Page 26
Life was such a mysterious thing: you can make plans for tomorrow, even go into great measures to ensure that your plans for the day ahead come into fruition, but when the forces of nature didn't want any of those plans to come to reality, no matter what you attempt to do, nothing will ever workout - well that is what most people believed anyway. Gaara didn't believe there was such a thing as fate, but he believed that one could make his own destiny. Of course, there are always forces that will always try to stand in the way.
But nothing ever beats determination and the unwavering will to succeed through it all.
The beginning of a journey can be easy, and it marked by many things. Only those who have enduring patience and unwavering faith and hope only make it through. The Fifth Kazekage hadn't master-minded his own rise to leadership, but there circumstances which he found himself in pushed him into this seat. He knew for certain that even though the Council of Sunagakure had put him as Kazekage, it was only because of his power.
Certainly, if they wanted someone matured and experienced in terms of leadership, they could have as well chosen Baki - he was experienced and commanded respect from other Jonins, he had also worked well with the previous Kazekage, he had been the fit candidate to be Kazekage, yet they chose him, an inexperience shinobi who was feared by most of the villagers, and a child no less.
They used him, but didn't actually think that he would do so well as Kazekage; they didn't think that a mere child like him would lead this Hidden Village in such a manner as he'd been. They'd thought putting him in power was a way to silence him and keep him from destroying the village, but he'd gone beyond their expectations. Though some still feared him, he was loved by many and many showed him so much respect he thought he didn't deserve.
He's been a Kage for some time now, and after everything he'd been doing, steering Sunagakure into the right path, patching the broken relationships between his village and Konohagakure as well as the Daimyo. He, Subaku no Gaara, the youngest Kage in the history of the shinobi world had succeeded in doing all that.
But his journey had yet to begin - all that had been just the foundation. Right now, he could see where Sunagakure was going, he could see where he was going, he could see the future, and it looked pleasant. Not long ago, he had no future, everything was blurry, and his life scrappy, miserable even, but now he had something, he was something, and that made him feel at ease.
Gaara turned away from the window - he had been looking outside through the window inside his office in the Kazekage tower. He turned back to his seat as his sister entered his office, without a word, he motioned for her to sit down so that they could talk.
After taking his seat, Gaara initiated the conversation, ''Temari,'' he started, keeping that blank look on his face, ''are you ''seeing'' anyone?''
Temari simply have her brother a stare.
Gaara stared back.
Silence reigned after Temari realized that her brother hadn't been possessed by a demon to make a joke, and that he was actually serious. Her dearest brother, who has never, not even once, or even attempted to ask anything about her personal, and she might even add that he doesn't even have a personal life of his own, had just asked her if she was dating anyone. This was coming from the impassive Subaku no Gaara, the man who couldn't laugh.
It was just unbelievable that her brother would ask such a question. Temari quickly realized that he wouldn't have asked her unless he had something in his mind. It would freak her out; even give her nightmares if her brother suddenly chose to become interested in her personal affairs. She knew well enough that any guy who came close to her would be investigated thoroughly to insure that he didn't have any evil intensions, and if he had, the conclusion was obvious:
Subaku Soso.
In a more plain way of saying it; a quick painless death. It often amused Temari just how protecting her brother was. He would certainly threaten any man with death if they ever hurt her, or even come close to doing it. It was good that she focused on her work than looking for man to fool around with. Temari snorted when she realized that she would never even get that chance as anyone would be scared away by the imposing stare of her impassive brother.
''What brings this up?'' Her arms were now folded across her chest, face stern. She gave him the kind of look that dared him to say something stupid unless he wanted to get his head banged up by the cold steel of her fan.
Gaara wasn't the least intimidated by the stare, his own expression never even changed, ''answer my question, Temari,'' he said. It wasn't like it was her brother asking her, but the Kazekage, of course that still didn't change anything to Temari.
''No,'' the blonde answered. She was fairly certain that he wasn't going to back down from until he got an answer, and trying to talk him out was no different than praying to the dead gods for Naruto to forget one of the promises he made.
''What of Shikamaru? I thought there was something there...''
Temari took her time before responding, and Gaara didn't rush - he just kept staring right into her eyes, unblinking. ''Why are you asking, Gaara?'' If he was going to be that way, then she could be like that. She was just as stubborn as he was. She was willing to allow the battle of his sand and her fan to play out before she could give in, figuratively, of course.
Gaara didn't take a second to respond to her question: ''I want you to do something, but of course, you'd have to agree to it before you do it. If not, then we can look at other options.''
''What?'' Tamari's voice was dangerously low as she was getting a sense of where her brother was taking this kind of conversation.
''I want you to marry Naruto-''
''What?!'' Temari was now on her feet, hands pressed firmly against the Kazekage's desk, upper body leaned forward a bit to get a closer at the man she called a brother. It was outrageous for him to even suggest such a thing, what did he think of her?
Gaara just continued like his sister wasn't giving him a death glare and was very close to attempting to tear him to pieces. ''- politically of course. You will be under no obligation whatsoever to be a real wife to him, or even touch him. Though political marriages to carry backlashes when broken off, we will create a loop in the contract that will allow your marriage to be called off after a period of time, on mutual agreement from both parties,'' that would only happen if she doesn't fall in love with Naruto before that time.
''You think your reasoning makes it okay, what if I am in relationship?''
Gaara stared at his sister blankly for a few moments before he responded. ''That is precisely why I asked you if you were seeing anyone. While I understand that something like that won't be easy, I'm still not forcing you to do anything. Like I said, the marriage will only be on paper.''
''Does Naruto know anything about it?'' She hoped he could say yes, just so she could have a good reason to explode right on his face. But his response disappointed her greatly. To some extent, it knocked off some of her energy and she slumped back to her chair.
''No,'' Gaara said with a shake of his head. ''Naruto knows nothing about it.''
