A meeting between all of the Shinto Pantheon's prominent leaders and figures had been called post-haste after Naruto and Yasaka's heart to heart conversation.

Naruto's eyes traveled around the room, surveying the various Gods, Yokai, Kitsune, Oni, etc. Even the four Yokai Faction leaders were present along with their consorts/bodyguards. Minor deities and Gods, whose importance ranged from the General of the Shinto Pantheon's military force to even a simple handmaiden belonging to Susano'o himself.

Naruto of course, recognized none of these individuals, save for the more important individuals like Susano'o, Tsukuyomi, Fujin, Raijin and various other elder Shinto Gods.

From the brief amount of small talk being thrown around, this was the second time that nearly all the Elder Gods were meeting in one place. The first time had been when Satoru Gojo was exiled from the Shinto Pantheon and that was a can of worms that no one seemed intent on opening.

Naruto was curious though. His first meeting with the man was obviously incredibly negative however, Satoru didn't strike him as a bad person. He was just kind of... an annoying asshole, to some degree. Less asshol-ey than someone like Susano'o but just like one of those people who get on your nerves to have a laugh.

That resonated with Naruto because he enjoyed annoying Sasuke. Even now, his best friend was glaring at him in annoyance, likely due to his involvement with the Greek Pantheon. Apparently Sasuke and Kuroka had been having a 'date' before he'd been forcefully summoned to Takamagahara.

Naruto had openly laughed in his friend's face due to his misfortune. He and Yasaka's intimate time had been ground to a halt because of it so he was happy that someone else had to share in his suffering.

The more shocking surprise was that Sakura had been getting cozy with Lucifer's little sister. Not that it was Naruto's business or anything but he hadn't thought Sakura would be into woman like that.

Ya learn something new everyday.

Kakashi was... Kakashi. Nothing new there and Naruto found himself almost disappointed by that information. His Sensei desperately needed to get laid or atleast find someone to himself. It was practically criminal that the man continued to self-isolate.

"Ya know Kakai-sensei, by now I'd have figured you'd atleast try to find someone to date." Naruto mumbled quietly, bored to death as he waited for the remaining Gods to show up.

Kakashi, who had been nose deep in his horny manga, perked up at Naruto's words. He rose an eyebrow at the boy's words before chuckling quietly, ignoring how curious the other Gods seemed to be.

"Big words coming from you, Naruto. You couldn't even look Yasaka-sama in the eyes when you first met."

Naruto's cheeks stained scarlet and the fact that Yasaka herself chuckled at Kakashi's words only increased that embarrassment.

"A-Atleast I'm trying!" Naruto countered. "Hell, even dark, mad and broody over there found someone!" He thumbed over towards Sasuke, who only rolled his eyes in annoyance. "If Sasuke of all people can find love, then so can you."

Kakashi released a quiet sigh as he turned a page in his porno manga. "I appreciate the sentiment Naruto, but I'll be fine. I don't need anyone playing matchmaker for me."

Yasaka released a quiet hum as she looped her arm through Naruto's, leaning her head atop his shoulders. "Are you sure, Kakashi-san? Finding love shouldn't be too hard for you. You're a handsome and powerful man, after all." She ignored Naruto's snicker, slapping his arm lightly to scold him.

"Handsome? Oh, most certainly." Kakashi agreed nonchalantly. "Powerful though?" He made a show of stroking his chin, growing silent for a few seconds before continuing. "You're far too kind, Yasaka-sama. I appreciate your words nonetheless."

"You're too modest, Sensei." Sakura piped up, leaning over the large table to point at her teacher. "You were one of the most recognized and feared Shinobi back home... You've earned the right to gloat atleast a little bit."

"Neh, Sakura-chan is right!" Naruto agreed with a smile. "Right, asshole?" He directed towards Sasuke.

Said asshole merely raised an eyebrow, turning to glance at his former Sensei before offering a single nod.

"See?! Even the bastard agrees!" Naruto doubled down effortlessly, only further annoying Sasuke.

"I'm going to kill you."

"You'll try, buddy. You'll certainly try."

"Please, get along children." Kakashi lackadaisically intoned, not really caring if Sasuke and Naruto came to blows. Watching them fight was always entertaining, up until they began to dish out country-altering jutsu. Then it became a bit much but still, entertaining.

"My, my... Aren't you four a lovely, little family." A silky smooth feminine voice spoke out, garnering Team 7's attention. "So, this is the infamous Team 7... Color me intrigued." The woman spoke with a small smile.

Naruto detected no animosity, hidden distaste or negativity from the woman. Which was actually a surprise, all things considered. Ever since joining the Shinto Pantheon, Team 7 had been road-walled at every turn. Of course, that did little to bother and stop them from making differences within the Pantheon.

Sasuke had taken it into his own hands and had been eliminating the deities and Gods that directly opposed Amaterasu and her ruling. Rooting out the traitors had been relatively simple after his display of strength against Susano'o and even his (Naruto) own display against Satoru in Takamagahara. There were a few deities who had managed to escape Sasuke and while that was troubling, it had to be put off due to recent events that obviously take precedence.

"Not to be rude, but who are you?" Naruto asked curiously, staring at the admittedly very attractive woman.

The beatific woman merely smiled at the boy, bowing her head in greetings. Her form seemed to shimmer for a moment before a pair of fox ears suddenly appeared atop her head. "No offense taken, my child. My name is Inari Okami, but you may call me O-Inari." A giant, fluffy fox tail suddenly appeared behind her, swaying side to side slowly.

All things considered, she was a very beautiful woman. Sleek, wavy ebony hair fell down her back, framing a gorgeous and noble looking face. She wore a traditional Kimono not unlike Yasaka herself and possessed curves that would entice any man.

"You're considered an Elder Kami, are you not?" Sasuke asked calmly as he crossed his arms against his chest.

The Elder Kami merely smiled his way, fox tail twitching. "I am indeed, child. Though I cannot lay claim to being as powerful as my brothers, sisters, uncles and aunts. I hear that you are responsible for cleansing our home, no?"

