AN: Hello there people, new writer, thought I'd give this a try. This is my first story on any site, it's a crossover between Naruto and the game Diablo III. I know there aren't many crossovers for Diablo so I am going to try and make it so you don't really need to know the Diablo storyline and hopefully get more people interested. Been an avid Fanfiction reader for several years now and I'm always thinking of stories of my own just never written anything until now. This first chapter is basically a really long prologue (sorry) and won't get into the Diablo universe until the next chapter. So let me know what you think, or not, I don't leave much reviews myself so I can't blame you.

Just a small note that I hope won't confuse you is I'll sometimes use double quotation marks for some of the speech, only when two or more people are speaking the same thing or something similar simultaneously. Not sure if it's a thing, I don't think I've seen it done before but it's just easier for me so I don't have to type the same speech two or more times.

Example: ""Stop copying me!"" (Don't worry, this won't happen a lot, I don't think?)

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or the Diablo franchise.

Chapter 1

It was odd, for some. It was a bright and clear day, almost more beautiful than most were accustomed to for such a solemn affair. The very air itself was full of warmth, the breeze of the wind was soothing and calm as hundreds of thousands of people gathered for the memorial of the worlds greatest hero. That is why for some it came as a surprise that it was so beautiful this day, many thought the heavens themselves would weep along with the gathered masses.

However, those who were close to Naruto Uzumaki expected nothing less, and almost knew instinctually that he was still watching over them. They know he wouldn't want them to mourn his death, but to celebrate the life he lived, the accomplishments he made, and the peace that has continued to prosper for many decades since the end of the Fourth Great Shinobi War.

The Age of Preservation as they were calling this era has come to an end, Naruto Uzumaki was the last of the great shinobi to have survived the fourth shinobi war. All others who fought in that war have already passed on to the next life, but the world still remembers the struggle and sacrifice the shinobi nations made to ensure that the next generations would have peace. They have learned through history and stories passed down from veterans of the war to their children of what they went through and what they lost. But the legacy of what Naruto Uzumaki and the famed Team Seven did to protect the world has been ingrained into the hearts of all new generations of shinobi and civilian alike.

Among those in the gathered masses included the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of those veterans of the fourth war. None were more prominent than the ever growing Uzumaki Clan with Boruto and Himawari Uzumaki at the forefront of the large gathering with somber yet accepting expressions. The two siblings of the great hero of the world looked on in silent awe at the sheer number of people who came to honor their father. Their children and grandchildren who are still grieving are also just realizing how influential their grand and great-grandfather really was, they all heard his stories hundreds of times but couldn't truly believe all the lives he touched until now.

Since this memorial of such a prominent figure of the world was expected to have such numbers wanting to pay their respects, it was taking place in the slowly regrowing wastelands of where the Battle of Jubi took place. This day wasn't just to mourn the passing of Naruto but to remember all those who lost their lives and fought during that war, and since he was the last to pass on, the world leaders decided to mark this day as a global holiday in memoriam of the Fourth Great Shinobi War.

The great gathering of people were standing in front of a massive wall of mist that spanned about half a mile across. The ceremony was done by the monks of the Fire Temple and was performed beautifully with brief accounts of his accomplishments, the battles he fought, and his great character as a human being and what he stood for. There was a chance for any who knew Naruto or had stories to tell about him to come and speak to the crowd, not so many were brave enough but those who did were from many different countries who spoke highly of him and how he affected them.

One such person was the son of Inari from the Land of Waves, he spoke of how his father was changed by Naruto to never lose hope and fight to protect what is important to you and how he will always be the Hero of Wave. Other stories came from the now adult children of the various people Naruto affected throughout his life; including the previous Daimyo of the Land of Spring who succeeded his mother Koyuki but now is retired and passed on the title to his own daughter, Gaara's daughter spoke and was thankful that her father was able to find such a great friend in Naruto and told funny stories of when he would sometimes play with her when he came to Suna and made her laugh. Some of the children of the famous Konoha Eleven told their own personal stories of their interactions with their Seventh Hokage.

Lastly, Boruto spoke for the Uzumaki Clan about his father, "From all the stories we heard today, I think it is safe to say that my father, Naruto Uzumaki, was a great man." He let out a small chuckle, "I didn't always believe that. When I was young I never really understood why my father was so great. He was always busy with work, he came home late, he missed important events for our family, it just seemed to me that he was never there."

"It wasn't until later that I realized that my family wasn't the only one that he cared for, I know he loved us, he let my mother, sister and I know as often as he could that we were always loved by him. I just failed to realize that he was still fighting to protect the world even if it was usually from behind his desk." The crowd got a laugh out of that but he continued on.

"He once told me that as Hokage and just even as a shinobi of Konoha he held everyone in the village as precious to him, and he always protects his precious people and what is precious to them. It wasn't until my mother fully explained to me that my father protected much more than just Konoha or Fire Country. She told me that after the fourth great war, my father had many more people who became precious to him. Everyone who fought alongside him and gave him strength to continue fighting became someone he would give his life to protect. Gaara of Suna, Kurotsuchi of Iwa, Darui of Kumo, Chojuro of Kiri, are just some of the few people he added to his long list of people who became precious to him."

