Disclaimer: I do not own any of the following and do not claim to. This story is for entertainment purposes only.

Naruto Rend

Chapter 24

Aizen watched in barely disguised shock as the void sphere slowly contracted into nothingness.

"Such an attack could even harm this evolved body of mine. Perhaps, I should deal with them before they recollect themselves."

"You're going to have your hands full with me."

Stained from head to toe in crimson, Ichigo wobbled as his knuckles whitened with his grip on Zangetsu. His inner-hollow had repaired the damage to his body, but with rags making up what was left of his Shihakusho, it was pretty obvious a full recovery was a work in progress. Zangetsu was still working to undo a lifetime of blockades, and honestly, Ichigo told him to wait until the middle of his attack. There was no way to know if his peak power could compete. Getting a sudden boost in the middle of an attack might be enough to catch Aizen off guard and deliver a fatal blow.

We don't have the luxury of not taking every opportunity we scrape up

"Your resilience, mentally and physically, earn my praise, Ichigo Kurosaki. For you to have survived and returned to meet the same result … I would call a lesser man a fool, but you – your actions shall be attributed to misplaced conviction."

"Misplaced, huh?"

"Yes. You fear the change I bring and wish to stop me, leaving things unchanged." Aizen held his hands out in a divine pose. "Fear not, Ichigo. I am a praiseworthy god. After I unmake this you, a new better version will find a home in my universe. Now, lash out in desperation if you must."

That's our invite, Zangetsu!

Ichigo flew forward in air quaking Shunpo as Aizen smiled and his sword moved in the same slow, but instant, motion as earlier. Suddenly, like a dam being broken, unreal amounts of power flooded the Substitute's system and his speed tripled, allowing him to duck under the arm while slicing Aizen from shoulder to hip. Landing in a crouched slide, Ichigo spun with his zanpakuto up as strength returned to his muscles with each breath.

Whoa.

Every second the tingling in his nerves intensified as more energy filled him. Four times, five times, more, with each new moment his reiatsu climbed higher to new levels. They were melding, his Shinigami and zanpakuto powers. He could even feel the hollow blending in as well, ready to unleash its full ferocity the moment he called upon it.

Aizen dabbed at the cut with his fingers, slowly inspecting it like an unfamiliar substance as the wound healed.

"So, I am still capable of doing this. Fascinating."

"I don't think you're as godlike as you want to believe." Ichigo rose to his feet as the Zangetsu's chain jingled. "You're insanely powerful. You have the means to destroy everything, but just because you can put on a good show doesn't make you the real thing."

"You doubt my omnipotence because of a mere scratch? An unintelligent proclamation, brought about by your inability to comprehend what stands before your vision. I shall shatter your ignorance." He swung two fingers down as heavy energy surrounded the teen. "Hado 90: Kurohitsugi."

Darkness fell over Ichigo as the coffin took shape.

"Saigo no Getsuga Tensho!"

The links of chain dangling from the hilt cracked and fell apart. Black and crimson energy coursed up the blade and wrapped around him in a protective cocoon. His reiatsu exploded with such force it shattered Aizen's spell as the reiryoku grafted itself to Ichigo. His hollow eyes formed as a mask of tattooed bone enveloped the lower half of his face and his orange hair became slightly longer and more unruly. Its sleeves ending at mid-forearm, a tight black jacket solidified around his torso as red highlights ran down its edges, joining with the lines stretching from his revitalized pants. He studied himself as the vestiges of the energy lazily floated around both him and the chainless Zangetsu in his hand.

Yeah, this is a little different than what Ossan had planned.

While still called final, the meaning was completely different than his companion spirit's initial intention. Zangetsu originally meant for final to seal everything up. The true version meant that it was the peak of what Getsuga could accomplish. Completely unchained and empowering each movement, it drew every ounce – every facet – of power within him and combined it into one supremely potent source.

"Bravo, Ichigo." Aizen clapped slowly and stepped closer. "You finally achieve what I always knew you could given your birthright."

"You make it sound like you know all about me."

"I've known about you since the beginning. I have manipulated events knowing what you are now would be the final result." Aizen removed his blade from the crook of his elbow. "You are a being who is the peak of what the current world can produce, and I have waited years for you to reach this point."

"That's nice."

Aizen looked genuinely surprised, maybe even a little disappointed, by his dismissal.

"A strange reaction."

"I'm sure I could come up with a lot of questions, but that altar is starting to really get going." Ichigo held Zangetsu up at an angled guard. "I'll take the history lesson after I protect everyone."

Aizen was behind him in an instant.

