Kaibunkage

Arc I

Chapter XI

"When there is a true desire in the heart and that desire is strong… That is when he finds real strength that even he did not know he had!"

- Orochimaru, founder and leader of Otogakure no Sato


Naruto smiled as he watched his daughter hop around the room, flapping her arms as if she was imitating a young bird attempting to fly for the first time. Of course, he really did not blame her for the excitement. There was a festival going on after all.

Still, that did not stop him from having work to do.

"You should've done this earlier instead of worrying about you-know." Mei said as she rested on the couch in Naruto's office. He spared her a disapproving glance before she smiled. "Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about."

"Dizzy…" Naruto turned his attention to his daughter before she fell onto the floor in a seated position, her eyes clenched shut.

Naruto smiled. "Shiori-chan, making yourself sick before we even get to join the festival isn't a good idea." Shiori nodded, trying to stop the room from spinning. "Maybe you should relax with Mei."

Shiori then looked at Naruto. "Will Sakura be here?" Naruto shrugged. "Aw… She promised me a tour of Konoha…"

"I can tell you about it Shiori-chan." Mei said.

"But it's not the same." Shiori said standing up. She staggered a bit, still dizzy before steadying herself. "She was showing me the village."

"I will find her and she'll show you the rest. I promise." Naruto stated, ending the conversation before Shiori showed her true princess colors. "But until then, rest Shiori-chan. You will be busy later on."

Shiori pouted. "Do I have to wear a kimono for dinner?"

"Yes." Mei said, causing both Uzumaki to show their displeasure in formal wear. Mei only sighed before using a motherly tone to both blonds. "Naruto, you are the Kaibunkage. You have no choice but to dress in formal wear unless you want Kemuri to look like a pack of classless savages. And Shiori, you are a priestess and the daughter of the Kaibunkage. If he has to wear one, you do too."

"Okay Baa-chan…" Shiori said in a defeated tone.

"Whatever Mei…" Naruto muttered.

Mei sighed. "Why do I even bother?"


Tsunade walked into her home before pausing. The chakra signature she felt was unlike Jiraiya's and Shizune's the only two people she allows in her house when not present. This sent her on high alert instantly. Her eyes inspected everything in view to see if it had been adjusted, even by a hair.

"Calm down Shishou. It's just me." Tsunade's eyes widened as one Haruno Sakura entered via kitchen. A pleasant smile plastered on her face. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"The guards? How'd you pass the guards?" Tsunade questioned.

Sakura's smile grew. "What guards?"

"You… You killed them?" Sakura giggled before shaking her head side-to-side for no. "What are you doing here? Do you know what will happen if Danzo finds you here?"

"I have some news." Now Sakura's playfulness had left her. "Orochimaru is planning an attack on the village. Or at least Sasuke is." Tsunade's mouth opened as if she was going to interject, but Sakura continued. "He stabs you with Chidori. That's why I'm here. To prevent that from happening."

"How do you know this? And where have you been?" Sakura sighed.

"Can we sit down? Please?" Tsunade's eyes narrowed but moved to take a seat, Sakura sitting across from the Shodaime Hokage's granddaughter. "When I left, I went looking for Naruto first. I knew that Sasuke would be at one of Orochimaru's bases, but Naruto had vanished from the face of the planet."

"Did you find him?" questioned Tsunade.

"I did… But I can't tell you where-"

"He is the Kaibunkage, isn't he?" Tsunade stated quietly.

Sakura showed shock for a brief moment before calming down.

"Yes, he is." Tsunade sat back in her seat as Sakura continued. "I'm sure the news of High Priestess Shion's death has spread throughout Konoha."

"What does this have to do with anything?" Tsunade stated.

"Naruto and Shion have a daughter, Uzumaki Shiori. She has the ability to see into the future, though she can't control this ability to my understanding. They come spontaneously." Sakura explained. "She saw Sasuke killing you with Chidori."

"You were in Kemuri?" The question caused Sakura to frown slightly.

"Yes… Briefly. Why?" asked the pinkette.

"Naruto… How is he? Did he speak to you?" questioned the buxom blonde.

