Archive of Our Own ^beta

Zevrel 

11/7/2025

Summary: After the first Valley of the End fight, Naruto has a different reaction. He tells people he didn’t tell before, and finds unlikely allies in a time of uncertainty and threat. Pairings are Naruto/Temari

Valley of the End

Naruto Uzumaki, a boy with blonde spiky hair, blue eyes, and three sets of whisker marks on each cheek, was gravely wounded. He had two puncture wounds on the chest of his orange jacket and had burn marks on his visible skin. Naruto pushed himself to his knees, puked up blood, and fell back down. Tears fell from his face as it started to rain, his agony made manifest by the very heavens themselves. ‘I’ll make him wish I died...’ He thought to himself. Just then, an orange pug in a blue vest, and a man with gravity-defying white hair, a black facemask, a Konoha Jonin uniform, which consisted of an all black shirt and pants, which were underneath a green flak jacket, the man also had black steel-plated fingerless gloves and a headband pulled over his right eye. He rushed over to the boy and maneuvered Naruto so he could carry him. 

“He...” The blonde boy tried to speak, but his voice cut off as he coughed up more blood. The man’s only exposed eye, which was black, was narrowed in concern.

“Save your strength, Naruto. I’ll get you to Tsunade soon.” The man uttered as he took to leaping through the trees with great haste.

“Kakashi...Sasuke...tried...to...kill... me...because...of...you...” The blonde boy gasped out as he finally sank into unconsciousness. Kakashi’s form seemed to droop as if regret or grief had snapped at him. ‘I’m sorry, Sensei, I failed again.’ He thought to himself.

Konoha Hospital

Kakashi burst through the doors, his frame betraying his tension and worry. He marched to the nurse’s station, carrying the too-still boy in his arms.

“Help him, he’s wounded and he’s not healing,” Kakashi uttered, and the nurses grabbed the boy and ran off to an operating room. Tsunade Senju, clad in medical scrubs, marched past him, following the nurses, her blonde hair flicking with her stride. Kakashi then turned and started to pace in the waiting room, his chakra flickering with his storm of emotions. Chief among them was self-hate.

Tsunade’s perspective

“We have to get him stable! Iyashi cut away his clothes and assess for chakra disruption. Deni, check for any foreign bodies. Genko, get started on an IV.” The Slug Sannin ordered, and her team got to work. It wasn’t long before one of them spoke up.

“I’ve found foreign chakra in his lungs and near his heart. We need your expertise on this one.” Iyashi reported, and he moved aside for Tsunade, whose hands glowed green with just a hint of black. She then pulled her hands up and out as thick black sludge-like chakra was wrenched out of the boy’s body. It writhed as if it were alive, and she burned it with her chakra. This process continued until red chakra bubbled up around Naruto and began rapidly mending his wounds. The younger blonde was placed in a patient’s garments and wrapped in bandages. Just before Tsunade could leave, blue eyes fluttered open.

“Granny, Sasuke tried to kill me, used Chidori, Kakashi’s fault.” Naruto uttered before his eyes fell shut once more. Tsunade’s expression hardened as she swept out of the room. She flared her chakra, and Jiryiah appeared, his red coat catching the light. 

“Jiryiah, Kakashi, meet me in my office. We have much to discuss.” Her tone was clipped as she disappeared into a changing room.

Tsunade’s office, twenty minutes later

Tsunade, now in her black pants, grey kimono, grey obi, and green jacket, was sitting behind her desk; before her were Kakashi and Jiryiah. Unseen by the three, a shadow was in the room, his lone eye narrowed. 

“I can’t get information from Naruto until he wakes up. That doesn’t negate the fact that he blames you, Kakashi, for Sasuke trying to kill him, especially due to you teaching him the Chidori.” Tsunade began as her voice contained a practiced neutrality as befitting her position as Hokage.

“I told Sasuke not to use it against his comrades. I thought I could reach him, make him see the village as his new family. I failed.” Kakashi supplied, his tone grave as the weight of the room pressed down on him.

“Kakashi, I say this not as Konoha’s spymaster, nor as a Jonin, or even a Sannin. I say this as Naruto’s Godfather and the closest thing Minato had to a father.” Jiryiah began, his tone filled with impending doom. Without warning, the taller white white-haired man grabbed Kakashi and started to shake him with each word.

“You absolute moron! That jutsu you taught the Uchiha brat kills Jinchiruki! Do you understand what you almost took from me?!? I nearly lost that boy! Naruto is meant to be my salvation as a teacher! And my Grandson!” The Toad Sage bellowed as his eyes, once kind, became furnaces of protective fury. His chakra permeated the room, matching his emotions. 

“I... was only trying to protect Obito’s legacy...” Kakashi admitted, avoiding the older man's eyes. 

“Obito’s legacy? HIS LEGACY?!? It doesn’t matter, only Minato’s does. Obito’s doesn’t hold back the nine-tails. Obito’s doesn’t smile at you and look at you like you're just an old man and not a failure. And his legacy surely doesn’t have a heart as big as Minato’s does. Get out of my sight, and leave Naruto alone. If I even see a nin-dog, I’ll kill you, no jutsu, no chakra, just my bare hands. Got it?” Jiryiah rebuked, his tone wreathed in steel. The Copy Cat nodded duly as he left, his head held low. Then the scrape of wood against wood echoed through the room as the black robed figure of Danzo Shimura entered from the shadows. 

“Princess Tsunade, Jiryiah, we have much to discuss.” The old man began as the two stared at him, one in suspicion, the other in clear anger.

“What do you want, one-eye?” Jiryiah asked bluntly. The Root commander cleared his throat as he seemed to consider something.

“This concerns Naruto Uzumaki. I have watched over him, as have my Root, and we are concerned. His potential has been squandered. His life was put in danger due to the teaching methods of Kakashi. Furthermore, the Uchiha nearly killed him.” Danzo stated with uncharacteristic concern, his lone black eye displaying humanity.

“What exactly do you want with Naruto?” Tsunade asked as she reasserted herself into the conversation.

“I want to protect the boy, train him, and channel his anger. Hiruzen was the only person who could truly ground him. Without him, Naruto’s rage at the villagers and at Sasuke will only balloon. We must help him before someone else takes advantage.” The Root commander elaborated, and Tsunade nodded after a moment.

“You may, but only with Jiryiah’s involvement. I will leave his care to both of you. I need to run damage control...” The Hokage decreed, and the Root commander bowed his head. The world had changed.

Konoha hospital 

Temari Akatsuni stormed through the halls, her expression stricken with worry. She had blonde hair in four pigtails, teal green eyes, and was wearing a white and purple battledress with metal netting visible. Strapped to her neck was the headband of her nation, Sunagakure. The symbol of which is an hourglass.  Strapped to her back was a metal war fan. She arrived at her destination, a room which had the words ‘patient Uzumaki’ written on it. She entered and gasped at the sight of Naruto, wrapped in bandages and frail-looking. She rushed to his side and grabbed his hand as tears fell on him, as her battlefan dropped to the ground. ‘That idiot, he saved my brother, only to nearly die before I could thank him. Whoever did this to him, I’ll kill them.’ Temari thought to herself. Just then, the object of her attention’s eyes opened slightly, and he met her gaze.

“Mari? What are you doing here?” Naruto asked with his blue eyes full of false confusion, and she recognised it.

“What happened to you? Who did this?” Temari demanded as she looked into his eyes, which softened at her concern.

“Sasuke Uchiha. He nearly killed me four times, once when he tried to burn me alive, the second when he rammed my head into the ground, and the last two when he stabbed me with his Chidori. I almost died, the Fox got cut off.” The Uzumaki revealed, and Temari’s eyes became concerned and enraged. Then her anger left her when she truly looked at Naruto, and her heart nearly shattered. For the teen’s eyes held not just anger, but the fragile despair that Gaara had once possessed. She tentatively brought her lips to his forehead, and the atmosphere’s tension shattered.

“Naruto, I care about you more than you can ever know. You gave me back my little brother, you showed true courage, and you’re cute, Fishcake.” Temari muttered as she leaned down and planted a chaste kiss on his lips. The boy’s eyes widened as her actions seemed to shock him.

“You...care? Nobody here truly sees me, I...” He was cut off as she kissed him again, then she climbed atop him and curled the other blonde into her arms. She pulled the blanket around them as his arms encircled her. 

“Hush now, rest and we’ll talk in the morning, ok?” Temari whispered, and Naruto nodded against her chest. Unseen by both, Jiryiah, Tsunade, Gaara, and Danzo watched on, each with different reactions. The redhead smiled in approval, the Toad Sage had a look of nostalgia in his eyes, while the older blonde had a knowing look in her golden ones. The lone brunette simply hummed in thought, though his lips did twitch up. From the doorway, a girl with pink hair, green eyes, and a red dress with black shorts had wide eyes. ‘Sasuke tried to kill Naruto! What have I done?’ The girl then walked off, though not before a hand reached out from the shadows and stopped her. An ANBU wearing a black cloak with a plain white mask towered over her.

“Genin Haruno, what you have heard just now, can only be revealed with one condition. You are not to defend the Uchiha. He has betrayed the village.” The cold tone poured ice into her veins, but she nodded nevertheless.

“Yes, sir.” She stammered out before Sakura Haruno left, and the ANBU then walked back into the shadows. 

The next day, Naruto’s perspective 

Naruto slowly woke up to the feeling of warmth on his body. He remembered suddenly what had happened the night before and smiled slightly as he nuzzled deeper into Temari’s embrace. He felt lips ghost across his hair, and peace entered him. ‘Is this what it feels like to belong?’ Naruto asked himself as a small smile formed on his face. Then he heard a sharp knock on the door, and he felt Temari shift slightly. Then she yawned, and he yawned as well. He opened his eyes, and all he could see was the white of her battle dress. He tried to move and felt pain. 

“A little help, Mari?” Naruto uttered, and she helped him sit up, but didn’t let go of him. The door then opened, and a man with dark and grey robes walked in. He had a cane, an X-shaped scar on his chin, shaggy black hair, and only one visible arm and eye. The others were covered in bandages. A black cloaked figure with a plain white porcelain mask entered after him and stood at the ready. 

“Do you know who I am?” The man asked, and Naruto thought for a moment and then started with realization.

“You helped me when I was in the orphanage, you taught me how to read. What is your name, though?” Naruto inquired, and the man smiled after a moment.

“I am Danzo Shimura, commander of Root and one of the Hokage’s advisors. I am well aware of the young lady at your side, Princess Temari.” The aged man introduced himself, and the Uzumaki simply looked at him. 

“You look exactly like your parents. I knew them, I was your mother’s Jonin Sensei, and I was one of your father’s tutors.” Danzo revealed, and Naruto’s eyes widened as his lips quivered. 

“You knew my parents? Who were they? Did they love me? Why was I left alone?” The Uzumaki asked in a vulnerable tone, and Danzo’s expression became sad. 

“Your mother is Kushina Uzumaki, the Red Death, ANBU captain, and the princess of Uzugakuru. Her aunt is Tsunade, and their grand aunt and grandmother, respectively, are Mito Uzumaki. Your father is Minato Namikaze, the Yellow Flash. You are royalty, my boy.” The Root commander finished, and Naruto’s jaw dropped. The old man put his hand on the Uzumaki boy’s hair.

“Your parents loved you and wanted to be here. Unfortunately, on the night of your birth, the Nine-Tails broke free from your mother’s seal and attacked the village. When they restrained it, the creature stabbed your parents through. One of my ninja was able to ascertain one detail before that point: there was a Sharingan pattern overlaid in its eyes. The reason you were never taken in was because of the foolishness of old men. Hiruzen and I wanted you to have what we never did, a childhood. I realize my mistake now.” Danzo elaborated, and tears sprang from Naruto’s eyes as his world toppled. ‘The Fox was never at fault; the villagers have been hating their hero this whole time. So many things I thought were true… and yet not all revelations are lacking. Danzo is family, Temari cares, and I was loved.’ The teen thought to himself, then he beamed at the older man.

“Grandfather, thank you,” Naruto uttered, and the smile that met his was as wide as Danzo would permit himself. Temari had buried her face into Naruto’s shoulder and was grounding him. 

“You are most welcome. There is more to discuss, but for now, you must rest. Though I have heard that your friends are having a meeting in one of the hospital rooms.” Danzo uttered and then motioned the ANBU in the corner forward, and he approached and removed his mask, to reveal a boy of Naruto’s age, who had black hair and black eyes with bone white skin. The teen then closed his eyes and smiled.

“Hello, my name is Sai, would you like to be my friend?” The teen introduced with a perfectly bland voice, but the words carried genuine emotion. Naruto returned the smile and the two shook hands.

“Now then, I will be back later. For now, it would be prudent for you to…educate them.” Danzo hinted before he walked out of the room with his cane. The Uzumaki then sighed.

“I’ll need help getting out of bed, Sai, Temari, if you would be so kind?” Naruto asked, and they maneuvered him out of bed, and he leaned on Temari.

Meeting room in the hospital 

Around a table sat the Konoha ten, which included Neji, Tenten, Rock Lee, Shikamaru, Ino, Chouji, Sakura, Hinata, Shino, and Kiba. Their conversation ground to a halt when the door opened and a teen in a black cloak with a plain white mask entered the room and stood in a guarding position at the door. Then Naruto entered, supported by Temari, after him Gaara and Kankuro entered, and the door shut. 

“I suppose you all have been wondering just what happened with Sasuke and me. Well, I shall reveal all.” Naruto began, and his expression was as frigid as ice. 

“Sasuke attempted to kill me, multiple times during our battle, while I only acted to debilitate and restrain. You all allowed him too much! The evil and threat he represents must be put down.” He continued, and Sakura’s expression became stormy.

“He couldn’t have, Sasuke would never-“ Sakura had started only for Temari to growl. 

“You didn’t see his condition when he was brought in. Lungs punctured, heart nearly stopped, and bones shattered! Naruto almost died! Your precious Uchiha did that.” The wind mistress shouted as her chakra enveloped the room. The other Genin and one Chunin all shuddered at the feeling. 

“We don’t stand with the Uchiha, but we do stand with you, Naruto, and you as well, Lady Temari,” Neji uttered respectfully, his pale eyes narrowed in deference, and except for Sakura, the others echoed his statement. Naruto smiled slightly at their support. The atmosphere lightened somewhat as tension shifted. 

“Naruto, you need to understand, I thought I could stop him, I tried to talk him down.” Sakura attempted, but the look she got from Naruto made her pale slightly. He then started pacing with Temari’s help. It was both amusing, heartwarming, and terrifying.

“You don’t understand, do you? How to make this clear for you?” Naruto began as his eyes went cold again. 

