I do not own Naruto.

The wind outside blew the windows back and forth forcing them to creak. In the abandoned building Satsuki sat at her spot in the academy. Next to her was the seat of the person she didn't know anymore.

Flashback…

Two days ago Satsuki had worked all night and morning to prepare for her roommates birthday. She had cooked the only thing she knew, and she had bought the rest. She had cleaned and lit some candles. She had dressed and wrapped up a present for him. She had done everything anyone could think of to help celebrate the birthday of the person she cared so much for. She came out of her room dressed in a loose kimono that simply looked elegant on her. It was a dark green colored with a hint of red on the trims. The click of the door made her aware of the arrival of the person she had been waiting for.

"Satsuki, I'm home" she heard him say.

"Welcome back! How was training?" she asked.

"It was alright, I mastered the final jutsu, Jiji asked me to work on. Anyway something smells good, did you make something?" he replied trying to change the subject. She knew he was lying, he probably went early morning to visit his parents. But she didn't want to push it.

"Yeah, but first go ahead and clean up," she replied pushing him into the bathroom.

He came out in his pajamas a few minutes later to find his home lit with candles and clean. Fresh aroma of food traveling through his body making him hungrier. He had been thoroughly surprised.

She came out of the kitchen with a pot in her hand to set on the table. She looked up at him and said, "I hope you don't mind this. I went to Hokage-sama yesterday and asked if he could let you have the day off so I could have a birthday meal for you"

"Oh- really? Huh…" Naruto replied.

"What?" she asked as she set the pot down.

"Um I don't think he had a choice given the mission he has assigned me" he replied as he took a seat.

"Mission?" she asked confused and still standing over him with a lifted eyebrow.

"Yeah, I wanted to tell you this last night but I got in so late and you were already asleep. Not to mention I left early this morning. Some things happened and I had to take the graduation test last night. I am given gennin status and have already been assigned an A - rank mission" he replied. As a look of confusion turned into a look of blasphemy on Satsuki's face.

"Wait - WHAT?!" she asked.

"Look, I know you've gotten me as your main rival and blah blah blah, but things have happened. Some information came to light and being the Sandaime Hokage's apprentice, I was forced to graduate early. Not to mention the powerful message it will show to our allies and enemies. I know this will be tough for you but what I am doing here is for the good of the village"

"But how? You're a fresh gennin, even if you graduate early you're supposed to go through D-ranks, then C and climb your way up. I get that you've been training and you are way ahead of our class but you're still not at a level to handle an A-rank mission!" she sat on her knees to be as the same level as him.

As he witnessed her angered glare he replied "Well it's actually an S-rank mission. But we're telling the council members that this is an A-rank because we don't want them to freak out. It's actually a diplomat mission. I am to represent the Hokage and stand in front of the Wind council and the Kazekage to make sure the alliance continues. I have strict instructions to not get into a fight. To be honest, this is a really safe mission. The only reason it's labeled that way is because I have such a high position and not to mention the Treaty is being re-written so this mission is to purely make sure the alliance stands between us."

"It's still not fair…" she replied in a mumble.

"I know, I have been given the weekend off to prepare and relax before this craziness starts. Although I do want to spar with you tomorrow, just to see how far you've come along" he replied.

She looked up from the floor and stared wide-eyed "really?" she asked.

"Yeah, apparently in nine months the chunin exams will be held and this time they're in Konoha. I will have to take part in it for sure, and I have no doubt since our class is filled with clan heirs they will try to get everyone else to take part too. I think it'll be best if you start increasing your routines and what not."

"Why? Is there a reason why these ones are so important, other than being held in Konoha?"

"Yeah, I am pretty sure that for the first time in a very long time that out of the five great nations, four will be sending candidates. Though who knows maybe Kiri will get back in too," he replied.

"A lot of competition, that means a good chance to grow, huh, I guess you're right!" she was gonna add 'like always' but she didn't want to stroke his ego.

"Anyways, if you're on my team then you'll definitely participate, and not to mention that if I am not back by then my team will have to come to Suna to join up with us. But that's not likely to happen" he replied.

As they ate their meal, Satsuki couldn't help but feel worried, Sure she was excited about what was coming but it was still worrisome, that Naruto was being plunged deep into this world so quickly. A few months ago she would have given anything to be in this position but lately, she had been truly understanding how unprepared she really was. A lot of her friends have called her out on being paranoid and worrying too much about this but what they didn't realize was that if being paranoid saves your life, then it's just being smart. She let out a deep sigh before returning to the meal.

