((This story is pure fan-fiction. The characters and locations are the sole property of Shonen Jump and the series's creator, Masashi Kishimoto. Neither do I own any of the Predator series, characters, nor concepts as created by Jim and John Thomas nor written/drawn by the many literary artists in the comic book, video game, and book genres. At no time is this fiction an intent to infringe upon their rights nor properties.))

Shizune looked up in alert at the mild release of Chakra that was universally used to signal an arriving Shunshin. Yet unlike most that had a specific element tied to it, such as a spiraling effect of leaves, or sand, or whatever, this was a singular vortex of wind. Her hands immediately flashed to keep her paperwork from flying all over and she frowned at the figure once it was revealed. "If you would...I'd prefer it if you used the Shunshin down the hall.." she said with a narrowed gaze atop the frown and suddenly, she clapped a hand over her mouth as she realized just who she had gotten snarky with. Suddenly feeling dread grip her spine icily as the answer was a slow rumbling chuckle.

"Nice to see you too Shizune-san." Naruto replied in amusement as he gave her a small bow at the neck. Turning he strode straight to the Hokage's door and entered without preamble. Nevermind that Shizune was already rising to stop him. He strode in and shut the door behind him, effectively cutting off the black haired assistant's warnings and he turned to regard the room through the lenses of his mask. He saw Tsunade sitting behind her desk, one hand paused in bringing a cup of sake to her lips and three persons turning to face him.

The first to speak was a man wearing a ton of bandages around his face and his right arm in a sling. "As you can see we are busy." his tone clipped and curt as his cane tapped the ground in emphasis. Yet it was the distorted vocal response that made even this warhawk wonder.

Instead of replying to the implied discourtesy, Naruto said, "Shimura Danzou. Elder of Konoha along with Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura. All former Senior Advisors to the Hokage and members of the Council.." he turned to the seated Village Leader and his tone changed just slightly, "Hokage-sama. I was informed the Uchiha escaped?"he didn't miss the sudden tension rise in the room.

Tsunade pinched the brown of her nose and nodded, "He was broken out of the ANBU Detention cell by a later identified Yakushi Kabuto. They were engaged by patrols as they worked their way out of the Village." she sighed as she gave a glare before any of those three could interrupt her. "As the one who brought Sasuke back in the first place he deserves to know what occurred."

"Orochimaru really wanted him then." he paused to consider the news before asking, "I take it you want me to go after them?"

"No. We'll deal with the traitors at a time of our choosing, Predator-san. Not theirs." she replied with a negative shake of her head, "These three," she indicated the former council members, "Were trying to convince me to list him as a retrieval target in the Bingo Book if I were to list him at all."

Naruto snorted behind his mask, "He has defected twice now. Willingly and without coercion. I'd list him as a Mid C-rank. Approach with Caution." He then began a low growling sound that almost seemed to be chuckle.

The old woman turned sharply to the Hokage, "Tsunade! You can't be seriously considering this!? The Sharingan is too valuable…" her words broken off when Naruto interrupted.

"No Doujutsu is so valuable that the wielder is above the law. Continue to worship the traitor and others will follow. It sets a very negative precedent and sends the wrong message to our Shinobi. Pardon...your Shinobi."he amended pointedly before giving a shrug, "It makes no difference to me in either direction. Just more work to be done or less. The choice is yours, Hokage-sama." Focused on Tsunade, he missed the speculative looks he was being given by Danzo.

"I have had enough. The topic is closed for me to make my own decision." Tsunade said with finality as the elders prepared to object,after giving Naruto a curious glance "I said that is enough. You three may go. Predator-san. Stay a moment." she directed and waited for the room to empty. Though both knew damn well, the ANBU were still there and listening intently. "Now..since you seem to be giving advice so freely, I have a different matter I want to discuss."

Naruto moved to a chair and sat down, but only after Tsunade came from behind her desk and sat opposite him. "How may I be of service?" he asked casually noting how she draped herself across the seat in a very informal manner with arms spread along the back of the couch and one knee atop the other. And given the woman's level of...endowment...it was quite provocative, though he was sure it was unintentional especially when he took into account the tightness around her eyes and shoulders.