''This isn't the first time you're proposing I marry Naruto. Last time Naruto managed to deal with that wretched scumbag. What is your reason this time brother?'' She gave Gaara a look that clearly told him that his answer better be good or he would face her wrath.
''Naruto is going to rebuild Uzushigakure. He may be powerful and his position as the president of the UN may give him some political power, but the UN is still an infant. It could crumble tomorrow, and it hasn't achieved anything. It will take time for most of the shinobi world and even other nations to recognize the UN. Right now, it has started smoothly because Naruto knows most of the leaders in a personal level.
If Naruto is going to be successful in rebuilding Uzu, if he is going to attract people into Uzu and affirm his standing, he needs to be connected. A friendship is seen as a fickle thing in the shinobi world, it is easily broken.
But if we connect you, a sister to the Kazekage, daughter of the previous Kazekage, we will give him more field to work. This will further the relationship between Uzu, Naruto, the UN and Suna. A marriage will expel any doubts people may have about our relationship.''
Temari absorbed it all silently. ''While this represents a good chance to strengthen our bond with Naruto, it will loosen our ties with Konoha. We're Naruto's main supporters, and Konoha will not support his choice to rebuild his ancestral home.''
''I understand that fully,'' Gaara said. ''But this is also works well for us too. There are still many doubters, but if we strengthen our relationship with Naruto, we ally ourselves with a powerful man. Naruto's friends will become out friends. Though I am not proud to say this, we're the ones who'll be taking advantage of him: Naruto will get in a good word for us to other nations, and we will get more allies, which will greatly strengthen Sunagakure.
Naruto has already organized a meeting with Princess Koyuki which I will try to acquire her advanced technology, amongst other resources the Snow has.'' Gaara paused for a moment before adding one last detail. ''If things go well, Naruto and I will create a technological company, which will hopefully become the largest in the Shinobi world.''
That would drive more infrastructural growth within Suna, and Uzu. It would increase their exports and bring more flow of money into the village, when they sell their products. It looked as though he was blackmailing his sister, but Gaara wasn't, he just wanted her to know all his reasons, and he knew that Naruto could be trusted with his sister. If anything, he would rather have her live forever with the blond in Uzu than pursuing a relationship with Shikamaru.
''You're still going to tell Naruto everything,'' Temari stated. There was no doubt her brother wouldn't withhold any of the information he'd just told her from Naruto. He was an honest person after all. ''You know, I'd always known I'd be used as a political tool for marriage since I am the only daughter of our father, and now the only sister to the current Kazekage.''
''You're not a tool, Temari, not to me, and don't see yourself as such. This is just a phase that will pass. You also have a choice to say no, and even if you say yes, you will still maintain your free will; you will still do what you wish. I've already told you haven't I? You will not be required to make this an actual marriage.''
Temari didn't give a response, she merely stood up, ''I'm going to get some air,'' she said. Gaara didn't object, he allowed her to leave without saying another word to her.
Hideout
In all his life, Sasuke had never felt so excited than this: today he was going to see his traitorous brother and finally get his revenge. He would be able to kill Itachi and focus on other things. The thought of killing his brother brought forth a dark chuckle from the back of his mind.
Juubi had been faithful to his word, he had his weird subordinate lead him to this hideout his brother used, he was told this was the place Itachi even trained Naruto. Of course the thought pressed all the red buttons within his mind. But he hadn't fully believed it, not until his traitorous brother said so with his own mouth, then he would fully believe it.
Sasuke finally jumped down into a clearing, appearing at the back of the hideout where the training ground was stationed. He immediately stopped when he saw his brother sitting in the middle of the training ground in a meditative position. It was as if he had been expecting him to arrive.
As if reading Sasuke's mind, Itachi spoke, ''Hello, Sasuke-kun, I have been waiting for you,'' he'd only known because Shi had told him of the development. If it hadn't been for him, Sasuke would've probably found him lying in bed.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes slightly before offering a casual response, ''it seems so...'' he said.
Itachi smiled at his foolish brother, ''you've been chasing after me for a long time and I kept running away from you, but now I won't run away. So if you want answers before we fight, sit down.''
Earth Country
It wasn't often that Naruto felt so much excitement at the chance of playing politics and trouncing within hostile territory. But today was a little different. He couldn't help but smile at the thought of playing the role of a leader in Iwagakure.
The UN's general assembly had only been a few days ago and he was already working on other matters. He wanted to solve the mess with Iwagakure and even when he knew that he would most likely not get anything from Onoki than a demand for his humiliating death, he was still going to visit the man on a diplomatic mission. He wasn't in the village to fool around - he was here as President of the UN, and a delegate of Amegakure.
So even though the village had put a bounty on his head, they couldn't do anything to him on this visit without sparking an international incident. He was here on diplomatic terms, and that gave him immunity of any ''crime'' or persecution on this land.
Naruto was currently on a path towards the Village hidden in rocks. His current road was a land filled with nothing but small hills, and an uneven ground. Flanking both his sides were two men, his guards for this mission. Normally, he wouldn't accept guards to accompany him anywhere as he normally teleported, but since the matter was unique, guards were deployed for his protection.
Appearing without guards while on a diplomatic mission would've only infuriated Iwagakure to do something stupid. While he may have been tempted to do so, for his own safety he decided against it as he would only give himself more problems should they do something idiotic because of his daring appearance.
He was a little surprised that Onoki would accept his request to have a meeting and discuss the problem that faced the Tsuchikage's nation and him. He didn't dare think that the man would have accepted his call just to invite him into the lion's den. He hadn't specifically requested for the meeting to be held within the walls of Iwagakure, but Onoki had requested as such and he didn't object.
This gave him a chance to have a look at this Great Nation - there was no mistake that Iwagakure was a great nation and Naruto didn't fool himself to think otherwise. Iwagakure had as much history as other great nations and, one thing he'd found about this village was that its kages always lived long lives compared to the kages of other Hidden villages.
