Chapter 12: Epidemic pt. 1

I wish to God that they had killed the infiltrators on the spot, burned the remains, and banished what was left to Void. But the patrol, following standard procedure, engaged and when possible captured. I wasn't there, but was involved in the rather lengthy aftermath; rather than lay things out in the confused manner in which I learned them, I will relate my notes on the situation. This is what occurred.

Day Zero: A cell of four infiltrators were detected barely one week after the Pelican program went active. According to the report, the Ready-Team, a fast reaction group, had a pair of Pelican's on regional surveillance. The active chakra sensor detected a failure in one of the nodes of the Uzushio coastal waters sensor net. A full four action teams, 16 village guards in total, went to investigate and found the infiltrators. The infiltrators fought, wounding two of the guards, but were fairly easily overwhelmed.

Although they at first appeared resigned, when the guards came to apply chakra-sealing seals, the intruders activated a suicide jutsu. Three of the guards who were attempting to apply the seals were covered in blood and viscera.

Day One: I was congratulated by Hikaru jii-san; the use of the Pelicans was decided to be instrumental in preventing the intrusion. He remarked that I was likely to receive a reward from Kazuo-sama, likely a ceremonial weapon as a sign of honor, when all was said and done. First, though, the three guards, including the Group-Leader, would have to leave hospital. I asked jii-san to inquire as to what was wrong with them, and relay my wishes for a speedy recovery and congratulations on their success.

Day Two: Hikaru jii-san told me that the guards seemed to have contracted some sort of illness; all three, including the leader whose Uzumaki bloodline would normally prevent it, were running high fevers. Healing jutsu were less effective than expected, and poison was suspected.

I still remember that moment. A moment of thought, and I realized what had happened; the infiltrators had not failed their mission, or at least not completely.

Back on Earth, one of the biggest fears within the intelligence and military circles had been the idea of bio-warfare suicide-bombers. Basically, instead of walking up with a bomb on them, these people would walk up as incubators of engineered plagues; get on an airplane, and watch the pandemic spread. The carriers may die, but the disease would spread everywhere. An even greater fear was the idea that travelers could be mugged and injected, becoming a stealth-carrier.

This, I suspected, was a similar scenario. The operatives had likely wanted to spread this without dying, but, in failure, had used the suicide option. I even vaguely remembered that Kirigakure had done something similar to their bloodline users; I wasn't sure if that was canon, or fanon, or would have happened in our world regardless. I still had to tell Hikaru jii-san, especially if the illness was strong enough to overcome a Jonin-level Uzumaki with a full healing factor.

Hikaru thought it unlikely, but sufficiently possible that he demanded an immediate meeting with the head of the Medical Department and Kazuo-sama. Apparently, one of the clans that eventually formed Kirigakure was known for using targeted illnesses as poisons rather than more conventional concoctions; they had been rumored to be the founders of a Black Ops unit, referred to as the "Plaguebearers" by Konoha's intelligence briefings.

Quarantine was declared for both patients and any who had treated them. Bubble technique or seals which created a space of clean air were ordered for any coming into contact with them. Full measures were being taken, and preparations made for a full village-wide quarantine if needed.

Day Four: Several doctors and nurses, including those who had been taking full precautions, were sick. A few cases were seen in other citizens. The village went into full quarantine. Troops were sent into defensive positions; those that passed quarantine and were not needed within the village would deploy on ships to maintain health. Other cleared troops would deliver food and water rations in seals for all citizens, who were ordered to remain in their houses otherwise. The disease became the primary research focus for the village, and certain prisoners were authorized as test subjects.

All non-essential communication was ordered to occur through video-seals. A call was put out to Konoha to summon aid as per treaty, specifically the assistance of Tsunade who was already renowned as a medic-nin. She would arrive, at the soonest, a week later.

The panic was awful. The disease was capable of effecting Uzumakis, who were typically resistant if not immune to illness. Many had never been ill in their lives; whether because of this, or because of some trait of the disease, those with the strongest healing factors were impacted the worst. I was wracking my mind for more clues, but couldn't remember anything.

Day Five: Hikaru jii-san and I were assigned to a team focusing on decontamination measures. By the end of the day, we had a set of seals that use UV, soap, water, and even a light acid wash for decontamination. The seals were approved and produced. We were re-assigned to a long-range surveillance group responsible for watching Kirigakure for any signs of a possible invasion.

Day Seven: Containment measures, even those using decontamination washes, continued to fail. Medical stasis seals were being produced in record quantities, and dozens of victims were already sealed within. Some of the seals, particularly those containing the sickest, were draining faster than expected. Two and a half months was given as the amount of time that the patients could be safely sealed; they were expected to die within a week of being unsealed.

The full progress of the disease had been documented and disseminated. First, came an incubation phase lasting about a day, then a phase similar to a bad flu. The fever would continue to get worse, and the subject more ill, as their chakra drained. If the fever didn't kill the patient (which happened fifteen to twenty percent of the time), then there was a forty to sixty percent chance of the patient dying when their chakra reached a nadir. Those that recovered were expected to be basically useless for at least a month, and appeared to have some sort of chakra damage.

Based on the description of the disease, I had a theory that it was more chakra based and possibly somewhat metaphysical or spiritual in nature, with a focus on consuming chakra. With Hikaru jii-san's help we got a temporary leave, and with a few of the Spacial Sealing Group we modified some seals, including my vacuum-protection seal. We then launched a probe into space which would be in Geo-synchronous orbit. The probe contained a seal that opened a semi-stable gate at a remote distance, in this case to the outside of the probe's void-shielding. The other side of the gate would be used to create a vacuum-shield to hopefully protect the medics, since the vacuum should be impenetrable to any chakra-based mechanism.

While the new containment system proved effective, it was bloody expensive in terms of chakra and effort. Each shield consumed the equivalent of 12 Chunin-equivalent chakra-sources, and required some fairly fiddly seals hand-written by at least a sealing expert. It did at least provide the necessary protection for medics to experiment or treat victims.

Day Nine: With the disease contained, and the clock ticking down for those already infected, stock was taken and a Council meeting called. Hikaru, as one of half-dozen High Masters of the Sealing Department, and the theoretical lead on the current containment system, was going. He brought me along as his aide and attendant.

As we are now approaching discussing the political sphere, I think it worth a brief diversion into the basics of Uzushio politics, at least so far as I am familiar with them.

First off, there were the village politics as a whole. There were two main "parties" or philosophies that tended to crop up. The first were the "Progressives". The Progressives believed in "progress for Uzushio" which typically meant developing more seals and a more isolationist foreign policy. They were ascendant at the time of the epidemic.

The second party were the "Interventionists". The Interventionists believed in bringing Uzushio enlightenment to the poor barbarians of the rest of the world. Honestly, both parties were somewhat patronizing and superior, at least in how they looked at outsiders (though, to be fair, Uzushio was decades more advanced than other nations, none of whom could produce things like air-conditioning). The approach was the main difference. At the time, the Interventionists were definitely in the minority. A large part of that was historical.

About forty years previous, in other words well within a standard Uzumaki lifetime, there had been a bit of an odd situation. See, the Naruto-verse was mostly feudal, and any student of feudal history knows what kind of a mess that can result in, particularly with regards to feudal inheritance and obligations after sufficient intermarriage. What happened for the Uzumaki, Uzushio and Whirlpool was an excellent example.

The problem was that different branches owed each other fealty in a circular fashion. A noble but fairly minor clan that owed fealty to the Uzumaki had, a couple generations previous, married into the Whirlpool Daimyo's family. His niece, to be precise, who was never expected to succeed. One illness and a boating accident later, and suddenly this minor clan contained the Daimyo. But, they owed the Uzumaki fealty, and the Uzumaki had military dominance.

The situation could have gotten a bit bloody, but the relations were previously cordial, and the leaders at the time astoundingly rational. There was already a marriage in place with the heirs, and an Uzumaki would be the eventual Daimyo. The problem is, it would be a fairly distant (and unimpressive) branch Uzumaki with no political or marital aspirations. The bigger problem, this Uzumaki's sister (who thus might end up inheriting) was Mito Uzumaki.

Mito Uzumaki, who would become Mito Senju-sama, was extremely politically divisive. She was a staunch member of the Interventionist party, and a fairly accomplished if not particularly gifted sealer, which was actually the biggest issue.

Within the Uzumaki clan, the clan head candidates were chosen from a dozen potential families by voting from qualified Uzumaki. It wasn't a "one-person, one-vote" system either. Votes were partially based on accomplishments, and sealing weighted heavily.

After the candidates (never fewer than three or more than five) were presented, the entire village, including the Uzumaki, would have a similar vote. The sealers were influential enough in the initial process that every time bar one, the candidates were at least level four sealers. That one time, the candidate was a young, but extremely accomplished for his age, and had achieved a level three sealing intuition. He lost that election, but survived long enough to be the next village leader.

So, the sealers had a lot of influence. And that brings us to factions within the Sealing Department. There were three main factions, mostly to do with beliefs towards higher-level seals dealing with Celestials, Demons, Gods, Powers and Concepts.

The first faction, which I belonged to, was the "Isolationists", called the "Ostriches" by our opponents (because we didn't want to see things that scared us). We believed that the world should be as isolated as possible from these beings, and that anything that weakened the walls of reality, or summoned them (which was pretty much synonymous), was a horrible fucking idea. I would eventually learn things in the future, as I gained rank as a sealer and got access to more secret information, that would support these conclusions.

The second faction were the "Contractors", or as we called them, the Demonologists. I think you may be able to guess what they believed in; they were a bunch of power-hungry fools who thought they could interfere with things we were not meant to without consequence. There were a number of hideously ugly actions that they took, often for "the sake of knowledge" or "the greater good", or some other sop to their power-seeking morality. I'm talking about human sacrifice, black-sabbath type shit.

And that was before demonic corruption set in and started further warping their minds. Things could go very, very wrong. But, on the other hand, the power was a lure, and every now and then the philosophy would rise up in the Department. To give them their due, there were accounts of some High Masters and one Grandmaster who had in extremis and temporarily, successfully bound greater powers. But the aforementioned masters had level seven intuition (level eight in the case of the grandmaster), and significantly more knowledge than the Experts who were the typical demonologist dabblers.

The third faction were actually the Clerics. They ware a cult (by which I mean small order of religious adherents) of mostly Uzumaki sealing priests. They agreed with the Isolationists, for the most part, and pretty much quietly did their own thing.

So, want to guess which group Mito belonged to, considering she went on to seal the 9 Biju?

That's right, she was a Demonologist. In fact, she was the last of the high-ranking Demonologists, following an accident. She had been part of a failed summoning and binding; the Master of the group, and three other experts, ended up buying her just enough time (as their minds likely melted) to escape from the higher-seal testing room and hit the emergency vent seal. The room, and whatever was trying to come through, ended up in the Void, and Uzushio escaped a major incursion by the skin of its teeth.

Mito survived censure, barely, but was discredited and put under watch, supposedly for possible demonic taint, but more to make sure she didn't do anything else that was that fucking stupid. Interviews with her afterward showed that she had, apparently, learned absolutely nothing as to how bad such experiments were. Honestly, she was lucky not to be killed or sealed herself. After all, the fucking room that they did the summoning in was still sealed and forbidden territory decades later.

The village was thus, those 40 years ago, in an extremely tight spot. The possible successor to the Daimyo's seat was Mito, who's appointment would literally cause civil war. She couldn't be set aside completely though, at least against her will, since it would give other nations a causus belli to support her position and install her as a puppet; the dumb bitch was already being courted by several of our larger neighbors, and open to their proposals. So, Mito ended up married off to the Senju in a formal ceremony that cut the ties to her original family; while she could claim to be their child, she was out of the line of inheritance. Her brother happily joined a monastery, as he had wanted to do for years. And Kazuo-sama, the next in line as a cousin, inherited first the Clan-leadership, then the Daimyo's seat when the previous holder stepped down. Kazuo permanently linked the Daimyo's seat to the position of Uzumaki's clan leader, and left the clan-leadership as an internal matter.

In all this political maneuvering, Mito and some of the more radical Interventionist supporters managed to start the whole "Great Villages" experiment. At first somewhat promising, their faction was doing fairly well. Then, of course, Mito went and bound the Biju, pissing off the sealers. The other Villages formed, and it was shown that no-one was actually moving towards peace, as had been hoped. Hashirama died in the fighting around then, and Mito, now thoroughly persona non grata, was quietly asked by other Interventionists to stay in Konohagakure lest she distract the situation at home with talk of Demonology.

Then, the First Shinobi World War broke out, and showed that all these "Great Villages" had done was cause escalation. The Interventionists were massively discredited, and under the Progressives' influence, relations with Konoha cooled. There was still an alliance, but it had not been activated in decades, and Uzushio mostly used Konohagakure as a slightly discounted ninja force. No one was exactly sure of what influence Mito would have on how Konoha thought of Uzushio, but Konoha had been warned more than once that she had no influence back in Uzushio.

Moving into this important meeting about the Epidemic of Uzushio, bear this in mind. Most of the characters involved favored isolationist policies, though there were still a few that are pro-Intervention, and pro-Konohagakure.

Day Nine: We had the meeting that would determine our village's future, and my own.

We filed into the room, taking up positions according to some set of rules I was unaware of. My position was standing about four-feet behind Hikaru jii-san. There were maybe two dozen people in the room all told. Kazuo-sama started it off in his role as Village-head.

"Well, I'm glad to see you all, you all look healthy, which is good," he said plainly. There were some nervous chuckles. "No, really, this is good. The quick actions of Village Security and the Medical Department have made this disaster far less damaging than it could have been. I congratulate you."

At this he bowed, fairly deep no matter what position he was operating under. Had I been back on Earth, living in the West, I wouldn't have been as cognizant of how much of an honor this was. Honestly, it was actually a bit much, making people embarrassed at the surfeit of praise.

"Ah, we don't deserve all the praise," the active Chief-of-Medicine replied. His boss was currently in one of the stasis seals. "Hikaru-sensei, after all, gave warning that these actions may be necessary, and developed the seal that currently protects us."

That's right, praise Jii-san! I thought. As a note, Hikaru was being called "sensei" because of his position as a seals-master.

Hikaru jii-san smiled. "You should praise Daichi, actually, I merely relayed his concerns, and the idea for the shield was his as well." There were a number of glances and head-bows to me at this, and I blushed and shuffled under the attention while ducking my head in a return bow. Honestly, the whole thing was very Uzushio, this sharing of praise and honor, but without anything other than verbal acknowledgement.

Kazuo-sama laughed. "I knew I would be watching your progress with interest, Daichi-kun. But, to business. What are the numbers?"

"They're bad, but better than they might have been," the Chief-of-Medicine replied. "We've got a hundred and forty six down with the illness so far. Of those, eight are doctors including the Chief-of-Medicine, and fourteen are nurses. There are eighty four Guardsmen down with the illness, of whom sixteen are genin equivalent and ten are jonin equivalent; the fifty eight others are chunin. Two sealers are ill. The other thirty eight patients are villagers, though some are retired veterans. All are currently in Stasis seals, and have an expected to last two and a half months from the date of their sealing. There have only been a pair of newly discovered cases since two days ago. Both were fairly advanced progressions from individuals in quarantine; they were discovered after they didn't pick up their rations. There have been two casualties, one a villager, the other the Patrol Lieutenant who first made contact with the enemy."

"His family will want for nothing, and the villager's will receive standard compensation," Kazuo-sama pronounced. "See to it." One of his aides nodded, making a note, and Kazuo-sama continued. "And what progress towards a cure?"

The Chief-of-Medicine grimaced. "Slow. We've identified the disease vector; it's a chakra active illness, but it's extremely exotic, and doesn't act like anything we've seen before. We're having no luck in figuring out how to clean it from someone's blood, and it hasn't responded to any of our common treatments. Chakra exhaustion close to death appears to be a possible solution, using chakra-free life support and first aid, but even with full facilities we'll lose at least 5% of the patients to death, and another 10% will have permanent issues with their chakra system. We've requested Tsunade Senju come and provide assistance."

Kazuo-sama rubbed his jaw, thinking about the implications. "That's understandable, if not what I was wanting to hear. I want all spare sealers to be working on possible solutions. When will the Senju arrive?"

The Minister of Foreign Affairs leaned forward to address the question. "Our messenger has arrived at Konoha, but the negotiations are complicated. Mito-sama seems to be looking for a successor to carry the Kyubi. Konoha has recalled Tsunade as a gesture of good faith, but is pushing for a potential host to be given in trade."

There were grimaces and grumblings at this, and the sealing detachment looked positively murderous.

"Let's revisit that at the end of the meeting," Kazuo-sama said, refocusing the conversation. "What's the military situation?"

I saw a man in the uniform of a high-officer shift forward; I vaguely recognized him as the Minister of the Military from the Pelican's launch party. "Nothing to report. We've had constant Pelican patrols in local waters, and over Kirigakure. No anomalous movement. We are now tracking sixty five percent of the Kirigakure fleet, and show no gatherings or unexpected behavior."

Kazuo-sama nodded. "The investigation?" he asked.

The Military Minister motioned at the Commander of Village Security, one of the subordinates of the Commander of the Village Guard.

"Not much to report," the commander replied. "The remains of the infiltrators were disposed of, save for samples, when they were found to be infected. The previous analysis didn't show any signs of where they were from. The gear was in the Kirigakure style, but the method used to get past the sensor-net is much more sophisticated than I would expect from them. The leading theory is that they used a dissolving seal to temporarily over-ride the sensor. There is no suspicion of any traitors at this time."

"Did Intelligence turn anything up? Could Kirigakure have managed this?" Kazuo-sama questioned.

"Unlikely," the Intelligence Commander answered. "Is it possible? Anything's possible. But Kirigakure is almost totally unfamiliar with Uzumaki sealing techniques. And there are no seal-users of sufficient skill outside of the village to teach that kind of talent, other than Mito-sama."