Unable to see his face, Tsunade tsked and got to the point. "Eight former Council members have also fled the village. Over the years, under the Sandaime's return, they have embezzled a large amount of Village funds. Of course they took it all with them and have left the village in a severe financial bind."

"How dire?" he asked succinctly, switching gears as he listened intently. Once the Hokage finished, he whistled lowly. Which came out through the distortion a low growling purr. "So in effect, until this deficit is replaced, you can't pay your shinobi their mission wages. Hmmm…." he surmised absently, "I take it your finance division is already checking for what they can cut out of the budget to help as a stop gap measure." At her nod, he tapped a cheek plate of his mask, "First place I would recommend is the KPD coffers. It's defunct. Has been since the Massacre. But I'm betting funds were still funneled to it on an annual, if not semi-annual, basis. Also, I'd check to see if the funds of the deceased Uchihas were ever seized by the Village or if they were taken and transferred to Sasuke-teme's account as the sole survivor. In either case, you can seize that since he has turned traitor. That might help somewhat." he went silent and laughed quietly at the buxom blonde's slightly stunned expression.

"You...In less than five minutes, just outlined what was decided after a couple hours of debate." she said in a detached tone. "Basically I'm seriously trying to decide what to do about them. Do I send a Hunter-nin after them to regain the missing funds or try to write it off and enact emergency procedures."

"I'm sure that whatever decision you reach, will be in the best interest of the Village." Naruto said calmly as he got to his feet. "Thank you for your time, Hokage-sama."

She watched him rise to his feet and mimicked him before replying, "Your insight was helpful as well." she snapped her fingers, "On another note, the first shipment of supplies should arrive in a few days. I hope that will help you in getting your compound started." she said with a smile. "I look forward to getting a tour." she added suddenly, "Earlier, you were chuckling. What did you find dunny?"

"Once it begins to take shape, I'll be happy to give you one."he answered, an eyebrow rising at how her eyes widened minutely and she gave him a small smirk. A moment of thought and realized the double meaning of his words. "Ahem….I'll be going now."he said suddenly and he made a quick exit. Before he departed, he paused and answered her final question, "Remember that I placed seals not only on the Curse Mark but his Sharingan as well? I was imagining the look on Orochimaru's face when he eventually tries to remove them. It should be...priceless." Once outside the door, he nodded to Shizune, who was trying to give him a convincing stink eyed glare. He chose to ignore it as he made his way along the downward spiraling rampway until a figure stood in his way prior to reaching the ground floor and lobby.

He stepped back and studied the cloaked and hooded figure. "Black clothing. Metal armguards and gray flak vest. How may I help you ANBU-san?" Naruto said politely as his eyes studied the bird-like mask. He was curious however, by the presence of the white cloak with a gold band at the cuffs and bottom hem of the length.

"Call me Washi (Eagle). I am the ANBU Commander. I would like to discuss the possibility of you joining our ranks." the now identified man said in a deep voice. Then a different voice, a woman's interrupted.

"Hold on there, Washi." she said as she walked up and stared at the Eagle mask with hands on her hips, making her cloak- tan with black bands- flare, revealing her figure. Flowing green hair surrounded her mask, similar in bird styling but somewhat different. "He's a Hunter. That's my territory."

"Taka (Hawk)." the ANBU Commander greeted the newcomer with a polite tone, though his body language spoke differently. Wonderful...she just HAD to show up before I could even get him to consider my proposal…

Behind his mask, Naruto lifted an eyebrow as the two figures began trading barbs back and forth. What is it with these two Divisions? No matter the Village, they are always at odds. he thought as his head moved back and forth between them like a sporting event as their body languages were growing more aggressive and confrontational. He tried to interrupt before it came to blows, "Pardon, but I'm right here…."he said sardonically. When both figures stopped and turned to regard him, he read the surprise and a bit of guilt in their postures. "I am ineligible for either Division."he said and noted in amusement that they both straightened in greater surprise. He held up a hand to forestall them, "I am flattered that you both have such an interest but I am contractually obligated to the Hokage. Until such time as the Godaime steps down or retires, I report to her alone. Now I'll be going as to not take up more of your time." he then stepped around them and headed down the rampway. He paused at the Lobby entrance and looked over his shoulder, finding them both still there watching him and he couldn't suppress the words from coming out, "I mean come on...get a room you two." With that parting shot, he entered the lobby and then exited the building.