Present…

Satsuki was gathered outside in the yard with all the other clan heirs and Sakura. Who was chit chatting amongst themselves while Satsuki just stared into oblivion?

"Hey, Satsuki what's up with you? You've been quiet all day. What happened to Naruto, he's not here today?" Ino called out. As she snapped out she saw everyone was staring at her.

"Naruto took the exam early and graduated on Friday. He was immediately sent on a mission to Sunagakure for the renewal of the treaty" she replied. Everyone was shocked by this and a sudden silence took over for a few minutes before anyone could process this and bother to ask why. But in the end, Shikamaru answered the unasked question.

"Huh, its probably cause he is the Sandaime's apprentice. They're probably trying to send a message to our friends and enemies that the Hokage has brought up and trained another shinobi. And to trust him with such an important mission you could damn sure every major village would hear about this."

"Yeah he said something similar to that too" she replied.

"But still, out of nowhere like this-" Sakura got cut off by Satsuki.

"No Sakura, he said they received some information to force him to do this. Not to mention that in nine months one of the largest chunin exams will be held right here in Konoha. He also was quite sure about us being involved in it too. Since we're all clan heirs here, I am pretty sure they'll try to get us to take part in this too!"

"Whoa really, that sounds like a lot of fun, you hear that Akamaru? We're gonna get to fight a lot of tough guys, man I can't wait. I should probably talk to Mom about increasing my training!" Kiba said as Akamaru barked on his partner.

"We all should!" Hinata said. "I-i-i mean if it's as big as it sounds we-w-we really have to start pushing ourselves so we can get strong enough" Hinata may have gotten stronger and more confident but she still had a long way to go. Hearing this news prompted her to train harder as well.

Meanwhile in Sunagakure…

The heat was reigning over the vast desert as always when a loud noise disturbed its peace.

"Ahh! I have been in the desert for a day and I already hate it! For god sakes man aren't you burning up!" this voice belonged to an elite chunin that went by the name of Asaki. Asaki Akimichi is a proud member of the Akimichi clan, not to mention a close cousin of the clan head Chouza. Asaki is currently accompanied by Kakashi Hatake, the copy ninja, and Naruto Uzumaki. Asaki while being a free spirit was a big guy also just like his clan-mates. Since he was so well fed his large volume made him a liability in the desert where the heat slowed him down.

"Mah-mah, Asaki-kun, it's not so bad! And the village is just in sight, I am sure they will have a comfortable place waiting for us at the embassy." Kakashi replied.

"Just a few more hours now," the third hooded figure said, "We have been traveling at full speed cutting the time in half, so it is a little troublesome but I am sure as soon as we get to a resting spot in Suna we'll be just fine Asaki-san".

"Alright-Alright, but I still can't believe you were assigned to this mission, Naruto-san. After all not many genin get to become diplomats a day after they graduate" he replied.

"Try none" Kakashi butted in "Naruto is the first ever gennin to be so. But I am sure that's alright since he is the Sandaime-sama's apprentice."

"Asaki-san, the truth of the matter is that this sends a very powerful message to Sunagakure" Naruto educated the man "A mere 13-year-old has been appointed with such duty must surely be extremely strong. Not to mention what this will prompt the Suna council and the Kazekage to think if they decide to even question breaking our alliance."

"Oh so if a mere genin is strong enough to stand in front of the Kazekage and talk about the alliance then what the Jounin and Chunin would be capable of… Okay I get it, it's all about appearances"

"Exactly Asaki-san!" Naruto replied.

As the conversation turned off onto other subjects time and distanced passed by as they found themselves getting checked in by the village guards. As soon as they got checked in by two tanned guards they were led straight to the Kazekage's office. They walked through the bustling streets where vendors and many stores looked to be selling rare items to the villagers. Most of these places were belonging to foreign merchants. As they went inside the Kazekage's tower they were met with a strong-looking man with half his face covered. He was talking over three youngsters who looked to be his students. A blonde with four ponytails, a man in a cat suit and a short kid with a giant gourd on his back.

"Uh Baki-san!" the suna guard leading them called out.

"Ah Toro, what are you doing here?" Baki asked.

