This chapter was hard to write. Sorry about the long wait too but it was hard to continue to write. Believe it or not, most of my stories are spontaneous. I always have an abundance of ideas but I hit roadblocks with unfortunate frequency even with a semblance of planning.

That, and I had to rewrite this entire chapter a few times. It just never felt right. I might also delete one of my first story Darkening Skies. Rereading it, I cringe because I had little ability back then. It's been years since then, obviously. Maybe I'll rewrite it later but not now. I have a lot to finish now.

ALSO, my usb malfunctioned and yeah… I had a lot of work on that.

BTW, this chapter may be unusually short.

Chapter dedicated to a loyal reader slyside, along with everyone else still following!

As much as Genma wanted to pretend that his episode never happened, he knew that was a far chance. It was unpleasant really, to remember it at all but it was stuck in his mind. Regardless, as he stared at the ceiling with tired eyes, he happily ignored the entire episode.

Beside him, Kakashi was silent. He was observing his friend with a critical eye but he couldn't exactly judge the other, especially considering that he wasn't a shining example of 'emotional stability' considering everything that had happened and how he had dealt with his problems… Still though, he was trying to be better for himself and for his precious people, and he considered Genma one as his comrade and friend.

After a few moments of silence Kakashi moved beside of Genma and laid down beside him, staring at the ceiling with impassive eyes. "You know you can talk to me, right?" He said quietly, hands resting on his chest.

Genma gave a mirthless smile. "You think I need you to tell me that? I already knew that Hatake. I would have gone to you regardless." If only because you're the only one who understands what I'm going through. That, and you're the only one I completely trust with these problems.

Kakashi merely shrugged, hiding the surprise he felt though he knew that the other would confide in him. Such things were still unexpected to him even though he had gotten better in the recent years at understanding others. He felt like he'd never grow out of his time of being unable to understand others, of his time where the concept of friends were foreign to him. But he was getting better.

A thought sprung in his mind and he didn't hesitate to tell the other. "Do you want to stay at the compound?" He offered the other a choice because it was what he deserved and god knew that he would have thrown a fit if someone tried to force him to do something that he didn't want to do.

Genma glanced to the other, ignoring the brief flash of pain that it wrought. "That's…" It was a lot, that much he understood. Hatake Kakashi was offering a home in his Clan Compound. It said many things that were unsaid, such as how much trust that the Hatake had, and for a moment, he wondered how things would have turned out if they had been thrown back to the time before Sakumo died. "It's not necessary but…" Well, it'd solve a lot of problems for one. "Fine. I'll give you that, Hatake." Genma said after a moment of consideration.

They stayed on the floor, lying in silence and each contemplating the what the future had in store for them.

Minato found them like that, on the floor and staring at the ceiling with a surprisingly comfortable air to the two. It made the Namikaze look at the two quizzically but there was still worry blooming in him though he was relieved. He could see that Genma looked better than he had before.

"Genma. Kakashi." He said quietly, arms laden with blankets and pillows. Something told him that it wouldn't be a good idea to move either of the two. "Are you doing better Genma?" He asked concernedly, taking in the pale skin and bruised eyes.

Genma hummed. He didn't like the amount of time that he had wasted on this episode. He knew that he shouldn't feel the way he did, shouldn't feel a curl of shame in his gut and frustration at himself but he couldn't help it. It was just hard. An episode like the one he had was just waiting to happen, that he knew, especially with the brewing trouble in the Elemental Countries. What he'd faced would cause any man to break but he had been particularly stubborn and put off any sort of emotional release due to the war. He'd never had any time to simply recover because, simply put, the war never afforded any chances for anyone. If you broke down, chances were that'd you'd be dead a moment later.

Not to mention, every now and then, thoughts of his childhood would spring up. It was unpleasant. He never wanted to remember anything from those horrid years, few though they were. The abuse that had been dealt to him had been let go but every now and then… It came back.

"I'm not fine." He admitted that no, currently he was not 'fine'. "But I will be." He added. "I'm sorry to intrude in your home, Namikaze-sama."

Minato couldn't help the small frown that formed. He laid the blankets atop the two and after a moment crouched down beside them. "No, it's fine Genma." Minato reassured. "What happened could have happened to anyone. I mean, they're sort of a given considering our line of work. Just…" Minato trailed off, staring intently to the genin that seemed to wield the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was only relieved that the other admitted that he wasn't fine, though he knew that must have been hard. Young shinobi tended to be prideful and arrogant. That, and at least Kakashi seemed to be a confident and a close friend for Genma. "Just know that I'm here for you if you need anything. You too, Kakashi." He added.

Genma nodded his thanks, as did Kakashi.

Minato eyed the two for moment before giving a small smile. "Well, I have to go meet someone. I might take a while so help yourselves to anything you guys need but I'll try to bring you two something to eat anyway." Minato shrugged on his coat and with a glanced to the two he asked, worriedly, "Are you two going to be fine? I'll try not to take long…"

Kakashi shook his head. "We'll be fine Sensei." He said.

Genma, seeing the look on the blonde's face, hurried to reassure the other. "We'll be fine Namikaze-sama."

Minato still worried and he didn't think he'd be able to stop, especially after what he had seen. It was in his nature to be fiercely protective of those he held dear. Meeting Genma was certainly an experience but already he was becoming shockingly fond of the other. It was puzzling but then again, Genma had managed to weasel his way into Kakashi's life and for the longest time Minato had worried that no one would get through his student's sky high defenses.

"I'll be back as soon as possible!" Minato said as he walked out, a destination in mind. "Be careful, stay safe, and lock the door!" He said.

Kakashi sighed. "Really sensei? Really?" He said, exasperated.

Beside him, Genma gave a small huff of laughter. Minato was just like he remembered. It was… relieving in a way.

-XxX-

Minato made his way to the Akimichi Compound, remembering his promise to the other. He had promised to keep the other informed and he needed to abide by it, after all, it's what he would have wanted had it been his student.

He arrived to the entrance without problems and the guard greeted him with a smile.

"Ah, I think they're expecting you Namikaze-san." The guard waved him through. "You know where right?"

Minato nodded, relieved he wasn't going to be held back. "Yes. And thank you!" Minato walked into the compound. Normally, the blond would have taken in the beauty of the compound before him and take in the savory scents that came from the clan kitchens, but he was sure that Chouza was already rattled with nerves. The last thing he had seen was Genma in pain, after all.

Minato!" Chouza greeted, a solemn look on his face.

"You're here already?" Inoichi said, a surprised look on his face. Next to him, Shikaku woke from his sleep. The Nara had dozed off while his wife had wandered off with the other clan wives.

They didn't have any idea of the situation that had happened earlier on as the shinobi hadn't even spoken one word of the ordeal, not wanting to worry anyone else and out of respect for Chouza's student. The less people knew the better.

Minato sighed as he ran a hand through his blond hair, trying to gather his thoughts. "I mean, there's nothing to worry about for now. It seems that Genma-san is doing a lot better than before. He's resting right now and Kakashi is there with him."

Chouza motioned for everyone to sit down. The four shinobi were alone in the room. "Tell us everything that happened. Don't leave anything out, Minato."

