A/N: Peek-a-boo Readers, as promised, here it is, NaruHachi will take one step forward. Oh and there's a couple of swear words ahead, so excuse Hachi's vulgar but necessary language.

[Insert Disclaimer Here]

Twelve: Wave II

"Shisui?" Jun-jiji asked, peeking outside the small window of the carriage.

"There's a fight on the uncompleted bridge ahead." Shisui simply said and then began to bark orders around.

"Fū stay here with Sai and protect the clients. Torune and I will assist Team 7, wait for my signal." I bit my lip as Shisui took the best course of action, pushing aside his worry. He quickly left with Torune.

I closed my eyes and focused on the signatures ahead, I registered when Shisui and Torune's signatures reached Kakashi who was surprised was reflected on his chakra's erratic and then suspicious calming behavior. Near Pinkie and Sasuke I picked up on a civilian sized chakra, an adult considering the size. Zabuza though before I could faintly sense him but now for sure I knew he had to be dead. I couldn't pick up his chakra signature at all. A small part of me felt guilty.

'I knew he'd die, him and Haku... Why didn't I warn Shisui about it, maybe we could've found a way to save at least one of them… But then who would take their place? Tazuna? A member of Team 7? It-it seems I'm still afraid to change things. What I can do now, for him and Haku, even if I didn't know them, is assure them peace in the afterlife. I can prevent that damn jutsu-stealing-wannabe-Orochimaru from taking samples.'

I was taken out of my thoughts when I felt a change in Naruto's chakra behavior. His chakra was like a flame meeting gasoline. He was getting over his stupor after sensing me and now he was frantic, intensifying. Focusing on just him, with my eyes closed, I could feel it, it was faint because of the distance but there was something dark and angry in him and it was marring his emotions with a bit of resentment. It was familiar.

'Ah! Kyuubi, Kurama's chakra!'

I recalled my little fiasco with the Kyuubi's chakra when I was little, how it attempted to manipulate my emotions, mainly my anger and how much it burned on the inside.

I felt more of Kyuubi's chakra. Naruto's anger was building up. Kakashi, Shisui and Torune's signatures surrounded Naruto, who's dark emotions were starting to brim.

'Naruto!'

I jumped out of the carriage and began sprinting towards the bridge. It was lightly snowing and rather cold but that didn't matter. Naruto was all that mattered at the moment. I could hear Jun-jiji and Yui yell behind me. I felt Sai follow me and he caught up but he didn't stop me.

"Hachimitsu-hime?" Sai asked and his eyes widen as we entered a range where the air was heavy and only getting worse as we neared the bridge. I glanced over to him as he reigned in on his small bit of fear. I signed choppily with one hand.

'It's okay. I fix it.' I signed with one hand and he nodded slowly. Sai's small bit of panic dimmed. Once we broke out of the foliage and we stopped at the foot of where the incomplete bridge connected to the Land of Fire.

I stared at the mayhem before me. Gato's thugs were all on the ground convulsing, Torune's work I supposed as I picked up small chakra signatures, his bugs. The mist on the bridge was a bit thick. I couldn't see Sasuke, Pinkie or the adult with them. All three were confused as the KI grew and the density of emotions hit them, they were unaware who was emitting it.

'Good they're at a safe distance.'

Even though the mist was thick I was able to make out were Kakashi, Shisui and Torune's silhouettes who surrounded Naruto. Naruto I could easily make out because of his emotions and angry chakra. He was glaring in my direction. The fog eased up a bit and the group surrounding Naruto spotted at Sai and I. Shisui was not happy but I got his attention as I signed subtly, as Naruto was focused on my face and not my hands. His blue orbs were full of resentment, all focused at me.

'I help him. Purify.'

Shisui reluctantly nodded and informed the other two. In the blink of an eye Naruto rushed forward towards me and kicked Sai, who luckily blocked the kick and jumped back, pulling me with him. Naruto's ire grew as Sai pushed me behind him, he stood defensively but we both froze as we both saw a flash of red in Naruto's eyes. Naruto glared at Sai and then looked at me rather furiously.

