And I have returned from the dead, to grant more content, more writing and more of this story. A good friend of mine reignited my need to write this, to finish it finally. Now it's nowhere near to done, but we're another step closer to the end.

Blood.

Everywhere. Every tree, rock, and patch of grass had flecks or pools of it.

Naruto pulled the axe from the black haired Iwagakure Shinobi impaled against one of the sparse trees. In this region, it was hard to find much else aside from rocks and dirt.

The body fell a second later, joining the lower half in a pool of blood.

It was a narrow canyon.

Close to the border between the land of Fire and Earth. Kusa had been destroyed many weeks ago, and the advancement into the foreign territory was coming with unseen consequences.

Like an entire platoon of Shinobi sent directly from Iwa kind of unseen. Naruto had dealt with them all the same.

"M-monster!"

Naruto ignored the dying Ninja, only giving him enough attention to direct a stomp accurately to the back of the neck.

A small crunch passed through the air before silence returned to the bloody canyon.

"This is Titan" Naruto's earpiece had remained undamaged, "the outpost has been destroyed. I have a straight shot at Iwa"

"Confirmed, Titan. Supporting Units are inbound, only a day out. Sit tight"

Casualties had been at an all time low during what many assumed to be the final days of the War. And while possible, a war of this scale historically suggested a larger number of deaths.

People were dying, make no mistake, but the forces of Konoha were weathering the storm. The tree had firm roots.

Months ago, Kumogakure had engaged the village hidden in the leaves. The Nibi Jinchuriki was still being held in Konoha, and the hidden village of lightning country wasn't going to take that sitting down.

Kumogakure Shinobi had started a steady invasion into the land of fire.

Hiruzen hadn't wasted any time. The response was immediate and overwhelming. Most surprisingly, Suna had not waited around either. A joint task force had been put together as soon as the first report of conflict at the border had reached either village.

These very same reports had stated that the fighting had broken out almost instantly. There had been no sign of an attack, just sudden chaos and murder.

That had been months ago.

Nearly three and a half months into the fight, and all sides were feeling the strain of conflict. No more so than those that faced the destructive war machine of the Hidden Leaf.

Naruto had been apart of the first task force against the incursion into their lands. A division of ANBU supported the Jounin and Chunin contingent, and with the herald of the mind stone, they had cut a bloody swathe through the invading forces.

Kumo had floundered trying to come up with a response, but Hiruzen did not have the patience to let them figure out if they wished to continue fighting or wished for peace.

The old man considered most of the other Kage to be children playing at a game he was very well versed at.

Konoha continued the fight. Surrender was met with sharp Kunai.

At the time Naruto was very aware that Danzo was pulling strings in the military forces. It didn't take psychic powers to see what was happening.

Bloodline Shinobi were being taken back to Konoha in chains. Many famous and distinguished Shinobi from Kumo had been marched away under Naruto's gaze, disappearing in between rows of the faceless Root Shinobi.

Other's noticed as well, but many failed to find any care to comment. It was immoral, unethical, and the very reason why clandestine operations should be conducted away from judgemental people…

But many would agree that what Danzo was doing only strengthened the position of their village. Chunin and Jonin were content to look the other way. They knew what was happening.

Captured Shinobi would disappear and be used to breed a new generation of warriors… and Naurto, among others, couldn't care less.

He couldn't find it in himself to worry about these nameless ninja, knowing what they had done to captured Konoha ninja, or even villages and towns situated in the Land of Fire.

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind, but revenge was a concept Shinobi were familiar with.

This seemed fitting.

This seemed fine.

But the majority of the fighting had occurred nearly a month ago. Konoha held a few defended positions within the Land of Hot water. Many had expected Ame to be fought through a proxy war, but when nearly a hundred shinobi were killed in their sleep miles from the border to Kumo in nearly eight different towns….

Konoha had struck with fire and fury. No quarter was given, no surrender had been accepted. The captured territories were recovered, and their fallen were avenged.

And that was just the beginning.

With the Kumo forces decimated and pushed into a retreat, Naruto's attention had been swung towards a new frontline, to the northwest.

Iwa had begun its first movements.

They were testing Fire Country.

The conflict with them shouldn't have begun so quickly, but the Daimyo was snarling for blood. With so much being taken and given, the political waters were free for everyone that wanted a piece of one another. Iwa had always wanted a piece. They had merely bided their time for an excuse to jump into the fray.

What the Daimyo didn't understand was that Konoha had much more invested into this war then he could even begin to imagine.

The bad blood between the Earth and Fire countries also didn't do much to help.

Hiruzen had signed the executive order for Naruto's deployment change without a second's hesitation.

Yet another task force was formed.

A few familiar faces had worked with him to eliminate the Iwa saboteur teams that were taking out fire country interests and assets.

Kakashi had witnessed first hand Naruto's capabilities at the Kanabi crossing, an area that the older man was familiar with.

The redhead had offered himself as bait for a whole platoon of Shinobi, while Itachi Uchiha had been responsible for the assassination of the enemy Jonin commander.