Seeing the worried look on Chouza's face, Minato hurried to supply answers. "I mean there isn't much to say since not much happened since then. Genma's calmed down and he seems a lot better than before but…" Minato sighed, eyebrows pulled in worry. "I mean, I keep thinking that maybe Genma blames himself for what happened."

"Did Genma ever tell you anything Chouza?" Inoichi asked as he turned towards his friend, a frown on his face as he noticed the sad and worried expression on his friend's face.

"No!" Chouza answered, "It's like I said, Genma's a really reserved person. I wouldn't be surprised that something like this did happen and he didn't say anything. I wish that he'd had but..." Chouza trailed off with a tired sigh, one that spoke of great regret. "I don't know why he won't to me with his problems. His teammates do but Genma..." Chouza shook his head after a moment, "Anything else Minato?"

"I mean... other than the fact that Kakashi and Genma are really close? Not really." Minato replied before he snapped his fingers. "There is one other thing. I think Genma thinks less of himself for what happened. He didn't say it but I could see it in his face and it's more of a gut feeling."

"Something must have happened to trigger the attack." Inoichi mused after Minato said his piece. "But I don't think we should bring this up to Genma or Kakashi again." Seeing the looks of protest on Minato's and Chouza's faces, he held up a placating and. "Hear me out! As you said Chouza, Genma's a reserved person. We should wait for him to come to us if he needs anything but that doesn't mean that we can't keep an eye out for him either."

"Do you think this will warrant an evaluation, Inoichi?" Shikaku spoke up.

"No... Not unless something more drastic happens but something tells me that that won't be the case. I mean, we are at war right now. They want every shinobi on the field right now. I doubt that they'll allow for them to be removed from the field unless they're really compromised." Inoichi said sadly, thinking of all the Academy students that were rushed to graduate and of all the Genin that were pushed to training.

There was a moment of silence within the group.

"This damn war..." Chouza muttered before he heaved a great sigh. "As long as Genma's fine... that's all I can ask for. I really want to be there for Genma but I don't want to push him away. I just don't know what to do."

Inoichi placed a comforting hand on the Akimichi's shoulders. "I know that you're worried but maybe the best thing would be for you to explain these concerns with Genma... It's better to communicate with each other than to have some misunderstanding happen later," Inoichi said.

Chouza contemplated his friend's words before a smile grew on his face, becoming more like the cheerful Akimichi he was known as. "You're right Inoichi, as always." Chouza ribbed good naturedly.

"What about your kid, Namikaze?" Shikaku interrupted, eyes turning to stare at the confused blond.

"What do you mean?" Minato asked.

"I mean, didn't he seem kind of odd?" Shikaku asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Ah." Minato nodded, a look of contemplation on his face. "You mean the way he acted? Like when he snapped?"

Shikaku nodded.

"Honestly, I'm not too sure what to say about that. I've never seen Kakashi act the way he did but I like him better this way." Minato replied somewhat sheepishly. "I like the fact that Kakashi got defensive. I mean do you understand how monumental this is!?" Minato gushed, a mad gleam in his eye at the thought of his student's actions. "It means that he isn't the way he was before! He's more open and less reclusive! He's not alone anymore." Minato smiled.

The three shinobi before him could only stare baffled at the blond.

"You're weird, Namikaze, you know that?" Inoichi breathed. He understood what Minato meant though. Kakashi was different in a way but it was for the better it seemed.

Minato very near pouted.

"Like it needs to be said." The Nara muttered before he laid on his back, trying to get some sleep.

"Thank you for coming here, Minato." Chouza said, reassured by his friend's words. He wasn't quite as worried as he had been before but that didn't mean he wasn't going to keep an eye out on his student. He never wanted to see Genma look the way he had...

-XxX-

When Minato returned to his home, he didn't find the young shinobi on his couch anymore. In fact, the house was still with silence. He cautiously entered his home, his steps nigh undetectable and quiet. He was greeted by the rare sight of his young student tending to his friend and ─ unsurprisingly but surprising at the same time ─ not far from Genma's sleeping form atop the futon.

Kakashi must have looked for it when I left, Minato thought. He must have not wanted to move Genma.

Genma looked better than earlier but his body was taught with tension. His eyebrows were knitted together, a frown marred his face, and his skin glistened with sweat although he shivered from cold. His breathing was no less easy than it had been before.

"Kakashi?" Minato said quietly, a concerned look on his face as he approached his student. "Is he okay?"

The young Hatake eyed the other from the corner of his eye, not really turning to face his sensei. "No. He's developed a fever." He placed a pale hand atop of Genma's heated forehead. "And it seems that his temperature is getting a bit higher."

"What?" Minato came forward, idly noting the slight tension in Kakashi's form at the action. Well, he's protective to say the least. To this degree though… it's surprising. Maybe it's because Genma-san is Kakashi's first real friend? I mean, Kakashi didn't exactly get the average childhood… Minato speculated as he placed his own hand atop the Genma's forehead, humming concernedly as he felt the searing heat. Well this certainly isn't good. "I think I might have some medicine for him. Don't worry Kakashi, he'll be fine." He reassured.

Kakashi turned towards Minato, an eyebrow raised. "I know that, Sensei. Genma isn't the type to give up easily." He said absently as he placed a wet cloth atop Genma's forehead to soothe the heat.

Minato nodded. He could believe that easily, especially after the display he had seen just a while ago in the Training Grounds. Both Genma and Kakashi held immense promise. He was surprised that Genma wasn't known for his prowess. The skill he had shown would have certainly garnered some attention so either the young shinobi had hidden it all this time or it was a recent development.

I feel like Kakashi's changed for the better but there's something else going on with him. I just don't know what. Minato inwardly sighed. I just want him to be okay though. The blond man brushed the thoughts away. "I can see that, Kakashi." He soothed before retrieving the mentioned medicine and offering it to the other shinobi. "Here."

Kakashi took it without a word, staring at the item for a moment. "Thank you, sensei." He says sincerely.

"You're welcome, Kakashi." Minato shook his head, a feeling of fondness blooming in his chest. "I'll get started on dinner. Call me if you need anything Kakashi." Minato almost asked if the other needed his help but he reigned in the question. Kakashi was more than capable and to think otherwise was a folly. That didn't mean he had to do everything on his own however.

Absently, Kakashi nodded. He kept his eyes on his friend. He wanted to give the other much needed medicine but something told him not to do so. He trusted his instincts too much to go against the feeling so the young Hatake merely set aside the offered medicine.

Genma slept with uneasy breaths and his hands gripped the covers between fingers. His skin held a sickly pale pallor that was blotched red with fever. What was more concerning however, was the warring chakra beneath his skin. Genma couldn't quite get his much needed rest no matter how much he wanted to. His chakra was much too active to properly sleep and the pain caused from the internal war made him grit his teeth.

Dull golden eyes opened and stared at the ceiling only to see gray-blue eyes staring right back at him. "I feel like shit." He offered quietly, voice rough, before giving a tired sigh. He raised a trembling hand into the air and stared at it incomprehensibly for a moment, before tightening it into fist that made his hand ache. "I'll be fine Kakashi." He said. "Eventually, anyway."

