A/N - So before you start reading, just know that Commander Shepard will NOT, I repeat NOT be in this fanfic as a character. I'll mention him of course, but he wont have any dialogue. I thought long and hard about it, and writing a story of this caliber from two POV's would be too hard for me. If that's a problem for you, you're welcome to move on to a new story with no hard feelings from me. I will be including characters from the Naruto and Mass Effect Universe obviously since this is a cross fic. For love interest, I'm not sure if I'll be huge on them but we'll see. And finally from the Naruto side, there is a character who did die, that is going to be in the story you'll figure it out when we get there. NOW I am done talking enjoy chapter one.

The Illusive Man was sitting in his chair in the Cerberus Station like most days staring into outer space. He had sent his best agent; Miranda Lawson out nearly seven weeks ago. Commander John Shepard of the Alliance Navy and Hero of the Citadel had been killed by the Collectors while searching for rogue Geth in the Terminus Systems. The Collectors were an agent of the Reapers that needed to be destroyed. Lawson had already found Shepard and now, using the Lazarus Project she would bring him back to life. The Illusive Man took a long deep puff from his cigarette. If this project were successful, it would nearly cost a trillion credits but the Galaxy needed Commander Shepard.

"Incoming call from Miranda Lawson," said the automated VI in the room.

"Patch her through," replied T.I.M. exhaling his smoke.

The grey circle within the room lit up blue and an image of Miranda Lawson appeared. She was an attractive woman in her mid-twenties. Thanks to her father Henry Lawson a wealthy businessman, she had all the best things money could buy. Miranda had looks and brains. And on numerous occasions as well, she had proven herself to be a dangerous enemy. She was proficient with several firearms, was good in hand to hand combat, and had proved herself to be an above average biotic. This and her dedication was how she had risen through the ranks at Cerberus.

"Illusive Man," she said. "I have an unfortunate update."

"How bad is he," was the quick reply.

"There's nothing we can do."

"I wasn't expecting to hear that from you Miranda."

"I didn't expect that I would ever say it, but there isn't anything that can be done for Shepard. I've spent nearly five weeks trying to get brain activity to no avail. I can repair all the other organs, but without a brain he'll never be the same person."

"You're sure there's nothing that can be done for him?"

"I've thought of everything and it will always result in a failure. I'm sorry sir but Commander John Shepard isn't coming back."

T.I.M. took a long deep puff on his cigarette in frustration. He hadn't expected that Miranda would fail, that's why he'd assigned her to Project Lazarus. When Miranda was in charge of anything, it never failed until today. T.I.M. sat long and hard before he made up his mind. He took another deep puff of his cigarette before speaking again.

"There is someone else that I want you to look for Miranda."

"Who sir?"

"A man that is possibly deadlier than Shepard in nearly every aspect."

"Is this man well known?"

"Few people know of him."

"So is he a mercenary?"

"In a small sense he was. What do you know about ninja Miranda?"

"Is this a joke?"

"You should know by now I never joke Lawson."

"Well… ninja were a Daimyo's last resort in ancient Japan. He'd hire them to get a job done, most likely assassinate a rival enemy, or family member who was getting too close to taking his seat of power."

"Correct as usual. About 15 years ago, there was a battle on a distant planet. It was called the 4th Shinobi War. The Lands of Fire, Wind, Lightning, Earth, and Water all came together for the first time to defeat a man named Madara Uchiha. Many people died but in the end they managed to stop him."

"Why wasn't the Council informed the world needed help?"

"They were, but like always they drag their feet unless their own species' safety is placed in peril."

"Shepard never should've have saved them during the Battle of the Citadel."

"I agree but continuing with my story, Madara was eventually defeated by a young man named Naruto Uzumaki. He was from the Land of Fire and lived in a village called Konoha. He was also the host of the 9-tailed demon fox."

"9-tailed demon fox?"

"A powerful creature capable of unquestionable levels of destruction."

"What kind of power are we talking about?"

"The 9-tails could most likely destroy a fleet of frigates in one shot."

"And it was placed inside of a human being?"

"The day Naruto was born, the fox under control from one of Madara's subordinates named Tobi, attacked the village. To save the village his father Minato, the then Hokage sealed the beast within him. Once Naruto learned to control the foxs' powers, he became an even deadlier force to reckon with."

"So where is he?"

"Dead." T.I.M. could tell Miranda was getting noticeably frustrated. He smiled, finished his cigarette and stood up. "Naruto died in an explosion nearly 3 months ago, but don't worry I had some agents sneak in and retrieve his body. His has some damage, but I'm hoping that we have a chance with him unlike with Commander Shepard."

"Where is his body?"

"On its way to the Lazarus Station."

