His new clothes felt comfortable against his skin, as he hid his shaking hands within the sleeves of the sky haori. The hakama he wore hidding his risen skin. A child dead on the ground, for nothing more than an ambush, a man dead under satisfied gaze. A horrible time of continual killing, how was peace supposed to strive forward?

In the wind he felt his tears being blown from him, as if wiped by a warm hand, the breeze could be said a sympathetic witness. In allowing his feet to guide, he found himself back home within the Uchiha district. No one turned to look in disdain, only gazing with a tilted smile as he passed them, a kind aura that he had not seen fit to seen before now. All the warriors of the clan whom he brushed against would lightly brush their fingers on his shoulder in apology. The Omega's would grin in their contentment, and speak in soft tone. Children would run wild upon the cobblestone, all injuries simply brushed off as they continued on their way. Occasionally they would wave at him.

One group even beckoned him over in a ridance of their own smile. Though in his mood desolate, he grinned back, they did not need to face his sadness, it was not something they should know, nor understand. No child should see death and greet it like a friend.

"Hello! May I ask your name? We haven't seen you nearby before." A young boy, perhaps only five years old with short hair in fuzzy black waves asked, eyes of dark brown imploring. The others near him were similar in their curiosity, two girls and another boy, the girls being obvious sisters. Both of them holding the same hair colour of a pleasant light brown with near identical tilted almond shaped eyes. The other boy was wearing a piece of cloth around his head, but his skin was more pale than normal, sweat on his forehead, he had dulled black eyes. Still, Naruto knew better then to stare, even if he was concerned, so he merely sat across from them.

"Uzumaki Naruto! I am rather new around here! Nice to meet you all dattebayo!" They all nodded like he had stated a particularly interesting fact, and the one sickly looking child whispered in his friends ear, steering his gaze clear from the azure before him. The boy before him -clearly the leader of the group, gave a firm nod closing his eyes in rigid approval.

"Could you tell us a story? Your not from around here, so there must be many!" Of all things to ask, that had not been one he expected. Then again, foreigners must not be a common concept with the children of the village. In consideration with how they must have grown.

"A story..." He thought for a moment, the last thing he wanted was to give them a pictures of more violence, there being enough already in their life, yet he could easily insult should obstruct details. "Well, I have one when I was on a trip with my Mentor. How about that?" They all sat down, focusing purely on him.

"Jiraiya and I were at an old shine, protected by several monks. Apparently they were continuously being tormented by a group of bandits, but their code of pacifism prevented them from taking violent action against an aggressors." Jiraiya had actually been infuriated by the group, his focus not swaying once as the religious men had described their plight, and without hesitance, agreed to help. Naruto had never seen such an anger brought forth in the man, the way his eyes had stoned and his mouth had remained in a firm line. "He was so angry, I had never seen him so indignant before. When I asked why this was different, he said: 'People of such rigorous faith of serenity should not be bullied by those of strength. To use pacifism and treat it as if it is a weakness is a cowards move.'" There wasn't much more to the tale, he hadn't involved himself in the fight, there was no opportunity to, the sannin was too perturbed. His audience seemed confused, cute faces scrunched up in their attempt to rationalize.

He stuffed down his giggle, ending up coughing inelegantly. "You shouldn't attack people of peace is all." He reiterated. Their little Leader smiled, understanding, while the others seemed still confused by the ideal.

"Nee, what was your mentor like?" The stupidity of his adoration to the female form came to mind immediately, unprompted as vague images of him smoking at his pipe bored as he looked on. Writing scrawled notes on stray pieces of parchment as opposed to his notebook consistently by his side. Booming laughter carrying over the wind as his good humour warmed the atmosphere. The strict line in which he followed his morales and virtue never daring to stray. His continuous, unheeded ability to name every good aspect to Tsunade when intoxicated. How when he was, assets weren't his concern, but instead the admiration of her strength, and respect for her attitude purely as a woman. Never daring to admit outright that he was in love with her. How he was gentle with his reprimands when it counted, and more of a true trainer when he messed up the landing and almost hurt himself. Not a worried man, but cared when he was in intense pain.

A chortle left him, unbridled as he considered the man he remembered. The memory nothing less then paramount to what the man was. Still the discomfort in the way his chest hurt was difficult to ignore. He couldn't heed the stray ponderence, to if Jiraiya was even aware he was gone. If he was searching. If he was worried. Would he grow panicked? Would his comfortable aura dissipate? Or would life continue as it always did for the man, never straying from light mind and allowing not a cloud to form for long? The pain thinking about Jiraiya was nothing compared to the compassion he felt in understanding that the sannin, pervert though he was, could be described as nothing less than the best of shinobi, and the most honourable of idols.

"Jiraiya... unlike any man. His morales never strayed, even if he was more promiscuous than should be considered proper. He was possibly the best of men I've met. Nothing short of a hero, perhaps even my idol." The children smiled kindly, not pitying his distressed look of memory, but instead relishing in it as the emotion in undertone was made more obvious. Naruto gave them nothing short of his largest grin as he rose, brushing the dirt from his indigo hakama, and kicking it out of his sandals.