Kakashi said nothing for a moment. "I know that."

"I think I know what happened." Genma said after a moment, his face twisting slightly to face his comrade better.

"You do?"

"Yeah… but I'll tell you about that later. Right now, I really want something to eat but then again you can't cook for shit." Genma muttered the last part to himself.

Kakashi almost rolled his eyes. Almost. "Minato-sensei is making dinner. You can have some then." His eyes narrowed a moment later as they caught sight of a sharp shiver that Genma gave off.

Genma closed his eyes after a moment as he felt the sharp sensation of pins and needles in his limbs. It was a decidedly unpleasant sensation as his chakra twisted sharply under his skin. He struggled to get it under his control but he was a determined shinobi. It twisted under his demands and the foreign chakra in his system burned minutely before turning into something oddly soothing and finally relenting somewhat under his demands. The Biju's chakra was still jarring to him however and he found himself cursing quietly under his breath.

He had a feeling he knew why he was in such pain. His chakra sensitivity, or slight sensory abilities, had been amplified into something greater. He theorized that the pain was from the overwhelming presence and potency of the Biju's chakra, that and the fact that it was warring with his own. It felt like someone was running a rusty nail down his skin in multiple places, repeatedly, trying to gain the same result with as a sharp kunai. It was bad now but Genma was confident that it wouldn't be so bad later when he adjusted to the addition of the Biju better.

It might have also been the fact that he was too old for this shit. Literally.

"Are you okay, Genma?" Kakashi asked as he placed a hand on the other's shoulder, partly to hold him down and partly to comfort the other.

Genma eyed the ceiling as he forced himself to relax from the sharp tension of his body. "I will be. I'm just frustrated right now."

Kakashi sat back, legs beneath him and hands on his knees. "Others wouldn't have done better."

Genma didn't reply and only gave a hum of contemplation. "I guess." He'd like to think that Kakashi was right but he couldn't get his episode out of his mind. The memory of it brought a feeling of shame. He knew that they were fine, in fact they were something that weren't to be ashamed about especially in their field of work but he'd remembered his father's words in his mind, back when he still had his parents by his side.

Genma's parents weren't something that he liked to think about. They were already long dead but the impact that they had left in their wake was something that Genma wasn't likely to forget, no matter how much he wanted to. His father had been a civilian as well as his mother, though both his grandparents had been before them. He had been a kind man but as the years went by, he was anything but that. Things hadn't been too stable in the Shiranui household due to the war. It was certainly hard on his parents, especially economically and Genma had wanted to help. In his young mind, he had thought that he could help by becoming shinobi, had thought that perhaps if he became one he could help change the world for the better and help his parents so they wouldn't be struggling the way that they were.

How naïve he had been.

When Genma had presented the idea to his parents at the young and tender age of five, his parents had stared at him incredulously. That is, before his father surged forward and had backhanded him so hard he went flying into a wall. Genma could only bring a hand to his burning and aching face in confusion and stare up at his father with confused teary eyes.

"Otou-san?" Genma whispered, his voice heavy with pain.

His father only looked at him with a burning look of anger on his face. The sheer rage had both Genma and his mother flinching back. "No son of mine is going to be a shinobi!"

Genma had looked towards his mother, hoping to find a measure of comfort in her eyes but he had only found her gaze focused on her husband. There was a sort of hesitant look on her face and when Genma addressed her, it became more conflicted. "O-Okaa-san?"

"My child, a goddamned murderer!" Shiranui Takashi seethed. "Not in my household boy!"

"B-But father─" Genma protested only to give a cry of pain as a heavy foot slammed itself atop his chest, making it hard to breathe and bringing a sharp throbbing sensation. Tears were running down his face and he could only stare in fear at his father and wondering frantically why his mother wasn't helping him.

"Listen to me you useless boy." Takashi said, glaring at the boy with eyes full of hate. "I won't have our name be slandered by becoming associated with the likes of those barbarians! They are the reason for our struggle, for the state that our village is in!" He removed his foot watching with a feeling of disgust as Genma curled in himself. "If you tell anyone boy, I can guarantee that you won't live to see another day." With that said the man turned and left, leaving his wife Shiranui Satomi to linger.

Satomi stared at her son, a faint feeling of remorse welling in her at the sight of him in pain but the love that she had for her husband overwhelmed that of what she felt for her son. "Listen to your father, Genma." That was all she said before she too left.

Genma never brought up the idea again.

It went on like this for a while. Genma had gotten a sense of clarity that had allowed him to see the horrors that the world offered. From that fateful day, his father had taken to belittling him and abusing him, emotionally and physically. For a while he had turned to his mother, hoping that she would explain what was happening, explain why his father was acting so horribly, and maybe even interfere on his behalf, that is, until Satomi Shiranui had made her stance clear that even his young mind understood.

"Listen to me carefully, my dear child." Satomi had smiled, seemingly uncaring of the deep and painful bruises that scattered on her son's pale skin. "I can't say this enough. I need you to leave me alone, child." She said ever so softly in that sweet voice that Genma had adored. "It's not doing me any favors with my dear Takashi and I just hate to make him upset. I love him."

Genma only stared at his mother, feeling his heart break in his chest and eyes burning with tears. "But don't you love me too?" He asked brokenly, inwardly pleading for her to deny what he already knew to be true. Please mother!

Satomi stared at Genma. She gave a small smile, "No, dear child." She gave Genma a pat on his head, almost condescending and she was uncaring of Genma's hitching breaths and sheer heartbreak. "No. Takashi is all that I've ever wished for. You my dear boy," she said softly, "were a mistake."

Genma had closed himself off. Never had he felt such pain and it hurt. Kami, did it hurt. The feeling of loneliness and despair wounded him far more than the painful beatings his father gave him.

It was years later that a shinobi had come knocking at his parent's door with a somber look on his face. He had offered him a scroll, black in entirety and lined with a deep red. Genma had taken it with confused hands.

"I'm sorry to say this, but Shiranui Takashi and Shiranui Satomi were killed in an attack. I'm sorry for your loss." The shinobi had offered his condolences before leaving Genma alone to his thoughts.

For the longest time, Genma had stared at the scroll. His mind couldn't quite comprehend the fact that his parents were gone but at the same time, Genma felt nothing. He stared at the scroll as his mind whirled with the memories of his parents, trying to find some semblance of feeling but he couldn't. They didn't matter to him. They hadn't cared about him. His father hated him and the mother that was supposed to protect him had stood aside and watched, caring more for her husband than for her child.

The next day, Genma was an orphan and now enrolled in the Academy. He had been placed in an orphanage but that had been temporary as he had managed to acquire himself a residence due to successfully emancipating himself. He also managed to earn a stipend on behalf of the Hokage, as was customary, until he managed to earn his own income with missions. His life had been a solitary one and carefully, Genma had hidden himself behind a laidback and easy attitude, never once giving hint to the despair behind his eyes nor of the horrible reality that he had lived.

No one needed to know.

As much as he hated it, his father occasionally influenced his mind like poison ravaged a body. He couldn't help it at times but he had bettered himself. He had become a shinobi, an excellent one in fact and had all but pushed his father's words away. He had proven him wrong after all.

