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Chapter 23 - Chapter 21: Our Little Universe: Home Sweet Home…

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Year Three: 2003

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Sterling proceeded with Communications with the Americans, And although he was an American in his past life. He now stood as a resolute Minuteman, Embodying the spirit of freedom and bravery. Fueled by a profound sense of pride, He prepared to carry this identity into the future

Sterling continued to train them with the help of Kurena, Diana, Alicia, And Ahsoka a bit. Sterling calmed Sasuke's anger toward his brother but still wanted answers, Now Sasuke has become more friendly towards Naruto, Neruko, And Sakura.

Sterling took it upon himself to guide both Naruto and Neruko, Ensuring that they were wiser and more aware of their surroundings, steering them away from dangerous situations that could threaten their lives.

With a gentle but firm touch, He also worked on Sakura and Ino, helping them temper their fangirl enthusiasm for Sasuke. Sterling was encouraging a more grounded perspective on their admiration & allowing their personalities to shine without being overshadowed by their crush.

———

Terrios; Time: May 1st, 2003, 10:03 A.M. Location: UMF - Main Military Base | Southeast of Solar City.

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Relationships with Tailed Beasts:

Sterling Schnee & Yukiukon = Perfect 98%

Naruto Uzumaki & Kurama = Neutral 51%

Neruko Uzumaki & Kurama = Perfect 91%

Narutta Uzumaki Hyuga & Kurama = Good 72%

Kushina Uzumaki & Kurama = Bad 49%

Fū & Chōmei = Great 83%

Sterling was having a meeting with the Other Jinchūrikis… In a private meeting room.

Sterling took a deep breath, prepared to address the group. "Ladies & Gentleman." He began, His voice steady & commanding, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. "First things first… Great job getting along with your Tailed Beast friends. I know that hasn't always been easy." His gaze swept across the faces of Naruto, Neruko, and the others, each of them nodding in acknowledgment of their journey.

With a serious tone, He continued, "Now, Onto the reason for this meeting…" He paused to let the weight of his words sink in. "There are 28 Days Left, Until May 29th you guys go home," Sterling says with a smile. "Now… Naruto Uzumaki you'll have to go back home to your world, But!" He hands Naruto a Remnant Scroll (A Scroll from Remnant), Then to the rest of the girls too.

"You can come back if & when you want to Or just visit your Sensei me. But I'll be sure to visit you too, Of course." The girls giggle, But Sterling continues. "When you go back, I'll be going back to my world too so we'll all start aging too." Sterling chuckles.

"Before we finish this meeting… Kushina Uzumaki, Narutta Uzumaki Hyuga, And Fū would you like to stay here or return home?" Sterling asked them, He posed the question with care, knowing that their decisions would affect not only their lives.

Kushina, Narutta, and Fū stood together, their expressions filled with determination and eagerness, but beneath their brave facades lay the subtle tremors of something deeper—an admiration for their mentor, Sterling Schnee, that sparked a flutter of emotions within them.

Kushina's crimson hair glinted in the light as she turned to her companions, Her emerald-violet eyes shining with fierce resolve. "I want to stay," She said firmly, Her voice carrying the strength characteristic of her personality.

"There's so much I still want to learn, And I feel like I can truly make a difference here." The warmth in her voice was not just about ambition; It reflected the admiration she held for Sterling, The way he believed in them, and inspired them to reach for their dreams.

Narutta, Standing close, bit her lip in contemplation, her chill white eyes flickering toward Sterling. She could feel her heart race as she glanced back at him, The way he engaged with each of them, his encouragement lighting a fire within her.

"I think… I want to stay too," She admitted, Her voice steadying as she gained confidence. "I've learned so much already, And I want to help protect this place, just like you all do." The thought of being close to Sterling—of learning from him—sent a rush of warmth through her, And she couldn't help but smile shyly at him, hoping he noticed her eagerness.

Fū, Always the cheerful spirit with her mint green hair flowing slightly with an unknown breeze, nodded enthusiastically. "I want to stay too! I've made so many friends here, and I love the adventures we have together. Plus, I want to get stronger!" Her voice bubbled with excitement, And as she spoke.

Her thoughts drifted to Sterling's unwavering support & encouragement. There was something about the way he guided them that made her heart flutter—A gentle confidence that made her want to impress him even more.