Both had walked away victorious. Even with little to no survivors for every mission and battle, word started getting out of the purple man with the glowing weapon.

Iwa's response?

Specialised Assassination teams, each geared towards removing the Konoha Shinobi assets.

Kakashi had come under assault a countless number of times over the past year. Iwa had chosen not to engage Konoha in open combat. Kumo was evidence of what happened when you challenged the might of Fire country.

And even though Suna was getting a pick of the scraps in the fight, they were happy that the Purple Titan wasn't being pointed in their direction.

The Tsuchikage would not be making that mistake it seemed.

Danzo and the ANBU commander had devised a plan that for all intents and purposes seemed simple.

If Iwa was not willing to end the conflict and relinquish the territories, then perhaps it was time for a change in leadership.

And so the Konoha war council and strategists had schemed. All it took was one educated analyst to come up with a solid solution. In essence: cut off the head of a snake, and the body will die.

So a hole had been punched into the Earth Country border by Naruto. The Iwa Shinobi forces didn't even know what hit them.

Naruto's mind drifted away from the near past. So much had happened in such little time. Yet the same feeling of foreboding, the same horror that gripped him in his sleep…

Nothing could be done about it. Rest was needed if he wanted to remain completely alert.

Naruto rolled his shoulders, focusing on the world around him.

There.

Finding the softest patch of dirt, Naruto took a seat, closed his eyes and began to meditate.

Tsuna Kaguya lay in the muck, blood seeping from his side, contemplating if he'd live to see another day.

He wasn't panicking. There wasn't enough effort in his body for that to happen.

What a fucking day.

Between the mountain ranges of Lightning country, and the encroaching forces of Konoha, he'd probably die before he got a chance to see his home again.

Tsuna and his team had been sent to observe and collect, to see how the war was going. Kumo wasn't doing so well it seemed.

Tsuna figured this out due to the roaming death squads that had been deployed to the mountains, killing off anyone near the border. They couldn't afford spies or infiltration units, and so civilians attempting to flee had been slaughtered in droves.

It was one such squad that had targeted Tsuna.

No noises, no sudden speeches or talking, and most certainly no warning. Four masked shinobi had fallen upon the Kiri Jonin and his squad, killing all but one.

Tsuna had avenged his team, but he'd paid the price for it.

The deep cut to his ribs still stung.

'It wouldn't be that bad… dying here' Tsuna thought, his gaze taking in the unearthly landscape, 'there are uglier places to die'

Catching him off guard, a figure appeared above him. Tall, covered in red... with white spiky hair. Tsuna couldn't see any details anymore, his mind feeling too tired.

He thought he recognised the man.

Someone famous?

The man was saying something, probably to someone else, but Tsuna couldn't focus anymore, his vision slowly blurring.

Darkness crept up on the edges.

The last thing he felt before he passed out was a warm burn of chakra against his wound.

It was a beautiful place. Green and lush trees everywhere. A metallic city lay in the background, glistening peaks of glass and metal stretching into a sky covered by some kind of electric film.

A strange place.

Filled with stranger people.

One of them had a shield.

White, blue and red.

One stood next to him, a man made of metal. His glowing blue eyes unnerved Naruto, but it was nothing compared to the beast. A green monstrosity, covered in gigantic muscles. A hulk of a being.

An archer as well, arrow pulled taught across a bow.

Fiery red hair. A determined expression. One fierce woman stood with the group, she was flanked by a dark-skinned man with an eye patch, and another formidable woman in a black outfit.

Oh. There were two beings of metal.

The other was crouched, a black spider covering the front of its form.

"There's something watching us"

The voice sounded contorted through water almost, but it came from a floating man. A red cape with blue robes. He looked right at Naruto. Right through him.

A deep gasp of air returned everyone's attention to the floor, where the purple body of Naruto's father lay, bloodied and broken.

"I've got a bad feeling about this" the metal man mumbled, hands splayed and aimed at Naruto.

Naruto took a step back, and everyone moved at once, exploding into motion to rush at the fallen form of Thanos.

He held a green and yellow stone in his hand. A bare hand. There was no gauntlet, the shield from the stone's energy, and the power of utilising two was burning through his very being.

"Don't hesitate Thane" the eyes of Naruto's father closed, "don't fail me"

A guttural roar distracted Naruto.

The last thing he would see was the head of a hammer, wielded by a man wreathed in lightning.

"Easy"

Naruto snapped up panting, sucking in air every second that he kept his eyes open. He had fallen far deeper into the trance than he had planned.

"Bad dreams huh?"

The sky had turned dark, but there was enough light out to distinguish the face of Shisui Uchiha.

"Shisui-san?"

He was in… something different. A full bodysuit of corded metal. It seemed grafted to his skin, without any obvious joints or release points for him to get out of the suit. It accented every part of the man's body, yet gave him a very ethereal feel.

Alien.

That's what it looked like.