Taka turned towards Washi and said in a very low voice, "Kid's got a point." When she got an answering nod, she added suddenly, "So...Your place or mine?"

Realizing he had unfinished business, Naruto turned left and strode around the main building and entered the building only Jouunins would recognize as the infamous Torture and Interrogation Unit Office. With no hesitation, he strode forward to the main desk and saw his every move being watched by the man present. His modulated and distorted voice echoed in the silent hallway, "I'm looking for Mitarashi Anko."

The Chuunin Interrogator was now cursing himself for thinking, more like bemoaning, the boring nature of his current assignment as he looked upwards into the strange mask that seemed to be boring holes into his head. About to speak, he was relieved when another voice broke in.

"She's busy at the moment. Who's asking?" Morino Ibiki asked as he rounded a corner. His dark, nearly black eyes narrowed ever so slightly as he didn't recognize the mask configuration. A gloved hand slid the file he had been holding onto the desk of the "receptionist" before sliding back the edge of his long black full body trench coat to reveal the kunai/shuriken pouch on his hip.

Naruto turned slowly to meet the stare of the scarred Man. "Morino Ibiki. Tokubetsu Jouunin of Konoha. Current Head of T&I. Known master of physical and psychological interrogation and manipulation." and incline of the head to show respect.

Ibiki tensed as he returned the gesture yet his manner relaxed as he chuckled darkly, "So...the Predator himself? I don't know if I should be pleased or worried at your being here. Given your reputation that is." he said with that sinister grin forming as his keen eyes took in the Konoha hitai-ite bolted over the right pectoral of the figures sleeveless trench. Sooo, she managed to get him to agree. Interesting...

"Neither Morina-san. Just here to see Anko." he answered simply without giving anything away. Behind his mask, an eyebrow began to rise as he felt the way Ibiki was now focusing his KI at him and slowly built it higher, "Really? You want to do this here? Tch...Fine."he responded and matched the KI sent his way.

"Nervous? Nothing to be…" Ibiki began but went silent as his build up was evenly matched. "Now that's more like it." he whispered as he upped the KI again. A bead of sweat formed as he was countered again. The mask keeps me from seeing not only his features but his emotional state as well. Just like the ANBU...which mitigates any intimidation effects...his body language is implacable. As if he doesn't know what it means to back down. Kicking it up another notch, his eyes barely moved when four ANBU arrived by Shunshin and froze at the KI duel taking place. "We have an audience now...sure you won't reconsider?" he said, almost tauntingly.

"You started it, but I AM going to end it." Naruto said determinedly as his KI suddenly skyrocketed and engulfed the Interrogator's with little resistance. He held it in place as the ANBU each slid to their knees from the pressure they instinctually felt and a combination of awe and fear overrode their fight or flight responses. "This is too easy." he said quietly as he ramped it up again, just to see Ibiki's eyes widen minutely and grunt when the man's knees barely shifted. He suddenly released the KI and said almost conversationally. "What room should I wait for her in?"

Ibiki made no sudden moves as he spoke in a carefully neutral voice, "Room three. Second on right." He stood stock still as the figure walked past him without another word or glance. His head swiveled slightly to see the ANBU recovering slowly before looking opposite to see the Chunnin on the floor behind his desk, unconscious. "Wake that fool up once you remember you're ANBU for Kami's sake and get your acts together." He stiffened his legs and took up his folder and made his way to his private office. Sitting behind his desk, he flipped a switch to observe the room he had sent his guest to. With another flick of his wrist he activated an intercom for room ten on the lower level, "Anko...When you're finished...you have a visitor in ground floor three." he released the switch without waiting for a reply. He turned his attention to the file though he didn't read its content. A very interesting fellow...He overwhelmed my KI with his own and only stopped when I just began to succumb. With the ANBU present, that means he only did it to preserve my dignity before others….Very interesting indeed.

