KG: I'm back. You back. We both back.

Music of the Week: Fury of the Storm by Dragonforce.

Quote: "Just because Fate doesn't deal you the right cards, it doesn't mean you should give up. It just means you have to play the cards you get to their maximum potential," by Les Brown.

After her brief talk with Tsunade, Kushina arrived back at the Uzumaki compound. Clearly those of the village had given her a wide berth due to her mood. She had not been in the greatest state of mind to be speaking with anyone. Yet, when she came home she was surprised to see Yura sealing some of her clothes into a scroll.

"You resigned as a Konoha shinobi? Yura-san, I know you're upset, but you can't resign this early! Shinobi resignation is a very serious matter. It's not like retirement. You don't just leave, then come back when you want to. If you resign you won't be able to return to the Corps for at least six to eight years! You could be ruining your career as a kunoichi forever," Shizune attempted to explain in a frantic manner.

Those of the Uzumaki household still around watched her continue to move. "So we're just supposed to let it go that this shithead council just kicked out one of the core members of our family just because they got a little scare?! Why the hell aren't all of us going after him right now?!" Tayuya asked.

Surprisingly, Komachi was the one who answered. "It would show clear, open hostility between our clan and Konoha if we decided to remove ourselves from under the Konoha village. We are still in the village. A revival of a nigh extinct clan, a resurgence of a powerful shinobi practice, and two jinchuuriki? I can confidently say that without Kushina-san or Naruto-san we wouldn't make it very far," Komachi replied.

Tayuya growled and stared off to the side. "Plus, we have to keep in mind that Konoha knows how we feel about that decision. They're going to be watching us now, especially after Yura's outburst back at the Mansion," Guren answered as well.

"But...but, six months without Naruto-nii is too long! We're Uzumaki, we're supposed to have a strong relationship with the Senju, the forefathers of this village. The Konoha flak jacket wears the Uzumaki symbol! It feels like we're the only ones who care about it since they don't seem to!" Yukimaru replied next which brought most to his attention.

He...he didn't like this. Yukimaru wanted his family back. He missed the days where the compound was filled with laughter and joy. This past week had been one of the most miserable that he had ever experienced. He tried to cheer himself up around Hanabi, but it was obvious that the strain was upon him.

"Well, I don't know about everyone else, but I joined this village because of Naruto and my family. I didn't come here because I had a particular love for the Konoha people, nor the 'Will of Fire' that so many preach about. I think we know my stance on the matter. Whatever happened, it wasn't Naruto's fault," Fuka then spoke.

Shi took a calming breath and exhaled. "I think we're all making too many hasty decisions here. Even if, and that's a large if, we did somehow leave the village, where would we go? Uzushiogakure isn't a shinobi village. Most of the people we've allowed to inhabit it are fishermen, sailors, merchants, and other casual laborers. What I mean to say is, what is to stop Konoha from launching an assault on us if we did leave?" Shi asked.

No one was able to speak for the moment. Kushina and Risa shared a glance. They both knew the answer to that question, but that was beside the point at the moment. "Enough! No more fighting. Listen, we're all upset. Very rightfully so, but we're not going to lose our heads here dattebane! Yura…," Kushina began, but the young redhead quickly spoke faster.

"I'm going, Kushina-san. Nothing anyone can say will change my mind. After everything Nii-sama's been through, for them to just throw him out like garbage is unacceptable! Well, I'm going to be one of those to show him that no matter what anyone else thinks of him, he'll always be welcome to me," She replied. She then finished packing her clothes and made for the door.

"Do you even know where he is?" Komachi asked. Yura stopped at the door. She then turned around and, despite the current mood of everyone, rubbed the back of her head.

"Yes?" She asked which forced a smile on everyone's lips. Even Kushina couldn't stay as sour as she wanted to despite how miserable the current situation felt. It seemed that time allowed the Uzumaki clan this brief moment of happiness before the world began to come to them with more of its problems.