"Naruto-san"

Itachi, Sasuke, Kai and other Uchiha came into view. Interesting. All of the Uchiha present sans Kai and Sasuke were wearing this new suit. Each held a strange helmet with a singular glass visor in their hands.

"You're my support?"

Sasuke snorted, "you sound like it's a problem to have Konoha's greatest clan to back you up" the haughty tone was a joke, and Kai cuffed Sasuke on the back of his head with a grin on his face.

"What's with all the Uchiha?"

"Because we're going after the big fish" Itachi approached him, the strange combat suit covering him from neck to toe, giving him an inhuman presence. A hand was stuck out towards the seated Titan.

Naruto hesitated, taking in Itachi's appearance.

His hair had been cut down as well.

Any who were wearing the strange new suit had shortened haircuts. Obviously they served some kind of external function.

Naruto studied them, wondering the purpose of the suit. As his mind came up with nothing, he began to realise why Konoha had sent so many of the fire breathing clan.

It seemed obvious once he figured it out.

They were tasked to go after the Tsuchikage, a monster in his own right. Ninjutsu was his name and game, meaning that each of the Uchiha picked had incredible proficiency in Genjutsu, or were fast as hell.

They'd help soften the target up.

While Naruto was incredibly resilient, he might have some trouble with the Tsuchikage's ability to disassemble things at the atomic level.

With the Infinity Stone by his side, he'd be able to nullify some of it, but perhaps it was safer to take the assistance of others.

After all, it was a nice thought from the Hokage. He hadn't initially been too worried about running solo operations in enemy territory. Work like this had just come with his reputation. Danzo was always a fan of singular operators. It was harder to maintain complete operational security the more people that got involved.

But If Naruto didn't know any better he would have assumed Hiruzen was grooming him for a leader position, by forcing him to interact with the future powerhouses of the village.

Not to mention a clan head.

Fugaku had been hospitalised on the front lines. An act which Sasuke had personally observed, maturing his Sharingan to three tomoe in one of his eyes. Kai had become incredibly proficient in stealth and assassination, earning him a field promotion from none other than Kakashi.

But the Uchiha clan leader was out of commission for now.

The man could not be dissuaded from returning to active service, especially since the Hyuuga leadership had done so. En masse.

Even some elders had been fighting in Kumo.

No ninja was going to sit back when they were winning the war. Although no ninja would sit back and do nothing if they were losing.

But even Tsunade of the Sannin had returned to active duty. The fires of war couldn't be escaped in a Casino, with drinks, or even in a small cave.

War was here, and it was going to stay until someone beat down the other.

Unheard of technological advancement was being made in Konoha's favour. Some Shinobi had been armed with the projectile weapons retrieved from Operation: Comet. The science, war and research and development departments of Konoha had been working around the clock to crank out prototypes and basic weaponry. Civilian contractors had been making a fortune.

The basic projectile weapons created had even enabled civilians to stand a fighting chance against the youngest of Shinobi.

Naruto's thoughts brought him back to the suits that the Uchiha were wearing.

"I'm assuming this is why I haven't heard from you in awhile?" Naruto asked politely, taking the hand and being hauled to his feet.

He stretched a little, working the meditation cramps out of his body.

"It's on a need to know basis"

"It's made of Vibranium" Itachi corrected Shisui, taking a slice of enjoyment out of the dejected expression his cousin made.

"I hope the R&D department know what they're doing" Naruto muttered, "who's got point for this mission?"

Everyone was looking at Naruto.

"Figured as much" the redhead growled, "we've got a few kilometers until we're at the next checkpoint. We hit fast, we hit hard. If it's a target… if you think it's a target, strike first, ask questions once we get back home. I don't want any whispers making it back to the Tsuchikage, are we clear?"

Everyone nodded.

"You're going to give me a run down of your gear and equipment on the way. Move out everyone"

They disappeared into the shadows, moving for their next target.

"Wait..."

Sasuke nearly ran into the suddenly still form of Naruto. The rest of the squad landed with them, each arrayed with their partner.

Kai landed next to Sasuke a second later, the younger boy shooting Naruto a questioning glance.

"What's wrong Titan-san?" Ukemi Uchiha asked aloud, his attention focusing between the group leader and the surrounding area.

The rocks of Earth Country decorated the sparse area. The landscape was desolate and small, meaning that the team would only travel at night.

No open fires or lights were allowed while they rested during the day, hidden in underground constructions that the Uchiha which knew a few earth techniques utilised.

In the night, they had to maneuver around the dark and rock filled ground. Naruto had halted before a large boulder, and it was only thanks to the Sharingan and the little moonlight they received from the clouded sky that the Uchiha were even aware of it.

"You try to hide, but I see you" Naruto unhooked the weapon from his back, "as I see all living things"

There was silence for only a spare few moments. In the next instant, all Sasuke could feel was the mountain of chakra that erupted from behind the largest of the rocky protrusions.

He knew this chakra.

He knew this danger.

It was the same as the beast which rested quietly in his gut.

Iwa had sent their Jinchuuriki to cut them off.

