Hindsight

Inari's Home, Training Hall

Takama-ga-hara

Inari sat seiza with a cup of fresh tea on the outside of the training hall as he watched his disciple practice kata with Kogitsunemaru in hand. From what Naruto told him, the sword style was Soresu, a very uncommon name in Japanese terms, but what interested the fox god most was its defensive nature given the tight movements the ninja displayed now. He could see there was no lapse in his defense whatsoever.

There was the issue of the style's lack of offensive maneuvers however and could prove to be fatal to Naruto in any of his future battles against unarmed or armed opponents. Although that could be rectified if that man would allow Naruto to be trained in his kenjutsu style although he might refuse—will refuse more like it.

Simple point was that the kenjutsu style died with its last practitioner during the Meiji Era and both masters declared that no one shall inherit the techniques of the style as it was technically dead like them. But that won't stop the god of deceit and mischief to persuade them otherwise.

His thoughts were interrupted by a comfortable presence he had not seen since Naruto's arrival to their home. Inari looked at the edge of the training hall where he saw the beautiful face of the person who snagged his heart all those centuries ago before she quickly left as to avoid something…or something.

"Who was that, sensei?"

Inari looked at his sweating and bare-chested disciple as he rested Kogitsunemaru on his shoulders. Apparently, she wasn't quick enough to avoid the boy's detection nor his sensing skills. "That is someone very dear to me."

"Who, your wife?"

"…"

"Oh snap, she is?!" Naruto asked indignantly as he stepped back in surprise. "How? When?! I never read anything about you being married!"

"You should read more, young one." Inari jested at his disciple's funny reaction as he patted the spot next to him. "Take a break, Naruto, and let me discuss about her."

Naruto was quick to take his offer as he waited for the god's tale. "So which goddess is she? What is she the goddess of?"

"Aren't you thirsty for details…like a gossip girl." Inari mused deliberately before he held Naruto's face away as the latter tried to hit him. "Even acting feisty like one, how embarrassing."

Growling as he was in a losing battle against the fox god, Naruto ceased his antics and relaxed in seiza. "What's her name?"

"Leone." Inari answered simply. Cue the quizzical tilt of Naruto's head, much to his chagrin. "She's from a different pantheon long forgotten but she remained due to being my wife."

"…"

"…"

"…Huh?" Naruto let out as he was confused. "From which pantheon did she come? Was she a stray god?" His mouth quickly covered by a frantic Inari who looked back at the spot where his wife was last seen. After he was freed, the ninja looked at his master. "But I thought all stray gods were killed by a douche of a god."

Inari nodded solemnly. "That is the legend but, in reality, she was saved by none other than yours truly." He finished with a shining smile, much to Naruto's displeasure as he had to cover his eyes from the bright display.

"How?" Naruto asked after wiping his eyes.

"I was passing by and saw Tsuki about to harm her so I intervened with my wakizashi." Inari paused when Naruto narrowed his eyes slightly. "What?"

"You were stalking her, weren't you?"

"No, I wasn't!"

"Yes, you were. I can imagine it." In fact, he was at the moment as the dream of Inari hiding behind a tree with giggles of a pervert was heard.

"No, I wasn't!" A heated Inari shouted as he defended himself while Naruto noticed the kitsune around the corner and they all nodded to contrast his defense. "I told Tsuki that I will punish her for her acts and took her to my temple…where I proposed to her."

"And she said yes?"

"Nope."

"Then how-"

"You know as well as I do that foxes are very persistent bunch." Naruto and Kurama shared nods since both of them are notoriously stubborn as Inari continued speaking, "I took her out on dates, gave her clothes, everything I could think of to persuade her to be my wife."

"But she still refused."

"…Hai."

"What made her change her mind?"

"Tsuki."

"And by Tsuki, you mean…"

"The Shinto god of the moon and one of Lady Amaterasu's brothers, Tsukuyomi." Inari said in slight spite, much to Naruto's surprise. "He came after Leone to 'purify' her for her attitude aka torture to commit her… sins against the moon god."

Naruto perked up when he realized the implications. "You fought him, didn't you?"

"Hai. Compared to Tsukuyomi, I was a young god but my love for Leone drove me to fight him with all my strength." Inari chuckled as he remembered the livid battle. "Much to everyone and my surprise, I'm quite powerful to draw the battle into a stalemate. Then Susanoo ended the fight and we were punished by Amaterasu by sitting in seiza with our hands bound and our legs weighted down by a massive block of stone that grew heavier every time either of us moved."

A sweat-drop slid on Naruto's head as he imagined the fox god howling in pain with the stone on his thighs. "That sounds rough and oddly familiar."

"One night in the 200-year punishment, Leone came to me and gave food to sustain me." Inari smiled at the fond memory. "Tsuki was aghast but I didn't mind because I saw her beauty that night after she was done. I asked for her hand again and she finally accepted my proposal."

"…I think I just cried a little." Naruto sniffled as he wiped away a lone tear. "So, what happened after that?"

"Lady Amaterasu lifted our punishments early and allowed my marriage with Leone, which is still strong after all these centuries."

"I'm glad." Naruto looked back at the corner where he sensed her presence. "Why haven't I met her yet?"

"Honestly, I do not know."

"Strange. Perhaps I've done something to offend her?"

"Not likely, Naruto." Inari's expression switched to solemnness for a brief moment before his smile took over. "Anyway, I believe training is done for the day. Why don't you explore Takama-ga-hara on your own?"

The ninja was already on his way before the god finished his sentence as the dust trail was his only present evidence. "Thank you for very much!"

"Youngsters always in a hurry." Inari thought with an amused head shake as he rose from his seat and walked through the many hallways of his home. He reached his destination in mind where the person whom he wanted to speak with for a while stood before open walls where the view of Inari's platform and their residents were seen. "Leone?"

His wife flinched a little at being called by her nickname before she turned her attention on him. "Why, Inari?"

"Leone…"

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Naruto, clad in his kimono clothing whenever he is in the realm of the Shinto kami, walked through the platforms connected to each other and filled with countless residents of deceased people. It was a week after the battle against the Norse deities and since then, Inari finished the tour of Takama-ga-hara, which was full of wonders for Naruto.

According to the fox god, there are in total of 300 platforms that are related to the numerous deities, both minor and major, and the deceased people are sent to one depending on their prayers during life. Each platform and their residents are under the protection of their respective deities and their security forces like Inari's Kitsune Guard. The floating pagodas are the gods' residence and each residence have 200 servants whether they be human or animals like the kitsune messengers though Inari has both kind.

It turns out each god allows a stray, a deceased soul who didn't pray or ascended to a deity's protection, to join their ranks through recruitment into their security force and they must serve their god for a contract of 250 years. Once the contract is complete, the stray is declared a resident under that god's protection and he/she may continue to serve the god's security force or start employment in one of the shops.