Sakura sighed. "There weren't a lot of words exchanged… When I arrived to Kemuri, I was jailed." Tsunade gasped. "No. It was what I wanted. I knew that Naruto would come to me if he knew that I was in prison. Or a holding cell, I should say. And he did come but…"

"But…"

"We ended up fighting." Tsunade glared at her former apprentice. "I thought… I thought I could actually pull it off. With the extensive training I had, I thought that I was actually going to win." Sakura paused and turned to the floor. "But he didn't give me everything he had. He was holding back."

Tsunade smiled. "Seems as if he still-"

"No he doesn't." Sakura interrupted, her eyes shooting to meet Tsunade's. "He is nothing like he was. He doesn't care for the Hidden Leaf. He doesn't care about my or Sasuke's well-being. He hardly smiles. I haven't seen one bowl of ramen at his desk. He's changed."

"Sakura," Tsunade calmly said. "You sound angered by this. Is there something wrong?"

"I left to bring them back. But I can't now." Sakura said angrily. "Both of them have made it clear to me that they want to stay the way things are. And what about me? What about the village? What are we to them? Nothing."

Tsunade exhaled softly. "I understand why you're angry Sakura but-"

"They abandoned us!" By now, Sakura was clearly shouting which worried Tsunade. "They forgot the first rule Kakashi-sensei taught us!"

There was no getting to Sakura whenever she was in this state and Tsunade knew that. She just stared at the pink-haired Missing-nin like she did years ago; worriedly. Sakura's ambitions caused her to act akin to Sasuke with the training regime and smiling-mask that Naruto once used.

"Do you want some tea?" Tsunade offered. Sakura nodded and Tsunade rose to her feet. "You miss him, don't you?"

Sakura went to reply but Tsunade moved towards the kitchen. Sakura stood up and followed her.

"Miss who?"

Tsunade smiled. "Naruto of course. You miss him, don't you?" Sakura was silent. "You can't lie to me Sakura. I've known this for years."

"He promised me…" was all Sakura said.

"That he would bring Sasuke back?" Tsunade asked.

"That he was never going to leave." Tsunade noticeably flinched. Naruto had also told her something like that. "Now look at him… A daughter… A village…"

Tsunade watched as Sakura trailed off. While she was happy that Sakura was venting, it still disturbed her that Sakura had not changed much. She was still fixated on the past, something Tsunade herself had a problem with.

"Tea." Sakura's voice broke Tsunade's thoughts and the Senju descendant looked at Sakura. "You were making tea, weren't you?"

"Hai." Tsunade stated.


The War Council consisted of four men. They were Kagame Dōsame, Mikadzuki Kageno, Uchiha Sasuke, and Orochimaru.

Kageno was a man in his mid-twenties with short spiky brown hair and dark blue eyes. Beneath his left eye was a hook-shaped scar which he received in battle years ago. He wore his Mizukage robes, his hat sitting to his side.

"Everything should be in place. Our forces are ready to move out." Dōsame stated.

"What do you mean, 'should be' in place?" questioned Kageno, his voice as stoic as Gaara's.

Dōsame glanced at the Mizukage. "My troops have lined the area that Orochimaru has asked for. We have been waiting for days. It was your regiment that-"

"Dōsame, Kageno, let's not fight amongst each other." Orochimaru stated. "Everything is right on schedule." Orochimaru looked over towards Sasuke. "Sasuke, you seem a little dazed."

"Children shouldn't be apart of wars…" Dōsame stated under his breath, though the Uchiha picked up on it.

"Sasuke governs Otogakure when I am unable to. He is my successor." Dōsame turned his eyes from Sasuke to Orochimaru.

"Kabuto must be taking the news well." spoke the Ishi leader.

"We should be talking about the fall of Konohagakure, not who succeeds Orochimaru incase of death." said the Mizukage before turning his attention to Orochimaru. "The Kaibunkage has Terumi Mei at his disposal as well as Chojuro, a swordsman. If they interfere due to the usage of Ishigakure or being in proximity of Wave Country, a friend of Kemurigakure, I doubt that Ishigakure's blockade would be able to hold up against Kemuri and Konoha if the battle should somehow spread out of the village."