Ichigo leapt to the side out into the sky, flying farther from the tower with Aizen in close pursuit.

"How do you propose to protect this world by running away?"

Aizen closed the gap with a sudden burst of speed. Ichigo spun around, the crashing blades generating a shockwave that crushed some of the taller buildings far below.

"I'm not running away." Ichigo pushed harder into the blade lock. "I'm making sure I don't hurt anyone when I go all out."

"Only I may say that about my power. While magnificent, your reiatsu-"

Ichigo swung against the lock, unleashing a wave that dwarfed Aizen and streaked deep into the horizon.

Aizen frowned as the smoke from the wave drifted away. Energy burns and numerous cuts adorned his body as the Kido barrier he conjured fell apart. Ichigo crashed through its remains, striking down with a two handed slash. The false-god blocked as the spiritual metals screeched against each other.

"Ichigo, Kurosaki, do your really believe constantly taking the initiative gives you an advantage?"

Aizen redirected the strike and swung for Ichigo's neck. Reiryoku coated the teen's arm and he blocked the zanpakuto.

"I just really don't want you to start talking again."

Getsuga coated his shin and he buried the leg in Aizen's ribs. The bones buckled for a brief moment until the force sent him soaring across the sky. Sliding on invisible particles of grouped reishi, Aizen found his footing and coughed blood into his hand.

"Do you think one such as I is limited to only Shinigami techniques." Aizen held out his hand as Hogyoku colored energy crackled to life. "Gran Rey Cero!"

Ichigo sped around the hyper-fast blast and swiped twice, the energy binding into a cross shaped projectile.

"Getsuga Jujisho!"

"Fragor."

The reiryoku bomb connected with Ichigo's attack, generating a massive explosion that distorted the space around it and flung them away as the mushroom cloud swelled higher and higher. The Substitute flipped in the air a few times before floating to a stop. Aizen was already there and formed a giant ring of reishi around him.

"Ultrafragor."

The ring imploded, generating an even larger vertical explosion. It drove straight down through the Ark and high into the heavens. The reddish-black of Getsuga ripped the fires apart in thrashing helix before it collected on Zangetsu.

"Getsuga Tensho!"

A crescent five times his height, cut across the gap in an instant, driving Aizen back and up.

He inhaled deeply, taking the moment to rest. His vision struggled to refocus as the ringing in his ears barely let him hear anything. Every nerve had been fried and gone almost numb. Damn it, he could barely feel if he held Zangetsu or not.

My reiatsu took a dive too. I won't be able to handle any more hits like that.

His senses returned well enough to continue and he crossed over the city in an instant. Aizen's chest heaved for a single breath then he lunged. They engaged in a furious rhythm of strikes and blocks, parries of masterful finesse and intricate counters. The blades whistled and shrieked as they sliced through the air as barely visible flickers. Gouges appeared on the taller buildings if they weren't severed outright by the force from their swings.

If this goes on too much longer, one of the others is going to get hurt in the crossfire.

"Are you ready for me to begin trying, Ichigo?"

"No." At point blank range, Ichigo used a Shunpo to tackle Aizen, driving Zangetsu harshly enough through Aizen's chest the blade came out the traitor's back. "I'm ready to end this."

"You presume to defeat your god with a mere stab?" Aizen's face twisted up into an angry scowl. "Such arrogance, boy!" A Hogyoku colored ring encircled them, quickly joined by four more. "A single ring nearly ended your pitiful existence. There will not even be ash left of you with this!"

"You'll die to."

"Again you cannot fathom the realm at which my power rests."

The red outline left the Getsuga as Ichigo's reiatsu peaked. Deep black energy wrapped around him and the blade like smoke as Aizen's rings contracted.

"Ultrafragor!"

"Mugetsu!"

Ichigo tore his zanpakuto straight down through flesh and bone. The air quaked as a the lightless reiryoku welled up beneath Aizen and erupted upwards, darkening the sky as the traitor screamed and the energy continued to shred up around him like magma escaping a vent. The damaged rings detonated, consuming them both as Ichigo's blast surged harder and made the heavens dark as midnight.

He held her for what seemed like hours as the dust and small pebbles settled on and around them. It'd worked, by some miracle, his ultimate technique had come into play and they could live to tell everyone how awesome it was. Because he needed to focus on keeping the shell intact until the very end, last time he couldn't use the reiryoku arm. He'd have to thank the Kyubi for taking over that task.

Who would have thought the fox and I would actually work like partners?

"Is it over?" Hinata mumbled groggily.

"Yeah."

He sat up while supporting her head. Her eyes were half-lidded and a tired smile graced her lips.