"Hachiko, Who the hell is this bastard?" He asked in a low but demanding voice. This was a side of him I had never seen. Sai I felt get a bit angry, despite his stoic face. I slowly tapped Sai's shoulder and he stood down. I didn't miss how Naruto's frustration flared when I touched Sai.

I had hoped to cautiously walk over, as to not provoke Naruto while Kurama's chakra tainted his perception but I found myself moving rather quickly and I wrapped my arms around Naruto, hoping it would calm him. Naruto rather possessively nuzzled my cheek a little to hard but what bothered me the most was the skin on skin contact that stung, I felt it surge from my cheek to my spine, so I pulled away quickly. Naruto was hurt by my action and he got crosser. I flinched a little as darkness began form and gathered at the pit of his stomach.

"Hachimitsu-hime?" Sai questioned earning him a glower from Naruto.

"What?" Naruto asked through his teeth and his intense glare when our eyes connected pushed fear down my entire being. I couldn't help it but flinch and his anger faltered and panic emerged in him. His eyes reflected his distress. I assessed Naruto's chakra, in the little ball of darkness most of Kurama's chakra was pulled into it. It was a raw deep hatred and it overwhelming his senses and fueling his growing anxiety.

'I'm not mad at you. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about my visit to Wave. I wanted it to be a surprise. Now let me help you. Open up your jacket and lift shirt up and hold still.' I signed to Naruto. Naruto's fear subsided but that darkness in him latched onto his fear, he looked at me questioningly.

'Please.' I added and it worked.

He nodded and he unzipped his jacket and lifted his shirt. I channeled spiritual energy into my hand and mixed it with natural energy, I wove the two energies in my hand so that it glowed pink. I placed my hand on Naruto's stomach, which tensed but then began to relax. The butterflies in me shivered.

'Stop you stupid butterflies, this is not the place or time for this. Focus and get rid of the impure ball of emotions.'

The darkness in him fought me off. Biting my lip I pushed through, I broke down the dark emotions, separating them Naruto's chakra to prevent them from manifesting any time soon. As I did so, some of the dark emotions along with some of the red chakra that belonged to the Kyuubi seeped into the seal.

'Damn it. It got away. There's no way in hell I'm messing with the seal just to purify those pesky emotions. Sooner or later he's going to have to face them. I promise I'll be there to help him through it.'

Naruto eased under my hand. His anger and dark emotions were gone. I removed my hand and let out a breath I didn't know I was holding in. Naruto rolled his shirt down. Now feelings of remorse surged in him.

"I- Hachiko-chan I'm sorry. I-I-" He didn't get to finish because I pulled him into a hug again and he relaxed in my arms.

"I-I shouldn't have gotten angry and I shouldn't have talked to you like that, I-I don't know what hap-" He stopped talking as I shook my head and buried my face in the crook of his neck. I didn't blame him, it wasn't his fault and I understood that. He wrapped his arms around me and gently rubbed his cheek on my head.

"I-I don't know how you do it, you understand me even when-"

"This is cute. I do hope I'm invited to the wedding." Shisui's commented to Kakashi. Torune and Sai smiled amusedly as Naruto and I pulled away from each other and turned red. Naruto, refusing to loose physical contact, held my hand tightly.

"Ma, At least you'll get invited. I'm sure Naruto is just going to rub it in my face and not invite me." Kakashi said rather sadly but with a touch of playfulness. Their light joking helped elevate the mood.

"Naruto come with me." Kakashi ordered Naruto who nodded and gave my hand one last squeeze. As the two retreated into the mist, Shisui crossed his arms. He was pissed.

"I thought I left you back there in a safe area. What the hell happened to orders?" Shisui went into commander mode and gave Sai a hard stare. Sai shifted into ninja mode and was about to say something when I stood in front of him protectively.

'I ran off, Sai did what he could and stuck by me when I refused to go back. Sasuke over there needs medical attention. No one on your team or Team 7 knows any medic techniques. I on the other hand have damn decent skills to numb his pain until he's moved somewhere secure to treat his injuries.' I signed and Shisui's hard ass relented.

