Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Bleach.

Chapter 14: Meetings of a Subtle Kind

"Well, what's your plan now, brat?" Kyuubi asked Naruto. Repairs have finished ahead of schedule and Naruto put the whole of Uzushio under a Kyuubi-enhanced genjutsu so that no one will discover the changes. Right now, Naruto is seated by the Uzukage desk, reading the journal of Uzumaki Negi.

Naruto felt another group of clones finish learning another jutsu from the unearthed scroll in the village center. Then, he replied, "First thing I'm going to do is to relay to all the other villages of my banishment. Then, I'm going to ask that they not do anything with the treaty with Konoha until further notice, since that would be their most obvious action. But if they do that, then Konoha would immediately want me back for nothing more than to retain their alliances. I doubt that Gaara or Koyuki-chan would want me to be held back by Konoha as leverage."

"So what would you have them do?"

"Nothing," Naruto replied as he put down Negi's journal. "Break the alliance, Konoha would send ninja after ninja after me. Slowly stop the mission inflow, Konoha would become suspicious, have inquiries, and would still send ninjas after me. The best course of action would be to let Konoha think that only they know of my banishment. Ignorance is bliss, Kyuubi. The longer Konoha thinks that I have not contacted Gaara or Koyuki-chan or Shibuki-san, the better it is for me to move around quietly."

"Itachi's training paid off, Uzumaki. He truly taught you to use your pranking brain in every situation."

Naruto chuckled. "I would have to go to the villages that I made friends with but that won't be a problem." He made a cross-shaped seal and said, "Kage Bunshin."

Nami no Kuni

Naruto, in a dark cloak he got from Uzushio, grinned widely at seeing the name of the bridge and at the two statues welcoming visitors to Nami no Kuni. The first statue was of Naruto himself, who had his arms on the back of his head while giving off the same grin he has today. The second was of a serious Naruto, with his fierce look that would instantly touch the deepest souls of whoever's receiving it.

He mused, "Naruto Ohashi? I didn't think I'd made enough of an impact on Nami no Kuni for them to do this."

Kyuubi laughed. "What do you expect? You're the great bastard Uzumaki Naruto, aren't you? You're the blond idiot that forced that shrimp and his band of worms out of Nami no Kuni."

But my team also helped.

"Who got that sulky kid out of his funk? Who took the initiative in summoning Kage Bunshin to intimidate those thugs? And who was the guy that kept on shouting that he won't give up on Nami no matter the odds? Even if Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Sasuke, and Haruno Sakura helped you, they did what they had to do – protect the bridge builder's family and fight Zabuza, that Haku kid, and wait until the bridge is finished - because it is a mission. But you…you did all of that and more because you truly wanted to change Nami no Kuni. Every villager could see that. That's why everything was named after you."

Naruto chuckled dryly and wiped a comical tear from his eye. Oh…I'm so touched.

"Whatever, brat, move on. Someone might see you."

Later, Naruto arrived at the home of Tazuna. He took a deep breath before knocking on the door. The door opened and Tsunami, the daughter of Tazuna, answered it.

She looked at him in confusion. "Yes? Who might you be?"

"May I come in? This is a matter of great importance that I must say to Tazuna-san."

Blinking, she nodded and ushered him inside before closing the door.

Once inside, Tsunami offered him a seat and some tea. Naruto accepted and waited.

She put the tea in front of him before sitting down on the other side. She gazed at him confusingly. "I'm sorry. But I find myself still curious. What is so important that you had to wait for Tou-san?"

Before he could answer, the door opened and an elderly but powerful voice shouted, "I'm home!"

Tsunami stood up and went to meet with the new arrival. After a few minutes, Tazuna entered with a serious look on his face and sat across him. Tsunami joined his side. "So my daughter says you have some important information for me?"

Naruto said, "First things first," he put a seal on the table that made veins of chakra extend throughout and encase the dining room. "That is a privacy seal, the most basic of seals used to prevent outsiders from hearing into our conversation. Now," he removed his hood and both gasped upon seeing Naruto's face.

Tazuna and Tsunami said, "Naruto!"

Naruto smiled as he said, "It's been a long time, Jii-san, Tsunami-san."

"But…why are you here and why aren't you wearing your Konoha headband?"

He sighed and began explaining the situation. As expected, Tazuna's fists were white in anger while Tsunami's eyes were wide as they could go.

Tazuna exclaimed, "They repay loyalty with banishment? What kind of village is that? I should just break off the trade with Konoha!"

"No."

