Dynasty Of Tomorrow

by sinkintothestory

Summary:

To anyone that knew Naruto Uzumaki, they knew he was a survivor. Someone who would go to the ends of the earth for his friends. A man who would die for his precious people.

So when they all die and he no longer has the will to live it pushes the former Hokage to the brink of insanity. That was until his Bijuu stepped in giving him his one and only chance to fix it all...whether he likes it or not.

With this opportunity to fix everything, Naruto will fight with everything he has to ensure that this time he will keep his precious people alive. Even if it killed him.

Yes another fix-it story cause why the hell not? Join me in helping rebuild the once-great Uzumaki clan!

Notes:

Hi, I'm sinkintothestory and this is one of my few attempts at writing a Naruto story. I have this story posted elsewhere and plan to have my other stories moved here as well when I finish editing them. There is no beta, so good luck if I muck up any grammar.

I hope you enjoy my work and just know, it's going to be a whirlwind of a ride.

LET'S GO!!!!!!

Chapter 1: World Once Lost

The Dynasty of Tomorrow

Chapter one: World once lost

They say that time is valuable. That you should live your life to its fullest because you will never get that time back again.

Naruto had lived by that standard.

Alone in this world with no knowledge of who his family was or wasn't Naruto Uzumaki was thrust into a life of constant battle of proving his mettle. Of showing time and time again that he was worthy of the goodness in the world and not of the disparaging looks or harsh sneers.

He was a man of worth despite all the words of the villagers that spoke otherwise.

He had been put through trials and gone past all tribulations to survive to metamorphosis into someone that was of worth in not only the eyes of those around him. For himself as well. He was the village's Hokage proven through his merit, blood, sweat, and tears.

Though this new venture had to be the most challenging.

Naruto's once pale blue eyes swirled deep and dark like the depth of the vast seas that had once surrounded his former clan. His once golden hair was now a glimmering ruby red. The years of age he had gained over the last decade were gone and a youthful child stared back from his reflection. He thought he was going crazy.

No, he had to have been going crazy.

Just yesterday he was facing his late thirties, most likely facing his death. A rather unexpected man had appeared before him, a man sent out to end the peace Naruto had worked so hard for. The man that had been haunting every human sacrifice trying his damndest to put the world into his own perfection. It was truly hard to destroy ghosts it would seem.

His village had been torn asunder and Naruto had been caught up fighting a man strikingly similar to every cursed Uchiha he had ever had the misfortune to come across.

While his people died from the man's black and white minon called Zetsu he was trying to stop the catastrophic force before him. He won the battle but lost himself and his mind when returning to the remains that were once his people.

It had broken him to asunder with seeing everything turn into nothing but rubble and ash before his own eyes. All this time he had thought he had been fighting to save them when in truth he was being fooled and pulled away.

It took the death of all his precious people for Naruto to break.

It had been a daze of him haggardly searching, broken heart on his sleeve until the deep echo of Karuma inside him dredged his weakened mind and soul from the shell.

The near manifestation of the nine tails was the final straw and moved the last Uzumaki to the land of his people. The man could not focus on the dilapidated buildings and soothing calling of the land.

He mindlessly aimed got isolation and some hidden fortitude.

Naruto had lost his control but the power of the beast inside him wanted him to live, to be his purpose once again and there was only one way to do that.

With all his might the demon within moved and urge his human to follow his will.

This was the will of the collective of bijuu inside the body and soul of the last Uzumaki. This itself was the will of the sage of six paths, to save them all Naruto needed to fix it all.

They probably should have warned the former Hokage before they shipped him off to the past though.

T.D.O.T.

Eyes blearily blinked looking up into the bright sunshine-lit skies. The sound of running water nearby made the young form scrunch his face in confusion.

His body ached and made the figure jolt a bit in pain while struggling to sit up. His stomach lurched and he shifted to vomit into the stone beneath him.

"What the hell happened." The small voice was scratchy and echoed in the quiet of the empty village.

A toddler sat in the vast structures of nothingness only surrounded by foliage and water. Surrounded by the rich growth of wildlife and water threw the boy off for a few faltering moments.

The deep blue eyes blinked away and looked to his surroundings. Staggering village homes and ripplings of water were the only things in abundance in the ghost village he was sprawled in.

Naruto frowned ignoring the ache in his body and rubbed his eye only to be shocked by the abundance of cloth rubbing his face.

The boy jerked away and stared shocked at the long sleeve hanging off his raised arm.

"What the fuck?" His other hand reached out to grasp the cloth only to see the same amount of long cloth hanging off his other arm. He looked down seeing small legs peeking out of his shirt and gently eased himself to stand on shaky legs.

His pants were piled next to him alongside his traveling gear and his gaze focused on a complicated seal carved into the bottom of what had once been a fountain. It looked impacted from where he had lain, the stone carving broken and no longer a solid piece it had been before. To an untrained eye, it seemed like a beautiful carving on the once-fountain floor but Naruto knew better.

Any traces of the symbols that had been scattered though were gone and now just sat the beginning carvings of what had to have been a long detailed fuinjutsu seal.

One he had never seen before in his life or several years of study.

A glimmering of red caught his eyes and Naruto swiftly shifted, mind still clinging to the years of survival he had once lived by. Despite his body being a little slow to catch up.

There was nothing though, nothing but shimmering ruby red hair hanging off his shoulder. Moving the sleeves of his clothing back Naruto gingerly touched the hair and tugged horrified to find it was attached to his head.

Dizziness overwhelmed the former Hokage.

Naruto stumbled over clawing his way to a river of running water that bisected the dilapidated village. He blinked confused staring back into the soft features and youthful face of himself. Except he had red long hair and deep blue eyes. His skin had paled out and his once tight-fitting shirt now hung large and loose on his small frame.

"I'm fucking dreaming!" Small hands immediately clutched the red hair and the toddler began pacing until Naruto halted and scrambled to meditate.

It was immediate the boy fell easily through the darkness in his mind into the familiar pathway that led him to his partner. Naruto bolted surprised to find himself still like the small toddler he awoke himself to be.

He arrived at the cage that housed his bijuu who was panting and eyeing the boy, not in anger or annoyance but almost pleased.

"Good our bond was not severed." The tension in the nine tails seemed to escape the creature before Naruto was before him clinging into his snout.

"Karuma, what's going on?" Naruto's voice was quivering and he was openly freaking out. The bijuu soothed his human with a low rumbling of his throat sounding similar to a purr.

"We have gone back, I could not allow for you to live a life of misery Kit. You can fix it, and save them all. You can keep your will alive now." Naruto frowned not understanding.

"Save who, what do you mean by back?" Naruto was vibrating with fear and uncertainty.

"We went back in time. Far back to a time even before you had come into existence. Though not far off the mark if my perception is correct." The bijuu hummed softly as if trying to sway off of sleep.

"You will face much more trials this life Kit, as the sage foretold you are the child, our guiding light. Change what you must but know some events must come to pass even with your intervention." A low purr came from the large creature who eyed the tearful boy.

He could see hope glimmering in the gaze of his charge and it soothed the beast who trilled in excitement once more. A wave of exhaustion took the beast but he had to fight it off for a bit more.

"Go study the way of your clan, you cannot be Naruto any longer. Find a new you and carve the future you must move forward. I must sleep now Kit you will always be protected but do not manipulate my chakra until I have recovered. Go now." Karuma settled that his words were heard surged and ensured his charge was pushed back into unconsciousness before he settled to begin his long sleep.

Naruto surged upward-looking once more into the vast emptiness that surrounded him.

He was in the past, how far back that was left to be figured out another time.

Karuma was right though he had no time to sit around idle trying to figure that out. He was in the body of his former toddler self and needed to regain a semblance of who he once was.

He would fix it all but for now, he had to figure it all out first and get his shit together if he was going to be helping anyone.

T.D.O.T.

Jiraiya frowned feeling a tugging on seals he had long thought be erased. His gaze lifted from the memorial left in honor of his only student and willed his body forward. Hiruzen had ensured to watch over his godson so he could continue his path set before himself.

The sage bit his tongue he needed to return to the land of Toads. They were calling to him urgently and it gave the sage a foreboding feeling.

Jiraiya excused himself and set off slipping into the realm of the summons and moved to the mount encountering Pa who stopped him from pressing forward.

The old toad eyed Jiraiya warily and only cleared his throat. "We need the toad summoning contract you have. We have found one worthy." Pa did not elaborate despite Jiraiya's stiffening and the sage only frowned annoyed to be called for this task.

He trusted the toad and relinquished the contract despite the urge to ask more of the aged toad. Another toad clamored down to obtain the contract and scatter up the looming mount to where the mysterious person was hidden away.

Jiraiya didn't leave but was kept from further entering the land of the toads and his curiosity only skyrocketed. He eyed the toad when a ripple of power escaped the area and settled with ease. In a shuffle of moments, the contract was returned and Jiraiya was sent away.

The sage huffed at the rude treatment but his curiosity was peaked and swiftly the contract was opened. Looking to the new addition of a name Jiraiya was stunned.

Soma Uzumaki.

It was eloquently written but that wasn't what caused the sage's eyes, it was the name above that. One covered in a seal so complicated it even made Jiraiya's head spin in confusion. A name that had not been there before and he was sure of it. Had two people signed it and were one someone the Toads wished to hide away, even from him.

The leaf Sannin sealed the contract closed before trudging off back toward the hidden village.

Something told him he would be seeing this Soma soon and hoped he would shed light on whose name had been written and hidden.

T.D.O.T.

The young boy traveled the lands with ease a child his age should not have had. The troupe of people who followed in his wake was an even more peculiar sight to behold though. The young redhead was only a child of seven years and a mystery to all those around him, even to his own people.

His name was no longer his to claim, the boy was now called Soma. The current head of the once scattered Uzumaki clan. In the few years he was alive the child had become more into himself a small genius to those surrounding him. The Uzumaki prince to those that still lived and wore their clan name proudly.

He scoured the lands collecting the tomes and relics of his people and saving those of the scattered clan despite his small body and youth.

Soma glanced back to the people he claimed his family and could spot the trio of teens he had saved. Orphans like he was and thankfully people he had saved this time. The Ame orphans who Naruto had veered away from the path of death and destruction they had been hurtling towards.

To his other side stood Azumi Uzumaki holding a quietly sleeping Karin. Soma had made a name for himself in his few years of life and done his best to begin his plans of saving those in his future.

The young boy sealed away the main thorn in his side, white and black Zetsu. They would be sealed away forever and for all eternity never to fulfill their goal. Well, that's what he was hoping for at least. White Zetsu he was sure would be bound. Black Zetsu was always a bit slippery but Soma's seals were nothing to laugh at and he had decades to perfect them.

He had been nothing but lucky to stumble upon the creatures resting place. It must have been in hibernation after is separation as it had not once opened its eyes while the child did his task. When finally growing enough to skillfully escape the ruins of his clan's homeland the boy had sought out to find exactly when he was. It was hard to get a read on where and when he was.

That was until he was reverse summoned to the toad mount. Soma had heard the fourth hokage lived. He had thought he had enough time to accomplish his tasks and hopefully save his parents.

The toads began training once more before he scrambled off to accomplish a few goals necessary for future security. His aim was to ensure small things from his life never occurred here in this time.

It was how he encountered Pain, who still called himself Nagato. Yahiko was still living and Konan was still faithfully by their sides. Soma ensured the trio saw the truth of their fruitless endeavors by ensuring to manipulate clones of his to look like them. He made them watch what would have been their outcome that would have led to certain death.

Their heartbreak over their escaped fate opened them up to Soma's words and they followed his will and word then and there. All becoming Shinobi under the tiny Uzu child.

While they had each been burdened about the fact they had been so close to the end they could do nothing but follow the child who had gone out of his way to save them. He gave them hope, he gave them peace and he opened their eyes to the truth.

It wasn't hard to see the obvious origins of the boy, He had all the blaring traits of an Uzumaki and didn't seem to by afraid to his it.

Not too much long afterwards they encountered a pregnant red-haired woman, Azumi. She was kidnapped by a group of men who forced her to heal so often that it was killing her. That in itself nearly threw Konan into a fit of rage.

It was Soma who had surprised them all by rushing forward and helping the woman escape with them, they didn't encounter her captors but they hadn't had long till the woman later gave birth.

Now they all travel completing odd jobs to support their traveling group but Nagato and Yahiko could both see it in the boy, in their leader.

He was looking for a safe home for his people, despite being so young the boy shouldered a responsibility to them they could not fully grasp.

It took several weeks until the boy temporarily settled his group in a small area near the land of waves. Nagato and Yahiko kept the group from entering the domain of people though, as they held many vulnerable Uzumaki's in their grasp still. Soma kept them safe and they didn't want to risk any in their small group.

It was at this time that their unspoken child leader left them for a few momentary hours only to return looking pouty and somber. A turbulent mix of emotions made the group concerned with their leader who chose to hold back whatever had caused him anguish.

That was when Soma realized he had just missed his opportunity to save good parents. Though looking at his group he understood that some sacrifices would have to come to pass. Karuma's words rang true and Some knew some events had to happen.

Everything he did had consequences and Soma realized he needed to return to his previous people. He needed to ensure they would be safe.

Soma led the group out and away walking deeper into the land full of trees. He was following a officially signature of chakra, one he would always remember. He couldn't risk missing another opportunity, he didn't want to disappoint himself further.

The Ame trio had switched over to the boy's shinobi attire at his insistence even going so far as to wearing the Uzumaki headband. Azumi had pulled out a similar headband she kept hidden as well and they walked deep into fire country.

Deep into the forest and through the canopy of trees that surrounded them all. The boy stayed mostly silent leading them into a village full of bustling crowds out celebrating and the young boy ushered them into an inn.

Pulling out a wallet looking like an overstuffed frog their shared room was paid for and the young boy settled his people in with food and a promised word of his return.

It would have been strange for any other to witness but the boy truly was their leader whom they would devoutly follow.

Soma sighed swiftly his soft gaze taking in the festival surrounding him. He was here and he was sure of it. His narrowed youthful gaze watched the roads and turns of the town until he found the spot he was looking for.

The bathhouses.

Soma bit his lip in worry. It was so close to his birthday and he had yet to find a way to enter the hidden village of the leaf.

He may have been a child but he was still a trained shinobi, they would not trust the boy. Not when they had just finished a war, not on his promises of loyalty.

If he followed everything correctly then he could be there to protect his younger self from all the nights of the festival. His birthday was never a celebrated time and he shuddered and refused to allow this Naruto the life he had led once before.

To do that though he had to become a shinobi of the leaf, he had to get access to the village. Currently, he was an unknown force as it was and needed the leaf to seek him out.

Yes, he needed them to want him and the only way to do so was to catch their eye.

Soma charged forward spotting the familiar head of white and pushed his emotions away before slamming forward and into the giant peeping man. Quick with his movements he slammed a seal hindering the sage's movements.

"Oi, you pervert stop peaking on the woman's bathhouse!" Soma easily dodged the suddenly fussing older man and snickered when a torent of angered woman practically scaled the wall to attack the pervert.

Jiraiya was annoyed the little brat had ruined his most important research. Though he paused himself despite the blaze of fury aimed at him by a group of women and watched the young red-haired boy snicker at him.

A shade of red that was unmistakable but the boy's forehead sat an insignia he thought was long lost.

Uzumaki.

The boy was gone in a flash of moments but Jiraiya did everything he could to follow the ghostly whisper of humming energy the boy had.

It led him to an inn, to a room full of others and the sage gulped before charging into the room. He could hold himself well and had no doubt He could take on a child and a few others he was traveling with. So he burst into a room if alert people who all froze on sight of him.

He blinked and the occupants blinked before Jiraiya was warmly enveloped in a hug by a trio of kids he had heard were dead.

The young red-haired boy eyed the older man and his hands when hugging Konan threatening him with his tiny gaze. The greetings had to be put on the back burner though.

The young boy called to his people who the sage realized now bore the status of Uzumaki shinobi-hood.

"Did you need something you pervert?" The young boy finally spoke and his soft scratchy voice didn't match the threat of power behind the kids' gaze. Jiraiya spotted a woman carefully clutching a young girl but the small red-haired leader blocked his gaze and warned him away from them.

The sage knew though a child the boy could back up his threat and the hope he had once lost in life was slowly returning. Ever since Minato's death he had been fearing for his godson, the council was in control of the boy.

Despite Jiraiya being his godfather, Naruto was alone after birth and denied a chance for proper care and protection. They claimed Jiraiya was not the boy's blood and would not be allowed to sway the boy's motives.

That was bullshit.

The civilians just wanted to make that child's life a living hell but Jiraiya was gone from the village often and the people of his village refused to give up their 'weapon' despite treating the child like shit.

That settled something in the sage, some powerful emotion he never thought he would encounter. He needed to get word back to the village right away and he needed to convince this little brat into joining the leaf.

"Hey kid, what's your name," Jiraiya noticed the narrowed gaze the kid sent his way. The sage could practically taste the overflowing power coming from the kid and knew there was hope for his godson's future after all.

Now he just had to convince the kid and his sensei of this and it would all work out...Right?

Thank you for reading

Chapter 2: The Uzumaki Clan

Summary:

Wondering aimlessly would have been letting far too many factors fly by without Soma's control. So he needed to figure out how to be part of the leaf village.

Notes:

I hope you all enjoy this chapter and I'll be working on future chapters.

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Discord server for my works

Hiruzen blinked slowly once, twice, three times before he told himself, 'Yes, this was happening.'

In walked his former student carrying a young boy, an Uzumaki by the looks of it, with two more Uzumaki and an extra duo of people while one Uzumaki held a Young child. It was a sight to see as this was quite an unexpected outcome that they all... well almost all willingly followed the sage here.

The struggling Uzumaki was bound with seals and squirmed in the sage's hold despite the seals holding him down. The party of people were all zeroed in on the bound boy who was cursing out Jiraiya.

They were all flustering around their fearless leader it seemed. Their tiny fearless leader had called Jiraiya's mother a very colorful insult. The sage snorted as he couldn't deny the accusation. He had not been particularly fond of the old bat and in all honesty, had called her worse, and to her face.

Idly they watched the young boy strain against the seals plucking them off one by one, impressively so. Especially considering they were creations of their village seal specialist Jiraiya.

Hiruzen eyed the boy from the tip of his artfully styled red hair to the black geta attached to his kicking feet.

Finally, the boy seemed to free himself and rounded on the toad sage. Before anyone could stop the boy a wet slap sounded and a flume of bright pink paint and glitter was swatched into the once pristine white hair of the toad sage.

Jiraiya's cry of outrage was ignored as the seven-year-old appropriately stuck his tongue out at the older man. Then the young boy set his deep blue gaze on him and Hiruzen easily saw the mountain of intelligence hidden behind the calculative stare.

"What does the Hokage of the leaf want from me and my people?" It was disrespectful the way the kid addressed him but the boy had no ties to their village.

Hiruzen was not his Hokage and the young redhead was part of a foreign clan member they had essentially kidnapped. So, Sarutobi let it slide while observing the young boy whose gaze had shifted glancing at where all his Anbu had strategically hidden away.

That was most fascinating.

"Greetings Uzumaki Soma and Uzumaki clan. I am Sarutobi Hiruzen and wish to seek an alliance with your clan and leader. My student has brought up a possible idea to bring you and yours into the fold of the leaf as he speaks of each of you and your talents." Hiruzen was still unsure Jiraya was speaking the truth when claiming the young redheaded child was leading this group. Through watching how they all looked to him to guide this situation, it was evident it was so true. The child's eyes locked onto the Hokage who spoke and the young boy frowned.

"What if I don't want to?" Soma spoke but the flinching around the Uzumaki holding a little girl. The young boy only lifted his hand to ease her and the woman eased down.

It was all Hiruzen needed. It also surprised the Hokage to note that the child truly was this group's leader. Saritobi felt he needed to recruit this boy and his people if not for the village than for who they could become for the newborn they knew not of.

"Would you truly let your people live lives as vagabonds just to hold up pretenses? You are young but there are many out there who wish to harm you just for who you all are. To take advantage of you all." The wizened man eyed the young boy who was clenching his fist.

"So we just up and layover for you to take advantage of us?" The young boy nearly growled and Jiraiya eyed the redhead in wonderment. The boy was without fear, hell without shame to face off someone much older than him and scraping him just for a foothold of power. All in a single-minded effort to ensure his people were to be taken care of and for his small clan to be acknowledged.

Jiraiya eyed his once sensei praying the man won the boy over.

"No, you become the Uzumaki clan here. Open and proud you may in fact draw more of your people, as we were once allies. This would make it a more permanent solution. Would that not be more inductive to your cause? Give a stable home for you and your clansmen." Soma frowned at Hiruzen before the boy flinched and twisted his neck to look behind him. At the office door, it would seem.

It was peculiar but then a sound echoed down the hall showcasing the young boy had amazing hearing as well.

His little brow was creased and Hiruzen faintly heard the soft wailing of a newborn babe.

The Hokage sighed softly as a soft knock echoed in the room and an Anbu came in carrying a baby no older than a month. The mother of the group strained to look at the newborn with a tuff of blond hair and similar facial markings to the seven-year-old that stood before him.

Her gasp drew them all to look at the baby and they could all see it. This child was a near replica of their small leader, and eyeing the lost look on the seven-year-old Uzumaki the Hokage knew they had them.

Truly, Hiruzen had not wished for them to find out about Naruto here and now. It meant someone had ordered the child to be brought to the third during this introduction and that went against his orders. He would not waste the opportunity though.

"He's definitely my blood, even despite the coloring being off. I'm guessing the mother or father come from the royal line." Soma's voice was soft and it was the young teen girl with violet hair who reached out and gently held the babe at their leader's nod. Hiruzen had nodded and let the Anbu holding the newborn hand him over to these strangers. The room was tense excluding the soft shushing the two women of the group were aiming at the newborn babe.

It made Hiruzen fret to allow the baby to be in anyone else's arms but these people were to become his first line of defense. With all the hope the old man could muster he would pray this boy would worm their way into their hearts fast. They would be his family, be by blood or by name. He could see swiftly though how fast the group of people who claimed the Uzumaki name practically crowded the babe with a newfound protectiveness in mere moments of meeting the how easily they accepted him though

Hiruzen knew they would all be there for another piece of their family. That they would likely do anything to protect another of their clan, to save an Uzumaki. He could tell this was the young leader's weakness and his strength.

It was the young seven-year-old who eyed the Hokage suspiciously, "Why is a newborn your bijuu container?" Everyone in the room stiffened except for the two older Uzumaki who gently cooed to the baby from around the violet-haired teen's shoulders.

The child's crying had subsided and his soft happy gurgles echoed in the room. Hiruzen though was horrified and pale wondering how the boy knew.

Soma rolled his eyes and shook his head forlornly. "I swear it's almost sad how little you all know of fuinjutsu and the beauty of her work. His seal is remarkable, not many will know what he is but there is one flaw that was overlooked." Soma eyed the baby and looked up at the Hokage.

"Uzumaki all know the faint reverberance of seals. We are all born with this knowledge like it is ingrained in our blood and instincts. Some will be more sensitive, hence why the baby and I both share similar facial markings." Soma stopped talking as the baby was brought over to his own small gaze.

It was the older Uzumaki who cleared her own throat bowing her neck in respect to the Hokage. "In our clan, we looked for the facial markings as it was a sign they would be the best chance for a vessel. Be it for the secrets of our arts, the sealing of curses or..." Her gaze fell away now before she murmured.

"The sealing of chakra or bijuu." Hiruzen eyed the seven-year-old who seemed almost grown-up gently holding the baby now softly tutting to the newborn that was now happily sleeping in his equally tiny arms. Naruto it seemed was at ease with his people.

"What is his name?" This came from the more seemingly frail red-headed teen who softly looked at the young blond held by the Uzumaki leader.

"Naruto, Uzumaki Naruto." Hiruzen saw Jiraiya turn away from the boy holding the baby and Soma glared at the man's back.

"Do you turn away from the child because of what he contains?" The sage turned back around so fast it was dizzying. The protest on his lips dying as he eyed the young boy holding Naruto.

Both looked far too much like both Minato and Kushina it was nauseating but the young boy was not someone who would allow the sage to get away with being stupid.

Especially not over a ghost who wasn't even haunting him willingly.

"He looks too much like his father and I am still mourning the man," Jiraiya spoke and Soma continued to frown.

"A weak excuse to drag me here to usurp your responsibilities, no?" The boy knew and they all knew he would see this for what it didn't know not truly how backed into a corner the two men truly were.

Soma Uzumaki would have no way of knowing just how desperate they were to have Naruto be taken in by his clan.

They needed the boy to set up their clan here. For Naruto's only chance to live a normal life, for any opportunity to keep the boy safe.

They needed to settle this group and any others like them in the village as a clan. They needed the Uzumaki name to have some power and fast so Naruto would not fall under the civilian hold once he turned one.

They would force the Hokage to give the boy up to the orphanage and that would not turn out well for the boy in the long run.

"Without you, without a reputation of power or fear, I do not know what my people will do to the boy." Hiruzen was grimfaced. He was not foolish, he had seen how capable his people were when faced with the news of who exactly held part of the nine tails within him.

Many had tried breaking into the hospital to kill the babe until Hiruzen had petitioned a death sentence to any that dared to harm the boy. It would seem Soma could read the older man all the guilt all the pain and the boy sighed before allowing the Anbu to take back the child.

They could not keep the child, not unless they made their stay permanent. The small clan of people knew that even without having to be told such.

Soma their leader looked to each of his people almost struggling with himself before his eyes looked once more to the happily sleeping Naruto in the arms of his anbu protection. The boy seemed to gather himself and faced the Hokage then.

"Fine. We will build our home here in the leaf. Let it be known the Uzumaki live again and we will come back stronger." Soma watched the child be taken away calm and content than when he had arrived before the young boy turned his attention back to Hiruzen.

The flinching around his young gaze gave him away as he and his party tugged off their Uzushino headbands and handed them over to nearby anbu that had suddenly shown.

Finally, the young boy bowed to the Hokage in respect to be followed by his people.

When the boy straightened he sighed and eyed the Hokage.

"Let's get to it then, a new contract and negotiations for a bid of land." The boy settled before the Hokage and shooed away his people to explore the village they would soon be joining.

It would seem it was time for their leader to do his part and negotiate.

T.D.O.T

Soma Uzumaki huffed irritably after having showcased his abilities. They had all doubted him and the Uzumaki clan head no older than seven had shown how foolish that was.

Though they only doubted him because he stumbled upon seeing Shikaku Nara standing next to the Hokage. Soma wasn't prepared for the flood of emotions that had swapped him and pushed it away to deal with when he was alone later.

Despite the young body, the boy was astoundingly powerful, it was almost terrifying levels. His companions too had proven their abilities to be rivaling the boy but none of them surpassed the young child.

Even Azumi had showcased her menagerie of powerful poisons and her immunity to them. As the young mother in the same reflection showed her amazing abilities at iryojutsu in the same breath.

The trio of teens showed flawless teamwork and amazing skills working as a three-man unit themselves with amazing abilities. The male teen Uzumaki Nagato shows that despite being frail and sickly in appearance had an ability that could practically decimate others if he willed it so. They recognized the building pressure would be dangerous but he had been super before it could be shown.

Though when he tried to use the ability his clan leader had smacked him down and scolded the boy for daring to put his health at risk. That had given all the people gathered there some pause as the little redheaded child scolded his older counterpart who apologized promising not to do it again fearing the wrath of said child.

It had sobered the teen who even without the use of his kekkei Genkai was still quite masterful in the shinobi arts.

None of them could even touch the astonishment of power when it came to the Uzumaki clan head. The kid was seven but plowed through jonnin like they were nothing but nats.

His abilities gobsmacked them all and his tactics alone were enough to prove the boy had a brain behind those deep blue pools of eyes.

The Hokage looked to the boy with a hint of amusement in his gaze as he handed off rankings of Jonnin for the trio and chunnin for the older Uzumaki woman. She would work mainly close to home and as a medical-nin but it was a well-earned ranking.

Soma knew what was coming when the Hokage grinned at the boy. "You will be a gennin, I will immediately place you to observe the current graduating class though." Hiruzen wanted the boy to learn the basics of teamwork before he dared fly him through the rankings and hoped to impress the skill he had on others around him for the betterment of the next generation.

With a snort, Soma agreed and the Hokage knew the kid saw right through him. With that, the Uzumaki were escorted to their temporary lodgings. Many of the people were left stunned that the boy was so amicable to being a gennin but none but Hiruzen and a contemplative Shikaku knew the truth.

The boy had been holding back and would soon prove to be invaluable to his future team placement.

Oh, a joyous day for the hidden village of the leaf.

T.D.O.T

Soma had left his home early and waltzed into the jittery classroom full of gennin hopefuls. They all descended into silence as the flame-haired stranger settled into the class but had not opted to sit with the students but at an offset chair set to the side of the sensei's desk.

Itachi seemed to focus his gaze in wonder at the red-headed boy who ignored the twittering and eyes about him. A boy he had never seen before wearing a Leaf shinobi headband.

Everyone settled once their sensei arrived and explained the boy's presence.

"This is Uzumaki Soma, he has already showcased his skills and was exempt by the Hokage's order to graduate amongst you all. He will be placed into a team among one of your groups." In all the talk Soma it would seem was uninterested. The boy was obviously bored and only listened with half an ear before being directed to sit back down in the offered chair near the sensei.

Itachi's team was called fairly quickly and to everyone's surprise, it was the one with the mystery redhead.

"Tenma Izumo. Shinko Inari. Itachi Uchiha and Soma Uzumaki will be team two under the care of Yuki Minazuki." Murmuring suddenly broke out, a four-man squad of gennin was rare and almost unheard of but everyone settled down when the new redhead yawned loudly.

Itachi sighed losing interest, it would seem they had a fourth member for the team for when he inevitably surpassed them and moved onward without them.

The teams were soon collected and team two were picked up by their own sensei. They had been settled before Yuki Minazuki a somewhat nondescript man who gazed at each of his students curiously. Only for it all to burst out when Izumo went off ranting about Itachi and this 'new kid' who had the nerve to both be arrogant and showy. The older boy was incensed while Shinko, their female teammate, swiftly came to Itachi's and Soma's defense.

Itachi stayed silent as it was not in his nature to aggravate this situation. He had no need to become invested in this team. Shinko was defending Itachi and nearly red in embarrassment for Izumo being rude to the newly added Soma.

Soma on the other hand only eyed the sensei with a bored gaze before glancing at Izumo. The redhead let a small bit of killing intent leak out of his hold stilling the ranting boy immediately and drawing Itachi's curious gaze in his direction.

"Would you kindly shut up? Your voice is grating and you are proving to be foolish to doubt those that placed you on this team. It is your academy sensei and Hokage who deemed you fit as to be partnered up with us 'children' so take kindly to their wisdom." Soma looked away from the group finally easing the tension he had set and cowing his team in the same breath.

Itachi was intrigued but knew better than to hope that this boy would become a true teammate to him. He had been training under his father for years and neared chunnin levels as it were.

He would be leaving this team behind soon enough, Soma was only here to cover his place once he did leave.

T.D.O.T

It was discombobulating being in his younger body. The few years he had built himself up from practically scratch was something else. He had been trapped alone on an island with meager means to take care of himself.

Luckily for the nine-tailed jinchuriki, he had always been self-sufficient. Soma had ensured he hurried into forcing his body to develop because he knew with every day that passed he was wasting precious time.

He just missed saving his parents but as some events come to pass this too must have been something that he would not have been allowed to circumvent. Life is full of inevitables, were he to intervene and save his parents it was very likely they would have passed on in another way. Or they could have been fine, honestly, this time travel thing was difficult to decipher.

Life was peculiar and almost laughable with how easy it was to impose your will into things once you know they are there. Soma sighed eyeing his team and internally he missed team seven.

This man Yuki seemed inherently jealous of Itachi's skill. Soma was not one to show off anymore, he had given up that in his first lifetime. Yet, Uzumaki Soma could see that jealousy extends to himself when showcasing his few abilities during their initiation test.

They had passed, of course, Naruto knew the true meaning of these exams, and his newest teammates fell in line had figured out the purpose of the exam, and had easily enough fallen into line for them all to work together. It was ridiculously easy to take down a jonnin like Yuki though.

Soma had been spoiled first having had Kakashi as a sensei, then Jiraiya and Yamato was no slouch either. Yes, this Yuki did not inspire much hope for betterment. Soma and Itachi drove the team forward through mission after mission of D ranks. Several C ranks were handed to them and completely flawlessly to the point that they had gained some notoriety. Enough to draw the Daiyamo's attention and be appointed his guard during his visit to the hidden village.

To Soma, it was all terribly dull. The boy had spent several years pushing and scraping to become powerful as quickly as possible to circumvent their fate as soon as was possible. To muddle his power and force him into a position where he would have to keep idle was irritating.

He was thinking that all throughout their scouting ahead of the Fire lords traveling party. Until he could feel him. Soma stopped as he had been laying the group due to his sensory abilities. So his team too halted, they all saw an orange masked man and Soma knew immediately who that was.

The Uzumaki quirked a brow at the grey shrouding and Orange mask with a black emblem on it. The wild growth of black hair too was different, but Soma would never forget that bubbling of power. Even if it was wild and turbulent as of that moment.

Obito was a foolish bastard and a coward to the redhead. Pathetic in the eyes of the Uzumaki, only because he ran away from it all, he gave up on his team in a moment of misconception.

Soma had never given up on Sasuke, had always known the man would return to them and be true and honorable once again. He had never been shy about digging out the truth and seeking to know the why of Sasuke and his actions during his many years away from the leaf.

Much of it had made sense to Soma, he knew and understood why Sasuke followed the path he had. Less to do with wanting his friends harmed and more to do with wanting the deaths of his clan repaid.

Obito allowed himself to be immersed in his manipulation to the point that he immediately gave up on Kakashi when the boy had seen him kill Rin.

Never did he consider that his by-the-book teammate was tricked into such a situation. Never did he take into account Rin's own fault and motivations for not defending herself, for throwing herself before Chidori.

No consideration was given only grief and bemoaning took Obito and that was all his friendship with Kakashi was worth. It was disgustingly narrow-minded but Soma was always one who easily fell into forgiveness so he could just be a bad judge of character.

Having been invested in his thoughts Soma jolted when Izumo charged toward Obito and in a flash Soma had plucked the boy away from the crazed man's flashing blade.

Everyone froze as Soma effortlessly called a clone to rush the boy back to his group and slammed one of his ready-made seals into the opening Obito had made for him. Despite the man being a master with a blade he was at this stage still clumsy in his 'made' body.

The older man jolted as if shocked and choked growling angrily at the small boy who had done the unthinkable in mere moments.

The seal glowed and sunk through the fabric of the clothing and settled into the man. Obito sneered at the red-haired boy and Itachi was swift in coming to defend his teammate. Itachi's gaze was a blazing red and Soma was biting through his thumb already marking out a seal next to him.

Cursing and in pain, Obito called upon his power to make a quick escape and figure out what exactly the boy had done to him.

Soma frowned a bit miffed at the missed opportunity. His unfinished seal would take time for the masked nin to remove but it would buy him all the time he needed.

"What was that Uzumaki," Itachi spoke his eyes taking in every detail of the red-headed boy next to him. He had thought Izumo was done for and then that this masked man would kill Soma who he had built immediate respect for. Soma canceled out his blood seal before huffing and turning back toward their stunned group.

"I was placed in your team because the Hokage wishes for me to showcase some of my skill before he pushes me to advance forward. I'm supposedly determined to be an influence on you guys, no matter how far we go." Soma eyed Itachi's red gaze and hummed softly.

"It would seem you had awakened your bloodline. Good for you." It was all Soma said before walking back to their team. Itachi instinctively cut off power to his eyes and followed after Soma in wonderment.

A good influence indeed.

The rest of the mission went off without a hitch and both their team members quit after that mission. Soma had said nothing to deter them but their sensei used it as an excuse to hold both boys back from moving forward to becoming chunnin. Two more students had been added onto the boy's squad and they performed well but it was obvious Yuki was holding back his two gennin intentionally.

He held back both prodigal kids and Soma was not affected by the issue, whereas Itachi was frustrated by it. Soma used his time to hone his skills with Itachi practically attached to his hip. They grew exponentially in power and even their team and sensei could not keep up with either boy after a few years had finally passed.

In the years of his genin life, Soma had risen to uphold his position as their clan head.

Several lost members of their clan found a home in the hidden village due to their bloodline linking with their young leader. Soma himself established himself easily despite his lack of rank. It was effortless to take over guardianship of Naruto, almost pathetically easy.

Though it only led to people looking into the development of this young clan head. Through this, the redhead met Itachi's best friend another Uchiha named Shisui. Soma had held back a frown when facing the Uchiha who in his mind was aimed for tragedy. Well, hopefully, Soma could get him away from that path in life.

Soma knew of the Uchiha's and their truth after the death of Danzo in his former life had passed. That man had a hand in many of the dark deeds of the village and Soma already had plans to ensure everything would end swiftly before it began.

He had done so subtly at the current time frame. Circumventing any idiotic circumstances of others calling the Uchiha traitors. Stopping any rumors dead when they spoke or whispered of them being behind the actions of the Kyubi attack.

As a former student of the village's spymaster, Soma had gathered easy ways to ensure the Uchiha would not be dishonored and the village had other things to worry about. A perfect example being the fact that a clan heir and clan head were being held back by their sensei from moving past the stage of genin. This oddly influenced the Uchiha to feel like the Uzumaki clan were on their side through turmoil.

That plus the Uzumaki had ensured to settle their clan as close to the Uchiha to show their own trust in the clan. It had somehow eased those in power to back off the Uchiha in certain regard and settled the already ruffled feathers before Soma had settled his clan there.

Now all anyone could talk about was the two prodigies.

Word had spread and suddenly both Soma and Itachi were freed to join in the exams as a two-man squad. The only two-man squad to ever be allowed in History.

Soma had frowned when Danzo had been eagerly stepping in to push both boys to progress in ranking. Soma had been sitting on an idea for a long while. With this final push, the boy sent a formal letter to the Uchiha clan head. It was nothing intricate just a greeting from one clan to another.

He then set off to join his teammate in training for the chunnin exams.

The exams were being held in the leaf as they had ended war not many years prior and only those in alliance with the leaf were joining in the exams. Suna sadly being the only other competition joining in the exam for the current time until other villages would later reach out.

Soma didn't need to worry about Garra in this life time as he had give out of his way to ensure the boys seal was fixed before it could ever prove to be a problem in the first place. Though that was something he would need to check in on at another time.

The young redhead hated this stagnant feeling and despised the fact that he would be required to play politics for the foreseeable future. He really needed to get a higher ranking in the village as well. Soma had no intentions of becoming Hokage this time around but was determined to fix the village before the younger him could align with the former's dream.

It was strange to think of himself in another form, and even stranger to know that his younger self was being raised alongside Karin until he could grow a bit more in years.

So much still needed to be done and Soma was not going to rest until it was all taken care of.

T.D.O.T

Eyes followed the young Uzumaki clan head as the boy walked the streets of Konoha. His long Kimono top was a solid black only decorated by the Uzumaki swirl on each shoulder. The long hanging sleeves were tied back and weapons were easily hidden along with the small form though none could be easily sighted.

For once the boy wore shinobi pants that his top was tucked into. Yet, astoundingly Soma still walked silently in sleek black geta.

Soma Uzumaki had his long hair braided down his back with a tuff of glimmering hair that slipped out of the braid instead framing his soft angular face.

The boy was imposing even if he barely stood at the waist of most adults. The last few years as a genin the Uzumaki had aimed his entirety to ensure he had worked out the kinks of working with his younger body.

Laid out the groundwork for his reforming clan and trying to figure out a way to pull someone to his side so he could resolve several instances that were sure to arise. Karin was now four about to be five and Naruto was on the cusp of turning two.

This led to a particular predicament.

After becoming a Jonnin, Soma would be free to officially adopt and become the guardian of Naruto. It was the only way to circumvent his age that was holding him back from doing so. It was why the Uzumaki leader worked so hard in his team, despite the odds against him. It was also why he had established himself so well in a political setting and endeared to do more along those lines.

He held those thoughts till he arrived home and settled himself at their dining table assured it would be unlikely he would be bothered. He had everything planned out he just needed to await the upcoming exams.

Word had spread despite the thirds law against speaking of it the village found out Naruto was the vessel for the nine-tailed fox. Since they lived so close to the Uchiha though none have been bold enough to dare trample onto Uzumaki ground to come after the boy. Besides if they had, Soma's seals would have handled them.

Now though he was unsure if he should be more open to the clans around him. All these thoughts because of the future that was running fast his way. Konan came into the room holding a sleepy Naruto and Soma's attention was drawn to the boy immediately.

Astoundingly he could admit he had been a cute kid. Naruto's fluffy mane of gold hair and sparkling soft blue eyes made him look nothing but adorable.

His chubby cheeks with whisker marks made him look foxlike as well. It had been a perversely sadistic enjoyment for Soma to buy a bunch of fox-themed baby clothes after his first round of several D ranks came through.

Currently, he was wearing a fluffy onesie with a hood that had fox ears attached to it. The onesie was a lovely white and had a long tail but vaguely made Soma think of a bunny. Though it could be because his little Naru was just a baby.

In this lifetime, Naruto was as sheltered and protected as other clan children would be and Soma ensured Naruto could have a happy life. He worked long and hard thankful for his fellow clan members who decided it was better to pool money until their clan head could rise in rank.

They all knew it was also a bit of his clan wanting to take care of their oh-so 'grown up' but tiny Uzumaki clan head.

Konan had her hair pulled back into a braid and eyed the contemplative young boy. He was as serious as an adult but Soma always softened around his people. It warned her heart watching him coo to the baby in his arms.

Konan kissed Naruto's head and pecked Soma's cheek before moving about the room to set the table for dinner. Nagato and Yahiko were cooking dinner tonight and Karin was on a playdate for the day. So she had volunteered to set the dinner table.

"You've had back-to-back missions since the Fire lords escort day. I don't think any of us have really seen much of you." Soma smiled softly at Konan who seemed to be thriving in the warm environment of the leaf village.

Soma was actively involved in all aspects of his clan even if they sometimes knew it was a shadow clone checking on them they all knew he cared enough to even do that.

It had been strange at first for Konan but she loved and appreciated it all the more now. Konan finished setting down the table wear and Soma stubbornly held Naruto in his arms despite Konan reaching for the boy. She smiled and let her hands drop but eyed the red-haired boy who was happily sitting in his chair cuddling their little Naru.

"Soma! Soma!" Naruto was happily speaking his guardian's name. It was a collection of words the blonde had been picking up. Most of what he learned was mainly grammar and how to write from Azumi. Once Soma adopts the boy was when Naruto's long extensive training would begin.

Soma focused on Naruto who went off on a tangent about a book Azumi read to him that day. His words were mostly gibberish but he loved to listen nice the less.

They were able to get Naruto right before the boy turned one, released to the clan and technically an orphan of the clan until Soma could adopt him. Soma had been practically glued to Naruto's side and was active in feeding, changing, and taking care of the babe unless he was pulled away by missions.

The Uzumaki head was devoted to the baby, even despite them finding more clan members and drawing them to the leaf the boy stayed devoted to the blonde.

Soma sighed and handed the happy baby back to a confused Konan.

"I have to pack for the upcoming exams." Soma eyed the happy blonde baby feeling even more determined to rise up in rankings.

T.D.O.T

Soma sighed softly sitting at Itachi's side. They had arrived far too early in the exam hall for the chunnin exams and the red-head was growing tired of all the glares being sent their way.

They were the two youngest gennin and the two who seemed to draw the most attention without having asked for it. Itachi though had practically dragged the Uzumaki out of his bed in the morning, which honestly surprised Soma.

He never expected the Uchiha to be so eager.

Soma felt relief when he spotted the imposing figure of Ibiki who was trailing after a towering blonde man wearing a deceptive smile. Soma quirked a brow seeing Inoichi Yamanaka stand before the crowd of gathered gennin.

A pang of pain reverberated when seeing the man whose death had crushed his daughter in such a way that it led to her own demise.

Soma settled into his seat stiffly and could notice Itachi at his side stiffen and eye the redhead.

" Hello to you all. I am Inoichi Yamanaka and I will be the proctor to your first part of the chunnin exams. Please come forward for your assigned seating."

It took a scattering of moments for everyone to find their new seats and for Inoichi to follow the same script of rules he had listened to the first lifetime so long ago.

Soma stayed silent through it all completed the test and awaited the 'tenth question'. He could feel the eyes on him though. Inoichi wasn't subtle about it, he watched the Uzumaki like a hawk.

They had rarely ever spoken and if they did it was only in passing, but Soma knew people watched him. Especially the clan heads. There was no doubt in his mind that Inoichi had wanted to interview the Uzumaki's when they first arrived but because they had been the ones to kidnap the clan and drag them to the village Hiruzen had declined the incentive of double-checking the clan.

It obviously rubbed the Yamanaka clan leader the wrong way. Soma only settled himself back into his seat with ease and shut his eyes. He didn't care what others thought of him, he only cared how they perceived Naruto. When the tenth question came Soma kept his eyes shut and just listened.

"For your final question, you can only obtain the question if you offer up one of your teammate's weaknesses." Soma's eyes opened and he rolled his eyes before craning his head back and found Itachi. Soma stood without waiting for any prompting in the middle of Inoichi's explanation and yanked Itachi out of the room. A group of irate shinobi followed immediately after the two youngest leaf genin.

The Uchiha was fuming and furious but immediately shut up when they were collected with several others and escorted before a secondary examiner. Soma eyed a much younger-looking and irritable Asuma who was introducing himself as a proctor for the second exam.

Itachi had stared at Soma shocked the boy had known and had saved him from ruining their chances at this exam. Had he been going through the exam on his own he would have automatically passed this part because of his lack of teammates.

Yet, Soma never hesitated to not giving up vital information on his teammate.

Soma was bored, the exams were only loosely different to his times taking them but he needed to get through them. He was in uncharted territory but he was not unfamiliar with working through it all. Given instructions to return to the forest of death the within the next hour Soma turned to Itachi who was observing him before the pair split to say their goodbyes to their families and grab their gear.

Soma had body flickered himself home and fussed over Naruto peppering the babe with kisses before he charged back to the forest of death. One day he would finally crack the code of his father's famous flying thunder god technique. For now, he had to settle for being immeasurably proficient with a body flicker.

Itachi was already waiting with several others for the exam to take place.

They were quiet, Soma standing there minding his own business and Itachi watching him...menacingly. Or constipated, Soma had never been good at reading Uchiha expressions. Sasuke and his past relationship were proof enough that they didn't think on the same wavelength.

Soma sighed as Asuma went on a tangent about their goals and duties while within the forest of death. He knew for a fact that this would be unfair. Not only was Soma overqualified for the chunnin exams but so was Itachi. He also didn't want to disrupt the time flow too wildly so he would follow Itachi's lead when taking on an opponent on the inside. He had won once so whomever he targeted had to be part of this time-flow and his aim was to ensure he didn't screw someone out of their coveted spot.

Like before he held a heaven scroll and he immediately opened a seal from the carved etchings on his belt ensuring the scroll was sealed and hidden away. Itachi watched in wonderment and the two-faced their gate ready to go. For better or worse their chance to move forward was now.

T.D.O.T

Soma eyed the trio of older gennin trapped in a mixture of Itachi's Sharingan and his chakra suppression seals. They were only minutes away from the tower and had only been inside the forest for all of two hours. Soma sighed before following after Itachi who was already leaving toward the tower. Soma had only stopped to seal away the earth scroll with the heaven scroll.

They passed into the tower and soma tossed out and opened both scrolls. Soma frowned as did Itachi when a surprised Yuki appeared before them. Itachi didn't like that he had to be stuck with their soon-to-be former sensei. Soma on the other hand could care less. The two separated and settled down for the upcoming three days to pass. It didn't take long and there had not been many people who passed through the doors before the timer went out. All from the leaf and all much older than both boys.

Once Hiruzen arrived Soma knew these matches would determine who would become a chunnin. There would be no need to have a grand showcasing of fights this exam. Soma knew it because it had happened in his lifetime when he was presiding over the exams himself. He sighed and watched several other proctors and examiners enter the hall and geared himself up for the match.

It was officially time for him to become someone Naruto could look up to. Soma stretched and Itachi himself did the same.

It was like Soma had presumed and it took but a few breathless moments of him tactfully taking down his opponent. He knew once he lay a suppression seal over the other teen and held a kunai to his neck he had passed. Itachi had already faced his own match and placed his opponent under his Sharingan tied him up and let the proctor call the match.

Soma came back to himself when the match was called and he released his opponent. The nine-year-olds had dominated the matches and were set to face one in the final bout. Soma grumbled to himself not exactly wanting to showcase his abilities like a monkey in a cage. The nine-year-olds faced off and Soma decided to finally vent out some of the frustration he had for the Uchiha in general.

Itachi had been a pain in the ass from the moment he had been placed on his team.

Just like Sasuke these brothers sure knew how to grate on his last nerve. The fight was quick and Itachi was horrified his Sharingan did not work on Soma. Soma was fighting with his eyes closed, and fighting accurately. The pair exchanged blows but eventually, Itachi grew tired of the stalemate and body flickered behind the Uzumaki.

Soma only twisted minutely before slamming a fist into a shocked Itachi's gut.

How had he known?

They grapple I for a moment until he felt a cold sensation coming from his gut and spreading to the rest of him. He was slowly stiffening but moved fast trying to fight the effects of whatever seal was placed on him and pissing through to take down Soma.

How was he so strong and why had he been hiding it all this time on his team. Soma stared him down standing over him and Itachi jolted as Soma disappeared it was only then that Itachi realized he had lost from the get go.

His body sank down and someone caught him to lie him down gently.

He sighed and the match was called when he could not rise. A seal glowed on his stomach stopping all movement and the real Soma stared down at him from above his head. Itachi had lost the moment he faced off Soma. The other boy had sat back watching his clone take down the prideful Uchiha and Itachi had never known till that moment.

It was humbling.

Itachi needed to learn all he could from this guy, he could only become greater with Soma Uzumaki at his side. He would not let his partner slip away.

Soma was declared the winner but he eyed Hiruzen and jolted seeing a familiar masked man settled behind the third hokage. The tuff of silver hair and bored expression was like Soma always remembered. He had to hold back his tears and look away from a face that has haunted him for the last decade. Kakashi Hatake, his former captain and a man whose death will always haunt him. Not like Sakura who died at Sasuke's hand.

He died because Soma himself had lost control of his bijuu and Kakashi was the foolish man who dared try to save him.

Soma would never forgive himself for that but would ensure Naruto would have zero chances to entwine with the same fate he had.

Kakashi eyed the two boys puzzled but the Uzumaki's avoidance of him but intrigued by both of their displays of power. Kakashi leaned to the Hokage's ear and softly spoke. "I'll take them both." Kakashi turned away and left not knowing he was entwining his fate with someone who would change his life. Not knowing that his agreement to take on the two chunnin would change the course of history so greatly.

He didn't know and Soma didn't know how this would change him and his future self for the better.

Notes:

Thank you for reading, until next time.

Chapter 3: Sensei

Summary:

Kakashi and Soma officially meet. Fugaku makes his intentions known and Soma just wants a day off. To borrow a phrase it's all so troublesome.

Notes:

https://discord.com/invite/eQCW8GX2aE

Discord server for my works

After being told he was to become a chunnin Soma had made a mad dash out and away from the forest of death to cuddle his tiny Naruto for a long sleep.

His hopes were crushed late into the evening when he was awoken to pounding on his clan's home entrance. His security seals let the clan head know exactly who was standing at the entrance of his home.

So, with a sleeping child in hand, the red-head rose and stumbled down the hall to greet his...guest.

Soma held back a grimace facing the tall imposing man before him. You would think that after all the years that had drifted past him the Uzumaki would have forgotten the pain of losing the man in his past.

You would be wrong to presume that.

Kakashi was much like he had always been. His entire messy embodiment set into a faux standoffish man eyeing Soma who was a sleepy mess holding a child with a sense of detachment that he had lacked Soma's first life around. His gaze did linger on Soma's face almost as if trying to place his face, his features if he truly looked like the ghost that followed him to his first grave.

Kakashi also kept stealing glances toward the sleeping blonde baby in his arms. It helped Soma to avoid Kakashi's searching gaze when aimed in his direction.

Soma avoided locking eyes with him for various reasons. The main one was he knew Kakashi was great at reading someone and despite years of war he was still the same obnoxious brat whose face was an open book. Life moves on though and maybe one day he would look upon the man without guilt.

Soma eyed the eager-looking Itachi standing at Kakashi's side and they both eyed Soma clad in his sleeping Kimono. His hair was fucked and he knew it, he looked a mess with a blonde toddler clinging to him still sleeping and clutching the flame-red locks.

"To what do I owe this displeasure, to have you both show up at my home in the middle of the night..." Soma glowered at the pair both seemingly oblivious to Soma's irritation. The pair ignored Soma walking past him into the Uzumaki home entryway.

In any other circumstance, this would be amusing. As it were, having just become a chunnin and hoping to have been allowed time with Naruto, Soma's rest time it seemed was interrupted.

"Oddly enough I found Itachi in the same position as you when encountering him this evening, only he had his little brother clinging to him. " Kakashi spoke but his eyes were entirely aimed at the sleeping child in Soma's arms. They all heard the scuffle of feet heading their direction from further in the house.

Kakashi tensed but he really shouldn't have once he spotted another blotch of red hair.

Soma sighed and a tired-looking Nagato scuttled toward their clan leader. The man was drowsy having just been woken up by one of Soma's clones and dragged to collect the heir.

Some would argue on why Soma didn't have his clone take his charge to Nagato. Well, Soma preferred Nagato to be aware Naruto was curled up in his bed next to him, he didn't want the man to accidentally roll over the baby.

The babe in question stubbornly clung to Soma's clothes and hair before Nagato was able to extract the boy and retreat back into his personal sleeping quarters baby and all.

Once hands-free, Soma directed his unwarranted guest into the small receiving room just off to the left of the first open hall. The Uzumaki leader grumbled under his breath but sent off another swiftly made clone to make tea.

He dumped...left his guest in the room with his rumpled clone already having returned with tea and a small plate of snacks.

Soma slipped away a moment swiftly adjusting his hair and changing. He had eyed Itachi's attire and knew what the unorthodox scarecrow sensei was going to do.

Soma returned to a curious-looking Kakashi who was tugging and turning Soma's clone he had left behind. Using little effort the clone dissipated with no sound or smoke surprising both Kakashi and Itachi.

"You've got a real talent for shadow clones." Kakashi eyed the red-haired boy suspiciously. He was baiting the Uzumaki because his clones were solid not made of shadows. Soma snorted and twisted his hair into a knot.

"It's a wind clone, not a shadow clone. Less fuss more danger. Easier control as that is my element." Soma plopped himself down before Kakashi and Itachi both looked more and more intrigued.

"Why a wind clone, don't they require a lot of chakra?" Soma sipped his own cup of tea that had been set out before him but his eyes swiveled to Itachi who spoke. Soma didn't hold back his grimace before huffing.

"I'm an Uzumaki, what constitutes for you as a lot of chakra is nothing but a drop in the ocean for me. Besides that, I didn't exactly have formal education on shadow clones leaf shinobi learn. I learned it while being on your team but wind clones are just more multi-functional." Soma didn't even pretend to hide away his reasonings.

His past life had proven wind clones were far smarter for him to work and control. Naruto would surely learn right this lifetime around and would be ensured to favor wind clones and stealth. No matter what he changed, certain things were sure to happen with or without his intervention. His younger self needed to know it all so he would be better prepared this time around.

Kakashi eyed Soma who was sitting before him a blank face aimed his way. Not much was known of the young boy. He just seemed to appear from the wind himself, a monster of power even at the young age he was.

Before joining the leaf Soma had garnered a name for himself. Bloodless Death, most of the child's few survivors spoke of how he stripped them of the ability to use chakra.

The youngest person dead or alive to be placed into Bingo books across the elemental nations. Though he was also the only one that the elusive photographers could not obtain any kind of picture of. The best they got was a blur of red hair.

It was truly awe-inspiring, next to him he obtained the Uchiha's prized heir, the famed Itachi who was one of the youngest of his famed clan to obtain his Sharingan.

These two were truly the best and brightest of the upcoming shinobi generation. Shisui, who was very much in their age group would be the added ringing threat to protect their village. A dark swirling joy curled within the masked silver-haired shinobi. He would have a hand in training all of the upcoming elites, that was thrilling at least.

Soma sighed as Kakashi easily slid a formal notice before the young boy. He knew what would be written there, he didn't want to have to do it but knew it was coming.

Dual apprenticeship with Itachi as his training partner and Kakashi as their sensei.

Deep blue eyes lifted to meet the smug expression on his former sensei's hidden face. He couldn't see his face but he knew that bastard was smirking smugly at him.

It was no secret that Uzumaki Soma avoided Hatake Kakashi like he was the plague. Just the previous week while he had been preparing for the chunnin exams Kakashi had shown up trying to meet the two boys.

The Hokage had recommended them as apprentice's. So Kakashi had gone out of his way to cross their path.

Soma had finished their D ranked mission and bolted dragging a moony eyed Itachi with him. Everytime Kakashi so much as saw that glimmer of red hair the boy ran in the opposite direction. It was amusing to Hatake but now the boy was trapped.

Most assumed it had to do with the porn addiction the man proudly showcased, or his peculiar tendency to be late. It was neither but only Soma knew that and allowed others especially Kakashi to believe it was the older man's new quirks he showcased.

Itachi looked at him with bright eager eyes and Kakashi expectantly. Soma read over the contract and it wasn't really much but they would have to follow all his orders of training until they became jonnin.

Resigning himself to his fate Soma only signed his name and bit his thumb to add blood to the contract, next to Itachi's on the apprenticeship line. Kakashi snatched up the paperwork and eye smiled at his newest charges.

"We will start off right away and light. Fifteen laps around the village, be careful though. I will be lurking behind you both ensuring you do this in absolute silence." Kakashi smirked holding up a bag of what Soma knew to be small rocks. He had hoped to never be under Kakashi's thumb again, but it seemed he would be put through torture and torment of the man for years to come...or until he was able to become a jonnin.

He eyed a skeptical Itachi and debated on Kakashi's training methods as being the reason for the original Itachi's quick ascension to higher rankings... never mind he didn't want to think about it.

T.D.O.T

Several months in Soma and Itachi barrelled forward through their chunnin training and necessary missions. Itachi was growing in his own ability with ease and Soma was showcasing more and more of his hidden skill as the days wore on.

Soma was given some time away from training to complete clan duties and work hard on missions to bring in income to his clan.

It was easy all too easy. Soma was settled in his Tea room eyeing several clan heads while the screams and laughter of children echoed just down the hall.

Naruto was turning three and Konan and Azumi had arranged a party sending Invitations to several other clan heads. Soma had allowed it but still ensured to place several of his favored clansmen to watch over the clan heirs and children.

Never mind all the protection seals Soma himself had placed into the surroundings of his grounds. Anyone in their clan could sense when someone wandered too far off or in and would be there to steer people back or push others away. Hell, his security seals would just warp them in the right direction.

Shikaku was currently playing a game of shogi with Soma while many around them made conversation. It had hurt in particular to see Shikaku.

Shikamaru's sacrifice has been not long before the downfall of the village. Shikamaru had given his life taking down waves after waves of Zetsu as he could... before he died. Soma was still haunted from seeing the withered and bloody form of his former right-hand man. His best friend from a lifetime so long ago.

Shikaku himself had been one of the few adults in his past life who gave a damn about him. He was the one who had furnished his once upon a time apartment. He was thwarted from doing more by the council but Soma would always hold respect for the man for doing what he could to help.

Those Nara's were both men amongst men. They both earned his respect long ago and Soma was all but happy to give at least the older counterpart that.

The younger Nara would have to prove himself to Naruto but Soma didn't doubt it would happen once they both were in school together.

He always could recall being in awe of the intelligence the lazy boy had.