Taking a look around, he was confused to find a small crowd had gathered while he had been lost in thought. Several Alpha's filled the group, but there were a few Omega's scattered throughout. All of them wore kind expressions, curved smiles with eyes settled by ease. Though there were only about ten people in total it was slightly overwhelming to be confronted by so many whom he knew had not been there mere moments ago.

Nervous couldn't really describe how he was feeling, as it was more, a panic rising in his chest as he didn't know how to respond. Luckily for him, he didn't seem to need to, for the sickly looking child came up to him and laughed at the group.

"You're making Naru-san nervous!" Then he grinned, and while his lips were green in discolouration, his smile was sweet, and seemed more bright. No one could remain unaffected by such a lively look. In spite of the large gathering before him driving his flight instincts into overdrive a natural and easy smile was crossing his face as he was infected by the cheer of the child.

"A true soul indeed." He heard whispered before him, which seemed to act as an ember, for many more hushed, too quiet voices spoke and overlapped each other.

"Kou is-"

"Did Naori not sing praise?"

"He holds the Omega disposition-"

"Is that an insult?"

Every voice spoke at similar volume, and yet nothing could be clearly heard. A frustration to his already strained mind. The encounter with Tobirama already weighing on him, perhaps that was the reason for his rather brash manner, for he could not speak in a calm tone as he address the group. Not something he would have done should his aura be relaxed.

"Is there a reason why you are all here? Or did you only want to gossip in this corner?!" Even his speaking had lessoned in its refinement, but as he was completely drained of polite demeanor he could not bare to garner a care for how he was currently conducting himself.

"Apologies Naru-kun," One of the Alpha's addressed, clearly aware that he was frazzled, as her expression was not of annoyance but appreciation, regardless of the stern set of her jaw. "Gossip is fast spread here. Naka-kun was asking of you, and we held no response, as such we wanted to introduce ourselves." Naruto moved his eyes away, shame rising, as he realized that his actions had been rude possibly mean in nature. Breathing a moment, he faced the woman once more, this time with a more calm disposition, open expression.

"Ah, sorry for my attitude. It has been an unpleasant day. I would love to meet all of you." He had never been the type to decline an opportunity, certainly not one wherein he had the unique chance to meet more of the Uchiha. Seen as they were dead by the time he had gained confidence in his time, and were aloof as a rule in this one. Not only was there that, but as he was in a relationship of sorts with their Patriarch it only seemed appropriate to try to understand the clan better. The speaker of the group inclined a upturn of her lips, but he thought nothing of it, she gave the impression of a woman less inclined to smile than most persons.

"Splendid. I am Uchiha Rai." To be sure, he stance was one of conviction, a posture even in a relaxed area that told of her battle experience, and spoke plain that she was not a threat to be taken lightly. Even still was the lines crossing her face, in different dress as well, she unlike the others wearing similar robes of various states of dark blue or purple was dressed with long pants, a shirt, and a overhanging short poncho of lilac purple. Her dark brown coloured hair held up by a twine of red, she appeared much older then most others. Perhaps the eldest Uchiha he had seen in the district as of yet, though she barely looked to be in her mid-thirties telling enough of the state of war in the outermost regions that had plagued this very area not long past.

Another stepped forward, this man was young, perhaps Naori's age -whom he assumed to be around seventeen to her early twenties.- he had short cut hair, that appeared to have been slashed at with the uneven blade of a kunai in order to obtain that shape and gain the frayed edges it had. He did wear the more commonplace clothing.

"Uchiha Baru..." Speaking in a near silent voice it took not an advanced mind to understand that he was not one to speak to people. Yet still he had the benefit of a strong gaze, hair so near black that in the right sun it was the darkest brown, but in cloud would be ashton. Conflicting with the pale tone of this skin. An Omega at his side stepping forth. She was of a great beauty, light brown hair cascading down her back in a straight fall until the ends where it curled in all directions. A pale complexion of ivory, and dark pink eyes that looked nervously around her.

"Wakima.. Ah Uchiha Wakima..." She hushed, almost as if it was a great secret. Still more to put the quiet couple at ease he gave them the most simple of smiles, trying to lesson his own peasantry in order to not frighten with overenthusiasm. Wakima, who was donned in a light purple haori and green hakama, gestured hesitant to the sickly child beside him to her, with the flick of a delicate finger. The boy walked over, a cough shaking his form, and he cuddled to her, Naruto had to assume she was his Mother, and Baru his Father. Young as they were, it was not a shocking thing. Though he did feel slight reproach at the fact he could not aid the young boy with his sickness. His mother seemed to be of the same mind, the brightness of her pink eyes was clouded by the purple lines underneath, marring her pale expression, she was checking his temperature, and making sure his cloth was sight over his ears. Baru looked at his wife and child, distracted by them. Naruto decided they needed some semblance of privacy.