((Thirty Minutes Later…))

Anko entered the office and chuckled as she saw Naruto, still masked, calm seeming as he wrote and scribbled into a small notebook. She admired the muscled frame and the way the muscle groups flexed or clenched with his every action. A small smile formed as she could almost see the tip of his tongue sticking out, his eyebrows furrowed, and eyes narrowed as he concentrated on some portion of whatever he was working on. She straightened as he gracefully rose to his feet and put the notebook away. Whoa girl….take it easy… its only been nine days since you last had your world rocked. He's not a piece of roast and you definitely aren't starving!

Having given her time to grow accustomed to his presence in her place of work, Naruto grinned behind his mask as he got to his feet and saw her startle slightly. He took in her tan trench had been replaced with a now blood splattered apron, the purple rubber gloves, and the surgical mask hanging loosely around her neck. Is there something wrong that I find her incredibly hot at the moment? Sexy woman with blood splatter on her clothes watching me like a she would the last stick of dango… He heard the laughter in the back of his mind and mentally added his own. He watched as a gloved hand drifted up towards her chest and she smiled at him before walking towards him with a swaying stride.

Anko sidled up next to him as she slowly stripped the gloves off and tossed them into a bin by the desk before sauntering to a coat stand. She removed the apron and hung it with feminine neatness before pulling off the scrub top and tossing it into a garment bin for cleaning. She knew that with her position, he could make out the curves of her body and she slowly stretched to tease him and to pop her back slightly before she slid her trench back on. The sound of his clothes shifting made her smile fully. Oh yeah...you got it, girl. she thought to herself as she faced him and tilted her head slightly, mimicking the action she had seen him do countless times. "Not that I'm not happy to see ya, but what brings you here of all places?" she asked as she glanced quickly to a ceiling camera. An eyebrow twitched and she held up a finger to her lips and she strode around to the desk and reached under the top to press two buttons. Her gaze returned to the camera and she gave a short chuckle. "That'll teach him." she said as she came back around the desk and sat next to Naruto, her hands rising to gently find the releases he had shown her and remove his mask. "Ibiki is known for keeping an eye on us. I disabled the camera and microphones. We have maybe ten minutes before he decides to check up on us in person."

Naruto got the message and nodded. Once his face was free, he leaned over and claimed her lips for a thorough smooching. He ended it a moment later and backed away, making Anko mewl in protest. "I was wondering if you wanted to have dinner tonight?" he asked succinctly and smiled as she nodded.

"Sure. Your place or mine?" she asked as she relaxed atop the desk, leaning back on her hands and ankles crossed. Then she straightened and snapped her fingers, "Damn. It's girl's night out tonight. Gonna have to take a raincheck, Naruto. Sorry."

He shrugged and replied, "No problem. Just wanted to spend time with you and celebrate not only getting my headband from Tsunade-sama but also in completing my smart disc." knowing that alone would be enticing. After all, she had given him the idea that made the current weapon viable.

Anko arched an eyebrow and wanted to smack him for dropping that bomb. He knows how much I want to see that in action...oh well. she thought making a pouty face at him. "Nice try, Whiskers...you got your hitai-ite over a week ago and we could put the disc though a demo anytime. Whatcha really thinking about?" she asked and felt a new tension when he answered.

"I wanted to ask….to see if you'd agree to be my girlfriend." Naruto admitted calmly and without so much as a shift in stance, expression, nor demeanor. Yet it was that slight hesitation that showed his nervousness.

Anko's mind ground to a halt then raced into third gear. He's not kidding. He really did just ask me that…"Naruto...Despite your looks, you're fourteen years younger than me. That's a big age gap."