"Sealing Department, do you agree?" Kazuo-sama requested verification. "And what's being done to prevent this from happening in the future?"

"We agree," the Sealing Chief said, nodding. "That sensor net is solid, Expert-level work. It's unlikely that Kirigakure, who are among the least talented sealers, would have managed to get past it in such a subtle fashion. The network is being expanded with overlapping territories, and alarms and more aggressive fail-safes are being added. If a seal is deactivated in the future, we'll know about it, and those doing it will suffer if they're not very careful."

"Good," Kazuo-sama said with a sharp smile. "So, what do we do? Who do we think did this, how do we prove it, and what can we do to them?"

At this, the careful equilibrium shattered. People started talking, then arguing, then shouting at each other; I was not using my memory reinforcement techniques, and so do not remember it well enough to recount. It was, frankly, a bit embarrassing. To make that point clear, after Kazuo-sama released a burst of killing-intent that quietened the room, he turned to me.

"Daichi-kun. You've been surprisingly effective in this situation. What is your analysis."

I was totally taken aback. I was seven! I sure as hell shouldn't be talking in this setting. I quickly realized why Kazuo-sama was doing this; it was a subtle remonstration and commentary on the behavior of his advisors. I cleared my throat, partially to give me a moment to organize my thoughts.

"Ah, Kazuo-sama," I began. "Well, it seems like there are three simple questions, with not so simple answers. First, who are the suspects. In other words, who had the motive, means and opportunity. Second, how do we prove this, or how sure are we? And third, what can we do, or rather what do we do in reply?"

"A good framing of the question, but I asked for you answer," he chided me in a fairly gentle tone. I blushed hard.

"My apologies, Kazuo-sama. First, for the medical situation, we should be testing samples of blood for immunity. We should start with those with the strongest healing factors among the Uzumaki, and see if there is some kind of immunity we can duplicate."

"A worthy idea, yes?" he interrupted while looking at the Chief-of-Medicine, who nodded. "Continue."

I cleared my throat again. "Well. I think it was Konohagakure, or elements within them."

The room burst into another uproar; even Kazuo-sama had risen an eyebrow. The Foreign Minister, who was apparently an Interventionist, looked positively murderous. Once again Kazuo-sama quietened them.

"An unexpected answer. Explain your reasoning. Without interruptions," he said, giving a quick glare at the rest of the room.

This whole thing was way too serious for me. I was comfortable working on seals; honestly, it reminded me of studying in university, and was always interesting. I enjoyed working out and sparring, and learning magic jutsu was freaking awesome. But standing in front of the leadership of my family, my country, and giving unpopular or shocking theories? Not so much.

"Well, first the suspects. Kirigakure is the most obvious. They resent our influence and wealth, and the fact that our ships both refuse to pay protection and are still safer is a serious threat to their economy. Further, their philosophy of the survival of the strongest and the shark-like nature of man are at odds with our own; so long as we exist, we represent an existential threat to their philosophy and encourage potential rebellion. This is the motive. As for means, it is well known, or at least well suspected, that they have that Black-Ops unit, the Plague-bearers. But opportunity is less well established; it seems unlikely they could have infiltrated in such a way. As for confirmation, they don't seem to have realized that our situation even exists, and have certainly taken no action to indicate the invasion we would expect to come on the heels of this illness.

"Compare this to Konohagakure. For motive, they have the general fear of our sealers and might. Especially with Mito-sama as an example, who knows what they think about our sealing-arts? Further, they need a new host for their asinine attempt at causing peace through mutual fear of the Biju; without the Kyubi, they may even be attacked. If Mito already needs a new host to take over her demon, then the damage caused by the chakra must be far too damaging for any other than an Uzumaki. For means, Konohagakure is known to have one of the best intelligence networks, and fairly good researchers; they may have invented the disease themselves, or stolen it from Kirigakure. As to opportunity, they have the best sealing training outside of Uzushio and some select monasteries, and are the best suspects as to how the ninja got through the sensor net. Their motive is weaker than Kirigakure's, but is it strong enough? I think yes.

"If I had to give odds, I'd say sixty percent Konohagakure, thirty percent Kirigakure, and ten percent someone we're not even considering. Note that when I say Konohagakure, I doubt that the Hokage knows; it is likely some conspiracy involving a less principled and more warlike senior adviser with the influence and knowledge necessary to pull off this plot.

"As to how we could test this, things get harder since we have called for Tsunade. Had we not, we could have waited, especially if we came up with our own cure, and seen if Konohagakure made any moves. The same for Kirigakure. Their reactions may have provided us with clues.

"As it stands, I see no easy way to test who is responsible. We could make seals to disperse aerosol samples of the illness over both Konohagakure and Kirigakure and perform this mission around midnight using Pelicans. If Kirigakure has a cure, they are likely to have developed it. If Konoha does, then they are likely to have deployed it. Either way, we can be fairly sure that the guilty will suffer, though so will many innocents. It will, however, make it far less likely for biological warfare to be used in the future if the users fear the spread of the disease."

At my final recommendation of spreading the plague I caused another minor uproar. I could hear one of the military officers half-gasp and half-laugh something that sounded a lot like "the balls on that kid", as well as gasps of horror and shock from the more civilian-minded advisers. The Minister of Foreign Affairs even jumped in.

"Kami above child!" he shouted. "What are you saying? Spread the disease to anyone, let alone our ally?"

This actually pissed me off a bit.

"Someone spread it to us, intending our destruction," I retorted. "If we don't reply, we invite future attacks. It's distasteful, but worth considering seriously."

Kazuo-sama, who had been watching things, re-took control before his minister could get in a shouting match with a seven year old.

"That is a disturbingly believable analysis as things concern Konohagakure," he pronounced. "We will not release this weapon on others. We will however keep samples in the highest security sealing vault, and make it clear that any future attacks will not meet with such restraint. Now the question is, do we deal with Konohagakure, and if so, what are we willing to trade?"

The discussion continued, now much more strained than it had been before. It was no longer a question of who did this, and what we did to them, but the possibility that our strongest ninja allies may have factions seeking our destruction. As the discussion became somewhat circular as to whether to treat with Konoha or not, I payed less attention until something caught my notice, spoken by someone who I neither recognized, nor did I think they had been introduced.

"Who could we give them, if we had to?" the man asked.

"They would need the Adamantine chains, and be at least two years pre-puberty," the Sealing-Chief replied. "Mito's seal cannot function without the chains; she was only an Expert Sealer when she left, and for something as strong as the Kyubi no-one below the 7th level could write an adequate seal. The youth is needed to acclimate to the youkai chakra, which would otherwise cause a very short life for the holder. In fact, without the Mokuton (wood-release) it may be too dangerous to seal into someone without some spare chakra flexibility."

"What about simply sealing it ourselves into a subject of their choosing?" a second anonymous (at least to me) man asked.

This was definitely the wrong thing to say to the sealers. Before they could jump him however, a legal expert, easily the oldest man in the room, spoke.

"That's impossible," he announced. "It's against clan, village and national law to give examples of such high-level seals to foreign nations in case they could reverse engineer it and continue to use it, and derivative seals, in the future. It would take too long to change this law, even if we wanted to."

The first man leaned forwards again. "So, who would we give them, if we had? How many lives would it save."

"We can't be sure," the Chief-of-Medicine answered. "Possibly none, or possibly, preventing the death or permanent combat-ineffectiveness of about half the patients."

"Seventy to eighty lives then, including half a dozen Jonin," the other man summarized. "We can't not deal with them, then. Pretty much whoever we give would be worth it."

"On the contrary, it shows we can be pressured in this way, and weakens us to the future," the Intelligence Commander interjected.

"But, as Kazuo-dono said, we will make it clear that any future attempts will result in serious reprisal," that first man argued. The Intelligence Commander scoffed, but didn't say anything. From this I at least knew that the man was a villager, and not an Uzumaki.

"So, we could seal it into who? Kushina-sama?" the second man asked. The two seemed to be working together; I suspected they were upper level merchants or landowners, political types rather than administrative, combatant, or skilled experts.

I saw Kazuo-sama wince at this. It was difficult to protect his niece without looking selfish, especially if eighty lives hung in the balance.

But, I was hardly going to throw my sole childhood friend to the snake-pit of Konohagakure. She was just a kid, and family, and that went against pretty much everything I believed in. I, at least, might eventually escape; I was far less likely to fall into some Demonologist's trap too. So, I spoke up.

"I am also capable of the chains, and am younger than Kushina-sama. Further, I am a more experienced sealer, and am somewhat more worldly and less likely to fall to Mito-sama's demonology. I will be more suited to keeping Konoha in line as well."

I purposefully put as much sarcasm as possible into Mito's title, and used the term demonology to refer to her. Keeping your daughter selfishly is one thing. Refusing to give her to a Demonologist is something else entirely, and the rank badge on my robes spoke to the fact that I was a senior enough Sealer to make such a judgment.

I could tell from sensing his chakra that Kazuo-sama was grateful.

"Very well," Kazuo-sama agreed solemnly. "I have decided. If Tsunade arrives before we find a solution, then in return for their aid in curing the Chakra-Consumption Epidemic, we shall send whomever is most suited to hosting the Kyubi. So I decree."

At this, we all bowed. He stood and left the room. I had maybe three days for there to be a solution. And I knew jack-shit about biology.

Chapter 13: Epidemic, pt. 2

After the meeting, life continued. The village was still on lock-down, though it had been slightly loosened for military activities, and all efforts were being made to find a cure.

Day Ten: No progress. My blood was taken to be tested for immunity.

Day Eleven: When Tsunade was reported to be boarding a patrol-craft, Kazuo-sama was contacted by seal-communicator. He summoned me. Hikaru jii-san would have come, but I asked him to stay and keep working on a potential solution. Jii-san nodded grimly at me, and gave me a hug.

When I arrived at the fortress, I was immediately ushered into a private audience with Kazuo-sama. He motioned that I should sit, and served me some tea. We sipped in silence for a moment before he spoke.

"It was a brave thing that you did. Thank you."

"No thanks are necessary, Kazuo-sama. It was my selfish wish not to allow Kushina to enter such a den of scum and villainy."

He chuckled. "You have always been surprisingly mature."

"I must have an old soul," I smiled.

"Yes, that must be it."

We sipped more tea.

He sighed lightly. "As for the matter at hand. Tsunade is hours away. Unless we find a last minute solution, it doesn't look good."

"What can one do?" I meant it as a semi-musing philosophical thought. Kazuo-kaka however grinned and answered.

"Well, as Daimyo of Whirlpool, I can refuse to let you leave my service. Konoha's agreement is with Kazuo-dono; he overstepped himself. As an inactive Militia reservist, you are officially sworn to Whirlpool's service, not Uzushio's."

"Kazuo-kaka, your agreement though? Would this be possible?"

"Possible, legally, yes. Not so in reality. Though I can at least force a compromise. You will not be leaving my service entirely. Instead, you will be given an official diplomatic position within Whirlpool's government active immediately on the basis of your services and sealing achievements. When you go, you will be sent formally as a diplomatic emissary from Whirlpool's Embassy to the Daimyo's court, then appointed by the ambassador as a representative in Konohagakure.

"This is allowed as part of our treaty with the Fire Daimyo, and will give you diplomatic protection, both formally under Whirlpool's aegis, as well as formally from the aegis of the Fire Daimyo's court. If Konoha oversteps itself, it will face censure both from us and their own Daimyo; you may even end up coming home. They will doubtless be very careful.

"In your position as an Advanced Instructor of Whirlpool fist, and thus a recruit-sergeant of the Militia, you will be activated at the youngest possible age, 8 years old, and indefinitely seconded to Konohagakure's military as part of a largely imaginary exchange program. Thus, you will serve within Konohagakure, and host Mito's mistake, but will be as protected as I can make you. I apologize for not being able to do more."

When he finished the explanation he bowed to me, and did not raise his head until I replied.

"Ah, Kazuo-sama, please, there is no reason to apologize, you have merely done your duty as clan-head, as village-chief, and as Lord of Whirlpool. You have done more than is necessary for this poor vassal." I bowed as well. Let it never be said that my parents didn't manage to teach me formal manners. Kazuo-sama laughed at this.

"Please, do not bow. Already you show your talent as a diplomat, eh Daichi-san?" I grinned, both at the comment, and at the address; by calling me Daichi-san he was effectively saying that my actions meant he respected me as an adult.

"Now, come." he ordered. "You're position, second assistant to the Whirlpool Ambassador to the Fire Nation, Chief of the Permanent Konohagakure Mission, is Titled. There is formal clothing in the attached room, and your parents are waiting for the ceremony where I will grant you your sword." I was shocked speechless. Kazuo-sama was seriously grateful that I had saved Kushina, clearly, and was honoring me with the lowest of noble positions. It would make me even more inviolate in Konohagakure, and was a huge honor.

I thanked Kazuo-sama profusely, but he just motioned me towards the connecting room. There was an attendant to help me into the formal clothing, apply some face-paint, and explain the ceremony that I was about to participate in. Then, newly dressed in my diplomat's regalia, I was ushered into another room where my parents, grandparents, a few other family members, Haruto-sensei and his wife, and Kushina were all waiting. Tou-san's parents, part of the noble rather than sealing or ninja Uzumaki branches, were looking particularly pleased. Hikaru jii-san looked proud and amused; I knew he'd give me a bit of ribbing about being a doll later on, given my clothing and make up. I was a bit overcome by the situation, and went through the ceremony in a daze.

When Kazuo-sama handed me my new swords, a pair of katana and wakizashi, I couldn't contain my smile. It was either smile or cry, honestly; this honor was dearly purchased, and seeing all those whom I'd be missing while in Konoha really drove the point in.

I was told that the swords were a pair that had been made as a collaboration between a sealing expert and a swordsmith from the Land of Iron about a century ago for an Uzumaki who had gained great renown at sea. They were called the Red Night's Sky (the Katana) and Morning's Storm (the Wakizashi). Apart from being chakra conductive, they had seals to enchance Wind-element and Water-element respectively, and other seals to bond with the owner until death or dismissal, and could be further bound as a summon to using body-seals. Apart from the honor, the swords were highly functional, and a beautiful work of art.

After the ceremony was over, I received congratulations and hugs from my family. Kushina came up last, and looked at me for a moment before she burst into tears, saying it was all her fault, and then hugging me and crying into my chest. I hugged her back, told her that it wasn't her fault but Konohagakure's, and that it wasn't like I was leaving right away, and we'd be able to keep in contact with video seals too. She sniffed, and pulled back, allowing me to see the water-stains on my new silk outfit. When she saw where I was looking, she blushed, apologized, and then huffed before declaring we'd be blaming the Leaf for that too. I just laughed at the little Tsundere.

Some of those stains never actually came out, though the servant who had dressed me did manage to fix most of the damage. I decided to let it remind me of the conditions of my rise in station and upcoming voyage to Konohagakure.

Some hours later, Tsunade arrived

Day Twelve: A sample of blood immune to the disease was finally found. Furthermore, it proved capable of curing the disease when injected in relatively small quantities. It was quickly placed in one of the greatest sealing creations of the Sealing Department; a duplication array made by a Grandmaster, capable of taking a sample and then performing the Creation of All Things to make a perfect duplicate down to the chakra and metaphysical identity of the object being copied.

Soon enough, enough blood was produced to heal all the diseased. Spare samples of the blood were stored against future need.

Want to know what was really ironic? The blood was mine. And Tsunade, despite her presence, didn't have time to lift a finger.

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

But I knew I was going to Konohagakure in four months time either way.

Chapter 14: Accouterments

If I had thought I knew what "busy" and "hard-working" were before, I had been totally wrong. The four months leading to my departure were a whirlwind of activity.

First off, two days after my investiture, or one day after the disease was cured (and Tsunade left in a bit of a snit due to our not sharing how exactly we did so – suck it, Konoha), I was called into a meeting with my grandparents. And not Hikaru jii-san, but rather Tou-san's parents Ojii-sama and Obaa-sama.

As you may have guessed from their names, or rather the honorifics I had to call them by, they were pretty formal. They were part of the Noble Uzumakis, and were among the higher-titles that weren't directly part of the village top leadership. Most of their income, like that of many of the other nobles, was from ships and docking or warehouse space on Wave.

They pretty much lived in "ye olde days" in their small compound, practicing a samurai lifestyle. They trained in the sword and archery, and had a number of servants and an even greater number of retainers (some of whom were from ninja families). Tou-san was the second youngest of six children, and something of a black sheep. He had made his parents rather happy by joining the guard, and performing well, but had scandalized them when he insisted on going through ninja-training. That, after all, was the position for the help.

Tou-san ended up married to Kaa-san, and since Kaa-san had higher rank within the village, his parents were fairly happy for him to marry into her family rather than vice versa as it fulfilled their social expectations. My being invested as a minor noble, and being appointed to an honorable position, especially at such a young age, had them totally tickled pink. I normally saw them on some ceremonial dates, where I would be one among many of their grandchildren. We'd attend a banquet or ceremony, and I'd typically be located in a middling-honorable seating position due to my achievements as a sealer balanced against Tou-san's actions and my own interest in the ninja arts. For them to summon me for ceremonial tea was… unexpected. Well, not even something I'd considered, really, though in retrospect it made sense.

So I prepared formally, in my new regalia and wearing my swords as was proper, and went to my grandparents for a ceremonial tea. I loved the tea in Uzushio. We had a lot of trade, and all the best tea in the Nations ended up coming through Whirlpool's ports. I hated tea ceremonies though. The damned things could last literally hours. Oh, the tea was quite good, and the whole thing was typically in very nice settings. But even with chakra reinforcement, and flexible as I was, sitting in seiza for hours was a fucking misery. I would sit in misery for what felt like forever, then eventually, finally, be allowed to drink the damned tea which could have been made in a tenth the time, cursing the rules of etiquette in my mind all the while.