"Fine. Sai, stick by her. I will fall back with Torune and assist the rest of the clients. Hachiko-hime no running off." Shisui ordered and I nodded happily. Sai and I walked over to where Pinkie and Sasuke's signatures were.

The bridge was nearly complete, except on one side where there was some patching up to be done. Sai helped me cross the dangerous area by guiding me through the more stable side of the bridge until we reached an old man with a towel around his neck, square glasses and a thin white rope tied around his head. He looked at me curiously and then his eyes landed on Sai and he panicked a bit.

'That must be Tazuna.'

Tazuna shifted a little and stood behind Pinkie who was knelt, helping Sasuke sit up. Sasuke was heavily breathing. Pinkie stared at me in surprise.

"W-What are you doing here? Hachi, what happened out there? Were you out there?" Pinkie began bombarding me with questions. Sai, the ever bodyguard stood behind me and I felt his interest spike as he stared at Tazuna, Pinkie and Sasuke.

"Hachi-mitsu." Sasuke stated struggling to control his breathing. It seemed that Haku had done a fair number on him. I noted that Tazuna frozed when he heard Sasuke say my clan name.

'Don't talk. Just relax.' I signed and Sasuke eyed me then his eyes focused on Sai.

"Hachi, Who's he?" Pinkie asked slightly blushing as she stared at Sai.

'Sai, Pinkie, Sasuke and their Client, now re-arrange that yourselves, I've no time for introductions. I'm gonna help Sasuke, I'll explain later how I got here.' I knelt, not caring that my teal chima skirt got dirty. I rolled up my purple jeogori shirt sleeves and assessed Sasuke's wounds.

"So?" Sasuke asked through difficult breaths.

'The senbon went in deep near the spine, looks like some pain nerves were hit, slight scratches, he hasn't coughed so no damage to the lungs. Seems Haku aimed for high pain rather than immediate death. Low chakra reserves.'

Naruto and Kakashi arrived from their talk and stood behind me, both were worried over Sasuke. Pinkie stared at me worriedly.

'You're fine just aching heavily, probably will for the next few days, low on chakra, nothing a chakra pill, some food and sleep can't fix. I'll lessen your pain though so we can move him and make him more comfortable.' I signed letting Sasuke. Kakashi, Naruto and Pinkie were relieved it wasn't anything serious.

'Don't freak out, when you see the pink mist, take two deep breaths.' I instructed Sasuke who nodded slowly.

I focused as I gathered the natural energy all around my hands and with my spiritual energy mixed the two to until my hands glowed a bright pink. I did a few hand signs to get the mix right. I put my hands, one palm over the other hovering right above his mouth and nose.

'Sacred Art Seishinjutsu: Etherization'

The pink glow on my hands became vapor like and all four ninja and Tazuna were surprised but observed as Sasuke inhaled the pink vapor. His pain subsided and it was evident because his breathing eased and his face was no longer looking like he was constipated.

"Thanks." Sasuke managed to say and I nodded. I was about to stand up when Naruto moved over to helped me up by putting his hands on my waist. The butterflies swooned and I felt rather happy he was close to me. I turned my head to the end of the bridge where the carriage, Shisui, Torune and Fū were standing. Jun-jiji stepped out of the carriage and threw a mean glare at me then he spotted Team 7 and his face became solemn as he stared at Naruto who still held my waist.

'He's gonna throw a fit. Might as well kiss my sweets goodbye for another month.'

I turned my head away from Jun-jiji. On the opposite end of the bridge where a mass of civilian chakras arrived holding sticks, shovels, pitchforks, you name it. A little boy with a fishermen's hat stood at the front. They gaped as they saw Gato's men on the ground, some still convulsing, others dead.

"Are we late?" The little boy asked confused and Naruto let go of my waist as he ran towards the crowd of civilians to inform them of what went on. Pinkie was helping Sasuke get up and Sai and I retreated to join the rest of our group.

"We'll bring the carriage across the bridge, it'll take some time. Meanwhile, You, Sai, Hachiko-hime and Yui will join Kakashi's group." Shisui let Jun-jiji know and he nodded. Jun-jiji gave me a stern look and I mentally sighed.