Orochimaru snickered. "Always the tactician. Thinking ten steps ahead. But I've already thought of those scenarios as well. We are good to go."

"You're going to withhold Uchiha-san from the battle, aren't you?" Kageno continued. "That seems like something you would do… The ace in the hole." Dōsame glance back and forth between Kageno and Orochimaru. "It doesn't matter to me. My personal gain in this war is Tsunade. Her medical abilities have caught my attention."

"What of Haruno Sakura?" Orochimaru replied.

"No… Her skills, as great as they may or may no be, aren't what I'm looking for. Despite rumors, a clone could never defeat its original. I want Tsunade, not her apprentice." Orochimaru rose from his seat after Kageno finished.

"Sasuke, follow me. There is something I want to tell you." The Uchiha slowly rose afterwards and followed Orochimaru out of the room.

"Do you know who the Kaibunkage is?" asked the Mizukage, his eyes analyzing Dōsame's physical response.

"No." the elder stated. Kageno hummed in thought. "You don't trust me?"

"No I don't. Again, it doesn't matter to me whether you do or not." Kageno stated. "Just know that withholding information is treason in my village. I see all, hear all, and know all. If this temporary alliance should last, your honesty will be needed at all times… Or else."

"Or else what?" Dōsame challenged.

Kageno rose from his seat. "Or else I'll destroy you and your family." Dōsame froze as the words left Kageno's mouth. "We should prepare, Kagami-san."

Dōsame only stood up, his anger building up inside of him. Being a father and a grandfather, his family was his life. No one messed with them. For Kageno, a man Dōsame has had little contact with, to know such a thing angered the older and larger man to no end. But he would withhold his information from his temporary comrades. His ships will seek out Kaibun no Kuni, find Kemurigakure no Sato, and destroy it by the time this war was over.

And then he would teach Kageno a lesson in respect.


"This is great!" chirped Shiori as she ate some of the meat she acquired from a Suna stand. She looked up at her current guardian. "What is it Ran-nii?"

"Spiced jerky." Ranmaru stated, oblivious to Shiori's reddening face. He turned down to see the girl almost in tears due to the extreme heat. Smiling, he handed her a cup of water which she downed quickly. "Too hot?"

"This would be great in ramen!" Shiori exclaimed before taking another bite of the jerky.

"It's a celebration and here you are babysitting." Ranmaru turned to see his two former teammates, Sayuri and Marashu.

Like Ranmaru and Sayuri, Marashu was also an orphan, though is origins came from somewhere in the Land of Fire. Marashu had auburn hair that was neatly combed on his head. His hair fell on the sides of his face and covered the top portion of his face. He usually had a serious look on his face, burrowing into people with his brown eyes, unlike now. After close inspections of him, one could see the shark-tooth shaped scar on his right cheek. And like Sayuri and Ranmaru, Marashu was also dressed in his jonin attire.

"Hey! It's the wolf guy!" Shiori said. Due to Marashu's constant want of missions, he and Shiori have not had the pleasure of bonding like Sayuri and Ranmaru have. So the blonde only knew him as "the wolf guy" due to his ability.

"Marashu and I just tried the gravity challenge again. Neither of us can top Naruto-sensei's record though." Sayuri said before smiling at Shiori. "Oi, Shiori-chan! Wanna go throw some water balloons at people?"

"What stand is that?" Ranmaru asked.

"There isn't one." Marashu replied. "Sayuri wishes to cause mischief to the visitors. Naruto-sensei won't be pleased about it at all if-"

"Let's go!" Shiori said excitedly as she grabbed Sayuri hand.

"See you two losers later!" Sayuri replied as she lifted Shiori up onto her back and dashed off.

Ranmaru sighed. "We were a tracking and espionage team. Does she really think that we can't find her in time?"

"Sayuri was not really the brightest of our team, was she?" Ranmaru smirked. It was rare to hear Marashu to crack a joke. "Should we find her now?"

"Yeah." Ranmaru said as his eyes gave off a small glow. "Race you to the finish." Marashu nodded before jumping off, transforming into a wolf in mid-jump. "I hate it when he does that."

Ranmaru followed his teammate, using his dojutsu to find Sayuri with Shiori.