Everything is just so damn much trouble. Genma sighed as he pushed the memories again, withholding the urge to groan. He stared at the ceiling again, his eyes feeling heavy with exhaustion. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and once again trying to regain a semblance of control over his chaotic chakra. Another deep steady, breath and an exhale. Repeat.

Despite the fever, Genma successfully managed to fall into a meditative state. It was all he could do since he couldn't find any rest.

"Get some rest, Genma." Kakashi said quietly.

-XxX-

The Tokubetsu Jounin (sp?), oddly enough, found himself dragged into his mindscape. It wasn't something that he had been intending to do, at least not now, but he couldn't ignore the pull. He blinked as he found himself standing atop of the glowing, elaborate seal that joined Kakashi's and his mindscapes and allowed them to be jinchuriki.

Taking a deep breath, the brunet eyed his surroundings. He instantly noted that he was once again in the form of his younger self instead of his adult form. It was peculiar but everything was strange these days. No matter. He filed the detail away. Another thing he noted was that he wasn't in pain. The aching sensation of his warring chakra was gone, along with the heavy feeling of his exhaustion.

It was… relieving.

He flexed a hand, noting the painlessness of the action and he smiled. "Well this is great." Genma muttered to himself before heading off. To do what, he wasn't sure but something was telling him to go in a certain direction. It was like a tug that was leading him away from the heavy chakra of the Biju to one that was more than a little ways from the rest.

Genma took in the chakra signature, noting the peculiar darkness of it. It wasn't something that was necessarily bad but it felt off, felt oddly despondent. It made Genma frown but soon enough his steps carried him to a small but sizable desert. His eyes stared at the shifting dunes and took in the heavy winds.

Something was certainly off. What it was, he wasn't sure yet.

It didn't take long to realize that it was Shukaku that he was sensing, the Ichibi. He hummed in contemplation as he also noted the oppressive feeling to the air, the heaviness of it. He stood at the edge of the habitat, not wanting to intrude upon the One Tailed Beast's home.

"Ichibi-sama?" He called out, eyes seeking for any sign of movement.

At first it seemed like there would be no answer to his call but soon the sands were shifting and moving rapidly, shifting apart to reveal a towering form with sand that fell like a waterfall. The Ichibi stared at Genma with piercing eyes.

"Ah." Shukaku gazed down upon his vessel. Not jailor, he reminded himself. Never again. Not like the others. The Ichibi took in the exhausted features of the human before him, feeling a faint sense of regret. "You are the companion of the other brat, right?"

Genma nodded absently, his mind still stuck on the peculiar feel of the Ichibi's chakra. "Yes, Ichibi-sama. My name is Genma Shiranui."

Shukaku nodded along. "Shukaku." The Ichibi admitted somewhat reluctantly. Trust wasn't something the beast gave easily, especially after what he had endured but he had faith in his father and his words, so he'd put his trust in the humans that housed him, no matter how hard it was and how much his mind screamed at him to stopstopstop─ "My name. Use it." He clarified, burying himself somewhat in the warm sands.

Genma's eyebrows knitted together as he gazed at the demon before him. The beast's chakra was carefully reigned in but it could still be sensed and right now, especially being so close, Genma thought that it felt like a dark and oppressive sandstorm. It was so faint that if it hadn't been for his abilities, Genma would have dismissed the feeling as something imaginary.

"Uh, thank you, Shukaku-sama." Genma replied, shoving his hands into his pockets. He nodded his chin at the other. "May I?"

At first, Shukaku didn't know what was being asked but then he understood that the other was asking for permission to enter his home… which was surprising but the action relieved some of the tension that from the Ichibi. He nodded and watched carefully as the human cautiously stepped into his home, onto his sands, and came to sit surprisingly close to him. It was surprising because most humans would never dare to get so close, in fact they'd be cowering before him or try to subdue him for his power, to use him but these human, Genma Shiranui and Kakashi Hatake, were different.

Genma didn't say anything. He didn't know what to say but he felt that silence could say just as much. He laid himself carefully onto his back atop of the shifting sands and stared at the sky, watched as clouds drifted before him. He noted that the Ichibi didn't say anything either. Why that was, he didn't know. Why the Ichibi was so far from the other Biju, he didn't know. But regardless of his questions, he remained quiet.

Ichibi stared at the human from the corner of his eye, wondering why the other wasn't bothered by his presence, why the other didn't look at him in distaste but he dismissed the thoughts. He dismissed the chaotic mess of his mind, pushed down the feeling of complete desolation and instead took in a deep breath and buried himself deeper into his sands with his head lying atop of his paws and basked in the tentative companionship of the other.

They stayed like that for what seemed like hours.

Genma had eventually fell into a deep sleep but later he woke up with hand shaking his shoulder and feeling marginally better than he had before. He gave a sigh, closing his eyes and running a hand through his hair.

"You should eat something Genma." Kakashi said with a plate of food in hand. He'd been watching over Genma, with Minato checking in every once in a while, and he had been relieved to note that the fever was dying down. "You've been asleep for a few hours."

Genma sat up with some effort and he withheld a tired yawn. He nodded absently at Kakashi's words. "Yeah, well I was tired as fuck." Genma groused, as he took the plate that was handed to him. It was a simple dish but it looked well made, thankfully. "You didn't make this." He observed.

" . I'm laughing." Kakashi said dryly.

Genma gave a small smile and dove into the hot meal with relish. He was surprisingly hungry but maybe it wasn't so unusual because he needed to regain all the energy that he lost. On the matter of energy though… He needed to regain control, needed to do more vigorous chakra control exercises. He needed something better than sticking leaves on his forehead though but he was sure that he could come up with something better later. It wouldn't be too hard.

"Namikaze-sama?" Genma asked.

"Hm?" Kakashi glanced up from his own food. It seemed that his small respite had done him some favors as color was returning to his skin. It wasn't the sickly pallor that it had been before but the evidence of his exhaustion was still there beneath darkly bruised eyes. "He's─"

"Ah, Genma-san!" Minato came bounding in with a relieved smile on his face. His blue eyes roved over Genma's form, taking in the pale skin, the limp hair, dull eyes, and general exhausted demeanor. Thankfully, he didn't look as bad as before but the Namikaze could still catch the occasional quiet sign of pain. "Are you doing better?"

Genma rubbed the back of his neck and looked away from the blond. "Ah… Yeah, I'm doing better. Thank you for asking and I'm sorry for the inconvenience." Genma apologized, wishing nothing more that he was back in his shitty apartment and hiding beneath his sheets for a hundred years or so.

"It was no problem at all, Genma-san!" Minato said sincerely, a small frown forming on his face. "I was happy to see you and Kakashi, though I wished it could have been in better circumstances."

Genma made a vague sound of agreement. "Thank you for everything but it'd be better if I went on my way…" Genma said, standing up and hiding the shaking that wanted badly to show. He'd wasted enough time as it was and he had better things to do. Like training and planning. That was important.