Once the laughter stopped, Kushina exhaled. "As I was saying, since Yura has...effectively resigned as a Konoha shinobi then I will be escorting her out of the village. Once we've left we'll start finding my son. He'll reside in the Land of Eddies for however long this...exile is for," Kushina spoke.

"Is that a good idea, Kushina-san? You just left the hospital about an hour ago. You're still hurt. To be honest, I don't even know how you're standing right now," Shi answered back to her. Kushina almost wished her fellow Uzumaki hadn't reminded her of the pain. As soon as her anger, and by extension her power, had dispelled, it felt like the searing pain which had kept her body pinned to that hospital bed had returned. Yet, she couldn't afford to play the helpless patient right now.

"I'll be fine, dattebane. I'm a lot tougher than I look. Besides, I'll have the Uzushiogakure doctors look me over too before I do anything drastic," Kushina replied. That...didn't set Shi with a much better mood, but he had a feeling that it would be the only one that he would get. It also seemed that Kushina wasn't in the mood to discuss this further so he dropped the issue.

Once this was done, everyone was rather intrigued to see Komachi pulled up a bag she had been hiding. "Ah...I would like to go as well. I'm worried about Naruto. I have no doubt they told him what had happened. I won't allow him to blame himself for it. If there is something else happening here then he will need to know about it," Komachi answered.

Kushina swiftly agreed. "Very well, I'll leave the Uzumaki compound to Risa and Guren while we're gone. For the meantime, everyone tread carefully. Things between Konoha and us are more than a little tense. It's obvious we're not in each other's good graces anymore. So everyone keep a low profile until this matter calms down," she said.

Once everyone agreed, they were quick to bid their farewells to Kushina, Komachi and Yura. The three Uzumaki ladies, with no time to lose, left the village as soon as possible. Kushina advised them both to stick close to her because she hoped to finish this quickly. The three dashed off through the trees leaving Konoha behind them. "Don't worry, sochi. I'm coming!" Kushina exclaimed, the sound of her footsteps against the tree branches in her ears as she ran.

-x-

"So Nii-chan, any idea where we're going, or are we doing like the novels and just 'going where the wind takes us'?" Yuri asked, a cheeky grin on her face. Despite his current mood, Naruto couldn't help sharing in her enthusiasm. Of course he still didn't want this to happen, but this wasn't a bad start.

"Your guess is as good as mine, Yuri-chan. I didn't think I'd have to even answer that question," Naruto replied. A thought did pass his mind to go to the Land of Eddies, but given what he had apparently been accused of doing to his own family and the village...that idea wasn't so hot to him at the moment. Nevermind that because of him, Yuri had actually ruined her chances of going to the Chunin Exams. It...didn't make him happy, but his lover was a headstrong woman. She was just like his mother. Or perhaps it was better to say she was just like most Uzumaki women.

Yuri wasn't stupid. She knew that if Naruto wanted he could return back to the land of their clan, but he was averting the problem, but what could she say? She couldn't possibly understand what he was thinking.

Suddenly, the air felt very cold. The rise in spiritual pressure had both Uzumaki raise their heads. Before them stood the menacing, and powerful, gaze of the Shinigami. Honestly, no matter how many times Yuri bore her gaze upon the God of Death, he was still fearsome. Then again, who could handle the pressure of gods?

"Oh...hey, Shin. So much for the almighty summoner of one of the most powerful beings in the world, dattebayo," Naruto said. True, it felt a little bit out of character for the Kyuubi jinchuuriki, but it wasn't like he could hide anything from the god anyway so what was the point?

Yuri, however, had something else in mind. "Wait a minute! When Nii-chan fainted from our attack you said it was your fault! What did you do to Nii-chan?!" Yuri asked angrily. Of course she was angry, and her emotions were in control of her body. Her mind had not yet caught up to the fact that she had disrespected one of the most powerful forces within the spiritual plane. All that currently mattered was her brother's life had crumbled to pieces and, somehow, the Shinigami was responsible for it. That alone was enough to make her irrational.

As for Naruto, he was rather surprised to hear the accusation that Yuri claimed, but even more than this, he was surprised that the god of Death did nothing to refute her statement. The way he was staring at his summoner, it was almost as if Yuri didn't even exist. He then closed his eyes.