The kami are also divided by their importance and worship by their believers in Japan and worldwide like the major gods including Inari and Amaterasu are the top of the hierarchy while the minor gods are below them but still maintain significant influence. Below the minor gods are the legendary historical figures in Japan's history like the Minamoto Clan, the Oda Clan, and the Tokugawa Clan.

Strangely for the blonde, he felt he was at home here despite it actually was not at all. The ninja realized that their language share similarities with the Shinto including customs, clothing, and way of life. The abundance of life reminded him of the daily society in Konohagakure.

He hopes the resistance is okay and makes a mental note to summon Lord Fukasaku for a status report after his return back to the Homestead.

As the ninja passed the boundary between Thunder God Raijin and a war goddess whose name he never read, a loud scream was heard ahead of him as all citizens in the new platform he entered stopped briefly before they continued on their merry way.

"Did something just happen?" Naruto asked before he was taken aback when the people suddenly escaped into the shops before metal doors and walls protected them. "Okay, I'm missing something here."

"Leave me alone, you crazy bitch!"

"Yeah, I'm missing something here." Naruto looked where the voice came from and saw a running figure crash into him before he fell on his back. "You okay there, man?"

The person was a young man around his age with purple hair in a navy tracksuit that has a small golden crown on the right side, brown leather boots, and a faded blue scarf with tears wrapped around his neck. "H-Hiyore?"

"Hiyore? His girlfriend?"

"GIRLFRIEND?!" The man came back alive with stars in his eyes and reddened cheeks. "Well, not yet, but…" A fist slammed into his face and he was put back into sleep.

"Geez man, don't come back from the dead like that!" Naruto chastised the man who quickly recovered as he rubbed his cheeks. "Honestly, people these days…"

"Just so you know, I'm a god."

That caught Naruto's attention. "Yeah right."

"I am." The stranger answered smugly as he stood up pride. "I am Yato, the god of fortune! Bow before me, human soul."

"Never heard of you." Yato shook in place as if he was struck by an arrow in the chest. "God of fortune? More like god of boasting." Another arrow hit his knees and Yato fell on the ground in shock. "So, who's the crazy bitch you're running away from?" Naruto asked out of mere curiosity.

"This bitch."

Yato flinched as he quickly took refuge behind Naruto's legs. "Her." The pale skinned woman was beautiful and slender with long silver hair that reached her mid-back, rare purple eyes, and red lipstick as her attire was a grey jacket over a black bikini with a short grey skirt and long black boots while a hat was adorned on her head. "The Psycho Bitch." Yato sneered with his tongue sticking out.

"Right…" Naruto responded lowly with a sweat-drop. "So, who are you really?"

A small twitch in her eyebrow at the lack of respect by the human soul but she let it passed due to his kimono attire belonging to Inari. "I am one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, Bishamon."

"Never heard of you." Naruto answered casually as Bishamon was struck by a figurative arrow in her chest.

"HAHAHAHA!" Yato cried out happily with a pointed finger at the shock-struck war goddess as she fell to her knees. "Finally, a person who doesn't know who you are! How does it feel now, psycho bitch?!"

His mouth was shut when Naruto's fist slammed his head into the ground with his body flailing about. "That's enough of that, you tracksuit nobody." He walked away from dug-in Yato and the still-struck Bishomen with exploration still in mind. "Perhaps I could check out Yoshitsune this time."

"Hey get back you-" Yato screamed out after snatching his head out of the ground, only to find the man who punched him gone. "What the…where did he go?"

"Are you sure you should be ignoring the person trying to kill you…"

Yato pivoted on his knees and clamped his hands to stop a blade from slicing him open as he entered a struggling clash with his archenemy/reluctant ally. "Let me alone, crazy bitch!"

"Today's the day you die, Yatogami!" Bishomen declared as she pressed her attack that Yato held at bay while her thoughts were on the mysterious man who claimed to have never heard of her. "This prompts an investigation…" Her eyes shone brightly as she pressed against the clash even more. "Right after the death of this man!"

"Help me, Yukine, Hiyori!"

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Boston, Massachusetts

Arriving above Fenway Park, Naruto Hirashined out of Takama-ga-hara to escape the situation he would've gotten sucked into between those two deities, but not before leaving a note to one of Inari's kitsune messengers to explain his sudden departure. He stretched his body limber before leaving with the intention of going home when suddenly a very loud scream was heard nearby.

"Just my luck." Naruto sighed before he changed out of his custom kimono for his Patronus outfit and ran across several rooftops as he reached his destination which was a general store. And the sight was unpleasant. "Who the hell are you?"

The sight was a man in a black and white outfit with matching white gloves and boots, black belt with a gun holster, and the letter 'J' on the chest. The big kicker was the full helmet with black visor and silver mouth-plate. Combined with the uniform, the man looked like one of those Power Rangers except the weapon is real. His right hand was covered in blood as the victim next to his feet bleed profusely from his bashed head while a woman, his wife, held his left hand and cried for him to stay alive.

"I am Justice!"

"More like crazy!" The women screamed at the man before she looked at Patronus. "Patronus, this man just assaulted my husband out of nowhere!"

"Your husband committed a crime!"

"He did not!"

"He did so!" Justice pulled out photos from his belt and showed them to Patronus. "This man has been following high school girls from their baseball and cheerleading practices for the past three weeks. I sought to correct this wrong by giving him justice for the family!"

Patronus didn't answer as two Boston PD cars arrived at the scene due to the store owner's phone call sometime after the assault. "Patronus, you're here." One of the officers said delightfully. "What happened here?"

"Justice seems to have carried out punishment to the accused victim." Patronus explained calmly while an ambulance arrived for the victim. "He has photos of the victim stalking high school girls and committed this act."

Justice saluted the police officers and hero. "Thank you for your words, Patronus! I shall do the job as you proudly-"

"Arrest him."

"…What?"

"First of all, those photos you have there: they're fake." Patronus swiped the photos out of Justice's hand, much to his chagrin. "You say you staked him out for three weeks and yet the photos are about three hours fresh." He handed the photos to the closest officer. "Do you feel them?"

"Yeah. I learned this in the academy, Patronus, but how do you know?"

"Photography classes." Patronus lied since it was Max and Skye, his technology teachers, that showed him about photos and such. "In other words, you inflicted assault and bodily injury to a person under the pretense of false justice. That cannot be tolerated."

Justice didn't expect this at all from the hero Patronus. He was just exacting law and order just like him so why this treatment? Justice was all he could about. Justice was all he'd done since he was a kid against those who committed crime back in his hometown on Japan. When he first heard about the mysterious Patronus months ago and the fear he struck into the criminal underworld in Boston, Justice knew he had to get his approval as a superhero.

