Together Once More

If anything, Kanako has to say that its quite a miracle, to say the least.

Maybe not a miracle, as it happened due to her.

But a miracle nonetheless as she IS here.

At the age of 21, there isn't a shadow of the Kakashi that she has known so well in the manga's and anime present in the man standing before her.

The image of him in her mind overlaps with him - no scarred eye, no sharingan, no cold laughter's, no fake smiles, and no ...

Oh. There's still that book.

In any case, despite what was told to those around her, she did not travel around the elemental nations in the past few years in vain.

For leisure, yes. But she did her own researches as well.

No. Not Jiraiya styled research. Actual real research.

Mostly in temples and ruins.

The existence of such history may be lost, but still shows its mark in the present, in varied obscure places.

The existence of the Ōtsutsuki.

Various discrepancies has raised her hopes that the future of her world would not be the same as her dreams ... or rather, her past in the Before.

When Kurama broke through the seal back then, there clearly wasn't any physical disturbance noted that might have caused that. No third party was noted, even by Minato-nii-sama's highest standard of investigation. It was declared an unfortunate possibility in the seal regarding pregnancy and birth.

Through the summons - mine, and some other's land I've come across, Hagoromo, Indra, and Asura existed. Further proof is obviously my summons's contract, The wife of Asura, Kanna.

If anything, I admit that I was crazy about two years back. I did after all made the mad decision to 'visit' the area of the destroyed Kannabi Bridge. It was the place where Obito-nii had fell, and taken by Zetsu.

I had sent my summons, weasels and wolverines which are some of the best diggers, to scout the area. Thankfully, there was no underground cavern or a wrinkly old dude, nor an ancient plant specimen.

I also tried to find other ... differences, in the stories I could remember.

And to my relief, there were plenty, which solidifies that this is indeed an alternate universe.

For example, Sasori of the Red Sand? He's still being a good boy, with very much alive parents.

The before-corrupted-Akatsuki? Well, they are co-governing Ame with Hanzo.

Bloody Mist? Just not as bloody, and no bloodline purges, except for the exclusion of the Kaguya clan. Can't blame them though, those Kaguya's are just very stuck up. Some might say even worse then our Uchiha's.

Oh, and apparently the Raikage A and his rap brother Killer B has a younger sister. And don't worry - her name's not C.

So yeah. Defiantly alternate universe.

Hopefully an alternate universe without a Zetsu or alien Ōtsutsuki's.

Though it would still be better to consult in Kurama ...

"... ko?"

But while Kurama previously talked to me, in not a murder-y manner, would he want, or even allow me to contact him again?

" ... nako?"

But even if I or Kurama wants to, how to deal with the human fallouts? Especially Minato-nii-sama and Kushina-nee?

"Oi, Kanako?"

"Fueh?" I burst out of my reverie to see a Kakashi peering at me from across the table. "Y-yeah?"

"Don't drop your dango," he said as he side-eyed me. "As I was saying, Sensei and nee-san wanted to know if you would be free to join in for dinner tonight. The others of the old group will be there as well."

"Hnn ... un. I think I can make it. Kaa-sama might be able to make it as well? Not Shizu-nee though, as she's on hospital duty tonight."

"I'll let Sensei know then, see you tonight, Kanako."

*pat* *pat*

...

Un. Headpats by Kakashi are indeed to die for. I mean, this is a man with ninken, for gods sake!

•

We arrived at Minato-nii-sama's house, with Kaa-sama bearing her obligatory sake as a gift to the dinner.

Minato-nii-sama is the one to open the door for us, donning his pink apron which I had unconsciously forgotten was his go-to thing.

Right.

Down in the living room, was Kushina-nee with Naruto, and Mikoto-ba-san with Sasuke and Itachi.

Mikoto-baa-san had tried before to get me to call her nee-san as well, but I digress, as Itachi is a friend of the same age, you see, despite Kushina-nee and Mikoto-ba-san being close in age ...

But you get my drift. Plus - habit.

As I neared the group, Itachi's usual clam façade broke, showing glimmering eyes. It has indeed been a few years after all.

Kaa-sama flopped down on the sofa with the redhead and ravenette, while I joined the boys on the floor.

"Good to see you again, Kanako." Itachi greeted with a small smile.

"You too, Itachi." I grinned as I plopped down next to him.

"Who're you." Sasuke squinted his eyes at me, asking apprehensively.

"Ah! Kana-nee!" Naruto exclaimed once he looked up from the game he was playing. "You remember me telling you about it? She's Tsunade-baa-chan's daughter!"

"Hello, Naruto," I fluffed his mop of hair. "And nice to meet you again, Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke tilted his head. "Have we met before?"

"You wouldn't remember," Itachi butted in. "She did see you six years ago when you were just a swaddling in Kaa-san arms."

Sasuke blushed at the mention of his baby times. "Hn."

Ah. Good old Uchihanese. Thank the gods Itachi broke out of that phase.

As the two young boys got back to their games, I took the time to look around the house.

Warm colors enveloped the living room, all reflecting the personality of both Minato-nii-sama and Kushina-nee.

Family photographs hung on the walls, made my heart clench, yet also brim with joy.

In the background, I hear Minato-nii-sama open the door once more, and I turned to see Kakashi, Rin-nee, and Obito-nii rushing in.

"Ah - sorry, Sensei! Hope we're not late!" Obito-nii panted while removing his shoes.

"It's all fine, I'm still finishing up the last few dishes. Why don't you all go join the rest?" Minato-nii-sama said, as he head-pointed to our area.

"Ne, Mikoto," Kaa-sama called out in a soft voice. "Where's Fugaku?"

"He'll be arriving later, the force has got some issues that needs to be dealt with in person."

Kaa-sama nodded in understanding.