Well! That took longer to update than I thought it would. Sorry for the exceedingly long update. It would have been posted a week or two after the first chapter. But my grandmother broke her hip and I've had to take care of her for the last few weeks. Not fun I can tell you, but I love her anyway.

That said here is chapter 2. I hope people like it as much as the first chapter. Let's get up to fifty reviews! Hopefully? I mean, if it's not too much to ask. This chapter is extra long, being two thousand words longer than my preferred length.

So... before I get into the story. I've seen that reader reviews are pretty popular so let's do some of those.

Neo Infinity - The harem, as I said it could be or not, it definitely not going to have Samui. I'll just say that right now. I can't really see her personality fitting into the story as I'm writing it. I'm aware that Naruto's personality makes him a viable ship with just about anyone, but I laid out ground rules in the first chapter and I'll be sticking to them. As for Tenten. I don't really think so. I've always preferred her to go with Neji.

Uchiha Arashi - Duly noted.

HolloweenJackal0w0 - I will admit that sounds very entertaining... but no. This is a romance fanfic, but it is not a smut fanfic.

Bisaster - I understand the sentiment completely. Naruto was far too forgiving in canon. I will not have him forgiving everyone instantly in this story. That said I'm not basing anyone. Punishment shall be handed out where it's due.

nitewolf423 - Yes. Anko's generation is considered too old for this fanfic. It's just at the edge however. Naruto is currently 16. I believe Anko is 28. That's twelve years. Now I know from experience that it's a long age gap as my parents are ten years apart. Trust me... it shows. Kurenai and Yuago were in her graduating class so obviously they are out as well.

Valiryo - Kumo and Konoha teamed up discretely just as they did in the movie. Naruto wasn't told so he ended up thinking they'd left him to rot. Hence the change of heart. Konoha and specifically Tsunade knew quite well who was trying to get the box of Paradise.

(I don't own any part of Naruto, nor any of the movies that go along with it. I own only the plot of this story.) Thank you.

OOO

Chapter 2 - Preparations and First Times

OOO

Consciousness returned to Naruto slowly in fits and starts.

The first thing he registered was the fact that he was quite comfortable, lying in what he assumed was a bed. It was soft and warm, something that almost lulled him back to sleep. And to be honest it did lull him back to sleep. Though only for a short time. When next he woke it was to voices. Someone was speaking close by. The speaker's voice seemed oddly familiar too, like he'd heard it often before. It was female and bossy and…

It was Ino… yep… had to be Ino.

Naruto's nose twitched then and he was able to pick up the distinctive and unpleasant scent of antiseptics. He was in a hospital, great. He despised hospitals with a passion built on years of repeat visits. But at least he was in a comfortable bed in a hospital. It was better than waking up in a prison cell again. Then there was another voice, male, drawling and… definitely Kakashi.

He grimaced, wishing he could go back to sleep. Damn it they were too loud. Couldn't they tell how tired he was? Naruto shifted in a vain attempt to block out the noise. However it was to no avail. It seemed the world was conspiring again him and he hadn't even rolled out of bed yet!

"Kakashi! He's awake. Guys he's finally up!"

A loud groan of irritation escaped him as he grabbed his pillow and threw it at whoever had just spoken, someone with the overly obnoxious voice of Kiba Inuzuka. Noisy bastard.

"I don't think he's happy to be awake quite yet."

Naruto finally opened his eyes, sitting up and glaring at the room at large. "Jeeze.. can't a guy get a bit of sleep these days?" Then he rubbed at his eyes, trying to clear away the haze.

Kiba, for it was his dog loving friend, spoke again as he did so. "Man, that's all you've been doing. Been asleep for the last week and a half."

"Kiba." It was Kakashi again. "Shut up and go get the others. They'll want to see him."

"Fine… I'll be back."

Naruto dropped his arm at last and looked around the room again. "A week? What are you guys talking about?"

Those who were currently there smiled back at him. On one side of the room was Kiba's team minus their sensei Kurenai. Then on the other side Ino was there along with Choji. Although Shikamaru was absent for some reason. Lazy bastard was probably off watching clouds. Not that he couldn't go for some cloud watching right about now. It beat the hell out of prison cells and hospital beds. Last of all Kakashi was resting against the wall opposite from him. You couldn't really tell that he was smiling, but Naruto just knew from experience.

That irritating arch of the eyebrow made him want to break his face in.

Ino smirked and leaned forward. "Well Naruto. When everyone came to Hozuki castle you were already inside the Box of Paradise. And that thing was destroying everything in sight. We fought it for a long time but no matter what we threw at it nothing worked. Finally when we were out of tricks it was about to start killing us… then you tumbled out of the Box of Paradise and the monster just disappeared back inside."

"Really? Satori went back inside? I guess he was right…" Naruto groaned and fell back into bed, memories assaulting him. "Man, for a moment there I thought everything was just a wild dream and I'd exhausted myself training again."

"Nope." she replied cheerfully. "That being said, there's a lot of things we still don't know. Who do you mean by Satori? Is that the monster we were fighting?"

He nodded.

"How do you know?"

Kakashi waved Ino off. Naruto was glad. He was still very tired. "Never mind that for now Ino. Naruto… are you feeling alright?"

"I'm just…" He trailed off for a while, attempting to put it all into words. The last four months of his life were quickly coming back to him, each memory more painful than the last. "I'm just trying to digest everything."

"Like?"

Naruto looked up at the ceiling. If he were to summarize all of his feeling at the moment he'd need a good five minutes to list them all off. But chief among them were anger, joy, disappointment, and confusion. "I'm not really sure how to put it. So much happened. I don't even know why you were all there."

And that was truly the most confusing part. How the hell did they all show up there in the first place? He'd been in that thrice damned prison for months. Almost half a year of his life lost to that hell hole. Yet the moment he was inside the Box of Paradise everyone was suddenly there to help? What the fuck was wrong with this picture?

Kakashi walked over and sat down on the bed. "I can explain that. You see Konoha and Kumo have been working together for a while now. Ever since we received word about the Box of Paradise being rediscovered. When someone framed you for attacking the Raikage we could have refused the charges. However we knew from the legend that the box required an immense amount of chakra to open…"

Naruto sat up suddenly, one eye twitching madly. "So… you let them take me without telling me anything at all?"

"Well… think about it like this. Kumo has been trying to infiltrate Hozuki castle since they learned of the box. But only one of their agents ever managed to get in undiscovered. Your lack of knowledge was required to make it all believable. After all, what kind of spy would do everything in their power to escape the place they're supposed to infiltrate? Also we knew that since they wanted your chakra that you would be able to get closer to the box than anyone else."

"Oh…"

Kakashi nodded and gave Naruto one of his classic eye smiles. "Good. You see we.."

Naruto's fist buried itself in Kakashi's gut, making the Jonin's lone eye go wide. There was a muted snap. Several actually. And Ino, Hinata, and Choji all watched in horror as Kakashi let out a muted gasp… then fell off the bed twitching and holding his belly in agony. Shino watched as well but his expression made no change.

"W..why… Naruto?" Kakashi groaned.

"That…" Naruto growled. "…is for letting me get taken to a FUCKING prison for four months without telling me a god damn thing. And don't worry. I'm going to be having a talk with Baa-chan about things like respect and trust."