"Justice is absolute…"

"Hm?"

"Justice is endless…"

"Oi, take it easy now."

"Justice…IS ETERNAL!"

The Boston police officers raised their guns at the approaching false hero while Patronus simply parried Justice's hand chop and choke-slammed him into the ground, cracking the helmet in the process. "But justice is also blind and it's up to us to make sure it is guided and executed properly." Patronus informed the unconscious man before he released him and looked at the officers. "Take him away."

"Yes sir."

Patronus approached the victim and his wife in the ambulance and lowered his head in shame. "I apologize for this. This man executed false justice inspired by my actions and you two are victimized by this. I am sorry."

"That man is a psycho." The woman said softly. "You are not, Patronus. You've shown that through your actions in our city. We thank you for all you've done."

"I wish your husband a fast recovery."

The ambulance left after the doors closed and left behind Patronus with the officers to give his statement about the events before their arrival. "Now nut jobs are using my actions to justify their harming people. This isn't what I intended at all." He gave his statement to the officers and bid them safety before climbing a building and commencing his patrol.

"Plus Ultra!"

"Eh?" Patronus turned his head to see a huge fist approaching his face, forcing him to block it with his forearm. "What the hell?!" He was sent spiraling out through the sky and crashed into the ground. "What hit me?" He found himself in the wilderness and stood up to check his surroundings. Much to his surprise, the city of Boston was far away as he can sense his Hirashin markers at the distance. "How strong was that thing?"

The thing landed in front of Patronus as debris kicked up from the percussion force. When the dust settled from his vision, Naruto stared at the thing which was an extremely large man with a very tall and over muscular figure. He has short blonde hair with two distinct bangs that stand over his head that covered his face except for the deep blue eyes. His outfit screamed 'look at me' as it was a skin-tight blue body suit decorated with a somewhat 'Y'-resembled red symbol and a diamond at its center, his gold sleeves covering his forearms that had accents of white and blue around the wrists, and shin-length gold boots protected his feet.

"Who the hell are you?"

"Tekisasu Sumasshu!"

Patronus crossed his arms to block the straight punch as he was sent skidding backwards on his feet while the trees were uprooted by the massive wind pressure. He dug his feet further into the ground and finally stopped the skid while his arms sting tremendously from the pure power behind the punch. "This guy…he's like the Hulk except none-grouchy."

"Come, Patronus! Show me your skills!"

The ninja ducked under the fast punch of his attacker after the latter suddenly appeared in front of him. "Furinji Tekken!" He lashed out with his own straight punch that hit squarely against the attacker's torso. His enemy however wasn't fazed as his feet skidded back only a few feet and his face didn't display any sign of effects. "You got to be kidding me."

"Detoroito Sumasshu!" The attacker declared as he used a downward punch at Patronus.

However, the ninja didn't retreat but met his attacker's attack as he threw an uppercut punch in response. Time seemed to stand still as the combatants' fists slowly approached towards each other and were mere moments from a clash when suddenly Patronus's punch turned into a corkscrew blow. The attacker saw the punch turned clockwise and dodged his own as Naruto quickly used his shoulder to extend the reach of his punch and struck his chin with enough force to snap his head back in the recoil. "Shiraha Nagashi!"

"You should really count your blessings about that man. After all, Karate is one of the most practiced martial arts in the universe."

"I know that." Naruto pouted as he could imagine certain drunk Karate master cheering him on for using one of his techniques. He kicked his enemy's chest while using him as a board to put some distance between them. "This guy…He's no ordinary hero or man." His attacker reeled his head and smiled with a shiny glint off his teeth. "Ugh, he just reminded me of Super Bushy Brow sensei."

"Well then, shall we continue?"

Naruto's response in facing a strong opponent was cracking his fingers and knuckles with a hidden smile.

"Let's…"

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Wolverine or Logan Howlett in his civilian identity woke up from his slumber after another horrifying nightmare about his mysterious past and lashed out with his claws, only to stop when it was a young girl next to him.

"It's okay, you're safe." The girl told the scared mutant who retracted his set of claws.

"Sorry." Logan gritted in pain as he held his head. "W-where am I?"

"At my house. Here I brought you something to drink." The girl offered a glass of water as Logan accepted the gesture and drank the contents. "You healed up really fast, you know? Daddy said that's good since you probably don't want to go to a hospital."

Logan sighed in relief as he wiped his mouth with his forearm. "Your dad's a smart man."

The girl looked back at the door and began to walk backwards. "I better go. My dad said I shouldn't be in here, bothering you."

The X-Man smiled at the gesture as he remembered the events that happened prior to his being unconscious. He was riding around the country after his big trip through Europe on his motorcycle when there was an accident regarding an oil tanker, a family van, and a train. He ran into the fire when the girl, Erica, was found inside the car and shielded her from the explosion, thanks to his healing factor before he lost consciousness.

The ringing of the phone brought Logan out of his thoughts as Erica's mother answered it. "Hello." Her features narrowed after a few seconds. "Mrs. Wyman, I don't see how it's any of your concern of who stays in our house." She ended the call with a loud annoyed grunt. "I cannot believe Carl; he's got the whole neighborhood worked up."

"I guess we should've expected this." Erica's father said in the other room to his wife.

Logan breathed heavily as he didn't want the family to be caught in the crossfire by bringing him in to their house. The relations between mutants and mankind rose recently for unknown reasons even though he heard reports of the X-Men protecting mankind, their actions are still deemed evil by anti-mutant believers like Senator Kelly.

The X-Man looked at the window when the wind suddenly picked up in speed followed by the sound of a helicopter or two. That meant one thing to the mutant as a recent threat rose against all mutants: Mutant Response Division or MRD. Logan growled at his enemies before he opened his bag to see his signature costume inside.

Soon enough, armed men in black gear and helmets burst into the home with the logo 'MRD' etched onto their left arm sleeves as they searched around the house for the mutant, only to find an open window. The entire neighborhood was then searched around for the mutant while one of the neighbors, Carl, was near one of the MRD agents.

"He's got razors in his hands." Carl informed disdainfully.

The commander of the MRD was the only one who didn't wear a helmet as his military-cut white hair was present to see. "Where is he?"

"Where's who?" Erica's father asked, feigning ignorance.

"You want to play it that way, fine." The MRD commander turned away from the family. "You're all under arrest."

"On what charge?" asked the father while his family was shocked.

"For harboring a fugitive mutant."

The family was put in cuffs and taken to the helicopter. "You have no right to do this!"