"I gave the names of those people specifically because we all know them as great Kages of their own villages who served along with my father in his tenure as Hokage. My mother explained to me that because they are his precious people he would protect what is precious to them, and what was most precious to them were their own villages. Which showed me that he didn't fight just to protect Konoha but he was fighting to protect the other great villages, he was fighting to protect the world and insure we had a continued peace. And as I look around this crowd, seeing people from all over the Elemental Nations, I believe that my father succeeded in his goal, but it is now up to the newer generations to continue this era of peace; so that my father, and everyone who fought in that terrible war can look down on us from the afterlife and be proud that we continued on their legacy!" The crowd erupted into loud cheers of approval hoping their savior and lost loved ones could hear them.

"It is a great honor to the Uzumaki Clan that so many have come to pay their respects to my father, and it is a privilege to present to you the Great Memorial Wall." After that announcement the mist behind Boruto began to fade away to reveal a seven foot tall, rock wall stretching a half mile with the names of all those who fell in the Fourth Great Shinobi War. There were separate sections along the wall with the symbol of the village the shinobi came from including all small villages that participated in the war in order to find a loved one's name more easily. And sitting on a raised stone platform behind the wall in the center was a sixty foot statue of Naruto sitting in the lotus position in the same form of him gathering natural energy with his arms in his lap and fingers curled in front of him.

After the shock and awe of the monument began to wear down, Boruto gave one final explanation. "This monument is a collaborative effort of all villages who had a hand in the war and is dedicated to all those who fell, many of whom died on the very grounds we walk on now. The statue of my father is a symbol of the peace that he found not only within himself but the peace he brought to the very world. All of our loved ones who died in the war are placed upon this wall and I urge you to seek out their names so they know they are remembered." With that, Boruto stepped away from the wall and rejoined his family so that everyone else could search for the names of their family members, most of whom have never had the chance to even meet before.

Boruto and Himawari led their families to the area of the wall with the Konoha leaf symbol to search for one name in particular. It was simple enough to find, with the names being in alphabetical order and only took a few minutes to find the name of the uncle they were never able to meet, Neji Hyuga. Both of the their parents told them how much Neji meant to them and what he did for them in the war. He has his own tombstone back in Konoha but seeing his name on this wall meant more to the siblings because this is the land where he was killed saving their parents, without Neji, neither of them would exist right now.

After the growing Uzumaki family said their silent prayers and left flowers and small offerings at the base of the wall like many others, they left along with their friends and their own families to go back to Konoha.

After a few days travel back to Konoha, the Uzumaki Clan could be found at the house of Himawari Uzumaki. Himawari not only had two more children than Boruto but she wanted to care for her parents in their old age so she and her husband along with the help of her parents bought a larger house so that they could stay together. Boruto and Himawari are both still married to their spouses and are very happy with them, Himawari's husband was an orphaned child from a bandit raid from another village in Fire Country and was too young to remember his surname and had no records of it; so when they eventually married he was more than happy to take the Uzumaki name as his own and be a part of her family. Naruto and Hinata loved their son and daughter in-laws and were more than happy to welcome them to their family.

The mood among the Uzumaki family was still a sorrowful one, Naruto's grandchildren who were now adults were still taking his loss fairly hard. They loved their grandfather dearly. By the time Boruto and Himawari were starting their own families, Naruto and Hinata had retired from the shinobi life and they spent much of their time with their grandchildren; babysitting, and watching them grow. Naruto had apologized to Boruto and Himawari for all the major events he missed as they were growing up, so he wanted to help them as much as he could with their own children. Boruto and Himawari told their father that they did not blame him for anything and understood the great responsibilities he had as Hokage and they had more than enough great memories with their father when they were young, he was always there for them when it mattered the most.

Himawari and Boruto could be found kneeling in a separate room in front of a shrine dedicated to both their mother and father with incense burning, saying silent prayers for them. Behind them a silent shadow loomed over them moving closer until it was right on top of them. Both were suddenly grabbed by the shoulders interrupting their prayer when a voice they would always recognize spoke out to them.

"Boruto, (sniffles) that was such a beautiful speech, (sniffles) I didn't know you cared so much!" The figure behind the two started over dramatically bawling into their shoulders, while Boruto had a tick mark on his head while Himawari couldn't help but giggle at the antics of their father.

"Shut it old man! Himawari is the one who wrote that speech!"

"Awe, princess, you know just how to move this old man's heart! Why does your brother have to be so mean?!"

Himawari responded in a scolding tone, "Father! You were at the ceremony?! You know how dangerous that could have been if someone saw you, the world believes you are dead right now!"

"Come on princess, you know how awesome your old man is. No one could spot me if I didn't want them to. No ONE!"

"Yeah, because you used that transparency technique that old perverted sage taught you," Boruto said in a dull tone.

"How did you know that!?"

"Are you senile?! YOU taught me that technique, mom just told me that Jiraiya is the one who taught you."

"Oh yeah, I did teach that to you didn't I?" Suddenly a dark aura appeared around Himawari as she stood up and Naruto and Boruto immediately backed away from her. She slowly turned to face her father as she spoke in a low tone.