Sasuke looked at Jugo, then Suigetsu, and finally Karin.

"Orochimaru wants us to go in last. We will do this differently than any other mission. We will work solely as a team." Suigetsu frowned at this while Jugo and Karin showed their shock. "As pathetic as Konoha is, Kiri and Ishi are no better. They will be no help to us at all."

Suigetsu's brows furrowed more. "And how will we do this?"

"Our target is the Hokage and Tsunade. Orochimaru has deemed Jiraiya off-limits." explained the Uchiha. "I will lead. Karin, you will stay behind me. Jugo and Suigetsu, you will bring up the rear. We will travel during the paths that I marked. I know the village better than you three. When Karin has a lock on either Danzo or Tsunade, we will go to the nearest location and dispose of them."

"You make it sound like we're going against ordinary people." Suigetsu stated. "These are one of the Sannin and the Hokage. They will be well guarded, plus they're no pushovers."

"I hate saying this, but Suigetsu's right. This'll be hard for us Sasuke-kun." Karin said.

"When Orochimaru gave me the option to make a team, I chose you three. I handpicked you for a reason. If this were the dobe or Itachi, I would order you to stay back." Sasuke said. "Unless you're doubtful of your abilities, this should be as easy as I said."

Suigetsu sat silently. This was the closest Sasuke has ever come to complimenting the other three members of Hebi. Whatever Sasuke wanted from this battle must have been great for the Uchiha to go out on a limb and encourage his teammates.

"We will do our best, Sasuke." Jugo stated.

"Hn." Sasuke left with the famous Uchiha grunt.


Sayuri and Shiori giggled as Sayuri held a water balloon in her hand.

"Alright Shiori-chan, I'm going to show you which poor sap to target." Sayuri said quietly before looking down into the streets. "See that guy right there?" Shiori peered over the edge of the roof to see who Sayuri was pointing to before nodding. "Watch and learn."

Shiori watched Sayuri hurled the balloon towards the man. The two were deeply surprised when the balloon ran into a barrier before disappearing.

"Damn…" Sayuri stated before a water balloon appeared over her head and fell directly on her. A pink shield protected Shiori of the water causing Sayuri to mentally curse Shion's protectiveness.

"Sorry boys, looks like I win." Sayuri turned her damp head to see her former teammates and sensei, Naruto with an amused smirk on his face. "You know Sayuri-chan, I'm glad to see you up to your old mischievous self, but dragging my daughter along with you isn't going to make me any more lenient."

"I thought you were in a meeting?" questioned Sayuri.

"Done." Naruto said. "Giving me all the time in the world to spend with my favorite daughter and students."

Shiori grinned before running to Naruto, the man lifting his daughter into his arms. Sayuri stood up, still a bit sour about having a water balloon dropped on her head.

"Come on Sayuri-chan, there're several stands down there." Naruto said.

"Is Ina-chan down there? She's really awesome!" Naruto gave a small frown before realizing that she was speaking of Kurama Inala, a new classmate of Shiori's.

"Everyone is down there except you two." replied the Shodai. "Now let's go. You've been bouncing off of the walls all day." Shiori's wide grin was not missed by those around her. "And as for you three, I'll see you three at the training grounds tonight."

"Should we be prepared for a spar, Naruto-sensei?" Marashu asked since the last time the three of them were at the training grounds it was to discuss Aku's betrayal. Naruto's students were precious to him, and being such, he always told them drastic things alone.

"Believe it." Naruto said before vanishing via Hirashin.

"…" Naruto's former students were left on the rooftop in their own thoughts until Sayuri spoke up. "We're going to get our asses kicked."

"Bingo." Ranmaru said.


Despite the festival going on, Sakura was in a solemn mood. What was worse was the fact that her former teacher and Naruto's were currently conversing amongst themselves, leaving her out of their tête-à-tête.

Though, after years of being Ino's best friend, Sakura was easily to pick up what was being said.

"We can't take the risk that she is right. We have to go to Danzo." Jiraiya stated quietly.

"And say what? I got the information from Sakura?" Sakura rolled her eyes. As if she was going to stay long enough for Danzo to do anything anyway. "We have to make sure she's right. Hasn't someone in your network picked this up yet?"