"Uzumaki Naruto, do not be afraid to return back to your homeland. Go there and meet with your priestess and your family at the base of the tallest mountain. Once there, you will know where to go. I will wait for you there," he claimed.

Before Naruto or Yuri could even question him on why he was asking this or why he couldn't explain it where they were, the Shinigami faded away and the feeling of pressure had been gone. This left the two Uzumaki alone once more. "I hate it when he does that," Yuri claimed. Naruto had no particular response to her statement. He had been with Shin for about two years now and he was no closer to understanding the god than when he had first met him.

Naruto exhaled. He was really tired, and that was coming from him...the guy who had energy in spades. "At least we have a destination in mind now, dattebayo!' Naruto exclaimed. He could tell with the way that Yuri glared at him that she did not appreciate his humor. Yet, the redhead found herself getting to her feet and dusting off her pants.

Naruto then stood to his feet as well. He was ready to depart and make a fast travel to the Land of Eddies, but Yuri was quick to stop him. "Ne Nii-chan, isn't that Ayame-nee and Teuchi-oji?" she asked. The blonde glanced back to the road and stilled when he saw his favorite proprietors of the Ichiraku Ramen industry making their way through the dirt roads along with a local merchant caravan.

"But where are they going?" she then asked. Now that was a question that Naruto didn't know, but he was going to find out.

"Ayame-nee, Teuch-oji!" Yuri yelled which halted the caravan. The father and daughter duo turned to their left. They watched the two Uzumaki drop down to the dirt road at their side. Surprise washed through their faces. Ayame jumped off the horse she had been riding. She was just in time to catch Yuri in a tight hug.

"Yuri-san, Naruto-kun, it's good to see you! Are you on a mission?" Ayame asked. Thankfully, both Uzumaki held their nerve enough to keep the dejection from their faces. All they could manage was to offer tough smiles.

"Something like that. What about you? Where are you going?" Naruto then asked. The same could not be said for Teuchi and Ayame. Their faces turned sorrowful, and it seemed like their hearts were heavy. Whatever they were going to say next seemed hard to get out.

In time, Teuchi finally spoke. "Naruto, my boy. We tried to see you at least once to give you the news, but we never found you. You see, we have decided to move our business from Konoha. It's not that Konoha isn't profitable, but...there have been many, and I mean many, booming business ventures in a new rising country. We're going to take our chances there," He said.

They say that when you're down, the world tries to kick you down even harder. That was how Naruto felt. It was how Yuri felt. It seemed as if the news just refused to stop weighing down on them both. This time, Naruto's smile wasn't enough to stop Ayame and Teuchi from noticing the force behind it. "A-Ahaha, I'm happy for you guys! You both deserve nothing, but the best dattebayo! We gotta teach the whole world about the joys of ramen! Go get 'em!" Naruto said, his fist tight in a feeling of triumph. Though it was obvious to see that he didn't really feel that way.

"Thanks, my boy! I hear the Land of Eddies has great business around the year. We'll miss you, but we'll be around sometimes!" Teuchi replied.

Yuri glanced at Ayame, then she turned her head to Naruto. Her eyes as wide as the sun, Yuri covered her mouth. What followed was a first spurts of laughter as the redhead Uzumaki female tried to cover her own. "Erm, I...pfft...I hope you succeed! You...heh...you'll be sorely missed, dattebayen!" Yuri replied. She turned away and pushed her head into Naruto's chest. Her body shivered with laughter.

Naruto, himself, held his joy a little better. "Ah, the Land of Eddies, I've heard about that place. I've actually been there once or twice. I'll tell you what, if the whole caravan is going, how about I take everyone there? If not, I can personally escort you both there. I'm...not in a hurry to get back to the village," Naruto explained.

"I've been there too! I'm not in a hurry either!" Yuri opted in. Ayame and Teuchi looked at the two, and then at each other. It did not have to be said that the pair collected their things, paid the caravan leader, and watched the entourage depart for greater adventures. It wasn't until they were out of sight that Ayame spoke.