Fugaku was sternly watching Soma as he played the village's tactical veteran and conversed with ease. The Uzumaki leader, a child was nothing short of astonishment.

Rhe boy was personable and let any insult slide off his back. He even ensured insult did not reach the Uchiha clan despite the hostile environment most of the civilian council aimed at the Uchiha after the attack of the nine-tailed beasts on their village.

The boy truly knew how to work political climate which begged the question of how? Uzumaki Soma could not have been older than eleven, Soma was the same age as his oldest son, yet the boy moved and spoke as if he were a veteran Shinobi leader.

Fugaku eyed Azumi who was setting out more tea and food for the clan heads. The woman eagerly moved to the young Uzumaki clan heads side fussing over the boy till he pointedly looked toward the direction of the children. She smothered a giggle but appeased the clan's head by kissing his brow and trotting off towards the playing children.

His people listened to him absolutely. Azumi a grown adult didn't henpeck or coddle the boy but listened to his word. It was peculiar. Itachi was no doubt a prodigal genius of his clan yet he did not show the Stern or practical disposition that his youthful counterpart did.

Fugaku wondered why and needed answers. The Uchiha leader rose from his seat and settled next to the young clan leader. Soma gave him a head tilt of respect and acknowledgment but nothing more and nothing less.

Most would have thrown themselves to abase him, especially from smaller clans yet the Uzumaki held the confidence and wherewithal to abstain and show appropriate respect. He had noticed the boy was nothing but confident even for one his age.

"Did you need something of me Uchiha San? Your eyes have been glued to me all day." Soma spoke with ease not glancing away from his match with the elder Nara.

The match had been long going and that in itself was impressive to Fugaku. Shikaku himself snickered at the child's blunt confrontation, and the tactical veteran wondered how the kid got a read on the Uchiha to use such an approach.

Fugaku himself was focused on how the Uzumaki head was playing so evenly with the Nara's clan leader.

Few could last a short game with a Nara, let alone having a prolonged game in the area of their expertise.

"I am merely curious of you Uzumaki San." Fugaku spoke and Soma quirked an eyebrow.

"Curious, of me. I could only guess the reason why." The young preteen kept his voice steady and gaze even. Fugaku was not fooled though, as the boy's tone was obviously flat.

Soma was borderline disrespectful but this young boy had quelled rumors of his clan having hand in the attack on their village. Even despite the fact that the boy did not like him or owe his clan anything the boy was honorable. So Fugaku felt the child leader earned the right to speak to him as an equal.

His clan had been shunned but the Uzumaki people cared not of rumors or others' opinions but based people on their own merits.

So, Fugaku could forgive this slight against himself, and if he was, to be honest, he was beating around the bush and instead ventured to get to the point.

In a brief moment of distraction, Shikaku won over the young boy who only pouted in by his loss. The older man only reset the board as playing with the young Uzumaki gave him great insight and also delved up new questions.

Like why the hell was the boy so confident in front of so many clan heads. Why was this young boy someone so knowledgeable about battle tactics and why did he not even sway under an intense force like Fugaku.

It was all so interesting and Shikaku shifted his gaze to the open doorway watching the young clan heirs running about.

Shikaku watched his son, Shikamaru, and his best friend Choji being dragged along by the sociable and affectionate blonde that was Naruto Uzumaki. The blonde spotted a shy Sasuke clinging to his elder brother but the boy was no match for Naruto's friendliness.

The child soon had the whole lot of kids playing a game of tag. Charismatic and outgoing like his father, someone already showcasing leadership abilities. Able to bond and connect with any and all around him.

His gaze fell back onto the boy's young guardian who was eyeing the game board contemplatively. It was interesting playing with the Uzumaki clan leader.

Most people have favored well-thought-out tactics and strategies they implemented to play shogi. Not Uzumaki Soma it seemed.

The boy threw out tactics left and right looking for the correct angle and at no point in time did he seem frustrated by a loss. He vaguely reminded the older man of a friend long since lost.

It was odd to see pieces of Minato in a stranger but it seemed fitting. Naruto would get both parts of his mother and father from the form of someone who gave a damn about the boy.

It had to have been some higher power reaching out to give the boy a chance. Even if that chance was a mystery and prodigy.

The child was fascinating and would prove to be something great, Shikaku was sure of it. As Soma moved his next piece on the board Shikaku finally spoke.

"How would you feel if my son and Naruto had several more playdates. You and I could talk politics and play more rounds of shogi." Shikaku watched as Uzumaki Soma merely shrugged unperturbed by the offer.

Fugaku on the other hand eyed Shikaku suspiciously. Everyone knew how the Nara so rarely sought out relationships. Let alone with newly settled clans. Every clan head were each in small ways falling over themselves to have a chance to help and interact with their former friends' only child. So by extension they sought out Soma Uzumaki the one in charge of said child.

All the clans had wanted to help the young child who had been locked away in the cold tower that was the orphanage. They were all even banned from interacting with the formerly clanless boy.

Yet, those plans were thwarted in one fell swoop by the child before them all. Uzumaki Soma ran his clan well and the more members who returned to the bosom of their people the more they all thrived. They sold seals, arts, and luxuries few had ever seen before.

Truly this had to be a power wished onto the clan by forces greater than them. Soma played the match and eventually got close to taking down the older Nara but had ultimately been out-maneuvered. It was still impressive for one so young to get that close.

Soma sighed but squeals and giggles drew his gaze. The young redhead watched Naruto running around with his little friends. Small versions of ghosts of his past. Soma could only smile even if there was sadness in his eyes.

"I do wonder why you, of everyone in this village, look upon our children with such lingering sadness." This came from Shibi Aburame who surprised Fugaku by his sudden appearance seated next to him Even Shikaku jolted a moment eyeing the quiet man.

"When did you get here?" Shikaku spoke his face set in confusion.

"He was here the entire time," Soma spoke and sighed before looking back to the group of older men that their children modeled themselves after.

"I look upon our future generation and ponder if the peace will last." Soma settled back and Shikaku shifted his gaze back to him.

"Why would you have such a cause for concern Uzumaki?" Shikaku spoke but his gaze was guarded.

Soma had to ruminate his words before speaking. "My village and people were devastated, running to the point where many were scattered in the wind of the ashes the village became. We were a powerful bunch and much is shifting politically." Soma's gaze was heavy and each clan head realized there was no child mind sitting behind the youthful gaze of the preteen before them.

It proved to be true that young Soma Uzumaki had seen many horrors before joining the leaf. It would mean that more horrors were just outside their village doorstep.

They would all need to train their children accordingly.

"I have a proposal for you Uzumaki san." This came from Fugaku who eyed Soma. "Fist become a jonnin and we shall discuss further on this but this will be for you to ruminate." Soma eyed Fugaku but nodded for him to continue. Fugaku fumbled out of character for the man but settled his own privacy seal so only the four of them would hear his words.

Soma eyed Fugaku but focused his attention on him.

"You have made me realize my eldest is not suited for the role of a leader." Fugaku seemed calm despite it drawing open surprise from the group listening in. "Sasuke shows the characteristics of what it takes to lead our clan. Had I not seen your showcasing and even your own heir's easy candor with others I would have never seen the truth. My boy is too soft the role would destroy him but I will not let him stop being a shinobi. Until Sasuke is trained he will hold the mantle of clan heir but..." Fugaku looked uncomfortable.

"I wish to combine our clans by a marriage act." Soma sobered up and stiffened.

"I doubt Asumi would allow Karin to marry for political gain Fugaku. I would not even allow that." Soma was pissed but Fugaku didn't flinch.

"I did not state that I wished for young Karin to marry my eldest." Shikaku suddenly began snickering and Shibi the most stoic man flushed in embarrassment.

Soma only blinked once slowly and frowned. "You have an heir and I have an heir planned and set up. I can see my eldest settling down into an easy relationship with you." Soma blanched and Shikaku's snickering turned into full-out laughter.

"I'm pretty sure your son is straight Uchiha san." Soma spoke flatly his tone irritable. Fugaku only quirked a single brow and snorted.

"I'm sure he isn't, normally with this knowledge I would arrange his marriage to someone in my clan and ensure he bond with the girl so he could forget his inclinations but this way the clan can save pride and allow him to be himself away from prying eyes." Soma huffed and crossed his arms.

"What makes you think I swing that way?" Soma was actually curious about this matter.

Fugaku actually smiled before settling down. "You don't have a preference when you eye men or women you've made that perfectly clear when your eyes linger on several people during shinobi council." Soma blushed and huffed and waved his hand away. As if pushing the thought away.

"I'll think on the matter but I make no promises." The boy pushed it to the furthest recesses in the back of his mind and focused back on the game with the chortling Nara.

"That's all I ask." Fugaku took his seal away and stood to join his wife in watching over their sons.

Shikaku wouldn't shut up and Soma beat him in a match but it was bittersweet.

"Damn Uchiha's." Soma grumbled out only setting Shikaku off again.

Chapter 4: Emotions

Summary:

Soma in both of his lives only worries about the leaf village. Now he has a tiny version of himself to be concerned about.

Notes:

Itachi has emotions and that's totally not an Uchiha thing.

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Soma frowned eyeing his former teammate. Itachi was not handling their change in ranking well. They easily passed the jonnin exam and are officially jonnin in the eyes of the village each at just age eleven. In less than a year to progress so swiftly.

They had been pushed to the brink in their apprenticeship with Kakashi and working with him and Itachi vaguely reminded Soma of his former team.

What Kakashi failed to mention to both of them was his training came with... requirements. The main one is that they would be drafted into anbu. Itachi was under Kakashi's full direction and Soma, well he was pretty much passed around to each team.

A rare lone anbu that wasn't a hunting nin.

At first, they were trained together, and unfortunately, Itachi had to have his first kill separated from Soma. That was the most recent event in their lives. Soma had killed in his past and in front of his direct commander Dragon.

Dragon was in charge of everyone in anbu whereas Soma had to be directed by Shikaku in his jonnin ranks. To be honest Soma only followed a few orders from a few prominent figures in his life. The Hokage, Anbu leader Dragon, Kakashi, and Shikaku. Despite his young age, he was a clan leader and had no one in his clan dictating his life.

Other than the Hokage they were the only ones with any grip over Soma's anbu or regular jonnin persona. Kakashi was practically glowing in pride at having a hand in training the pair. He was both proud and dismayed at having made them into what they were today.

If one watched either boy having to complete a kill on-site mission they would think them both monsters. Itachi was having a harder time with that aspect of the job description. Soma was cold, and dispassionate but had better ways of coping with the fallout of the blood on his hands. It was something Kakashi knew he had no hand in helping with.

Hell, he was still holding onto the ghost of his past.

Soma for all intents and purposes was rolling with the punches. Itachi was slowly becoming like many other anbu hiding it all behind a mask. The differences changed things between the two boys and the friendship they had was strained.

It made the Uzumaki leader nervous, to say the least. Soma could never forget what Itachi was pushed to, and how one day he would fall into the rabbit hole. Unless something was done to expel that possibility. Soma had to intervene but to what end he was still unsure.

An emotional crutch would do nothing but waylay the problem. The main issue was that Shisui and Itachi would soon be targeted by Danzo, and if the Uchiha were still plotting to overthrow the village was also up for question.

Rumors of the Uchiha's involvement with the demon fox attack were far and few but they still existed. The Uzumaki leader settled himself down in a familiar scene of children off in a separate room playing.

Adults separated talking about politics and speaking over the current political situation and talks of peace from Kumo.

Itachi was being primed to become an anbu captain. Soma himself refused to rise into a captain ranking. Though Kakashi ignored what he said and still taught him the role.

Soma wasn't interested and nor was he determined. He had done enough leading in his past and held no interest in it in his current life. He still wanted to please his sensei and endeavored to learn everything Kakashi asked of him. Even if he didn't want it.

Though if he was, to be honest with himself he would likely be forced into higher ranking by word of his Hokage sooner or later.

Soma himself just only wanted to focus on Naruto and his development more than anything. Hiruzen knew that as well, it was why Soma was under the command of Dragon instead of in a formal team.

He rose swiftly in the regular jonnin ranks being seen as a valuable and tactical addition to the leaf village. He devoted himself to having a perfect cover and it made him the perfect anbu operative. Though his methods were the root cause of why his and Itachi's current friendship had soured.

The words of marriage Fugaku had uttered were a pushed-away thought for both clans. He and Itachi seemed to have a strained friendship at the moment due to their current positions.

Itachi wanted Soma to rise in the anbu field with him rather than focusing on being a known jonnin in the village. Soma wanted Itachi to value his mental well-being rather than tunneling through each day and trying to burn out. The pair stood at an impasse one Soma wasn't sure how to direct them away from.

He pulled his eyes away from the stiff sitting form of Itachi Uchiha. Fugaku and Mikoto we're both formal but polite when interacting with the Hyuga. It was Hinata's third birthday and as an act of goodwill and a way to formally introduce himself Hiashi had given a birthday invitation to both The Uchiha and Uzumaki clans.

Soma had agreed and a certain Uchiha had insisted on attending hoping to get his eldest son to interact with his chosen intended Fugaku had insisted his own family go as well.

It was interesting, to say the least. Soma himself was as reluctant as Itachi in joining the children in play but Kept to himself and the people he had brought along. Karin was watching over her cousin with a young Neji as Soma being only several years older was required to interact with the adults and clan leaders.

Soma had most of his clan mingling with others, gathering information. They were Uzumaki and they would not waste an opportunity to ensure the security of the limited few of their clan. Everyone was on edge as they had visiting diplomats in their village and their vulnerable heirs in an open area.

Soma was not impressed with the Hyuga security in place. They relied far too much on their bloodline limit and it only made the flame-haired boy remember how easily he would sneak on the property to cause a ruckus in his former life.

The young leader leaned over towards Nagato who was chatting away with Konan and Yahiko and the three silenced listening to him.

"Would you mind checking on Naruto, I'm concerned he might cause a riot without someone watching him." The ame trio chuckled as they were sure the blonde could do just that. Naruto was known to play pranks even if it was harmless he could get into a lot of trouble if he had Shikamaru helping him plan it out and Sasuke's help in pulling it off.

They worried he might get hurt if he wasn't careful.

Soma was paranoid about his heir and everyone knew it. Though they didn't understand it came from their moments being part of the unknown. Something that was diverted from his original path of life.

"Of course Soma sama." Nagato bowed his head to his little leader.

Nagato smiled and calmly stood to leave towards the children. He felt eased seeing both Yahiko and Konan follow after Nagato to check on the kids.

Soma wasn't sure but it felt like he was forgetting something important. Something that was significant about this time but the Uzumaki leader wasn't sure what it could be.

Though his paranoia was proved to be a saving grace as he suddenly was reminded of what he had forgotten. Neji's father was supposed to have died as an atonement for killing Hinata's would-be kidnappers.

Kidnappers that attempted to abduct her on her birthday.

Suddenly sounds of screaming came from the direction of the children's playroom. The apex of where the young heirs were having their fun. Every Shinobi leader suddenly appeared in the clustered room and Soma eyed Nagato who was holding down a furious man bound with one of their clan seals, one that stopped the use of chakra and paralyzed the captive.

Children were blubbering and clinging to their respective parents, even Soma found himself with an armful of a whimpering Naruto.

The toddler struggled to explain to his guardian about the bad man that tried to take his new friends away. Soma soothed him and he could spot Konan and Yahiko holding two more struggling would-be kidnappers.

Soma cursed himself for having forgotten. Hinata's birthday was the day someone had attempted to kidnap the heiress. It inevitably lead to Neji's father being killed as a replacement for his brother, and to appease the political upheaval that occurred at the cost of killing foreign diplomats.

In Soma's first life he had found this to be one of the most foolish agreements the third Hokage had given in to. Though war right now would have been detrimental, it would have been preferable to laying down and barring their bellies.

Hiruzen had made them look weak and that affected how other hidden villages treated the leaf in later years until Naruto had stood as a long-living threat. It made the villages back off but they didn't fear the leaf only the Hokage.

Soma sighed as he and Shikaku along with several others kept the more of the hot-headed Shinobi leaders from lashing out at the...diplomats. Soma frowned but knew he'd have to step up soon. This was now a political clusterfuck.

One big part that was entirely diverted from his first life. One he needed to handle himself so that it would have as few adverse effects as possible. Leaving no variable without his own hand having a moment to sway its direction.

It wasn't long before Soma had Naruto escorted home and was sitting with the other Shinobi council discussing their current predicament.

The prisoners had been interrogated and the word was sent to their village about their... misdeeds. This was not going to be pretty, especially since Soma had no clue how this course would end up going.

For now, until the Kumo leader could show up, their hands were tied.

The only thing was everyone did turn to Soma to deal with the political aspect of the situation. Soma only advocated not allowing the civilian council into this matter as it was clan and Shinobi business.

The first step in pushing Danzo out of power.

T.D.O.T

Soma held back his laughs as a ball of toddler exuberance walked around blindfolded. Naruto, at age three, was young but housed a burden that would require a certain level of control. Currently, there wasn't much he could teach him, but he could get him invested in learning his sensor abilities early on.

It developed his current taijutsu and would be preferable to teach his younger counterpart. Though it was considered training, this had to be quite amusing to watch. It just looked like a game of blindfolded tag to outside observers. Those of his clan kept finding excuses to come watch the spectacle. Soma concluded they must have made quite the adorable scene.

A toddler running around a backyard stumbling after the flare of chakra that was his guardian. His small feet in his small geta were the only noise heard as Soma stood still in the middle of the yard. Naruto had yet to learn how to move about silently in the high sandals.

His small form was wrapped in a sunshine yellow kimono with the Uzumaki seal stitched beautifully into the fabric. Soma almost snorted as he was dressed in a soft blue with his seal embroidered into the silk.

Konan adored Naruto and loved that the toddler wanted to emulate their leader so much. She had even gone out of her way to ensure the boy begin dressing and learning to train in similar attire to the leading Uzumaki.

The toddler finally found his guardian and a burst of giggles exploded from the boy as he yanked off his eye covering. His small hands tugged at the older boy's clothing.

Soma smiled gently and lifted the boy who was exuberantly explaining how he could see Soma without actually seeing him.

The older boy only gently smiled at his charge but the flare of chakra coming his way had him handing the toddler to Nagato who stepped out to collect the boy for his calligraphy lessons.

Nagato smirked and made it no secret that he had been watching the pair 'train'. Yet the small leader eyed him and shooed the pair away. Naruto was already late for his lessons.

Nagato was always in charge to oversee Naruto in his stead. The older man was looking healthier and Soma was glad Karin was so proficient in her iryojutsu. Plus her blood itself could help heal others and she endured Nagato drank down vials of it every month. It seemed to be helping him immensely.

Though all of them put one another's health ahead of their own, especially the clan heir Naruto.

Soma was very insistent on Naruto getting ahead of his education. Even Karin was made to study early on and like her mother already had an affinity for medical iryo-ninjutsu.

Soma watched Naruto wave him goodbye before the Uzumaki leader was confronted by several masked anbu. None belonged to Danzo each of them was a member of Kakashi's squad. It was difficult to not let his eyes linger on the masked form of Itachi.

They had most likely been watching him train his heir and were awaiting the boy's success before giving notice of their presence.

He knew Itachi would potentially have a better grasp on why he refused an in-depth future in Anbu. Even he could tell most of Kakashi's team had a part of their attention aimed in the direction of Naruto. It was Kakashi's team so they all were fairly loyal to the toddler, especially since a near-unknown group of relatives suddenly appeared to take claim of him.

Kakashi, despite the enthusiasm he had for training Soma, was and always would be suspicious of the Uzumaki leader's intentions. Though those suspicions became minuscule over time.

"Our Hokage wishes for a meeting with Uzumaki Soma." Soma quirked an eyebrow but smiled gently nonetheless.

He shrugged but allowed himself to be led to the Hokage's tower. He could only have a few guesses as to what this would pertain to.

Soma was sure the Kumo Kage has not yet arrived as they were not expecting the Kage until sometime in the next year. Despite the urgency, both men were busy and both Kages were currently having a political pissing contest to see who would cave first.

So it left only one option, a long-term mission. He was expecting it to be honest. He had only been on short missions as Naruto had been an infant and his clan was still settling into their foothold of placement in the hidden village.

The Uzumaki leader was escorted into the privacy of the Hokage's office and his jubilant mood dissipated. He spotted the dark looming form of Danzo flanked by two other useless bags of bones who helped run the civilian council. Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado loomed behind Danzo watching Soma expectantly.

Soma had little interaction with Danzo as they all knew the boy had an intricate spy network. It wasn't yet time for Danzo to be removed from his position just yet though, so Soma held back from terrorizing the man.

"Uzumaki, Thank you for arriving so swiftly." Soma inclined his head in respect for the Third, ignoring and irritating the three civilian council members. At no point would he willingly involve himself with the three. They were not the Hokage, and they would learn the Uzumaki would not follow their commands or wishes as they will.

He was the Uzumaki leader and no old crone would loom over his back and his decisions for his clan.

Danzo cleared his throat to get the pre-teen's attention but Soma ignored him to stare unflinchingly at the Hokage. Hiruzen was surprised Soma refused to acknowledge the imposing form that was Danzo. The third and his former friend were currently at odds with one another. Rumors had been going around about Anbu who had no markings on their masks. About children from clans going missing and words to incite rebellion all sprouting from the same source. Danzo usually left no hint behind that he had any dealings but maybe the old fool was losing his touch.

Though knowing of the young boy in front of him, he probably looked into deeper dealings hidden in their village's dark roots. Soma was a spymaster of all his own, this was proven by Jiraiya giving hints of the young boy's talents in the arts when telling Hiruze of the boy in his introduction letter. The Uzumaki leader proved resourceful and most likely had a hand in usurping the long-term plans Danzo had been plotting. They had all known the old warmonger had been after the Bijuu vessel who was Naruto, the heir, and toddler under constant watch and protection of the Uzumaki clan.

Though to what end Hiruzen would not wish to think of. It was too late now, Naruto could not just disappear now as that would all fall back onto Danzo and Hiruzen would only watch as the Uzumaki clan destroyed the man. It had been discussed already between him and his former teammate and Hiruzen saw the flash of fear fall onto Danzo's face when explaining such a thing.

The third focused back on the young clan head. Soma Uzumaki was a conundrum. He stood without fear of repercussion before many and aimed to prove himself not for his or the village's sake but for those he found worthy of the protection. .

His people and that was not just his clan but now extended to many of the future generation and those that reached out to the boy. The only Anbu in his ranks could boast mental stability and mean it. For that Kakashi even fell behind the boy's greatness in such a standard. It was something refreshing and a thing Hiruzen respected.

Homura grumbled about Soma being disrespectful but Soma ignored her to only looked at Hiruzen. The third sighed and finally spoke for the three.

"We have a long-term mission in place for you Uzumaki san." Soma quirked a brow at the 'we' but listened.

"There are rumors of an individual trying to kidnap roaming performers in a well-known village to the north of the land of fire. Anyone with gifts or abilities. People go missing and some are found...though not always as they once were. Several people have disappeared in several civilian villages near us. As they have come too close to our village we need to ensure this person or group does not come against our people. Whoever this is frequented a particular village on occasion he goes to a...tea house in this town. Some of the entertainers disappear soon after and we can only imagine he has a hand in it. We need you to identify who it is and what its purpose is. The only information we have is the man is seen to be wearing a black cloak with red print." Soma stood silent a frown working its way onto his face.

Soma looked like he wished to speak but a subtle glance proved the boy would not talk with his council members in the room. It proved the boy did not trust his council and that made Hiruzen dismiss them, even despite their protest.

It would be difficult but he knew the boy would not trust him should he include the three in his dealings.

Soma eyed only one hidden anbu hesitating for but a moment before turning to face the third. "I won't allow one of Danzo's dogs in the room either." Soma eyed the anbu who was forced to come out of hiding shocking many who hadn't even known he was hidden in the shadows with them. Kakashi himself was the most furious he had missed such a thing.

The spying anbu was taken away and Hiruzen's face was pinched with anger at the sight of the unknown agent. The blank mask all but confirmed something to the wizened man. He forced down his fury and focused back on a stone face Soma. That could be dealt with at a later date, what he would need to focus on would be this mission at hand.

"I might know of this group you wish me to learn of, I will accomplish this mission but I will need agents by my side coming in disguised as my patrons." Hiruzen let his face wash of emotion utterly shocked.

"You are planning on becoming an entertainer of the tea house. Not observing?" Hiruzen would never ask his people to give their bodies over for a mission, especially one as young as Soma. Soma snorted in amusement not missing the way both Kakashi and Itachi had gone stiff over his voluntary involvement. Even behind anbu masks, Soma could read them both easily.

"There are other ways to become a praised entertainer without using my body, I will be ready."Soma grimaced playing into a bit of an act knowing his embarrassment would come off as genuine.

"I actually grew up an orphan in a red-light district of a now long-destroyed village. Despite my coloring, I had no parents and the royal line had long been eliminated during the attack on Uzu. I had been found and taken to a village that had an abundance of orphans. I know my path in life was bleak and was either going to become a Shinobi or one of the tea houses entertainers." Soma's eyes shined over remembering his previous life. A time filled with uncertainty. The prostitutes and this of his past life were the only ones who kept the former him safe.

The women taught him their trade and had him do small tasks so he could earn extra pocket money. His orphan stipend wasn't enough for the hated demon container of the leaf village and it was through the people of the red light district that he pushed through and survived his academy years.

They were his wall even if they all could only offer him so much attention.

When Soma first came back in time he had found the nearest large city with a red light district and became an errand boy for a bit till he was able to get a grip on exactly when he was. It was still a profession he knew from his past and falling into it again was a lot easier to swallow this time around.

Soma must have been silent too long as when he focused once more Hiruzen looked at the young boy with a face of anguish. Everyone was stiff in the room and Soma reminded himself he was only 'seven' when he first arrived in Konoha. Though it was around that she that the boy had to consider his choices in life. Either shinobi-hood or an entertainer as no other apprenticeship would take in the demon child.

"I'll get the information to you Hokage sama. I just have some conditions. So my people don't fall into chaos while I'm away." Hiruzen still shaken by the words of the young pre-teen settled himself. The whole room seemed to breathe life again most reeling at seeing someone so young mature and forced to face the reality of life so young.

"What are your terms." Hiruzen broke the silence and needed to move past this moment the mission was important and he could not afford to get sidetracked.

"My heir will need guidance in his early development training while I am away. I have instructions written out but many of my clan members are shinobi as well, they cannot devote extra time to overseeing my charge. Most others in my clan are dedicated to getting a foothold in the village and too cannot train the heir even if they wish they could." Soma saw Hiruzen look worried.

"Training? Isn't the boy only three?" Soma cocked his head in confusion.

"What do you mean? Uzumaki must begin training once they learn to walk, our vast chakra stores make the regular training necessary to function once we face regulatory classroom settings. Though the training is disguised as playing, I'm sure your anbu team that escorted me here could attest to that." Hiruzen looked to Kakashi's team, their leader stood stiff behind his mask hearing about it alongside Hiruzen.

"Crow, speak." Hiruzen eyed a masked Itachi who stood to attention.

"Uzumaki had Naruto search for him blindfolded chasing after the flare of his chakra. Then had the boy taken to his writing lessons. The boy did not look upset tired or in distress from the play he seemed more excited from having been able to find his guardian." Crow stopped talking and fell back to his crouched bow.

Hiruzen was eased at the words, Kakashi hidden behind his mask had his full attention aimed at the Uzumaki leader and Soma only stood unflinchingly.

"Who would you suggest to train your heir?" Hiruzen was more curious now. Soma noticed Kakashi flinch as he knew the man would want to train the boy but with him being here it was obvious he would be part of this mission.

Soma had thought this over and took a deep breath.

"There is a young chunnin who is aiming to become a teacher, Iruka I believe was his name. Though I would ask Shisui Uchiha to be there to help with training. I chose Iruka so the boy can gain experience with teaching and for what I know is his patience. Shisui was decided on as I can ensure Naruto will be safe in a stranger's company and the training follows my structure. I don't entirely trust the people of the village with my charge. Many know of Naruto's burden now and I refuse to just let my family be shown such terrible dispositions without some protection. I will of course pay them both A rank payment as my charge is not just anyone in the village." Hiruzen was stunned but understood the necessity of it. It was almost something even he would not have thought to cover.

He always forgot Naruto's burden and hoped to just treat him normally like any other child but Soma Uzumaki did not hold back and placed protection over his charge.

It was humbling to know he was far too arrogant and trusting of his people. Yet Soma a youth of only twelve years would not allow it to blind himself. Hiruzen was grateful the boy was so protective of Naruto, even if it hurt his heart a little.

"Granted." Soma nodded and was hesitant to say more but it was needed.

"I will need to be out for at least a month. I can connect with a former mama of a tea house. Word will travel fast, there aren't many male performers in most establishments. We will need to make the most of it as we will not get a second shot if we mess up the first chance." Soma sighed and knew this would be both painful and thrilling to do. He had never been able to do undercover missions in his previous life. Honestly, going around shouting his name and his future aspirations to half the elemental nation was probably what held him back.

"I'll leave tonight." Soma looked back determined and Hiruzen nodded and dismissed the shinobi. Soma was going to give Naruto a big hug and pack after letting his clan know he would be gone for some time.

T.D.O.T

Itachi grumbled in his disguise. He had looked over his transformation jutsu before he left and the green eyes and blonde hair looked jarring to him. Kakashi looked even more strange with hair so black it had violet undertones and eyes the color of autumn leaves. It was strange to see a face on the man but he was transformed so Itachi knew it was not Kakashi's real face.

They both dressed pretty subdued not wanting to draw much attention and were seated near the front of the stage. Uzumaki had sent word that the mission was underway and so the team came along disguised as random patrons in the tea house.

The lights dimmed and the once constant chatter of the tea house dropped and silenced immediately. Itachi shifted uncomfortably in his seat but Kakashi leaned forward intrigued.

The sharp strum of a shamisen strung out in the dark and a light flashed brightly on the stage showing long shimmering silver hair that glittered as if it was made of gemstones. The figure was dressed in many layers of an intricate white and red kimono. Touches of gold were stitched onto the outer layer and the slender neck of the beauty fell back.

Uzumaki Soma made Itachi need a moment to catch his breath. Not a mar on his pale skin, his eyes lined with a beautiful red that matched his lips. His eyes looked outward toward the crowd, golden and glimmering. A beautiful silhouette under the stage light.

An arm struck outward holding an iridescent fan. Flutes started to twitter along with the thrumming of drums and the beautiful figure moved with purpose, with power. His arms lifted and he spun throwing himself into the stuttering beat. His steps were silent in his red geta, no noise made to distract from the music surrounding him.

The lights would flash leaving him in moments as a glowing figure moving across the stage blind. Soma's hair and body moved about his measured steps across the long stage till he found himself at the end of the long stage his arm striking out again using the iridescent fan to hide from the light.

They could read the character's story, seeming to fall into travesty at being unable to escape the light and moving spinning then falling and crawling to end only on his knees one more hiding behind the iridescent fan.

It was spellbinding and hushed until sudden cheers and clapping could be heard Itachi found himself doing the same. Kakashi himself joined in as a performance like that deserved it. Itachi realized Soma's hard life had a lot of truth to it. He truly had been raised alongside geisha and maikos. Male geishas were rare but had he decided not to become a shinobi Soma would truly have been a sought-after geisha.

The show ended in a roar of applause and soon the beautiful performer was revealed to be just that. A traveling male dancer who performed for tea houses and did so here as a favor for a friend. Or so what the rumor mill had spoken of. People were entranced by the man as others recognized he used Shinobi arts to keep his steps silent and his moves sharp and flashy.

Though Kakashi's team had been zero-focused on their mission first and foremost, they finally got word that their target had made a move. Soma's wind clones truly were masterful and useful as they too could be transformed.

They followed at a distance and soon the team found and struggling soma dressed still in his beautiful silks in the arms of a man wearing a long black cloak with red jagged slashes across the fabric. The man had a rain symbol on his headband with a similar slash through the village symbol.

The unknown shinobi was tall with bandages covering everything but his face. Brown spiked-haired peaked out and he grinned sharp teeth down at his captive. A red tattoo and a mask of strips covered his jaw only distorted by a large scar on his right cheek.

"My master demands that I Juzo bring you, so stop struggling pretty boy." The shinobi gripped the dancer by his shimmering hair and then stiffened turning to see a group of no longer disguised leaf shinobi all looking at him.

"Why are the leaf here." He looked panicked seeing Itachi's eyes shift and Kakashi lifting his headband. These weren't small-fry shinobi.

Though he jolted when both men smirked and eased back looking at them in confusion until his gut suddenly felt a painful punch.

Juzo fell to his knees stunned. He threw himself backward eyeing the once struggling man whose silver hair shifted to a glimmering red. His eyes lifted and he gasped as the male performer's body shifted. Whisker-like scars lined his face and azure eyes stared him down his long red hair drifted in the wind.

"Bloodless death. Fuck." He growled and swung out his large blade. He had heard rumors of the man joining the leaf but had doubted a strong man would join such a village.

With eagerness he swung the giant bored he held aiming on at least injuring the boy.

Soma dodged and both Itachi and Kakashi bolted forward while Juzo avoided their gaze and threw kunai at each approaching man.

He was no match and glanced around washing his partner away in the distance. If he was going to die he would not bring down his group with him. That distraction was enough as both Itachi and Kakashi rushed in both punching him and driving him back to be slammed down into the ground by another never of their team.

Suddenly his body felt good and he was unable to move paralyzed only to be flipped over by Bloodless death who eyed him coldly.

"Bind him, it wasn't a blood seal." Others moved and tied the man down not like he could fight them off. One of the members drugged Juzo who went still so they could carry him away.

"How is it always so easy for you." Kakashi pouted under his mask almost jealous at how much Soma's paralyzing seals truly made these capture missions a breeze. He allowed his team to prepare to leave the village immediately.

Soma snorted and pouted his red-colored lips. Apparently, the makeup had not been fake.

"If you call me having to practice and brand myself for a month to be easy I might tell the Hokage to make you the dancing flower next time." Soma was still in the many layers but followed along easily at the team's side.

Kakashi shrugged and eyed the petite man who was probably eager to get home.

Soma had been home for over a month, the team has only arrived after he had settled into the tea house a few weeks prior.

"You gotta teach me how to do that seal one day." Kakashi was eyeing the redhead who shrugged.

"My clan sells them though they are temporary, mine is the real deal blood seals." Soma aimed his gaze at Kakashi. "Our blood seals are a clan secret and only those of the Uzumaki clan and bloodline can perform it." The redhead glanced at Kakashi's now-covered eye and Itachi almost stumbled at the implication.

"Besides you have to study for a century before you get to my level." Soma snickered and sped off to catch up with Kakashi's team to chat as he ran.

"Smart ass." Kakashi's comment made Itachi snort and it surprised the Uchiha. It surprised Kakashi as well but the pair ignored it and refused to speak about it again.

It was time to go home.

Notes:

Boy oh, boy Soma you better stop being so amazing my guy.

Chapter 5: Mumbled Promises

Summary:

Soma's living his life and making moves. Naruto is Adorable and both Kakashi and Itachi are really stupid.

Notes:

This is a chunky chapter and let's just say it's hard writing between meetings and on my breaks. I might have to slow down my update schedule.

Soma trudged out of the jonnin shower rooms finally clean of body. Not his soul though, which was stained red from all the people he had to kill through the last several months. He knew this was all a necessary evil, though pragmatic I'm his decision he still didn't enjoy ending someone's life.

Well, it wasn't like he'd be in anbu forever.

Soma was steadily heading home ensuring his anbu gear had been stowed away to be cleaned later on. His mind had been racing with thoughts of how much had occurred over the last few months.

Itachi had mellowed and took to seeking out his common counterpart as Soma had been placed on his Anbu team several times now. His previous missions had been long. While Soma 'stumbled' upon more damning proof of Danzo's treason.

The more the evidence grew the angrier the Third became. Finally when word came about his plans and how it was a slow-going process to wipe out the Uchiha clan was when the old warmonger was finally arrested. He and only several of the Uchiha clan elders were taken. The arrested elders were trying to turn their clan to treason and the clan being much more deep-rooted and invested in the village this lifetime turned them in.

A few in the civilian council were caught in the scandal as well and it tarnished the civilian councils' reputation so much that the Shinobi council refused to converse with them. There was a clear separation between Shinobi and Civilians now.

Fugaku himself had gone to the Hokage and apologized profusely for the incident his own clan had taken part in. The plan has never even had a chance to rise up from the dust as it were. It was brought before Fugaku and his entire loyal police force investigated and turned over evidence to the Hokage immediately.

Then root was uncovered and it had been a long going process of how to deal with what they had found. There were hundreds of Shinobi. Those that had gone m.i.a. those thought to have died. Clan children that had been kidnapped on their first missions or of the village only to be found in the bowels of the hidden village. The Uzumaki clan took in some, Soma ensuring that Sai was one of those taken in.

Though until they could address the damage caused to him and those taken in by the Uzumaki clan they were under strict watch until Inoichi gave him the go-ahead to allow them freedom.

Soma had poured all his effort to take down Danzo and did so quite early on. He ensured the Uchiha would be far more loyal this lifetime around and was grateful for his peculator friendship with Fugaku.

The Uzumaki having a connection to the clan early on had indeed been the deciding force in keeping the main branch of the Uchiha from splintering off into treason.

After the incident, Kakashi stepped down as Anbu Captain and become a very perverted jonnin sensei. He began his fun bells challenges and has yet to have any students pass his exam.

The void Kakashi had left behind in anbu was taken over by Itachi and a reluctant Soma on occasion.

Soma truly preferred working alone when in anbu. He hated others praising him or being in awe of him killing people through untraceable methods.

He didn't want to be influencing this but this was the life of anbu. It was why so many either quit and went back to society with their scars barred open or buried themselves so deep into the hole they lost themselves.

The only light at the end of the tunnel was Naruto's smiling face. The boy had grown in leaps and bounds now that he had the proper guidance.

It rubbed Soma the wrong way that with proper tending to, he could have been where his charge was now. Healthy, happy, and safe. Even despite his healthier lifestyle, it would seem his body was going to be at the same growth rate as his previous life. That despite coming to the past somehow kept his growth stunted he was sure if he still had his Shikamaru, his friend would have been able to explain why he remained in the same small body he was cursed with originally. Though the changed redhead assumed that he would just grow and age back into the body he had before the regression in age. Not all things could be changed and in his first few years back he did have to starve himself many a night trapped by himself as a toddler on an island. Or on their travels when they had to decide who would get the bigger portion of food due to their limited funds. Those options too could have done some damage to his 'new' body. He would think it over with Kurama when the beast would next summon him.

Naruto was growing rapidly though so it would at least show some more differences between the two. Naruto was much taller than he had been at age four, and despite Soma wasn't really that short only in his early years before Jiraiya, it truly showed what could have been for him and that was surreal.

He would never allow Naruto to live the life he had and for that to come to pass he had to be candid. He was as truthful about his life as he could be so Naruto understood there were worse ways to live. So that Naruto could see the harshness of the world cocooned in Soma's safety net. The little boy didn't really understand but was happy that Soma always answered his questions. Even if they made Soma sad and Naruto feel bad. The blonde knew Soma wanted him to know and understand to protect him, so even if it hurt his guardian he would still ask, though the blonde would try to space them out. He was young but understood it wasn't fun to be sad.

It made this Naruto more thoughtful. The boy's secret had been spread this lifetime around as well. It had been easy to deal with as Soma and the Uzumaki clan were respected. They were a prominent clan that had their own community within their clan grounds and villagers were already too deeply mixed with their clan economics to piss any of the Uzumaki clan off. They knew if you offended any in the clan it would always get back to the clan head who ensured the offense would be repaid. Though that didn't stop the villagers from being hateful toward an innocent Naruto when they thought they could get away with it.

The only time the scrutiny was felt was when Naruto was out in the village itself. The scorn many showed the toddler was minimized if someone stared too long one of the clansmen would be there as a sudden wall to the opposer. The threat of angering any in the Uzumaki clan made the villagers leave the child alone and the most they did was ignore the boy or scowl at him. Each member from old to young protected their unofficial heir and respected Naruto and their leader Soma entirely.

Slowly but surely their clan had obtained a foothold in the village itself, exotic clothes, food, medicines, and once unobtainable seals were being sold making their clan thrive economically. Soma still relied on his two trusted elders to ensure the clan was being handled correctly. Though it was only Nagato and Azumi were the only ones he considered his council but they always helped him and stepped in for him when needed.

Soma was happy to be home and moved about the clan land weary but happy to be greeting his people as he walked through the grounds.

The clan was settled and a section of his people led by Nagato were being taught the more complex sealing arts. The only ones that an Uzumaki by blood could master. It was almost mandatory that the clan members learn as their seals were the clan's largest profit.

The redhead trotted post the group waving off Nagato who made a move to stand. The redhead marched towards food first and foremost.

Soma grabbed something light an assortment of fruit and sat in the commons kitchen he had for his clan. He would never allow any in his clan to go a day hungry and those that could not earn a living in the village were made to do small chores in the clan complex. They were given rooms, food, and even pay.

Though having looked over their finances before having gone on his mission he would need to talk to Azumi about adding a clan dormitory to their lands. Soma had not known there were this many Uzumaki clan members hidden out across the nations. There were not many but it was more than he had anticipated.

They were all screened before being allowed in his home and many were looked over by him or Nagato it had been a long process to establish themselves. Soma would not risk the village and any spies found were handed over to T.I.

Now it was much easier for them to find real Uzumaki. A book with a seal only those in their clan were allowed to open was always used. Their intentions were always the thing that Soma and Nagato screened newcomers intensely upon.

Though that was at his beginning, now he was more focused on other things. The Hyuga clan was asking after Soma and the meeting between the two clans was set up right before the Kumo Kage was to arrive for the scheduled meeting. Though that snowballed once Fugaku and Shikaku caught wind of the fated meeting between the two clan heads.

It was the only reason his missions in Anbu had been placed onto other shoulders. This was something that Soma could not be left out of especially since it had developed into such a clan issue.

The other Kage who had sent the would-be kidnappers was at a disadvantage and would be forced to apologize for the insult to not just the village but the Uzumaki and Hyuga clans. As they had been attempting to kidnap both their clan children and would have probably gone for others had Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan not intervened without causing death.

Soma was glad nothing escalated as in his past that led to some rather rash decisions.

The Hyuga clan wished to converge with the Uzumaki as a united front. After the torture and interrogation unit got through the 'diplomats' their true plans came to light. They knew the plan would fail and that one of the men would possibly die in this mission but counted on the fact that a Hyuga or Uchiha would end up needing to be one to compensate with their lives and by extension their eyes. Those had been their main targets for you the clans Kekkei Genkai. Or any of the other clan's secrets that would be hidden with the dead body.

That plan was foiled because of the Uzumaki intervention as they had been gearing up to grasp the Uchiha child and return for the others. Now every clan leader felt nothing but gratitude towards the clan.

The Hyuga were especially insistent since the Uzumaki clan ended up being the ones to save their clan politically and saved their heiress all in one go.

Though it trickled down and Shikaku point blank told him all the clan heads were going to back them up during the meeting. To really reiterate that if you mess with one of the leaf shinobi clans you messed with them all.

It was already difficult because the Hyuga clan felt they owed Soma and wished him to make a request of the clan. Though all the other clan heads felt he had taken care of them. By his people intervening all their heirs were saved from the potential of kidnapping. Their clan secrets were protected and none had to die for the cause. So, now each clan wished to return the favor.

To borrow a phrase, it was all so troublesome.

Soma was exhausted but the now twelve-year-old had been an Anbu captain for several months now. He was used to sleepless nights and ever since the war in his previous life, he knew he would function even under a lack of sleep. Finishing his food he settled back suddenly exhausted.

Soma sighed hearing the pattering of feet and groaned hearing Karin yelling.

"Naruto, get back here you little brat!" Soma looked to the entrance of the inner hall and saw a blonde soapy and naked Naruto running away.

"No!" The blonde shouted back determined to keep ahead. Soma watched a sodden and soapy Karin chasing after the boy.

"You need to finish your bath! Don't make me tell Soma you aren't listening" Their voices traveled and Soma quirked a red brow when he tracked more footsteps pattering down the outside hall now. He could see from the wide open engawa Naruto bolting down the halls.

He ran fast for a four-year-old.

"No!" Karin was chasing after the boy nearly growling with his little yells of denial.

"Don't you want to be presentable for Soma sama!" Soma could hear chuckling from the nearby class Nagato was conducting. Soma saw Nagato stand craning his neck tracking the duo running about the compound.

"SOMA IS A BIG POOPY HEAD!" Soma snorted hearing his charge smack talk him as best as a four-year-old could. Nagato's heartfelt laughter was a comfort.

"Naruto, take that back!" Karin and Naruto's voices echoed down the halls but Soma was sure Karin would catch the child sooner or later. Lately, Naruto had become upset with Soma for always being gone on missions instead of playing with him. He understood the boy's frustration and every time Soma returned home he would pout until right before Soma would have to leave again.

Then he would be clinging to his guardian telling him no. It was difficult but Soma had agreed to a certain amount of missions before he stepped away from Anbu to help focus on Naruto's training. The Hokage would still force him on overnight missions if he deemed them important enough but he would be sticking mostly close to home. Though until then he had others taking care of Naruto's early training and education development while he was away on missions. The blonde Uzumaki was doing well with his basics under the guidance of Iruka and Shisui who had each fallen in love with the blonde boy.

Soma had been nervous at first about Iruka and Naruto meeting as they did not bond over the same circumstances but Soma saw for himself how Naruto easily broke down any anger or hate the older boy had for him. Naruto truly could make anyone an ally.

Nagato approached Soma and immediately hugged the smaller redhead who only grouched for a second but hugged back. "Glad you returned alive." He quirked a brow at Soma's attire. The teenage leader had his hair half up and down, glimmering beads and sparkling gems woven into long strands of glimmering red hair. He was even dressed in a long multi-layered charcoal grey kimono with the Uzumaki swirl impressed into the fabric's outer layer.

"Are you trying to get a bigger fan club than Itachi?" Nagato snickered and Soma rolled his eyes up at him confused.

"I'm trying to avoid those rabid creatures thanks." Soma did not like his rise in popularity as many of those women only sought him out because he was the head of a clan. Status and power did not equate to love and loyalty.

Soma and Nagato heard a triumphant battle cry and figured Karin caught Naruto.

"He's really missed you, you've been gone for two months. Barely had a chance to see him between then and your previous month-long mission." Nagato waved to the secondary instructor to continue the lesson without him and kept to Soma's side who seemed to droop hearing his words.

"It's not like I enjoy being away from you guys. I'm trying to take up a lot now so I can focus on Naruto throughout his schooling and training." Nagato looked at his fearless leader and could see the dark bags under his eyes. The pinched brow on his face made it so you could see the projected stress and worry.

He was stretched so thin and worked hard to ensure their footing and status in the village were settled. Soma Uzumaki was truly a prodigy bringing their clan from the ground up and making plans on adopting a child when he himself was but a child.

Taking on the heavy burden of ensuring his clan would have a place to call home and proving the Uzumaki would not layover and die. All the while trying to balance his career and raising the future clan heir. Uzumaki Soma was always under immense stress and Nagato worried for their leader.

"It won't be forever." Soma spoke his voice soft before his eyes cleared up and he trudged down the hall to Karin and a pouty Naruto who was freshly washed and dressed. Nagato watched Soma pick up the blonde who was dressed similarly to his guardian. Naruto's blonde hair reached his small shoulders and Nagato was always stunned at how similar the pair looked.

They looked like brothers, even with different hair coloring. They truly looked like family and Nagato wondered if maybe Soma was closely related to either of Naruto's birth parents. He had never asked and many people in the village kept their inquires to themselves. Both boys were orphans, and Soma himself said he grew up not knowing his parents, only knowing they had died trying to keep him safe.

Naruto from what rumors and whispered mutterings in the village had a similar beginning though he had the added complexity of being a jinchuriki. It didn't matter how they were related the only thing that mattered was they had found one another.

Soma trudged off carrying the blonde that was clinging to him despite his ire.

Yeah. It really didn't matter if they were closely related or not. They needed each other.

Nagato sighed before heading back to his class.

T.D.O.T

Soma frowned his eyes surveyed the group of tense adults watching their children play. The Uzumaki leader watched the young faces filled with the excitement of children at play. It was simply adorable.

Shikamaru was softly snoring asleep in the far corner of the room out of the way of trampling feet. He looked so small Soma had to resist teasing him.

Choji was quietly munching on treats his father kept pushing his way. Chubby cheeks stuffed and eagerly watching the others run about in glee.

Ino with her large eyes and cubby cheeks had her hair in small pigtails and was clinging to an upset Sasuke.

Sasuke was wearing his signature hairstyle though it vaguely looked more wild when valiantly trying to escape Ino's pouty clutches by climbing to his unhelpful brothers shaking shoulders.

Itachi's laughter was making it hard for Sasuke to get a good grip. It softened something within Soma to see Itachi so relaxed.

Shisui was snickering bent to Itachi's side taunting and poking at Sasuke during his desperate escape.

Kiba and Shino were both ogling over Shino's kikuchu flying about in patterns. Kiba's little nose was twitching trying to discern the scent of the bugs.

Shino's wild tuff of hair was the only thing other than his round cheeks Soma could see hidden under his oversized jacket and behind his small glasses.

Hinata with her large eyes and dressed like a princess was shyly hiding behind Neji who at all of three in a half feet played as a baby bodyguard for the heiress.

In the middle, Naruto stood and eagerly grabbed everyone's attention for a game that even the Nara boy was corraled into playing.

All the clan heads had gathered on Nara ground for a 'playdate' but it was really an unofficial Shinobi council meeting.

They all planned on being at the meeting with the Kumo Kage but there was a glaring issue.

If they were at the meeting their children would be vulnerable or they could miss the opportunity to show up united.

Soma watched Naruto show his friends his version of flare and find trying to hold back his giggles when he got to be the one watching his friends stumble around blindfolded looking for his burst of chakra.

So far Shikamaru, Kiba, and Sasuke had found him the easiest. Hinata was close and Neji was keeping an eye on the children with Shisui's and Itachi's help.

Soma grimaced knowing that his offer would put his clan at the most risk but knew his land would be the only one protected entirely. He was really hoping that his fellow Shinobi would appreciate the offered action.

"They can stay with my clan that night." Fugaku was the first to turn toward the teenager who watched their children run about.

"You can give them each a guardian and I will tell my people that there is a mandatory in-house lockdown. That way none of them can be threatened to let someone onto clan land." Soma looked to everyone who seemed contemplative.

"Your people would blindly do as you say?" This came from Tsume, Kiba's mother.

Soma smiled almost in derision. "My people would fall on a sword if I asked them. The Uzumaki clan is loyal and follows a different structure than most clans." Tsume flushed realizing she had stepped on the teenage clan head's toes. Asking about one's clan structure was still a bit of a taboo to do.

Shikaku felt no need to be embarrassed this was a new clan. One that they knew nothing of and if he was leaving his heir with them he needed to know why they would do as Soma bid.

"Why would they do such a thing?" Fugaku asked before Shikaku could though.

"I am their king." Soma smiled but it was more painted than anything. The clan heads at the table eyed him warily.

"King?" Shibi asked and Soma signed rubbing his eyes.

"Whirlpool country is ruled by bloodline. By hierarchy, if you will. You know who is of the royal line based on their eyes and hair." Soma snorted glad he had gone through his people's left-behind history books.

"You never thought it was peculiar to see a child in charge of several adults older than them." Soma snorted and Hiashi coughed to hide his own laugh.

"To think my country was one of your closest allies." Soma looked more amused than insulted. "Blue eyes like the oceans, gems or sea skies and hair that glitters like the worldly riches or flames of war. Even if we tried to hide all that every Uzumaki would know we come from the royal line with just one glance." Soma huffed and grimaced. "Heck even Naruto has hair that shines like molten gold." Soma snickered when the other leaders glanced at the Uzumaki heir with the glimmering locks and compared them to the shimmering ruby red flames of his guardian. It was as of they both had hair that shifted in color and eyes that glimmered.

"It's like being born to the main branch of a royal family but my people are more willing to never go against the royal line. Our word is their law, no matter how much I tell them they are free to do as they please." Soma shook his head exasperated.

Fugaku hummed in response and Shikaku looked contemplative. "Even if you were leading them to damnation they would follow your word blindly." Soma looked to Shikaku who spoke and it was his turn to think.

"I doubt that but if it's something to ease you all they won't betray their home they will die to protect it and its people. We don't want to lose another home." Soma was surprised to see Shikaku look a little embarrassed by his line of questioning. His people would die for the village and their leader but once they promised themselves to the village of the leaf they would not be swayed to betray it, even if Soma asked it of them. Though most other things were up for grabs for the leader.

"I will have my son and wife trusted to your clan then." Shikaku settled back to relax and watch the children play.

Choza laughed and shot Soma a wink. "I'll have my wife and son bring along dinner as thanks for watching their backs while we handle business."

"I too shall have my wife and youngest son with your people. I will have Shisui watch them as extra help as Itachi and I shall attend the meeting." Fugaku spoke and Soma gave a nod in assent.

"Shino and my adopted son Torune will stay with your people." Shibi spoke monotone and almost seemed relieved.

"I'll have Kiba and Hana go as well." Tsume didn't know the Uzumaki well but she had known a previous Uzumaki. The teenage boy before her shared so many similarities that her gut told her he was trustworthy.

"I will have Ino attend as well but my wife would, unfortunately, refuse so if you can let Karin keep her from being too upset at being alone for the night." Inoichi spoke looking apologetic and Soma understood. He remembered Ino's mother hated Naruto...well feared what he contained but it was still something he didn't want Naruto to have to deal with at such a young age. She would get over it when the children join the academy Soma could deal with her distance for now.

"Hinata and Neji will go as my wife is too ill to be moved about."Hiashi spoke drinking his chilling tea. He had already asked Soma previously to keep the two most vulnerable of their family in his home.

"Maa maa I don't have any extra family for you to be concerned with. I'd be happy for you to show me around your clan grounds for our own sleepover though." Kakashi smirked and Soma sighed realizing his sensei had arrived late...as usual. Ever since he quit being captain in the Anbu ranks the perverted scarecrow had taken an interest in him. If Soma were honest it was around the time Soma had gone undercover as an entertainer.

The perverted man seemed to get a kick out of his put-off reactions.

Soma gave a single nod and would ask Shikaku if he could personally touch up the security seals surrounding the Nara clan land. He felt uncomfortable not knowing if someone was just out of range of his sensory abilities listening in. Though he was quietly grateful as Kakashi's leering and perverse flirtations were nicely distracting from his anxiety. "Don't even think about it Hatake." The redhead glowered at his former sensei.

"I came to discuss my previous offer with you Uzumaki. I have been awaiting your answer very patiently. Now have you had time to think over my previous proposal." Fugaku's gaze was firm and looking at the suddenly avoidant Uzumaki.

Shibi flushed lightly and Shikaku was holding back a throaty chuckle. The other clan heads looked between them confused but Fugaku had been very patient and had yet to see any progress.

Soma's blush made Kakashi snap his book closed. "Oh, something had been occurring right under your dear sensei's nose."

Soma glared at Kakashi while Fugaku eyed the redhead. "I have had other pressing matters besides focusing on such things." Soma didn't like feeling cornered and Fugaku seemed to have figured that.

Judging from the smug smirk he had sent Soma's way, he was sure the man enjoyed causing some drama. The Uchiha was just bored and fucking with Soma because it was his strange way of friendship.

"Damn Uchihas." Soma grumbled and set Shikaku off laughing at Soma's expense. Kakashi eyed Soma and winked making the uncomfortable teen stand to collect his charge.

"If that is all we will be going." He wasn't running... cautiously retreating, definitely not running.

T.D.O.T

"That's trespassing and that's illegal." Soma spoke eyeing Kakashi who was leisurely reading his porn book while sprawled on the redhead's bed.

Soma did not have the energy for this. He had only just put Naruto to bed and would not risk the boy being awoken. He didn't remember having this much energy as a kid.

"Maa maa unimportant details Soma chan." Kakashi spoke in response not looking away from his book.

"I'm a boy Kakashi senpai. I thought you were a genius."A vicious smirk line his lips. "Unless you forgot, you know they say when you get old the first thing to go is your mind." Soma's smile was anything but friendly almost a snarl.

"You're just so pretty like a girl it seems wrong to lump you in with the boys." Soma huffed glowering at the lounging man.

"What was so important that you felt the need to break into my house." Soma began changing from his Kimono and Kakashi snapped his book closed and eyed Soma.

"I was wondering how secure the children will be in your clan home. I was able to break in others would be as well." Kakashi watched pale skin for a glimpse before a plain green kimono was wrapped around the figure. He was focusing so much on that glimpse of skin that he almost missed the derisive snort coming from the redhead.

"You are keyed into my security seals. You were one of the Anbu that watched me and my clan when we were first brought into the village. I'm not foolish enough to think you trusted us at all. Especially when we first arrived and took Naruto under our care. My seals show me auras trying to cross and I am able to accept or deny entry." Deft fingers easily wrapped a simple white obi around a slim waist.

"You knew we were watching you all along?" Kakashi looked skeptical but was avoiding the question he really wanted to ask. Soma hated the roundabout way he went when finding information.

"Obviously, my senses have always been enhanced. You have known about that don't act stupid. Now stop eye fucking me and tell me why you're really here." Soma turned to glare at his sensei in this lifetime and the last and wondered what his motives could be.

Kakashi frowned always unsure how to proceed with someone like Soma. The boy truly had no hidden parts to his personality. Soma only longed for rehabilitation and rebuilding of his clan. No Desires for power or wealth, no inklings of perverted nature. Nothing. He still functioned and was stable.

No vices. No disparaging personality quirks. Nothing really dragged him down despite his questionable past.

Orphaned in a village where your only options were to become a male geisha or a traveling Shinobi desperately trying to piece together your once fallen clan.

He was almost too noble, too perfect that it made Kakashi hesitant to trust him. "Why do you care so much?" That was all it was. What possible motive could drive a capable leader like Soma to come here of all places and just settle down? Even so, why did he try so hard to ensure the ties of all clans were something that would be peaceful? What exactly drove this kid to these lengths when they were all strangers to him?

Soma smiled that wistful and pain-filled smile Kakashi always caught him holding when interacting with the clan children.

"Naruto." That snapped Kakashi's attention. "I was wandering with my people with no true cause, even before that I was wandering through the world wondering if there was any way I could live life alone like this." Soma's expression was heartbroken.

"Do you know how it feels to watch your friends die?" Kakashi froze horrified Soma had lived to see such a thing. The teen was seven when he was brought into the village. "I had to hold my closest friends one after another as we were hunted down and slaughtered...I couldn't do a damn thing to stop it." Soma's fist clenched and Kakashi felt the urge to hug the teen.

"When I met Nagato and Azumi I found something to build." His eyes were glassy but Soma looked at his sensei and knew he could honestly say this. "When I met Naruto I saw myself in him. Alone in a world with a burden, no child should have to carry. I could see his future, one filled with loneliness and hate and I could see him smiling through it all trying to push the pain away just for someone to love him. For someone to be his friend. With Naruto I found life, I found hope again. I found a purpose to live." Soma spoke coming back to the moment and seeing surprise and wonderment in Kakashi's gaze.

"Interesting." With that cryptic reply, Kakashi stood and walked to his former student and leaned close to his face. "Very interesting. Goodnight Soma." Kakashi was gone in a breath of a moment and Soma snorted but prepared for bed. It was going to be a long week.

T.D.O.T

Soma was cursed. He had to have been cursed. He had spent much of his time either on missions or in his clan compound and had avoided crossing his path but there before him stood the green beast of the leaf.

Gai like Kakashi was much like when he first met him. Vibrant and energetic as always. His brilliant smile counteracted Kakashi sensei's cool calm facade.

Kakashi spotted Soma looking at the pair unamused holding the hand of a blonde child the masked Shinobi recognized as Naruto. "Yo." Kakashi waved and seemed amused when Soma directed his charge in the opposite direction.

