4/4

The door cracked up, a teal eye poked out from the shadows of the entrance hall. Ino debated momentarily before throwing the door open. She stood tall and proud; her face seemed to be carved from stone. If I ever had any doubt that Ino was born to an old family of nobility, she instantly erased those doubts. She arched a single, perfectly sculpted eyebrow towards me. Her chakra was volatile. Changing between fear and determination each second.

"Yes? Can I help you, cousin?" She asked neutrally.

That was all it took. For the who knows how many times today, I broke down.

I fell to my knees, sobs wracking my body. I wrapped my arms around her ankles, my incoherent babbles of apology barely recognizable through the tears and snot seemingly gushing from every orifice on my head. I never once thought of my animosity or resentment. I never once thought about our past differences. The only thing that dominated my mind currently was the world-crushing guilt threatening to consume me.

I don't know how long I stayed in that position. I didn't care. My dignity and respect meant nothing to laying my guilt and shame at the literal feet of my cousin. My mind replayed the events over the last few days. Ino's screams rang as fresh in my mind as the day I caused them. The demons inside roared their approval at the agony I caused. Kenta though felt violently ill.

I disengaged from Ino's ankles and threw myself to the side of her entryway. I once again emptied all the contents of my stomach. Not having an appetite since the first time this happened just a few short hours ago, not much came up. It didn't stop the dry heaves that wracked my body. My ancestors were punishing me themselves; I just knew it in the back of my mind. Over and over, I retched to the point of near crippling pain. They didn't stop though. My body was attempting to exorcise the demons that had taken up residence. Finally, after what seemed like hours, the violent dry heaves subsided.

I lay there on the cement entryway. Sobbing uncontrollably still. My body shaking with pain and emotions. A feather light touch made its presence known in the middle of my back. The light touch became a soft, gentle hand, rubbing small circles on my back.

"I forgive you, cousin. You're hurting. You're in so much pain. Your logical mind is trying to draw a logical conclusion for an illogical question. You want answers. You keep asking yourself "Why?" There is no answer. Your search is over with. Bad things happen to good people, and there's no reason why it happens. Uncle Inoko was the best of us. Our clan does need him still. It should have been me, and oh I wish it was! Every night I curse The Gods for Uncle's honorable intentions. I'm so sorry, Kenta. You were right. I was weak. I was too confident in my abilities. I made a mistake, and it cost a man I loved very much his life."

"Uncle Inoko was so kind. So, caring. So absolutely wonderful. I miss him, Kenta. Every day. Not as much as you, I know. My heart continuously breaks thinking of you and Kono. I would honestly be worse off than you are if it was my father."

"So no, dear cousin. I don't hate you. I never have. I never will. I love you, with all my heart. I will do everything I can to atone for my weakness, this I promise as heiress."

I looked up at my cousin's eyes. The shade was near identical. Her chakra was calm and welcoming. It radiated warmth and love. Her eyes held kindness and understanding. She wasn't saying what I wanted to hear. She was speaking truthfully and from the heart.

I sat up, my stomach protesting violently at the sudden movement.

"Ino. I thank you for your words. They mean more to me than you'll ever know. But you are wrong. I do not think you're weak. I do not blame you, not anymore at least. You were right. I was attempting to find someone, anyone to take this all-encompassing rage out on. You were the unfortunate victim. You were there when it happened. You were a familiar presence. You've been a part of my life since before we could even speak. It was unfair. What I did to you… I will be the one working every day for the rest of my life to atone for my sins against you."

Ino opened her mouth, but I cut her off.

"Cousin. I tortured you. I nearly killed you. You have nothing to apologize for, and nothing to atone for. The sin is mine to bear, alone."

She nodded. Knowing I wasn't budging on this subject. The glint in her eye told me that we would be rehashing this conversation at a later date, when both of us were in a better place emotionally.