"Um just leading a party from Konohagakure to see the Kazekage, they have come for urgent business. If it's not too much trouble can I ask you to take them to Yondaime-sama's office, I have to return to the gate duty?" the man asked.

"No problem at all we were heading there to give our mission report anyways," he turned to look towards the party. After a second he looked at Kakashi "Ah Kakashi Hatake, it's been a while?"

"Yes, Baki it has…" Kakashi left the sentence at that.

They started to walk towards the office as Baki asked them to follow his team. The three students stared at them for a few minutes before taking on looks of distaste.

"I believe introductions are in order, I am Baki, this is Temari, Kankuro and Gaara Sabaku. They are my students and the Kazekage's children.

"I am Kakashi Hatake, this is Asaki Akimichi and the leader of our party - Naruto Uzumaki!" The four sand nins took on looks of surprise as they stared at the young blonde who was currently reading a book with his glasses on. The said book was the bingo book and he was looking up Baki and any of the students if they were in it.

"Now-now Kakashi, how can a kid like that be your leader when you are the elite Jounin and the student of the Yondaime Hokage?" he asked not really believing Kakashi.

"Well, young Naruto here was named leader by Sandaime-sama, as he is his student and the reason why we are all here" Baki's eye was like a flying saucer as he stared at the young ninja. While the other three looked at him in surprise after all being a Kage's student was a huge thing and not to mention the Sandaime Hokage was known to have taught the legendary Sannin to take up another student would mean the boy had talent and was a prodigy among prodigies.

As the conversation came to the stop they entered the office to see the Kazekage battling paperwork. To Naruto, the scene was eerily familiar.

"Ah- Kazekage-sama, we have returned from our mission and we also have escorted a party from Konohagakure" Baki replied.

"Ah yes, I was expecting you." the redhead studied each of them intently as the Suna team stood to the side while the party stood in the center. The Kazekage looked very young in appearance. He even wore his Kage robes just like the Hokage while in office. "You must be the student Hiruzen-dono mentioned…" he looked at Naruto who had put the book away.

"Yes Kazekage-sama, that would be me. I am sure my Sensei has informed you of the reason for our visit?" Naruto spoke for the first time with a level head and an emphasis on Sensei.

"To talk about the alliance treaty that is coming to an end soon"

"Yes, and some other opportunities"

"Opportunities?"

"Beneficial ones, I am sure you'll find them very interesting. After all, you are a man of great talent, I am sure you'll enjoy them thoroughly". He ended

"My god you are his student…" he chuckled. He turned towards his student Baki and the leader of his children's teams. "Baki, submit the report to Kisa outside and make sure it's detailed." he spared a look to Gaara and then nodded as if requesting them to leave.

"Kakashi-sensei, Asaki-san. Why don't you guys head over to the embassy and take care of our resting arrangements? I will meet you guys there soon" he said as he smiled and gave them a look of understanding.

"We can escort you to it" Baki replied, "Team you can go home now, I'll see you tomorrow for training." As the Sabaku troupe exited Gaara gave Naruto and intense look.

After everybody left the Kazekage stood up and led Naruto to the couch on the side where there was water available on the center table. The Kazekage poured Naruto and himself a cup as he followed Naruto's lead and took a comfortable spot.

"Now, Naruto-san, why are you really here?" he asked with all seriousness.

"Well Kazekage-sama, as you know Konoha keeps her friends close, enemies closer. Konoha's top ten list Orochimaru is at the top, as such we keep a good amount of resources on him. Our top spy - as you already know has tracked him here two months ago. He arrived here and had a long private chat with you. As our ally, it is your duty to help us catch our enemies and vice versa. As it is written in the treaty. Yet you didn't report this." he said.

"So you're here to put me in my place?" he asked. Naruto looked up from his drink and stared through his glasses. He laughed out loud and took his glasses off and put them away.

"I may be a student of one of the longest-serving Kage but there is no way I could defeat a seasoned ninja like you. No, I am here because I understand you."

"Ohh?" the Kazekage starred as he got interested.

"The Ichibi no Shukaku caused a lot of damage, didn't he? Of course, he did, it was a biju. After the calamity, the entirety of Suna's economy fell. If it wasn't for you Suna would've been destroyed, but you kept this village alive. Konoha's treaty wasn't a big help either was it? So I've talked to Sensei and he has agreed, Suna needs our help. And we as allies haven't helped her at all in their time of need."

"How are you going to help us?" He asked trying to see what he can get out of it.