We had the tea. I sat right, made the right motions, the right sounds, the right compliments. I was sure this formal tea was only meant to see if they can make me sweat while I waited until Ojii-sama revealed the purpose of my visit. Eventually proprieties had been served, and Ojii-sama said the first meaningful thing of the whole visit.

"Your father has raised an excellent son. You are truly a credit to your blood." God, but I wanted to say something sarcastic. But I just nodded stoically. He seemed approving.

"You now need the proper accouterments that go with your station." I was thinking that I might be getting a gift of money to help me uphold the expectations of my new station. That would be in keeping, at least, with our general history; I tended to get a carefully calculated gift of money on all the socially expected occasions, but little else. Maybe I'd get some property, I thought, or a stake in some ships to provide an income. If he was being overly samurai, possibly an armor. But what happened next broke every expectation I had, even the most ridiculous.

"Sachiko, come!" he commanded in a slightly raised voice. The screen door on the side of the room slid open, and a teenager in a functional but sharp looking uniform was revealed kneeling behind it.

She was, at a guess, about 14 years old, with dark hair pulled into a ponytail behind her. She seemed fairly fit, with toned muscles and lithe movements that spoke to training rather than merely an active lifestyle. I surmised she was likely a combat-trained retainer.

She bowed from her kneeling position to Ojii-sama, and then shuffled into the room, settling off to the side in a respectful seiza that managed to indicate a degree of submission. Her movements were smooth, showing her familiarity with this sort of formality, but didn't have that "stick in uncomfortable places" stiffness endemic to the samurai retainers, so I guessed she was likely a retainer from a ninja family.

"Sachiko, my grandson has recently been invested as a Junior Baron Courtier of the Fifth Rank and appointed Assistant to the Ambassador to the Fire Daimyo's court." That was actually pretty damned impressive. My title was new enough that even I didn't know it, at least not without looking at the scroll that served as my Patent of Nobility, and here's Ojii-sama rattling it off like nothing. This whole thing clearly meant more to him than I had realized.

While Ojii-sama paused in his usual way after saying something for it to sink in, my mind was spinning into all sorts of strange directions. I was really worried for a moment that he was going to try and have me sleep with her or something crazy like that; the old man was about a hundred, and could easily have forgotten when kids went through puberty. I was mercifully spared the embarrassment of explaining, in this hyper-formal setting, that I wasn't actually capable of sex yet, or deciding to disappear with her and have an awkward conversation until enough time had passed. Honestly, all that might have been easier.

"I wish for you to become my grandson's first retainer, Sachiko." Holy shit.

No, seriously. This was super fucked up. Dear old gramps had just basically given me someone as a cross between my slave and my bodyguard and minion-in-chief (pro tempore). Of course, calling her a slave would be a massive insult, to the point she might kill herself, so I would never do that. But in effect, it's what she was.

She would have been raised literally from birth to serve; Danzo had nothing on a good traditional samurai conditioning regime. I could probably have her do just about anything; as a ninja retainer, she didn't really have honor of her own beyond what I gave her. Basically, she could do anything ordered, no matter how dishonorable it might normally be, because her honor came not from her actions but by fulfilling my commands.

If you want an example of how fucked up people could become under such a regime, well the White Fang, Hatake Kakashi's father in the original canon, was probably once from a retainer family and held those morals, with the Third Hokage as his master. As a full grown man, with a kid, he finally managed to break programming to save people as close to him as younger brothers from certain death; the shame, the moral misery he experienced because of the failure to complete his orders from his surrogate lord, the Hokage, led to his suicide.

This was probably my grandfather's antiquated way of showing approval and apologizing for the distance between us; it was also likely, in retrospect, to be an outreach to Tou-san. By showing me such a conspicuous honor - and being given a retainer valuable enough to have sworn direct oaths of fealty at such a young age was a real honor – it would also show honor to Tou-san. Basically, Ojii-sama was trying to repair the rifts that his honor originally demanded, and doing so in a way commensurate with his honor.

If this had been happening to anyone other than me, I'd have loved it; this is what the damned theatre should have been about, if mocking such an ancient and revered tradition wasn't likely to end in an honor-duel. On that level, this was really nice.

On another level, it's about a hundred times worse than giving a seven-almost-eight year old kid a puppy right before he leaves for summer camp, and expecting the kid to look after the puppy during summer camp.

It was only shock and the combination of British (first life), and then (partially) Samurai upbringings that let me keep my shit and my straight face. And that was important; while I was biologically a kid, I had been appointed a title by the Daimyo, our Clan-leader, and would thus be dishonoring him, my grandfather, and myself if I behaved inappropriately.

But I really felt for this girl. Here she was, just entering her teenage years. She had likely worked herself to the bone to gain scraps of attention and approval. And she had excelled. And then the reward for that excellence? Being given literally as an accoutrement, a trapping, an accessory to my station. Of course, this station would be in a foreign city about 400 miles away as the crow flies. And her poor parents. Her very name, Sachiko, meant happiness (sachi) and child (ko). So I was taking their "child of happiness", possibly their first child, maybe after a trying time to give birth, and I was going to take her to the snake's pit of Konohagakure. She might be their only child; their line might end because of this, Ojii-sama's gift.

I tried the gentle dance of refusal, but knew Ojii-sama would not do this without being sure. I had a greater chance of holding back the tide.

"I am greatly honored, Ojii-sama. But, I would not wish to deprive you of a retainer with such skills as Sachiko," I tried as my opening gambit.

"I insist. I assure you our family has sufficient retainers that one can be spared to your service," the old bastard replied with a faint hint of amusement in his eye. He already knew how this would end, but found my efforts at this dance amusing.

"I meant no insult, no such insinuation, Ojii-sama," I returned quickly.

"Oh, then do you question Sachiko's skills? If you prefer, you may give her a test yourself, or would you prefer another?" Sachiko managed to keep her cool appearance, but that was cruel.

"Not at all Ojii-sama. After all, any that has your personal recommendation must be very highly skilled." I could sense Sachiko's well controlled chakra lighten a bit at that.

"Good. Then it is settled." And it was.

With her previous oath released, and a new one sworn to me in blood, I had my first retainer, Hisakawa Sachiko. And these oaths aren't like the western ones, promising loyalty for fealty, protection for service; no, not at all. She promised her obedience, her skills, her blood to me, taking no other honor but what I gave her. I was suitably somber; this was one of the most important moments of her life. After the ceremony of fealty, I turned to her.

"Sachiko-san."

"Yes, Uzumaki-dono."

"I would have you address me as Daichi-sama, Sachiko." That was about as informal as I could try with her; baby steps, I thought, would be the way to go. She gave a brief bow of her understanding, and I decided to explain my reasoning. The sooner I could get her treating me as human rather than some sort of minor god, the better.

"After all, things will doubtless be confusing otherwise, and you are my first retainer and head of my Retinue Guard and household." This was something of a sop to her; she may no longer be in direct service to my grandfather, a greater lord than I, but at least she was the head of the Retinue and household for a lord. A position as in my Retinue was actually a fairly high honor, even with a lord as young as I, mostly due to my prowess with seals. And there were some thousand or so Uzumaki on the island, all told, so calling me "Uzumaki" anything would get old fast.

"But what I meant to say, Sachiko-san, is that we will be leaving in just over 4 months, after my eighth birthday, so I might take up my post in Konohagakure. Until then, I will be practicing every morning from dawn until three hours after with my father; I expect you to join me so we might become accustomed to fighting together." Though I was facing Sachiko, I could tell that my grandfather, the old warrior, clearly approved of my preparations.

"Very good, Daichi-san. Your talent continues to impress me. Sachiko will, with your approval, have the rest of the day and night to herself, and move into your household tomorrow." Shit. I'd have to warn my parents; Tou-san would definitely understand, but Kaa-san saw all this as antiquated (which it was). She'd totally make fun of me; I'd have to make sure she treated poor Sachiko well. Oh god. Kushina. I just knew she'd be a total brat about the whole thing. I'd just have to make sure Sachiko understood that as my retainer, all she had to care about was my approval. And I could start then.

"Thank you, Ojii-sama for your consideration for my retainer. I am deeply appreciative." I bowed to my grandfather; he nodded back having clearly understood the subtext, and approved.

Some more meaningless pleasantries and a small, partially eaten snack later, and I was on my way out of Ojii-sama's home with Sachiko a step behind and to the left. She had certainly mastered silent movement; if I wasn't able to sense chakra, I would never have known she was there, and even her chakra was reasonably well controlled and concealed.

"Sachiko-san," I began, then gave a small pause to make emphasize what followed. "Thank you for giving me your oath. Know that I will cherish it, and value you. From this day forward, disregard any displeasure but my own, and believe no censure that does not come directly from me in person. Hopefully, in time, you can find it in yourself to be my friend, as well as my vassal. Is this understood?"

"Yes, Daichi-sama." And to this day, I am in awe of her; her composure in being given to a callow youth, and her ability to take the pompous pronouncements of a seven year old seriously. To my credit though, she was somewhat more relaxed.

That night, when I explained the situation to my parents and asked their forbearance towards her, especially from Kaa-san, I got hugged tightly by a woman slightly teary at "how quickly her little boy is becoming a man" while my Tou-san looked on approvingly. It was worth it though; Kaa-san promised to treat Sachiko with all due caution towards her feelings, and even offered to give her some sealing training when she was too exhausted from Tou-san's training.

And Tou-san was doubtless going to train her into the ground; as a heavy combat specialist with both Samurai and Ninja training, he was well suited and motivated to prepare Sachiko for a life of protecting his only son. That said, it was unlikely I'd remain his only son for long; apparently my parents were under pressure to have more children to see if any would be geniuses like me. Someone had even broached the topic of Tou-san taking concubines, though it was generally agreed that Kaa-san was responsible for my inclination to sealing.

It was a bittersweet idea. I was glad for my parents, and happy both that our family would grow and that I was being seen as such a valuable person. But the idea of missing my to-be siblings' childhoods just made me more pissed off with Konohagakure.

Chapter 15: Priests and Preparations

Sachiko was the first development in my last four months in Uzushiogakure. To aid in her development and training, I ensured she received the most recent version of the DEWS laser weapon seal, an enhanced HUD-projector around her eyes, and the best defensive body-sealing scheme I could cadge out of Hikaru jii-san as well as a built-in Cyclone-Cannon Seal and a full selection of Magazine seals. Unfortunately, she did not have time to learn how to use a Pelican as well as all of her other training; it was something I intended her to work on by remote-training using a Pelican stationed out of Uzushiogakure after our arrival in Konoha, though if possible I'd have her using a Sea-Hawk or even Peregrine depending on what designs were published.

The second development was my social and diplomatic training. I was expected to have small classes, mostly as they fit into my schedule, from a special tutor assigned by Kazuo-sama to educate me on diplomatic conventions and polite behavior in every setting. I dined most days with either Kazuo-sama and his family, including Kushina, or with whatever guests he was entertaining on business. During that time, I became close with Kushina and learned more than I had every imagined knowing about the background of running a nation and the social niceties so important to avoid incidents in that semi-feudal world.

The third development, and by far the most draining to my time and energy was my Advanced Seals training. I suffered with semi-constant headaches during those four months due to over-use of my mental reinforcement, all to push myself to the level that I needed to obtain before leaving.

The group that took over my seals training was actually the Priest-faction. I was officially ordained as the lowest-possible rank, an apprentice exorcist to be exact, so that I might be inducted into some of their mysteries and prepared for my tasks.

The high-ranks of the Sealing Department saw a unique opportunity in me. To understand this opportunity, you need to know something of the deep mysteries of chakra. Should you ever end up in the Elemental Nations, DO NOT MENTION THESE. They will get you killed or abducted, and draw the interest of the likes of Madara or Itachi.

The deep secret that needs to be understood is the nature of "demons," in particular the Biju, and how they relate to chakra and the local fabric of reality. I will relate what was related to me.

Before the first days of chakra, far before even the Sage of Six Paths, there was a great society with mighty powers. From what I personally understood, it was a modern, or post-modern but still recognizable civilization similar to those present on Earth. Then, something happened, though what exactly I didn't know. Possibilities included high energy physics experiment, superweapon, divine intervention, extra-dimensional interference, alien act, or just an (un)natural disaster.

The result though was chakra.

When chakra first came into the world, it was wild, uncontrolled. For while the Nations had adapted to chakra over time, chakra was not originally native to this world. Instead, it came from realms of greater chakra-density, and poured into our world. Unbound Chakra, lacking even the structure of standard, dangerous nature chakra as used by Sages, was power and change. New, unstable bloodlines would form in those completely unused to chakra.

Imagine, a town's marketplace, crowded, full of life. A man begins to bleed from his skin and claw and writhe. His bones begin to break through, and as the crowd flees, too slow, a forest of bones erupt around the man, killing him and any within a few hundred meters.

For far too long, that was peoples' reality. Humanity shrank, often surviving in small pockets where the local chakra was, for whatever reason, particularly weak or benign. And chakra did not make it easy for even these little remnants of civilization to survive. Technology stopped working, and beasts empowered but also driven mad by raw chakra hunted mankind in the ruins.

Some lucky human individuals survived their mutations too. A rare few benefited, gaining new powers, and even fewer managed to establish bloodlines that bred semi-true. By the time I was born, everyone had small bits and pieces of potential bloodlines in their systems, though far too few could activate them.

Eventually, the pressure of chakra equalized. The fabric of reality, no longer strained by this bleed-over of chakra, eventually healed. Even the chakra, as it was filtered by the living, gradually became less dangerous.

But chakra was not the only thing to have come over. Creatures of foreign realms came too, or, if they did not come, their attention was drawn. From this, we knew the existence of the many varieties of Spirits, Demons, the Celestials, the Gods and Powers and Concepts.

Incredibly dangerous, the very presence of these beings was enough to raise the local chakra levels. Some, like the many varieties of Demons, were too foreign or hostile to safely treat with. Others, the Celestials, were powerful but benign. The Gods, mightier still, might be constant or capricious as their nature. Places of strong chakra could develop Spirits, genius loci, or perhaps these Spirits grew the chakra of their location. There existed beings of Power, absolute dominion over some aspect of reality, and Concepts like Death that embody that aspect of reality itself.

These beings were both blessing and curse. Without them, I found it entirely possible that the era of chaotic chakra would have lasted much longer, and many a human settlement would have failed without the intervention of a well-meaning kami. It was entirely possible for all of mankind to become extinct, or so mutated as to no longer qualify as human. But still, that left many of these beings, or their emissaries and servants, sharing our planet.

The first sealers were exorcists, trying to protect what fragments of civilization remained, and priests who would doctor the soul, trying to remove the corruption of Unbound Chakra. One group, particularly skilled, was the origin of one of the many clans that would eventually be incorporated into the Uzumaki, and the source of our skills in sealing.

There were deeper mysteries still, secrets of these beings greater and more terrible than humanity could ever be, but such were above my needs and capacity. The Biju, though, the Biju's history was something I did learn.

At the site of one of these holes in reality, some say at the site of the first such hole, came to be a tree. It is unknown whether this tree was there, and managed to survive the Unbound Chakra, growing in ways it needed, or perhaps a Spirit or minor God joined with this tree, or the tree was itself a migrating god. What is known is that a mighty tree grew there, and in it was stored the chakra of a wide region. This tree served as a filter, and was part how the world's stability increased.

At one point though there came a wandering tribe of people who claimed "to have descended from the stars." I suspected that they might have been the progeny of those once living in orbital habitats, descended to our planet, Chakyu. It was possible that they were explorers, or left after key systems failed, or perhaps were exiled as a result of some power-play. Regardless, they arrived.

Mistaken as Celestials due to their powers and wondrous items, they knew little of chakra, and settled at the roots of the Great Tree, which kept a wide area safe for human habitation. Not content with their lot and powers, they studied the tree, and sealing.

One day, in either the greatest mistake or greatest success of their experiments, they found a way to drain the chakra of the Tree, and use it to empower humans. Most died, or were mutated with local creatures; of these are numbered the lesser summons clans native to the Nations (as opposed to those greater clans native to near-by realms). Others were transformed and driven mad; they joined the ranks of those considered demons and were killed or sealed.

But of the experiments' success was born the first and only recorded human ascended god, the goddess Kaguya.

Kaguya would eventually give birth to twins, but she was not stable. Never meant to bear the power of a goddess, she gained a type of chakra illness associated with an overpowered chakra system. It drove her to desire greater and greater control of chakra. She began to think of all chakra as hers, and tried to take that of her children.

When they refused, she sought more power from the Shinju Tree. This time however she fell prey to the Tree's curse, and transformed. Far more mighty than any of those who had transformed before, her twisted form was likewise tyrannically strong.

After she took the form of the Jubi, the Ten-Tailed Beast, her children fought her. Having studied with the clan that would become the Uzumaki, and gained great skill, her children succeeded in sealing her. They split her chakra into nine beasts, the Biju.

For a thousand years, the Biju roamed the Nations, mostly keeping to themselves, though occasionally causing a disaster. Then, Madara captured the Kyubi, and Mito began her "great work of peace" by sealing the Beasts. In doing so, she reduced the levels of chakra in nature, and like a slowly breaking dam, the walls of reality were once more letting in more and more influence from Outside. There would be a balance, as was needed, but it could take a long time to arrive.

In the meantime, greater amounts of foreign chakra, unbound chakra, and benign, malignant or unknown but always inhuman influences would act on the Nations. Destabilization and conflict would result. This state of affairs was highly undesirable, and the priests intended to address the issue before it became a catastrophe.

I suspected, though did not say, that my own presence there and then was partially a result of this weakening of the walls of reality. I wasn't sure I liked that implication, and what it meant for any of my future reincarnations and what apocalypses I might be forced to endure or avert. Then again, even back on Earth there were constant wars and conflict throughout human history.

The mission that the priests prepared me for was to conflict with the other Jinchuriki and Biju, and make it impossible for them to be sealed by anyone less than a true Sealing Master, or controlled by the accursed Sharingan, as well as how to help restore the balance.