In an instant, the valley exploded into gruesome bloody combat.

Konoha, Months Later

"Now is not the time to become squeamish!" Danzo barked, his voice loud and strong in the war council.

On the eve of the assassination mission, the War Hawk was pushing for a decision. After today, the game changed entirely. No, the world would be changed. Danzo's passion and will to maintain order and strength had been shown over the duration of the war, but it had reached its apex now.

The mission was being conducted even as they spoke.

Hiruzen was puffing away on his pipe, the debate of what to do next having reached its peak.

Many wished for Konoha to win the conflict, but release the territories once they were finished. This was the regular back and forth that the elemental nations demonstrated. In the past, whenever a nation claimed a region, they would fail to hold on to it for long. Missions and attacks sanctioned by the other nations would stretch their supplies far too thin, resulting in an eventual release of control for the region captured.

But the name of the game was changing. Never in history had a single nation dominated in conflict so effectively.

They were in the process of establishing their power, the rightful ability to maintain control of ALL the elemental nations.

Danzo could not understand the need to back off with victory on the horizon.

With Iwa currently under siege and Kumo still down a Jinchuuriki, the odds were in favour of fire country.

Suna had joined the war, their tailed beast helping hold the line against the forces of Lightning country.

"This council needs to grow a backbone" Danzo hissed, "do you think our foes will take their defeat lying down? If we win, and conceded all the control we have gained, the hate they harbour for us will only grow. It will develop until they are re-arming their forces all over again"

The warhawk of Konoha was becoming more compassionate the more he spoke.

"The Daimyo is in agreement with my plan, furthermore, we have everything to benefit from this. One giant conflict, one final war, and we can end this division between all of us"

Shikaku, the Jonin commander, kicked back in his chair. He was balancing it on two legs with his feet cross on the circular table they all sat at.

"Perhaps it is a good idea. The shinobi system is inherently flawed. It breeds hatred and animosity… perhaps if we take Danzo-dono's suggestion, we can begin to see true change"

Make no mistake, none of them were under the illusion that Konoha would be giving up any power.

That is not to say that any of the people seated at the council table were power hungry individuals, merely willing to cast the vision of peace and security into a new tomorrow.

Or some forward thinking shit like that.

The civilians seated at the council wanted to become rich. The war business was good for them, especially due to the technological advances Konoha was making.

So while they wanted to draw out the fighting as long as possible, most Shinobi in the room knew that they would be content with the end of war.

With the end of all wars, as it were.

"I formally request to place the final vote for total control of a larger region. To establish a global superpower" Danzo looked to Hiruzen, seeing how the Hokage would think upon this.

"A vote it is then" the old man scoffed, putting his pipe on the table. The irony of a dictatorial leader asking for a vote wasn't lost on the aged Kage.

"Those against?"

Hiruzen had already suspected there were those in the room that were unopposed to Danzo's philosophy. But to see the true number of people that believed in him...

No hands were raised.

"Those for?"

No one seemed to object. For the first time since the founding of the village, everyone within the council room had come to a unanimous decision.

On that day, a decision was made, one that would impact the future of the elemental nations, and by extension the entire world.

A chunin burst through the door, and promptly composed himself once all the people looked towards him. After all, the young boy was surrounded by some of the most powerful and respected ninja of his village.

"News from the Iwa team, Hokage-sama"

"Yes?"

The boy seemed giddy, excited.

"The Tsuchikage is dead and Iwa is recalling their forces. News from Kumo is that the Raikage wishes for a full formal surrender. The daimyo from the land of Earth and Lightning wish to treat in the Fire Capitol"

History had been made.

The Fire Capitol, Land of Fire, One Week Later

Konoha had won. Everyone knew it. Everyone was talking about it. The chatter had spread across entire continents in days.

It was a historical moment, a point in time that would forever change the small ball of dirt that all the people of the elemental nations lived on.

Never before had a single hidden village weathered the assault of two others, and then proceeded to turn the tide of war.

Furthering the disbelief of many, was at the time, the impractical thinking of those in command of the Konoha war effort.

Surely they would take their victory and return to fire country?

The Daimyo's of Earth and Wind country had certainly hoped so. But then the village hidden within the leaves pushed out. Their forces pushing and pushing, taking inch after inch.

Until there was nothing left to give.

The Raikage had brokered peace as soon as Konoha had pushed their full might upon them. There was no victory to be had, even with a Jinchuuriki still available.

Killer Bee, the host of the 8 tails had seen plenty of combat at the front lines, but he wasn't enough to turn the tide.

Konoha possessed technology far superior to anything Kumo could have expected. They hadn't even deployed their Jinchuriki to the front lines.

That was how great the advantage was for those that hailed from Fire country.

When Ai, the Raikage, had received the news that Iwa had not only fallen, but the Tsuchikage was dead….

Well that lead up to this very moment, with himself seated in the capital of enemy land, his arms crossed and eyes focused on the speaking Daimyo.

The Fire Daimyo wasn't playing easy either.

Konoha had won.