"Sandaime-sama has a good history with the fire Daimyo and has called in a few favors. The Wind Daimyo will start investing more money into Suna, and Konoha will not take any mission requests that require us to come here to complete it. Of course, if there are A-rank and S-rank missions that your village can't handle we will oblige them, at your discretion of course." The Kazekage was surely shocked, but he kept it under ranks.

"That's very nice of you…" he said with a bit of sarcasm. "Tell me even if that can help much, which I am sure it won't. What do you expect of me?"

"Well, I know there is a lot more that Suna needs and that's why I am here. I am to co-write a new treaty with you. Which will make both of our villages stronger, I will take this to our council and you will take it to yours and we both will make sure that they agree to it. And as a way to thank you, Jiraiya and I will take a look at your youngest."

"Gaara?" he asked.

"He is the Ichibi Jinchuuriki, right? From the way his team and the others are reacting to him, reminds me a lot of me when I was younger" he replied.

The Kazekage stared at him intently to decipher Naruto's answer before widening his eyes. "So looks like even the famed Yondaime Hokage could not destroy the Kyuubi"

"Nope stuck it in me instead. That dumbass, I swear the day I pass, I am gonna give him a good kick in the balls" Naruto replied.

"But you're not mad or possessed like Gaara? What's the downfall to your seal? There has to be one?"

"Nope, it's powered by the shinigami so it's pretty foolproof. Of course, it takes the caster's soul as payment. I can't promise that Gaara will be fixed, after all, no container is ever fixed. What I can promise you is that I will do my best to make his seal stronger"

"Give me one week to gather all my bearings, I will gather all the information I need and then we can see what the treaty would look like if I were to agree to it."

"Sure that will give me a good amount of time to settle in. I've been told I have to keep my visit here under wraps, please make sure nobody besides us knows why I am here. If anybody inquires tell them I am here to make sure the treaty is being respected and that was planning on re-signing it."

"Agreed, and Orochimaru what of him?"

"What about him?" Naruto asked.

"He has spies everywhere when he visited I was able to take advantage of the situation and find out how many people in my village were reporting to him. And when he arrived there was a boy with him, he said he was his apprentice and was only loyal to him. He had a leaf headband"

"Really, di you catch his name by any chance?" he asked

"Kabuto Yakushi" The older man replied.

"Hm, seems that traitor has infiltrated Konoha's ranks as well. Alright, then we will have to play this close to the chest. But if this is to work out I need to be able to trust you completely. I know you are trying to do what's best for your village, but betray my trust and I will make sure Suna never reaches the heights she wishes to" The blonde glared at the man as a warning.

"Same goes for you boy!"

At that note Naruto left the building and headed towards the embassy, to regain his companions. He headed there and found his two teammates situated inside. After having a private chat with Kakashi and letting him know the details of the talk he just had. He then made sure everybody in the office would start working on a new top secret project. The ambassador took the leave of absence and went back to Konoha, with a sealed scroll from Naruto. The outside world was told that Naruto's the ambassador for the next six months while the current took a vacation.

Later that night…

Naruto was situated in bed when he turned over to face the window. The large moon in the sky reminded him of the time he and Satsuki would sit out in the balcony after dinner. He continued to wonder about his roommate when out of nowhere he caught the sight of a young boy. He had red hair, a symbol of love on his forehead and a gourd. He was staring straight at him, Naruto stared right back. He pointed to a large tower and then moved in its direction.

Naruto intently got out of bed and jumped out the window in his pajamas. He ran right after him. After a few minutes, they found each other glaring at the roof of the tower. The roof ending with a ledge gave them a perfect setting to sit down. Naruto took the lead to diffuse the situation that was building up.

"So Gaara no Sabaku, you wanted to speak to me?" he asked.

"My father… told me that we were the same. But I don't see it… nor do I believe when he said that you were stronger than me Uzumaki!"

"Aah! So he told you, did he? I am the same as you Gaara in that he was right. I, like you, are a jinchuuriki, hated for my very existence, a bit alone, and not to mention the son of the yondaime kage of my village."

Gaara looked at him indifferently as if that was not what he meant. So Naruto continued "I once read about the biju's to understand them, Shukaku, is the sand spirit. Not to mention He keeps you awake at night to weaken you and make you go crazy, so he can take over easily."

"Naruto scooches right next to him so they're close. "Show me your seal," he says…..