A costumed Wolverine had slowly climbed up in time to see the family inside the aircraft and snarled at the MRD's actions towards them. He gave a war cry while jumping onto two MRD agents and recovered his footing to slash through their weapons as the surprised MRD agents regained their composure.

"Get them out of here! We'll handle him!" The commander ordered before the helicopter heeded his words and began take-off.

Wolverine dodged a few punches from an MRD officer before he tossed him aside and saw the helicopter in mid-air. He barreled through another duo of agents, ran atop a taxi car before jumping off it as a springboard with his extended claws. However, the helicopter rose higher and the mutant missed his mark as he crashed atop another car then rolled on the ground.

While the X-Man was distracted, the MRD commander used a net launcher to ensnare him from behind while one of his men fired a gas canister to put him to sleep. The gas covered the mutant from their sight as the MRD approached though they stopped when the net was thrown at their feet.

"Who wants some?" Wolverine asked, demanding to take on the next agent as the MRD called for a retreat. He noticed the unopened gas canister and gave it a twirl before throwing it inside the helicopter. The aircraft soon crash-landed atop an RV while Carl took cover behind a car.

"Hey!" Carl shouted indignantly before a loud 'boom' caught his attention. "Crap!" He ran away from the car as an unknown object crashed into his car.

Wolverine grunted before his enhanced sense of smell caught whiff of a familiar scent from long ago. It was from the time when he joined up with Hulk and… "No, not him."

"SON OF A BITCH!" A hand shot out of the destroyed car as Patronus wedged himself out of the metallic vehicle. His clothes were slightly roughed up but no tearing whatsoever. "That smiling hero…I'm going to make him-" He blinked owlishly as his eyes scanned the new environment around him. "Shoot, he launched me all the way into the middle of nowhere." The ninja said casually despite the pain ringing in his head. "So, where am I exactly?"

"How the hell are you here?!"

Patronus looked for the person and found a widened-eyed Wolverine. "Oh hey, Wolfie. How's it hanging?" He asked if what happened was nothing wrong.

"Of all people I know, you just have to show up."

"I don't have to take this. I'm going home." Patronus answered resolutely as he began walking towards Boston.

Wolverine sighed as he stopped Patronus with a hand to his shoulder. "Wait, I need your help."

"What's the plan?"

And Naruto's attacker made his presence known after crash-landing near them. "And where do I fit?"

"Who the hell are you?" Wolverine asked as Naruto sighed within his hood.

"That's the exact question I asked him when he attacked me."

Patronus's attacked smiled at the smaller heroes with his arms stretched out as if to welcome them. "I am the Symbol of Peace, All Might!"

Sweat-drops slid down on the mutant and ninja's heads while Carl cowardly crawled back inside his house, clearly afraid of the superhumans in the cul-de-sac.

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Prisoner Cell Block

MRD Massachusetts Branch Headquarters

The MRD was complemented with state-of-the-art facilities and technology in the country, like the hidden base above the snowy mountains, for their pursuit and detainment of mutants whom many humans believe to be threats to their existence. All the agents and sponsors are believers in the anti-mutant cause to the point of arresting human citizens for helping mutant fugitives.

Such as the family that sits in the cell block before him and his men. They deserve to be in the same cell block like the rest of the mutants they caught this past week.

"Tell me about the mutant." The shadowed man demanded softly as Erica's father stood up from his seat.

Erica took her father's hand as she said, "We don't know what you're talking about."

"His name is Wolverine and he's very dangerous."

"He's not." Erica defended sharply.

The man came into the light, revealing his African descent features with a bald head, black eyes, and brown mustache above his lips. He wore the MRD uniform with a pistol holstered on his left hip but the most distinguishing feature was the threw slash marks across his face, starting from his nose to the left cheek. "Yes, he is."

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After obtaining a memory chip from the agents in the helicopter, the trio of heroes reached the perimeter of the MRD base thanks to Skye's hacking skills. Wolverine gritted his teeth when he saw the agents of MRD shoving new mutants into the base with their rifles but his anger was nothing compared to Naruto's as his grip on a nearby tree tightened with every second to the point of almost felling it.

All Might was also disappointed in the Americans' way of treatment towards mutantkind. He and the others like him may not be mutants but they are humans and share the same ancestry. However, his mission was to determine the overall prowess of the Bostonian hero to see if he was really the other person to qualify for their program. But now, it seemed he will have to explain to his government about interfering with a United States organization's duties.

"All Might, stay here."

"Eh?"

Patronus looked at the taller hero. "Your power is great but it's not ideal for stealth entry." He sweat-dropped when a figurative depressing cloud hung over All Might's head. "But that doesn't mean you're not qualified for extraction details."

"Is he going to be okay?" Wolverine asked out of necessity.

Patronus waved it off. "He'll be fine. Let's go." He and Wolverine left the depressed All Might behind as they stealthily entered through the roof and into the ducts thanks to the blueprints Skye gave them via Patronus's wrist computer.

"Who are you really?"

"What are you talking about?"

Wolverine sighed below his breath. "You just decidedly help someone you barely know on a dangerous mission to save strangers from US government base. Who does that?"

"Us—heroes." Patronus answered simply as he stopped before a vent and opened it by cutting with his Hidden Blades. He and Wolverine sneakily landed on the ground and stayed close to the walls to avoid being detected by a squad of MRD agents. "Ready?"

Wolverine extended his claws. "Born ready."

It happened so fast as the MRD agents were swiftly handled without a sound from any of them and stuffed into a nearby closet. Patronus took one of their keycards and led the way to the cell blocks as more MRD agents approached from surrounding quadrants and hallways though they were swiftly handled by the cooperation of the heroes.

They eventually reached a main hall where there were countless MRD agents as they shoved mutants onto stretchers with their limbs cuffed tightly. Half of them were children, crying for their parents. Machines were behind each mutant as they were filled with some sort of gray liquid.

"Doctor, are you ready for the procedure?" One of the agents asked the man in the white doctor's coat.

The doctor nodded as he placed his clipboard under his armpit. "This shall be the first attempt."

"Will it work?"

"This is the first experimental test of the cure." The doctor informed as a sadistic smile etched his lips. "But if they die, then it's not our problem. We'll just write they died from an unknown source or infection."

The agent who asked shared the smile in front of a scared crying girl. "Good, then there'll be less mutants tomorrow than today. Begin the process."

"My ple-"

A straight wind blade cut through the machines and spilled the supposed cure as the MRD agents and doctor looked at the one responsible for the attack. However, they could not move as a mysterious force forbade them in the form of the hooded figure who was staring at them. All of them saw fierce red eyes within the darkness of the hood while some men could swear a shadowed fox shadow loomed above the intruder.