To this purpose, I had to master four extremely advanced seals. The first seal was a sealing-protection seal. It would make it very difficult to seal whatever the protection seal is applied to. Functionally, it shorted out sealing attachments and twisted the chakra trying to attach to protection-sealed entity, similar to a white-noise generator drowning out lesser sounds. It was also sort of like computer password making a file read-only, in that if you knew how, you could still seal the protected being; the priests left that in so that the Biju couldn't attack Uzushio.

The second seal was a Sharingan-proofing seal. It would, when fed chakra, disrupt genjutsu, and was optimized for Biju levels of chakra. It would also power a reflective coating around the eyes using naturally available chakra, and absorb the vast majority of chakra that shared the Sharingan's unique hybrid human-demon signal.

The third seal was a spirit-binding seal; it would seal the sealing-protection seal and the Sharingan-proofing seal to the Biju's spirit so that they could not be damaged by physical force. Functionally, it was the least impressive in effect. But it was by far and away the most impressive in difficulty and construction.

The fourth seal was a small but incredibly dense energy storage seal; I would feed it chakra from the Kyubi, then release it into the atmosphere. Since the Biju normally didn't exert themselves to their maximum levels of chakra gathering from the local environment, I could actually match the average chakra output of half the Biju taken together using just the Kyubi. This would lessen the degradation of the barriers greatly, especially since Jinchuriki still leaked some of their imprisoned being's chakra.

The seal to bind the Kyubi to me would be permanent, binding us at the level of our spirits, but could be released with an act of will at the moment of my death; the release was buried deep inside. We needed a proper seal, rather than whatever Mito came up with, but equally the Konoha sealers would know, and claim they were cheated, if the seal were "temporary." This seal, though, the Master of the Priestly faction would apply himself.

None of these seals were easy. In fact, they were hideously difficult. I had previously achieved fifth level Intuition, and was working on my sixth. A sealer was typically capable of learning seals at most two levels above their Intuition without excessive levels of effort and specialized education; even then, it would be risky.

Each seal I was meant to learn was based on level seven seals, with some elements from level eight seals. Each day I'd spend ten or more hours being tutored by the Master of the Priests' faction. It was a great honor. It was a mental and, as my reinforcement began taking its toll, a physical torture.

But I finally mastered the seals and their subtleties to the Masters' standards, barely four days before I was meant to depart. Our first stop was the Fire Daimyo's court to be presented, then we would continue on our way to Konohagakure along with the party that contained the sealers responsible for my future bond with Kurama, the Kyubi. In the process of mastering the seals I achieved sixth level Intuition, and became the youngest recorded Master Sealer of the Uzumaki Clan. Officially, however, for my protection, I was ranked an Expert.

I spent those last days with my family, other than some hurried gathering of my supplies and gifts. I had received a full set of sealed-armor from the Priests, whose Master was apparently something of a specialist in the art; the sealed-armor was a set of leather bands, blood-bound to me and summon-able, that was the closest I could come to full Body-Seals until I was at least fourteen years old. It would give a fair bit of passive protection from near-misses, and when active could tank even a regular Jonin for a hit or two; easily enough time to surprise them.

Hikaru jii-san gave me several sets of prepared wards; they were enough to thoroughly guard my future home, as well as a smaller set for traveling. He also helped set up a secure linked communications network between me, him, my parents and the Sealing Department. The Naval Weapons Group gave me a two way inanimate-transportation seal to transfer designs and prototypes, as well as ammunition reloads for my Pelican to and from my location.

Kaa-san gave me new clothes, and Tou-san two sets of kunai and shuriken with short-range recall seals, one being for Sachiko. Both gave me their advice and their love. Kushina gave me a picture of herself, and the order as "the future first female Daimyo of Whirlpool" not to forget home, and to call often.

Finally, laden down with knowledge and supplies and enough seals to fight a small war, carrying my swords and wearing my travel-garb, I was prepared. I made my goodbyes to my family and Kushina, and after some words from Kazuo-sama our forty-strong party left for the Fire Daimyo's court.

I'm not too proud to admit that as I stood on the deck of our ship at sunset, and looked back at Uzushiogakure in the distance, the image of my home was blurred by the tears in my eyes.

Chapter 16: Interlude 1: The Retainer.

My name is Hisakawa Sachiko. I was born into a family of ninja, retainers to a mid-ranked Uzumaki noble. Mother grew pregnant when on a mission, and died in birth; she lived long enough to name me Sachiko or "joyous child", a name that would ensure I knew I was loved despite the outcome.

And so I was raised by Auntie and Uncle so that I might serve as they did. I worked hard, and excelled from a young age, showing the grace and intelligence necessary to be trained not as a brute, but as a subtle blade. Whether a hidden protector or invisible assassin, I learned to walk the halls of power and be of use not only as a weapon to my master, but as an assistant too.

My master used to be Master Uzumaki, the grandfather of my current master, Master Daichi. The first time I heard of Master Daichi, I must have been five years old, and Master Daichi had just been born. Master Uzumaki always appeared with the stoic visage he was so famous for; this visage, along with his martial skills and Noble Sea-Hawk summons (who selected only the most honorable of samurai, and had served as his eyes) had earned him the sobriquet of "Whirlpool's Sea-Hawk Samurai" when serving in the navy many, many years ago.

But, in secret, he was a very caring man; I think he simply felt it unsightly to show this. He would have us, his ninja retainers, check up on his children, especially Kohaku sama, Master Daichi's father, who was somewhat estranged. This duty fell to Uncle, a jovial and joking man with his family who was only too happy to report to us about the successful birth.

And so, I grew up with reports of Master Daichi. I learned when I was six how he was already walking, and speaking. I learned when I was seven, and he two, that he was already actively practicing calligraphy to manage seals in the future. When I was eight, I formally became Uncle's apprentice; I was in the room and saw Master Uzumaki's hidden joy when Uncle reported that Master Daichi was progressing well, and likely to turn into a fine man and a credit to Uzushiogakure and the family.

Uncle said that this was training; that even at their most emotional, men like Master Uzumaki are hard to discern, and that by studying his reactions, I would be able to understand the reactions of other stoic men. I think, however, that Uncle merely wished to share the details of the charge he watched from afar. Part of this storytelling from Uncle to me was that there is a universal rule: servants gossip about their masters. We may be more circumspect, call it Espionage/Counter-Intelligence training, keep things "in family", but we ninja are subject to this rule too.

I learned of Master Uzumaki's relationship with his son this way, and when I did I remember being sad. It might have been amusing had I not cared, but the whole thing was, at least as it was described by Uncle, a misunderstanding. Master Uzumaki wanted his son to master a certain level of the sword and traditional arts before branching out. His son, headstrong and young and not suited to hearing the subtleties of his seemingly cool father, disobeyed. Then, to make matters worse, refused to apologize.

While Master Uzumaki would have likely allowed it, or forgiven his son, his honor would not let him let the disobedience lie. While the son married, and propriety was served, for years things were cold between them, though Master Uzumaki always kept my family, and the other ninja retainers, busy with updates in his son's situation.

As time passed, Master Daichi's achievements grew, and my involvement, peripheral as it was, increased. I tested my stealth against his notice, and watched that first fireworks show he made. I was aware of many of his greatest successes and achievements, and, to be honest (something I may only be with myself and my master), both highly impressed and intimidated.

Master Daichi was beyond someone you could call a prodigy or a genius. He learned at a rate that astounded his teachers and drew mention of being a reincarnation of a Saint or Sage; while in most this would be at least somewhat sarcastic, the tone used when discussing Master Daichi had an underlying tone of semi-fearful belief. Some were worried, or afraid of Master Daichi, thinking him somewhat unnatural; others almost worshipful.

I, I was merely inspired. And Master Uzumaki could not have been prouder at his grandson's accomplishments, though again, it was impossible to see.

At the age of ten, I watched as Master Daichi worked on some secret project which clearly failed. He had poured effort into it, working harder than I ever had, and all self-driven. He had even managed to slightly worsen his health, truly a feat for one with the Uzumaki vitality. I knew such failure could break full grown men, let alone children, and I wanted against training to comfort him at the time, tell him not to give up. It proved unnecessary; he immediately bounced back, and after resting himself, was back to work.

When I was eleven, and "showing great promise as a kunoichi", Master Daichi was collaborating with the Naval Weapons Research Group, and developed the Cyclone seals. His involvement and the entire project itself may have been secret, but I knew. I also knew how revolutionary these seals were; I heard from a cousin who watches the Navy that they necessitated entirely different naval strategy and tactics, and ensured Uzushio's dominance at sea for generations. And yet, I also knew that the boy showed less arrogance than I held in my heart for my comparatively meager skills. I thought then that Master Daichi would not be a bad person to serve.

Perhaps Uncle noticed this, and saw which way the wind blew when Master Daichi was working on those marvels of surveillance and destruction, the Pelicans; this may have been why he had Auntie train me to act as an assistant to a man, teaching more than the noble-lady's attendant's arts I had learned before. Whatever the reason, I thank him. When Master Uzumaki made the announcement that he was searching for someone to become Master Daichi's retainer, I volunteered, and was immediately on the short list of candidates.

During the interview with Master Uzumaki and his senior ninja retainer, I listed my qualifications. I spoke of how I was trained to act within the bounds of noble society as hidden guard and invisible blade, how my skills with weapons, stealth, poisons and illusions would all be of use and complement Master Daichi's own, greater talents. I was asked many questions, but there was one which, I believe, was responsible for my being given this honor.

"If selected," Master Uzumaki began in that slow, deliberate way of his, "how should I present you to my grandson?"

And so I told him, how Master Daichi's compassion would be the best way of him accepting happily.

Master Uzumaki did as I suggested.

Though I spent the four months before our departure in brutal training, endlessly learning combat skills from his father, and though his mother insisted in cramming some small knowledge of sealing into my mind when I too exhausted to move, and though I would be leaving my home and all I knew, I was happy.

I had a master I could be proud to serve for the rest of my life: Uzumaki Daichi.

Chapter 17: Enter the Hokage

The journey was long and uninteresting. For someone leaving their village for the first time in their memory, it might have been more significant; I, however, had traveled fairly diversely back on Earth, and had long since come to the belief that the best part of travel was finally arriving where you wanted to be. Travelling by boat and foot was far less pleasant than plane and car, and just reinforced that belief.

I had suggested using Pelicans to drop off a summoning seal linked to a circle in Uzushiogakure; it was deemed an unnecessary expenditure of energy, unnecessary exposure of strategic capability, and an unnecessary departure from tradition. All of these but the last seemed reasonable, and so I endured the trip as well as I could.

Admittedly, the first leg, while on a Medium Naval Escort ship was quite enjoyable. I had always loved sailing and the water, and the weather and currents weren't so bad as to make me sea-sick. While some of the other members of the party were not so copacetic, Sachiko too was lucky enough to have a strong stomach. Unfortunately, Uzushiogakure was close to Fire's landmass, and so we were soon on a road headed to the national capital and the Fire Daimyo's palace.

Of my presentation at court I'll say little; it was highly formalized, and something of an afterthought when compared with introducing our new Ambassador, (one of) my theoretical boss(es), who was replacing the previous representative. We traded eight of the party for eight of the ambassadorial staff who were headed to home after our short detour to Konohagakure, and continued on our way.

Konohagakure was somewhat more interesting, if only because I was going to be living there for a while (though it would not be, would never be, home). We were escorted by an honor guard to our new Consulate and washed and dressed for our visit to the Hokage's Tower, the center of their bureaucracy.

I was, once again, in full regalia. On my Haori's (formal jacket-like robe's) lapels were displayed the device of Whirlpool; beneath, slightly smaller, was my personal device, a stylized Hawk's head (which I inherited from my family) with the kanji for "seal" on its forehead. I wore swords which were slightly comically oversized compared to my frame, and I couldn't help but chuckle at my image.

I looked like a brat wearing the most expensive Halloween costume ever. I sobered when Sachiko looked at me inquisitively and shook my head. Hidden out of sight behind a sash were the remnants of Kushina's tear-stains.

Sachiko too was looking sharp. She had foregone her hidden weapons, though not those accessories that could be used as improvised ones (seriously, I think the only reason these women had hair like that was to make weapons of the spikes they used to style it). She was in a female dress-uniform remarkably similar to what she wore under Ojii-sama, though bearing my device rather than his. I knew her well enough by now to tell she was slightly nervous.

We were joined by my nominal deputy, Minami Ichirou, and his assistant. Ichirou-san was, at least in theory, a samurai. In reality, while he might have been the match for some peasant bandits, Ichirou hardly qualified to be compared to the death-dealing human blenders that truly earned their title. Instead, he was well experienced in trade, and slightly less in politics.

I had Sachiko investigate him during the journey; she found he was a moderate Progressive, one who would likely focus on creating trade and mutual profit, but not increase any military dependencies on Uzushiogakure's part. Ichirou would take care of the day-to-day business, and much of the more formal events too. Our consulate also had a trio of servants attached to it whom I had been assured were discrete and efficient (read Uzushiogakure ninja), though I did not interact much with them.

While we would all be living on Consulate grounds, Sachiko and I had our residence in a different building, a bit more removed from the public and closer to the attached training ground and dojo. It was actually a pretty good deal for me. I had free lodging, and was being paid a fairly generous stipend by Kazuo-kaka as an appointed official, as well as a different small stipend as an activated militia member by Kazuo-sama; I suspected this allowance was another way of his showing appreciation for my stepping up to live in this foreign land.

To make my financial situation even better, I would still keep whatever pay Konoha owed for my service. It wasn't quite as much money as I had been making through the work on my inventions with Hikaru jii-san, but I wasn't precluded from continuing that remotely, at least part-time. On the expenses side, I had myself and Sachiko to support, keeping us clothed appropriately (which could get a bit expensive with formal wear for growing boys), supplied with gear, and of course fed.

The walk to the Hokage was reasonably short; I wasn't sure whether Konohagakure or Uzushiogakure had paid for the land, but whoever had definitely didn't stint. Such a decently sized tract so close to the center of the village was definitely expensive. The villagers were somewhat taken by our procession; that kind of pomp and circumstance was rarely seen in ninja spaces unless the day was a major festival, in which case it was expected.

The ceremony where we were official greeted and welcomed by the Hokage was emotionally delicious. Mito, Danzo, a gaggle of clan heads and several other important Konoha figures were there. It was a good thing that Sachiko had been training my sensing skills towards ninja while on the trip; she would do this thing where if she had a joke or comment, she'd hold it in unless I ordered her to speak. The trick was detecting these moments; I'm not sure if she knew I'd caught on yet, but she was basically trading sensing progress in return for her lightening up a bit.

Still, if I hadn't been watching their chakra carefully for their reaction, I never would have caught it. When I was introduced as the Consul, they were shocked.

It only took me a moment to realize why. See, Kazuo-kaka had played a bit of a joke on them; this wasn't it, though the reaction was what I was looking for. When Kazuo-kaka sent the missive of our agreement to their terms, he further negotiated this consulship. In the letter, he somewhat ambiguously stated that Uzumaki Daichi, his retainer, Minami Ichirou, his assistant, and three servants would be sent when he sent "the best candidate to host the Kyubi" and the sealing team to ensure the transfer went well. It never actually mentioned that I was the best host candidate.

What caught up the Konohagakure dignitaries though, and a mistake I never would have suspected such a powerful ninja village to make, was my identity. I had a very distant cousin, about as distant as an Uzumaki could get, who was also called Daichi. He was a somewhat aged veteran of the Uzushiogakure Guard who had achieved a decent rank with a good reputation as a ship captain. The only reason I knew about him was that occasionally messages meant for one of us would find the other. Konohagakure must have read Uzumaki Daichi, and assumed that the other Daichi was getting the post as a kind of retirement posting.

Instead, they got me in all of my eight year old, 4'4" glory.

When they realized that Kushina wasn't there, there were even mutters in the less important ranks of dignitaries. I very carefully, and very pointedly, did not give a glance of superiority to Sachiko at our superior breeding and manners, but I sure as hell emoted it enough that any decent sensor, and most Jonin, would have picked up on it.

I wasn't sure how many there had the diplomatic training necessary to see what kind of a win we had just had, but I was paying attention to the Fire Daimyo's representative to Konohagakure, and he definitely did. I was still filled with a slightly warm feeling when we (myself and Ichirou-san, as well as the Head Sealing Priest and the previous Ambassador to the Fire Daimyo, accompanied by our assistants) were invited to an "intimate" tea with the Hokage and his three chief advisers (and their own attendants), presided over by the Fire Daimyo's representative. Mito was apparently too poorly for much more exertion, else she'd have been attending as well as a "family member".

I grinned, and thought 'let the games begin'.

We met in a room near the Hokage's office. Seating us was a bit interesting. On the one hand, I was the chief of the diplomatic mission, and so I was senior. On the other hand, the Head Priest was the second most senior figure in Uzushiogakure's Sealing Department, my own senior, and hugely influential within the Clan and village.

But, he gave the signal in Sealing Priest Cant, a set of signals used to communicate when doing complicated sealing chants and hand-chains that I should lead, and so I took the seat at the head, facing across from the Hokage. The assistants, of course, sat at the edges of the room looking like painted statues. Sarutobi just looked at me for a moment, taking stock of me.

I'll admit, it was a bit nervous-making. Sarutobi was already something of a legend, and a much bigger bad-ass than I. But I had stared Death in the face (the concept, not personification), and it would take far more than a stern look to phase me.

"It seems you were expecting my cousin, Hokage-sama. I would have thought that Konohagakure's intelligence apparatus would have warned you when I was presented to the Fire Daimyo. I apologize for any confusion." I swear Danzo, Mr. "No Emotions Danzo," twitched. It's not common that you could get one over on the Hokage like this, and I wanted to show that I refused to be cowed.