Kakashi whimpered and nodded, still curled into a ball on the floor, nursing half a dozen broken ribs. Naruto eyed his sensei with distain, taking no small pleasure in getting back at him. Hell! With what he'd been put through? All the anxiety, the self doubt, the wondering if his friends and family even cared for him? Kakashi was fortunate to get off so light. If he really wanted to get even… oh he didn't even know how he'd get even. He'd need to consult Shikamaru just to come up with something that might work.

"Naruto-kun?"

He glanced back at his four friends and his anger faded. "Yeah? What is it Hinata-chan?" She blushed and he was reminded of her confession. Damn it. He hadn't thought about that tender issue for months. One would think he'd have plenty of time to ponder the question. But he'd had more important things to worry about. Still, he felt kind of bad about it.

"Well, I um… are you not feeling.. well?"

A smile tugged at his lips and he nodded. "I'm still a little tired, but other than that I'm fine. I'll be back to normal in no time."

She nodded, twiddling her fingers as she tried to meet his eyes. "Ano… that's good."

Naruto sighed and crossed his legs on the bed, keeping his eyes on hers. He had an odd feeling in the back of his mind. Was it guilt? He hesitated, still watching Hinata as he tried to figure out what he wanted to say and how to put it into words. Finally his smile returned. "Oi.. Hinata-chan."

She looked back up. "Y..yes?"

"I haven't forgotten ya know."

Her blush, which before had been minor, went crimson. She swallowed audibly. "Th..thank you Naruto-kun! But you don't have to.. answer… right away.."

"I know. I just wanted you to know I was still thinking about it." He scratched the back of his neck nervously. "I feel kinda guilty not mentioning it all this time. Sorry…"

She looked way. "It's alright Naruto-kun. Don't feel bad about it."

Ino and Choji looked between them quickly as if trying to figure out what was going on. Choji was clueless, but Ino figured it out after a few moments. Her eyes bugged out as she stared at Hinata. "You… you confessed! I'll be damned! Tell me girl, when did this happen?!"

Hinata recoiled away from the gossip loving blond. "Ano… Ino-san…"

"She told me how she felt about me the day Nagato and Konan attacked the village. Why do you think I went berserk Ino-chan? I'd just had the first person in my whole life tell me they loved me… and then she was impaled right in front of me."

Ino paused, her excitement fading as she realized the truth of the situation. "I see. Sorry for being insensitive about it. I just didn't think she'd ever tell you."

"It's fine." Naruto grinned, glancing back at Hinata when something occurred to him. "So um… wait, did anyone get hurt fighting Satori?!"

Ino nodded. "Well yeah. Kirabi the Hachibi Jinchuriki was thrashed pretty badly but Lady Tsunade healed him right after. Shikamaru got a concussion from falling debris, but it wasn't bad. The only serious injury was Yamato. That monster could throw out its feathers like arrows the size of ballista bolts."

"Is Yamato alright?"

"Yeah, he took one through the thigh. Tsunade healed that too as best she could, but he's still recovering. It nicked an artery so he lost a lot of blood."

Naruto sighed and pulled a hand through his hair. "I'm glad. As long as I was in the box Satori would have continued to attack. I got out as quick as I could but I wasn't sure if I'd been too late."

"You weren't Naruto-kun." Hinata assured him. "The only one who was really in danger of dying was the infiltrator Kusa sent, but just as we were pulling her away from the box for Tsunade to heal she started to recover on her own. No one knew why. Though... with that monster attacking we didn't have time to find out."

"R.. Ryū-chan? She's here?!" Any lingering exhaustion was suddenly gone and he was out of bed, much to the shock of his friends. "I have to see here! Where is she?!"

Ino attempted to calm him. "She's fine. Tsunade ran some tests on her and figured she was alright. She's staying somewhere in the village waiting for things to calm down in Kusa, at least enough for her to go back home."

"So she's alright?!"

"Yeah… I mean I think so. Why do you care so much about her? How do you even know her?"

Naruto's jaw clenched as he recalled his time in Hozuki castle. "She was the only one who was there for me. If it wasn't for her I'd be dead." Ino and Hinata both paled at his words, but he didn't give them a chance to ask why. "I escaped the prison pretty easily on my second attempt, but I didn't realize that the seal Lord Mui put on me would burn me alive if I got too far from him. It activated just as I was about to leap into the water surrounding the island. I would have drowned if Ryū-chan hadn't been there to save me."

Choji shifted, speaking for the first time. "Sounds like she's important to you Naruto…"

"Of course she is! She's the one who kept me from going crazy! Without her I wouldn't have had any hope of getting out of there! Not to mention she's one of the few people who haven't judged me for being what I am."

Ino started to ask if he meant his status as a Jinchuriki, but she was interrupted again as the door to the room burst open. Kiba came in, followed by Tsunade, Sakura, Sai, and Gai's team. They all stopped as they saw him out of bed with Kakashi lying curled up on the floor. They stood still for a long moment, most of them trying to figure out why Kakashi was curled up in ball whining in pain. Naruto on the other hand…

His expression had been worried when they arrived. However when he locked eyes with Tsunade, anger replaced everything else and his face turned to stone. Tsunade was the first to break the silence.

"Naruto."

"Tsunade."

She stiffened, frowning. He never called her by her name before and he hadn't used this tone with her since Jiraiya's death. "What's wrong gaki?"

Naruto's eye twitched, a vein popping out on his forehead in an almost comical manner. "What's wrong? What's wrong? Is that all you have to say you nagging old hag?!" Tsunade took a step back in shock, everyone around her doing the same as Naruto stepped towards her. Everything was boiling up on the inside. An eruption like he'd never had before. "Is that all the fuck you can ask me after what you did!?"

"Naruto… I don't understand…"

"WHAT?! You thought that I would just forgive you for having me locked up in a maximum security prison for almost half a year?! Did you think I'm that fucking forgiving?! Well news flash Tsunade! There is a limit to the amount of bullshit I am willing to take… and let me tell you! I HAVE HAD IT UP TO HERE!"

Naruto's eyes flashed crimson as his expression twisted into a livid snarl. "I have done more for this village than anyone since Shodaime Hokage! I have taken all the scorn and hatred in stride, I've saved this miserable place TWICE! And that's not even including all the shit I've gone through that would have put any other ninja into retirement!"

Tsunade's eyes were all but bulging out of her skull at this point. Kiba and the others of the Rookie twelve were cowering away from him. Despite the fact that his anger wasn't directed toward them, it was like trying to stand in front of a hurricane!

"Naru…"

"I don't want to hear it!" Naruto roared. "This is it! This is the last fucking time! Last warning! No ifs, ands, buts, no excuses, no reasons! You used me like a pawn! And I'm not going to accept it! Not after everything I've done for this place!" He walked right up to her and stood on tip toe, looking her right in the eye. "You let me be accused of murder… in a village I don't even know how to get to… on information that was barely circumstantial AT BEST! Then you give me no chance to prove my innocence and ship me off to a prison if the middle of nowhere!"

Naruto's hand grasped a fist full of her robes, wrenching her forward, their foreheads meeting with a loud crack. "How do you think that was suppose to make me feel!? I felt fucking betrayed! Like I did everything I could think of to help you and this village and then you decided to throw me away like garbage!"

She tried to speak, but he backhanded her across the face.

Silence descended across the room.

"Naruto… don't do this."