"My youthful rival is that not one of your talented students walking." Kakashi snorted seeing Soma visibly deflate.

Kakashi knew one thing about Soma the man was graciously kind. Even if Kakashi thought many people didn't deserve it. It was why he really had no protest about Soma being Naruto's guardian.

He had heard it straight from the mouth of the third. Jiraya had kidnapped the Uzumaki king and his people kindly followed. Instead of making it a political affair, which it could have been. They were still Uzushino ninjas at their time of capture.

Kakashi didn't outright trust Soma. He didn't trust anyone, not from the village. Yet, that flame-haired beauty made it difficult to not put trust in him. His character had always been the same from the moment he met the teen.

Taking on responsibilities that Kakashi himself would have run away from. Soma Uzumaki was a one-of-a-kind guy.

Though Kakashi would still mess with him.

"Soma chan!" Kakashi yelled out to the redhead who sighed but turned back their direction with Kakashi's former sensei's child looking curiously between his guardian and the duo.

Kakashi paused looking between Soma and Naruto. They looked...extremely similar, almost too similar.

He could definitely see Kushina in both of them, there was no doubt they all shared her face though Soma and Naruto shared similar eye shapes.

The only difference being the color of Soma's eyes seemed to glow like an electric blue lapis. That's how one could tell he was of the Uzumaki royal line or that's what some of the clan said when Kakashi had gone through trying to confirm Soma's story of authority.

Naruto's eyes seemed to have that bright blue shine but it was lighter almost icy, glittery like an aquamarine.

Though looking at the golden blonde hair so similar to Minato and comparing it to the glimmering silky straight ruby so similar to Kushina Kakashi eased away.

Yeah, they had many similarities but they also had startling differences. Kakashi shook his head brushing away at the thought.

He was being silly he had watched Soma grow up. The kid rarely spoke of his past life but it was similar to many of his rescued clan. His close clan members also spoke of meeting the boy on his travels frighteningly young. Yet full of power and knowledge born of one who suffered to survive.

Kakashi let his suspicions rest. Soma Uzumaki was a loyal leaf shinobi, he would not do anything to ruin what he had with Naruto. The boy being devoted to the village proved that even in their compound the elder Uzumaki spoke kindly of the leaf.

Kakashi eyed Soma who looked different to him. He should know as Kakashi did spend months obsessively training his two students.

Soma looked paler and thinner maybe, Kakashi would address it later on. Right now though he eagerly watched Naruto. It hurt him a bit seeing the little version of two people he admired and loved mixed into one bright happy boy.

Naruto was a freaking ball of sunshine and Kakashi's heart ached to remember the loss they shared. He watched Soma fussing at Naruto who seemed to be looking at Gai with excitement. Kakashi snickered catching the end of Soma's conversation with the boy.

"-Cannot get the Uzumaki symbol on such fabric and I'm sure they won't have such a thing in bright orange." Soma looked exasperated. Kakashi cringed at the horrible thought of Naruto dressing up like Gai and prayed the boy stuck to dressing like his current guardian.

"Hello, student of my revered rival! I am the great green beast of the leaf Gai!" Gai was boisterous and Soma snorted pleased to see the chipper shinobi. Gai was a true man and had sacrificed himself once with Pein and then again against Obito. Soma would ensure he didn't need to sacrifice himself again.

Not in his current or former name at least.

"Hello Gai I am Uzumaki Soma and this is Uzumaki Naruto. We are pleased to meet you." Kakashi's quirked an eyebrow. Soma tipped his head to Gai making the man fluster.

That was something that Kakashi had never seen before and then Soma shifted his gaze towards himself and moved to lift the time boy into his arms.

"Well, my cute little student what brings our princess out from her tower." Soma sighed and Gai blinked in confusion.

"Soma's a boy!" Kakashi froze gaze falling to the angered expression of the blonde in the redhead's arms. He was glaring at Kakashi and Soma was looking at his sensei deadpanned.

"Naru it's fine my sensei is only teasing me." The blonde frowned and looked between Soma and Kakashi a bit before he turned his angry blue gaze back to Kakashi.

"The villagers were being mean to you like him though." Kakashi froze and eyed his student who was purposely avoiding his gaze.

"I'm alright with Kakashi teasing me. He's not saying those to hurt my feeling only to get my attention focused on him being an idiot." The blonde was pouting and Gai was watching this all with interest.

"Why were the villagers picking on our youthful shinobi here?" Gai directed the question to Naruto who seemed to still be incensed.

"They keep calling him a demon lover saying he's possessed by the demon boy. They curse at him and sometimes they throw things. They were being really bad. Like worse than me when I don't want to take a bath." Naruto was vibrating with all the anger his little body could handle.

Soma soothed the young boy and with practiced ease, the boy relaxed. Kakashi eyed his student who seemed unfazed by the comments. Kakashi was furious because he knew who the villagers called the demon.

Kakashi had a thought. "Be what did Soma chan say to those bad people." Naruto looked thoughtful.

"I'm not sure but it felt heavy and like the air was all sloshy the people went really pale and ran away. Though Soma was mostly holding me to his chest." The little blonde looked up to his guardian who was smiling saccharine and sweet.

"Your village has many that do not understand the Uzumaki clan is full of proud people." Soma smiled thinly and Kakashi felt a shiver trill down his spine at the site. "They will learn." Kakashi was really glad Soma was on their side. The thought of this powerful shinobi on an enemy's side was enough to make him fearful.

Kakashi himself was Kage level in power but he wondered if Soma was at his level or somehow beyond that. The young clan head was always a curiosity to Kakashi. The truth about his abilities has always been held so close to his young chest. The village knew he was powerful, though none knew to what extent. The boy was strong and he had never done anything to even slightly bring suspicion onto himself or his clan so Kakashi never doubted his loyalty.

Kakashi really had to struggle to remain on the topic at hand and focused back on the conversation happening before him. Soma was allowing Naruto to chat away with Gai about Naruto's current taijutsu training. The young Uzumaki was being made to learn dancing as it was part of the flowing movements their clan used for fighting. Gai had never seen the Uzu clan's fighting style so was eagerly talking with the young blonde about the method. Soma didn't protest so Kakashi and Gai assumed the Clan head was fine with the information being shared.

So Kakashi decided to engage his former student in idle chatter till Gai and Naruto were finished. "So what pulled you two out from your clan grounds? I used to have so much struggle to get you out of your lands on your off days." Kakashi's single gaze followed the animated movements Naruto made explaining his dancing to Gai but his focus was aimed at Soma.

The redhead looked up at Kakashi quizzically and the Silver haired man realized Soma was quite short for one his age. Quite slim for one who worked out as much as Kakashi put him through as well. "I went to officially adopt and appoint Naruto as my clan heir in the village records. We had to go before the Hokage today and get his signature for the legalities to be considered complete."

The information startled Kakashi, he knew Soma would adopt Naruto but to officially name him an heir was unexpected. He would have thought Soma would plan to have children in the future and appoint his actual blood to succeed him. Even the Hyuga who believed in the traditional way of things still chose Hinata the firstborn to the main house to be the heir over her male cousin who was officially third in line.

Soma was peculiar, unorthodox and it warmed Kakashi's heart to know he valued Naruto so much. He looked at Soma, really looked at the redhead whose entire focus was aimed at Naruto's way. There was a devotion there that Kakashi had first assumed was superficial. Kakashi knew he was trying to restore the Uzumaki clan and valued all members of the clan but this...Soma truly devoted himself to Naruto and everything he did was for the boy's betterment and development. Kakashi swallowed feeling his stomach flutter as Soma's expression softened at Naruto's laughter. His heart was pounding at the sight and he came to a sudden realization.

'Oh, shit' Kakashi jolted his single eye focused entirely on the beauty of the Uzumaki who was smiling with patience toward a boy who was near and dear to his heart.

Kakashi realized, at this moment he was in love with Soma. Soma calmed Naruto and in Kakashi's quiet meltdown excused the pair to leave. The Hatake didn't stop watching him until they were out of site.

"Well damn." Kakashi sighed before turning to a confused Gai and the pair set about returning to their forgotten competition.

T.D.O.T.

Soma sighed in relief as he settled down for meditation for the evening. Tomorrow he would be required to face off against A for his foiled attempt at kidnapping. Truly the Rikage was a hot-headed fool in his early years as a Kage. For now, though he needed to check in on Karuma, that fox had held him off for a long time and finally called out to Soma after his extended nap.

Soma landed in the calm land that was his mindscape. No longer did his mindscape look like the holding cell of a criminal. It looked like the lands of his people an island surrounded by swirling whirlpools and bright greenery. Kuruma enjoyed the peaceful and vibrant land the Uzumaki hailed from and Soma ensured he could enjoy it entirely.

The bijuu was awake and his eyes glimmered in eagerness seeing Soma whose appearance now stayed in his changed form. The fox took in every detail as he had been on the verge of blacking out the previous chance he last saw the now teen.

"I always thought you would look more feminine with red hair kit." Soma huffed and ignored the teasing from Kuruma. "Turns out I was right." The large creature bellowed loudly and Soma stared at him with deadpanned expression.

"Laugh it up you overgrown mutt." Soma snickered and the duo shared laughter before the redhead charged forward and couldn't decide between laughing or crying while he hugged the bijuu. A soft purr escaped the nine-tailed entity who curled his tail around Soma.

"You seem better in your heart now." Soma hugged tighter to the fox-like creature that had pushed himself to the brink to ensure Soma's happiness.

"I can't thank you enough fluffy." Soma spoke but his voice was thick from crying and Karuma hummed all too happy to see Soma to even mind his most aggravating pet name.

"How have things gone, I have been asleep longer than anticipated." Karuma eyed Soma who sighed and settled down in front of the looming fox. So Soma explained everything, it felt like it took forever but he knew only a few minutes would have passed him by in the world beyond his mindscape. Karuma didn't interrupt and accepted everything with ease logging it all away to ensure he would be of help to his charge if the information was ever needed.

Soma finished his tale while the fox sat in contemplative silence. The redhead ran his fingers through the fur idly enjoying that he still had his partner, though a thought struck him.

"How are you still inside me when Naruto has you sealed inside him?" Karuma cocked his head and snorted.

"How are you here when the younger version of you runs about this compound like a banshee." Karuma gave an impassive face and Soma huffed crossing his arms and pouting.

"You don't have to be an ass about it." Soma though really wondered and eyes Karuma.

"I was originally split before being placed inside you originally Soma." The great entity huffed and settled down eyeing the redhead. "I felt the Yin return to Naruto and the yang resided here, luckily your own chakra could have grown and developed to my corrosive chakra long ago. You will not be poisoned by me but it makes me a different bijuu than the one placed inside our kit." Soma nodded accepting the logic as it was all they really had to go on really.

Karuma yawned and Soma snorted. It figured the lazy fox would already want to rest again. Karuma shooed his host away letting him know he had a guest on the outside. Soma was soon back into focus looking around the clan garden and then moving away from the hand that had reached out to grasp his shoulder.

"Itachi what do you think you are doing trespassing on my clan's grounds?" Soma turned his head to glower at said teen who looked embarrassed but determined. It was an odd combination on his normally unresponsive face. A rather pretty flush colored his cheeks and Soma was reminded of Fugaku's words from so long ago. How Itachi had developed a crush on him and Soma sighed before turning fully to the teen.

"Sasuke wanted to get breakfast with Naruto before everyone came over, remember? Besides, I tried calling out to you but you know how you get when you meditate." Soma blinked and thumped his own head for making an ass out of himself. He ignored the snickering coming from his internal fuzzball.

Soma stood pulled his long hair that had been flowing free into a messy bun and dusted off his sleeping kimono. Itachi watched him and that was every bit of confusing as when Kakashi had done the same several nights back. Soma spotted a quiet Sasuke who was peeking at the redhead from behind his older brother's legs.

Sasuke was always curious about his friend's guardian. Soma was really pretty he thought at first he was Naruto's mother. The blonde had corrected him and the two got into a fight for the insult. One in which Sasuke apologized because he had not had all the facts and said something that obviously was a sore spot for Naruto. Sasuke didn't understand it but he accepted it.

Soma crouched down and smiled brightly Sasuke flushed at how pretty the older boy looked and eyed his older brother who looked so lost when he looked at Soma. The redhead's eyes seemed to shine and that made Sasuke stare in awe. To the small Uchiha, Soma was all glittery and pretty not like any other person he had ever seen in the village. Though Naruto was similar, all glittery and Sasuke assumed it had something to do with them both being Uzumaki. His clan all looked similar but Naruto's clan was all made of different glimmering colors and shades. It was interesting to see each one.

Though both Naruto and Soma were the most unique and pretty of them all.

"Hi, Sasuke kun, would you like to help me wake Naruto so we can head out." Sasuke nodded stepping forward a bit before reaching up to the red-haired man silently asking to be picked up. Sasuke knew one thing was for sure, Naruto loved Soma's hugs and so Sasuke determined he would get as many of those as he could...He would never tell Naruto he was right about Soma's hugs though. Soma chuckled cooing to the boy before reaching out and plucking him into his gentle hold.

The young Uchiha snuggled into the arms settling himself comfortably. Sasuke hugged the soft embrace of the pretty red-haired man that carried him eagerly laying his chin on his narrow shoulders. He spotted his brother frozen to his spot looking almost envious of Sasuke who immediately stuck his tongue out teasing his older brother.

Itachi pouted and snapped to attention following after them. Sasuke was going to tease his big brother so much over this.

Itachi watched Soma constantly, as children it was due to the Uchiha wanting to learn from his much more powerful counterpart. As a comrade, it was to ensure he had his back and vice versa. Currently, it has to do with how nice the view of Soma walking ahead of him was.

Itachi really needed to stop hanging out with Shisui or Kakashi. Both of them liked to point out Soma's amazing genetics far too often when they drink. It distracted him when around his friend now. As he could do nothing but wholeheartedly agree with each assessment.

Itachi hung back while Soma and Sasuke stepped down the twisted halls to Naruto's room. A startled gasp drew his attention and he recognized Yahiko who awkwardly waved his way.

Orange spikey hair was the only reason Itachi could remember this member of the ame trio. His pale smooth skin and dark brown gaze were mostly commonplace. It was still odd that he along with several others claimed Uzumaki. Such a concept never happened in his clan, but Soma claimed the Yahiko fellow and the young violet-haired woman named Konan.

They were all Uzumaki adopted or blood-related but Itachi so very rarely had a chance to interact with any of them individually. Nagato the thin blood haired man was more recognized as he was always at Soma's side.

The pair had a tight bond and Itachi knew Soma valued his original group dearly. Itachi knew these people were precious to his longtime friend.

"Hello, I don't believe we've been formally introduced. I'm Itachi Uchiha." Said Uchiha craned his neck in greeting and Yahiko bored slightly awkwardly holding writing supplies.

"Hello, Uchiha san. I'm Yahiko Uzumaki."The nervous boy's eyes docked down the corridor and back to Itachi's.

"Soma has my brother and they are waking Naruto up." Yahiko seemed to relax slightly and fidgeted a moment. Seeming like he wanted to ask something.

It seemed he finally made the decision within himself to ask. "Let Shisui know I won our best and now he powers me a favor." Itachi was surprised but nodded watching a smile break out on the older man's face before the orange-haired shinobi trudged off to continue his errands.

Itachi knew his cousin was spending a lot of time with the Uzumaki clan but he had not known he had made a friend. It eased something inside the Uchiha as he had not been as connected to his cousin in several weeks. He really had been neglecting his social relationships and would probably need to take time to catch up with his cousin.

Soma returned with both boys excitedly clinging to him chattering away to one another.

Itachi gulped looking at his longtime friend looking so pretty in a soft pale blue kimono with his hair still in that messy bun. He could feel his mouth go dry when Soma smiled brightly at him.

"Ready?" Soma spoke leaning towards Itachi as Sasuke was making grabby hands towards his brother. Itachi immediately grabbed the boy and forced air into his lungs.

"Yeah, I think so." Itachi gets contemplative as Songs eyed him questionably and he followed him out the door.

This was going to be a long day.

T.D.O.T.

Soma settled down as one of the first people seated in the large conference room. The redhead had his hair tied high and tight in a long shimmering ponytail. He wore a soft smokey grey kimono with his clan seal pressed on the fabric over his heart.

The Hokage was there dressed in his billowing robes and wearing his hat and Shikaku was dressed rather formally as well. A forest green kimono tucked into Black hakama. His own clan insignia was pressed into the fabric's left shoulder.

His gaze drifted to Hiashi wearing a lavender Kimono the clan seal sitting on his obi and his hair pulled back into a loose braid.

Fugaku arrived with Shibi and both were dressed formally. Fugaku in a black kimono top and hakama with the Uchiha emblem on the back of the top.

Soma noticed Itachi follow in behind the three older shinobi dressed exactly as his father but his hair was loosely side-braided and Soma realized it was long. His dark eyes find him and they shared a commiserating look.

Shibi was dressed in a long formal coat in an eggshell white with his clan seal stitched onto the high collar of the coat.

Choza, Inoichi, and Tsume soon arrived as well.

Choza was wearing a wine-red kimono top tucked into a deep brown hakama. his hair was smoothed down. He had his clan seal covering the stomach of his top.

Inoichi was dressed in a livid-colored kimono. It was a strange bluish-grey that was similar to his own eye color. His clan insignia was pressed in the seam lining of his kimono. The man's long blonde hair was loose and that made him look years younger than he did.

Tsume was in a pale cream and blush pink color and her clan seal was embroidered on the leg of her kimono. She too had tamed her hair and her face looked set in both embarrassment and determination.

Kakashi arrived and he was dressed in a deep blue Kimono tucked into charcoal grey hakama. His clan's emblem was stitched into both ends of his kimono sleeves. He still wore his mask but had forgone his headband and just kept the scared eye closed. Soma was stunned to see his usual gravity-defying hair smoothed back with a few stands curling around his covered face.

Soma was always surprised when dealing with political situations. The formalities are always involved in looking the part of a clan head. They were representatives and they better damn well clean up nice before they get down to the threats.

Everyone settled down and took their seats. Fugaku practically pushed Itachi to sit next to Soma on his right so Kakashi settled next to Soma using his student to hold himself up as he was lazily leaving against snickered at Soma seated straight across from the grumbling redhead squished between his two long-time comrades.

The meeting was called to attention and they waited as Raikage was announced. A walked in looking like he swallowed a lemon despite trying to keep a stoic appearance. Soma tried not to snort seeing A.

He was still the towering dark-skinned muscle man with white blonde hair. He took was dressed in his Kage robes with a small entourage following him to take up the other seats.

Soma didn't see killer B but knew the man must have been outside the room as he could practically feel the man pouting from within the conference room. The meeting began and it seemed A was unaware that all the clan heads would unite to ensure they left a message to the opposing village.

A's gaze landed on Soma as he was a curious new variable to the group. The famed Uzumaki clan leader who brought his clan back into existence. That truly was a Shinobi worth his salt though his clan was new to the village. A wondered if he could persuade a coal head as successful as that young teen to switch sides.

The redhead had hair that glimmered and shifted as if it was a flame made of gems. Eyes that seemed to glow and an air about him that demanded respect. That was truly a quality of a great leader.

Soma quirked a delicate brow at the attention and A got distracted by his men being brought into the room. He wouldn't look at them. They had failed their mission and they knew what would await them at home. Shame, scorn and ostracizing. It would not be long before so the captured shinobi broke down from it all and died at their own hands.

Though that was not a problem for now. Now he had to negotiate as much power and control back so the leaf wouldn't send him and his reputation to ruin. Fixing his gaze back to the redhead he wondered how to bother him for a moment.

T.D.O.T.

Soma snorted as the meeting ended and the tall imposing A approached him.

Soma lifted his hand doing the Kage from his approach. "Not interested." It was simple and wasted neither of their time.

A respected that despite feeling incensed at not being able to say his piece. Though he caught sight of the dangerous glint aimed his way from Kakashi and Itachi. They did in the background of the Redhead and A realized the boy was rooted to this village and taking to him would be useless.

With that, he left the room. Pride rubbed wrong and forced into a real complete truce with the village. They took a large hit due to the kidnapping attempt and A had no one to blame but himself.

He sighed and set out grumbling about his lost chance his entire way to their hotel.

Soma for his part was going to get ready for another long-term mission. One he had not told anyone about. One only the Hokage and Dragon approved. He truly could not get tangled in any other political drama. Jiraya would come to collect Soma and they would be gone for several months.

The redhead felt guilty and the only other souls who knew of his departure were Naruto and Nagato. He really couldn't hold back from telling the blonde who immediately became inconsolable but Soma needed to get this trip done. Nagato had understood and promised to watch and protect Naruto with his life in his long absence.

He and Jiraya would be visiting Uzushino's ruins and tracking down lady Tsunade. It made the redhead queasy. He took Tsunades death hard in his past life. The woman died using every ounce of chakra to save him at the beginning of the war against Kaguya.

Everyone always died for him in his past and it left some terrible scars.

With that morbid thought, Soma waved past the proper that had become part of his new life and prosper himself mentally for the maelstrom that would one day greet him in his return.

Sounds passed by Kakashi and Itachi who both perked up at sure of him. "I'll see you guys soon." Soma spoke as he walked by stunning both men who had wanted to catch a moment of his time.

Soma wanted to spend what time he could with Naruto. It would be a while before he would get the opportunity. The Uzumaki leader glanced back to the room of clan leaders before steeling himself and setting off.

It was time to fix what he could.

No. Soma couldn't say goodbye. It was just too difficult.

Notes:

Sooooooooooo I'm just gonna go.

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Discord server for my works

Chapter 6: A Ghost Of You

Summary:

Soma goes on a short trip, Jiraiya bonds with the mysterious teen and Tsunade is awed by the Uzumaki. Soma returns home to accomplish what he had originally intended, and some people aren't so happy to hear that.

Notes:

https://discord.com/invite/eQCW8GX2aE

Discord server for my works

Soma twitched body heaving and clear bile spewing from his mouth. Tsunade was hovering over the suddenly ill teen who was sweating and swearing in angry huffs and heaves. This sudden moment of illness bothered her but Jiraya seemed to only have a grimace and didn't seem too concerned. Jiraya only held Soma's hair back keeping any of the locks from slipping into the mess.

The Uzumaki had been working hard under his sensei's command for several months now. Jiraiya and Soma's spy contacts had been buzzing about the threat of Orochimaru being near the sand village. They arrived in the village only to be attacked by a young child with red hair and the kanji of love practically carved into his forehead.

Soma at that moment looked both disgusted and haunted and it bewildered Tsunade. Though she didn't have a great understanding of seals as Jiraya had looked pained seeing the child's seal. The two seemed to both just focus in on the boy and his marking.

They all knew that was a seal for a tailed beast. Why else would a young boy have a chakra and immediate intentions of attacking people he had never crossed paths with prior?

The evil entity that controlled the child was a bijuu and it took Soma all of several moments to subdue the boy into calming down. Well to calm down his bijuu at least. Tsunade had been skeptical about following the red-headed teen and Jiraya to travel in exchange for them promising to pay for her recent gambling debt.

Now, she didn't regret having made such a deal. Soma Uzumaki was a fascinating man. Watching him soothe the small boy kept her in anticipation of what his next move would be.

Though subduing the beast obviously made its container come to the forefront of control.

That had shocked the child and Soma was tugged eagerly behind the child by hand to his parent. The kazekage. That alone threw Jiraya and Tsunade for a loop while a teenaged Shizune was hovering over Soma and the red-haired child trying to heal any bumps or scratches they accumulated in their small scuffle.

They stayed in the village for a few hours and in such a short time Soma convinced the renowned stubborn fool of a Kazekage to allow the teen to fix the child's seal. Though the sign that he was a practicing fuinjutsu specialist and an Uzumaki probably gave the Kazekage full trust that Soma could deliver on his skill.

The fact that he was from the leaf made the Kazekage believe the teen would not risk insulting their village's only ally in these trying times. It was practical and truly a testimony to Soma's skill in politics. He talked over the man's words with ease and elegance.

Like he was skilled at stopping powder kegs of politics from imploding.

Then they spent several hours being followed around by the boy and his siblings while Soma was escorted around the village to collect supplies. A young girl with bright blonde hair and sky-blue eyes, Temari the eldest. Followed along by a brown-haired boy with eyes the color of coal Kankuro the first son. Of course, the sacrificed red-haired child Garra.

Tsunade knew they all had different mother's the Kazekage was known for being a bit of a womanizer in hopes of creating powerful offspring. Though rumors spread that he had fallen in love and one last woman who died in childbirth. Since then, there had been no rumors of the man's womanizing ways.

So it came as no surprise when the Kazekage chased after the mysterious redhead within a small time of meeting the beautiful man. At first many believed Soma to be a Woman. That was quickly remedied and so the group thought that was that.

Until the Kazekage flirtations suddenly grew in intensity and he became handsy asking Soma what could he offer for doing their village such a service.

That was the reason Soma decided to leave the hidden sand so suddenly after helping the young child of the Kazekage fix his seal. The sealing was swift almost like breathing for the Uzumaki seal master. So quick Tsunade was surprised when Soma was scrambling out of the sand village.

Though it was soon after that Tsunade realized the teen had been hiding a sickness...though not a traditional one it seemed. It was nothing she could heal, as the mind was not something she could really fix.

Soma wouldn't die but he had been holding that haunted gaze since they crossed that child's path.

Tsunade wondered what kind of trauma this boy had gone through. Only knowing rumors of him and the excited bragging coming from Jiraya when he brought the kid to the leaf.

Soma was chosen by the toads as Jiraya had been.

It was peculiar to Tsunade though as the boy rarely used his summons and focused on only using his Uzumaki clan abilities and his quick skills.

As Soma emptied out his stomach and settled down he refused to speak a word on the subject and only stood charging off to their next destination. The only sign of his weakness was the bile in the floor and his slightly unsteady step.

Jiraya ignored it as well. Tsunade huffed keeping Shizune from fretting over the boy. It was such a guy thing that it made her a little annoyed

This boy was different and unlike Jiraya he didn't nag her about returning to the leaf. He only had a knowing look upon his gaze and otherwise kept his thoughts to himself.

What a curiously infuriating young man this Uzumaki was.

T.D.O.T.

Soma twitched washing his hands feeling the eyes boring into him. Orochimaru had escaped them but Soma had ruined his chakra network.

It was a short encounter, truly only crossing his path by accident. Or for them, it was an accident as Soma was sure the snake sannin had been curious about the mysterious Soma that joined the hidden leaf village. Soma took his chance to lash out when Orochimaru arrived and exchanged insults with his two former teammates.

The redhead had no doubt the snake would find a way to release the seal but he had bought time. It was one of his weaker chakra-stopper seals. To be honest he wasn't even sure if his strongest chakra blocker could stop the snake man.

The only upside was the seal would not be able to be replicated unless you pumped a little Uzumaki blood into it. Blood seals could be destroyed but they could not be replicated unless you were a true Uzumaki. The map of the seal could be escaped but it was important to trace it from it's beginnings once through it, there was no way back to discover the structure.

It meant the snake Sannin would be distracted and when he did launch an invasion it would be more disorganized and he'd be sloppy. There would be more chances for them to be prepared but for that Soma needed help. For now, he had to focus on the current issue at hand.

Getting his clan's records on seals. He was grateful to have stumbled on them in his first life, now he would be able to use his skills more openly. It wouldn't change much yet as nothing happened or could truly be progressed until after Naruto graduates. Many factors and enemies would remain hidden until Naruto was known to have possession of Karuma.

Soma frowned thinking of the unavoidable invasion still years off.

Soma doubted helping Garra would make the Kazekage change his mind about the attack. The man was practically foaming at the mouth to get Soma's power into his ranks, it had been the only reason he hit on the teen.

The sand had been plotting to attack the leaf long before Soma had stepped past its gates and nothing he could do would make them change that course of history.

His Garra had even said as much in his past and Soma knew that at least Garra would be even more hesitant in attacking the leaf village. Especially since Naruto and he would likely cross paths again. They were jinchuriki and no matter what would be drawn to one another.

This was something he had accepted long ago and hopefully, the hidden leaf would be more prepared. He had been negotiating with Hiruzen before Soma had left the leaf and aimed to ensure the future teams would get over the shock of their first kills in the safety of the hidden village. Freezing after delivering your first kill was how Konohamaru and Choji died and it twisted something in Soma to not have them cover all bases. This was preventable and he would damn well ensure it would be avoidable for future generations to come as well.

The problem was Soma needed to create an entirely new seal for such a thing and he needed books hidden away in Uzushino. His beginning in this time loop was a blessing. He was grateful to have been stuck on Uzushino when he first arrived in his young body. He had several years of just exploring and studying his people, their history customs, and most importantly their seals. Though getting all of the needed items would be an arduous task. It was going to be a long drawn-out event.

He also needed Tsunade to come to the village temporarily for now. Her medical expertise would be necessary but Soma would be vigilant in trying to avoid putting her in situations with blood. She would one day get over that but that was a job for his blonde counterpart.

The Uzumaki had also been gone longer than he had anticipated. Soma bit his lip the pain pulled him out of his thoughts.

"-ood kid. You've been kinda out of it since our fight with Orochimaru. Did he do something to ya?" Jiraya reached out patting Soma's shoulder and the redhead sighed.

"No Jiraya, I'm fine just thinking really hard. I know that's a pretty difficult task for you, so I'm thinking for the both of us." Soma smirked and Tsunade snickered at her teammate's irritated expression.

"Yeah yeah ya brat. See if I ever be nice to you again." Soma snorted at Jiraya who was pouting.

"I told you, I'll be nice when you stop basing your dirty novels characters after me." Soma deadpanned and Jiraya looked offended.

"Loosely based!" Jiraya huffed and Shizune sighed. It had taken Soma some moments to get used to a young teenage Shizune. The older sister he had remembered had been shifted and changed to look young. The girl was skilled there was no doubt about that especially being Tsunade's apprentice but there was less confidence. The teen wasn't the strong assured woman she would soon grow up to become. Soma cherished the fact that he was gifted at seeing this side of the woman.

Especially cause she was a lot more sassy in her early years apparently. It tucked something inside Soma as the group traveled together. He could hear the sound of crashing waves but kept his ear on the conversation between Tsunade's apprentice and his Sensei.

"Jiraya sama, You described the male character as a young effeminate man with brilliant shimmering red hair. Eyes like gemstones and of ethereal beauty." She gave the older man a slow bink. " You even named him Toma." Soma's cheeks puffed up in his anger.

They had been going back and forth on this subject for weeks now. Just like in Soma's previous life, he knew this annoyance would be ignored for 'Artistic interpretation'.

That was currently not here or there at this moment as they had finally arrived at their true destination.

As Soma finally stopped before a swirling sea before him. The water was wild and torrent practically a vortex of death. Soma hummed as the group behind him looked forward in awe.

"Home sweet home." Tsunade gasped as Jiraya sputtered at his comment.

"How the hell are we going to cross this brat!" Jiraya was nearly hysterical and Soma just snorted.

"We water walk." The Uzumaki said far too innocently. He could hear Shizune and Tonton practically praying behind him. Soma snickered and pulled out a Kunai.

"Oh, really well that would be such a great idea if there wasn't a damn sea of water vortexes in front of us!" Jiraya was definitely losing it to the thought of facing such obvious danger.

Jiraya tensed a beat as Soma sliced his palm and hovered near the edge of the torrent water. His arms hovered as if to catch the kid in case he were to fall.

As the red viscous blood dripped into the swirling depths it suddenly fell calm and quiet. It stunned Soma's traveling party as the redhead stepped out into the calm waters being closely followed by the others.

"What the hell is happening?"This came from Tsunade who was intrigued but mostly shocked. Looking a bit shaky and pale as well.

Soma hummed slicing his palm again as his previous wound had closed up. "Uzushino recognizes its brood. It will only calm for the blood of its glimmering children." Soma grimaced flicking his blood calmly ahead of his group.

"It was actually how we were invaded, they kidnapped several of our people, civilians actually, strapped them to the bow of the boat, and kept slicing my people so they could attack our village." Soma sighed and sliced his palm again unbothered and almost clinical in his words.

Jiraiya's face scrunched up in confusion. "How would you know that kid, you had to have been far too young to even know of those details. Hell i've been curious on how you knew to even come to this location as many had forgotten the ruins of Uzushino and it's people." Tsunade eyed Soma as well curious on this as well.

Some only smiled srenely at them both before pointing at the vortext.

"I was born within the lands, to be fair I was abandoned within these water walls." Jiraiya jerked back as if he had been slapped and Soma could see Tsunade trying to gather her thoughts. "I've told you this before but I was a child orphaned or abandoned either of thaose choices thought i'm not sure what the truth is. I just awoke one day scrambling around the ruins my instincts kicked into survival. I grew up inside there and explored everything. Journals had spoken of the oncoming turmoil and the rest...It's like the land speaks to me. I don't know why but it feels alive and guided me. Either that or I got lucky to find hidden tomes that taught me the way of the Uzu people." Soma shrugged ignoring the stunned looks sent his way.

"To think the fall of my clan occurred from tortured souls of the people we were meant to protect." Soma stayed quiet after that and both Jiraya and Tsunade shut up not knowing how to interject in a conversation after that.

Tsunade kept her gaze aimed steadfastly away from the blood dripping from Soma's fingertips.

It took about an hour for them to get onto Uzushino land and when they did everyone was in awe. Despite the calamity and devastation that had once wrought the beautiful land it was still astounding to see.

It was as if the land was alive, greeting them. Welcoming them home. Something that was sensational and calming all at once.

Soma looked the group until they came upon the ruins of the once proud village. Jiraya's gaze fell onto the fountain in the middle of the village square. His eyes roved over the intricate fuinjitsu or what was left of it. It was hard to read broken work especially since a large chuck was turned into crumbling dust.

"Come along Pervy sage, let's not ponder over secrets of the dead too long." Jiraya jolted and eyed Soma who seemed listless. They followed the red head who seemed to walk as if he could hear music they could not hear.

Moving, swaying as if pulled then to a large stone door pressed far and deep into the foliage near the village. They all heard Soma inhale and press his now healed body palm to the door. Soma was moving possessed as if in a trance.

Jiraya grimaced seeing the red head offer another blood sacrifice but this time completing this large intricate seal. Tsunade averted her gaze in that breath of a second.

Nothing happened but only at first.

A shaking trembling screeching sounded and everyone covered their ears save Soma.

The wall of stone moved slowly, painfully and it was all so surreal to the group watching. Uzushino really truly did speak to the Uzumaki people. It really was their blood, their life and their power.

Soma didn't hesitate and it left the group scrambling after him into the dark depths of the wall he opened. It was then that suddenly both Jiraya and Tsunade realized as they along with Shizune noticed stumbling in the dark after Soma.

His glowing gaze allowed him to see in the darkness. His smooth stride never faultered while they had to grip the wall in the narrow passage to find the next narrow step. That was most surprising but not truly unexpected as Uzu people had strange bodies and many passive skills that tied in with their blood.

It was so fascinating to see in action though.

Soma stood at the bottom before them and suddenly light began to glow, to hum and glimmer. They followed and found the room seemed to offer a glow coming from fuinjutsu seals carved into the walls.

Soma seemed like he was in a daze still and it was so very unlike him. The redhead charged forward practically delicate in touching tomes, books and even linens with seals scribed into them.

Jiraya stood gobsmacked eyes bugged out and taking in the works before him. Tsunade's eyes roamed over the tomes giving it a low whistle at the work. Shizune gave a small gasp dropping Tonton who let out a squeal in surprise.

The cavernous room was massive and the work in this room has to be extremely precious to Soma. This was his clans work, something his people had dedicated their lives into.

"Jiraya." The words were so soft that the sage almost missed it. Jiraya shut his mouth and looked to Soma who was pulling out dozens of sealing scrolls.

"What is it kid?" The sage stepped forward while Tsunade crouched over a angry Tonton and a flustered Shizune.

"We have already extended this trip by several weeks. I don't want to miss Naruto's upcoming birthday. Can you...will you help me seal these scrolls?"

Soma smiled cheekily and Jiraya had to choke down tears. He knew Soma had amazing skills in creating wind clones and didn't need his help. Especially when all these were his clans secrets. Precious heirlooms of fuinjutsu mastery from the minds of the greatest.

The kid really did have a stuffy shot for him and Jiraya would always be grateful he was there for his godson without asking for anything in return. The boy truly was a savior in his eyes a true man. He never regretted dragging that boy to the leaf village and doubted he ever would.

Jiraya snorted and patted the teens head. "I knew I'd grow on ya brat." Soma snickered and the two set to work.

Tsunade couldn't believe joining these two on this trip would be so fascinating. She had never seen Jiraya this soft, not since Minato had died at least.

"Shizune." The name drew that dark haired woman's gaze to her master. Shizune's youthful face eyed her sensei and glanced to Jiraiya with his newest pupil.

"I think we are due for a visit to my grandfather." The young girl lit up in excitement.

"Really Lady Tsunade! Are we truly returning home?" Shizune reigned her excitement back as Tsunade grimaced.

"Only a short visit." It was clipped and obvious Tsunade was only doing this to observe Soma more but more than the Young teen could have expected. "I'll ensure everything's prepared then!" Tsunade snickered watching her young apprentice scamper off back towards their things they had left at the entrance of the hidden room.

She'd tell Soma and Jiraya later tonight. The slug princess grumbled to herself just thinking of her teammates future idiot expression.

Soma caught her eye a moment and annoyingly looked far too smug as if he already knew I'd her plans to visit the village.

Thinking of Soma giving her that knowing smirk though made her huff. "Annoying brat."

T.D.O.T

Soma was distracted. Jiraya could see that easily with his the teen stared hard at the cave entrance.

They got caught by a sandstorm crossing back home through sunas desert and had to take shelter a nearby cave.

Though the longer the storm went on the more tense Soma became. It was peculiar to the toad sage. The redhead never seemed to let anything affect him. From scathing comments to disrespect. The boy was always unfazed.

Yet now he was so anxious it was making the sage sick with worry himself.

Did Soma get word from one of his contacts. They had crossed though a village to rest for a few hours and Soma splintered off at a nearby tea house.

The working ladies and geisha seamlessly worked with or rather for the red head... well that's what Jiraya thought anyways. Soma could truly just be going there to enjoy the shows.

Right now though he had never seen the kid look so... pensive. His face. This expression reminded him so very much of Minato. There was a sameness to the expression and it always made Jiraya uncomfortable.

Mostly cause he still found ghost of his former student and was pushing the image into the one currently watching over Minato's child. Don't get him started on the comparisons to Kushina, kid was the spitting image of that particular lost relative.

Soma was not Minato but Jiraya couldn't help but still see something of the man in Naruto's guardian...In what he hoped because he so desperately wanted Naruto to obtain some of both his parents traits.

Though was that fair of him to be allowing his ghost to cloud over a stranger.

"Hey kid, why'd you get so tense. We're only behind by a half day, a day at the most. Naruto is young enough that he won't remember if you miss his birthday ya know. He'll forgive you that kid loves ya more than anything." If anything that question and comment seemed to only make the redhead more tense.

" The leaf village...they do not treat Naruto well. You know this Jiraya, that was why you found me and brought me to take guardianship of Naruto." The older sage frowned but gave a nod in understanding.

They both paused hearing some approach from behind. Both men eyed Tsunade warily who was more glaring at her teammate with clear irritation on her expression.

Tsunade eyed her former teammate in disbelief. "You said this kid sought you out for guidance in the ways of a toad sage. What do you guys mean by the leaf don't treat Naruto well?" Tsunade seemed incensed by that alone.

"From what the third said on the night of his birth some of them attempted trying to break into the hospital to get to the newborn. I have never let him step foot out of the compound on his birthday. He always tried to leave because he wants to see the festival." Soma looked sad and Jiraya wished he could describe that expression better.

It was like the teen was reliving heartbreak and every flash of pain would compound on his face. " I can't tell a kid ' Hey, you can't go into the festival because the people of the village hate you.' I especially could never say this to Naruto."

Jiraya hummed in response and eyed the whirling sandstorm blocking them.

"Though I agree in you protecting Naruto I'm sure he's not blind to the glares or unkind words spoken to or about him." Jiraya eyed Tsunade who seemed to have settled down between the two men. Shizune was still sleeping and it seemed Soma was the only one who would go without.

Though Jiraya understood the reason why.

"Yeah, but I don't want him to have to deal with it alone." It was whispered but both Jiraya and Tsunade heard him and the older sage snorted.

"You have a clan full of overprotective and loyal devotees. Nagato will rain down blood on the people if they harmed a single golden hair on his head. Konan herself would ensure the village saw her in their nightmares. Then don't get me started on Karin. She'd do anything to protect Naruto and you know it." Soma eyed Jiraiya and Tsunade. It was silent for a beat and he knew Shizune and Tonton were far enough away so Soma settled himself back into silence.

It was in these times that Jiraya felt he couldn't get a read on the kid.

From the moment he mentioned Soma, a child jilted and handed by the violence and death that surrounded him. The boy stood strong and firm against him. Willing to die for those few banded people he called his own.

A child who Jiraya had to thrust his last bit of remaining hope onto. To pay that this kid would be there for his godson when he couldn't. That despite their limited time spent together the pair of them bonded as if they were family.

Jiraya who only saw ghost of others in the boy he had so haphazardly kidnapped and delivered to serve and protect a village that scorned him and the legacy of his long lost student.

"I just don't know if I can trust your village just yet... no not yet at least." With that Soma stood leaving being the two sannin stunned to watch the storm raging.

"Jiraya. Who is this kid? Where did you even find him in the first place?" Tsunade spoke hushed but watched Soma who only had eyes for the storm beyond.

"He and I crossed paths when I was... conducting very important research." Jiraya flinched at the dark glare Tsunade sent his way.

"Look kid took offense to my research and I got a good glimpse of him. Looked really similar to Kushina and with hair like that I knew I had found myself an Uzumaki in the wild." Jiraya sighed closing his eyes in contemplation.

"I followed the kid after his assault on my person and found him holed up in a room with a few other Uzumaki people and my former students from our time in the land of Ame." Jiraya opened his eyes looking tired and that surprised Tsunade.

"They told me how a little child had happened upon them and immediately drew Nagato in by letting him know if his heritage. Then set about ensuring the three would live to see another day by transforming clones to take their places in a negotiation they had with an Ame official... they found out the hard way that day that not every Shinobi is a good person. Instead of falling down the wrong path though Soma led them towards his into creating a family and instilling their minds onto not enforcing their will into others but doing their best to improve the lives they touch." Jiraya snorted.

"I sent word on the situation to the old man and kidnapped the kid. His people followed him willingly and once he met Naruto, well Soma lost his fight. We all came to the same conclusion he did. Naruto and Soma look too closely related, too similar they have to be closely related. The second Soma saw the kid it was over and he knew it." Tsunade sighed and eyed the pre teen not far away.

"He can't be that noble." Tsunade tried to find some motivation but was finding it difficult.

"He's been part of the leaf and a faithful Shinobi for years. He's let people scorn him spit at him and curse his name so he can protect his people and Naruto. Trust my sources at least, they were all skeptical even though he can't to us so young. They would each trust him with their lives now. Soma truly lives up to the Uzumaki bloodline. He is their king, and he is a good and just ruler for them. He will bleed for them. He will cry for them. He would die for them. He's not noble, he is just living up to be their standard." Jiraiya snickered.

"You don't have to whisper by the way the kid will hear us no matter where we are in the cave. " Tsunade's head snapped to Jiraiya then back to Soma who was looking back at them with a single brow raised.

"It's a bloodline thing not voluntary and I told pervy sage to tell you a long time ago." Soma snorted as Jiraiya squawked only for the old man to have to run away from his angered former teammate. The tension eased out of Soma a bit and he could see the storm starting to settle a little. The clenching in his gut was starting to unwind.

Just a bit longer Naruto.

T.D.O.T

Soma rushed past the guard post once he was cleared and bolted to the hokage tower.

Jiraiya and Tsunade hurried behind him as he scrambled up the tower and the secretary waved them in upon first sight of his red hair.

"Ah Uzumaki I take it the mission went well." Soma snorted at the genial attitude of the hokage who eyed an annoyed Tsunade. Hiruzen just acted as if SOma had returned from an overnight event rather than over half a year.

"Of course, Hokage sama. My mission details." The red head quietly placed his scroll onto the Hokage's desk fidgeting while he read it over. Jiraiya was blatantly eyeing the corner of the room that seemed to almost vibrate with energy, despite being so well concealed.

Nature users like Jiraiya and Soma could detect that subtle emotional shift and that particular guard.

Jiraiya openly smirked at Soma back taunting him whispering 'Someone's in trouble.' Soma ignored him and the person. Hiruzen snickered and waved Soma off letting the red head get a head start. Hiruzen would keep to his deal Naruto would be starting in the academy soon and Soma would be inactive as a member of anbu unless called upon for emergency only. The third watched the red head leave the office recalling their agreement so many years prior.

Spymaster and low rank short term missions until Naruto became a chunnin. Due to that condition Hiruzen wanted to punish Soma a little.

"Crow." A single masked figure appeared before the hokage at his command and Hiruzen snickered again.

"You are relieved from guard duty for a few days. Take this as a token of gratitude for working so hard." The masked figure gave a single nod and left at his Hokage's dismissal.

Hiruzen snorted and settled into his paperwork once more as his students settled in to go over a recap of their missions.

It was a truly glorious day today.

Soma moved fast dodging a shuriken and snatching up a second. A very angry blonde boy was huffing and trembling before he burst into tears and tackled the red head soaking the man's travel kimono with tears.

"I missed you too Naru." Soma was gentle and ran his fingers through the boys long golden hair letting him cry away the worry and stress.

Nagato laughed and slapped Soma on the back.

"Made it just in time." The whole clan was watching in awe at their prodigal leaders return.

Soma eyed his people. Only thirty-nine we're of Uzumaki bloodline. Another fourteen were gained from root or adopted into the clan. Soma's gaze stopped the dark eyes and hair of Sai.

He had felt guilty for naming the boy such when first meeting him. He played it off as saying he reminded him of a long-gone friend and the boy thanked him for naming him. His 'brother' Shin had clung to Sai's side even as sickly as he had been. Soma ensured that the boy had gotten medical care and he was happy to see both boys happy and healthy.

"Happy birthday Naruto." The boy only cried more clinging tighter to his guardian happy the man had returned safe.

Konan waved at Soma joined with a cheerful Yahiko at his side. Karin was trying to restrain the other clan children from dog piling onto Soma.

"-arted ninja school so I can become super powerful like you and help you in missions and stuff." Soma tuned back in wondering how time seemed to flash by him so swiftly. Everyone looked healthy and safe, so he just let it all go. All the worries he had carried got the lady several months.

Soma could see this future growing to be for the better and was glad it was still holding strong even in his absence.

"Yes, Naru but you know you will still have to study in the academy." A bit a whining came from the boy, but Soma was good this was the worst thing Naruto would have to face in this lifetime. He couldn't baby him forever, but he was glad to do it while he could.

It was fine to celebrate another year to this change.

Soma snickered eyeing Kakashi who was trying desperately to corner the red head. Itachi was jumping in to do the same but both men had not seen Soma or his 'new' skills.

The red head was already good at escape and avoidance prior to their leaving but now it was downright unfair. He knew both of their strengths and weaknesses by now, so Soma knew how to avoid both men fairly easily now.

Even in his past life he had escaped Kakashi's notice a few times, surprising his former sensei.

He would continue to avoid both for the time being. Right now, he was settling back in and connecting to the other clans once more. Right now, his focus would be on Naruto and his former friends and comrades.

It was a breeze ditching the two men and gliding back onto Uzumaki clan grounds carrying his goods he had left the compound for. Naruto was practicing the Clan kata ensuring he wasn't missing any steps and Nagato was overseeing him.

Times like these were when Soma was truly grateful for the extra help. It really did take a village to raise a kid. Soma caught the attention of both clan members who eyed him in various forms of curiosity.

Nagato raised a brow at his leader's outfit. Soma was wearing a beautiful sky blue and intricate kimono pattered in glossy shimmering scales done in pearl and emerald. It was definitely one of his more feminine clothing choices especially since the red head had half his hair pulled up and held by a pair of senbon. Soma was carrying a closed parasol the same shade of pearl and emerald in intricate designs same as his kimono pattern. Nagato frowned as the pattern on the umbrella was made to look like the chakra absorption seals, they made in the clan.

"Eh, Soma why do you have an umbrella?" Naruto looked to the sky searching for any hidden cloud. Soma chuckled and Nagato softened at the noise. I'm his many years of knowing Soma it was hard pressed to get genuine happiness from him. Naruto really truly brought out the boy's softer side and it was nice to see that.

"This is a parasol Naru, usually it's used to shade yourself from the sun." The blonde cocked his head curiously obviously confused.

"This is for your next bout of training in the future. After you learn the war fan, we will go onto this." Soma spoke opening the beautiful parasol and spinning it. Naruto looked skeptical but Soma eyed Nagato who sighed and prepared himself to get his ass beaten...again.

Nagato had known his leader had been learning how to use this...weapon before mostly in his youth but his short stature had delt him a bad hand. Now Soma wouldn't have such issues and Naruto was growing steadily and swiftly so there was no doubt the blonde would be able to handle this weapon type before long.

For now, though Nagato grimaced and had settled a distance away from the shorter redhead. They waited for Naruto to scramble to the side while Soma settled his parasol onto his shoulder. Nagato wondered where he got all these weapons sometimes but signed and got into a fighting stance. Soma just looked to him with an almost bored expression and it always wounded Nagagto's ego fighting the guy.

Nagato pulled out a kunai and charged at Soma who parrying his swing with the open sunshade. Nagato swung his leg back to kick at Soma in the opening, but his ankle was stalled by the base tube. The umbrella spun and the glimmering scales weren't just for aesthetics it would seem, slightly blinded by the illuminated glow that burst from the sparkling fabric Nagato jumped back avoiding being hit by Soma's closed sunshade.

Nagato threw out several shuriken at Soma who opened his parasol and spun the weapon ruining the trajectory of the shuriken. The Parasol fell to the floor and Soma had disappeared from behind it making Nagato curse as he dodged a sleek long straight sword. Nagato noticed the umbrellas base tube was missing and he had to jump out of the way as Soma charged at him with the blade. Soma was relentless charging at Nagato with practiced ease pushing the man to defense. A slice of Nagato's top got sliced and the older man got distracted and was kicked to land onto of the parasol canopy and Nagato cursed as the thing bent like a trap the thing held down his arms and legs.

The fight was humiliatingly short as always and Nagato lay there as his leader gracefully landed next to him smiling gently down at the older man and called over an awed Naruto.

"This is a weapon I use for capture missions. As you can see Nagato is unable to move, and this weapon is my own personal tool, so he is unable to use his chakra to escape binding. All Uzumaki weapons are meant to disguise themselves as normal tools for luxury or beauty. We do also have some clan weapons used for thwart others from attacking." Soma turned his attention to Nagato and crouched down showing a long line of leg and Nagato realized Soma's legs were hairless. The kimono really was quite feminine and Nagato snorted fighting the urge on calling his leader pretty to his face.

Everything about Soma was made as distraction from his clothing choices to his fighting style. It was as if he had faced off against perverts all his life and learned seduction was as great a weapon as a kunai to the throat. "I concede." Nagato huffed and Soma's twinkling laughter caught him off guard a bit.

Soma spent a few moments showing Naruto how to undo the trap and the boy was fascinated when the Parasol popped back into a regular umbrella after Nagato moved out of its clutches and Soma returned the blade back into the pole of the sunshade.

Nagato stood and just watched Soma eagerly showcase the weapon to Naruto who just as eagerly asked a million questions a minute. His small hands traced over the weapon and Nagato forgot that these two weren't related. That Soma was pushed to be a replacement for a guardian for Naruto. It was true that he took care of the boy in majority as Soma had been in and out of the village with continuous long-term missions, but Soma had done everything and anything to be actively involved with the blond from the moment he had been released into the clan. Soma worked hard and provided for their clan from the start, ensured they could grow and live and strive to become who they were today.

They saw him be as active in everyone's lives as he possibly could and moved to resolve any issues before the problems even arose. Right now, the few clan members that could remember their village were working diligently to store and hide away their clans' precious tomes and artifacts the redhead had recovered.

Nagato was very proud to serve under Soma and no amount of time he was separated from the clan would he forget that gratitude. Though it didn't mean he'd always be obedient and quiet.

"You look like a pretty girl Soma chan." Nagato had to dodge a senbon Soma had pulled from his hair and laughed running away from his angered leader snickering the entire way. A small indignant Naruto running behind shouting 'Soma's not a girl!' the entire way.

T.D.O.T

Soma idly watched Naruto tackle a surprised Shikamaru out of his nap while Shikaku set up the Shogi board. Choji was munching on a few treats the read head had Naruto bring over. Ino was hollering from the side egging Naruto to 'beat up that lazy brat' and Soma chuckled hearing an icon 'Troublesome before Shikamaru started to fight back.

"Naruto's as rambunctious as ever I see." Inoichi spoke settling himself to sit at Soma's side while the game began. Soma snorted and shrugged watching Naruto run from Shikamaru who was now determined to get revenge for his rude awakening.

"Kids got some spunk in him, I like it." Choza Spoke the rotund man happily settled next to Inoichi with snacked loaded up from Soma's clan as a thanks for the invitation.

"Just like his mother." Shikaku spoke immediately making the moment a bit sullen. Soma looked a bit softer at that comment.

"I'm quite glad he has bits of his parents' personality; from what I had heard they were both good people." Shikaku quirked a brow but started their game.

"The village is quiet about it as per the Hokage's orders, how would you know of them." Soma snorted and focused on the game.

"I was given all the belongings and trinkets of the last Uzumaki in the village before my clan was brought here." Soma and Shikaku played a bit before he continued his thought. "She had a journal, spoke greatly of the man she loved not much detail as she had not wanted any to know his identity, not that it's a difficult leap of logic, especially since Naruto seems to have the man's eyes and hair color. I needed to know about her to give her spirit it's final rights as an Uzumaki. As a fallen princess of our clan." Soma settled back even under the intense stares aimed his way.

"The Hokage also explained in detail why Naruto was given the Uzumaki Name rather than his father's and even though I am grateful to have a clan heir I will not shy away from ensuring Naruto knows anything and everything I can tell him of his parents. I doubt he'd feel comfortable going to others about the information and I was prepared by those that knew and loved his parents." Shikaku snorted.

"Hiruzen and Jiraiya are both very sentimental." Soma hummed in response his eyes guarded.

"As is Kakashi." Shikaku had a wave of understanding light up his eyes and he snorted.

"As is Kakashi." They settled chatting amongst one another playing shoji and catching up with Soma. Shikaku eyed Naruto who was happily showing off some of the skills his guardian was teaching him.

The boy was happy healthy and thriving under Soma's guidance. Shikaku was truly grateful this kid had stumbled into Naruto's life. Shikaku could only imagine how hard the boy's life would have been had he not been brought to the leaf all those years ago.

Besides now he had a really good Shoji partner, it had been so long since he had someone to enjoy the game with.

"Naruto don't you dare prank people on their clan grounds." Soma spoke earning a snort from Inoichi who watched the blonde boy huff hiding away his hidden item. How he had such a good read on the boy astounded all of them as Soma was barely on the cusp of adulthood. Though he grew up as Naruto's mentor, as...a surrogate parent and now Inoichi wondered if the village had taken advantage of another prodigy.

He had held nothing but suspicion of the boy for several years until just before his departure on his almost year long journey. Soma never spoke on any of the unfounded animosity between them and just moved past it.

Soma just lived his life to better those around him and Inoichi had long let go of being unable to dig into his mind.

"I win." Shikaku laughed boisterously and reset the board making the men crowd around the board for the next match.

T.D.O.T

Hiashi and Hizashi both sat watching Neji and Soma go through light fighting blows. The older man had graciously offered up designs for the clan to change over their clan seal and as their clan owed the Uzumaki leader a favor the elders had no choice but to agree to Soma's terms. The red head truly was an amazing negotiator. The Uzumaki leader had brought over Naruto at Hinata's request, and the two kids were happily practicing their clan kata's and play fighting. Neji had wanted to train but Soma had led him away to practice against himself.

Neji attacked but Soma turned out to be well versed in fighting against their clan's fighting style.

The twins never thought to train another form in case someone could counter their clan's style, but this was putting a thought into both brother's heads. Hiashi eyed his brother who was eerily focused on Soma and Neji.

He looked contemplative.

Hiashi would allow his brother to do as he please and he looked over the scroll that contained their clans saving grace. A new binding seal that would protect their clans eyes much like the one the Uzumaki clan had given over to the Uchiha. It wouldn't have so much...control over their people and truly that settled something in Hiashi's gut that had been always on his mind.

They were on the verge of change and that was refreshing.

"I'm going to ask Soma to train Neji." Hizashi spoke suddenly and Hiashi's gaze softened as they both knew Neji would need more guidance. The boy was harboring an arrogance that could be dangerous and maybe this humbling would be a wise decision.

Soma was practically dancing around the boy dodging his blows while carrying a damn parasol and smirking down at the young boy. The bruising to his ego would be for the better in the long run.

"I believe that would be wise brother." With them both in agreement they settled for watching and enjoying the afternoon with their two-bubbly guest.

T.D.O.T

Tsume, Shibi eyed Hiashi who was dragging a very reluctant Soma along his side. They had been called by their teammate to come to the grounds and into the gardens with their kids for a small celebration.

This was unusual behavior for their longtime teammate, and they watched the teen grumbled before he was made to settle down at the table with them. They both watched a blonde blur scream in excitement before tackling Kiba who was just as eager to see his friend. Neji and Hinata chased after them and the blonde boy jumped up scrambling to eagerly greet Shino who was surprised to have been corralled into the group as well.

"Soma has created a seal for our clan as agreed." Tsume perked up as she had been waiting for this news. "We are here to celebrate."

Shibi quirked a brow and Tsume hooted.

"Finally, I knew this kid would do us all some good." Soma sighed heavily but gave in to the group.

T.D.O.T

Soma sighed and leaned back watching Naruto eagerly chatter away with Sasuke over dinner.

He stayed silent as Itachi kept trying to catch his gaze and focused on catching up with Fugaku over their clans and the connections Soma had been fostering since their first meeting. So, he was offering up some intel on where they might find a few missing clan members as he had crossed paths with a few on his travels.

Soma had a very busy day and was so not interested in dealing with Itachi's scolding. The boy had been tracking him all day as was Kakashi and both men needed to direct their attention elsewhere. When Naruto began yawning was when Soma had thanked them and collected Naruto to take home.

Soma had ensured his connection to other clans were still intact and that Naruto was still well received despite the limited interaction as of late.

It eased something in him knowing that his charge was accepted, and Soma would go through hundreds of tiring days like this one if it meant he could confirm with his own eyes that Naruto would be welcomed in the future. Soma sighed feeling vibrating energy and recognizing it immediately. He arrived to his clan grounds and glanced back to twin expressions of frustration and tilted his head in the direction of his clan home.

The small group walked up the long pathway and through the clan grounds to the far house in the back. The door opened and a surprised Nagato eyed their two guests wordlessly taking Naruto from Soma's arms. The boy gave a sleepy goodnight before the pair disappeared and Soma directed an annoyed Kakashi and Itachi into the seating room.

"Hello Kakashi, Itachi. What new?" Some held back a snort when Itachi practically jumped at him his sharingan active as if searching for injury.

"What's new? That's all you have to say after disappearing for almost a year." Kakashi had practically growled surprising Soma who was still being man-handled.

"I was on assignment, can't exactly drop by you guys to let you know. I only let those that absolutely needed to know in on that. It was part of my orders." Kakashi sighed and eased back as did Itachi who was definitely the most emotional Soma had ever seen him.

"I was actually scared, terrified you had died out there and no one would know." Soma gathered himself struggling to not grow embarrassed. He wasn't dating either of these men, in fact it felt odd to be spoken to as if he had wronged his lovers. He could not deal with this, not when he would have to be zeroed in and focused on Naruto for the next several years.