"I told you we would make it." She yawned and attempted to sit up, but all color left her face and she nearly went limp. "Sorry, I guess I'm more battered than I thought and that technique still takes everything out of me. I'm not going to be able to stand for a while."

"Then, I'll carry you."

"Naruto-"

"You have been amazing, Hinata. Everything, from your patience to your strength, have been amazing. Please, rest for a little bit and let me carry you this time."

"Such charming words from such a valiant knight."

Naruto's throat constricted and his head snapped around. The last traces of the rubbery suit tumbled to the ground as he stood at the hole in the wall. Even as a human, Naruto would recognize that man. The dark skin, the stubble, the athletic build, they didn't hide what really lurked in the core of the Millennium Earl.

"How the hell did you survive that?"

He wasn't sure how raspy his voice sounded … how shaken. How? There should have been no way anything could survive his final attack. No, that didn't matter. The point was the bastard survived and they were severely limited on options. Hinata couldn't move. The fox was passed out after dumping everything into the void Rasengan. He was okay though. Sure, he was tired, but still in good enough shape he could fight near full strength. Maybe, if his last attack weakened the Earl enough he could take him.

"My charming outer layer and the fully manifested dark matter armor all Noah achieve at full strength, even my sword. You quite literally sucked up almost all of my power, Naruto Uzumaki. All gone."

He made a flitting motion with his hand to demonstrate.

"Naruto-"

"It pains me to see you like that my dear Hinata. And you as well, Naruto, look at the dirt and sweat soaked grime covering you. Like my son, this is the same fate you are doomed to relive if you continue to fight for an ideal that is the complete opposite of human nature."

Naruto summoned a clone. It scooped up Hinata in its arms as he faced Adam.

"Get her out of here."

"Naruto, give me some of the Kyubi's power to recharge."

"I can't."

"But-"

"The fox spent everything in that last attack. Like you, he's going to be out for a little while." Naruto grinned and tightened his Konoha headband. "I'm still feeling pretty bouncy though. What do you say, Earl, or Adam ,or whoever you are? Ready for an old fashioned beat down?"

"I have expended the majority of my gift." Adam's eyes narrowed as a faint violet glow traced over his body. "I still have enough to kill you, boy. You may have defeated the Earl, but you now face the leader of the strongest clan the world has ever seen!"

"Go now!" His zanpakuto flicked to his hand. "Mizuchi!"

The vortex of razor wind surged for the last Noah, who held out his hand and encased the zephyr blades in purple energy. Then, he flung them back at their creator.

Genbu.

The kunai flashed and a tortoise shell of tightly compressed atmosphere shielded Naruto from the counterattack. The room trembled as loose stones came crashing down and entire walls started to give.

"Oh, and now the samurai's here!" Adam squeezed his hands and pulled them apart, forming an energy sword. "Looks like today I get to kill everyone who spit on my generosity!"

Naruto leapt and blurred into a Shunshin. His kunai clashed against the Earl's blade. Knocking the arm aside, he stabbed down. Adam spun and brought his elbow over, breaking Naruto's nose. Uzumaki rammed his knee into the side of his head then blocked another swing. Adam punched him in the chest, the empowered hand feeling like a shot of lightning in Naruto's body. The blonde tumbled back, catching his kunai with his teeth as he summoned two shadow clones. Reaching back, they formed a spiraling sphere in each of his hands and went still.

Naruto charged and struck the Earl's weapon. He vaulted over, driving the second one for the back of Adam's head. The Noah titled it to the side, snagged the ninja's arm and flipped him over the shoulder and onto his back as he stabbed down. The senjutsu energy from his dispelled clones collected within him and he punched up, the natural energy manipulated by the principles of Kawazu Kumite, extended the force of the blow, snapping Adam's head back.

He grasped the special kunai.

"Mizuchi."

The Earl leapt away as the attack sailed up and carved out the ceiling. Naruto used a Shunshin and stayed right after Adam. The latter flung his saber, but the blonde dodged. However, the Earl quickly disarmed the zanpakuto from him and punched him in the face. Naruto scowled and connected with his own. He leapt with a spin kick and chased Adam down with a straight kick. The Noah evaded them and kneed him in the gut and united his hands in a large fist, hammering it down on the back of Naruto's skull.

Naruto jumped up, ramming his head into the Earl's face. Grabbing his throat, the ninja continued the motion and slammed Adam against the wall. He slammed a roundhouse kick in the exposed gut then slugged him across the jaw. Adam blocked another punch and sent Naruto flying with a pulse of dark matter that demolished half of the room and everything past the exit. The memories of the clone carrying Hinata filled his mind as it was destroyed. The last thing it saw was her falling to the ground as the hall way collapsed.