'Yup, I'm getting a lecture.'

-At Tazuna's House-

Team 7 had relocated to Tazuna's House. Jun-jiji, Yui and I accompanied them with Sai as our guard while the rest of Shisui's team checked out the investors meeting site, Gato's base of operations on the island and our 'accommodations' that Gato provided.

Jun-jiji refrained from lecturing me about 'proper heiress etiquette, shouldn't let boys hold you like that, blah, blah, blah nonsense' probably because we were guests in a foreign country and guests. I'd probably get lectured once back at in Konoha.

The Investors Meeting was in a few hours. Shisui, Torune and Fū managed to get the carriage across the bridge and now it sat outside Tazuna's house.

Kakashi, Naruto and Sai secured the house perimeter and Pinkie was left behind to guard the house and keep an eye on Sasuke. So to pass time, Jun-jiji struck up conversation with Tazuna politely asking about the bridge.

I on the other hand had to get ready for the meeting, there was no way I would attend in a dirty chima skirt. So I was in a room provided by Tsunami so that I could get dressed. Tsunami was kind and didn't treat me different when Yui informed her I was civilian clan heiress and that I was related to Kisaki-mama.

"Lady Kisaki is the only kind leader who despite the high importation costs, would regularly ship non-perishable food so that we wouldn't starve. It's a shame she was unaware that Gato seized most of her shipments." I scrunched my face and promised to stomp on Gato's grave for undermining Kisaki-mama's efforts, only to remember Gato was rotting somewhere underwater without a proper grave to stop on.

While Yui helped me into a dark grey chima skirt with gold embroidered leaves around the skirt hems, I noticed how Tsunami admired the hair pins I had brought along.

'Her help will be necessary to secure Tazuna's friendship. With Tsunami as a friend, Inari will be easier to befriend as well to secure the support of Wave. This family has more influence than the Daimyo himself, who I plan on visiting to twist their arms for letting their country suffer.'

Yui helped me into a silk bright purple jeogori shirt with little white flowers all around the shoulders and back and chest area. The cuffs and neck lining were white. I tied the white tying ribbon with gold embroidered leaves. Tsunami fawned over the hanbok.

"It's beautiful. I've never seen such attire, we rarely get visitors from the Land of Honey." I smiled and turned to the hair accessories, I chose a sliver binyeo Tsunami had been admiring. It was the one with a several little roses made of silver and colorful gems like turquoise, opal, emeralds and citrine, it was a fine binyeo I had ordered to be made two New Year's ago. I held it out for Tsunami.

"Hachiko-hime would like you to have it." Yui informed Tsunami who gasped.

"I-I couldn't it's too expensive and-" I took her hand and put the binyeo in her palm then I signed my reasons and Yui translated.

"She would like you to consider it a gift between friends. She hopes that in the future when she becomes Matriarch of her clan that you would graciously become a bridge of friendship between the Hachimitsu and the Land of Waves." Tsunami's eyes went wide and she smiled and nodded.

"Very well. Thank you." I smiled and then had Yui braid my hair in side plait. I used a white flowered hairpin to keep my bangs out of my face, they were really getting annoying as of late. I had the braid tied off with a gold ribbon with white and purple flowers.

After I finished getting ready, Yui waited in the hall while I peeked into the room Sasuke was to be resting in. Pinkie sat by his side, her back to the door. I smiled spotting how she worried over him despite that she claimed not to like him as much anymore. I quietly closed the door. Yui and I headed downstairs and when we bumped into Naruto.

"H-Hachiko-chan. Yui-san." He smiled and I noted that it wasn't a bright smile. He was probably still beating himself up over what happened on the bridge. I still had an hour before departing so I took his hand and dragged him upstairs to the empty room I had used earlier to change. I pushed him in, furthering his confusion. I turned to Yui and signed.

'Be a look out. Knock if anyone comes down this way. If the situation is compromised make a ruckus, prevent anyone from coming into the room.' I instructed her and Yui nodded and smiled teasingly.

'Don't do anything I wouldn't.' She signed. I blushed and shut the door. Naruto behind me was a ball of nerves. I turned and threw myself at him. I hugged him and shocked him completely by my actions.

