As always: this fanfic is an original creation of Dragon6 so check him out, Naruto is an original creation of Masashi Kishimoto please support the official release. I only have the rights to the fanfic not Naruto.
Alliances: Chapter 9
The cold winds of winter hit Sakura and Yamato as they followed Genji to his check-up. It was a ways away from the busy village streets. They walked up a path until they saw a two story house. When they were on top, the two saw that the inside was a clinic. Several people sat and waited to be seen. Genji motioned them to enter and they did. Sakura looked over the place and was impressed by how it was designed.
Suddenly, two girls busted through the double doors. Both girls wore matching nurses' outfits. They were carrying two rolling trays. One was carrying small paper bags with tags on it and the other was carrying small bowls of some type of liquid. The two girls coughed to get everyone's attention.
"Ok everybody; it's time to get your stuff. I, Nagumo Aoi, am giving out prescriptions…" said the pink haired, red eyed girl
"…And I, Nagumo Rei, will be giving you your medicine." The blue haired, green eyed girl said. "Please line up and get your medicine." Some people got up and walked over to the two. Sakura followed and looked at the two nine-years-olds. Rei caught Sakura observing them.
"Excuse me, are you here for the medicine?" she asked
"Oh no, I'm just observing your medicine. By the smell of that potion, it eases chest congestion and harsh coughing, right?" Sakura asked. Both girls were surprised by that.
"You sure know your potions lady. Are you a medic?" asked Aoi
"Yes she is. In fact, she's a very famous medic. She was trained by one of the Sannin." A voice said. They turned to see a brown haired man with red eyes. He wore a medic's uniform but it looked more casual. He stood beside Genji and Yamato. The girls cheered and ran to Genji.
"Genji-otooji!" they cheered. Genji lifted the two in air. Sakura smiled at the three but turned to the doctor of the clinic.
"Hello, I'm…"
"Haruno Sakura, Konoha no Chiyu Burossamu, I know who you are." He said. He stuck his hand out and Sakura grasped it. "My name is Nagumo Benjiro. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"As I am you, has Genji-sama explained everything to you?" she asked
"He didn't go into much detail. However, I have other duties at this time including Genji-sensei's check up."
"Oh, then I should come at another time?"
"How about you show your skills?"
"Excuse me?"
"I would like to witness your skills. It isn't a test, if that is what you're thinking. You came all this way and it would be rude if I just said you away so how about you help out. It would only be for two more hours before I close." Benjiro explained.
"I suppose I can do that." Sakura said
"Great, it will be a pleasure to see you in action." Benjiro said. He led her to a desk. Sakura took a seat as Benjiro led Genji to the back for his check up. Sakura looked at the waiting people and sighed. She called up the next person.
"Listen, I said that I would paid you triple to get me take me to Mizu no Kuni." A very annoyed Shion grumbled
"And I told you that I won't do it. I'm not going to get myself killed." The boatman said. Shion frowned at the man. She had made good time in making it to the docks but that is where her problems began. No matter what she offered, no sailor would take her to Mizu no Kuni. This man would be the fifth person she had asked.
"Why won't or any sailor take me to that country?" she asked
"If you haven't noticed, there is a war going on. Just yesterday, I heard that Iwa began to march to the Suna border again." He explained. Shion cursed her bull headed brother and father. She also cursed those advisors for not keeping them in check. She turned her attention back to the sailor. "Also we are under the rule of Otogakure no Sato, an enemy of Konohagakure and Sunagakure who happens to be allies with Kirigakure. They will be watching for our boats and ships unless someone has a passport stamped by Kirigakure. Not to mention the sea monster… sorry lady but I ain't taking you any where near Mizu no Kuni. I would like to live to see old age." Shion huffed and stalked off. She did not realize a shadow that hid within the shadow of shack. She watched as Shion walked away.
'So, Maguna Shion is looking for a way into Mizu no Kuni? Funny, she isn't a premiere assassin so what does she want with Naruto? And what did that sailor mean about sea monster? Could it be the Sanbi? So many questions, so little answers but a lead is a lead.' Ibuki meddled back into the shadows and went to get her partner. Honestly, why couldn't he keep it in his pants?
The sun began to set as Sakura help close up the clinic. She was very tired but satisfied. It felt very good to help these people and it reminded her of her year long training mission. She would give everyone check-ups and free treatment in whatever village she was in. As she helped Rei lock up, she was confronted by Benjiro.
"I have to say that the rumors don't do you justice." He said
"Thank you but tell me the truth. This was a test, wasn't it?" she asked. Benjiro chuckled nervously while Rei giggled. He face turned a little serious.
"I just had to know. The skill of medicine is the skill of saving lives. You also have to be true of heart and spirit to do what we do. People like Soujin, corrupt what we do when we use our skills for personal wealth and gain."
"I could not agree more. So I take it that you would help?"
"I didn't say that but I am intrigued in what your plan is. Shall we discuss more about this upstairs?" he asked. Sakura nodded and he led to the living room where Yamato and Genji were.