"Yeah, well I'm going to be strictly homebound for the foreseeable future." Soma pulled away from Itachi's grip and felt bad at the stricken expression he had. "It was part of my deal with the Hokage. I'm planning on helping to adjust the shinobi curriculum and have all the teams train under a team leader once a week. I will be working closely with the academy and genin instructors for a bit." Soma could see the immediate disapproval in both men's gaze.

"That is a waste of your skills." Kakashi did not like the thought of one of his prized students being reduced to a teaching assistant.

"I have to agree with sensei, what is going on in that head of yours Soma. First you disappear then you return to only fall from your potential." Itachi had not ever wanted to lose his teammate and he could not leave anbu, too many people relied on him and his direction.

Soma shrugged trying not to let their words hurt him, but they struck a nerve. This was important for the future, and he knew his reputation would take a nosedive, but he would do what was necessary.

"You are making a mistake. I will not allow my efforts in training you to fall to the ash." Kakashi was incensed, he couldn't let Soma do this as he has so much potential. Itachi was nodding agreeing with his sensei confused why his longtime friend would be foolish enough to drop everything to take on such a role.

"I will do this with or without either of your permission. Now, I'm exhausted and hope you both can come to terms with my decision as it is final. You are both very close to me but until you can both resect my choices please stay out of my way." Soma stood and purposefully walked to the door yanking it open and refused to listen to anything they had to say on the matter. He knew they wouldn't understand right now. Neither of them would understand until Naruto was finally safely in a genin team, trained to perfection.

He would not speak on it though as they both should have let him live his life, this may have been his return, but Soma needed this reprieve. This time of peace for him he could finally settle all his old scars, and he would do so away from the prying eyes of the village. He needed to finally face the ghost of his past and learn to breathe again. Learn to live for something beyond his Naruto as the time for him to leave the nest would be soon approaching. He needed to remember there would be a life and how to function past that.

"Have a good night." Soma spoke knowing he would not see either man for several years to come. Soma would ensure that.

Notes:

I know I know i'm very Naughty. I've been away so long but well, I get ill and you all have to wait for me to be well enough to write again. Sucky trade but well here ya go. Thanks for reading and luv you all.

Chapter 7: Baby Steps

Summary:

Soma starts to really see how his involvement has changed his counterpart. Everyone else seems to take notice of that as well.

Notes:

So....try not to hate me too much.

https://discord.com/invite/eQCW8GX2aE

Discord server for my works

Naruto eyed Soma the older man pacing back and forth on the engawa while the blonde ate breakfast.

Today was his final test for ninja academy but Soma was more nervous than he was. It was also his first time officially pulling away from the restructuring of the academy to do complete field training and dedicated focus on Gennin teams. Soma was only doing small trial runs off groups and changing up the academy structure and curriculum, so far. He had been swamped in his time reforming the shinobi academy composition.

On top of his current change and transition to employ fully following through with the team's training regiment, this year Soma was given another assistant... well the way the Hokage phrased it it was more demanded he takes on this assistance. The guy got hurt on a recent mission and was required to settle down for several months. Soma argued that he had several assistants...he didn't win the argument and was now paired with someone who would be helping to look over a future team. It didn't help that Soma himself seemed nervous about what was to be happening.

It was strange to encounter as the blonde had always known his guardian to be quite calm cool and collected. He struggled to even remember a time when Soma was ever even surprised let alone full of nervous energy. He heard his guardian even muttering under his breath about there not being enough time. This was all out of character for Soma. He acted more like Naruto did when he got stressed or nervous. It proved to the blonde that Soma was not always perfect and that they were probably spending too much time together if they acted so similarly. Naruto didn't mind but was still unsure of how to analyze Soma's peculiar mood.

Even when Naruto had blown up one of the reinforced training rooms Soma just made sure he was alright and set to work fixing the room. The blonde really aspired to be that level-headed. It was strange to see him so...unsettled.

He looked up to Soma and was really happy to have him in his life. Though this was unnerving to see. The man poured everything into Naruto, all his knowledge and tricks, and the blonde was grateful but felt anxious at the thought of being separated from his guardian. Even he knew that Soma's dedicated training ends as soon as Naruto becomes a chunin. Nagato often talked about how the day Soma returns back to his mission-filled life was fast approaching. That made Naruto's gut twist in fear a bit.

It was hard to explain but Soma and him were like two halves of a soul to him

Everything Soma was Naruto felt connected to each passion deeply in his heart. They truly were like true family even if he wasn't completely related to him.

Right now Soma was hovering as Naruto was to face the graduation exam. The blonde had tried to graduate early like his guardian had done so all those many years ago. Yet Soma, Nagato, and especially Karin were vehemently against the thought.

Soma told Naruto that being underestimated was by far better out in the Shinobi world.

Nagato agreed but added that for Soma circumstances were very different

The Uzumaki had to offer up a deal to even keep him a clan orphan until Soma was a jonnin. The details were always unexplained though Soma told him bits and pieces here and there. It had to do with the civilian council at the time and Soma offering up his own personal fuinjutsu seals to obtain the child before Naruto was to join the shinobi academy. In the early arrival of the Uzumaki clan there had been many obstacles and restrictions when they had any handling with Naruto as at the time he was still considered a civilian. So they needed to adopt Naruto and struck that deal.

The council has been filled as Some crashed through the rankings before any could protest the blonde was officially an orphan to the clan. Then Soma himself officially adopted Naruto. The only way they could was if Soma was a jonnin. The effeminate man was also kinda forced out of his childhood but that was mostly due to his status and leadership role in the clan. So it was inevitable either way for Soma to progress swiftly. It didn't mean none of them felt regret for forcing Soma to shoulder their dues to the village. The clan didn't want to make such a decision again.

Both men urged Naruto to really enjoy his life.

Karin said she would go crazy if she had to see the little boy coming back beaten and bruised from missions like she had when Soma had gone through the process of advancement. That she could bare with it only if he had a good childhood to outweigh any gained dark memories, besides Soma had been older than her and there was something about him that no one could argue against.

The blonde was outnumbered and could understand their reasoning so he accepted. Though he made Soma teach him a few new tricks in exchange for having to suffer through the academy. It wasn't all bad, his childhood friends remained in his classes, and in his final few years, he got to see Iruka sensei again who was very happy to see the blonde.

The pair grew close in the blonde's earlier years, and Naruto continued it by showing Iruka his secret ramen shop.

He enjoyed his last remaining years of youth and the blonde couldn't help but be grateful for the overbearing protectiveness of his family. It made Naruto wonder if that could possibly be what was making Soma fret. The thought of the blonde growing up so fast and him being unsure if Naruto was ready for the next path in life.

Though Soma was going to run a hole in the floor if he kept up that pacing.

"You look like you're about to propose to your mortal enemy." Naruto said munching on some fruits Soma had laid out for him. The blonde needed Soma to get it together he really couldn't be the one to be levelheaded today.

The redhead snorted and stopped to glower at his smaller counterpart. That eased the blonde seeing such familiar calmness practically take over his guardian.

Naruto was really surprised as Soma was still holding onto his everlasting youth. The man didn't look like he changed from the age of sixteen the only thing proving he aged was how his long hair now reached to the back of his knees. The glimmering strands were a brilliant ruby red and his skin was so pale it looked almost moon kissed.

Though that in part had to do with Soma training Naruto when he wasn't in school and taking on missions only at night. Naruto has heard clues from the other adults in the clan on why his guardian shifted his schedule around always to be able to accommodate Naruto and help train several of the previous Gennin classes before him.

Neji practically idolized Soma and followed him around like a puppy when he had been getting to help train Team Guy since the previous year.

That Lee kid revered Soma and praised him as much as he did his look-alike bushy-brow sensei.

Naruto had met and interacted with some interesting characters because of Soma and so long as they weren't civilians they treated Naruto kindly.

The blonde had asked why there was such a disparity between civilians and Shinobi and how they interacted with Naruto. Soma promised he would explain in detail but only if Naruto graduated from the academy.

He was getting sidetracked and Soma was back to pacing realizing he had lost Naruto's focus. Naruto eyed Soma's outfit knowing the redhead was finally going to go outside for the first time in a social setting. Well outside in the daytime at least and not about clan socialities.

It had been several years of Soma only working and training Naruto, going out on missions in the dead of night and chatting with clan elders over politics in the daytime. Naruto wondered when his guardian actually slept.

Soma was dressed rather lavishly. A sleek black multi-layered kimono with silver accents and details. The blonde could see the clan seal was pressed into the fabric like silver brush strokes.

The kimono barred his pale shoulders in an attractive manner and the brilliance of his hair and glimmer of his eyes really made him look beautiful. However, Naruto squinted and eyed the soft touches of makeup lining his guardian's eyes in grey and black. Some would describe him as effeminate but to Naruto he was just Soma. Maybe Soma had to attend to clan duties or see some political figure if he was wearing makeup. Soma liked to use his looks to get the upper hand in certain settings.

He taught Naruto the nuances of why he dressed as he did and the blonde couldn't refute the logic. Seduction was something they previously only taught the girls in the Shinobi academy but Soma had ensured it was to be taught to everyone. Naruto took to it like a duck to water, it even helped Naruto create a new jutsu. His sexy jutsu and when Soma saw it he burst out in laughter and tears oddly before he mimicked Naruto's jutsu. It was a peculiar way to bond but the pair seemed to be able to connect with anything and add their new skills to their own repertoire.

It was becoming very obvious the younger Uzumaki would take after Soma in many aspects of fighting style and dress. They were practically twins at this point though currently, Naruto was a few feet shorter than Soma. Though there was no doubt Naruto would be taller than Soma once puberty hit. They were both in the same training regiment and would share the same body type. Lithe, lean, and toned in muscle, as that was useful for their clan and summons fighting style. Though Naruto would learn what his summoning would be at a later date. Soma said he had been selected for these summons at his birth and wasn't that an honor.

Naruto matched Soma's clothing and fighting style to a T. The only difference between the two was their coloring. As Naruto sported Golden blonde hair and sky blue eyes Soma's garnet hair looked like ruby strands in sunlight and eyes deep and swirling like stormy seas.

Naruto looked up at the clock and pulled away from the table shoving the last bits of fruit into his mouth only to realize that Nagato and Yahiko had entered the food hall. Yahiko scurried over to him grabbed his empty plate and shooed the blonde away the orange-haired man only snickered when glancing behind Naruto.

Naruto glanced back to see Nagato hugging Soma tightly and murmuring in his ear, it seemed to be calming Soma down as the nervous energy around him dissipated. Naruto frowned as he couldn't hear a word spoken between the two older men. He had good hearing like Soma so he could only assume a privacy seal was in place, it meant Nagato didn't want the blonde Uzumaki hearing his words. Konan swooped in and hurried the blonde away also eyeing the men speaking behind a barrier to one another, Naruto would almost say it seemed...intimate. Whatever this was with Soma the others knew what was bothering him and it seemed Nagato was the only one who knew how to calm Soma down.

He was in good hands and so Naruto needed to pass the exam and make his guardian proud. That needed to be his only worry as of now, he needed to focus on the mission as Soma always reminded him. He'd become a Ninja and make their clan proud because he was an Uzumaki.

Believe it!

T.D.O.T.

Soma snorted when Naruto burst out of the academy with the biggest smile on his face and wearing a headband. The boy truly looked so proud wearing the leaf symbol. He could spot Iruka who was practically basking with pride waving the boy off.

Naruto was talking a mile a minute while Soma held him and other children eyed the duo with interest.

Soma only showed himself to graduating classes and to Shinobi council leaders for the last several years. To see the beautiful redhead was an anomaly to everyone. Especially since he was dressed so elegantly.

Nagato snickered behind the duo who both looked at him wearing matching expressions or adorable confusion. Naruto was dressed in a soft tan kimono with the Uzumaki seal pressed in the fabric with his long golden hair pulled back and held with senbon. Just like Soma, he wrote geta and both of them were as quiet as a forest predator in them.

Soma was still in his elegant black and silver kimono looking every bit like the pair were a mother and daughter rather than Distant male cousins. The long glimmering red locks were half up and held by Senbon as well. Though Soma had beautiful gemstones woven through his hair. The older man had a meeting with the Hokage prior to picking up the blonde. So even Nagato was wearing a plain black kimono top in the Uzushino style. The sides of his top were slit connecting only at the top and bottom of the seam. He knew you could catch glimpses of skin or most likely his bared chest and abs when he moved about. Nagato also wore Uzushino-styled bottoms hakama that also had a part of the hip on each side cut out showing off a lot of thigh and hip. This was all supposed to ensure he matched his leader...though Nagato doubted he'd ever look as pretty as the pair no matter how closely he dressed to match the Uzumaki heritage. Soma never made him correct himself so Nagato kept to only dressing casually when not made to go into political settings with the younger man.

Besides other than the Hokage visit this was a special day and dressing in their clan's traditional styles meant a lot.

Soma had come across a security risk in his time working at the academy and a teacher was taken in by the Uchiha police prior to the examinations. So unwilling to rush being late picking up Naruto, Soma, and Nagato opted to arrive looking like a couple out of a feudal movie.

The dark glare that Soma aimed towards the hushed murmured whispering that broke their quiet celebrating was deadly showing the Uzumaki leader would not stand for such an insult. Nagato stood behind his leader smiling darkly at any who dared look at Naruto wrong adding force to Soma's own threat. The two redheads were Naruto's main protectors and even civilians knew better than to draw either man's ire.

Naruto wasn't the only Uzumaki to pull ruthless and untraceable pranks.

The other clan children's parents weren't amused by the murmurs and the civilian parents suddenly quieted down when they all realized the children of Shinobi clans would not endure the snubbing of a clan child. It was the first time they saw such a united front and luckily none of the children paid much attention to it.

Soma and several of the Uzumaki clan collected the heir and set off to their favorite village Ramen shop. Iruka was dragged along at the word of Soma and the lingering glances given from Yahiko made it an easy excuse to invite the teacher along.

This Iruka would never be like Soma's, but the redhead knew that Iruka and Naruto still had a strong bond and connection and would do everything to foster it.

T.D.O.T.

Naruto looked to Soma tears streaming down his face but clinging to the older Uzumaki. Soma finally told him the truth about why the civilians hated him. The blonde boy didn't understand it entirely though, it felt unfair and unjust but Soma's soothing hands running through his hair made the pain practically wash away in gentle touches.

He had a bijuu sealed inside him.

It was a lot to take in and Soma was patient soothing Naruto where he could. The blonde felt like a small kid again being coddled as he was but no one could blame him. Soma definitely wasn't especially with the soft kisses pressed to the crown of his blonde head.

"I can't change that though. I'm just a container I'm not even the fox!" Naruto was a little hysterical but Soma tucked him close and just held him tight. Didn't they understand he's just the container that the demon doesn't have free will? Their hate was just directed at a child who has no knowledge of what they had been through. It's like sealing a kunai, Naruto wasn't the weapon but the thing that contained it.

"They do not understand Naru. All they see is fear and hate not you, but what you contain. Ignorance is something I cannot protect you from entirely. That will be up to you to change their perception." Naruto looked at Soma into those deep dark blue eyes of his.

He only saw the love, the understanding the kindness Soma had always offered him. Soma had always known and still loved him, still making sure Naruto was happy and healthy. Protected from the harsh reality of the world. Soma had Uzumaki create their own trade and shopping arenas, securing areas of the town where the blonde would never need to cross paths with a person who hated him without cause.

For Soma, this was nothing to change how he felt about Naruto, and that made the remaining hurt leave the blonde boy. Naruto wailed and determined then and there he would do everything to lead his clan to greatness.

He would make the villagers see they were wrong about him and that Soma's years of being 'the demon's watchdog' would never leave him painted in a bad light again.

Naruto vowed to become the Hokage. One day they would acknowledge Naruto's worth beyond the chakra sealed within him. Then Soma's efforts will not have gone to waste.

For his clan, for Soma but also for himself. For now, though he allowed Soma to soothe him and relished in the love he was given happy to not have to go through this alone.

Soma spent a long time with Naruto that night until the boy pulled himself together and stumbled into Soma's bed. The redhead had a clone cuddling the boy to sleep.

Soma sighed before moving through the hushed household feeling suffocated. He found himself outside still on clan ground but facing dense forest. Shrugging off the top of his kimono left him bare from the waist up. Slim body unmarred by the countless battles he faced in his past.

He didn't understand why but he began crying almost as if finally letting go of some resentment he had for his precious people leaving him behind. Unconsciously he traced his upper body as if searching for wounds that no longer existed on his body. Gone was the scar left behind by his Sasuke from trying to shove a chidori through his chest. Gone was the slice on his hip from Sakura's only on-field surgery she ever had to do because his bijuu was too drained to heal him. Gone was the burn on his hand from when Shikamaru had accidentally flicked ash from his cigarette his way. Gone was the tattoo that had once wrapped around his body brought to life by Sai for their battles. The first kunai Kakashi had ever given him. The first headband he had ever been given by Iruka. Those few pieces that used to ground him and he only just realized they were gone. He silently cried and gasped into the dark night ashamed this still haunted him. Horrified when each of their Dead expressions crossed his mind. Soma grieved felt the hurt eat him and sobbed softly into the darkness of the night.

Warm hands lifted his kimono top and hugged Soma. Soma sobbed for the Nagato of his past as well, he had never gotten to know peace. Nagato's deep voice soothed him and Soma determined he would know peace, that they all would even if he had to die for it. Soon the real Soma was tucked in with Naruto.

T.D.O.T.

Naruto settled next to Sasuke as usual. Despite his longtime friend's popularity the Raven-haired boy never ignored Naruto. They had only grown closer in the years of the academy harboring a healthy rivalry. Even though Soma and Itachi didn't really talk anymore, they both encouraged the boys to continue their friendship.

Naruto was surprised to see Soma follow behind him into class. The blonde knew he would regularly join in on observation of the teams and early dynamics but he didn't think he was there for assignments.

His guardian was extremely difficult to read today and Naruto glanced to the side seeing Sasuke was in the same predicament as he was.

Itachi was apparently the new assistant for Soma and the tension between the two was palpable. Naruto eyed Itachi wary of him a bit as it was difficult to get on Soma's bad side. Though Soma never spoke badly of him he just never sought the man out. He avoided Itachi and Kakashi for the previous several years the blonde had been in the academy. To see a stoic-looking Itachi standing by with several others on Soma's teaching roster. Most were usually Shinobi who had been pulled from several other divisions. Some were even pulled from anbu so that there was a breather from the harsh missions and a reminder to them of what they fought for.

That's at least what Naruto heard when he would eavesdrop on Soma's conversations with the Hokage.

The Hokage had been entirely pleased with the results and Soma had been practically praised by most of the Shinobi on duty. Naruto needed to ensure that continued for his guardian as the man sacrificed so much for their clan and even the village. It was a long road but he would get there somehow.

Naruto watched astounded as teams were called and Soma assigned assistants and sent out his wind clones to follow each group.

Naruto's group was skipped but Soma sent Itachi over to his group once they were assigned. The older Uchiha did as he was told and observed team seven. Itachi kept glancing at one member of team seven though. Sasuke seemed elated to have his brother help guide the team.

The blonde eyed his group. He was happy to have Sasuke in his group as the boys had an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses but...his other teammate. His sky-blue gaze shifted but he refused outright looking at the only girl on their team.

Sakura Haruno was a self-proclaimed Sasuke fangirl. The girl had long pink hair that she and Ino, his friend but also a Sasuke fangirl, had grown their hair out to appeal to the boy.

Sasuke was admittedly disturbed by their rivalry over him and the blonde never heard the end of the time Sakura mistook Naruto for another girl. It was the beginning of the academy and she accused Naruto of trying to win Sasuke's love... Naruto apparently humiliated her by informing her he was a boy in front of the crowd she had chosen to yell at him over.

Sakura took that personally and has hated Naruto ever since.

It definitely hadn't helped when Sasuke had declared he'd rather be forced to marry Naruto than be Sakura's fantasy boyfriend. Shikamaru had chimed in that would probably be a better option than being stuck with a shrew-like Sakura. Naruto had tried to shut up his friends but the damage had been done.

The blonde had given Sasuke and Shikamaru a week's worth of pranks for that one. Sasuke refused to apologize as Sakura was out of line and Sasuke needed to look after Naruto. Shikamaru only stated that he'd always defend his friends from harpies like Sakura.

It was far too heartwarming for Naruto to stay upset at either friend over.

Now though, he got to watch Soma actually be a ninja...at least in a monitor type of way. He had never seen him so focused even when waiting for a now two-hour late instructor.

Soma did have that crease between his eyebrows though and seemed pissed. Even Naruto was annoyed with having to wait so long for their sensei.

Sasuke was ignoring Sakura by talking to his elder brother and asking him about his previous mission so Naruto took it upon himself to bring his new sensei some retribution.

He knew if he tried to approach Sakura the girl would try to rip his hair out and Sasuke was busy. He would have approached Soma but the blonde really wanted to get a bit of revenge for their wasted time.

Soma idly watched Naruto create several shadow clones silencing the room as they set about making a trap...or several.

Soma had been glad he was able to obtain permission to show Naruto shadow clones from the forbidden scroll. The Hokage had been informed of the blonde's trouble with regular illusion clones.

Soma spoke of his wind clones as a replacement but informed Hiruzen just how dangerous a wind clone could be. It made the old man hesitate to allow Naruto to be taught that just yet. Though they needed a durable and usable replacement for the boy to be able to grow in skill and pass the graduation exam.

It was Iruka who brought up the shadow clone jutsu created by the second Hokage. Soma knew how to do the jutsu, it was expected as he was a high-ranking member of anbu, so the Hokage entrusted him to teach Naruto about the ability. Even if they were hesitant, to Hiruzen it was a better alternative than Naruto working with clones that could blow up. Especially since that boy was already difficult to track down after pulling a prank. Imagine having his anbu chase the boy around the village to capture him and for it to be a clone that exploded.

So that chapter was settled and Naruto was taught how to make shadow clones from Soma.

"What are you doing idiot!" Sakura's voice yelled out pulling the room from his thoughts and conversations to focus back on Naruto who was finally settling himself back into his seat. His seals were sinking into the classroom floor to disappear from sight.

"What does it look like, are you too stupid to understand what a trap looks like?" Sasuke spoke practically sneering at Sakura who recoiled back as if she was slapped. Itachi's firm grip on his shoulder kept Sasuke from saying more.

"No Sasuke Kun it's just we could get in trouble because of Naruto's stupid pranks." The Pinkett tried to pull Sasuke to her side by offering this logic but both her teammates looked at her with deadpanned expressions.

"Sakura, he's a jonnin. If he falls for my childish pranks then we can take measures in how active and involved this sensei will be committing to us. Either way, it's a quick way to gauge his actual interest levels and investments in us." Sakura growled between her clenched teeth as Naruto spoke.

"Why would we have to put it sensei under scrutiny?" Naruto sighed at Sakura's words and Sasuke actually looked about ready to pop a blood vessel.

"Did you do zero research on the Sensei for the graduating class? They gave up their names at the beginning of the year and you didn't even think to gather information on any of them?" Sakura looked chastised by Sasuke who chose to speak up next.

"No, it's just a teacher. He's meant to be teaching us past the academy years... right?" Sakura looked unsure between the two boys and glanced at the two quiet adults in the room.

"Sakura, Kakashi sensei has never passed any gennin team in his entire career as a jonnin sensei." Naruto was solemn but Sakura looked pale.

"You're lying!" Sakura shrieked but Sasuke and Naruto only looked at the two quiet men in the room.

"He's only taken on apprentices, and they were both prodigies. Never a team." Both Naruto and Sasuke looked away from the blank expressions of their elder brothers and back to Sakura who looked ill.

"So, he's only interested in strong Shinobi." Naruto shrugged and Sasuke huffed at Sakura's stricken expression.

"You aren't listening. He had never taken a Gennin team. He took on two chunin as apprentices. It's not like just anyone can be approved for field training." Sasuke spoke seeking to now settle himself in an angle to watch the door.

"But we graduated, he can't refuse to take us on...can he?" Sakura spoke airily losing wind.

"That's just the start of our Shinobi careers." Naruto pulled out a scroll from his wrist and began reading it surprising Sakura.

"Where in the hell were you hiding that!" Sakura screeched out.

"Asking about one's clan secrets is a no-no, Miss Haruno." It was the first time Soma spoke and it startled Sakura. She had mistaken the beautiful redhead for a woman. His deep voice made it abundantly clear that the beauty was a man.

Itachi quirked a brow because Soma didn't normally seem to mind when the other clans asked questions about the Uzumaki clan's abilities. Though Sakura was a civilian and not from a Shinobi clan. It would be wise to guard their secrets a bit here, Itachi hummed in thought on Soma's demeanor.

They could all read the girl as her expression was trying to size up Soma.

He was wearing a blush kimono for crying out loud. Soma's way of life must have been confusing to an outsider despite everyone else being fairly used to the red-headed jonnin.

Either way, Soma was still Sakura's superior, and getting sized up for his appearance was a bit much.

Now Sakura understood why Naruto looked and acted like a girl. He was the spitting image of his relative or maybe it was an Uzumaki clan thing being so effeminate. She knew Naruto didn't have an actual mom or dad. Her mother had warned her to stay away from the blonde Uzumaki and especially the Uzumaki leader though Sakura wasn't sure who that was exactly.

It wasn't like she had much of a choice right now though. She was stuck on a team with Naruto and even if her mother wanted to tell her anything it was out of her hands.

Either way, they were all interrupted by the door opening. The door slid open and they spotted silver spiked hair for a moment before a flash of light and a plume of orange was covering the man in orange powder.

Kakashi coughed up a small puff of orange smoke fizzled from his mask. A net was wrapped around the irritable-looking Jonnin. Kakashi shifted and the orange shimmered. Kakashi sighed, glitter was a pain to get rid of.

Soma snickered and Itachi coughed to hide his own amusement. Kakashi glowered at the room his gaze lingering on Soma a breath longer than the others.

"My first impression of you all is that...you are all unique. Meet me on the roof." Kakashi, Soma, and Itachi disappeared without even a puff of smoke. The net falling to the floor was the only sign Kakashi had been there in the first place.

Naruto laughed and scrambled to the window. "Race you guys to the top!"

"Dobe!" Sasuke growled but Naruto had already begun his walk up the wall. Sakura looked stunned and the Uchiha scrambled out of the classroom running to the roof. Sasuke was cursing his brother for not letting him learn that chakra control technique. Now he has to scramble to catch up with Naruto.

"Wait for me Sasuke!" Sakura yelled out hurrying after the moody boy.

T.D.O.T.

Soma was settled sitting on the railing his legs crossed but showing a long line of thigh. His pale shoulders were bare and his long hair was loose and flowing in the breeze.

"Nice of you to finally Show up Kakashi senpai." Soma spoke eyeing his two counterparts who both looked like they were trying to contemplate a hundred questions between the two of them.

Kakashi was much like Soma remembered from his earlier years. He somehow got rid of the orange chalk Naruto had covered him in the brief few moments of their travel. Though Soma eyed a few sparkles of glitter still sprinkled over him gleeful he had not left unscathed.

Still wearing his hitaiate askew and sloppily dressed in his blue jonnin attire. Itachi had looked healthy as well. Wearing a black net undershirt with his black training tank and pants Soma often saw him in.

"That's the first thing you say to me after all these years. No sight or sound of you, actively avoiding both Itachi and me. All over a stupid argument from years ago." Kakashi had crossed over into Soma's space but the man didn't intimidate the redhead.

Soma kept Kakashi at a distance with a single arm pressing his chest. "Naruto is bound to be up here in several moments and I'm sure Sasuke won't be that far behind. Right." Soma spoke this directly to Itachi who hadn't moved from the far corner of the roof by the only access door.

"You would be correct, my brother moves swiftly." Itachi spoke in a monotone and Soma hummed in response.

It figured the closest friends in this life and his last had the emotional range of celery. Soma shook his head snickering to himself quietly.

"Then I suggest we hold this conversation for another time." Soma smiled sweetly but surprised Kakashi by pushing the older man back with just the tips of his fingers.

Kakashi frowned, that power was new as he had not wanted to move. Did stepping away to train some brats really help Soma grow as a Shinobi?

Blonde hair popped up over the railing on Soma's side and curious blue eyes looked at the three figures there.

"I've been waiting but is it safe for me to come over now? No more grown-up talk right?" Soma smiled and nodded as Naruto swiftly jumped and landed at Soma's side. The other two men stood dumbfounded that Naruto knew how to wall walk.

The boy seemed to have practiced it to the point of being able to maintain holding it without a problem. Kakashi and Itachi were surprised the blonde could do so effortlessly with the amount of chakra he carried.

The rest of the team burst from the door, Sasuke first and several moments later a panting Sakura behind him.

Once the kids were settled Soma felt that this moment was strangely surreal. Kakashi gave his half-assed responses to the gennin's questions. Sakura's declaration of hating Naruto and indirectly saying she loved Sasuke was still the same.

Sasuke just saying he wanted to surpass even prodigal geniuses like Soma and Itachi. Naruto was the most surprising.

"I want to make my clan proud, to repay all their blood, sweat, and tears they put into me becoming a person. I want Soma especially to know that all his efforts and time he put into me were worth it." It eased so much hurt that had once been in Soma's heart. All the hurt from his own past felt washed away as if cleansed from within. Just knowing he did right by Naruto let go of some unclenching fear that had always festered within his gut.

It felt off to hear Kakashi try to trick the kids about survival training but it was nice to see the skepticism in Naruto's eyes and the snort escape Sasuke. The only one not doubting their Sensei and his word so far was Sakura but Soma knew it would take time to change for her.

They would all have to wait until it happened.

T.D.O.T.

Kakashi, Itachi, and Soma stood in awkward silence as the children ran off. Naruto was practically dragging his teammates away to go eat ramen one of his and most of their clans, favorite meals. Even despite Sakura's protests of the blonde associating with her.

Kakashi turned to Soma and immediately bowed surprising the redhead.

"I've been an idiot and I'm going to apologize." Kakashi spoke after he stood up "I forgot that you're so damn devoted to Naruto and his development. That our mission life was going to pull away from you being able to teach him what it meant to come from a clan. Skills, and secrets that take a lifetime to develop and learn. I forgot that you were showing him not to just be a Shinobi but an Uzumaki. For that, I apologize for doubting you and your choices all those years." Kakashi said his piece and Itachi cleared his throat.

"I too wish to ask for your forgiveness. I was wrong, I have been holding Sasuke back from growth...from his own potential while you were not just training Naruto but building a bond. Something between you two that makes him want to be better for you, your clan, and the village. It was wrong of me to question you and doubt you. I'm sorry." Soma blinked once, twice, and then sniffled before bursting into tears startling both his former teammate and sensei.

"I forgave you both a long time ago." Soma spoke between the tears and then pointed in the direction the kids went. "Did you hear Naruto he's so grown up." Soma was a blubbering mess throwing himself into his quietly horrified friend's arms. Both men caught the redhead but each winced when his wailing got louder.

Soma Uzumaki, always surprising those around him especially the two men in his life that had the emotional range of celery.

T.D.O.T

Soma snickered watching Naruto gloat over a sulking Kakashi. Sakura was hiding behind Sasuke who looked quite smug about their victory.

Itachi and Soma were impressed that the kids found the man's weakness and exploited it swiftly. Naruto made clones act out Kakashi's favorite pervy one-liners, Soma regretted keeping Jiraya's Icha Icha Paradise collection anywhere near the Uzumaki grounds now.

While distracted Sasuke trapped him with the same head hunter justsu he had almost been trapped in several minutes prior after the boys had Sakura pull the bells off Kakashi's belt tossing them to a Naruto clone that kept them out of the sensei's reach while the gennin retreated to a safe distance. Then the true trick came out once the kids were hidden behind one of Naruto's fuinjutsu barriers. Sakura was waving around his Itcha Itcha Paradise. That had been the true goal other than the bells. Sasuke was there as a threat to burn the book Should Kakashi come any closer or disagree with the three gennins demands.

Pass all three of them as a team or they will destroy his precious book before his eyes.

It was bold and they understood the true meaning of the exam. Teamwork. Soma and Itachi had refused to give any of team seven a hint on what their survival test with Kakashi would be. They remained neutral until the kids were to be taken on by their new sensei. So instead of Naruto and Sasuke splintering off as a two-man unit, they took Sakura in and made this plan to remain as a promised unit.

Kakashi had no choice but to pass them. Though the humiliating way the man lost was the true cause of his sudden bout of depression. Soma and Itachi both knew he hated having his ego slapped like this. It would seem team seven would get more intense training than when Soma's past dictated.

All because they threatened the man's perverted book.

Soma and Itachi knew firsthand how petty Kakashi could be if he was bested. "How long do you think they'll last?" Soma loosely whispered holding back a snort when Naruto snapped his gaze to him.

Not very subtle Naru but it's a start.

"A week. Kakashi looks madder than the time you arrogantly proved you could learn his sensei's technique in front of Jiraya sama and did so." Soma grimaced at the memory of 'learning' Rasengan.

"At least I wasn't the one that landed ass-first on his head after beating his record in that jonnin obstacle course." Soma snipped making Itachi flush in embarrassment.

Kakashi had been livid at Jiraya for even daring to teach Soma but the redhead had pissed the silver-haired man off by 'learning' it in under a month. Especially since Soma finally completed it by adding his wind affinity to the move.

Kakashi had given Soma the silent treatment for a week before saying 'My sensei would have really loved you.' Then storming away only to come back and push Itachi and Soma to the brink of insanity in training regiments.

Their dynamic was a peculiar one after that since Kakashi had been bound and determined to test Soma at every opportunity after that. Not just physically but mentally. It had been exhausting being trained by the man after that. Kakashi only really respected intelligence and capability.

It was why it had been so difficult for Kakashi to focus on training his team when they had been young the first time around. Soma didn't get his attention really until he came back from his training trip with Jiraya in his original timeline.

It has been why Soma had arrogantly learned Rasengan the way he did now. A bit of revenge for the previous lives neglect. Boy did Soma regret becoming one of Kakashi's 'obsessions'. Both he and Itachi had been practically broken down and reformed into the perfect anbu operatives despite Soma only promising back then to become a jonnin.

Kakashi saw the perfect mind to mold as both Soma and Itachi were raw potential. Plus Soma was pretty sure Kakashi ensured he was powerful mainly to protect his sensei's son. It was good the man had faith in Soma with such an important duty. Soma blinked back to the present snickering and realizing this team seven was Kakashi's new obsession. Boy would they regret impressing Scarecrow sensei now.

With Naruto's and Sasuke's quick and well-thought-out plan it would only serve to make Kakashi very interested in their training. Sakura would not be looked over but Kakashi had seen very easily who were the brains behind that plan to obtain the bells. It was the shinobi world, using your enemy's weakness while not listening to his threats of only taking on two individuals makes them a good team. A first in Kakashi's long history with gennin teams.

Of course, it would be the team with his sensei's son in it that would pull Kakashi into finally becoming a gennin sensei.

So with their new sensei obtained and an order that return to the training ground the next day Naruto grabbed his new teammates to bring them to the Uzumaki clan grounds for dinner. The blonde only yelled back at Soma to hurry home himself.

Kakashi staggered over to Soma's side and threw himself into the redhead's arms whining about never being able to get cute sweet students.

Soma hummed and patted Kakashi's back a condescending 'there, there' was given. Kakashi clung to the deadpanned redhead until Itachi sighed and tugged Kakashi away. So the redhead invited his two former teammates to his home for dinner.

It was Soma's turn to cook so several clones were at home cooking for the clan and now their new guest. It was sudden but a clone of Naruto ran up and began dragging the redhead home. Soma was notorious for being late even if he was the one cooking.

"Ne Kakashi Sempai." Kakashi looked over the redhead being tugged along by the clone of one of his new students.

"The next time you visit my clan home to check up on Naruto, stick to his room." Soma glowered at Kakashi who did not look ashamed one bit.

One of Soma's clones had dispersed and all the memories of the day came flooding back. It would seem the Hokage and Kakashi had visited each member of Team Sevens' homes. Kakashi had been a bit nosy after seeing several of Soma's shadow clones. Invading Soma's bedroom despite the redhead's clones scolding the masked man the whole time. Hiruzen had looked unimpressed right up until Soma rudely kicked the pair out of his home.

Soma was impressed Fugaku allowed them anywhere near his family home, that man despite being Soma's friend was a big grouch to outsiders. The older Uchiha was still running on the notion of trying to convince Soma to marry his eldest, Soma was happily refusing to acknowledge that.

Still, Fugaku sought out Soma on occasion to just talk, Some in both the Uzumaki and Uchiha clans thought at first it was just to convince the redhead to marry his son. Though now the Uzumaki leader realized it was because Soma was one of the Uchiha leader's few friends.

Despite that huge age gap, Soma was also one of the few people most of the clan leaders could talk to. Soma was young and had an open mindset but was able to come at each situation with a different solution and took no offense to others denying his thought process.

Soma was accepted well into the fold of the people, and other clans were beginning to take notice of the Uzumaki leader. Fugaku took it upon himself to scare away as many as he could from the boy, whereas Shikaku found this entire situation hilarious. Especially when some of the single Nara clan members would suddenly need to visit their clan head on days when Soma was over for a game of shogi. Soma was just a magnetic person always drawing those around him in.

The older the Uzumaki leader became uncomfortable with each admirer he obtained. Men, and women, it made Soma embarrassed mostly. That amused Shikaku as his reactions to the attention reminded him of his long-passed friend. Soma brought up a long of bittersweet memories but it was like a balm to an old wound at times. Shikaku knew the boy had never met Minato, hell he had watched the redhead grow up from a child to the young man he was. It was amazing to see the personality of his friend reside in the Uzumaki man that resembled Kushina. Shikaku wondered who blessed them all to have this vibrant boy waltz into all their lives and just...fix everything wrong, to say the least.

Soma was always there resolving issues even before they sometimes take any true traction. He said as much to the redhead once but Soma was grateful the man never pressed further on Soma's information network and knowledge.

Soma sighed being pulled into his clan home with their guest. He watched Naruto eagerly explain his parasol weapon to Sasuke and Sakura, Soma sent a clone their way just in case Naruto wanted to showcase its battle capabilities. Pluse the clone was there to keep Sasuke and Naruto from leveling part of the clan grounds. They fight over the littlest things at this age.

Nagato immediately came up to the pair wrapping an arm around Soma's slim shoulders and leading him away from the now glowering shinobi at the entrance. "Naruto seems to be very happy, I take it Scarecrow sensei took them on as students."Nagato had tucked the smaller man into his side and Soma brightened up and smiled beautifully making the duo left behind grumble out of character for both men.

"Yeah, I almost feel bad for what I'm going to have to do to them all." Nagato hummed and kissed Soma's forehead, Soma being the only Uzumaki who hasn't noticed the clear irritation leaving two of the elite shinobi behind them.

"It's for their own good Soma, I'll be sure to gather the senseis for you in a week's time." Soma looked to Nagato with clear relief in his gaze. Nagato was learning to take over after this year, then it would trade over to Yahiko and down the line of Jonnin every year. Soma looked back confused why Kakashi and Itachi looked so offended, maybe Soma was being a bad host by leaving them at the door.

"Hey guys let's eat." Both men seemed to soften at his call and Soma turned away followed behind by a snickering Nagato who kept his arm around Soma's shoulders. The smaller redhead didn't mind just made a beeline for the food.

T.D.O.T

Genma huffed watching Shikamaru lazily train. Choji was munching on chips and both boys were ignoring their this teammate Ino. Shikamaru was difficult to encourage and Asuma sighed heavily beside Genma who was chewing on a senbon. They were due for the first-ever combined training course led by Soma. Just killing time until they were to group up.

"You guys need to take your training seriously, Sasuke and Naruto would have been way better teammates than you lazy jerks!" Ino was yelling quite loudly.

Asuma groaned and eyed the secondary instructor other than Genma. He ran off to secure the area with the others and Asuma's dark gaze aimed down to his senbon counterpart.

"Ready." Asuma spoke softly and Genma hummed spitting his senbon into the nearby tree.

Suddenly shuriken shot out of the trees right into the throat of Genma stalling the field and throwing Asuma into action.

Ino's horrified scream spurned Shikamaru into motion, as he pulled the girl away her having just avoided Shuriken aimed her way.

A masked man jumped their sensei and Asuma was fighting him off just a few feet away from the crumpled dead body of Genma.

Shikamaru cursed, angered and trying to figure out what to do.

"Run!" Asuma yelled at the kids and the command made bile rise to Shikamaru's throat. "Run and get help, warn others of this. Now damnit!" Asuma yelled out trying to hold off several others who had emerged from the foliage to go after the children.

Shikamaru grabbed Choji and Ino and told them to run towards his house hoping they could get there swiftly. His clansmen would be of help and they would have to cross through several training grounds. The others would be training in them as well they could warn them on the way.

Shikamaru just hoped they could get help to their sensei quickly.

T.D.O.T

Hinata scrambled away from the bloody body of Kurenai. As her sensei had pushed her to take the blow that was aimed at the heiress initially. The red-eyed sensei growled and struck down the man that injured her.

Ibiki their secondary trainer rushed to get aid taking down a masked man aimed for Kurenai's back.

Hinata did everything she could to not look at the bloody body in the far corner, her vision was blurred by the tears in her eyes.

"Run, get help! Warn the others if you can, I can't hold them all off." Hinata shook her head but Kiba tried to jump into the fray to help their sensei that was demanding they leave.

"That's an order. Go!" Ibiki's powerful voice made Kiba hesitate in his attack.

Shino immediately grabbed his teammates and tugged them away. Kiba jolted as he narrowly missed the swinging blade that had missed him by a fraction.

Kiba cursed realizing they would be of no help and turned helping tug along a limp Hinata with Shino's help. Kurenai's scream in the distance didn't encourage any good thoughts on this situation.

T.D.O.T

"Soma!" Naruto was crying fighting against Itachi's hold. The blonde had never seen the redhead hurt before. Watching the blood drip down one of his arms while he held a blade in the other helping Kakashi fight off masked Shinobi. They had never seen Kakashi look so determined and it had shocked them all to see he had eyes like Itachi.

A Sharingan.

"Let me go Itachi, Soma needs my help damnit!" Sakura was pale but helped Itachi pull Naruto into the older Uchiha's hold even if it made her sick to do so.

"Get them out of here Itachi, please. I don't want them to watch me die." Itachi grit his teeth and plucked up Sakura and Itachi summoned another clone to carry Sasuke whose gaze was blazing red.

Itachi jolted hearing Kakashi's scream.

"Soma!" Itachi had to struggle to hold a wailing Naruto who was expressing signs of his bijuu leaking power out.

Naruto watched a blade impale Soma and froze in shock as Itachi carried the kids off.

"Warn the others Na-ru-to." That was the last thing the group heard Soma say while they were pulled further away.

They didn't get far till Itachi was cursing and the group had to watch as Itachi and his clone tossed the kids before he too was fighting masked men off.

Sasuke tried to jump into action but Itachi's clone ran out and protected the boy from being ripped in half.

"Go! Get help. Now Sasuke! Mother doesn't know, she's in danger!" The color drained from Sasuke's face and the boy spun running and grabbing the hands of his shell-shocked teammates on his way.

Team Seven caught up with Shikamaru, Ino and Choji. They were facing off a lone masked Shinobi. Anger surged through Naruto and Sasuke and as Choji was standing frozen about to be struck down. Two yells bellowed out and a blonde and black blur zipped in front of Choji.

"Fire Release: Great fireball!" "Wind Release: Great breakthrough!" A torrent of flames powered by wind melted down the masked man saving Choji. Though the man's screams as he died haunted them all momentarily.

"Damn." Shikamaru turned to Naruto and Sasuke who both seemed shocked at having killed someone. Shikamaru eyed the dead body that he had killed with a shadow strangle. Ino's frozen just feet away having helped scramble the man's mind until he was twitching and gasping on the floor for Shikamaru to finish off.

"Ino!" Both Sakura and Choji shouted this each reaching for weapons. The blonde girl was jerked to the side by Shikamaru and both Sakura and Choji had sunk kunai into the throat of a Shinobi sneaking up behind the girl.

"T-thanks." Choji spoke realizing he could have died earlier due to his hesitation but Sakura's horrified yell broke him out of his stupor and into action.

Shikamaru could have gotten his friend killed when he made the decision for his team to run openly toward his home. He should have had them stick to the trees, been more careful. He assumed there would be more Shinobi training but he had been wrong.

They heard a scream in the distance and Naruto bolted to the noise.

The group came upon and panting Hinata who was standing over a dead masked intruder bugs were buzzing in a swarm obviously from shino but the body had a hole in it's chest. Kiba and Akamaru were off to the side. Kiba was vomiting from the body he must have dug into with the help of Akamaru. The crevice in his chest was visceral.

Shino was shaking watching his horde suck the last bouts of life of the masked Shinobi he helped to kill.

"What the hell is going on?" Kiba growled out to the group and Shikamaru sighed. "Obviously we're under attack, we're all outnumbered and inexperienced though. We need to get help fast." Everyone nodded and turned to Shikamaru. Naruto stepped forward though looking determined and like he had a plan.

"I will go to my clan we have barriers to keep intruders from entering our land. Sasuke needs to come with me as his clan is next to mine." Shikamaru nodded.

"My hive will inform my father, and he is with his former teammates. So both Hinata and Kiba's parents will know of our situation." Shino spoke making quick on his action and sending out part of his hive.

"I need to tell my father."Shikamaru spoke but Ino shook him. "He's with the Hokage remember. Our dad's all had to go to a meeting today." Ino was moving around with nervous energy.

"Go to my clan grounds, Nagato and Yahiko are strong and Big Sister Konan can get word to the Hokage and our clans so long as we can all get there." Naruto spoke and they all moved in agreement. Everyone determined to ensure they followed through with their parts to make a run for it but clapping interrupted them all.

"Good job guys." Soma laughed and the dead bodies that they had come across turned into red sludge before melting into the ground.

"Soma!" Naruto was a blur suddenly clinging to the redhead who didn't even look as if he had a hair it of place.

Itachi patted a surprised Sasuke who had suddenly clung to the older Uchiha.

"Maa maa I'll feel left out. You need a hug too Sakura?" Kakashi spoke making the pink-haired girl collapse as her legs suddenly felt like jello.

Asuma and Genma waved to Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji who each looked completely relieved.

"I've got to say Uzumaki you have some skill with this stuff. Maybe we could use you in TI." Iniki spoke with an exasperated Kurenai at his side.

Shino's hive returned to him at his beckoning and soon the kids were made to sit and listen to Soma who had apparently created this survival exercise. Several of the kids were angry with the trick.

"What was the point of this?" Naruto growled out now that he knew Soma was safe.

Itachi was guiding Sasuke on shutting off his Sharingan but the younger boy was also mad at his brother for his part in this trick.

"This is what it means to be a Shinobi Naruto." The blonde looked confused as Soma bit through his thumb and created a clone. It looked like Soma but the redhead pulled its arm and drew a seal the the clone turned into the masked Shinobi they kept facing.

"This is the appearance of the first man I ever had to fight, the first man that nearly killed one of my teammates when I was a young Shinobi. In an ideal world, we would never have to kill. Yet others won't always adhere to those moments of peace."Soma suddenly struck out with the base of his parasol surprising everyone cause they hadn't even seen him remove the hidden blade.

The clone crumpled its head missing and sluggish blood escaped the wound. "I'm realistic though. We need to be pragmatic about what we do. Killing isn't always the answer but it is something that is a necessity and the faster you all understand this the better." Soma eyed Choji.

"You would have died had Sasuke and Naruto not been there and willing to do anything to save you." Choji gulped but Soma moved on.

"You're hesitation and recklessness drew the attention of those protecting you away from the battle." Soma addressed Kiba but the redhead had already moved on.

"Those seconds we lost with you struggling against Itachi could have been seconds you lost in trying to save your friends further ahead. Your struggle also serves as a distraction to your Allies." Naruto looked stricken looking away after hearing the words and grit his teeth.

"We can't save everyone. I could be struck down by an enemy tomorrow but that would not mean to go out and kill that same Shinobi that had won out that day. This is the career you all chose, but you have to see if you can live with these options." Soma eyed everyone and it was somber.

"Hesitation, letting emotions take over, even pure recklessness can get you or your comrades killed. We are Shinobi of the leaf but we are human. By the time I'm finished with you all, you will each have the tools to survive. The only question is if you can all take on this burden. Death is our profession but we will ensure you understand the difference between being pragmatic and killers. Congrats on your first kills, remember this feeling and understand how it weighs on you. Dismissed." Soma watched as the kids before him struggled to their feet some still shaking others pale but bowed and each scattered.

"Pragmatic, I don't quite remember teaching you and Itachi that." Kakashi spoke as the children left. Soma shrugged and smiled at his former sensei.

"We can't all be cold-blooded killers Kashi." Soma's glimmering gaze gave it away that he didn't hold it against the silver-haired man.

"I think that's a good outlook to have." Itachi spoke eyeing the redhead who snorted.

"Wow only took you forever to realize that." Soma grumbled before waving off the other jonnin sensei and teaching assistants.

"Don't tell me your both going soft on me." Kakashi eye smiled and Soma snorted.

"Kiss my ass." Soma spoke and followed the angry trail of Naruto. Soma snorted hearing Kakashi mumble 'Promises, promises Soma chan' before getting smacked by Itachi.

He was ready to sleep but knew Naruto was going to rant at him. The blonde didn't like the thought of leaving behind comrades. Not in his past life and definitely not in this one. He knew the boy was going to be very mad especially because he had to be literally dragged away

Soma groaned marching home, he wasn't looking forward to this.

Notes:

Something tells me these kids are going to be badass.

Chapter 8: Memories

Summary:

We get a look into the minds of the men in love with the mysterious redhead.

Notes:

Yo! Hopefully you all enjoy this chapter as it has taken a lot of time to work over.

https://discord.com/invite/eQCW8GX2aE

Discord server for my works

Itachi blinked bewildered at the strange redhead addition to their team. Soma Uzumaki was by far the most mysterious and peculiar person he had ever crossed paths with. Especially since the kid just suddenly showed up in their lives.

He knew this kid was new to their village despite the clan being long associated with the leaf. Though the Uzumaki had been rumored to have been decimated more than a decade prior, so finding out the clan the leaf failed was still alive meant a lot to many of the adults in the village. Or at least that's what he had overheard from his parent's conversation the night previous before being told to go to bed.

Itachi pondered who was the clan head of the Uzumaki bloodline. He had only caught glimpses of the small gathered party as they had walked through the village only a week previously. He had been walking with his cousin Shisui to get soma dango after they had trained together.

He seemed to recall this particular kid bound by what looked like entrapment seals, carried by Jiraya of the legendary sannin. The small group followed after them as if there were following the boy wherever he went but that was more than likely due to Soma being one of the few children in the Uzumaki clan left alive.

Maybe it had been that somewhat frail redhead teen that was teasing the squirming child on the sannin's shoulder. Or even that older red-haired woman carrying a red-haired infant. Itachi wasn't sure and pushed the odd encounter out of his mind. Well, that was until said mysterious redhead appeared before him as a fourth member of his gennin squad.

Soma themself seemed bored. Their sensei put them through daily training and they all partook in D and C-ranked missions. Soma never seemed ruffled or bothered by anything they had to do. Just acted as if each mission was too easy, which Itachi agreed it was. The Uzumaki seemed to complete everything flawlessly, even capturing Tora that devil cat that even Itachi never left unscathed from scratches and bites. Even their sensei admitted to being unable to avoid getting hurt by Tora the cat in his youth.

Soma had been the only one to complete it with the cat purring and calm. Not a single ruby hair was out of place.

Itachi never really wondered too deeply about Soma. The Uzumaki was talented but Itachi doubted their skill surpassed his own, he was an Uchiha the heir to the clan.

He had been training since he could walk, sure Soma graduated young like him but that didn't mean much. It could have been part of the bargain the Uzumaki clan had put forth with the Hokage when agreeing on settling in.

They needed to establish themselves as a strong clan and the best way was to show their lineage was talented. Though watching Soma training and running through the mission made Itachi feel as though maybe the kid was just that skilled.

Itachi didn't pay much mind to his other two teammates, one was jealous of him and Uzumaki for both being so young and skilled above him. The other was too weak-willed for this field. Their sensei was a blur as the man was so transparent in his need to hold back kids from outshining him.

Then there was Soma. Itachi watched him interact with their team with ease. There was no resistance or reluctance just an easygoing friendliness. No biting words or snide comments ever even fazed the redhead. Soma was so levelheaded and not shy about helping his team. Even though all questions were aimed his way trying to get to know him was met with evasion or distractions.

Once Itachi had seen Soma with bruises on that pretty face. The redhead claimed they had fallen. When Itachi clarified that the ground wouldn't have left that marking Soma only snorted. 'Don't worry I gave the ground a good scolding.' that was the end of it and no one on their team dared question Soma again.

Then again the redhead never showed up with any bruises, and one of the village grocers flinched whenever Soma crossed his path after that.

The most surprising thing that came about was Soma revealing that he was a boy. Itachi thought Soma was a girl mostly due to his ways and mannerisms. Even their sensei had made assumptions about his gender because he seemed surprised by the information as well.

Soma did dress in only kimonos, had long hair, and even tended to move and speak effeminately. He was trained in seduction tactics and that alone made Itachi assume Soma was a girl at first. They were kids so neither could go off the base of outer appearance.

Soma himself didn't seem to mind or care that they thought him to be. The redhead seemed to move about life at his own pace. It was interesting to encounter someone, especially someone so young. Itachi was starting to like working with his odd elusive teammate.

Then their mission for the fire lord came about and Itachi's perception of Soma changed forever.

Bloodthirsty. He had never seen Soma move so swiftly towards danger, towards a man that was determined to kill even children. The redhead was precise and ready to kill the man that had nearly killed their teammate. That had nearly struck Soma himself down and it made the Uchiha awaken his Sharingan due to the rush of fear he felt for his teammates. That day Itachi awoke his eyes, opened his eyes to the red-haired Uzumaki.

He had almost died, yet there he stood preparing to fight back against that strange masked man. He actually made him retreat and that was astounding to see. Itachi had been upset their jonnin sensei had not reacted to the danger but froze in place leaving Soma and Itachi to charge after the masked man. He only had respect for Soma after that day.

Itachi spent day after day watching him, training with him. Soma was just so calm, tranquil as if he had been through horrors and this was all nothing.

After their disastrous mission for the fire lord Itachi's and Soma's other two teammates quit. The two eldest of their team left them behind because they couldn't take on the risk of what the Shinobi life was like.

It didn't matter though, he had Soma who had his back. The Uzumaki was his first friend outside of the clan and Itachi clung to the friendship. Even if there were times when Soma fought against it.

Itachi felt like someone actually saw him and treated him normally. Like another human rather than the Uchiha heir, the prodigal genius, the one who would guide others out. Soma look to Itachi and add to the pressures he already had, hell he only looked at the Uchiha to correct him in certain skills they built up together. The other kid barely spared him a glance outside of their own training but always had time for Itachi should the raven ask it of him.

Soma just moved, orbited around him and in his life with ease, and offered nothing but companionship.

It was refreshing.

Itachi wanted them to continue to grow together. He had pressure to move forward in rank and Itachi truly feared the thought of moving forward alone. That plus secretly he was lonely and truly dreamed as if he'd be set on a path of darkness should he push forward alone.

So he had pushed Soma to match his pace despite the redhead's reluctance. An opportunity arose for them to participate in the chunnin exams together and with Soma's guidance they breezed through it all. His unwavering faith in both Itachi's skill and his own set the standard.

Even when Itachi lay flat on his back held down by Soma's seals he felt nothing but calmness.

He still was passed to become a chunnin along with Soma and that was all that mattered.

It wasn't long afterward that Kakashi took them both in as apprentices. Something almost unheard of to have two apprentices on a single sensei's radar.

Kakashi had started the evening after his defeat by knocking on his window. Itachi's young brother was clinging to his chest and Itachi knew there was no way to remove the boy without fuss.

Sasuke was very clingy and as much as Itachi found that endearing he still had to hide a bit of embarrassment at Kakashi quirking an eyebrow at them.

Itachi knew that anyone that approached his window had to have been given approval to the grounds so he had not been worried about allowing the strange jonnin into his room. Kakashi had roamed his room and spoke of taking Itachi as an apprentice.

It had initially thrilled him at being able to have such a talented man who knew how to use a Sharingan to train him. Itachi had detached Sasuke from him laying the young babe onto his bed while he contemplated this all.

"What about Soma?" Kakashi looked at Itachi with something akin to surprise as of he had suddenly realized something.

"What, you can't train without your boyfriend?" Itachi immediately flushed in embarrassment and shook his head.

"No, nothing like that. I refuse to leave my comrade behind. He's been with me from the start and I won't abandon him until we are both established as jonnin." Itachi spoke refusing to acknowledge the thrill of excitement that arose from Kakashi referencing Soma as his partner beyond a teammate.

That reaction would have to be something he dealt with in his own time. Itachi was far too focused on what Kakashi's offer was.

Kakashi seemed pleased by his answer and snickered.

"I'm just teasing you a bit. I've taken you both on so you and your friend with being trained together." Itachi was elated and when presented with the document to become Kakashi's apprentice he signed it without hesitation.

"Get dressed, we're going on a trip to see little red." Itachi practically scrambled to get dressed. He stayed silent but Kakashi was amused by his enthusiasm.

They traveled to the Uzumaki compound and were soon greeted by an annoyed Soma.

Itachi flushed noticing the redhead was dressed in a sleeping kimono, the shoulder slipping down showing pale skin. A blonde boy was clinging to him clutching the glimmering red locks that somehow still seemed to frame his soft features beautifully. The baby was still sleeping while nuzzling the calm glowering red-haired Uzumaki.

He knew of Soma's and Naruto's relationship by now, that they were supposedly closely related coming from the same branch line. It was how he find out that it was in fact Soma who ran the clan despite his extremally young age. Soma had let it be known he was working to get into the jonnin ranks as soon as possible for the little blonde boy. Soma planned on officially adopting the boy, it was something that made Itachi think highly of the Uzumaki back when they first were getting to know one another. Though side by side the pair looked eerily similar, it was almost strange.

Their coloring was vastly different though so that eased some of the strangeness, they most likely had strong genes as the Uchiha clan all shared a sameness to them.

"To what do I owe this displeasure to have you both show up at my home in the middle of the night..." Soma trailed off looking annoyed at the duo.

Itachi realized they truly did just barge in the middle of Soma's sleeping rather rudely. A bit of guilt twisted in Itachi's gut. He really had been far too excited about this opportunity to realize they were probably crossing a boundary.

"Oddly enough I found Itachi in a similar position as you when encountering him this evening. Only he had his little brother clinging to him." Itachi immediately willed away his flush of embarrassment and tensed hearing a scuffling coming from down the hall.

They all immediately calmed noticing an older red-haired Uzumaki teen walking half asleep towards Soma who looked relieved.

The older man took the blonde babe away and though Soma didn't realize the older teen eyed the two of the Shinobi at the door. His gaze was heavy with threat, a warning from that singular look before taking the child and leaving.

Soma seemed oblivious to this and Kakashi who seemed amused tugged Itachi forward while Soma called a clone to attend to them while he moved deeper into the home.

While Soma was occupied Kakashi and he examined Soma's clone. It was solid but Itachi could barely tell they're was chakra put into the creation. He also didn't know where Soma would come up with the idea of a solid clone without an elemental attachment. Unless it was a shadow clone. Though neither had been taught how to create a shadow clone just yet.

When Soma returned Kakashi sensei immediately questioned Soma. That rubbed Itachi the wrong way. Soma was a good guy that worked hard for his clan, he didn't rush in to steal from the leaf.

Soma had dispelled the cone and explained that it was a wind clone. Itachi eyed Soma who was quick on the uptake and had dressed in his usual training attire, wearing actual hakama for once even if he didn't seem to enjoy the constricting material. Though Soma was talking about the danger of using wind clones and that took Itachi out of his ogling.

Itachi was fascinated, realizing that was probably why he had trouble trying to pinpoint the clone's creation.