His voice was like the crack of a whip. "NO! That's the last time I take orders from someone who treats me like some mental retard! I know I'm not the smartest guy in the world! I know that you're always joking about me not being the sharpest kunai in the set… Do you think I don't pay attention?! Do you think that I'm deaf as well as dense?!"

"I…"

"SHUT UP AND LET ME FISNISH!"

Her mouth snapped shut as he backed her into the wall. "You act like everything in this world in an imposition on you and that's just fine…. but let me clue you in on something Tsunade. I'm NOT forgiving. I DON'T let things go… I just push them aside. Every slight that this village has done to me? I remember every last one! The only reason I didn't let Gaara or Pain burn this village to the ground is because that would make me no better than the people who treated me like filth!"

Everyone watched as Naruto's eyes changed…. The blue disappearing, replaced by tarnished silver. But the inhuman rage was still there, burning like a white hot inferno.

"I'm not even going to go into all the things that I had to deal with as a kid… I don't even think it matters anymore. But allow me to make a few things crystal clear. I am done being used. From now on if there is something you want me to do… you better damn well explain what it is without keeping ANYTHING from me. Because if you pull another stunt like you did sending me to Hozuki castle… and I will pack my things and leave."

Naruto's voice was a knell, sending everyone into shock. Had he just threatened to leave Konoha? Tsunade swallowed past the lump in her throat. "Naruto… I understand that you're angry. But there wasn't.."

"There wasn't… what? Are you trying to say that I'm such a pathetic excuse for a ninja that I couldn't be given a hint as to what was going on? Because if that's what you're saying I'd suggest you be a bit more FUCKING SUBTLE!"

She gasped as Naruto's slitted pupils swirled, becoming a tiny purple pinprick within the silver of his eyes. Then one by one six black rings appeared around it. Everyone in the room saw it… and they couldn't believe what they were seeing.

"Three things Tsunade. Just three things am I going to say now. And then I'll leave the rest up to you."

"The… rest?" She asked lamely.

"Yeah… the rest. As in you give me what I want and I let the matter drop, at least until I decide whether or not to trust you again." His blazing sliver eyes narrowed and he began. "First and foremost, while we're on the topic of information you've kept from me. I want you to release my heritage to the village tomorrow. And yes I know exactly who my parents are. The Yondaime left an imprint of his consciousness in the Kyuubi's seal. When I lost control fighting Pain he resealed it and explained everything to me."

Tsunade's usually fair skin bleached white.

"Second… I want everything that I have coming to me from both sides of the family. My inheritance is long overdue seeing how I turned sixteen ages ago. And additionally as recompense for withholding both my heritage and my inheritance from me for so long you will provide me with one on one training from a master in whatever field I want… no questions asked."

Naruto's anger seemed to peak then as he started in on his last demands. "And finally," he growled. "…Since I've decided that I'm no longer going to serve as a nonprofit charity… you can reimburse me for FOUR MONTHS of wrongful imprisonment of a war hero in a maximum security prison. Something you did with every intention of using me, without my knowledge, as bait. And since I'm feeling really pissed off today you can also reimburse me for the humiliation of being paraded through the streets of Konoha like some common thief for the villagers to leer at."

The room was silent again then Naruto's scowl deepened yet further. "Actually, you know what? Scratch that last bit. I don't give a damn about the humiliation or everyone leering at me. But next time there's a triple S-class maniac trying to kill everyone... they better give a damned good reason to help."

Tsunade didn't know how to respond to that. She was frozen, caught between anger and desperation and sorrow. But she knew she had to say something or risk turning Naruto against her permanently. "Naruto. I'm so sorry. I… I'll…"

"I don't care if you're sorry or not. Just do what I told you. Maybe then you can earn my trust and respect back. But… just once more I'm going to warn you. Do anything like this again and you can kiss me and Konoha goodbye. After all, what would this place be without your grandfather's precious will of fire?"

Naruto gave Tsunade one last withering look and then turned around, giving Kakashi another good kick as he went to sit on the bed. There he sat and crossed his arms, waiting for everyone else to digest what he'd said.

He wasn't about to take a single word of it back. He'd thought long and hard about his life here in Konoha. And while his wrongful imprisonment wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been… it was the straw that broke the camel's back. From now on Tsunade, Kakashi, and Konoha as a whole were at the top of his shit list. Now… they'd need to earn his respect.

The room remained steeped in silence for at least ten minutes. No one moved so much as an inch and then without warning Neji smiled. "I was wondering when his patience would run out. It's about time."

Naruto glanced towards the Hyūga. "You knew?"

Neji shrugged. "I knew that you were an impossibility. No one can be absolutely forgiving to everyone and everything around them always. At least I didn't think anyone could. I've been waiting to see how long it took for you to crack."

"Hmph…"

Silence descended again for a brief moment, before at last Kiba spoke. "Dude… I'm not exactly sure what's going on here, but can I ask how the hell you have the Rinnegan?"

"That's easy. I used the Box of Paradise." Naruto's silver rippled eyes locked onto Kiba making the young Inuzuka heir squirm. "Mui was the only one able to break the seal on the box. But once he did that anyone was free to make a wish."

"But…" Sakura started. "That girl. Ryūzetsu I think her name was. She said that Lord Mui used it to bring back his son?"

Naruto shook his head sadly. "No. He didn't get to make his wish at all. I killed him before he had the chance. And besides, you have to actually go into the box to make a wish. Satori, the guardian of the box, probably thought it would be funny to take Muku's form to terrorize everyone." He glanced to the side where Ino had hesitantly raised her hand. "What?"

"Um… so you wished to have the Rinnegan? Why? I mean after everything with Pain I wouldn't think you'd want anything to do with it."

"You're wrong Ino. I don't have any problem with the Rinnegan. No more than I have a problem with the Sharingan. It's not about the power they give you. It's how each individual uses that power."

"But why the Rinnegan?"

Naruto turned back to Sakura, who'd asked the question. "Think Sakura… Nagato wasn't all that special a Shinobi. Point in fact he was a cripple who couldn't walk without help. All he had was the famous Uzumaki vitality and the Rinnegan. And yet he was strong enough to defeat most Kage. What kind of force would I be if I had the same eyes he had?"

Sakura blinked, but her confusion remained. "I don't get it though. Why not wish for world peace or something like that? Or even bringing Jiraiya back to life… or anything else? Why wish for personal power?"

"Because the Box had limits. You couldn't wish for just anything. It had to be something finite. Nothing endless like immortality. It couldn't go against the wishes of the one who made the box. And it couldn't affect the box its self."

"I don't see how that…"

Naruto waved her off. "But what was more important than all of that… was that the box would grant my wish exactly as I wanted. But that's also a problem. The box grants wishes as they are intended. How am I supposed to wish for peace if I have no idea how to bring peace myself? And bringing the dead back to life is against nature. I'm a Sage for Kami's sake. The toads would disown me if I did that."

She nodded unhappily and went silent, but this time Lee spoke.

"Naruto! Can I ask why you didn't wish for something more important? For instance being able to control the Kyuubi?! Isn't that something that would give you more power than the Rinnegan?"

"I'm not sure how strong I'd be if I could control the Kyuubi's chakra, but even if I would be stronger for it… I wouldn't have wished for it. I want to earn that power. The Kyuubi might be a big ball of hate, but I'm going to take that challenge on myself without taking the easy rout."