He had every right to gouge the eyes out of those around him.

The palace where the political meeting was held was to say the least, grand. The wealth stored in these halls could have fed nearly half of the Raikage's forces during the more brutal moments of conflict.

Easily a hundred other people surrounded the large tables where the meeting was held. Each table was formed of concentric rings, with the most important individuals seated at the smallest ring in the center.

The Kage's of each respective nation's hidden village were seated in the second deepest ring, right behind them sat the civilian councils of their own.

At the back were the Shinobi advisors.

Court attendants ran between everyone, carrying small papers and noticies for one another to communicate silently.

The large ceiling had a raised crosswalk, where Shinobi and Samurai stood guard.

Ai had taken all this in, and like every other Kage in the room, realised that if anyone attacked it would result in a blood bath for everyone.

The Fire Daimyo couldn't see to care less, as he airly dismissed yet another plea from the Earth country Daimyo.

While they had the reigns for the negotiation, the Ninja village leaders had the power to veto their decisions. It was technically available, however Ai couldn't help but understand that this was also a cover of formality.

Konoha was in charge here.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was aloof and old. Settled comfortably between his close friend and ally leader the Kazekage, and a bandaged man called Danzo Shimura, Ai couldn't stop himself from sneering in the old man's direction.

The bandaged one let his only good eye flicker over to the Raikage. The form and self control of the elder Shinobi keyed the Raikage into the fact that he probably led Konoha's black ops programs.

Where the purple giant had come from.

The Titan of Konoha.

"This is unacceptable!"

The Earth Daimyo finally snapped, standing up from his seat, eyes of fury locked onto the Fire Daimyo that was calmly fanning himself.

Everyone in the room tensed. Ai couldn't be bothered, knowing that the man would eventually calm down. His nation had been hurt the worst by this war, and the demands of Fire country were cutting deeply into his seat of power and those he represented.

A wave of force flew forward from behind him, latching onto the Daimyo, and Ai was startled by the sudden feeling of fear that shot through him.

He watched in subtle awe as the energy forced the Daimyo to jerkily sit back down, a look of strained fear and fury on the old man's face.

The cold voice that followed wasn't the final straw that broke the man's back though.

"You'll find it quite the opposite"

The Raikage turned his head to stare at the tall figure that stood far across the room. Shinobi were on edge as the man slowly lowered his large axe and hammer headed weapon.

Ai clutched his hands tightly.

It was him.

The Titan.

"What'd I miss old man?" the brute casually lent on the staff of his weapon, one elbow holding up the rest of his body.

Ai blinked at the tone, and the words that the infamous warrior had spoken.

A second later, a large-ish stone impacted the purple forehead of the Titan.

"OW!"

Ai didn't know if he could truly associate the fall of the Tsuchikage with this prepubescent grape of a boy, but against all odds he had to admit that Hiruzen Sarutobi had an excellent overhanded throw.

As expected of a ninja of his caliber.

Danzo Shimura actually expressed an emotion, his discontent towards… Ai assumed it was the flippant attitude of the boy, was clear on his visible features.

"Titan-san, we finally meet"

The Daimyo had actually directed his attention away from the meeting, turning to look upon the warrior who had earned his nation so much.

Naruto Uzumaki, the Titan of Konoha, the individual that many considered to be the driving force of the war effort.

Ai continued to study the boy. And he was a boy. Any report that could circulate put him somewhere between 15 and 17, but the boy's physical development tricking most into thinking he was older.

The immaturity was a dead giveaway, but Ai was pleased to note that the boy still had respect for his penultimate leader.

"Daimyo-sama" he bowed low, his weapon dipping along with him, "I came as fast as I could"

"Such manners" the head of the fire nation fawned over the boy, looking upon him the same way one would a prized horse, "our favourite monkey has taught you well"

Hiruzen shifted uncomfortably in his seat. While he knew his presence in open politics, especially for the end of the war was incredibly important, he wouldn't take a center stage position if he could avoid it.

"Hokage-sama has been an invaluable resource to me" Naruto held his bow, prostrated before his Lord.

"Invaluable?" The Daimyo blustered, and Naruto tilted his head up, slowly rising to stand and observe the odd man, "he provides you an invaluable resource?"

Naruto hesitantly nodded.

The Daimyo smiled, "and do you know what I consider to be a valuable resource Titan-san?"

Naruto slowly shook his head, the uncomfortable gaze of the man getting to him.

"Why you of course!" the man beamed, but something about the smile unsettled a few people in the room. Ai noticed the tone and was shaken by it.

The man was a viper beneath the surface.

"We must speak later Titan-san, but until then" the man turned back to the table, his airy tone and positive smile slipping away immediately, "please do not disturb us"

The purple skinned ninja bowed once more, turned, and left the room, uncomfortable from everything that had just happened.

Ai had grasped what that was about. The Fire Lord wanted to pull the wool back from everyone's eyes. The Titan was real, and he was young. He looked to the old Monkey, Sarutobi first, but still held honour and service to his Lord. He probably didn't know it, but the Daimyo had just paraded him around in front of an international court.