“When I caught up to him after he evaded Lee, he attacked me without hesitation. I tried to talk him down, for you, Sakura, because you wanted to make him love you so badly. I had thought that if I could help you achieve your dream, then perhaps I could prove to you that my goal was just as attainable.” Midway through his speech, the scratchy quality had left his voice, replaced with a regal sound. 

“No matter what I said or did, he fought harder and harder to kill me. And all that time I held back, I tried to preserve your fantasy. And then he tried to actually finish me by using the Chidori. That attack is the only thing in the world that can wound me. My heart had stopped when he was done. I only survived because, unlike him, I have a future. And I need vengeance against him.” Naruto finished darkly, and Sakura’s expression shattered as her world turned upside down. She walked closer to him and looked down, then she met his gaze. 

“I’m sorry, Naruto. I need to go, but if you want to talk later, you’ll find me at our training ground.” With that, Sakura left, and Naruto’s expression changed, light and happier. 

“Kiba, Neji, Chouji, how are you guys doing?” Naruto asked, and they ushered him forward, and the Uzumaki sat down with Temari on his lap. He nestled his head against hers and closed his eyes halfway. 

“We’re recovering after what those Sound bastards did. Are you ok, Naruto?” His Inazuka friend asked, as his black eyes showed concern. 

“I’m still sore, but I should be alright given a few more hours to a day. There is one more thing that you all need to know. It's about something that happened thirteen years ago.” Naruto began, only for nearly everyone to say the same thing.

“You have the Nine-Tails, we know.” The group sans Temari stated in unison. His eyes widened in confusion and shock.

“How do you all know that? I didn’t even know until a year ago.” Naruto uttered, and Shikamaru snickered slightly.

“I figured it out during the invasion when you fought Gaara, no offense. Then I got confirmation during the retrieval mission, your eyes turned red with black slits. Sakura was able to validate my suspicions when she recounted the Wave incident.” The Nara revealed and Naruto’s expression evened out. 

“Well, I thought you should all know because an organization called Akatsuki is after Jinchuriki like Gaara and me. I will need to prepare accordingly. I will contact you again, alas, I must recover.” Naruto finished, and Temari then helped him out of the room, and the ANBU trailed after them, but her siblings did not leave.

“There is one more thing we must add. If any of you doubt Naruto again, we will act against you. That is all.” Gaara uttered before the two Suna ninjas left the room. Silence followed this for a moment, and then all nodded as one.

Much later, Konoha Hospital, Naruto’s room

Naruto’s head was buried into Temari’s chest while the older girl had her hand on his head. Gaara and Kankuro were both seated in front of her.

“What are you gonna do? I mean, are you coming back with us or…?” The puppeteer asked, his expression assessing. Gaara exchanged a glance with his sister, and the two nodded.

“I won’t leave him. Never again. I already took the liberty of sealing my stuff into a storage scroll.” Temari replied, and the two nodded at her in acceptance. The shadows in the room parted at that moment, and Danzo emerged.

“I suspected as much. Root will provide lodging for the two of you. While he rests, there is something I need from you, Lord Gaara.” The Root commander uttered, and the teal-eyed redhead looked at him. 

“Please tell me your interpretation of Naruto’s skills from the Chunin exams. I want to gather as unbiased a report as possible for his promotion.” Danzo finished, and Gaara and Kankuro exchanged glances for a moment.

“Naruto is incredibly strategic, though he doesn’t let on. From what I observed during the Forest of Death phase, he managed to outlast multiple opponents and had enough energy to fight Kiba and win afterwards.” Gaara began. He hummed in thought before he continued.

“He handled Neji incredibly well, and that’s not mentioning the skill he used to defeat me. His loyalty to his comrades should also be noted, as should the drive he displayed when confronting Orochimaru.” The redhead finished, and Danzo nodded in agreement. Then he turned around to leave. 

“You know, Minato and Kushina were just like the two of you, Temari. I will see you soon.” With that, the Root commander disappeared in a cloud of smoke. The atmosphere in the room turned calm as they settled into a comfortable silence, only broken by the soft snores of Naruto.

Naruto’s mindscape

Naruto found himself in the sewer that was the seal scape. He approached the bars and waited. Red slitted eyes opened, and the two stared at each other for a moment.

“Thank you for helping me earlier. I appreciate it.” Naruto uttered, and the orange fox smiled slightly. 

“Your welcome kit. I think its time we had a chat.” The Nine-tails remarked, and Naruto nodded slightly. 

“I don’t hate you. The only reason I threatened to devour you was that I have been sealed here, completely alone. Imagine never again seeing the sun or feeling the wind.” The Fox replied, and Naruto made as if to speak, but the Tailed Beast held up a hand-like paw. 

“However, I have realized that it’s not fair to hold my fate against you. I would like to start over with you. To start, I need you to rip off the bottom of that tag.” The Fox further elaborated, and the Uzumaki walked forward, and the water swirled him up high enough to rip off the small bit, then the area flashed bright white. When it faded, the area was a forested clearing with flowers. Sitting upright like a dog was the Nine-tails, though it was the size of a small horse. Naruto stood across from him, and the two smiled slightly. 

“If we’re starting over, then we should properly introduce ourselves. My name is Naruto Uzumaki. It’s nice to meet you.” The Uzumaki started, and the Fox grinned. 

“My name is Kurama. Today, we begin our journey to greatness. Now then, to prepare you for the threats ahead, I will have to break the rules a bit.” The Fox began, and Naruto tilted his head in curiosity. The creature outstretched a claw and pressed it to the boy’s forehead. The world became enveloped in a red glow, and when it faded, a tree with red leaves and orange bark emerged next to them. 

“What did you do just now?” Naruto asked, and the Fox grinned even wider if that was possible.

“I just unlocked your genetic potential in full, which means that you have more power. For one, you now have perfect chakra control and more chakra capacity. I also included a few surprises, which I’ll let you find out later. For now, just touch the tree with your chakra.” Kurama elaborated, and the teen did as instructed. The tree then turned liquid and absorbed into Naruto. His hair then turned red, his chakra turned visible and became purple, and his skin turned a more even mixture between pale and tan. His height also increased to a healthier five feet and nine inches from the too-short five feet and five and a half he had been. Naruto looked down and examined himself, and whistled in approval. 

“I feel amazing, better than ever. Thank you, Kurama. I’ll talk later.” Naruto uttered as he vanished from the seal space. Kurama then turned to a particular point and glared at it.

“Minato, return the other half of my soul this instant.” The Fox demanded, and he then glowed red and his form became darker, and an ocean of red chakra appeared behind him, splitting the area in half. 

“Thank you. Now, to prepare for the next stage. Soon, kit, we’ll take the world by storm.” Kurama remarked as he closed his eyes.

Naruto’s perspective two hours later.

His eyes fluttered open and found himself once again practically smothered against Temari. He lifted his head and met her gaze as he smiled at her.

“Naruto, why do you have red hair now?” She asked, and Naruto laughed softly. 

“The Nine-tails helped. His name is Kurama, and he unlocked my genetic potential, whatever that means.” The Uzumaki explained, he then leaned up and pressed a kiss to his lover. She returned it, and then she rubbed the back of his head.

“Now then, my angel, I think that it's time I tried to move,” Naruto stated, and then he gingerly attempted to lift himself. He lifted himself halfway, and then a devilish smirk crossed his face. 

“Uni cai toh.” He muttered with a mischievous giggle. The language sounded pleasant, almost seductive.

“What did you say? What language was that?” Temari asked, and his grin became sharper.

“That was Uzumaki, and I’ll whisper it to you.” He then lowered himself back down and whispered into her ear. She then blushed bright red and stammered nonsense for a moment. What he said that caused her to blush like that was this: I bet you're as sweet as the very sea air. An old Uzumaki pick-up line.

“You charmer. Fishcake, I think we’ll be great partners. Now then, let’s settle down. You still have to heal.” Temari remarked, and the new redhead smiled softly. 

“Alright, but I think we should properly get to know each other. Between the invasion and then our newest mission, we haven’t had time,” Naruto uttered quietly, and Temari hummed in thought as she kissed his forehead. 

“I know just how to do this too, likes, dislikes, hobbies, and dreams for the future. I’ll start us off. I like ramen, you, flowers (also you), and the view from the top of the Hokage mountain. My dislikes are traitors, the time it takes for ramen to cook, and people who don’t respect me. My hobbies include training, botany, playing my drums, and trying new ramen flavors. My dream is to become the strongest Shinobi, protect those closest to me, and get my revenge on Sasuke. and to one day have a family.” The Uzumaki supplied and the Wind mistress blushed whenever he mentioned her, and chuckled at his ramen obsession. 

“Well, ramen boy, my tastes are a tad unique. My likes are cute boys (you), roasted chestnuts, the desert wind at night, and certain Uzumakis. My dislikes are humid weather and anyone who hurts those precious to me. My hobbies are baking, traversing the desert, and something you’ll have to find out later. My dreams are to become the greatest wind user and to settle down with you.” Temari finished, and she then kissed his cheek and trailed a finger along his chest. 

“Well, I guess our goals line up pretty well. For now, since I can’t move yet, I’ll just have to bide my time. Soon enough, I’ll heal.” Naruto muttered as his eyes closed again and his body became covered in a red cloak of chakra. Temari closed her own eyes and smiled softly. 

The seal space 

Kurama walked over to a part of the seal and noticed black, infected, vein-like structures. He raised a claw and burned them with his chakra. 

“That should be the last of that wretched snake’s cursed seal. Naruto should heal normally now. To be sure, I’ll purge his system.” Kurama muttered to himself as he flared his chakra. After a moment, the space settled and hummed, and the fox walked over to a particular set of flowers, which were blue with just a hint of purple, and gave them a dry look. 

“Where in the world did either of us ever see flowers like these? These aren’t Fire country. Perhaps the kit and his mate’s chakras are mixing. For now, it’s past time for us Tailed Beasts to have a summit.” Kurama muttered further and snorted with amusement as he lay down near the flowers and closed his eyes. 

Naruto’s perspective four hours later 

Naruto slowly woke up to the feeling of Temari running her fingers through his hair. He sighed contentedly before opening one eye and gazing up at her. 

“You passed out for a while there. During your nap, Sai came back and delivered some new clothes for you, and he said that he’d be back when you’re discharged.” She muttered to him, and he nodded at her. He stretched his back slightly and felt his body finally relax. ‘Thanks, Kurama.’ He sent through the bond, and he received a hum of assent. The door to the room then opened, and a nurse walked in and stood patiently. With careful movements, Temari helped him position himself upright and against her. 

“Let’s see if you can stand on your own now.” The nurse commented, and Naruto carefully disentangled himself from his lover and grabbed the bed, got up, and was stable. He then arched his back in a stretch as he yawned. Then he walked forward and back and grinned. 

“Thank you, nurse. Am I free to go now, or do you think I should wait?” Naruto asked, and she regarded him for a moment before she smiled softly. Then her hands glowed green, and she swept them up and down his body and hummed approvingly.

“You’ve completely recovered. Now I’ll give you some privacy while you change. Just come by reception for discharge. Have a good day, kiddos.” The nurse uttered before she walked away and closed the door. Naruto then walked over to the bag on the counter and pulled out what Sai had gotten him. What he found was a pair of blue boxer briefs, a pair of black Shinobi pants, orange bandages, a red shirt, and a pair of fingerless black gloves. He took off his gown and heard Temari wolf whistle, and he blushed slightly.

“Nice bottom, Fishcake.” She muttered, and he turned his head and winked. Naruto then dressed himself and grabbed his headband, and strapped it to his arm. Temari then grabbed her war fan and strapped it back on. The two then walked hand in hand to the reception desk, where they saw Sai in a black midriff-exposed shirt and black pants, both with red lining, and he had a sword and a backpack. 

“I have taken the liberty of signing your discharge paperwork. Now then, Lord Danzo has provided you with better lodgings at the Root compound. We have moved all of your things there already. If you would follow me.” The Root Shinobi uttered before he turned, and they exited the hospital. As they walked, several Shinobi nodded in respect, while several civilians glared or muttered. Temari growled protectively, and Sai flashed his sword, which caused the civilians to cower away. Their path eventually ended at a building Naruto knew quite well. He stopped just outside it and whistled.

“This sure explains a lot. No wonder Danzo always appeared like clockwork. His base is in the orphanage… who’d a thought?” Naruto mused to himself before he entered, along with Temari. They passed by several children of varying ages who either waved or ignored them. Eventually, they arrived at a room at the very back of the building where they found a storage unit. Sai then walked over to a wall, knocked on it, and a panel slid open.

“The moon shines brightest.” A voice from inside intoned. 

“Only when supported by the sun and the trees,” Sai answered back, and the panel closed and the wall slid up as they walked inside, while a masked figure stepped back. As they walked, they came across multiple ANBU, both masked and unmasked. The large area soon gave way to a small village, complete with shops and restaurants. As they traversed, several ninjas either nodded or waved at them, and they waved back. Naruto turned his head and saw something unexpected. At one of the restaurants was Hayatte, the proctor from the exams, whose skin was no longer pale, who was seated across from a woman with purple hair, who was in the middle of talking with him. The man shot Naruto a smirk and a nod, which the redhead returned. He also noticed nin animals of multiple kinds wandering around on missions or just at ease. They finally arrived at a larger building that was made of cobblestone and red bricks. They entered the building and were led to an office. Within was an older woman who had brown hair, gray eyes, and had on a green kimono with red birds on it. She regarded them for a moment. Then she smiled widely.

“Lord Naruto Uzumaki, Lady Temari, I see you made it here safely thanks to Sai. He’s a good kid, you know, always helpful. Name’s Doreen Kond. Now then, I’ll get you the key to your room.” She remarked as she grabbed two gold keys and handed them to Naruto and Temari. Both had the number sixty-two B on them. Doreen then led them to the room, and Naruto unlocked the door. And his eyes widened in delight. The room was large, with a fully furnished living room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. The living room even had a window where his plants were on the wall. Naruto smiled and seemed at ease. Temari then reached into somewhere and retrieved a scroll, which she unsealed, and boxes appeared from the smoke. Naruto created several shadow clones who helped with putting her stuff away. 

“Wait a minute, where were you keeping that? I didn’t even see a weapon pouch on you.” Naruto asked, and the blonde girl winked at him and laughed at his expression.

“A girl has to keep her secrets, you know. “ Temari teased, and Naruto laughed softly at her antics. Then he walked over to her and, without warning, smacked her ass, and she blushed bright red, and he smirked. A cough drew their attention.