Soma was just very inventive though that had to come with his clan's background. Uzumaki and their seals were dangerous because they were adventurous enough to create the destructive things their brains thought up.

Soma grimaced when Kakashi offered up the apprentice contact. For a moment panic set in as Itachi assumed he would deny the opportunity but Soma was soon signing and sealing the deal with blood like he had. Itachi still had his friend by his side at least and that uncurled the unease in his gut.

Kakashi pushed them both to the brink daily, missions and training were so all-consuming that Itachi almost missed it.

Soma began to distance himself from the Uchiha. It was subtle but the more Itachi pushed the harder Soma pulled.

They become jonnin in a blur of months and Kakashi's contract had stipulations.

Both Itachi and Soma were drafted into anbu.

Itachi was thrilled and Soma fought against the placements almost tooth and nail. It baffled Itachi, how could Soma not want to continue with Itachi?

Didn't he share that same comradeship, haven't they shared the same blood, sweat, and tears clawing their way into these positions? They were brothers in arms but here was Soma tugging away to carve out a dual life as a regular jonnin while still running himself through anbu.

Itachi didn't understand.

Soma was so skilled and talented that anbu captain Dragon took him under his wing. Practically allowing Soma free range to jump from team to team, from mission to mission with no problems. He was practically grooming Soma to take over his position but Soma stood resistant to it all.

Itachi got frustrated and left Soma on his own for the first time in a long time to sort himself out. He needed to understand he was skilled and needed here not as a face in the village when they were meant to kill.

That's how Itachi found himself ignoring Soma at social gatherings between clans. He showed up to Naruto's birthday party because no matter what he would not let his relationship with Soma affect Sasuke's and Naruto's friendship. Itachi stubbornly ignored Soma then, only catching a glimpse of Soma chatting with several clan heads, his father included before focusing entirely on his brother. It was how he acted in many social situations between the pair from then onwards.

When that party ended Itachi was made to go out in an anbu mission with Kakashi and their team. There was an ache at Soma for not seeking him out as he had in their past. Itachi had been so distracted he had gotten attacked while out on his mission and had to kill an unlucky kid that had even discovered them. They weren't allowed to have witnesses. It made Itachi sick and uncomfortable to have to live like this.

He needed Soma here but that bastard was refusing to stick permanently with Kakashi's team. He was letting Itachi bathe in the blood alone, drowning in it. Watching him suffer and turning a blind eye to it like everyone else did. Soma wasn't there and Itachi's emotional upheaval couldn't take this without him at his side like always. They finished the mission but Itachi just felt more hollow.

Several weeks later he was also dragged to the Hyuga lands after not seeing the redhead. His father had insisted they show up to the party and went out of his way to chat with Uzumaki Soma. The redhead just drew everyone to him like a moth to a flame. He couldn't help but glimpse at the petite teen on occasion at the Hyuga heiress's third birthday party.

Itachi felt like a man that had been on a deserted island and finally found fresh water in an oasis. He drank down Soma's appearance but refused to interact beyond what would be considered polite.

When a commotion occurred with the kids Itachi's blood had run cold. Sasuke came to mind and once he arrived slower than he would have normally but Itachi was injured from his latest run of missions. He arrived at a scene of Soma and Shikaku doing their best at calming the situation, keeping clan heads from attacking what appeared to be supposed political representation from Kumo.

Soma's people had already bound them all and sent word to the Hokage. It all happened in the blink of an eye. Sasuke had clung to Itachi tears dripping from his eyes and Itachi just held his brother tightly.

Grateful to Soma for being there, so Itachi forgave the redhead for something he shouldn't have had to deal with in the first place.

Itachi became busy once more with missions and never got a chance to see or talk to Soma until he was sent to retrieve him for the Hokage.

Their captain stayed back as it was only to ensure Soma was brought forth.

The team arrived and Itachi watched in awe. Soma was training Naruto? It was disguised as child's play but it was still training. He watched a blonde miniature version of his longtime friend run about blindfolded trying to find the pulse of power Soma sent his way.

Maybe this was why Soma fought so hard to have a life outside of anbu. When was the last time he saw Sasuke...or even his mother. Guilt was twisting in Itachi's gut at realizing he was essentially becoming a ghost to his loved ones.

Naruto found Soma and the redhead practically lit up with pride cooing to the child. Another Uzumaki came out of the home and Itachi felt a pang of jealousy as the older man teased Soma. This was Nagato, Soma's closest right-hand man. He had changed from a sickly-looking teen to a healthy-looking man.

Itachi eyed the red head that seemed to tower over Soma making him look even more petite and that gentle gaze Nagato aimed at Soma before taking Naruto away only stirred those ugly feelings once again.

Soma turned to the group as they pulsed chakra to obtain his attention. Soma ensured Naruto was safe before listening to what the anbu had come to ask.

He came with ease relinquishing his weapons and was escorted with no trouble to the Hokage.

When Soma spotted Danzo and two others from the civilian council he refused to engage with the Hokage in any details of what was needed until they left. Specifically, until Danzo left.

That put Itachi on alert. It was no secret that Soma knew things about the leaf that others would be hard-pressed to know. His astute observations of people led him to be the best at connecting with others and if it weren't for the fact that Soma lacked the desire he would be an astounding candidate for the next Hokage position. Soma might as well have been a budding spymaster with how well he got information. He was trained under Jiraya in recent years as the man visited frequently now that he was free to see Naruto. So if the budding spymaster didn't trust the old warmonger that was something to be focused on.

Danzo was not to be trusted under no uncertain terms and Itachi would be sure to pass word to his father and Suishi. They would be sure to police any interaction between him and their clan members.

"I will not trust one of Danzo's dogs in the room either." Soma spoke suddenly as the civilian council was made to leave. Shock jolted Itachi and Soma's gaze was steadfastly aimed at a hidden panel. Two other anbu moved and pulled the false anbu out. The man had a blank white mask confusing Itachi.

Though the Hokage's face was twisted in actual rage, that was unexpected.

Once the hidden man was taken away and things settled Soma was offering information about the next mission. Even putting himself up to play as an entertainer.

The jealous twisting in his gut was making him sick.

It died when Soma spoke of his past growing up some odd years in the red light district...only having bleak options for a future. Itachi never really asked about Soma's past but with the almost heartbroken expression on the redhead's face at the memories, Itachi wished he had pressed more.

To find out Soma was trained as a Taikomochi was something that shocked him. Itachi wondered who taught the redhead the way of the Shinobi then. Those two paths rarely crossed but it did explain why Soma knew the art of seduction. They moved past the information and moved on so Soma could state his conditions to take on a long-term mission during Naruto's early development.

Naruto's training was critical and important to Soma, especially since Naruto had the unpredictable addition of the nine-tailed demon.

Soma was unflinching against the Hokage, it was a necessity that Naruto continue his training even Itachi could see that. The boy's chakra would corrode him, eat him alive should he leave it. He would never achieve full stability with his chakra had Soma not begun such training. It was just good training that even clan children could be taught versions of.

Hiruzen and Kakashi held some strange doubt and animosity when it came to Soma training the jinchuriki. Soma didn't even flinch or seem offended by their need for assurance.

Itachi was even made to confirm that it was safe, disguised as playing, and truly seemed to ease the boy's turbulent chakra as it was.

That soothed the room and Shisui was offered up as a trainer since he was injured and Nagato, Soma's second in command would need to run the clan in his absence.

They even added on a chunnin to ensure the Uzumaki heir got his educational needs seen to as well.

Soma accepted and Itachi was bound and determined to be part of the team that pretend to be his patrons.

The month passed by slowly and when Itachi found himself in that uncomfortable disguise he had been unprepared for the beautiful sight Soma had made.

When Itachi watched a disguised Soma dance and move with such beautiful controlled power and seduction he forgot for a moment that he was here for a mission. He could see Soma truly had studied to become a Taikomochi and would have probably been successful had he not found a passion for becoming a Shinobi. It was surreal to realize that had Soma not turned to the ninja way they would have never met.

That made his world tilt to even have to picture that scenario.

Itachi's breath had caught for a moment and he realized he was in love with Soma Uzumaki. The same man that seemed to not harbor any emotion romantic or otherwise to any but Naruto and those of his clan.

Itachi couldn't dwell on his heartbreak as soon they had to move. He focused on the mission to distract him.

It was refreshing to put a name to those festering feelings he had sat on for so long. Watching Soma who acted disinterested in conversation shoot ahead of them made that twisting in his gut blowback full force.

Itachi took the initiative from then on. Taking a few steps from anbu to seek out Soma to repair their bond. If he was going to get the redhead to look at him with anything akin to romance he would have to build that foundation back up.

He spent time with his family and Itachi realized this was why Soma seemed much more maintained than he was. Itachi was reminded daily of why he fought so hard and put himself through hell.

He wanted Sasuke and his world to remain safe and finally, he could breathe again.

Then suddenly Danzo and several Uchiha and civilians were caught in a scandal. His father came forth and apologized before they handed over the traitorous elders that had the nerve to try to undermine the clan head's words. Punishment was rolled out and it was like peace washed over his clan for the first time in such a long time.

Not long after Kakashi stepped down as captain and Itachi took over. Soma helped with his missions more since they were missing a member and that made his heart ache with want.

Days slipped by comfortably and Soma grew close to other Shinobi clans. His personality drew them all to him and his intelligence and charisma kept them fascinated.

He was everything Itachi was not... how he could lead his people from the get-go so effortlessly. Itachi knew he lacked that skill, that drive. The burden of others' lives on one's shoulders made him ill but for Soma, he thrived in it.

He was meant to lead to bond to unite those around him. Itachi envied that easy candor but enjoyed and basked when it was aimed his way. Soma was devoted to Naruto in this timeframe, his attention only aimed at the boy and building his clan back up. There was no room for much else in Soma's heart at that moment. He ignored any warm glances or was truly oblivious to Itachi's gentle advances.

He didn't want to pressure or overwhelm Soma with his emotions when they had such a tentative friendship as it was. The Uchiha doubted he could handle it well if Soma hated him.

Itachi was comfortable keeping this peace between them just so he could siphon off any attention from Soma. It was how he realized Kakashi was in love with the beautiful redhead as well.

Itachi's stomach twisted when their former senpai would gaze at him. When his casual touches for the Uzumaki leader would linger or become a bit excessive. Kakashi himself knew Itachi's feelings long before probably Itachi even had. Yet still fell under the thrall of Soma Uzumaki.

They both stood on this chasm, this unspoken spectrum with Soma. If he was the only one blind to it they both silently accepted it. Neither Kakashi nor Itachi pushed for more. Not for a lack of feelings but they both knew neither could survive the rejection.

Soma was their shared world, they only could breathe really because of him. He had no expectations, no ulterior motives. He was simple, just happy to be involved with those that sought him out.

It burned Itachi to be so close to him and yet made to keep his feelings always in check. He ached to just hold Soma, embrace that beauty once. He could die without regret if he could.

He ached in want. The craving to taste the red heads lips was almost overwhelming but Itachi persevered.

Then Soma spoke of stepping down from being in anbu and teaching. Soma loved to shatter Itachi and test their bonds it would seem.

It was insane, it was stupid to throw away his longtime career to teach! Soma had to have been having a moment of idiocy.

They had been working so damn hard to get to where they were and to now throw away all that skill and talent and even Itachi. Cause that's what it was, he was throwing away the chance to have the Uchiha's back. People fought and coveted the position in his team, to be at his side to gain his favor but Soma seemed to take it for granted.

Itachi felt the betrayal and it stung, burned him, and shoved him away till he drowned himself back into his anbu work.

Soma avoided him and he went out of his way to do the same. Itachi would have continued to do exactly that had he not gotten injured and been forced to take a break from anbu to become Soma's teaching assistant while he recovered. It had been years and it felt like he had found his oasis again when seeing Soma after so long without him.

Soma had changed and Itachi was standing in unsteady ground because of that revelation.

Itachi had marveled at how beautiful the man had become. Itachi himself had changed growing taller now towering over Soma himself. It didn't distract from how lovely Soma had become. From the delicate makeup to the teasing bites of skin, even to his impassive gaze that only held a sultry stare of deep blue seas.

He was now more biting and swift. As shown when scolding Sakura for her lack of control when snipping at Naruto. The blonde boy was already proving to be a trained Uzumaki in fuinjutsu.

Itachi had watched impassively seeing familiar swirls and lines the blonde set up for a prank. He only recalled as Soma had used versions of these to mess with villagers who wrought his ire for messing with Naruto.

On occasion, Soma tweaked those same seals to decimate unsuspecting Shinobi. He missed the stubborn, foolish redhead. That familiarity of working at his side and knowing someone had his back.

When Kakashi drew the three of them away and the pair shared a short confrontation, Soma only talked back this was not an appropriate time to air out grievances.

Itachi agreed but he was just as surprised as Kakashi when they spotted a nervous-looking Naruto peak over the side of the building.

As Naruto settled into the ground Itachi took notice of the warmth the redhead had when looking at the blonde.

They were so close. When was the last time he and Sasuke had shared a moment? A time when Itachi could look upon his brother proudly because he mastered something he had endeavored to teach him. His time spent with his brother had been artificial and short.

Then after the other genin had joined the group was impressed with Naruto's bold declaration and devotion to Soma. That bond, Itachi didn't help but feel jealous that his brother and he didn't share that same kinship.

Itachi truly was an utter fool and he needed to apologize to Soma for such.

Soma didn't dream to take anything bad blood to heart and that eased the festering feelings Itachi had sat on this entire time.

He could only love the forgiving redhead that never ceased to surprise him.

T.D.O.T.

Kakashi eyed the newest additions to the leaf. Uzumaki they were but Kakashi was very wary of their intentions. He was hidden in the corner of the Hokage's office watching amused as Jiraya of the Sannin crashed inside carrying a struggling young boy.

That glimmering flash of red was unmistakably Uzumaki. The colors of glimmering rubies seemed to reflect off the boy and it was almost distracting that Kakashi had almost missed the menagerie of people that trailed behind Jiaraiya and the cursing child.

Kakashi was fascinated watching the boy pluck off seals as if they were just paper taped to him. In a movement so fast it made Kakashi's head boggle the boy had painted and glittered Jiraya and turned to face the Hokage.

The kid was gutsy and held himself as if he were a grown adult. None of the others in his party argued against a word the child said even if he could tell there was a tenseness and longing coming from the people huddled behind the child seeking refuge.

Soma Uzumaki was their leader, his word was absolute and Kakashi had no doubt the kid would do great things. Watching the Uzumaki kid fight for equal footing with the Hokage proved the boy was only seeking to better things for his people and that was something Kakashi could respect.

Soma flinched and turned to the door confusing Kakashi until he heard the soft whimpers coming from a newborn babe. Then the door opened.

Kakashi's heart stopped as one of the anbu guarding Naruto came inside the room freezing at the killer intent Kakashi aimed their way for daring to bring his sensei's son before strangers. Kakashi watched as the Uzumaki people shared a gasp when looking at the child and Kakashi himself withheld his own surprise.

The newborn and Soma looked very similar despite the differences in coloring.

They even shared the same whisker markings and the explanation as to why and what it meant made Kakashi's stomach twist. They were the perfect vessels and it made Kakashi wonder if it was well known did Soma himself have something sealed within him like Naruto.

Kakashi wondered but soon focused as the newborn was taken away and Soma Uzumaki seemed like he was defeated agreeing to join the leaf and share some of his knowledge. All because he knew there was another Uzumaki in the village.

The boy was smart and did his best to keep what control he had over the situation even bartering for a chance for Naruto to be raised as a clan orphan rather than living in the orphanage himself. They all knew there would be a waiting period while the clan home was built on their desired plot of land but Soma Uzumaki and his people gave up their Uzu headbands and traded them for the leaf.

When they were gone Kakashi felt a glimmer of hope take hold. Maybe Naruto would get a happy childhood instead of the bleak one he had been barred from intervening in.

It would be several weeks later when Kakashi would hear of Soma again. The little boy had been a force to be reckoned with, a prodigy of Uzumaki blood. Yet Hiruzen didn't utilize him. Soma was made a genin, put on a team, and shipped off to inspire the next generation.

He was assigned to watch over the kid and his clan while Naruto was only brought to them for visiting. Yet there was nothing they ever did that made them seem out of the ordinary. Soma was a normal kid, more put together than Kakashi was, and took to Naruto and his needs as if he were tuned in to the infant's mind.

Soma was definitely a prodigy though, more held together than any other before him though.

The kid created seal after seal and learned jutsu as if it were as easy as breathing. Learned at alarming rates and just was unruffled about anything. Jiraiya was also impressed with parting knowledge on the boy when given the opportunity.

Soma just took everything around him and made it work. The kid was flawless, his only weakness being that he cared greatly for his people and now Naruto was one of those people. That blinded him from having those bonds as the boy hesitated to progress.

Kakashi though unsure felt this was a safe space for Naruto to grow up in. Soma protected the babe fiercely and worked tirelessly day and night to establish his clan and create a safe haven for those to be of the Uzumaki clan.

To watch a child eighty years younger than he accomplish this all was...humbling.

Kakashi cared very little for the lives around him or the bonds he created, the only thing keeping him going was Naruto. Yet even then the boy was now well taken care of with no need for a man like him to darken his doorstep.

It didn't mean he could give up the boy though.

So Kakashi watched and observed until the Hokage trusted the people enough and allowed Naruto to remain with the clan. It was all moving so fast for Kakashi.

Soma though stayed consistent despite it all. Working hard for his people and doing all he could to raise Naruto himself.

Kakashi was pulled from observation to attend to missions once more as their lack of manpower in anbu was becoming an issue. So he could only hear bits and pieces of Soma Uzumaki and surprisingly Itachi Uchiha. The two had become the talk of the anbu and Jonnin towers. The two boys were being held back, doing great feats, and showcasing outstanding teamwork.

He ate up any information about the boys. Itachi, Naruto but especially Soma. His levelheaded traits in battle were the opposite of his oblivious but stern nature. The boy kept himself almost alienated while still keeping social decorum and relationships intact. He never bonded above surface level unless they were part of his precious people. Yet he had such a devotion to the village to fight and protect and serve so viciously at his young age.

Kakashi had tried to cross paths with Soma hoping to officially get to know the Uzumaki leader. Though every time he tried the boy would bolt in the other direction, almost taunting him. Soma Uzumaki knew well that it was Kakashi who was notorious. Though by which reputation the boy avoided that was to be a question he would learn sooner or later.

The boy refused to interact with Kakashi and with how stiff the boy acted it most likely had to do with Kakashi's more than questionable habits. He even went so far as to drag away his just as impressive teammate Itachi when he tried to cross their paths before they took part in the chunnin exams. The last Hatake huffed and figured he would just need to take him by surprise after obtaining the Hokage's permission.

So Kakashi watched and waited gleefully when the duo was allowed into the chunnin exams. Kakashi was a man obsessed with watching the monitors, tracking them all the way until they reached the tower impressively fast.

Kakashi was eager to get one if not both of these young Shinobi as apprentices.

He watched the duo grimace when they were faced with their surprised sensei at the end and given the opportunity to rest up.

Itachi took this chance to sleep and Soma and he kept to themselves when others would join them through the days. Soma who was always social and friendly was quiet and subdued keeping Itachi at his side until the final test came about. Kakashi was Disappointed as so few passed this exam. They would only get to observe the boys once before the decision of making then chunnin would come up.

He wondered distantly which boy he would take in to train.

Their final exams began and Kakashi could no longer ponder on it.

Both boys showed forethought, aptitude, and battle strategy. Two prodigy's in their own right taking down those twice their size and age.

Kakashi had only intended on taking on one of the boys but could not choose one talent over the other. They were both going to be his to mold as the thought of someone else ruining this raw talent and wasting it made his blood boil.

He eagerly told the Hokage they were his at that moment.

He only had to decide how to obtain both boys as apprentices. Soma seemed stubborn and wished for nothing to do with him but he had a chink in his armor that wasn't his clan.

Itachi.

Kakashi plotted for a brief moment and narrowed down a plan to sign On Itachi as an apprentice first. Sneaking past the Uchiha on patrol was simple enough he going himself soon staring down a surprised and newly minted chunnin.

A boy was far too similar to not be his brother clinging to the ten-year-old. Convincing the Uchiha to become his apprentice was simple. Kakashi had been glad as when he faced down the boy's redheaded counterpart the boy was nearly ready to slam the door in his face.

He didn't know what he did to receive such hostility from Naruto's guardian but the boy barely looked him in the eye if he could help it.

He soaked in the immediate talent the boy had. Fascinated by his wind clone and wishing he had thought to copy the technique but was more focused on questioning the boy about his motives and methods himself. He had been rude and worried for a brief moment he thought he lost the boy and Soma would refuse to sign his contract.

Though Soma did sign up to be his apprentice as well and Kakashi put the boys through hell and back. Amused when Soma would fight him kicking and screaming when he made the kid complete anbu training.

It was in his contract and Soma had read and willingly signed it.

His two proteges were Jonnin in no time and drafted into anbu shortly afterward. Soma himself was at ease with everything once settled. The boy took the abuse of continuous missions and assassination missions naturally.

Like nothing phased him and despite Kakashi worrying about the now twelve-year-old the boy was in better mental shape than most anbu. He was leagues healthier of the mind than him, even after his first kill.

Soma carved a life in the village when not on anbu or jonnin missions. Talented enough that Dragon himself was grooming the redhead who meshed from team to team.

Kakashi was twenty when he first thought Soma was beautiful. Amused mostly by how his little redhead used that beauty and effeminate energy to pull enemies into a trap or obtain information.

Kakashi had been stunned when the Uzumaki leader had offered to showcase as a Taikomochi. A bit horrified to find that was one of the bleak options for the boy to grow up to be. The boy proved he had a talent in things other than Shinobi life.

Kakashi retired from anbu when both boys were thirteen. He was twenty-one and did as Soma did. Carved a life out for himself.

When Soma was fifteen and protectively caring for Naruto Kakashi's admiration for him only grew deeper. Kakashi could see that Soma would lay down his life for the blonde there was no selfishness in that redhead. That devotion was something that drew Kakashi as he could understand it.

The silent drive and self-confidence and altogether skill of keeping himself sane. Kakashi truly envied him for that last skill alone.

At twenty-three he realized he was in love with a boy eight years his junior. How did he cope with it, he flirted relentlessly with Soma so the redhead would never take his words seriously. Soma groaned at Kakashi's over-the-top groping and flirting now because to Soma Kakashi was just teasing him, not really meaning it.

Kakashi buried himself in his books and lingered on the hope that Soma would never find out. Kakashi the friend killer wasn't something he wanted Soma tied to. Nor did he want to be the cause of Soma's demise.

He was still horrified when he disappeared with Jiraya suddenly not returning for a long time.

No word or hint of where he was. Naruto seemed to be cared for but Soma was just gone.

Kakashi didn't like that feeling of unease. Then Soma returned, somehow even more beautiful.

His willowy frame dodged him and Itachi at every turn until he was through making his rounds. Soma had left only to return to them determined and changed.

When Kakashi finally caught him Soma delivered a devastating blow. It was like he had been in a haze until he and Itachi caught up to him finally. Then Soma decided to destroy their bond suddenly. Itachi was holding the redhead asking him not to leave them again.

"Yeah, well I'm going to be strictly homebound for the foreseeable future." Soma pulled away from Itachi's grip and it made Kakashi feel as if something unforgivable was about to be spoken. "It was part of my deal with the Hokage. I'm planning on helping to adjust the shinobi curriculum and have all the teams train under a team leader once a week. I will be working closely with the academy and genin instructors for a bit." Soma spoke and Kakashi felt sucker punched.

"That is a waste of your skills." Kakashi felt regret upon saying those words at Soma's bitter expression. He couldn't take them back, Soma had so much talent and skill. He had the fortitude to be the greatest, the absolute best of them all even better than Kakashi. He could do this all and still hold himself together. Soma could be there for when Naruto needed guidance, cause that boy would be eventually made into a weapon as all other Shinobi villages did. The only thing keeping anyone at Bay was Soma's power and reputation, his standing kept people from all the bad that lurked just outside their doorstep.

Didn't he understand that. This would stall him, and his career and make others in the village mock him. The heavy burden of being a prodigy would bring mockery on him and Kakashi didn't want that for Soma. He didn't want Soma to drown under that pressure, feared it even.

Couldn't bare any thoughts of others looking down on Soma. Not after all he's sacrificed to get to where he was today.

The kids had too much to lose here and Kakashi didn't exactly have any way to protect him. Kakashi's reputation had been shit for years, ever since his father killed himself. Every since Obito died and gave up his eye. Since Rin used him to kill herself. Since Minato died on him. Since Itachi drowned in sorrow and blood under his command.

Soma was the only thing left untouched by his sullied hands. He couldn't protect his ranking in the forces if he went off teaching.

Soma didn't hear him or Itachi though. With that the redhead closed himself off to them.

Kakashi felt numb again.

Live moved like a blur only coming into focus in moments.

He still saw Naruto in the village but was ignored by Soma in passing at meetings. The redhead disappeared otherwise.

Soma came back into his life and it was like he could breathe again. With him he obtained his sensei's son as one of his students.

Kakashi was astounded by how advanced the boy was and how similar he took after Soma. It was like looking into the past though Naruto was oddly more childish than Soma had been at that age. There was still naivety and innocence in that child. Naruto had talent but what he lacked was a bloodthirsty drive. An understanding of what life and death situations could mean for those around you. Sasuke was the same and Sakura the only girl of the bunch was wearing rose-colored lenses when it came to Shinobi life.

Soma though, he had changed.

Beauty, grace and patience. He had been made to teach and it sickened Kakashi to admit to it even to himself. The boy though was just a natural leader and that in itself was what made it so simple.

Diligent in his duties and progressive in his methods.

Still Kakashi's talented little killer came back with a shroud of mysterious and new skills at hand to be used. Soma became so much more dangerous and Kakashi felt the ache to lord over his red-haired Uzumaki it was nearly overwhelming.

Kakashi was in love all over again and he let himself fall.

T.D.O.T.

Soma felt uncomfortable under the harsh light after so long staying in. He was watching over Naruto and Sasuke spar the two only allowed to practice taijutsu. Sakura was being put through drills to help her catch up to their stamina and strengthen her body.

Sasuke would have to go through chakra control exercises with Sakura while Naruto was drilled with Geinjutsu training with Itachi.

It was always surprising to everyone around Soma that geinjutsu was his area of weakness. Soma could detect and dispel them but casting one was entirely out of his skill set. Hell, he could only do what he could because he was a bijuu container.

Though Naruto was like Soma, a close combat specialist that has a nearly endless supply of chakra. Soon Soma would need to pull aside Jiraya and they would need to go over Naruto and his sage training.

Jiraya had spent many days staring at Soma's face and Naruto's a touch too long as of late. He made a point of it before letting Soma know he would be off for a while. He would return around the chunnin exams in several months' time. Oddly he was the only one to really eye the pair like that and Soma found that fascinating.

Jiraya was a man that remembered details, small tidbits that created the bonds of those around him.

They would cross that bridge when they got there though.

Soma called for everyone to change activities and settled back with Kakashi who was preparing the obstacle course he created for the kids. Itachi had flinched seeing the traps set out and Soma tried to hide his snort at all the humiliating pranks set out through the course.

The redhead was more or less keeping all the rookie nine on track with training. Shikamaru had been motivated with his first encounter well enough to realize that he had chosen the path of a Shinobi and there was no time to slack when you're just starting out.

Soma just sighed and dodged Kakashi's arm that tried to snake around his waist. A single blue eye opened to size up his once upon a Sensei. Kakashi seemed to have finished the obstacle course and was reading one of Jiraya's perverted books. The redhead snorted and went back to quietly contemplating the current events in his life.

"Soma Chan you look so pretty when you worry." Kakashi stubbornly wrapped his arm around Soma's narrow waist and gazed over his book at the redhead.

Soma's hair was free and unbound only glimmering like ruby stones in the sunlight. His pale face was turned upward towards the sun but his eyes were closed shut. Today he wore a beautiful vermilion kimono that showed his small shoulders off and Kakashi knew would show off a lot of leg when Soma moved about.

Uzumaki Soma was eye-catching in every way. It was difficult for Kakashi to keep his hands to himself. Especially since Nagato was so grabby with his clan head. Kakashi wasn't jealous he just found it unfair to be left out.

"When are you going to finally throw caution to the wind and marry your dear old Sensei Soma Chan? I'm not getting any younger." Soma groaned at Kakashi's mocking flirtation.

"Go fall off a cliff and die pervert." Soma huffed and shrugged off Kakashi's hand that had slipped down and cupped his ass. The Uzumaki leader walked over observing Naruto trying to break out of one of Itachi's lower-powered geinjutsu.

Itachi was focused on watching Naruto and taking the boy's training seriously. Soma crouched down and eyed his blonde hair who frowned and seemed to shake off the illusion with some unease.

His light blue gaze blinked looking between Soma and Itachi who now aimed his attention toward the crouched redhead's very exposed skin. Itachi's red gaze seemed to travel hungrily along Soma's body and Naruto held back a snicker.

He could even see Kakashi sensei staring like he always did when he thought no one was watching.

Soma had a lot of admirers but had remained single and devoted to the clan and ensuring that the leaf trained the future generations appropriately. Naruto always wondered if Soma even noticed his crazy fangirls and guys. Soma wasn't close to anyone really though, just Nagato and himself.

It always made even Naruto suspect that maybe Soma's and Nagato's relationship was more than what they said. Though the mischievous glint in Nagato's eyes every time he was openly affectionate in front of Soma's fans made the blonde doubt there was anything romantic between them. Nagato was probably doing that for fun and Soma was just an affectionate person. Eyeing Kakashi and Itachi's expressions made Naruto almost pity them...almost.

Itachi turned back to Naruto and the two began training again letting all those thoughts flutter in the wind.

Soma stood and went to observe Sasuke and Sakura in their training. Sakura had learned the wall walking technique quickly but was now being made to build her stamina while tree climbing.

Sasuke had begrudgingly asked Sakura for some tips but Naruto refused until Sasuke played nice with Sakura.

Soma had been proud of his younger counterpart for using such a tactic. Everyone knew exactly how stubborn Sasuke could be and right now the boy still had not changed his opinion on the pinkett.

Naruto was willing to work with her but Sakura in turn openly expressed irritation with him. This team had a long way to go in terms of teamwork but their practical and theoretical skills were spectacular.

Soma felt a burst of memories return to him it seemed team eight was done for the day as his clone had dissipated. Soma cataloged the memories and it seemed to have Ibiki help oversee their practice was really helping with Hinata's mental fortitude.

Soma was pleased as he knew the head of T. I would be a great mentor to bring the girl out of her shell while curbing Kiba's overly excitable personality, all while not forgetting to include and bring in Shino for equal participation.

He had selected each mentor specifically for each team. He knew Hinata had a lot of insecurities with her clan even despite Soma's interference with their structure. A lot of pressure was on her to hold up to their standard and currently, she was unsure and doubted herself due to her younger sister having an easier time taking to their clan-style kata.

Kiba was brash and had difficulty seeing beyond his scope of skills. Ibiki would mold him to really stop and observe a bit before barreling into any situation that he was known to do. The interrogator had a real specialty for breaking people down and building them up to use their quirks as a well-built mask.

Shino needed to understand his limitations and how his team filled in for him to cover those limitations. Shino wasn't arrogant but he was often forgotten and used to working alone rather than within a team. This adjustment would be difficult at first as he had trouble connecting with his team and others. Ibiki's knowledge about the human mind would be useful for the factual fanatic.

Kurenai had been relieved to have the extra help especially since she was a newly appointed jonnin.

Soma focused back on team seven. Sasuke had finally stuck to the tree and was freely running trying to imprint the memory of chakra control in his head. Sakura was balanced but running up and down the tree for building up chakra stamina. Naruto seemed to be able to break out of geinjutsu much more easier than he had the last several.

Finally, Kakashi called the team to break and Soma knew they'd be running his obstacle course before being made to take on D ranks which both Itachi and Soma would not be part of.

The kids needed to understand that despite Soma's and Itachi's presence during training they were not leading them through missions for team seven. The only concession would be their first C-rank mission would be accompanied by Soma. Not the secondary instructors though as Soma was already one person too many.

Hiruzen had been pleased as it meant extra eyes to oversee the kid's first time away from the village.

There were so few Shinobi teams that passed each year as only a few each year were even trained enough out determined enough to continue onward. Most others were taken on as apprentices so it wasn't like they would lack in Shinobi.

Soma absentmindedly began to think. Hiruzen always staggered C ranks for gennin teams. Team seven would be first, as Kakashi would be insulted otherwise. Team Ten would be next was Shikamaru and Asuma would wish to test the waters after Naruto's return and eager boasting would annoy the Nara heir till he took on a mission. Then team eight as Kiba would be practically snarling that they were falling behind.

Soma knew despite the changes the kids were still very similar personality-wise. Even Naruto who was currently stuffing his face with the bento Yahiko had made him that morning.

His younger counterpart despite all the changes in his life still has that same stubborn, and overeager personality. Some things you adjusted over time or with age and maturity, others through hardship. Other than the clan Naruto was still ignored or scorned by civilians and Shinobi alike.

Soma couldn't hover around him and he needed to form his own thoughts and mindsets about the village and its people. Naruto was different from him not raised in dire circumstances. Though it didn't mean the boy was blind and shared no hardship.

It was the same with this Sasuke who hadn't grown up an avenger haunted by the death of his entire clan. Yet somehow the boy still lived in the shadow that was Itachi.

They were all changing and Soma hoped for the better.

The Uzumaki head felt another burst of memories from another of his clones that observed team Ten. Genma had a good handle on how to motivate the team. The guy was quite used to pushing teammates who were reluctant or lazy into training. His motivating factor was finding one's weakness and exploiting it.

Ino's rivalry with Sakura and even Hinata spurned the girl into action. Choji was motivated by Genma bribing him with a promised snack. Though he would have to really put his all into the training session for Genma to concede as the man had a stubborn will that would not be won over if he thought you didn't mean it. Shikamaru was blackmailed as Genma knew the boy would be mortified if Sasuke or worse Naruto got Shikamaru's naked baby pictures.

How Genma obtained that was something even Soma was unaware of. The guy had his resources and knew how to get the results he wanted.

Asuma had been impressed and pleased that the kids had been working so hard.

Kakashi called the team to run his course and Itachi came to Soma's side.

"You've been pretty quiet today." Itachi spoke eyeing the redhead who snickered when Sasuke and Naruto both got smacked in the face with mud.

The Uzumaki head shrugged before watching Sakura hesitate and then helped both boys scrape the mud off their faces.

"I'm thinking up a regiment for their next group training." Suna watched fascinated as Naruto sent out several shadow clones to disrupt or disarm traps. Sasuke and Sakura covered him since Kakashi decided he was going to pelt them with rocks.

Both Itachi and Soma flinched at the sight of that infinite rock bag. They remembered that from their time of Kakashi's apprenticeship. Sakura got hit with a well-timed water jutsu and the kids were off running through the course and away from Kakashi's rocks.

"I swear that sadistic sensei enjoys this part of training the most." Soma spoke exasperated and Itachi hummed in agreement. Both recalled their short time as chunnin and now Soma felt team seven would be running full sprint to becoming jonnin now.

The redhead felt eyes on him and glanced over to Itachi. His gaze was hazy just entirely fascinated by the site of smooth skin on his shoulders. Itachi as of late had been eyeing Soma to the point that the redhead was as oblivious as he was noticed. Itachi really was besotted with Soma despite all the years and pain they wrought into each other.

It was strange to find out but Soma had more observational skill than he had in his past. He wasn't naive as many speculated. Having been in Jiraya's perverted tutelage was bound to have given him some insight into the world of sex.

Soma used seduction as a skill because he knew firsthand it worked. Sensuality got you information even if you hadn't meant for it to be given away. Kakashi and Itachi both reacted in different ways but both have away so much information by just their reactions alone.

Kakashi had been embarrassingly easy to figure out as Soma had known the man personally in his past. Kakashi only acted like a cheap flirt to those he liked. The guy had a complex a mile long of why he felt he hadn't deserved happiness and Soma played along until he knew what to do with the information.

Right now he had to focus so begrudgingly he pushed his discoveries to the side focusing back on the gennin.

Itachi had caught something and rushed to Kakashi to give commentary.

That was why Hiruzen had insisted on Itachi being this team's secondary sensei. Itachi was amazingly observant and ensured those around him corrected their mistakes or worked to cover them. He was great at helping free minds with little foundation and even better at pushing those with great foundations into soaring heights.

Sasuke obviously trusted his brother and the man led him down the right path giving a detailed understanding of simple training exercises that normally took the younger Uchiha days to complete. Sasuke had difficulties the first time with chakra control exercises but with Sakura's advice and Itachi's guidance, he figured it out swiftly.

Sakura was given logical and detailed explanations and rundowns on Shinobi life. How the things they train for and their bodies are now no longer their own. They were Shinobi first and foremost and Itachi pushed the girl into expanding herself further each day and keeping herself healthy to keep up.

Naruto though wary of the older Uchiha took to his advice as he had worked so long at Soma's side that it was the easiest to find where Naruto lagged behind. Naruto was Soma's carbon copy in technique and Itachi already had helped Soma improve on his own. It was simple to watch Naruto's tells and expand on how to improve those to break off geinjutsu was the best they could do but Itachi was determined to ensure Naruto made up for it by precision in all other aspects.

Itachi knew how to work with teams as diverse as team seven and Soma knew the Hokage had been right.

Soma hummed to himself as though falling into a meditative trance. Karuma grinned down at his companion and Soma just settled at his side.

His bijuu was Naruto's other half and Soma needed to get the boy some training to connect to his version of the chakra entity.

Though it mostly consisted of Soma first teaching Naruto meditation. They would delve deeper after Jiraya and Naruto started their own training before the chunnin exams.

Soma just needed a moment away from the world his Karuma offered peace and comfort. It wasn't long maybe only a few minutes at most. It helped ease his troubled thoughts and Soma found himself blinking back at Naruto's gentle call several moments later.

Soma smiled at his Naru who was smiling brightly and a bit dirty from practice. Soma henpecked the boy cleaning his face snickering as Itachi did the same with Sasuke. Sakura was trying to hide her giggles as Kakashi kept muttering by her side.

Soma was glad he came back.

T.D.O.T

Soma lay unconcerned being dragged into the missions office dramatically several weeks later. Nagato had let slip that team seven would not be allowed an outside or C-rank mission unless Soma gave approval.

Honestly, Soma approved three weeks back as team seven had powered through forty-seven D ranks but it had not been time for their fated wave mission.

So the Uzumaki head had avoided capture by the frustrated gennin team until this morning. Naruto practically tackled him with Sasuke's help and they dragged the reluctant Soma to the office. Hiruzen was amused as it was the second time he'd seen the red-headed Uzumaki dragged into his office. Last time he had been but a child struggling in Jiraya's arms and cussing up a storm.

This time he was carried in by Naruto clones scoffing and mocking his clan heir and the Uchiha's honorable secondborn. Seals practically covered the redhead who was easily plucking them off and Sasuke was helping Naruto by jumping back and forth slapping pre-made seals onto the redhead to keep him stationary. Kakashi eyed them all amused and helped Sasuke place seals on the older unamused Uzumaki. Hiruzen snickered seeing Hatake's hands linger a touch too long here and there.

Soma snorted when all the gennin of team seven happily said that Soma thought they were ready for a C-rank mission. The redhead huffed and in a blur of movement the seals all fell off his body harmlessly and he stood up. Naruto groaned and Sasuke scowled. Sakura just looked nervous and hopeful. Soma merely brushed lingering red stands of hair out of his face before moving away from Naruto's grabby hands.

"If you lot had not been so impatient I would have let you know the Hokage and I already agreed to hand you brats a C rank." Soma pouted despite team seven's immediate enthusiasm. Even Sakura looked eager in an instant.

That eagerness died the second their client stumbled in drunkenly. Tazuna was just like Soma remembered. Naruto was called a little girl and the blonde snarled at Sasuke who snickered.

All in all a good day.

Though early the next morning when Soma was holding his parasol awaiting their client he had a blurb of guilt settle in.

He had almost forgotten about the wave mission and all its implications. Things would finally be picking up from here on out and Naruto would grow up fast and this time right.

Soma wore a traveling kimono with the colors of green leaves. His parasol was made to match and the hidden blade was luckily interchangeable.

Soma would be disguised as a Paramore to the client. It was so there was an extra layer of protection with a hidden Shinobi amongst them.

He had worn his hair long and unbound looking every bit as demurely as his act would allow. Truly Soma appeared to be a companion of the night.

Naruto was wearing a kimono the color of autumn leaves tucked into black traveling hakama. The blonde had his hair braided and was still learning how to use his hidden blade parasol so it was sealed away. He did have his war fan tucked into his waist, regular Shinobi weapons along with his pack strapped to his back.

Sasuke was wearing the dark blues of his clan poking at Naruto's hakama cause like Soma the boy loathes wearing them. Sakura was eyeing Naruto and then Soma looking almost astounded at the duality they both had.

Kakashi finally arrived checked the team's packs and they were off.

Soma played his part clinging to their client's side keeping the conversation light and teasing.

The kids directed questions back and forth and Soma felt the slap of memories nearly overwhelming. He pulled his thoughts back when he spotted the puddle of water far off in the distance keeping his expression hidden under his parasol but signaling Kakashi.

Kakashi wanted him to keep back and protect the client only to observe and Soma nearly rolled his eyes. Of course.

They crossed past the puddle and once Kakashi was in range action burst forth. Chains threatened to wrap around the jonnin but Soma knew the man substituted himself last minute.

The boys spun into action, Naruto stomping down on a chain that aimed towards the client was stopped short. Sasuke had already pinned one of the demon brothers in a tangle of chains. Sakura had fallen back to help cover their client as they were two opponents. She even raised a small wall of earth to cover their blind spot in case anyone else was lurking.

Naruto twisted with his war fan and jumped out and struck the demon brother. A thin line of red proved the blonde had cut the man.

Soma wondered what Naruto had done as the assailant the boy faced faltered stumbled and tangled the chain around his own feet.

Sasuke used this chance to kick the stumbling one head-first into the other and both were promptly knocked out.

Soma whistled and Kakashi came out of the bushes impressed. Then turned his blazing gaze on Tazuna while Soma set about tying up and calling forth a summons to deliver the bound men back to the leaf village.

Kakashi had interrogated their client and oddly no resistance came when Naruto insisted on continuing on with the mission. Soma tuned it out having already heard this all before.

Kakashi had tugged the blonde Uzumaki over to ask why the demon brother he faced became so strange and the boy chuckled.

"Aunty Azumi is a poison expert, I used a hallucinogen and always coat my main weapons with it unless we're practicing but it won't kill him. She's been teaching me this stuff since I was three." Soma snorted at Kakashi's dumbfounded expression. Itachi had already been teaching Sasuke the same as Naruto hadn't shut up about it on their playdates when they were kids.

Sakura was learning it from both boys currently as they had wanted her to be mindful of their weapons. Kakashi was probably flabbergasted that they had bothered to learn such things. His team was the future combat specialist group, at least that's what he trained them towards.

It was all so different that it snowed the redhead. He was changing things even if he didn't change it all there were still things he could do.

Soma followed the group this time at a distance as he knew nothing would happen until after they crossed the river.

His mind was focused and he watched the kids settle into their roles as Shinobi of the leaf.

Pride was an unfamiliar emotion but Soma felt it nonetheless. His clan imparted all their knowledge onto Naruto and he was the combination of their efforts and he worked hard to make them all proud.

The team settled and set it once again and Soma played his part. Naruto settled down and Kakashi watched the kids idly. Tazuna had gotten someone to help them cross the river. The kids were alert but very new to everything occurring. Though he eyed Soma as well. The man was tense, and Kakashi was immediately on guard as the boy had better senses than even him.

They landed and Soma opened his parasol but this time unlocked the base tube only slightly.

Kakashi caught the hint and prepared himself to look casual while searching for danger.

It seemed that things were about to get interesting.

Notes:

The infamous wave mission, I'm on pins and needles here lol

Chapter 9: Monster

Summary:

Team seven's first mission and it's just as painful as the first time Soma has faced it. Kakashi himself notices a few things that don't seem to add up to what he thought of Soma.

Notes:

Hello, it's been a while I know. Sorry about the late update but I work a lot so there's not much I can do if I want to keep my dogs in the lifestyle they have become accosted to lol

https://discord.com/invite/eQCW8GX2aE

Discord server for my works

Naruto stared in slight awe at Kakashi who was fighting Zabuza. The fluid swift movement he could only minutely catch due to the diligent training his clan paced him through. It had to be the most ferocious fight he had ever seen, but it was still somehow graceful and beautiful. The demon of the mist was frezied and tactical in every minuscule movement but Kakashi was better controlled and had less wasted energy.

Naruto knew their sensei trained as Soma and Itachi goaded the man into early morning training with them ever since they reunited. Soma had always insisted on pushing Kakashi and Itachi into daily training. Soma didn't let either man lose their skill for moments like this.

Team seven's Gennin always showed up to team training early just to watch the three in awe.

On occasion at the weekly group training for the rookie nine, Soma would encourage other Sensei's to train against him. Uzumaki Soma seemed to intently train Asuma sensei which always surprised everyone there. Naruto didn't think those two were particularly close but Soma himself seemed to favor improvement of Asuma more than even Kakashi. Naruto had previously wondered why Soma would go to such lengths when it was obvious he was leagues above the others.

Watching Kakashi's sensei shift through his fight so effortlessly is what made Naruto understand.

It wasn't for Soma's betterment, it was to make his precious people more capable of taking care of themselves. Thoughts of weeks previous when Naruto tried to stay back to save Soma from the supposed invasion was an eye-opener.

Soma was right, Naruto could not be there for everyone, in fact, he could be late to help others and they needed to be able to save themselves or those of the village. His friends were part of the village but they were also capable Shinobi.

You couldn't save everyone but you could prepare them for the worst. It humbled Naruto and ground him to realize such a fact. His precious people could be lost to him if they just happened to face off a more powerful person or made a single mistake. He had to worry about his friend and their progress during their next group session of training.

A flickering of moves brought Naruto back into the real world stopping him from delving too deep into his previous train of thought.

Kakashi's eye was a blazing red like Sasuke's and Itachi sensei had. Naruto wondered if that was why he covered that single eye. They had all caught glimpses of that eye during training but Itachi's hard glare Sasuke's way and Soma's gentle gaze Kakashi's way had kept them all from asking questions. So none of them knew much about why their sensei had a sharingan of the Uchiha clan.

The blonde was tugged back gently and turned to look back behind him. He couldn't believe he kept getting lost in thought in the middle of such a fight. He'd have to work on that.

At the start of Kakashi's fight with Zabuza, Naruto had placed a powerful barrier down to ensure their client and the young members of team seven stayed protected. Soma was sticking to his role, curled into the bruising grip of a transfixed Tazuna. The man was astounded at the battle happening before him.

Despite the fight being difficult for any but Soma to truly follow, it still captivated the small group, more evidently with team seven Gennin. They had not realized that Kakashi sensei was so powerful, not when they never witnessed him take most situations too seriously. They all eyed Soma wondering if he was at their sensei's level yet. How far could Kakashi push them as well?

They had to pause those thoughts as Soma was meant to stick to his guise.

Kakashi had wanted Soma to keep back to hold up pretense as they didn't know if Zabuza was working alone. Naruto sent out clones to help Kakashi avoid back attacks from the missing nin's water clones.

Sasuke helped by throwing kunai at the openings Naruto made for him keeping Zabuza's water clones away from their barrier. Sakura needed to concentrate as she was the one calling out where the water clones were. Zabuza had picked a perfect location to ambush them. Right by the water so he had an easy stream of clones to pour out.

Though thanks to his gennin and their help, Kakashi was able to fully focus on the missing-nin as they had the barrier up and Soma was also in their group. Kakashi knew if he was killed or too injured to continue Soma would move in an instant to keep the kids safe, hell he would probably have no issue taking down Zabuza while he was at it. The disparity between his former student's power and his own was now astronomical it had been a bitter pill to swallow before but now Kakashi was grateful since his gennin were at risk. That only pushed Kakashi to attack Zabuza more reverently.

Zabuza was soon at a disadvantage and everyone froze when two senbon were suddenly slammed into his neck before Kakashi could land a killing blow.

There was a tense silence as a masked Shinobi wearing a mist anbu mask appeared. "Thank you, I've been tracking Zabuza for a while now." Everyone jolted when suddenly Soma struck out sword glinting making the masked man desperately tug away Zabuza's body from Soma's blade.

"Maa maa, hunter nin. Why are you dragging off the dead body? I'm just trying to ensure the kill." Soma tensed and the masked man gathered up the body swiftly.

Naruto could sense Soma's unease, his fluctuating emotions gave away that this was one of those moments where things aren't what they appear.

The blonde looked at the masked nin trying to desperately understand what was happening. How did Soma know this was a trick? Naruto could only faintly feel that glimmering power come from Zabuza's form. It was hard to read though and Naruto didn't know what Soma could sense that he couldn't.

Soma did that sometimes though and Naruto knew he had traveled so maybe he recognized this chakra but the blonde would not blow his guardian's cover and kept quiet as the masked nin collected Zabuza's body and departed.

Kakashi sensei had been quite tense almost as if he had wanted to interfere with what had unfolded before him but a glance back to his group stopped him. "Let's get Tazuna home then." Kakashi covered his Sharingan and walked only slightly unsteadily.

Soma was suddenly there next to Kakashi helping him walk. He was less tense and full of concern for their sensei. Team seven hesitated collectively having never seen Soma show Kakashi any sort of affection. The man treated their sensei like an annoying bug that buzzed around him. Naruto forgot that they had once been their own little team with Itachi at their side.

Now Naruto understood that despite the awkward reunion between the three who trained team seven, to Soma they were his teammates. Would always be his teammates no matter what, even if they fought they would eventually reunite.

Soma would still stand by their side as an ever present presence. Naruto would need to ponder on that revelation and his gaze aimed at the pleased expression Kakashi made at having Soma so close.

Kakashi sensei always seemed to get this dreamy gaze when looking at Soma.

Did...Kakashi sensei love Soma? This singular thought orbited within all three of team seven's gennin watching their sensei and temporary sensei interact.

It always surprised them all to see the kind affectionate nature given to Kakashi who seemed to melt into the care. Soma was mostly observing the team rather than directly leading them. Kakashi himself was the one commanding them about.

Kakashi imparted his knowledge, morals and ideology. Itachi helped to refine the team and Soma kept them growing at a steady pace. They worked so well together as if they had always been a well-oiled machine.

The redhead showed he cared about his teammates very openly as of late.

Though to be fair Soma had avoided his former teammate and former sensei for such a long time that it was odd to see that he cared for them.

The kids huddled around their client who was eagerly telling them about his home but right at that moment none of them were truly listening.

Once they got Tazuna home the old man led Kakashi and Soma away briefly introducing the group to his daughter-in-law Tsunami and Grandson Inari.

The gennin were left in the entryway and immediately began to debate.

"I've got two questions here. First, the most important thing. Why does Soma sensei play an escort so well?"

Naruto huffed and Sasuke scowled at Sakura both wondering how she passed the seduction course of the academy. Everyone knew Soma was the one to enforce that all students were to learn the course. Hell, Soma was well known for using his looks to get what he wanted if need be, it was a known secret among the shinobi households. Especially since Soma used his sex appeal to trick Ibiki into doing him a favor by taking on more work at the academy. Especially since Ibiki was head of the interrogation team and everyone doubted the man even knew what sex was. It had sent Shikaku into a fit of snickering at every shinobi meeting when the man would follow Soma around like a puppy.

Seduction was a trademark for the man. Even Itachi and Kakashi openly admitted to its usefulness when they had done undercover work together.

"Next question." Naruto spoke glaring at Sakura who gulped at the glare but moved on.

"T-then do you think Kakashi sensei likes Soma sensei!" Sakura spoke with an excited flush already on her face. Naruto blanched and Sasuke huffed but both boys seemed to think.

" Well, he's got competition if he does." Sasuke spoke crossing his arms and snickering.

Naruto rolled his eyes and scoffed trying to will away the urge to gag. This was his pseudo brother they were talking about. "If you mean Itachi then I'm going to encourage Kakashi Sensei to woo him before your brother builds up the courage to even look Soma in the eye."

Sasuke scowled at Naruto. "My brother would be far more suited to becoming Soma's partner." The blonde huffed.

Sakura was looking between her two teammates with stars in her eyes and blood running down her nose. "You mean Sasuke's hot brother and our renowned heartbreaker of a Sensei are fighting for Soma sensei's hand?"

Both boys froze and looked at Sakura who had begun gleefully giggling. They both shivered in fear but knew better than to voice any of their thoughts of horror out loud.

Ever since Soma began training the girl, Sakura had become stronger nearly knocking them out with a single punch when sparring. Plus the girl was learning medical ninjutsu and neither boy wanted to be her practice dummy anytime in the near future.

"Yeah let's just focus on the mission instead of Soma's weird love life." Naruto huffed crossing his arms.

"Maa maa it would be wise to stay out of my love life I agree." All the gennin froze and turned to the glowering form of Soma. They haven't heard or sensed him at all. It was unnerving especially since he wore geta on wood flooring.

"Oh, I better go check on Kakashi sensei." Sakura spoke first bolting and both boys muttered about checking the perimeter before scrambling off themselves.

Naruto called several clones to help secure the perimeter. The blonde determined he needed to wipe all thoughts of Soma and his love life away.

T.D.O.T

Kakashi sat down unsteady and Soma ensured he didn't further injure himself.

The worry and warmth were gone from the calculative and mechanical Uzumaki leader. The redhead was reading him. Kakashi knew Soma figured he wasn't badly injured just tired.

The sharingan drained him just not as much as it had in the past. Soma and Itachi truly kept him in shape and improving on his skills so there was no doubt this small setback would be over and done with soon.

"How are you feeling?" Soma has already placed several seals on Kakashi's body. The silver-haired Shinobi used to it as the redhead would transfer some of his chakra to Kakashi regularly during practice. Kakashi used to faint from overuse of his Sharingan now he barely noticed any drain.

He suspected the Uzumaki vitality was channeled through their chakra but couldn't be sure.

"Only slightly tired you won't need to dish out much to regulate my chakra." Soma hummed in acknowledgement and Kakashi felt warmth that accompanied Soma's chakra transfer.

The guy was a literal genius when it came to fuinjutsu. He only got better when returning from his mission to collect the Uzumaki's secret vault of scrolls. Soma did the impossible by bringing a once nearly decimated clan back to life.

It was surprising how he flourished with little guidance.

While Kakashi was still drowning in the memories of blood. "Ya know, I've always admired your tenacious personality." Kakashi spoke suddenly making Soma frown as he looked over the masked man.

"What are you implying?" Soma spoke now focusing on cleaning off any blood from Kakashi's body. Quietly observing his bruised limbs.

"Despite your past life mirroring mine in a macabre sort of fashion, you have yet to let it consume you as it has me." Soma hummed gently to Kakashi's response easing him to lie back on the ground. Soma unzipped Kakashi's vest and observed a few open wounds stitching themselves back together. Sakura would still need to add to his healing but Kakashi would be up and running in no time. Soma focused back on the conversation as he knew it would be somewhat daunting to ignore.

"It's not easy, I sometimes feel like I'm losing my mind with constant reminders of loved ones and their last moments with me. I'm still not fully recovered from my first sensei's death as he died because of my lack of control." Soma's gaze was haunted and Kakashi regretted bringing up the ghost.

"I was young and arrogant. Just so naive and stupid to the point that it severely impacted those around me." Soma shifted Kakashi's clothes back after he cleaned off any open wounds.

"My ignorance wasn't stopped until I had lost every last one of them. That's why I can't let myself function like I'm half dead."Soma stood and moved their packs aside. "If I dare do that, then for me it would be like spitting on their sacrifice." Soma shook his head pushing away the thoughts of his past. He could only look forward now.

"That's why I appear like I'm functioning well. I don't have time for the ghost anymore, not when I can't risk our future." Kakashi mulled over Soma's words as if a clear bell broke through and lifted the fog around his eyes.

The pair shared a smile between them holding a clear conscious understanding of one another. It was like the air had cleansed around them now that they both had that connection.

"I'm going to check on the kids before they set something on fire." Kakashi chuckled waving Soma off and stayed sitting as his treatment would take several moments still.

Left alone to his thoughts no matter how briefly Kakashi couldn't help but marvel after Soma. He wished he was a better man to stand by his side but Kakashi was just a lonely broken man chasing after Soma's affections.

He wasn't even the only one either.

Itachi as much as he was a rival for Soma's affection was held back by the same inferiority that Kakashi felt. Soma was well adjusted and like Itachi, Kakashi didn't want to taint him with all his flaws. Hell, Kakashi didn't feel worthy of an iota of Soma's affection.

Soma was human but he was functioning and thriving whereas someone like Kakashi was just living. Waiting for the end that refused to take him but took everyone he cared about around him.

Sakura suddenly burst into the room and eagerly looked over at Kakashi chatting about healing techniques she would get to practice because of him. Kakashi sighed as Soma's seals stopped and flaked off of him.

Kakashi frowned missing the rushing warmth of Chakra and allowed Sakura's glowing green hands to cover any exposed wounds to practice her healing. Her skill and affinity for learning iryojutsu were a marvel to watch in development.

Soma had a real knack for finding hidden talents Team Seven seemed to thrive in. Everyone had been learning everything at a rapid pace since Soma's realistic reality check several weeks back.

The seriousness and dedication the kids collectively put into training was astronomical. Sakura flourished under the guidance of the team. Naruto himself was proving to be just as talented as Soma himself. Sasuke was showcasing to also be his brother's vicious replica. It was almost embarrassing as Kakashi had not really planned to push the team so hard.

Had it been left up to Kakashi team seven would have still been learning chakra control exercises. Mostly due to their teamwork being slightly atrocious. Without the Uzumaki leader's intervention, Kakashi would have stalled their growth until they could work together as a healthy unit first.

Maybe he could use this mission to push the team a bit more.

T.D.O.T

" My soul is going to leave my body." Naruto groaned only earning a tired grunt from Sasuke.

"At least you can still move your body." Sakura shouted from across the field the same spot she had collapsed at several minutes prior.

Soma was gone watching the bridge builder until the man was to be ready to leave for the day so Kakashi had made his team work on stamina by running the entire morning through trees.

If one of them touches the ground they were made to stop and start over.

Naruto had been the only one who could handle the rigors of stamina training with less pain done to him than Sasuke or Sakura.

Kakashi didn't want them completely drained as he needed them ready for the actual mission of watching over the bridge builder. Kakashi knew he wouldn't have another opportunity to have extra eyes with him on a mission so he wanted his team to get the idea of training together whenever and wherever they could.

Kakashi wasn't going to hold any of his team back and was already making plans to progress team seven to be greater than all the previous team sevens of his past.

He couldn't fail this team and needed them to want to push themselves with or without him. Kakashi would have held them all back trying to preserve their childhood...yet with Soma and Itachi having been under his tutelage, he was made to watch and push two very young kids into dangerous missions. They had been nearly as young as he had been.

Kakashi had never understood the hesitation Minato had sending him out on dangerous or even mentally draining missions. He understood more now. Had it been just Itachi, Kakashi wouldn't have felt so torn up. The boy held back his emotions and buried them just like he did.

No, Itachi and he would have just quietly suffered in silence. It was Some who proved that they were lacking, not functioning properly, and practically bulldozed them into being healthier mentally. He never said anything but he was just proof that the were better ways to cope.

Yeah, Kakashi truly struggled to send either of them out to kill. That was when he had realized that he needed to quit anbu or else all he'd see was blood. Soma proved Kakashi needed that as his hesitation was now a burden to the village and to the missions he led.

T.D.O.T

Soma frowned feeling restless.

Naruto was out training and had been out since before the sun rose in the sky. Soma remembered this day in his long-lost past. The day he first met Haku, though he wasn't too confident if the meeting would happen the same.

It made the redhead anxious so Some left team seven who had been conversing about their missing teammate.