Hinata! No, focus on your enemy. It will take a hell of a lot more than some falling rocks to kill her.

The Jinchuriki righted himself as the second clone in the room dispersed, replenishing his sage energy. He dove for Kyo's physical form, snatching up the kunai and sliding to his feet as a dark matter orb exploded inches behind him.

Because I only learned Mizuchi and Shin, any of Kyo's bigger moves need to come directly from his reiryoku. It takes so much out of him to use it in my body or from the zanpakuto directly that he can maybe do one more.

"Isn't it ironic, Naruto, how our special energies are derived from nature, yet, they are so different?"

"Yours sure doesn't feel like its natural."

"Oh, my will has certainly impacted it – corrupted it if that word makes you feel better. Of course, I think you're beginning to understand how much more effective my version is."

Dark matter flared wildly around him as the air rumbled under his disgusting reiatsu.

"You want to see an effective use of nature?" Naruto held the zanpakuto up. It flashed and his eyes became like Kyo's. "Kouryu."

"Ah, I remember this." Adam's gaze drifted upward. "The final beast that stood above the four gods. Kyo's greatest attack, which called down the solar winds from the heavens to create a terrifying dragon."

The sky split as a golden surge rushed down.

"It couldn't kill me then and it won't kill me-"

The golden dragon tore into him with claw and fang as the wings wrapped around its prey. The energy exploded, disintegrating everything around the Earl as the peerless wind flowed around like wisps of cloud.

It can't beat my best, but damn, I want to learn that.

The atmosphere slowly reconnected as the last of the sage energy left him and his insides felt like they were suddenly on fire. Dropping the kunai from his smoking hand, his legs gave out as he vomited up blood. The dark matter, while no longer strong enough to kill him outright, strengthened Adam's attacks to cause some major internal damage. Blood seeped from the bruises and other spots of marred skin, staining the frayed clothes clinging to him like grafted skin. If he wasn't sure his ribs were powder, he'd probably laugh at how helpless he was.

"I can't even summon a clone to pick me up."

"That's too bad."

Naruto looked up at the unhinged voice.

Entire patches of Adam were missing as his skin continued to burn. The one remaining eye was glazed over in rage as dark matter's hue waxed and waned over his hands.

How can anyone still be alive with so much damage?

Adam kicked away the kunai and clutched Naruto's neck, digging his thumbs into the blonde's windpipe as he strangled him. Naruto struggled to pry the vice-like hands off as the bones in his neck groaned in protest and nails punctured the skin.

"I told you. I told you it would not kill me. You never listened to me, Naruto." Adam shook Naruto so hard the back of his head nearly touched his spine. "I am more than a man. I. Am. Hate!"

Naruto weakly pounded on the arms killing him as everything started growing dark. He landed punches on the chewed face, each no more effective than a small child's. Adam collapsed to his knees, but managed to keep Naruto up enough to glare at him.

"I win you foolish child. Everything will crumble under my hatred as I rain divine punishment on this sinful world! I will become the devil himself! I will-"

A clawed hand burst out of his chest, slicing his heart to ribbons.

"You will rest for all eternity." Hinata panted as her shaking arm supported her outstretched bodyweight and the mangled legs trailed uselessly behind her. "Your long years are over, Millennium Earl."

His hands slid away and Naruto gasped as air filled his aching lungs. Hinata withdrew her hand and collapsed onto her side at the end of the red streaked path she had crawled as Crown Clown dispelled. Adam spasmed once as his mouth quivered like he wanted to speak. Instead, an almost relieved sigh escaped as his dulling eye closed and the dark matter's power disappeared.

Yamamoto watched impassively as the last of the Arrancar burned away in the inferno of his Shikai. When the first wave came to Seireitei, it became obvious Aizen intended for it to merely distract them from the credible threat of the main forces attacking Rukongai and Karakura Town. He knew full well that the human world was in good hands with the team dispatched to it – and should anything have been unfortunate enough to find the bunker shielding the human – Kisuke Urahara's Bankai would have delivered a wretched death.

Instead, he chose to focus his attention on Rukongai, personally leading reinforcements in a charge to exterminate the abominations born of dark matter. They could not allow a single one to escape, lest the tragedy of their existence bring about another calamity.

He sealed his katana back into its cane and surveyed his surroundings.