“I’ll leave the two of you to get settled in. When you’re ready, go to room six A.” Sai uttered before he left. Naruto then turned his attention back to his lover. He then drew her into a heated kiss, which she eagerly returned as they found their way to his couch. Temari climbed on his lap as they kissed, his hands rubbing along her back, while hers rubbed his hair. Then she broke from the kiss for a moment.

“Don’t you ever worry me like that again,” Temari demanded, her tone concerned. 

“Next time, you’ll be with me,” Naruto replied reassuringly. She smiled softly at him before she lay against him. 

“Soon, my love, I’ll make sure they wish that I’d stayed gone. This will be fun...” The redhead muttered before he chuckled darkly. Unseen by both, his shadow grinned menacingly, and the air hummed with power and promise. The two then continued their romantic antics while the world seemed to still.

Two hours later, outside of room Six-A

Naruto and Temari, both disheveled looking, were outside the indicated room from earlier. The redhead knocked, and the door opened to reveal Sai, who had a knowing smirk on his face.

“I take it the two of you are ready for the work to begin. In that case, follow me.” Sai declared as he led them from the apartment building to a massive black building.  Within was a catcyombs worth of rooms. They were brought to a meeting room where Danzo, Tsunade, Homura, Kohura, Shikaku Nara, Jiryiah, and several ANBU stood. 

“Genin Naruto Uzumaki and Genin Temari Akatsuni, you are both here to receive overdue promotions.” Tsunade began as she smiled with pride.

“For your exemplary work throughout the past year, which includes defeating C-rank nuke-nin Mizuki, defeating A-rank nuke-nin Haku Yuki and Zabuza Mamochi, assisting in the defeat of A-rank criminal Gato, defending your fellow Konoha nin during the Chunin Exams, fighting off  S-rank criminal Orochimaru, as well as your aid during the invasion, the mission to retrieve Tsunade, and your efforts to attempt to apprehend A-rank criminal Sasuke Uchiha. In light of these accomplishments, it pleases this council to hereby promote you to Chunin.” Danzo uttered before he retrieved a green flak jacket from the table and handed it to Naruto. 

“Temari Akatsuni, for your impeccable record, and for your aid during the Sasuke retrieval mission, and for your exemplary showings during the Chunin Exams, you are hereby promoted to Chunin.” The blonde was also handed a green flak jacket, which she put on. The room remained at attention.

“Now then, Chunin Temari and Chunin Naruto, you are now hereby inducted into Root. You will be trained to the highest possible level and will protect the great Tree and the great Desert Winds.” Danzo uttered with authority, and Tsunade then swept out of the room, Homura, Kohura, and Shikaku following her out. The aged man then drew himself up, and his gaze became assessing.

“From now on, the two of you will vanish from the sight of this village. You will work from the shadows to protect, for only in shadows can the roots grow. Follow me, the road begins.” Danzo remarked as he led them from the room and into an armory where swords and other types of uniforms were.

“Here you will learn the ways of the sword, as well as how to become the greatest there will ever be. We have watched you and know exactly how to maximize your strengths and outdo your limitations. Naruto, the best sword for you, has been kept safe until now.” The Root commander uttered before he pulled an elegant blade from the wall. It was red with black sigils etched into it; the holster that went with it was gold and purple. 

“This sword is known as Eres Kontai, or protection beyond all means. It was created by the greatest Uzumaki and Senju weapon smiths nearly one hundred years ago, and was entrusted to me by your mother.” Danzo revealed as Naruto smiled at the gift. The room’s attention then shifted to Temari.

“For you, princess, there is but one weapon that would benefit your skills, one which has waited for the proper bearer,” Jiryiah remarked before he grabbed a Kopesh, its gold-plated design and hooked blade providing both elegance and promised destructive might. The two were then led to a room with training dummies and multiple sparring areas, where ANBU were each training. Danzo stomped his cane on the ground, and four cloaked figures arrived. One had a sword, one had several scrolls, and the last two had a set of kamas. 

“Before we begin, Naruto, shadow clones remember everything they learn. This will condense your training time. Temari, in time, your reserves will be increased enough to also take part in this. For now, Uzumaki, make forty clones,  ten with each of my ANBU here. The original with me.” Danzo instructed, as the redhead did as instructed, Jiryiah followed after Danzo, leaving a group of other ANBU to appear in front of the Sunagakure ninja.

“Lady Temari, your training will begin with learning to use your Kopesh. Follow our movements.” The lead-cloaked figure intoned before he demonstrated a slash that destroyed several training dummies, all with wind chakra. The training began with repetition.

With Naruto original

Naruto stood across from the two older men who had focused expressions. Jiryiah took a piece of plain white paper from his robes and handed it to Naruto.

“Using this paper, we will assess your natural affinities. The elements are wind, water, fire, lightning, and earth. Usually, a ninja only has one, two at the most; on rare occasions, they can have four or even more uncommon, all five. For wind, the paper will tear in two, fire will char, earth will crumble, lightning will produce a shock, and water will turn it soggy. Press your chakra into it.” Danzo instructed, and Naruto nodded. He did so, and his paper did the unexpected; it tore into four pieces, one burst into flames, one turned soggy, one produced an electric shock, and the last turned to dirt before sprouting a small bonsai tree. Jiryiah’s eyes widened while the Root commander smirked. 

“That’s amazing, kid. Now, of course, you have to master them, which my clones will instruct your clones in doing. He’s all yours, one-eye.” Jiryiah exclaimed before the godson and godfather duo made fifty, and five shadow clones, respectively. The older man then returned his attention to Naruto. 

“There are truths that must be imparted to you before I begin with my portion of today’s instruction. What do you seek to use my training to accomplish?” Danzo asked as his unwavering gaze seemed to chill the air.

“I want to protect those closest to me, I want revenge against Sasuke and Orochimaru, and most of all, to protect my village from all threats. I want to sever the fate of this world, to one day make it so no child has to live with the fear that they are unwanted, whether it be by bloodline ability, or because they house a Tailed Beast. And I will avenge the death of my parents, for if there was someone there that night, then they must be eradicated.” Naruto replied, and the older man frowned and sighed. 

“This leads me to what we must begin to do. For too long, you have kept your rage sealed away, repressed and restrained. This cannot go on, not if you want to achieve your potential. You despise the civilians, you want vengeance on Sasuke, and more. You cannot do this without your feelings. I want you to tap into your rage.” Danzo uttered in a voice that held equal parts sympathy and firm resolve. Naruto had closed his eyes as tears spilled, then he opened them, and the rage there was hot. He screamed as his eyes flashed red.

“They all don’t understand! I have sought to be better than what they perceive me as. I tried everything to hold Team Seven together! I put my life on the line for Sasuke thrice over. And yet he tried to kill me!” The boy started, his tone seething and verging on either screaming or tears. He started to pace as his red eyes streamed tears.

“I thought Sasuke would be the solution to my solitude; instead, he nearly dug me an early grave. Even worse that Kakashi helped. I trusted them, Sakura too. At first, I thought only Orochimaru and Itachi were to blame for Sasuke’s behavior. If I just gunned it for them, then he wouldn’t have left. But then he proved that his desire for vengeance had only led him to betray the village. No words will ever reach him, no action.” Naruto continued as his hands were balled tight enough that his sharpened nails from the Nine-tails’ chakra cut into them and drew blood, which sizzled shut and reopened with each twitch. 

“But most galling of all, the civilians have spat on me for what never needed to be protected against. The Fox, Kurama, has been nothing but kind to me, always keeping me safe. I don’t and will never understand why the village hates him or me. This rage I feel, if I were to unleash it like I want to, I would never stop. Not until all died before me that opposed me.” Naruto finished as he stopped before Danzo, his eyes haunted by the truth. The older man smiled paternally.

“My boy, your mother felt the same way; she wanted revenge for the destruction of her homeland. She was transferred to my care from the academy because, just like you, she needed a friend and a father. Listen, I know how the two of you feel. My mentor, Lord Tobirama, was murdered by ninja from Kumogakuru. I was left inconsolable and filled with untempered rage. I learned to channel it into my training and missions; the result is the man before you. Controlled and the very bastion of what it means to be a Shinobi, with only three men being greater. Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju, and one of my top agents. I want a better future for you, my son, one led away from revenge. It blackens the heart and leaves you unable to live your life to the fullest.” The older man continued in as gentle a tone as he could manage. The redhead’s haunted look seemed to fade as he crushed the man in a hug, which was returned. 

With Temari at the same time 

Temari stood panting after her recent sword practice and drank slowly from a water flask. Then one of the ANBU removed their mask to reveal a woman with black hair, pale skin, green eyes, and a scar along her right cheek. 

“Lady Temari, my name is Hilel Uhtane, and there is something you must know about Lord Naruto. It’s about the after effects of his childhood.” The ANBU began her voice grave and regretful. 

“He has been alone and hated by the civilians and even a few ninja; this has driven him to dark places. He masks his rage behind that smile, the one that never reaches his eyes.” Hilel continued, and Temari nodded in understanding. 

“I had gathered as much from how he seemed to lose so much energy after he expressed his anger earlier.” The wind mistress replied, and the older woman grimaced slightly. 

“There’s more; you need to soften yourself around him. He needs to know that he can be himself with you. This village has failed him, but you, my dear, can help him. This is a lot to put on one so young, but that is how things have shaken up, I’m afraid.” Hilel supplied, and Temari closed her eyes as the realization of it all seemed to seep into her. After a moment, she opened her eyes.

“How bad is it? Just how much of him is actually left behind that smile and that determination?” Temari asked further, and the atmosphere in the room sharpened. 

“A child screaming for help, only to be ignored by all. He still craves that acknowledgment; even his proclamations of becoming Hokage are a testament to this. He must not be allowed to become like Kakashi Hatake. If that happens, then the boy you love will be lost, and all shall perish.” Hilel supplied, and Temari’s heart dropped as the true nature of things was made clear.

With Danzo 

Naruto had recomposed himself and was standing across from him once more. 

“I want to know what happened to your dream of becoming Hokage? Why do you no longer espouse it?” The aged man inquired as the two met gazes. A moment passed in silence before it was shattered.

“Because that dream was made by someone who died at the Valley of the End. After I realized how easily I was used by Sakura, I realized that my dream needed to change. This village deserves better than a broken boy, even I can recognise this.” Naruto replied as his voice wavered slightly, the air stirred as if something important was being decided.

“Hiruzen would often tell me about his hopes for you, my boy. He wanted you to become the greatest Kage ever, to surpass everyone. You should not give up on your dreams just because of three people. Take this time to discover who you really want to be. You have youth on your side, my grandson; there is no need for haste.” Danzo advised in his ever-present, even tone, though he allowed a hint of emotion to emerge. The boy nodded, and the two continued their discussion.

Five hours later, Temari’s perspective

The sweat-coated blonde made her way back to the apartment with Naruto at her side. As they walked, several ninja looked nostalgic at the sight of them, while others just looked relieved. They entered the apartment and their room. The moment the door closed and locked, she guided him to the shower. She stripped off her battledress and netting and helped him out of his, then she guided them into the shower and cleaned him off. His hands found her hips, and he kissed her as tears fell from his face. Her expression was soft as she held him, the water sliding off their bodies. The only sounds were the shower and his sobs.

“It's alright, my love, just let it all out. I will never leave you.” She whispered to him, and his form shook in her grasp. Eventually, they turned off the water and dried off, then she put on a blue robe, while he put on an orange one. Then she dried her hair with a wind jutsu and left it loose. She then walked him to the bed and sat against it with him. She encircled the teen with her arms as his very being seemed to melt into her. They kissed as their hands explored, and the only thing that mattered was each other.  His hands rubbed along her robe as she rubbed along his. Then they parted and caught their breath.

“You know I never did tell you about my graduation exam.” Naruto began as he laughed softly. Temari hummed as she lazily rubbed his head. 

“I was never that good at the illusionary clones that other ninjas use. Too much chakra and too little control. So anyway, there was this one instructor named Mizuki, who didn’t like me that much, but he didn’t let me know that at the time. I attempted the jutsu and failed, and I was moping outside of the academy, and he told me that if I break into the Hokage Tower and steal the legendary scroll of seals, then I can graduate.” The Uzumaki continued, and she giggled softly at this.

“And you believed him?” She asked witheringly, and he laughed awkwardly.

“Unfortunately, I did, I was too trusting at that time. So anyway, I go to the Hokage Tower and I sneak in, and I steal the scroll.  Then I encounter Gramps Hiruzen, and we just…stare at each other awkwardly. Then I knocked him out and got the hell outta dodge.” Naruto replied, and she blinked in surprise.

“Wait a minute, you got the drop on the Professor? The God of Shinobi? That Hiruzen Sarutobi?” Temari asked with dismay and astonishment. Naruto chuckled a little, and suddenly, in front of them were two shadow clones. One transformed into Naruto as he was then, which was the orange jacket and pants plus a pair of green goggles, and the other into Hiruzen. The other Naruto then used the ram sign and transformed. When the smoke cleared, there was a naked, older female version of Naruto with smoke covering her assets. Temari’s jaw dropped, and her face went red.

“Oh Lord Hokage, you’ve been a bad boy…” Naruko uttered in a seductive and breathy voice, the stand-in for Hiruzen had blood explode out of his nose before he fainted and dispelled. Naruko did as well.

“That worked?!?!? Just how pathetic is he?????” Temari squeaked out as her respect for older men nosedived and shattered. Naruto chuckled slightly.

“A lot of older guys in this village are like that. Anyway, after stealing the scroll, I went to a stretch of forest near the gates and learned the Shadow Clone jutsu from the scroll. My only real other support in the academy, Iruka Sensei, arrived and assumed I had just stolen it for shits and giggles. Then Mizuki arrived, revealed his treachery, and revealed my status as a Jinchurki. I didn't know.” Naruto paused at this point as his tone became vulnerable. 

“Iruka defended me and nearly died for it. I stepped in and made one thousand clones, which beat Mizuki to near death. Iruka then promoted me to Genin.” The redhead finished as Temari tightened her hold on him, and he shook slightly. 

“I almost lost him. After that night, I asked him for remedial lessons, and we started hanging out more. That man, Iruka, is the closest thing to an older brother that I have.” He whispered, and Temari planted a kiss on the top of his head, and he melted into her grasp. 

“It’s alright, little bird, the wind will guide you to me. Let her ruffle your wings and place you into the arms of your own.” Temari sang quietly as she rocked the boy gently. Eventually, he fell asleep, and she smiled softly. ‘Don’t worry, Naru, I’ve got you now. It’ll be alright.’ She thought to herself, and she closed her own eyes. Unseen by them, two cameras softly clicked, and the forms of Jiryiah and Danzo smiled from the shadows before the younger of the two carefully tucked the sleeping couple in, and they remained curled into each other.