"H-Hachiko-chan?" He asked. I pulled away and signed.

'I missed you while you were gone. Then when I was coming to Wave I was so happy that I'd be able to see you. When I felt your chakra, I hesitated but then I felt your distress and I came running to you and then when you were so angry, I just wanted to make you feel better. It's not your fault you were angry. I know it was the fox that caused it. You used his power didn't you?' I asked and Naruto's soft expression changed he looked at me alarmed.

"H-How do you know that?" He asked and a bit of fear radiated from him. I traced my hand on the hem of his jacket and slid my hand underneath his jacket and shirt. The butterflies in me fluttered madly. Naruto I felt him tense but then he relaxed as I let my hand rest over his stomach. With one hand I signed.

'I can feel it, little bits remained, I purify most of it. Strong emotion is key. Confusion and anger…' I removed my hand from under his shirt to sign better.

'You must never let it overpower your emotions or use it for too long. I was afraid I'd lose you.' I signed in all honesty. Naruto's wrapped his arms around me. I rested my head on his shoulder. His heart was heavy and he was afraid but pushed it away, what ever he was trying to processes, made his entire being depressed. His own chakra stilled as he began to talk.

"I thought you were afraid of me but you were afraid for me. I don't think- I almost hurt you. Maybe it's best if we stop being friends and that I stop-" I froze in his arms. My heart fell and the butterflies dropped dead making my stomach heavy with sadness but a part of me, it raged.

I pulled away and punched his face. He was shocked by my actions. He looked at me with his eyes wide, wondering what he had done. I glared at him and I wiped the tears that streamed down my face.

'Don't say that. You're important to me. I'll never let go of you even if you pull away, I'll always hold on tight to you because I love you.' I signed and wiped my tears again.

Naruto shook out of his stupor and grabbed my shoulders and pulled me into him. My heart stopped as his lips crashed onto mine. His eyes shut and his hands traced the side of my shoulders and then when they reached my waist, he wrapped his arms me pulling me closer to him. The butterflies in my stomach fluttered back to life. I felt elated and a bit panicked

'I shouldn't have but this feels right. Fuck it. Fuck it all.'

I closed my eyes accepting his kiss and let myself go. The butterflies in my stomach began to soar. Naruto leaned into me, his lips followed my lead (since I had experience in my past life). I slowly parted my lips and slid my tongue on Naruto's bottom lip, causing him to gasp. Taking the chance I slipped my tongue into his mouth. Naruto grew embarrassed and I backed up, not wanting to make him more uncomfortable. His face was red and he was breathing deeply. His hands went to his lips.

"H-Hachiko-chan was that your tongue?" He asked and I scratched my cheek and nodded.

'Maybe I'm moving too fast but it's been a long, long time since I had a ki-'

I snapped out of my thoughts as I saw him run his tongue on his lips, probably trying to figure out how to handle my intrusion again. I smiled and wrapped my arms around his torso burying my head in his neck.

"Heh, Ero-hachi. My Ero-hachi. W-we can try that a-again." He suggested and the butterflies in my stomach trembled at the suggestion. I kissed his neck and made a trail of kisses all the way to his lips. My small ministrations seemed to make his chakra flicker happily.

Placing my arms on his chest, I kissed him, leading him into the kiss. The butterflies in my stomach approved of my actions as they fluttered their wings in waves as he began to move his lips against mine and his arms rested on my waist. Naruto got the hang of it kissing and when I tried again to slip in my tongue he shyly parted his mouth giving me entry. It was a new experience for him and I encouraged him by angling my face slightly so he could try. I knew he was having fun because his aura was emitting pure joy. We parted our lips to take breaths and he rested his forehead on mine. He teasingly smiled at me.

"I told you, I'd get you to feel the same for me." I rolled my eyes and pecked his lips and ran my hands through his hair. There was a knock on the door and I pouted.

"What was that?" He asked. I removed my hands from his hair.

'Yui letting us know someone is coming this way. I have to get going to my meeting soon.' I signed and Naruto nodded.