"So? We've had sex a few times and it seems like we click. Right? Why not go to the next level?" he countered in growing confusion. Not getting why she seemed so surprised at his admission.

"There are things about me you don't know...things that will change your mind about me." she said lowly, dropping her eyes to the desk surface. "I'm not girlfriend material, Naruto-kun." she whispered before adding in a brighter tone, "Besides, I'm fine with what we have going on...why change it up and risk it going all to hell?"

Five minutes later, Ibiki opened the door to Room Three and shut it quickly before he was noticed. Anko'd kill anyone that even hinted at seeing her crying silently in the otherwise empty office.

((Two Weeks later…Orochimaru's Otogakure Hideout))

Kabuto stood sweating as he watched his master's expression darken dangerously.

"Would you repeat that, Kabuto?" the Sannin purred angrily, "I must have misheard you." he finished as his hands gripped the arms of his chair tightly.

Barely keeping an inexpressive mask in place, Kabuto repeated himself. "I cannot remove the seals. I have studied them and probed as much as I am able. Should anyone but the caster try to tamper, unravel, or remove either seal...the Uchiha's head will explode. Literally."

"I see…" pale skin flushed ever so slightly as anger infused his bandaged face. Eyes shining even as they narrowed and fist came up to support a cheek. "Very well, Begin our final contingency plan."

"Hai, Orochimaru-sama. What of the Uchiha himself?" Kabuto asked as he adjusted his glasses.

"I'll let him live. I think a breeding program is in order…" an indolent wave of a hand acted as a dismissal.

Kabuto quickly left for his lab, amused as he heard the string of curses from his master's chamber. Who taught you Fuuinjutsu? Definitely not Jiraiya-san. The elegant brush work, No loopholes or gaps. The way the various arrays were compiled and merged is...altogether it's disturbing and breathtaking. Who are you Predator?

((Meanwhile, back in Konoha…))

Sitting at the dango restaurant, Anko blinked as a hand was waved in front of her face. "Huh?"

Yuugao glanced to their mutual friend Kurenai and they shared a look. "I asked you what is going on? You haven't been yourself the past two weeks." the purple haired kendoka replied before sipping her sake. In her mind however, she was thinking, Close to the same time Naruto took off hunting and dropped the business of receiving the supply shipments in my lap.

Kurenai got to her feet and said, "I'll get some fresh drinks." she offered and headed to the counter.

Anko looked up with dark circles under her eyes. "Don't know what your talkin' about." she muttered. She really didn't want to have this discussion….

Yuugao shook her head and shot back. "You work, sleep and drink. We barely see you and you haven't come out with us in the past two weeks until tonight. And we had to practically drag you here. You look like you haven't slept much. What's going on?"

The Tokubestu sighed and drained her sake cup before whispering, "I broke things off with Na...with him." she answered using an emphasis to indicate just who she was talking about.

Yuugao's eyes widened just slightly and she leaned forward, "What the hell happened? I thought you two were getting along great?" she asked though in her mind, a version of her was starting to do a little dance of anticipation. If he's free….No! bad Yuugao! Bad!

"He wanted to go steady, alright?" Anko replied exasperated, "I told him all the reasons it wouldn't work and that we were better off as we were…." she looked towards the counter and saw that Kurenai was talking with Asuma, "They should just go to her place and get it over with already. They aren't fooling anyone."

"Don't change the subject, Anko. This is serious." Yuugao commented adding, "I've seen you break things off before but you've never been depressed like this. Spill it." she persisted.

"It's like his understanding of how things work is skewed. He and I were already knockin' boots. Why go steady now? Kinda backwards, right?" Anko supplied looking to the woman across from her.

"Anko...what reasons did you tell him?" Yuugao pressed intently. "What exactly did you say?"

"The age gap for starters. He waved it off saying he didn't care about that. I described how it would look from the village's viewpoint. Me going out with a soon to be Clan Head. The impact it would have on his reputation within the village if he was seen going out with me. The fact that his political standing would be undermined before it even began. Finally, I just told him I wanted to stay FWB and that's when he got mad. I mean he got honest to Kami's sake mad." Anko revealed and looked down at the table.