''Konan-sama gave me this final instruction: 'don't behave like a child in front of the Tsuchikage, and be safe,'' the guard on his right said as the gates of Iwagakure came into view.
One of the guards that were with him was from Amegakure since this matter dealt with the village and Iwagakure. He was here standing in the name of Uzu Amegakure and the UN, not the UNA. If he had been here for the latter, then he would have been forced to asked 'permission' from the UNA's Executive committee, which would have been bothersome since all leaders would have to be gathered. The easy way to do that was to bypass that by going through the disciplinary committee.
Naruto had played it the 'smart' way by transferring all members of the UN to the UNA. The only members of the UN were now only Amegakure, Sunagakure, Kirigakure, and the soon to be rebuilt Uzushiogakure. These villages would be the core members of the UN, and ensure that the UN kept financed. Each member of the aforementioned villages was a member of the UN's NEC after all.
Even when the membership of other villages was transferred to the UNA, it didn't mean that they were no longer affiliated with the UN - they were affiliated with it and that is what bound the UN to work within their borders, and an overseer of the UNA.
''I will behave,'' though, I am a little excited than I should be, he finished in thought. Honestly, he should be worried about the matter rather than be happy about it. Onoki was probably going to tell him that he would keep hunting him until his head drop down the ground with eyes turned upside down.
He understood that Konan was worried since the results of the meeting would affect her village greatly, but she trusted him enough to allow him to negotiate on her behalf. It wasn't that things were 'great' between Amegakure and Iwagakure, no it was far from that. In simple words, it can be said that the relationship between the two villages was hostile, and didn't look to cool down any time soon unless some intervention colored both sides.
''Kurotsuchi was very infuriated with me, though,'' Naruto added in thought. ''She will no doubt want to be involved and will offer me nothing but hostility and curses,'' yet that didn't faze him, in fact he couldn't wait for it.
Perhaps he felt that he deserved it after what he did. He wouldn't be happy if his own men were killed on his watch. But he would understand that it was a battle and wouldn't waste his energy seeking something destructive as revenge - there was more to life than revenge and a thirst for blood.
''Let us just hope that we will not have a ''cat fight'' once that talks begin,'' the man on the other side said. Though he wouldn't say it aloud, it would be interesting to see - the cat fight. The reason it wouldn't be good was that it would only complicate things further.
''I doubt things will reach that point,'' Naruto said. ''Though Onoki is very stubborn, he isn't stupid by any means, and neither is Kurotsuchi: they are going to play this smart. Though, I don't think Kurotsuchi will be afraid to slap me if I say something she doesn't like.''
Regardless of how things looked, even if she slapped him, he wouldn't do anything or even assault her. Assaulting her would only paint a bad image of him, and since he had become used to the role of President of the UN, and soon to be Leader of Uzushigakure, and as a peace loving person, he wanted to stay away from violence. That didn't mean that he would stay away from training or even spars.
It was contradicting: he wanted to stay away from violence, but yet would continue to sharpen his knives. The contradiction was something that Naruto would have to live with because in this world, he would have to fight. There were many battles that lay ahead to be thinking of putting down weapons.
''It wouldn't be a surprise,'' the man on the right said. ''If you hit back, others will get involved and an ''accident" may likely occur. If that happens, we will have a major scandal that will only make unwanted tensions.''
Iwagakure knew that Naruto was only coming to them because Amegakure didn't want a war and he didn't want to die so soon. Knowing of his ideals as well, they would take advantage of it, to try to get what they wanted. But Naruto wasn't going to give in like that. He was expecting the blond to return to Uzu as happy as he is now.
''Let us hope things will take a favorable way,'' Naruto said as comfortable silence reigned.
They had slowed down their pace since they could very well see the gates of their destination clearly. More energy needed to be reserved as they would be travelling back home in a few hours or minutes, unless Naruto decided to teleport. But travelling on foot was better since they got to study the Earth's country geography. Staying here for the day would only be inviting accidents, and they didn't want any of that.
It was important that they leave in one piece, and as peacefully as they came. It was no doubt that a few stones may be thrown at Naruto if he was allowed to take a walk in the streets of the village. It was unlikely that Onoki would allow such a thing as it would only serve to infuriate the villagers, and they were likely to run riot - that was something you didn't want as a leader.
The guard on the right, Ryo, raised a curious brow at the number of Anbu that were patrolling at the gates. They were not travelling stealthily to say that the Anbu patrolling at the outskirts of the village wouldn't have noticed their presence, and their presence in the village was planned, still, he didn't think Onoki would send the whole Calvary to 'welcome' them into the village. The Tsuchikage wasn't present himself.
Aside from the Hidden Anbu, Ryo could see and sense potentially 10 Jonin who were at the gates, aside from the normal gate-keepers. It was almost amusing as it seemed like they were waiting for a dangerous criminal being brought into the village by a squad of S-rank hunter-nins. They were just three, and weren't carrying any weapons with them - not even a kunai or a shuriken pouch.
Despite being 'guards' for this mission, Naruto had them leave their weapons behind. Not even he was carrying a single weapon, he had even temporarily sealed off his storage seal - a seal which contained all his weapons; kunais, shurikens, swords, Hiraishin kunais.
''We are going to discuss a peace treaty between me, Iwagakure and Ame, why should we carry weapons like we are going for war?''
That was the question he had asked them when they questioned the need to leave their weapons. Although this was dangerous to their safety, Naruto had assured them that the path they were going to take was safe, as Shi had drawn up a safe route which had them avoid any camp while travelling towards this village. Even if something had come on, Naruto told them they would have to fight with their bare hands or make a run for it.
Ryo didn't like the idea of running away from the enemy, but he understood that Naruto wasn't exactly saying they should run, he was emphasizing that they were going to fight with their hands if an enemy does come, and the only reason they would be fighting with their bare hands was that they would not be fighting to kill but to subdue the enemy who wants to harm them.