"You call mutants monsters…freaks…" Patronus muttered under breath before his voice grew loud by the passing moment. "And yet you tear apart families, experiments on innocent children, and disregards their status as living beings. They are not the monsters here; YOU ALL ARE…!"

Wolverine stared at the pure anger Patronus was exuding at the MRD agents and doctor as he could do little in his presence. The ninja dashed towards an MRD agent and tossed him hard at his approaching colleagues before he threw shuriken at the doctor's leg, preventing him to escape. Meanwhile, Wolverine secured the children after cutting them free from their bonds as he guided them away from the angry hero.

"S-stay away!" The doctor ordered frantically as Patronus approached him.

The ninja stopped as calming breaths escaped his lips before he held up the doctor by the collar. "You created the cure I assume. Who else knows?" He got no answer from the resistant doctor while forming hand-signs with his left hand. "No matter since the cure will be gone forever." Naruto declared as he pressed his index and middle fingers against the doctor's forehead. "Fuin!"

Wolverine watched Patronus hold the squirming doctor before the latter stopped flailing and was tossed aside on the ground. "You okay there, bub?"

"Yeah…I'm fine." Patronus answered as he turned around and saw the children scared of him when he approached them. "I let my anger get the best of me and scared them."

"You think?"

Patronus hummed before he formed handsigns and slammed his palm on the ground. "Kuchiyose no Jutsu."

"CUUTTEE!"

"Huh?" The puppy-sized Tailed Beast blinked owlishly until reality set in for him. "What am I doing here?!"

Naruto answered nonchalantly. "Being cute for these kids, Kurama, right now." The gawking fox looked at him before he was snatched away by the kids who tugged his nine tails. "Be gentle with him, kids, but go crazy at the same time. Meanwhile, follow him-" He pointed at the clone next to him that he created while the kids and Wolverine were distracted with Kurama. "—outside to our extraction man."

"Okay!" The kids cheered before they and the rest of the mutants followed the clone.

Wolverine turned his head towards his ally. "That was a nifty trick."

"Sure, why not?" Patronus said as he swung Kogitsunemaru and unleashed a flaming wave in the lab. "Let's hurry and find the family."

"Right."

They ran through multiple hallways and defeated many MRD agents who stood in their way while the fire alarms rang out due to the blue flames in the experimental lab. The heroes eventually reached the cell block where they saw the scar-faced commander of the MRD shoving Randy into the cell.

"You!" Wolverine dashed towards the commander and tackled him to the ground while Patronus double-kicked the guards and threw shuriken at the power cell at the other side of the hallway. "Are we going to do this the easy way or the hard way?" The commander growled in defiance as he grabbed his pistol but the mutant tossed him to the hallway where he just came from and held fast. "Hard way then."

Patronus watched Wolverine punch the man into dream land before he directed the non-mutant family and the captive mutants to follow his clone who had just returned from taking the kids to All Might. "What are we going to do with him?"

"I got several ideas."

"Lay them on me."

Both heroes dragged the commander to the room where Randy was apparently being tortured for information about Wolverine. They knew this when one of the hacked cameras feed appeared on Patronus's wrist computer courtesy of Skye and so learned about the torturer's face, which was why Wolverine attacked him first before all else.

Patronus shoved the man onto the chair before Wolverine slapped him awake. "Good, you're not dead. Anyway, you're going to leave that nice family and to give you incentive." Wolverine pushed the remote as the chair's clamps covered the MRD commander's eyes and clutched his head tightly.

"Honestly, I feel we should beat the bastard to the inch of his life." Patronus gave his two cents as they walked away from the commander screaming Wolverine's name repeatedly. "History between you two?" Wolverine pointed over his shoulder and Naruto saw the three scars on the man's face. "I see…you should've dug digger."

"For once, I agree with you."

The heroes ran out of the chamber while Patronus made several clones who left their separate ways with their mission given by the original. They reached outside where the mutant children, teenagers, and adults were hurried into the back of a semi's trailer. "Come on, let's go!"

"He got us a truck?" Patronus asked incredulously before he noticed the downed MRD agents, courtesy of All Might. "Oh well, what's done is done." He climbed inside the open trailer with Wolverine as All Might hit the gas and the semi drove out of the perimeter. It wasn't long until they were chased by the remaining MRD agents via military Humvees. "We got company!"

Wolverine growled as he extended his claws once more. "What's the fastest way out of here?" He asked as Patronus pressed the keys on his wrist computer and displayed a holographic map for them to see.

"There's one: a maintenance hatch down at the bottom of the hill." Patronus answered. "If we can get there, there's a sewer line over two miles from here. Let the big guy know back there!" He told one of the mutants and a girl nodded as she stumbled towards the semi front.

All Might had heard his companion's information and smiled at the planning of the hooded hero. His features changed when he caught sight of a Humvee skidding to a stop in a distance from them and blocked their way as an MRD agent emerged from the sunroof and pointed a rocket launcher.

"Shoot!" The Japanese hero swerved the semi out of the way but the same couldn't be said for the trailer as the rocket grazed it with enough force to make the occupants and objects lose their footing. The semi and trailer soon skidded uncontrollably to an unintentional U-turn which forced out a few supplies out of the trailer along with a hero who crashed against a tree afterwards. The trailer hung over the very steep hill and began to pull the semi down with it. "Wrong way, wrong way!"

The MRD agents yelled, "Go, go!" They told their drivers after them.

"Patronus, move!"

Said ninja sat up from the snow and looked back to see the trailer rolling above him, forcing Naruto duck then roll out of the semi's way. All Might had steered the semi around as he now got a clear line of sight down the mountain while the trailer slightly swayed side to side over the unstable ground of snow.

"Patronus, get your ass back here!"

Naruto heeded the mutant's words as he ran towards the trailer just as the MRD Humvees crossed over the edge and drove down the hill with one of them hitting the Bostonian hero when the latter braced himself in a jump and bounced off the windshield. Patronus grunted loudly as he was sliding down the mountain on his back uncontrollably and narrowing avoided any trees at the same time.

"FIRE!"

Patronus dodged to the side when an MRD agent fired an electrical, retractable cable from the sunroof of one of the Humvees. He quickly drew both Kogitsunemaru and the Pivot Blade before the ninja dug them into the snow, using the weapons as makeshift ski poles to make turns. "I always wanted to go skiing." He used the Pivot Blade to turn left as the retractable cable hook missed him and hit a tree instead before the ninja jumped off a log as a makeshift springboard.

But another cable hit its mark around his neck, eliciting a soft surprised grunt from Naruto.

"Wolverine, he's in trouble!" Erica pointed out worriedly after seeing one of her saviors in danger.

