In the cold of space you find the heat of suns

Apologies if the characters have grown differently in their new environment.

Spacer crews travel the Far Borders and the Fringe of occupied space, trading. Spacing is an ancient and honourable profession carved out by millenniums. Most spacers start out as fourteen-year-old boys seeking a future. Few survive a decade spacing.

37. Bridges

They used the viewdeck because it was large, open and easy to clean. The central area had been cleared. Konohamaru sat on the edge of the gallery, his legs hanging over the edge and his folded arms hooked over the lowest of the balustrades. The Uchiha fighters had been arriving for about fifty minutes. There had been a few spars, including one worth watching between Gai and Asuma. There was an air of anticipation.

They arrived; the whole crew save the Captain and Jiraiya. Naruto was wearing the choker bearing the plaque but not his other tags: Sauke had on the matching earrings but not the bracelets. They were all wearing casual clothes. Everyone but Haku had one of their Uchiha badges pinned somewhere. Sasuke was wearing his rings and had Naruto’s on a chain about his neck for safekeeping. Kakashi and Naruto stayed on the lower floor while the rest of the crew found places in the gallery. Haku sat next to Konohamaru. Shino, Sasuke, Neji and Shikamaru stood in a line, leaning on the highest balustrade. Iruka, Ibiki and Rin moved one of the benches to give them a better view.

Naruto had shed his outer clothes and was warming up.

“This is nice,” he said to Kakashi. “Lots of space.” He gestured upwards. “I’m not used to so much headroom. I will be able to practice jumping.” He demonstrated.

Kakashi could not resist looking in the direction of a cluster of the Uchiha fighters. Their single eyes could have been connected to Naruto by stretched wires. He watched them widen in unison as Naruto jumped and landed.

Naruto finished preparing and faced the greatest concentration of fighters. He smiled. “Who wishes to be first?” he asked.

“We would like to watch you fight Kakashi,” Fu announced.

Naruto shook his head. “Kakashi-sensei suffers too much when he activates his implant.”

There was silence as they took in the information that Naruto did not consider them worthy opponents without their implants activated. Gai stepped forward.

“I would be the sensible choice,” he said. “I suffer least from the implant’s side effects.”

Naruto grinned. “Awesome. I have my controller set on automatic,” he announced. “It may knock me out but it will stop me killing if I go berserk.”


They fought until Gai called a halt and dropped to the floor in exhaustion.

Naruto was literally jumping for joy. “Thank you, Gai-san. That was awesome.” He looked to Kakashi. “This is so much fun, Kakashi-sensei.”

“Get Gai-san some water and drink some yourself, Naru-kan,” Kakashi told him. He went to help Gai to his feet.

Naruto brought a cup of water to where Kakashi was pouring Gai into a chair. Kakashi held the cup for him to drink from.

“Can we do two-on-one?” Naruto asked. “Please, Kakashi-sensei?”

Asuma crouched down next to Gai and took over from Kakashi. “How old are you, Naruto-san?” he asked.

“No idea Asuma-san,” Naruto answered. “Rin-san says that I am phys-ph-physiologically sixteen or seventeen standards but she is not sure because I am not purebred.”

Fu spoke up. “We would like to suggest a three-on-one, with implants activated.”

Naruto accepted before Kakashi had a chance to stop him.


“Parameters,” Kakashi insisted. “No weapons. No blows intended to kill or maim. No biting, Naruto.”

“Yes, Kakashi-sensei,” Naruto agreed, scowling at the three opposite him.

Kakashi took a few deep breaths to calm himself; better they fight here, with him and Asuma watching. There was a chance that Fu, Hamaki and Terai would defeat Naruto, or push him into flipping; that would be good for Naruto.


Sasuke forced himself to stay relaxed. He would not allow himself to look like Shikamaru, whose skin was bloodless and who was rigid with tension. Perhaps he would look the same if the fight they were about to watch had been started by someone groping him. On the other hand, if someone had groped him they would be dead, not facing Naruto at training. He saw Neji try to put a hand over Shikamaru’s, which was gripping the rail so hard that the knuckles were white. Shikamaru relaxed his hand, but only long enough to pull away from Neji’s touch.

Once the fight began Sasuke forgot about those around him, causes or consequences. It was amazing to watch Naruto at his limits. Fu, Terai and Hamaki used their enhanced abilities skilfully and were accustomed to fighting as a unit. They were managing to land some blows, even to throw Naruto once or twice. Naruto was having to think about tactics and using his inhuman skills to do the unexpected.

The trio were tiring. They decided that their only hope of winning was to grab Naruto and hold him. In response, Naruto recreated the attacks he had used against Kisame: dart in, strike and retreat. Seeing it released Sasuke’s memories of the appalling moment when Kisame was about to break Naruto’s spine.