Sasuke ignored how tense some of the other Gods became at the woman's words. "I am. Do you disapprove of my methods?"

Inari merely smiled, conjuring a fan to her fingers. She flicked the object open, covering the lower half of her face as she replied. "Quite the contrary." She giggled in a mischievous manner, looking Sasuke directly in his eyes. "Our people are stubborn and refuse to change... It does not surprise me that New Bloods have taken it upon themselves to force our people to change."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes before replying. "Somehow I doubt that..."

"What do you mean by that?" Naruto asked curiously.

"The Kotoamatsukami wouldn't let a transgression like this occur if they didn't deem it a necessity." Sasuke stated simply, ignoring the baffled and disbelieving gasps from some of the other Major Kami.

"You speak blasphemy!" An Oni-looking God claimed, pointing his sword directly at Sasuke. "You know little of our history but claim to understand how the Heavenly Kami think?! Are you so arrogant?!"

"Put that sword down or I'll make you." Sasuke warned calmly, sliding his gaze to the Kami who he recognized as Raijin. "I've eliminated nearly a quarter of this Pantheon's Minor Kami... Do you wish to be the first Major Kami to die by my hand?"

Raijin growled in frustration, knuckles tightly clenched around his sword. "You would dare threaten me?!" Though his tone said one thing, his actions said another. Faced with possible death, as all beings no matter the race or divinity did, he quelled and trembled in fear at the mere prospect of death.

Sasuke sneered at the Oni Kami as he spoke. "Your Omikami demanded the heads of the traitors and I brought them to her. You should be thanking me for my actions. Do not think for a second that we are equals or that you stand above me."

His dual Rinnegan flared to life as he exerted the full brunt of his power unto Raijin, causing the man's head to slam through the table, prostrating himself in a pitiful manner.

"Speak when spoken to or not at all." Sasuke warned calmly.

"Knock it off, Sasuke." Naruto spoke with furrowed brows. "There's no need to resort to violence, wouldn't you agree Raijin-san?"

Sasuke granted Naruto a glance before ultimately reigning his power in, ignoring the pitiful groan from the Oni Kami. "A forceful hand is required when dealing with barbarians."

The humiliated Kami remained on his hands and knees, not wishing to face the monster who had so casually held his life within his hands. Raijin could not comprehend how another mortal had ascended, one that so easily eclipsed Amaterasu in strength and power. It was unfathomable to him that three individuals had managed to do so.

"We are all a part of the same Pantheon and want the same things." Naruto said calmly, eying the various Kami and other leaders. "It would be best if we all got along, no?"

"Do we even have a choice in the matter?" An Oni-looking Kami not unlike Raijin spoke calmly. "It is clear to us now, that Amaterasu-Omikami favors you two over the rest of her kin."

Naruto offered the man a glance before shrugging his shoulders. "Tradition blinds your kin, stagnating your ruling while producing incompetent servants. Had it not been for myself and my team's intervention, this Pantheon would have been driven to Civil War... Is that what you all wish to see?" Only silence met his rhetorical question. "Hmm, I thought so." Craning his neck towards the Yokai Faction leaders, he spoke calmly. "I've not had the pleasure of meeting you three and I wish it were under better circumstances."

The first to speak was a youthful looking teen who possessed snow white hair that fell just above his shoulders. Upon his handsome face were two distinct scar-like markings that originated from his left eye, trailing past his cheek before disappearing past his neck, likely covering the entirety of his body.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Uzumaki-sama." The man's voice was exceptionally soft, all things considered. "I have heard a great many things about you from my doves... Please, call me Kaneki Ken, the 'defacto' leader of the North Yokai Faction in Tokyo."

"Defacto...?" Naruto questioned with a raised eyebrow.

The Ghoul appeared to be apologetic, waving his hand to downplay the question. "Merely a... territorial dispute among our kind. Many believe me to be unworthy of my title due to my kindness but few are willing to challenge me for it."

An amused chuckle emanated from the beautiful woman who stood behind the Ghoul. "My dear husband is far to modest. There is no Ghoul in Japan that is strong enough to challenge him and many rogue cells run rampant through the city of Tokyo. It has been a difficult time for our people. Though, rest assured, the North Yokai Faction is in good hands."

Kaneki Ken merely bowed his head with a nervous laugh. "Touka-chan, please. It is impolite to burden our leaders with our small problems."

Naruto waved off the man's words. "Do you need help? If there's anything I can do then please tell me."

The white haired man merely smiled at Naruto's request. "I appreciate your concern, Uzumaki-sama. But again, it is not a problem I wish to burden you with."

Naruto nearly made a face at the honorific before thinking better of it. He granted the man and his wife a simple nod before turning towards the next leader of the Yokai Faction.

The individual, resembling that of an elderly man, merely nodded their head in respect before speaking. "I am Nurarihyon, leader of the East Yokai Faction within the Kanto Region. It is my pleasure, Uzumaki-sama." The elderly man bowed his head before his gaze slid towards Sasuke. "I have heard from some little birds that Kuroka now calls Kyoto home... How is she?"

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at the man's statement before replying. "She breathes."

The elderly Yokai granted Sasuke a boisterous laugh. "Fret not, Godling. I merely knew Kuroka's mother is all. I always did worry for the poor girl and her younger sister."

The Uchiha debated on not replying before ultimately responding, sighing quietly as he did so. "She is doing well..."

Nurarihyon merely smiled with a nod of his head, accepting Sasuke's words with ease.

The last leader of the Yokai Faction made themselves known, bowing their head towards Naruto with respect.

"It is a great pleasure to be in the presence of not one Honored One but two." The woman spoke in a hushed tone, as if unused to naturally speaking. "It has been nearly six hundred years since the Shinto Pantheon has seen another human ascend."

Naruto and Sasuke shared a glance between one another, noticing how uncomfortable some of the Kami became.