Patronus grunted as he cut the cable with Kogitsunemaru before a Humvee pressed against him, threatening to run him over. "Furinji Kuruma Kasehi!" He punched the car's front hard enough and used the leverage of the power to flip it over him. "Yeah!" It was a variation of the Furinji Sensha Kaeshi which functions against tanks as suggested by the name.

The airborne car flipped several times before it crashed on the steep ground while the remaining two Humvees swerved rapidly to escape its zone. Patronus was about to leap for the trailer when another cable wrapped around his hand wielding Kogitsunemaru and the second cable hooked onto his left hand as well, preventing him from using the weapons. "A little help here!"

"I'll take it from here!" Wolverine jumped from the trailer in a series of flips before he crashed through the windshield of one of the Humvees. He slashed through the agents' guns but not before one managed to fire several rounds at the mutants. Wolverine kicked the driver's seat harshly and force the latter to hit against the horn while he elbowed the front passenger out of the car. He grunted under pain when the remaining agents landed a couple of blows on him, but the feral mutant palmed their faces strongly to send them out of the car doors.

In the semi's driver seat, All Might saw the last Humvee still reeling in Patronus with electricity in the side mirror before his instincts drove him to do what's right. "Someone take the wheel, I'm stepping out for some fresh air." He got no reply so the hero's fist rummaged through the trailer without looking and found his replacement, much to his pleasure. "Good luck…"

"Randy." The father of Erica gawked when All Might had smiled at him before he got out of the seat and climbed out of the semi. "I can do this, I can do this."

Erica poked her head through the hole. "I want to drive!"

"Not now, Erica." Randy told his pouting daughter.

Meanwhile, All Might casually walked to the trailer's edge where he saw Patronus and Wolverine still sliding after them on the snow while the last Humvee. "Mizuri Sumasshu!"

"Whoa, hang on a second!" Patronus warned when the hero jumped off the trailer but it was too late.

All Might swung his right arm and focused it into a straight chop via quick motion that cut through the last Humvee but also struck the snowy ground as well. The optimistic hero soon realized the warning Patronus tried to give when the snow in the higher altitude began to cascade towards them like a waterfall.

"Avalanche!" Patronus cried out.

Wolverine gritted his teeth at this unforeseen action. "Damn guy doesn't know his own strength."

All Might remedied his mistake by throwing out a straight punch right at the avalanche. "Tekisasu Sumasshu!" He focused his strength precisely into his fist prior the action as the brute force and wind pressure blew away the avalanche into nothingness, much to the shock of the mutants, Erica's family, and Patronus. "Do not worry since I am here!" He leaped high in the air before rolling next to the sliding Patronus and Wolverine. "Hello."

"Who the hell are you?" Wolverine asked gruffly as he was annoyed and stupefied by the tall man's Hulk-like strength. How come he never heard of this person, especially since he could give Hulk a run for his money in a brawl from the looks of it.

"All Might."

"Hmm…"

"Look out!" Patronus warned as the trailer swerved side to side, forcing the heroes lie still on the snow after each swerve. "All right, from the looks of it, this is a shortcut but…Oh shit!"

Wolverine glanced at the ninja. "What?"

"There's a cliff up ahead!"

All Might sprung into action as he made a giant leap that propelled him to the front of the semi. The hero of Japan grabbed onto the semi's grill and dug his legs for support but the snow wasn't stable as he was skidded backwards. "I won't let these citizens be harmed!" He dug his feet further into the ground and a sudden jolt shook the semi and trailers as they stopped just before the cliff mentioned by Patronus.

"Son of a bitch, he did it." Wolverine said in awe while Patronus nodded in agreement.

A smile etched All Might's mouth after he walked to the trailer as the mutants and the formerly-arrested family got off from the vehicle with looks of relief and happiness. "Hello there, citizens!"

"So cool!" The kids shouted with starry eyes at the muscular and much taller hero.

Patronus and Wolverine sighed in relief as the situation was over though neither of them could shake off the ominous feeling in their experienced minds.

TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM

(Three Days Later)

Tokyo, Japan

"The United States is still reeling in after the attack on Massachusetts' MRD mountain base three days ago."

"The MRD or Mutant Response Division was attacked by a mutant called Wolverine but the surprising fact was the support of another hero named Patronus. The latter is a hero based in Boston whose actions resulted an all-time low of crime rates in centuries."

"Is Patronus a mutant supporter or perhaps a mutant himself?"

Video of Patronus creating clones in the MRD lab and said clones destroying a majority of the base appeared on the television set before static of black and white ceased its image next to the news anchor giving the report.

"Breaking news: MRD is currently under investigation by S.H.I.E.L.D. for illegal experimentation on mutant captives, which would've resulted in the deaths of millions including children."

Another video popped onto the small box cut where it had audio about the MRD doctor and agent casually and sadistically talking about the children's death, courtesy of an anonymous email to an international news station that relayed the video to all stations around the world.

"What is most shocking is that the citizens of Boston maintain hope and positive outlook on their beloved hero who not only suppressed crime but also touched their hearts. I believe there is more to come from Patronus in the near future…one I hope to get know in an exclusive interview."

The TV turned off after the official pressed the remote before he looked at the one whom just returned from Boston via a secret flight. "Well, you have anything to explain about this?"

"Not at all. Patronus did what he thought was right and I agreed with him." All Might answered jovially.

The official sighed in resignation as he also knew about the mutant situation in America as it was the same for his citizens in Japan but to think the Americans would go so far as to arrest non-mutant families and experimenting children at the cost of their lives…this won't go tolerated in Japan.

"Even though Boston's majority view Patronus in a positive light, I'm sure his recent actions may garner rather unsavory eyes upon him." He was referring to the anti-mutant believers around the world. "Even with that, you're sure about him?"

All Might nodded sharply. "Absolutely."

"…Very well. Bring him here in the office. I would like to speak with him."

"Uh…"

"What is it?"

A nervous sweat-drop appeared on All Might's cheek as he slowly walked backwards to the door. "I kind of forgot to bring him here, Ciao!" He said before closing the door as the official smashed his fist against the desk.

"ALL MIGHT!"

TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM

Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters

Westchester County, New York

It was a long time for the X-Man since he had been at the school but now was to set his roots for good or at least attempt one. There were a few goodbyes from his fellow X-Men, some cried while others being nonchalant, but his closest friend and teacher was awaiting him in the conference room where the X-Men met for briefings.

He walked past by the training yard where children were training and playing at the same time with their powers. He was always proud of the place as it was one of the very few safe havens for mutants everywhere and the only place that promotes mutant-mankind harmony. He entered the mansion and took the elevator to the sublevel where a familiar face greeted him with a smirk.

"Took you long enough."