Sterling observed the trio, His heart swelling with pride. It was clear to him that their bonds had deepened, Both among themselves and with him. "I'm thrilled to have you three continue with us," He said, A genuine smile breaking across his face. "There's so much more we can accomplish together, And I can't wait to see the impact you'll have on the UMF."

As he spoke, he He the way Kushina's cheeks flushed slightly, her excitement palpable as she leaned ever so slightly towards him. "Thank you, Sterling! I promise I'll give it my all!" She exclaimed, Her voice filled with sincerity. The warmth in her gaze lingered on him a moment longer than necessary, And Sterling caught the hint of admiration in her demeanor.

Narutta, Encouraged by Kushina's enthusiasm, felt emboldened. "I want to prove that I can be strong, Just like you, Sterling," She said, Her chill white eyes sparkling with determination. Her voice was innocent, Mixed with the unspoken affection she felt towards him—an admiration that made her heart race.

Fū, Never one to shy away from her feelings, jumped in with her characteristic energy. "And I want to show you how much I've grown! You've helped us so much, Sterling! I can't wait to go on more adventures with you!" Her excitement was infectious, And the way she looked at him was filled with admiration, making Sterling's heart swell with pride.

As the meeting concluded, Sterling felt a profound sense of accomplishment. The bonds they had forged were more than just mentor & student; They were becoming a family. He could sense the unspoken admiration from Kushina, Narutta, and Fū, It filled him with warmth to know they saw him as a guiding light in their journey.

———

Terrios; Time: May 28th, 2003, 10:03 A.M. Location: UMF - Main Military Base | Southeast of Solar City.

One Day Left…

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Sterling & all the Shinobis were outside for something important.

From left to right are Naruto, Neruko, Narutta, Kushina, Fū, Karin, Shinobu, Naori, Akemi, Mitsuko, Sarada, Sakura, Ino, Sasuke, Konan, And lastly Kurenai.

"Naruto, Neruko, Narutta, Kushina, And Fū make a new line to the left of me, Please." He says, Naruto nods with the Five of them making a new line.

"Thank you, Earlier on May 1st. I talked with Naruto, Neruko, Narutta, Kushina, And Fū, To see who would want to stay here… Narutta, Kushina, And Fū have decided to stay here & continue training and learning too."

"I'll be going back!" Sakura said. "Me too." Ino soon followed. "I'll be going back too, I need answers…" Sasuke says calmly. "And I am following Naruto! He's my brother after all!" Neruko said with a smirk. "I'll be going home too…" Hinata said a bit lowly, Tho with far more confidence.

"It was an honor to train you, I'll be giving you all gifts! Yes, Even the ones who still her too." Sterling says with a kind smile… Naruto, Neruko, Naori, And Akemi cheer at this. "You'll get your gifts after this…" He chuckles.

Naori, Akemi, And Mitsuko step forward. "As Half-Sisters… We three have decided to. .. ... Stay here tho of our..." Fake cough. "Father needs our help we'll be there!" Akemi finishes, And then Sarada steps up. "I want to stay here too," She announced, Her voice unwavering despite the hint of pink creeping into her cheeks as she glanced at Sterling.

"Konan & Kurenai, I know you both will be going back too. Konan I summoned you from where you were supposed to die & into this world's timeline, I hope you can keep Naruto, and now Neruko too. Kurenai well you are Hinata's second mother." Sterling laughs, And Kurenai smiles with pride.

Sterling summons Four Summoning Scrolls. "Sasuke! Catch!" Sterling tosses Dragon Summoning Scroll. "Uzumaki's! Catch." Sterling tosses Phoenix, Kitsune, And Pony Summoning Scrolls. (Not MLP Ponies but simpler.) "Make sure to share that pony one with someone here." All of them caught the scrolls, Neruko caught the Phoenix Summoning Scroll, Shinobu caught the Kitsune Summoning Scroll, And Akemi caught the Pony Summoning Scroll.

Sterling threw the other three scrolls towards the group of Uzumaki girls. Neruko, Her blond hair styled in a low ponytail, instinctively reached out and snatched the Phoenix Summoning Scroll from the air. A sense of triumph danced in her Valkyrie blue eyes, And she couldn't help but flash a quick, mischievous grin at her friends.