"I wasn't joking or telling lies though, Kenta. I DO have big plans for the clan. I am in complete agreement with you. I'm sick of our clan being seen as weak. I'm sick of our clan being the butt of jokes. Minor clans tout their power over ours, even though we are one of the Noble Clans. It sickens me. You, Kono, and I are just the start to changes I want to make. If you truly wish to atone, then help me. Be my right hand. Let's build a new future, together." Ino offered her hand. I held up mine to show her they weren't in the best shape for shaking. I doubt Ino, no matter how much she's grown, would appreciate a snot filled handshake.

"I will, Ino. Promise. I'm your guy. Your right hand, your man through and through." I paused for a moment; an idea struck me. I had made my decision. I spoke the truth, the universe heard me. I would throw my support in with Ino. We would see the clan rise to new heights. I searched around, knowing what I was looking for would be within ten feet of me. I found it and rushed over to the spicket. I rinsed my hands and splashed the refreshing cool water over my face. No towel, so pants would have to do for now… The back of them.

I approached Ino, hands slightly outstretched.

"Do you trust me?" I asked hesitantly.

"I do." She replied instantly. No hesitation. No second-guessing. No doubts.

I placed my hands on either side of her head, pulling the ancient memories to the front of my mind.

"Yamanaka Lost Arts: Memory Transference" I whispered. Ino gasped, The Knowledge flooding her mind as it did mine that fateful day. Only seconds passed before Ino blinked rapidly, her gaze focusing back on me.

"Kenta," her breathless voice sounded out. "How? I thought you were bluffing. This. This is game-changing. We. That is our clan. We could. Kenta, HOW?!"

I chuckled at her babbling. "I just prayed with my entire being. I prayed for strength, knowledge, skill, and forgiveness. Over and over. And the secrets just… unlocked."

She nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Kenta. We have to begin transcribing everything we know! I know that the Akatsuki threat looms, and you're a big part of the hunting team. But when all this is over, we HAVE to get it all down on paper and into the vault. I will start. You join me when you can. Deal?"

I smiled. "Deal, Heiress." I bowed slightly, and for once, not in a mocking way.

"Kenta. Things are looking up. One day, people will fear the name of Yamanaka once more."

"That's the hope, Ino. Together, we will forge the path."

***********************Don't Know If Line Will Show Up After POSTING***********************

"I'm Home!" I called out. I felt both Mom and Kono's signatures well before I entered the house. Their signatures were as familiar to me as my own. I felt a small presence rapidly approach. The chakra was nervous and apprehensive. I frowned.

Kono's tuft of light brown hair poked around the corner, wary teal eyes shortly followed. Seeing my baby sister look at me in this way. As if I was an enemy on the battlefield, broke my heart into a dozen pieces.

"Big Bro? Is that you? Are you really back, or are you still mad at me?" She asked in a quiet voice.

The dozen pieces shattered to thousands.

I fell to my knees. For the millionth time that day. Tears fell hot and fast down my cheeks. I spread my arms wide. "It's me, Kono. Your Big Bro is back. And I was NEVER mad at you, don't you EVER think that!" I choked out.

Kono crashed into me at full speed, nearly knocking me down. I instantly enveloped her, squeezing her tight. For the first time in my life, and I was just now realizing this, my sister openly wept. A void now occupied the space where my heart had once been. I was the reason my sister was crying so uncontrollably.

"I'm sorry, Squirt. I'm so, so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. That was the last thing I ever wanted to do. I'm so sorry. I'm back. It's me. Your Big Brother will never scare you again. I'm here. I got you." I continued whispering words of comfort to the most important person in my life. Fú was my rock. My anchor. The love of my life.

Kono though would always be number one. If Fú never understood that she would be second place to my baby sister… Well Fú did understand and accepted her runner-up trophy with pride.

Kono cried for a few more minutes before the tears began to slowly crawl to a trickle.

She smacked me, harder than I thought possible.

I definitely deserved that one.

"Don't you ever do that again, Kenta. You hear me?! I thought I lost you forever." Her eyes once more filled with tears. I grabbed her hands.

"I swear, on everything I hold dear. I will never go anywhere. You hear me? I'll always be here to take care of you. Until you're old and grey, telling your grandchildren stories of your golden days. Got it?" I asked her in a serious tone.

She finally smiled, even if it was barely noticeable. It was just now hitting me how my selfish actions cast a wide net. I was hurting everyone I cared about.