“Sleep well, kiddos. I’ll see you tomorrow.” The Toad Sage whispered before he kissed their foreheads and left. Danzo smiled before he too left, though not before he reached into his robe and pulled out a small box that he placed on the counter. 

The next morning, Naruto’s perspective 

Naruto woke up and nearly fell back asleep at how comfortable he felt. Then he felt a hand softly ghost along his back, and a purr escaped his throat. A soft huff of amusement answered him. 

“Wake up, my love, it’s about time we started the day,” Temari whispered into his ear, as he opened his eyes slowly. He yawned loudly as he noticed that his head was once again stuck firmly into her chest. He pulled his head back and pulled her into a soft kiss, which she returned. He then smiled as he looked at her. 

“I haven’t felt like I truly belonged before you, my dear,” Naruto uttered before he kissed her again, this time with just a bit of heat, which she met. The two ended up with their backs to the headboard as she straddled him. His hands were inches from the collar of her robe, and hers were inches from his. For a moment, the desire mounted and nearly pounced. They considered for a moment, each lost in the moment and in their own considerations, before both hands went to their sides instead. The same thought had occurred, being that they were too young for that step. 

At the same time, Hokage Tower Tsunade’s office 

Sakura Haruno was standing before the desk of her Hokage and council. The air was filled with tension and the sense of foreboding.

“Genin Haruno, this council demands an explanation on just how you encountered Nuke-nin Uchiha on that night.” Homura declared, his aged voice stern. She hesitated for a moment.

“I... was wandering the streets when I saw him with a backpack heading for one of the lesser patrolled gates. I stopped him and tried to get him to stay, tried to appeal to his sense of kinship with Team Seven....” Sakura began, with me going unsaid. Then she gulped and forced the next words out.

“He refused and so…I offered to go with him. To aid in his revenge. Even though he refused that as well, I still helped him by asking Naruto to promise to bring him back.” The Pinkette finished, and the room’s temperature dropped rapidly. The expressions of the assembled council were even graver than before. 

“Genin Haruno, for your attempt at assisting a fugitive from justice, and for putting the life of Chunin Uzumaki in danger, you are hereby removed from active duty. You will be put into the reserves until your loyalty can be firmly assured. Further punishments or alterations to your sentence will be discussed in a year. You are dismissed.” Tsunade ordered, steel in her tone. The girl turned and was escorted out by an ANBU. The door closed behind them, and other matters took hold. Jiryiah then walked from the shadows with a grave expression.

“My spies have confirmed a few things: Orochimaru has not taken Sasuke’s body, so we have at a minimum three years, maybe four. Kumo and Kiri have been completely silent as of yet, though my spies say that Ay still mourns Minato. Kiri’s still in flux, and Iwa is still neutral. I’ll keep an eye on things.” He reported, and the room seemed to hum with thought. 

“Perhaps we could convince Kumo to join our alliance with Suna by revealing the continued existence of his former friend’s son. Kami knows that the boy could use more family members.” Kohura suggested as she smiled slightly, and Homura nodded. 

“I agree with your advice, Elders Kohura and Homura. With Kumo as our ally, our backs would truly be covered as we regained our strength. Jiryiah, you are to slip this to Kumo.” Tsunade ordered, and her teammate nodded in agreement. One of the shadows shifted, and a teenager with long black hair in a ponytail and black eyes with pronounced markings near them appeared. He had on a black cloak with red clouds and a scratched-out Konoha headband tied to his forehead. 

“Akatsuki will be out of active pursuit of Jinchurki for the next three years.” The teen uttered in a placid tone. The others nodded grimly.

“Itachi, Naruto desires revenge against Sasuke for the way he left the village. You should be advised that he might seek you out to flush your brother out of Orochimaru’s grasp.” Jiryiah advised, and Itachi blinked, which counted as loudly swearing for the man. 

“I will be on the lookout for him.” The Uchiha uttered and remained at attention.

“What can you tell us about the other members of Akatsuki?” Homura asked, and the Uchiha pulled a scroll out of his robe pocket and placed it on the desk. Tsunade grabbed it and read through it, and whistled at the information provided. She smiled slightly.

“Not bad. Continue your good work, Itachi, and do remember to keep up with your medical appointments. For now, you are dismissed.” She replied, and Itachi nodded before he disappeared in a murder of crows. The atmosphere then tightened as the weight of their purpose grew and time moved on.

Two hours later with Danzo

Danzo was seated in a library with Naruto across from him. In front of them was a massive book entitled Tactics and Training by Hashirama and Tobriama Senju with additions by Madara Uchiha and Mito Uzumaki. 

“This book will be the core of your education. Within is the best possible way to truly attain your potential. Before you read it, though, there are certain medical enhancements I want you to receive.” The Root commander uttered, and Naruto nodded after a moment. The redhead then sealed the book into a scroll before he placed it into his weapons pouch. The two then walked to a large sterile room where beakers and medical instruments lined the walls. Out of a pair of double doors walked a man with bone while skin, yellow slitted eyes with purple markings around them, and long black hair. He had on black pants and a black and purple robe. Over it, he had on green scrubs. Naruto started and glared as he stepped in front of Danzo protectively.

“At ease, my boy. Orochimaru works for Konoha. Explain it to him.” Danzo uttered, and the snake man smiled softly.

“I was ordered by Danzo and Sensei to spy on Akatsuki from inside as well as to assist with other matters. One of them was to make sure that Rasa, the unstable leader of Sunagakure, was eliminated.” Orochimaru began and noticed the red-eyed glare from the Chunin in front of him. 

“You tried to kill me twice! So did your subordinates Kabuto and Sasuke! How the hell did any of that benefit anyone?” Naruto demanded, and the Sannin closed his eyes for a moment.

“I attacked your group in the Forest because I was ordered to assess how your team would do under pressure, and you passed with flying colors. Kabuto was ordered to see how well you did with incomplete intelligence. Your other interactions with me were used to deliver information to Jiryiah and Tsunade. Sasuke’s attacks on you were not my doing. Danzo asked me to take him in so his threat could be contained.” The snake man explained, then he opened his eyes, and a soul-searching sigh escaped him.

“You need to know the full truth. Due to incomplete and inaccurate information, the Uchiha clan was blamed for the Nine-tails attack thirteen years ago. As a result, they wanted revenge and attempted a coup. Itachi was given the choice of killing the clan and saving his brother or dying with them in the resulting destruction. He chose the village and is now another ANBU covert spy.” Danzo revealed, and Naruto’s jaw dropped, and shock filled his face. Silence stretched for several moments before the redhead’s expression turned both conflicted.

“That’s horrible... vile. All this time, Itachi has suffered, and like me, has been the hero we all needed but not the one we deserved. This changes nothing when it comes to Sasuke; I’m still killing him, but only so that his threat to my friends and family will die with him. If Itachi wants to stop me, then so be it.” Naruto declared, and the two looked at him, one in understanding, the other in awe. The two older men shared the same thought: he truly is a one-of-a-kind child. Naruto then breathed deeply before he calmed himself slightly.

“What are these enhancements you wanted me to have?” The redhead asked, and Orochimaru grinned slightly, his area of interest having come up. 

“During my years of research, I have discovered many fascinating bloodlines and rediscovered others. However, I have also come across the DNA of Madara Uchiha himself. I will impart the greatest of these abilities onto you, Naruto. Through you, this world will change. Now then, please lie back on the medical table. This won’t take long.” With that, Naruto was put to sleep. Orochimaru then grabbed several vials from the walls and more from his robes and got to work. Danzo simply watched, his lone eye always watching. 

With Temari and Hilel

The two Kunioichi were standing across from each other in a training ground. Around them were four other ninja. 

“For your first task, Temari, I want you to tell me, what does a fox do when cornered? How would you aid it were that to happen?” The elder ANBU asked, and the blonde thought for a moment.

“Like any animal, it attacks. The only way to help it is with slow and deliberate movements. This pertains to my lover, doesn’t it?” Temari asked rhetorically, and the others nodded reverently nonetheless. Then they stiffened, and their eyes became filled with ghostly red.

“There is more to this than even the stars can tell, Princess. His heart was forged in fire; we know his mind, his fury is like a furnace of cold rage. He has the potential to become a lonely god, untouched by time and by love, a man without a home. If you ever die in battle or leave him for any reason, he will become that which cannot and should not be.” The ANBU stated in unison, as if prophecy were being written at that moment. There was a pause before the air became filled with unearthly red light.

“Returning, returning, they are always returning, through the darkness and the blood and the fire, always returning. The Uchiha, the Uzumaki, and the Senju, but always too late. Far too late, but this one, his very soul, is unlike the others. He has come, and he will require not just tenderness but strength to challenge him and to shore up what he cannot do. The future grows dark; only together can the tide be turned.” Hilel finished, and then the glow faded, and Temari’s resolve was tested by the training set forth.

With Danzo and Orochimaru

The Snake man stepped back from the boy, who was now much more than he had been. His hair had gained black streaks, and his skin had grown slightly pale. Even sleeping, the boy radiated power. 

“What did you give him, exactly, my friend?” Danzo asked, and the Root operative chuckled slightly.

“I increased the Uzumaki and Senju DNA in his body, along with DNA from one of my test subjects as a base. Specifically, I injected the cells of Hashirama, Mito, and Juugo. After that settled, I injected the enhanced DNA of Madara Uchiha himself. His body already shows signs of the treatment working. I think this boy will change the world.” The Sannin replied, before he placed a scroll into Naruto’s weapons pouch and slipped away just as he had arrived. The boy’s eyes twitched after a few minutes and then opened to reveal red eyes with three black tomoe. The boy then put his metal netting and shirt back on and stood back up. Naruto’s height was now five feet and eleven inches.

“This power, it feels...unimaginable. I can see so much more.” The redhead uttered in reverence, then his eyes locked onto Danzo’s one, and the boy seemed to assess something because his expression became confused.

“Why do you have chakra like mine but weaker in your body? Wait, why can I feel the emotions of everyone around me? I can feel them, like ants running along my skin.” Naruto asked as his Sharingan whirled slightly.

“I have taken steps to amplify myself due to the injuries I suffered during my last ever field mission during the third war. What you are experiencing is called the Mind’s Eye of the Kagura, the strongest sensory bloodline ability known to ninja. It is an Uzumaki ability, one that has no limits, or hand signs, nor can it be blocked or negated.” Danzo uttered, and Naruto nodded in understanding. 

“How do I control this power, and the others I now have?” The boy asked, and the aged man’s smirk promised pain.

“Through practice and study. Rest assured, we have all the resources we need, and documents sourced from generations of Uzumaki, Senju, and Uchiha.” Danzo uttered further before he knocked his cane against the ground, and three ANBU members appeared, one with pupilless black eyes, brown hair, and a porcelain cat mask attached to his belt. The second one had black hair, cobalt black eyes, and a lackadaisical expression, with a dragon mask attached to his belt. The last one had red hair and red eyes, and a wolf mask attached to her belt.

“Naruto, this is Tenzo, who will guide your wood style training; Shisui Uchiha, your sharingan instructor, and Fenra Uzumaki, who will help you fully express your talents in those arts. Now create sixty clones to split evenly between them. The real you is with me for remedial philosophy training.” Danzo ordered, and the group obeyed, though a crow in the corner watched on before it flew away.

Timeskip two and a half years later

Naruto and Temari had changed in the last year. The blonde now had on ANBU armor with a weasel mask clipped to her face and a black cloak wrapped around her.  Naruto had on black ANBU armor with a fox-style mask and a black cloak. The two were kneeling before Danzo, who had a serious expression.

“Fox, Weasel, my agents have identified the first of your targets to thin the numbers of Akatsuki: Dediara the Mad Bomber of Iwa, and Sasori Akatsuni of the Red Sand. Remember your training and be on high alert. You may leave at your discretion.” The Root commander ordered, and the two vanished in a red and blonde flash, respectively. 

“That sure brings back memories...” Danzo uttered with a fond smile before he left to continue his duties.

Border of Sunagakuru two days later

The two ANBU agents appeared on the trees of a clearing, below them were two cloaked figures with red clouds. One had blonde hair, blue eyes, a slashed Iwagakuru headband, and a large brown pouch strapped to his thigh. The other was hunched back and had beady, small-pupilled eyes and a black facemask, with a large, sharp scorpion-esque tail extended from his back. (Translated from ANBU hand signs)

“We should strike soon, Fox.” Weasel indicated, and her partner nodded before he vanished into the shadows. The other ANBU followed suit. A blur rushed forward and slashed at the taller of the two nukenin. The blonde dodged and was then forced to evade several sharp swings from a blade. On the opposite side, the hunchback was beset by a series of slicing wind-assisted sword slashes.  All got through, and his cloak was sliced away to reveal a demonic face on the back of his body, from which the tail originated. The others only scored small scratches in the armored body.

Fox vs Deidara

The two stood across from each other as the ANBU prepared himself by activating his Sharingan, which now had the shape of one half of a star combined with a swirl. 

“The Mangekyo Sharringan! I will not be mocked by those eyes! Prepare to be destroyed, for art is an explosion!” Dediara shouted as he abandoned all subtlety or finesse as he launched two ginormous clay dragons at the ANBU. The clay creations expanded before they exploded in a shower of dust and debris. Then, the scene rewound, and the explosives were back in Dediara’s hands. The teen then vanished and appeared behind the Mad Bomber, his hand wreathed in electricity. The blonde man jumped out of the way at the last second, but not before a slash was made into his back. Blood sprayed from the wound before the electricity caused it to sizzle off. The two then stood still for a moment before the ANBU agent vanished again. The blonde man looked around and was about to jump when wooden branches stabbed into his legs. Then others stabbed into his arms as Naruto emerged from the trees. 

“You have lost Dediara, now perish,” Fox uttered before he made a snake hand sign, and the Iwa nin mumified in an instant, as Naruto’s chakra glowed briefly before it vanished again. The body was then sealed away as Naruto walked off. 

Weasel vs Sasori

The two reengaged with tailswipes and senbon barrages from Sasori, followed by punishing slashes of wind and infernos of fire from Weasel. Eventually, the puppet was caught in a tornado of fire, which left the metal and what proved to be flesh charred and ruined. The shape that emerged from it had red hair, dark green eyes, a lackadaisical expression, and puppet-like features.

“So that’s what happened to the honored grandson of Lady Chiyo,” Weasel stated as the man, who looked more like a petulant teenager, glared (pouted) at her observation. If she weren’t professional, she would have pinched his cheeks. Then, horror set in as she looked more closely.