Many dead lined the streets and ruined buildings – Shinigami and local resident alike. There was not time to mourn and acknowledge their sacrifice. Momo Hinamori's kido bug had ceased moments after Ichigo arrived in Aizen's throne room. Standing over a demonic Espada with nary a scratch provided a great deal of confidence in the teen. However, he was fully aware of Aizen's new power. They could not place everything on the boy alone. Preparations needed to be made in the event Ichigo and the others failed. If the traitor did win, he would do so as a god that crushed the Substitute and the ninja. It would take Ryujin Jakka's Bankai to provide any hope of victory for Soul Society, and such a battle could not take place in any place but enemy territory.

The air given off by the young Hitsugaya as he prepared to leave for the human world eases my heart. He will make a fine commander, which will allow me to unleash my zanpakuto in its full all-consuming fury.

He motioned for a messenger and one immediately landed beside him.

"Have our forces regroup and prepare for a potential second assault. The Thirteenth Division is to mobilize immediately and assist our forces in Karakura Town as planned. Contact Kisuke Urahara and see if he has finally prepared the gate to Aizen's Ark. I will invade the Ark alone."

The messenger hesitated for a moment, but left as instructed.

Are you up to it, old friend? He held his zanpakuto up to his gaze. Are you prepared to become the heart of the Sun once again?

Ichigo stumbled into the altar room, using the Shikai form of Zangetsu as a cane. It really sucked trying to keep his head up enough to see five steps ahead of him. His hair was singed down to a buzz, clearly showing every cut and bruise on his face. His left foot slapped plainly with each step, courtesy of a missing sandal. It matched the rest of him though as every other piece of fabric had become stained scraps, except for barely existing pants.

"Ow." He groaned as his muscles cramped and flayed nerves sent shocks over his raw skin. "Don't fall down. Please, don't fall down."

"Yeah, don't, because I'm not picking you up."

Naruto trudged around the other side with Hinata. They had an arm draped over each other's backs, and Ichigo honestly couldn't discern who was supporting who. Naruto appeared like he'd taken a bath in dark matter and Hinata's legs were obviously barely healed from some major damage.

"You guys look like crap."

"Says the almost naked guy."

"The Earl?"

"Dead. Aizen?"

"The same." Ichigo focused his attention on the altar, particularly the column with a scary resemblance to Orihime. "Is that …"

"It's them."

A lump formed in his throat as Hinata looked at him with a pained expression.

"Ichigo, I used my eyes to see past the stone surface. Their reiatsu is flowing within the altar, but their life signs are-"

"Don't. I understand. So please, it doesn't need to be spoken out loud." He came up close as his eyes welled up and his fist clenched. "I'm sorry I couldn't get to you in time."

Even in stone, she had a soft face – a gentle face. Someone like her never deserved to be brought into a world filled with monsters and bloodshed. She belonged in school surrounded by her friends, doing the goofy crap she always did and eating the weird food combinations that grossed normal people out. She shouldn't be here like this. It shouldn't be her fate. It wasn't right. It wasn't fair.

It never was.

He wanted to scream, to deny his helplessness. He had so much power now. Why? Why could he not save his friend? Why did it take so long for him to gain the strength necessary to come after her? Why couldn't he find a way to make sure she returned okay, smiling and laughing as their friends welcomed them home?

"Ichigo-"

"I know, Naruto. Even if I hadn't listened to you and came earlier, I wouldn't have been able to win, and right now instead of feeling this gnawing pit in my gut again, I'd be dead and Aizen would have already begun destroying everything. I can't help that I feel like this right now, but I do understand we did the only thing we could do. It's just a lousy way to win."

"Yeah." Naruto's eyes cut down and to the side. "It is."

"Could we use the altar to reverse the process?" Hinata asked.

"We would probably need the Hogyoku, which had bonded so completely with Aizen it turned into dust after his death." Ichigo wiped his eyes dry and took a shuddering breath. "We have to destroy this thing."

"I've already set that up." Shikamaru carried Lee on his shoulders as Shino dragged Starrk and Ulquiorra behind him. "While you guys fought, I laced this entire place with Naruto's custom exploding tags. We're making sure there isn't any way Aizen and the Earl can revive through some hidden apparatus on this Ark."

"Lee encouraged me to save his opponent prior to unconsciousness." Shino lifted Ulquiorra up. "Should I do the same with him?"

Ichigo paused for a moment at the unconscious Arrancar. There was hope the Espada may figure things out someday, and if he became a threat, he'd be stopped easily enough.

"Yeah."

"Hey Ichigo, would you tone down your reiatsu." Shikamaru winced and stepped back. "It's like walking into a wall of angry bees."