"You never did say why you were here in Wave." He said as his hands traced waist. I couldn't tell him exactly what but I wanted him to at least know the most important part of it.

'I can't say now, but I can say that it's to help you be Hokage.' I signed and he blinked and was surprised.

"R-Really? You're already doing stuff. I'm not even a j-jonin yet and you're-" I put a finger to his lips and signed with one hand slowly so that it was clear.

'I will always be doing things I cannot explain but know they are for you.' Naruto intertwined his hand with my signing hand and I moved my finger from his lips. He leaned forward and kissed me softly, full of gratitude and appreciation. He rested his forehead on mine and smiled like an adorable idiot.

"I love you." He sighed. There was a knock on the door and Naruto reluctantly pulled away as I turned.

"Hachkio-hime, you're requested downstairs, its time to leave!" Yui loudly said from outside the room. I felt Naruto's arms wrap around my waist, his chest on my back and his head next to mine. The butterflies in my stomach relished in the intimacy.

"I'll hide out here till everyone's gone down." Naruto nuzzled my neck and let me go. I turned to face him and lightly pecked his lips. The Butterflies and I didn't want to leave him but I had to get thorough the meeting.

I walked to the door and left the room, giving Naruto one last glance.

"Everything alright Hachiko-hime?" Yui asked eying my wrinkled hanbok. I nodded with a smile.

"I bet but let's get you looking presentable." She fussed over my hanbok and smoothed out the wrinkles before going down the stairs.

Yui and I met Jun-jiji outside who was waiting with Shisui and Kakashi, who was alone while the rest of his team was hiding in the shadows. Kakashi, I noted he sniffed rather loudly and became alert.

"Beautiful as ever Hachiko-chan." Kakashi teased and I blushed and thanked him.

"She's really pretty." I heard Inari say to Naruto who exited the house with the young boy. I turned and smiled at the little boy who blushed. Naruto smiled at me and stared longingly at me.

"I'd say I would help but you're in good hands." I heard Kakashi tell Jun-jiji.

"I trust Shisui with my life. We should get going." Jun-jiji announced and Shisui nodded. Yui took her place beside me as we began to walk to the carriage. I noted the carriage drivers were gone and then Shisui hegened into one of them.

"Fū, Sai, Torune and I will be watching from the shadows. " Shisui informed Jun-jiji, Yui and I as he took the position of the carriage driver.

"From what we were able to pick up on, several of Gato's business managers showed up already. They're only waiting on you two to start the meeting, they aren't aware that Gato is dead." I nodded and looked at Jun-jiji.

-Investor's Meeting Room-

There were three tables set up in a "U" like fashion. 35-year-old Minamoto Chinen drummed his fingers on the table. He hated wearing a suit, he hated taking precious time out of his work hours because Time = Money and most of all, he hated these meetings. Stroking his 5 o'clock shadow, he openly glared at those around him. There were several head accountants from separate business branches that belonged to Gato. They were all fidgeting in their seats and stopped when they spotted his glare. They knew better than to piss him off.

'They fear me and with good reason… I should quit, I have enough money saved up to start my own company. Get a wife, a house, have kids.'

Minamoto had thought of quitting before but he knew Gato would never let him go. He knew too much as the Chief Financial Officer. He knew where the company's money went, where it came from and was damn good at his job, that's how he ended up working for the biggest shipping magnet. His word, his careful nature in all things money, is what got several people killed when they stole or planned against Gato.

Minamoto Chinen, rubbed his temples at the oncoming headache when the doors to the meeting room opened. A beautiful woman with red lips, fair skin, dark hair pulled up fancy and dressed up in a fine red and black silk kimono entered, along with an older man with a top knot of golden brown hair and a black suit of some sort, the kind people, nobles from the Land of Honey wore. There was another man, orange hair, brown eyes and a black business suit. The last two that entered were a pale man in a grey suit, handsome and young but what got everyone's attention was the young girl that came with them. She was dressed in fine purple and grey silk. She was a pretty thing but everyone knew children weren't allowed in the meetings.