A hand wove itself around Genma's arm and the Tokubetsu Jounin looked to the side to see Kakashi's concerned gaze and he could feel the almost the palpable concern coming from the future Yondaime. "Are you sure you want to leave Genma? I mean…"

"Yeah, I know what happened Hatake." Genma snapped but the brief anger disappeared as quickly as it came. "I'd just like to pretend that that but…" Genma gave a tired smile. "Something tells me that's not going to happen anytime soon."

Minato couldn't help but drag the other into a tight hug, his hold tightening even further as he felt Genma stiffen. It made his mind go to places, just like earlier. It made him wonder if Genma had ever received such affection, wondered why Genma was wary of such affection. It reminded him of Kakashi who never quite understood the importance of such things, of his reclusiveness and stoic approach. When he felt Genma relax into his hold, a feeling of relief rushing through him.

"As long as you're fine Genma. That's all that matters." Minato said, retreating after a moment to properly gaze at the young genin. "On that note, are you feeling better?"

Genma hid the faint of shock and grief, his mind flashing back to the time that he had last seen the Yondaime, back during the Ninetail's attack against the village. That wouldn't happen again, certainly. He nodded absently.

Minato gave the other a gentle smile seeing the hesitance in the other. "I'd prefer if the two of you staid here for a bit." Minato said, glancing towards Kakashi who was watching him with apathetic eyes. "It'd do wonders for my peace of mind. Please." Minato wasn't above begging if it meant that they'd be safe under his watch.

The Yondaime watched as Genma and Kakashi exchanged glances. There were minute changes of expression and if he hadn't been watching closely, he probably would have missed it.

Genma wanted to do nothing but to disappear but he was man enough to acknowledge that he wasn't fine. He just had a panic attack that had probably been building for years and he'd just became a jinchuriki just a few hours ago for not just one Biju, but for all nine and the effects of such a drastic change were still being felt. He knew that ignoring such a reaction would lead him nowhere, in fact, it'd probably do more damage than not. The last thing he wanted was to go to the psych ward, so the next best thing to do, in his opinion, was confide in those he trusted. Which, were few in between, especially now.

And Kakashi? Well, he sure as hell wasn't fine either. He'd lost his teammates and now he saw them again, alive and well, except there were times where he couldn't look at their faces without remembering what they looked like in death and the part that he had in them. So, no. Kakashi was far from fine. He'd lost numerous loved ones, friends as well as family. He didn't show his emotions as well as Genma, and the Fourth Shinobi War had made him even more of a recluse, living day after day for the sole purpose of fighting.

"Fine." Genma relented, his mind still somewhat surprised at the Yondaime's actions. It cemented that yes, Namikaze Minato was alive and no, he wasn't dreaming. He had a chance to save the man's life.

Minato gave them a beaming grin. "Both of you take it easy. That means you too, Kakashi." Minato added. "I know hard you can be on yourself."

"Don't we all." Genma muttered, wishing he had his senbon with him. He disregarded the glare that was sent his way by Kakashi.

Minato couldn't help the fond smile that crawled over his face. He didn't know the other genin well but he'd make sure to soon. It was clear to the Namikaze that the other was going to be around Kakashi for a lot longer. They had a bond that was astounding and surprising to see but Minato welcomed it nonetheless. He didn't want Kakashi to be alone anymore, especially since Sakumo's death.

Minato banished the thoughts away. "If you're up to it Genma you can use the bath. It might help you feel better." He suggested, taking in the sweaty skin and tousled hair.

Genma shrugged his shoulders, somewhat surprised when Kakashi shoved a bundle of clothes. He raised an eyebrow at the other, unsurprised when the other merely shrugged as well.

"Best to be prepared." Kakashi answered.

Genma hummed in reply, unsure what exactly he was expecting. He felt out of it. He didn't feel as horrible as he had before but there were still sharp remnants of exhaustion, the uncomfortable feeling of his chakra warring with that of the Biju, and the strange sensitivity of his sensor abilities. He hoped that it'd all go away soon.

Kakashi watched with a sharp eye as Genma gingerly made his way to the bathroom. He knew Genma wouldn't want any help, not now at least. Genma was undoubtedly aware of Minato's presence as much as he was, though there were times when he looked at the man that faint pangs of disbelief hit him. Who wouldn't be in shock to see a loved one alive and well and not much at all like the horrifying realization of the Edo Tensei? It was like a genjutsu.

A hand was placed comfortably on his shoulders. "Come on Kakashi, you can settle into one of the rooms. You can be next to Genma if you prefer but I have to warn you…" Minato said slowly.

Kakashi looked at the other, eyebrows drawn together. "Warn me about what Sensei?"

"Uh." Minato rubbed the back of his head nervously, a nervous tick that was characteristic in him just as it had been in Naruto. "I mean─"

There was the sudden sound of a door banging open and then there was a shout. "Minato!" A feminine voice yelled. "I'm here, dattebayo!"

Kakashi couldn't help but groan, glaring at the blonde with a sharp eye. "Seriously?"

Minato rushed to apologize, a sheepish look on his face. "I forgot we had plans!" He explained. "Kushina and I were going to meet with Mikoto and Fugaku to see how they were doing. But they changed plans."

Kakashi frowned. "Change plans how?" He bit out, retraining the urge to strangle his sensei. It couldn't be helped though. It's not like any of them expected any of this to happen.

"They're meeting here instead." Minato answered with a wince at the other's face.

"No, it's fine Minato-sensei… Just don't tell them about…"

Minato frowned, a serious look cast on his face. "Of course, Kakashi. I respect Genma's privacy."

A rush of relief hit Kakashi. "Thank you, Minato-sensei." Kakashi said softly before he stood to remove the clutter from the living room, now knowing that there'd be guests. The last thing he wanted was for there to be questions. Not that'd he'd answer though.

There were voices that could be heard, softly speaking. Minato left to no doubt greet the guests.

Kakashi moved to the kitchen, placing water to boil for tea. He moved to living room, scanning the area for anything out of place and he was satisfied enough with what he saw.

The Hatake wasn't sure what to feel about Mikoto and Fugaku. He knew that Mikoto and Kushina were close friends and that they had known each other for a long time. In the past, Kushina had often dragged Team 7 to meet with the Uchiha in her home. He'd seen a lot of the Uchiha throughout the years in fact, that it, until Minato and Kushina died. After that, he had avoided any and all interaction with anyone as he went through mission after mission in ANBU. He didn't know a lot about the Uchiha patriarch, however. All he knew was what he had seen and heard, especially in the war. He knew that the man had placed a lot of pressure on Itachi's young shoulders at the behest of the Uchiha's Council. The man loved his children more than anything but it was hard to show and hard to see.

Uchiha Itachi, prodigal genius with the unfortunate luck to have been born during the Third Shinobi War and a pacifist soul forced to go against his ideals. Itachi was made into a pariah, sacrificing himself in the name of the village with no one to call him a hero for his actions and a dead clan and a vengeful brother as a result.

It wasn't the life that Itachi had deserved.

It won't be the same, Kakashi thought determinedly. Itachi won't have that life again. He's going to live. The Uchiha massacre won't happen because Minato-Sensei won't die, because Obito won't die and be dragged away by Madara. Genma and I will kill him if that happens. I swear it.