"Yes, you did teach him that technique, and you taught all your grandsons as well, YOU PERVERTED OLD MAN!" Himawari suddenly lunged at her father and struck him in the stomach, the same as all those years ago on the day he was supposed to be inaugurated as Hokage. Naruto hit the wall behind him and fell to the floor, but luckily he was prepared now and wasn't knocked out cold.

Naruto started to stand up slowly, rubbing his stomach, and grimacing a little, he was wearing a cloak with a hood still covering his face. "Jeez princess, you're lucky I activated the silencing seals earlier, otherwise the rest of the family would have heard that. And hey, I taught you and all my granddaughters that technique too you know!"

"Yes, but I know you had entirely different intentions when you were teaching the girls and boys that technique. You told all the girls it was for their protection if they were ever in trouble and needed to disappear, but you told the boys they could use it for "spying." And you even used air quotes specifically when you told your grandsons that!"

"What?! Who squealed, I told them that in confidence!"

"My baby boy Neji told his mother like a good boy."

Himawari and Boruto could hear their father grumbling something about 'spoiled mama's boys.' It wasn't until he was fully standing and the hood that was covering his face fell that they finally took in his current appearance. He was young, nothing like the old withered man they remember him being from a few days ago when he "passed away," he looked like he did in one of the pictures they have of him and their mother when they first got together. His hair was still short but he seemed even younger than they remember him being when they were children, they figured that he was in his prime form right now, when he was at his strongest physically.

Both Himawari and Boruto knew the circumstances surrounding their father and why he looked so young when he should be an old man approaching his nineties. A part of them were jealous he looked so young when they were getting up in age themselves, even though with their Uzumaki genes they looked more like forty year olds than in their sixties like they really are. The two siblings realized what this meant since he dropped the transformation he has been using as the years went on to make him look like he was aging at an average rate for an Uzumaki. It was still weird for them to see him like this because he always kept his transformation up just like the Fifth Hokage used to do, except the exact opposite to make him look older instead of younger.

The trio grew silent as realization set in until Himawari began to speak in a hushed tone. "Is it really time for you to go now?"

Naruto could hear the sadness in his daughter's voice as he gently cupped her cheek like he used to do. "Yes princess, it's time for me to go now, but don't be sad, I told you that I would be able to see you two again when I am allowed. And the two of you and your mother would be able to watch over me as well as I continue on the path set before me."

Boruto chuckled with a smile, "Haha, always the hero to save the day aren't you dad? I think it's unfair they send you out there to save them, your so overpowered it's not even funny, and with all the new help you'll have, it'll be even worse for any enemy that faces you."

Naruto could only grin back at his son, "Probably, but I'm not going to rule out the possibility that there may be more of the Otsutsuki Clan out there trying to take powers that aren't theirs to take or rule over some poor innocents. And there may be other beings entirely that can match up to or be even stronger than I am, so I won't be going in with a big head until I get a feel for the powers that be, around me." Naruto turned to his daughter as she spoke again.

"I am glad to hear that father, wouldn't want you to embarrass yourself in front of a new world trying to show off and biting more than you can chew. Mother would be very embarrassed herself since she was the one who first tried to get you to think more before you act on your impulses."

"Ha ha." Naruto said dully. "Your mother knew exactly who she married. There's no shame in my game!" Naruto stated with great pride knowing that he could be impulsive at times but it usually worked out for him in the end. They all had a good laugh at that and Himawari and Boruto couldn't help but think back on how all this came to be.

Flashback (Valley of the End: End of the Fourth Shinobi War)

The fight was done, Naruto and Sasuke's final battle at the Valley of the End was over, with no clear victor as they both lay unconscious with Naruto's right hand and forearm missing along with Sasuke's left hand and forearm missing as well. Naruto was within his mindscape as the Sage of Six Paths sits before him when Naruto sits up bleary eyed noticing the great sage next to him. He also noticed the absence of Kurama so he guessed the sage wanted a private conversation without the biju's input.

"Ugh, is it over?"

"Not quite I am afraid. We have still yet to see the decision that Sasuke has made for himself. However, I am here for another reason, one that affects you quite significantly."

"Well, what is it? Don't tell me your grandmother has come to avenge your mother or something, I don't think I can handle another fight with another one of you freaky aliens anymore."

The sage could only chuckle at that remark, "No, fortunately there will be no further fighting in this war as of yet." His demeanor turned serious and Naruto took notice of his expression and braced himself for whatever else he was throwing at him. "I am going to be blunt about this Naruto. You are immortal now."

Naruto could only stare at him to see if this was some kind of joke, when he didn't receive the punchline, he could only ask one question. "Why?"

"By ascending to your Six Paths Sage Mode and having access to the chakras of all nine of the Biju, your power has surpassed the limitations of mortals. Once your body has hit its peak you will no longer age like a normal human. However I am also afraid that other powers are at work here and deities of other worlds have taken an interest in your character and have agreed to allow you to be unaffected by time."

"If my power has already granted me immortality, what do other gods have to do with it, how could they allow me to have anything?"

"When a human's power ascends beyond their limitations in an innate manner and into the realm of gods, the gods will become wary, and they must agree to allow the process to continue otherwise the gods will group together to stop the ascension from progressing any further. This will occur when they have doubts that the individual will stay true to themselves in the future, only ones they believe to be incorruptible will be allowed to continue on as they are."