"Hello, I am Minamoto Chinen, Chief Financial Officer. I am sorry but the child will have to wait outside the meeting." Minamoto watched how the man in the dark robes looked at the child who held her head high.

"I am Hachimitsu Jun, this is my granddaughter Hachimitsu Hachiko, she's learning her way around business and I promise you she won't interrupt. Afterall, she's the heiress to the Hachimitsu Clan. I'm sure there won't be a problem will there?" Minamoto paled.

'Is Gato trying to get himself killed! These people won't be easy to get rid of, Hachimitsu Jun... That's the famed swordsman from the Land of Honey, Lady Kisaki's son then this girl… Shit. This is not good. Where the fuck is Gato? I'm quitting after this shit and I don't care if it get's me killed. I'm as good as dead when these people die.'

"I-It's fine. We'll just wait for G-Gato to arrive." Minamoto suggested hiding his panic but as soon as he said it a random someone ran in from outside.

"Gato is dead! The villagers are raiding the ports and coming this way." Minamoto frowned and saw that the investors weren't panicked.

"We're here for a meeting and he goes off dying. What is the company protocol?" One of the males, the orange haired one asked.

"The CFO takes control of everything with authorization from the current investors. That would be all of you until a CEO is chosen." Minamoto informed the investors who all subtly glanced at the young girl.

"Who knows the business better than the CFO?" The pale and youngest adult asked the room and none of the accountants in the room spoke. They were in disbelief it seemed hearing that Gato was dead.

"It's unanimous then, Minamoto Chinen, you will run the entirety of this meeting, despite the civilian unrest outside, this meeting has to carry on." Hachimitsu Jun announced and Minamoto nodded. As he took the place that once belonged to Gato, Minamoto noted the way the investors eyed everyone in the room. It was evident these people were careful and Minamoto had no problem throwing Gato's plans away.

"I'll be frank, Gato intended to have you all killed after signing a couple of unimportant documents mixed with write-off's giving Gato your authorization to secure all your businesses and money. Since he is dead, I don't wish for you to loose faith in me by pushing his wishes through. A dead man's plans are no good. I myself find that his business endeavors were crooked and lost a lot of potential profits because he took the monopolistic approach to all his projects, seizing industries and not letting them flourish as they should have. If you decide to choose me as the CEO, let it be known now that I will reject it. I have no intention beyond this meeting to carry on working for this company if it carries on in the same direction Gato has had it for years." Minamoto Chinen had no idea the trust he gained with his small speech. He also had no idea that in the long run, this bit of honesty would benefit him in a multitude of ways.

-Back to Hachiko's POV-

I tried to keep my smug smile under control. He was perfect to manage Gato's, well my new business. The meeting under Minamoto's control went rather efficiently smooth and quick. The other accountants feared him and were quick about giving him numbers and reports. It seemed Minamoto didn't like wasting time. Jun-jiji kept glancing at my hands to communicate what I wanted him to communicate. After the meeting finished, I had Jun-jiji and all our party wait in the room until all the accountants left. Minamoto was the last one left.

Minamoto looked 30-ish, had short brown hair combed back and very few wrinkles. He could be very handsome if he shaved, ahem.

'I trust him. Ask him to be CEO and assure him we're not going to be running things as Gato has. In fact, let's tell him everything.' Jun-jiji gave me a stern look but I insisted.

'He's ambitious, knows his way around money and if he needs an incentive to working with us, I'm willing to give him small partial ownership as an incentive.' I added and Jun-jiji reluctantly gave in.

"We would, " I shook my hand so my bell bracelet jingled and Jun-jiji sighed frustrated.

"Fine. My granddaughter would like it if you became CEO." Minamoto eyed us all and then his eyes landed on me. I smiled and waved.

"Your granddaughter?" He asked and Jun-jiji nodded.

"She trusts you to know the truth. None of us are the company investors, She is. We all represent the different private companies she set up." Jun-jiji informed Minamoto who gaped and stared at me.

"Hachimitsu-hime is it wise to trust him with such valuable information?" Fū asked and I nodded.