"Kakashi-kun!" An exuberant voice called out and then, the Hatake was strong armed into a bone breaking hug. Red filled his vison and he blinked, only to see violet-blue eyes looking back. "Where have you been brat? I haven't seen you in forever, dattebayo!"

For a moment, his mind flashed back to long red hair blending into equally as red blood, to an eternal serene smile and a horribly bleeding wound but with arms wound protectively around a blond baby.

"Kushina, dear, let the poor boy breathe." Mikoto said with a gentle smile, still as beautiful and graceful as when Kakashi had last seen her.

Fugaku wasn't that far away from her but what really caught the Hatake's attention was the little form hiding behind her leg and the one she carried in her arms. Kakashi wasn't really prepared to see an extremely young Uchiha Itachi and if he was correct, one Uchiha Shisui hiding and holding tightly to Mikoto.

It was at that moment, however, that Genma came back. He was clothed in fresh clothing and he looked better than he did before. There was more color to his skin but the young Hatake still caught the minute signs of pain. He looked to the scene before him in surprise and he glanced towards Kakashi who came to stand beside him. His attention was diverted to the small forms just like Kakashi.

"Oh, where are my manners?" Mikoto muttered before gently pushing the small form clinging to her leg forward.

Big dark eyes stared up at the shinobi and Genma and Kakashi stared incomprehensively for a moment before their minds brought up the image of one Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Shisui.

"This is Itachi-chan and Shisui-chan. Say hello you two." Mikoto said softly, smiling when Itachi buried his face in her neck. She placed a gently hand on his small back and looked encouragingly towards Shisui as he looked towards her shyly.

"Uh," Shisui's small hands gripped tightly to the fabric of his shirt, "hi?" He said quietly before turning to hide once again behind Mikoto.

The Uchiha matriarch looked towards the others apologetically. "I'm sorry. They're usually a bit more open than this but they're just shy because they don't know you." She explained giving a small laugh at Kushina's cooing. "They're good children." Mikoto added softly.

Fugaku gave a small nod, a smile tugging at his lips as he gazed at the children. If one didn't know the Uchiha, they would never be able to see this side of him, to see the side that cared deeply for his family. Most of the time, people just saw the hardened exterior of a shinobi and Clan Leader. He'd known Minato and Kushina for a long time though and it was a given that'd see them often considering that Minato and Kushina were best friends and he had a sort of hidden fondness for the Namikaze. Minato at least, didn't have a hidden agenda for the Uchiha. He was upfront and honest, something that the Uchiha dearly appreciated.

"Ah, I don't know you." Kushina said bluntly, leaning down a bit as she peered closely at Genma who stared back impassively.

Minato smiled. "Sorry." Minato apologized, gesturing for his guests to take a seat. "This is Shiranui Genma." He said. "And Kakashi-kun's friend." He added.

Kushina stared at Kakashi, who didn't seem to notice or care. She looked at Minato with surprise and shock on her face. "Whaat!?" She gasped, hands dramatically clutching at her face but inwardly, she felt relieved. She had grown fond of Kakashi, no matter how socially stunted he was but then again, it was sort of his thing. "Wow, I never thought I'd see the day!" She said as she whirled towards the young genin that had managed to befriend the Hatake. "My name's Uzumaki Kushina, dattebane!" She said with a wide smile.

Genma gave the smallest of smiles. Kushina was just as he had remembered. Still though, seeing her was a sort of shock that he still had to process but he thinks that it wasn't unusual especially considering… his unusual circumstances. "Shiranui Genma, Uzumaki-san." He responded politely and after a moment bowing slightly towards the Uchiha Clan matriarch and patriarch. "Uchiha-sama."

Kushina scrunched her nose in distaste. "I can see where you get along with the brat." She huffed, arms crossing over her chest. "Just call me Kushina, kid!"

Fugaku nodded politely in acknowledgement of the greeting. It was an unusual greeting, especially on behalf of someone so young but if the other had managed to befriend Hatake, a young boy that seemed well beyond his years with his maturity and a genius at that, then perhaps then it wasn't so unusual. Maybe it was just that he'd gotten so used to the fake fronts and facades that it he was simply surprised by the genuine respect and politeness that the other showed.

Mikoto smiled, a hand resting on each of her charges. "It's nice to meet you Shiranui-san."

Genma's eyes strayed to the small forms of the children. Looking at them now, it was almost hard to believe that they would grow up as formidable shinobi. As he looked into the big wide, innocent eyes of Uchiha Itachi, it was hard to believe that he'd grow into the hardened shinobi that had been forced to kill his own clan, that had infiltrated a criminal organization and done unspeakable acts in the name of his village. And Shisui… he didn't deserve to die the way he had, didn't deserve to have been betrayed at the hand of one Shimura Danzo.

He looked towards Kakashi and he could recognize the pensive look on the other as he stared at the young Uchiha's. "Ah," Genma muttered, turning his gaze to the matriarch. "If you want Uchiha-sama, me and Kakashi could look after the children for a bit." Genma said, disregarding the surprised looks thrown his way. "We wouldn't mind," he added, seeing the contemplating look on Mikoto's face.

The matriarch looked at her husband, saying nothing yet everything. She turned to the young shinobi before her, a small smile on her face. She knew Kakashi, though young, to be very reliable and she knew that Shiranui Genma must be the same, at least somewhat. How else would he befriend Kakashi? He usually didn't have patience to deal with immaturity. That, and they were shinobi. They would have dealt with a D-Rank relating to babysitting at one point or another to teach responsibility. "Well, I suppose… I'll leave them in your care Shiranui-san, Kakashi-kun. Please don't hesitate to come to any of us if you need anything." Mikoto smiled, but there was an underlying threat to it that was unmistakable.

"Of course, Uchiha-sama." Genma replied with a small nod.

Mikoto's smile gentled into something more maternal. He's so serious, she thought, just like Kakashi-kun but at least they're friends. "Mikoto, please." She said, an order hidden in a suggestion. "Please behave you two and don't give them trouble okay, Itachi-chan, Shisui-chan?" She said as she handed Itachi over to Genma and nudged Shisui towards Kakashi, who nudged him towards Genma.

Itachi was reluctant to leave his mother's side, hesitant and a bit afraid but for now he remained silent and compliant. Shisui was nervous as well but as young as he was, he knew that Mikoto wouldn't endanger him.

Genma smiled reassuringly to the two small Uchiha children, sending glare towards Kakashi who merely shrugged. With one arm, he easily carried a young and ridiculously small Uchiha Itachi who winded small arms around his neck and with a free hand grasped Shisui's own tiny hand. "Come on then," Genma muttered.

"Wait!" Minato blurted, a hand outstretched and concern written over his face. "Uh, are you doing better now Genma? I mean…" The blond trailed off, hesitant and worried.

Genma paused for a moment before nodding to the other. "Of course I'm fine Namikaze-sama." He said over his shoulder as he gently guided the children ─ never mind that he was one himself ─ and Kakashi followed beside him, hands stuffed into his pockets. "Don't worry, if there's a problem then we'll make sure to come to you."

Kakashi glanced towards the others from the corner of his eye for a moment but he said nothing. He nodded silently to the two Uchiha's before he left with Genma, his steps quiet and sure, almost akin to a silent ghost.

