[intro] open // fate loves the fearless

[fervidity]

Out of one hell and into another. At least this one was a bit more reminiscent of something she was accustomed to. That wasn't always a good thing, she thinks, as she roams the streets and does some reconnaissance. Looks can be deceiving though and that was a lesson Kushina all but embodied. There were plenty of boys -beaten half to death- that could attest to that certain saying.

The woman with bright, long red hair doesn't look in the least bit frightened as she studies everything around her. Confused, sure, but who wouldn't be? She's been thrown one world to another more than she'd like. Hell, she thought one world was enough! How was it that so many existed? That confused her more than this new place, village, she was in.

She was used to being in unfamiliar places. After moving to Konoha, she had a feeling it was probably something of the norm for her. After finally settling into the Leaf Village, she had been taken from it just as quickly. Then finally meeting her son and being swept away; Exsilium to be with her son and even spend a bit more time getting to know Kakashi before she was gone again.

Now this place.

So lost in thought is she, drawing in her surroundings and thinking (not to mention she's clumsy to begin with) it's no surprise that's she's headed straight for a body and running into their back. Kushina stumbles back, blinking in surprise and finally rubbing the back of her head, embarrassed blush in place.

"Excuse me, sorry about that. I didn't see you there."

((AS A NOTE: I'm going to be giving Kushina some past game canon but I didn't know what to list the tag with so skjgs but she's mostly canon! Feel free to be the person she runs into or just a spectator wanting to interrupt! Sky's the limit. :>}}

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[obstinates]

It's not a rough collision, but it is enough to make Naruto grunt and whip around to shake his fist at whoever isn't watching where they're going. He stops as soon as he sees his target and slowly relaxes his fist and his scowl. "M-Muhhh..."

Mom?

Was he dead? Did something happen in that fight? Bullshit. There was no way he was dead. He'd had too much left to do. If he was dead, he'd fight his way back to being alive. Still, he couldn't help but admit everything over the past few minutes seemed really fuzzy and he couldn't even remember arriving in the village before being bumped into.

And now he was staring at his mother.

"M-Muuuuhhhh..." Nope. It still won't come out.

[fervidity]

Kushina isn't in much better shape. After her apology she finally took a good look at who she bumped into. It's not like she was complaining but it was strange no matter where she went now, Naruto was there to meet her. Shouldn't it be the other way around? The mother should be there for the child, not the child for the mother.

The initial shock wears off and Kushina lunges forward to wrap her arms around her son. "Naruto!" No stuttering or blubbering on her part, it's loud and rings in her ears and she can't believe her luck. Three times now she's been given the chance to talk to her grown up son.

This wasn't Minato's doing, was it? Actually she should probably be wondering if this is an illusion because she wasn't lucky enough to be with her son this much, right? Kushina's enthusiasm precedes her rational thought and she's too happy at seeing a face that is hers and Minato's.

[obstinates]

She gets another grunt out of him just as he's about to finally sputter out something that sounds more like what he's trying to say. Then she's hugging him, and all he can do is hug tightly back and slowly grin over her shoulder.

"Mom."

Success! And he snickers a little because what the hell else can he do? He's happy, so he snickers. It's as simple as that.

[fervidity]

She'll never get tired of hearing him say that.

Thing is they're hugging in the middle of the street and, remembering her manners, she finally steps back with a small blush; however, she's still brimming with excitement just under the surface. For now, it's time to be the responsible adult she had grown into and figure out what's going on this time.

How many happy reunions was she going to get, anyway?

"It looks like we're both stuck in another unfamiliar place. I just hope we don't have to fight for survival this time."

[obstinates]

Kushina can be the responsible adult. Naruto will continue to be Naruto, especially since he's standing in awe of one of the two people he loves most. She's talking about something, but all he's doing is smiling like an idiot, head tilted at an angle to make him look like an inquisitive puppy.

He also notices how he can feel her chakra, how warm and alive it feels. That makes him pause and reach over to poke her cheek while she's looking around.

"Ah, hey! You're alive, y'know!"

[fervidity]

Was he listening? It's just like when she had met him before! If he called her beautiful again it really would be just like deja vu. She notices him not really paying attention and her brow furrows. Just as she's about to ask him if he's even listening, he pokes her cheek.

She blinks.

It's relative, really. Last she remembered she had definitely died to be sealed into her sun but some strange circumstances her allowed her to walk and talk among those living. She's very sure Naruto has not died but then again, how could she know for sure?

"Y-Yeah, of course I am, Naruto. As much as I can be and here to protect you." There wasn't anything that was going to hurt Naruto with her around. It didn't in Exsilium and it sure as hell wouldn't here either. Wherever here is...

"More importantly..." she looks around again, concerned. "Where are we? This isn't the place we were before. It's not as gloomy and I don't sense Kakashi yet."

[obstinates]

Naruto doesn't have much recollection of any 'place we were before,' more like dreamlike images and such. Much more real are the memories of the fight he was just in -- the one against Madara and Obito and the Ten-Tails. Kakashi, Gai, and Bee were all there too.