"We will need to hurry. The next ship which departs for the Land of Eddies will be leaving in three weeks," she said.

"No need to worry. We'll be getting there today," Yuri boasted. Teuchi and Ayame glanced at each other before they both silently agreed. Shinobi stuff. Neither tried to wrap their minds around it. It wouldn't have done them any favors. Instead, they allowed themselves to be pulled by Yuri out of the way from the road.

Naruto took a calming breath to steady himself. Of course he was nervous in using his powers, but...he desperately sought to not hurt anyone here. All the months of training he had done in creating his techniques through the use of Honshou had flooded back to him. He just...needed to be careful.

"Jikūyugami no Jutsu (Time-Space Distortion Technique)," Naruto called out. Within his body, he could feel the breakdown of Honshou. He could feel the searing burns of the seals upon his arm while the familiar dark-purple portal exploded in front of the group shocking both Ayame and Teuchi.

The former awkwardly chuckled. "Naruto-kun, is this...safe?" she asked. To be honest, Naruto wasn't even sure of that himself. Thoughts of his nightmares entered his mind. What if his technique had somehow changed and it killed all who passed through it? He wouldn't be able to live with himself if he had caused some kind of harm to them.

However, Naruto didn't have to answer. "Are you kidding? Of course it's safe! It's the fastest way to get to anywhere! Our family uses it all the time!" Yuri encouraged. Of course, Teuchi and his daughter still had reservations, but they decided to place their trust not only in Yuri's word, but in Naruto's capabilities.

The four were ready to make the step through the portal before the blonde jinchuuriki turned around. He could feel two chakra signatures and a spring of honshou heading for his location. He could tell the two signatures were Uzumaki and there was only one person besides him that had that type of spiritual energy.

In a flash, Kushina, Yura, and Komachi dropped to the ground as well. "Yura-nee!" Yuri called. Kushina stood to her feet along with the two other Uzumaki ladies. Her eyes turned to her son. To many Naruto might have appeared fine, but to her who knew her son in both his public and private moments, she could see how vulnerable he was, especially mentally. Within her mind, it made her curse Konoha even harder.

"Hey...Kaa-chan. I'm...glad you're alright Komachi," Naruto said, his voice a slight crack that no one missed. The other blonde who had just arrived offered him a warm smile. She did not blame him for what occurred, but the fallout was something that did not please her either.

"I'm glad you're okay as well, Naruto. I heard what happened. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you better," Komachi replied. A chuckle, Naruto put his head in his hands. Her protect him? He was the one who boasted that he could, and would, protect their family. This was all he had to show for it. Some clan leader.

"Onii-sama, please wait. No one at the compound blames you. We all love you. No matter what Konoha says, we'll always feel safe with you!" Yura pleaded. Komachi and Yuri quickly agreed with her. Yet, Kushina was surprisingly silent.

They watched Naruto sigh. "I can't say I feel the same way, Yura-chan. I don't even know where to begin fixing this. Everything that's happened, it's only reminded me of those days when I was little. If what they said is true, then maybe I...maybe I am a thre...mmph!" Naruto was effectively cut off from his monologue by a kiss from Kushina. The taste of his mother's lips filled his senses and warmed his body. He could feel the spiritual energies which surrounded her body fill his own.

"Ah, Kushina-san! I was gonna do that!" Yuri exclaimed, a pout on her face. Teuchi and Ayame gasped at this sight while Yura and Komachi smiled.

A deep sigh, Kushina rubbed her son's cheek releasing a soft moan from him before she pulled away. "Sochi, you aren't a threat. There might have been a little hiccup at that time, but don't you dare think that dattebane. You're my son. You're my future husband. You are my family. We will find out who did this to you and why, then you'll come home with us just like always. Now, judging by your use of your technique, I take it you were taking our friends somewhere?" Kushina asked.