Kushina looked at them curiously, eyes following until disappeared deeper into the house with little Itachi and Shisui in tow. "Well," she said after a moment of silence. "You really know how to pick them Minato." She said, exasperated.

Minato looked at her, confusion on his face. "What do you mean?"

Mikoto hummed contemplating, looking ever like the refined matriarch of the Uchiha Clan. "What she means Minato-kun is that you have unusual students. I mean, Genma-san reminds me a bit of Kakashi-san but he's different. I don't know how but different somehow." Mikoto observed.

Fugaku nodded slowly along her words. He wasn't a man of many words, clearly, so when he talked his words usually carried weight. "Shiranui-san seems to be like Hatake-san. His maturity seems to suggest that perhaps his intelligence is above average for his age. Along with the fact that Hatake-san seems to consider him a friend, I'm guessing that Shiranui is somewhat of a prodigy."

"You think?" Kushina asked.

Minato grinned. "He is." The blond answered, motioning for the others to follow him to the kitchen. He began to give his guests tea, the others graciously accepting. "I'm surprised that you haven't heard yet, but you might soon if you haven't."

"What do you mean Minato?" Kushina said, a tad impatient. "Just spit it out already!"

"It was a while ago," Minato began, sitting along with the others in the small table in the kitchen, "there was an exercise organized for the genin. Basically, the goal was to get the other genin to cooperate with other genin that they weren't familiar with to get them used to the idea of working with other shinobi. It was to promote comradery and teamwork." He explained, but a moment later he winced. "It didn't go really well…"

Kushina raised her eyebrows in a no-shit manner. "Really? I could have seen that coming from a mile away! Genin can be brats."

Mikoto frowned. "Well, they are young but still, despite that, there are certain things that are expected of them as shinobi."

Fugaku nodded in agreement. There were expectations made of a shinobi and one of them was their behavior. As shinobi, they not only represented themselves but their village as well, so when they acted in an unbecoming way, they shamed Konoha.

"What is it that they did though?" Kushina asked as she looked interestingly at the food that the blond had made earlier on. It looked delicious and she easily took liberty of serving a plate for herself, offering some to the others when the others glanced at her and shrugging when they politely declined. More for her then.

"I mean beyond the obvious?" Minato sighed for what seemed like the millionth time. "The genin took a long time to cooperate with each other. There was a distinct lack of communication, they snapped at each other, many lost their composure…" The blonde went on to explain the happenings of the training exercise.

Kushina, Fugaku, and Minato listened avidly.

Meanwhile, Genma and Kakashi were in the backyard porch along with their charges. Kakashi had brought out a few pieces of paper and even managed to scavenge a few art supplies which were given to the small Uchiha children.

Genma tried to make himself seem less threatening and his efforts seemed to be working as the little Uchiha children tentatively began to relax around them.

Shisui took to the offered supplies easily and began to make a scenic painting with a surprising amount of detail for his age. Itachi took a while to do anything, staring at the art supplies as if he didn't know what to do with them and eventually looked towards Genma for guidance.

Genma could already guess why the child was having problems. Already at such an early age, Itachi was showing his above average intelligence in the way he spoke, the way he behaved, the way he looked at his surroundings with wide and curious eyes. No doubt the Uchiha Clan Elders were itching to get their hands on him, wanting to increase the clan's power by having a prodigy of their own.

"Here Itachi-chan," Genma said as he laid down next to the child on his stomach, feet crossed together in the air. "Why don't you try to paint something you like? I mean there must be something… "Genma contemplated for a moment before an idea came to mind. "What about cats or maybe a dog?"

Itachi's eyes lit up momentarily before nodding ever so solemnly though its effect was nullified by his chubby cheeks and wide eyes. "The Uchiwa' Clan has a summon' with them." Itachi said, carefully saying each word.

Genma hummed interestedly, eyeing the two as they continued their activity. It was unusual to see them like this. Before, Genma never really got the chance to know the two. He had only met them briefly when he had been in ANBU and by then, they were full blown shinobi dedicated to their roles and changed by the merciless war. Then the next thing he knew, Shisui had died and Itachi was labeled a traitor to the village and an entire clan was wiped out in a single night.

The two children painted for a while quietly for the most part. Every once in a while, Shisui would proudly present them his recent painting and peek over to Itachi's own painting to see what he was doing.

Itachi had seemed displeased with his own progress, staring down at his own paper and brush hovering uncertainly in the air.

Genma noticed his predicament and frowned, looking at the painting himself and immedietly he resisted the urge to smile. Itachi apparently had a deep fondness for cats and he had painted a variety of them in a cute manner that only children were capable of.

"What's wrong Itachi-chan?" Genma asked softly.

Itachi had looked at the other, startled and a sad look in his eyes that briefly incited Genma's protective instincts. There was no reason for Itachi to have such a look in his eyes, young as he was.

Itachi said nothing for a moment but he eventually answered the other. "It didn't come out right." He said quietly, fully expected to be reprimanded. The elders always told him that everything he did had to be perfect or else he'd be scolded. He didn't like the elders and neither did his father. They always wanted something from his family.

"It doesn't have to be perfect Itachi-chan." Genma immedietly replied. "I think it looks good. I mean you did better than Kakashi would have had." Genma smirked, trying to offer comfort to the small child. It angered him that Itachi had such lofty expectations of himself as a child when he should have been carefree as any other child, when he should have had a childhood that was full of joy and fun.

Kakashi gave the other a bland look, raising an eyebrow.

"Really?" Shisui said, interested.

Genma grinned at the small Uchiha, already deciding that they were his. No way were damned elders, of the Clan or otherwise, were gripping their claws into them. He'd make them see that they weren't to be manipulated, that they were under his protection one way or another. It might have made things more complicated than they needed to be but Genma was already firmly decided.

"Yeah. Hatake only knows how to do Henohenomoheji." Genma scrunched his nose in distaste, more for the benefit of the Uchiha. "Those are horrendous."

"They're amazing." Hatake protested but it came out rather droll. "My art is amazing," he repeated. "It's better than what you could say though." Kakashi flicked a senbon towards the other, slow compared to what he could actually do but fast enough to attract the attention of the Uchiha.

The two Uchiha had their attention trained avidly at the two.

Genma sighed, exasperated, as he dodged the senbon with little effort. "So you say." Genma said before turning back to his charges. "How about we do something better?" Genma suggested, giving the two Uchiha a smile.

Itachi and Shisui exchanged looks, already forming a bond that the two time traveling shinobi knew would be capable of amazing things. They hadn't known that they had formed it this young but then again, it might have been because of their unintentional interference.

The two nodded, one slowly and one eagerly.

"Well how about we have Kakashi here show you some Taijutsu and Ninjutsu?" Genma suggested, looking towards Kakashi for confirmation and smiling slightly when the other nodded in consent. "I would show you myself, but at the moment I'm kind of indisposed. Just promise to not mention that we're the ones who taught you okay? You keep this a secret."

"In-des-posed?" Shisui said slowly, scrunching his nose in confusion.

"Secret?" Itachi repeated.