Shinobu, With her vibrant red hair and playful demeanor, caught the Kitsune Summoning Scroll with a delighted squeal. "I can't wait to see what kind of fox I summon!" She exclaimed, Her eyes sparkling with excitement. The thought of summoning a powerful ally filled her with a sense of wonder.

Akemi, Despite her usual timidness, managed to catch the Pony Summoning Scroll. Her crimson locks flowed as she spun around, Beaming with joy. "I'll make sure to share it!" She declared, A flicker of confidence emerging as she caught the attention of her peers.

Kurenai, Standing nearby, observed the excitement among the younger generation. Her ruby red eyes sparkled with pride as she thought about how far they had all come. "They've really bonded, Haven't they?" She remarked to Konan, Who stood beside her. Her short blue hair framed her face as she nodded in agreement.

"Yes," Konan replied, Her amber-orange eyes reflecting the warmth of the moment. "It's incredible to see them grow, Not just in strength but in their relationships with each other."

Sterling cleared his throat, his voice cutting through the chatter like a knife. "One last thing… I am not a religious man, even though I know and talk to two goddesses from time to time." He began, A slight smile creeping onto his lips at the thought of his divine acquaintances. "But I want to ask all of you to join me in a moment of prayer, If you will."

The atmosphere shifted, And a hush fell over the assembled shinobis. They looked at one another, A mixture of curiosity and reverence in their expressions. It was a rare moment of solemnity among the typically boisterous group, And Sterling's request resonated with them. Each of them had faced their own battles, And the idea of seeking guidance or strength from a higher power was something they could all relate to, even if they didn't share the same beliefs.

Kurenai stepped forward, Her ruby-red eyes filled with warmth & understanding. "I think it's a wonderful idea, Sterling," She said, Her voice steady and encouraging. "Prayer can give us strength & clarity. It's a chance to reflect on our journey and the challenges ahead." Her supportive words inspired many of the others to nod in agreement.

Hinata, Her soft-spoken nature shining through, added, "I would like to participate. It feels meaningful to share this moment together." Her nocturne lavender eyes shone with sincerity, And a gentle smile graced her lips as she glanced around at her friends, feeling the bonds of camaraderie tighten.

Naruto, Ever the enthusiastic spirit, raised his hand with a grin. "I'm in! Let's do this together! We can ask for strength and protection!" His eagerness was infectious, And soon others began to express their willingness to join in as well.

Fū, Her mint green hair fluttering in an unseen breeze, bounced on her feet in excitement. "Count me in too! It'll be fun, And I want to show my appreciation for all we've learned & experienced!" The cheerfulness in her voice was a stark contrast to the gravity of the moment, Yet it brought a lightness that helped ease any tension.

As Sterling observed the eager faces of his students, He felt a deep sense of pride & gratitude. "Alright then." He said, His voice filled with authority yet softened by warmth.

"Almighty Goddesses: Our sons & daughters, pride of their Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve their Shinobi ways, their religion, and their civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity.

Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith.

They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back their forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but they shall return again and again; and they know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of their cause, their sons & daughters will triumph.

Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom.

And for us at home - Fathers, Mothers, Friends, Wives, Sisters, and Brothers of brave men & women in another world - whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them - help us, Almighty Goddesses, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice.

With Thy blessing, their shall prevail over the unholy forces of their enemy. Help them to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogancies. Lead them to the saving of their country, and with their sister Nation into a world unity that will spell a sure peace a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men & women. And a peace that will let all of men & women live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.

Thy will be done, Almighty Goddesses.

Amen." As Sterling concluded his heartfelt prayer, A palpable silence enveloped the group.

Each member of the assembly stood still, Their minds and hearts absorbing the weight of his words. The solemnity of the moment felt profound, As they all reflected on their shared struggles & the journey that lay ahead.

Kurenai, Standing with her arms crossed, felt a surge of pride for her students. She glanced at Hinata, Who had closed her eyes in quiet contemplation, her usual shyness replaced by a serene focus. The encouragement from her mentor had given Hinata the strength to embrace her place among them, And now she was growing in ways Kurenai had always believed she could.

"Thank you, Sterling," Kurenai said softly, Her voice breaking the silence that followed the prayer. "That was beautiful. It reminds us of the values we hold dear and the strength we find in unity." Her words resonated with the others, And several murmurs of agreement rippled through the group.