"Careful there, Sadako-chan." Nurarihyon warned with a small smile. "We are forbidden from speaking further."

The black haired woman merely smiled, adjusting her gaze towards Naruto and offering him a wink. Her white kimono draped off her body in a messy manner, revealing her pale and bruised skin.

Naruto could nearly taste the negativity that clung to the woman. It wasn't to say that she was evil but it was as if the very concept of death was inscribed into her soul.

Narrowing his eyes, Naruto deepened his senses into the woman and frowned at what he discovered. She was a Yurei, that much was obvious. But she was possibly the most tainted Yurei he'd ever seen. Her soul, if one could even call it that, was of the blackest of black. Like an endless abyss, it went and went.

"Do I scare you, Honored One?" Sadako questioned raspily, tilting her head in an almost unnatural manner as her black hair cascaded down her face.

Naruto still wasn't fond of Ghosts, to be honest. It was an irrational fear on his part, born upon childish fears. Yurei were, at their base level, just ghosts. Albeit, ghosts that died in sudden and violent deaths with negative thoughts plaguing their minds. There was many classifications that followed and explained specific circumstances but this woman, and the negativity he could taste, was that of an Onryo, who were Yurei bound by a desire for vengeance.

"No, you don't scare me." He answered truthfully. "I am sorry that whatever you went through turned you into the angry spirit you are today... I hope you are able to overcome that hatred for the better, Sadako."

Yasaka merely rolled her eyes at Naruto's honest words. She'd heard plenty the story about Sadako and her curses. Of course, most stories were negative but Sadako had been a gentle human woman once upon a time and mankind's cruelty had created the monster that sat before them today. She could not fault Naruto at the end of the day. He was an honest and pure man who chose to see the good in people. His kindness extended to any and all and Sadako was clearly no different.

The vengeful spirit was silent for several long seconds before shifting her gaze towards Yasaka. "Are you willing to share, Yasaka-san?"

The Kyuubi Kitsune merely chuckled aloud, leaning her head on the boy's shoulder. "Find another, Sadako-san."

"A pity." The wrathful wraith responded. "I would have enjoyed riding him until he saw stars..."

"I'm right here... Don't I get a say in this?" Naruto groaned quietly, cheeks burning at the woman's words.

"No." Both women responded instantly, causing the boy to sulk.

An incredibly powerful presence suddenly appeared, followed by the radiant light of the sun. "I apologize for the long wait but there were other matters I had to attend to." Amaterasu apologized, slowly kneeling down at the head of the long table where all the Kami and Leaders were sat.

Susano'o was the first to speak. "For what purpose have you summoned all of the Major and Elder Kami, sister?" His eyes roamed around the room, eyeing every individual that had been summoned. "It has been nearly six hundred years since-."

"Enough." Amaterasu raised her hand, cutting her brother off. "We do not speak of the past, brother." Susano'o's glare had little effect on the woman as she raked her gaze along every individual in the room, noting that Raijin's section of the table had been smashed. With narrowed eyes, the Shinto's most powerful Goddess spoke quietly, yet firmly.

"We are not dishonoring ourselves today, are we?" When none challenged her, she pressed further. "Speak up! I've no tolerance today for stupidity and hesitance!"

"Your Honored Ones cannot seem to control themselves..." Raijin muttered angrily, though his visage refused to meet Amaterasu's own. "They dishonor the Heavenly Kami with their very existence!"

Naruto made to speak but Sasuke cut him off before he could. "You are but a coward whose craven personality outweighs your meaningless pride and beliefs... You would sit here and lie with so many present to witness your pitiful outburst." The dual Rinnegan God scoffed after his words, pointing a finger directly at Raijin's ogre-like face. "You only live because Amaterasu deems your existence of having some measure of use. You ride the coattails of your betters and parade your worth as something mountain-esque. You are but a worm seated amongst giants..."

Raijin's head snapped towards Sasuke, furious expression fit to burst. "You would insult me so brazenly?! Have you no honor for tradition?! You were nothing before your ascension! A mere mortal with unearned strength and power!"

Sasuke's expression morphed, dawning a cruel smile upon his face. "Your tradition means nothing to me. Unlike you I am not shackled like a slave, begging for scraps while my betters gorge themselves... I take what I wish and had you any self-sense of importance, you'd understand how truly pitiful you really are." He paused for a moment, tilting his head as his smile shifted into a smirk. "The God of Thunder and Lightning... You rule over an element that several individuals seated at this very table utilize and wield better than you... What a pitiful God you are."

Naruto frowned at Sasuke's words, glancing towards Amaterasu to gauge her reaction. When seeing nothing but her hardened visage, he spoke his mind. "That wasn't t necessary Sasuke, and you know that."

Sasuke immediately retaliated, stabbing his tanto deep into the table while channeling Ration Chakra through it. The lightning surging through his sword barked and cried loudly, deafening the room.

"It is!" He shouted angrily, eyeing Naruto with frustration. "This Pantheon has done nothing but stonewall us and demean us! You may ignore the slights and disdain and turn the other cheek but I will not! Japan is our home! And I will be damned if I allow these cravens to belittle us any longer! I want what is best for my new home and the people I now protect! And you would sit here, stare me in my face and claim otherwise?! Huh, Naruto?! Answer me!"

Naruto's fist tightened underneath the table, clawing at his Kimono in frustration. He grit his teeth for a moment, staring down at the table before responding with the same amount of frustration that Sasuke was emitting.

"You think I don't believe you?!" His hands came from under the table as he maneuvered upon his knees, slamming his fists unto the table and shattering it. "Violence isn't always the answer, Sasuke! All it does is further antagonize those around us!" He gestured around the room, hissing through his teeth. "Look around us! We are feared by the very people who govern these lands and its people! And do you blame them?! All you do is threaten those who cross you with death!"

Sasuke's hand clenched his blade tightly, the Ration Chakra surging through his blade only crying louder. "I would rather be feared by these people than disrespected!"