"Means he's unwell. And as for why it's a secret… well a shinobi is supposed to keep all his skills a secret. It wouldn't do for a shinobi to expose all of his knowledge, now would it? That, and it'd save us and you the trouble of having to explain to others why we're doing this." Kakashi clarified as he herded the two genin to the spacious field behind his sensei's house. It was great that his sensei had seals all around the property and that they were surrounded by a large amount of land that afforded great privacy.

"So here's what we're going to do…" Kakashi said.

Itachi and Shisui watched avidly, taking in what the Hatake was showing them with interest and fascination.

Kakashi went through various forms and stances normally, allowing the other small children to see what they were supposed to look like before slowing down so that they could really see in detail. The Hatake went through each movement carefully, instructing the two and adjusting their forms as they tried to imitate what they saw before them.

Genma watched from the sidelines, a small smile tugging at his lips at the scene. It was evident that Kakashi was a great teacher. Why he hadn't taught Team 7 better, Genma didn't know but he was sure that Kakashi had his reasons. He wouldn't have endangered his students by at least not teaching them how to defend themselves properly.

They turned all right in the end though, well, sort of. Sasuke was just full of hate. The Uchiha had made numerous, enormous mistakes, but at least in the end the other had tried to atone for them. Things could have gone better certainly, and it wasn't the first time that Genma had entertained the thought and he would bet that Kakashi has too, wondering how things would have turned out had Sasuke stayed in Konoha.

But they had a second chance now.

Time passed, and the sun was lowering in the sky, turning their surroundings a dark orange and gold. Kakashi was staring pleased at the two young Uchiha who were panting and sweating but they had satisfied looks themselves. The last thing that the Hatake was doing was beginning their careers as weapons. What he was trying to do was trying to make sure they at least knew how to defend themselves because god knew that there were many who disliked the Uchiha.

Not that they would be able to do anything. Not if Kakashi had anything to say about it. In the future, Kakashi had been known as a fierce warrior but not only that, he had been a prime example of what a shinobi should be. Not to mention, though his Clan may have been reduced to just one, his name still held a lot of weight and power. Now, Kakashi had a chance to better use that political weight and power he held as a shinobi. He could revive his clan, not by blood but by other means.

And as the Hatake stared at the two small Uchiha and glancing towards Genma who was encouraging the two, his mind was already whirling with ideas and determination.

Eventually, they went back inside and they found the adults still deep in conversation with each other. Presently, they were talking about a matter that was prevalent through almost every household, that is, the war between Konoha and Iwa.

"… I've noticed that they're sending more and more shinobi out every day and fewer come back from the frontlines too." Mikoto's voice rang out softly.

"Yeah." Kushina replied, giving a heavy sigh. "Not to mention, this war is negatively affecting everyone. The civilians are growing angry about the shortage of trade but no matter how we explain this to them, they don't seem to understand how dangerous it is, even with shinobi."

"It's because they haven't seen what we have Kushina." Minato added. "We can't fault them for what they don't understand."

"I know that!" Kushina said frustratingly. "It just gets so frustrating sometimes! I mean, I've seen civilians lash out at shinobi before. Just the other day I saw a shinobi get lashed out on in the market! The civilians were talking behind their hands, whispering about things they had no business talking about!"

"They're getting increasingly aggravating…" Fugaku said, eyes closing and hands resting elegantly around his tea cup.

Minato was about to add more to the conversation when Kakashi and Genma walked in, Itachi glued onto Genma's back stubbornly, as he found that he really enjoyed the piggyback rides. Shisui, wanting to be carried too, was glued to Genma's front as the shinobi held him securely in his arms.

Unseen to the others except Genma, Kakashi was deeply amused.

"Itachi-chan, Shisui-chan!" Mikoto said, a small apologetic frown forming on her face as she glanced at the genin, who merely shrugged. She glanced at a clock hanging on the wall and widened her eyes in surprise at how late it was. "It's late. I guess we got carried away…" Mikoto murmured before turning to Minato and Kushina as Fugaku rose from his seat beside her. "Thank you for having us over Minato, Kushina, but it's time for us to go."

Minato nodded, a smile on his face. "It was a pleasure. Please stop by again."

Kushina nodded eagerly. "Yeah! Don't be strangers ya' hear?" No one would ever believe her, but the head Uchiha duo were wonderful company.

"Of course," Fugaku added, turning to the two small Uchiha that they had charged to the young shinobi. "Say your goodbyes, Itachi. Shisui."

Both did so but they were reluctant to leave and it showed.

Seeing this, Mikoto smiled. "Is it okay if we can have you look after them again?" Mikoto asked, surprising Genma and Kakashi. "We can compensate you accordingly, of course." She added. It was rare that she managed to find anyone to look after them who they liked. Shisui wasn't her son but he may as well have been. He'd been figuratively adopted into their home since his parents died. Mikoto was a mother but even she still held her shinobi duties and she couldn't deny a summons from the Hokage.

Kakashi didn't hesitate to respond. "Of course, Uchiha-sama, though we'd be happy to do it even without compensation."

Genma nodded, kneeling to let the Uchiha's down who did so without complaint this time at the promise. He smiled slightly at the two small Uchiha, a fondness already settling in deep. God, if the others knew his fondness for children. "We'll see you two then."

Shisui and Itachi nodded, obediently settling beside Fugaku and settling their small hands within the elder's surprisingly comforting ones.

Fugaku nodded his goodbyes and left, his charges in tow, while Mikoto lingered behind for a moment.

"Thank you so much Shiranui-kun, Kakashi-kun." Mikoto said, "You'll know when we need you." She left with a waved goodbye thrown at Minato and Kushina.

Minato sighed after he sensed them pass the wards but he turned to smile at the two young shinobi after a moment, lingering slightly on Genma. He was relieved to see that the other looked marginally better and he was reassured to see the color returning to Genma's skin. He didn't look like he was at death's door anymore, though that may have been Minato's imagination and penchant for worry.

"Well that was fun." Kushina said, a grin on her face and arms crossed over her chest. "Are you leaving Kakashi? Genma?" She said, disregarding formality because why not?

Kakashi thought for a moment, turning slightly towards Genma but he already knew his and Genma's answer. He nodded in response. "We'll see you later sensei."

Minato nodded somewhat reluctantly, but he knew that he couldn't stop the two. "Of course. Make sure to stop by sometimes! You too Genma-san." Minato added worriedly.

Genma hesitated for a moment before replying with, "Of course, Namikaze-sama." He knew that there was no way that he'd disappear from the Namikaze's radar now, not with the other's worry.

With that the two shinobi said their goodbyes and they leave. On the way to the Hatake Compound the duo say nothing, though Kakashi kept a keen eye on the other. There was nothing really to say. They both knew clearly what had been accomplished.

Without a word, Genma went towards his designated room ─ now his and permanent it seemed ─ and he went straight to his bed and drifted into a dead sleep. He knew that he had a few things to say to the Hatake but they could wait until morning.

Meanwhile, Kakashi said nothing. He knew that Genma needed his rest and besides, he knew Genma well enough to not need words to understand what went unsaid. Besides, he was feeling tired himself.

-XxX-

So I'm done. Review? Maybe the next chapter will be better. This one was hard. I'll probably edit this later.