"You knew Shepard wouldn't be able to be revived?"

"I had a small feeling." T.I.M. lit another cigarette and sat in his chair. He stared at her with his blue orb like eyes. "Devote every minute that you are awake to bringing Naruto Uzumaki back to life Miranda. Humanity and the Galaxy both need him."

"Understood."

Miranda vanished off the screen and the Illusive Man smiled.

"Na… Nra… Naruto."

He slowly opened his eyes as bright white lights flashed right into them. He looked around and noticed that he was on an examination table. There were numerous wires attached to his body, and needle in his arm.

"Naruto," came Kurama's voice. "What's… going on?"

"I… have no idea," he said. "The last thing I remember is… being on that mission for Granny. And suddenly the damn building we were on exploded. Shields and armor dropped way too fast, next thing I know we're engulfed in flames."

Naruto covered his ears as an alarm began blaring through the room. As he tried to ignore the noise he noticed he was definitely in a hospital med-bay of some sort.

"Naruto get up," roared a voice on the intercom. "I know you can't see me but my name is Miranda Lawson and I'm here to help you."

"Where am I," he cried removing the wires and the needle.

"I'll explain it to you later, but right now you have to get out of there."

"I want you to explain it now!"

The med-bay door exploded open and Naruto took cover behind the table he was sitting on. A robot mech entered the room holding a pistol and it was opening fire.

"This is a lovely wake-up call," Kurama snarled.

Naruto silently agreed, but just his luck he looked on the desk and saw it. A Katana shotgun. He made his favorite hand seal.

"Time to see if I still got it," he said. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu."

One shadow clone appeared next to him already knowing what to do. The real Naruto went for the gun, while the fake ran at the mech unarmed. As expected the clone was destroyed, but it didn't matter. He grabbed the shotgun and blasted the mech literally into two pieces. The voice came back on the intercom.

"There's more on the way Naruto, so unless you wish to be trapped and overwhelmed I suggest you get out of there. In the locker in the room, there's some armor, hurry and place it on."

"It seems we're trapped," Naruto growled.

"For now," replied Kurama. "When this is all said and done, I want answers!"

"We can agree on that my old friend."

Naruto quickly rushing to the locker ripping the door off with pure strength. Inside was a piece of standard N7 armor that was black and orange. At least whoever was holding him prisoner had style. He threw the armor on and rushed out the room. That was an obvious mistake because there was another mech waiting for him. Ducking into cover again, he clasped his left hand on his right wrist and concentrated his chakra. A blue swirling ball slowly appeared in his hand. Naruto rolled out of cover and began charging at the mech, dodging the shots.

"RASENGAN," he cried smashing the ball into the robot. It blew up, blasting metal and scraps everywhere.

"Don't think you're showing off just a little," asked Kurama.

"Just making sure that I still got it old fox."

"Then by all means, let me see if I 'still got it'."

Naruto allowed Kurama quick control of his body. The 9-tails cloak formed around his body. Being cloaked in the red chakra felt so refreshing as if he hadn't done it in so long. His canine teeth grew longer, and his finger nails grew sharper. The next mech he unfortunately saw was immediately slashed into four pieces. Then crouching on all fours, Naruto began to run throughout the station killing any mech that got in his way.

"Oh yeah I still got it too," said Kurama relinquishing his control.

Naruto stood up on two legs and entered a large atrium of the station, but once again he immediately had to duck as more mechs were shooting. Thankfully this time he wasn't alone. There was an African American looking male shooting and ducking at the same time. He crouched down next to him.

"Naruto," he said.

"Are you with Miranda," he replied.

"Yeah, my name is Jacob Taylor. I'm in charge of security here."

"You're doing a fabulous job."

"You're sarcasm aside, how're you feeling?"

"Like I've just been punched by a woman named Tsunade."

"What does that mean?"

"She flicked me on the forehead once when I was 12 and I went flying back twenty feet."

"Damn sounds tough. Well I've give you a quick version of events. You've been clinically dead for almost two whole years. You died in an explosion on a planet. Do you remember anything?"

"Nothing but fire."

Both men ducked as the mechs released another wave of shots their way. Naruto looked at his leg wishing that he had kunai strapped to it. But thankfully he could always use jutsu. Making three quick hands sign Naruto cried," Futon: Shinkugyoku."

From his mouth shot out 8 compressed bullets of air each of them hitting one of the eight mechs in destroying them. Jacob raised his eyebrows.

"Not bad," Jacob admitted. "Think you could teach me that?"

"If you don't mind going through years of strenuous painful training, then not at all."

"Forget I asked."

"Already did, now how do we get the hell out of here?"