The Uzumaki leader could feel eyes suddenly aimed his way before he disappeared in a seamless body flicker. He moved, silent unnoticed until he came to a familiar pathway.

Memories of stumbling through this same walk flooded his mind. Soma remembered in his first life the pain, the embarrassment, and the unending feeling of never being enough. That's why he would walk this path and work hard, train till he was passing out in the forest or bleeding, and work himself well past the point of his body protesting.

That life of pushing himself endlessly wasn't far off from his Naruto's life. Only the reason for pushing this one forward was different. There was still the need to prove himself but it had less to do with trying to build up his own reputation. Rather upholding and rises above his clan's name and the demon he carries.

Soma pulled from his thoughts as a silhouette showed in the distance.

Deep blue eyes aimed at a startled figure that froze on the path. A fake smile plastered on the beautiful face of a man who had died his first lifetime around.

It hurt to see Haku again.

This was the man who taught him to follow his own nindo. His way of life was only possible because of the man's previous sacrifice.

Though Soma now imprinted that nindo into this Naruto, body mind, and soul. So, in a way, Haku affected both Naruto's of both lives.

Soma gave a small smile when he drew closer to the obviously uncomfortable figure.

"You and Zabuza should find a new client if you wish to live." Haku stiffened and Soma caught the senbon the teen had thrown at him.

Soma moved with fluidity blocking each striking blow and aimed his way swiftly he had the teen trapped. The Uzumaki leader didn't hurt a single hair on the boy's head nor was he even ruffled by the encounter.

He remembered the boy had trampled him and Sasuke in his past. Now though Soma was a different man who had long since surpassed the skill of Haku. It was oddly bittersweet to force him into submission so easily.

Haku was held arms twisted and his body suddenly felt weak and he was unable to call on his chakra.

Haku was frozen thinking he would die here with his master still weak at their temporary hideout.

"Gato has a reputation for killing off some of his hired people. Keep that in mind Haku." Soma dropped Haku and the sudden feeling of weakness left the teen who looked up in shock at the redhead who continued leisurely on his path back towards the meadow Haku had left that boy at.

"How do you know my name?" The redhead chuckled and only waved back at the boy in farewell instead of answering him.

After all, they were Shinobi. It wouldn't do to offer up information.

Soma arrived to find Naruto sitting in the grass, seemingly meditating. It was the beginning steps of connecting with his bijuu. The chakra entity would be quite resistant to Naruto at the beginning of their time together. This foundation or calming one's self and mind would be beneficial for Naruto when he inevitably needed to face his demons...almost literally in this sense.

Soma only settled silently next to his younger counterpart and kept his senses open to protect Naruto. There were so many things he wished he could say, but knew most of what wished to burst forth wouldn't make sense yet.

Naruto was on his own trajectory now and Soma was only there to keep him from falling off the path for too long. Now though he was just given so much free time. Naruto was moving beyond Soma's scope into his own with others and Soma didn't know what to do now.

Should he travel? Search for Obito...maybe end this all before the Akatsuki comes after the tailed beast. He had wiped out most of the organization already. But Madara and Obito were extremely difficult to find. Soma hasn't even heard a single rumor of either one of them. He would have no choice but to wait for them to appear before him.

Soma turned his gaze to Naruto who was blinking back into awareness and smiled at the pleased expression on the boy's face.

Even despite his reluctance to give up, he still acted to finally just have some peace.

Should he travel? Search for Obito...maybe end this all before the Akatsuki comes after the tailed beast. He had wiped out most of the organization already. But Madara and Obito were extremely difficult to find. Soma hasn't even heard a single rumor of either one of them. He would have no choice but to wait for them to appear before him.

Soma knew he wasn't immortal, the years would creep up on him in no time. It was why he trained the next generation so meticulously. They might need to pick up where he might fail once more. So it was fine he started to live in this time wholeheartedly. Soma still had a life to live... maybe now it was time to finally live it.

The Uzumaki leader was pleased and chose to leave the kids to fend for themselves and went back to the dwelling of the bridge builder.

He only went to ensure Haku had not harmed his Naruto this time plus now Haku was warned after all.

Well, time was a fickle thing and he refused to leave everything up to chance.

T.D.O.T.

Kakashi marveled at Soma, his lazy gaze following that shimmering glimmer of hair that bounced in a high tail. Soma had volunteered to help the lady of the house clean up after dinner.

They had just escaped a rather awkward encounter with Tsunami's young son who claimed they would die.

What had been rather surprising was Soma's soft gentle handling of giving the child a reality check.

Kakashi frowned thinking back on the conversation.

The words 'You're all just going to die. Everyone that's gone against Gato dies!' The boy sounded hopeless.

How Naruto seemed extremely agitated and was about to burst into a rant only to be soothed by words from Soma.

'No one lives forever, even the powerful can fall.' Everyone looked as if they had been struck not having expected such a response. Soma only quietly sipped his tea gathering his dishes as he moved to stand and clear the table. 'I could die tomorrow but that would not stop me from trying to live. It's exactly why I work hard to change today.' That stunned mostly those of team seven and they all froze looking at the mysterious Uzumaki leader.

Soma's gaze had glossed over and Kakashi's had never seen the man look so...heartbroken. It was raw and unfiltered, so unlike the Soma he had always come to know.

'We are not gods, nor can we claim to be all-powerful but neither is this Gato. If we simply lay over and take what he dishes out that would make us blind fools.' Soma smiled almost mockingly at the stunned Inari.

'I'm no blind fool. Are you?' Then the redhead turned to help Tsunami clean the dishes. Inari had stumbled out of the room breaking the silence they had fallen into.

Naruto looked like his world was shattered for a moment before excusing himself and scampered off an excuse to train tumbling from his lips.

Kakashi realized with how powerful Soma was, Naruto had never thought of the possibility that he could actually die. It seemed the survival exam weeks back had not truly stuck that home for team seven, not till this moment here. Even Sasuke had paled and tugged Sakura along to join their comrade in training once more.

That was just Soma though, always his melancholy and so serious apprentice. He had the veneer of a genial and calm disposition when he truly took the world on his shoulders. His emotional intelligence just made him handle it in a much more productive way. Even if he was a wash of emotions it didn't eat him alive. He lived his life a different way compared to Itachi still haunted by his own demons but unwilling to let that stop him from moving forward with every possibility. . Soma was convinced he was not strong enough, powerful enough, or stable enough to take on everything that came their way.

Though that begged the question. Why was Soma so humble? Why did he not believe in the power he held? What was it about this Uzumaki that his unshakable power was still not enough for him?

Kakashi wasn't sure he wanted to know, because if it was something stronger than Soma, they were all doomed.

A thought struck Kakashi.

"Soma." Kakashi waited until the redhead excused himself from Tsunami who shooed him away from the remaining dishes. The redhead settled in front of Kakashi and he really eyed his long-time protege.

"How old were you when you came to the village?"

Soma's gaze squinted suspiciously and it was extremely similar to his blonde student's look it made Kakashi frown behind his mask. The redhead seemed annoyed at the given scrutiny Kakashi gave him.

"Seven. I'm surprised you forgot, I thought you were supposed to be a genius." Soma bit out sarcastically.

Kakashi ignored the jibe and made his mind focus. Soma had a rough past. The small clues he could gather created an odd timeline. He knew he was almost obsessively focused on Soma to a point that he seemed unhealthy to his closest friends.

It was always something about him that triggered Kakashi's once monotonous life into something that breathes and lives.

He doubted Soma was a spy. The guy had loyalty to the leaf even stronger than some naturally born Shinobi. His devotion to Naruto was another thing. Soma had held himself in an unapproachable sector, separate from others... all save Naruto. The two closer than even Soma and Nagato's Bond wove. Soma was friendly but unapproachable as if he expected everyone he interacted with to disappear from his life.

Or rather that he would disappear from their lives.

Yet, he had grown up surrounded by strong friends and family, growing stronger than those around him and yet still doubted and ached and languished over his placement and the preservation of those around him. All except Naruto...as if he saw something in him that others could not. As of he shared the same heartaches and anguished in the same misery as each other.

Soma made him wonder, which was both dangerous and soothing in its own way.

All those years ago when a boy of seven was brought to the Hokage's office knowing of Bijuu and cursed powers. Understanding how having such power would affect how those around you treated you.

It made one wonder if Soma knew of these emotions hands-on. Despite never showing any outward signs of such effects.

He didn't understand why Soma was the way he was. Those same thoughts always plagued Kakashi as humans were naturally greedy. What was it about Sona that made him so selfless yet so untrusting of those around redhead was more tight-lipped since meeting him when he was nine. Kakashi felt almost...offended.

Why would he not open up when Kakashi so desperately wanted to know him? Even if he could never have him.

However, admitting to that type of vulnerability was so not the Hatake clan style. "Will you marry me?" Kakashi spoke smiling earning a beautiful flush and a dark glower from his favorite redhead. He had already given up on asking any real questions as he realized he was still too scared to know the truth.

"Get lost!" Soma yelled stomping out of the kitchen leaving behind a flustered Tsunami and a snickering Tazuna. Kakashi only watched that perfect glimmering hair bounce away. Also eyed that perfect ass of his enjoying the fact that Soma never punished him for his perverted antics.

T.D.O.T

Soma stood silently watching team seven leave with Tazuna. This time Naruto had woken up with his team and they set out to the bridge.

The Uzumaki clan head opted to stay at the house. He knew what was coming but he also needed Naruto to understand that this was the start of his Shinobi career.

Danger was part of their life and Soma would not necessarily be there for him. It made the redhead anxious but determined to allow them both this step away from each other.

Soma would join them but for now, he needed to wait.

Soma heard banging at the front door and took a deep breath standing from his position in the upstairs bedroom.

"I guess this is finally the beginning." Soma spoke allowed almost regretting what was likely to come.

T.D.O.T

Kakashi watched stunned as his students had easily developed and implemented a trap that held down a surprised Zabuza and what seemed to be his masked apprentice.

The only proof Kakashi had taken part in the scuffle was the thin line of blood dripping from his arm when he tried to protect Sakura's exposed back from the surprise attack. After Zabuza's masked partner ripped Naruto's seal pouch and threw it away in a far distance before being trapped. His team recovered swiftly and bolted into action in an instant.

Never did he imagine three gennin could accomplish such a feat. No one was severely hurt, in fact, Kakashi hadn't realized Naruto had placed seals in the almost-built bridge the day they had arrived in the village.

Seals sprung up to effectively hold down Zabuza's partner in a reverse barrier like a portable prison. Never mind the fact that it was an amazing and unheard-of seal.

Sasuke had trapped Zabuza in his Sharingan while Sakura had used a chakra-infused punch to temporarily knock out Zabuza.

Kakashi hadn't even had to use a single-hand seal.

Naruto's barrier was being put under some pressure from the masked boys Kekkei Genkai that appeared to involve ice of some form.

Apparently, the time his gennin were training they were also planning fight scenarios mostly with Sakura leading the team through several scenarios and using Naruto and Sasuke as tools since she was not yet up to par on fighting capabilities.

"Kakashi sensei Naruto and I won't be able to hold them for that long," Sasuke spoke breaking him from his stupor realizing they had tied up Zabuza while he was unconscious much to his partner's dismay and upset. Naruto looked at his barrier a bit nervously as small cracks were beginning to appear.

Kakashi called his team back behind him quietly cursing himself for not insisting on Soma coming along.

Then almost like it was planned Zabuza awoke just as his partner broke through Naruto's prototype barrier.

Sakura fell back holding a protective position in front of Tazuna Sasuke covering their backs while Naruto scrambled to create a seal with his blood to protect the team. Kakashi jolted realizing that his barrier even covered Kakashi.

He only frowned that it was a red tint to the barrier...that was very different from other blood seals.

"Cowards, come out here and fight!" Zabuza growled this out brandishing his large blade. His partner pulled out senbon and began trying to attack the red barricade.

From what Kakashi could see his team had shown great complexity in a strategy that was never to have a drawn-out battle but meant to stun and retreat to safety. Giving their side an advantage of getting themselves prepared before engaging with the threat.

This was astounding as it would be revolutionary for any future escort missions where client safety would be the priority. His students came up with this by themselves and Kakashi truly felt humbled.

He definitely underestimated them...Itachi did as well for they shared the same opinion that they were progressing team sevens training a bit extensively but Soma saw through it all. He truly could read the potential of this generation of Shinobi and knew when to lead them step by step for training and when to pull back and allow them to grow alone.

Kakashi regretted snubbing Soma's dream of teaching the next generation of ninja. He truly was meant to mold the future of their village into greatness.

Kakashi could feel a vibration of energy in this red barrier. He remembered this feeling and glanced back to Naruto who was focused on concentration watching the two before them. He could see the shifting in his Naruto's blue glimmering gaze to blood red for brief moments as the blonde glowered at the masked boy.

"You might as well take off the mask Haku, how dare you try to trick me!" The blonde looked offended. "Your chakra doesn't lie though, does it." Kakashi whipped back obviously he had missed something if Naruto seemed to have crossed paths with Zabuza's partner in the past few days before this encounter.

The boy did pull off his mask looking a bit hurt by the accusation but his expression hardened before tucking the mask away.

"Think as you wish " The older boy spoke and everyone flinched as Zabuza tried slamming his blade into the barrier only for it to propel back.

Ice built up suddenly forming into senbon and attacked the dome in all directions only to shatter on contact. Kakashi listened as Sakura and Sasuke tried to calm Naruto a bit, they worried his anger would blind him and he'd do something brash.

"If you guys don't come out to play I'll have to rip apart this bridge until there's no other choice." Zabuza spoke leveling his blade on a concrete pillar near them.

Zabuza jolted blocking a thin long blade and in quick succession. Several kicks jerked his body backward and into the ground. A scream of surprise took Zabuza's partner as the boy was slammed into the ground in an instant and from what Kakashi could see a seal was placed on his cheek and he was trapped in the canopy of a beautiful umbrella. Soma stood before them effortlessly and not a hair out of place.

Kakashi froze seeing red in Soma's gaze and watched him resolutely assault Zabuza. This was a beat down and so one-sided that Kakashi almost felt sorry for the other guy. The hits that landed were blows made by Soma's fists or legs. As if he was playing with him. It was a monstrous display and Kakashi jolted when Sakura eased him down so she could heal him with iryojutsu. Kakashi just stood stunned.

Sasuke stayed back with their client and Naruto seemed to focus on keeping their barrier up. Kakashi could feel the energy in the barrier was ever shifting so that was why it was required to keep a constant watch on it. It was truly different from a ready-made seal that needed constant and consistent chakra flow.

However. the barrier was on the back of Kakashi's attention as it was aimed at the right before him.

Zabuza had gotten a solid swing in and Soma was bleeding from a deep wound on his hip. Not that it deterred the redhead in his assault on Zabuza

Kakashi knew he would just get in the way right now if he were to try to intervene. Though there was no point in joining in the fight.

Zabuza was going to lose to Soma there was little doubt about that. It made Kakashi realize that Soma had long ago surpassed him...what exactly happened to Soma in their years apart?

Said redhead caught sight of Kakashi immediately those blue eyes narrowed down noticing the dripping blood coming off the masked nin and for a fraction of a second Soma looked furious.

Soma looked to be almost in anguish a bit of his always ever-present control had vanished. A display of controlled violence poured out of the redhead and his striking fist seemed louder. It startled his gennin who all seemed to shift uncomfortable.

"Soma." It was spoken unconsciously by Kakashi and that seemed to reign the Uzumaki leader back in that same instant. The savageness seemed to diminish and only a flinching around his eyes seemed to indicate to Kakashi that Soma was horrified with what he had done.

The one-sided fight was ended when Gato, a grubby fat slimeball strolled into the scene and began mocking Zabuza and taunting the bloody and bruised man. Even going so far as to proposition Soma offering him money to kill both Zabuza and Haku before turning on team seven to kill Tazuna. The man was extremely foolish to think such a thing would work.

Soma had moved back putting himself between the barrier and the sudden appearance of all the rouges.

"I tried to warn you Haku, guys like Gato only betray you in the end." Kakashi was confused once again unsure of how much he could have missed this past week.

Naruto stumbled and his barrier fluttered before Soma looked back and Kakashi watched the color drain from the redhead's face.

They all ignored Gato who was rambling and Zabuza moved to Haku's side breaking the teen out of Soma's trap.

"Naru drop the barrier, I told you not to use its power in your seals yet." Kakashi froze as he knew what Soma was referring to. Naruto was tapping into the nine-tailed beast's energy. It breathed life into his seal work making it more unsteady and unstable to control but it was definitely powerful especially in a pinch when Naruto didn't have his ready-made barrier seals in him.

Naruto stumbled as if he couldn't hear them and fainted Sakura and Sasuke screamed his name but Kakashi caught him before he could hit the floor.

Kakashi gave the boy to Sakura and eyed Soma who looked pained but turned his attention to focus on Gato who seemed to be finishing his rambling.

They had a mission to finish.

Kakashi eyed Soma who oddly seemed drained and stumbled but caught himself. That would need to be addressed later though.

Right now there was a task to accomplish.

T.D.O.T

Soma watched the village quietly, the bleeding sunlight breaking through letting his thoughts linger and burn into his mind once more.

Much like in his past life, the villagers banded together and helped drive off the remaining thugs that Kakashi, Soma, and Zabuza had not taken out. It was Zabuza who killed Gato but Soma practically bulldozed the two rogue ninjas out of the village.

There were no other interactions between them as Zabuza and Haku knew this was a mercy for their lives. Soma could decide to kill them both then and there they all knew it.

So they left with their lives.

Kakashi found Soma sitting on a hill overlooking the village below. Team seven gennin were helping to finish the bridge. The two of them just sat in silence until Kakashi realized Soma was silently crying.

"I thought I had better control than that. I hadn't allowed myself to fall like that since my previous sensei's death, ya know." Kakashi froze heating the tremble in his voice and the vulnerability that echoed from the read head. "You think I'm a monster too... right?" Soma spoke almost a whisper of noise. That unfroze the mashed man who gently patted Soma's shoulder.

"I could never think that. Cause you aren't." Kakashi responded more sure of that than anything. The loss of control was normal and despite Soma's character, he was a Shinobi with more blood on his hand than most ninja his age. He and Itachi had been made to do unspeakable things in the name of the leaf village.

Soma had obviously lost a lot of people he cared about at a young age. The thought of Kakashi being injured and the worry that it could have been life-threatening or debilitating would have triggered that held in trauma.

Kakashi knew because he had been that same way when first seeing Itachi kill for the first time. When he himself had been part of the loss of innocence in another child. Kakashi had been grateful it had been Anbu leader Dragon who had Soma with him for his first assassination mission. They all knew after Itachi, Kakashi would have broken apart if he had to do that to Soma as well.

Now wasn't about Kakashi or his broken mental state though.

If his redhead needed reassurance Kakashi would always be there to provide that.

The masked man just wrapped his arm around the redhead's shoulders. Letting the smaller man allow himself to be vulnerable. It was a first and Kakashi was startled to realize that. He let Soma cry and hoped it would be enough for now.

Kakashi was eager to get back to the village. Very eager to return Soma to the safety of the village where he could ensure his redhead was surrounded by the love of his people. That seemed to be his best medicine.

"Come. It's time to go home." Soma sniffled but practically clung to Kakashi while he built himself back up to face team seven.

It was time to go home.

T.D.O.T.

Kakashi eyed Soma as they passed the gates to the village. The redhead was stumbling a bit and Kakashi wondered why, as Soma had been through far more strenuous missions.

Once they got through their report with the Hokage Naruto waved them goodbye and both he and Sasuke took Sakura to eat before they were to escort her home.

Once the kids were gone Kakashi felt it.

Soma's warm power receded. Isekai blinked speechless realizing Soma had never stopped extending his healing power from when he had been injured in his first fight with Zabuza.

Kakashi caught Soma who suddenly collapsed the redhead only apologized and said 'Can't let the clan see me' before passing out. He easily lifted Soma who fit perfectly in his arms into a bridal hold.

His dangerous little firecracker really pushed himself too far. Kakashi hesitated but walked to his home. He figured it would be wiser to let Soma rest in his home as he was sure his clan would be in a frenzy to see him so out of it.

A swift cautionary check with his own iryojutsu ensured to Kakashi that Soma was only exhausted and needed to sleep off his fatigue.

Kakashi sent a summons off to inform the Uzumaki can that Soma was helping him out with mission details. Would return later in the evening or in the morning.

Satisfied Kakashi marched home with his precious cargo.

His skin prickled once he crossed the threshold of his small apartment. Kakshi was swift to deposit Soma onto his only bed taking off the redhead's shoes and changed him.

He just didn't want him wearing the clothes he traveled in on his bed was all. Not that he wanted to catch glimpses of that pale perfect skin. No, it definitely has nothing to do with that.

Soma mumbled softly in his sleep and Kakashi couldn't help but look at how lovely he looked. Wrapped up in one of Kakashi's large nightshirts as he knew Soma would wake had he tried to force pants on him in his sleep.

His long glimmering red hair was fanned out behind him on Kakashi's bed and it made the former anbu captain stare captivated.

If course it would take Soma passing out for Kakashi to finally get him in his bed.

The sensei pulled himself away and set about sprinting himself and prepping a meal for Soma.

He owed him as the redhead definitely overexerted himself trying to ensure he had healed properly.

Kakashi the friend killer just seemed to be unlucky enough to keep making friends.

There were more concerns Kakashi had and wanted to discuss with Soma privately. Never had he thought the redhead would be teaching Naruto to tap into that monster power that resides within him.

Never did he suspect the redhead would have so much stamina as to extend his protection and recovery to Kakashi for such a prolonged period.

Kakashi had questions and Soma would answer them. He just had the grace and loyalty to not ask such things before the third Hokage.

Soma was owed more than that.

Things were far too peculiar around Soma. The man knew far too much and was almost always far too prepared for every scenario they encountered. It was only bolstered by the fact that Soma had practically accommodated for each great encounter they faced in this mission.

There fact that his normally reactive former student stood back and observed with an almost melancholy expression this entire trip. As if he knew what was to occur and who they were meant to face. Like Some knew something they didn't. Plus letting Zabuza and Haku leave without true harm done to them was it or character...almost sentimental for his pragmatic shinobi.

Kakashi was unsettled belted down with every theory he could think of. From Soma being a plant sent to destroy the village to him having gone back in time to save it. Despite how ridiculous that last one sounded.

Ever since he met Soma it felt like possibilities of ridiculous nature could happen though.

The former anbu captain didn't know how long he sat at Soma's side but he had only refocused when banging on his front door sounded. Kakashi quirked a brow not expecting any guest. He wasn't surprised to find Itachi breaking into his apartment though.

Kakashi hadn't moved from his spot at Soma's bedside and he and Itachi shared a look.

There was intelligence behind Itachi's gaze and Kakashi could see he had heard of their travels as Itachi's gaze searched both his and Soma's bodies for injury. The silver-haired man huffed but figured Itachi would have his own questions to aim at his long-time companion and teammate.

It just so happened that Itachi and he must have come to the same thought. Soma knew too much for it to be coincidental. Went through too much for one so optimistic. Held too much wisdom for one so young. He acted like a war veteran at times, yet there had not been a war in his lifetime.

Both men needed to find out why he had such peculiarities if they were going to hand over their hearts entirely. Even if Soma were to reject them, they themselves needed this.

The silence was broken by Soma's groan and Itachi settled at Soma's other side.

Kakashi frowned but forced away his bitterness to focus on Soma. For better or worse It was time to confront him and his secrets. No matter how much both men had wanted to keep running away from it. They needed answers and they needed them fast.

They understood there was more at stake here than just the discourse of their live lives.

"Welcome back Soma." Itachi spoke and Kakashi prepared himself for the oncoming tidal wave of emotions he had withheld.

It was time to search through the skeletons in the closet.

Notes:

Uh oh! Soma doesn't wait up in fact run or ya know you might get tangled in a sordid love triangle or some shit.

Chapter 10: Breakthrough

Summary:

Nagato remembers, Naruto learns, and Soma explains. ^_^ Itachi and Kakashi find out more about the mysterious redhead and my readers shall learn more about the dynamic of the Uzumaki people.

Notes:

*Whistles* That's a doozy to write and I'm exhausted by it.

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Discord server for my works

Nagato would always remember the day he met Soma Uzumaki. The grumbling little five-year-old came huffing and puffing through some foliage that hid their secret base.

It had startled him to see such a young unprotected child in the woods. The shock of that sparkling hair is what also caught his gaze. The glimmering gems of the strange child's eyes made him recall the memories his mother would whisper to him on quiet nights in his youth.

She would speak of her former days of glory, protecting her little whirlpool princess. She spoke eloquently of her former charge and the bedazzled looks and glimmering hues of colors that made her eyes and hair shimmer. Spoke of their people the Uzumaki and of a secret art called fuinjutsu that was so feared their clan had been brought to ruin because of it. His mother spoke of even the heartbreak of holding such pride for her people and their talents to watch it all crumble into dust.

Those were the happier days before she died fighting a war she had been dragged into. A war that had nothing to do with her. A war that slaughtered her and left behind remains so visceral that it still haunts his nightmares. How little they could scoop up of her body and pour into that wooden box just to tell him he was now an orphan. He was only slightly older than the child before him and that was one of his few earlier memories of life.

How Nagato looked at the children of Ame and saw the same vicious cycle eating the people alive to send them all to slaughter.

He had frozen meeting Soma in that instance knowing he was a person of his clan immediately. He also knew Soma was not like him, a branch member like his mother mentioned from her memories. His family line was of the branch of being personal guards to their chosen leader. One who Nagato would have been free to pledge himself to in another lifetime. One who he would have to above all be protected as their main bloodline was comprised of the best their Uzumaki blood had to offer. It meant the child would constantly be in danger were he not to step in and offer guardianship.

Soma, the young child only marched past the frozen Nagato to the nearby river that he had forgotten he was crouched by to check their fishing nets. The little kid only seemed to eye their nets humming to themself softly. That shimmering azure gaze kept flickering up to Nagato's hair and eyes. The child had long hair loose and glimmering like a flaming gemstone. Braided with shells and slips of paper running through the red tresses.

With a start of realization, the younger redhead knew that Nagato was clan and Nagato was hopeful he could help this lost child. Uzumaki were fairly unique in appearance and the young kid was truly a spitting description of what his mother long ago described as royalty to their lineage. The child made up of glimmering colors and a confident demeanor that was out of place on a kid too young to take care of themselves was foreboding to say the least.

Yahiko clamoring into the clearing didn't startle the young child like Nagato thought it would. In fact the kid seemed far too at ease and that's when it hit Nagato like a bolt. Yahiko shrieking just realizing that there was a child in their hidden sanctuary really hit it home for him.

He never sensed the child who was eyeing them in a calculating way. Then the kid spoke and Nagato was devoted to hearing the kids out in that moment, especially since the boy seemed to eye them with pity.

"Honzo is going to play you guys like marionettes." The kid was too young to know if their future meeting with that man. It meant they had spied on them. Somehow not a soul had realized and that intrigued Nagato despite Yahiko jolting at the words.

Nagato had Yahiko leave to call Konan to their side and watched the little child huddle around the river further downstream to not interfere with their traps.

The kid called several clones making Nagato blink rapidly in surprise. The clones caught several fish whole the original built a small fire. The kid had caught gutted and cooked the fish before Yahiko and Konan showed up.

The toddler? was sitting munching on the cooked fish offering the extra to his skeptical friends. Nagato watched the kid cook and prep everything so he ate with no suspicion and his friends followed.

It was peculiar but Nagato wanted answers. He has been feeling off about the deal with Hanzo but Yahiko had assured him and Kohan things were fine.

Now he wasn't so comfortable with their deal. "What did you mean by your earlier comment?" Nagato spoke his friends stayed in silence observing the young boy now lounging on the grass. Everyone was focused on the oddity but too hesitant to upset the child who appeared as if out of air before them.

The kid looked foreign, slightly similar to Nagato yet more...regal. It was no slight to Nagato but the child had an air about them that made even strangers feel the need to bow before their being.

Which was peculiar seeing as the child was wearing a dusty travel kimono the color of coal. The kid looked effeminate so possible a little girl traveling alone and that brought up protective instincts Nagato didn't know he harbored.

"Hanzo is a bad guy with evil intentions, it's understandable as he holds a grudge against you." The little girl ended her words pointing at Nagato who flinched in surprise.

"I've never met him before, how could that be possible." Nagato frowned and eyed the little girl who seemed almost bored.

"The man Kanzo whom you met previously was not who he said he was." The young redhead sighed and pulled out documents. Paper trails that obviously were meant to be hidden or destroyed after reading its contents. How a little girl could have gotten her hands on them flabbergasted the Ame trio.

Nagato picked up the paper with shaky hands his friends leaning over his shoulders to read the damning evidence.

It spoke of orders to be followed by Danzo to kill several root members and pin the blame on the Akatsuki group. That doing so would finally turn Hanzo to their side. Of the plans orchestrated by Hanzo to have Nagato pay for his so-called 'crimes' by forcing him to kill one of his closest friends.

Nagato was horrified, Yahiko was cursing and jumped up to pace while Konan silently cried.

"Why show us this? Who are you and what do you gain from warning us?" Nagato spoke while the girl only huffed and laughed humorlessly.

"Danzo took away so much from me without me knowing anything. So if I could ruin his plans and save a few lives I'd be eternally eager." The girl looked at Nagato a haunted expression behind her gaze looking at something in him that wasn't there.

"I can't implicate him with this that man doesn't even live in this land and where he is from there is too much political coverage for him to sweep it all under the rug. I can take down him and Hanzo who is just as bad as him. I could have done so without warning you but us Uzumaki's need to help one another out, right." The girl shrugged almost nonchalant to his spiraling mind.

"Prove it little girl and I'll pledge myself to you and your cause. If this is all true then I'm too complicit to manipulation and need to learn from you to become more, become better. " Nagato said and the girl seemed to mull it over a moment before nodding in assent.

"Sure but first things first." The kids stood dusting off their kimono and snickering. "I'm a boy, Uzumaki Soma to be precise." It made Nagato flush in embarrassment as he had made an assumption but from that moment onward the Ame trio watched from the sidelines. Soma led them to the site where the meeting was to take place. He held them back beyond a boundary line keeping with a perfect line of sight to the clearing. The young Uzumaki created seals warning them not to cross the boundary or they would be seen and heard.

Soma created clones with fuinjutsu an art Nagato never thought he'd see in real life. Blood poured into a seal placed on the clones from each of the ame trio to create flesh-like replicas of them. They say back and watched as they were betrayed. The clone Yahiko 'died' after the clone Konan was held hostage.

Yahiko shuddered as he watched his clone kill himself and he muttered how did the child know he would sacrifice himself. Soma used the clones to Kill Hanzo as they merely exploded. The group in that instance was obliterated and all the blood and gore left behind. Finishing the show and bringing about Nagato's horror.

It works have played out exactly as such as Yahiko was shaking the child asking how did he know he would make that decision, why would they have not tried to fight back.

Soma only eyed him watching the teen break down in his arms while Konan shuddered and sobbed.

"You were all so desperate for your 'Peace' you never stopped to think if others shared your same ideal." Soma spoke somberly and tugged away from the weeping Yahiko to face Nagato who was silently crying.

"There's a bigger threat that was pulling the strings. Other than Danzo and greater than you playing you for a fool before all this was to play out. Soma spoke pointing back to the mess of rendered flesh.

Nagato froze in morbid horror as Zetsu with Madara appeared cursing as they searched the remains of what they thought was Nagato screaming to find his eyes.

"Obito you damn fool." The boy spoke glowering at who he was told Madara only to now discover it was all a ruse. That man had never been Madara meaning they had been played the entire time and couldn't trust anyone from their group.

Zetsu panicked telling Obito to find the eyes that Madara put inside that boy. Nagato didn't breathe but the child Soma led them covertly away and opposite of where their hidden camp was.

"We have to leave before they realize that was a trick or they will pluck out your eyes." Soma spoke taking them away from Ame and letting them grieve under his protection. He truly protected them as well. The child had been stronger than anyone or anything he had ever seen and Nagato found the boy was only six. Nagato was offered to learn the Uzumaki art while they traveled. Soma offered it to Konan and Yahiko but only Nagato took up the offer and took to it like a duck to water.

Soma forbade the usage of his eyes putting a seal on them to even prevent him from using his secret ability and to Nagato that word was absolute.

That was when Nagato vowed to himself. Like the stories his mother used to speak of, to guard and follow this child to the end of time.

His friend followed his lead as where they went so did he and Soma worked to adjust the seal on his eyes and used its power to regenerate his body slowly. The young Uzumaki was astounding and Nagato had never regretted meeting and following him all those years ago.

It was why when he watched Soma saunter into halls in his rumpled clothing and hair mussed up, he felt a sudden urge to castrate two particular Shinobi in the leaf village.

He was horrified to see what appeared to be his innocent Soma tarnished by the greedy hands of Kakashi or Itachi or both and would have been out for blood if Konan hadn't smacked his arm and Yahiko hadn't started teasing Soma who flushed under the scrutiny Nagato would have lost his temper and his promise to Soma to never use his eyes. This was his leader and Nagato would ensure those two would do right by Soma to alleviate the anger.

T.D.O.T

Naruto let his gaze remain calm despite the ever-present glares and angered muttering that followed in his wake. Sasuke still glared down any that dare look their way but knew better that to confront any of the civilians that had the nerve to say anything.

People still openly called him a demon brat and Naruto refused to be baited by their words. Having been raised by Soma for his life he learned to handle civilians with a cool and calm disposition. Naruto had changed into a shimmering gold kimono with black accents. his hair was unbound and had woven ready-made seals tucked into several looping braids.

He held his umbrella nervously fiddling with the hidden blade inside. Sasuke pointed out how similar he looked to Soma now.

That in turn only made Naruto tease Sasuke who had begun growing out his hair and now tied it similarly to that of his older brother. The blonde teased him saying he was just looking more and more like Fugaku though making Sasuke pout.

Though, both Naruto and Sasuke's striking similarities to their infamous relatives kept anyone from doing any harm against either young teen. They would be extremely foolish to attempt and would have no excuses of deniable plausibility.

It meant that there was a precarious wall between the Shinobi and the civilian classes. All this came to fruition did to the will of the Uzumaki leader enforcing a separation between civilian and shinobi matters. The Uzumaki leader was a well-known presence in the village and the civilians had a healthy dose of respect and fear of him.

Soma was already threat enough that the civilians knew better than to harass the blonde but pushing them might complicate matters. Especially since the Uchiha weren't exactly well-liked, still blamed for the bijuu release years previous. Many still were wary of the close bond between the two powerful clans and none dared to test how far the bond would dip. Truthfully, none of the Shinobi clans got along with the civilians now. All choosing to ally themselves with the Uzi people made the civilians understand their place in the system as it were.

It meant a lot I'm the long run and former ties once severed would not be reformed.

There was a clear line drawn since the full immersion of the Uzumaki people. That line would not be crossed anytime soon, not until the civilians made nice and gave up on their prejudice against two of the more prominent clans. Still it was required for the boys to travel by foot unless and emergency happened when they were being guarded. Naruto's aquamarine gaze flicked back and forth to his and Sasuke's guard only pointing slightly from the absurdity of it all.

Sasuke glanced back spotting Sai with an unsettling smile on his face twitching at every horrible thing spoken about Naruto or Soma. Shin outright showed disgust and sneered at the civilians but ultimately nothing would be done.

The shinibi clans refused to spend their hard-earned money at the hostile civilian run shops and it had severely impacted the commerce. All because they snubbed the Uzumaki clan all those years ago. Naruto ignored the disgruntled looks and the small group moved to the shinobi run side of the market. Many people there were kind to Naruto and Sasuke.

It was a vast difference between how they had been previously treated. Though it gave way to many new shops that offered otherwise exclusive shinobi goods to flourish and now more Shinobi varieties were sold. It made the leaf village stand out as a truly functional militant village.

Traders from outside the village noticed the chasm and divide but they too stuck to mainly trading mostly with the shinibi run shops. Civilian run shops had less needs for exotics and luxuries so it left the market scaled to favor the Shinobi. There was no change to come until the civilians changed.

Naruto and Sasuke were just spending some down time together. They had been given leave after their mission and Sakura had plans with the girls in their graduating class. Nagato refused to allow Naruto to travel without an escort until he was a chininn so Sai and Shin were dispatched to his side. Despite the fact that for political settings even Soma their all powerful leader was forced to have Nagato and Yahiko as his guard. Soma accepted it with grace and Naruto was still adjusting having only reazlied Soma had been his protector until Sai and Shin had finished their training. Konana kept to Azumi and Karin ensuring their many clan members at him were kept safe those days.

It was frustrating to still have to follow these protocols. Sasuke wasn't spared either despite his best efforts. Several of the young Uchiha's own clansman trailed after the boys keeping a careful watch on them. Shisui normally in charge of Itachi's guard was directing the Uchiha and sticking by Sasuke's side.

Foreign dignitaries were in the village to discuss the chuninn exams so it was likely that. Sasuke and Naruto both knew of the times in their youth their near kidnapping was only thwarted because at the time Soma had been uneasy and nervous about the children's safety.

He has sent guardian's to oversee him and the other children just because he had felt uneasy. He didn't mind social decorum or how it would make him appear overprotective. Soma ruled their people like a true sovereign.

Naruto was slowly still learning the methods Soma used and adjusting to the way he was coddled. Their people loved their king and it only made the blonde Uzumaki wish to lead similarly, even if he was uncomfortable with the constant care.

It wouldn't be for many years hopefully, as Naruto still had hopes and dreams to lead himself. Along with the fact that he wanted Soma to lead their people for as long as possible.

Naruto froze hearing gossiping women at a nearby food stall chatting about said guardian.

"So, when do you think that Uzumaki leader will settle down?" A girl gushed to her friend making Naruto frown but focus on the conversation.

"I wouldn't think he could see past Hatake and the Uchiha heir. Both men have been pining for him for years." The girl's friend eagerly spoke.

A third girl chimes in laughing. "Remeber when Genma started hitting on Soma after their mission a few weeks back." She giggled and it made Naruto shiver in fear like when Sakura found out about Kakashi and Itachi being in love with Soma.

"I heard Genma had to avoid both Itachi and Kakashi after he had gotten Soma to promise him a lunch date." The first girl spoke snickering.

Naruto blinked rapidly horrified he was just finding this out. Sasuke stiffened at his side clueing into the conversation now.

The next time he saw that senbon sucking shinobi he was going to prank him for the audacity he displayed. Sasuke looked ready to help him shove those senbon where the sun don't shine.

"Didn't you hear though, Kakashi was seen carrying an unconscious Soma to his apartment when they got back from their mission." The second girl spoke a squeal lithing her words.

Naruto cringed almost horrified by the thought of what may have occurred.

"Itachi heard about it right away cause Soma fainted by the mission desk. Hana blabbed to him when he came back to report from looking over the chunnin exam set up and Itachi ran out in the direction of Hatake's apartment. Everyone is speculating what just be going on behind those closed doors. None of them have left that room and we're all just waiting in anticipation." The girl was practically salivating at the thought.

Sasuke stiffened hearing his brother's name and turned a sickly green hue. "Sasuke" Naruto spoke his tone ominous making his teammate turn to him.

The blonde looked vengeful and it only made Sasuke fear for his brother and Kakashi just a little bit. Naruto was going to literally try to fight a former anbu and a current one for making googly eyes at his guardian.

It was very obvious that the blonde had a slight brother complex...even though the two weren't brothers. It had come up after they had the mock invasion occurance. That scenario had made Sasuke cling to his brother for several weeks as well but Fugaku had nipped that in the bud. Naruto seemed to still be clinging to whatever scrap's of attention Soma gave him.

None of their clan members would step in to stop their prince from clinging though. Likely Soma was making plans to ensure it happened sooner rather than later. It made sense as everyone knew Soma adopted Naruto no matter how much they looked alike.

Naruto and Soma were in a solitary position of power over their people. It was different than in his clan who had elders to help lead and take off the pressure from the clan head. Sasuke's Father had explained the differences in political standing Soma held compared to the Uchiha.

Their structure was similar to the Hyuga clan just with more focus on bloodline standing. They had to broach on the topic as Sasuke was being groomed as the next clan head rather than his brother. Only Sasuke and Itachi had been informed of Fugaku's decisions regarding the next heir. He was expected to continue their good bond built between the Uzumaki and Uchiha at Naruto's side.

That had taken a lot of tension from Itachi and their father was trying to push his brother to woo the redhead leader of the Uzumaki clan. It had made Itachi flush and Sasuke roll his eyes as he knew since he was a kid that his brother was infatuated with Soma.

Sasuke still held out hope that Itachi would convince Soma to give his hand in marriage, he liked the idea of Soma and Naruto becoming family. He hoped Naruto would soon ease down from his overprotectiveness.

Though he knew better than to voice his thoughts as Naruto would need to cut the apron strings soon anyways. Shikamaru had already established over the rookie training that he suspected their sensei's would nominate them all for the chunnin exams under Soma's order.

With how everyone was rounding out their skills, it was possible that Soma was doing everything in his power to make the leaf stand out as a generation. If he made all the rookies look like an oncoming threat then it would keep many of the other hidden villages keep their distance.

Soma was knowledgeable and downright thorough with their training. He had even been ensuring to switch around team members as of late, having various different leaders and formations for mock missions. It was pretty intense and with the exams coming it made more and more sense.

Sasuke eyed his still flustered friend and wondered how Soma was going to ensure Naruto would adjust into his coming independence. Sasuke himself was slightly shaken by the thought of Soma leaving them. The security of knowing the redhead had your back was like having a fence holding you back from a cliff edge.

Naruto hunched his sliders and turned scrambling away into a nearby weapons shop. Sasuke followed sedately pressing for their guards to hang back.

T.D.O.T

Soma frowned blinking back into awareness and almost regretting coming to when spotting the closed-off expressions of Kakashi and Itachi.

His mouth was dry and his body felt heavy likely from overusing kurama's chakra when he had not been able to touch it in years. All just because he needed to covertly cover team seven in a shroud of his energy and power to protect them on this mission. He was fine paying this consequence if it meant their safety.

The Uzumaki leader huffed tiredly shifting his body trying to get his limbs to agree to his demands. He could tell he wasn't in his bedroom as the lack of privacy seals in several key locations clued him in.

Also attributing to the fact that both his former teammates were looking at him without any background noise to cut through the silence suggested they had to be in Kakashi's home. Because like Soma, Itachi lived with his clan. Silence wasn't a common thing in clan homes.

Uchiha or not.

Though the fact he wasn't in his own bed wasn't the reason for his sudden dismay. He had been seeing the looks Kakashi had not so subtly hidden when he hadn't stepped in during several instances. Or when he spoke out to Inari on their past mission.

He knew this would happen one day, Soma was grateful this conversation wasn't on the other end of a prison cell that he would be interrogated from. Calmly he pulled himself into a seated position. Exhaustion was eating at his consciousness and pain at his body jolting him into awareness.

Itachi snuck forward draping his coat on Soma's shoulders. It almost made the redhead snort covered in the clothes of the two men that Soma had both respect and budding feelings for. It was hard not to love them despite both men being the most frustrating points in his life. He had never dwelled on those thoughts much as he had originally very little time but the mission in Wave made him realize he was living here and now. It also reminded him that this era of Team Seven was already a lot more capable than his Team Seven had been. Arriving at the bridge and seeing how well-managed the team had been compared to his time had been a huge weight off his chest.

Soma had been doing right by them and going back meant things would change going forward but to ensure the team's safety, this was worth all the pressure he had felt since coming back.

A jolt of pain from within brought him out of his swirling thoughts and he focused back to the concerned faces of Kakashi and Itachi.

He figured he would be feeling some pain but had underestimated how much. Blanketing team seven for the duration of their mission had taken a toll on his body. He knew he was paying for it now but wasn't too concerned about it at the moment. It wasn't a pressing matter, now sitting with as few grunts of pain would be ideal.

Soma ignored the looks of concern and hovering hands offering to help him settle. Soma had snickered and waved their hands off doing his best not to influence his friends. He knew these men each held a torch for him and refused to abuse that knowledge.

Soma smiled derisively and fell back against Kakashi's headboard with a loud thump. He could either edge around the truth or just be blunt about it all. The redhead figured if his secrets were to be found out then it would be wise to just come out with it.

Besides, he was never truly one for subtlety.

He knew there would be complications connected to his probable confession. Both men cornering him were unstable emotionally and had done too much with little to no care for their mental psyche. They would either become hostile and disbelieving or Trust Soma entirely.

So they would either haul Soma to the Hokage for investigation or fall over themselves in gratitude. There would be little room for in-between and Soma steeled himself for either outcome or a mix of both. He was debating on bolting if they dared do either extreme though.

"I don't think I've ever been interrogated by either one of you." Soma paused eyeing both men who shifted guilty. "Not in this lifetime or the last one." There it was, Soma finally dropped the ball having only ever told Jiraya in passing right before they had collected Tsunade.

The older sage's reaction had been simple and reassuring. Jiraya had only sucked in a quick inhale before clasping Soma on the back and urging him to move forward a softer smile on his face while his eyes searched his features in sage never pressed for more answers but was willing to do as asked of Soma with little hesitation. Jiraya only mumbled about Soma being the child of prophecy once before never mentioning it again.

The toad sage had always had his suspicions since he had met Soma who had been the one to seal the secondary name on the toad summoning scroll. The sage had more suspicions built since he kept an ear to the ground about Soma and his activities since being placed in the leaf village. This man knew of the deeper arts of fuinjutsu that the Uzumaki had researched once.

So, for him, this wasn't out of the realm of possibilities. He would roll with the punches he had when first kidnapping Soma for Naruto's betterment. He would trust him but would likely never ask questions. Jiraya knew that the burden on him might cause him to make ripples that would likely impact Soma's choices and he refused to hinder him.

It was odd to receive the same reaction from the two men before him. He wasn't sure if it was just that he incited this trust or maybe the people he told shared a bond with Soma. Many others would have thought he was insane for daring to suggest such a theory. Let alone claim they came back in time so casually. Soma was skeptical especially since he knew both men were the logical sort and had never dared to dream of the past. So, the easy acceptance was unnerving, and he debated if maybe his influence over their feeling toward him colored their decision-making.

Kakashi and Itachi made their belief in him feel off as there was less grounding for either man to faithfully believe him. Hell, for several years they hadn't spoken cause neither man trusted Soma's judgment on how he should lead his life and Shinobi career. So, the blind faith made him feel unsure. It was just something he had not adjusted to when around either man as they rarely were ones to place blind faith in others.

Kakashi was the first one to break out of his stupor suddenly before him. Gripping his shoulders a touch too hard but took in his features intently.

Trying to connect him to whatever ghost he saw in his face. That made his stomach twist as Kakashi despite his blatant flirting, barely looked him in the eye.

It was exciting, to say the least.

Itachi blinked rapidly, him too not needing much else to connect the dots. Looking at Soma with a light in his eyes that spoke of too much too soon. Itachi moved close searching his face though more memorizing it on his part.

"Who are you?" Soma snorted at Kakashi's dumbfounded face and question but the intensity both men gave him pushed out an answer. Of course, that would be their first question to him. Not of the future but of who he was before.

"The number one knucklehead ninja of the leaf." Soma spoke but with nostalgia in his voice almost missing the gasp from both men. "Uzumaki Naruto who had once been the seventh Hokage." The twin looks of stupor seemed to amuse Soma as if this was a grand prank he just pulled.

Itachi stepped forward touching his hair and looking at it with his Sharingan. Soma swatted him away snickering at the look of offense sent his way.

"Hey, going back in time changes a man. Immensely, or so it would seem." Soma shrugged offhandedly. "Kinda miss being blonde though." A choked sob caught Soma off-kilter as Kakashi pulled him into a brutal hug.

He hugged Kakashi not used to the man showing such a level of intimacy. Itachi looked frozen at Soma's other side. The shock was obviously still channeling through him.

Itachi himself seemed almost dizzy before Soma gently tugged him to settle against his shoulder at his side. Kakashi didn't struggle when Soma pushed him to sit back.

"What happened for you to return to the past Naruto?" Soma sighed and rubbed his face annoyed. Not at Kakashi who asked, he was sure this was a bit much to take in. Hell, he had laughed like a maniac and babbled to himself when he returned all those years ago.

" I'm Soma. Not Naruto, not anymore. That version of me died long ago. Now that name belongs to another. A lot has happened, and I've already changed so much that there's no guarantee that my future is to remain linear to this time. " Soma looked away guilty. "So hopefully it means this time we will all survive what's to come." That made both men freeze and stare at the redhead.

Soma just couldn't hold it in anymore and burst out in a tangent.

"A man came to destroy the village. The same man Itachi and I encountered so many years ago as Gennin." Itachi stiffened remembering the time he thought he had lost two teammates to a random killer on the road.

Soma looked to Kakashi warily. "In my last life, I was Naruto. All alone with no clan to rescue me. There was no extra member on the team to save Itachi's former teammate." Itachi and Kakashi stiffened at the information both understanding the implication. In his last lifetime, Itachi must have watched his teammate die at the hands of this stranger. Kakashi had to watch Naruto be tormented growing up in a village that hated him. Not a soul was allowed to reach out and help him as he wasn't 'clan'

"The man that dealt all this horror in my past was someone who came from the leaf. He was part of our village and foolish enough to fall for the machinations of others. He calls himself Tobi now but...I'm sorry Kashi it's Obito." Both men were stunned but Kakashi recovered faster once again. His gaze hardened and he spoke his voice full of emotions neither of the other occupants could decipher.

"Explain." It was a command that Soma was readily able to answer to. He started from his timeline events the time Obito said his goodbyes to Kakashi and Rin when Obito was trapped under the boulder. To view Kakashi seemingly killing Rin.

He spoke of how Obito used the nine-tailed chakra entity to kill Minato and decimate the leaf. His hand in the Uchiha's ostracization and the plot of the coupe starting from him and the ghost of Madara Uchiha leading the waylaid man to cause destruction in the wake of his perfect future. To ensure that with Danzo's help, the Uchiha clan would be obliterated.

Then Soma spoke of his original role in all this, his life of struggle, pain, and ridicule. How Itachi had killed his clan leaving only his brother alive for the village. How Kakashi was a ghost of himself running from one suicidal mission to another being forced to watch Naruto suffer under the village and commanded not to help unless it was to make the last Uchiha and Jinchirki into weapons.

Kakashi fought too hard to give them childhoods and allowed them to be young before being fully pushed into being shinobi and that had angered the civilian council. How Sasuke became rouge and thus the village forced Kakashi to send off Naruto to another sensei showing vast improvement in becoming the village's weapon. Jiraya only did that so Naruto could protect himself from what was searching him out though not for the village.

How Soma had risen to become the most powerful force in the elemental nations and how he too was caught blindsided until everyone died for him. Then Soma spoke of the bijuu sending him back to fix everything, to change what he touched and save them. Soma spoke of his struggle and burden of how most of his current lifetime away with Jiraya was spent with him brutally murdering some of the Akatsuki, or dismantling their chakra network so they could suffer a life of never being able to use chakra again.

He spoke of all his passion to turn this world right again even if it killed him. All to give his precious people peace and prepare them and the next generation for the possibility of his failure.

Soma spoke until his voice went horse and was surprised he had found himself crying. Itachi was the first to move after Soma had finished.

He hugged the redhead softly almost afraid to hurt him, gentle in his hold Soma could tell he was crying silently. "Thank you for saving my clan. For saving Sasuke." Itachi was choked up and Soma was trying to gather himself.

Only to jolt as Kakashi tugged down his mask revealing a handsome face, a strong jaw with full lips a small beauty mark to the left of his chin. He couldn't process anything till Kakashi was before him his gaze imploring. The elation didn't even begin to describe what Soma felt when the man offered in a simple gesture of trust. Soma almost pouted as Kakashi didn't have fish lips or buck teeth like he had always thought.

"Thank you for saving Naruto." Kakashi's eyes were filled with love and it made Soma flush but his stomach twisted in nervousness. Unsure if he could trust Kakashi baring himself honestly before him like this. If he could trust the thick emotion coming from the Uchiha at his side.

"I couldn't let my precious people live in misery if I could fix it." Soma stared back into twin expressions of Gratitude. They looked at Soma as if he were the reason the sun rose and that made his stomach twist uncomfortably.

Itachi, his shy hesitant boy who had for years hidden his feelings for Soma reached for the redhead imploringly. His touch wasn't innocent as his hands burned a path itself. Soma sighed smattering hands away from him. It was a shock that Kakashi had hovered near the redhead. Far too close for the man's comfort.

"Oi! Stop fondling the merchandise ya perverts!" Soma wasn't going to let either man take the lead here. It was rather charming to know that these guys, these geniuses and prodigal men of the leaf only became idiots for him.

That thought alone made him shiver and pull away from confused expressions. He needed to give himself and then a moment. He forgot how much he had wanted this and needed to reign himself in. Soma had accepted that opening up to these men and letting them know the truth of their fates would leave all wound up and raw.

Needy, possibly desperate, and Soma knew there would be the after where they may all regret this happening. He's accepted this and the fate of after would be left for that.

Yet, he couldn't risk the chance of any of them regretting this. He needed both as well as himself to cool their heads a moment.

Soma pulled away from hands and faces that looked at him reverently. As if he were there air itself. His pulling back seemed to snap whatever hold he had on both men to collect themselves.

Kakashi looked embarrassed and sighed heavily before leaning back. Itachi was flustered blinking rapidly seemingly more dazed than anything. They likely hadn't ever drowned in emotions that weren't negative. This must have been overwhelming and a sobering moment for both emotionally constipated men. For Soma it was slightly amusing as it confirmed they both lost control of themselves around him at least.

Soma still gave both men space to compose themselves as he enjoyed this new faucet of their personalities coming out.

Kakashi and Itachi took a moment to collect themselves before settling next to each of the redheads sides. There was no doubt in either man and the two stared at Soma with open affection and less devotion.

"This is an astounding feat to have accomplished but why tell us now. After all these years of keeping silent why now and why us?" Itachi spoke and Kakashi nodded wondering that himself. Soma sighed and rubbed his face in contemplation himself.

"I trust you guys can handle this now, previously neither of you were in the right mental headspace to handle this nor did I want to burden you both with the issue. Plus now my knowledge of the future will likely be of little use. Much from here on out will change and much will stay linear to the timeline as well. I'm just not sure what relevant information I know would still be critical in this situation. I will need all the hands and eyes of those that I can trust entirely to push us all to peace." Kakashi hummed and Itashi seemed to think.

Soma still hadn't decided if he was going to tell Shikaku as the Nara all but knew and was definitely waiting for Soma to come out and tell him when he was ready. He knew he was not going to tell Sarurobi as the third had proven to become far too soft and not as pragmatic in old age.

Sarutobi had been willing to give Danzo so many chances until the clans found out he had been kidnapping children of their bloodline. That pushed him to finally put down that old dog, not all his horrible past deeds.

Soma needed to be a bit selective in all this information sharing.

"There's going to be an invasion soon. The chunin exams but I can't let Hiruzen know as unfortunately, he has messed up so much. In the past and still in the present. I can't trust him with what is to come." Soma spoke and both men could only agree with that sentiment. So many things would have gone wrong had it not been for Soma's intervention. Especially for Itachi himself. His entire family would have been eradicated had Soma not involved himself so thoroughly in the cause. Kakashi would have had to sit through years of watching Naruto's abuse at the command of his leader with no way to stop it and he too would not fight against the decision to leave out their Hokage.

"I will keep the team out of the invasion then-" Kakashi started but Soma shook his head furiously. "No, this will be the best chance for the team to find independence, they will grow from the danger. This is as minimal danger they will face and I'd rather they get a glimpse of it all still in the safety of our reach. Even with the risk of invasion, there is more protection for them if they are in the exam rather than out of it. More eyes to watch their backs should things go wrong. I can't keep a vigilant watch on them and monitor the village." Kakashi sighed but both he and Itachi agreed with the logic.

Besides team seven not being part of the exams would be far too vastly different from the original timeline. This was logical even if it made both men worry a touch. Kakashi trusted Soma though. The man has done an absolutely astounding job training this generation, this team seven. He knew it was just his nerves making him cling to worry.

Team seven would be fine but for now Soma needed both he and Itachi at his side. To have his back and be part of this change, this was their best bet. They needed to keep as much control in Soma's hands as possible.

Now that both Itachi and Kakashi seemed to be now in control of themselves Soma could see they actually held their lingering feelings on their sleeves. It warmed something inside him to know that their feelings had been real and he shouldn't have doubted them.

That fact cemented something for Soma now that everything was lain bare for both men to see.

"Alright, but both Itachi and I will need to be briefed on everything covering the invasion. You will tell us of any change no matter how insignificant got it?" Itachi was nodding along having felt Kakashi said what was on his own mind.

Soma snorted reeling at how much this command was very much like the Kakashi of Soma's youth. His commander in this life and the last making him feel all warm and fuzzy before he answered. "Hai hai Kashi sensei" he spoke cheekily making the still unmasked man sputter and flush at the nick name.

It had been decades since Soma last used it and the effect it had on Kakashi was always amusing. So much so that the name would definitely stick this time. If only so he could fluster the man when he wanted.

"I'll be sure to tell you and Tachi all about it after I get some food in me and some rest, or cuddles if you prefer." Soma fluttered his eyelashes making both men fluster enjoying messing with them a little.

"Until then how about we all get a little cozier since you both know all my deep dark secrets. I mean I showed you mine so how about we start returning the favor." Soma snickered as both men somehow got redder. The redhead figured if they didn't love him before he divulged everything he was sure to make them fall for him now.

He was tired of waiting on the precipice of good feelings and bound and determined to challenge these two into action. Nothing was holding him back any further and Soma refused to die a virgin again.

Soma still had much to plan and do though. Mostly things to do with Naruto in mind. He had taught his heir of all that tied them to the Uzumaki line. From here on out he would bridge the gap on how to become one with their own skill, on how to become Naruto by teaching him of their sage skills.

Then Jiraya would come and teach Naruto the last parts of himself, how to become a Namikaze. Only once all that was given would Soma touch on the subject of telling Naruto the whole truth of who Soma was. It would only be when he was sure Naruto could protect himself.

Soma wasn't sure if Naruto would forgive him for not telling him of this long ago but Soma would ensure that if he refused to interact with Soma after all this he would have the tools to keep himself and his friends safe. For now, though he would indulge in creating happy memories with Naruto while he could.

T.D.O.T.

Soma stood in silence with Itachi watching Kakashi not explain the chunnin exams to his team. Soma knew he did so to not put any pressure on any individual and was oddly pleased by that. It was up to each of them to decide if they were to participate and the Uzumaki leader could not deny Kakashi to allow team seven some chances to make such decisions.

Soma smiled gently at Naruto who was scowling at Kakashi and Itachi only looking skeptically at the paper given to the three of team seven. He had some suspicion as the blonde had been pranking and humiliating both Kakashi and Itachi with the help of Nagato in the previous weeks since their mission to wave. Soma had been occupied with helping the other rookies of his graduating class get through each of their first C-ranks missions.

Soma had been horrified to find that the curse of the C-ranks mission was true. He had been astounded any of his friend in his past life had lived through adulthood as they were not nearly as powerful in their past lives as they were currently.

While Soma had not been in the village to intervene, Kakashi and Itachi had to deal with carefully thought out and well-crafted pranks his heir did. Sasuke had been the wall between Naruto and his more...adventurous pranks. The blonde wouldn't do anything damaging or risk his friendship all for whatever pettiness he had held towards each man.

It just went to show how different this team seven was compared to his previous life. Sasuke and Naruto seemed eager for this exam as both boys had been nagging Soma asking if he could convince Kakashi to enter them into the exam. Sakura seemed excited as well, a far cry from the nervous and frightened girl she had been in Soma's past life.