That word shocked both adults more than the fact of his banishment.

Tsunami asked, "But why, Naruto? They banished you but you still want them to prosper?"

"What do you think would happen once word gets out that Nami no Kuni breaks the treaty with Konoha? The other villages that are allied with Konoha would soon ask around. Then, they'll do the same, which would put pressure on the Fire Daimyo and Konoha. What Konoha would do next is the most possible of actions. They would now be desperate to have me back into their grasp…just to maintain the treaties. Plus, they would gain leverage against all of you. Basically, it would be 'break our treaty and Naruto dies' kind of scenario. It would also serve another purpose. If I am back in Konoha, they would put me under some genjutsu that turns me into nothing more than a doll for them to use against those that would fight Konoha."

Their eyes widened.

Tazuna slowly asked, "So what do we do then, Naruto? We can't just let things slide."

A chuckle was the answer. "I have no idea how effective this would be. But let Konoha think that you know nothing about my banishment. But, with your permission, I would like to request an alliance with Nami no Kuni and Uzushiogakure no Sato."

The old man's eyes widened as he slowly said, "That's not possible. Uzushio has been dead for centuries."

Naruto smirked. "Is it really so surprising that I, as an Uzumaki, would not be aware of my old birthright?"

Tsunami asked, "What's wrong, Tou-san? I've never heard of any Uzushio before."

He took a swig of his sake. "Uzushiogakure no Sato was a very old village that was created at the same time as Konoha. But unlike Konohagakure inhabitants, Uzushio's ninjas and civilians were humble people so their village is small. But they were destroyed by the combined force of Iwa and Kumo, who were both afraid of the combined force of Konoha and Uzushio." He chuckled. "So you resurrected Uzushio, huh, gaki?" He smirked. "Well, if it's an alliance you want, you'll get it. After all, it wouldn't be good for Nami no Kuni if it didn't give its support to its hero. In fact, as a sign of good faith, I can give you some supplies for the reconstruction and even the spare cash that we ransacked from Gato!"

Naruto gaped in shock at Tsunami's and Tazuna's wide smiles. "That's too much, Jii-san! At best, I hoped for a few supplies every now and then to help Uzushio."

"It's alright, Naruto. We took all the money we need from Gato's vault and used it to make more for Nami. But we kept a percentage of it for you as additional thanks."

The blond boy gave a grateful smile. "Thanks, guys…I really appreciate it."

Tsunami looked at her father. He looked back before sighing and smiling at her. He said, "While I am still a bit surprised, he's better than anyone else." She smiled and walked towards Naruto, who looked confused, as she cupped his face and gave him a kiss, making his eyes widen.

When she pulled back, he asked, "Tsunami-san…why?"

"Is it so wrong to feel strongly for my savior, Naruto? At first, I saw you as a child but over the course of the mission, during the time that you chatted with us…I…came to see you as a man. I know it's wrong but I don't care. I've discussed it with my father and son and they accept it. How about you, Naruto? Would you have me?"

Naruto stared into her eyes and said, "I…don't know what to say, Tsunami-san. I haven't been on the receiving end of a confession before. It's an unknown feeling. I mean, I've felt love a bit towards a few people and all but to actually feel love in return is something new to me. Also, there is also the fact that I am the leader of Uzushio and you are in Nami no Kuni. I mean…I can accept but I will be travelling most of the time. Can you take that?"

Tsunami lightly laughed. "My first husband used to take visits to taverns every time to drink with his friends. I accepted his trivial leavings. I can accept your travels around the world, Naruto."

Smiling, Naruto said, "Then, I will do my best to support you and your family while I travel."

Kushina was crying onto her husband's shoulder as they watched Naruto's stay at Nami.

Hiruzen frowned. He cursed himself for Naruto's early maturity. If only he'd been more attentive and strict with Konoha's people, Naruto wouldn't be this…serious about relationships.

Meanwhile, the Shinigami stayed silent, knowing that this is a serious situation for them.

At the same time, another Naruto is within Takigakure, speaking towards Shibuki, the head of Taki.

Shibuki sighed. "I expected such a thing would happen. So, Naruto-san, what would you like us to do?"

"Well, I'd like an alliance between Taki and Uzushio."

He answered, "Done."

"Another would be a small request. Can I meet with the one known as Fu?"

Shibuki tensed. "How do you know that name?"

Naruto shrugged. "One hears things when people unite against a common target. During our first mission here, I remember the villagers whisper amongst themselves about a demon child and bastard girl. I asked around and they sneered out the name 'Fu.' So I want to know. Who is she?"