"Are you telling me that I'm gonna be a god now?!"

"No, you have still yet to reach the state of godhood and you may in fact never be able to ascend any higher than you are now. There is one final step you must take to become a god but it is only something you can find for yourself, and no one else will be able to help you with that."

"Jeez, you're really dumping a lot on me I don't want to deal with you know. (sigh) Don't worry, I won't even try to find that next step, I don't want anyone to ever see me as a god. Now what were you saying about my character or something? What do you mean by that?"

"Your confidence, your conviction, your valor, your benevolence, your love. In other words, your heart; the ability you posses to create victory from defeat, to make enemies become your allies, to change the world so easily. Other gods have been watching you and have been quite shaken by your purity, there have been many heroes that have had the favor of deities but none have gained the interest of so many gods that they wish to see more of what you are capable of and are refusing to allow you to die so easily. They believe that you will be able to help save their own worlds from destruction."

Naruto couldn't help but scratch his head in embarrassment at the praise, from other deities no less, but couldn't help but disagree with one point. "I really wouldn't say that I changed the world, or that it was easy really."

"Oh, but you did. Fighting on that battlefield alongside other shinobi of differing nations changed their hearts. You, who could have stayed away from this war made a choice. You made the choice that you didn't want anyone to die protecting you; that because of your conviction and valor you risked yourself and the world in the pure confidence in yourself that you would come out victorious despite the overwhelming odds. And that is exactly what you accomplished, the fighting may have been arduous and despairing but you were able to move forward because so many others put their faith in you that you would save them and you drew strength from their belief in you. That is what the gods have seen from you and they know your gifts will be able to save many others. Unless you become a person that the people will no longer believe in, the gods will continue to grant you their favor."

"So then, I can't die because the gods don't want me to? If that's the case, I don't want it! Do you know how many people died in this war to protect what was most important to them?! What about them?! They didn't deserve this, they didn't want this! How is it fair that I get to live forever when their lives were cut so short?! Why don't the gods save those that deserve to be saved?!"

Hagoromo could only look on with pride at what he was seeing before him, a true hero of the people. Naruto didn't want any favors, no prize, no fame or glory, his selflessness is what truly gave notice to the other deities of the universe. "Benevolence and love. These traits are truly difficult to find so pure in a human being, that is what sets you apart the most. I saw these traits in my son Asura and I see them in you as well."

Naruto looked down in shame, again not agreeing with everything he is being told about himself. "I'm not as pure as you think I am, I have taken lives before. There is blood on my hands just like most other shinobi."

"You forgive when forgiveness is deserved and you bring justice when there is no other course. Do not think that the gods look down on those who take life for righteous reasons. There are evils in the universe that cannot be purified, people who cannot be moved from the dark path they walk. Because of your new ability to sense the depth of darkness in others you will be more able to judge who deserves a second chance and who must be punished for their misdeeds."

"I still don't want this, I don't deserve to live forever. I don't want to watch as all my friends die around me. I don't think I can handle that. And I don't want to be forced to leave my world before any real peace could be established yet!"

"I believe in you, Naruto Uzumaki. Asura was to be the successor of my will but I believe that you are the true successor the world, and maybe even the universe, has been waiting for. Don't worry for now, your path is still not laid before you and I will not allow you to be sent from this world before you have been fully able to live out a normal life and find your own happiness. But before anything can be moved forward we must wait to see if you could truly do the impossible."

"And what is that?"

"To change the will of the spirit of my first-born son."

(Konoha: Ten years before the "death" of Naruto Uzumaki)

Dark clouds gathered overhead as the funeral procession marched on, Sasuke Uchiha passed away three days prior to the same unknown disease that ailed his brother. Because of his obtained ocular prowess from the fourth war he was able to survive much longer than he normally would have. There was a large gathering of Konoha shinobi and civilian alike attending his funeral, a dark hero in his own right, but a hero nonetheless. The slowly building Uchiha Clan were all there as well as the fairly larger growing Uzumaki Clan with both the Uzumaki Patriarch and Matriarch, Naruto and Hinata Uzumaki, in attendance. What few survivors of the war were also in attendance including his wife Sakura Uchiha, Rock Lee, Temari Nara, and Karui Akimichi.

All the village and clans of Konoha paid their respects to their Uchiha hero, his daughter Sarada, his grandchildren and wife spoke in honor of him, as well as Boruto Uzumaki and the Seventh Hokage. He was laid to rest in the Uchiha family tomb where offerings and flowers were placed all around. His funeral was a mostly quiet affair which is what he would have wanted, well accept when Naruto spoke of him.

After fifty plus years of waiting for what Hagoromo Otsutsuki has decided would happen with him, he would finally receive his answer this night. When Naruto and Hinata became serious about their relationship and Naruto knew that he loved her, he told her everything about what the Sage of Six Paths had told him. How he was immortal and that he may have to accomplish or continue some tasks made by other gods. Hinata was rightfully shocked at the news but also upset, she didn't want this for her love any more than he did. She wanted them to grow old together and to live on in the afterlife together, she wanted to always be with him. But she was more concerned for Naruto, she just didn't want him to be alone again.