Naruto's frustration only further grew as he rose to his feet, ignoring how the entirety of the room tensed. "And that's your problem! You can't do that, Sasuke! Why can't you understand that?!"

The Uchiha immediately rose to his feet, matching Naruto. "Says who?! Your morals?! Your ethics?! And what about us, huh?! What about everyone who thinks differently?! You preach of peace and understanding and look at what's happened!" Sasuke's teeth gnashed in anger as he continued. "Violence is only the answer when you've been personally crossed, isn't it?! Since when did you get to dictate what right and wrong is, eh Naruto?!"

Naruto's eyes blazed a brilliant gold, iris's shifting to match Kurama's own. "I had no other choice!"

Here at last, Sasuke's anger seemed to subside. "You always have a choice, Naruto." He pointed his blade directly at Naruto as he spoke calmly. "You are the one who is incapable of seeing that. I make my choices and I accept those consequences. All you've done since coming to Kyoto... is run from those consequences."

Naruto's golden eyes bled scarlet, his Chakra very nearly unleashing itself upon the room as he took a step towards Sasuke, intent on getting in the boy's face.

"Stop it! Both of you!" Sakura shouted angrily, sliding around Naruto while pushing him away from Sasuke.

"You two need to knock it off!" Kakashi's voice followed after Sakura's, his gloved hand forcing Sasuke's tanto down while barring his path towards Naruto.

Once both Ascended Gods had been somewhat pacified, the room grew into an uncomfortable silence. A tenseness that threatened to strangle those with lesser fortitudes settled in the room, suffocating and heavy.

"Sheeeeeeesh... Seems like I chose a bad time to make my entrance, eh Ama-chan?" A familiar and jovial voice broke through the tense silence.

Amaterasu merely bowed her head, massaging her temples to ward off the migraine she was feeling. Satoru had terrible timing!

The entire room shifted their gaze to the man, shocked to see the man so casually enter the room. The only individuals confused to see the man were Team 7 who hadn't been privy to the history that Satoru Gojo had with the Shinto Pantheon.

Naruto was the first to speak, his previous anger turning into confusion. "The hell are you doing here...?"

The white haired God turned towards Naruto, trusty blindfold over his face. "Just cruising around, ya know? Checking out the goods and whatnot."

Amaterasu groaned quietly before raising her gaze towards the exiled Kami. "You have atrocious timing, Gojo-san."

The man grinned at her words, crouching down to the Goddess's level and patting her shoulder. "Mah mah, Ama-chan. Please, no formalities! We're all friends now, eh?"

The remaining tension fled the room, allowing the room to dissolve into confused chaos. Many of the Kami shouted their questions, demanding answers as to why an exiled Kami was suddenly allowed to occupy a room with Major and Elder Kami.

"SILENCE!" Amaterasu roared from her seated position, summoning her powers to flood the room with sunlight. Upon curbing the chaos, the woman rubbed the bridge of her nose in frustration.

"Sister... What is the meaning of this? Satoru Gojo was ordered to be exiled by Father and Mother." Tsukuyomi questioned curiously. "Why does he return so casually, especially on a day such as this?"

Satoru granted the man a cheeky grin, waving at him. "Oh, you'd love to know, eh Moonlight?"

Tsukuyomi allowed the nickname to roll off him, having grown used to the man's teasing nature. "Well, that is why I asked, no?"

"You're no fun, Tsukuyomi." Satoru quipped with a smile, turning his attention upon the other Kami and leaders. "Sorry to crash your little meeting but ya know... Business is business."

"Satoru, please shut up." Amaterasu demanded with a huff of annoyance, rolling her eyes as the man tittered to himself. She slowly rose to her feet, addressing the entire room as she spoke. "Due to recent events that have yet to be unveiled, I personally, sought out Satoru Gojo for aid." When none challenged her words, she bulled forward.

"The reason I called all of you here is to inform you that we may be at war with the Greek Pantheon." She bowed her head and awaited the ensuing chaos.

She was not disappointed.

The room erupted into chaos as the Kami spewed question after question, demanding how such a thing could be possible. She allowed the chaos to drag on, searching the room specifically to see Naruto's reaction. She was not surprised to see the boy hanging his head in the corner while being consoled by Yasaka.

Even Sakura and Kakashi were surprised at the news. Their gazes immediately shot to Naruto and upon recognizing the shame upon his face, could only sigh reluctantly. The two immediately made their way to Naruto, trying to learn what had happened.

It seemed that the only individual not surprised by this information was Sasuke himself. It ultimately made sense to Amaterasu. Naruto had likely spoken to Sasuke before Yasaka had broke the news to herself. They were incredibly close after all. Though, you'd never know with how close they'd been to tearing each other's throats out earlier.

The last thing the Shinto Pantheon needed was those two fighting against one another. They were, in all honesty, the strongest Deities under the Shinto Pantheon. Amaterasu had her pride but she was not so foolish to believe that she could stand to Naruto. Not after that display against Satoru atleast. Every Kami knew of that particular event.

They were right to fear Sasuke and Naruto, regardless if it was unwarranted or not. The Shinto Pantheon needed to change if it wished to thrive. Tradition would have to be thrown out the window especially when the hierarchy of power had been tripped on its head. Even now, there was those who would conspire against her.

It made her blood boil something fierce. Sasuke had been all too willing to snuff those traitorous Kami out and yet some still lived. However, that hunt would have to wait. They had more pressing matters now.

Amaterasu raised her hand, channeling her power to silence the Kami. After several seconds of silence, her gaze slid to Naruto. "If you will, Naruto-kun..." She gestured for the boy to stand and come to her side.

The teen sighed to himself quietly before reluctantly rising to his feet to stand by Amaterasu's side. Upon reaching the beautiful Goddess, he about faced before speaking quietly.