Sakura walked away from the house in high spirits with Genji and Yamato. Benjiro had agreed with her plan and agreed to help. She had learned quite a bit about the glasses wearing man. Before he was a medic, he was a Chuunin among the Kiri army. He was quite adapted with a sword by what Genji had said. It was when he lost the life of a close friend that he decided to save lives instead of take them. He learned what Kiri had to offer in the terms of medicine but he felt that they did have enough. So he set out on a three year learning expedition. When he returned, he joined the hospital. That was where his story ended. She felt there was more to his story but he had stopped talking. Despite that, she was happy and nothing could ruin this mood of hers. Suddenly, Kagura appeared in front of the group.
"Is there something wrong Kagura?" asked Genji
"No," she said. She turned to Sakura. "The Mizukage would like to talk to you."
"Right now?" she asked
"Right now!" Sakura nodded and walked over to Kagura. The two disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Naruto was sitting behind his working when Kagura appeared. He looked to see that she was with Sakura.
"Thank you Kagura, you may leave." He stated. Kagura gave him a tiny glare before bowing and leaving his office. Naruto stood and walked to the front of his desk. He folded his arms and looked at her. Sakura did not like the look he was giving her. There was a tense silence between the two. Neither one of them broke eye contact from the other. Naruto sighed breaking the silence.
"I summoned you to ask what you are doing to improve the medics." Naruto asked
"I am actually going to announce my plan of action tomorrow to the entire staff." Sakura explained
"So, you have had your plan of action all ready but you haven't put it in action as of yet. What's the hold up?"
"I'm sorry for the delays but there were certain elements of my plan that were not there that I had to get in order for it to work."
"Now that you have these elements, your plan of action will work?" he asked
"Yes, I will still need you to agree to some things but I am certain that before the end of the year, you will have a very competent medical staff." She said
"That's good to here. I guess the old hag had made a good choice after all."
"So you do not trust me? You thought that I would sabotage this opportunity of an alliance?"
"In my honesty opinion, yes, I do think that. Just because we were teammates for a time doesn't mean I forgot that you were one of many who agreed with my banishment." Sakura flinched at that but did not say anything. "In fact, I want to know why you're really here. Tsunade failed to tell me that or she eluded to tell me. I do know that the council was not happy about it so it leads me to believe that you are one of their supporters."
"I do not deny that I was on the council's side for a time," she admitted
"So why are you here?" he asked.
"I'm here because Konoha is in a time of help. We are no longer the strongest and we need everyone to do there part. I am just doing that." Naruto looked at her with a critical eye. He sighed and stood up. He walked pass Sakura and headed to the door. He stopped as he reached the door.
"Know this Haruno; you can forget any chance of things ever going back to the way they were. You and Kakashi are nothing more than a memory. The sooner that you and him are gone the better it with make me feel. Jubei," he called out. The swordsman appeared from thin air. "See that Haruno-san get home safely."
"Yes Mizukage-sama." He said. Naruto left his office. Sakura stood there, stunned by Naruto's harsh words. Those words had hurt her more than any rejection she may have gotten. She thought back to how she had thrown away her friendship of Ino on a whim. Sure they were friends again but this was a bit different. She knew that there would be no fixing this.
"Haruno-san, it is getting late." Jubei sad
"Yes, sorry for delaying you." She said and followed the swordsman.
Shion sat in the bar that was in her hotel. She grumbled about the delay in her plans to meet the Yondaime Mizukage. She cursed these cowards for their spinelessness. She sighed and attempted to think of a way to get to Kirigakure. She felt someone sit across from her and it made her even more frustrated.
"Listen, I don't what you think but get lost. Trust me, I'm not a easy lay." She growled
"That's quite all right. I prefer males anyway." Shion turned to see a woman. She was wearing a black cloak with red clouds.
"Well, a member of the Akatsuki. To what do I owe this visit?" She asked
"It seems to me that we have somewhat similar goals."
"Is that so? I highly doubt that."
"Perhaps but I think we can help each other." Shion snorted at the suggestion.
"Sorry but no thanks." She said and stood up. As she walked away, the woman spoke.
"The winter season is upon Mizu no Kuni. At this time, you will not get into Kirigakure for at least three months. Not to mention that Nami no Kuni is guarded by Kirigakure's elite assassination squad. I doubt that your impressive skill in stealth will help you in heavy snow." Shion stopped and looked at the woman.
"Ok, you have my interest. However, I will like to know who I'm working with."
"Fair enough, I am Ajibana Ibuki and I believe that we need to be in more private settings." She said
The next day, Naruto sat along with the elders as Sakura stood face to face with the entire hospital staff. Soujin and Ayako were also present. Sakura looked at every one of the people that she would be working with. She gave a friendly smile and began.
"As you know, I was brought here to help in improving your medic program. After observing you for two days, several things will be changed to keep this medic program running much smooth and efficient. The first thing that we will do is form heads of staff." Sakura said. Soujin eyes went wide at this.