Each of the rookies seemed to be a greater reflection of their past selves. Naruto was more calculative and versatile transitioning from diplomat to shinobi at the blink of an eye. Utilizing skills Soma had not worked out till he had been well into his late teens and mastering them. Naruto embraced his androgyny for seduction as Soma was built more effeminately. Naruto was growing taller than Soma and growing into a muscle mass Soma had never been able to achieve due to his poor eating habits in his early developmental years in both lives. His skills far surpassed his own in Soma's previous life and the young pre-teen took to learning from different teaching methods well. Soma ensured each rookie learned from various methods from various sensei so their growth would never be stunted now matter who they were to learn skills from.

Shikamaru and Sasuke were both more focused and cultivated many different skills other than their own clan jutsus and only used their clan styles when needed as they both understood the element of surprise came in handy, especially since both boys had trained against Naruto and Soma for all these years.

Sakura and Ino took their rivalry and brought in Hinata really pushing the girl out of her shell. The girls were constantly challenging themselves to go above and beyond what was conventional for kunoichi to learn. Soma and Naruto had been a big inspiration that gender norms and expectations meant nothing if you wanted to survive. Choji, Kiba and Shino each took to jumping into training as each boy were shown their limitations with their own clan jutsus and developed several other fighting styles to compensate for where they fell short.

Naruto was ready for the next step and Soma was proud of all the rookies. Happy to have poured the entirety of his knowledge into developing this generation and changing the Leaf Village to continue to promote this growth. To enforce others would now be more involved in the future development of the little kings of their village.

Soma watched his former team squabble with Kakashi who didn't offer up any information about the exams. Watching Itachi quietly defend Kakashi before both men disappeared kidnapping Soma so team seven could make their choices for the exams on their own.

He observed the team watching them come across Garra, Temari and Kankuro. It was amusing to see Garra latch onto Naruto and how close the siblings seemed this time around. Garra had clung to Naruto asking him about his supposed 'father' and Soma snickered at Naruto's flustered expression relaying that Soma was only seven years older than him. He confirmed that Soma was the Uzumakii leader though and they looked similar. Garra left them looking conflicted and Naruto himself seemed to contemplate almost as if he knew something that concerned him but likely couldn't speak on.

Soma wondered if his bijuu had spoken to him, they were linked in tandem with one another and the nine tails of his young heir was protective of his container and seemed to have a possessive connection to Soma. Naruto had been confused about it but Soma and his chakra entity knew it was because of the link Soma held to his half of the entity.

Soma had focused on Garra though and by the Ichibi's swirling emotions and the general electric feel of those from sand and sound it confirmed to Soma that the invasion was still going to occur. Soma left to find evidence to report to the hokage of the future innovation and how they would make counter measures for such occurrences.

T.D.O.T

Naruto eyed himself in the mirror. His hair was loose with random braids flowing through the locks of hair with only several ready-made seals woven into the long shimmering hair. He wore a more subdued forest green kimono and utilized a skill he saw soma use several times. Seduction.

He wasn't well known to other's in the competition and team seven would be looked at as insignificant if they appeared to have two female teammates. It would also help to keep their skills under wraps before the main competition. It was common knowledge there was usually a large tournament a months time after the second round of the chunnin exams. There had only been a few exceptions, one year during the second Shinobi war and the years afterwards .

So he was playing it safe and covered all bases to hide information about his skills. Naruto knew he could look pretty so he sighed and put on a glossy lipstick and did light makeup. It wasn't his favorite thing to do but the first half of the exams would be literal exams so he was going to do what he could to make them less of a target. Naruto, Sasuke, Shikamaru and Shino had done their best to leech information about the exams before they faced them. The rookies worked long and hard to ensure their teams would be prepared.

It wasn't one hundred percent accurate but it was the best they could do on the fly. With it there was a pact formed between the rookie nine. They would support one another of they crossed paths and help each other if they were in a position to do so.

None of their teachers had scolded them or stopped them only took moments to help each boy improve their espionage when needed. Kakashi had actually been the best teacher for this skill. The man was uncomfortable teaching them but Soma and Itachi encouraged Kakashi citing that those skills saved their lives several times. That alone seemed to ease their silver-haired sensei who taught all the rookies his skills on a previous cross group training.

They were as ready as they could be now and it was time to show their sensei's all their time and effort wouldn't be put to waste.

Naruto pulled out a deep green parasol, attached his obi lined with fuinjutsu seals to carry his things and set off.

He was as ready as he could be and eagerly left the clan grounds to go meet up with Sasuke and Sakura so they could get breakfast before having to go check in for the exams.

T.D.O.T

Naruto huffed as Sasuke hovered around both he and Sakura protectively. Team seven had previously discussed their plan of action and Sakura and Naruto both played up their more effeminate characteristics. Sakura even clung into Sasuke gushing about him to seem like an airheaded fangirl.

Naruto had been tucked into Sasuke's hold on his other side demure but eyeing their competition on their walk through the halls.

They passed by team Gai, a team Kakashi sensei avoided like the plague and Soma and Itachi made plans to cross their paths to torment the last Hatake. Noone outside of the rookie nine and their parents knew of Naruto's actual gender.

He had been hidden behind Soma's protective barriers for years and once sent into society had already adopted his guardian's androgynous style. Soma was still midterm to be a woman despite most of the general populis knowing his gender. It was interesting to see how the Uzumaki style was such a guessing game for those who interacted with some of the clan members.

Nagato dressed formally often with Soma but he was built differently. Too many muscles or the sharp edge of his features really made it obvious that he was a man. Even in the Uzu clothing style. Azumi was a pretty woman with soft lavender eyes and unnoticeable features, but she too looked more effeminate rather than in between. It was apparently very common for their royal line to share Naruto's and Soma's softer features and lithe forms.

This distinction made them less threatening despite Naruto and Soma being the two individuals with the largest amount of chakra in their clan. They shared astounding stamina and could utilize the clan arts in unique ways. The clan acknowledged their differences, praised it even.

Their people truly fell back into what was traditional of the Uzumaki way. Soma truly brought the clan back to life and showed Naruto the path to leading their people correctly. Now this was his first step in utilizing skills cultivated by their people.

To provide faith in the next generation of Uzumaki.

That was why he used his features to make others doubt him. They needed the advantage as the Uzumaki were unknown variables and Naruto would use that to his aid as well.

Naruto snorted at Kakashi's dumbfounded expression seeing that the of team seven arrived before him. Sasuke acted smug around onlookers but was protective of his two teammates always ready to defend them should anyone be ballsy enough to approach.

Kakashi sensei seemed to sense that as well and rushed the team in cooing to them annoyingly. They didn't protest as it added to the image they were trying to play.

Being dropped off by your sensei likely made them look even more pathetic and less threatening. It was helpful so all three allowed the false coddling. Naruto even allowed Shikamaru to approach him and tick him into his side narrowly avoiding Ino charging at Sasuke childishly teasing Sakura while clinging to the raven.

They played their parts well, despite both girls having mended their relationship long ago under Soma's stern guidance. He would have no fangirls going out on dangerous missions. The girls understood and fell in line fairly easily after that, now only doing this to play up an act. Shino was off to the side observing for them and Shikamaru and Naruto conversed in low tones seemingly flirting but truly the blonde was relaying observations from his sensing to the Nara who could memorize the quickest of them all.

Their act seemed to have caught attention in the form of a gennin named Kabuto. Naruto felt uneasy about the guy as Soma avoided the shinobi like the plague and advised Naruto to by wary and watch him and his interactions. The guy was odd as he always sought out Soma himself despite the older man ignoring those attempts at association.

That had been valid to avoid the older teen as the older boy started trying to temp the rookies by offering up information on others in the exams. That alone was suspicious enough on its own. Naruto plastered on a false expression and played along. The rookies were all wary and were saved by team eight's temporary sensei walked in. Ibiki sensei walked in demanding silence and settled everyone down.

It was time for the exams to begin.

Notes:

KICK SOME ASS!!!!

Chapter 11: Outside Perspectives

Summary:

Soma faces changes to the timeline he had not been prepared for. Naruto shows off his own capabilities while progressing forward.

Notes:

This chapter is in dedication to my 31st Birthday! Happy Halloween to you all and happy birthday to me. I'm a halloween baby so I needed to ensure you all had a good read for the day.

 

BTW: huge shout-out to Sieachara on my discord server. They did a fantastic fanart for Soma and I interpreted it in the first scene with Shikaku. It is just astounding. I bow to their greatness and if y'all want to see it join us in the dynasty of tomorrow channel ☺️

The glinting wood of the kiseru caught Shikaku's eyes as he strode into the engawa of the Uzumaki clan house. He had admired the beautifully maintained gardens that seemed to engulf the land as if it were a living breathing wall protecting its occupants. Though from what Shikaku knew these plants came from their original village. The magic of the land could very much be attached to each blooming flower.

The inner courtyard of the main branch family was now decorated lavishly atop the towering foliage only adding to the extravagance that embodied the Uzumaki clan. The clan once scattered now found one another. A clan that lavished their leader who reunited them and built their own oasis in the hidden leaf village.

Shikaku eyed Soma contemplatively, the red head was wearing a loose gleaming azure kimono, his long sleeves decorated by red plumes of bright color to contrast the kimono.

Soma's shoulder was bare but Shikaku could see a cropped tight black tank and what appeared to be tight black shorts clinging high on his thighs.

The kimono was parted loosely allowing a long leg to tease glimpses of pale skin. Soma wasn't paying any mind to his appearance as the boy has always been in such a way when in one of his moods. It was why the redhead had such a large fanbase despite his cold disposition to most around him. He was a striking sight, a truly beautiful man.

Effortlessly, he would seduce many without meaning to. The man's mystery and power were seductive all in themselves, never mind the charm and allure Soma unintentionally displayed just by being himself.

Leaned back hair glittering under the rising sun blowing smoke and holding his kiseru looking every bit of a spoiled high-ranking courtesan. It amused Shikaku who appreciated the beauty of his friend and felt protective due to the longing visage he portrayed. Soma looked lonely and had held that look for as long as Shikaku had known the man. Even as a child, there has never been any deviation of character from the youth. Soma grew up before even arriving at the walls of the hidden leaf village.

So Shikaku would always treat him as he had. An adult with responsibilities weighing him down and expectations he would be forced to meet. It didn't make him feel guilty that he was adding to those problems.

It just made him respect Soma all the more for what was to come.

"What brings you to cross my shadow today Shikaku?" Soma spoke, exuding that confidence that he had carried since his youth. Shikaku snickered as Soma lay sprawled out looking very much like a decadent treat, too bad the sight was wasted on him and was honestly just Soma at ease in front of his friend.

"I never knew you smoked." Shikaku spoke and Soma himself seemed amused by the comment. Nostalgic even if his gaze was misty with unshed tears.

"I only do so one day a year in memory of someone long since passed." Soma seemed to speak not as if the memory hurt but as if he were warmed by the thought of that figure in his mind. Soma shifted inhaling another long puff and blowing out smoke sensuously and absentmindedly.

Soma always treated him as a friend and there was no sexual tension or signs the man was posed as a way to seduce Shikaku. Soma was just lounging and Shikaku wished he could sell the image as effortless beauty like that would make him a fortune.

Alas, he had other reasons to taunt his long-time friend other than poke fun at his natural feminine wiles.

"I've been trying to get a moment to catch up. It feels like it's been so long since we've had a chat. " Shikaku spoke with a secret undertone to his words making Soma hum.

The red head understood his words and caught the meaning seemingly more than amused but stood putting out his tobacco and tucking away that golden Kiseru. When Soma stood Shikaku could see the Uzumaki swirl decorating the back of the kimono and a long red cord wrapping around his slim waist instead of an obi. Shikaki admired the glimmering hair that fell to cover the little details of Soma's new outfit. Soma's entirety always bemused him as it only added to trick others into dismissing him.

That and it was so uniquely Soma, authentic and effortlessly beautiful.

Shikaku followed Soma further into the house, down halls, and was led to an office with so many seals it practically hummed with the power.

The seals silently activated with a single touch from the redhead and all was calm. No sound between them while they each settled down in the seating area of the room. A tucked-in corner of soft mats and pillows. Soma's bare feet never making a sound as if always on edge. As if he were scared of someone else knowing his location.

Soma pulled out Shikaku's favorite sake and two cups from a seal placed on the small table they each settled opposite to one another. Shikaku watched as Soma poured their drinks and they lingered into comfortable silence briefly.

"I'm assuming the future has to be cataclysmic for you to return to the past." Shikaku spoke with no inflection. It wasn't a question, this was a fact he was stating to Soma. Too much about the boy tipped Shikaku off and knowing the Uzumaki and their ingenious talent with seals and space-time jutsu in existence it was the only possibility that made sense. It was only confirmed when Shikaku read through the report Soma helped oversee for the land of waves.

Concluding with Kakashi and Itachi's reactions after likely questioning the redhead themselves. Shikaku knew the two would have had the same questions as he but only he knew better than to steamroll Soma into telling him what he wanted to know.

Shikaku wasn't sure if Soma had always been Soma but it didn't matter as he had done only good for the village and the next generation.

The fact that he was training them meant whatever was coming was unavoidable and he took precautions to ensure the safety of the next generation. The way he watched the children with such gentle handling meant he had to have been close to them in the previous life. Had he always come as a young boy, or did he always come with the Uzumaki name proudly showcased? There was no doubt he was of Uzumaki bloodline.

It begged to question why he hid who he was for so long. Soma could have come to Shikaku and he would have helped the boy carry the burdens so he hadn't been so stained. Or had Soma done that in the past and it all failed. If he had come back once there was a possibility he had come more than once.

So many scenarios filtered through his mind only stopped by the heartbroken chuckle coming from his company. Soma depicted anguish somehow seemingly not shedding a tear.

The younger man was hunched forward staring into the sake cup as if seeing a horrific visage in the cloudy liquid. Soma shot back the drink surprising Shikaku a beat.

"I've never talked about the details, the moments that still haunt me. Even to people I had told I was hesitant to touch on the details as the importance of their views on my actions were skewed and I wasn't sure if I deserved the platitudes they would offer." Soma looked pained likely filtering through everything debating on delving into the dark memories. "I also don't enjoy the thought of giving any of you these horrifying memories of mine." Shikaku softened at that and knew that Soma would always be cherished to him for doing everything he could to protect them all.

"I'm your shadow my friend. Allways will be there to lend an ear to your woes. You survived so others could preserver." Shikaku spoke shrugging matter of factly. So Soma took a breath and raised his face to focus on the wall behind Shikaku.

"I accomplished my dreams and became the hokage of the leaf. "That surprised Shikaku who seemed to suddenly make a realization. The final clue that connected everything for Shikaku from the many years and bouts of information he had gathered. Shikaku now knew Soma and Naruto didn't just look similar, but they were one and the same. The how would have to wait. Right now it was time to discuss the why of the situation.

"Neji had been the first to die among us, trying to protect Me. " Shikaku held his breath and swallowed down his drink in a beat after getting over the initial shock. He took to refilling their cups not needing to be asked as he knew this talk wouldn't be pleasant.

"Kiba and Hinata died trying to avenge him. Hinata has her eyes plucked out. Kiba had sacrificed himself trying in vain to protect Hinata after they had torn Akamaru apart." Soma swallowed down the burning sake only for Shikaku to fill it up after drinking his own. "I only found his head seawn crudely onto Akamaru's body. As if to taunt us, to call us weak...to prove that even I with all my strength could not save them."

"They were right, I couldn't." Shikaki gripped Soma's shoulder suddenly not knowing what else to do in that moment.

"Choji died next protecting the medics as we desperately needed them. Being on the losing side meant every medic was worth their weight in gold. He froze watching his father die before him. They kidnapped him rather than outright killing Choji." Soma had a full-body shudder. "Shikamaru was never the same. They kept Choji alive and sent us pieces of him until we received his head and heart."

Shikaku was horror-struck just imagining it all. He detached himself needing to hear it all, to be there. Someone needed to understand to know what was at risk. His position in the village affected many Shinobi and he would be an asset to helping them all avoid this horror.

"Lee died after Gai both overused their gates and Tenten after them. Our mistress of weapons was pierced to death by her own tools." They both pulled back each taking another drink.

Ino died taking a blow meant for the young medics that were fresh out of the academy." Soma's gaze was watery by now. "Sakura..." Soma had to clear his throat several times before he could speak.

"Sakura was taken, tortured and killed herself so she wouldn't give up my location. She knew if I was taken we would all have been doomed. Especially since Tsunade and Shizune had been turned into nothing but red smears after trying to take on the real enemy " Shikaku perked up on the real enemy comment.

"I lost my mind when I found out Sakura died. I turned into a beast killing so many, I just lost it in my grief. Kakashi sensei had to save me, to bring me back he died in the process from my hands digging into his chest. He had been the only one who could stop me after you and Inoichi gave up your lives to save everyone." Soma was crying now silently as if unable to make noise. As if he feared someone hearing him would draw them to his location still. That fear would never leave him and it made the Nara wonder for how long did this haunt him. How could he function with these images still buzzing around his mind.

"Shino was found dead along with the academy students he had been trying to protect." Soma held Shikaku's gaze hesitant to speak again.

"Shikamaru died by using every last bit of his Chakra to fight off our enemies. He did it after watching Kurenai's and Asuma's child killed in the middle of a camp raid." Soma watched Shikaku's face crumble.

"In the end, his shadows grew unstable killing the creatures attacking us and himself in the process...he was just. I struggled over his loss. He was my best friend...he was my everything in my last life." Soma turned away from the heartbreak of Shikaku's face. The understanding that in Soma's past he had been Shikamaru's lover and best friend. Shikaku almost snorted realizing his son was definitely head over heels for their current Naruto as it stood.

He vaguely wondered what differences there were between this reality and Soma's past. Why had Soma done all this when there had been no true obligation for him? To force himself into the same bonds that had once been his torment. Especially since the bonds would never been like they had been in Soma's previous life.

Soma was a different man than who Naruto currently was. It meant that his son truly would fall in love with Naruto time and again, his son in all lives had good taste at least. One positive he could drag from this, so long as he ignored the part of the worlds imminent doom. There were still far too many questions left unanswered though.

Not that he minded not yet knowing all the answers to his many forming questions, that would be discussed during his now future go games he would force Soma into. Shikaku only hoped they lived long full lives this time around.

Soma heard him lift the sake bottle and swallow several gulps only passing it to Soma who did the same.

"Sasuke and I were all that was left. There were only a handful of Shinobi and even less civilians but we took down the force finally." Soma laughed but it was humorless, and pain filled.

"Madara Uchiha lived and died by the hand of his kin and greatest enemy. The blood of both the senju and Uzumaki flows in my veins. With his last strength he tried to end my life I was almost impaled and was too exhausted to avoid the attack...but not Sasuke." Soma shook his head looking and seeing things Shikaku was glad he could not share the sight. Soma pulled his kiseru back out tucking in tobacco with practiced ease. Soma lit it inhaling the smoke leaving Shikaku the sake.

"Sasuke was always one step ahead of me, the dead last and final survivor of the leaf. He threw himself before me to save my miserable existence. My cursed existence and I truly lost myself." Soma plucked at the glimmering fabric of his kimono; smoke made him look hazy as he exhaled another puff off his golden pipe.

"I longed for death for years just wandering the land since my village had crumbled to dust between my fingers." Soma stared into nothingness almost pained by the thoughts filtering through his mind.

"I could never end it though despite being alone being my worst nightmare." Soma smiled but it was pained. "Even in my darkest time Kakashi sensei's words always followed me. 'Suicide doesn't take away the pain. It gives it to someone else." Soma brought his kiseru to his lips and exhaled smoke.

"I gave up my body though as I was truly lost and unsure what to do with my existence in the end. My bijuu controlled me like a puppet making me eat, bathe and just live. I was one of the few remaining humans alive. I had been forced to take on a portion of every tailed beast into my body as a means to stop the forces that came after us and remained the only one alive once all was said and done. I wanted to die to be honest." Shikaku settled down sipping the sake slowly and eyed his companion contemplatively.

Soma soon shook away his thoughts and met Shikaku's gaze. "My bijuu sent me back. They knew things from their lives with the sage and were determined to help me fix what had been broken. They laid the opportunity at my feet and I took it and built all this up." Soma shrugged unsure how to proceed.

"I came back, very altered and changed. I came back before Naruto's birth had even occurred but was unable to escape the land I awoke in. By the time I got out and gathered my bearings many things had already progressed too far for me to have any hand in changing them. Hell, I hadn't even known the fourth had been alive when I was first dropped here." Shikaku hummed looking away.

He stayed silent contemplating as Soma explained his arrival to the timeline and everything that led to their first steps of destruction.

"Unfortunately, some things must follow the same course. You might be able to alter much but the plan to devastate the leaf had long been into play and any interference early on may have caused more harm than good if you had been lacking in your current skills." Shikaku felt pained to realize this but things could no longer be changed.

They all had to accept that and move on. Besides it was illogical to rely on outside sources of protection and it was the village's fault for the folly. They needed more than someone who didn't even belong to the timeline to keep them from their own incompetence and he had sat by idle for far too long.

"From now on you will have me whispering in the hokage's ear until you take on the seat again." At that, Soma startled looking utterly confused.

"Naruto won't be ready to take on the hat for a long while though." Shikaku snickered tugging away at the bottle of sake Soma had nearly knocked over in his surprise. It truly was good sake.

"No, but Hiruzen cannot lead the leaf for much longer. His place hold has done as much damage as much good it has brought." Shikaku gestured to Soma as if saying here's the proof.

Soma sputtered in disbelief. "It won't be immediate, but we will have Tsunade cover in between his leaving and your installing the role. Kakashi is a powerful man but your reputation and influence will be more incentive to forge the village into the correct mold. They took too long instating you as hokage in the past and that hesitation likely weakened us politically." Shikaku rambled not caring his words were washing over Soma's shock.

Soma felt like his head was spinning with each word Shikaku spoke.

"Wait. Just hold on. I didn't return to the village with intentions of leading it."Soma blathered out panicked and Shikaku snorted amused.

"Well, it's too bad, as I've been working hard for the last six years trying to get you in that position. It's why you've been on so many political missions and I've been endeavoring you to have your name out there." Shikaku took another gulp of sake only for Soma to wretch it from his hands.

"Why would you do that without talking to me, I just thought you relied on me. I didn't think you had these intentions. Hell, the other Shinobi cans won't like this." Soma spoke in a rush sealing the sake away.

Shikaku smirked and leaned back to relax eyeing the flustered redhead time traveler.

"Every single clan is in unanimous decision about instating you as the future sixth Hokage after getting yourself training for the role. Tsunade has even agreed to return to the leaf pending your agreement. She's heard about the budding wave of interest in the medical arts from the new generations. It was a good idea to have her travel with Jiraya on some occasions, it kept her involved in the leaf and its matters and has kept both the remaining sannin from their more deplorable inclinations." Shikaku looked smug despite having no hand in creating the scenario.

"It's also kept both growing in strength despite their ages. It would be better to have Jiraya as the hokage but he's needed for his information network, since you're might become limited soon." Shikaku shrugged past those words before Soma could question him.

" Besides Jiraya is going to grab your heir and take Naruto to inform Tsunade it would be time to return. The sage is planning to take time to train Naruto. We need him learning his father's legacy since you teaching him that might come off as odd." Shikaku spoke ignoring Soma who was sputtering in disbelief.

Soma had agreed to allow Jiraya to take over Naruto's training for his later years. He just hadn't known Tsunade was being far more agreeable to returning to the village. He hoped Naruto still bonded with her and Jiraya but was stalling his thoughts as Shikaku was making his own intentions far too outlandish. Him the Hokage? After he had failed so spectacularly previously.

"You have done so much good for the village and the clans that we are nearly at the point of planning a political boycott to ensure you get put on the seat for hokage. Every clan is in agreement, especially after seeing how you have changed the curriculum for the academy and ensured their children could safely grasp the seriousness of their roles in the village." Soma sighed and leaned back head thumping the wall.

"Yet you all forgot to ask me, I doubt this decision would be well received from the civilian side of things." Shikaku shrugged mostly apathetic about Soma's lack of involvement.

"I felt it would probably be a nice surprise to tell you after our meeting today but the civilian council already agreed especially since most of the other clan heads outright refused any other candidate." Soma sighed once again at the machinations of Shikaku but knew the man only did this to ensure the best outcome for the village.

In Soma's past, Shikaku had been opposed to Tsunade becoming the Hokage and only stopped fighting as there had been no other options for the position. Now he has two little hokage's lined up perfectly.

Even if they were both to come from the same clan, there was little doubt anyone would raise a fuss about it. Shikaku wouldn't allow for such trivalties to stall his goals.

Soma who had zero interest in the position was being forced into the role. Then Naruto his heir who was trained by him and already showed his generation his capabilities in missions and leadership through their team training drills. They all knew their next strategist would be Shikamaru and that boy had made it clear from the cradle he would ensure Naruto wore the hat one day.

It had been obvious Naruto showed an astounding aptitude for leading as his training to lead in their mock missions would almost always lead to victory or preservation of their numbers. Even against the amazing strategist that Shikamaru was showcasing to be, Naruto was able to maneuver against those plots. That in itself had cemented Naruto's position as a future hokage.

Soma groaned and tuned out Shikaku's laughter.

This was going to be a clusterfuck.

T.D.O.R

Naruto sat quietly in his seat. His test had been completed thanks to his seal work. He had Sakura and Sasuke press ready-made seals on their papers and Sakura had written down the answers for them to be transferred to their papers straight from her own.

It was Naruto's newest seal and had been kept a secret until after the exams. Soma had been the only one to know about it and seemed satisfied and amused at the timing. His guardian only hummed with a knowing look in his gaze before helping him tweak his seal for more subtlety.

It used to leave behind the seal imprint but that was now invisible unless you were a Uzumaki that could feel the remnants of a seal's reverberation.

It was something only a handful of their people could do. Naruto would be called a prodigy in their clan. Soma had called Dibs for using this on missions first for testing.

Naruto had wanted to test it but Soma wanted to see the range and subtly in more high-stakes missions that Naruto was still technically excluded from until he progressed in ranking.

So, after Soma had done all the testing it had been worked over and perfected for Naruto to safely use and utilize.

It would also be revealed to their village network under the Uzumaki name, but proceeds would go to Naruto as dictated by Soma.

This only made Naruto eager to add more seal creations to his repertoire.

Sitting in that room gave Naruto a lot of time to think and strategize for the current exam. There had to be more to the exam and watching the snickering proctors duck with their heads. Knowing the lead overseer to this particular exam was someone from the village's TI department meant much more was at play here. Naruto quickly wrote to Sasuke and Sakura through the paper to not react to anything that happened in the room. This was all too suspicious for him to ignore.

His teammates had agreed and he himself was geared up for whatever came their way.

"Pen's down. Prepare for the final question. Those of you who want to take the final question must know failure of answering the question correctly means exile from your village and clans. This was an agreement made between the villages prior to the exam." Ibiki looked stern and wholly serious, and Naruto even noticed Hinata frown at his side.

He wondered if the words were true. Would Soma or even most of the clans expel the heirs of their generation and how would they control the other villages and clans?

This had to be a fake-out to test their mental fortitude and Naruto knew better than to fall for it. Kakashi sensei spoke about these methods some ti groups conducted when dealing with clan heirs. He had spoken of several methods other than this, but Ibiki knew the generation of the rookies were all practically heirs and that several clan heirs were in these exams.

Naruto's gaze flickered over to the redhead named Garraa as he was a prime example and not the only heir here. That's not even including the confidence verses their loyalty to their bonds and village. There was a shift in the room as people rose to leave dragging along their teammates.

It didn't take long for the tenth question and the offerings to leave the exam were ignored by the rookie nine. They were taken by many others though. The rookie nine followed the lead of Shino, Hinata and Kiba since this had been their secondary sensei.

Especially since Hinata, Kiba and Shino who had been trained closely with Ibiki seemed to all share a moment in understanding and each settled down unperturbed by the question. Things settled down and with half the examinees remaining Ibiki smirked darkly making the room suddenly tense.

"You all pass." Naruto snorted making the room that had once been silent break out in minor chaos.

Students shouted and seemed intent on understanding the mind games as Ibiki stood silent no inflection of emotion. Ibiki silenced the room with killing intent his face betraying nothing. " This exam was never about getting answers to questions. It was about gathering information undetected and withstanding the pressure of future burdens." Ibiki removed his headwrap unveiling his skull full of deep scars from times of torture he had faced.

It shocked many in the classroom but the rookie nine had all been through cross training with him and we're fairly used to the site of his ruined flesh. It was a common sight as it was part of their desensitizing training for them to face the real world.

Torture was a heavy topic to train gennin in but they were shinobi at the end of the day. Just like the seduction arts Soma taught, where it was uncomfortable since it was Soma talking about sex and methods of using it to strike an enemy or even obtain information. Naruto had become desensitized to even that. Ibiki's lessons on torture and intelligence training had been essential for each of the rookies to grasp.

It was definitely a necessity to have the skill set especially if they had any plans to do covert work. Even front-line fighters like Team Seven torture was a needed skill. It was why Sasuke's genjutsu was being honed by Kakashi and Itachi. Soma even encouraged Naruto to learn some of their clan's more trama-inducing seal work. Neither man enjoyed it but Naruto understood that it was them protecting the village.

They were the real wall keeping everyone safe. The thought of Iruka sensei, big sister Ayame or even Konohamaru being killed because he didn't have the stomach for torture was something he would never be able to live with.

Soma had never flinched at such tasks of hesitation when it came to him being made to do some more sensational missions of brutality. He saw how dignitaries facing Soma seemed to hesitate or stumble when finding out that he was bloodless death. Many were meek before Soma and if that wasn't all many envied the small many for his skills.

Soma spoke of enemies who froze at finding out his identity and that gave him a chance to kill them before they could kill him.

Naruto endeavored to never let anything of such nature make him balk. He knew Soma and the other clan heads were eternally grateful to Ibiki for making a spectacle of himself so they wouldn't balk. So they wouldn't hesitate and so that they would never have to go through what Ibiki had.

The rookie nine looked to Ibiki with respect, no flinching and no fear and that made the head of TI feel like he did right by his young proteges. A crash broke the peace and everyone jolted as a purple-haired kunoichi had to suddenly dodge several kunai and shuriken that nearly ripped through her body.

It was her fault for breaking into the exam room through a closed window into a room full of shinobi.

Naruto frowned recognizing a sheepish Anko who was eyeing the rookie nine as they had all each thrown weapons her way. Ibiki sighed and began scolding Anko who was eyeing the rookies eagerly.

Team Gai stared flabbergasted as they had not been very actively involved in the training that the rookies from the recent graduating class.

Despite having Soma help them in their own training Gai sensei never truly allowed Soma to lead or guide them and now they felt a little robbed of an opportunity. Mostly it was Neji who felt such a way watching someone like Naruto react so reflexively.

Neji contemplated harassing Naruto in a few training sessions later on. He knew him the best of all the rookies and was miffed he missed this skill development.

Naruto settled down, Hinata sitting next to him was tucking away her shuriken as the rookies were the only ones who reacted to their surprise guest in the same manner.

T.D.O.T

Itachi eyed Soma contemplatively, the red head was wearing a loose gleaming golden kimono. Soma's pale shoulder was bare and the kimono was parted allowing a long leg to tease glimpses of pale skin. His feet were decorated with black and gold geta sparkling gems catching the light from an anklet.

Soma had his hair wildly up only held by glinting senbon. Everything about Soma glinted invitingly despite the obvious danger he portrayed.

The red head practically purred after him tugging him by his kimono top nearly tugging the plain grey top out of his black hakama.

It made Itachi's mouth go dry for a beat and his heart was loud enough to drown out sound. His dark gaze flickered red so he could imprint this image into his mind for the rest of his life. Tentively he wrapped his arm around Soma's slim waist pulling him close and towered over him leaning forward to bury his face into the pale neck he wanted to bite.

Soma lifted his leg to hook around his hip and Itachi almost groaned as he could feel Soma unobtrusively. A few taunting whistles and jeering came from his back as Soma began explaining his seduction tricks to the gathered group of kunoichi that had practically jumped them when they entered the training halls.

"-If you do simple things like this it makes your targets let their guards down and wham!" Itachi blinked rapidly as his world shifted and he was staring up at Soma who now had his hair loose flowing and his senbon at Itachi's throat while he instructed the kunoichi who were asking a million questions a minute. All Itachi could focus on was the heat of Soma's body above him. Too dazed to even dare move from his place.

"As you could see it isn't without danger though. Itachi could retaliate and cause serious damage to my body. I'm much smaller than him and the guy practically manhandles me when we spar regularly so I have to stun him in moments of distraction. That's what I suggest you all do if you are trying to use this method of incapitation." Soma stood pleased with the lesson and Itachi used every ounce of his hard-wrought self-control to not allow his eyes to linger on his very exposed thigh peeking out from his loose kimono.

Kakashi moved in quickly helping Itachi to his feet and patting him on the back. Making Itachi flinch as Kakashi began to grope and squeeze Itachi's muscles that had remained tense since Soma mounted him.

"You are a better man than I." Kakashi spoke and Itachi nearly groaned seeing blood dripping from Kakashi's mask streaming from the idiots hidden nose as he happily leered at Soma while still groping Itachi. It was the pinch on his ass from Kakashi that snapped him out of his fog filled mind.

Itachi huffed and slapped Kakashi's hands away before running back to Soma's side willing to continue to be his practice dummy so no other would dare fondle him in this exhibition.

He had to practically Supplex Kakashi to ensure that pervert didn't offer up to be Soma's partner for this. Soma only agreed because Kakashi had been practically panting behind his mask when first seeing Soma Walk into the training room.

The display of exposed skin and striking beauty had been a stunning sight for them all. It was understandable Kakashi had lost himself for that moment.

What wasn't understandable was Genma zipping past Itachi appearing out of nowhere and manhandling Soma over his shoulder. The smug man eyed Itachi and Kakashi before Soma snorted and flipped the two of them landing over Genma who seemed eager to be beneath the red head.

"Hello to you Genma." Soma spoke sarcastically.

The senbon specialist smirked laying his hands on Soma's hips clearly happy to be there.

"Glad I could join the party." Genma spoke clearly flirting with the man above him.

Kakashi stiffened and Itachi was held back by Hayate who swooped in to save his idiot friend.

Asuma and Guy were swift in clutching Kakashi who immediately strained in their hold when he realized Itachi was stopped. The two men only allowed one another the privilege of touching Soma. To see Genma do so was like a slap to the face.

That alone was a surprising thought for Kakashi. Kakashi froze in his friends hold before he shook them off him.

That same thought itself sobered Itachi who hadn't realized to even himself that in his mind Kakashi had a place by Soma's side as much as he did.

Though neither man would ever admit that even under torture. It was already bad enough that they both were in love with Soma who showed very little inclination of interest. Who was only in their past to fix the future and was technically Naruto reformed.

Things were still raw and jarring to face and Soma himself was being pretty nonchalant about it all. The red head stood and still both Kakashi and Itachi reacted when Genma who was still laying flat on his back leered up Soma's kimono. Both men only mollified by Soma walking over Genma to coo at them both. Teasing them both eyeing them knowingly and smugly.

There was no falseness behind Soma. He told them his everything. He knew the darkness they could be prone to and accepted their dirty souls and allowed them in his circle.

Kakashi freed himself first overcome with an emotion of longing. He heard Hayate give a pained grunt, likely Itachi escaping his hold.

He tugged a snickering Soma into his arms crowding over him and felt Itachi cling to Soma's waist his protégé on his knees for the red head. It was probable that they looked like two dogs clinging to their master. That thought didn't upset Kakashi but pleased him a bit making him smug for a beat.

Both Itachi and Kakashi glared down Genma who only huffed and returned them a challenging look.

Soma was amused, this was a nice distraction he needed until the kids were out of the forest in a weeks' time.

He had accepted his emotions for both men and wouldn't admit he was ready to pick between them. So tentatively showering them with his real affection was all he could muster.

This was all he could manage waiting and hoping and praying this timeline didn't screw his kids over like it had done to him and his friends in the past.

Soma turned to Kakashi pulling out his blade from his parasol. "Kashi senpai can you help me demonstrate how to maneuver with blades against bulkier opponents." Kakashi's elation was evident, and Soma threw himself into showcasing for his impromptu class.

A thunderous clap echoed silencing the once roughly training hall. Soma and Itachi both jolted into action both heading to the boundary line for the clan homes in an instant.

Kakashi was close behind only to freeze in shock coming face to face with an enraged Orochimaru. The snake sannin had been thwarted in his plans and immediately struck out at Soma. Turning his gaze to Itachi who rushed to lead bystanders away. Kakashi immediately charged past Soma who was punched in the gut with an odd glow coming from Orochimaru.

The snake Sannin dodged Kakashi's Kunai and deftly ducked as Itachi swung forward with a swift kick knocking the snake sannin back. Orochimaru hissed then darted to the side to an oddly still unconscious Soma. Time froze for both Kakashi and Itachi as Orochimaru lifted the redhead like a rag doll. Several snakes rose and jupped at Kakashi and Itachi.

Orochimaru was swift, removing Soma's clothes right before both men, they moved fast in tandem, tearing through the snake summons. Both men got to Orochimaru staking him while he had finished from biting on both of Soma's thighs. Orochimaru replaced himself with a log laughing and leaving the scene. Soma was sweating, in clear pain his ankles to his thighs were covered in scattering seals and bleeding from his thighs were secondary markings lay.

Curse Markings. Kakashi felt like he was punched through the gut in that breath.

"Itachi, grab Soma and take him to his clan grounds. Tell them this is a dual layered seal and to only release him to Nagato. I have to go after Orochimaru." Itachi, he made a clone to inform others of the situation, mainly the Hokage. nodded and lifted Soma running to their clan grounds and Kakashi turned to race after Orochimaru who unfortunately was already far ahead of him.

"Fuck!" Kakashi sped up horrified that the snake Sannin slipped into the forest of death.

He saw Anko on the ground writhing in pain, several other shinobi beaten down and a few dead.

T.D.O.T

Naruto blinked prettily fluttering his lashes while clutching his kimono tightly to cover his chest. His left shoulder was bare and his leg was sticking out from the unwoven cloth clinging to him.

Using his hair to shield his face as he couldn't help the smirk lining his lips. There was a trio of older boys surrounding him asking him for his scroll promising not to hurt him too badly if he handed it over.

One of the guys eyed him lustfully definitely not noticing Sakura rearing back to punch him. Nor Sasuke holding his ninja wire prepped to pull it taunt.

They definitely hadn't realized he was just a clone and the original Naruto with seals ready to knock them out for the rest of the exam was just steps away from them.

They hadn't known till they were twitching on the floor, and Sakura was pulling out their scroll.

They had been lucky to set out this trap so swiftly after being sent into the forest of death. The enemy team had been following 'team seven' who were actually a genjutsu courtesy of Sasuke and Sakura. The enemy team only chose to appear when they split off for bathing. Naruto's clone only had to hide his true gender from their possible assailants.

This had been the third team to fall for the trap so far. The first and second team had unfortunately had the same earth scroll as them so now with a heaven scroll in their grasp team seven was ready to set off for the rookie meeting spot.

Naruto and Sasuke dropped the unconscious older teens from the mysterious sound village into a sealed dome that was meant to alert a proctor from the exam to pick up the kids.

Naruto had Sasuke lead the team as his eyes would catch anyone lurking in their pathway ahead of time.

They were by far one of the smaller builds of teams and knew they could be targeted for those reasons. It was what they had hoped for. Having teams waste energy and time to come after them rather than tire themselves out searching for others.

That was because they didn't seem like a threat. That was how Soma molded them and how they could be a perfect all-rounder front-line group.

On occasion Soma even had Sai trained alongside team seven as Sai like Naruto was effeminate with a more slight build than their broad Sasuke. Sai fit seamlessly into their team when missions called for it and it was a surprise Soma suggested Sai's addition to their group was met with little to no resistance.

Sai was already a Chunnin though so they needed to pass this exam to be put on more missions with Sai.

Soma had been intent on having each rookie team learn from the Chunnin around them and it really showcased the leadership in Naruto, Shikamaru and Shino. They each took on those roles delegating and differing to their teams seamlessly of their groups thusfar.

That was why Naruto wanted Sasuke and Sakura to lead as often on mock missions as possible. He had a clear understanding and grasp of the true meaning of what their mock missions were for. He needed his teammates to also grasp that same concept.

Sasuke led them to their meeting spot and team seven was careful sending out Naruto's clones to check for traps and test for a possible ambush.

It made them freeze to realize they had been followed as the clones were approached by a tall pale woman with Dark hair and a masked stranger at their side. The masked man was fixated on the Naruto clone.

They were already wary of any not in their initial group but the strange woman was giving off dangerous vibes . They could practically taste the killing intent in the air.

The strange woman eyed the false Sasuke with a maniac glee and Kabuto eyed the false Naruto with fascination. "Uhh Hi?" The Naruto clone spoke taking a hesitant step back. All of the real team seven kept their distance and Naruto took precautions and sent out several clones disguised as bugs and reptiles to the rest of the rookies informing them if their compromised meet up location.

They knew if this failed as a meet up location they would have no choice but to meet at the tower. Sasuke signaled for team seven to fall back and Naruto created a few extra clones reinforced by seals to bethwr stand in's just in case.

Team seven stayed silent as they escaped their unknown peculiar enemies. They would normally be up for any fight but didn't know what the next part of the exam entailed. Expending wasteful energy would leave them all vulnerable to other forces.

That's at least what Shikaku constantly reminded the rookies on their clans 'playdate' meetings. He especially emphasized it to Naruto and Sasuke who had been the only ones of the clan heirs who expressed interest in becoming a frontline covert assalt team.

It was sound advice coming from him and Soma agreed with his sentiment allowing him to step in to correct the children in their 'playdates'. So team seven was only mildly surprised to feel the explosion of power from behind them where their former location had been.

Naruto grunted obtaining horrifying memories from his secondary clones that he kept to himself. They needed to get to the tower fast. He would hold off on the information until they had gotten to a secure location.

Preferably one where Kakashi sensei or Soma were in the vacinity. They moved for several hours bursting through the doors practically skidding into the entrance hall of the tower.

Little was said as Naruto swiftly bolted forward both scrolls in hand and ripped them open tossing them forward. He knew they were summoning scrolls from the seal work in the front and hoped Kakashi came through them.

Naruto frowned eyeing a sheepish looking Iruka standing before them. This was supposed to be Kakashi sensei, Soma or hell even Itachi. One of their gennin instructors was meant to appear from his gathered intel. This was very odd and Iruka acted guilty meaning he had bullied his way into taking this opportunity.

They didn't have time for this and Iruka was not strong enough to take control of Orochimaru. Pervy sage spoke of his old comrade enough times on his visits to Soma for him to not recognize the guy.

Especially since this was one of the sannin that Soma had even struggled facing In his youth.

Naruto growled frustrated and searched the nearly empty hall for anyone else. He spotted an almost bored Kakashi leaning around the corner book in hand and doing a great job at pretending to not be intently focused on checking each of them for injuries.

Kakshi looked worse for wear though. His mask was covered in dust and there was a wrapped bandage around his hand a few small tears in his clothes. Yet he was still there despite Iruka being the one summoned.

That stopped Naruto for a breath pleased to note their sensei cared. Even if he did everything he could to not show it. Naruto burst forward and clutched Kakashi's sleeve drawing his attention. He signaled he needed to speak urgently and in private.

Sasuke obtained instructions from Iruka collected Sakura and made a beeline for Naruto and Kakashi who were heading off into one of the resting rooms.

Naruto was anxious and Kakashi waved off Iruka before closing him out to help his students. He watched in surprise seeing Naruto place blood seals out in a small corner of the room.

Silence surrounded them when he was done and Naruto faced his team.

"Orochimaru is out in the forest of death chasing the clone I made of Sasuke and He has a partner who is out there trying to delay the clone of me or capture it I'm not sure. They killed my secondary Sakura blood clone before I could find out more." The blood drained from Sasuke's and Sakura's faces but Kakashi seemed eerily calm.

"We know." Naruto felt a burst of anger.

"What do you mean you know? There's other teams out there. People that could be in danger and you knew." Kakashi sighed and crouched to team sevens level. Kakashi was abrupt so it silenced Naruto's tirade swiftly.

"Look, Soma only knew he got in the village cause he tried to cross Uzumaki land to get into the Uchiha clan grounds." Kakashi frowned in thought.

"There's nothing we can do with rumors and no proof, even if there was more information Orochimaru has had both Soma's and Jiraya sama's information networks running after his supposed sightings ad plans for years." Kakashi shrugged unapologetic.

"It's not our say to raise alert to possibility of infiltration. The only reason we had any information at all was the security seals connected to Uchiha land dumped Orochimaru outside the boundary of the clan lands." Kakashi paused before speaking to Naruto in particular.

"Soma got a little banged up trying to stop Orochimaru and we had no idea where he escaped to after Soma went down." That made Naruto wince in guilt.

"We only found her was in the forest of death but under no circumstances are we able to stop the exams." Kakshi shook his head we he noticed his students about to speak up." Us stopping the exams could cause much more political strife than what we are currently dealing with. There's tension right now that we can't push or it will become volatile." That seemed to make team seven deflate.

"Where's Soma right now." Naruto was practically vibrating in the spot. Kakashi looked at Naruto and held back a snort.

"He fine, stubborn and conscious. Itachi and Nagato are mothering him and I was sent on his command to ensure that you all get through the next portion of your exams." Kakashi snickered ad it eased Naruto down.

"I was even threatened by my cute little spitfire to ensure that you all stayed here until the second portion of the exams were completed." That eased down all of trash seven and Naruto only pouted.

Naruto released his seal work and destroyed the evidence of it having been there.

"I'll explain what I can to the other teams we made a pact with that make it here." Kakashi nodded to Naruto's words.

"You guys want some training before the other teams make it here?" Kakashi spoke innocently snickering at his teams enthusiastic agreement.

T.D.O.T

Soma sighed as he was fussed over by Itachi and a huffing Nagato. He had still been far too depleted from his previous mission covering team ten on their first C rank right before the exams.

Then facing off Orochimaru suddenly was a bit to much for him. It was sudden and deviated from his experience due to his involvement in keeping the Uchiha alive this time around.

He was pleased he had convinced all the clans to put up Uzumaki protection seals on their clan lands. It really has been thanks to Hiashi and Shikaku that he had been able to convince all the other clans to follow suit.

Then Orochimaru showed up and he depleted his already low energy there. Orochimaru got a cheap shot slicing into Soma's side. He had only fainted because the damned snake sage had poison on his blade. Lucky for Soma he had been poisoned many times in his previous life ad knew he was immune. It just sucked that all of the occurrences together made him faint.

It was embarrassing to faint a second time, this time into Itachi's arms. Soma had not wated to wake up to the ever present gaze of both Kakashi and Itachi.

Seeing Nagato glowering at both men had been an amusing surprise this time though. Likely, it was Nagato who had ensured Soma awoke in his own room this time.

Soma sighed heavily noting Kakashi wasn't here so it meant team seven had made it to the tower.

It meant he had been down under longer than he had thought. With onlya slight struggle Soma lifted himself into a seated position. There was no pain just stiff muscles and aches so it meant he had been healed and was recovered completely. That gave him some relief so Soma began stretching out his limbs.

Ignoring the worried gazes and odd looks of pity directed his way he shifted on his bed. Soma brushes off both Nagato and Itachi who were asking him to stay in bed and continue resting. That was truly ridiculous to the red head time traveler. He had things to do and a sore body wouldn't stop him.

This was a normal recovery phase he had gone through since he had been a boy. That's why it surprised Soma when he fell to the ground instead of standing.

His blood ran cold as he realized he couldn't feel anything below his waist. His limbs were not cooperating with him. Heart thudding Soma tried to stand again only to let out a sob as he yanked back his cream sleeping kimono practically stripping himself and looked at his legs horrified.

A complex binding seal was placed on both his legs. Looking over the markings a cursed seal was layered within each seal as well. Orochimaru the bastard has placed warped medically binding curse seal on him.

"That son of a bitch!" Soma raged furious almost determined to drag his body to the snake sannin just to kill him for this. He couldn't even remove the cursed seals as they were structured to fail-safes written within the fuinjutsu.

Medical fuinjutsu was still a struggle for Soma to deconstruct as it took a near lifetime of dedication to learn every detail. Nagato was swift lifting Soma like a doll, careful and settled him back onto the risen futon.

"As you can see, there are some complications with your recovery." Nagato spoke simply.

"Damnit!" Soma felt pure fury grabbing his nearby pillow and shredding it. This was putting him under giving house arrest. Limiting his movements until they could remove the seals.

"Karin is working on finding a solution in the medical archives and Sai went out to inform Jiraya sama so he could return with Tsunade to look you over." Nagato was matter of fact about it.

There was no doubt they would free him of the markings but it means he was fucked until it was resolved. The seals weren't supposed to work on him though. Not when he has a bijuu inside him.

"Out." Soma spoke softly but his mind was racing.

"Soma it's not the end of the world. Think of it as an opportunity for a much needed rest -" Nagato stopped speaking at the killing Intent that suddenly rose.

"Out! Get Out!" Soma threw pillows at Nagato, fabrics soft things he just needed him to leave.

He needed to contact Karuma desperately. "Please, just leave. Listen to my word, the command of your king." Soma was crying outright and felt shame using his power to force away Nagato who looked as of he had been slapped at the command.

"Understood Lord Soma." Nagato bowed deep at the waist before Soma and started low bowing as he left the room.

The look of hurt was going to haunt Soma greatly, but he couldn't focus on that right now.

He needed to call his partner; Soma immediately fell into meditation.

Arriving in his mind, that now stood an island surrounded by a tranquil sea he stood alone.

Alone.

He had only even been alone once before and that was when-

"Karuma!" Soma yelled out.

"Karuma, this isn't funny" Soma was bawling searching the island that began to distort under the weight of his anxiety.

"Karuma!" Soma wailed begging for his partner to return but he was utterly alone.

Alone.

Notes:

Trick or Treat?

Chapter 12: Judgment Day

Summary:

Soma learns something about his seals and Naruto learned he has an intruder

Notes:

Hope you all had a lovely valentines day and those of you in the discord, i'm sure you have all been dying to know what those spoilers connected to!

Naruto frowned eyeing several other teams entering the hall. He had been feeling...off so to speak. His body was practically buzzing in impatience and it felt foreboding. There was something wrong with him internally. His bijuu was suddenly agitated, but why. Nothing had really happened, well nothing that had originally upset his partner.

He didn't understand as all the rookies had made it to the tower the first day. Followed by the team with the other kid that carries a bijuu. There were others slowly trickling in but they were of little note. He had a more pressing matter to face and he needed it taken care of fast.

They still had a few more days till the second exam concluded but his Bijuu was growing more and more restless by the hour. He needed to get into his headscape but knew he'd be vulnerable. Soma had said for him to keep his connection to his bijuu under wraps. Kakashi was gone momentarily with the other sensei's that arrived to greet their teams. It was a good moment as any as there would be no distractions, besides he wasn't sure if this would be technically allowed.

Naruto nudged Sasuke and Sakura, before signaling to them he needed a distraction. Sakura glanced at Naruto noting his expression before she scrambled off to Ino shoving Shikamaru. She tapped his shoulder with her hand twice unnoticed as it looked like she just shoved him away. Shikamaru huffed and walked off towards a suddenly affectionate looking Naruto and Sasuke.

The blonde was practically wrapped around the seemingly aloof Sasuke whispering. It looked scandalous especially with the raven's arm wrapped possessively around the blonde letting the effeminate teen wrap himself tightly around him.

Shikamaru knew the rundown and jumped forward grabbing Sasuke by the scruff. He mentally prepared himself and fixed his face to play his part before moving forward.

"Keep your hands off of Naru!" A perfect distraction that cut all eyes their way while Naruto swiftly fell into the background shielded by Sakura and Ino who huddled in front of him . He went straight into meditation while the two of his friends made a show.

None of the proctor's would stop them as they all knew better than to stop their own shinobi when they were all familiar with Soma and his teams work. Naruto followed the same style through and through.

Naruto fell in ease into his mindscape. Kurama appeared immediately a pained expression on his furry face. "Don't you dare panic kit "

Those were the immediate words from Naruto's companion. He had built close bonds with his fuzz ball years ago thanks to Soma. Truthfully he had always been eager to befriend Kurama who seemed so lonely. Now though his friend was agitated pacing his bonds. He lived on a large vast island surrounded by sea.

The water rippled with an echo of powerful and complex seal work. It blind his bijuu and kept Naruto safe from any internal attack. Naruto didn't know how to undo the seal, but neither Soma nor Kurama seemed to mind it or even acknowledged it.

Oddly that bothered him now cause Naruto wished for nothing more than to free his companion so he could let out some pent up frustration.

"What the hell's going on with you then?" Naruto spoke traversing along the edge of the water barrier. Kurama stilled suddenly and tensed as a looming figure seemed to fade in and out behind his kit.

"He's here again." Kurama huffed narrowing hus gaze at the large creature in annoyance rather than anger. It kept Naruto from freaking out but still he tensed and turned to the figure.

There stood a larger Kurama?

"Yo." Naruto stumbled on the ground staring in disbelief back and forth at the unbound bijuu and the free one.

"What the fuck?" That comment made the larger version of his bijuu snicker gleefully.

"My kit is going to be up in arms when I tell him I made you swear. Though you gave my mini a better scenery so I think I'll be forgiven." The large beast trotting around the mindscape exploring all there was to see.

"What the fuck?" Naruto said this time to his pouting bijuu.

"Kit, meet Karuma. Our other half, so to speak." The bigger creature was grumbling about making his host make some changes to his abode.

"Wait isn't he you? Wouldn't you both be Kurama?" A snort came from the larger bijuu.

"We would be but I'm from a different time? Dimension? Something, and I carry small bits of my siblings within me."The creature spoke so casually as if it was just an everyday occurance to travel time and dimension. " I have differences that make me similar but different to my mini. Likely to not create a paradox or something like that." The giant beast spoke almost bored but turned to the flabbergasted duo.

"I'll need your help to return to my rightful owner though. Someone rudely evicted me out of my host, I was quite cozy there so I'm a bit perturbed." The fox bijuu only made Naruto and his bijuu more dumbfounded.

"I guess it's a good thing only I was evicted temporarily or my little kit would have died had this space not existed for me to fall into. I doubt the brat would survive were I extracted again." Naruto's head was spinning with the information overload.

"Okay first things first. Who's your host? Aren't you him and he you? What the hell is going on?"

The snickering grin made Naruto regret asking his questions. It was the dark frown that was threatening all on itself despite the bigger creature's glimmering gaze. That look was saying to never ask such questions again.

"Nah, I'm going to take a nap. My kit is only in mental danger, it won't be for too long. Physically they will be fine so I can wait until I'm beconed home at last." The bigger fox settled down comfortably and with a wave of a tail from the interloper Naruto was thrown back into awareness.

Horrified slightly that the beast could bar him from his own mindscape.

"What the fuck?" His gaze landed onto Sakura's back she was glancing back worried and it pushed Naruto into action.

He didn't have time to dwell on any of this just yet. He stood and pushed forward to 'calm' Sasuke and Shikamaru who settled down each clinging to his sides. It was an act but it worked out for them all.

This tactic was well worked amongst the rookie nine but Naruto was the only one who was of versatile use to be receiving. They used this scenario based off of a seduction method Soma and Itachi utilized often when transferring information in public with Kakashi or each other.

An uncommon method but usually worked as a great distraction for a third party or one of the pair themselves to gather intel or fall back due to the focus being on the perceived scenario.

Kakashi returned with the other sensei's breaking his thoughts away. The tension dissipated and Naruto knew he needed to get through this challenge before he would get to figure out who his temporary tenant belonged to.

T.D.O.T

Soma frowned at a grinning Shisui a nervous Yahiko hovered eyeing his friend with suspicion. Hands ready to pluck him away should he upset Soma.

Soma was tense from the last few days Stressed from his situation was putting things lightly. Constantly being watched like a wounded bird was grating on his nerves and dampening his mood.

Shisui was not a welcome sight to release his tension.

"My Uncle has sent me here with a task." Shisui's smile was wide and Soma huffed because the asshole refused to read the room. Or leave when Soma had asked that of him several times prior.

"Your uncle always wants a lot of things. I'm sure he knows what's happened to me so he should know I'm in no condition to be able to help." Shisui's grin became even wider if possible.

"He's planning to help you my delicate little rose." Soma swung at Shisui for the name and missed as the instigator just pulled back fully expecting the assault. Soma was really frustrated he couldn't stand up and beat his smug ass. He really wished Itachi had been the messenger. Or Kakashi. At least they would have been easier to get information out of. It better outlets to get his frustration taken care of.

His idleness was drawing out urges and cravings he normally burned out with training or going out to occupy his mind with clan duties or missions. Right now he was combating his sudden hormones by studying and helping Shikaku's paperwork.

He wished he could punch Shisui to supress his lust and blanket it with rage.

"He has asked for you to come to a formal meeting, bring along your heir and second in command. He's also inviting each clan head. It would do well that you come. It will be held the day after the kiddos are out of the second trial of the exam." Shisui handed over a document to Soma who begrudgingly took it.

There was no real clue about what exactly Fugaku was planning here. Or how it would help in his current situation. Hell, Soma wondered why other clan heads were being brought into this when they all knew Soma was out of commission and his clan was in a frenzy for information to fix him.

So many questions he would be unable to answer until he met Fugaku. Or had a moment to clear his head.

"I'll think about it. Now get out." The redhead bit out. Shisui chuckled bemused by whatever was planned but Soma had the last laugh as Yahiko smacked the raven for harassing the bedridden man.

It was amusing to see Shisui grovel to the pierced Yahiko who was scolding him while dragging him out of Soma's room by his ear.

Soma felt vindicated but, that didn't get rid of the underlying problem at hand.

Soma tossed aside Fugaku's invitation and pulled out a book on medical fuinjutsu.

Barely on chapter two Soma was building more and more fury towards Orochimaru for making him have to study again.

Especially since it was medical fuinjutsu. It was one of their more complex styles to work with and Soma who was a combat specialist and healed just as fast as he caused damage was Unaccustomed to knowledge about it.

Karin was their clans current expert as the girl had been studying it since she could toddle. That combined with the fact that it had an internal bomb connected to it, made this all the more complex. As Karin herself needed to brush up on curse composition and how they affect the structure of fuinjutsu.

Soma was hoping they could meet in the middle with both of their knowledge and figure something out together somehow.

His eyes focused on the page and Soma settled down to read.

Or he would have had Itachi not suddenly appeared at his side. He was a distracting presence just as Kakashi was. The intense focus from the dark gaze of Itachi was in itself magnetic. Just as badly as Kakasi had been, it was why he had swiftly kicked out his scarecrow sensei before promptly passing out days prior.

Soma was not in the right state currently, he was stuck in looping memories of each man's bodies since he was sitting idle to his thoughts too long. His mind was unfortunately zeroed in on finally divulging in his fantasies that he had been surpressing for years at this point.

His mind tended to wonder to the perverse when stuck idle. That part of his warped personality was definitely Jiraya's fault. That mega perverts nature had some bits of influence on him.

Especially now of all times. Soma was drinking Itachi down with his gaze alone. Itachi and he both knew what Soma was thinking immediately and it charged the room with a titalating electricity.

Itachi was a torrent of emotion, a tension to him that had been building up from years of suppression began pouring out all for Soma to embrace.

It was surprising . Invigorating . Tantalizing .

With everything between them , it was just the next step. A breath that was inevitable in taking. A movement necessary to progress forward. Everything in Itachi's body was leading up to something they had been both avoiding all these years.

As if the danger to Soma's life had broken the dam holding everything back.

Nevermind the heat hidden within Itachi's set his text aside grateful his room had been changed so he now had his futon low to the ground. He got a good view of Itachi as the man dropped to his knees and practically crawled on top of Soma.

No words needed to be spoken, not with what they shared between them.

They hadn't had any moments alone in so long. So this tension was mounting fast and Soma wished he had taken both men up on their offer in the past to fool around after the wave mission.

He really needed to focus on other things but it was difficult when his normal distractions were unavailable.

"You rarely get hurt." That broke the silence as Itachi hesitantly touched Soma. Those dark eyes looking, searching , starting deep into Soma's soul.