Jiraiya sighed. "Sorry hime, but no. This is news to me."

"So what do we do?" Tsunade asked.

"I'll talk to Danzo. Make sure that no one finds Sakura here." Sakura's eyes narrowed. It sounded as if Jiraiya actually cared for her well-being. Weird…

"Go." Tsunade said.

Sakura sat up in her seat with her eyes closed. She had to think of a way to leave here. If not for her own sake, then for the promise she made to Shiori. She cursed the fact that she had adopted Naruto's nindo as her own.

"Sakura," Sakura looked at the woman that addressed her. "Are you certain about this?"

"Chojuro, a swordsman, told me that her 'dreams' are not always instant. He said that it could be months before it happens. But I'm not taking any chances." Sakura said.

"Are you doing this to save me or are you doing this to face Sasuke?" Once the question left Tsunade's mouth, the Slug Princess swore she saw a crack in Sakura's emotional shell. "Sakura, you can be honest with me. I won't be offended."

"Shishou… Has my will died out?" The question seemed completely off topic and Tsunade's frown only verified her confusion. "Naruto showed me a tree… The Tree of New Beginnings… He said that it reminded him of reality. His passion that he once held for this village is gone and in its place is his love for Kemurigakure no Sato." Sakura gave Tsunade a puzzled look. "Am I the same way? Has my own wants caused me to become just like them?"

Tsunade had no clue on how to tackle the subject. She did not want to remind Sakura that the pinkette left Konoha in search for her two teammates that willingly left. But at the same time she wanted to at least break the ice with Sakura's problem.

"In a way." Tsunade answered.

Sakura frowned. "In a way?"

"Yes, in a way. You have your own reasons for leaving, just like they did. You are similar in that matter." Sakura seemed to be content with the response as her frown lessened.

"Today is the Festival of Lights." Sakura stated absentmindedly. "A celebration in Kemurigakure…" Tsunade gave Sakura a look that egged the younger woman to elaborate. "Some sort of yearly thing where the people light lanterns up and sends their wishes into the sky."

"So what's so important about it?" Tsunade questioned.

"Shiori really wanted me to see the lanterns. She says that her parents always kept her awake long enough to see them." Sakura said before smiling. "To think that I would be persuaded to see such a thing by a small child. But the way she described it…"

Tsunade only sat quietly. It was rumored that Naruto had some ability to change people for the better. Could Shiori have that same ability? Whenever Sakura spoke of her, Sakura's former happiness shone just a bit. Of course, this was way more happiness shown when she spoke of Naruto and/or Sasuke.

"You seem quite fond of Naruto's daughter." Tsunade stated.

And just like that, whatever opening Sakura had revealed was instantly closed. She now sat with a smile on her face that would fool many to believe that she was alright. Tsunade would always remember it as the last smile Sakura gave her before slipping out of the village.

"She's just an obstacle stopping Naruto from returning, that's all." Sakura said. "Don't worry though. I'll…" Tsunade was shocked to hear Sakura stop mid-sentence. From what the Bingo Books have stated, Sakura was severely tunnel visioned and all those in her way to her goal, child or not, was disposed of. "I'll think of something."

Tsunade gave Sakura a nod.

Yes. Shiori did have Naruto's special ability.


The group clapped and cheered after the performance was over. The Hanya Clan, though notorious for their assisination, incorporated their swordsmanship into an art of dancing, something passed down from generation to generation. Their performance, though a bit too realistic, was simply awe-inspiring.

"Wow, that was great." Naruto said.

"Hmph, I could've done that." Sayuri said with her arms crossed.

Mei glanced at the teenager. "Sayuri, what have I told you about courtesy, especially during the festival? These people came across the land to show us their ways. Respect them."

"Besides, you use Demonic Lightning that would undoubtedly paralyze your partner. The show would be a bit boring then." Ranmaru added. Sayuri glared at him. "It's just an observation, Sayuri."

"What if you did it?" Ranmaru frowned at Sayuri's request. "You could use those lightning thingies that you got from the dead guy and I could use my dirks and-"

"Sayuri-chan," Naruto interrupted with an amused grin. "As strong as Ranmaru is I doubt that he could build enough Lightning chakra to deflect yours."