So it's like Zangetsu feared.

"This is toned down and I'm injured as well. You guys just need to keep some distance." Ichigo pushed himself to his full height. "I don't know how well you can sense the energy rolling off this thing, but an explosion isn't going to do the job. Someone needs to strike it directly, and I'm guessing it's going to let off a pretty big boom … like instant death boom."

"Ichigo is right." Hinata pushed herself and Naruto straighter. "I can't see a single way to dismantle this safely. What's worse is it is tied to the ark. We have to destroy both at the same time so they don't regenerate the other."

"Like the egg." Shino frowned. "And because the Rikudo Sennin's gate will have closed to protect the other side from the Ark's destruction, the one who stays will have no escape even if they destroy this altar from a distance."

"I'll do it." Ichigo swung his sword over his shoulder. "I'll stay."

"No, this one's on me, Ichigo." The entire room froze as Naruto stepped away from Hinata and smiled at everyone. "I'm the only one with enough reiryoku left and a big enough technique to do it."

"Naruto-"

"This isn't up for discussion." Naruto approached the teen. "You are too powerful and too young to die here. There's always going to be another threat, and as you are now, you can protect a lot of people. You've learned enough to fight smart so I don't have to worry about you anymore."

How is he standing right in front of me so decisively when I can see my reiatsu is hurting him?

"But don't you deserve a chance at a future?" Ichigo squeezed his eyes shut as the words came out as shouts. "You're the one who never got to have the family you always wanted with Hinata. You're the one who saved me when we were complete strangers. You helped me so you wouldn't have to shoulder all the sacrifices and yet you're still taking the bullet! Why … why does it always have to be you?"

"Because, I trust in my friends and my student to do things I could never dream of accomplishing." Naruto placed a battered hand on the teen's shoulder. "You have a huge heart, Ichigo. I am honored to have taught you."

"Damn it."

The first explosion rocked the entire city.

"We can find a better way and come back later." Shikamaru shifted Lee over his back. "This isn't going to happen again."

"I agree." Shino's face struggled to remain unreadable. "Do not do this again.

"There is dark matter in the altar, Shikamaru-san, Shino-kun. It must be destroyed or the Earl might find a way to come back." Hinata tore her pendant free of her necklace. "All of this tragedy ends today. We will make sure it does."

"Hinata?"

"I'm staying, Naruto-kun."

The blonde paused, almost like he was going to argue. Instead, he took the pendant from her and placed his special kunai with it. Naruto handed them to Ichigo.

"Yamamoto will know how to free these guys." A second, closer explosion knocked the loose rubble free. "Don't make my mistake and let things weigh you down, Ichigo. Be better than I was."

Naruto watched them disappear down the stairway as the detonations became more frequent. They'd spent enough time dragging their feet that getting out would be close. He really hoped they did. It'd suck if they all bit it here.

Hey, Kyubi, I can probably scrounge up enough power for a clone. You could escape and the Sennin might be able to build you a new body.

Ha, and crawl around as a common animal like the rest of my pathetic ilk. I will die a horrible death with my power, and pride, intact.

Want to exchange any goodbyes?

I'd prefer my last moments to be more peaceful and less sappy.

Naruto chuckled and moved up close to Hinata.

"Humor isn't what I would expect in a situation like this."

"It's just the fox." He embraced her and she wrapped her arms around his lower back. "I'm not sure how I feel about you staying."

"You were lying about having enough power left. It will take both of us to make a Rasengan capable of destroying the altar." She squeezed him tighter as the floor rattled like it would come apart at any time. "You never did tell me about that new dream you'd come up with."

"Eh, doesn't really matter now."

"I'd still like to hear it."

"I'll save it for the next life we stumble into … after we probably end up saving that world too."

She giggled softly into his shoulder.

"I love you."

"I love you too." He pulled away and lifted up his hand. "Alright, let's do this!"

Blue reiryoku rotated in his palm as she held her hands over it. He added more power as she took over shaping it and added hers. Larger it grew, until it was almost over a foot in diameter. They nearly toppled over as the left side of the tower gave out and the entire room began to slant.

"I'm really starting to hate towers."

"The final tag is going to go off." Hinata placed one hand on the back of his and used the other to keep the orb in place. "Three … two … one."

They yelled in unison, slamming the Rasengan against the altar and driving it deeper as the final explosion hit. The floor crumbled away as fissures stretched out over the device and light began to shine through. With a final push, the entire sphere plunged into stone and the world was bathed in white.

TWO YEARS LATER

Gaara hugged his sister as the Senkaimon opened up behind him and Rangiku. She waved and headed inside as he stayed behind.