The others of the group were more hesitant in drawing near, keeping themselves guarded by posture, hands not straying from their blades. Omegas were positioned carefully behind their Alpha counterparts, though they were more calm, many rolling their eyes in exasperation at the precarious nature their husbands were taking. Naruto laughed silently, and sympathized with their agitation. Yet held his greeting smile warmly in place. Until a young man with pinkened hair drew close, serious expression and face lined in age,

"Tamidai Uchiha, I believe you are acquainted with my brother Naka." The young man who had miraculously saved him from the advances of the rather perverted merchant. A memory he would not soon forget he was certain. In recalling, he could remember clear what Kou had said to him, apparently Naka had broken some rule and had been sent to an outpost near the border of the Village as punishment.

"Of course, yes! He was the one who stopped Takana's advances." Tamidai nodded, remaining serious in his expression, blank to those who wanted to guess at what his thoughts could possibly be.

"About that, you wear the Omega's cloth of our clan... You are being courted? May I ask by whom?" Not a response he had expected to have to bestow, his roommates had both warned that in being courted by Madara he would attract more danger than most, and be judged more frivolously by the Uchiha. Obviously it could not be concealed forever, but still they had yet to go on a true expedition together, so it seemed premature to say anything. Thinking on his feet was not an asset to him, and he had never been good at lying, so middle ground was obscuring the truth as best he could.

"Ah, I hope you can understand Tamidai-san, but it is a rather new development, and neither of us wish for it to be common knowledge as of yet." He could feel his underarms heating in apprehension, but made sure not to ring his hands together. Keeping his smile firmly in place. The man before him looked to be shocked for merely a moment, before his face lightened and warmed as hidden dimples made themselves known. It was a strange reaction, and Naruto didn't fully understand it.

"I understand Naru-san, I am grateful for your honesty." Well by technicality it wasn't a lie, though he didn't know where Madara stood. It was strange however, for merely being around his clan, speaking to Tobirama -even Hashirama- he got the sense that he was beginning to know the man to an extent, even though they had not had the chance to properly indulge in their courtship.

Behind him the twin sisters skipped off after giving him a brief wave, the crowd began to scatter, obviously many of them had simply been curious about just who he was, irritating, but understandable. He noticed from his peripheral that the young leader still stood there, shuffling his feet and looking each way.

"Is something wrong?" The boy blushed a little, but smiled. Was he lonely because his friends had already left, though given the positioning of the sun Naruto assumed it was time for everyone to semi-retire for the night. "Shouldn't you be heading home?" His question only seemed to melt the grin from the kids face.

"I...Don't enjoy going home as of late." It came as a murmur to the Uzumaki's ears, either not something he was meant to hear or spoken in embarrassment. Though he couldn't fathom why, were his parents unkind? Was there a reason for his reluctance.

"Why- whyever not?" The kid found his hands more interesting suddenly shifting the small stones around with his foot.

"It's so quiet... My parents were always filling the place with noise..." Naruto blinked, and internally he felt a deep crushing pressure.

"Your an orphan." The kid flushed to his roots, hiding his face, was it truly so shameful?

"I... yes, my Dad fought in the battle with the Hakate a month ago... My Momma died in the ensuing violence." Awful war, people, circumstance, it wasn't something someone so young should have to experience. He felt, rather than consciously furrowed his brow, wishing for something better for just a moment. As it was, he was not delusioned, they were a settlement in between a neverending site of war. Maybe the dust would settle one day, but not with all the clans surrounding them seeing fit to come and steal resources from them. With all the clans battling each other outside in a continual state of bloodshed and birth there was no solution, only a cycle of vengeance as more of them fell.

The child before him was standing tall now, head high and eyes flickering from solitude back into happiness. "It's not all bad! I knew that they might die within the borders defending the clan. I know my Momma was killed trying to protect me, so I should be grateful for his sacrifice instead of finding sadness in it. I got my sharingan after he died! And Madara-sama gave me the house so I have a home to live in!" To make such a terrible situation into one of light and happiness, Naruto was beginning to find that it was what the Uchiha clan excelled at, they had honestly bounced back from that attack by the Hakate, even though lives had been lost, mourning still occurred, but it wasn't a focus. Even as an outsider he could fundamentally understand that.

In a world such as this one wouldn't waste time mourning, life was for the living, not for thoughts of the death in their minds. Perhaps it was his training as a shinobi that he understood that so well, or maybe it was because of his childhood.

"I see, well in that case, would you like some company?" The kid despite obviously trying his best to look on the positive side lightened considerably at the question.

"Would you? Yes please! Thank you Naru-san!" The smile that he gained from showing simple decency was almost outrageous. Maybe it was believed that he was snobbish? Or unkind in nature? He hoped not. Though he didn't know where this new nickname had come from, he was hardly going to correct a young boy. And so, do to his offer he was promptly dragged along by a soft, small, cold hand, towards another part of the district.