"Fu…is a kunoichi of Taki, but is hated for reasons I can't tell you."

He narrowed his eyes and said, "Tell me where I can find her."

"You can't just go to her. She lives in the forest near here because that is where she feels the safest and she only allows me to enter. Everyone who tried is killed by the insects that she summoned."

"I have faced worse threats to my life, Shibuki-san. Where is this forest?"

"…if you're sure, then she's in the north forest. If you encounter her, please don't be aggressive. It would be easy to anger her."

Naruto kept silent as he left.

Forest

He looked around the barren forest, looking for Fu. As he passed another tree, he was suddenly surrounded by insects and a loud voice spoke.

"Another foolish human enters my domain? One would think that the deaths would have sent a clear enough message that I will not be trifled with."

Naruto stopped and said, "I take it that you're Fu-san?" Silence answered him. "I am Uzumaki Naruto…but I think you know that. After all, you were on the highest tree branch, watching me and my team leave after saving the Hero's Water."

He felt shock reverberate around the forest before some insects clustered in front of him to form a person. She had tan skin, mint green hair, orange eyes that matches a clip on her hair, and is wearing a white, short, sleeveless, midriff shirt, matching shorts and arm guards, and fishnet armor underneath them. And on her back was a red cylindrical object.

"I thought I wasn't noticed at the time."

"You're dealing with a master of stealth, Fu-san. I can hide myself from others and can sense other people when they are hiding. I don't even have to use my Bijuu."

Even intense shock showed on her face as she asked, "Do you really have a Bijuu?"

"I hold Nine…and you?"

Fu gave a relieved smile and, with small tears in her eyes, hugged him tightly. "I knew I wasn't imagining it when I sensed a Bijuu's chakra in you."

Naruto smiled at her. "It's alright, Fu. I'm not lying. Besides, that's why I came here to see you. I will not abandon a fellow jinchuuriki to suffer the same fate as Gaara and I."

"How can you help me exactly," she asked as she recovered from her small emotional shock. "I can't do anything that would not result in pain and humiliation."

"Let me worry about the details, Fu. Just brace yourselves for the initial outrage."

Later

Naruto stood at the village square with Shibuki at his side and the whole village surrounded them. Clearing his throat, the blond ninja said, "People of Taki, I have a question for you all. Why do you hate the kunoichi Fu?"

A plethora of answers breached his ears.

"She's a menace to society!" "She's not even supposed to be alive!" "She would one day wreak havoc on Taki if we don't control her!"

He frowned. "Do you presume to be more knowledgeable than the sealer? Are you saying that you can save your village if you hurt Fu?"

"Why do you care? Are you a sympathizer for the monster?"

"I have studied different kinds of seals. So let me keep this short and simple. If you kill Fu or if she becomes insane or too hateful for Taki, the Bijuu that is sealed within her will be released indefinitely, destroying the very village that you so claimed are protecting."

Whispers broke out. Shibuki looked at him in shock. One asked, "So what are you asking us to do? Are we supposed to just bend to her every whim like dogs?"

"I didn't say that. I merely said that you treat her like you would treat each other. Do not glare. Do not whisper. And most importantly, do not hate. I would suggest this. Let Fu do her business like a normal kunoichi for a day or two. You will see that she is as human as you all are."

Shibuki gulped at the whispers of his villagers and loudly announced, "Alright! This will be an order. Do as he says! Treat Fu as a proper person! Any who break this command will be dealt with!"

Naruto smiled at Shibuki. "Thank you, Shibuki-san. I hope that this will help Fu greatly. If anything happens, send me a messenger bird."

The Shinigami watched as another Naruto met with Kazehana Koyuki and told her his plan. Then, they watched as Koyuki also confessed to Naruto about her feelings for him and that whatever he wants of her, she will do. One Naruto went Na no Kuni and managed to gain an alliance and another confession from the ruler, Haruna. The same happened on Tori no Kuni with the current ruler, Toki. And the more women that grew smitten to the young Uzumaki within the weeks that he stayed in their respective lands, the more shocked everyone looked.

Renji, being a male, grumbled. He's had a lot of women going for him and he's not even in his mid-teens yet! Lucky bastard, he finished.

Sarutobi Hiruzen and Namikaze Minato, for their part, couldn't help feeling proud of the young blond for winning the hearts of the women. He's certainly gained the Namikaze charm. : 3

Naruto is now working on a new seal when he suddenly sensed something. Hey, Kyuubi, what are the chances of someone having even a sliver of your chakra?