"After my altercation with Satoru Gojo," He granted the man an annoyed glare, one that was returned with a cheeky smile. "I fled the Shinto Pantheon, searching for answers on how to reverse my ascension..." He paused for a moment, ignoring the quiet murmurs from the Kami about why he wanted to reverse back to a mortal. "Finding nothing pertaining to the subject, I choose to gather my thoughts and meditate. Here, I discovered something unique about my... gifts."

"The Primordial known as Gaia made herself known to me, visiting me to explain that I had been granted an ability that related to Life. She departed shortly after, requesting that I seek her out for guidance." Here, he paused for a moment, pursing his lips. "After researching on any leads, I came to the conclusion that the Greek Pantheon, being one of the eldest Pantheons on Earth, would have some semblance of information pertaining to the woman."

"That was clearly a mistake. Upon entering the Greek territory, I made contact with Athena herself. One thing led to another and I was granted entry into Mt. Olympus. During my time, I learned a lot. Most of it, ultimately, useless. However, after finding little to no information on Gaia, I came to an epiphany of sorts. Afterwards, I immediately wished to leave."

Crossing his arms together with a frown, the teen spoke quietly. "My departure was put on hold as I ran into Aphrodite... The woman tried to... seduce me, I guess. When that failed, she insulted me before attacking me." He closed his eyes, sighing once more. "And I retaliated. One thing led to another and then..."

"I killed Ares in battle, nearly destroying the entirety of Mt Olympus in the process." He paused for a moment, sighing quietly to himself before continuing. "I beat Athena into submission, maimed Apollo by taking one of his arms, blinded Artemis by taking away her vision and scarred Aphrodite's face as a reminder, ultimately sparing the remaining Olympians as a message to Zeus."

The silence was deafening. If anything, it made Naruto feel worse. It was all his fault and now, others would have to suffer because of him. He had forced this on everyone in the Shinto Pantheon and he would gladly shoulder all of it and deal with it himself, if given the chance.

"Damn, kid." Satoru spoke with a low whistle. "That's an impressive resume, all things considered."

Naruto fixed the man with an annoyed glare. "This is serious!"

"Oh no, I definitely agree." Satoru placated with a small smile, raising his hands in defense. "However, if you ask me, the Greek Pantheon was askin' for it." He shrugged nonchalantly, placing his hands behind his head. "All in all, you dealt 'em a pretty powerful blow if we do go to war. I mean, Ares and Athena were the Greek Pantheon's enforcers for their wars. Without the meat shield, they'll struggle to rally their troops in an efficient manner. Shame you didn't finish off Athena though, would've made the foot battles a breeze for the Shinto Warriors..." He paused for a moment, leaning against one of the walls of the room. "Considering how destructive our fight was, I can only imagine that you nearly destabilized Mt. Olympus."

Naruto merely grimaced, knowing that Gojo was correct.

"Well, then it'll take even longer for them to rally together. They got humbled by one inexperienced God, who barely knows his domains and new abilities." Gojo offered the teen a wry smile as he continued. "If they want a war, then I pity them. They're too arrogant and prideful to admit they were in the wrong. They'll spin a tale of being attacked and caught off guard while playing the victim. Yadda, yadda, yadda..." He waved his hand back and forth lazily, speaking nonchalantly as if it wasn't a big deal. "Zeus may be an arrogant old oaf, but he isn't stupid. He won't face the Shinto directly, not after finding out that one kid did this to his Pantheon." Shaking his head side to side, he grinned to himself.

"He'll target Japan... and that's where I come in." A dangerous miasma began to waft off Satoru that had several of the Kami backing away in fear. "It's common knowledge that I'm no longer affiliated with the Shinto Pantheon, however... It is not common knowledge that I am Japan's Protector. The second I sense Greek blood on my home..."

His power skyrocketed as his Cursed Energy and Chakra threatened to swallow all of TakahamagaraTakahamagara. His power alone very nearly destabilized the realm before he reigned it in, almost casually.

"I'll kill 'em." He finished with a lackadaisical smile, as if he hadn't just unleashed hell upon the realm.

"We are trying to avoid that scenario, Satoru." Amaterasu chimed in with a huff, side eyeing the blindfolded God with an annoyed expression. "It has been nearly five hundred years since the Earth lost a major Pantheon. We cannot afford to be seen as the aggressors in this circumstance. The Catholic and Biblical Factions have been sticking their noses where it doesn't belong..." Her tone grew weary as she continued. "I do not wish for an Alliance to be found due to our actions. We poke the Greeks again and it is likely that Zeus will search for allies."

"It will happen regardless." Sasuke replied flippantly, ignoring the displeased grumbles from the Minor Kami. "One does not simply sit back and allow a slight such as this to casually go unspoken. There will be no negotiations from the Greek Pantheon."

Ever the optimist, Naruto muttered quietly. "You don't know that..."

"You need to grow up." Sasuke fired back instantly, though lacking rancor in his tone. "Take accountability for your actions and shut up! We wouldn't be in this situation if it wasn't for your actions!" He took a calming breath, pinching the bridge of his nose before lowering his tone and speaking calmly. "As a matter of fact, you shouldn't even be in these discussions right now."

Naruto made to protest but was shocked when Yasaka spoke up, agreeing with Sasuke.

"I agree with Sasuke-kun." The Kyuubi Yokai supported with a nod of her head, avoiding Naruto's betrayed expression.

"Yasaka-chan?!" The Jinchuuriki questioned in disbelief.

The woman offered the teen an apologetic expression before explaining. "You are emotionally invested, Naruto-kun. However intentional or not, you have caused an altercation with a Pantheon and have slain one of their Gods. This was not merely a skirmish that ended poorly on neutral territory... You committed the act on their soil in their realm."

"I was defending myself!"

"It is also the only reason you are not being punished by The Heavenly Kami." Amaterasu spoke calmly, gaining the attention of everyone in the room. "That and because it'd be nearly impossible for me to physically do so. Loathe as I am to admit it, you are more powerful than I am and Mother and Father do not possess the means in restricting an Honored One..."