“You all right, boss?” Shino asked.

Neji immediately looked from Shikamaru to Sasuke. Shikamaru unfroze and looked at him, concerned.

“I am fine,” Sasuke insisted.

“Naruto used that move against Kisame,” Shikamaru explained to Neji.

“‘Boss’?” Sasuke queried, distracted from the memories and thinking about what Shino had said.

Shino shoulders moved in what was probably a shrug. “It was only an idea, Sasuke-sama.”

“Shino-san, you have permission to call me boss,” Sasuke told him.

“Just Shino,” Shikamaru checked.

“For now, just Shino,” Sasuke confirmed.

“Like Naruto has permission to call you ‘teme’,” Shikamaru observed.

“Shut up, Shikamaru-san,” Sasuke suggested.

“Sure thing, Sasuke-sama.” Shikamaru agreed.


The fight had degenerated into a heap of bodies with Naruto at the bottom, Fu on top and the other two between. Fu waved an arm in what may have been a claim for victory. Naruto wriggled out from under the others and bounced to his feet.

“That was the best ever,” he declared. “Awesome! Can we do it again tomorrow?”

Fu rolled off the other two and onto the floor. Terai was motionless. Hamaki groaned, which Naruto took as assent.

“Thank you, Hamaki-san, Terai-san, Fu-san. I will look forward to it.” He looked to Kakashi. “What next?” he asked.

“Perhaps you have had enough for today, Naru-kun,” Kakashi suggested. He looked to the gallery. “Time to train, Sasuke-sama,” he called. “Bring the others. Haku-kun, you too. Konohamaru-kun you are welcome to join in.” He turned to the Uchiha elite. “Training others was always part of what we did,” he reminded them.


Iruka came down from the gallery to supervise Haku and Konohamaru: Kakashi assigned Choza and Inochi as their trainers. He picked out Kunugi for Neji, Dan for Shikamaru and Tatsuji for Shino. That left the four who had fought Naruto, who were no state to do anything, and Asuma. He took Asuma over to where Sasuke was giving Naruto his rings and earrings to guard.

“Naruto,” he begun. “I would like Sasuke to train with Asuma-san. You found it useful to train with others. So will Sasuke.”

Naruto eyes fixed on Asuma.

Sasuke squeezed Naruto’s arm. “I have known Asuma-san since I was small, dobe. It will be fine. I would like to train with him.”

Naruto managed a small nod of assent.

Sasuke walked with Asuma to a space. “If he starts growling, we had better stop,” he warned.

“Growling?” Asuma queried.

“You are going to touch me and you are probably going to hit me,” Sasuke explained. “He can’t cope when some members of the crew touch me. You are an outsider and you are going to hit me.”


Naruto did not growl. Kakashi watched him with pride as he sat, long legs pulled up to his chest, chin on his knees and eyes fixed on Sasuke. Sasuke’s disappearance had changed him: there had been the uncharacteristic display of temper on that first day and since then Naruto had tried harder to manage his emotions. Once they were settled they would investigate whether his new control could stretch to managing the transition to berserk.

“This looks good,” Jiraiya said as he walked up and stood beside him.

“Good morning?” Kakashi asked, knowing that Jiraiya would not reply. “Yes. Allowing them to display their skills has helped.”

“What’s wrong with them?” Jiraiya asked, indicating the four who were receiving treatment from Rin.

“They fought Naruto.”

“Aah.” Jiraiya watched for a little longer. “It would be good to have a Uchiha meal together and that is not possible on Hiruzen-sama’s ship if he himself is present. I shall speak with him. Perhaps he will do us one more favour and agree to eat in his cabin this evening. That would mean that Sasuke could preside.”


“An Uchiha meal?” Sasuke queried as the crew ate their midday meal together in the Silver Leaf’s galley.

Jiraiya’s spoon stopped halfway to his mouth. “Yes, is there a problem with that?”

Sasuke considered. “No, it is a good idea but it will be significant. We haven’t made any decisions about the household.”

“We need to do that before this meal?” Jiraiya queried.

“No,” Sasuke replied and then reconsidered. “Maybe. The meal is a good idea and should go ahead. Iruka-sensei, could I speak with you in private we have finished eating?”


Once everyone had eaten, Iruka sent Haku to work in the closet, slid the door shut and sat down opposite Sasuke.

Sasuke took a deep breath. “The Uchiha elite, they’ve been homeless since the massacre. It is my responsibility to give them a home. For most of them, their families gave them to the Uchiha as babies, like Jiraiya and Asuma, or they arrived as boys as part of some agreement, like Kakashi. For most of them Uchiha is the only home they’ve ever known.