It was one of his closest friends he met ever since his joining the X-Men. She was of African-descent and taller than him with short hair and brown eyes while her lips wore purple lipstick as her casual attire consisted of light blue jeans, an orange tank hope, and heels under a soft black jacket. A black choker was worn around her beck while two oval-shaped gold earrings displayed from her ears.

"Hey, Storm. Been a while."

"Same to you, Logan." Storm replied before she and Logan shared a shoulder hug. "Where's you go this time?"

"Europe and a little bit of action in the Midwest USA." Logan answer gruffly. "Although I ran into a Wendigo problem in the meantime afterwards."

Storm raised a curious brow. "Finally met someone nastier than you?"

"No one's nastier than me." Logan retorted with a chuckle. "Is everyone else in there?" Storm nodded with a smile. "You have any idea what Charles want?"

"No, but he's been very disturbed lately."

"Any ideas?"

"Not yet, but I think he'll tell us once we're there."

The two X-Men was quiet as they entered through the metallic 'X'-shaped door and were greeted by their friends and teammates. The first of them was Jean Grey AKA Marvel Girl with Caucasian skin, red shoulder-length hair, and green eyes in a green-sleeved top, brown pants with a belt, and a red necklace with a yellow 'X' inside of it. The second was Hank McCoy AKA Beast due to his constant transformed state as he resembled a blue-furred ape with darker blue hair and a beard while his attire was a blue business suit.

"Logan."

Said man looked at the person who called him and the atmosphere suddenly turned tense.

"Scott." Logan returned stoically. Scott was taller than him and Storm with brown hair and eyes while red shades covered them as his attire was a blue shirt and pants. "You still have that look in your eyes."

"Now, now, that's enough with you two." A familiar person made his presence as he revealed himself in the light. The man was bald and dressed in a well-worn blue suit with black eyes that seem to pierce one's soul or mind in his case. "It's all in the past now. The present and future of both mutants and mankind however is still in tumultuous time."

Hank pressed the console keys as images of certain heroes popped out of air with their locations prominent in both Japan and Massachusetts.

Xavier pointed his finger at the heroes. "However, it may seem bleak for our kind nowadays, we will continue the fight for harmony especially with people like them on our side." The X-Men agreed with their leader's words as they looked at the images of the heroes whom they grew to know over the years: Spider-Man, Captain America, members of the Avengers. The last two heroes whom Beast managed to catch with their own cloaked satellite before they disappeared through unknown means even for them.

Patronus and All Might, the former making headway throughout the superhero community while the latter being prominent in the island of Japan reached Xavier's ears when he used Cerebro to search for mutants in the East and heard stories about more heroes like All Might.

"Logan, you worked together with those two." Storm stated. "What do you think about them?"

Logan sighed inwardly as he pondered about the two men he worked with recently before he answered his teammate. "The big guy All Might is flashy with the name-calling of his attacks and that smile of his, but he's got what it takes to be a hero. His power is no joke either. I bet my claws he can give Hulk a run for his money if those two ever fought seriously."

"Surely you must be joking, Logan." Hank chuckled. "Aside from gods and cosmic beings, there is no one who can match—no, surpass Hulk in physical strength."

Logan looked at one of his closest friends as his face didn't show amusement. "I wish I was, Hank, but you didn't see his strength in the mountains." Except for Xavier, Logan would never admit that he got chills every time he thought about All Might blasting the avalanche out of existence like it was nothing. "As for Patronus, he's a mystery. I can't get a good grasp on him but one thing's for sure: he can be scary when angry."

"Scarier than an angry Hulk?"

"Scary enough." Logan chuckled, much to his friends' confusion. "In fact, I want to see how good he is in a fight with a mutant."

Jean scoffed amusingly. "You just want to fight him yourself."

"Am I that predictable?" Wolverine asked as everyone nodded at the same time. "Man." He pulled out a cigar from his jacket pocket and lit it with his lighter.

Storm chuckled while Hank looked at Xavier. "Charles, what do you want to do next?" The ape-like mutant asked his dear friend.

*Riiiinnnngggg-Riiiiinnnngggg*

"Now's the time for classes. All of you have classes to teach and that means you too, Logan." Xavier answered with a smirk that grew when Logan gawked at him. "I believe you are now the History teacher for all grades."

"You can't be serious, Charles." Logan said reluctantly before he was carried off the ground via telekinetically. "Jean, put me down!"

Jean shook her head while Scott had his phone out to take pictures of the airborne mutant. "Not a chance, Logan."

"This is not funny!"

Scott laughed loudly. "It is to us!"

"Shut it you!"

Xavier chuckled to himself at the atmosphere that changed when his strike force was complete after the return of one of their own. He saw the news about the MRD Massachusetts Base and he would be lying if he didn't feel anger towards the agents. However, the MRD doesn't represent the majority of humanity like the family who saved and defended Wolverine from said organization. The same can be said for Patronus whom he knows is not a mutant since he cannot find him in the Cerebro.

"The fact I cannot find him in the human setting also troubles me. Who is he really?"

TTIIPMxTTIIPMxTTIIPM

Inari's Temple, Dining Hall

Takama-ga-hara

"Ah-choo!" Naruto sniffed as he looked around. "Someone must be talking about me."

"You always say that."

"Well it's true." Naruto answered his wife. "Saeko, back me up here."

Saeko looked at her husband while she wiped Masaki's mouth of food. "Sure honey."

"You didn't even listen, huh." Naruto muttered before Ashla crawled onto his lap. "There, there, son." His son smiled at him as the ninja finished his meal with thoughts about recent events as Patronus.

It was the third day, the same day he released the video about the MRD, he was called to the Massachusetts Governor's office for an explanation about his actions toward a federal government. He merely responded that people were in trouble and feared for their lives from dangerous people who cared less for their well-being. Surprise and behold, Senator Kelly was present at the meeting and wanted Patronus arrested for his actions towards the MRD and his agenda for a mutant-free world.

Naruto wanted to punch the senator right there but he countered with words towards the governor and Boston's mayor.

"Times have changed for the planet. We have people who can fly, shoot webs from their wrists, lift trucks and more in the world. I agree there are those who want to use their power to subdue but there are people like the Avengers and the X-Men who want harmony in the world. They brought half of the fight to harmony and now's our turn—your turn to bring the other half to make the world a better place. Make the change yourself."

With that, Naruto had left the office with no security or federal agents stopping him, much to Kelley's chagrin. He could only hope that they heed his words and if not, he himself had already done so.

He remembered about the people they rescued from the base. As for the rescued mutants, the teenagers went with Wolverine while the adults left on their accord and the children were reunited with their parents. The reunited families couldn't stay in their neighborhoods anymore and Patronus offered them a place in the Homestead including Erica's family.