The years moved on and she continued to see how Naruto grew and became such a prominent figure in the world even after the war. How he continued to save and change lives for the better, she couldn't help but see exactly what those gods wanted him to accomplish. He saved their world and there would probably be other worlds out there that also needed a hero of his caliber and strength that could save them. She couldn't help but feel that that is where Naruto thrives the most, helping others and saving lives. She kept these thoughts to herself for now because she knew that Naruto told her that the sage said nothing was set in stone yet, so he may not even remain immortal when the time comes.

Naruto was brought back to his mindscape that night in his sleep to see the sage once again before him to give him any new information, but he wasn't the only one who was there; Hinata and Kurama were there with him this time. Naruto couldn't help but stare at his wife who was back to a younger version of herself when they first became serious for one another, 'she has her long hair again,' Naruto thought to himself. The same could be said for Hinata because she was staring at him with the same amount of love she has always given him.

"I hope you two don't plan to mate in here, I don't need the smell or you two dirtying up this place."

Hinata blushed heavily and looked away but Naruto just looked annoyed by his partner for embarrassing his wife which he let the large fox know. "Oi! Shut it Kurama! You ruined the moment!" Kurama only grinned and snorted giving a small chuckle.

"The love you two have grown for each other and have given to your family makes this old man's hope for the future of the Elemental Nations grow stronger. I have come before you and brought your wife and Kurama here to inform you of what has happened with the death of Sasuke Uchiha."

Naruto turned towards Hagoromo after settling his arms around his wife as she did the same so they could listen together. "Okay, so what exactly do you mean by all this, I'm not sure I understand what you meant when you said if I could change the will of Indra. And what does it mean if I couldn't change him?"

"If Indra's soul continued its path of hatred and revenge then the cycle would repeat itself and the two brothers' souls would continue to wage against each other. Their souls would not be able to rest and two more children would be born as their reincarnations to continue their fight."

Hinata couldn't help but speak then, "That's terrible, if that happens again then wars would eventually break out and the peace we struggled and fought for would come to an end!"

"That is correct. Since Sasuke was the last mortal to harbor Indra's spirit, it fell to him to be the one who would determine if Indra's soul could finally be at peace through his own life. His final years of life and the burial of his body were the last stages of the cycle to determine if Sasuke was truly at peace, if he had any regrets the last moments of his life the cycle would start again."

Naruto didn't like the sound of that, he honestly didn't know if Sasuke was content with his life. He came back eventually to live with his family but he never spoke to him about anything personal in his life, so he didn't know if anything was wrong that he could help him with. Was he still upset about the end of the war, did he really come to terms with his own demons, was he able to find peace for himself or was the war still being waged? He just didn't know.

"Well, what happened, is this all gonna start over again?"

Hagoromo couldn't help but smile, "No. The cycle has ended and so both of my son's souls will be at peace, their eternal war is finished. You, Naruto Uzumaki, have done what I could not, what any of Asura's reincarnations could not. You have given peace to a much tormented soul and I now believe that peace can truly be sustained within our world. You have my eternal gratitude and this world owes you a debt that can never be paid."

No one could tear the wide grin from Naruto's face right now if they tried and he couldn't help the tears that were threatening to fall at hearing this news. Sasuke was at peace with himself, Naruto was always afraid Sasuke wouldn't find what he was looking for on his self imposed exile, but he was truly happy that he was able to. Even if he was still a broody bastard in his old age, Sasuke was still his best friend and he just wanted him to be happy.

Hinata couldn't help her own smile at seeing the large grin on her husband's face, she was so happy for Naruto and Sasuke. She gripped her husband tighter to show her support and gave him a kiss to show him how happy she was for him. Naruto returned her kiss and let out his laughter as he picked her up and spun her around like they were newlyweds again. Naruto's laughter was infectious and Hinata let out her own laugh at how happy he was.

Kurama looked down at his container and his wife and grinned a little himself, but ever the mood breaker he asked the real question that needed to be asked. "So, what does this mean for the brat over here? Will he have to continue fighting for others or will he be able to rest when his time comes."

That broke the lovebirds out of their moment again and they both became silent, Hinata looked to be in thought and Naruto just stared at Kurama with a dull face. "You really gotta read the mood you giant ball of lint!"

Kurama just leaned forward, his snout just in front of Naruto with his teeth bared. "Make me!"

Before Naruto could try and tear into his partner Hinata grabbed his forearm and spoke to him. "He's right Naruto-kun, this is what we both have wanted to know for many years now." Hinata turned to the sage and spoke to him. "I just want to know if I'll ever be able to see Naruto again, will his journey ever come to an end or will he really be forced to live an eternity fighting and eventually being alone again?"

"Hold on Hinata-chan! I haven't..."

Hinata cut her husband off by lightly taking his cheeks in her hands, this was something she did when she wanted his undivided attention on her and she wanted him to listen to what she had to say. And like usual it worked like a charm. Naruto stopped speaking, looking intently at his wife for what she was going to say.

"Naruto-kun, I love you, I love you so much, and the world loves you as well. There hasn't been any major incidents or even hints of treachery or war for nearly five decades now, peace is being firmly held within the world's grasp and the new generations aren't letting go of it any time soon. You have fulfilled your father's and your master's dream where people are understanding each other and peace is the result."

"It wasn't just me, you know, I had help along the way. Including my beautiful wife, who was my greatest supporter, the one who always kept my head on straight."