"We'll have to get to the shuttles, but they're on the other side of the station." Jacob suddenly pressed a finger into his ear. "I read you Wilson, yeah… okay; Naruto and I are on our way. Yes he's awake, just stay where you are and hang on." Jacob looked back up and added a thermal clip into his pistol. "Wilson, one of the workers from the science team is alive c'mon we may be able to still save him."

Naruto nodded his head and followed Jacob. They ran through two rooms and a flight of stairs before they found Wilson. He was middle aged man going bald. He was on the floor clenching his bleeding leg.

"BASTARDS SHOT ME," he bellowed.

"What a baby," muttered Kurama.

Naruto rushed to the medi-gel container on the wall. He opened it and removed three packs. He tore one open with his teeth and lathered the blue gel into Wilson's leg. The wound closed almost instantly.

"Thanks guys," sighed Wilson slowly standing. "Didn't think I was going to make it."

"How are all your fucking mechs out of control," snarled Naruto.

"If I knew the answer to that I wouldn't have gotten shot!"

"Let's calm down," said Jacob trying to keep the peace. "Things are getting a little tense. Naruto if I tell you who we work for, will you trust me?"

"The boss isn't going to like that Jacob."

"I don't want him to expecting a shot in the back Wilson. Naruto, the Lazarus Project, is a program that rebuilt you after you were killed in that explosion. It's funded and controlled by Cerberus."

Naruto took a moment to think. He had seen files of Cerberus numerous times back in the village. It was a group that was devoted to advancement of human kind.

"I've heard of the group," he said. "Aren't you guys like a Splinter cell?"

"The Alliance is always telling people that," sighed Jacob shaking his head. "It's a little more complicated though. Cerberus spent a damn fortune bringing you back to life though."

"For what?"

"That I can't answer but my boss the Illusive Man will be able to I promise."

"I'm supposed to trust someone named the Illusive Man?" Jacob and Wilson both looked at him because they were just as confused as him. "Let's just get the hell out of here."

They both nodded and the trio made their way to the shuttles. Along the way to the shuttles Naruto activated his demon vision. His eyes turned bright red and he stared at Wilson and Jacob from behind. Jacob's energy was warm and cool, but Wilson's was nervous and dishonest.

"One moment Naruto," said Jacob as he began putting some codes into a computer. "This is just going to end the lockdown and then the shuttles will come."

"Wilson," said Naruto ignoring Jacob. "How did you get shot?"

"Why is that important," he growled.

"Humor me."

"A mech came at me. I used Overload and disabled it, but not before it pulled the trigger and blasted me in the leg."

Naruto sighed and in one quick motion he ran his fist through Wilson's chest killing him instantly. Jacob turned around completely horrorstruck. The door opened and in walked the most beautiful woman Naruto had ever seen. She was in a black and white one piece outfit with the Cerberus logo above her breast, she had long wavy black hair, and the uniform was tight on her butt in just the right places.

"I see you killed Wilson," she said completely unfazed. "Good job."

"What the hell do you mean good job," cried Jacob.

"Wilson betrayed us all Jacob, Naruto simply killed him before I could."

Jacob turned to Naruto and asked," you knew Wilson betrayed us?"

"I know when people are lying," explained Naruto dropping Wilson's body on the ground. "You've been telling the truth the entire time Jacob, Wilson has been lying since we met. I didn't want to kill him, but I wasn't going to let him kill us either."

"Very good instinct," admired Miranda. "Now if you're ready, we should go. My boss wants to meet you."

"You mean the Illusive Man? I know you work for Cerberus."

Miranda sighed and brushed her hair out of her face. "Ah Jacob," she said with a grin. "I should've known your conscience would get the better of you."

"Lying to Naruto is no way to earn his trust," he growled at her.

"Well since we're exploring our feelings, Naruto is there anything that you wish to ask Jacob and me right now?"

"No I just want to leave this station. I've had enough of it to last a lifetime."

Miranda smirked and said," or in your lifetime, two."

They all boarded the shuttle and a minute later, they were traveling in space. Naruto was never not amazed by space travel. The first time he went into outer space it felt like a dream, now it was just a norm.

"Before you meet the Illusive Man," said Miranda 10 minutes into the trip. "We need to make sure that all your memories are in place."

"I remember everything," said Naruto at once. "Your test is a waste of time."

"We'll see about that; ask the questions Jacob."

"Okay," said Jacob opening his omni-tool. "Records show that you were born in Konoha nearly 29 years ago. Your father Minato Namikaze was the 4th Hokage of your village, and your mother Kushina Uzumaki was the previous 9-tailed host. During the 4th War, a man helped you to learn to control the fox within. What was his name?"