A moment later, the prototype of Sarutobi's eventual "lovable-grandfather" mask, in this case the "friendly-uncle" mask, slipped into action. Or perhaps his business mask slipped off. I was unsure, and I suspected even Sarutobi didn't know; truly, ninja prodigies and multiple personality disorder were uncomfortably similar.

"There's no need to apologize for anything, my boy. I assume your Uzumaki blood is particularly strong?" Urgh. I hated being called anyone's anything (unless I was sleeping with them, that's a bit different, then they could call me their dear or lover or whatever), let alone their "boy". It was a calculated parry that didn't answer to the (possible) failure of their intelligence, and insulted me at the same time. But he made a mistake asking so obliquely about my age.

"If I were a boy, Hokage-sama, I would have to be recalled to Uzushiogakure. It is against our law for children to fill such positions." Let's see you backpedal now, motherfucker. If you don't and your statement stands, I have legitimate cause to claim dismissal under our Alliance, and the whole Kyubi thing falls apart.

"It was merely a figure of speech, I meant no commentary on your adulthood, Daichi-san." That was a point to me, bringing us back to even. Now to poke again…

"And as for my blood, it is strong." There was an almost visible relaxation that I wasn't as young as I looked that I allowed before crushing it. "That said, I don't believe I look any younger than I am; I recently turned eight. Do I look younger, Hokage-sama?"

The Hokage at this point was about forty years old, a little younger than my cumulative age. He may have been more experienced with diplomatic matters, but I was running a pretty hefty mental reinforcement giving me comparatively greater brain-power, and was likely a fair bit more intelligent than he was to begin with. Most importantly, I wasn't behaving how he expected and it had been keeping him on his back foot for the most part.

If he thought this would be easy, he was dead wrong. I felt like the Daimyo's representative wanted to cradle his face in his hands at the absolute mess this was becoming, but the Hokage recovered fairly well.

"You must be very impressive then, to have been appointed."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama, for your judgment of my abilities. I hardly need say the same of you; you must know how skilled you are, as you would not be Hokage else-wise." That was a lovely turn of phrase. Just confused enough that it could be a legitimate compliment awkwardly worded because of my young age and the formal language, but at the same time vaguely hinting that the Hokage was less skilled than he appeared.

Deciding to interject and give time for people to re-evaluate the circumstances, our mediator redirected the conversation to meaningless platitudes about the trip here, the local vegetation and flowers and such. Eventually it turned back towards business and the advisers joined into the conversation; we fenced a bit more, less aggressively, and with far more advantage to Sarutobi. I carefully avoided any openings that led to Kushina's absence until eventually Danzo lost patience.

"And what of Kushina-sama? Was her arrival delayed?"

"Kushina-sama? Why would she be coming? Did you receive another faulty informant's report?" I could see the annoyance in his eyes.

"The agreement we signed during the Uzushiogakure Epidemic was for Tsunade to go with all speed and do what she could as a medic; in return, Uzushiogakure would send us Kushina-sama to become the next host of the Kyubi." He managed to say it without grinding his teeth in annoyance, I was impressed. But I was definitely going to turn up the heat.

"Ah yes. The Uzushiogakure Epidemic. A true tragedy, but you already knew that, didn't you Danzo-san?" Let's see what pigeons that cat manages to catch, I thought as the Hokage's chakra pulsed in what I thought was interest. "And such a shame that though Tsunade arrived, she was too late to add to the efforts of our own doctors." No reason not to make them seem like petty contract-lawyers (which they were, the bastards). "But, as for Kushina-sama, I remember no such agreement."

By this point, everyone's attention was solidly on our back-and-forth. Danzo's irritation was apparent; he must have been seriously pissed.

"Do you deny that Uzushiogakure promised us a host for the Kyubi?"

"Ah, I see the problem now. I suppose you have not had a chance to read the documents we presented you with yet. Fortunately, I prepared and have brought copies. Sachiko." At the command, Sachiko passed me copies of two documents. "The first is the agreement between Konohagakure and Uzushiogakure for support. The second is Kazuo-dono and Kazuo-kaka's missives as to how Uzushiogakure is resolving its agreement. Perhaps you should review them."

I bowed, and presented the documents to a silent Hokage. In fact, the whole room was silent and still. When I mentioned Kazuo-dono and Kazuo-kaka as two separate individuals, I like the think that Sarutobi, Danzo, and their other lickspittles arseholes clenched in knowledge of the reaming they were about to receive.

Ok, granted, not such a great reaming, but they thought they were getting sweet, naive Kushina and got her rather spikier, sharper cousin instead, the same person who had at least held his own at the adult's table. Let them have their minor victory; may they choke on it and on me.

The Hokage read the documents, going over the provisions of my secondment several times before passing it to Danzo and looking up at me.

"So you're to be the next host." It wasn't quite a question, more a statement, but I nodded and answered anyways.

"Exactly. I was originally intending to report tomorrow morning in my person of Whirlpool Reserve Militia, Recruit-Sergeant Uzumaki Daichi. Would that still be agreeable?" I asked with the faintest hint of amusement in my tone.

"Of course. Nine o'clock?"

"I'll be here, Hokage-sama."

By this point Danzo had finished and demonstrated that he really hadn't quite recovered his calm yet.

"So you're the candidate? Do you have the Adamantine Chains?" That, that was over the line, especially in this diplomatic setting where I represented the Daimyo of Whirlpool and our meeting was mediated by the Fire Daimyo's representative. If this weren't informal, I might have had to call him out in an honor duel or demand punishment from the Hokage; I wasn't quite sure which. So, of course, I capitalized.

"Are you seriously challenging the word of the Daimyo of Whirlpool in front of me, his official representative to Konohagakure? You forget your place, ninja."

See, socially speaking, only the Hokage out-ranked me as he was lord of a Great Village. Normally I, as a lesser appointee of a Daimyo and Danzo, as a greater adviser to the Hokage, would have equal-ish rank. It depended somewhat on circumstance; when acting in some of my duties, I was considered Kazuo-kaka's direct representative, in which case I ranked higher.

But, in another sense, ninja ranked below any samurai, even so poor an example as Ichirou, save for perhaps the Kage who was recognized as an independent city-lord by his Daimyo, and some ninja clans which had their own patents of nobility. I ranked, as did many Uzumaki, as a samurai. As soon as Danzo questioned my Daimyo's signed documents to my face, I was able to rebuke him.

And now the bastard would have to bow his head or face censure; if he insulted me or the Daimyo at all at this point I could claim insult and break the agreement on my Lord's behalf. If we were somewhere like the Land of Iron, I could request, and would have to be granted, his head. Unfortunately for this instance at least, the Land of Fire was somewhat less permissive towards the samurai class.

He bowed in dogeza.

"I apologize for my thoughtless words. Please forgive me." He stayed down, as was proper until I acknowledged him.

"I think that's both of our problem, Danzo." I purposefully left out the honorific here. "We speak, and act, without thinking of the potential consequences. You know, the infiltrators who spread the plague to Uzushiogakure were similar, acting without thinking. Had they thought, they would have known that had that disease spread, it would have spread throughout all the Elemental Nations. It might have even killed them, the ones that spread it. So, either they trusted our quarantine measures, or they already had a cure, or they were foolish. Not to mention the kind of damage that Uzushiogakure's sealers might have done were they made mad with grief. But I digress. I should not blame you for the same fault I have, neh? Raise your head, Danzo-san, your misspoken words are forgotten."

By the variation in people's chakra, that warning was well understood. Let's see you wiggle out of this one, Danzo.

"Now, I think we are all tired. It has been a long trip, and an eventful day. I will come calling at nine in the morning, as we discussed, Hokage-sama." And so after a series of goodbyes, we left and went back to the Consulate.

Along the way, the Head Priest came up next to me and after activating a privacy seal spoke.

"You're playing a dangerous game."

"I know, Master. But, in this town, it's the only game to play, I fear."

"Are you properly prepared?"

"They need me. And I've already taken measures."

"And these measures are sufficient?"

"I would say more than. And have no fear, they breach no Laws."

"Good. I'm glad you're prepared. It would be a shame to lose such a promising Sealer. Good night."

"Good night, Master."

I had taken measures too. I had used up the majority of the chakra I had been hoarding over the previous years after the failure of Operation: Hammer of God. Just before leaving Uzushiogakure, I initiated Project Thor: The Sequel.

It was an upgraded version of Hammer of God, using the strongest anti-laser shields I could come up with, a slightly customized visual distortion seal that would hopefully throw off radar targeting, illusion seals for spoof-targets, heat-sink seals designed to deal with volcanoes to reduce the damage from laser fire that did get through, and twice as many rods as necessary. Honestly, with the seals already designed or stock seals available with my greater knowledge level, the thing was almost embarrassingly simple to prepare, and only took me a couple days to design and build.

The trigger was a seal on my body; as soon as I died, or failed to renew the signal on a monthly basis, the bombardment would activate, with the payload seal already in an optimal firing position above Konohagakure. I included a chakra transfer seal to maintain the anti-void shield around the payload; it was barely noticeable against my reserves. I was still scared shitless at the idea of pissing off the Orbital Fortress, but figured if I was dead or being tortured it was worth it.

Sachiko had spotted me launching the seal the night before arriving in Konohagakure. I had warned her that if I died, or was taken, to be out of the village within 10 minutes and activate her emergency recall seal if possible. If being the Jinchuriki ever failed to protect me, I figured that this would.

As I went to sleep, I had a single thought: I may have gone a bit overboard with Danzo.

Chapter 18: Welcome to Konohagakure

First thing the next day I woke, dressed, ate a breakfast prepared by Sachiko, and left for my meeting with the Hokage with her in tow (there was no way I was leaving her alone anywhere until I was more comfortable there).

The meeting with the Hokage was fairly pro-forma, but important nonetheless; this was, after all, when I was going to try and buy myself four years before facing any missions. I saw no reason to become a combat asset, not when I had had barely any legitimate ninja training in things like survival, stealth, illusions, poisons; hell, I couldn't even throw kunai.

I had no reason to graduate early from the academy either. No, I wanted to grow into my body, and be as powerful and awesome as possible when I finally had to actually fight someone. The longer Sachiko and I had to train, the happier I'd be. I never understood wanting to graduate early and enter a front-line position. It didn't matter if someone was the best five year old, or ten year old ever; all they needed to do was meet a single stronger enemy, whatever the age, and they'd be a corpse.

In fact, enemies often prioritized the youngest. They were the most promising after all, but oh-so easy to snuff out while they were still young and weak rather than full-grown threats. No, I was of the mind to spend as long as possible making sure that by the time I saw combat my odds of survival (and those of Sachiko's survival) were maximized.

I vaguely remembered that Hiruzen had a soft spot for kids. Hopefully that would extend to me despite last night. Or maybe he'd like to keep me in a known place watched by his soldiers during the day. Either way, I wanted four uninterrupted years at the Academy, the premier ninja-educating school of the Village.

After being let into the Hokage's office (having left Sachiko at the door), I reported with a snap.

"Hokage-sama! In accordance with the wishes of my Lord, I, Recruit Sergeant Uzumaki Daichi of the Whirlpool Militia have been indefinitely seconded to Konohagakure's Ninja Corps!" Then I bowed and held position. It may have been in a bit of a high-pitched voice, but I liked my greeting. I was dressed in a fairly snazzy work-dress uniform from the Uzushio Sealing Department, including my swords and High Expert Sealer patch. Today I looked like a brat playing at being a soldier instead of playing at being a lord. I was fairly sure the Hokage was amused.

"At ease!" he replied. I relaxed my bow. "So, you've been sent here to become the next Jinchuriki?"

"Yes sir! With your approval, we will prepare and perform the Sealing in the secure room at the Consulate three days hence." It was actually quite amusing to play the dutiful subordinate when we both know I was anything but.

"Very good. Other than your potential as a Jinchuriki, please list your skills and attributes."

"Yes sir! I am eight years old. I have been trained by my father, who is from a samurai family, and by my mother and her father, who are both sealers. I am qualified as an Advanced Instructor of the Whirlpool-Fist style, and a Basic Instructor of the Whirlpool-Sword style. I am effective with Wind and Water chakra techniques. I am an Expert Sealer. I can use the Adamantine Sealing Chains, and use chakra flow techniques through them. I am a fair sensor. I am familiar with court protocol, and have some diplomatic training. I possess a retainer, who has been trained to be my assistant and Chief of Household by her family who are themselves retainers to my Grandfather."

"An impressive list, especially for one so young. What would you like to do?"

"Sir! I would like to go to the Academy."

"Really? Why? I would think you would want to be a ninja immediately, or maybe work in the Sealing Corps."

"Not so. I am only on secondment, I may not grant Uzushiogakure's or my Clan's sealing secrets. As for the Academy, I will receive valuable training in stealth, field medicine, survival, tracking, espionage, infiltration, interrogation and counter-intelligence. I may also learn about poisons and illusions. Further, I am somewhat unused to people my age, as I have been tutored. I, I believe socialization may be useful."

I made sure to make the last bit sound a bit hesitant. I was sure Sarutobi saw through it, but was hoping that he thought I was trying to play him to be able to make friends because I actually wanted friends, rather than wanting another four years before combat. Then again, it's possible he was thinking I was operating on an even deeper level after last night. Or a total fool for challenging Danzo. I couldn't tell.

This was why I hated dealing with ninja and diplomacy; seals at least you could test, no matter how complicated they got or how weird the results. With ninja, I always felt like the Dread Pirate Roberts from the Princess Bride in the scene with the poison. Like him, I also felt that desire to attack everything to make sure I got my target. After a pause, the Hokage finally nodded and answered.

"Very good. It is good to know your limitations, and attempt to account for them. I'll grant your request to join the Academy. A new class is entering in three weeks, you will join them. I assume you want your retainer to accompany you?"

"Yes sir!"

"I assume she can keep up. Very well, I'll place her with your group. Now, I've arranged for Jiraiya, one of my students, to give you a tour. He's waiting outside. Dismissed." I blinked, a bit taken aback that he hadn't asked any questions about what I'd insinuated last night, then bowed again.

"Thank you sir!" I replied, and marched out the door. I saw Sachiko very studiously not looking at a man who was, at a guess, in his early twenties and inspecting her rather blatantly. His massive mane of white hair made it difficult to tell his age. 'So,' I thought, 'this is Jiraiya'. The fact he was ogling my retainer instantly got my dander up. I walked up to him, and looked him up and down before sneering slightly.

"I had already heard you were a pervert, but I didn't think you were so depraved as to ogle children, ero-Jiraiya-san." He just spluttered while a nearby secretary had to hide her laugh as a cough. We began walking towards the exit.

"I wasn't ogling her, dammit! And what do you mean you already heard I was a pervert! I'm a super-pervert!" Wow. I did not expect that; the world had been so much more serious than in canon. I really didn't think that he would actually be that insane. Maybe it was just to get us to drop our guard.

"Even in Uzushiogakure, we've heard of you, Jiraiya," (this was a total lie) I said, and waited a moment for him to puff himself up in pride. "Yes, the great failure of Sarutobi Hokage-sama, his student Jiraiya who unlike his team-mates excels only in perversion." I could tell that hit home a bit but Jiraiya just laughed it off.

"Wow. You go right for the kill, don't you kid? Now I know why Sensei said to watch out for your tongue. But I really wasn't ogling her, just trying to spot all her hidden weapons; I kept noticing more." That bastard. Giving good compliments to my retainer was totally not on; I trusted this giant prick about as far as I could throw him without using chakra.

"See, Sachiko-san, when a no-good man like him gives you a compliment like that, do you know what to do?"

"No, Daichi-sama, what should I do?" she asked softly and as if deeply interested in the subject.

"You ignore him. The compliments of a no good man are less than the barking of a dog."

"Ah. I see. I will bear this in mind, Daichi-sama." I loved Sachiko; she played the perfect straight-man.

"Alright, kid, alright. I get the point. Eyes off, hands off. In fact, we'll start the tour now. Happy?"

"Hmm. You're much better than Danzo-san, you know. Much more subtle, and I'm mostly left without an over-riding desire to explode you." I told Jiraiya that I understood he was trying to take my measure. It would be dangerous to be underestimated too much, just as it would to be overestimated too much. Even an accurate accounting could prove dangerous, but I had to do and Jiraiya was a decent sort in canon (mostly). An idiot, and idealistic, but at something least trying to do good.

"You're really sharp, huh. I never would have believed there was an eight year old like you without meeting you, Daichi-kun." I nodded at the compliment. "Alright, let's get going on that tour."

Jiraiya was a surprisingly competent tour guide, and we ended the day with a much better understanding of not just the best places to eat and shop, but of Konohagakure's identity, culture and idiosyncrasies.

Konoha was a completely different place to Uzushiogakure. It was significantly larger, less prosperous, and had a high combat tempo that resulted in a high attrition rate. Because of this, Konohagakure had some fairly unique solutions to their particular situation.

If you have any ideas from the anime or manga, forget them; the manga/anime massively misrepresented the numbers of ninja that there were. First off, there wasn't one academy, there were several, and even more outposts throughout the Land of Fire that could train genin. Overall, including reserves, logistic corps, etc., Konoha could call on a little more than twenty thousand ninja, and graduated over two thousand a year out of a static village population somewhere north of two hundred thousand. The Land of Fire itself could call on another fifteen to twenty thousand more ninja, as independent ninja Clans or retainers that could be activated by the Daimyo.

Of those that were "active" Konoha ninja, about eight thousand were combat-fit but crippled in some way that made them have to leave the active forces, or just too old; ninja with long-distance mobility issues, for example, could not be active-combat forces. Many of them still taught, worked in the hospital or in logistics, or any of a dozen different departments that don't actually result in doing frequent missions; all did regular training as part of the reserve.