Kono finally noticed the three other people that had been creeping in the entryway this entire time. Her face flushed an adorable shade of pink.

"I'm sorry everyone. It's good to see you all." Kono's quiet apology was barely audible.

I wanted to squeal. She was SO CUTE!

Though her greeting was subdued, her hugs for my friends, people she had known half her life, were no less enthusiastic than they would normally be.

"Where's mom, pipsqueak?" I asked, casting my senses out. Living Room.

Kono puffed her cheeks out. "Don't call me that. I'm the tallest Genin kunoichi this year, AND I'm a year younger. She's in the living room, by the way."

I ruffled her hair, earning a very familiar indignant squawk or protest. The sooner I began to act normal, the sooner life would return to as close to normal as possible.

"You're taking after Dad and I. You'll be tall and deadly in a few years. Now come with us, we're going to give Naruto his present early."

Kono's irritation vanished instantly. She shot off like a rocket, calling out for our mother excitedly.

"What present? And why the heck does it seem everyone knows what it is beside me, eh?!" Naruto grumbled.

"You were gone for three and a half years, moron. Of course, everyone knows what it is. The family has been planning this for years now." I said with a mysterious smirk.

Naruto gave up with a shrug. "I'll find out soon enough. Let's go."

I marched at the head of the group towards the living room. Kono was babbling away excitedly a mile a minute. Mom was holding a photo album in one hand, her other stroking Kono's hair as the young Genin barely seemed to breathe.

"Take a breath, Kono, or you'll pass out from oxygen deprivation." Ami teased lightly.

Mom's eyes found mine. Tears instantly sprang up. She rose gracefully to her feet and crossed the distance between us in a few short strides.

Damnit, Eyes! I've had enough of you. You've met your lifetime quota in a single day! I'm going to surgically get my tear ducts removed.

"My boy. My sweet, baby boy. You found your way back. I thought I had lost you too." Mom whispered fearfully in my ear. She had me in her customary bone-crushing hug. This time, I hugged back just as tightly.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Never. Even if I have to bloody my fingers, I'll crawl back to you and Kono or die trying." I whispered, my voice hoarse with emotions.

Mom released me and took a step back. "Saying that, I never doubted you. Your father had a very similar situation when he was just a year older than you."

I took the chair across from the couch. Everyone found a place to sit, Fú choosing to park her rump on my lap. I wasn't gunna complain.

"Really? What happened?" I asked, never hearing this story. I had figured at one-point dad was in a similar position. His warnings were too real to just be repeated words passed from generation to generation. His warning was too raw. Too real.

"Your Aunt died." Mom said simply.

I gaped. "Ok, today is officially my limit for mind blowing and big reveals. I had an Aunt?!" Something tickled the back of my mind when I mentioned big reveals.

Mom nodded, pulling out a different photo album. This one had seen a few years. The cover was battered and stained. The pictures inside though were kept pristine. Mom showed me a picture. I easily spotted Dad. He was a virtual carbon copy of me. Uncle Inoichi was also easily recognizable. Basically, the same as he was today minus a few wrinkles and grey hairs.

"Oh my god. Kenta. You and your dad could have been twins!" Fú said in an awed voice. A foreign emotion reverberated deep in my chest. Pride. A feeling I hadn't felt in what seemed like ages. I know there's no way to claim looking like your father as an accomplishment, but it still made me proud knowing I did.

Mom laughed lightly. "Don't they? Kenta inherited everything from Inoko. The only difference between the two is the hair color. Inoko had the clan signature platinum blonde hair. Kenta's complexion and hair are the only two things that would set them apart. That dirty blonde is the perfect mix of Inoko and I."

I smiled fondly as mom reminisced. I looked down at the photo, noticing a young girl. She had to have been five or more years younger. She bore a striking resemblance to Kono, if I was being honest. The noses were different, and Kono had Dad's strong jawline, but everything else was similar. The shape of their eyes, the slight upward natural tilt to the mouth.