"His name was Bee; he was the host of the 8-tails. But I nicknamed him Old Man Octopops."

"Not bad, who was the only ninja around your age who couldn't use ninjutsu or genjutsu but he could open the Eight Inner Gates?"

"Rock Lee or Bushy Brows."

"Who was on Team 10?"

"Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi the Ino-Shika-Cho trio."

"What was special about the 5th Mizukage Mei Terumi?"

"She had two Kekkei Genkai: Lava, and Boil."

"Naruto all your memories seem to be intact. Are you satisfied yet Miranda?"

"No," she admitted. "Let's try something different. You failed to bring your friend Sasuke Uchiha back to the village after he defected to Orochimaru. Shortly after you left to train with your Master Jiraiya, and Sakura Haruno began training with the Hokage Tsunade. What was unique about this?"

"Everyone one on Team 7 save my teacher Kakashi Hatake, was being trained by one of the Legendary Sannin. Sasuke with Orochimaru, me with Jiraiya, and Sakura with Tsunade. Are you satisfied or do you want to keep grilling me with pointless questions?"

"One more and I'll leave you alone." Naruto was quiet and Miranda continued speaking. "Was the 9-tailed demon fox-"

"Kurama."

"What?

"His name is Kurama not 9-tailed demon fox."

"What does that matter?"

"If someone has a name you use it. Use him name when you're referring to him."

"Fine, does Kurama still reside within you?"

"Yes."

"How do I know you're not lying?"

Naruto smirked and replied," he says if you didn't absolutely revolt him and he was a human male, he'd want to touch your ass."

Miranda glared daggers at him, but was finally silent.

"This is why you can never win with women," sighed the Kitsune. "You lie to them and they get mad at you. And even worse, you tell them the truth and they still get mad at you."

For the remainder of the trip Naruto simply concentrated on a spot on the wall. It didn't look like anything in particular but it did give him piece of mind. About twenty minutes later, they arrived at their destination. Naruto exited the shuttle into regrettably another station. He placed his shotgun on a table upon entering. He followed Miranda and Jacob into a waiting area. They both went and sat on a chair, and a second later, a mech brought Miranda a laptop she began typing furiously into.

"So nobody's going to tell me where to go," Naruto angrily asked.

"The Illusive Man is waiting for you in that down the hall," said Jacob pointing.

"Don't keep him waiting," ordered Miranda not looking up from her laptop.

"I have a growing lack of disgust for her," said Kurama.

Naruto silently agreed with his companion for life and walked down the hallway. The door opened and he walked into a room about the size of a large storage closet. And there wasn't anybody it in. He took a few steps forward until the floor lit up blue. Light began to rise up from the ground. Naruto looked forward and could see man sitting in a chair. He was wearing a black suit like outfit, with wavy hair, extraordinary blue eyes and smoking a cigarette.

"Naruto Uzumaki," he sighed puffing out a cloud.

"Illusive Man, I must say my I thought we would be meeting face to face."

"A necessary precaution for people like you and me. Now tell me how are you feeling?"

"You may be the reason I'm alive, and for that I'll say thank you. But let's establish some things: you're not my friend, you don't know me, and because we aren't meeting face to face I now don't trust you."

"I'm not your friend true, but I do know you Naruto Uzumaki. The only child of Minato and Kushina, host of Kurama, and the savior of Konoha many times."

"You've been to my planet?"

"I have spies every where young man. You've even killed several of them."

"Get to the point of what you want or I'm leaving."

"You may not like me and I understand that, but you need to put your personal feelings aside. Humanity is up against the greatest threat of our brief existence."

"And that would be?"

"The Reapers."

"The Reapers were the creatures that destroyed the Protheans," rumbled Kurama.

Naruto relayed the message and T.I.M. shook his head yes exhaling some more smoke.

"I'm glad that Kurama is alive and well and still present inside you Naruto. You're going to need him for the task ahead."

"Well the both of us would love to hear what that task ahead is Illusive Bastard. So get to the point!"

T.I.M. stood up and paced about the empty room for a brief second before turning to face Naruto.

"No one wants to admit it, but humanity is under attack. While you've been asleep whole colonies have been being abducted. We believe that it's someone working for the Reapers. Just as Saren and the Geth aided Sovereign."

"But Commander Shepard stopped them at the Citadel. A few of my friends and I were there helping along with all the fighting."

"Shepard did stop them, but it wasn't enough."

"So why bring me back?"

"To put it blunt Naruto, you're dangerous. You get things done, and save a lot of people in the process. And that's what I need you to do now."

"So if humanity is being threatened, why not ask the Alliance for assistance?"