Hinata gave him a beautiful smile and hugged him close. "I know, you had help from many people because they believed in you. They believed in your dream and the world is safer for it, but it is selfish of us to try and keep you for ourselves. There are other people out there who need the same help we did, who need to be saved so they can create their own peace."

Hinata loosened the hug to stare at her husband again. "Ever since I was a little girl and I watched how you always did your best and never gave up, I knew that you were going to do great things. It is just recently that I realized that our world can't be the only one who needs you. Our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will continue on your will and the legacy of all those who fought for this peace, but I believe that you must use your strength for those who need it now."

"But what about our eternity together in the afterlife, I can't handle never seeing you again, you are where I get most of my strength from." At this point Hagoromo decided to interject.

"I believe I can clarify a few things, but first I'll answer your wife's questions to ease your doubts. You will be able to see each other again; for a man who has impacted this world so greatly, it would be a cruelty to never allow you to see your family again in the afterlife. As for your journey, it will come to an end eventually but I cannot say with any certainty how long it will last. However, you will be given a few new abilities should you accept this role, and a few liberties will be granted to you. And I personally have a request of you should you accept."

Naruto could only stand there and think on his decision, he trusts his wife's judgment and hearing that he would see her again puts his mind at ease but it is still a huge undertaking. Going into a new world without any knowledge or knowing anyone there, it would be difficult to try and establish himself, but if these worlds did need help, he couldn't deny his own feelings of wanting to give them his aid. His decision really wasn't much of a struggle after all.

"Okay, I guess it isn't really much of a choice when I think about it. I accept this responsibility, what abilities will I receive and what is it that you request of me?"

"Thank you Naruto. The other gods and I are grateful for this endeavor that you will be put through. The abilities you will receive are nothing too elaborate, in fact one ability has already been at your disposal for some time now."

"What do you mean, I never really felt any different or had any new techniques to use?"

"Do you remember how that new arm of yours essentially became a true part of your body, how it eventually lost its discoloration and you could no longer tell that it was not a part of your original arm."

"Yes, that was a really weird time, Sakura nor Tsunade could really give me a solid explanation of how the new arm appeared to simply integrate itself with my body. We always thought that I would have to keep it bandaged up, and it happened over the course of a few years, the color just started to fade slowly until it looked completely natural."

"Because Hashirama was one of the reincarnations of Asura, the cells that were used to create your new arm felt the familiarity of your chakra and slowly became a part of your DNA. And since your DNA was changed by that you gained the ability to use Hashirama's mokuton techniques."

"Are you serious?! I could have been using mokuton for the past five decades or something! Why didn't anyone tell me?!"

"The same reason you kept your immortality a secret and used a henge over the years to make your appearance seem to age normally. The world was finally given a chance at peace, but if they were to learn you became immortal or gained the ability of the First Hokage, people would begin to fear you or become suspicious and the peace you worked for would have crumbled."

Naruto knew he was right, Hinata was the only person he ever told about all this, he definitely didn't want to tell Sasuke who he thought might become jealous or anyone else in case it ever got out to the world. Him using mokuton would have been another problem with too many questions.

"Yeah, I know you're right but it's just shocking to know that I can use that ability now. Okay, so what else is there, am I getting the Rinnegan?" Naruto asked with a little too much hope in his voice and thought to himself. 'The Rinnegan would be so cool to have.'

The sage just looked on with a deadpan expression. "No. The Rinnegan, Sharingan, Byakugan, or any other bloodline will not be given to you."

Naruto's hopeful expression immediately fell with that response but he supposed mokuton would be the best he could get, it was an amazing ability so he isn't too disappointed.

"But I will be giving you the knowledge of Asura's past reincarnations, including everything you need to know about using Hashirama's mokuton techniques, but you will have to train yourself to be proficient in the art."

Naruto knew that knowledge was probably the best thing he could ask for. Over the years as he first prepared to take on the mantle of Hokage he had to bury himself in books, absorbing all the knowledge he could to best prepare himself to lead a village. Any knowledge he could get would be a great asset, but he was also curious about what knowledge Asura's other reincarnations had that he could use.

"I don't think I've ever heard of who Asura's other reincarnations were, how many reincarnations were there anyway?"

"You would be Asura's third reincarnation, there was only one other who was the first even before Hashirama. His name was Eikichi and it could be said that without him the art of fuinjutsu would have never came to be as it was. He set the groundwork for the future of fuinjustu. He had no family name of his own but it is to be believed that he was the ancestor of the first Uzumakis, and that was why the Uzumaki Clan had so many masters in the art. And you, Naruto, will be given all his knowledge of it. But just know that he wasn't the creator of many of the seals that you know of, he was just a man who completely understood the inner workings and makings of seals. If he were given any seal of today including the Shiki Fuin or even Orochimaru's curse seal he would no doubt be able to break them down and be able to reverse or destroy them without any drawbacks or difficulty."

"That's amazing, I studied fuinjutsu as much as I could in order to follow in my father's and master's steps but I am no better than an adept right now. This will really be a great help; even though I don't know everything about it I do know that fuinjutsu is the most versatile skill a true master can have."

"You are correct, fuinjutsu has the potential to be an incredibly dangerous and useful art in the right mind."