Neji raised one eyebrow in question. "And the Rinnegan isn't taking the easy way? You said it yourself. That's merely a shortcut to power."

Naruto shook his head. "That's different. I could never have the Rinnegan. No matter how hard I train or what I do. But I actually think I can master the Kyuubi's hatred in time."

Kiba's chuckle sounded more than a little awkward. "Well, I mean if you only get one wish that's as good a thing to wish for as any. What's that make you? SS-class by default?"

"Who said I only got one wish?"

Everyone froze.

"To tell the truth the box grants as many wishes as there are human sacrifice before its opening. Muku was the forth sacrifice to the box before Mui opened it with my chakra. So… four wishes." Kiba, along with every other ninja in the room, stood in complete shock. "The Rinnegan was actually my third wish in case you were wondering."

"T..then what was your first?!" Tenten blurted.

Naruto gave a wicked little smile, knowing just how big a deal it really was. "I wished for perfect chakra control, beyond even what Tsunade has." He glanced to the Hokage. "Which… I might add means that I can now use both medical Ninjutsu and Genjutsu. I'll have to learn how of course, but that's what the lessons I demanded are for."

Abruptly Hinata and Neji activated their Byakugan. Neji blinked once, then twice, and finally three times before he could bring himself to speak. "Well… I guess that's what perfect chakra control looks like. The closest I've seen anyone come to this was Chiyo from Suna, the puppet master who gave her life to save the Kazekage. And even then there's no contest."

"His chakra is so calm." Hinata muttered. "But there's so much. It's like a still ocean."

"So er… what were your other wishes?" Kiba still looked awestruck. "I mean between the Rinnegan and perfect chakra control we minds as well just give you a flee on sight order like the Yondaime. Am I right?"

Naruto's eyes flashed and he glanced back towards Tsunade. "Yeah. I guess you're right about that. At least once I master the Rinnegan that is. Kinda funny. That would be only the second flee on sight order ever given to someone who wasn't already a Kage."

"Ano…" Hinata shifted uncomfortably in her seat with Choji and Ino. "Who were your parents Naruto-kun? Y..you told Lady Tsunade that you wanted to… tell everyone."

The eyes of everyone in the room turned to the Hokage as Naruto frowned. "Well, Granny? Why don't you tell them?"

Tsunade was stiff as a board. Looking into Naruto's Rinnegan was like staring into the eyes of the Shinigami. And after being on the receiving end of the Rinnegan herself… she knew that wasn't far from the truth. And what choice was Naruto leaving her? If she didn't spill what she knew now he'd probably never forgive her!

"Well? Are you going to tell… or should I?" Naruto frowned. "Here's a hint. This is a chance to earn a little bit of forgiveness."

Tsunade shifted uneasily. "The truth would send the whole village into a panic Naruto. Do you understand what would happen if people found out whom your parents were at this time? I can tell them but unless you want Iwa sending assassins after you…" She trailed off, not wanting to finish the thought.

Naruto glowered. "Do you think I care about a handful of assassins Tsunade? Nagato leveled most of the village with a single attack. I easily have three times as much chakra as he ever had. I could turn Iwa into a smoking crater."

"And what about your friends and family?! Can you protect everyone else at the same time?! There's a reason you weren't told Naruto!"

"They wouldn't dare. All you have to do is hint around that I have my dad's jutsu. Iwa wouldn't lay a finger on anyone. Besides, what does Iwa have to do with telling them?" Naruto gestured to his fellow rookies. "They aren't going to snitch to Iwa about my heritage."

"Well I…"

He growled. "Going once… Going twice…"

"Fine!" Tsunade stamped her foot and turned to address Naruto's friends. "Naruto's father made many enemies when he was alive and he decreed that his son's heritage be kept a secret until such a time as he was strong enough to protect himself. So I suppose it's long overdue to let it out…"

"Go on Granny." Naruto muttered. "Don't keep us in suspense."

She sighed. "Naruto's mother was Kushina Uzumaki, the previous Jinchuriki of the Kyuubi… and his father was Minato Namikaze, who you all know as the Yondaime Hokage."

Ino, Sakura, and Hinata fainted. Kiba... after letting out a bark of laughter… promptly followed. His head hit the floor with a dull thunk. Choji stared, robbed of both words and intelligent thought. Lee grinned then frowned then grinned again, as if having a hard time deciding whether this was youthful or not. At the same time Shino's jaw, in a rare display of emotion, dropped.

However the most grand reaction by far came from the second member of Guy's team. Neji… seeming in a daze… turned around and started to slam his head into the wall. His furious muttering could be heard over and over again. "His face in on the side of the a fucking mountain! How did I not see the resemblance!?"

And finally Tenten inserted her pinky finger into her ear and twisted it around. Then she asked, "W..would you mind repeating that Hokage-sama?"

The last of the Senju drew in a deep breath and spoke again. "Naruto is the son of an Uzumaki princess and the Yondaime Hokage."

Tenten nodded as though this was what she thought she'd heard. Then promptly turned on her heel. "Well I'll see you all another time! Send someone to get me when the world makes sense again." Without another word… she left.

Those that remained (conscious at least) stared at Tsunade and then at Naruto, not knowing what to do or say. And what could they say to that? Cool? That's nice? Congratulations? Your father was one of the most powerful Shinobi in living memory. Oh and by the way… your life sucks?

Naruto met Tsunade's gaze once more and broke the silence. "I take it I'm free to leave?"

She nodded.

He slipped off the bed and looked around, noting the pile of clothes by the other side of the bed. He walked around and grabbed them then turned to address everyone. "You guys probably need some time to adjust to all this so I'll leave. If anyone needs me I'll be at one of my usual hangouts."

Tsunade stepped in front of the open door way, blocking his path. "Naruto, I know I have some making up to do…"

"Some?"

"Okay a lot. But before you go around stirring up trouble can you listen to me?"

Naruto considered it for a moment. "Fine. What is it?"

"We've rebuilt the village. Konoha has regained most of its strength while you were gone. However… if you go out there and blurt your heritage to the whole village, it would cause a panic. Not only that, but Iwa would have a bounty on your head larger than Orochimaru's and Jiraiya's put together by the end of the week. And regardless of you being powerful that won't stop them from sending assassins after you or those you care about."

"One week."

Tsunade blinked. "What?"

"You have seven days to get everything prepared. Beef up the village's defenses, inform ranking officers of the situation, whatever you need to do… One week. Then whether it's a good idea or not I'm telling the whole village exactly who I am."

"Thank you Naruto."

"Yeah yeah. You're welcome. Now if you're done I have four months of not being miserable to catch up on." He brushed past her, walking into the hall outside. However he stopped when something occurred to him. "Oh, by the way, where is that Kusa Kunoichi who you brought back to Konoha?"

She frowned. "She's currently in Ninja housing block C. Why?"

"Because she's important to me and I'm going to make sure she's okay." Naruto shrugged. "It really isn't any of your business."

"But…"

Naruto didn't give her a chance to finish. He was already gone.

OOO

OOO

Regret.

Not ten minutes after storming out of the hospital he already felt guilt worming its way into him. Fuck… he'd been such an asshole. Sure Tsunade had used him like a tool, but why had he felt the need to punished Kakashi for it? Hell, he was pretty sure he broke bones with that punch. Did his sensei really deserve that?