"They suffered too many losses fighting during the Battle of the Citadel. They're still rebuilding, and are stretched too thin to waste resources verifying the Reaper threat. The Alliance is saying that the colony abductions are the work of mercs and pirates. Using this excuse makes it so that they don't have to conduct a full investigation."

"Do we trust him," Naruto asked Kurama.

"For the time being yes," replied the fox. "I doubt someone as powerful as him would make something up like this."

"If what you say is true," said Naruto slowly. "If whole colonies are being taken, and the Reapers are behind it, I'd help you. But don't take me for a fool; I'm not helping you without some kind of evidence."

"If you helped me without proof," said T.I.M. with a smile. "I'd be very disappointed." He turned around and sat in his chair grabbing a cup and a bottle of Scotch on the ground. "I have a shuttle ready to take to Freedom's Progress, the latest colony to be abducted. Miranda and Jacob will brief you."

"I don't need either of them. If know about me, then you know the damage I can cause alone. I don't need any help."

"Jacob Taylor is one of the best soldiers we have in Cerberus. He's never fully trusted me but he's honest about it and I can respect that. Miranda Lawson is my top agent and 2nd in Command during most operations. Without her this conversation wouldn't even be happening because you would still be a corpse. You'll be fine with them for the moment."

"So if I do this and find nothing?"

"Then you go your separate ways and you don't have to worry about seeing me ever again." Naruto glared at him knowing that was a lie. "But first, go to Freedom's Progress. Find any clues you can. Who's abducting the colonies? Do they have any connections to the Reapers?" T.I.M. drank his shot of Scotch quickly. "I brought you back Naruto, it's up to you to do the rest." T.I.M. pressed a button on a hollow screen and he vanished and Naruto was suddenly back in the storage space.

"Bastard brings us back from the dead and thinks we owe him," barked Kurama.

"True," replied Naruto. "But if he's telling the truth and people are being abducted there's no way we can just ignore that."

"With the exception of you Naruto, I hate humans; I can ignore it just fine."

"Well unfortunately my friend, you're along for the ride."

Naruto exited the storage space and walked back into the waiting area. Miranda was already on the shuttle and Jacob was coming out the bathroom.

"So already back in action huh Naruto," he asked.

"You might say that Taylor, but don't get it twisted I am not joining Cerberus. I just can't fully trust you guys yet."

"Noted, but do you trust me?"

"I told you I read your body energy Jacob, I trust you. You might not be working for the right people though. Now come on, there's a colony waiting."

"Yes sir."

They got on the shuttle Jacob sitting next to the Ice Queen and Naruto across from them. It turns out the colony was only about 10 minutes away. Miranda informed Naruto that the colony had gone dark about 16 hours ago.

"Before we land," she said. "Are there any instructions we should know?"

"You have don't have a problem following my orders," he replied.

"Boss says you're in charge Naruto," said Jacob. "That's all we need to know."

"Then first and foremost we look for survivors, but if anything runs at you gun it down."

"Understood."

The shuttle landed on the snowy world and upon exiting everyone grabbed a parka. Naruto traded Jacob the Katana shotgun for M-3 Predator Pistol he was using, while Miranda would be using an M-4 shuriken SMG. They passed several houses all the same. Doors open, lights on, but no signs of any humans.

"It's so unnervingly quiet," sighed Miranda as they walked around.

"I agree," said Naruto. "Even back at my village at night, it was never this quiet. Something has gone horribly wrong here."

"What's that noise," asked Jacob.

Naruto turned and was immediately pounced on his back by a security dog mech. Jacob blasted it off with his shotgun, but it rolled back up.

"Deploying Overload," cried Miranda. She extended her arm and an arc of lightning struck the dog knocking it over. From the ground Naruto fired his pistol until the lights on the mech cut off.

"I am so fucking tired of getting attacked by mech's today," he growled as Jacob helped him up. "Even so, I doubt mech's are kidnapping colonists."

"Well this is the colony where we'll find something," said Miranda opening the next door. That was a mistake because at once a group of Quarians pointed guns at her. Jacob raised his shotgun, while Naruto sprouted his chakra arms. He disarmed several of the Quarians and pushed two of them against the wall.

"Let them go or she dies," shouted a Quarian female in purple.

"You won't even get a shot off," growled Naruto back. "Lower your gun or I crush their throats."

"Everyone calm down please." A woman stepped in between them facing the Quarians. "Tali you said I could handle this if we ran into humans."

"They're Cerberus," Tali shouted back.

"We're just investigating what happened here," Jacob cried. "This is a human colony I believe we have more right to be here than you guys."

A Quarian Male in grey ran forward holding an assault rifle yelling," I don't give a damn what you're doing here Cerberus!"