"Why are there so many coincidences? This is my Aunt, yes? Dad is what, 16 or 17 in this picture? This girl who looks like Kono is somewhere between 10 and 12?" I asked out loud. All eyes followed mine. They went back and forth between Kono and the unnamed Aunt.

"They really are similar. Both in age, the age difference, and the girl's looks." Ami mused out loud.

"Yeah! The nose is different, and Kono has slightly wavy hair and it's brown. But other than that, they could also be twins!" Naruto said in wonder.

"Konoko Yamanaka. Your father's youngest sibling. The person he loved more than anyone in this world. Inoichi was the same. They constantly fought over "Best Big Brother" awards." Mom giggled. "Inoko wanted to name Kono after her."

"What happened?" Fú asked timidly.

Mom smiled sadly down at the picture. "War. Her Genin team was sent on a standard courier mission. Little did we know, Iwa had slipped some ambush specialists into our territory. Their mission was to kill as many couriers as possible, crippling communications. Konoko and her team were ambushed. They were all killed." Mom finished sadly.

I glanced down once more at the near carbon copy of my baby sister. A low growl forced its way up from the depths of my very soul.

"Kono!" I barked out, causing the entire room to jump. "We're upping your training, effective immediately. Who's your Captain?"

She smiled brightly. "Yes! More training with Big Bro?! Hell yes!"

"Kono Yamanaka! Just because you are a Genin now does NOT mean you are allowed to use such language. Not while you live under my roof. No ma'am." Mom chastised.

Kono averted her gaze and mumbled out a reply. I caught Kono's eye and gave her a shit eating grin. She glared so fiercely at me, it made me wonder where she learned such beautiful mastery over her facial expressions. Oh right, me.

"Gennosuke Aisawa is my team captain." Kono added hasilty.

I nodded. I knew Gennosuke. He was strong. Jonin, former ANBU. A-Rank threat. Deadly with a blade, using a rare combination of lightning and wind natures. Neither particularly good at keeping my baby sister from harm.

"What time do you meet tomorrow? I need to remind Gennosuke just WHOSE baby sister he is responsible for." I asked/kinda told Kono.

She rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Brother, no. I will train with you, but you are NOT embarrassing me in front of my captain or teammates. They already look down on me for being younger, which makes no sense."

"This is still an ongoing discussion. For now, the real reason we are here." I turned towards Mom and smiled. "Let's give Naruto his 17th present early? I think everyone here could use a good smile."

Mom's eyes lit up. "What a wonderful idea, dear. I'll be right back." She hurried out of the room. We began talking amongst ourselves, waiting on mom's return.

I continued to laugh, make jokes, poke fun, and engage the room. As long as I continued to pretend all was well in the world, then the whispers of the demons and the pull of the darkness were kept at bay.

Mom returned a minute later, holding a large yet thin rectangular box.

"Naruto. Before you open this, I need to let you know of two things. One, you may 100% decline, and no one will be angry or upset with you. Ah, no questions. Just listen, young man." Mom pinned him with a glare. A decade of trying and she still couldn't break that habit of him interrupting someone. "Number two, just know that we have been trying to obtain this since you were seven years old. Due to some… push back from influential figures, among other shady business, it wasn't until Lord Fifth took over that it was finally approved. Lord Fifth actually approved it three months after you left. We were going to give it to you as a coming home present, but with the mayhem that has been going on, we decided that we had waited ten years already, a few more months wouldn't hurt."

Naruto nodded, his face the picture-perfect look of confusion. My heartrate was increasing. This was it. Something I had been asking for since I was six years old. Today would hopefully be the day. Mom handed the box to Naruto. He tore the wrapping paper off as if he were STILL six years old. He opened the box and stared dumbly down. Inside was a framed piece of paper.

"Read it out loud, dear." Mom urged gently.

Naruto cleared his throat while he pulled the frame out and oriented it horizontally.

"This is to certify that Naruto Uzumaki has been officially and formally adopted into the Yamanaka family." His voice cut off abruptly. He stared wide-eyed at Mom; utter disbelief plastered on his face. The raw emotion and hope rolling off him made my heart soar.

"Go on, sweetie." Mom's voice came out huskier than usual. She was fighting the losing battle of the tears.