For all he knew Kakashi might have argued against the whole plant to frame him. It might have been a simple case of following orders. He couldn't fault the guy for that… right? Not when everyone else went along with it. Yamato obviously was in on it. As was Shizune. Maybe even Sakura and Sai. None of them had said anything against it really… besides Sakura's half hearted (probably feigned) concern for him.

"Grr… of course I have a right to be pissed off! If they really cared for me like they pretend to then one of them would have disobeyed orders and told me what was really going on! Kakashi blatantly went against Tsunade before so he must have been willing to go along with it!"

Naruto grimaced and ducked into an alley when he saw Kurenai Yuhi up ahead. He wasn't in the mood to talk to her at the moment.

"Damn it guys. Why do you have to make it so hard to forgive you?! I want to. I really do but I just can't this time! You took it too far…" His hands balled into fists as he struggled to get a handle on his anger. It wouldn't do to blow up in the middle of the village. If he had to he'd go train… Hopefully that would blow off some steam.

Maybe…

Finally pulling himself together he exited the alley and continued towards the main ninja housing block. C-block held all Chunin and Genin who didn't have a clan or family to live with or those who wanted to live alone yet lacked much in the way of money to purchase something bigger.

It also held all allied Shinobi and Kunoichi living in the village. He hadn't really expected her to be here. Sure Konoha and Kusa were neutral towards each other, but he'd thought she'd be put on the other side of town near the old Uchiha district. That's where the village housed foreign ninja who they didn't necessarily trust.

Then again. He didn't know the exact circumstances of the plan Tsunade had put together with the Raikage. For all he knew Ryūzetsu was already an established member of the Grass Fruit faction. If that was the case she was probably being given sanctuary until the situation in Kusagakure resolved.

"I hope she's okay. I remember wishing for her to have an amazing healing factor. That wish better have worked!"

Naruto sped up at C-block came into view. Worry was beginning to nag at him; the awful thought that for some reason Ryūzetsu might not be alright, that she might have suffered permanent damage somehow. Despite Ino's comment about her being fine…

"I don't know her room number… Damn it. Should have asked." He paused, wondering how he would figure out which was her room. Then it occurred to him that he was being stupid. He could just use his new and improved sage mode. With that in mind he went still long enough to gather Nature energy and get a sense for the world around him. Almost immediately he locked onto her chakra signature. She was only about thirty meters from him on the second floor. "Good thing my sage mode is so much stronger than it used to be. Heh… I can't wait to show this to the toad clan. They'll freak when they see it."

He chuckled, most of his dread draining away when he felt Ryūzetsu's tranquil chakra brush against his. It was warm and calm. She was alright…

Naruto breathed a sigh of relief and started into the apartment complex, heading for her room. A brief walk followed, although he got a few odd looks from Shinobi he passed. But apparently none of them thought his sudden return to the village was anything to worry about so he didn't stop. A minute later he was standing outside the door to her apartment.

Without hesitating he raised his hands to knock, rapping the wood hard enough for it to echo throughout the room beyond. After a moment he was able to make out footsteps coming closer along with a nearly inaudible grumbling.

A smile curled the corners of his lips as he heard a click and the door swung inward. And there she was, no longer wearing prison clothes or even ninja gear. Instead she was wearing a white button up blouse and a short emerald green skirt. He swallowed hard and failed to stop his eyes wandering over her. Damn… she didn't look anything like what he remembered. It was as if she was a completely different person. The tomboy look was gone. Vanished like it had never been and if his eyes weren't deceiving him she…

An effort of will was required for force his mind not to focus on the fact that she must have bound her breasts before. Because there was no way in hell those had been hiding under her clothes back in Hozuki castle!

Naruto rubbed the back of his head, grinning as he did his best not to ogle her. "Hey Ryū-chan… Mind if I come in?"

Ryūzetsu's pale blue eyes blinked once. Then, as if suddenly recognizing the blond in front of her for who he was she lunged for him. "Naruto! You're okay!"

Naruto staggered back even as he wrapped his arms around her slim waist. He was a little too conscious of her lithe form against his and now that she was this close, her scent as well. He could feel his face heating up even as he inhaled the flowery smell of her perfume. Kami he'd been thinking about doing this for weeks. "And she doesn't seem to mind… maybe she wouldn't mind if I…" He couldn't help it. His stomach was churning wildly and he wanted to see how she would react.

He let his head drop and kissed the top of her head, holding her even more tightly as he did so. The lovely Kusa Jonin in his arms stiffened then… relaxed. "Naruto…" He felt her hands link together behind his broad back. "…Would you mind if I did something that will probably get me expelled from my home village?"

He swallowed hard before answering. "N..no. Not at all."

"Good."

Naruto didn't have time to say anything more. One moment she was embracing him… and the next her lips were on his. He froze for several seconds, not knowing what to do. Then almost as soon as the kiss began it ended. He looked down into Ryūzetsu's baby blue eyes and found words coming unbidden to his lips. "T..that didn't seem like it would get you in trouble."

Ryūzetsu smiled, taking his hand in hers and guiding him into her apartment. "No…" She closed the door behind him and pressed in close. "But what comes next will."

He wasn't sure he knew what to say to that. But...

"What exactly is going to come next?"

Ryūzetsu didn't answer for a moment. Her long strides took her to a smallish bed in the corner of the room where she sat down. Her gaze focused on him for a while before dropping to the floor. "Naruto. I know this seems sudden. It's just that I've been carrying around this... weight... for so long. Muku was everything to me when I was younger. He was my inspiration, my best friend, even my teacher. And when he died a part of me was trapped with him."

"Ryū-chan..." He couldn't stop himself. He crossed the room and dropped down next to her. And although he wasn't terribly good at comforting others, he did his best.

He didn't expect her to turn her head and kiss him again. It was a soft kiss, almost a caress. Full of emotion yet seeming restrained. Ryūzetsu's hand found the side of his face as their eyes met. "You are the only one I've ever cared for as much as Muku. I'm not sure when I stopped seeing you as a impulsive idealistic idiot... but I can't seem to help it. Even in such short a time. I've..." Her eyes failed to meet his again as she dredged up words to explain her feelings.

I've... fallen in love with that goofy smile and your stupid verbal tick... and your oversized hero complex. Maybe it's stupid. After all, what could a elite Jonin like me possibly like about all that?"

"Hey..."

She held a finger to his lips still smiling. "Shut it. I'm trying to have a moment here."

Naruto closed his mouth, keeping his eyes locked on hers as he waited for her to continue. And after seeming to collect herself she did.

"I don't know how to say this without it seeming rushed or illogical... And If I'm honest with you I don't care. I'm in love with you Naruto Uzumaki. I'm in love with you even though we've known each other for less than six months. Even though most of it was spent in a prison..." Ryūzetsu's cheeks flushed red and she leaned forward, all but crawling into his lap. "What I meant before Naruto is that I'm going to give myself to you.

Naruto felt the breath catch in his throat as she unbuttoned her blouse and let it fall, whispering past his ear as it drifted to the floor.

"My village won't let me return if I have divided loyalties. So for better or worse... I'm yours..."

He didn't know what to say, what to do. Hell he barely know what to think. If he was beings truthful he'd become somewhat infatuated with her. But for her to say that she was his? It both scared and excited him. He'd always wanted someone to love him. And here she was offering everything he'd always desired. Could he possibly say no?

No... he couldn't.