"Heads of staff, could you explain that?" asked one doctor.
"Of course, I learned that all the power is all under Soujin-san. I feel that it is very inefficient. So, there will be eight doctors, including myself and Soujin-san, that will run the hospital." She explained.
"Now hold on for a minute," Soujin spoke
"Be silent Soujin." Naruto said. "Continue Haruno-san."
"Thank you Mizukage-dono. As I was saying, the role of the heads of staff will be finances, hospital policy and all around hospital things. As members, it will be mandatory to have meetings to discuss these things." Some of the crowd was nodding at such ideas. Sakura coughed to get back their attention. "Back on track, I will be forming a combat medic squad. Those who have had ninja training and have had medical training will be separated from the rest of the staff and would be placed in a special group that will train under me. Also, with the Mizukage's permission, I would like to select a ninja who will be running a medical academy. Are there any questions?"
"Who will you be choosing to run this academy?"
"You can come out now." She said and looked to her right. Benjiro stepped out from the back. Some were surprised that Benjiro was selected. No more than Soujin.
"I object to this. This is completely unnecessary." He shouted
"Can you explain yourself Soujin?" Saito asked
"The hospital does not need changing."
"Haruno-san thinks differently." Tazuna said
"She is an outsider and has no knowledge how we run things here."
"She is also one of the most important medics in the lands. Her name is well respected as well as feared." Rugen added
"Mizukage-sama," Soujin pleaded
"Soujin, the fact is that our medics are not that good. No offense to any one here. Tsunade is one of the world greatest medics and Haruno-san is one of her students. I say we give her way a shot." Naruto said. Soujin growled and glared at everyone there. He stalked off and left the meeting. After a few minutes, Naruto and the elders stood.
"I expect only the best from this." Naruto told her
"I shall not disappoint you Mizukage-dono." Sakura said. He and the elders took their leave. Sakura turned back to the crowd.
"So, is there anything else?"
It was mid-afternoon when Pein and the other members of the Akatsuki were summoned by Ibuki. She did it by the ring on her finger. So now, in a dark cave all nine members met. They were not physically there but their projection was.
"Ibuki, why have you summoned us? Have you found the location of the Sanbi?" Pein asked
"I am not sure but I may know where he is located." She said
"Explain."
"There are sighting of a sea monster near a place called the Uzu ocean fields. From the information that I have received, it is a cross between a turtle and a dragon."
"That could be him. The Kyuubi container must have moved him to where he can keep an eye of him." Said Konan
"Smart boy, the Uzu Ocean fields are one of the most un-navigable places in all of Mizu no Kuni. Some say that place is cursed. Not even our most powerful water manipulators could control the massive whirlpools that's there." Kisame is there
"There is something else. At the current time we can not get the Sanbi." Ibuki said
"Why not?" Pein asked coldly
"It is now the winter season here. Getting to the Uzu ocean fields will be difficult without been seen."
"She's right leader." Kisame added.
"There is some good news. We have a diversion when we make our move. We have the Iwa no Niseakashia to thank." Ibuki said
"Very well, Ibuki, Genma, return so we can seal up the Nibi."
"Hai!" the two said. Everyone faded from view. Pein opened his eyes and looked out to the city. His thoughts were on what was said in that cave. Oh he knew about the Uzu ocean fields. That place was where he was under the orders of Madara. That order you the elimination of the people of Uzu no Kuni. The massive whirlpools would not be a problem for him since he stopped them before. However that was not what bothered him. It was who he had faced when he was there. He was the leader of the people there. He was an impressive ninja who had forced him to use two of his bodies. The man had an amazing ability with using water and wind. The man's name would forever be in his mind because he gave him a worthy fight.
'Uzumaki Hiroyuki, I hope that you grandson will be as challenging as you.'
Glossary
Uzu no Kuni – Land of the Whirlpool
Character Corner
Name: Ajibana Ibuki
Age: 29
Hair: Green
Eyes: Cobalt
Height: 5 feet, 6 inches
Weight: 125 lbs
Rank: Jonin
Affiliation: Yukigakure no Sato, missing-nin
Skills: Hunter-nin, swordswoman
History: Ibuki was once a member of Yukigakure's Hunter-nin squad. She was one the village's best. When Doto was defeat and imprisoned, Ibuki blamed it on Kazahana Koyuki. She hatched a plan to gain her trust so she would get close enough to kill her. Her plans were delayed however by the arrival of Naruto and Momochi Shin. Apparently, something happened between Shin and Ibuki, romantic or not is unknown. For her service she was presented with two swords, Saihyousen (Ice Breaker) and Herufaia (Hell Fire). Sadly, she turned on Koyuki but was stopped by Shin and Naruto. She fled Yuki no Kuni and later joined up with the Akatsuki.
Ibuki's skills lay with her swordsmanship. The Saihyousen and Herufaia wield the elements of fire and ice making Ibuki very dangerous.