Naruto took himself out of the daze he had just been in. Wow, maybe he should get himself exiled for often. A bit of humor for a morbid circumstance, but it did make him feel better. He turned to see their shocked faces. Oh right, he had never officially announced to anyone that he was getting married...to his mother. Sakura had been one of the first/only people to find out. Of course Teuchi and his daughter had to be shocked.

"Erm...right, Teuchi-oji and Ayame-chan are leaving Konoha to go to the Land of Eddies. I was offering to take them there," Naruto replied. Kushina quickly nodded and patted both on their shoulders. She could still see the shock upon their faces. Perhaps…this would take some getting used to for them.

"I see. Well then, let's hope they find suitable living arrangements on the island. Don't worry, we all have faith in Sochi's abilities. It's perfectly safe. Now, let's go!" Kushina encouraged as she pushed the owners of Ichiraku Ramen through the purple portal before they could protest. I did not take long for Naruto, Yuri, Yura, and Komachi to walk behind her.

The portal quickly took them to the outskirts of the village. As soon as Ayame landed she could smell the salt of the sea. She could also see the large bustlings of business below. Fishers, merchants, trade dealers, Uzushiogakure had all of them. A thriving village made just for guilds of all kinds.

"Pick a spot of land, and we'll quickly set up your living arrangements. There are many carpenters here willing to build anything for the right price," Kushina opted to tell them. It would be better than having them bumbling about getting into any kind of trouble.

Teuchi cleared his throat. "Erm, shouldn't we speak with the leader of the village first before we make our plans?" he asked.

"Oh, I know the leader of the village. He and I have a...intimate relationship. You'll be fine dattebane!" Kushina said. She then grabbed Naruto's hand and began dragging him off while the four remaining Uzumaki ladies traveled behind them.

"No worries! I'll come back and check on you guys once we're finished with our own things dattebayen! I promise!" Yuri yelled from afar. The group quickly took to the trees and dashed off which left the father-daughter duo alone. An uncomfortable silence ran between them as both were unsure of what to talk about from what they had seen.

His previous task finished, Naruto made his way through the home grounds of his clan's native land. Even now, he could feel the energy from the earth pouring into him due to his heritage as an Uzumaki. It was as if this land was specifically designed for his family to reside in. His eyes forward, he could see the largest mountaintop in the distance. That was where Shion had been living as of late with the rest of her people from the Land of Demons. It quickly occurred to him that they both had not seen a lot of each other. Now he was only going to see her because he was afraid he was becoming a potential threat, not just to Konoha, but also to his own family.

"Kaa-chan, if the rest of the team is feeling better, can you bring them to that mountaintop along with everyone else? I...need everyone gathered," Naruto said. This drew attention from the four ladies to him. They saw him point to the area in question. This...worried Kushina. Why would he need to go to the Uzumaki clan shrine?

"Why is that?" Yura asked.

"Shin told me to. At this point, it's all I have to know what's going on," Naruto said. The young summoner of death began his trek to the mountaintop. Unlike his usual self, he didn't decide to begin the journey through a dash of trees. Instead, he seemed to prefer a slow pace with his hands in his pockets.

Kushina frowned for a moment. "Yura, go with Sochi. The rest of us will meet you there," the redhead said. The younger redhead slowly nodded and moved to catch up with her older family member. While Naruto's mother watched his happen she, Yuri, and Komachi headed for the clan grounds a bit further inland from the village town below. She hoped it was nothing, but...ever since she kissed her son...her entire body felt a surge in righteous fire. Yet...it was unlike any power she had ever used before. It felt so warm...even the depths of her soul could feel it.

As Kushina walked she could only wonder, how would everyone else take this recent development.

-x-

"What do you mean Naruto's been exiled?!" Yugao asked, it was clear to everyone present that she was not in the greatest mood. Though not known to most of those around, Yugao did treat Naruto and the rest of the team like the family she had lost over her life. Yes, that even included Sasuke, abrasive though he might be. Even hearing Kushina, Yuri, and Komachi's explanation of what happened did not placate her mood.