'No killing, unless given the order.' This was one of the rules of the UCC and the UN Police Force. The Police Force's job was not to kill, but to maintain peace and order by arresting those who threatened the peace. There are those dangerous criminals who are beyond repair, those were left for the UCC, and the Covert Corps, could cross that boundary.
Being a member of the Police Force meant that one could run away from the shinobi life. It was possible to live your life in the police force and retire without spilling anyone's blood. This was the kind of force that one wouldn't think twice of sending ones child into joining since they wouldn't be faced with bloodshed. Naruto's goal was to have shinobi reduced, and replaced with Police Force who operated by a code of good ethics and morality.
''Halt!''
Predictably, the guards forced them to halt their movements before they could even set foot in their village despite it being obvious that they were clearly waiting for them to arrive. Ryo nearly rolled his eyes when the guards proceeded to ask them who they were and they wanted, while simultaneously sending murderous glare at Naruto, who was ''oblivious'' to the glares, as he continued smiling a bit carelessly.
Naruto answered the obvious questions with a smile and even went on to tell their names to the guards. Ryo hadn't thought that Naruto would do that since he could've just told them 'it was for their own safety that their names keep hidden.' Reasons didn't need to be given; they would understand the meaning of the words. But the blond carelessly told their names and even went on to produce the required documents, while keeping a smile that was noticeably annoying the guards and the Jonins around them.
Once that was cleared, a full squad of Anbu flashed around them before stepping into the front to face Naruto. ''You're coming with us,'' despite the tone being monotone, it clearly lacked respect amongst other things, and the man wasn't making a request, he was clearly demanding.
Ryo wanted to object such attitude towards Naruto, but the blond silenced him by a right hand waving him off. ''What of these two?'' the Anbu had clearly singled him out, so he was curious of what would be done about his guards.
The Anbu responded in the same monotone voice earlier, ''they will be sent to a hotel and locked until you finish your talks with Tsuchikage-sama,'' the Anbu said. ''Besides, we wouldn't want anything happening to them when they are still within the protection of the Tsuchikage.''
Load of bull...Ryo thought distastefully. They just wanted to keep them from watching over Naruto as well keep them from exploring much of the village. It was no doubt that word would travel soon, but unless someone pointed at them, then even Zombies would be after them. Nevertheless, they were both Anbu-level shinobi, so they would be able to defend themselves while securing an escape route.
''Fine, I will accept this,'' Naruto responded after a few moments of silence. ''Behave you two,'' he said. Both men nodded in affirmative of the 'order:' if Naruto wasn't complaining, they wouldn't complain either.
The Anbu captain then walked closer to Naruto before placing his hand on the blond's shoulder, and they then disappeared. The remaining Anbu, stayed behind to show Naruto's guards the way to the hotel.
Ryo sighed: despite appearances, they had assumed that something of this nature would occur. He just hoped that nothing happened to Naruto while they were confined in the hotel. They could've refused to leave Naruto's side, but Iwagakure was counting on the fact that it was them who actually needed these talks to be a success - they could just continue as they have been without worry.
However, they did understand that things couldn't stay as they were for the long run. The UN will only become stronger as its days add; Naruto will also become powerful by virtue of being of the UN's leader and founder. By then, killing him will only become harder and if they do succeed, they will only be inviting the wrath of his many allies.
Sighing once more: Ryo nodded to his comrade and they allowed themselves to be led towards the hotel.
Tsuchikage Office
Onoki kept a stern face as he waited for Naruto to appear before him and his granddaughter. He didn't want Kurotsuchi to be present, but she had forced her way in the damn 'meeting' because it was her men that Naruto had killed and she had to be here when he spoke as he had to answer to her for his actions. What he did know was that she only wanted revenge for the embarrassment she faced and there was the Yondaime 'thing.'
The thought even made him sigh inwardly: while he held no hatred to Minato for what happened during the Third Shinobi World War, he couldn't let the fact that Naruto killed many of his men over things that didn't concern him and outside of his territory. He had spoken to the Lord of the Rain country about the matter. Using technicalities, he could say they were allowed by Lord of Rain to match over his country.
Naruto wasn't within his bounds to stop his match and thus was the guilty party. Intensions didn't really matter, if they were speaking about technicalities in the matter. He would be facing a major backlash if his army had actually been successful in getting into Amegakure, then those people would surely make some craze demands that he would be forced to follow.
As it stood, he could deny that he was ever intending to invade Amegakure, or he could just say the Rain Lord hired him because he didn't have any control nor a say in the village despite it being located within his country. But that still didn't make things any more favorable than they were now.
In all honesty, he was interested in hearing what the blond had to say. If he was saying that they were planning to invade Amegakure, then he would have to prove it with tangible evidence, not theoretical evidence that hold no power over him. Still, he would rather have the blond die than anything. There pressure from the people was becoming too much for his old mind, and his shoulders were no longer strong as they used to be, to be able to hold off the burdens.
Yet, he refused to retire.
His narrow look turned onto his granddaughter who was likely going to be his successor. She had a rather focused look on her face. Probably sorting out her thoughts, he thought mildly.
Kurotsuchi's body tensed slightly as an Anbu flashed into the room with Naruto. The Anbu didn't say anything than a slight bow before leaving the office. Her gaze became scrutinizing when she noticed just what exactly it was that he was wearing: he was wearing Kage robes, but instead of the traditional white, his were blood-red and a few lines of white. He even dared to have the hat loose at the back of his neck.
''What is the meaning of this?!'' Onoki demanded sternly with a heated glare. It was just outrageous for someone who isn't a Kage to wear those robes - it was an insult to them Kages and he wasn't going to allow blasphemy like this to occur before his very eyes.