"So I guess that's it for the abilities I'll be getting, but what sort of liberties will I have?"

"That pertains to seeing your family in the afterlife when they pass on, but first I would like you to hear the request I have made about your journey." Naruto, Hinata and Kurama all listened closely to what the sage would ask of him because anything he would request should be very important.

"I would like you to take the other Biju with you on your journey and be the container for all nine of them."

They were all surprised at the request because they didn't think he would want them to be caged in again, and containing them all in one person may revive the Jubi again if they aren't careful. Naruto had to voice his concerns to the great sage.

"Are you sure that's wise, what if they merge again to become the Jubi, and I don't want them to feel like they have to be locked up again inside a vessel. Aren't they happy to be free again like they once were, would they even want to come with me on this journey?"

"Don't worry brat, the other Biju and I would be more than willing to go with you on this journey, I'm sure they're completely bored right now and probably have been for a while."

"Yes, Kurama is right and you needn't worry about the Jubi reforming, it can only be reformed by using the Gedo Mazo. The truth is that the other Biju have been in hiding as per my request, and I am afraid that staying in the shadows for so long has caused them to become restless. They wish to see and experience more of the world and when I brought this topic of conversation before them they were ecstatic to come and see you again and see new worlds before them."

"Why are the Biju in hiding?"

"It was a safety precaution for their own and the world's protection. I didn't want the temptation of creating new jinchuriki to fester in the hearts of man once more, so the safest thing I could do is keep the Biju out of sight."

"I see, and I agree with you wholeheartedly. And it seems to have worked, the Biju haven't been seen since the war and some are starting to believe they may be a myth now, well except for Kurama since he's still with me. If they really are excited to come with me I'll gladly have them come along."

"They will be happy to hear it. Now, the liberties you will be granted will be much simpler now that you have agreed to take the Biju with you. Early in the Biju's lives Matatabi somehow gained the favor of the Shinigami and she had been guiding the souls of the dead to the afterlife until she eventually became sealed in her first jinchuriki. Because of her connection to the afterlife she will be able to open a portal for you to enter said realm so that you can once again see your family."

"However, there will be limitations to this. For every year, from the time you leave this world, you abstain from entering the afterlife you will be granted two days time to spend with your family. So if you do not have the portal opened for ten years you will be given twenty days to spend with your family. Matatabi will only be able to open the portal once a full year has passed from the first time she opens the portal and every other time after that."

"That sounds fair, I think I'll probably save up those years just so I can spend more time with my family, besides I should be busy enough that I'll probably use up plenty of time trying to help everyone."

Hinata had to express her own gratitude to Hagoromo. "Yes, thank you for allowing Naruto-kun to spend time with his family when he can. It will be difficult without him for so long but I know I won't be alone when my time comes, I'll be able to see my friends, my family and my parents again and I'll always wait for my husband as long as it takes."

"You are welcome, however the gods of the other worlds would also like to request that you remain in their worlds for the span of a normal human lifetime in order to ensure the peace you will be fighting for remains steady and abiding."

"Really? I figured I would just keep moving from world to world once the enemy was taken care of?"

Surprisingly, Hinata was the one to answer. "No, I don't think that would really be wise if you just suddenly left them behind. You know how much work it is to maintain a peaceful era, winning a war does not automatically ensure that peace will remain. It took you decades of hard work to maintain the cooperation of all villages with each other."

"Yeah, I know that, but won't the other worlds need help right away, can they really afford to wait for me that long?" Naruto turned to Hagoromo to see what he thought about it.

"You need not worry about a time frame. These worlds are in danger yes, but the gods are able to manipulate the time stream between worlds so that you will enter their realm well before the worst may come to pass."

"Well I guess that makes things easier, but I still didn't really want to have to stay for that long, can't they handle things when it's all over?"

"Naruto-kun." Naruto turned to Hinata and noticed that she had a smile on her face. "I believe you should listen to their request. I know you will make many new friends and allies wherever you go, because if their world is in danger I know there will be people who are willing to fight alongside you for it. And if you just leave them after everything you go through, I know they will be extremely saddened, because you always have a way to enter the hearts of others. So please, help them all the way through the end, they will need you. And I also want you to do a favor for me."

"What is it, you know I'll do anything for you."

"Don't close your heart because of me."

"Hina..."

"Listen. I know you love me, and I will always love you; I would never think any less of you if you find love with another woman, and I know with you, there will be no shortage of women who will vie for your affections. I had plenty of competition of my own to deal with when we first got together. All I ask is that you love them and any children you have with them with just as much love as you have given me and our children. I know you were the happiest when you were there with our family, and you were even happier when our family started to grow even more, so I want you to keep searching for that same happiness."

Naruto just stared in his wife's eyes trying to look for any hint of doubt in what she was saying, but no matter how hard he searched he couldn't find any. Hinata amazed him time and time again with her compassion, her kindness really knew no equal. Even compared to his own kindness, he didn't believe he could match up to hers. After several moments of staring at his wife he just smiled and chuckled a little while running a hand through her hair like he still loved to do.

"Wow, you have really thought about all of this for a long time haven't you?" Hinata returned his smile with a large smile of her own.

"Of course. I have been trying to get you to do the same thing for years now, I thought being Hokage finally taught you that."