"Can I have some more spiced jerky?" Shiori asked from her position on Naruto's shoulders.

"Spiced jerky…?" The Kaibunkage asked as he looked at his three former students. While Marashu subtly stepped away from Ranmaru, Sayuri visibly thumbed towards the violet haired teen. "You gave her spiced jerky? The stuff from Suna? Do you know what the use for that stuff?"

"Uh… For her sake, let's not say." Ranmaru stated.

"Come on Shiori-chan, I'll get you some more." Naruto sat Shiori on the ground and the younger blonde took Mei's hand. "Seriously Naruto, no one needs to know what they use for it. It's still good to a lot of people."

Naruto did not attempt to respond as Mei had given him a death glare with the statement. Though he did want to tell his daughter that the jerky she ate came from kind of gazelle. He then turned his stare to Ranmaru.

"Your ass is so fried…" Sayuri muttered before she stepped away from Ranmaru.

Naruto only sighed. "Come on you three. Let's see the other new things brought by Suna that doesn't include lizard tongues or unknown parts of gazelle."

"Hai Sensei." Marashu stated.


His eye gazed at what he could rightfully call his.

The grand village of Konohagakure no Sato of the Land of Fire homed many legends. Their leader, the Hokage, was said to be one of the greatest shinobi of all time. The title 'kage' meant a lot within the lands of the shinobi, but the title 'Hokage' meant much more. It almost demanded total respect. But there was also a con with the title. It brought enemies from the other countries. It also meant that the emergencies of the village were almost solely rested upon the leader, the Hokage.

"So," The Godaime Hokage said to the other person in his office, his back to the man. "Orochimaru has finally turned down my hospitality?"

"I'm sure." the mysterious man said.

"Jiraiya was telling the truth then, eh? Since my team failed to follow those Kemuri Nin back to their village, my attention will not be divided." Danzo stated. "To think that all this time I have allowed Orochimaru to run free without a second thought and he still has dreams of burning my village to the ground."

"I'm sorry, but I can't tell all of Orochimaru-sama's plans." the man stated.

Danzo actually chuckled. "No… I think you will tell me everything." Danzo turned to the man before revealing Shisui's Sharingan. "Now tell me what I want to know."


The moment had finally come. Nightfall came in the Land of Ash and the people that currently stuffed the streets of Hidden Smoke Village all held their Chinese lanterns to them, muttering what they wished the most.

Currently, Naruto had his eyes closed, wishing that Shiori got whatever she wished for. He did not care about his own wants, some would come and others would not. But as long as his daughter was happy, he was happy. Opening his blue eyes, he released his lantern, watching it float up into the sky with a few others.

One by one, more lanterns were lit and released, sending the wishes of Hoshigakure, Sunagakure, and Kemurigakure into the night sky.

"Beautiful." Naruto heard Matsuri state. He eyed the woman and the Kazekage. "Is there something wrong, Lord Kaibunkage?"

Naruto shook his head. Gaara had taught Matsuri how to bluff, that was obvious. It was similar to how Hokuto referred to Naruto as Lord Kaibunkage whenever they were "officially" on duty, despite being good friends.

Something was clearly going on between those two.

"It gets bigger every year." commented the Hoshikage as the three kages and their closest advisors and family stood atop of the Kaibunkage Tower, looking at the mass of lanterns being sent into the air. "Hopefully no one wished for war."

Naruto watched as Shiori followed her lantern skillfully, though it was yards above them by now. She sure had the eye of a trained shinobi, that was for sure.

"Sakura missed the lanterns…" the young girl said, alerting the adults on the roof.

"Naruto," Naruto looked at Gaara. "I think it's time for my announcement."

Naruto nodded before looking at Mei. Without a word, Mei led Gaara to the balcony below so he could address the people.

"Didn't know so many people did this kind of thing." Kankuro stated. Temari glared at her brother, daring him to say something wrong about another vilage's tradition in front of its leader. "We should have thought of this…"

"Baka…" the blonde muttered under her breath.

"I think your brother's talking below us." Naruto said, eying Matsuri out of the corner of his eye. "I wonder what it could be about."