It's very high, brat. My chakra is very potent in life-and-death situations that it would try to remain alive. As such, it would be in your best interest to find the source before someone else does. Its direction is towards the Valley of the End.

I see. I'll go ahead.

Bone Forest

Naruto stared in awe at the large field of bone as far as the eye can see. Behind him, one clone carried the body of a comatose redhead. So the source leads here, where I fought that bone guy. Chances are, when I accessed your chakra, Kyuubi, the excess chakra immediately went to the other host available. So, this means that he is still alive but, just like Tayuya-san, is in a comatose.

He looked around and saw the fallen form of the Kaguya and slowly removed him from the bone protrusion. He carried both coma patients to Uzushio and put the tested-and-proven recovery seals on them to stabilize their condition. So, the weird spider guy died from Jyuuken strikes, the fat guy died of a powerful impact to the heart, and I don't know what happened to the other guy. I will have to hope that they stay in their coma until I can find hard proof that Orochimaru used them.

First, you will have to get stronger. You can't barge into Orochimaru's bases, abandoned or not, and say, 'Hey, I want to get some dirt about Orochimaru so don't mind me.' Yeah. That'll go well. I suggest you go to these villages in exact order. Go to Sunagakure first, and then go to Kumogakure.

Why should I go to the village that kidnapped Kaa-chan and Hinata?

Tch, I know more about those attempts than anyone else does. The Sandaime Raikage has grown desperate from the repetitive attempts of their Bijuu to escape their host, so he wanted the blood of the clan that can properly contain and hold a Bijuu, an Uzumaki. And of course, it was foiled by your father. And from your mother's memories about when your father explained his encounter with the Yondaime Raikage, I can tell that the Raikage is someone who believes in his own strength and doesn't depend on outside sources of strength, like Uzumaki blood. Most likely, some Kumo ninjas didn't share that point of view and attempted to use the alliance between Konoha and Kumo to kidnap a Hyuuga Main branch member to strengthen Kumo from behind the scenes, like Shimura Danzo. Besides, Kumo will be the only village that can provide the proper resources in controlling my chakra.

Fine, I'll go. If worse comes to worse, I'll release you.

It's a deal.

Sunagakure no Sato

Naruto approached the gate to Suna and was stopped by two jonin.

The bigger one said, "Halt, give your identification and reason for visit."

He was about to answer when a swirl of sand surprised the three. When it subsided, it showed an auburn-haired person who is shorter than most average teens his age and has green, pupil-less eyes with dark rings around it. On his forehead was the kanji for love and on his back was a large gourd. His attire consisted of the white robe of a Kage. "There's no need for alarm, Jiro," he said, "I know who this person is."

Jiro nodded. "I understand, Kazekage-sama."

Naruto's eyes widened as he and Gaara walked towards the Kage tower. "Oh, you're a Kazekage, Gaara! That's so great!"

Gaara replied, "While I appreciate the congratulations, I know that you have something more important to tell me."

"Yes. Do you think we can get to your office quicker?" On cue, Gaara summoned a swirl of sand and transported the duo towards their office. The Kazekage sat behind his desk and offered Naruto a seat, which he took.

"I have received a few letters from different villages," he started, "saying that you've been banished and that I should not do anything to Konoha and instead form an alliance with Uzushiogakure no Sato. So I suggest you start explaining."

Naruto sighed and explained what happened since his arrival to Uzushio, including his desire to train in Suna. Once finished, Gaara said, "Normally, our treaty with Konoha requires me to return any infiltrating Konoha-nin trespassing Suna borders to Konoha. But then again, I do not see any Konoha-nin, do you, Naruto?"

Grinning, the blond replied, "Thanks, Gaara. Would it be too much to ask if I can have a Fuuton teacher? I want to be stronger for when Konoha sends her ninjas after me."

"In the name of our friendship, I will accept your requests for an alliance with Uzushio and a Fuuton teacher. But as I am Kazekage, any future favors you need must be repaid in a way that is beneficial to Sunagakure as a whole."

"Thank you so much, Gaara. You will not regret this decision."

"I know that I will not, Naruto…I know that I will not."

There we go! Another new chapter is done!

I will be giving brief descriptions about Naruto's encounters with some women along the way because it would take too long to get done. So I'll be breezing through most of them. I added the Nami no Kuni as a starter and the Takigakure scene as a required element in the meeting between Naruto and Fu.

Thank you.