The news and details of this would be far reaching, with Konoha almost certainly centering their focus upon the last free bastion… the Village of the Hidden Mist.

While still embroiled in a civil war, Ai knew they would fight for their independence. And the Daimyo knew this too. When push came to shove they would fight. And until then, the Titan would have been relegated to the wings, only to attack when its master ordered.

The Daimyo was showing him off.

Ai would have grunted, but in the silence others would hear it and draw conclusions.

Politics were awful enough.

Mixing in Shinobi only made it worse.

Naruto had never seen the capital before, but he knew that normally there wasn't this much tension.

Well, to be fair the presence of foreign shinobi had something to do with this. While not a significant force, all of the allied ninja aligned with Konoha's cause were focused on them. Kumo had people moving around the capitol in groups, supposedly just traveling from bar to bar, restaurants or random shops.

Everyone else knew better. They were patrolling around the central district, of which the capital was made up of 12, and were ready in case anyone attacked their Kage. Not to say that the other villages present weren't doing the exact same thing, but Kumo was being so blunt about it, Naruto couldn't help but sigh.

A presence flickered up beside him.

He didn't say much as Kakashi joined him mid stride, his attention on the orange book he held. Both of them meandered away from the city center, where all the tense atmosphere was.

They had just won a war, now was not the time to sit around like a guard dog at the heels of their masters.

"So" Naruto finally said as they strolled away, locking eyes with a foreign ninja and enjoying the slight stumble that occurred as they instinctively moved away, "how many?"

Kakashi turned his head slightly to catch Naruto's eye.

"Hm?"

Naruto gestured to the other shinobi, their former enemies. He was talking about how many of them knew about him. How many were aware of what 'The Titan of Konoha' had done.

"Ah" Kakashi sighed, "I'm not going to lie…" Naruto felt himself almost depress as Kakashi's lone eye cringed ever so slightly.

"Quite a few"

The purple shinobi threw his head back and groaned, closing his eyes and wishing he could just wake up, and it would all be a dream.

Kakashi patted Naruto on the shoulder, knowing somewhat how he felt. While the rumours during the war had also mentioned him, the level of destruction and chaos associated with Naruto's title had simply outclassed him.

The Shinobi hadn't had a name this synonymous with death and destruction since Madara Uchiha.

Naruto didn't want the title. He did what had to be done, he had followed his orders… he didn't want to be known as a murderer, a raving psychopath.

His body count shouldn't define him.

Shinobi were somewhat hypocritical. The ninja that were good at what they did were respected or honoured by their comrades, feared by their enemies. But when an individual was far beyond the best of not only their own, but of other villages, and of other people.

...they stood alone atop the world, and typically remained there. A mountain of bodies were their legacy…

Naruto didn't want that, and Kakashi knew that as the days crawled by, the redhead would have to come to terms with it.

Kakashi felt the wild chakra moving towards them. He didn't turn around, already having a few guesses as to what was happening. Naruto wouldn't appreciate him stepping into this, nor would anyone around them.

This would be the first of many things he had to deal with.

"Renji! NO!"

The redhead turned, looking towards the Iwa Shinobi behind him. There were two, both of them much older than Naruto or Kakashi was. In fact, the silver haired Konoha jonin could clearly make out the grey hairs on the head of one of the men.

The one who had spoken held his comrade tightly, a look of terror plastered across his face. Many ninja surrounding them turned towards the scene, each focusing on the sudden burst of emotion and chakra.

Renji, the restrained one, had his eyes directed solely at Naruto. His eyes were points of fury, tears streaking down his face as he desperately looked to close the gap between himself and the Titan.

Naruto watched the old man from Iwa, noting his worn clothing and disheveled appearance.

Oh.

The people on the streets, and the Shinobi between them all began to move away, not wishing to be apart of the scuffle, but willing to watch.

They would observe.

"Let go of me!" the man, Renji, hissed. He was speaking to his comrade but his gaze never left the purple being.

Naruto sighed, loudly, before reaching behind his back and pulling his weapon out with one hand. Many ninja shuffled back, unaware of what the Titan could do or never having seen him in battle. However, the stories that did circulate inspired fear.

The whispering began as Naruto brought himself to the floor, crossing his legs and sitting there, the gigantic hammer axe resting across his legs.

He held his gaze with Renji as he spoke to Kakashi, "I'll deal with this"

The copycat ninja just nodded before moving away, walking to stand beside some of the Konoha Shinobi in the crowd. Kakashi noticed how they hesitated a second before moving to make space for him.

The focus and attention many had placed on him shifted back to the stand off in the middle of the street, between Renji, Naruto and the Iwa Shinobi. The unnamed man was doing his best to prevent more conflict, and Kakashi remembered his face, aiming to seek him out at a later time.

"Let him go" Naruto's voice floated over the tension, his calm demeanor resolute in its tone.

The boy had a plan, Kakashi knew this, but if push came to shove Naruto would kill Renji. He couldn't allow an attack upon his person to go unpunished.