Although most of them were reluctant, they accepted Naruto's offer and became new residents of a place free of fear and hatred. He remembered that he sent a clone ahead of their arrival to play as the host for the families with his wives as well while the original brought them to the secluded home.

As for their current seating in Inari's temple at Takama-ga-hara, the fox god invited the Uzumaki Clan for dinner as well as a show depicting ancient battles from the Warring States period of Japan which Saeko was really excited about. The hall they're in was exquisitely designed with red walls and golden yellow ceiling. Tapestry of the gods Izanagi and Izanami, the birth of Amaterasu and her siblings, the creation of Japan, Kogitsunemaru's creation, Inari's wedding with his wife hung onto the walls in even space between them.

"Lord Inari has a wife?" Kuroka asked with surprise. "I didn't know that. Perhaps in my dimension, he's married as well."

Medusa shook her head politely as she disagreed with the Nekomata. "Unlikely, Kuroka. Every dimension will be different from each together slightly or significantly."

"She's right." All adult eyes were on the male Uzumaki Head. "The first world, Saeko's home, didn't have gods' intervention nor anyone with abilities. Then we have you girls'-" He pointed at Rhea, Medusa, and Kuroka. "—where the gods did exist along with Shinigami, Hollows, dragons, Angels, Devils, and Fallen Angels. This whole thing made me excited and nervous at the same time about the worlds we'll travel after this one."

"Naruto…" Rhea muttered under breath. She knew that Naruto grows anxious whenever he thought about the next world they'll visit with the time limit is reached. Could she blame him since he has a family to look after? Not to mention to find the remaining Sealing Keys to defeat the Shinju and save his world in time. Naruto admitted this to her some time ago but she also knew that it was their love, the love of the Uzumaki Clan, that gives him the strength and drive to continue onward.

Naruto chuckled as he rubbed his head. "Sorry girls. Anyway, I wonder about this big announcement Inari mentioned?"

"He never told you?" Saeko asked her husband who shook his head. "Strange."

Naruto and the others nodded. "But I'm pretty sure it's not a big deal. After all his kitsune messengers gave you ladies and the kids those kimonos." He said casually as he held Ashla on his shoulders, much to his son's happy mood.

His wives are wearing red, light orange, blue, and black kimonos that is made of the same material as Naruto's Assassin outfit after his bout with Inari.

Ashla cheered for his mothers' blushes when Naruto commented about their beauty until the latter brought the child down next to the ground beside him when Inari arrived in a dark crimson red kimono and he was not alone. The one who came in after him was a young woman as she sat down next to Inari. She has short blonde hair with two long tufts that frame the sides of her head and golden eyes while her attire consisted of a lighter shade red kimono and a scarf wrapped around her neck.

"Hello, Uzumaki Clan. Welcome to my temple." Inari greeted his guests, specifically to the women and the children present as they bowed to him in respect. "It's a pleasure to have you here formally."

Saeko gave a small nod. "The pleasure is ours, Lord Inari." She looked at the woman by the fox god's right side. "May I ask about her?"

"Hai. Allow me to introduce my wife, Leone Shishijou-okami." The woman curtly bowed before she glanced at Naruto who caught the look in her eyes…one of contempt not unlike those of the people from Konohagakure. "We've been happily married for the longest time as you know." Inari said, not having realized about his wife's stare towards his disciple.

The ladies of the Uzumaki however did and they are not pleased by it. "What is her problem?" They all thought while Masaki and Ashla tugged on their father's arms without a bliss in the world.

"Sensei, what is this big announcement you mentioned?" Naruto asked out of curiosity until he and the others heard footsteps approaching from outside before the doors opened.

"INARI, WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!"

"Hey Foxy, how's it going?"

"SHUT UP YOU GOD OF CALAMITY!"

"LEAVE ME ALONE YOU PYSCHO BITCH!"

A tick marked Saeko was about to call the rude intruders for their words but an even bigger marked Inari rose from his seiza position and shouted, "YOU INSOLENT CHILDREN! YOU DARE TO BARGE INTO MY TEMPLE AND CUSS IN FRONT OF CHILDREN, ESPECIALLY IF THEY ARE MY KIN! I WILL NOT TOLERATE IT!"

"S-Sorry!" Bishamon and Yato squeaked like children in seiza while an aura-leaking Inari stood in front of them with his hands on the hips. "An angry Inari is unlike we've ever seen!"

The twins laughed at the two gods' scared expressions while their parents sat in silence as they didn't want to break the atmosphere by Inari's godly power. Naruto would've done the same thing himself but he froze when Inari's anger leaked out the latter's power and knew that he had much more to learn to wield and use the godly power within.

Owlish eyes blinked several times in the Uzumaki family as they all stared at the heaving Inari. "Kin?" The aura surrounding Inari disappeared after he jolted stiffly and looked them with a sheepish expression.

"Guess the fox's out of the bag." Cue groans from his guests. "Hey, it's funny!" Inari cleared his throat as he walked back to his seat next to Leone who has a displeased look. "I meant for Hotei and Kushinada-hime to be the witness but I suppose you will have to suffice."

"Kushina? Did he just say my mother's name?"

"No, Naruto. He said Kushinada-hime, the wife of Susanoo though I understand you'd think he said your mother's name."

Saeko whispered to Naruto. "Hotei as one of the Seven Gods of Fortune? We're going to meet him?"

"Apparently not, thanks to those jokers." Naruto pointed his thumb at the intruder gods whom recognized him.

Yato pointed at the ninja dramatically. "You! You're the soul who didn't know Bishamon's name." Inari chuckled when he saw said war goddess sulk at the mention of being unknown. "You really made my day that time, thanks."

"…Who are you again?" Naruto asked with a tilt of his head as Yato was struck by a figurative lightning bolt and fell to his knees.

Bishamon chuckled at his reluctant ally's torment. "Revel in that pain, Yato."

"Screw you!"

"Do I have to kick you two out?" Inari warned as his body glowed dimly to warn the gods who shook their heads. "Good." He shifted his gaze upon his guests. "As for what I said earlier, you heard 'kin.' That was slip of the tongue but it held truth."

Naruto played around with the words and pondered the meaning behind them until he finally realized when Kogitsunemaru suddenly appeared beside him on the left side. "You don't mean…" He looked at the fox god who suddenly shifted to serious. "Sensei, this is…This is—This is really…"

"What is it?" Kuroka asked her husband, only for Inari to answer her.

"By accepting Kogitsunemaru, Naruto Uzumaki is hereby my son." Inari smiled at the shocked adults before he shifted at the twins. "Which means I'm those two's grandpa and you ladies' father-in-law!"

Everyone sans the twins yelled out, "EEEHHHH!?" As it echoed out, a certain sun goddess muttered about a nuisance in the west before she returned to slumber as it was nighttime in Japan.