give your old man a hug."

"Wait just a moment!" the taller of the two girls thrust up a palm, stopping Shinjuro short when he turned to do the same to Naruto. "He's still healing. Please, be gentle."

"Oi!" the latter's protest proved swift. "I'm just fine-

An finger traced his ribs and he doubled over with a yelp.

"You are not fine." her smile was sweet as honey, her words less so. "I won't have a patient of mine risking himself in such a manner."

"Since when are you a doctor-owowowokay!" he yelped again when her fingers tickled him. "I give!"

Shinjuro couldn't quite keep the smile from his face. "And who might you be...?"

"Kanae Kocho." She turned with a smile, indicating the smaller, sullen girl beside her. "This is my sister, Shinobu. Its a pleasure to meet you sir."

...the smaller girl was staring most intently at him, Shinjuro noted. Her lilac eyes hadn't left him since they'd come through the gate. They flicked up now. Down. Up again, taking him in. She seemed startled to see him; no perhaps that wasn't quite the right word. Impressed? Yes, yes, that was the right word. Her head tilted just so, regarding him as one might some terrifying beast. The father in him found her concern almost amusing, really. Did he look that fearsome?

"You're their father?"

"I am." he granted her a nod.

Rengoku boomed a laugh. "Indeed he is!"

...so these two," she flicked a finger between a chagrined Naruto and bemused Rengoku, "They'll grow up to look like you, then?"

Naruto nearly choked on his own spit.

Kanae's hands flew to her mouth. "Shinobu! How bold!"

Shinjuro's brow shot straight into his hair.

Oh.

Oho?

Ohoho!

"I believe so, yes."

Shinobu hung her head and muttered something under her breath, face gone scarlet. Realization broke like the dawn, setting Shinjuro's old heart ablaze and burning away the last of the tipsy haze brought on by the sake. He didn't miss the way Shinobu's gaze strayed back to Rengoku; nor the way his son smiled at her. Kanae scooted just a little closer to Naruto, linking her arm in his. The latter heaved a sigh but leaned into her regardless as he rarely did for anyone else.

For a single, blessed instant, Shinjuro experienced. a glorious vision of the future. It took everything he had not to shout with joy.

His boys hadn't brought home friends, partners, or even fellow slayers. They'd found wives; though by their oblivious looks, his sons didn't know it yet. Give them a few years and they'd be inseparable. The irony wasn't lost on him. Ruka had been the one to hunt him down like a stag decades ago; she'd pursued him relentlessly until he finally realized what she wanted from him. A family. It seemed the apple didn't fall far from the tree.

The men of the Rengoku family had a thing for strong women.

It was with such thoughts that he returned his attention to Kanae. "And what is your relationship with my son?"

"Hmm." Kanae touched a finger to her lips, considering the words for a long ponders moment. At length, she clapped her hands. "I suppose you could say I owe him a life debt." steepling her fingers, she smiled over them eyes sharp as steel. "I do believe I'll be repaying him for the foreseeable future. I'll be in your care~!"

Naruto squawked. "That's news to me!"

"Since you nearly died for me." she tweaked his cheek. "That was a very rude thing to do, I'll have you know. You nearly died."

Naruto had the good grace to at least look contrite. "Not like I could let that Hand Demon grab ya...but ain't this a bit much?"

"Nonsense. I owe you my life." Her arms tightened around his. "You'll not be rid of me that easily."

A curious host of emotions flashed across the boy's face. Shinjuro noted them all.

Shinobu coughed. Kyojuro slapped his back. "Good luck!"

"Now what's this about a hand demon...?

Kyojuro beamed. "Naruto slew it all by himself! What a battle it was!"

"It was foolish, that's what it was." this from little Shinobu.

Naruto flicked her a baleful look, one she returned tenfold. So there was a story there after all. He'd have to ask about it later. Still his eldest had a curious scent about him. He couldn't quite place it. It smelled faintly of flame and smoke, but also earth; as though he'd spent the better part of the day rolling about in the grass. What was that scent? It didn't smell like a demon, and yet...

"Just you wait." he came back to himself in time to hear Naruto respond to something Shinobu had said. "I'll make Hashira before ya!"

"I very much doubt that, you reckless oaf!" the younger of the two sisters bit back. "If you keep going as you are now, you'll get yourself killed.

"Why you...?!"

"Now, now," Shinjuro interposed himself between them, "Fresh out of initiation and you already want to be Hashira already, do you? Then you know what is required."

Naruto and Kyojuro shared a glance, and the sisters with them. They did. Therein like the problem.

Slay fifty demons or kill a demon moon. Lower...or Upper.

He didn't want to think of such. Not yet.

They were but saplings, green buds yet to bloom. The idea of them facing down one of those monsters, Demons among demons...it left him chilled, even now.

"There will be time enough for tales later." Shinjuro granted his sons a weary smile and stepped back toward the house. "You must be exhausted." his right hand seized the door and swept it open. "Come in and have your rest. We can talk more in the morning."

Naruto seemed to revive a little at that. "Right, I almost forgot! Mom's gonna love ya, Kanae; can't wait to introduce you to her!"

Shinjuro dithered over the threhshold.

Kanae perked up, heedless of his hesitation. "She sounds like a wonderful woman.

"She is!" Kyojuro was all smiles. "Our mother is the very heart and soul of our family; she's beyond compare!"

Shinobu huffed and looked away. "She certainly must be, if she can put up with two louts like you!"

Shinjuro flinched. "About that, my sons,...I'm afraid there's something I need to tell you...

It pained him to say this. Truly, it did. But it had to be said.

He told them. Naruto's face drained of all color.

"Whaddya mean Mom won't wake up?"

A/N: Aaaaand scene.

As ever, we're following the Ember's Rule here. That's no joke. Really, it isn't.

If folks don't like this...well, it won't be continued. And it doesn't seem all that popular compared to "Doctor of Demons"...

*Sigh*

As ever, reviews are the wind beneath my wings. Without them I cannot write.

No previews this time. My leg's driving me crazy and I don't have the energy for them today T_T

...no! I need to try! If nothing else, in these trying times, I have to try.!

(Preview)

"Mom? C'mon mom, please...wake up...

She continued to breath steadily. But her eyes did not open.

Naruto slammed a fist into the wall. It crumbled like so much driftwood.

She took him by the face.

Her forehead touched his, leaving their noses brushing.

Lively lilac eyes gazed into his own. "Then allow me to make my intentions clear."

She kissed him then. Gently at first, then with vigor, pressing her mouth against his, arms linking behind his neck as she rode him down to the bed...

Naruto drew his new blade.

Before his very eyes, it changed color.

Haganezuka leaped upright with a roar of joy.

"Red!" he cast his masked visage back and roared to the heavens. "I finally got to see it!"

Kyojuro considered his own sword with a pleased hum. "Mine is the same!"

Kanae clapped politely. Shinobu sulked.

Haganezuka made happy Haganezuka noises. "Now listen! Don't you dare break those blades, you hear me?! Or I'll kill you!"

R&R~!