"Yeah! We're all in this together!" Naruto exclaimed, His enthusiasm bubbling to the surface once again. "Let's make sure we protect each other—and our friends—no matter what!" His eyes sparkled with determination, And the spirit of camaraderie reignited within the group.

Neruko nodded enthusiastically, Her Valkyrie blue eyes reflecting the light of the afternoon sun. "Exactly! We can't let anything tear us apart! Together, we're unbeatable!" Her confidence was infectious, And her words fueled the growing energy among her peers.

Fū, Bouncing slightly on her feet, added, "And with these new summoning scrolls, We can call on our allies whenever we need help! It's going to make our missions even more exciting!" She giggled, Her playful spirit lightening the atmosphere as the tension from the previous moment dissipated.

Akemi, Her crimson hair shimmering in the light, felt a rush of inspiration. "I want to become strong enough to protect everyone too! We can train together!" Her determination shone through, And she looked around at her friends, her enthusiasm sparking a wave of motivation.

"Let's not forget about the lessons we've learned from Sterling," Ino chimed in, Her platinum blonde hair catching the breeze. "He's helped us see how important it is to work together. We should always look out for each other!" Her words reminded them of the guidance they had received, And the group nodded in agreement.

Sasuke, Usually reserved, found himself feeling the warmth of their camaraderie. He looked at the younger shinobis, Noticing how they had all grown, not just in strength but in spirit. "We'll need to rely on each other," He said, His voice steady. "This isn't just about individual strength; it's about our ability to work as a team." His tone was serious yet encouraging, And the others respected his perspective.

Sarada, Standing beside him, felt a rush of pride at his words. "Exactly! We're a team now, and we'll face whatever comes our way together!" Her ink onyx eyes sparkled with determination, And she felt a sense of belonging that she had longed for.

Hinata finally opened her eyes, a soft smile gracing her lips as she looked at her friends. "We truly are stronger when we're united. I'm so grateful to have all of you by my side." Her sincerity touched everyone, And they felt a renewed sense of purpose.

As the conversation flowed, Sterling watched with a sense of fulfillment. The bonds they were forming were not just about their training; They were about friendship, respect, and shared experiences. He knew that the road ahead would be filled with challenges, But in moments like this, he felt confident they could overcome anything together.

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Terrios; Time: May 29th, 2003, 2:31 P.M. Location: UMF - Main Military Base | Southeast of Solar City.

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Sterling has already dropped off the ones who wanted to go to Elemental Shinobi World.

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Sterling made sure that every one of them had a Remnant Scroll if they needed anything. Now Sterling is back with only Narutta Uzumaki Hyuga, Akemi Uzumaki Hyuga, Naori Uzumaki Haruno, Mitsuko Uzumaki Yamanaka, Kushina Uzumaki, Sarada Uchiha, And Fū next to him.

Narutta Uzumaki Hyuga, her chill white eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, stood near Sterling, her spiky blond hair catching the sunlight. "So, what's next for us?" she asked, her voice brimming with anticipation. She was ready to dive into whatever challenges awaited them.

Akemi Uzumaki Hyuga, shorter and with her long crimson hair cascading down her shoulders, chimed in with a cheerful nod. "Yeah! I'm excited to see what we can do together!" Her youthful energy was infectious, and it spread through the group like wildfire.

Naori Uzumaki Haruno, standing proudly with her blonde hair streaked in pink, added, "I hope we can use those summoning scrolls soon! I want to see what kind of allies we can call upon!" Her voice was filled with confidence and eagerness, reflecting her adventurous spirit.

Mitsuko Uzumaki Yamanaka, with her spiky platinum blonde hair and chill blue eyes, nodded enthusiastically. "Definitely! Those scrolls will make our training even more dynamic. I can't wait to see what we can achieve together!" Her excitement was palpable, and it encouraged everyone around her.

Kushina Uzumaki, her vibrant crimson hair flowing behind her, grinned widely. "And let's not forget the fun we'll have! Training is going to be epic!" Her cheerful demeanor brightened the atmosphere, making everyone feel lighter and more enthusiastic.