"Hehe, I guess being out of that hat and just spending time with our grand-kids for so long has made me lose a step or two. I'll just have to make sure I gain a few more back to compensate."

"I know you will." Naruto and Hinata held each other close and were leaning into each other for a kiss, until a sudden gust of warm wind blew at them from one side. They looked to where the gust came from and only saw two black tunnels towering over them until they realized it was a pair of nostrils connected to a large snout.

"So you mean I'll have to put up with this lovey dovey nonsense with even more women in the future. I'd really rather not have to deal with this anymore." Naruto and Hinata continued holding each other just staring at the giant fox in annoyance, yes even Hinata was annoyed now, until Naruto flew off the handle.

"I'm gonna kick your ass Kurama!" Kurama only grinned baring all his teeth while standing on all fours waiting for Naruto to make the first move. But Hagoromo who had been in thought until now decided to speak up before any fighting could ensue.

"Now that I have thought about this, I believe the other gods may have an ulterior motive for wanting you to stay in their worlds for so long." Everyone stopped at that and turned to the sage, but it was Hinata who spoke for them.

"What makes you say that?"

"Naruto's progeny." Hagoromo let that sink in to let them think about it for a few moments before he continued. "Your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren just may be the key they are looking for. Your descendants so far all have the same kind of benevolence and love that you exude, and their strength and power is impressive as well, perhaps not to the same extent as yourself, but it is still very much there. They most likely believe that the descendants you leave behind will be able to continue sustaining the peace that their forefather will have fought for."

"So they basically want me to save their world and sleep with their women so my offspring will maintain their peace?" Naruto said in a dull tone. Hinata blushed at his words but was still annoyed and slapped him across the stomach with some force to show her annoyance with him. Naruto just rubbed his stomach and the back of his head smiling sheepishly giving a small apology to his wife.

Hagoromo gave his own laugh at his comment. "It is only an old man's suspicions, I wouldn't look too much into it if I were you. You only need to be yourself and do what it is you believe is right and nothing else."

"I guess that's all I can really do anyway. So when do I have to leave for all this?"

"The choice is yours, when you are fully prepared and ready, you will be transported to a new world and you may start your journey. I only suggest that you use your time wisely. You may want to start gathering the Biju first, and perhaps train and expand your mind to the new abilities and knowledge you will be given."

Naruto looked towards Hinata again and held her hand. "Well I'll first be spending all my time with my wife and when... After that I'll start looking for the Biju and train along the way until I am ready." Naruto and Hinata both knew her time was coming to an end soon, she was in perfect health but her body was still susceptible to time and she would pass on naturally. Naruto was sad but wouldn't let it show in front of her and he knew he would see her again in the afterlife, but it still hurt incredibly to have to watch as she slowly dies.

"Take all the time you need, I will know when you are ready. The knowledge you gain will be transferred to you as you continue sleeping and will be at your disposal when you awake."

Flashback End

(Himawari's Household: Shrine Room)

"Ten years ago, the day after sensei's funeral, you and mom told the two of us everything. I thought it all was a load of shit until I saw the look in mom's eyes, and I knew you were telling the truth."

"Oi! Why can't you believe your dad you brat?!"

"I believed you father!"

"I know you did, my princess loves her father!" Naruto exclaimed while hugging Himawari tightly.

"Daddy's girl."

"Momma's boy!"

"You take that back!"

"Why, when it's completely true!"

The siblings argument was interrupted by their father's raucous laughter, a laughter they couldn't help but join. After the laughter died down Naruto placed his hands on one of their shoulders again this time facing them.

"I love you two, you both know that right?"

""Of course dad/father.""

"I'll see you two again, but not for a long while. I'm gonna be busy and you two still have a lot of life left to live. Make sure you teach those grand-kids of yours the Uzumaki way alright; just like I taught the two of you and your kids. Your mother will be waiting for us as well but I think she should be enjoying the peace and quiet without us around for a while longer." They all chuckled at that but Himawari spoke up still with a smile on her face.

"No she won't, she loved the craziness of our house. I know she misses us but she still wouldn't want to see us too soon. I hope she isn't lonely."

"No way, all our friends are with her, your uncle Neji is there, sadly your aunt Hanabi will probably be seeing her in a few years, and your grandparents too will be with her. I know your mother is anything but lonely right now, especially if my mom got a hold of her. Where do you think my crazy comes from. I know she's still watching us, loving us from the afterlife."

"We know dad, take care of yourself old man, we can handle things here."

"Yes father, please be careful, and make sure you do as mother says! I want even more brothers and sisters to love and watch over okay!"

"Hehe, we'll see what happens, my priority is saving people not picking up women. I'm proud of you two, remember to always ""protect what's precious to you!""

"We know dad! Just get out of here already old man!"

Himawari chuckled but wrapped her father in a tight embrace dragging her brother with her in a group hug. Naruto smiled and held his two children closely, his warmth spreading over them and their eyes closed. Tears started to slowly stain Himawari's cheeks as she could no longer feel the embrace of her father, and Boruto just stood there silently holding onto his sister's hand. Their father was gone, no more words needed to be said. Naruto Uzumaki was finally gone from their world and it would be up to the new generations to keep the peace he helped create.