''How do you wear Kage robes, Do you even know what wearing those robes mean, where did you even get them anyway?'' Kurotsuchi threw in a few questions, while she gave Naruto the same glare as her grandfather gave the blond.
She felt her stomach twist when Naruto's blue eyes only glowed vibrantly as his lips parted into a 'happy' smile. It was like he was acting ignorant to their glares, like he didn't see them or he had just brushed them aside. The thought made her blood boil at his boldness and she gritted her teeth in frustration. Even she wouldn't smile like that when facing such heated glares.
Naruto's tone was light, a bit careless, but calm, when he responded - he was also checking out the robes, touching them at both asides as he spoke. ''Apparently the leader of Uzushigakure wore this robes; I found them while searching through the ruins. Since each leader of Uzu wore them, I thought why not? Besides, it really feels nice when wearing them.''
He was a complete opposite of what he was back then when he killed off her many men during that battle. This wasn't the cold-hearted man she witnessed run through her men like a machine going through maize during the harvesting season. He had killed her men mercilessly, even though he looked sad during the end of the battle, he had still done the deed.
It was just insulting to her and her fallen men for him to stand up and talk like that as if the world is free and that nothing ever happened. She felt sickened by the sight of his smile and his careless tone. How could he smile while the families of her men were crying at the loss of their loved ones? How could he be like that when she was crying and seething in the inside because of his actions?
If anything, she should be rejoicing, and he should be the one feeling what she was currently feeling. If she could, she would project the images of his gruesome death in her hands and see if he would still be smiling.
Onoki was not the least amused by Naruto's response; it even showed in his tone that he wasn't a happy man. ''You said only leaders of Uzushigakure wear those robes, and until recently, Uzu was nothing but ruins after the invasion that destroyed it during the Second Shinobi world war.''
Naruto nodded. ''Yes, I didn't mistake that,'' he said. His smile grew by a few inches; his eyes became closed, and some embarrassment flashed upon his face while he scratched the back of his head. ''I travelled all the way from Amegakure without taking a rest and I'm really tired - is it okay if I take a seat?''
Onoki was tempted to have the boy remain standing, as he knew it would only please his granddaughter, but he sighed and motioned for the blond to take a seat. ''Why are you wearing those robes?'' The last time he hadn't been specific, and so he figured he didn't get a response he was looking for from Naruto because of it.
Naruto waved his hand dismissively, while managing to make it look like he was careless so that he didn't offend Onoki by a clear dismissal of his question. ''That is a subject for another day, Sandaime-sama,'' he said politely, his smile now thinned. ''How are the two of you doing anyway? And this, if my memory serves me right, is the first time we meet, Sandaime-sama...''
Managing to twist the polite question into an insult, Kurotsuchi sneered before responding in a sarcastic manner. ''We are delightful, couldn't you tell?''
Naruto cocked his head to the right, all while staring at the black haired woman. ''Nah, I couldn't tell,'' he said, despite knowing she was being sarcastic. Of course that did nothing but increase the intensity of Kurotsuchi's glare leveled at him. ''I'm also well, thanks for asking,'' the blond finished, returning his eyes to the Tsuchikage.
Kurotsuchi continued to glare at him at the thought that he was mocking her and adding to her growing frustrations, her glare was doing nothing to unsettle him - he still remained perfectly calm and looked a lot more comfortable than she would like of him. If he could just drop dead to the ground and die, then she would at least relax. She wouldn't be satisfied as nothing but his death in her hands would satisfy her.
''Can we get on to the business of the day?'' Naruto asked quietly.
Onoki nodded, his look still stern, gaze hardened, ''talk,'' he instructed. He was the one who called for this meeting; naturally, he should be the one to have things to say to them. Having his face on their bingo book was their message, and it was clear even to the dim-minded.
''I want you to remove my name from your bingo books,'' Naruto said calmly.
Kurotsuchi laughed, it was nothing more than a bitter laughter. ''Are you retarded? Do you really think we are just going to take off your name and call off all attempts for your capture just like that?'' Her lips twisted into cold smile, ''your name will be removed once I get your head on the palm of my hand.''
Trying to be sensible, Onoki shifted from his granddaughter's way of thinking and asked a question. ''Why should we do that?''
''My name is only there because you're a proud man who can't accept what happened. I don't need to prove that you were trying to invade Amegakure - both of us know that, and because I was successful in repelling your invasion, you have branded me as a criminal? Why simply because I protected my ally and killed some of your men.
If your men had succeeded in reaching Amegakure, Konan would have killed them all, and she would've taken things personally before striking back. Tell me, would you have branded her as a criminal for protecting her people against your wrongs? I don't need to tell you that invading another village unprovoked is wrong.
The deaths of your men are your own fault. Take responsibility - I mean this to both of you. I warned you, Kurotsuchi, but you didn't listen. Do you fault me even after I warned you? Do you fault me even when you know trying to invade Ame was wrong in all sense of the word?''
''You're blaming me for their deaths? Even when you're the one who killed them?'' Kurotsuchi looked shocked by his words, even her eyes were wide in shock.
''That is all according to interpretation,'' Naruto said. ''There are consequences to each choice, Kurotsuchi-san. You made a choice to continue, even after I warned you to return; you made a choice to invade another village. Didn't you ever think that your men would die? Didn't you ever think that Amegakure would defend itself? How naive!
Your grandfather has lived past many wars, and if he can't understand what I am saying, then the wars haven't taught him anything. But considering how far this village has come, I would say he has obtained much wisdom. But it is only his stubbornness, pride and the pressure from the villagers that make him side with you. Correct me if I am wrong, Sandaime-sama...''
The look on Naruto's face and his words really caught the Tsuchikage off-guard. He wasn't expecting such a young fellow to slap the truth into his face like this. The blond wasn't talking politics or anything, just plain truth that wasn't even colored.
