So much had changed since I had ended up here in the past that it still took me by surprise that this was in fact the past. It also didn't help that some things weren't the same as they should have been causing me to worry about what was to come in the future.

But for now my main focus was making sure that Minato and Kushina didn't die, even if Naruto wouldn't have the exact same parents, and the Uchiha Clan deserved a chance.

There was a lot to do in the next couple years which didn't even take into account the upcoming Third War that would see Minato gaining the title of the Yellow Flash on top of a Flee on Sight order in the Bingo Book.

This would be the biggest moment that would define why Minato would become the Fourth Hokage. For that to happen he would have to be sent out during the war to keep Iwa in check when they moved to attack.

Though a part of me wished it didn't have to happen.

"Do we have to do this?" asked Kakashi as we settled into the clearing of Training Ground Seven to await the rest of our friends.

"It's good to make friends Kashi," answered Shisui while easily dodging Kakashi's smack for the nickname as he set down the large blanket and picnic basket. "That's what Konoha is all about after all. If you continue to be such a hermit you'll only ruin your chances of becoming an elite Jonin in the future."

Which wasn't exactly wrong considering the qualifications one had to have to gain that title.

"Comrades can be the difference between life and death," I offered in agreement as their eyes glanced to where I had settled down onto the blanket. "It's why we have Genin squads of three and a Jōnin instructor of course, but it is our first taste of comradely and learning to be more of a team player."

"Always so serious," teased Shisui as he set down on my left with a grin as Kakashi took a spot on my right with a huff. "Considering how hard Minato-sensei has been training us these last few months on top of the few C-ranks we've taken, we deserve this break."

Our first C-rank had ended up with us having our first kills, and it had been more horrible then I had expected as loathing toward myself had filled me even as I threw up my lunch.

It had helped when Minato-sensei had spoken to each of us alone and together to help us through it along with making us realize we weren't evil just because we had taken a life.

Sakumo had also taken time to speak with each of us as well when he had been informed of what had happened. Though for a few weeks after we had all camped out in my bedroom sharing the large bed while seeking comfort.

It was also the only time that Kakashi and Shisui hadn't bickered at one another.

"There you three are," called out Inoichi with glee as the rest of our friends arrived while Rin skipped forward to throw her arms around my neck as she hugged me tightly, which I easily returned. "When you had said the training grounds it would have helped if you mentioned which ones."

"I thought you did?" I asked looking toward Shisui who only shook his head with a droll look shot toward Kakashi who sent a deadpanned one back. "Never mind."

I wasn't even surprised that he hadn't mentioned which training grounds considering his loathing of spending time with our group of friends. I swear it sometimes felt like Kakashi would rather be a hermit then make friends.

It also made me excited to see how he would react toward Might Guy who had focused more onto his training lately to work toward becoming a Genin.

"Troublesome," sighed Shikaku as he pulled Inoichi down to sit onto the blanket in front of me while Obito took a seat beside Shisui and Rin ended up beside Kakashi leaving the Ino-Shika-Cho directly across from me. "We should focus on the food."

"I can get behind that," joked Choza even as he snagged the large basket to begin passing out the plastic plates and utensils. "You packed some sandwiches and BBQ along with a few side options, not bad."

"I took into account just how much everyone would likely eat," I offered smile warm even as I smoothed my hands through Ōkami and Tenshi's fur where they had both settled into my lap watching the others.

Rin had also gained her own canine partner who was laying between Kakashi and her. Her canine partner really did remind me of Akamaru, causing that pain that would never fade to spike. Though thankfully she hadn't named her canine partner Akamaru, because that would have been a bit too much.

"I brought the drinks," added Shisui with a proud grin before moving to pass them all out to the group. "Anyway, how has the Academy been?"

"Busy," answered Choza with a shake of his head while the rest finished making themselves a plate before allowing the next person to grab what they wanted. "Things had really become tense now that the threat of another Shinobi War has been announced."

"It won't get better from here on out," warned Kakashi simply as he looked up toward Choza who nodded in understanding. "Here soon Minato-sensei plans to push for us to go through the Chūnin Exams held in Suna since they're our allies."

"Which means we'll likely be fighting in the war," mused Shisui smile leaving his face as Rin paled and looked toward me in fear. "Though something tells me we got a couple more years before the cold war currently happening through politics blows into full blown war."

"We should up our training then," stated Obito face gaining a pink tint when I turned to look toward him in question. "Holding back or not pushing past our limits with our training would mean a larger chance of dying in the war."

"Genin and Academy students likely won't be called on to the front lines," stated Shikaku before giving a weary sigh. "Though it could also be that all Genin would be called to help deal with the wounded and pick up on the normal C-rank missions that most Chūnin would take."

Everything would be effected when war broke out. Not even the civilians would be left untouched considering money would become tight as would produce and meat causing us to have lean winters if it goes that far.

It wouldn't be pretty and that was what worried me even as a part of me was willing to do whatever was needed to make sure those I cared for and that of Konoha made it through what was coming.