"Ehh, I don't sense Kakashi-sensei, y'know. Bushybrows-sensei and Octodude aren't here either." Though there are a lot of other familiar chakra signatures around. It's all weird though, especially since Naruto didn't exactly know where 'here' was no matter how familiar it looked.

"And don't worry! I'll keep us safe too."

[namikamikaze]

Or, while she's walking along later and minding her own business, she might be getting tapped gently on the shoulder by someone who has already done as much reconnaissance as can possibly be done. When you're a legendary shinobi, you tend to do shit like that.

And when you're in love with a fiery redhead, you tend to look for her no matter where you are. In this case, it's even easier considering he can practically feel the pull of her chakra as soon as she's arrived.

"Miss? I'm wondering if you could help me -- I think I've lost my wife, ahah..."

[fervidity]

Well, she's trying. Kushina isn't exactly Hokage level like Minato at gathering information but she's done what she can with her abilities.

For the most part the civilians seem to keep to themselves, going about their daily lives even if there is a woman with bright red hair poking her nose into their business or trying to get some intel out of them. She's had a hard time of it too and is a bit annoyed when someone taps on her shoulder.

She blinks, turning around to see who's talking to her (and feeling a pang of something when she hears such a voice) and stops cold.

Minato wasn't with her in Exsilium and she had silently missed his presence every day. She wasn't used to being without him after being pregnant but now--

Tears gather in her eyes and she chokes on her voice. It feels like forever. "Minato...?" What was he saying? Help him? What could he want her help with? He was the Yellow Flash and The Fourth Hokage! Did it matter? She would do anything for him at all.

"Minato!" And then a solid tackle that practically takes them to the ground. Finally his words sink in and she shouts into his chest. "What the hell! I'm your wife, ya know!"

[namikamikaze]

Well, he was expecting something like that. He knew her well. She takes them both to the ground, and he doesn't bother fighting against the fall. One hand whips behind to break their fall, and then he slides it back around to return her hug.

He laughs quietly at her proclamation. "I know." She's more recognizable from behind than from the front with that hair after all. "There's no fooling you, is there?"

[fervidity]

People are probably staring and she should probably care but she's gone a long time without Minato and she's finally getting a chance to reunite. Something she had been waiting for just as much as she had been to meet Naruto.

Against his chest, she shakes her head as if looking at him will make his disappear. He's warm and just as solid as her launch had been and she breathes him in. "You can't. I'm the one that does the pranking, not you."

[namikamikaze]

Indeed. Kushina did all the pranking, part of the reason why Minato couldn't help himself when she hadn't spotted him. A tap on the shoulder and a few words is pretty much the best prank he can come up with. He just doesn't have the same gift that Kushina and Naruto have.

"I think you've... pranked me without even knowing it, now that you mention it," he continues, wiggling a little under her when he feels something wet underneath them. Yep, she'd managed to knock him into a mud puddle.

Oh well. He doesn't seem too concerned since he's not moving and only hugging her a little tighter.

[fervidity]

"I could prank you in my sleep," finally she turns her head, showing the tears running down her flushed cheeks but the smile on her face regardless. With her arms around Minato, he's not the only one that notices that they've managed to land in a decently sized mud puddle.

Just her luck.

She sits up, risking looking at him and letting out a sigh of relief when he's still there fluffy blond hair and all, and helps him to his feet with a sheepish smile. "Sorry, I promise I didn't mean to push you in a mud puddle."

The whole tomboy, tough girl act that picked on the flaky girlyboys was mostly behind her. Mostly.

need another girl in here~

[bunsofsteel]

Thanks to both Itachi and Sasuke's seemingly insatiable need to cover her neck with marks at every opportunity, Tenten had taken to wearing higher-collared shirts, similar to what she used to wear as a Genin. Those two... She couldn't help but roll her eyes and smile a little to herself at the thought, pulling out her change purse to check and see how much she had. Let's see, something sweet for Itachi, something with tomatoes for Sasuke...

Her attention focused on her change purse, it's actually Tenten who walks smack into the other woman's back, leaving her letting out a small squeak of surprise and immediately stepping back, change purse falling to the ground. "I'm sorry! Are you okay?" She drops into a crouch to start picking up the fallen ryo before blinking up at her. "You're a kunoichi...?"

those boys give her too many feels!

[fervidity]

The force is enough to put Kushina off-balance and she cries out, trying to stay upright. Some ninja, her balance is horrible when it comes to everyday stuff but she was pretty formidable on the battlefield.

Red hair whips around as she turns to face the assaulter, hearing all the change scatter with pings. "Just a little off-balance, no harm done!" There's the usual Uzumaki grin on her face and she crouches to help Tenten collect her change. "Here, I'll help."

Pausing mid-pickup, Kushina glances at the brunette in surprise and notices the forehead protector on the girl. Her own was lost in another world and she rubs between her eyes. "Yup!" Another grin as she hands the change over.