“You’re a puppet... a human one at that. Lady Chiyo would be ashamed of you.” Temari further remarked, and again the weird reverse Pinochiyo pouted.

“I don’t care what my foolish grandmother would think.” Sasori rebuked in a voice that was also that of a teenager’s, but with an utterly unconvincing tone. 

“Are you sure? That pout looks really convincing...” Weasel asked witheringly, and the nukenin’s expression looked torn between resolve and one of wistful longing. 

“She still talks about you, even now; she worries about you, always asking where her beloved grandson went. You don’t have to do this. Just go back to her, the border’s just inches from you.” Temari urged one last time, and tears slipped from the eyes of the puppet creature before it removed its ring and walked away. Fox landed beside her and tilted his head in question.

“What happened? Did he just give up?” Her lover asked, and her shoulders shook from laughter.

“I reminded him that his grandmother loves him. With any luck, my wayward uncle should be home, and he’ll be grounded before dinner.” Weasel replied, before they both vanished. From one of the trees emerged a dual-tone man with white and onyx black skin with venus flytrap-like leaves surrounding him, with an Akatsuki cloak over it. The white half had a single yellow eye with a black pupil and shaggy light green hair, while the other had no mouth and only one pupilless yellow eye. The figure stared for a moment.

“Boss won’t like this, not one bit.” The white-half uttered in an alto. The other half grunted.

“No, he won’t. Though this wasn’t unexpected, Sasori did always seem the type to have grandmother issues. Of much greater concern is the loss of his spy network and the demise of Dediara.” The black half uttered in a gravelly hollow voice. The creature then vanished into the tree while a crow circled overhead.  Unseen by all, the blonde man emerged from underground and took off his cloak and ring to reveal a black shirt with netting on the chest. He then turned and walked away. The tide was turning. 

Konoha underground ANBU village, two hours later

Naruto and Temari, now in casual wear, which consisted of black pants and green shirts, were walking down the village streets hand in hand as the air seemed calm. The two walked into a restaurant that read Ichiraku’s Ramen on the banner above it. The two sat down, with Temari on his lap as per usual.

“Tell me, Mari, why did you let Sasori live?” Naruto asked, and she hummed slightly.

“Because of two reasons, my love, for one, sometimes you don’t need to kill an opponent, and his heart wasn’t in the battle.” She uttered before she rubbed his cheek, which caused him to purr softly. 

“What did you make of Dediara? From what I read, he was supposed to be strong.” Temari asked after a moment, and her lover chuckled slightly, his breath on her ear. 

“He seemed to lose all reason at the sight of my Sharingan. It didn’t take much to kill him.” Naruto replied, then he felt her shift slightly, and he growled hungrily. She chuckled knowingly, and he buried his face in her shoulder. 

“You tease me so well, my angel, in fact, I think I should be rewarded for my restraint.” He quipped, and she laughed softly before she shifted again, which caused his hands to reflexively clench on the wooden countertop. 

“Just make it through this date, and the reward will be yours, Fishcake.” She rebuked, and he sighed into her shoulder again.

Meanwhile, Tsunade’s office

Danzo, Jiryiah, and Tsunade were all gathered, a scroll open on the desk.

“Their training has exceeded expectations. Already, they have killed Dediara and neutralized Sasori. Naruto, in particular, is approaching the kind of strength Hashirama Sensei had, while Temari is creating a new standard for Kuniochi.” The Root commander reported, and Tsunade grinned. 

“I’m impressed with both of the kiddios. Naruto only has one more stage to go until he’s a Perfect Sage, and Temari has almost completed the requirements for attaining full mastery of the Kopesh. They remind me so much of Minato and Kushina in personality, but in battle, it’s like watching Mito and Hashirama. Soon enough, they might be ready for Jonin.” Jiryiah contributed, and the atmosphere in the room was filled with near accomplishment.. 

Naruto and Temari, one hour later, includes Lemon

A red flash erupted in the apartment, and then Naruto and Temari were locked in an embrace, kissing furiously. Sandals were kicked off before they found themselves in the bedroom, and clothes were removed. Temari was suddenly swept off her feet and into his arms, where he wrapped her in an embrace. He set her down on his lap while he bit and kissed his way along her, and she gasped and moaned. Not to be outdone, she bit his neck and growled when it healed. She then bit him again and again; it stuck around the third time. She then slid a hand between his legs and lazily teased him. Her eyes then became half-lidded when he returned the favor. Her other hand started to scratch his back while his other hand caressed her chest. Their passion continued, unabated and unbridled. Soon, these beginning steps gave way to deeper embraces, and eventually their screams of pleasure echoed off the walls. Though their bout lasted well into the late hours of the night, constant stamina training and a body built to never give out saw to that. Eventually, the two were cuddled in each other’s arms, spent for the moment. 

“I love you, angel,” Naruto whispered sleepily as he held her against him.

“I love you too, my Fox,” Temari mumbled before she fell asleep. The nature had changed; now they were truly one. From the windowsill, an orange Toad with a notepad hopped away, while a crow cawed before it too flew away. A blue and white slug and a purple snake remained to keep watch.

Two days later, Tsunade’s office 

Naruto and Temari, in their casual clothes, stood before Tsunade and a hulking giant with blonde hair, a trimmed beard and mustache, and the robes of the Raikage. 

“My name is Ay, the Fourth Raikage. I was a friend of your father’s Naruto. In fact, I was supposed to be your goduncle.” The Giant introduced in a voice that sounded like gravel crunching. The Uzumaki in question had a smile on his face.

“Why didn’t you come earlier, though?” Naruto asked, and the taller man rubbed his beard.

“I wanted to, but my hands were full cleaning up the mess of my predecessor. He had some problematic plans in place. That and I didn’t know you were alive.” Ay replied, and Naruto answered him by initiating a hug, which then turned into Temari and her lover getting lifted into the air and swung around in a bear hug. Tsunade laughed from the side of the room, while two camera clicks went off from the shadows. The hulking giant then set them down.

“Now then, why don’t we go and get to know each other? And I know the perfect way to do that: with a spar.” The Raikage offered, and then he swept the two out the door. Jiryiah chuckled while Danzo snorted. The two then vanished. 

Three hours later 

Naruto, Temari, and Ay were surrounded by a destroyed training ground, complete with broken trees, rivers of water and fire, and a giant sparking bit of lightning. 

“Now that’s how you spar, kids.” The Raikage remarked before he chuckled at the exhausted expressions of the two. 

“Well, I understand just how strong the two of you are now, and I’m impressed. Take care of yourselves, and visit me sometime.” Ay finished, then he vanished in a lightning strike. Naruto then turned to Temari and collapsed into her arms. She rolled her eyes before the two vanished in a yellow flash.

Three days later

Naruto and Temari were standing in a meeting room in their ANBU uniforms while Danzo and Jiryiah were at the front of the room.

“Fox, Weasel, we have received new intel on your Akatsuki targets. They can be found on the border of Takigakuru.” The Root commander began. 

“There’s more, Sasuke has taken on a team and left Orochimaru. He is your secondary mission. He was last seen exiting Nami no Kuni.” Jiryiah supplied, and then two other ANBU walked over, one had a cat mask, and the other a dragon.

“Cat and Dragon will assist you on this mission. It will be a long-term S-rank. Prepare accordingly and leave at your discretion.” Danzo finished, and the ANBU vanished into the shadows. 

“You know, I think those two will make fine Jonin, don’t you?” The Toad Sage asked, and the older of the two nodded.

Takigakuru border two days later 

In the landscape of hills and craggy mountains, the squad of four ANBU was positioned on the branches of one of the few forests. (Translated from ANBU hand signs).

“Dragon, Cat, Weasel, we must be careful. According to our intel, Hidan cannot die.” Fox cautioned, and the others nodded. Just then, their targets passed by, one had white slicked back hair and black eyes, the other had a grey head covering, a black facemask, and green eyes with red sclera; both were wearing the Akatsuki cloak. The ANBU then vanished as they began their tasks.

Fox and Weasel vs Kakazu

The nearly eight feet and seven inch tall former Taki-nin was beset by twin slashes, one from a kopesh, the other a ninjanto. The first strike created a slash in his cloak, while the other merely pushed him back. The man laughed: it was not a pleasant sound.

“So you’re that new ANBU team I keep hearing about. I’m impressed.” Kakazu intoned in a mix of mockery and respect. His voice was an earthy rumble. His response was a massive lightning and fire jutsu that slammed into him. When the dust cleared, his cloak had been seared off, and two porcelain masks were on the ground from his back, along with black goo. 

“You bastards destroyed two of my hearts. Playtime’s over.” Kakazu spoke with menace as he formed a bird hand sign, and a tornado of fire formed. The response was a massive tornado of water to match it. The resultant mass of steam paved the way for a slash of steel and the sound of something meaty falling to the floor. When the smoke cleared, Kakazu’s body had fallen to the ground. He got up, and then another two black goo creatures fell lifelessly to the floor. The tall man looked around in what counted for fear. Then the unexpected happened: a small girl with green hair, orange eyes, and a white off-the-shoulder top with netting and black pants came running out of the forest. Following her were several menacing masked figures. The girl then noticed the missing-nin and ran right for him and dove behind him. The man’s eyes widened at the sight of her, and he stood protectively. 

“Come back here, demon! We haven’t... oh god! No! Run!” The lead masked figure shouted before they were quickly killed by Kakazu. The giant then turned to the girl and knelt at her level.

“Are you alright, granddaughter?” The Nuke-nin asked with concern, and the girl shook in place. The two ANBU had paused at the sight.

“They want me dead. Please, help.” The girl quacked out, and in response, an Akatsuki ring was thrown off into the distance. The man then scooped her up, and the two vanished. Fox and Weasel then reappeared and exchanged glances.

“You’re right, Weasel, sometimes you truly don’t need to take a life. Who knew he had family?” The ANBU signed, and his partner just patted his arm. Soon, they were joined by Cat and Dragon, with a scroll that was passed to Fox, who pocketed it. 

“Good work, everyone. Now we have a Uchiha to hunt. No offense, Dragon.” Weasel intoned, and the black haired ANBU chuckled softly. The group then vanished in flashes of red and yellow, respectively. Zetsu appeared from one of the trees and retrieved Hidan’s ring, then it scowled.

“Leader will really not like this. Looks like we’ll need to suggest that method.” The white half remarked. The other half grunted slightly.

“Madara will not be pleased either. We haven’t collected a single Jinchuriki. Let us hope Itachi proves more adept.” The black half commented, before the creature vanished. A crow cawed overhead before it took off in the opposite direction.

Land of Fire Forests

The ANBU group appeared in a clearing, just in time for another group to land in the same area. The other one consisted of a teen with silver hair and purple eyes with a purple shirt and black pants, a teen with red hair which was spiky on one side and straight on the other, she had red pupilless eyes, blue glasses, and a purple coat with black shorts, one was six feet tall, had orange hair, black eyes, and had on a weathered grey cloak. The last was the most distinctive; he had onyx black hair with a slight blue streak, black eyes, a white shirt with the red Uchiha fan, a purple rope belt that held his sword, and black pants. 

“Who the hell are you people?” The white haired one asked in slight curiosity. Fox stepped forward slightly.

“I am ANBU Fox, and we have orders to eliminate A-rank nuke-nin Sasuke Uchiha. The rest of you may go; we hold no ill will toward you.” The Konoha nin intoned, the responses were different. The redhead glared slightly, the white haired one shrugged and walked away, while the orange-haired one straightened up. Then the redhead’s eyes widened, and she stepped tentatively toward Fox.

“Your chakra, it's...familiar. Why?” The girl asked, and the ANBU tilted his head.

“Because from what I can sense, you are an Uzumaki just the same as I. It would be in your best interest to retreat twenty miles in the opposite direction. This area is about to become quite hostile. Dragon and Cat will provide you safe passage to Konoha once we’re done,” Fox revealed, and the girl did as instructed. With that settled, Dragon and Cat engaged the orange-haired one. 

“Tell me, is that really you under that mask, Naruto?” Sasuke asked, and silence answered him. Then the hood of the ANBU’s cloak lowered to reveal red and black hair in a ponytail. Without the hood, the Mangekyo Sharingan of the Uzumaki were visible. 

“I find it foolish to ask a masked man who they are. It doesn’t matter anyway, whether you know who I am or not. My purpose here is to end the threat you pose. Before I end you, know that your clan will live on through me.” Fox answered, and Sasuke’s eyes narrowed before his three tomoe Sharingan activated. Weasel slashed with her kopesh, and her opponent dodged before blocking the downward slash of Fox. Sasuke slid back multiple steps before being kicked back harshly. The three opponents rushed back in, and a furious dance of blades commenced. All the while, a crow watched from the trees and cawed loudly. Soon enough, a figure replaced the crow, a scowl on his usually placid face. Fire, wind, and lightning jutsu were exchanged in rapid succession. Then Naruto formed the snake seal. ‘Sage art Wood style Deep Forest Emergence!’ The Uzumaki thought as a veritable tsunami of trees chased the wayward Uchiha around before they boxed him in. Sasuke slashed his way out and took to the air via his cursed seal’s webbed back hands. His skin was now purple, and he had black markings on his face which converged into a star on his nose; his hair was also longer and grey, and his eyes now had black sclera. Fox and Weasel then formed twin dragon seals, and two massive tornadoes of flames erupted and burned their opponent from the sky.  Sasuke landed, both wing hands singed off. The rogue-nin scowled.

“I won’t lose here! Not before I kill Itachi!” Sasuke growled as he formed a Chidori, which had black lightning as its base, and launched himself at Weasel. Time slowed down, and Fox’s eyes became purple with black concentric rings. Then Sasuke was launched backward as if by gravity through several trees. When he emerged, Sasuke had blood stains around his mouth. The Uchiha then found himself flying bonelessly forward toward Fox, who had a black ball of chakra in his hand. At the last possible second, an orange etheric skeleton appeared between the two. 

“Stop. Now!” Itachi Uchiha ordered as his Mayngeko blazed with resolve. Saskue looked enraged, while Fox did not react. After a moment, the ANBU inclined his head.

“Very well. I cede this operation to you, Crow. See to it that he does not escape.” Fox replied in a tone of reluctance. Then Weasel and Fox vanished. Sasuke’s eyes were enraged now, his Sharingan spinning wildly. 

“Meet me at the Uchiha hideout in three hours. There, we will finish this.” With that, Itachi vanished in a murder of crows, and Sasuke retreated, without his team. 