"He was deemed a threat due to the uncontrollable nature of his power. I kept telling them that there had to be something wrong with him, but I was repeatedly ignored. Unless we can find proof that Nii-chan wasn't directly responsible for the attack, and he has new mastery over his abilities, then he's exiled for half a year," Yuri claimed.

Yugao didn't want to say it, but each word from Yuri's explanation was making the former Anbu agent angrier and angrier. It had been a very long time since Hayate's death that she felt this much suppressed anger. Her team, her family, had gotten her through so much of her grief in dealing with her lost love. The pain that she felt some nights made her long to join him, but...this place, this team, this family that she protected had granted her new meaning to her life.

"So that also means that Naruto's been removed from the Hinoken group as well?" Kakashi asked. Kushina's silence to that question was not something that Kakashi liked. Kami if he hadn't been healing in the hospital for these weeks then he would surely have been there to try and argue a case for his former blonde student.

"That still doesn't offer many leads. We've all seen what Naruto can do. What's powerful enough to possess him?" Mikoto asked while Sasuke helped her change the bandages of her dead eye. Ever since she had casted the Izanami ability through her sharingan, her eyesight had been completely drained away.

"Hn, they can remove him from the team if they want, but he's not going anywhere. Konoha's not stupid. They know they need him. It probably just to soothe their own ego and sense of control," Sasuke remarked. It seemed a bit of a harsh view, but no one was particularly in a Konoha-favorable mood right now.

Seeing everyone slowly delve into silence, Kushina released a breath. "The doctor has cleared you all to a least begin rehabilitation. I'm going to gather everyone else. We'll be going to the Uzumaki shrine. Apparently, the Shinigami has ordered an audience," Kushina said. Her voice carried a chill that no one liked, but none would argue with her. The team agreed.

Once that was done, Kushina spent her time finding everyone else. She managed to locate Karin, Suigetsu, Itachi, Konan, Jugo, Haku, and Zabuza. Once they were gathered, she began to bring everyone together. Needless to say, but the news was passed to them as well. Surprisingly, it seemed that the one who took it the hardest was Haku.

The redhead fiancee of Uzumaki Naruto stared at those gathered and began to lead them to the base of the tallest mountaintop in all of the Land of Eddies.

-x-

The blond exiled ninja released a huff as he had just finished walking the rather lengthy trail. Kami, it had been a while since he had been up here. In front of him laid large concrete stairs leading up to the temple shrine. One foot in front of the other, he climbed the steps until he came to the face of the building.

It was a very beautiful shrine, every single color was dedicated to the Uzumaki culture. Red pillars, a luscious green shrine field, exquisite marble walls. A place for prayer and healing, So many walls surrounded it. It was its very own compound. Elegant fish swam in the pools around each structured building. Obviously the builders had done more than their money's worth. It was a very beautiful settlement.

"Naruto-sama, welcome to the Uzumaki Shrine! Shion-sama has been expecting you," One of the shrine maidens claimed. It seemed that the priests Shion was training were all away on other affairs. The blonde followed the woman through the main halls. It wasn't long before he spotted his cousin sitting upon an altar. Her eyes stared into a burning fire. She then began to write on a piece of paper with an ink brush.

"So...it only takes uncertain doom to make you visit me, Naruto?" Shion asked. The blonde winced at the accusation being presented to him. True, he hadn't come here as much as he probably should have, but there were good excuses for that. Forgive him if he couldn't think of them off the top of his head.

The jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi exhaled. "I'll...I'll try to visit more dattebayo!" he said, his shoulders slumped. He watched her turn around to face him. Dressed in grant clothes of lavender and red befitting a priestess of the shrine, she walked down the lengthy steps until she was eye level with him. Only then did she flick him in the forehead.

"Good. Now, I know why you're here. You need to go into the deepest part of the mountain. It's the only place that's safe," Shion said. That did not make Naruto very happy.

"Safe from what?" he asked.

"Yourself," she replied. A chill ran down the blonde's spine. So far, this day was not turning out like he had hoped it would. He waited for Shion to lead him, but she quickly told him that the others would be joining them shortly. It was then that Naruto remembered the Shinigami had asked for the blonde to bring his family with him.