"Looks like you're one too," a finger gestures to her forehead.

[bunsofsteel]

"Thought so..." If nothing else, the other woman's Chakra was a dead giveaway. Flushing at her own clumsiness, Tenten scrabbles to pick up as much as she can to stop getting in the other's way, though she glances up with a nod and a smile when the other gestures to her forehead protector. "Yeah, from Konoha. Obviously."

Accepting the change, she just piles it haphazardly back in the little purse, snapping it closed to make sure that wasn't going to happen again. "What about you?"

[fervidity]

It's unlike any other chakra if Tenten really focuses on it. It's lively, potent, and powerful. After all, it's the special chakra that made her so compatible with being a jinchuuriki and made the Cloud Village try and kidnap her.

Right, no forehead protector to show what village she's from.

"I'm from Konoha too even if I don't have mine," she replies, smiling again and thumbing at her own forehead. "I haven't been on active duty for a while." Going out on missions wasn't exactly healthy for a pregnant woman.

Though Kushina knows this is a opportune moment to gather some intel from a fellow Leaf ninja, she can't help be curious about the little coin purse. "Are you out shopping for something?"

[bunsofsteel]

Too flustered and distracted, Tenten hasn't given it a closer 'look' just yet, though she intends to do so later. For now, she gives the other woman a firm nod and a smile, taking her at her word that she's a Konoha kunoichi. "That would explain why I've never seen you before," she remarks, slipping the purse back into her pocket. "I'm Tenten."

A pause as her hand lingers over the pocket she'd slipped the purse into, a slight flush coloring her cheeks. "Yeah. For the two guys I live with." Best not to say their names, lest this woman have an idea of just who they both were. "I don't suppose you know any good snacks with tomatoes in them?"

[fervidity]

Right, names. Tenten isn't the only one getting flustered, especially when Kushina forgets to introduce herself before asking a question. "Nice to meet you, I'm Kushina." Her hand rubs the back of her head a bit.

Why were Konoha ninja coming here?

If Tenten is looking for recipes then she's come to the right person. Kushina grins proudly (distacted once again), nods, and then place a finger to her chin as she thinks. "Yeah, I do. Hm, let's see... you could always just fry some green tomatoes. I think that's a pretty good snack food but if you want to get something really easy then just put some cherry tomatoes in some rice balls."

Being a decent cook herself, Kushina always had some food in mind. After all, Minato's favorite food was her cooking. Back on Exsilium, Naruto seemed to like it a lot too. When it wasn't veggies. "For two guys it's probably better to go with something simple, huh? Guys can be picky."

Naruto, especially.

"How long have you been living here?"

The day I pick to try to watch the Rock Lee show too...

[stillpure]

He blinked up at the woman for a moment before recognition lit his features. "Kushina-nee!"

i hope you still got to watch it!! late tag xD

[fervidity]

When she looks down, Kushina thinks it's no wonder she ran into someone. How could she see someone so small?

And then the recognition that lit young Itachi's face is reflected in her own features.

"Itachi?" Quickly she bends down to his level, hands on his shoulders. What was he doing here? Damn it! She really hopes this isn't another one of those places where everyone has to fight. He was way too young even if she had heard he's the best in his class from Minato. War should never be inflicted on children.

Her eyes scan him, making sure he wasn't beat up or anything. He looks just as she remembered. But how?

"Release!" No, still not an illusion.

Nope Nope I did :D

[stillpure]

He looked amused at her efforts, and he gave her a little smile. "I'm eight Kushina-nee."

Reaching up, he patted her hands, the smile growing. "Mom will be happy to see you though!"

oh good! it's worth a watch lol

[fervidity]

Those Uchiha eyes didn't disappoint even if Itachi has yet to activate his Sharingan. It seems like they can read her thoughts too. There's a return smile and being a mother herself, she feels a bit protective of the young boy that's out here on his own.

Was Itachi eight when she was alive? She can't remember.

"Mom? Mikoto?" Mikoto was here too? Slowly the smile grows. Someone else who's familiar. What was this place? Before she had met people she had never seen before in her life and now there's quite a few familiar faces!

"Hey, could you take me to see her?"

[stillpure]

He huffed a breath. "I could but Neji-san is probably hunting for me again." He shook his head. "They all fuss too much, I'm not a baby, I'm a -genin-."

He held out a hand to her. "But maybe we can catch her without everyone else?"

[fervidity]

Neji-san? Hunting? Kushina blinks in confusion but takes his hand. All of this was a lot to take in and she's having a bit of trouble. It's so different from before and not only the village and the people but the way it makes her feel too. Sure, she was confused but it was a frustrated sort of lost feeling. Now she's just downright flabbergasted.

Genin, huh? She remembers when she thought she was invincible once getting her forehead protector. Well, she still felt that way but at least she had grown up a little. If Naruto was out on his own, eight years old, she would fuss too.

""They just love you so much and they always want to be with you." She didn't mind looking with Itachi and she could keep an eye on him until they actually found Mikoto. "But who's Neji?"