Ryūzetsu licked her lips and twined her arms around his neck. "Naruto-kun... don't be gentle. This might be my first time. But I want it to be real.

"Ryū-chan..."

She kissed him again. "No more words..."

Her tongue darted out, teasing his lips and this time he didn't stand idly by. Naruto leaned into it, kissing her hard and relishing the contact. He didn't know what he was doing. Not in the least. The kiss was sloppy and he was sure he could have done better. So as their hands continued exploring each other he let his body move on instinct.

Before he knew it his jacket was gone. Ryūzetsu had tugged it off, not even bothering to undo the zipper. Some part of him was shouting that this was going too fast. That this couldn't be real. That he wasn't good enough. The snap of the zipper tearing free distracted him for only a second before his attention was riveted to her breasts.

Ryūzetsu's bra landed by the foot of the bed, but Naruto didn't notice. He was too busy staring transfixed at her perfection. Her dusky skin was flushed and her nipples... oddly pink against her darker skin... were captivating. He didn't even notice the coolness of the room until he felt the heat of Ryūzetsu's body against his. Likewise he didn't realize she'd removed his shirt until he felt her hands ghosting down his spine.

He shuddered. His stomach was doing flips all of a sudden and he felt naked. No.. he almost was naked. He hadn't really been aware of it happening!

Ryūzetsu's clothes on the other hand. He was very aware of how she lost them. Her skirt didn't stand a chance. As soon as he managed to snap himself out of his trance he tore it off and flung it to the side. him down to her level and stealing another passionate kiss from him. It blindsided him again, leaving him completely at her mercy. Just the heat and desire she poured into it was enough to wipe his mind clean of intelligent thought.

His pants were a bit trickier... but Ryūzetsu's impatience wouldn't allow them to remain any longer. Scant seconds after she pulled him down the tattered remains of his pants were kicked off the bed to join her bra and skirt. Then they were down to the bare basics. She seemed to take great pleasure in making him squirm as she removed her last article of clothing. Leaving her bare to the world. Or at least bare to him. That's what mattered.

He just didn't know what he was supposed to do next. Well, scratch that. He did know. Jiriaya had made damn sure he'd be prepared for this kind of situation. But still! He didn't know how to go forward!

"Naruto... you're nervous, right?"

He nodded. "Yeah."

"Then let me take the lead okay?" He nodded again, not trusting himself to speak. Ryūzetsu didn't either. She merely pushed him down into the bed. "Relax... We have all the time in the world."

Naruto swallowed hard. "R.. Ryū-chan?"

"Yes?" She paused, head tilting to the side.

"Aren't you worried about... you know?" He wasn't sure how to say it without just saying it. "Getting pregnant? I know sensei always told me to be sure and I know you can't be on the pill right?"

Ryūzetsu's smile made his heart stop for almost half a minute before any hesitation melted away. Her lips quirked into a delighted grin as she leaned down, whispering past his ear. "If it happens... it happens."

"But..."

She placed a finger over his lips. "Naruto, I've completed my mission. I have no reason to be a Kunoichi any longer. Besides... I wouldn't mind."

"You wouldn't?" He was more than shocked. He was astonished. "You would want that?"

"I told you already. Some might think this is happening too quickly. Some will say I don't really love you. But I know how I feel and I know what I want. If you give me a child? Well I've always wanted to be a mother."

Naruto saw something in her eyes. Something like devotion. He didn't know what he'd done in their hand full of months together to earn such love. Maybe it was just him being him. Maybe there was something about him that drew them together. But hearing her say that... It tore down any wall his logical mind could have erected. He couldn't help but smile right back as desires came unbidden from the deepest reaches of his mind.

"I... I've always wanted a family too."

Ryūzetsu leaned down further, her silver hair falling down to create a sheltered world just for the two of them. "Then let's get started." Their lips met again and Naruto found himself lost in her passion and lust. For the rest of the day and well into the night, no more words would be spoken between them.

At least not intelligible ones.

OOO

OOO

It was five in the afternoon and Tsunade Senju's office was packed to bursting. Jonin from every corner of the village had been called in to attend a special meeting. Those already there included the likes of Hiashi Hyūga along with every other clan head, Kurenai Yuhi with the other Jonin team leaders, and the vast majority of the current ANBU squad captains. All told nearly fifty men and women were crammed into the large office.

And still none of them knew what was going on. For the last half an hour the Hokage had been sitting at her desk with a scowl etched into her features. Not so much as a word had been spoken. At least until the door opened one final time and Kakashi Hatake, looking a little beat up, entered the room with Tenzo by his side.

Finally Tsunade spoke.

"Listen up everyone and listen well. I've called this meeting to address several matters that will be of paramount importance in the coming weeks and months." Her gaze swept the ninja clustered around her, taking in the serious expressions of everyone present. "Last week Naruto Uzumaki returned to the village and today he was released from the hospital. I know many of you think this is going to make your lives easier."

There was mixed muttering around the room, most of it in agreement. After all, Naruto was being considered for an S-class official ranking in Konoha's ninja registry. With that kind of firepower back in the village they'd be stronger than ever.

After a minute or so Yuago Uzuki, one of the village's top ANBU, stepped forward. "The village owes Uzumaki-san a debt. I would assume Hokage-sama… that this meeting has been called because of something involving him."

"You are correct." She closed her eyes briefly, taking a deep breath before continuing. "As some of you know Naruto was selected to infiltrate Hozuki castle to find and destroy the Box of Paradise, an artifact of terrible power from a time before the Sage of Six Paths. And his mission was in large part successful."

The Aburame clan head adjusted his glasses, his usually neutral features becoming pinched. "We know some details of the mission Hokage-sama. What does it have to do with this meeting?"

Tsunade's grimace set everyone on edge. "It has everything to do with this meeting. Mainly because Naruto is livid that he wasn't told about the mission beforehand. I admit I made a mistake in sending him there unknowing. Now Naruto has decided to put his foot down."

Hiashi Hyūga crossed his arms over his chest, sending Tsunade a disapproving stare. "I told you such a deception would not go over well. The boy is forgiving. Yet given his background it was foolish to put him in a situation where he might think you betrayed his trust."

"I realize that now Hiashi. Rubbing it in isn't necessary."

"And how did he react exactly?" Inoichi frowned. "I can't imagine him being too angry with us..."

"Furious would be a better word. There's a reason why Kakashi is nursing half a dozen broken ribs."

All eyes turned to Kakashi who scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "What can I say? He caught me with my guard down. I'm lucky I'm up and walking right now."

They returned their attention to their Hokage who continued where she left off. "I suppose there is some good news in this. However it's overshadowed by the problems that come along with it." She forestalled any questions with a wave of her hand and lifted a large yellow file folder for them to see. "Naruto has demanded that I release his inheritance to him. Legally there is nothing I can say against it. Although I am Hokage when it comes to matters of inheritance the clan laws take precedence. As such I am required to honor his 'request'."

One of the ANBU in the room gave Tsunade a perplexed look. "You mentioned an inheritance? I knew the boy is the heir to the Uzumaki, however I wasn't aware we salvaged enough from Uzushiogakure for him to have an inheritance."

"That is... part of the issue." Tsunade looked rather uncomfortable now, her expression pained.

Hiashi's eyes narrowed as he made the connections in his mind. "Please ex..." A look of dawning comprehension suddenly made the Hyūga clan head trail off. "Hokage-sama! You... YOU LIED TO US!?"