"Prazza, Tali, both of you lower your weapons please," begged the woman. "And as for you guys." The woman turned around and dropped the papers she'd been holding and stared at Naruto. She immediately flushed and her mouth was wide and agape. "NARUTO?!"

"You know the blond bosh'tet Hinata," asked Tali.

"He's a good friend of mine."

"So why's he working with Cerberus?"

"I don't know Tali just please calm yourself and put your weapons down!" Tali slowly lowered her shotgun while Hinata turned to face him with tears in her eyes. "Naruto… is that… you're alive?"

"It's me Hinata," he said slowly. "Cerberus brought me back to life and at their request I'm investigating the human colonies."

"Likely story," shouted Prazza. "Hinata told us of you ninja, and Cerberus wouldn't spend so much time and money bringing back only one of you."

"Trust me Prazza," said Hinata. "I've seen Naruto in action and it was money well spent. I'm glad you're here perhaps we can work together."

"I'm not working with Cerberus Hinata," said Tali.

"Tali I know you don't trust Cerberus, but I know you do trust me. Have a little faith… please?"

Sensing the Quarians weren't going to trust them easily, Naruto release the two he had been holding against the wall with his Chakra arms.

"I'm open to working together," he said raising his hands in good faith. "Jacob lower your gun please." Jacob slowly complied. "Now Hinata, what do you need us to do?"

"One of the Quarians' people is here on Pilgrimage. His name is Veetor."

"Why would a Quarian come to a human colony for their Pilgrimage," asked Miranda.

"We choose where we go for Pilgrimage," explained Tali. "Veetor liked the idea of a small settlement, but he was obviously injured when the humans were abducted. And if his suits C02 scrubbers were damaged he's likely delirious from an open air infection. He saw us landing and he hid in a warehouse."

"And with how good Quarians are at hacking," said Jacob putting everything together. "He probably programmed the mechs to attack us."

"Then we need to find him," said Naruto. "He's the only one could can tell us what actually happened here. You're right Hinata, we need to work together."

"I'm not working with Cerberus," snarled Prazza.

"It's either that or Veetor may die Prazza," retorted Tali. "We don't have a choice."

"Head for the warehouse in the center of the colony," said Hinata as the Quarians began to leave. "We'll circle around and draw off the mechs. Keep in radio contact." Hinata smiled at Naruto one last time, and then she left too.

"Well that was fun," said Miranda putting her gun in her hand. "Not holstering this for the rest of the mission."

"What's the matter Lawson," teased Naruto. "Don't like having a gun shoved into your face?"

Out the corner of his eye, Naruto saw her briefly give a weak smile. It took them about five minutes to get to the center of the colony. Along there was there were obvious signs of a struggle. Kicked off shoes, broken glass, and trails of blood.

"Where are the Quarians," asked Jacob.

"Naruto," came Hinata's voice over radio. "I tried to stop them, but the others rushed ahead to Veetor to try and take him away but he thinks they're intruders. Veetor reprogrammed the heavy mech and its destroying them."

"Goddammit," yelled Naruto placing his hands together and sitting down. "Hinata get this door open for us, Jacob you help Hinata and the Quarians, and Miranda, don't let anything touch me for about one minute."

"What fo-"

"JUST DO AS YOUR TOLD MIRANDA!"

They both nodded and the door opened. A heavy mech was gunning down the Quarians. Hinata was standing in front of Tali who was down clutching her leg in pain. Jacob rushed for and added incendiary ammo to his shotgun firing round after round at the heavy mech but he couldn't get through the armor. It turned and fired a rocket at him which he had to dive into a house to dodge. The rocket crashed into a wall bringing some debris down. The mech turned it's gaze back to Hinata who had her Byakugan flared.

"Move Hinata," Tali groaned trying to stand. "Don't sacrifice yourself for me."

"MIRANDA GO NOW," roared Naruto. "I'M GOOD, PROTECT THEM!"

Miranda rushed ahead firing from her SMG, but the mech was already firing at Hinata. Hinata began to move her arms faster than the normal eyes could see.

"Shugo Hakke," Hinata cried. "Rokujuu Yonsho!"

Using her precise Chakra control, Hinata palms began to glow blue. She formed a slight energy bubble made of chakra protecting herself and Tali from the attack. Miranda roared and from her palm came a biotic Warp attack shattering the mech's armor. Naruto felt the surge in power and stood up.

"Sennin Mode," he growled. He raised his right hand and a giant ball of Chakra appeared in it. "Miranda get clear, and Hinata keep your shield up." Miranda moved behind a pillar as Naruto charged at the mech. He slammed his palm into it. "SENPO: ODAMA RASENGAN!" The mech was blasted back into a house, and on contact it exploded causing a small fire.