"I never thought you could be held back by anything. That you could never be hurt, that you would always be there so I had time." Itachi was disheveled now that Soma got a good look at him.

His clothes were in disarray as if thrown on in a hurry. Itachi's obsidian eyes were puffy and red from crying, his hair was loose, tangled in his hands as Itachi settled over him. It was electrifying how they were practically falling into each other's embrace with ease.

Soma listened to Itachi who seemed vulnerable and distraught sinking into Soma's gentle embrace.

"Please don't scare me like that again. You are the only thing in my life that's kept me sane through all these dark years. I don't want you hurt." Itachi pressed forward his forehead against a stunned Soma.

"I love you Soma." The soft press of lips against Soma's ignighted a hunger he had been surpressing since coming back from the land of waves.

Soma felt a thrill rush him as their tongues intertwined and Itachi pressed himself against the redhead who was starved for the kiss. A deep aching hunger was the driving force between the two men entangled with one another.

Itachi gripped at Soma's thigh lifting it to hook around his waist squeezing the plump ass that had haunted his dreams for years.

This lust surged between them and Itachi pulled back gasping looking down at the flushed visage Soma gave.

His glimmering eyes hazy looking at him with lust. Soma's hair wild lain across his pillow. That pale glowing skin teasing him from the lose and parted kimono that Soma had baring his pert rose colored nipples. A sight that made Itachi all the more ravenous. He dived down at that pale skin nipping, biting , sucking eliciting beautiful twinkling sighs and moans that seemed to drown out the world.

Itachi growled eagerly when Soma yanked at his hair, shivering and mewling driving him wild as he descended further down Soma's slim muscular body. Itachi sucked a dark love bite on Soma's waist.

They had been dancing around each other for years. Soma getting hurt like this was definitely a catalyst to Itachi plunging forward and declaring his affection. It was why neither of them washed to stop.

That's also why Itachi was surprised being plucked up by his shirt and tossed aside like a ragdoll.

Nagato stood before him practically growling like a dog protecting his master. Soma cursed behind the imposing figure yanking his clothes to cover him since he had been lying atop the now crumpled futon.

"My lord, you have an important guest awaiting you from a previous appointment. " Nagato spoke through clenched teeth. Itachi could see Soma flush and sputter in embarrassment .

"You should have knocked ." Soma spoke sullenly to which Nagato sighed and straightened Soma's clothes for him with ease. Despite the tension between the two of them , Nagato still saw Soma as his king above all else. He loved the stubborn brat even when the self-sacrificing idiot pushed him away.

He was horrified catching himself staring at Soma's bitten and bruised lips and pulled back ashamed. Had he not just tossed out the Uchiha heir for acting like a dog in heat towards his master.

They would have their talk, but not until Soma was better. Not until this fog inside Nagato's mind cleared out and he could look at Soma normally again. This was the priority right now getting Soma back to himself.

He was the reason he and his little family were alive and breathing. Why Nagato could see a better hope for a true future of peace. It's why he was going to be honest. Always. Fighting away his own lust with shame was a harder feat that he would like to admit.

"I did knock, then I heard your whimpers and worried you were in danger." Nagato spoke not looking the least bit apologetic. He looked to Soma pointedly as if saying 'duh, I'm your personal guard and servant meant to see to your needs and wants.' The two of them stared at one another silently, gazes each heavy with meaning. "You sounded like a wounded cat...didn't realize it was a cat in heat." Nagato's gaze was dark for a beat eyeing Soma meaningfully.

"I can handle myself." Soma said pouting earning a snicker from Nagato, Itachi forgotten as the two were mending their previously bruised bond stood silently annoyed the mood was ruined just when progress had finally been made.

"You can't even give Shisui the beating he deserves right now. Or that's what Yahiko said. I'm your aide, let me do my job." Soma snorted at that comment all of his embarassmet washing away. Nagato turned back to Soma's...guest.

"I wish you well young lord Uchiha, do well not to take on your sensei's terrible habit of sneaking into the compound. I will adjust the security seals for my master since thisbissue has yet to fix itself. For future reference please refrain from sneaking into this room without prior notice or permission." Itachi watched Soma turn bright red and smack a much too smug Nagato repeatedly with a pillow. Said man didn't remove his glare despite looking quite ruffled after repeatedly being whacked by Soma's pillow.

Itachi sighed and moved past Nagato to a red faced Soma. "I'll see you soon." He kissed Soma's hand before jumping out the window the way he came ignoring the sudden bickering coming from behind him.

T.D.O.T.

Naruto frowned eyeing Kabuto who had suddenly quit the exam. The senei knew of him and his appreance because Orochimaru so he wondered why the guy had the nerve to sneek in.

What was so important that his team needed to make a risk in joining them all.

Kakashi sensei was agitated upon his arrival as well. Though he had been agitated throughout his time there with them waiting. Naruto was as well as Sasuke because there was so much going wrong with their loved ones and Naruto himself.

It was odd to not see Soma standing by the hokage's side watching over the challenge that was to come. It meant Soma must have been really hurt to be held back from watching over his students progression.

He was eager to get through the battle rounds for the exam despite there not being that many people left. there were still too many to go on to the finals so it was time to narrow down the candidates.

Likely, Kabuto didn't know Naruto utilized actual shadowclones that transferred memories back to him. Most people used false illusions and it was not common for a gennin to have access to such a dangerous skill. Likely he assumed they were regular wind or blood clones like Soma showcased often. Those though, also returned the creators memories.

Naruto specialized in all types of clones so shadow clones must have been far down the list of possibilities to clones were even more rare.

Naruto twitched seeing the first line up for their battle versus Yorio Akado. One of Kabuto's suspicious subordinates. Both boys made subtle eye contact before everyone but Sasuke and his opponent were told to remain while the others were told to vacate the sudden arena.

On his way past Sasuke something within Naruto told him to speak up on his suspicion towards the peculiar circumstances.

"Whatever you do, avoid showing your Sharingan during this fight." Naruto spoke tugging on Sasuke's collar making it seem as if he were begging for a kiss. Sasuke snorted and leaned over Naruto as if trying to flirt back.

"Don't worry, I had the same feeling since our first interaction with Kabuto." The two boys parted, Naruto rolling his eyes playing off their moment as if Sasuke had said something salacious.

Naruto joined Sakura and Kakashi, the pinkett throwing herself into Naruto making it seem as if she too was flirting with the blond. Her whispering into his ear was hidden my his glittering long locks.

"Kakashi senei said Kabuto was captured right outside the hall." Naruto pouted playfully at Sakura snuggling at her side.

"Good, Sasuke is going to downplay as well as I since we've been on the radar too much." Sakura gave a girlish giggle nodding in agreement and the two settled back to watch the matches.

Those unfamiliar with Soma and Naruto thought this to be innocent flirting among teammates. Those that knew were aware of just what was truly happening.

Soma was creating his own infiltration specialist. Despite team seven being a front line battle group, this opened up other venues and a variety of missions if they all succeeded in following Soma's methods.

The Uzumaki was building a versatile group of rookies that worked well in tandem with one another. Any mission, any task could be accomplished by this group of rookies Making them all invaluable and proving Soma's teaching methods right.

Shinobi in the leaf had all been standard with specialist thrown into the mix. Soma had obliterated that exspectation. It was groundbreaking and proved to be better overall for the groups of rookies.

Yes, each child carried their own talent that they catered to and specialized in. Yet each one could seamlessly work with one another to perform various missions with fortuitous outcomes.

The shining star of the group was currently team seven, they had the most practice engaging in swapping out team members. Interchanging Sai during their early team building years was a huge help. Observing someone like Soma working with other sensei seamlessly and adapting to their styles and methods during cross training proved invaluable.

It was proven as team seven watched Sasuke feign struggle in his fight. Refusing to use his sharingan, and only using hand to hand combat to overtake his opponent meant he gave away nothing.

Sasuke was declared the winner of his match.

Next Shino took down a boy named Zaku effortlessly using his chakra eating hive. It gave away nothing as the boy's clan was known for using this specialized fighting method. Honestly his flight was underwhelming, Naruto approved of that method.

All of the last watched as one of the kazekage's son's took down one of Kabuto's teammates brutally with a puppet. Sakura, Ino and Hinata were in awe of the fine tuned control he had over the massive and deadly marionette. Naruto himself was more intrigued on the hidden weapon method the doll was used for and watched the match with the eyes of a hawk.

Neji and Hinata had been called down to face against one another. Hinata was asked to forfeit after Shino revealed a wound she was hiding prior to their entrance into the fighting hall.

She had hurt herself training not heeding advice to rest before entering the hall. She had still fought but Neiji took it easy on his cousin and promptly knocked her out without causing too much injury. He was also the one to carry his future clan head to the medical team so they could work on her pre-existing injuries sustained before their ill timed match.

Sakura and Ino were called to face off. Both girls had come a long way as their battle had been long and meticulous with Ino working hard to try to trap Sakura in her clan jutsu. Sakura for her part kept Ino moving with kunai to keep her from risking the mind control. In the end both girls got disqualified when Sakura used too much chakra in an enhanced punch and the force shot both girls straight into opposing walls knocking them out.

The medics declaired the girls fine but their match was left at a double knockout.

Sakura was pouting about it when she came back into awareness but vowed to get stronger next time.

Tenten faced off against Temari another child of the Kazekage of the sand and the rookies flinched seeing the budding weapons mistress beaten down brutally. Gai seemed lost in thought eyeing the rookie teams and then his own.

Kakashi could feel his long time friends peircing gaze before Tenten was led out of the arena concious but injured. Gai moved to Kakashi as the girl waved her team off asking for some peace and quiet while she rested in the medical room.

"I feel like you've been holding out on me my rival." He could tell of the rookies Kakashi's kids were truly holding back the most.

It was easy to see in how Sasuke stand bored during his fight, or how Naruto was easily tracking movement and staying ahead of the fights he had watched.

Kakashi mearly shrugged looking apathetic before pulling out his worn orange ecchi book to read.

"Little Red is the main reason for everything you are seeing. That brat purposefully hides his actual knowledge and skill to remain under the radar to spies.I should warm him that's beginning to translate to the other jonin though." Kakashi seemed thoughtful and Gai wondered if the apatgetic pervert side of him was real or all a show like Soma's playful flirting was. "Probably should have taken his offer to do the combined training regiment he offered." Gai acknowledged that he likely had been remiss in not seeking out Kakashi's paramour.

He had assumed the petite man only caretered to seduction and assasination based on his limited showcasing of known skill. Gai never realized how surface level the skill exhibited by the Uzumaki leader promoted. He likely needed to have a real conversation with the Uzumaki to fix his presumption and oversight.

The sensei's focused back into the matches Gai observing several of the kids in a new light.

Shikamaru was quick in his takedown of his female opponet Kin. He loathed beating up women but Soma had taken it upon himself to enure he didn't treat fights like that as a chore. The Uzumaki head made Shikamaru fight his female rookies often as they each practiced different styles, thought patterns and stategies compared to him fighting male counterparts.

Hell, Naruto fought with the grace and flow of a woman but had the power of a man. Not to mention the Uzumaki heir had the most creative thought pattern of any of the rookies. Shikamaru got his ass handed to him too may times to doubt the opposite sex or talk shit.

Girls and Naruto were just so..."Troublesome." Shikamaru spoke watching his opponent pass out after he threw a rock at the wall behind her making it ricochet and smack her in the back of the head.

Shikamaru didn't even have to use his clan jutsu for this.

Naruto was called to face off a smug looking Kiba.

Naruto held back his own snicker when several seconds into the match he changed into a naked older female version of himself with ample 'features'.

So far he had only ever shown Soma this trick and it had made the man misty eyed before he promply turned into a better version of a red haired beauty.

Soma then showed him step by step how to make his transformation more...distracting. Also how to utilize it for seduction techniques.

Judging by the way Kiba, and several others, promply fainted with blood spewing from their noses and several embarassed and uncomfortable coughs Naruto knew he succeeded. It took several seconds fr him to be declared the winner as their judge had to assist their hokage who had a nose bleed.

He gave nothing away and eluded to the visiting shinobi that he was likely a woman. It would only serve him better in the finals as he would be underestemated.

Gaara and Lee were next. Lee was eager but the final child of the Kazekage just seemed annoyed at Lee's speed. It only took the sand shinobi minutes to subdue Lee holding him in the air with his Sand watching the Proctor until he called the match. Lee had been trapped and unable to escape so there truly wasn't a choice.

This had shocked both Gai and Neji as Lee was placed into the ground carefully after the matched was called. The boy Gaara not paying any other mind than holding Naruto's gaze with a searching expression before it washed away hidden behind his sand.

Choji was up next against Dosu the final member of the mysterious sound team that has made it to the preliminaries. The rotund boy was unfortunately matched against Someone that was his natural weakness. In the end he gave up the match as he knew damage would be caused to his organs should he pit himself against the sound nin in this instance.

Only several burst of concenteated sound from his opponent had him nearly choking on blood.

Besides now he knew what to ask his sensei to help him train on to compensate for this weakness and he got out of the match with little injury.

The preliminaries were set and there would be a month given for each participent that passed to meet again for the finals in the arena.

Naruto was happy to be free so he could finally see his family again, mostly Soma as he had a new tenant and needed some serious advice and help.

Sakura waved her team off and scampered to Ino's side determined to do some more training with the girl.

The blonde was surprised to be plucked up along with Sasuke by Kakashi and shusined just outside of the forest. Kaksshi staggered a beat and Naruto realized his sensei was more exhusted than he let on.

Sasuke caught Naruto's concerned gaze as Kakashi straightened and jetted off carrying the two pre teens. That was surprising as Kakashi was likely low of stamina but the masked man pushed through until he and Sasuke were crossing into the Uzumaki boundary. The blonde spotted two Kakashi clones that seemed to suddenly dissapear as soon as the trio got into the safety of the clan grounds.

Their sensei had his clones stand guard over his compound. Naruto's heart skipped in fear. He could hear blood rushing muffling Kakashi sensei's sitting words he sent his way.

He tried wiggling out of Kakashi's hold but his sensei held both him and a struggling Sasuke tight. Naruto frowned when Nagato came out from the inner rooms from Soma's Hall. Why wasn't Soma coming out to greet him. Why was Nagato eyeing Naruto with a resignation.

"Where's Soma?" The words were practically choking Naruto who was only momentarily distracted by Itachi arriving to pluck a now subdued Sasuke from Kakashi.

"Come inside my prince and I will speak on what has occured." That formal tone was not normal. That formal sweeping bow that Nagato took and folded into was unfamiliar. This was making Naruto quesy and uncomfortable. They were family and it made Naruto worry.

Never had Nagato acted the part of a servant, yet here he was debasing himself at Naruto's feet. Something happened between Soma and Nagato for their Nagato to act in such a way.

"I'm going to Soma, no one follow me." Nagato nodded and several others stepped forward to ensure Kakashi and Itachi were not to follow.

Sasuke stayed back because he knew this was a private matter for the Uzumaki house hold.

Naruto was tugged out of Kakashi's hold and settled on the floor. He was swift moving through the halls into the inner rooms.

He knocked on Soma's door receiving an 'enter' before he slid open the door.

His gaze focused on Soma who looked...small. Tired, and sick. He was reading a book, multiple papers we're strewn about the room all surrounding his bed. He was in bed?

Soma hated starting still when researching, or reading. The man had to pace to focus on text just like him.

Soma turned to Naruto and smile bright and big. "Welcome back Naru." Soma spread his arms wide asking for a hug and that alone was odd.

Soma always came to him to hug him and swing him around. Naruto hesitated only a second but bolted into Soma's arms. He murmered gently to Naruto kissing his head and the pre teen almost melted into it.

"What the hell's going on with everyone?" Naruto spoke pulling back to look Soma in the eyes.

Soma seemed thoughtful and tugged Naruto to sit next to him, the red head was going to have to deal with this head on.

Like a bandaid he ripped the covers off of his legs. Naruto's soft gasp was the only noise heard. The intricate seals and curse markings marred Soma's legs keeping them useless.

Naruto was horrified reading the seal.

"W-who-" Naruto started but stopped remembering Kakashi's words from the exam Hall. "Why would that snake bastard target you?" It was had little interaction with the man, Jiraya or Tsunade would have been the ones that he would have normally targeted. They at least had a history that would justify that unwarrented wrath.

"My power is a threat to him." Naruto sobered up swiftly.

"There's lots of powerful shinobi, no offense, why you in particular?" It didn't add up.

Soma smiled running his fingers through Naruto's hair.

"I am the strongest and most influential shinobi in the leaf, likely in the entirety of the world." Naruto frowned not exspecting the sowboating.

"Naru, honestly." Soma sighed rubbing his eyes. "I have helped several leaders across the elemental nations. I have killed or disabled several of the most dangerous criminals to roam these lands. I brought back our once scattered clan bringing back once of the most dangerous shinobi arts to life. Became one of the youngest jonin and developed and structured a new way to create new forms of torture and destruction. All this before I even entered puberty." Naruto's mouth gaped open.

"I didn't know about all of that! I thought you just did seduction missions. Or political once because Shikaku is trying to get you into politics." Soma the his hands up exhasperated.

"Of course you knew what Shikaku was planning before I did. Soma huffed pretending to be annoyed.

"You really didn't realize how awesome I am did you?" Naruto looked up at Soma doubtfully. Soma actually pouted bringing a snort to his blonde counterpart.

"Naruto. I'm in your history books." A flush rose to Naruto's cheeks realizing he had actually offended Soma. It was kinda cute to see Soma pouty about this though.

"Look I was busy trying to make a new jutsu when we had that lesson okay. Besides I felt that I could just ask you if I needed information." Naruto huffed puffing it his cheeks before laying across his guardian. Soma only sighed as Naruto began examining his cursed seals up close.

"Hey, why is there a secondary hormone influx attached to the seal under the curse marking. Isn't that meant to increase fertility rates from arranged marriages?"

Soma froze growing horror hitting him.

"A what!" Soma's voice echoed through the shiro.

Several minutes later and an ungodly amount of time spent convincing Nagato that neither Itachi nor Kakshi had snuck in they were sitting in Soma's room discussing what Naruto found.

"I read some of the old history books you brought back from the village. They were like old though, from methods on standards meant for procreation between arranged marriage couples. It had side effects though, like making others who had affection for the marked person would do, and say things they usually kept reserved. A lot of brides were kidnapped by their lovers and ended up having their kids and some grooms were found to be sleeping with their previous lovers. Oddly they placed the woman's version on your body." Everyone paused for a moment.

"Does that snake bastard think you're a woman?" This from Naruto wo was snickering and Nagato was blushing and looking away from Soma.

"H-how does the womans version of this seal work." Nagato spoke ad Naruto pulled out a book he had from a sealing scroll.

"The afflicted woman's hormones with bloom with natural phermones. These are meant to attract any and all those attached or attracted to them to promote birth of the Uzumaki clan." Thr silence attached out between the trio only breaking when nagato coughed uncomfortably.

"I'm going to beat Orochimaru down with my own hands when I get the chance." Soma was solemn and irritable at that point. Naruto did his best not to laugh but it was Nagato who had to turn away to not snicker at the situation.

It seamed Soma was not going to let this go. He was mistaken for a woman often but being branded as one seemed to upset him outright. Soma now needed to also about those he found attractive andb those why found him attractive. He comment knew there was only supposed to be some sexual tension between then and it expained Itachi and his reactions.

Soma sighed already feeling the press of his hormones or rather the forced hormones.

"What are the side effects of it's placed on a man?" Soma spoke exhasperated now. Naruto skimmed through the research notes muttering and cursing softly along.

"Just lots of surges of lust towards individuals you find attractive. Makes you do and react to things in ways you would normally not allow yourself to act on. It's kinda like being drunk on lust." Naruto made a face before sealing away the work where he originally hid it.

Soma was not going to question why he had this particular set of notes and ignored his headache.

"Why this though? Orochimaru already made my legs useless, I'm already going to be distracted and a little weak in mobility even after I get my legs back until i can work the muscles back in." Naruto snorted eyeing a flushing Nagato who was eyeing a distracted Soma's bare shoulder.

"It likely wasn't you he was targeting on that front. Some of the most powerful Shinobi across the elemental nations have been after you hand in marriage just because of your skills. Most outside of the village and even some within still mistake you for a woman." Naruto looked like he was holding back a grin only annoying Soma.

"If that snake bastard thought you were a woman, used these two particular seals then it means he was trying to ensure a third failsafe. One he made you vulnerable by taking away your legs. Two he put a fertility seal underneath a cursed medical seal to make your body practically force you and others you trust practically fall in one another like beast. Likely trying to either damage your social, political or platonic relationships. Or he likely thought you were biologically a woman and hoped you would get pregnant from a almost rape induced assalt. That would mess with you emotionally, mentally and phsically keeping you restrained even longer." It was lasted out and Soma was both proud and horrified Naruto would be able to come to such conclusions.

"He also might have been trying to make it so he could obtain specific genes to kidnap your possible offspring. I know if that man and he has been known even in rain to kidnap and expirament on people and children." Nagato spoke turning away from Soma who was just feeling overwhelemed.

"Now I'm going to need to devote myself to studying until we get this resolved. I want to be up and running for whatever plans that bastard has coming. I wanna be the one to kick his ass with my own hands." Soma's words eased some tension in both Naruto and Nagato who had been worried.

"We can shelve that for now. How did your exam go Naru?" Soma spoke plucking up his charge from his legs and Naruto snuggled into the hug.

Naruto paused and eyed Nagato who took that as his cue to vacate the room, bowing as he left.

"Oh, right. So a problem popped up. There's another bijuu inside my mindsape. Helooks exactly like my Kurama...he said his name is Karuma though. He feels similar but also different and it's making by guy all pissy." Naruto didn't notice the color drain from Soma's face but he did notice his guardian tense up.

"What the fuck!" It was Soma once again proving that his plans were all being fucked by the universe.

Notes:

Oh my my my naughty naught might happen might not we shall see how things go

Chapter 13: Hokage Candidate

Summary:

Discussions are to be had for what is to come and Soma is right in the middle of it all

Notes:

Hello guy's it's been a while. In the middle of writing this chapter, my mother passed away, and I just couldn't cope for a long time, so I apologize for the long wait, but I was otherwise occupied.

"I object." Soma some to the chattering room that ignored his protest for the ninth time.

"So we're all in agreement that the next Hokage candidate is going to be Soma Uzumaki of the Uzumaki clan. He will take on the role after lady Tsunade has run course and trained Soma for the role." This was coming from Fugaku, who had called this meeting in his home. Shikaku sat snickering at Soma's side. Each clan head had been firm in their choice of candidate and unanimous.

All save Soma.

His opinion didn't matter in the final decision. There had been no escape from this result. That only led the red head to grumble and wave his hand obnoxiously in Fugaku's face, practically splayed over the large table, drawing his body across it with his other arm.

"Can I just point out that my legs are useless and likely render me inadequate for candidacy?" Tsume snorted at Hiashi's side, but it was Hiashi who spoke for the group.

"You are still more powerful and able to take down opponents as you are. Your summons alone keeps you mobile, and if not, then you also would have an endless supply of volunteers willing to carry you into all the danger that may seek us out." Everyone seemed far too lax about all this, only making Soma grumpier.

"Besides, Tsunade has graciously offered to hold the position until you are deemed trained for the position. I'm pretty sure you will have time to free yourself of this predicament before then, even if not, you should be fine." This came from Kakashi, who was not helping Soma fight against the position whatsoever. The lofty silver haired man was reading his porn book blatantly ignoring Soma's death glares. This meeting had been nothing but a setup and Soma was the only one fighting against the majority.

He really hated his legs being useless. He would have left the meeting long ago, but Shikaku had kidnapped him, carrying the struggling man in his rumpled sleeping kimono and all to the early morning meeting.

The one Soma specifically tried to avoid.

The one where Nagato had been waiting for him at the Uchiha estate, ready to wash him and dress Soma like a spoiled courtesan quickly with Fugaku's gleeful permission to use his family's bathhouse to hurry along the process. Soma was wrapped in so many layers of flowing purple silk and sheer gauze that he looked like a fluttering wisteria flower. The other clans had all planned this event to go smoothly despite Soma's clear protests.

So Soma being dressed like a delicate flower seemed to offset nothing as it made the case for Shikaku to push his narrative of backing Soma all the more reasonable. Their little deceiving powerhouse.

The kimono was beautiful, but Nagato had very little practice tying Soma's more traditional garb. Soma usually dressed himself with his legs unusable, though it required more help just to get his clothes situated on himself. Nagato was almost perfect, just needed to tie and wrap his more delicate and gauzy outfits tightly.

Nagato was far too focused on directing Naruto to the other clan kids for a 'play date' before Soma could voice his concerns.

The redhead would get his revenge one day for all this, though.

Had he been mobile, none of them would have gotten away with it.

Attention turned to Fugaku, who raised his hand to bring up a point on his own agenda item, and he eyed Soma meaningfully.

"I would like to formally extend my clan's intentions to offer a marriage alliance between the Uchiha clan and the Uzumaki clan." Soma sighed while several other clans clamored to attention. "Formally, my son, Itachi Uchiha, would seek Soma Uzumaki's hand in matrimony. This would be for political purposes and channels as to the reason we are offering our eldest son and my heir."

Hiashi snickered as Hizashi was the loudest in dissatisfaction over the offer immediately after the words were spoken. Kakashi himself seemed incensed to weigh in on this topic, also opposing it. His fury was palpable, and it only intrigued Fugaku, who seemed to obtain an almost maniacal glint in his gaze. The scene was a mess, so to speak, and yet there sat Itachi, not sharing in Soma's misery but sitting beside his father, pleased with everything happening.

Soma glowered at the guy who acted far too innocent to have had this all sprung on him. Though it was foolish of him to assume that Fugaku would keep his desire to wed Itachi to Soma a secret from him.

Especially after all his previous open attempts.

Soma turned to actually begin crawling away from the pandemonium occurring, only to be stopped by an extremely amused Shikaku.

"Now, now, Soma. That was a formal ask for your hand. No running away this time. Now say it after me, 'I do' Unless you are stalling or planning to run away." Soma was tugged back by his Kimono the the deep wisteria purple fabric was tugged from his shoulder, bearing the pale skin, silencing the once loud room. The silky fabric now gaped nearly baring his chest to the room, loosening wide, making two men distinctly gulp.

Soma swatted away Shikaku's hang plopping back onto his ass glowering at the man. "I wouldn't dream of doing such a thing. I was just planning to leave since apparently my opinion doesn't matter in most of this meeting." Soma spoke a little bitterly, only amusing most of the clean heads.

This was so fucking frustrating to deal with especially since the cursed seals placed on him were trying to cloud Soma's mind with lewd thoughts at the obvious sign of interest from both men. That had been his secret reason for his botched escape; being around Kakashi and Itachi was making it difficult to fight off his libido.

Kakashi suddenly went from ranting off reasons of disapproval to stuttering, and Itachi went red in the face and turned his gaze away. Nagato was swift in covering his master, nearly shoving a cackling Shikaku to the side. It was hard to fight against their blatant interest, especially since Soma had been fighting off his own interest for a long time now.

He really should have been a little bit promiscuous so the sexual tension between him and his two men wasn't suffocating him as much.

Soma just sighed, looking more exhausted than anything. He still settled down and looked Fugaku in the eye, stern and calm.

"The Uzumaki clan no longer practices arranged marriages. Not since our Princess Mito Uzumaki, who was one of the founding clan members to find and establish this village." Soma watched Fugaku's smile falter slightly.

"If you would seek me or my clan members' hand for marriage with them, the interested parties would need to do as we Uzumaki do. Though considering my clan rarely follows monogamous customs, I assumed you would have been more hesitant to send your eldest to my side." Fugaku was frowning, now gripping the table between him and Soma. The Uzumaki clan wasn't exactly hiding the fact that most members were of the mindset to love all, and the many who sought them out.

The only reason it has gone unnoticed for so long is that there had not been that many clansmen before. Soma didn't mind as it gave an influx to their population, and to be fair, he didn't wish to impose or adhere to the same practices as the village. It wasn't like he had been monogamous in his past life. War led to a lot of the shinobi trying to find comfort in a warm body and touch to remember they were alive.

It kept people from offering up arranged marriages since it was a known fact that the Uzu people did not practice normal monogamy or the like.

Hell, several shinobi had entwined with some of his clansmen due to their unreserved relationship style. Soma was openly flirtatious with everyone, and his clan followed a strict fighting style that involved seduction techniques. Soma never indulged, but that was mostly due to his involvement in ensuring the safety and practice of his clan went unbothered.

This was no secret, but likely to hear it so bluntly put must have been off-putting. Soma was counting on that to make Fugaku finally give up on marrying off Itachi and just allowing him to separate and live freely without the Uchiha clan playing a hand in his future. Soma didn't understand the necessity for the clan to push this narrative so.

"What exactly does that entail?" Fugaku asked, and Soma snickered. Nagato asked Soma to speak on his behalf, and the redhead held back a sigh and gave a nod as permission.

"It means Uchiha Soma, my king, must be seduced, mind, body, soul, and even then that may not bind your son solely to our king. As our clan follows, he may or may not bind himself and your son to another person later on if he so wishes; our people would demand he keep a harem should Soma begin taking on brides or bridegrooms. Would you truly allow such a thing without your clan finding insult?" Itachi gripped his father's shoulder and looked Soma in the eyes.

This was the only way Soma could use to protect himself and Itachi. It was to hide behind his clan's unconventional ways.

"I would not mind such a life as long as I were free to wed Soma." Itachi spoke, making Fugaku snort and eye Kakashi and the possessive grip Nagato had around his king's shoulders.

"My clan had already discussed such concerns, so long as my son agrees, we would only wish for his happiness as he would step down as heir, and Sasuke would instead take on the role.

Soma eyed Fugaku contemplatively. "This offer is only for a marriage dowry. My clan will give you the notes left to me from the studies and work left to me by the Fourth Hokage and his wife. My old friend had medical fuinjutsu control techniques left behind by his Uzu bride. This is what we offer, so you will favorably seek my son for marriage, my friend." The room was deathly silent, and Soma felt a rush of emotion buzz through his brain.

Shikaku seemed rather irritated by the dubious underhanded method now raised, and Itachi looked as if he had been slapped.

Soma knew Fugaku didn't know, couldn't have known. Likely using this method as the last bargaining chip to ensure Itachi's future at his side.

Fugaku did not truly wish to part with such things, which was why he had been holding off on using such a tenacious tactic.

Soma sighed, easing back into Nagato's gentle hold. He could see Kakashi's face shut down and felt a pang of shattered pain likely shared with him.

"We may discuss such things between our clans, but for now, I grow far too weary to speak further. I wish you all well, and thank you." Soma was lifted, confused by Fugaku's insistence, and knew he would only get the truth in a private setting.

As Nagato carried him away, he could hear Kakashi and Shikaku bite into Fugaku, who could not truly mask his worry.

"I will send for you to discuss this further, Fugaku. Expect my messenger soon." Fugaku looked relieved, the tension in him deflating immediately.

Something was up, and Soma would find out what it was.

T.D.O.T

Kakashi was alert despite looking as if he was lounging lazily seated with Soma at the redhead's bedside. Kakashi was reporting in to Soma since the redhead had been sentenced to bed rest after blowing himself up trying to create a counter-seal for Orochimaru's cursed seal the week prior.

Kakashi was the one gathering progress reports of each of the rookies' exam training. Soma snorted, reading over Naruto's report, finding out Jiraya had tossed him off the side of a cliff even in this life to open him to his summons to the toads.

Naruto had been startled when he found his name appeared on the toad contract before Soma's. The remnants of Soma's seal from many years ago were fading from the parchment before the blonde.

Jiraya had only told Naruto that all would be revealed only when the time was right. Kakashi had not stayed long after that and moved to Sasuke's training methods. Fascinated by the intensity of training, Itachi was running his brother through and vaguely irritated that Kakashi had insisted on Sasuke still learning Chidori.

Though Soma only had himself to blame, as he had Naruto already trying to slowly decipher how to accomplish Rasengan.

Tsunade had been disgustingly impressed by how much of a powerhouse Naruto was turning out to be. At how coordinated the upcoming gennin were turning out that she had practically harassed Soma into showing her step-by-step plans in his curriculum.

Especially since Soma had ensured each gennin team had medical training alongside combat skills.

Tsnade's arrival was kept secret, so she and Shizune were in a guest house hidden on Uzumaki land. Tsunade was being prepared to take over the Hokage position until Soma was up and ready to lead the village. Tsunade was planning on expanding the village's medical field, already pleased to see groundwork laid by Karin, Asumi, and even Soma in a small way.

Uzumaki's medical training was an advanced coursework, and teaching it to the current hospital staff was already seeing the village in leagues above others.

Instant pain relief through a seal. Less chance of infection due to several Uzumaki coming forward and offering healing blood to those who needed it.

It had nearly caused Tsunade to force Soma under her tutelage, but she had sworn to Jiraya when they were kids to never poach each other's students. Their agreement was mostly pushed by Tsunade, who wanted to protect any possible students who learned her own created techniques. It meant she was kept from learning Jirayas as well, locking away any temptations to learn his more destructive and unsavory skills.

Soma had been his second Student to tempt her to steal him away. For now, she would settle for training him for the hokage position while beating some medical training into his skull on her way out.

Things were progressing again, and Soma was trapped in mind-numbing studying to accomplish breaking his seal, all too happy for Kakashi coming in to report and give him a much-needed break from studying. Kakashi, being his errand boy, had sent Nagato off to pout whenever the man was set to arrive. Tension between Kakashi and Nagato was at an all-time high at the current time frame. Soma had sent Nagato on an errand out into the village, and Soma was free to handle Kakashi, who was happily just watching Soma look over reports.

Kakashi crawled over to Soma, hesitant, but the redhead didn't react negatively when Kakashi settled down, laying his head quietly in Soma's lap. There had been a need in Kakashi to display some of his clingy tendencies when around Soma as of late. As of late, the Uzumaki head indulged him, likely due to Kakashi displaying such open vulnerability. It was safe, it was pleasant, and Kakashi melted into the gentle touches Soma displayed, running his fingers through Kakashi's hair while reading over the reports.

Nagato coming back home to chase out Kakashi after such a scene was the only thing that made Soma find the whole event humorous.

T.D.O.T

Soma traced the fine lines on a practice sheet, his hands worked in silence as Nagato watched with a protective seal at the ready.

A small zap had Soma cursing and Nagato moving swiftly, placing the seal, holding tight to Soma, who only glowered at the now singed flooring where the seal once was, now matching the numerous burns littering the floor.

"Seal number one-twenty-two failure due to misplaced chakra. Too much flowing through lines forty-two through forty-three." Soma sighed, rubbing his eyes, truly not used to holding back his chakra and using it so tightly.

His control was still difficult to manage. Despite all the years of his practicing, he just carried far too much chakra, and trying to determine what was too much was still difficult for Soma to entirely figure out. He was no longer allowed to conduct his experiments alone after blowing himself up a few weeks prior. Nagato was his permanent shadow when doing seal testing until he got mobility back.

It's why his seals were unique to him and exclusive for only a handful of Uzumaki to recreate. Sai, for example, despite his skill with fuinjutsu, was unable to take on several specialty seals made by Soma and Naruto. It was also why Soma had such difficulty in recreating any living art fuinjutsu that Sai created.

Soma started mumbling to himself, thinking about several more training options for him to go through to better his control. He hated the thought of taking on Fugaku's offer, but it was getting to a critical time that Soma could not afford to be wasting on getting out of the curse deal. Though he was also mindlessly already planning several methods to go through after his afternoon meeting, in the back of his mind, the offer still sat.

The red head was lifted and carried out of the training dome into the complex silently. There was much to do, and Soma wasn't able to just idle by with experiments any longer.

Soma was immediately carried into the outer building and down into the Grand Hall, which was for receiving guests in a formal capacity. Being carried around was annoying, but Nagato always seemed happy to do this task the most.

They were going to need to have a talk after all of this. Being carried like a weak-hearted princess was not making him feel any better. Nagato also kept the perfect servant act up, and that alone was making Soma uncomfortable.

He was already stressed, having to convince Naruto to allow the pervy sage to oversee his personal training before the finals. That had been exhausting as the pre-teen had been adamant about not leaving Soma's side.

Especially since he had been left in such a vulnerable state. Promises from both Sai and Shin to watch over Soma in his absence had been the only thing to alleviate Naruto's anxiety over their month-long separation.

It was exasperating to say the least.

There was no time, though. Soma was on the verge of undoing this seal, with a majority of help from Karin, but just needed his control focused.

They figured out that this seal could only be done by the person afflicted or by the one who did the initial seal work. Orochimaru was a real fucking snake for pulling this stunt.

There was no doubt he would figure it out, but both he and his clan worried about the side effects he had been facing, having the fertility seal attached to him.

So far, he had been found in several uncomfortable encounters with fellow shinobi.

Several of which he had not thought had even swung that way. Anko had been the most terrifying person afflicted as she openly molested Soma several times since she too was apparently attracted to Soma.

It didn't help that Soma's hormones and urges surged like a waterfall when he was even slightly interested in someone.

It made the redhead outright refuse to leave the compound unless absolutely necessary. There was too much of a risk of him being molested, and a low chance of his getting anything practical done.

Shikaku and Hiashi took over handling any clan and political paperwork or meetings needed from Soma's end. They only took over after Soma had been horrified and accosted by a surprising Guy sensei. He had been groped by Guy, who had been as horrified as Soma had been.

Guy went on a long training mission to work on his 'impulse control and self-discipline' while Soma had to grapple with the fact that he had been molested by bushier brow sensei.

It also freaked him out to find out who exactly had those inclinations towards him.

Soma could deal with his urges alone. He had perfect control now of ignoring the sensations and refusing to act on the urges.

It also helped that he avoided both Kakashi and Itachi since both men were away training the boys of Team Seven for the finals of the exam. Jiraya had also tagged along since Soma absolutely needed time to focus on working on his control to free himself.

This trap Orochimaru pulled was unfortunately very effective at stalling Soma. Nagato also seemed to be back to his usual self, less broody since the two other men were no longer pawing at the red head.

The redhead wondered if it was because he was protective or possessive of Soma. Things had not truly settled between the two and Soma only learned of Nagato's repressed feelings for Soma.

Why he was repressing it all was a question left unanswered. Why it was all becoming too complex and emotional was also something he was ignoring.

Soma was here for a purpose; it was critical he be able to pay better attention to the ever-changing future. He had changed so much, and daring to let it all fly by without keeping up with the changes would be irresponsible on his part.

He could not fully fall into anyone until after the exams ended. With any luck, he would have two years to prepare them all for the hidden threats or be able to take them out himself.

Otherwise, he was sure he had his contingency plans set up and was overly prepared for the worst.

Soma was settled before his guest fluidly and without much fuss. Fugaku was sitting before him, looking cowed, with a stern but smiling Mikoto next to him.

Obviously, Soma missed something as the dynamic between the couple seemed tense.

Formal greetings were given, but Soma had known Mikoto since he was a boy, his second time around. He had been to the Uchiha grounds plenty of times, enough to interact with the clan.

It was peculiar, but it seemed as though whatever happened here would lead to a decision he had been trying to avoid all these years. He noted that despite Kakashi being Sasuke's main training sensei, Itachi was sent to help Sasuke train as well. Soma had heard Mikoto had insisted, and Soma presumed it was so that Itachi would miss this meeting with Soma. The question was, why was it necessary?

Mikoto smiled gently towards Soma.

"Please, marry my son Itachi. " Soma held back a sigh as Mikoto's expression seemed pinched around the eyes with worry.

He couldn't blow off that real person Mikoto was broadcasting for him. She wasn't the calculating clan council doing anything and everything to set up a match with an established clan head that started with nothing and turned it into that nothing into a legacy.

"Explain to me why I should?" Soma needed to know what he was getting into here; this was becoming a new development in this timeline, but everything dealing with the Uchiha clan was a development Soma knew to handle with caution and controlled emotions. They were the biggest factor that changed his history.

"Itachi cannot lead the clan, it would destroy him. The elders refuse to allow him an out without total removal from the clan, they will remove his eyes just so they could satisfy their greed!" Soma quirked a brow at Mikoto who was practically growling.

"They offer up Mira Uchiha, she is Itachi's age but under the influence of her father who would push her to take over in Itachi's stead, leading him to be forced to adhere to his wants or he would implement plans to dismantle him from his position. Mira spoke of this to us as she too does not wish to marry Itachi." Soma hummed lowly, listening carefully.

"What would stop this tactic from being pursued with Sasuke at the helm?" Soma spoke but it was Fugaku who pulled himself together to speak this time.

"He has a betrothed. We placed two fiancées for our sons, not to control them with an iron fist but to protect them from the machinations of others. These bonds to wed are forged when we ourselves are in our youth. Mikoto's family had not even had a daughter born until I was five, and from then forth she was promised to me. My father had to fight the clans off from forcing me to marry one of their daughters for five years until she came of age. It helped that I had the Hokage candidate and a war veteran helping keep them at bay, but it was why Itachi and Sasuke had promised wives from the second they were born. Mikoto and I waited till our friends confirmed daughters and sons born one of each apiece before we tried to conceive either time. It is why Sauske and Itachi have a six-year age gap. My father had not had the same luxury as they needed more children born due to the war, and the head family had to lead by example. Without Minato, I too would have been pushed into a corner; his intervention saved me. We have strict traditions to protect the head of house, but there are still others always trying to gain power even with our fail-safes in place." Soma's eyes widened in surprise and he felt like anything made more sense to him then and there.

Shikaku had been just as close to Minato in their youth, yet Fugaku had been chosen as the shadow Hokage for Minato. It had not only been for political justification but to also protect Fugaku as he too would have had to undergo training until Mikoto was of age to marry, since they had not had a set engagement until she was of age, it left room for others to try and break up that bond.

Yet something was missing; He knew from his own snooping into the Uchiha clan that Fugaku didn't want the current council of his clan to find weakness in the clan head. There were give and takes in all councils, the Uchiha bore the brunt of persecution under Fugaku's lead for many years and that led to a weak standing for his current position, whereas Sasuke would not have the same black mark on his record.

"So, how does this situation include me? It seems as though your clan is following en route to lead Itachi into an arranged marriage so they can take claim to power." Fugaku snorted, and Mikoto elbowed her husband not so discreetly.

"Itachi is infatuated with you, but you have come off as indifferent for years. The elders agreed to a concession; they will allow him to keep his eyes and marry out of the clan, so long as it is to the head of the Uzumaki clan, Soma. As they think they could win you over using Itachi and his bond as a bargaining chip. They think they could use you if all else fails, they could force Itachi into this loveless marriage and use you as proof that his only escape refused him." Soma sighed and realized why Mikoto had called this meeting without Itachi present.

He wondered why Sasuke and his parents insisted on Itachi being the one to train him, with only small notes and a regimen provided by Kakashi.

They feared Soma would say no; they didn't want their son's feelings hurt, and Soma knew that both Mikoto and Fugaku truly only wanted Itachi to be happy despite all the pressure they were under. That cemented his decision.

"Alright, I Uzuamki Soma will allow this arrangement and marry Itachi Uchiha into my clan. He will retain his clan name if he so wishes though and must go through surrogacy within my clan and have at least one child of Uzumaki and Uchiha blood to remain in the clan and learn our teachings, if he would like more he would be free to do so with the consent of a surrogate." Surprise colored both Mikoto and Fugaku's features before Soma snorted. He knew Itachi would be pleased to be able to be a father without pressures for him or his children to face off against his clan and their plotting. The decision definitely shocked Fugaku and Mikoto.

"What you guys thought the free love my clan takes on was because of the lack of morality within my clan? It's meant to keep our bloodline from getting too intertwined and crossed with each other. We need fresh blood since there are still only a handful of Uzu people. The child will stay within the main brand lines, though, since they come from a high-ranked clan as a bride. Though reiterate to your clan that he will not be in a monogamous marriage, I am a king to my people and afforded a harem." Soma smirked as Nagato had brought forth the already prepared documents as Soma knew the gist of things before the meeting, thanks to his own spy network he had developed in his youth.

They all knew that it was Soma's own way of keeping power balanced and a method to keep the Uchiha elders from trying to push Soma into doing as they so wanted. Can't use the bridegroom as leverage if to Soma and his people meant that another could take the position of head bride away from Itachi. They would take what they are given as Soma being tied to the Uchiha clan through marriage was a bolster to their reputation as it was. They would not risk Itachi being cast aside due to greed; they would push, but never too hard now, not with the supposed threat.

Soma was glad he had been monitoring the Uchiha clan so closely and tried not to seem too smug outpacing the elders much. Shisui was a very convenient spy and would only do what was best for the clan and the village. He had devoted himself to being Soma's spy as soon as it was determined years prior that everyone was grooming Soma to become the next Hokage. Soma had just not known the small details and wanted to see how honest Mikoto and Fugaku's intentions were, Shisui had been very correct in his assessment of everything, and Soma was grateful the older man was willing to help despite Soma being a practical stranger.

Mikoto burst into tears and flung herself at Soma in a bone-crushing hug. Fugaku cried and quietly thanked the Kami for Soma's help. It really was something serious for Fugaku and Mikoto to have been this stressed over it all. Soma was glad he trusted his gut.

His limited advisors knew of this decision, and even Nagato agreed it was a wise choice; he, of all his council, was the one to sway Soma into saying yes to the arranged marriage after hearing of the reasons why Itachi needed to marry out of the clan he was born to. The removal of eyes so the clan could hide away the Uchiha kekei genkai was enough to set most of his small council into outrage.

Honesty was what everything hinged on, though. The Uzumaki council and their king needed that to confirm that this arrangement would work out.

"The council will practically demand and exert control over Itachi to try to monopolize your favor you know this." This coming from Fugaku who at least looked ashamed of tht fact.

Soma shrugged and smirked.

"For all intents and purposes, the Hatake clan was sent a bid for prospects for bridegroom searches a day before your ambush at our unofficial clan meeting." Soma hadn't sent word of any marriage prospects but inquired mostly about formally offering to teach Kakashi some clan kept seals so he would have all the resources to protect his rookie team when they were out on missions.

The Uchiha didn't need to know that, though. Soma knew it was hypocritical of him to hide stuff from the Uchiha while needing the truth from them, but Soma knew what path he was aiming for. The Uchiha council would always make Soma wary and needing to hold the upper hand consistently against such a force.

Especially since there would have still been a coup had Soma not intervened early on that clan. So he was going to continue to do what he needed to protect everyone, no matter what.

T.D.O.T.

Soma sighed, sitting up on his futon. The darkness in the room was only disturbed by the pale glow of moonlight.

He knew exactly what had woken him and turned his gaze to the idiot, bold enough to slip into his bed with him.

Kakashi's pained grumbling was almost as satisfying as seeing his pouting visage when Soma turned a light on. A firm hold on Kakashi's ear, making the man pout harder.

"I would have thought you knew better than to slip into my bed when you tried to cuddle me on our last mission." Soma spoke smugly, letting Kakashi free. The taller man snorted and settled himself comfortably on Soma's bed as close as he dared to the rumpled redhead.

His normally gravity-defying hair lay flat, obscuring Kakashi's oddly bare face. It was strange to see those handsome features than it was to see the shadows stretching across to cover them.

"Well, I figured you wouldn't light your bed on fire with me in it since your bed is not as easy to replace as a bedroll is." Kakashi's sarcastic jibe pulled some amusement from the redhead.

"I've heard you plan to make Itachi an honest woman." Kakashi spoke suddenly, leeching the comradeship out of the room.

So the Uchiha clan spread word far and wide in just an evening, it would seem. It made sense why Kakasi came to him barefaced and clingy.

"Yes, I've accepted an arrangement to keep him sane and to keep his eyes in his head." Kakashi shrugged and nodded in thought, his duo colored gaze traced every image of Soma as if he desperately needed to memorize him.

"Figured as much. It's why I've come to offer you an honest proposal to keep the Uchiha elders in immediate check." Soma signed, already knowing where this was going. Honestly more surprised Kakashi had not waited till morning or read the urgent letter Soma had sent through Tenzo just an hour ago. He had been going out to observe Sasuke and Naruto's progress with their training. One week with Sasuke and Itachi, one week with Naruto and Jiraya.

Today was supposed to be a day for Kakashi to check in with Soma on both boys' progress before heading out once more.

Likely, Tenzo had intercepted Kakashi with Soma's important message of matrimony and his unlikely offer for Kakashi to become a bridegroom alongside Itachi.

Maybe the man had and couldn't sit idle until he himself had roused to talk to Soma face to face.

He knew from talks with Shikaku where this was heading; in fact, he welcomed it as it was an immediate solution to problems that would arise and keep noses out of his business later on.

"The Hatake clan will offer the sole heir as your second bridegroom. It will look like a tussle for power, vying for your attention and since the Uchiha have always wondered if their sharingan could pass on despite it being gifted in my body, they would allow the immediate insult." Soma nodded, blinking sleepily.

"Yeah, it's why Itachi was the one to tell me to send your clan the formal rites to ask you for your hand in marriage immediately after I agreed to marry him." Kakashi huffed and held Soma's hand.

Kakashi knew Itachi had been using his summons to communicate with Soma. He didn't know he still did so while away, training Sasuke; it was surprising, especially since Kakashi knew exactly how hard he was training Sasuke. Was this a good idea, though? Kakashi offering himself over to Soma almost seemed desperate and Kakashi knew his reputation would likely take a hit for this. His reputation didn't matter to him at all; he was more worried about how he would affect both Soma and Itachi's reputations.

"You can say no." It was whispered and pained.

Kakashi was in love with Soma just like Itachi was, which didn't change the fact that he was friend killer Kakashi. His curse hurt those around him as it was what made him hesitate in each encounter with both men.

Soma squeezed Kakashi's hand and settled back into his bed, that gesture alone washing away the knawing fear within Kakashi.

"Too bad, both of you are gonna be stuck with me now. Get ready to pump out an academy's worth of children for me to train." Soma snickered, fighting sleep as Kakashi stood huffing at the comment. Kakashi knew the truth was that Soma too was going to be required to have children through surrogacy soon as well, or that was what had been spoken through the grapevine of the Uzumaki clan. But him? Kakashi Hatake having a kid was out of the norm for him.

His becoming a dad was already an alien thought, but it would be part of the deal. "Glad I wasn't gonna make a fool of myself then." Kakashi said, turning to leave, only stopped by Soma's soft 'Kashi'.

"Yes, dear?" The silver-haired man spoke sardonically.

"Turn off the light before you drag your sorry ass out of my bedroom." Kakshi chuckled, blowing Soma a kiss, before doing as bid when leaving.

Trying to figure out how they would explain this to Naruto, Sasuke, Shika- hell, to all the rookies that idolized Soma, this was going to be difficult.

T.D.O.T

Shikaku snickered, eyeing Soma, who concentrated on the board before overtaking him. The score was now holding Soma with two wins, three losses.

It was fascinating and the only other person who ever beat him at go was his son Shikamaru. Naruto was still slowly getting a handle on the game and Shikamaru got horribly jealous when Shikaku tried to play a match against the blonde.

Shikamaru was funnily possessive of the blonde and Shikaku realized Naruto had become his son's fixation. Fascinating in itself as it motivated his son to actually compete with Naruto and Sasuke as they both challenged Shikamaru.

Yet that's exactly what Soma himself did to Itachi and Kakashi. He doubted what the younger three boys had would turn romantic, well, nothing between Sasuke and His son but Naruto was a wildcard like Soma.

That and Shikaku knew of Soma's past which had intertwined with that version of his son. Had Naruto been a woman, his son would have openly pursued the blonde and Shikaku wondered what held the original bonds back.

"I can practically hear you thinking, Do you want to share with the class?" Soma spoke, resetting the board. Shiakau eyed Soma who was lying across his enagwa in a soft pale blue Kimono embellished with twinkling gems and glistening designs of gold tapestry in the fabric that glinted in the sunlight. Shikaku was amused to see many of his clansmen 'making rounds' on their patrols around the clan grounds.

He knew Soma could feel the questioning glances from his curious clan members, trying to spot the famed redhead who sat like a delicate woman for the audience he built. "Must you tease my people?" Shikaku asked to avoid Soma's original question.

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean Shikaku-san." Soma spoke, not admitting to shit if Shiaku was going to be obstinate. Soma tilted his head back, winking at a group of huddling Nara guards who individually ignored the baiting and continued to observe the myriad of colors Soma displayed. Shikaku began his game and Soma followed suit this time purposefully looking like an artwork come to life. Shikaku didn't mind as they had an Uzuamki privacy seal set up that didn't even allow others to read their lips accurately.

Shikaku recalled the first time Soma had visited after some time from his first long mission. The young teen at the time had dressed in full gold and silver regalia, makeup artfully done and looking like the perfectly made-up geisha. It quickly spread a sudden rumor he had called a courtesan to his home. Only for Shikaku to greet his guest with his wife Yoshino gushing about Soma's outfit and practically showing off the redhead to anyone and everyone in their clan. It had been an outfit and style Yoshino had begged Soma to wear so she could gush with the women of the Nara clan about the craftsmanship and style of the Uzumaki clan. A blushing Nagato wearing high slit hakama and a Kimono top that showed off a lot of skin in similar colors proved it was just something his wife had mastermined.

Since then, though, many of the Nara clan had been fighting to catch a glimpse of the young man who was more comfortable in women's clothing than in men's even compared to his own clan's clothing style.

Shikaku knew of an ongoing bet within his clan questioning Soma's own gender.

All so Soma could keep the illusion he had built up on his arrival to the village. Making everyone guess and question everything about him, he wondered why Soma still played such a hand even now, though.

Likely, Shikaku would not know until Soma decided to tell him and it was all just so, "Troublesome." Soma snorted that soft glimmer of happiness and pain in his gaze when meeting Shikakau's eyes.

"Did the Hokage approve your dual engagement paperwork?" Shikaku asked, wanting to take away Soma's pain, and the redhead only hummed softly.

"Grandma Tsunade tried to lecture me about putting politics over love but I kinda tuned her out until she signed the documents. It was rather amusing seeing her attempt to smack my anbu 'bodyguard', instead of me, since she deems me too injured until the seal is released." Shikaku felt pity for Shisui who had been assigned to Soma since Nagato was sent out on a week-long mission.

The redhead would have had another clan member step up but the Uchiha had insisted on Shishui becoming the sacrificial protector since Soma was to become Itachi's Husband. It was all amusing to say the least.

Shikaku stayed silent for a few plays before finally choosing to speak.

"How did you and my son get together?" Shikaku was curious enough to finally ask and Soma only raised a brow in amusement.

"Well, I know when I had fallen for my Shika. It was after the chunin exams, Sasuke was brainwashed into defecting from the village and Shikamaru was put on his first mission to lead as a chunin. I fell for him because for him the only thing that mattered was getting us home safe despite the dangers we were to face against. He used every facet of his skill and pushed himself beyond that to let me just try, to do everything I could to attempt to save Sasuke. To bring him back and had the balls to tell me to stop being an idiot later when I almost killed myself several times doing exactly that." Shikaku could see for Soma it was Shikamaru's character that drew him to his past son.

"What about my son?" Shikaku said and Soma looked amused once again.

"He thought I looked pretty after coming back from a long training mission." Soma snorted at Shikaku's exasperated expression.

"Though to be fair he said I had been his obsession since seeing me in the chunin exams face off against Neji." Soma shrugged and Shikaku chuckled.

"That definitely did not change then." Soma shrugged as it was no longer his story nor his life. His Shikamaru was long since passed and despite missing him the current Soma loved again and let his Shika rest in his memories. They were no longer the same two versions of who they once were this Shikamaru and this Naruto.

Soma would have no hand in their fates or ties as he would be tied to others now.

"I'm glad that version of him had you at his side till the end." Shikaku spoke before beating Soma again, making the redhead fight back tears, letting go of that last bit of himself he held back from moving forward. It was difficult to come to terms with being so different and changed to finally see himself living again, even if it was a slow process.

Shiaku knew he made the right choice in forcing Soma to play this game before his young friend was to go through with his plans. Soma bottled up far too much and this was likely something Shiaku could not dare leave left unchecked so he took it upon himself to resolve. He felt he owed his old friend this since they had failt his son the first time through and this was all he could do to ask for forgiveness.

So Shiakku set up another game, hoping Soma felt lighter after this.

T.D.O.T

Naruto burst into Soma's room wild-eyed and flushed, seeing Soma sitting in gossamer green robes, his silhouette was visible, but the redhead was sitting with both his legs covered in sealwork.

"Hello to you Naruto, maybe we should work on knocking next time?" Soma spoke making Naruto flinched but the blonde ignored that and scrambled to Soma's side. He was clearly exhausted and they had just days before the final exam was to take place. Soma didn't have a chance to stop Naruto as he hadn't wanted to draw attention to what he was doing.

"Is it true?" Naruto spoke his voice soft and accusatory.

""You'll have to be specific Naru, is what true? and I really a redhead, yes. Am I actually a burly man using illusions to appear soft and delicate sadly no." Naruto pouted at the soft teasing not expecting Soma to play stupid.

"Are you really getting married to Kakashi and Itachi?" Naruto spoke, spilling Soma's ink blot and staining the fabric on Soma's robe. Both Naruto and Soma jolted when several drops with Soma's blood in the ink splattered across Soma's cursed sealwork. Soma's legs felt like they had been zapped and Naruto was apologizing profusely, canceling out the sealwork before they both froze as Soma had moved his legs to try and calm down a very distressed Naruto.

Soma had moved his fucking leg. His legs that no longer bore that fucking snake bastards cursed sealwork.

"Well fucking hell, just my blood and a cancellation jutsu worked! So many wasted day's Ugh!" Soma growled out while cleaning off his legs. Of course, his idiotic self somehow released this stupid seal in the most anticlimactic and asinine way.

Well, one problem was resolved and likely since he and Naruto were still sorta the same person his canceling out the sealwork had been as if he himself had done it. It explained why Nagato's many cancellations never made the cursed seals dissipate. He had not been doing sealwork on himself until today, when he had tricked all his babysitters away so he could test a few seals before Naruto's interruption. Lucky him.

"So thanks for helping me break the seal and yeah you get new in-laws, congrats." Soma spoke a laugh in his tone, making Naruto practically fling himself at him.

"I was told you had to do it for politics. Because otherwise, Itachi would have had to fight against his own clan. Sasuke didn't want me mad at his brother so he had sent over a message while I was training with Pervy Sage. Then I get back and find out about Kakashi sensei too, that his clan is trying to strike back against the Uchiha for snubbing him all those years ago. What the heck, I was only gone for a month." Soma hushed Naruto, soothing the young teen.

He knew Naruto was likely concerned that Soma was being forced into things due to his own loyalty, but Soma just hummed, knowing he needed to be honest.

"No matter what, I would have helped Itachi. My having any type of political marriage is my own choice and I am the only one who can make that choice. These men are my friends Naru, and they care about me. I will marry Itachi to save him from his clan and Kakashi is giving up a huge part of his freedom to marry me as it is also to protect me and Itachi. Politics are going to be something difficult to navigate, and I will do anything I can to keep us from becoming pawns for others. This for me was a choice I had full control of and people to support me should I need help navigating this dilemma. I thought long and hard about this and this in the end was my choice. These steps were necessary and I'm glad you got back home safe and sound. I can't shield you from everything, Naru, but I can explain the why of everything. Besides, did you really think that I didn't love those guy's they have both been chasing after me for years, each man trying to get me to fall in love and they did. I'm still going to be here, still Soma and i'm just bringing in more family for us to love. " Naru felt embarrassed, reacting like he was still a possessive child not willing to share Soma but it had been an exhausting month only to have to be overwhelmed by this sudden news.

"Now legs go harass everyone since they don't know I have full use of my legs, yeah?" Naruto jumped up in excitement, dragging a wobbly Soma who was trying to get used to walking again.

Soma was lucky, well and truly lucky. Hopefully, this luck would hold out.

Notes:

Thank you all for rerading my work so far and I wish you and your families well.

Notes:

Oh, I hope you enjoyed that, anyways lots of love until the next chapter!

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