Satoru then bowed his head, crossing his arms against his chest as he spoke. "Which ultimately means... You'll end up like me."

Naruto's lips parted for a moment as the words slowly dawned on him. "W-Wait! You're... You're going to exile me?!" He questioned in disbelief.

There was quiet rumblings from the Kami as Naruto stood in disbelief, staring into the eyes of Amaterasu whose expression gave nothing away.

"It is a possibility." The woman finally spoke, her tone giving nothing away. "I do not have the final say in the matter. It is, ultimately, up to Mother and Father."

"Isn't that a bit harsh?" Sakura questioned in defense of her friend. "Surely there are better methods, no? Exiling Naruto would just make the Pantheon weaker."

"You don't get it, do you?" Sasuke questioned sharply, crossing his arms against his chest. "It doesn't matter if Naruto started it, defended himself or not. He became a Shinto God on Shinto soil. Anything he does is reflected back on the Pantheon. So, what do you think should happen to someone that starts a war without the approval of the leaders of said Pantheon?"

"You support this decision, Sasuke?!" Sakura asked in disbelief.

The Uchiha scoffed in annoyance, shaking his head. "Of course not. Do you think I'm stupid?" He scoffed once more before continuing. "By exiling Naruto the Shinto Pantheon can claim that he was acting on his own."

"But we'd just be throwing Naruto under the bus..." Sakura muttered with a frown.

"It isn't our decision to make, Sakura." Kakashi reminded with a sigh, understanding the politics with ease. "There are always scapegoats in place for situations like this. There is always a bigger picture to be seen. If the Shinto Pantheon directly supports Naruto's actions, then it just shows the other Pantheons that we are capable and willing to invade their land."

"Do I not get a say in this?!" Naruto asked in a frustrated manner.

"The fact you were even allowed to enter Takahamagara actually says a lot." Satoru responded. "When I was exiled Izanagi himself banished me. Bit of a prick move by not letting me say goodbye to anyone but he's got a stick so far shoved up his ass you can see it whenever he talks... It just sits there in the back of his mouth, like a uvula." He mumbled with a grin, ignoring the horrified and insulted faces of the other Kami.

"Disrespect aside..." Amaterasu pointedly ignored Gojo's crass insults about her father. "Satoru speaks the truth. Perhaps Mother and Father are being lenient. In the meantime however, I request that you remove yourself from this meeting, Naruto-kun."

"You can't just request that I not be here, Amaterasu! I can help! I caused this! The least I can do is try to fix things...!" The blond God insisted.

"You've done enough." The beautiful Goddess replied softly. "I bear you no ill will, Naruto-kun. It is merely the principle of the matter. Until a decision is made by Mother and Father, you cannot be here."

Naruto made to speak once again but was cut off by Matatabi, who spoke softly.

"Don't waste your time trying to convince them otherwise, Naruto-kun. Do as you're told and accept what cannot be changed, you're only going to cause a bigger scene."

With a heart full of frustration, shame and guilt, Naruto stormed out of the room.

"Is it wise to allow him to be on his lonesome, sister?" Tsukuyomi asked quietly, watching Naruto fade away into the fog of Takahamagara.

Amaterasu sighed to herself, motioning for the Kami to be seated. "Having someone shadow him will only make matters worse. No, I will allow Naruto-kun to vent as he so chooses... He deserves that atleast."

Satoru chuckled quietly, refusing to be seated at the destroyed remains of the table. "You're soft on him."

Amaterasu's gaze swiveled to Yasaka, noting the woman's frown. "He is a kind man with a gentle heart but he is also a young man with the weight of the world atop his shoulders. He was not born as you were, Satoru."

"Give him some time... He'll turn out ok." The white haired God replied flippantly.

"I desire to share your willful ignorance." The Goddess responded flatly, ignoring Sasuke's piercing gaze. "Now, shall we continue where we left off?"

Naruto wandered aimlessly through the land of Takahamagara, heart heavy with feelings of guilt and frustration.

'Follow your heart' they say. What a load of shite. All it did was get you into trouble and cause unnecessary stress and pain.

Perhaps Sasuke had been right all along. His friend wasn't necessarily wrong about his accusation either.

He had been running. From what? Who was to say?

When losing your sense of your self, logic and reasoning didn't mean much. So many things had happened in such a short amount of time that he'd been incapable of actually properly dealing with those emotions.

He'd always been one to just shove them away, hoping they went away over time.

Of course, they never did but it hadn't stopped him yet.

"To make so much progress only to then lose it once conflict was had..." Kurama rumbled quietly. "How much longer will you wallow?" To Kurama's surprise, Naruto remained silent, continuing to aimlessly wander the realm.

That silence would continue for nearly an hour before Naruto suddenly stopped his journey, standing on the edge of a great mountain top overlooking miles upon miles of endless rice paddies and plains.

Naruto squatted a moment later, dangling his feet over the edge of the mountain, content in listening to the sounds of nature.

"There was a time where I hated you, Kurama." Naruto spoke aloud suddenly. A gentle breeze swept through the area, jostling Naruto's blond locks of hair. "You were the worst thing to ever happen to me. The Village despised me, loathed me... Just because you existed." He paused for a moment, placing his hands atop his knees while releasing a quiet exhale of breath. "Because of you, I never got to know my parents. I didn't get to know what a home-cooked meal tasted like. I didn't learn how to properly conduct myself and struggled forming any meaningful bonds."

"Because of you, I was demeaned and treated as lesser. Because of you, I hated the world. I hated my circumstances. I hated people. But, most of all... I hated myself." Naruto paused for a moment, allowing the silence to fester before speaking softly.

"I truly thought that life held no meaning. I mean, did it really matter what I did or say? At the end of the day, I was treated like an animal. What kind of life is that? There were days that I prayed for death... Looking back now, my life was filled with nothing but sadness." He paused, staring down at his knees before continuing. "It's funny, isn't it? How the world can keep spinning despite it all..."

"Do you wish for an apology?" Kurama asked in a genuine tone.