"Ladies and gentlemen," Naruto smiled a bit. It was strange seeing Gaara addressing a crowd. "Tonight is a night of celebration and on the behalf of Sunagakure no Sato, I am grateful that the Kaibunkage invited us to be a part of it." Now Naruto and Sumaru were looking at Matsuri as her blush became noticeable even in the night atmosphere. "I want to continue this celebration by announcing that my future wife, Matsuri, is pregnant with our first child."

As the others below began to cheer, Naruto and Sumaru turned towards Matsuri.

"Oh… So you've been sleeping with the Kazekage, eh?" Matsuri's blush deeped at Naruto's words. "Well… Congratulations."

"Naruto-kun," Hokuto said in a motherly tone. "Must I remind you of who's here?"

Naruto looked down at his daughter, her face in a normal frown of confusion as she attempted to deciper exactly what "sleeping with" someone meant. He groaned at the thought of Shion bashing him in the head for such a comment.

Curse that Pervy Sage.

"How about we continue this inside?" Naruto suggested as he hoisted his daughter on his shoulders, causing her to giggle. "So I can put one princess to be?"

"Aw! But I want to look at the wishes!" Shiori whined.

"You won't know if your wish will come true or not if you don't go to sleep to see tomorrow." Naruto countered.

"Right." Shiori said happily.

"I'll be right back." Naruto told Sumaru. "Say goodnight Shiori."

"Night!" the girl said cheerfully before she and her father vanished before the others' eyes.

"She's going to be a man-eater." Temari joked.

"I feel sorry for the poor bastards that will even try to look at her." Kankuro added. "Naruto would probably give them a long talk and he's probably going to remind him that he's the Kaibunkage, the jinchuriki of the Nine-tails, and a sage. And if that doesn't scare them off, her 'grandmother' will surely do the job."

"What about her grandmother?" The voice of Mei reached Kankuro's ears.

Without his face paint, Temari saw her brother blanch in fear as the redhead woman move to Kankuro with a sweet smile.

"Did you say something about me Kankuro-san?" Mei asked. Kankuro shook his head fiercely. "Good. Because if you did, I'd have to kill you."

"Right…" Kankuro said. For some odd reason, everything he said to Mei was misheard and misinterpret causing her to threat him all day long.

"It's hard to believe that while we're celebrating, a war is starting." Sumaru stated.

"If what Shiori has predicted is true," responded Mei. "Then the only thing I fear is Naruto doing something reckless in attempt to save Tsunade." Gaara and Sumaru nodded, noting their friend's reckless attitude when someone he cared about was on the line. "If he exposes himself as the Kaibunkage it'll give Konoha more reasons to investigate our village. That would not end well for any of us."

"You're right." said the Kazekage.

"Naruto-kun said that Shion's prediction about his death against Moryo was wrong. Maybe Shiori's vision will be like that." Hokuto said.

"If that's true," Hokuto looked at Mei as the older woman spoke. "Then we should be prepared for what happens instead."

"Hai." Gaara said.


In Konoha, the dark haired woman watched the orb of light float higher and higher into the sky, causing those who saw it to stare at it in wonder. A smile graced her lips as she realized that she had not broken all of her promises. Even if she was no there, she still celebrated.

"Now what was that for?" Turning, she spotted the self-proclaimed super pervert as he leaned against a tree. "Are you sending signals to the enemy?"

"Sending my wishes to the heavens above."

Jiraiya chuckled quietly. "Didn't think you still believed in that stuff, Sakura."

"Shiori asked me to celebrate with her, so I am." Sakura responded before looking at the lone lantern in the sky. "I feel foolish for even doing this…"

"Why?" asked Jiraiya.

"Wishing? That's for kids. I'm not a kid anymore." Sakura answered.

"That's not what I see." Sakura spared the sage a glare before turning her attention back to her wish carrier. "You still have your childish dreams about Naruto and Sasuke returning and living a happy life. That's pretty childish if you ask me."

Sakura snorted. "Says that man who spent decades chasing after his teammate."

"And I admit that that was foolish of me," said JIraiya. "I had the same childish mentality you had. All because I never understood why."