"Impressive," sighed Miranda in awe.

Naruto rushed to Hinata and Tali. The Quarian had her arm around Hinata seeing as how she could walk on her leg. Naruto took some medi-gel out, but Tali stopped him.

"You're medi-gel is most likely unsterile," she explained. "Applying it to my wound could kill me. We have some on our ship, but thank you."

"Hinata where's Veetor," asked Naruto.

The Hyuuga looked and pointed at the warehouse. Naruto's group rushed ahead and inside they found Veetor typing at a monitor.

"Hello," said Jacob.

Veetor continued typing not saying a word at all. Naruto pressed a button his omni-tool and all the screens vanished. That got Veetor's attention and he turned around.

"You," he whispered. "You're human. Where did you hide? How come they didn't find you?"

"Who didn't find us," asked Miranda.

"The monsters… the swarms. They took everyone that was here.

"Tell us what happened Veetor," Naruto said slowly.

"You don't know. You have no idea how horrible it was. But I see, Veetor sees everything." The distressed Quarian touched a button on the screen and the screens reappeared. There were various insect looking creatures hauling the humans away in containment pods.

"My god is that a Collector," asked Miranda when Veetor stopped the screen.

"They're the species from the Omega 4 Relay right?"

"Yes, they normally work with slavers and mercs. Trade with them to get what they need, and then vanish just as soon as they appeared."

"You think their involved with the Reapers Miranda," asked Jacob.

"It's highly possible."

"The seekers swarms are what paralyzed most of the humans," continued Veetor. "One hit and hit and they freeze you. Then the monsters take you away." Veetor began to shake uncontrollably obviously upset at what he had seen and refused to say more.

"I think he's done talking," sighed Jacob.

"We appreciate what you've told us Veetor," said Naruto gently rubbing his back. "I know it wasn't easy for you."

"I… I studied the monsters," sobbed Veetor. "I recorded them with my omni-tool. Lots of readings."

"We need to get this data to the Illusive Man," said Miranda. "Grab the Quarian and call the shuttle."

"NO!"

Tali and Hinata walked in, the female Quarian obviously upset at what she had just heard concerning one of her race. She wasn't leaning on Hinata anymore, but she was walking with an obvious limp.

"Veetor is injured," she continued. "He needs treatment, not an interrogation!"

"We won't hurt him," Jacob reassured her. "We just need to see if he knows anything else."

"Not to mention you and your people already betrayed us today," growled Miranda. "If we give you Veetor, we'll never get the Intel."

"Then just take Veetor's omni-tool," said Hinata angrily. "You don't need to take him."

"As Miranda already said," cried Jacob. "You all can't be trusted to agree to plans."

"It was a stupid plan of Prazza's," agreed Tali. "I got shot, and the rest of them died Cerberus has no right to take Veetor. This will mean war with the Migrant Fleet if you don't give him to us."

"EVERYBODY SHUT UP NOW!" They all went silent after Naruto's outburst. They were all driving him crazy and making his head hurt. The data was significant and the Illusive Man needed to see it ASAP. "Hinata, give us Veetor's omni-tool and you guys can have him."

Hinata nodded and removed it from Veetor, passing it to Jacob. Tali was obviously taken back by his decision.

"Th-Thank you," she stuttered.

"I didn't do it for you," Naruto retorted. "Jacob, shuttle now."

"Yes sir," he replied. "Shuttle this is Operative Taylor, we're ready for pick up."

Tali and Veetor some how walked out with her being injured, and him being on the verge of a psychotic break. Miranda and Jacob left to obviously give Naruto and Hinata a minute alone.

"I still can't believe you're alive," she said.

"Neither can I Hinata, but Cerberus is right, these attacks on our colonies are going to get worse if I don't help them stop them."

"So you're joining up with them?"

"Not officially, but yes and if you will, I'd appreciate it if you came with us."

"I can't Naruto. I work too closely with the Quarians, and Tali is my friend."

"I'm your friend too."

"My friend who I believed to be dead for two years. Look I don't want to argue, but I can't go with you after what happened here today. Give it a while, and if you somehow manage to find me again, I'll help you."

Naruto reluctantly nodded his head yes, and exited the warehouse. Two minutes later, he was on his way back to the station.

10 minutes later

Naruto was staring into the Illusive Man's office out of the grey closet again.

"Good job on Freedom's Progress," he said. "The Quarians forwarded a little more information from Veetor's debriefing. No new data. You and I have different methods, but I can't argue when you get results."

"You catch more flies with honey than vinegar," said Naruto.

"Diplomacy is great when it works but difficult when everyone already thinks that you're the enemy. But more importantly, you confirmed the Collectors are behind the abductions."