He cleared his throat. And again. And again. "Formally adopted into the Yamanaka family by Inoko and Tori Yamanaka on October 10th in the year of 1084. Given with hope and love under my hand, Itachi Uchiha, Fifth Hokage of Konohagakure."

Kono's eyes were trained on Naruto's like a hawk. Ami and Fú let their tears fall shamelessly. Identical watery smiles in place. Naruto still looked as though he had been hit with a lightning technique and was trying to remember what his own name was.

"I… I don't know what to say." Naruto's quiet voice cut the silence. "I guess I just have one question. I'm of the Royal Uzumaki line by birth. I have my Uzumaki family to take care of. Does this mean, my last name-"

His words were cut off by mom's super love hug of death. "No sweetie. You would still be Naruto Uzumaki. You're an adult, so there's no obligation. This isn't even formal until you sign the official documents. We just… We've always seen you as a part of this family. I know its 10 years too late, but we still want you to know how much this entire family loves you. This was the best way we could prove that love to you."

That was all she wrote. The dam exploded. Wailing sobs left Naruto. He gripped onto Mom like she was a lifeline. The minutes passed, and Naruto still hadn't calmed down. Mom slowly pulled herself away and placed both hands on Naruto's cheek. Futilely attempting to keep up with brushing away the endless tears.

"Inoko and I have loved you since the moment you stepped into our lives. At first, we were weary of you, I will not lie. But that was ignorance into the complexity of sealing. The second time Kenta brought you to our house, we decided to trust in Lord Minato, and I am so glad we did, sweetie. You're our second oldest son. You're the ray of sunshine this family needs. You bring so much joy and pride to our family, words cannot begin to describe it. We love you, Naruto. All of us, even if Kenta will only admit it on his own terms." Mom sent me a cheeky grin and a wink. I pretended to be offended, huffing and turning my head away.

"My only regret is Inoko not being here to see this, but I know he's smiling down on us from the Pure Lands. He was the crier between us, you know? He'd be sobbing harder than you. This isn't a decision that needs to be made right away. Take all the time you need, and remember even if you decline, you will ALWAYS be a part of this family."

Naruto furiously attempted to finally rein in his tears. He scrubbed furiously at his eyes and was shaking his head vigorously. "No, no I don't need time. Yes, I want to be a part of this family, in writing. I-I… This is the greatest, best gift in the entire world. I love this family. I don't care that its ten years later than you wanted. I wouldn't care if it was one hundred. I want to sign the paperwork. I want to be your son." And with that the sobs continued.

Kono jumped out of her seat and crashed into Naruto. Her tears of happiness joined in the chaos of the blubbering mess that was Naruto and Mom. Ami smiled warmly at the scene before her, her tears were much more refined and ladylike, even if there was a bit of snot leaking out her nose.

Fú turned to me, even crying, she was beautiful.

"I'm so happy for Naruto." She whispered, a sad smile sliding into place.

I absentmindedly played with the fat rock that was on her left hand.

"You know, when we say, "I do," Naruto will now be your official brother. Kono will be your sister. Mom will be your mom. He isn't the only that's joining this family." I whispered into her ear.

Fú's tears halted and her eyes flew as wide as they could possibly go. She turned completely around; confusion written on her face. I smiled.

"What's that look for? Did you forget when you marry a man, you're marrying the entire family with him?" I said in a normal voice, a smile in place.

A wounded animal suddenly cried out in distress.

"Fú! Kenta is right! Someday soon you and I will be brother and sister too! We're both going to have a family!" Naruto, the wounded and distressed animal, cried out.

A wide smile broke out across Fú's flabbergasted face. A smile that I would never grow tired of.

"I… It didn't even occur to me that…" Her eyes met my mothers who was smiling warmly at her.

"I always wanted another daughter. I'm going to get the best daughter in the world." Mom said proudly.

The waterworks continued. For minutes the mood in the room was elated. Naruto was finally under control and was now cheering excitedly and making a list of all the people he had to tell.

Ami and Fú had somehow started talking wedding planning. Shocker.

Kono and Mom were entertaining Naruto, helping him with his list.