Naruto was silent for a moment, considering Kurama's question. "Nah... We've moved beyond that, Kurama. We bonded in the war. I saw your past and you saw mine. There's nothing we can say to each other that hasn't already been said in one way or another..."

"What exactly are you trying to say to me, Naruto?" Kurama asked calmly.

"I want you to understand the difference between us and accept that there are things we will never agree on." Naruto said quietly. "For my entire life, all you've ever been, was an obstacle. Even now, when I'm struggling to make sense of everything, you continue to stand in my way..."

"Do you believe I chose this fate?" Kurama questioned rhetorically. "Do you believe I wished to be forever incarcerated and subjugated against my will? Of all the Bijuu created by Hagoromo, I was chosen to be the most human. For years, I was forced to sit and watch you humans abuse the power given to you. Wars, plagues, and useless deaths... Of course we'll never see eye to eye, Naruto. I was given life to protect those that wished for death."

The other Bijuu remained silent, allowing their psuedo-elder brother to vent its frustration.

"Do you understand what it is like to be given one purpose in life and then have the subjects of that very same purpose, spit on everything you were created for?" Kurama questioned harshly, tone growing more acidic with each word spoken. "A thousand years! Twelve thousand months! Fifty-two thousand one hundred and forty-two weeks! Three hundred and sixty-five thousand days!" Kurama spat venomously. "And nothing changed! You humans were and always will be... monsters...!"

Naruto closed his eyes, remaining silent for what felt like minutes before speaking softly.

"I'm sorry you still feel that way, Kurama."

"While appreciated, your apology ultimately means nothing..." The Kyuubi responded honestly, yet not harshly. "It will never mend the hate in my heart."

"Yeah... I know." The blond teen said simply.

"Then why do so?"

"To let you know that I care and I always will."

Kurama paused for a moment, contemplating the boy's melancholic tone. "What are you planning?"

The young God said nothing, clasping his hands together while channeling Chakra. Golden ebbs of Chakra filtered from between his palms as he closed his eyes in concentration.

"It's funny, Kurama..." Naruto began quietly, molding his Chakra with such ease that Kurama could have been convinced he was sitting before Hagoromo. "All my life... I felt like I had been running away from something. Whether it be from my loneliness and pain or even my responsibilities..."

A complex, spiraling sealing matrix began to flow out from Naruto's palms, seemingly floating in the very air. Complex formulas that had Kurama and by proxy, the rest of the Bijuu, stunned and awed.

"I never thought myself a coward... I mean, I was always willing to run towards the danger regardless of the outcome." The boy shook his head with a carefree laugh, finally unclasping his hands to gaze upon his creation. "Maybe it was stupidity or maybe I was just that confident in myself and my ideals..."

Naruto flicked his wrist, a scroll teleporting to his hand in a flash of golden light. "No matter the case, there was always something I was lacking and I never could figure it out. Hell, I'm still struggling now."

He flicked the sealing scroll open, unraveling the parchment before unsealing the item held within. A tan, severed arm popped into existence, leaking golden ichor. Naruto calmly grabbed the bleeding arm, wiped the golden ichor from the appendage before running his fingers down the complex sealing matrix he created. He placed the severed arm of Apollo back into the scroll, sealing it once more before teleporting it away.

"I hate admitting that I was wrong... I hate it even more that you were right, Kurama." Naruto spoke once more. He placed one of his hands into a half-ram seal, activating the jutsu before him. "It's about time I take responsibility for my actions."

It took a moment for Kurama to truly decipher Naruto's actions and even it could not have been prepared for the boy's sudden actions.

"You will be exiled for good if you do this, Naruto." Kurama growled softly, staring at the modified and advanced reverse-summoning array that Naruto had created.

The young God merely smiled as he shrugged his shoulders. He pointed his right index finger to the sky, creating a tiny Bijuudama that hovered an inch above his finger.

"Then that is my sin to bear." He replied simply.

A monumental amount of Chakra surged to life around Naruto as he called upon the entirety of the Elements he possessed. An amalgamation of Chakra freely flowed around his body, warbling chaotically as he forcibly funneled the sinister feeling Chakra into his condensed Bijuudama.

The Bijuudama itself seemed to almost protest the decision, warbling and distorting like the abomination it was. Grotesque, rotating blades jutted out of the condensed sphere at random intervals, causing the Jutsu to look more alien in nature.

"This is genocide, Naruto!" The Kyuubi growled fiercely. "Surely you see that?!"

Naruto paused for a moment, closing his eyes while relinquishing the flow of Chakra he had been funneling into the Jutsu.

"I will protect my home..." He slowly opened his eyes, channeling upon his Divine Essence. "...no matter the cost."

Pointing his index finger at the sealing array, Naruto placed his free hand on the seal, feeding it Chakra while simultaneously activating it.

A golden portal suddenly sprang to life in front of Naruto, revealing a once beautiful realm, ravaged by what looked to have been a war. Crushed remnants of what was once beautiful, Greek Architecture greeted Naruto.

He could sense the remaining lives of the deities, Olympians or other, that called Mt. Olympus home. It would end in an instant. All he had to do was simply...

Let go.

"No one will have to suffer because of my actions."

"There is no need for this! You will be no better than the men who came before you!" Kurama raged, slamming its human-like hands upon Naruto's mindscape. "Do not do this!"

Naruto was moments away from releasing his Jutsu before feeling something... ominous. A shiver of dread and death hung from the back of his shoulders, coiling around him like a snake. Ice doused his veins, spreading throughout every inch of his body, freezing him in place.

The feeling of death only seemed to grow stronger the more he tried to resist and with its pull, Naruto unwillingly succumbed to it.

A black substance seemed to manifest around his body, bubbling and churning like tar. It moved with a mind of its own, encapsulating his body and clinging to his skin.

It was a sensation that Naruto had felt plenty of times when on the brink of death.

Exhaustion and fatigue yet a gentle calmness that could soothe one's soul.