"Did you know about them?"

"I had suspicions but there was no point in bringing it up without proof. Until now we've had no direct evidence of direct aggression by the Collectors especially against a single species."

"He still hasn't told us how this all ties in with the Reapers," grumbled Kurama. Naruto relayed the message T.I.M lit a cigarette.

"The patterns are there Kurama," he said. "They are buried in data. The Council and the Alliance want to believe that the Reaper threat died with Sovereign, but we both know better. I wont wait until the Reapers are on the march. We need to take the fight to them."

"I agree with you," said Naruto folding his arms. "But I'm just one man and I can't do it alone. If this truly is a war, I'm going to need an army. Or a really good team."

"I've already complied a list of soldiers, scientists, and mercenaries. You'll get dossiers on the best of them. Convincing them to work for you may be a challenge, but you are a natural leader Naruto. While you build your team, I'll track the Collectors and when they strike I'll notify you."

"Understood."

T.I.M. finished his cigarette before speaking again. "Good. Two things before you go. First head to Omega and find Mordin Solus. He's a brilliant Salarian scientist. He should be able to find a way to counteract the paralyzing seeker swarms."

"I haven't even started and your already telling me what to do," groaned Naruto.

"I'm just giving you direction, what you do with it is your own choice."

"Fine what's the second thing?"

"I've found a pilot I think you might like. I hear he's one of the best. Someone you can trust." T.I.M. pressed a button and Naruto was back in the storage space.

"Bastard could've said goodbye," said the fox.

"Naruto Uzumaki?"

Naruto turned and saw a man about 5'9 limping towards. He had a hat on it that said SR-2 and was in a standard Cerberus outfit.

"That would be me," he said turning around.

"Jeff Moreau," he said extending his hand. "I'll be your pilot."

"Nice to meet you Mr. Moreau."

"Call me Joker everyone does."

"Okay Joker, and are you okay I've noticed you're walking with a limp."

"I have Vrollik's Syndrom, so my bones are literally like glass. If I sneeze too hard, I can break my all my ribs."

"Charming and you seem really familiar?"

"I served on the first Normandy with Commander Shepard."

"You were flying the Normandy during the Battle of the Citadel. I saw some of the maneuvers you made while I was fighing the Geth there, very impressive. But you were Alliance, why join Cerberus?"

"It was partly my fault that Shepard died. I wouldn't evacuate when we were attacked the Collectors. He saved me at the cost of his own life, and after that the Alliance grounded me and took my wings away. Those bastards and the Council took away the only thing that made me feel normal, hell yeah I joined Cerberus."

"Do you trust the Illusive Man?"

"I don't trust anyone who makes more money than I do. But they aren't all bad. They brought you back to life, and let me fly."

"Fly what?"

Joker smiled and just kept on walking. Naruto followed until they came to a hangar and his mouth dropped. It was the most beautiful frigate that he'd ever seen. He'd seen pictures of the original Normandy, but this one was better in nearly every aspect. This one was twice the size, silver and black with a Cerberus logo, on the front and it big black letter SR-2.

"Are we ready to go?"

Naruto turned around and saw Jacob holding three suitcases while Miranda dragged one.

"You two coming as well," he asked with a smile.

"I'm not missing the adventure of a lifetime," cried Jacob.

"I'm coming simply because the Illusive Man ordered me," said Miranda.

"That's apparently Lawson language for 'hell yeah I'm coming too'," said Joker.

The ramp to the ship extended and the four walked on to it. Naruto was silent as the three conversed. He entered his subconscious. Kurama was laying with his head on his paws that were crossed, while Naruto relaxed on his forehead.

"We gotten ourselves into a big mess this time my foxy friend," he sighed.

"What do you mean 'we'? You got us into this mess like you get us into every other mess. You should've told the suspicious human no and we could've moved on with our lives."

"I don't trust him either, but like I said we can't ignore people being kidnapped and taken God knows where. And besides with the type of mission we're going on, I'm sure that a we will kill a lot of people."

The fox opened his mouth and laughed really loud causing echoes.

"Then perhaps this won't be so bad."

A/N - Well that was chapter 1 people, hopefully most of them will be this long. Next getting familiar with the Normady, and then off to see the Pirate Queen of Omega. And the jutsu will be in Japanese, so I'll be putting translations. If I forget to message me and let me know. And if you have anything or anyone you'd like to see inbox me and I'll do my best to incooperate them. Now Review!

Kage Bunshin - Shadow Clone

Futon: Shinkugyoku - Wind Style Vacuum Bullets

Shugo Hakke: Rokujuu Yonsho - Protective Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms

Senpo: Odama Rasengan - Sage Art Giant Rasengan