I was off in my own little world. Bits and pieces of the conversation kept nagging at me. I had this feeling that I was missing something. Something important.

"I'm so excited, Big Bro Naruto! Now you're going to be my actual Big Bro!" Kono cheered excitedly.

Big Bro. Older Brother. My eyes widened in shock. A memory I had pushed to the side and buried deep. Anything relating to my father's death was enough to set me off.

"Ask… Your mother… about… your brother."

"Older. Brother. Protected. You. Save. Him."

I cleared my throat, grabbing Fú's tiny hand in my own. A physical object to ground myself. Fú's warmth drove away the darkness.

"Mom, tell me about my brother." I stated loudly. The room went silent. Mom's chakra spiked. Panic.

"Iroko? He's asleep. You know he loves his naps." Mom replied smoothly. I narrowed my eyes slightly.

"Not Iroko, my older brother."

Shock. Terror. Resignation.

"Your father told you then?" Mom asked in a quiet voice. She glanced at Kono, quickly realizing the cat was out of the bag.

"Yes. Just before… His last words were to tell you he loved you and that he was sorry. But right before that, he told me to ask about my older brother. He said he protected me. He saved me?" Fú's hand had tightened around my own to the point where I was beginning to lose feeling. I gently loosened her grip. She shot me a sheepish look but didn't let go all of the way.

Mom sighed in resignation.

"Damn that Inoko. Making my life difficult even when he's no longer with us." Mom grouched, but no heat or meaning were behind her words.

"Do you remember the Hyuga incident?" Mom asked.

I nodded. It's one of my earliest memories.

"Shortly after that, Lord Third passed a very strange law. We now know that members of his own council, namely a certain man, were coercing and manipulating Lord Hiruzen. The bill stated that due to increasing suspicious activity of foreign nations, he was re-establishing Root. A sub-division of ANBU. They were a highly frowned up organization. They were the ones who took the Shadow Missions. They were highly skilled at infiltration, espionage, the works. Danzo Shimura was the commander of these Shadow Forces, and his training methods were, in laments terms, barbaric and cruel. He didn't train and raise Shinobi. He created unfeeling tools that would strike where he pointed. They held absolute loyalty to Danzo and Danzo only, not the Hokage."

"With the "re-establishment" of Root, each noble clan was required to give up four promising clan members. The minor clans had to give up two. These kids were then taken away, never to see their family again. They were broken and turned into emotionless slaves. Your name was at the top of the Yamanaka Clan, dear." Mom said in a no-nonsense voice. That declaration shook me to my core.

"Me? Why? I wasn't even four years old at the time." I asked, dumbfounded.

"Danzo believed you had some sort of new bloodline. Able to predict the future. He wanted that ability for himself. He came for you, and by law, we were obligated to hand you over. Just as you were being ripped away from my grasping hands, Danzo froze. He then let go of you, and you clung to me like a newborn monkey. Seconds later, he seemed to overcome whatever trance he was in."

"Your elder brother, who was only six at the time, had proven firsthand his potential. He successfully used the Mind-Body Transfer on Danzo. A man who at one point was said to rival Lord Third in strength. He then began to plead. Asking Danzo to take him instead. He a was prodigy. Just like you. Just like Ino. Just like Kono. The blood runs strong in the newest generation. Danzo was impressed, he accepted. That was the last time I ever saw your brother." Mom's voice and chakra were dripped with guilt and sorrow.

"What was his name? Why don't I remember?" I asked, mind still running in circles trying to make sense of everything.

"You don't remember, because we blocked your memories of your brother. You were too smart. Too inquisitive. You would ask questions. As you know, the wrong questions reaching the wrong people is not a good thing in the Shinobi world." My said.

White hot anger licked at my core, but I shoved it aside. Mom and Dad only did anything to protect us. I was three, almost four at the time. They were correct to do so.

"Can we… can we unblock those memories sometimes? I… would like to have at least a few memories." I asked hesitantly.

Mom smiled warmly. "Of course, dear. We'll schedule an appointment with Inoichi soon."

I nodded, pleased at Mom's response. Even if the memories were fuzzy, some were better than none.