There were consequences for every action, and choices. He had ripped his fruits after trying to get into Amegakure forcefully. He understood that in war both sides lose something and that he wouldn't have branded Konan a criminal or even demand for her head because she had protected her own village. He had been wrong to make that move, and this boy was telling it like it was.
He had demanded compensation from Konoha and they were ready to discuss things out as they didn't want a war with his village. They didn't even have the courage to tell him to fuck off. He knew Tsunade wouldn't have paid him anything and would certainly not have given him Naruto, but their response was so different. This one wasn't afraid to tell it like it was.
Onoki burst out laughing after slowing down his flow of thoughts. His laughter zapped his granddaughter out of her frozen trance, and it didn't stop until a couple of minutes passed.
''I thought you were going to come in a much humble way considering the look you had when came here. False security, maybe,'' Onoki said after his outburst.
''I could've,'' Naruto admitted. ''But if I had done that, it wouldn't have solved anything. I don't want incidents like this happening again, and if I don't make both of you realize that you're to blame for the deaths of your men, you would just do it again.
Kurotsuchi has to look at things from my and Amegakure's point of view as well,'' Naruto looked at the woman on his right. ''I respect your love for your village, and I know you'd do anything to remove anything that threatens it. What you fail to understand is that you're not the only one who loves your village; If Konan had matched her army towards Iwa with the intention of invading it, would you have slapped her and told her to return home?''
Kurotsuchi gritted her teeth in anger and bitterness. She knew full well that if it had been her in Naruto's position, she would have killed them all, while enjoying herself in the meantime. She would have done far worse than what he did. The realization only made her angry, not at herself, but it at Naruto. It had to be his fault.
''For a gaki, you're not bad,'' Onoki said mildly. ''Was it all that you wanted?''
Naruto shook his head before responding, ''I am truly sorry for the loss of your men, Kurotsuchi. I know that as a commander, your subordinates care is in your hands, are you failed your task. Again, I am truly sorry.''
Kurotsuchi's whole body heated up as anger begun to reach a new high: just by looking at his eyes, she could see the sadness in him and she could tell that he was truly sorry. But the reality only infuriated her further as it threatened to shatter everything she believed it. She refused to accept his honesty, as well as apology, it changed nothing.
''My actions resulted in some families losing their source of income, and if you allow me, I can insure that those families don't suffer financially because of all our choices,'' Naruto offered.
''We don't need your pity,'' Kurotsuchi retorted.
Naruto merely smiled comfortably in response before offering his verbal response. ''It isn't pity dear,'' he said. ''You're also wrong: I don't wish to do this for you, but for those who lost their loved ones, so there is no you in the picture. Consider this as me taking responsibility my own actions.''
Kurotsuchi interpreted his words as 'I am doing what I can to make up for my actions, what are you doing?' That didn't please her and left a bitter taste in her mouth when realized that she had been so focused on her revenge that she completely forgot about those people.
''I will not give you the chance to clear your conscious,'' she finally said.
Naruto didn't appear downed by her response, in fact, his smile widened. ''As long as you show that you truly care by taking care of them, I won't have problems, and I definitely won't be forced to send money at night just to insure that they are not starved.''
Seeing that Naruto was easily getting under Kurotsuchi's skin, Onoki intervened, ''was that all?'' Naruto nodded. ''While you carry some truth, I refuse. Your name will remain in the bingo book, and since I have now dealt with your first hand, I will even increase your bounty.''
''I see,'' Naruto started. ''I will not lay my life for you to take, and any attempts on my life will be repelled as well as any attempt of invading Amegakure again,'' he then stood up. ''When I chose to wear this robes, I told myself that I wouldn't commit any unnecessary bloodshed. My hands are already bloodied, hence these robes are blood-red, but that is enough. I may end up killing again, but no more will they be masses.
I will no longer protect by killing, but I will protect by other means. There is enough space to lock down those who can't be civil without killing them. As president of the UN, I pardon you this once for your actions. If you do something like that again, I will not kill your men, but I will take them before a disciplinary court. They will be charged and sent to prison. I will have no problems, in dragging both of you before a court of law.''
Onoki narrowed his eyes, ''are you threatening us?''
Naruto shook his head. ''No.'' he said. ''Kurotsuchi, revenge is a disease that will eat you alive until you die. It does nothing but robs you of your happiness and it will make you miserable. Just look at yourself? You've already forgotten some important values about life, you no longer smile as you used to. Ask yourself why.'' He gave her a sad smile. ''I truly hope you will soon understand all that I have said. Perhaps if you do, we may become friends. Ja ne.''
He flashed away in a yellow flash towards the mark on Ryo.
''I'm going home,'' Kurotsuchi spoke through gritted teeth and walked away.
Konoha
''Hime, Naruto isn't coming back anytime soon. He said he was staying behind in Uzu and wishes to rebuild it and make it a home to those who've lost their families and those without homes. He also stated that given his vast responsibilities, Konoha shouldn't expect him any time soon,'' Jiraiya had taken a pause at the next punch line. ''I would rather be surrounded by people who look up to me for protection and for a better life than around ignorant people' those were his last words.''
It has been 6 minutes since Jiraiya said those words, and 7 minutes since Tsunade turned mute. He had expected her usually outburst of 'WHAT' but it didn't come. It was almost as if she was expecting something like this to happen. She had remained deadly silent as though her worst nightmare had come to a reality. Jiraiya hadn't uttered a word or even disturbed her as she kept her unmoving expression. He didn't really want to be in the end of another beat down by the Godaime Hokage.
It was very heart breaking even for him to hear the blond say that he had chosen to rebuild Uzushiogakure. He had thought that Naruto and Konoha had a future, but that future didn't seem to have any hope because if Naruto successfully rebuilds Uzu, he would be tied down within it and wouldn't think of returning to his 'home.' While it was a bitter pill to swallow, Uzu was also his home, and much more of a home than Konoha.