"Renji-san" Naruto looked to the man now, "I would ask you to come sit with me after your comrade releases you"

Both stuttered for a moment, but the older man's rage returned after the split second of surprise.

"Monster!" he snarled, struggling to get out of his friend's hold "sit?! With you!? You murdered my-"

"Son" Naruto snapped, his gaze shifting into a frown, "I know" But his gaze was still not made of anger, nor malice. He seemed… disappointed.

"Through your rage, you may try to kill me" Naruto tilted his head, "your Tsuchikage couldn't do so… and now you must decide if you can"

Kakashi grimaced.

That… that was a sore spot. He noticed the rustling of voices and movement around him, many Iwa shinobi reacting to the news of what Naruto openly admitted. Many had heard the stories of the battle, but those of Iwa had experienced the Titan on the home turf.

It was a calculated risk to mention this, but by demonstrating that he was above the village's strongest ninja, Naruto was hoping that the Iwa Jonin would not just openly charge him.

If he did, the ninja would die.

Kakashi watched the man go slack in his friend's grip, finally coming around to the reality of his futile effort.

The man's head hung down, limp. Many could clearly see the liquid dripping from his eyes.

"Renji-san" Naruto tried again, "for Sanji's sake, I ask you to sit with me"

The man's face slowly lifted, horror and shock in his eyes, "h-how… how do you know…." Kakashi couldn't bare to watch the damaged man any longer, turning his gaze to Naruto, who sat calmly, his eyes never leaving the Iwa Shinobi. Kakashi had already guessed as to how Naruto knew the name of the man's son. He didn't remember it, that was for certain. Because the weapon in his lap was glowing ever so slightly.

"Walk away now, or sit"

And as the man was finally released by his friend, on shaking legs he moved towards the Titan of Konoha, placing himself on the ground as well. He was slumped, defeated, and only an arms length away from the person who had killed his son.

"Renji-san" Naruto shifted, drawing the attention of the man as he came to rest on his calves. Moving his weapon to the ground beside him, Naruto caught Renji's gaze. Slowly, he leaned forward and prostrated himself on the ground, hands resting before his head in a deep bow.

The whispers grew. Gossip was a shinobi weakness, and Kakashi caught many of the comments people were making.

"...foolish, he's leaving himself open to an attack…"

"...I can't believe his…"

"...brat, disrespecting…"

And then after a few more moments, Naruto raised himself, staring deep into the eyes of his former enemy.

"I do not ask for your forgiveness, Renji-san. We are strangers to one another, living distant lives that we both can never comprehend" Naruto looked around, glancing upon the other shinobi for a few moments.

"But I wish that your son had not died, because seeing now what it has done to you…" he trailed off, failing to find the words. He began again, "my actions were taken during a time of war, and I will never regret them, I can merely hope that it could have ended any other way"

Renji's hand fisted into his clothing, his eyes snapping to the floor. He grit his teeth, attempting to keep his anger in. He had come to sit with the Titan, so he would let the Titan talk. He may no longer have his son, but he still had his honor.

Naruto took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly, realising that this was the moment that could change it all.

He had to be honest though.

He needed Renji to understand. He needed all of them to understand.

"I wish that my mother hadn't died, the day I was born," he began, idly toying with his weapon. The blankness of his statement drew Renji's attention, coal black eyes snapping up to him "I wish that my comrades had not died during the conflict… I wish that friends had not died, I wish that uncles had not died, I wish that aunts, brothers, sisters and fathers had not died"

Naruto only kept his gaze on the man before him, his eyes not looking away to any other person. Renji didn't look away this time, his grief and his anger keeping his eyes on Naruto. But he was listening now, actually heeding the words of the purple warrior.

"The war is over now Renji-san. Enough blood has been spilt by both our hands, enough death has come to those we love… if we continue to fight now, if we continue to kill one another to ease the pain and grief of what has happened, we will drown our world in blood" Naruto softly finished, looking to the man with a soft glint in his eye.

The grief was still there, but the rage had loosened, teetering on collapse.

"You survived, and my child did not" Renji spoke to him, voice soft, but not lacking emotion, just purpose.

"I know"

"I want to kill you"

"I know"

Renji shifted uncomfortably before the man's gaze, unsure of what to say.

"Would my death appease you Renji-san? Would all of those I have hurt be glad to know I was gone? Would it stop the coming violence?"

Renji didn't say anything. His eyes never flickered or wavered.

Naruto sighed as he hefted his weapon, speaking soft words under his breath before turning the handle to face the man.

"Take my life then. Let yourself be at peace Renji-san"

Kakashi shifted forward, as did a few other Konoha Ninja, each of them reaching for weapons. They would not-

"No!"

Naruto snapped his head up, glaring at those around him, "none shall harm him! None! I won this war for you, for all of you. Now let me end it"

And as he turned back to the pained man, the man who looked upon all the other ninja and people that surrounded them,

He could see the headbands, all of the headbands of the people around him. Konoha, Iwa, Suna, Kumo, Kusa… the eyes and faces of thousands of people, each watching with an incomprehensible variety of emotions.