"Is he dead? Was he one of those sleeper agents killed all those years ago?"

Mom shook her head. "Your father gained clearance to review all the scrolls. Our eldest was not one of the ones killed that day. He escaped with Danzo. Somewhere they're all out there. Alive. I keep my ear open. Whispers of Danzo have been growing more prevalent. Something big is coming."

"So that's why dad said to save him." I mused out loud.

Mom's chakra wavered, hope and acceptance were warring with another.

"Kenta, sweetie. Can I be selfish for once in my life with you?" Mom asked quietly. I met her unsure gaze with my own gaze full of fiery determination.

"I'll do it. I'll save him. Whatever it takes, no matter what kind of brainwashing Danzo used on him. Our family will be whole once more. For you, and for dad. I promised him already." I stated boldly.

Mom smiled. "Thank you, hon. I… I would like to see him once more. He was such a happy boy. He loved you, possibly more than you love Kono. When you were born, he proudly declared he would always protect you. He had to fulfill that duty much too soon, but he didn't break his promise."

"Don't worry mom, we'll get him back. I don't know how long it will take, but I'll do it." I stated again. "Mom, you never answered my other question."

"What was that, hon?"

"Our eldest brother, what is his name?"

Mom paused for several moments. Her eyes wandered towards Fú momentarily before her gaze locked once again with mine.

"My first-born child. Your elder brother. His name is Fuu Yamanaka."

Ok, before the torches and pitchforks are brought out once again, let me explain some things.

No, Kenta will not be destroying souls left and right. As he stated, Hidan's mental defense consisted only of his religious fervor. While it was a good protective barrier from outside invasion, inside his own mind it was basically as sturdy as water at room temperature.

If Kenta tried this technique on anyone else. Anyone with a halfway decent mental defense, Kenta would be in serious trouble. He transports his PURE spirit into his target. Inside the OPPONENTS mindscape, he is VERY vulnerable. Remember, this was a technique designed to HELP people and it was weaponized as their enemies grew in numbers.

If Kenta had to battle someone inside their own mindscape and was defeated, he would wind up a drooling vegetable in their stead. This is NOT an end all, be all technique! VERY situational, especially with the MONSTERS that Team Akatsuki Extermination will be facing in the near future.

Ok with that out of the way, who guessed it would be Fuu? (Yes, I know it's spelled the same as Fú-Bae, but to avoid confusion, we're changing it slightly).

Who guessed Fuu would be connected to Kenta somehow well before this chapter?!

Yes, this was a VERY dramatic/emotional/character building/ANGST filled chapter. I'm sorry if you didn't like it, but Kenta had to be shown as HUMAN. He isn't a transmigrant. He isn't destined to save the world. He's a strong Shinobi who's been shown to be near perfect and infallible up until these last two chapters. Kenta is HUMAN and we had to show his weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

Did you like it? Was it too much? Did you cry as much as I did writing this chapter? What happens if Kenta loses someone else he loves? Will he finally make that irreversible plunge into the darkness? Or will he look back on this incident and grow and mature? Guess we'll all find out cuz EVEN I DON'T KNOW! MWAHAHAHA.

Thanks once again for all your love and support. It means the world to me! All my guest readers, make those accounts, before you review! I love talking to my readers in real-time. I hate having to reply to you potentially days later in these A/Ns! Speaking of replies. Here's a few :D

Kiki :D – Thank you for the tips. They're very much appreciated. I feel there are SO many rules when it comes to numerical vs typing out a numbers. I was always led to believe 1-10 is written, anything higher, a numerical value would be acceptable. I tried using a few of those tips this scene, hopefully they made a difference. Trust me, the only way I take criticism negatively is if it's purposefully written negatively.

I'm SO happy to hear you're enjoying my story! I'm trying so hard to create this AU/Canon mashup of perfect harmony. The biggest compliment is that my OCs are coming across as real people, and not conflicting with the storyline. That means the world to me, so thank you. And Top 5? Hell yes! With 430k and counting fics on this sight, that is HUGE! I will try not to let you down! Hopefully this chapter didn't dissuade you!