"That is quite enough, Uzumaki-kun." A regal, female voice whispered. "Honor and Death go hand in hand but I shall not tolerate Genocide from you." The woman's voice had a rough rasp to it and it almost seemed to reverberate through his mind.

Naruto tried to move, really he did, but the feeling of death kept him still. And due to this, he could only watch in muted horror as that black, tar-like substance swallowed him.

He experienced vertigo, almost as if he was being dropped from the sky. What followed was a sensation that Naruto had only experienced in dreams and never was it pleasant.

Ya know, the one where you're falling to your death and right when you hit the ground, you wake up.

Naruto's eyes snapped open, chest heaving heavily as he struggled to breathe. He floundered for a moment, desperately trying to swallow oxygen before the feeling of death washed over his body once more.

Though this time, it did not cause him to freeze up. It was... oddly soothing. Like a warm shower after an incredibly cold night.

The young God blinked, confused as to why he couldn't see. Or perhaps...

Ahh... There was nothing to see.

Shapes and objects appeared in his mind's eye but they were... warped. Almost as if being covered by a veil of darkness, like shadows hiding in plain sight.

The land was not unlike Takahamagara, or atleast Naruto assumed so. The realm seemed the same, but not. Like it was inverted. There was light, if one could call a lighter shade of gray-ish black, light.

Was this... Yomi?

That icy feeling of death suddenly crept upon Naruto, causing his spine to tingle. He felt a presence mould itself against his back, feeling a pair of arms encircle him from behind. He made to turn his head but was prevented from doing so by some unknown force.

"Do not be so hasty to gaze upon what you don't understand, Uzumaki-kun." The woman whispered directly into his ear. "Not many have survived the trek to my domain and even less so have managed to escape. But none have gazed upon my flesh and lived to tell the tale."

Yomi, shadows, the feelings of death...

Well, this could only be one individual and Naruto wasn't entirely sure this meeting would pan out well.

Calming his rapidly beating heart, Naruto spoke quietly. "Izanami, I take it?"

Naruto felt the woman's fingers danced upon his chest, blackened and mangled flesh dirtying his white kimono with that tar-like substance that had dragged him here.

"The one and only." The Primordial Deity whispered raspily. "My dear husband pleaded for my intervention. What say you, Uzumaki-kun? Why am I here? Why have you called upon me?"

Naruto furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. What was she talking about? He hadn't summoned her.

"What are you talkin-" He was cut off by the woman a moment later.

"Do not be coy with me, child." Izanami tutted quietly, shifting her mangled body on Naruto's back. "Were you not just ready commit an atrocity?"

A frown marred the teen's face. She wasn't necessarily wrong... But that didn't mean he had summoned her.

"It's my responsibility to bear." Naruto answered simply.

There was an odd sound that emanated from behind him, like the noise of something 'clicking' and 'popping'. Naruto nearly gave in to curiosity but refrained upon remembering the woman's warning.

"Such a noble mindset..." The woman whispered condescendingly, mangled hands drifting upwards towards Naruto's throat. "And yet... Completely foolish, naive and selfish." Rotten fingers danced upon Naruto's skin, nearly causing him to shiver in disgust. "If you wish to commit heinous actions then do so whilst in my domain... Atleast then, those thousands of deaths will mean something."

Naruto balled his fists at the woman's words, growing annoyed at her condescending attitude. "Is there a point to this? Or are you going to waste my time?"

Rotten fingers clamped down upon Naruto's neck, nearly tight enough to strangle him and deprive him of oxygen.

"You are a bold one, Uzumaki-kun." Izanami chuckled quietly, the sound of it reminiscent to nails on a chalkboard. "You remind me of my loving husband. So defiant and fierce... Powerful and strong... And yet, so fragile and pig-headed..." Her hands began to squeeze tighter upon Naruto's throat. "If you cannot see it now then you never shall... Should I just take your soul as penance for this transgression?"

Naruto grit his teeth as the woman's presence washed over him. With a surprising amount of difficulty, he managed to raise his hands, desperately trying to pry the woman's mangled and rotten hands away from his throat to no avail.

"Even now..." She whispered raspily. "So defiant of your true nature. You are no destroyer yet you try to lay claim to those who came before you. A monument to your sins, Uzumaki-kun, I shall become."

Despite Naruto's incredible strength and power, he continued to struggle against the woman who was, by all intents and purposes, weaker than he was.

"Look at you..." The Primordial mocks with a cackle. "Struggling and fighting for life. Do you fear death, Uzumaki-kun?" The woman's vice-like grip clamped down ferociously, interlocking her broken and rotten fingers and all but securing the boy's strangulation. "Fight, if you must. All eventually wither away and die."

Naruto's vision began to slowly blacken, adrenaline and fear coursing through his veins at the prospect of actually dying in Yomi. He struggled and bucked, trying to draw upon his Chakra to no avail. He screamed and yet no words left his lips.

Only the cold feeling of death welcomed him. It's lonely embrace wrapping around him like a blanket.

Was this how he died? At the hands of a Primordial in her own domain? Confused and lost?

How was one to fight against death itself?

"You still don't understand." Izanami whispered soothingly, continuing to strangle the young teen, intent on snuffing the boy's life from him. "You, blessed with the gift of life, choose to be something you are not." She clicked her teeth, tone sounding oddly disappointed. "You, who were to breathe new life into my home, instead choose to take it. You disappoint me, Uzumaki-kun."

The woman's tone shifted, becoming somber. "I will reborn you anew until you understand. Your soul will experience true hell... It pains me to inflict these horrors unto you."

As Naruto's heart began to stop with his vision going black, he heard one last parting statement from the Primordial Goddess of the Shinto Pantheon.

"The God of Balance and Life has a nice ring to it, no? Allow me to destroy what once was... and welcome what now is."

AN : There was more I wanted to write but this chappy was already so dialogue heavy that my brain began to turn to mush. I'll save it for the next chappy.

See ya in the next uglies!