Of the twelve thousand remaining potential combat troops, fully half were employed as ordered by the Daimyo; they could be attached as special forces units in the national military, acted as couriers or internal spies, and policed the border and roads. This was where most of the "genin corps," those genin too unpromising to be "elite genin" on the fast-track to Jonin path, and the "chunin corps", most of whom were once part of the genin corps, ended up.

Those who tried out for elite genin (like the Rookie Nine or Twelve or whatever highlighted by the show) got two chances. The first was when they had the Jonin test. Just being allowed to take the Jonin test required graduating in one of the top classes, and even still only about a third passed.

If they failed, the new ninja went to the genin academy, rather than the student academy, with the rest of the leftovers from the academy program who never even got a chance. They were then given general forces, specialization, and electives training. They then got to try the Jonin test one more time, along with the most promising of the genin who never got to try in the first place.

If they failed that test, then they faced another one to two years of training at the genin academy, leaving when they either tested (and passed) as a genin, or tested into a specialist training program (medic, sealing, genjutsu, ninjutsu, strategy, stealth etc.). Out of a class of two thousand graduates, only two to four hundred would end up in the elite-track, or one of the specialization programs that gave similar benefits and reputation.

All of its reserves, logistical requirements, and the Daimyo's requirements left Konoha with only six thousand active duty combat-forces. About two thousand of these were kept as a guard in and around Konoha, though about half of the guards were "paper-guards" who trained with guard units, but spent most of the actual "guarding" time in the hospital or Torture and Interrogation or whatever.

There were also about four hundred ANBU. Another eight hundred were hunter-nin, or on long-term infiltration or recruitment assignments across the countries. Tsunade, when Naruto retrieved her to become Hokage was probably (at least nominally) one of these. Within the village, there was the hospital staff, who also operated the combat-medic training center, Torture and Interrogation, Sealing Corps, Academy Staff, Specialist Training Staff, Cryptography, Strategy Office, etc., all taking up about another eight hundred active duty ninja. This left Konoha with only two thousand active duty ninja to deploy at will on mercenary missions.

While two thousand were not that many to be the principle bread-winners of the village, it was still one sixth of the total active combat forces, and they kept up a very high combat tempo. Casualties above twenty percent in dead ninja alone (and thus much higher if including crippled ninja) per year would be considered good when dealing with the active mercenary ninja, and these losses were especially concentrated in the fresh genin ranks. Some years casualties might rise above eighty percent, especially as a shadow-war with a foreign village was shaping up. When combined with the losses suffered in the forces working for the Daimyo, reinforcements were crucial to continued operation.

About two hundred of these two thousand active workers were jonin, not all of whom would or could mentor genin-teams, and about a hundred and twenty genin would join the elite-track every year coming from a total of four different academies.

The competition was fierce, and this was where the Clans truly shined. They may have only supplied a tenth to a fifth of the Konoha forces (clans tended to keep some of their ninja self-employed, so they functioned similar to reserves), but they were consistently better trained, with specialist skills, better gear, and there was something to be said for serious selective breeding. The acknowledged members of major and minor clans, whether main or branch houses, between them made up sixty percent of jonin or special jonin, forty percent of Elite Chunin, and twenty five percent of the total chunin.

Another little factoid; Konoha, and the other villages, were obsessed with breeding (not that Uzushio was all that different). Most clans in the anime were Great Clans. A combination of numbers (typically above two hundred mission-capable ninja each, only a fraction of which actively worked for the village), talent, bloodline ability and accumulated wealth made them indispensable to the village. Their leaders had automatic seats on the Hokage's Security Council. The Hyuga, Uchiha, Nara, and similar clans were among these. Then, there were the minor clans. Typically between twenty and fifty ninja, they tended to have lesser bloodlines or secret techniques, often with some sort of instability or weakness, but the number of these lesser clans made them an important part of Konoha's might.

Clans all had charters that laid out what it took to be a member, and there were typically at least two, sometimes three or four categories someone might fall into. Main members would be full clan members of the main house. If there was a line of succession, they were probably in it, or could challenge for leadership when it became available. Branch members were recognized as members of the clan, but typically ineligible for leadership, and had lesser stations compared to the main branch.

The third category were clan affiliates or auxiliaries. Often illegitimate children born to a civilian or a non-related ninja such that it was unlikely that they unlocked the bloodline (if there was one), or were untrained in the secret arts of the clan. Affiliates who were successful as ninja frequently became concubines after reaching chunin, and in rare cases were married, most frequently by branch-members. A particularly successful affiliate might be adopted, normally by their birth parent, especially if they unlocked the bloodline through whatever circumstances.

The last category were clan retainers. This normally included any civilians that were part of the clan, as well as non-related ninja that serve it or its members for whatever reasons.

The cause of there being so many Affiliates was the Konoha policy on relationships; Konoha wanted the most successful shinobi to breed, and breed prodigiously. The village had only a few hundred jonin at any point in time, and it took the deaths of thousands of genin and chunin to get them. If there was anything in their genes that could be passed on to have more successful ninja in the future, then Konoha wanted it. This led to a number of seemingly odd but very logical practices.

Jonin were eligible to go to brothels with loyalty-screened employees for free, and could take them as concubines if desired. Jonin were allowed any number of wives and concubines, and got a tax-reduction or allowance (if retired) for every child. Chunin were encouraged to have at least one wife and one to three concubines, had access to the brothels at a relatively low rate, and were given slightly less generous allotments for any children. Even genin got marriage assistance and child-support.

Female ninja were encouraged to attempt to seduce superior-ranking male ninja (so long as they were out of their rank-structure or not on active deployment), and those that made chunin, especially if they might make jonin in the future, were encouraged to retire, or at least take a non-active posting, and have children. There were sperm and egg banks as well, of varying security levels, and citizens were encouraged to make use of them to the limit of their security clearance.

So, I hope that explains Konoha, the number of their ninja, and how they could survive their high levels of attrition. Note that none of this was cheap; in fact, ninja saw the vast majority of their funds going to the village, especially on missions higher than D-Rank.

That said, ninja lived well, and having all the chicks and children you wanted was typically a good reason not to go missing nin to avoid high taxes. In fact, chunin with little sex drive made up the majority of attempted defections; Konoha even tested for it as part of the routine psychological profiling.

In comparison, Uzushiogakure had very much lower combat casualties, partially due to a lower combat tempo, and partially due to having the luxury of greater resources for all ranks of soldier including things like a medical stasis seal for any soldier in the field in case of serious injury. Uzushio troops trained for longer, and had more access to specialist training than any other nation.

The main Uzushiogakure combat mission involved anti-piracy escorts and patrolling Whirlpool's territory. Whirlpool's ships were better built, better armed, better crewed and equipped with the latest in weapons development and seals. The only real threat was Kirigakure naval combat groups, and even still they would need to outnumber the Uzushio forces to have an advantage.

The ninja and samurai worked hand in hand with the National Guard and Militia, resulting in greater combat efficiency and fewer occasions of Samurai officers giving damaging orders to their ninja subordinates. Most years, Uzushio tended to suffer more losses due to injuries from training accidents or sailing itself than to actual combat.

So when an enthusiastic Jiraiya explained the concept of what were basically factories to breed ninja, it seemed very strange to me, and I suspected to Sachiko. Especially given my age. I resolved to apply a birth-control seal to both myself and Sachiko as soon as we returned to the Consulate, and place the strongest security seal possible over it. Soon enough, the tour ended. Jiraiya left, and when we returned, I applied the seals before retiring to bed.

Soon enough, I would be meeting the Kyubi. I would need my rest.

Chapter 19: Interlude 2: Uncomfortable Meetings (Sarutobi Hiruzen)

After the departure of the Uzushiogakure delegation, I just wanted to sigh. That had not gone at all as I was expecting.

"Thank you for your time tonight. I'll want to have a meeting with you tomorrow, Mitokado, Koharu. Say, 2 o'clock? Danzo, I'd like to see you in my office; we have some village business to discuss." I turned towards the Daimyo's representative. "Thank you for hosting our discussion, Yasu-sama."

"Not at all, Hokage-sama. It was very interesting." Ahhh… I just wanted to sigh again.

After arriving at my office I dismissed my security detail and put up the privacy seals. I sat down but pointedly did not offer Danzo a seat.

"What the hell was that?" I demanded.

His face didn't even twitch. "I apologize. I should never have let a child get under my skin like that."

"No, you damned well shouldn't have. We'll discuss that, and him, and the many intelligence failures later. You know what I'm talking about. Don't dodge the question."

"You know you're not meant to know what measures I take for Village security. That was our agreement when I formed Root," Danzo stonewalled.

I snarled. "Yes. That was the agreement BEFORE WE WERE SUSPECTED OF SPREADING PLAGUE TO AN ALLY!" I had lost it, flaring Killing Intent and shouting. "Explain yourself. Now, Jonin Shimura. Did we even do it?"

"We're not responsible." God. When had it gotten this bad? Even directly questioning him, I couldn't get a straight answer out of the twisted bastard.

"So why do they suspect us?" I asked as if he were a particularly unintelligent child.

"Likely because the infiltrators had seals to penetrate their sensor network and we pressed so hard for a new host for the Kyubi."

"Wait, what? How did they get seals capable of penetrating Uzushio's sensor network?"

The silence was damning.

"Gods above Danzo, how could you let this blow back on us! They probably suspect that it was Root that launched the attack!" I exclaimed.

"We needed a host. I did what was necessary. There's no proof I supplied the seals."

"No. Because Uzumaki trained sealers grow on trees, do they?" I asked rhetorically, sarcastically. "I'm surprised they didn't declare war."

"Against the wishes of Uzumaki Daichi from the looks of it. Why the hell would an eight year old have known about this?"

"Well he's clearly no ordinary eight year old. I think that's obvious. I never would have thought I'd see the day where a child managed to get such advantage over you. Your insult almost cost us our future Jinchuriki."

Danzo grimaced at the reminder. "At least we know what to expect now," he replied.

"They really pulled a fast one on us," I said. Honestly it was a pretty admirable political move, one I'd appreciate infinitely more if it wasn't aimed at Konoha. "I didn't expect it from Kazuo-dono. And the information we received from Mito-sama didn't even mention him as a possibility." What a fucking mess.

"Clearly her influence is far less than she would have us believe."

"But we've been basing all of our interactions on it." I hated this. I hated lacking information, being less informed than someone who was eight damned years old. It was an embarrassment. "What could they do, if they wanted to?" I asked Danzo. He was likely more informed than I.

"Well, it's likely from what Daichi said that they now have stocks of the disease, and have weaponized it," he answered with a grimace. "And their Sealing Department, well… there's a reason they are feared, even if I suspect there are many exaggerations."

"Danzo. This was a disaster. I just… *sighs* Let's discuss the other intelligence failures first." Obviously I'd have to bring Danzo to heel. This was just inexcusable. But changing the subject gave me time to consider how to manage that.

"You mean the fact that we didn't know we were getting an eight year old from a samurai family as both our Consul and future Jinchuriki?" he clarified.

"Yes. How the hell did our agents miss that?"

"I think because they weren't looking for it. Clearly the training will need to be improved."

"Clearly," I semi-mockingly deadpanned. "Do we know anything about him?"

"Other than what we learned tonight? No. He may be related to the Sea-Hawk Samurai. He was a Naval officer, though he's retired now. Very effective, very old-school samurai if I remember correctly."

"Well that's something. Now we just need to find out everything else."

"How do you intend to?" he asked. "We'll lose Mito-sama's contacts soon."

"No, Mito-sama's contacts are clearly unreliable. I think I'll just ask him."

"Of course," Danzo chuckled. "Where will you put him?"

"The Academy, I think. With his diplomatic status, and as someone who is 'indefinitely seconded' it's vital he makes bonds with the village. He's young; he may even forget his previous suspicions." But I sincerely doubted it.

"I doubt it. I think he is far more like me in that respect," Danzo voiced my concern.

"Danzo, let me make myself clear. You may, under no circumstances, act against him in any way. His protection, and Uzushiogakure's protection, have by necessity become our greatest priorities. When word reaches the court of our discussion… we need to go above and beyond."

"I could have the representative removed from play."

"Are you fucking insane! Daichi is likely in contact with his embassy. If he heard of that, he would certainly ensure that the Daimyo heard of his suspicions, both about the plague and about the representative's death."

"It was just a possibility."

"No. In fact, double the guard on him. If he even had an accident… that's the last thing we need right now. And post a guard on Daichi and the rest of his mission."

"Of course."

"Good. Now, Danzo… this can't be without consequences. From now on, I expect a weekly or daily update on planned Root operations as appropriate to their timing. Further, you will undertake no mission involving the destabilization of a foreign power without permission. Is that understood?" This, this I expected a fight on. Danzo had always itched at the thought of even light oversight, and this was heavy.

"Hiruzen! You can't be serious. You know your own limitations, why Root is needed and why I need to run it! You've always been too moral to do what's truly necessary." That. Disrespectful. Little. Fuck.

"Jonin-Captain Shimura Danzo, you forget yourself!" I roared, standing up and putting my finger in his face. "I am your HOKAGE, damn you! You serve at my wishes, and if you've forgotten that fact I'll accept your retirement. There's a reason Sensei picked me as his successor. You lack something. It makes you a wonderful weapon, but you've begun to cut indiscriminately. I will be wielding you directly. Is that understood!"

At some point in my tirade he had come to a formal kneeling salute. "Yes, Hokage-sama!"

I sat down in my seat. "Good. I'll expect the first update on Root in person tomorrow, and weekly updates from those watching over Daichi. Dismissed."

Danzo wasted no time leaving. As I sat back in my chair, and pulled out a flask of sake from a drawer, I wondered when things had gotten this bad.

But whatever the answer, I knew I was getting too old for this shit.

Chapter 20: Back to School

On the third day after "Danzo's Teatime Smack-down" we re-sealed Kyubi. I had no desire to speak to Mito, and so was in "contemplative isolation in preparation of receiving the Kyubi" basically as soon as Jiraiya's tour ended. It wasn't just an excuse; I actually did do some contemplation. I modified my memory-palace, as I assumed that would end up being my mind-scape, so that there would be a large wooded space leading up to the beach and ocean so that Kyubi might be comfortable.

The sealing itself was something of a disappointment; sure, it involved three high ranked specialist priests, one of whom was the second most senior Sealer period, but it didn't live up to my expectations. Why, you ask? Well, because whatever the transfer did, Kyubi was in a deep sleep afterward. I left a message on the wall of the fence keeping him enclosed, telling him to give a shout when he was awake, and then came out of my meditation. Mito was dead, and the party of Sealers and their escorts returned to Uzushiogakure.

Two weeks after Sachiko and I finished getting settled, school began. It was very weird being back in an organized, structured school, as it had been decades since I had completed my Masters of Engineering. It didn't help that I was expected to introduce myself in most of my classes.

I had something of an irregular schedule, taking many advanced electives as well as some general requirements like field-craft (outdoors), field-craft (urban), emergency medicine (basic), ninja tools (basic) and the like. There were enough advanced electives covering either higher levels of the basics, or more specialized skills like genjutsu (illusions) or Advanced Movement without Chakra (parkour), that I would be able to just stretch my studies out to the full four years possible, though to do so I needed to claim Independent Credits in Clan Required Studies for Sealing, Whirlpool-Fist and Sword, and my own personal diplomatic duties.

The advanced classes were typically full of eleven and twelve year olds, with the exception of the rare genius or clan-born specialist, and I while I was entering at the beginning of a new term, it was still mid-year and none of these brats had met me before. Sachiko looked suitably old, but I looked a bit odd, and so our introductions had a high level of attention even before we started speaking. I'll relate how the first introduction went. The others were not so different that they need telling. The class was Advanced Battlefield Presence, which taught both basic Killing Intent as well as how to counter it, and gave an introduction to similar proto-genjutsu auras.

So there I was, standing at the front of the class in a training outfit, which was basically a scaled-down Uzumaki combat-sealer uniform with some slits to push chains through, wearing my oversized swords (which I was finally not bumping things with). Sachiko stood behind my shoulder, and wore an outfit based on the female Clan-guard's uniform, though it did include my device to show her allegiance. And all these fucking brats were staring at us. More specifically at me. Except for a few boys who were staring at Sachiko and had thus already announced their desire to "spar" with me.

"So, why don't you introduce yourself?" Hmm… I thought I how I should, then decided to play up the samurai angle.

"Yosh! I am Recruit-Sergeant Uzumaki Daichi of Whirlpool's Militia. I have been seconded to Konohagakure's service indefinitely as part of a diplomatic program; you may address me as Daichi-san or Daichi-kun as appropriate, as there were many Uzumaki at home and things got confusing otherwise. If, however, you see me in formal clothing, then I am likely fulfilling my duties as Junior Baron Courtier of the Fifth Rank and Assistant to the Ambassador to the Fire Daimyo's court, Consul to Konohagakure Uzumaki Daichi. Please watch over me." As I finished, I lightly bowed to the somewhat stunned room. It was a very samurai greeting; all about what my role and duties and title were, but nothing about me as a person. The teacher sighed.

"Daichi-kun, why not tell them something about yourself. What you like, dislike, and your goals, for example?"

"Ah," I nodded. "My name is Uzumaki Daichi. I am eight years old. I like Uzushiogakure, training with my family and tutors, and learning about seals. I dislike those that threaten Uzushiogakure. My goals are to learn ninja skills at this academy, and bring honor to my Lord, my village, and my family." There. I think that should set the right tone.

"Good. And now, Hisakawa-chan, would you care to do the same?"

"Yes. My name is Hisakawa Sachiko. I am Daichi-sama's retainer, as my family are retainers to his Ojii-sama. I too like Uzushiogakure, and training with my family, as well as serving Daichi-sama," dammit, Sachiko, you totally did that double-meaning on purpose. I guessed she felt like my sensing was adequate to her concealment of amusement. She continued over the faint whispers. "I dislike those that threaten Daichi-sama or his interests. My goals are to become an excellent retainer and serve my master." Yep. Definitely on purpose. Maybe she wanted me to have rivals to push my progress? Or was using me to shield herself from them. Or laying claim against the other females to protect me. Actually, with her, it was likely the last of those options.