Sarada Uchiha, her long black hair shining in the sun, felt a sense of determination rising within her. "We should focus on improving our teamwork too. It's not just about our individual skills; we have to act as one unit." Her serious yet encouraging tone reminded everyone of the importance of unity.

Fū, the adventurous spirit with mint green hair, bounced on her feet, her eyes filled with mischief. "I'm ready for anything! Let's make our training fun and effective! And once we're strong enough, we can take on any challenge together!" Her energetic spirit lifted the mood, and the others felt invigorated by her enthusiasm.

With them are Ahsoka Tano, Neo Politan, Samantha Maxis, Diana Prince, Alicia Zen, Cinder Fall, And Miku Hatsune.

"Ok, Ladies when I go back to my world, No one will come with me for the first time. I am with some people & I don't want them to freak out." Sterling explained,

Narutta's expression shifted slightly, concern flickering across her features. "Are you sure you'll be okay? We can help you if you need it!" she offered, her caring nature shining through.

Sterling smiled at her concern, Appreciating the bond they shared. "I appreciate that, Narutta." Ahsoka Tano, standing to the side with her confident demeanor, chimed in, "You've got this, Sterling. Just remember the strength you've instilled in all of us. We're here for you, Even from a distance." Her supportive words resonated with the group, Reinforcing the unity they had built.

Neo Politan, her pink and brown hair contrasting her bright personality, added playfully, "And when you get back, we'll have a welcome party waiting for you! You can't escape that!" Her light-heartedness brought smiles to everyone's faces, easing any tension that lingered.

Samantha Maxis, her Aether purple eye reflecting determination, nodded in agreement. "And we'll all make sure to keep training hard while you're gone. We'll be ready for whatever comes next." Her serious demeanor carried a weight that reflected her commitment to the group.

Diana Prince, Standing tall and graceful, said, "Just take care of yourself, Sterling. We believe in you, and we'll continue to support you from here." Her warmth & kindness radiated through her words, Reminding everyone of the strength they drew from each other.

Sterling felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude as he looked at the group. "Thank you, Everyone. Your support means the world to me. I promise to keep you updated & return stronger."

With the sun shining down on them, Illuminating the path of adventure, camaraderie, and growth that lay ahead, Sterling gathered his thoughts. "Before I go, I'll be leaving Two Elemental Clones here to help you train." Sterling uses his Chakra making Two Elemental Clones.

The group nodded, Their spirits lifted at the thought of having additional support. "That sounds great!" Naori exclaimed, Her eyes sparkling with excitement. "We can make the most of our training sessions!"

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Terrios; Time: May 30th, 2003, 6:31 A.M. Location: PMC - Houston City | Inside a Metal Installation.

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Argutium – Argutium is the densest & most lightweight metal known to man & can survive nuclear blasts with little to no damage. It is impenetrable and once the alloy has been set cannot be reformed. [Sterling's Note: Argutium is the second most light-weight metal.]

Minutium – Minutium can absorb & then redirect and deflect nearly all forms of energy weapons when exposed to Minutium. Minutium can redirect regular bullets too. [Sterling's Note: Minutium is the first most light-weight metal.]

Dakarium – Dakarium is an alloy that is used in Armor & is notable for its high tolerance to extreme forms of damage. In its purest forms, The metal was durable enough to withstand a direct blaster shot and could repel lightsaber strikes. [Ahsoka's Note: I (Ahsoka Tano) & Sterling Schnee found out about this metal's on accident after Sterling was using it in a sparring session.]

Vibnium – Vibnium is Extremely Rare, Extremely Strong, And has Energy-Absorbing properties. A metallic element that absorbs sound waves, Along with other vibrations such as kinetic energy that can be used in a kinetic blast wave or a kinetic explosion.

Saberium - Saberium is a Very Rare & Extremely Strong metal, Saberium is a new metal. When forged acts like a lightsaber blade cutting through almost anything. Therefore the name Saberium. [Ahsoka's Note: I (Ahsoka Tano) have seen Sterling use this metal, It's crazy how this new metal works!] | [Sterling's Note: I love how easy to cut through things!]

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Remnant; Time: 8:31 A.M. Location: City of Argus Airbase | VTOL Landing Zone Three.

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One Hour after Sterling explained everything that happened to 2B, A2, P2, A4, 5B, 7E, And 10H.

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To be continued…

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