Now Sakura turned to Jiraiya completely. "Why what?"

"Why he left. But… I have a pretty good reason now." Sakura was going to ask what it was, but the Toad Hermit moved towards her, an unlit Chinese lantern in his hand. "It's just too bad that I realized it too late. The Third would probably still be alive. Hell, the Fourth might be alive if I had've known then what I know now."

Sakura frowned. "So you're telling me that some people might die because of my chose to leave? That's ridiculous. All of my friends and sensei are strong enough to take care of themselves."

Jiraiya whispered something to the lantern in his hand before revealing a match and lightning it. He gave it a small push upwards before it began floating away.

"I'm telling you that you should remember where your home is before it gets destroyed." Jiraiya said.

"I'm looking at it." Jiraiya smiled lightly at the woman's remark. "Every time someone attacks the Hidden Leaf, the village gets hurt but never destroyed. It will remain for eternity probably. Even if I'm not allowed in this 'home' anymore."

"I'm sure you have another home, Sakura." Jiraiya stated.

"Those are more like resting areas."

Jiraiya shook his head. "That's not what I'm talking about either." This got a confused reaction from Tsunade's former apprentice. "Home is where someone is thinking of you. And if I had to guess, I know at least one person that will always think of you."

Sakura smiled. "Knownig that baka, his either putting Shiori to sleep so he can get some sleep or blowing off some steam."

"And you know that for a fact?" Sakura nodded at the question.

"Very certain." spoke the medic.


Sayuri eyed her two former teammates before Naruto appeared in front of them.

"Alright Naruto-sensei, what's the excuse today? A black cat? Lost on the road of life?" Sayuri said.

"I'm giving you three one final mission." Naruto spoke.

"A mission…?" Ranmaru repeated.

"What is it Sensei?" Marashu questioned.

"You three are going to Konoha." said the Shodai. "Kazudan will be your squad leader."

"What is the mission?" Ranmaru asked.

Naruto closed his eyes. "You're going to break into Tsunade's home." This alerted the three teens. "Once there, you will use the same method we used when we transported the Kurama Clan."

Sayuri tensed. "But wouldn't that put you-"

"I think he knows that." Marashu interrupted his female teammate. "Sensei, should we really do this for Shiori's dream? If her vision isn't supposed to come true for another year or so then-"

"Marashu," despite only speaking to one of his former students, all three paid full attention. "This is something that all three kages have thought about. Gaara will send a team to infiltrate Oto and Sumaru will send a team into Ishi." Naruto opened his blue eyes. "Besides, Sakura was right. I won't risk Tsunade's life because of my grudge with the village."

"What should we do if we run into any trouble?" asked Ranmaru.

"For any Leaf shinobi, you will not kill them." Naruto said with a tone of authority. "But for anyone from Sound or Stone," Sayuri, Ranmaru, and Marashu waited for their orders impatiently. "Eliminate them."

"It's about damn time Sensei!" Sayuri said with excitement. "Now I can show the world the power of Kemuri's Black Rose, Hirameki Sayuri!"

Naruto smiled. "That's the spirit. Now go, Kazudan is waiting for you at the main gates."

"I'm on it!" Sayuri said before using her Mayfly Technique to leave the area.

Marashu sighed. "I will make sure that she doesn't run off without us."

Ranmaru gave Marashu a nod before Marashu leaped away. Ranmaru then looked at Naruto who stood quietly.

"Naruto-sensei," Naruto glanced at Ranmaru. "Are you alright? You seem off." Naruto nodded. "You're saving Tsunade in an attempt to fix your mistake, right?"

Naruto smiled. "Sometimes I wonder if insight is your true dojutsu, Ranmaru." Ranmaru grinned at the praise. "I can't go back in time and fix my mistakes with Shion, but I can stop myself from repeating that same mistake."

"Hai." Ranmaru said turning around.

"Ranmaru." Naruto said, stopping Ranmaru's departure momentarily. "This mission needs to be done quickly and flawlessly."

Ranmaru gave Naruto a thumbs up.

"You can count on me Sensei." Ranmaru replied before dashing off.

Naruto turned towards the sky. "I really hope so…"