It wasn't his dream for Naruto to leave Konoha - no, he didn't even think that Minato would have wished for Naruto to choose this path. Even so, he wasn't doing anything evil, so he had no doubt Minato would've been proud of his son and would've given him all his support in rebuilding Uzu. But he couldn't be proud as Minato would've been. He was proud of Naruto's founding of the UN, but his new choice didn't please him, and it would certainly not please the council.
The villagers wouldn't be touched by his choice. They seemed happy to know that he was away from them. But Jiraiya still believed that Konoha needed Naruto and Naruto needed Konoha. He could do everything he wanted to in Uzu right here in this village. And given Konoha status, it would only make things easier for him and he would win the support of some people by doing more good work while they watched.
But Naruto had chosen and there was no changing his mind. It was his fault that things had come to this. If he hadn't abandoned Naruto back then, if he had acted like a godfather to Naruto, none of this would be happening. Naruto would've grown to be a loyal shinobi to Konoha and perhaps he would have worked well to change the villagers' opinions about him. His foolish choice to run away had brought upon this situation. When things had looked well between him and Naruto, he'd thought all was okay, but he had been wrong, very wrong.
Tsunade opened the lower left drawer and took out a picture of Naruto - it was taken just after she had returned to the village: he was wearing that large grin and those eyes of his glowing with naive happiness. She saw her family in him, he saw a grandchild, a son even. Jiraiya was her long-time friend, but Naruto had become like her family, something she really wanted. Shizune was there, but no one was quite like that brat.
''Kakashi says he is returning to his former self,'' Tsunade finally said, her eyes were still locked on the frame, and her tone revealed none of her emotions.
Jiraiya actually frowned at her tone, but he wiped it off as he responded to her question. ''Yeh,'' he started calmly. ''He is not quite there yet, but he is getting there,'' he did think it was somewhat of a mask though. But he wasn't going to say it aloud, not when it was mere speculation. Naruto was capable to many things, but he didn't think he would put on that kind of a mask to fool everyone. However, with everything, you could never know.
Tsunade smiled sadly, ''I wish I could see that smile of his once more,'' she said. ''He means so much to me, Jiraiya. Even though I yell at him, I love him. He is the reason I even came back to this godforsaken village. I can't really imagine what it would be like without having him as my soon to be successor.''
Jiraiya could make out that she was hurting, but she was surprisingly keeping it together. Getting hold of her emotions has never been Tsunade's quality, but she was doing it far better than he would have expected of her. To say that he was surprise wouldn't be a great exaggeration. He knew first-hand how much Naruto meant to the woman; this is why he was honest with her about the reality of the situation. It wouldn't do any good if he had withheld any other information from her.
''I still wish that he return one day and live those words one day: I will be Hokage one and become the greatest, surpassing the even Yondaime!'' Tsunade's sad smile deepened when she thought of when she first met him. He was learning the Rasengan, and she hadn't thought that he would master it in such a short time. She'd nearly cried, perhaps may have even shed a few tears when she thought he'd died during his confrontation with Kabuto. She recalled how at ease she was when his heart beat became normal again.
Since he changed his name, most things about Uzumaki Naruto were discarded. Jiraiya was at least thankful that there was no bad blood between Naruto and Konoha. Tsunade may have threatened to arrest him, but he'd told the blond that the Godaime was just worried and nothing of that sort would happen to him, and that he could return any time he wanted. Unfortunately, Naruto turned him down in favor of his new dream.
''Me too,'' Jiraiya said. ''We should visit him some day; perhaps your visit may drill some sense into him and make him reconsider about rebuilding Uzu.'' The Sannin offered with a small smile.
''Perhaps we should...'' Tsunade muttered, losing herself in deep thought, again. ''This time I will beat him hard enough that even the Kyuubi will have a difficult time healing him,'' some anger was starting to surface now in her tone and eyes. Jiraiya was certain she was going to explode any time soon, hence his decision to change the subject.
''What do you think happen if Naruto succeeds in rebuilding Uzu? He has enough power, and allies to make it happen...'' well, that wasn't much for changing the subject - they were still on the same train.
Naruto had Kiri, and the Wind country behind him - they could support him in the rebuilding of the former peaceful village. The blond did not appear to struggle financially, if all the projects his UN seems to be willing to start are to suggest anything. He hadn't asked any of the UNA members to supply any funds for the time being, which meant he had what he needed to begin with all the projects he was intent on starting. Surely, they were going to demand millions and he will eventually dry out. It would be interesting to see if Tsunade would be willing to be help.
He highly doubted it though.
Tsunade shook her head, banishing any wayward thought of Naruto sitting behind a desk within his own office in Uzu, Anbu bowing at him saying 'Namikaze-sama.' She dared not have seconds of those kinds of thoughts. The only village Naruto was going to lead under her watch was Konohagakure no Sato, the village his father died to protect. Besides, the elders wouldn't allow it to be as he wants as they would say the Kyuubi is a property of Konoha.
''That won't happen - I won't allow it,'' Tsunade said firmly, while Jiraiya merely shook his head at her stance. ''What is expected of us anyway? Within the UN I mean. You're part of the disciplinary committee and Shikaku or Shikamaru will be sent to the Judiciary Committee.''
''I don't know for sure, but both Committees are stationed in Uzushigakure. Naruto said since not everyone will be able to be at Uzu all week, we will either be required to meet every weekend or Tuesdays and Thursdays: this is for the disciplinary committee. The Judiciary Committee will have its own schedule, but I think they will only be meeting once a month,'' Jiraiya said. ''Within the UNA, nothing has been set as of yet, we're still going back in December or the 3 of January. It is only then we will know.''
The Fifth Hokage nodded, ''it would've been a lot better if he was here to explain it all himself.''
The Toad Sage wisely decided against commenting on the matter.