While they waited for the others to arrive, Shion decided to ask Kanna, the shrine maiden who guided Naruto into the temple, to make tea for them. The priestess decided to attempt to ease her cousin's fears with talk of past times. She told him about the many accomplishments and teachings she had received as well as the visions and prophecies which she had allowed to come to pass, and ones that she herself had prevented. Apparently, there was a prophecy that involved Uzushiogakure being submerged in water. The look on Naruto's face made her laugh, but the Uzumaki priestess told him that with her newly granted powers via divine blessings of the Shinigami and her heritage as an Uzumaki she had already taken steps to prevent that road of destiny. Naruto made a joke asking her why she couldn't do so for this one.

"Because I tried Naruto. Despite all of my attempts...you will be the one who determines whether the world flows into a new era...or if it will become a barren wasteland of nothingness void of all life. But, I have faith in you. I just...wish I could tell you," Shion said to herself. Now, understand, Shion knew she could tell him. Nothing was stopping her from telling him, but...she had been granted a vision of what would happen if she did tell him. The results were...not what she liked. It had been given to her by the Shinigami because he, specifically, ordered her to keep this knowledge from her family. It did hurt, but he promised her that it was for the best. If Naruto could have faith in the Shinigami, then...perhaps she could as well.

It wasn't long before Yura was the first to come. She took a seat next to Naruto and began speaking with Shion about other things. While they spoke more moments passed and the three could see the entire residence of the Uzumaki clan grounds walking towards the shrine.

"You have the most interesting times even when we're not around, eh Naruto?" Kakashi asked, his smile disarming to not cause the blonde anymore grief than he probably felt.

"It's not like I go around asking for trouble, Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto replied. Yugao quickly came through the group and scoffed.

"Please. Your middle name might as well be trouble." she remarked. Despite himself, Naruto chuckled at this statement. It wasn't his fault that trouble seemed to find him. If he could, then he would blame his mother. She was just as much, if not more, trouble as he was.

"As funny as this no doubt is, aren't we all supposed to be making our way through some cave deep in the mountains? Some of us were sword shopping until I got my ear pulled by that she-devil over there!" Suigetsu said pointing at Kushina. Said merely found the tiles of the ceiling rather fascinating.

"I agree. We're not here to waste time. Let's go," Shion said. She guided the Hinoken group and all those whom they had encountered to the very back of the shrine. All were surprised to find it guarded by at least five capable warriors. Each moved to the side. It was obvious from their aura that they were very impressive fighters. Yet, Naruto didn't understand. What was down here that Shion felt she had to protect with these people? And why hadn't anyone else been informed?

Shion cleared her throat while the guards worked on unlocking the door. "I'm sure everyone is surprised that no one knew about this. That's because it was discovered around the time that Naruto brought me back to our native home. In my dreams, the Shinigami came to me. I was instructed to build this temple here that none may discover it unless...a time like this would happen." she said.

The door opened and everyone peered into the darkness below. Scented candles rested on the walls of the cave. Each began flickering with light as the group passed downward. "And what is happening?" Kushina asked.

"The Shinigami called it...The Trial of Ascension. I asked what it was, but I wasn't answered. Perhaps at the time I wasn't allowed to know that knowledge. All I know is that below here is a massive door. It's very old. It's likely older than any artifacts that I have ever seen or been allowed to see. I tried opening the door, but even with my powers I could not even get it to budge, even with my powers. Perhaps, I will now receive the answers I've been searching for," Shion said. The silence of the group told her that there was no point in explaining anymore.

The walk through the cave was longer than anyone could have thought. Perhaps an hour and a half of what this meant or what could be awaiting them was spoken. Yet, this journey came to an end once everyone came before the very thing which Shion had described.

In front of everyone laid a massive door of unknown material. Laid upon the left door were various glyphs, symbols, and pictures of times long gone from this mortal age. Upon the right was what Naruto felt as symbols of the gods. It seemed that there were even more gods than the ones that he had seen at the council. Both sides seemed to tell a story which no one knew about, and even more...it was obvious that the door was not meant to be opened by mortal man.