Yuugao kicked her friend under the table hard. "Damn it." she said under her breath. It all fits…

"Ow! Yu-chan what the hell was that for?" Anko whined as she rubbed her throbbing shin.

"That's for being an idiot. Here's a guy telling you he doesn't care about social perception or potential political damage by being seen with you. That he wants a committed relationship with you. And what do you do? You relegate him to a booty call!" Yuugao hissed as she got up. "I'm going now. Don't want to have a fight with you. It explains why he took off a week ago. Why he dumped everything in my lap concerning the compound construction." she shook her head at Anko, "No wonder he was so pissed at the world. You fucked up. Might want to think about how you're gonna make things right. If you can,that is." she added calmly as she turned and left a stunned Anko behind as Kurenai returned.

Giving her other friend a vague excuse, Anko quickly made to leave, but something she overheard made her blood freeze.

"Somebody is taking out entire bandit camps. By the time we get there, nothing is left behind but their tents. And one body. Strung up by the heels to a tree. Skinned and Beheaded." One guy said to a Chuunin as they split a bottle of sake.

((Elsewhere))

Returning to his cave, Naruto methodically shed his gear and hung it on the mannequin. Taking the spent batteries to the charging room and setting them up carefully. Going to the bathroom and cleaning up he came back out in a robe and retrieved a scroll from his belt. Heading to yet another chamber to prepare his latest trophies.

Ignoring an assortment of grisly looking implements, he unfurled the scroll on his worktable and unsealed the five heads he had collected. Quickly writing down the names the heads on colored strips and stringing a matching colored tag through the mouth and out the under jaw, he looked at each one in the eyes and smiled grimly to himself. "Fine additions, even if they were only bandits." Moving to a large glass terrarium, he used a step stool and removed the partial lid.

Inside, the container was half filled with desert sand. Sand that moved the moment his shadow was cast over it. Moving quickly, he grabbed the heads and dropped them into the tank. Followed by replacing the lid. Stepping down he watched morbidly as literally hundreds of hand sized beetles surged out of the depths of the sand and covered the heads. Pulling each one down into the sand as they swarmed on their meal. "Dinner time." is all Naruto said as he turned his back on the tank and walked out. Those desert Scarabs would pick the bones clean within a day and he would be able to remove them once the beetles finished and pushed the bones back up to the surface. All he would have to do after that was bleach then polish each one and use a protective clear lacquer before mounting them on his wall.

Task completed, he shredded the blood splattered and damaged scroll so it wouldn't be traced back to him before he returned to his living room and retrieved a second scroll. This one bearing various glyphs and crude depictions of a wide array of lizards. "Who would have thought a Summons would follow its last order for so long…" he murmured as he considered the implications. "For fifty years you obeyed a dying man's order without complaint nor hesitation. You deserve your rest, Shiromari-san. However, know I take possession as the last signer." he said as he went through the hand signs and whispered, "Kuchiyose no Jutsu." The spidery writing common to seals spread out from the floor where he placed his hand.

A medium sized poof of smoke heralded the arrival of something as Naruto looked on. When the smoke cleared, Naruto grunted in surprise to find a chameleon the size of a pet pig staring at him.

"Who are you? Where is Lord Kubisaki?" the chameleon said as one eye was fixed on the blonde while the other rotated in every direction seeking its summoner.

Naruto spoke quietly as he addressed the chameleon with respect. "Kubisaki-sama perished over fifty years ago. My name is Uzumaki Naruto and I signed the Lizard Contract in order to release Shiromari-san from the duty he was given so long ago."

Both eyes locked on Naruto as the chameleon considered this. "We wondered why the Boss was absent for so long...You said you released him? We thank you for that. I will spread word that we have a new summoner, but it will be up to the Boss to determine if you get to keep that once he recovers. Until then I will see if his captain, Genshu-sama, will grant you temporary access."