"Hiashi. Sit down."

Hiashi didn't retake his seat. On the contrary his grey eyes narrowed to livid slits. "I...I had always assumed that the boy was an orphan refugee. The Sandaime never hinted that there was anything special about the boy past being the last of his clan. However... the boy shouldn't have an inheritance unless his parents left him something. And since you say it's a clan matter..."

"Yes. Naruto is Kushina Uzumaki's son. As well as being a close relation to my grandmother, the Shodaime's wife. His inheritance is made up of everything Kushina made during her career as a Kunoichi and Fuinjutsu master for Konoha. A not insubstantial sum of money. Also given that my grandmother Mito owned a large portion of property within the village, which was not transferred into the Senju clan holdings, that too will fall to Naruto."

Whispers broke out among the Jonin and ANBU while the clan heads remained silent... although some like Hiashi were quietly steaming for being lied to.

But there was still more to tell.

"However! Despite everything that's been revealed so far the real reason for this meeting has nothing to do with the Uzumaki clan. Nor any clan at all. In fact it concerns a small civilian family that acted as merchants during the first and second great wars. The Namikaze family. Or as it came to be known after Minato Namikaze was named the Yondaime... the Namikaze clan."

Shikaku Nara fell out of his seat in shock as he, along with many others, realized exactly what their Kage was getting at. But Tsunade didn't give them any change to get their bearings. Instead she plunged bravely on, attempting to say everything that needed said before the meeting dissolved into a chaotic shouting match.

"Apparently the Yondaime left an imprint of his consciousness inside the seal holding the Kyuubi within Naruto... and the boy now knows everything about his heritage. It would have happened regardless seeing how he's come of age and I was planning on promoting him upon his return to Konoha. However he has decided that he won't tolerate it being kept a secret... regardless of the reason." Her eyes raked over the Jonin and ANBU. "Naruto's heritage will be released to the village in one week. And if we aren't prepared by then..."

They didn't need her to say it aloud. If Konoha wasn't prepared in one week Iwa would have every assassin their side of the Elemental Nations after the last Namikaze.

And countless innocents could... No... would be caught in the crossfire.

"With that in mind I'm recalling all ANBU from active missions outside the village. Standard teams will limit their missions to those within Hi no Kuni. Jonin not assigned to a team will running patrols around our borders and beefing up security here in the village."

"Hokage-sama." One of the senior Jonin from the back of room stepped forward. "Have you spoken with the boy? Would he not see the reason in keeping his heritage secret a little longer?"

"Naruto is impulsive and despite his youth he is far more powerful than I am. I will not risk his loyalty at this time, especially when he's threatened to leave the village if I don't comply." Tsunade eyed the man sternly. "Surely you can see my awkward position."

He nodded slowly and stepped back.

The other Jonin seemed to fall into deliberation amongst themselves while the ANBU in the room stood silently, waiting to be dismissed. Tsunade noticed this and turned to them. "All ANBU save the captains and current commander may return to your duties!"

The dozen or so senior ANBU bowed before disappearing in a mass Shun-shin. In the wake of their departure Chozen Akamichi shifted next to Inoichi. "Hokage-sama... I understand that Naruto has become powerful, but does he truly understand what his threat to leave the village means? If the civilian population found out..."

"I understand that." Tsunade snapped. "But as of now there's nothing I can do."

"Nothing at all?"

She sighed and leaned back in her chair, lacing her fingers before her. "I have not told you everything. And what I'm about to say is to be kept in the strictest of confidence. In fact... unless Naruto chooses to reveal it himself I consider this an S-class village secret."

The clan head, remaining ANBU, and Jonin all nodded. Tsunade watched them for a few moments before continuing.

"It is mentioned in the mission report that Naruto was inside the Box of Paradise for some time. However until Naruto woke we didn't know the consequences of that. However furious Naruto was... he did share that information with me..." She trailed off, wondering how best to break the news of Naruto's new abilities.

"And?" Hiashi inquired. "What happened?"

"The Box of Paradise apparently grants wishes. Not just one... but multiple. One for each human sacrifice before it's opening if what Naruto said is true. And it gave Naruto four wishes. He told me that each wish had certain limits and that they worked according to his own interpretation, therefore he couldn't chose something like immortality or world peace..." She closed her eyes. "So... he decided it would be safest to wish for personal power."

Inoichi frowned. "If he were anyone else I'd be extremely worried about that. May we know what exactly he wished for?"

Tsunade nodded. "Perfect chakra control was the first choice. And not a bad one at that. But it's the third wish that truly worries me."

Everyone watched as the Hokage reached under her desk and pulled out a large file. A file some of them even recognized. It was a while folder with a eye drawn on the front. It was the file that had been compiled on Pain... or as they now knew him, Nagato.

"Naruto wished for the Rinnegan." Tsunade paused the folder across her desk for Hiashi to pick up. "And given the abilities it grants alone Naruto would immediately be under consideration for SS-class. However... with Jinchuriki chakra levels, perfect chakra control, and his Uzumaki blood?" She locked eyes with Hiashi even as he glanced up at her. "Naruto Uzumaki has joined the ranks of the legends Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju."

The ANBU commander stepped up behind Hiashi, glancing over the contents of Nagato's folder as he asked, "Have you seen it?"

"I have. It looks just like Pain's."

"Then we have our work cut out for us." He turned to his subordinates. "I believe it's time to take our leave Hokage-sama. I will bring a report to you tomorrow. For now I bid you good day." He bowed and the remaining ANBU the same way as the first group.

Tenzo smiled at Tsunade and gave a shot bow as well. "I need to be going. There are still some repairs that need to be made around the village and I'm the best man for the job. I'll see you at the council meeting tomorrow at well."

She nodded and waved him off. "Very well... What about you?"

The remaining clan heads seemed to contemplate their response for a long while, obviously shocked by the revelation of Naruto's new abilities. Eventually Inoichi pinched the bridge of his nose, signaling in some part the resignation they all felt. "Hokage-sama, as glad I am that Naruto is on our side. I can't help but feel these new powers of his might go to his head. He's not even seventeen yet. The Shodaime didn't make himself a name as the Shinobi no Kami until his late twenties. And even then he grew up in war times. Naruto is..."

"...a decent boy... but not necessarily wise for his age," Chozen muttered half heartedly. "His heart is in the right place. Although I for one don't distrust him, the Rinnegan seems a bit much.

"Now now..." Hiashi drew their attention with a wave of his hand. "Let's not be so quick to say what the boy can and cannot handle. If you'll remember I thought my daughter would never make Chunin, yet she nearly made Jonin in the last exam. Worse luck for her that she was forced to fight Neji a second time." He threw a sharp glance Chozen's way. "I personally thought your son would drop out of the academy. He had even less aptitude for our ways than my daughter."

"Well..." Chozen coughed once as if clearing his throat. "My son has advanced beyond that point. He's now a competent Chunin."

"Then why assume the Uzumaki boy will use his new found power poorly. He saved this village using the Kyuubi's power for a good portion of the battle. If he can turn the demon's power to a noble cause... then a Doujutsu, no matter how powerful it may be, shouldn't be an issue."

"You just want the boy to marry your daughter in the hope that his new eyes will pass on to their children."