"Renji-san"

The soft voice of the Titan snared him, getting him to look back on the Titan and the weapon he was being offered.

With shaky hands he gripped it, subconsciously marveling at how light it felt. The whispers and words died away then, as the grief stricken man held the weapon, the head of the axe gleaming in the light.

And the Titan brought himself to one knee, his head out, shoulders relaxed. He was facing the ground.

"Why?" Renji muttered, looking upon this stranger, this killer, which so easily offered his life to him.

"Peace" was the only word the Titan offered, subtly bowing his head and giving a clear incentive to the Iwa Jounin.

The father was stunned for a moment, his mind failing to comprehend the turn of events. How could an enemy do this? How could a man so readily accept death, in the face of a person he could kill.

Renji knew that the Titan could have just cleaved him in half. He could have killed him in many different ways, and Renji wouldn't have been able to do a thing.

But instead…

His son came to mind. His little Sanji, so proud to finally go off to war, so proud to serve his village as his father did. A happy boy that wanted to be a good of a man as his 'pops' was.

And so Renji brought the axe down. Someone yelled, many screamed, shouts, calls, and cries were heard as the Axe dropped.

Naruto felt the displacement of air, felt his hair rustle as the blade landed in the earth just before him.

"No" the man growled.

Naruto looked up to him slowly, to solemn but angry face of the man.

"No. You will not die so simply" and Renji grabbed Naruto by the shoulders, hauling him to his feet.

The Titan looked down at the man questioningly, confused as his weapon was handed back to him.

"You will live. You will protect your nation… our nation" Renji Itaka's hands were shaking still, from fury or grief, Naruto couldn't tell anymore.

"I must now live with my grief… as you will live with yours" and he turned away, striding back from where he came. His friend came alongside him, not speaking at all him to, simply walking beside him.

The crowd parted, allowing him to march away from the Titan. He paused, a few meters away and looked over his shoulder.

"We will meet again Titan-san"

"Naruto" the warrior corrected.

Renji simply nodded, turned back, and walked away.

The world began to change from there. The Titan existed among the new society, a reverent figure that most looked up to as a shield as well as a sword. Many didn't associate the boy with the young genin that had once wandered the streets of Konoha, a fiery attitude and solemn anger just simmering beneath the surface.

He was the pillar of strength at which the Shinobi villages finally came together to place themselves on. News of his selflessness, of his attitude and his philosophies began to spread across the land.

Stories were told of people who confronted the warrior, to ask him questions or to explain their grief and he would listen.

Like a wandering monk he traveled across the lands that the Fire Lord had slowly unified. Many didn't want to meet him, knowing he had murdered someone they had known, killed a family member or friend during the conflict, but they still listened to the stories.

Of a weary warrior, a giant that cared so deeply for his world.

He took the pain of many, allowing them their anger, accepting them for it, knowing that they had every right to hate him, yet still worked with them.

He still wanted to help them.

He wanted them to know that they would be the last to feel this pain. That they could all work together, to eradicate the system that had hurt them all so much.

For the Titan felt pain as well. For every life that he had extinguished, for every person that could not see the dawn of a new day.

Some refused, and struck out against this new regime, this international government that was so different and strange from what they had known.

Some couldn't adjust to the new world, and attempted to resist the change.

Through death or understanding, the Titan fought against them, bringing them into the fold, or laying them at rest.

Many spoke of him as one would Hashirama Senju, Madara Uchiha, or even the Sage of the Six Paths.

Many strived to be like him, to follow in his footsteps to ensure peace was maintained.

The Fire Daimyo was happy to allow this image to be created, to have this almost cult like following behind Konoha's Titan. In fact, he had encouraged it at times, knowing that the warrior served as the poster boy for his new regime.

Sitting atop the ladder, he reigned supreme over all the elemental nations. Well, almost all of them.

Kirigakure had finally emerged from its war, and it had done so to the news of a new world.

Of conquered land and a global force that aimed to include it into the new world.

Because the Fire Daimyo did not consider this new dynasty secure until the entire world was brought to heel.

He didn't want it for power, he merely had a thought.

A strange thought that had come to him one day as he had been speaking with the Titan, Naruto Uzumaki.

The world needed to work together, to look upon one another as friend and ally, rather then enemy and warrior.

There would be problems, there would be adjustments made and people would always fight and argue, but at the end of the day they must all strive for such things, for such greatness.

A world united.

Next, we'll find ourselves looking at some of the other characters in the story, as well as what is going to happen with Kiri. With enough of a skip in place, our characters will be older and far more prepared for what is to come. We're not out of the clear yet folks, and there's some important stuff that needs to be explained first and foremost.

For those that wish to see more of this, review. Please. It's really the only thing I can ask from you, but it keeps me going, it keeps me motivated. I'll do my best to entertain you, that I can promise.

Best of days,

Freedom.