Naruto nodded, having done a little studying about these type of contracts in the past. "I will await his or her arrival."

"Good." the chameleon said before it poofed back to its plane.

It wasn't long before another poof occurred and this time a large dragon looking lizard ((A/N: look up komodo dragon)) swayed its large wedge shaped head from side to side and a forked tongue flickered out. "I am Genshu. I seek the one named Uzumaki Naruto." It's voice a deep sibilant hiss came out clearly even as the 12 foot lizard moved with a swaying grace amongst the confined area.

If he had held any assumptions, the sheer presence of the lizard wiped them away. Its black emotionless eyes held a regal composure and fathomless knowledge in their depths. Naruto rose to his feet slowly and with great care before he bowed at the waist, head up and his eyes not losing contact with the dragon's once. "I am he. I am honored to meet you Genshu-san."

The Dragon eyed him from head to toe, a black claw tapping the floor, judging him silently before it looked around at the furnishings and what not. It made its way over to the bookcase and studied its contents. Then the workbench was given a once over. It took the creature very little time to finish its inspection of things before returning to study Naruto anew, its tongue flicking out every few seconds. "You are human, yet you smell also of fox. You have incredible power yet it is dwarfed by something within. You are a hunter not only of man but of knowledge. You can take existing knowledges and apply them in new or different ways. You are a most curious creature, Uzumaki Naruto." The Dragon continued to study the human's face without blinking, "I will temporarily grant you the title of Lizard Summoner. At least until Shiromari-sama can judge you himself. Although a majority of us are more suited to messenger and scouting duties, some are predisposed to combat and still others can act as transport. It will be up to you to determine which is which."

Naruto nodded his understanding though his mind was racing. Too many thoughts to try and pin one down to be exact. He was going into mental overdrive. A sudden smack to his cheek startled him out of it and he staggered, "What the hell?" he said as his eyes refocused and found himself on the ground and he was literally face to face with Genshu.

"Calm down hatchling. You blanked out and fell. I had to snap you out of whatever was happening." the dragon-lizard said emotionlessly before the tongue flickered out a few times, tasting the air. "Is this a common thing for you?" it asked in an obviously curious tone.

"This is maybe the third time in my life." Naruto confided, "When something has too many variables for me to focus. My mind goes into overdrive trying to contemplate too much at once. Kind of like a seizure." Naruto slowly got his feet and stumbled to the kitchen and gulped down some water. "Sorry to have concerned you, Genshu-san."

The blank black eyes revealed nothing of the creature's thoughts as it gave a negative sway of the head. "A rare thing yet one to be on the look out for. I will inform the others of this and what they will have to do to break you out if present. Now I will be going. I look forward to hearing good things of you."

"I will do my best not to disappoint nor bring shame." Naruto said before the lizard dispelled. He massaged his temples as he took a glass of juice and sat roughly in a chair.

"Naruto-san? Will you be alright? Everything went crazy in here for a moment…"

"Everything is fine, Kyuubi-san. Just need to rest a moment and then I can get back to work." Naruto said, finding a strange contentment in having to reassure the construct.

"Very well. I will leave you to it then." the Kyuubi said as she shut down a majority of the monitors around her chair and left to get some rest herself. A hand coming up to her chest and she could literally feel the way her heart was still pounding.

Maybe an hour later, Naruto got to his feet and went to his work station. He wrote quickly and precisely before rolling each message into a mini scroll and sealing them with a glob of wax. Once he had four of them finished, he quickly summoned four streamlined lizards with a wide frill around their necks. "Greetings."

"Greetings, Naruto-sama!" the four lizards chimed in unison. "We are the Kingii Quartet. How may we serve?"