Hiashi's smile was equal measures grim and satisfied. "That's a motive." His eyes flicked to Tsunade. "However a Doujutsu doesn't make you arrogant or evil. The Uchiha's arrogance came from their strength and love of tradition. We Hyuuga are often seen as overbearing because we put so much faith in our eyes. Yet Naruto is no Hyuuga. Nor is he an Uchiha. He will not take his eyes for granted as so many natural born Doujutsu users do."

Tsunade grumbled under her breath, but couldn't find the will to disagree. "Very well. You've made your point. I don't think he'll misuse them either. But damn it if they won't complicate things. Even assuming he uses them only to protect others... there so much to consider."

"If I may make a suggestion then Hokage-sama."

"Go on..."

"Wait for the boy's eyes to be discovered in the natural course of things. Then announce publicly that it's a new bloodline awakened in the Uzumaki clan."

"Won't that cause us more problems? Kidnapping attempts would be the least of our worries."

Hiashi nodded. "Yet those would take place regardless. That last Uzumaki... That's not something which will go unnoticed. However telling the world the Uzumaki clan has the Rinnegan will do two things for us. First it will cement Konoha as the undisputed most powerful village even after the recent attack. No one would dare challenge a village that holds a Jinchuriki Rinnegan wielder."

Shikaku chuckled. "It would be suicide. Plain and simple."

"Yes... It will make Konoha untouchable. At least for a time. However this is only secondary to the main benefit."

Tsunade's eyes narrowed. "Which is?"

"Konoha will be guaranteed alliances with half a dozen villages, both major and minor, who will clamor to have even the slightest chance of possessing it's power. Even our enemies wouldn't hesitate to make temporary piece for the opportunity to lure Naruto to their side." He gave a very un-Hyuuga-like grin. "But as we all know, Naruto is loyal to his friends and family. We will reap all the benefits without worrying about losing him to another village."

Inoichi sniffed. "So long as we inform him of our intentions. The boy has made it clear he won't be used as a pawn any longer. I for one think we should be careful of provoking him further."

"I never said to keep it from him. In fact... ask him if he'd be willing to help. If he could manage to put on an act of the disgruntled Jinchuriki, keeping those who want to seduce him to their side invested, it would help our cause."

"Indeed. However I think you're all ignoring boss summon in the room." Hiashi, along with the others, turned to Shikaku. The Nara clan head was leaning back in his chair, his words belying his bored expression. "What will we do about the marriage proposals? If we make it out to be that the Rinnegan has manifested in the Uzumaki clan... you know the kid will be swarmed in no time."

Inoichi groaned at that. "He's right. They'll come out of the wood work. Girls offering to help 'rebuild' his clan as a way to get close to him. Allies wanting to steal him away from us by presenting their best and brightest. You never know. The boy is sixteen. He's at that age. Never know when he might take a liking to one of them."

Hiashi's eye twitched. "Point."

"Another one then," Inoichi continued. "Just because they're trying to seduce him to their side, that doesn't mean there won't be nice girls out there. Mabui of Kumo for instance. An experience Jonin. Beautiful. Known for her generous and kind disposition. And just young enough to be an option. There are many out there who could catch his attention."

Chozen cast a sideways glance towards the stoic Hyuuga. "And didn't you say your daughter confessed to him during Pain's attack. He hasn't answered her yet to my knowledge. Who knows? He traveled with Jiraiya of all people for two years. He might already have his eye on some foreign girl."

"That is... understandable." Hiashi admitted. "Yet I must ask why you're insinuating he'd take one wife."

"I... well..." Chozen blinked. "That's a good point. Hokage-sama, how is the law concerning polygamy? Wasn't it abolished by the Nindaime?"

"Only for a time. When the second great war started he realized the clans couldn't keep up with the number of deaths. As long as a clan has less than three members polygamy is accepted. But only for one generation." Tsunade scowled. "Actually I tell a lie. From a legal standpoint anyone can take multiple wives. It's just a matter of getting approval from the local authority. The Daimyo in this case. But he's a traditionalist. Getting permission would be like pulling teeth."

Hiashi's smile returned. "Last of his clan, possesses a legendary Doujutsu, and the son of a Kage... I'm sure the Daimyo would make an exception."

"Remember Hiashi... You may fancy marrying your daughter off to him for political gain. However Naruto has never been like Jiraiya. He might not be interested in taking multiple wives. His father didn't."

"I'll keep that in mind Hokage-sama."

"Good." Tsunade slammed her hand down on the table. "Now to other matters! Which of you brats is going to help me with the political shit-storm on the horizon?"

The four clan heads swallowed audibly and Hiashi, ever the wise one, made for a quick getaway.

Shikaku was already gone.

Inoichi turned out to be a clone.

Tsunade grinned. "Well Akamichi. Looks like you're the lucky winner."

OOO

OOO

It had taken hours... six blissful passionate hours... but it was finally over.

Naruto hadn't wanted it to end, but it had. And now he found himself intertwined with Ryūzetsu upon her narrow but comfortable bed. Their breaths were only now slowing down from ragged gasps. Surprisingly he was the worse for wear. He'd never dreamed that he'd find someone who had as much stamina as he did, yet Ryūzetsu hadn't disappointed. Despite his status as a Jinchuriki she'd given as good as she got.

And Kami-sama he was going to sleep good tonight! And... maybe the bite marks his lover had left would fade by morning. Not that he'd mind if they didn't. He'd left a few of his own... Heheh...

Naruto shifted slightly as Ryūzetsu's lips brushed his collar bone. She was muttering something under her breath. He couldn't quite make it out, but there was something about Kusa in there. "That's right. She said something about Kusa before we got started. Man, I can't even begin to remember what it was though. Guess that memory got overwritten. Ha! Ero-Senin eat your heart out! My first time took hours!"

A content smile curled the corners of his lips and he let his eyes drift closed. Ryūzetsu's rhythmic breaths were beginning to make him drowsy. Or... perhaps it was the high from the sex fading? Who could say? He couldn't find the effort to care. All that mattered for now was Ryūzetsu. Everything else could wait until tomorrow morning. Or afternoon. After all... what did he care about being timely? If anyone called him out on it he'd have one hell of an excuse!

Naruto nuzzled in closer to his girl and tightened his arms around her. His own breathing slowed, until at last he drifted off to sleep.

It wasn't long before two blue eyes opened and focused on him. Ryūzetsu smiled and, after contemplating for quite some time, let them close again. She could use the contraceptive jutsu, but she'd told him the truth. The idea of carrying his child was not unappealing.

A low chuckled escaped her.

She would let things happen as they would. Regardless of what the future might have held she would be staying by Naruto's side. That, as he would have said, was the promise of a lifetime. Not to Naruto... but to herself. "My past. Muku, Mui, and that damned box. It's all finally behind me. From now on... the only chains that bind me will be the ones I choose myself."

With that parting thought she allowed herself to drift off, never once considering what chaos her decision would lead to.

OOO

OOO

I knew I should have seen this coming but it's my fault. I did not define exactly what counted as 'too old' when I laid out the guide lines for who Naruto might be paired with. 'Too old' refers to any girl who is eight or more years older than Naruto. Hence Anko, Yuago, Kurenai, Mei, Samui, Mabui... are all out of the running.

With that in mind thank you for reading this chapter! As always I love constructive criticism and review as much as possible! I would also live to see fifty reviews and a thousand views? That would be awesome!

For now this has been 24TheFun... see you all later!