Uchiha hideout, four hours later

The stone fortress was wreathed in black flames and pockmarked with countless smoking craters. At the center were two bodies, one was Itachi, the other Sasuke. Weasel and Fox appeared and walked toward the bodies. The younger Uchiha’s chest was still moving while the older’s was still. Fox leaned down over Sasuke and stabbed him through the heart. He then sealed the body in a scroll. Then he walked over to Itachi and pressed his hand to the older teen’s chest and closed his eyes. The corpse glowed green, and then his chest started to rise and fall steadily. Black eyes opened, and he looked up at Fox with a deadpan expression. 

“Why am I alive? What happened to Sasuke?” Itachi asked, and silence greeted him for a moment. 

“He is dead, and you are alive because you still have work to do. Now then, you’re going back home, and we’re going to have a long chat.” Naruto uttered, and the two stared at each other, then the teen on the ground vanished in a murder of crows. The Uzumaki rolled his eyes and walked over to Weasel.

“Well, I guess that takes care of the small fish. Now we prepare.” Fox uttered out loud, his lover laughed slightly before they vanished in a red flash. As soon as they were gone, a black swirl spat out a man with black spiky hair, an orange spiral mask, and an Akatsuki cloak. 

“Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!” He roared repeatedly while he paced. Then he removed his mask to reveal a face with a swirl-shaped scar-like indentation on the left side of his face. He also had a Shuriken-shaped Mangekyo Sharingan. He continued to pace, then he stopped and started to smash his mask on the ground. Then he disappeared in a black swirl. One of the rocks vanished in a cloud of smoke.

Two hours later, Naruto’s mindscape

Naruto, outwardly, was asleep in Temari’s gentle grasp. Inwardly, he was seated across from Kurama. 

“Alright, who the hell was that back there?” Naruto asked, and the fox tilted its head.

“That was Obito Uchiha, one of Minato’s kits. I don’t know a lot about him; only one man alive does. Kakashi.” Kurama replied, and Naruto scowled at the reference. Then he sighed. 

“I have a feeling that our next few opponents will require our truest level of oneness. I’m unlocking the seal completely.” The Uzumaki replied, and he then ripped the rest of the paper seal from Kurama’s collar. Then he lifted his shirt with one hand, and the other became covered in black script. He then touched it to his stomach and twisted it to the left. The collar fell off, and their chakras merged. Then a man with spiky blonde hair, blue eyes, a dopey expression, and a white haiori over a Jonin uniform appeared. Next to him was a woman with long red hair, purple eyes, and an ANBU uniform. Naruto’s eyes widened.

“Mother, father.” He uttered as he crushed them into a hug, which they returned. Then Temari suddenly appeared in the seal scape, and she looked around in confusion. Then she noticed the figures, and her jaw dropped. Naruto separated from them and ushered her forward.

“Mom, Dad, this is my angel Temari,” Naruto uttered, and his parents looked at her. Minato then smiled softly while Kushina grinned.

“It’s nice to meet you two.” The wind mistress uttered as the two older adults just grinned at her.

“We know and we approve. Make sure to give me grandkids, ya know!” The older redhead exclaimed as Temari blushed bright red. 

“Don’t embarrass her, Kushina; besides, I’m sure they’re working on that,” Minato commented, and Naruto and Temari both exchanged embarrassed glances. Then the mood shifted.

“Am I correct in assuming that Obito Uchiha was the man who killed the two of you?” Naruto asked, and after a bit of silence, the two nodded. 

“That does seem like the most logical conclusion. Though why I can’t say. In any case, I know the two of you can defeat him.” Minato offered, in a tone of both encouragement and firm resolve. 

“But enough about that. We only have a short amount of time before we return to the Pure Lands. Minato and I love you both very much. I’m so happy that Danzo’s been looking after you, my son.” Kushina practically crowed as she swept the two into another hug. Then, with tears in her eyes, she glowed gold and vanished. 

“I have a bit more time. I never got to say this, so I’ll do so now. I couldn’t be prouder of the man you’re becoming. One day soon, I know that you will do great things. Goodbye, son.” Minato uttered before he vanished as well. Naruto then turned to Kurama, and the three gazed at each other. 

“You already know that I approve. Before you leave Temari, there is something I need to do. Come closer.” The fox instructed, and she did. He then touched a claw to her forehead, and her chakra became purple. 

“What did you do exactly?” Temari asked, and the Tailed Beast huffed with amusement.

“I increased your reserves to about half of the kit’s. Before you leave, be careful, the Rinnegian is a powerful force. It can reshape the world. Only the most focused of minds can truly wield its power.” Kurama warned, then the two lovers vanished, and the fox then yawned. Then he snapped his fingers, and a space of white appeared around him with the other Tailed Beasts.

“I’m here to conduct a meeting. While the tide is shifting, the danger to us has not yet passed. Be aware of those who wear black cloaks with red clouds.” Kurama intoned, and the air buzzed with chakra. Then the hum of assent passed through, and the space vanished.

Timeskip two days later, Hokage Tower

Naruto and Temari were standing before Jiryiah, Tsunade, Danzo, Homura, Kohura, and Shikaku.

“Naruto Uzumaki and Temari Akatsuni, for your excellent work in destabilizing the criminal organization Akatsuki and for eliminating A-rank nuke-nin Sasuke Uchiha, you are both hereby promoted to Jonin.” Tsunade declared with a smile. Kohura then handed the two of them the green flak jackets and patted them on their shoulders. The two lovers put them on and then stood at attention.

“After you have had some time to rest after your S-rank mission, I want the two of you to come with me for a diplomatic mission to Kiri and Iwa. It’s time we finally got those two on our side. Plus, we can finally catch up.” Kohura commented with a kind smile. The two nodded and then walked out of the tower hand in hand. The two then walked over to a BBQ restaurant where they saw the Konoha ten. They entered, and attention turned toward them. The two sat down at a table next to the larger one.

“I’m glad we caught you all. I have news: for one, Temari and I are Jonin now. For the other Sasuke Uchiha is dead.” Naruto revealed, and silence filled the air before Sakura gasped, then she started to cry softly. 

“Couldn’t you have just brought him in?” The pink-haired girl asked, and the Uzumaki sighed slightly.

“I thought you understood two years ago when I told you. I guess you didn’t, so I will reiterate. Sasuke Uchiha showed in no uncertain terms that the lives of loyal Konoha Shinobi mean nothing to him. He was willing to put every last one of us in danger if it meant he could kill Itachi. The sooner you accept that, the better.” Naruto rebuked, and Ino turned to him with an understanding expression. Then the door behind them opened, and an ANBU with a cat mask walked in.

“Genin Haruno, please come with me. Naruto, Temari, I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.” Cat commented before she left with her charge. Kiba then raised a glass and clinked it with the others.

“To Naruto and Temari’s promotion!” He shouted, and the others chorused. Very soon, the room was awash in celebration. Midway through, Naruto stood up, got down on one knee, and pulled a ring of black and red design with a purple fox at the center out of his pocket. The room went quiet.

“Temari, I have found my forever home with you. Will you make me the happiest man on earth?” He uttered, and she jumped into his arms as she squealed out a yes. The whole room applauded, and Danzo and Jiryiah clicked their cameras from the shadows. 

Konoha Morgue same time

Itachi Uchiha stealthily moved through the rows of refrigerated coffins until he arrived at one that bore the Uchiha crest. Tears spilled from his eyes as he gazed at it. Then he unlatched it and revealed the corpse of his brother. He reached forward with a shaky hand and pulled back the eye socket of the right eye, only to find nothing. He pulled back as if he had been burned. He then resealed the body. 

“You know, I thought I’d find you here, cousin.” A voice spoke from the shadows. They parted to reveal Shisui, his expression set in regret.

“Why do you stand with the people who forced our destruction? I was supposed to die, not Sasuke!” Itachi shouted, his composure shattered as the older of the two wrapped the other in a hug. There was silence for the longest time as they both comforted the other.

“I stayed because someone had to look after Kushina’s legacy, and Mikoto’s,” Shisui commented in a solemn tone as duty and humanity clashed in the very air. 

“I wish things could have been different for us, cousin. I’m sorry.” The older ANBU uttered, and at last he released Itachi. The two regarded each other before they both smiled ruefully. 

“I can’t stay. I have a friend who needs me. But if Konoha should ever need me, look to the crows.” The nuke-nin commented before he vanished in a murder of the very birds he had mentioned. The other Uchiha remained silent for a moment before he pressed his head to the casket of Sasuke and muttered a prayer before he left. 

Unnamed dimension 

Obito Uchiha was beyond enraged. He was in his personal dimension, brought to him by his Mangekyo. Around him were floating slabs of rock and stone; he stood on the largest of them, pacing. 

“What do I do? If I resurrect Madara, then he’ll take over, and I lose Nagato as a tool. If I wait, then my opportunity might forever slip from my grasp…”  The scarred nin muttered angrily as his lone eye swirled with his emotions. 

“I can’t abandon the plan. But I can’t be too hasty either. No matter what I do, I still lose. There’s got to be a way… I won’t lose her again!” Obito further murmured in an increasingly manic tone. His hand went to his head. He then screamed with a mixture of rage, despair, and regret as he collapsed to his knees. 

“I’m sorry, Rin, I’ve failed you again. Please forgive me. The plan has crumbled and I have nothing!” He whispered as tears fell from his lone eye. The sound of his sobs echoed off the walls, and he remained like that for what seemed like an eternity. After a prolonged period of sobbing and screaming, he stood up again, his expression resigned. 

“I will do what you ask, Rin. I will ask him for help. If my actions doom us all, then may Kami have mercy on me.” Obito muttered in a frighteningly calm tone. Then he vanished in a black swirl. Unseen by him, a crow cawed before it vanished in a cloud of smoke. 

One day later Konoha memorial stone

Kakashi Hattake was in his habit of standing before the large obelisk of the memorial stone, his lone visible eye shut. The trees rustled, and he sighed as if the world had stolen something from him.

“Hattake, the tree needs information from you,” Fox uttered as several dozen ANBU had their weapons visible. The hunched figure straightened somewhat, but only to turn around and face the squad.

“What do you want, Fox?” Kakashi asked in a tone that was as grave as it was hollow. There was a pause as the air stilled.

“We need any information you can provide on the personality and habits of Obito Uchiha.” The Uzumaki ANBU uttered, and the cpy-cat flinched at the words. 

“He was always late, but was loyal to comrades above any mission. Obito was devoted to our other teammate Rin Nohra. He could be reckless, especially when pushed.” Kakashi answered, and the ANBU around them started to disappear until only Fox and Weasel remained.

“I’m sorry, Naruto, for all of it. I wish I could have been a better teacher.” The depressed Jonin uttered, before the two vanished. He then turned around and continued to stand before the memorial. 

Heart of Amegakuru, two days later 

Deep in a tower with a demonic face as a ledge, complete with a misformed tongue, two figures were standing, watching the endless rain. One had multiple facial piercings, purple eyes with black concentric rings, spiky orange hair, and a black cloak with red clouds. Next to him was a woman with blue hair, amber eyes, a piercing below her lip, and the same cloak. Silence reigned for a moment before Obito appeared behind them from a black swirl, his expression demented. 

“Nagato, I need you to do me a favor...” The crazed Uchiha began, as he seemed to twitch minutely. The former two turned around and looked at him.

“Who are you, and how do you know that name?” Pein asked in a deep, commanding baritone. The other man seemed to regain some semblance of sanity.

“Because I’m the one you called Madara all this time,” Obito replied. His response was uncomfortable silence, followed by the woman slowly moving to the side, her face impassive.

“Prove it,” Nagato uttered, and the other man seemed to think for a moment.

“I warned you in that cave that following Yahiko’s dream would lead to his death.” The scarred man replied, and Pein’s purple eyes narrowed. 

“What do you want, ‘Madara’?” The orange-haired man asked, his tone and posture completely unaffected. Though he moved protectively in front of the blue-haired woman.

“I want you to resurrect the original Madara,” Obito uttered, and his response was silence before, in a puff of smoke, five other figures with piercings appeared.

“No. I will not unleash that madman upon the world. I stand for peace and justice, not death and destruction. If I have to kill you, I will. You have only one chance to leave here alive,” Pein, no, Nagato Uzumaki stated as he seemed to draw himself up. In response, the scarred man scowled and prepared himself to jump forward. He muttered something, and then he was pulled forward by an invisible force, and the longest-haired of the six Rinnegan figures pulled forth a shimmering figure from Obito, and he collapsed to the floor. From the corner of the room, Zetsu scowled and vanished, and a crow flew off. Then the body on the floor twitched, only for it to be stabbed through by six black metal rods and went still once more.

“Konan, please take this trash and have it incinerated. Then send a message to Jiryiah Sensei, it’s time we talked.” Pein uttered, and the room was silent once more. However, the shadows were still not undone.

Undisclosed location

Zetsu emerged from the ground in a cavern filled with varied relics. It then walked over to a massive door that it opened. Within was a corpse clad in grey robes with the remains of long white-hair. 

“Obito failed. Now what?” The white half asked, the darker half sighed as if the world were pressing down on it.

“We have to either submit to Pein or resurrect Father. No matter what, we cannot fail.” Black Zetsu intoned, there was silence, and then the lighter half hummed.

“Maybe we could ask Orochimaru for help? He has the resources to bring Madara back.” The White half mused. 

“Very well, but if we fail, I’m killing you in the next life.” The black half muttered in a tone that promised violence. The door was then resealed, and the creature vanished. 

Main Otogakuru base

Orochimaru was at work in his foremost lab, a prisoner bound on his table. He chuckled slightly as his tongue licked his lips.

“Zetsu, just what are you doing here? Surely you aren’t here to just visit me?” The snake man asked with just a hint of a growl. 

“We need you to resurrect Madara Uchiha.” Black Zetsu uttered, and the Sannin laughed loudly in response.

“Oh, you’re serious....” He managed between peals of laughter, though there was a menacing quality to them. The man then turned around, and murderous intent was visible around him in the form of a purple aura, and black lines spread out along the floor and crawled up Zetsu.

“I will not do this, because my desires require a world that exists. I can’t learn every jutsu if there’s nobody to learn from. Now then, I think you’ll make a fine addition to my collection of research subjects.” Orochimaru purred as he walked closer. The last thing Madara’s creations saw was a snake emerging from the pale man’s sleeve. A crow cawed and flew away. 

Hokage Tower, three days later 

Danzo and Jiryiah were standing before Tsunade with contemplative expressions.

“My spies have told me that a man matching the description Naruto gave us earlier from his S-rank mission was recently killed in Amegakuru. Interestingly, my former students in that area have requested to meet with me.” The Toad Sage began as he hummed in thought. 