'When he spoke, none of it was lies. He really doesn't want to go in the same direction Gato has been going. He's also the perfect person to run the business. He knows it better than anyone, add in that all the accountants feared him, he's in the most optimal position to lead it under my command of course.' I openly signed and the man further stared, confused to why I was signing.

"Hachiko-hime is mute but don't let that throw you off. She's the brightest clan heiress I've had the pleasure of meeting." Yui informed Minamoto. I smiled at her words.

'It's true. I'm the brightest but not because of intelligence, just an adult going through childhood for the second time with all knowledge from my past life. Nothing special, just lucky I retained all my past knowledge.'

"She, you're telling me she's the owner of the biggest shipping company and all its subsidiaries?" He asked incredulously as he sank into the nearest chair. I nodded.

"What are you some sort of genius?" He asked and I thought about it and nodded, since it was the easiest way to answer. He rubbed his temples and I noted he had a slight headache.

'The civilians are gathered on the port, we need to calm them. We need to assure them that their economy will flourish. Jun-jiji, give Minamoto-san the scroll.' Jun-jiji nodded and set down the scroll on the table beside Minamoto who lowered his hands and peeked at it.

"What's this?" He asked and picked it up opening it up.

"A strategic business plan Hachiko-hime developed. She planned many for different possible scenarios. This scroll addresses the current scenario. A dead Gato, Economically depraved Wave and all optimal opportunities to be taken." Jun-jiji elaborated and I grinned when I saw Minamoto's complete emotional turn, he was focused and getting confident as he read through the scroll.

"This is… We can get Project 1 and 2 running now. If we get those going, the rest will follow. As for Project 4… Are you sure? It's a dangerous game. Gato could only manage it for short whiles because someone could easily pick up on it." Minamoto frowned and Jun-jiji stubbornly translated.

"Hachiko-hime would rather manage the illicit activates of the company as temporary jobs, rather than let them go and letting someone else take a hold of them. This keeps the company in-the-know of what missing nin's are on the move, plan around plundering to benefit the company and- how can you sympathize with missing nin and scoundrels Hachiko." Jun-jiji berated me.

'Lowlifes need meals too not to mention that by funding this activities, we create jobs for ninja. We'll make the economy flourish faster and with Minamoto who has experience in operating illegal activities, everyone wins.' Jun-jiji relayed to Minamoto my words and the man nodded.

"I see what you mean. How, considerate of you but this is a controlled economy, no better than a monopoly." He stated and I had Jun-jiji inform the man to read further into the details for Project 4.

"You're going to free the economy in four years?!" Minamoto loudly exclaimed and I nodded.

"A seedling doesn't grow well with out the proper water, sunlight and protection. Even as a sapling it needs support to hold it up so it grows up nice and high, only when the trunk is sturdy enough will it be ready to be on its own." Jun-jiji translated my signing, word for word.

Minamoto Chinen rolled up the scroll and I felt his indecisive aura frim.

"I accept to CEO of Taiju Shipping Co. & Affiliates." I smiled as he used the new name I had chosen for the old Company I had taken over and merged with the private businesses I had set up.

'Now that this queen bee has her tree, it's time to build up the hive.'

A/N: HOLY KISHI! So much just went down. Gato is gone! Hachi took over his business and changed the name of the company and NaruHachi just took a step forward in their ship. This chapter was like a brain freeze on various levels.

Be honest, how many of you expected this, the kiss to happen? I didn't want to, I was going to hold it off but Hachi's reaction to Naruto's words, how could she not admit she loved him?

Ah, Wave has become the place of first's for Naruto. First C-Rank, First Run in with Missing Nin and First Kiss. Please note they have not DTR (defined the relationship) yet. That part is for next chapter ;)

Minamoto Chinen is a new OC, hope you guys like him, he'll show up around every now and then from here on out, I plan to pair him off with Tsunami but still not sure. Maybe I should make him chase after Yui, it'll rile up Shiui no? Who knows but let me know if you want a love triangle there. I could make it happen ;o

Any questions or concerns please submit through PM or Review. I always try to get back to you guys unless it's anonymous, then I try to leave a response in the A/N in the following Chapter.

Until next time my lovely/handsome readers, just bask in the glory of NaruHachi.