"How are things with you two?" Temari asked as she leaned on her fan.

"Very well."

"You look happy, despite your attempts to hide it."

"I can't have her thinking I'm too happy." He turned with a wave. "Tell Rock Lee he is expected to return directly to Seireitei after his investigation. He just trained with Starrk last month and Karin needs him to watch the baby while she visits an old friend."

"Okay." She snapped her fingers. "Oh, the bum wanted me to ask how you were coming along with those people he rescued."

"Is Kyo giving you trouble again?"

"The man wants his wife out of stasis."

"We are making progress. If he did not want to be patient, he should have remained in the kunai."

"Yeah, Allen tried telling him that. It got ugly."

"Tell them to behave or they won't be allowed to remain outside of Seireitei."

He stepped into the gate and the doors snapped shut behind him. Steadily, he followed Rangiku along the tunnel between worlds. Being able to visit with family was one benefit of the hollows continual entering into the ninja world. The Shinobi were more than capable in most cases, especially after Urahara found a way to create purification tools to protect the balance of souls, but Seireitei liked to keep tabs on them.

"So, we don't have to be back to the office until morning." Rangiku tossed her hair over her shoulder and gave him a sly look. "If we run the entire way, we'd still have the entire evening to ourselves."

"I will have reports to catch up on."

She quirked an eyebrow.

"Really?"

Gaara used a Shunpo to come up beside her for a moment.

"I suppose we will need to move faster then."

Ichigo yawned as yet another colossal hollow challenged him for the title of king. It wasn't like he really wanted it. His companions were the ones that insisted on it. They didn't seem to grasp that while he had hollow in him, most of Hueco Mundo didn't appreciate the Shinigami dominance.

"Die! Shinigami scum!"

Ichigo stopped the titanic fist with a single finger.

"Do you know I get that line at least three times a day?" He flicked his finger, sending the behemoth tumbling backward. He lightly landed on its chest and pointed the sword between its eyes. "Give up."

"Go ahead, slay me with your self-righteous attitude."

"How many times to I have to say this?" He leaned down with an intimidating glare. "If you don't cause problems outside of Hueco Mundo and respect the other hollow who want to be left alone, I won't purify your ass."

"I still question why you bother." Ulquiorra walked up beside the giant's head and sharply tapped it with his fist. "They are not going to get it. The concept of mercy is foreign to the resident of Hueco Mundo."

"You figured it out – sorta."

"Harribel, Starrk, and the others are waiting to start dinner. Soul Society delivered some of the favorites today." Ulquiorra pocketed his hand. "Kisuke Urahara is here as well, ready to test the next series of repressors."

"Good, maybe we can break the two minute mark this time."

"Rukia Kuchiki is here as well. Perhaps this time, you may explain why, despite a lack of anger, your face flushes when she yells at you."

The sunlight filtered down between the gently swaying leaves. A yawn disturbed him from his daze and he peeked down at the children snuggled up on either side of him.

"When did you three sneak over here?"

"While you were sleeping." The one to his left giggled.

"Obviously. What I mean is-"

A scream echoed throughout the forest. He sprang to his feet and raced around to the front of his house. Armed thugs held a katana up to a young blonde girl's throat as they held her upside down by a single ankle.

Again?

"We know you've got money to have a house that big in outer Rukongai." The first thug spat. "We'll take everything and your food. Oh, and that wife of yours too. She should cooperate."

"You guys do know who I am, who she is, right?"

"We have a hostage." They gestured with the blade. "We'll kill your little girl if you so much as twitch in our direction."

The father sighed.

"Saya, how many times have I told you not to fool around playing captive? Even if they are weaklings, you can still get cut by that sword. I don't want to explain that to your mom."

"Sorry daddy."

"Hey, we're being serious here!"

"Kids. Training time!"

Twenty-six heads popped out of the surrounding bushes and foliage. Saya kicked the man holding her in the face and stole the katana in a single fluid motion. The others leapt out of their spots, pummeling the goons into the dirt. Saya faked a yawn and held the sword up overhead.

"I claim this as candy money!"

The father shook his head in exasperation and walked up the roiling dog pile.

"Speaking of candy, where's your older sister?"

"Samehada went to play with Jugo's animals at his farm. Nel had to go chase after them."

He groaned as the children picked the thugs clean of anything valuable.

"I do not want to have to apologize to Son Goku again."

The soft giggle drew his thoughts away from the irate ape and he faced its origin.

"Is this the sort of life you were expecting when you accomplished your dream, Naruto?"