I guess the teacher didn't think that he could keep everyone calm after that without some questions being answered, and so opened up the floor to questioners.

"Daichi-san, are you a samurai?" from a somewhat weak-looking girl with the indication of being a clan-affiliate.

"This one has the honor of such a title," I replied half-jokingly in ultra-formal language. It also didn't exactly answer the question. I was a samurai, but that was only a fraction of my being, and I always preferred honesty.

"How are you only eight and yet the Consul to the village?" from a slightly jealous looking scruffy boy with brown hair wearing a green jacket.

"I would not presume to speak for my Lord's decisions." Better than "classified", but still kid, what the fuck were you expecting?

"Sachiko-chan, are you dating anyone?" His face I would definitely remember. The cocky little shit was in a fancy outfit and bore the symbol of one of the richer clans that straddled the line between ninja and merchant. I wasn't sure if I'd beat him, or cripple him to make a point, but he'd definitely made the list.

"No. My duties do not give me the time." Nice shutdown, Sachiko.

"Daichi-kun, are you dating anyone?" This from a girl in a pretty outfit. Gods, what did they feed these brats to make them like this? We all just met each other, kiddies. Give it an hour maybe?

"No. I'm eight. And we don't know each other well enough for you to call me '-kun' yet." I'm fairly sure I had started to emit a bit of spiritual pressure myself, and so the instructor decided to call a stop to things and a move-on with the class.

The Academy went well. Those first six months, I mostly caught up on the basic field-survival I had missed out on (easily solved via judicious use of photographic memory of edible versus poisonous plants and wilderness survival techniques) as well as Konohagakure history and standard operating procedures and communication conventions like their battle-signing. It wasn't much fun, but was necessary; in later semesters I'd be able to do more interesting classes, as these basically ended the requirements I'd need to integrate into a Konoha unit.

The only top-tier elective class I was taking was actually that one on Advanced Battlefield Presence, and it was very interesting. Basically, Presence, which included Killing Intent, took advantage of sympathetic resonance transfer in chakra. By flaring your chakra presence, in effect making the pressure of your chakra available to notice, you could add some emotion or sensation that would be transferred to your enemies. Your own confidence in their destruction, or the certainty you'd kill them painfully was a favorite. You could also help out allies, though that was more practiced by samurai commanders to improve troop morale, by flaring chakra and filling them with the sensation of inevitable victory while demotivating enemy troops.

The interesting thing about the Presence was that it differentiated between enemies and allies. Those that identified themselves as being "on your side" would be often be buoyed up by the technique, while those opposing would be filled negatively affected. It mostly gave you the presence of whatever it was you were flaring, making you a conceptual representation of it to the eyes of those effected. I imagined that greater beings like minor Kami would use something similar, but on a greater order of magnitude when they took up their Aspect; at a strong enough level, the world, or at least the world's chakra, might identify you as having authority over whatever your Presence was associated with.

I proved to be something of a monster with my custom version of killing intent. The first time I used it at a reduced setting, and still knocked out the majority of the class (including the instructor). After that I got some serious sideways looks, and was banned on experimenting on the other students using aggressive Presences. Even Sachiko was left shivering for hours after.

The reason I was so overpowered was that the effect of the Presence depended on three things. First, intensity of chakra flair, particularly the spiritual energy you had. Second, the skill of applying the Presence. Third, the intensity of the experience used to power it. Range depended most on skill, second on intensity of chakra. But the effect, effect depended most on driving experience, then on intensity multiplied by a factor depending on skill. And my driving experience was brutal.

It was well known that people like combat-experienced jonin could make the "best" killing intent. They had experienced the closeness of death, and had dealt enough of it to be familiar. Straight up psychos were pretty good at it too. But I, I had passed through Death and remembered it. Granted the memories weren't great.

So when I subjected those unfamiliar with it to the sheer presence of the Void, it tended to overload their mind, and do a forced reset. This left a remaining existential dread behind even after I stopped the technique. I was told not to use my power without first preparing any nearby allies, and a note was put into my file strongly suggesting Killing Intent Tolerance training for any future team-mates of mine. Sachiko forced me to practice at home until she could stay combat effective despite the aura, and didn't sleep well for weeks.

The assistant instructor started to teach me about the subtler uses of Presence. While at a gross level Presence could be used as indiscriminate Killing Intent, there were two ways that it could be refined. The first was in skill of applying the Presence; there were ways to focus it to only affect certain people or spaces. The second was in the types of Presence you could project. While I had good chakra control in general, and amazing control considering my absolutely huge reserves, I still had problems with limiting the area of effect, especially at longer ranges. So, while I could limit range, and within about ten or fifteen feet apply it only to those I wanted to, I couldn't show that kind of refined targeting during combat.

But applying different Presences was something I proved extremely skilled at, especially within the focus of "Presences which are part of my identity." To do that, all I really had to do was focus for a moment on a facet of my personality, and draw that forward. This was similar to relatively basic levels of meditation I had long since mastered, and so I quickly became capable of focusing certain aspects of my personality and projecting them as a Presence.

It was particularly useful for social situations, since I could use minor chakra flaring to establish a Presence at interpersonal ranges. I could even fill myself with my own identity as a whole, something I knew so well from my mind/soul-binding, and make other people understand me better and faster. This too I practiced with Sachiko so that we'd be a more effective team. Her eyes were a bit wider around me for a while as she adapted, but she eventually acted normally again; it did succeed in making her a bit less formal and more comfortable around me, so I counted it as a success.

Overall, although the Presence Projection techniques were relatively minor, I managed to take them to a truly effective level, and they were effectively free to use in life and battle.

The semester ended, and I looked forward to a short, relaxing break. Sadly, it proved to be very busy.

Chapter 21: No Rest for the Wicked

During the break following the end of that first semester was the only truly major occurrence of my Academy years, but what a major occurrence it was.

It started off a lazy Wednesday at the end of spring, just at the start of summer. I had thought of the idea of having Ramen at Teuchi's, as it was Naruto's favorite joint and, well, I felt like it. Being a relatively powerful noble, that was really all the justification I needed. But Konoha was a big place, and I had no idea if it even existed at that point.

So, rather than look for it, I had Sachiko do so. I cannot recommend having competent minions enough; 10/10 would hire again. I told her that I had once heard about "the best Ramen restaurant in the World" from a traveler in Uzushio, and that the owner, or perhaps his son, was called Teuchi. Sachiko found the place in a couple days.

We were on the way when the emergency communications seal I wore on a wristband heated up. I told Sachiko, and we ran at full speed back to the Consulate.

I immediately joined Ichirou-san in the communications room, then sealed it and activated privacy protections. On the video-seal was an image of the same Council meeting room where we had discussed the epidemic nearly a year ago. A few people were still trickling in, but within a few minutes Kazuo-sama had called the room to order.

"As of two days ago, surveillance flights over Kirigakure's fleet as well as more cursory inspection of ports in Lightning have shown increased activity. Military readiness was raised. As of an hour ago, a large fleet consisting of Lightning and Water origin ships have rendezvoused near the North-Western Island of Water-country, about 400 miles away from our shores." He pointed to a map on a stand.

Oh my god. It was war.

Spoiler: "Map"

"A number of the ships from the Land of Lightening are bearing Iwagakure flags. Others bear the flags of Iwa or Kumo vassals. We plan on meeting the enemy near here, about two hundred miles from Uzushiogakure in two days' time. The main battle fleet will consist of the Flagship Spirit of Uzushiogakure, eight Naval Escorts and twenty Patrol Craft. Other fleet elements will be patrolling our waters in case of a sneak attack from a different direction. Three waves, each with a hundred and fifty Pelicans will be dispatched, one hour apart from each other, as will the Custom Pelican Wing."

Holy shit. That was a lot of fire-power. A standard Patrol-Craft at the time had a broadside of two Cyclone-Bullet Seal turrets and a Cycle-Cannon Seal turret, for a total of four Bullet seals and two Cannon seals. The turrets were fully reticulated, and could fire in most any direction; all Uzushio ships were capable of forward firing chase configurations. An Escort had eight dual-purpose turrets with a Cannon-Seal and a co-axial Bullet Seal. The Spirit of Uzushiogakure was even more impressive. A testbed of advanced and prototype seals, it was capable of things that most people, myself included, were totally unaware of, and probably beyond our expectations. Beyond that, it had sixteen dual-purpose turrets, and likely carried a far higher proportion of more advanced and more destructive seals applied to the shells in the cannon magazines.

With a rate of fire of 2,500 rounds a minute for the Bullet Seals and 250 rounds a minute for the Cannon Seals, as well as a minimum ammunition allotment sufficient to keep up that rate of fire for at least ten minutes continuous combat, our fleet would be able to lay down millions of bullets and hundreds of thousands of cannon rounds without the Pelicans being taken into account. Kazuo-sama continued to lay out the plan.

"The fleet will arrange itself ready to fire over the horizon, using targeting information fed into the sealing network from the Pelican surveillance flight. When the enemy ships are within nineteen kilometers of the fleet, the attack will begin.

"The enemy ships are currently arranged with the Kirigakure war-ships in front, smaller groups of fast-moving ships on the flanks, and the bulk of their transports in the protected pocket that they form. Wings of thirty Pelicans each will simultaneously strike each group, focusing on damaging sails and oars to limit mobility, as well as deploying underwater hunter-seekers to prevent ninja fleeing through the water or by water-walking. After the first pass, the Pelicans will draw back and reform.

"While the Pelicans reform, the ships will begin bombardment. After approximately five minutes, they will cease fire, allowing the Pelican Wings to strike again. The thirty reserve Pelicans will chase down any runners. The Custom Pelican Wing will attack particularly fierce enemy resistance, and deal with any Jinchuriki or special challenges that are with the fleet.

"Should the initial assault prove insufficient, the fleet will continue to harry the enemy armada, and subsequent Pelican Waves will concentrate on the remainder. This will continue until all enemies are dead and all ships sunk. Overflights will search for enemy survivors for a week following the operation.

"Following this, I believe it is time to capture Water-Country. They have been a threat long enough. Five days after the battle, I intend to raze Kirigakure with massed air-assault. We will use our treaties to request aid from Fire and Konohagakure, and see what we can achieve.

"Ambassador Hato. We trust you will be able to contact the Fire Daimyo? Ask for troops; explain that we have a confirmed force of between eight and twelve thousand ninja incoming, and that we expect the war to last some years if the initial assault is repulsed. You may offer the majority of seized treasures; we are interested in the land and people, but they will not believe us capable of holding the land. Ensure we have operational command, and can prevent too many excesses from being taken.

"Consul Daichi. Get troops from Konohagakure. Ichirou, accompany him. Promise that we will forget any actions they may have had a part of; that move was well timed for this situation. Tell them that if they send at least a thousand ninja that you will not be recalled; we expect that the Daimyo will send many of the ninja attached to his forces. Also, you are expected to participate as part of the Custom Pelican Wing; your grandfather reported your Pelican is prepared.

"Commander Sho. Pass orders to our agents; make it known that we are recruiting samurai, ninja and soldiers, and that service will be rewarded, possibly with titles and land.

"Very well. You have your orders; get to it. Let us make history. Hato, Daichi, make sure to leave a servant in the communications center to pass messages. Dismissed."

I turned off the sound transmission from our end. One of the servants assigned to the Consulate settled in.

"Sachiko. Help me get dressed."

Soon enough I was dressed and waiting in the Hokage's tower with a message of the "utmost severity" for the Hokage. Within half an hour we were shown in and saw the Hokage with the Jonin Commander, one of the highest ranking officers of the village, present.

"Hokage-sama. Kazuo-dono sends me with warning that a fleet of eight to twelve thousand ninja is on its way to Uzushiogakure. The fleet left from Lightning country and flies flags from Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and appears to be led by Kirigakure naval assets. If left unchallenged, they are expected to arrive in five days; our fleet will make contact in two, and attempt to destroy them, or at least hamper their progress. Kazuo-dono is requesting that Konohagakure provide ninja as per our treaty. Ambassador Hato is making a similar request for troops from the Daimyo for the following conflict, assuming we survive the initial assault."

I allowed myself to project the frisson of worry that I was feeling (not that the Hokage needed to know it was about how my babies would perform in battle), and the determination for Uzushiogakure to survive. The Hokage's eyes had gotten wide as he heard of this attack.

"We received no word of this. How good is the intelligence?" the Jonin Commander asked.

"Impeccable. We have real-time information, using a set of fairly complicated seals." He had no need to know about the aerial assets, one of the "holy grails" of the ninja world, especially not before negotiating how many ninja he would be sending. "Chakra-signature scans are indicative of a force of that size, and it is supported by images and the size of their fleet."

"And under what terms do you request Konohagakure's ninja?" Let the dickering begin.

"We request Konohagakure's ninja to reinforce our defenses, so long as the village has not already been razed. We request Konohagakure's ninja to continue to support our forces, whether deployed within Whirlpool's territory, at sea, or in operations within Water Country, until the end of this conflict, not to exceed five years. Ninja will draw standard combat pay and spoils as laid out in our original treaty of fellowship, and the initial number may be drawn down at the agreement of both Konohagakure and Uzushiogakure." The Hokage nodded. That had been about what he was expecting.

"And how many ninja are you requesting?"

"I would like 3,000 combat and infiltration capable ninja, with at most 1,000 being drawn from the combat reserves, and at least 1,000 drawn from the so called "elite" forces." At this the Jonin Commander sucked in his breath. That was at least half their active mercenary forces, and a lot of combat capable ninja, especially if it drew them into conflict with Iwa and Kumo at the same time. An expansion would increase the number of fronts Konohagakure had to fight on, and thus stress their available personnel.

Before the Jonin Commander could say anything though, I let my eyes flicker away from the Hokage and to him and continued. "So long as there are at least two thousand combat ninja, with at least half coming from the elite forces, drawn proportionally at the levels of jonin and chunin, I have been told that Kazuo-dono will forgive any recent irregularities and suspicions. So long as at least a thousand combat ninja are provided, I will not be recalled."

I was asking for a load more ninja than I needed to, more ninja than the Hokage would provide unless Danzo had confirmed some sort of involvement with the failed epidemic. Let's see if he was suspecting such a subtle ploy from an eight year old who just found out that his home was being invaded by what should have been overwhelming force.

The Hokage thought for a moment before nodding.

"I will provide twenty eight hundred ninja. Twelve hundred drawn from the elite. Another eight hundred experienced combat veterans from the reserves suitable to ship-board combat and jutsu support for regular military units. Three hundred trained in infiltration. And five hundred that specialize in logistics to help keep them properly supplied. We want Uzushiogakure to know how much we value our positive relations. They will be available for up to five years."

Translation: Danzo fucked up. And in return we had about a seventh of Konoha's troops, including over half of their very best, for up to five years. Hell yes. Kazuo-sama would be ecstatic. I knew the Jonin Commander was somewhat puzzled, and needed to organize deployment orders; it was time to leave, and report back.

"Thank you very much, Hokage-sama. Uzushiogakure is deeply honored and grateful for the depth of Konohagakure's loyalty, and stands in awe of your Will of Fire." Words were cheap, but I wanted it clear that I valued his contribution, and understood that he'd had nothing to do with the situation. I'd have to deactivate the dead-man's switch on Project Thor. "I will have Sachiko return immediately with a set of communications seals so your commanders may speak with their counterparts. May I ask when we might expect the first elements of your troops?"

"We will dispatch the first five hundred from the village guard by this afternoon. Would you be willing to give a brief speech and announcement with me, when they depart?" he answered after a moment of thought.

"I would be honored, Hokage-sama."

"Excellent. I will send one of my ANBU when it is time."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama. I will leave you to your preparations, and report this happy news to Kazuo-dono." I bowed, and left Sarutobi to explain exactly why Konoha needed to send so many of its troops to what seemed to be shaping up to be a serious cluster-fuck.

Ninja weren't used to fighting in such a high density, and when they did, casualties tended to be extremely high, with a greater than normal amount occurring in the higher ranks. While a jonin might be able to beat a trio of genin a hundred times in a hundred days, the back to back fighting could drain chakra and result in death. That was basically every ninja's nightmare; trapped in a meatgrinder, with no ability to use the subtle skills they spent so long training.

I sure as fuck wasn't going to explain that we actually expected to crush the invasion, and then invade ourselves, and thus be using the ninja the way they were meant to be; they'd send far fewer troops. While the terms of Alliance meant we'd be paying the standard pay and death benefits for their ninja, it wasn't overly generous, and probably wouldn't have been sufficient to make up for the Village's deficit if there were large losses among the Konohagakure jonin.

"Wait until we're back at the Consulate, Ichirou-san. I need to think a moment." Ichirou nodded in confirmation.

After a moment's pause I continued. "Sachiko, as soon as we return, take a stack of personal voice-communication seals. Show the Hokage how to indicate the identity of the user, and get them in communication with Command, then hang about to provide assistance as needed. I suspect I'll be spending the rest of the time up until the speech, and probably the battle, providing last minute advice about Pelican piloting and listening to the military officers."

"Yes, Daichi-sama," she replied.

After we returned to the Consulate and were in the secured communications room, I answered Ichirou's obvious question while waiting for Kazuo-sama to finish his conversation with the Fleet Admiral.

"You're wondering how I managed to get so many ninja assigned to us," I remarked. "You remember our first meeting here, the tea and Danzo? I wouldn't have managed so many ninja if it weren't for guilt. So, Danzo's involvement in the epidemic is effectively confirmed."

"Gods. What are we going to do?" he asked stunned. He focused on trade, not this sort of thing.

I smiled bitterly. "Nothing. They just made reparations for it, after all. Right now we need troops more than righteous anger."

"Incredible. I understand why I was appointed your deputy."