“I have information as well. One of my operatives has recently captured a creature that matches the description given by Itachi in the scroll he gave us. It looks like the Akatsuki threat has ended.” Danzo reported, and the atmosphere lightened.

“That’s excellent news. Now we can focus on the future. However, I want you to remain on alert. Something tells me that there might be other forces at work.” Tsunade advised, and the other two nodded. Then Itachi stepped from the shadows. He now had on ANBU armor, but with a porcelain mask of a shark clipped to his belt. His Mangekyo now had a star design intercut with his previous pattern. 

“I can confirm that Obito and Zetsu are dead. I echo Lady Tsunade’s caution. Among the Uchiha clan is a forbidden technique known as Izanagi, which exchanges the light in one’s eyes for the ability to warp reality for a short time. This might not be over.” The Uchiha remarked before he vanished in a murder of crows. 

Mountain’s Graveyard 

In a room full of Sharingan eyes in preservative liquid, one pair became pale white. At the same time,  in the sealed room that Zetsu had visited, the impossible happened: the corpse started to rejuvenate. First muscle and other elements reasserted themselves, then skin reformed, youthful in appearance, and the hair turned pitch black. The eyes, though, were the most striking feature, for they blazed with the purple of the Rinnegan. Though this pair was unique, for it had three tomoe at its center. The man got up and walked over to the door and pushed on it. There was no budge. Then he tried pulling on it again, but nothing. The man started to grumble under his breath in mounting irritation. Then he reared back his hand and struck the door: it did nothing. 

“What is this damn thing made of? I swear I could open it before. Where is Zetsu or Obito when I need them?” Madara muttered to himself, his voice a commanding baritone, each word thrummed with power. He then breathed deeply and formed a horse hand sign. A massive stream of flames later, and the door hadn’t even turned a shade. His eye started to twitch as he then pressed a hand to the door and pulled with his chakra. Then he tried the door, and this time it seemed about to open, before it glowed white and flung him back. Later, he would deny having given a screech. Then he palmed his face and tried hitting a wall. Finally, the area broke away, and he walked out of the room. Then he walked over to a room with armor and a black kimono with a red Uchiha fan on the back. He dressed himself and then put on the most important thing to him: his red segmented armor. He grabbed a Gunbai and Kama from the wall, strapped both to his back, and walked to the door to get out, only to notice another larger problem. There was a large pile of massive stones blocking the door, but what drew his ire was that there were numerous seals littered around. He screamed in utter rage and then started trying to hack away at the rocks. ‘Whoever did this is getting a personal dance lesson as soon as I get out of here.’ He thought to himself. He didn’t notice the crow that seemed to be laughing at him. Nor did he seem to realize that his predicament seemed never-ending. 

In reality

Itachi Uchiha and a seven-foot-tall, blue-skinned man with beady black eyes, bluish-black spiky hair, and gills, who wore ANBU armor and black pants, were both standing in front of a frozen Madara, whose eyes were glazed over. The blue man had a giant, scaled purple sword with a mouth full of serrated teeth on one end, with a skull for a handle on the other, in his hand, which he had pressed to the legendary Uchiha.

“How much longer, Kisame?” Itachi asked, and the other man chuckled darkly.

“This’ll take a lot longer; this bastard almost has as much chakra as I do. Fighting him would be abject suicide if the stories are even half-way true. You sure pick weird dates, Itachi.” The shark-man replied as the sword hummed and vibrated. The younger of the two rolled his eyes and smiled. For what seemed like hours, the sword continued to make munching noises. Then, the most powerful man in history shrank like a raisin and died. 

“Finally, any more and Samehada would’ve gotten indigestion,” Kisame muttered with a giggle, then Itachi incinerated the body and then torched the room of eyes. As the two left hand in hand, neither witnessed a ghostly figure with white hair who slumped in relief. The apparition then vanished. 

Meanwhile, at the gates of Kiragakuru

Kohura, in her uniform of a grey and black Kimono, her gray hair swaying in the wind, stood next to Naruto and Temari, the two of them in their normal Ninja attire. In front of them was a massive metal gate topped with scales. At its sides were a full platoon of men and women in pinstriped pants and grey shirts, wearing headbands with three downward lines. One of them, a man with short brown hair and green eyes, approached at a measured pace.

“Lady Kohura, Lord Uzumaki, Lady Temari, I am most pleased you have made it to our home. I am Kontan Gumil, chief guard of the gate. One of our number will escort you to the Mizukage’s office.” The man uttered, upon closer observation, it could be seen that he had razor-sharp teeth, a common occurrence among Kiri ninja that the younger two ninja were discovering. At that moment, a ninja out of the past appeared: they had long black hair, brown eyes, feminine features, and a green kimono. Naruto’s eyes lit up, and a smile formed on his face.

“Is that really you, my old friend?” He asked with hope evident in his voice. The older ninja smiled and walked forward.

“Indeed, it is. I had hoped to see you again, Naruto. Where are my manners? My name is Haku Mamochi. Formerly of the Yuki clan.” The (woman? man?) uttered in a calm tone. They then motioned for the group to follow. As they walked through the village, they noticed the streets were rife with activity, and peace was in the air. A statue in the center of the village depicted a man with black spiky hair, black eyes, bandages around his mouth and nose, with a large sword in one hand, wearing pinstriped pants and a brown holster, facing off against a giant three-tailed turtle with one red eye. Naruto eyed the statue and nodded at it. The group eventually arrived at a rustic-looking wooden building, and they entered to the sight of the man from the statue, though he had a white hat with the same symbol from the headbands. The man looked up from his paperwork and smiled beneath his facemask. Then he stood and walked over to the group.

“It’s really you, kiddo. I always knew you’d become the best. And I see you took my son’s advice and found someone precious to you.” The man uttered in a gravelly voice, the tone as warm as the sun. The man was then crushed into a hug from the redhead, and the man returned it. He laughed slightly. Then they parted.

“Zabuza, I mourned you, Haku as well. I swore to live up to your example, to always fight for those I love. I want you to meet someone special to me. This is my angel and fiancé, Temari Akatsuni.” Naruto uttered, and the masked man swept the two in a bear hug and swung them in a circle. Then he patted the two on their heads and grinned widely.

“Well, I’ll be damned, I’m gonna be an uncle someday. I think I’ve fulfilled nearly all my dreams now, kid. Kiri is at peace, my boys are happy, and all the swordsmen are finally home.” Zabuza whispered in a tone of almost proud reverence. Kohura smiled warmly in the background, and maybe the older woman and slightly older man both shed a few tears to see their favorite Uzumaki happy. Then almost reluctantly, she cleared her throat.

“I hate to break up your reunion, but I am here to see if Kiri would like to join Konoha, Suna, and Kumo in our alliance.” The older woman spoke up, and Zabuza grinned widely as he walked over to his desk, grabbed a blank scroll, wrote in it, and then stamped it. He then handed it to Kohura.

“I accept, no hesitation at all. My only condition is that I get to ‘toast’ Naruto at his wedding.” The Mizukage spoke with just a hint of teasing, the group laughed, and the room descended into peaceful conversation. The world had started to heal. A crow cawed and flew out of the window, where it landed on the arm of an ANBU who was currently standing next to a taller one. Some things would never change.

Six hours later, Naruto’s mindscape

Naruto once again was in the arms of his angel, the two fast asleep. Within the now young man’s mind, a white haired man in white robes with a black staff in his grasp appeared. The figure had the Rinnegan, but also a third eye, which contained the Rinnesharingan. The back of the cloak had ten tails beneath Kanji for ‘Sage of the Six Paths’. The man from a lost age walked over to Kurama and smiled at his son.

“My son, I have come to speak with you, your friend, and his beloved.” The man spoke, his voice ageless and yet held wisdom beyond time.

“I will bring them forth, Father. It has been an eternity for me.” The Tailed Beast uttered as he gave a small smile. Naruto and Temari then appeared before the two, and the air seemed to hang with untold secrets.

“Who are you?” The Uzumaki asked, and the figure smiled somewhat.

“My name is Hagromo Yitzik, though you know me better as The Sage of The Six Paths, father of the Tailed Beasts, and the man from whom the Senju, Uzumaki, Uchiha, and Kaguya clans originated.” The man answered with his assessing eyes. Naruto and Temari bowed slightly in respect, but the specter waved it off. 

“I have called you both here to reveal things important to the future. Earlier, the ones you call Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki had prevented a great threat from returning, the real Madara Uchiha. If he had succeeded, all would have been lost and the world would be cast in a state worse than death.” Hogoromo began as he seemed to levitate suddenly and then started to pace in the air. 

“The world must change to prevent more of that kind of man. This change must come from new leadership, in both what you call the Hokage and in the leadership of Root. I hath not the ability to be here for long. Look to the love the two of you possess, and the answers you seek shall be found. Enjoy your lives, and treat each other well. Goodbye, my son, I love you.” The Sage finished, before he kissed Kurama on the head and then vanished. Naruto blinked in astonishment.

“Naruto, you live a charmed life. Now then, let’s get back to sleep, or whatever this is. The future can wait.” Temari stated, before she grabbed Naruto and quite literally kissed him into oblivion. Then she vanished as well. Kurama chuckled and then gained a fond smile. Memories unseen played behind his eyes, and for once, he felt like any other being and not the pained creature he had been. 

The next day, Kohura’s perspective 

The two lovers were fast asleep, curled up in each other’s arms, faces softened by sleep. Kohura looked at the two with a smile on her face as her eyes danced with memories. She allowed herself for just a moment to remember the blonde child who affectionately called her Granny and declared that he would be Hokage. Then she saw him as he had become, and her heart felt full. The future had been secured, and Minato and Kushina’s legacy would be just fine. The two then stirred slightly before they melted back into sleep. The older woman then left the room quietly and walked over to the outer room of the lush chambers and found herself face to face with Itachi. She walked over to a kettle and, using a fire jutsu, started to quietly brew tea. When it was done, she poured it into two cups, adding just a hint of sugar to one and a hint of chocolate to the other. Itachi claimed the one with chocolate and sat down across from her. There was silence for a moment as the very air filled with the weight of years. 

“Young man, on behalf of the Konoha council, I apologize for the evil we brought upon you. It should have been us who handled these matters, not a child.” Kohura at last uttered as her eyes filled with age and regret. 

“What’s done is done, my past and yours cannot be undone. All we can do is trust the future generation. Though I do appreciate the sentiment.” Itachi replied, his tone amicable rather than the placid tone of most of his life. Tea was sipped for a moment, and then a hum entered the air.

“Thank you for the tea, Elder. Give my best to Naruto and Temari.” The enigmatic Uchiha replied before he vanished in a murder of crows. The old woman once again was left to memories, this time of a young boy with black eyes who spoke with too much wisdom for his age. As the early morning turned to dawn, she walked over to the window and stared at the sky. ‘Hiruzen, we were all fools. The only child we haven’t failed is Naruto, and we nearly did.’ She thought to herself, then she walked back to the kitchenette. Unseen by her was the crow that watched her with red eyes; it then flew off. 

Later in the morning, with Naruto and Temari

Slowly, Rinnegan met Teal as the two lovers slowly woke up. They pulled each other into a brief, sleepy kiss, then Naruto nuzzled his face into her blonde locks. She sighed in contentment, and for the moment, all was still. Then a knock sounded at the bedroom door. 

“It’s time to get up, young ones. We still have a few things to take care of here before we leave for Iwagakuru.”  Kohura greeted, and her response was a muffled groan followed by two yawns. Naruto sat up and picked Temari up, walked to the door, and bumped it shut,  before he walked to the bathroom. The Konoha elder would later pretend not to have heard what happened in there.

Two hours later 

Kohura, along with her two charges for the day, were currently seated in a meeting room. At the head was Zabuza, to his right was Haku, and to his left was Kisame Hoshigaki. 

“I have asked the three of you to this meeting, because there are certain details that must be handled as part of our new alliance.” The Mizukage began as the room seemed to thrum slightly. 

“I have information that Konoha will want, which will be provided in exchange for a full pardon for all crimes committed in the Land of Fire’s borders.” Kisame took over, and Kohura nodded slightly, and the blue man then handed a scroll to her.

“Within this scroll, you’ll find all information detailing the crimes of now identified S-rank nuke-nin Obito Uchiha. Also included is a list of potential threats that have been identified within Konoha’s borders that I encountered while in Akatsuki.” Kisame finished, and a nod was given as the information was mulled over. 

“Is that all you wanted to discuss, Lord Hoshigaki?” Kohura asked diplomatically, and the Shark-man was silent for a moment. Then black eyes turned to meet purple.

“I wanted to apologize for my behavior when we first met, Naruto. In truth, I respect you a great deal, especially the loyalty you have displayed to your village.” Kisame uttered with a more genuine smile, which the Uzumaki shared. 

“I appreciate it, but you don’t need to apologize; you were under orders. Regardless, consider this a fresh start for the two of us. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” Naruto replied, and the two shook hands, with the Kiri nin chuckling slightly in mirth. 

“You know, this is the third Konoha ninja that I’ve become friends with. I hope to make more.” The Monster of the Mist commented with a grin, one that was shared by the others. The mood remained light as their conversation drifted to the future.

Two days later gates of Kirigakuru

The Konoha contingent was at the gates, with Zabuza, Haku, and Kisame, there to see the group off. 

“It was a pleasure to see you again, Naruto. Maybe next time, I’ll visit you.” Haku intoned, and Naruto nodded at him. 

“I’d like that, for now we must go. Iwagakuru beckons.” The Uzumaki replied, and after a few other goodbyes, the group left. As soon as they were gone, Itachi appeared from the mist and stared after the group for a time, until he turned and walked back through the gate.

Gates of Iwagakuru, three days later

Naruto, Temari, and Kohura were all standing before the stone gates of Iwa, which were surrounded by guards. They all had red uniforms on, each one had a headband which depicted two stones overlapping. A burly man covered head to toe in red armor, complete with a red helmet/hat, walked forward and regarded the group. Of note, the man had one arm buried in a dark brown sash on his torso, and a white cloth framed his helmet.

“My name is Han of the Five Tails, Kokuo. I take it you are the diplomatic group. It is nice to make your acquaintances.” The Jinchuriki uttered as his brown eyes were warm. His voice was a pleasant rumble.  Naruto extended his hand, and the two shook. 

“I am Naruto Uzumaki, Jonin of Konoha and Jinchuriki of Kurama. Indeed it is.” The Uzumaki replied, and the other man seemed to smile under his red facemask.

“I am Temari Akatsuni, Jonin of Konoha and fiancée to the redheaded menace here.” She stated with a smile, before Naruto ruffled her hair and she buried her face into his shoulder. The older woman simply shook her head in amusement.