“It always upset my mother that we didn’t treat them better. As babies they lived in this nursery and after that it was a series of dormitories until they were old enough to cat. Once they were promoted to crew those who were going to be elite fighters were brought back to Tarrasade. They were fitted with implants and had two standards of intense training. They lived in a slightly better dormitory and had smarter uniforms. The only difference from when they were younger was that they were allowed go clubbing and whoring. The lucky ones were the ones were those who spaced and that depended on the crew.

“I don’t think my father would let her change much. She upgraded the food and the living conditions. She invited them one at a time to share our midmeal. She told them that she wanted me to see such fine men as role models. She told me that I was never to comment on how they ate, or looked, or smelt. I had five questions we had worked out and I would ask two. She persuaded my father to allow her to host an evening meal once a div. It would be her and me, and sometimes Itachi, and them. After the meal she would play for them and they would sit and look at her, like Haku looks at me only worse.”

Iruka covered Sasuke’s hand with his own. “You look like her, don’t you?” he asked.

“As close as a male could,” Sasuke admitted. “Kakashi and Jiraiya weren’t there, Iruka-sensei. Kakashi was sworn to me the day I was born and sent out to prepare this crew. He chose Jiraiya to work with him. I don’t remember much but I know that the ten left do. The meal this evening is important and, when we get to Tarrasade, what happens there is important too. What happens to them? Do they go back to living in a dormitory?”

Iruka frowned. “We will make this evening as pleasant as possible for them. You should play for them. You would be telling them that you remember and that you are going to care for them as your mother wanted to care for them. Then, tomorrow, we talk to Asuma-san about what would be best for him and for them.”


After some time spent planning, Iruka summoned the crew to the galley.

“This evening is important,” he began. “We need to ensure it goes well. Hiruzen-sama has agreed to eat in his cabin. Konohamaru-kun will be keeping him company. The Captain will be staying on the ship. Sasuke will be presiding. This is the seating plan.” He brought up a display. “Neji, you host Kunugi, Shikamaru Dan and Shino Tatsuji. Naruto, you are assigned to Fu. Ibiki gets Hamaki and Rin gets Terai. Rin-san, you must try to be gracious; I know you have it in you if you try. Jiraiya we are one short so I would be grateful if you would host both Choza and Inoichi. Kakashi gets Gai. I will host Asuma-san. Haku-kun, we need you to be the quintessential Traditional cat. We will wear our uniforms. Jackets stay on. No alcohol for anyone younger than Shino and only two small cups for us older ones. We will be controlling their alcohol consumption as far as that is possible.

“Sasuke will greet them at the door. You pick up your guest and try to converse until we begin the meal. You all know the rules about conversing with non-crew. On the signal, you will conduct them to their places. It will be low tables, because that is what was used in the Uchiha household for formal meals. I know we are more used to a high table, but do your best. Any questions?”

“What about after the meal?” asked Neji.

“Sasuke will play, because that was a traditional entertainment in the Uchiha household. There will be nothing that could be interpreted as a party. Once Sasuke announces he is withdrawing, we come back here. Kakashi and Jiraiya may decide to stay a little longer.”


Iruka was pleased. The reception had gone well and the meal was drawing to its close without incident. His conversation with Asuma had been pleasant and Asuma had accepted his invitation to visit the Silver Leaf the next day. Haku was clearing away the last of the empty dishes. He had behaved perfectly. The Uchiha fighters looked content. Except for Gai, they did not talk much. Mostly they enjoyed the food and stared at Sasuke.

“Today Sasuke-kun spoke to me about his mother’s efforts to help those sworn to Uchiha,” Iruka said softly to Asuma.

Asuma pulled his eyes away from Sasuke. “Mikoto-san was a wonderful woman,” he confirmed. “He is very like her in many ways.” He sighed. “She was also very clever. She tied us to him in a way that we had never been tied to Fugaku-kyou or to Itachi. Did he tell you about the midmeals?”

Iruka smiled. “Yes.”

“I think the first time I went he was no more than four. He was so serious, asking his questions and listening to my replies. There were about sixty of us and she always prioritised anyone who was only at the compound for a short period of time. She aimed to have each of us share a midmeal with him five or six times a standard.

“It worked. There may only be ten of us left but we are all here. No one deserted, not even when all we had was a wreck of a child living in another man’s household. Not even with the only home we had known closed to us. Not even when he grew into an adolescent that none of us recognised because he was so hard and cold.” Asuma drained his cup. He stared at Sasuke, who was accepting his lute from Haku. “Thank you, Iruka-san, for your part in giving him back to us.”

Iruka watched them watch Sasuke as he played. He hated the old Uchiha for what it had done to them as children. He looked across the table to Kakashi, whose eye was closed. Even when he had sworn to the new Uchiha, Iruka had never thought past loving Kakashi and looking after his crew. With trepidation, he realised that his definition of crew, of family, suddenly included these violent, damaged but desperately loyal men.


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