"I don't understand. There was nothing like this in Mito-baachan's stories that she used to tell me. There's never been any record of this," Kushina said. Her eyes gazed over its mighty design. How could anyone craft this especially without the clan knowing?

"We can speculate as much as you'd like, but how do we get it open?" Sasuke asked. It was a question that no one knew the answer to.

"It is not for you to open the door. It is for him to open,"

Everyone stilled in wonder when they saw the Shinigami appear before them. For some, it was the first time their eyes had laid upon the God of Death and his menacing aura. For others, it seemed as if they were meeting an old friend, but...everyone was rather intrigued when the Shinigami pointed at Naruto, but...what shook them was what he did next.

"And those who have decided to take this journey to this place will be the keys that will strengthen him when that time comes," Shin replied. Everyone looked at each other. They were not sure exactly what he was claiming, but it seemed that Naruto needed their help in opening the door, but more than half of the group wasn't Uzumaki. How could they possibly help him?

As they all contemplated this new information, they all saw the god of Death glow in a very bright light. It was so bright that it lit up the whole cavern system. There was not a single piece of darkness to be found anywhere. "But, that time is not now. Instead this time is reflection and understanding. This time...is for learning," he claimed and then...the light was gone almost as if it had never been there in the first place.

Once the lade faded away, everyone was greeted with the sight of a man covered in a white full-length kimono. His hair as white as the snow which drifted to the ground, some quickly came to recognize him almost similarly to that form that Naruto had acquired when he fought Pain. This white aura was put into a vast contrast between the dark pants he wore as well. Even his pupil-less eyes which resembled those of a Hyuga were not enough to discern who he was. Neither were the horn-like protrusions from his forehead a hint either.

"You see, I am not the first Shinigami. Nor will I be the last. Unlike the other gods, my divinity is drawn from the very essence of mortality. I am the current vessel for the divine powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Shinigami. I am the fifth vessel of the Shinigami, Hamura Otsutsuki. We have much to speak on you remnants of the Uzumaki family. You as well remnants of the Uchiha family. You, and all who are under you, will come to play a role in whether or not Naruto's Trial of Ascension means prosperity for the world, or a ruination of the order that so many before have attempted to establish…,"

Naruto did not like the look of those eyes that were upon him. Even more, he didn't like this foreboding feeling of what he was about to hear.

-x-

"I am sorry, Jiraiya-chan, but this is how it must be. The old Geezer has never been wrong before. Unfortunately, there is no evidence to show that he would be wrong now. I know how hard this must be for you, but…," a small green toad, Fukasaku, was cut off when he saw Jiraiya punch a boulder to pieces.

"Don't say it, Pa. It has to be wrong. I can't do it! I won't do it! I...I...can't." Jiraiya replied. This...this wasn't how it was supposed to happen. This...couldn't be how it was happening.

"I'm sorry Jiraiya-chan. But, even if you don't inform Tsunade-hime about this, I will do it. The choice is yours. Either you tell her or I will of the image that the old geezer painted for all of us. Fire rains down from the sky, demons and spirits run through the earth snatching up the souls of men, women, and children alike, water turns to blood, swarms of locusts devour the very life from the lands, the Five Great Nations...no stone is left upon another, and the gods will battle for the right of supremacy over our lives. All of this will happen...unless Uzumaki Naruto dies before the Winter Solstice this year," the elderly toad which made Jiraiya clench his fists so hard blood spilled from the palms of his hands.

KG: So...the return was about what I expected. Few hate it, some are happy with it. I suppose that stands to reason. Nothing I can do about it. Now then, on to you...son.

Derek:...

KG: Why does he only sleep? Shouldn't he be crying his little lungs off? I got these noise-cancelling headphones for a reason. Well, it was mainly for my wife, but still.

Wifey: I heard that.

KG: Nah. See you later Folks. Stay Breezy, protect what's important to you, and SEND ME CREAM SODA!

Derek: Waaaaaa!

Wifey: I hate you.

KG: So do I. Oops.