Naruto chuckled at the foursome of lizards that spoke in such harmony. "I have some messages to send out." at their nods he watched as the first accepted its charge and swallowed the bundle, "This one goes to the Tsuchikage of Iwa. Please return with his reply." After it poofed, he turned to the next one. "This message is for Mifune-sama. He is the Leader of Iron Country. Please return with his reply." The third and fourth were told respectively, "Deliver this to Tazuna of Wave Country and this one is for Yuugao Uzuki of Konoha." he held up the last lizard, "Address her as 'Neko-san' if she is wearing her Cat mask, okay?" At its nod, he let it go and he went to fix himself some dinner. Then he would begin arranging some supplies.

((Iwa-Office of the Tsuchikage))

Oonoki had been only slightly startled by the arrival of the frilled lizard. He calmly accepted the scroll and read its contents. That was when he frowned heavily. He regarded the lizard that returned his stare impassively, not in the least intimidated by the gnomish figure that bore the title of Tsuchikage. "I will abide by my word. A Chuunin team meeting his requirements will be sent out in three days with an arrival time of week from tomorrow, so he must make sure there are no incidents. The supplies he requested will be sent back with you in about an hour if you don't mind waiting." he groused and pinched his nose, "But this settles my debt! Make sure he understands that." receiving the curt nod, he didn't even look up as he snapped his fingers and handed the note to one of his ROCK agents. "Bring it back in an hour in a scroll." He then pressed a button on his intercom. "Tell Kurotsuchi to see me first thing in the morning."

While not an expert at reading the confusing array of expression on the old man's face, it noted one thing that was constant: Wariness. My Summoner is one this man fears….interesting.

((Iron Country Capitol))

Mifune sighed as he read the document brought to him by the small lizard. A debt is a debt, he thought, Damned if I won't be happy to get this one struck off my books though. He regarded the lizard and spoke in a low soft voice, "I will have the scrolls delivered by Shinobi Courier. It will take at least a day to gather the materials and get them sent out. They should arrive in the week to two weeks." He watched impassively as the lizard nodded twice and dispelled. He looked up as his assistant stepped out of the shadows.

"Problem, Mifune-sama?" the bald and scarred man said through the folds of the wide scarf wrapped around his neck and lower face.

"No, Okisuke-san. Predator-san has called in his marker at long last." he shook his head as his aide stiffened. He wrote a message and handed it over. "Go to Warehouse four and seal this amount into three scrolls. Bring them back to me and send a call out for a Shinobi Courier to arrive day after tomorrow midday."

The man read the note and his eye widened. "That...that is quite a lot." he said in surprise. "It will indeed take at least a day to seal this much." What did he do in your service, Mifune-sama? To garner such a payment?

"Indeed. See to it." he replied before turning his attention back to his pile of paperwork.

((Wave Country- Home of Tazuna))

Tazuna spit out the sake he had been drinking as he read the note. Luckily, the lizard had already departed before he began cursing and writing quickly. "Inari!" he shouted and saw the boy come running.

"Yes, Grandpa?" Inari replied and blinked as two papers were shoved at him.

"Post these in town immediately! I have three days to get a double crew together. Big job and short time. Like usual." he groused before taking a large guzzle of sake.

Inari read one of the fliers and gasped before running out the door like his ass was on fire.

Tsunami glanced over her shoulder in concern, "What's going on Father?"

"New job." he replied before belching softly, "Two maybe three months long. Double crew."

She sighed and asked, "Where will you be going this time?" Turning to hand him a bowl followed by fixing one for herself and her son.

All he said before accepting a bowl of fish stew was, "Konoha."

((Residence of Uzuki Yuugao))

I'm going to drag him out to a training ground and beat him to a bloody pulp with a bamboo sword! Yuugao thought as she was about to speak and noticed the lizard was long gone. "I cannot believe this. First it was the supplies...now this. I swear I'm going to kill that man." she muttered before going to bed. She would have to report this to the Hokage and she didn't relish the thought. Does he really distrust us that much? That it was preferable to send to IWA instead of commissioning a team here? Though it was a good thing he said he'd leave behind a contingent of Shadow Clones to act as overseers. Otherwise, she would just hunt him down immediately and take her time skinning him alive…

((A/N: I decided to change up the Contract a bit to give it some greater versatility.))