Hinata walked out of the house with a handful of younger kids in tow. Naruto smiled wide.

"Yep!"

The smaller children took off into the pillaging as Hinata came up to watch along with him. While all the kid's training was coming along really well, both he and Hinata still made sure they could intervene in an instant if something went wrong. Someday, these adopted children of his would go off to Seireitei or begin policing Rukongai, building upon what he and Hinata had started. For now though, he'd be a little overprotective.

"Have I told you how much I love this dream of yours?"

"You have."

When he'd trained in outer Rukongai with Gaara prior to Hell and the final fights with Aizen and the Earl, he saw so many kids homeless … alone. Because everyone was scraping by themselves, no one cared about them. It reminded him so much of the life he led prior to graduating from the Academy when his entire world changed. He'd gotten the idea back then to build a place they could call home – a place of shelter, protection, and love. They could be kids instead of barely surviving, and if they wanted to, they could learn the skills to keep themselves safe.

The one thing he wanted more than anything was a family. So, he decided – with Hinata's blessing – to go to the extreme and make it a huge family. Sure, it had its own unique blend of craziness and trouble, but he'd never felt so content.

"I sometimes wonder if we need to put a leash on that sword."

Hinata laughed into her fist.

"Considering that sword allowed Nel-chan to find us and transform, I think we can deal with a little difficulty. He doesn't actually hurt the tailed beasts."

"The complaining gets old."

They could use the exercise. Yet another reason I am better off remaining a spirit sharing your body.

I know, Kurama. I know.

It'd been nothing shy of a miracle; albeit one specifically directed by the Sennin. His eldest daughter had opened a Garganta directly behind them as the altar began to break down. Already fully transformed into her adult version, she had pulled them far up into the air as Yamamoto appeared beneath them and bathed the explosion in suppressing flames. It'd happened so quickly, they were back within the safety of a new Garganta before he even realized what had happened.

"The bandits are becoming more prevalent. It won't be long until everyone knows where we are – including Seireitei."

"Eh, all our friends know we're alive and want to focus on raising a family for the time being. They'll leave us be if they find out. The old man will probably love the fact so many of these kids wanting to be Shinigami will be trained in teamwork." He scratched at the back of his head. "Besides, we're practically powerless now. Well, back to where we were before gaining companion spirits."

"You know our Zanpakuto have enough power to function if we reclaimed them. We'd be back to full strength in seconds." She leaned up against him. "I personally am in no rush though."

He tilted his head so it rested on top of hers. It didn't need to be said that they would be right back in the fray if needed. There would always be a threat. There would always be someone needing to be protected. Ichigo and the others could handle most of it, but if they couldn't … well, they were still ninja. That didn't mean they couldn't sneak away for a while – do good in someplace that wasn't tied up in life or death struggles.

The kids hung the thugs from the trees and began sorting out their loot.

"Neither am I, Hinata." He wrapped his arm around her waist. "Because right here, being a part of this craziness, is where I'm supposed to be … and I couldn't be happier."

FIN

Author's Notes:

Considering I started this back in 2011, I never would have thought this story would take me so long to complete. The sensation is multiplied when I realize that I began Asunder in 2009. I didn't think I'd still be playing around in the Naruto universe after so long. While I never considered abandoning Rend, it did get put on the back burner an awful lot and throwing the re-write in there certainly slowed things down.

However, ultimately, I am happy with the finished product. Some will like Asunder better. I personally feel that Rend is superior in terms of pacing, complexity, and base writing. Regardless, thank you to everyone who has been with me since Asunder began all those years ago, and the same to those of you who came in more recently. Thank you for your patience during the hiatuses (both planned and unexpected) and for taking the time to write reviews or message me directly. I also cannot adequately state my gratitude for your support during my dojo's collapse.

While bittersweet, I can say I have completed Naruto's journey as I envisioned it from the beginning. And with it, I have satisfied the idea pool for universes not my own. Sure, I've toyed with the idea of posting a Legend of Zelda fanfic that I wrote way (like 15 years) back. Being my first novel-length work, it would demonstrate just how far I've grown. But then, I really looked at it and decided no other eyes shall ever witness it, and honestly, the core story is not good enough to justify the time it would take to revise it.

So that means it is time for me to bow out. I'll still haunt this account if anyone wants to see what I'm up to or for new readers with questions. If some of the projects I'm working on do find success (really hoping for a good 2015), I will probably switch Asunder and Rend to a new account since I need the WrathfulSE label to be for original works. I'll let you know ahead of time if/when I do swap.

It's been a great experience, both for growth and enjoyment.

Signing off,

Warj