“I am Elder Kohura of the Konoha council. Could you please escort us to your Kage?” The councilwoman replied, and the giant chuckled slightly before he motioned for the group to follow. As they walked through the streets, it became obvious that Iwa had not been touched by time. All of the buildings had an old quality to them, and the citizens all shared this aspect. In keeping with this observation, all eyes turned to Naruto as the group walked, and whispers started to erupt. The most common phrase they heard was this: When did Madara have a grandson? Naruto snorted and shook his head. Then he decided to clear that rumor out.

“I’m Hashirama’s great-grandson, not Madara’s.” He corrected one of the citizens, which then caused new whispers, which were even more amusing. Soon enough, the group arrived at an ornate stone building with the same symbol on the headbands above the entrance. The group entered an office filled with books and an occasional statue, which looked to be made of clay. Seated at the desk, clad in white robes with the symbol for Iwagakuru on them, was Deidara. Naruto and Temari’s eyes widened imperceptibly. 

“Lord Tsuchikage, the diplomats have arrived,” Han announced, and the blonde-haired man looked up and simply smiled appraisingly.

“Thank you, Han, my man. I’ll take it from here. Hm.” Dediara replied with a lackadaisical air, which the giant snorted at. The second the giant left, the Iwa nin stood up and walked over the front of his desk and sat on it, with his right leg over the other. 

“Greetings, Lord Tsuchikage. I am Naruto Uzumaki, this is my fiancée, Temari Akatsuni, and this is Elder Kohura.” The redhead introduced with some slight formality. The blonde Kage simply waved it off. Then his blue eyes gained a spark of curiosity. 

“Just call me Dediara, everyone does. You know, come to think of it, the two of you seem awfully familiar. Like we’ve met somewhere before...” Dediara verbalized as he hummed slightly. Naruto looked to Kohura, who nodded in approval.

“That’s because you do, we’re both ANBU of Konoha. I am Weasel, and Naruto here is Fox. We fought you and your partner, Sasori, some eight months ago.” Temari responded, and the Kage just smiled slightly. 

“Well, I have to say, I haven’t had a fight quite like the one you gave me back then, hm. I gather that you’re not here to reminisce, though.” Dediara replied, and Kohura then walked forward a step. 

“You are correct, Dediara, we’re here to see if Iwa will join the peace alliance of Konoha, Suna, Kiri, and Kumo.”  The grey-haired woman responded, and the blonde man hummed slightly as he closed his eyes in thought. Then he reopened them after a moment.

“I don’t see why not. Besides, it’s way past time Iwagakuru stopped isolating.” Dediara replied before he pulled out a scroll, wrote on it he stamped it, and gave it to Kohura. 

“This is excellent, we shall see you soon for the next Chunin exams. For now, it’s time we returned to Konoha.” The older woman uttered, before Naruto grabbed the hands of Temari and her, then they vanished in a red flash. Dediara rolled his eyes as he muttered about show-offs. He flipped off the crow that was perched on his window, which flew away.

Timeskip ten months later

Naruto and Temari were both standing in a large room filled with seats. Surrounding them were everyone important to them. Both had on the colors associated with their backgrounds; for Naruto, this meant red with black symbols for the Uzumaki, Senju, and nine-tails for Kurama. Temari had the hourglass of Suna and the Scorpion of Sasori. Behind the two was the horse-sized form of Kurama. To the right of Naruto stood Danzo, Jiryiah, and Tsunade. To Temari’s right stood Sasori, Gaara, and Kankuro. Temari and Naruto both had a white cloth wrapped around their right hands.

“Gaara and Sasori, do you consent and gladly give?” Kurama asked, and the two nodded. The fox then turned to the others.

“Danzo Shimura, Jiryiah, and Tsunade Senju, do you consent and gladly give?” The tailed beast asked, and the others nodded. Then the great creature turned to the bride and groom. Naruto then pulled Temari close and whispered something in her ear, and she looked heartfelt. What he had whispered was this:

“I’m going to finally reveal my Uzumaki name, which is Zento Denar, or he who walks in the light of the flower,” Naruto uttered in a voice so low, not even a nin-animal could have heard. The two then kissed, and the crowd shouted out in glee. In the back of the room, unseen by all, was Itachi, who smiled softly before he vanished silently. When the crowd had settled, the two newlyweds spoke in unison.

“Now that the ceremony is complete, well, now we celebrate. To the future!” The two announced as the air thrumed with peace and jubilation. Eventually, the time turned to speeches, and they did not disappoint.

“I remember one of Naruto’s more...charmed moments. Or that incident where he accidentally took a poisoned gauntlet to the arm. It wasn’t the brightest of moments. Nor was his equally baffling choice to fall asleep unarmed in a clearing in a foreign land during a C-rank turned S-rank mission.” Zabuza started, his tone dry, as the group laughed in both teasing for some, and reminsence for others. 

“Then again, this is the same person who decided it was a wise idea to jump into battle against a completely unknown opponent and then proceed to spend the fight talking to them. However, I couldn’t be happier that I met him. Especially because he reminded me of who I’m supposed to be.” The Mizukage finished, and Naruto smiled slightly as the two nodded at each other. Then the brother of the bride spoke up.

“Where do I begin when it comes to Naruto? Oh yes, he’s the bravest and kindest person I know, always risking everything to protect the ones he loves. Whether it's facing down Orochimaru or even the very Akatsuki, nothing is impossible. Most important of all, he reminds us all that one is stronger together than alone.” Gaara uttered, a proud smile on his face, as Naruto bumped fists with him. 

“I have known Naruto since he was in the orphanage, and I have had the immense pleasure of seeing him grow into a fine ninja and an even better man. I’m so happy that the two of you found each other. Just don’t give me grandkids too soon.” Danzo uttered, with a slight laugh at the end, the crowd chuckled slightly, then the two hugged the man, and he returned it. 

“I met the kid during his Chunin Exams, and I knew that he would do great things from that moment. He’s done nothing but blow me away with everything he does. I consider him the greatest student of mine, even better than the previous ones, for one fact alone: his heart. Sure, the others have had drive, but nobody else has ever lit up a room quite like Naruto. I’m proud of ya.” Jiryiah spoke, his tone bordered on tears, and the godson and godfather duo shared a hug. Finally, it was time for the last speech, and this one carried with it weight.

“Naruto, I have watched you grow, from the optimistic kid who inspired me to become Hokage, to the man before me. I have seen your struggles, your victories, and most of all, I have watched you mature and evolve. I couldn’t be prouder of you.” Tsunade began, and the redhead’s eyes watered slightly. 

“Most of all, I have seen you find love and acceptance. I wish the two of you the best, and I have the utmost hope that you’ll give me some grandkids to spoil.” She finished, and Naruto crushed her into a hug. With that, the party raged on. Though there was one person who stood out from the others, in that his face looked too plain, with zero wrinkles or lines, with bland brown eyes, brown hair, and a too-perfect smile. Jiryiah walked over to the man, Tsunade lock-step behind him, and the two had amused expressions.

“Why the hell did you pick that disguise?” The Toad Sage asked sarcastically, and the plain-looking man rolled his eyes.

“You know damn well that this is the only original one I have, asshole.” Orochimaru groused as their female teammate laughed at them. 

“Why the hell are you disguised anyway? I pardoned your ass eight months ago.” Tsunade asked, and the Snake-man practically crumpled beneath her gaze. Then he reached up to his face and did something to it, and when his hands fell away, the black hair and facial patterns of Orochimaru were revealed. 

“If you must know, I just wanted to avoid unneeded questions. That and it...brought back memories of when we used to be together as a team.” Orochimaru answered as regret and nostalgia both filled the space between them. The trio laughed ruefully, and for a moment, it seemed as if the specter of their mentor was watching them, then it passed.  

“I remember those missions; they were the best years of my life. Maybe we should go on another one, for old time’s sake.” Jiryiah replied with a true, smaller smile, and his friends shared it. That night, the Sannin were brought back together.

Later that night

Naruto and Temari were standing before the gates, mischievous grins on their faces. Then he slapped her ass.

“I’ll race ya, Mari, if you beat me to the Valley of the End, you can get me back for that.” The Uzumaki uttered with a laugh. His wife squawked in mock outrage before she smirked.

“You’re on Fishcake!” Temari shouted before the two vanished in a cloud of dust. Their laughter and the sounds of explosions could be heard by the entire village. Then the Sannin appeared at the gates, each one also sporting a teasing grin.

“We can’t let the young’ins have all the fun! This one’s for Sensei.” Jiryiah exclaimed, and then, like kids at play, they raced off. 

With Naruto and Temari

As the two chased after each other, with grins and challenge in the air, they finally came upon the legendary Valley. At the last instant, and with a whoop of victory, the blonde of the pair crossed the threshold and landed on the stone statue of Hashirama, while Naruto landed on Madara.

“So Fishcake, what was that about me getting you back for that ass slap?” She asked teasingly, and Naruto matched her expression as he readied himself.

“Oh, honey, you’ll have to beat me to get me back for it. I’ve wanted to have a real spar with you for a very long time.” The whiskered man rebuked playfully, then he launched himself at her, and she eagerly met him. The two exchanged a crisp series of palm strikes and counters, with the two seemingly evenly matched. Then Temari smirked slightly, and one of her hands swung downward, and one moment later, Naruto was brought to his knees, coughing, before he vanished in a cloud of smoke. On instinct, she drew her Kopesh and met Naruto’s sword strike. An elegant dance of two equal predators began. With neither giving nor losing ground, the strikes acted almost as caresses. 

“You know, Naruto, I never did give a speech at the wedding, if only because mine is more intimate.” Temari began as she disengaged from the bladelock and jumped back slightly.

“When I met you, under that tree, I saw something in your eyes that the more times I saw you before the retrieval mission, left me saddened. For in those eyes, behind your resolve, and that attention-drawing attitude, was the same ache I saw in Gaara’s eyes. Despair, loss, solitude, they all don’t come close. But beneath even that was a boundless love, for your friends, for that Toad you summoned, and, even for me, before you realized it. I found myself thinking about you a great deal over the next few months after the invasion. And each time, I kept coming to the same conclusion.” She continued, as the two just stared at each other, their devotion clear as day.

“What conclusion was that, Princess?” Naruto asked quietly as he stepped forward, until they were inches apart.

“That you needed someone to bring genuine light. And that I had fallen desperately in love with you. When I saw you in that hospital bed, I realized then and there that I almost lost you. When I looked into your eyes, I knew that you needed me, and I knew that I needed you.” Temari finished as they closed the distance, and their passion exploded. Around the two, a wooden house sprang into being, a cushioned bed in the corner that they crashed into.

Lemon begin

Their lips met as they each hungrily and tenderly began to truly unite. Kiss after kiss seared her skin as clothes were stripped off, and her moans soon filled the air, followed by his growls. He laid claiming bites on her as she did the same to him. Nails scraped against each other, and their breath came hard as they each practically tore at each other. But most importantly, it was the words they whispered to each other.

“My Angel, my salvation.” Naruto purred into her ear as his teeth ghosted along her lobe. She shuddered under his attention.

“Naru, mine. You, golden boy. I love you.” Temari gasped as their dance continued, as the pleasure and pressure mounted and crashed and crested. Then, after hours, perhaps even up until the late hours of the night, they finally collapsed into bed, spent but happy. 

Lemon End

As they lay together, curled up, his face always in her chest, and her head against his hair.

“I’m home. For the first time, it's official.” Naruto murmured sleepily as she stroked his hair. 

“You’re my home, Naruto. Someday soon, we’ll start a family. Sleep well, husband.” Temari murmured in reply as her eyes closed. As the two fell asleep, the sounds of their snores were the only sound. From his space in the seal, Kurama smiled softly as he knew that finally, his Kit was happy, which in turn made him happy. 

Epilogue and explanation of fates

Fate of Naruto and Temari:

Naruto walked through the halls of the orphanage, his purple eyes focused, but not unkind, as he came upon a small child crying in a corner. 

“What’s wrong, kiddo? What’s your name?” The Uzumaki asked, and the boy looked up, their expression watery.

“My parents died in a mission. I have nobody else. My name’s Gumo Samata.” The kid stated sadly, and the redhead knelt to his level.

“Well, kid, I know of a place where no child is alone. My name is Naruto Uzumaki, and I’d like to offer you a place in Root. I’m its commander, and my wife is the second in command.” The whiskered man uttered in a quiet voice, and the boy nodded. The two then disappeared into the catacombs that were the now thirty-year-old man’s home. As they walked, several kids of various ages, each with a passing resemblance to Naruto, ran up to the pair. One was a girl with long red hair in pigtails, one was a boy with blonde hair, another girl had brown hair, and the last one, a boy, had black hair. Each one also had unique traits; the redhead had the Rinnegan, the blonde had the Sharingan, and the brunettes had the Rinnesharigan and a series of black markings around their face, respectively. 

“Hey kids, this is Gumo, he’s joining our family of Root. Gumo, these munchkins are Maki, Menma, Mito, and Hiruzen.” Naruto introduced, and the kids, after a moment, ran off together, and he laughed happily. He was then joined by Temari, a smile on her face and a baby in her arms.

“We missed you, ya know.” She muttered, and he kissed her cheek as she sighed. 

“I missed you, too. Ugh, diplomatic missions are weird.  Did you know that Sasori has a creepy human-puppet of Rasa in his office? It looked at me the entire time I was there.” Naruto muttered with a teasing tone, and she playfully swatted his arm. 

“How’s baby Danzo? Has he been any trouble?” Her husband asked, and she smirked knowingly.

“I’ll never tell, now come on, we have to catch up, Fishcake,” Temari replied, and the two walked off, peace finally in their hearts.

What happened to our characters

Danzo, Homura, and Kohura all died in their sleep on the same day, twelve years before the epilogue. Kakashi would eventually end up involuntarily checked into Konoha’s psychiatric wing, and after therapy, would eventually retire and become a mildly successful baker. Sakura would eventually earn a promotion to Chunin and would choose a career as an academy teacher. Tsunade would eventually name a twenty-year-old Karin Uzumaki as her successor, and her reign would be as popular as Hiruzen’s. As for Kisame and Itachi, they would have a small wedding ceremony and would then adopt a child from the Kiri orphanage. Kakazu would destroy Takigakuru and then would settle down in Kirigakuru of all places to raise his granddaughter. Dediara and Sasori would each go on to better the nations that once scorned them. Finally, Zabuza and Haku would eventually leave power and would travel the land, finding it worthwhile to wander. Eventually, centuries after these events, Naruto and Temari would finally die from old age. And as for Kurama and the other Tailed Beasts, well, they lived in peace when the humans who held them finally passed on.

The End