"You flatter me, Ichirou-san. You were appointed here for your unparalleled understanding of politics as it relates to trade. Had it not been for this invasion, I would be useless. Anyway, it is time to inform Kazuo-dono," I said as I noticed an attendant directing Kazuo-sama's attention our way.

"Kazuo-dono. I have returned from negotiations with the Hokage," I began, as he faced the communicator array.

"And?"

"Konohagakure will provide twenty eight hundred ninja. Twelve hundred drawn from the elite. Another eight hundred experienced combat veterans from the reserves suitable to ship-board combat and jutsu support for regular military units. Three hundred trained in infiltration. And five hundred that specialize in logistics to help keep them properly supplied. They want Uzushiogakure to know how much we value our positive relations. They will be available for up to five years, under standard payment as laid out by the terms for Joint-Operation included in our original alliance agreement. Sachiko, my retainer, is giving them communications seals to get in contact with our commanders right now."

"So you were correct." It seemed as though Kazuo-sama didn't know whether he should be pissed off at Konohagakure's involvement in such an underhanded attack on our home, or happy that the relatively tiny loss of life resulted in thousands of extra top-quality ninja for our upcoming war.

I nodded in reply. "It would seem so. For what it's worth, I truly believe the Hokage innocent. Danzo I suspect was the culprit. But that is behind us now."

"Quite. Very good job, regardless. That's at least twice as many ninja as I was expecting. Depending on how your ideas perform during their first large-scale combat test, I will likely have to revisit your rank."

"Thank you, Kazuo-dono, but I am unworthy." He gave a small snort at this.

"Please, Daichi-san. You are more than worthy, and laid the groundwork for this situation perfectly. I am well pleased with your performance. You too, Ichirou-san."

"Thank you, my Lord," we replied.

"I need to continue with our preparations. Was there anything else?"

"Ah, yes, Kazuo-dono. Konohagakure is still unaware of the full capacity of our Pelicans and the Cyclone Seals. They expect to defend the Islands from an assault; I recommend that we tell them we were unsure of the weapons systems, and wanted to err on the side of caution. Following the glorious victory, if your troops do prove successful that is, we decided to end the problem once and for all."

"That makes sense. Good luck with your preparations."

"You as well, Lord."

Chapter 22: Cognomen

That afternoon, I watched as the Hokage gave a masterful performance, layering his Presence through his speech, building the forces up and improving their morale. Then, it was my turn. I stepped out, used a voice-amplification jutsu, and unleashed the full might of my chakra.

An eight year old was not that impressive, even if they were dressed in an impeccable robe. An eight year old with the chakra of a Kage? That was different. Kages weren't really human. I wasn't a kid, not that day. I was minor god of destruction that looked like one. And a visceral level, they knew it.

I didn't have the subtlety of the Hokage. Uzushiogakure didn't have the subtlety of Konohagakure, to be honest. So I showed them what we did have. Raw, naked, beautiful power.

"People of Konohagakure, I am Uzumaki Daichi, Consul to your great city. I look out on this mighty force assembled, and I feel shame and jealousy." I projected those emotions, and bowed my head a bit, waiting until they just started to become uncomfortable.

"I am shamed that I cannot join you," I continued, "and jealous that you will get to face the curs that call themselves Kiri, Kumo, Iwa." Now I was projecting disgust and contempt towards those peoples who would face us.

I let that sink in for a short moment before continuing.

"Kiri, Kumo and Iwa," I intoned again, raising the level of contempt. "They are not like us. They are not like the prosperous sailors of Wave and Uzushiogakure. They are not like the noble, hardworking citizens of this beautiful Village in the Leaves, burning bright with the Will of Fire. They do not have any great friendship, like that between our great peoples." As I spoke I was projecting pride and love for home.

"And these dogs are jealous. We all know this, that they are jealous. It is easy to understand; they have much to be jealous of, do they not?" I waited for the crowd to roar assent. "But rather than be noble and improve themselves, as we have worked so hard to do, they act like pigs that wish the whole world were filth." I layer in yet more contempt for the enemy.

"And so they try and attack Uzushiogakure, for being what they are not - for being friends with Konohagakure!" I allowed the crowd to erupt into boos. "And in time, if ever they are able, they will attack Konohagakure, and bring war and ruin to you and your families." My voice was softer now, drawing them in. Then, quickly, I ramped up the emotions again, filling the crowd with rage, the urge to destroy these vermin, to wipe them from the earth and salt the land they once had, mixed with that patriotic love for the home and family and country.

"But, my friends! You will not allow this, will you!" A roar of 'NO!'.

"You will not allow these dogs any victory." I whipped the crowd with energy, action, exultation, feeding the emotions I was feeling back to them.

"And together, Whirlpool and the Leaf are INVINCIBLE. We will meet them. And. They. Will. BE. DESTROYED!" Full of the sensation of inevitable victory, the crowd was in a frenzy, and so I motioned for them to quiet for a moment, using my Presence to enforce it.

"So, Sons and Daughters of Konohagakure, go with my thanks, my adulation, and yes, even my jealousy," I said as I filled them with the pride I had in Uzushiogakure's military, my father, keeping my family and people safe.

"Go, Sons and Daughters of Konohagakure, and EXULT! FOR YOU WILL HAVE A GLORIOUS KILLING! FOR THE HOKAGE! FOR KONOHAGAKURE! FOR THE ALLIANCE!"

Having filled them with a sense of victory and my own satisfaction at a well given speech, I bowed low, like I might to my lord, and held it for almost a minute as their commanders gave orders to get the ninja marching while the rest of the crowd went nuts chanting "The Alliance! The Alliance!" Then I straightened and turned to the Hokage who had partially blocked the noise using a wind jutsu.

"That was the first speech you've ever given, wasn't it," he half asked, half commented.

"Was it that apparent, Hokage-sama?" I asked, worried that I might have fucked it up. He chuckled and shook his head.

"No, not at all. You know, one day, you'll do something ridiculous like this, and I'll be so used to it I won't even be surprised."

I grinned cheekily. "I hope not, Hokage-sama. If I became predictable, I wouldn't be nearly so interesting. And what is life without some interesting people in it? Boring. I would never wish such a thing on you, Hokage-sama." He laughed a bit at that.

"I could do with a bit of boredom, occasionally, but perhaps you are right. You know, Daichi, it is a shame you were not born a citizen of Konohagakure. Had you been, I think I would be able to rest easy in the selection of my successor."

"You flatter me too much, Hokage-sama."

"No, I don't think I do," he mused. "But, now to business. I need to continue to organize the rest of the troops, and begin sending them out in companies," he spoke as a gaggle of upper ranked figures arrived.

"Ah, I will leave you to it, Hokage-sama, with my thanks for your efforts. Goodnight, sir." I bowed, received his nod, and left, deciding to check in with Sachiko before heading back to the Consulate.

"Ah, Sachiko! How are things going?" I asked when I found her at the edge of a room with a number of busy chunin and jonin.

"Very well, Daichi-sama. Daichi-sama, may I ask you a question?" she asked with face that was equal parts serious and worried-puppy.

"You just did, Sachiko, but yes, you know I've told you to ask me and to tell me whatever you want to." I was very interested; this was unusual behavior for the normally quite proper (at least as far as you could tell) Sachiko.

"Daichi-sama, are you actually human? You're not a god, right?" I burst into laughter. She asked so seriously, so I decided to answer.

"No, I am a human, Sachiko. At least as far as I am aware, I am simply a person who loves life more than most, and so life loves me more than most. Or perhaps it is the other way around, or a circle that reinforces itself, neh?" I replied with a smile to her faint confusion as she parsed my statement.

I patted her on the back, too short to easily reach her shoulder. "Anyways, Sachiko, don't work too hard! I need to go back and consult with Hikaru jii-san about my Pelican and preparations for the counter-attack. I trust you'll come back and get some food and sleep, ok? There was a great King who once said that Hunger and Exhaustion were the Enemy. I expect you to defeat them properly," I ordered mock seriously.

"Understood, Daichi-sama," she replied, eyes searching my face for some hidden secret. I just smiled warmly, innocently at her in return. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Sachiko." With that, I left for the Consulate and more preparations.

The day of the attack dawned bright and clear, with a light wind. Perfect for Pelicans. As it reached around ten am, my Pelican was in position at the holding station about fifty kilometers away from the target. I was part of the Custom Pelican Wing. Off to the side, I had a video-seal that I was using to look at a surveillance feed from an oversight recon Pelican. I could see both the enemy and allied ships, and another feed of the map showed color-coded markers for all the ships and Pelican Wings in the area.

Sachiko stood behind me, watching; she still hadn't qualified on a Pelican, and I told her to remind me about getting that done soon. Ichirou wasn't even qualified to be present. I had sent one of the servants as a messenger to the Hokage's officers, and would be sending other reports as updates came in.

The time felt like it was dragging out forever, and I had the thought that this, today, would likely be the day that I killed my first man. I had tried with Hammer of God, but failed. This time, there would be no failure. I checked the Pelican's chakra levels again, then used a transmission seal to top it off. It was inefficient, sure, but it at least gave me something to do, and it couldn't hurt. Right as I finished, I heard a message from Kazuo-sama on the communicator.

"This is Uzumaki Kazuo, Lord of Whirlpool and Uzushiogakure. Today, we face enemies that would destroy us. Today, we will send them to the hells where they belong, and ensure our safety for generations. Launch the operation, and may the Gods look on with favor." Maybe not that epic, but true words nonetheless.

A different voice, Hikaru jii-san's, reminded the Wing not to launch a strike before ordered. He had ended up in command of our Custom Pelican Wing based partially on his victory in the Pelican Tournament (using my air-to-air rounds), his own seniority within the Sealing Department (said department being responsible for all the Custom Pelicans in the wing, and whose members either piloted them themselves or had their retinue members do so), and partially because he had been the original advocate for aerial combat and drones.

I watched on the tactical map as the four strike Wings of the first wave approached the enemy fleet, then watched on the surveillance feed as the Pelicans opened fire.

It was amazing.

It was like watching a computer game, or the destruction of a petulant child's toys. The ships may as well have been sitting still as dozens of Pelicans strafed them, firing bullets and cannon rounds as they closed. I saw Pelicans dropping the underwater hunter-seekers while sails caught fire, masts collapsed, and people were cut down like wheat before an automatic harvester. I couldn't even imagine the carnage of what was effectively heavy machine-gun fire on a crowded warship, let alone the transports. It must have been hell though.

For the most part, the Pelicans were using the standard bullets mixed with elementally infused rounds, and heavy-explosive and cannister shells from the cannon-seals. All of these chewed through the ships' hulls like paper and inflicted horrendous casualties. But every now and then a pilot would be using something a bit more special.

One of the most visually stunning was a pilot who must have spent a fantastic amount of chakra on Star-burst seals. Somewhat similar to the Dragon's Breath seals I had made for my first fireworks show, the Star-burst fired off six Dragon's Breath with 90 degrees between each plume of brutally hot flame, shaped like an octahedron. Not content with that though, the Star-burst seal spun, filling a space forty feet wide with a whirling dervish of fiery destruction. A brutal weapon, but one that was quite beautiful to watch, it was designed to immolate ships and proved its worth.

Although not having as many cannon rounds equipped as other pilots, the Star-burst Pelican's pilot managed to catch a group of half a dozen transports and in a display of aerial efficiency, hit each as he passed. I doubt there were any survivors. This was just a small part of the pattern of destruction that enveloped the hundred-odd enemy ships.

This aerial attack, something that did so much damage, lasted less than a minute. It was surreal. As the Pelicans withdrew, some headed for base due to having expended all their ammunition already, I could see the people like ants running about on the ships, trying to put out fires and cut off wreckage to make the ships sea-worthy again. And then a minute later, while all that confusion had just gotten properly underway, I heard the report that the Pelicans were outside of the firing zone. Our Naval Fleet opened fire, and twenty seconds later the rounds began to impact.

If the Pelicans were destruction on quick wings, the Fleet was a remote rain of death, a miniature Armageddon. Each ship dropped thousands of rounds on the enemy every minute, chewing through hulls and the panicked shield jutsu that most ships presented. And unlike the Pelicans, this fire just did not let up.

As thirty seconds turned into a minute turned into three and then five, there were only a few ships remaining that weren't totally destroyed or burning to the waterline. Some few ninja attempted to escape overboard; we could not see the bodies of those underwater, but the ones running would only get a few dozen steps before a hunter-seeker caught them if the storm of bullets failes. The near-total destruction made sense; I estimated that the Fleet had dropped over a million .50 caliber bullets, a fifth of them infused with an element, and at least seventy-five thousand seals of variable payload from the cannon-seals.

But some very few ships did manage to survive. Here, there was one from Kumo surrounded by a miniature storm strong enough to blow away the testing bursts that kept up the pressure. There, one from Kirigakure surrounded by a massive shield of water. A ship from Iwa was guarded by a phalanx of earthen shields. Another, I think from some vassal-village, had mercifully escaped being targeted as they had cunningly fashioned a smoke-screen with the fumes of its burning brethren. But this, survivors, was not our goal no matter how worthy they had proved themselves in this holocaust. We wanted total destruction, as warning and propaganda.

And so we loosed our mightiest weapon; the Custom Pelican Wing that had been lavished with attention from our Seal-masters.

Five Pelicans were assigned to each of the surviving ships. My own group targeted the ship protected by the storm. If there was anything more impressive than the unleashed destruction of an expert Sealer, it was the unleashed destruction of five, all at the same time.

I'm not sure if it was the combination of awesome firepower, or some sort of seals interaction. I know that I had launched rounds that should have made a vicious firestorm large enough to cover a football field. And that was not what happened. As we five unloaded at that one ship, I noticed flashes from within the storm, and a moment later, a column of water a hundred feet tall exploded out of the sea. What was strangest though, was that it was glowing pink. I asked over the communicators if anyone was taking credit, but no one did, and we chalked it up to mystery.

As I leveled my Pelican out after the attack run, I glanced over at the surveillance feed to see how the others were faring. Another two targets had already been taken out, and as I watched, the fourth of the remaining ships, protected by the phalanx of Earth-Shields, was hit by a single seal of Hikaru jii-san's. A weapon he called it the gravity-shear field.

Basically, it worked by reorganizing the gravity in an area so that all of the gravity would be concentrated into one twentieth the volume as a set of narrow, expanding concentric rings. This meant that the pressure over one area would suddenly spike, pulping internal organs and destroying structures. The stripe-pattern over the water was very distinctive as the ship fell apart and the controlled shields collapsed as the users died.

The fifth ship though was where things got potentially hairy. The attack seemed easy at first; the lead Pelican launched a spread of shells that actually sealed away large holes out of the watery shield, and then followed it up with a pair of explosives that were strong to launch the water away in a massive shock-wave. What was revealed, though, was not just the expected destruction, but the formation of the Sanbi Jinchuriki's tailed beast mode, the Three-Tailed Turtle Biju.

As our Pelicans concentrated fire on it, keeping the Jinchuriki distracted and pained, a trio of Custom Pelicans that would normally be part of the reserve came out. This was a special unit even within the Custom Pelican Wing, designed for anti-Biju and Jinchuriki operations. As they approached, they each launched a projectile that formed a massive system of restraints.

Then one aimed carefully at the back and launched a seal-breaking seal to remove the Biju from the Jinchuriki's control. The Jinchuriki fell into the water, and the true Tailed Beast replaced the Tailed Beast Cloak. The Pelicans withdrew a bit while one equipped with communications seals and loud-speakers went forward.

After a few minutes of negotiation, the Sanbi consented to being sealed with the package of Biju Protective Seals in return for not attacking Uzushio or Whirlpool ships or coastal settlements. Apparently, it really just wanted to hang about on the bottom of the sea and relax for a century or two, so it wasn't a difficult deal to make.

With the battle done and history forever changed, our Pelicans, apart from the patrol for survivors, returned to base. After I activated my Pelican's reverse-summon array, I sat back and stretched, then turned to Sachiko and grinned.

"That's just the type of battle I like Uzushiogakure to be involved in. Total destruction of the enemy, and only some lost equipment on our side. Awesome, wasn't it?"

"It was." She still seemed a bit stunned, so I decided to ask what she was thinking.

"Neh, Sachiko-chan, this is a great thing! A great achievement for Uzushiogakure. An enemy has just tried to attack us, and suffered ruin at next to no cost. What are you thinking that has you so contemplative?" She seemed to wake up a bit at that, and gave a light shake to her body before grinning faintly.

"Ah, I was just thinking, master, about what kind of name you'd like for yourself." My only excuse for not understanding what she was getting at is that I was still a bit caught up in our victory, and the idea of what that meant for warfare in this benighted world.

"What do you mean? I already have a perfectly good name, Uzumaki Daichi." She smiled a bit wider, and even laughed a touch.

"I meant, Daichi-sama, that you'll doubtless get some sort of cognomen out of this. After all, you were instrumental in inventing the Cyclone seals and the Pelican, weren't you? What do you think it will be? The Pelican of Uzushiogakure, maybe?" I blanched. Fuck if I would get such a lame name. The Pelican of Uzushiogakure indeed.

"No way! I refuse. I'll just say it was all Hikaru jii-san and Kazuo-sama," I pouted. She laughed aloud, a rare thing for her, clear and pretty, and I just looked at her.

"I'm sorry master, *hahaha*, it's just, here you are, having just caused what I suspect was the single most unbalanced battle in history, and you're pouting. It's just too funny!" I had to laugh a bit at that too.

"That's alright, Sachiko-chan. And don't apologize for laughing; you have a very nice laugh. You should always feel free to laugh around me, especially when we're in private, ok? Especially if I get a lame name like the Pelican. That way at least one of us can enjoy it, and I can at least enjoy your laugh."

"Yes, Daichi-sama," she dead-panned, holding in her amusement again.

"Gah. Impossible. I think this is what Hikaru jii-san was telling me about, how women are impossible." Her mask cracked.

Victory was truly mine that day.