Training ground 7
It wasn't even five years ago that Naruto was shouting something, while simultaneously sending Sasuke a not so subtle competitive glare. Naruto was always competing; perhaps it was because the Uchiha always made the blond look bad. But when Naruto became strong, it was Sasuke who was looking up to the blond. Kakashi had known that Naruto's rapid growth would spur in some action from Sasuke. If he was being blunt, and speculative, he could say the only reason Sasuke's desire to leave was strengthened wasn't because of the cursed seal, it was because of his jealousy towards Naruto.
Despite it being a couple of years, it felt like it has been ages since he last saw those two glaring at each other within this training ground, with Sakura in the middle while he simply chose to watch from the side. The memories were slipping away under the tsunami that was threatening rip apart everything he'd tried to build. No, everything was already lost, he had achieved nothing.
He couldn't even look at one of his students and say they are what they are because of his great work. Naruto had become wonderful without him, even the growth that made Sasuke feel threatened wasn't because of his hard work, it was because of Jiraiya. Sasuke had been trained well by Danzo. He may have also seriously trained the Uchiha, but he didn't hold any of his teachings. Sakura had improved rapidly, to the point where he didn't want to be unfortunate enough to be at the receiving end of her punches, and that wasn't because of him, it was all Tsunade's work.
He had failed as a sensei.
Minato-sensei would be disappointed.
At least he could still smile at the fact that Naruto was doing well, despite his own shortcomings. He may have failed, Jiraiya may have failed, but whoever had trained Naruto had done well. The blond was working towards a change in the elemental nations. He had failed Naruto before, and he wouldn't fail him again. Obito's eye was going to be used to protect the blond, and insure his and by extension, Minato's dream comes to life. He would support the blond, to make up for his losses.
What gave him the utmost confidence in believing that Minato would support Naruto's dream was that the dream was to make this shinobi world a better place to live in. He was happy, proud even. Still, since Naruto had decided against returning to Konoha, it was unlikely that he would get much support from the Hokage who was certainly and firmly against the idea of rebuilding Uzu. He had no problems with it, it was after all making a difference in the world.
''Kakashi...'' Gai's rather loud voice uprooted the Jonin from his flow of thoughts - he was sitting down the ground, leaning against a tree trunk, while his precious was on his left hand. In all truth, he wasn't even reading it. ''You look down my friend...''
Kakashi sighed and closed his book. Friend? Yes, Gai was definitely his friend. In fact, he was much more of a friend than anyone. ''What are you doing here, Gai?'' It better not be one of those challenges the man was always looking for. While they did well to uplift his spirits, he really wanted to settle down his thoughts.
''I was looking to challenge to rival once more, but I see that you are in need of a friend,'' Gai then flashed one of his smiles, before leaning against the same tree as his eternal rival.
Kakashi was tempted to roll on the sarcasm by saying: 'what gave that away?' But he swallowed that unnatural thought and looked down as he spoke, ''Naruto isn't going to return to Konoha,'' the Jonin said. Even Sasuke was not returning to the village - he had fled, again. According to Naruto, the Uchiha is on a path to find his brother.
''I see,'' Gai said in thought. He didn't sound the least surprised, a fact Kakashi rightly pointed out.
''You don't sound surprised by this revelation. It is as though you were expecting it,'' the copy-ninja said. He was certain that Tsunade was still keeping it within their little circle, until she could speak to the blond herself. No doubt to try persuading him otherwise.
''You forget my rival; I spent more time with him along with Lee than anyone. He always trained with us each day he was in the village,'' no doubt Lee was going to be saddened, especially with how much fun they used to have while training. The boy was going to miss his training partner, and Naruto was definitely a good influence on Lee. Lee may have been excellent in taijutsu, but he was mediocre at best in other areas. The worrying thing was Genjutsu, and Naruto had been helping his beloved student in the area by the usage of seals.
''Oh...'' another reminder of his failure. If he had been much more of a sensei to Naruto, the blond would've trained with him than Gai. The Taijutsu expect was a better sensei than him - that he couldn't deny. Everyone would agree with that thought.
''Don't be sad about it Kakashi,'' Gai said. ''Naruto's choice to training with us was because Lee and I offered more to learn about Taijutsu.'' Gai paused for a moment. ''I knew that he would one day leave this village to follow his dream.''
''Why?''
Gai smiled before he responded. ''When we look at things, we restrict them to Konoha as our only care. But his view is not through the window of his apartment - he looks at things from above. He shared his dream with us, and I liked it.''
Naruto's dream was bigger than Konoha, Kakashi acknowledged that much. ''It must've taken a lot for him to make the choice to leave a village his parents died protecting,'' but then again, it was the same village that made him suffer because he was Jinchuriki.
''Perhaps,'' Gai said stroking his chin. ''Naruto once told Lee these words: 'Lee, being alive means having the freedom to make a choice. You must always exercise your free will, and you will always feel alive. As a shinobi of Konoha, you have a duty of protecting the village, but if you devote your entire being to that, you stop living. I am no longer a shinobi of Konoha, and if I leave, I may be called a traitor, but that is okay. What matter most isn't what the world thinks of you, but it what you think of yourself and what is in your heart. Even though I am no longer a shinobi of Konoha, I will always fight to protect what my parents died for. Lee, you must always follow your heart and ideals. Do what you feel is right, and you'll never be miserable with your life.''
I don't really have much to say for this chapter, but I truly hope that it was better than some of the previous chapter I've been posting.
I'll try to show more of other characters' pov as the story continues.
Nothing is planned between Naruto and Temari. For now, they can only become good friends.
Another matter that I must say now is that the pairings won't just be Miyuki only, but it will also include Yugito. After her little interaction with Naruto, it wouldn't be fair to leave her dry.
There is a chance that we will have other political marriages, but Naruto's lovers will be those two... The main pairing will remain as I've always said; NarutoXMiyuki. That is not to say Naruto will give Yugito less time.