1995hzq: Glad that you liked the battle and the council is dealt with for now. I agree about your opinion on the civilian council. I really don't like the civilian council.

PinkiePieParty122894: Happy that you liked the chapter and hope that this one impresses as well.

DxGRAYxMAN: I wanted to give Minato a big moment because I felt like I was making it seem like the kage meant nothing. There will be more Minato badass though so this isn't the end for him and his relationship with Naruto will get stronger especially through training seeing as Naruto hasn't mastered the hiraishin yet.

Zero fullbuster: Thanks and I'm glad that you like it.

777torn777: I felt like I was doing a disservice to the kage so I felt the need to show that the kage are still strong and I really like Minato. I haven't really thought about Orochimaru going sage mode but I could see it happening so it might make an appearance. Kakashi will start to get better and has a kind of large part in the future that will kind of reaffirm his strength.

Animaman: I will go further into what went so wrong in the family both from the parents and Menma and Narumi's perspective in flashbacks. I will also go further into Naruto's training and year with Sera. It took about a month for Minato and Kushina to realize that Naruto had left and it did open their eyes to see what Menma and Narumi were becoming along with Jiraiya's prophecy obsession. I could definitely see Shizune thinking back to moments when she could have helped Naruto but felt it wasn't her place. I'm glad that you like what's happening with Minato and Jiraiya at this point is starting to see the world as it is but is still in the mindset of the twins are confused but his antagonism towards Naruto is starting to simmer down. Whether it returns or whether he lives or dies will be revealed in the story later on.

Guest: When I first started this fanfic, I intended it to be a neglect fic where Naruto really didn't have anyone which is why Jiraiya was and is the way that he is. Obviously the whole neglect thing didn't really work out so I'm slowly bringing Jiraiya back into the mix but he never really had a connection with Naruto in this story and his world started to revolve around Menma, Narumi, and the prophecy. In this story, Tsunade stayed in Konoha so she became close to Minato and Kushina and their family seeing as she is teammates with Minato's sensei. Mikoto would have been a better godmother but I just decided to go with Tsunade instead.

gabeyiscool43: I'm glad that you like the story and hope you continue to enjoy it. Yagura was the Mizukage's name and I wanted to show exactly why Minato was the Hokage and considered by many to be the strongest Hokage (my favorite Hokage). Jiraiya will realize his mistakes but how he reacts afterwards is a secret. Also the consequences may or may not cost him his life. I have decided to keep Itachi and Konan as a couple because I always liked the idea of those two together. Merry Christmas!

Luis Mont: I like the naruhina pairing as well but there are sooo many. I actually was going to make it a naruhina because if you look on like chapter 4 I think, I had Hinata going on Team 11 but I changed it next chapter and still haven't corrected the mistake. But I figured that I could do more with Yakumo as well in terms of writing in her abilities in combat. Anyways, I hope to continue to please.

Wolven Phoenix: Yeah Kuro could've been interesting if he had lived but I wanted to have Minato prove himself. But you will start to see more of Tsuranabi later on and then the twins who are probably the craziest in the whole story are going to become more influential and powerful.

TechnoGalen: Sorry that you didn't like it, hope you find the fanfic you're looking for.

Apedreitor: Yeah I like neglect fics where Naruto's anger is justified but he overcomes the anger and hate. I started the story trying for that but it didn't really go that way but I'm happy where it is now. Naruto will continue to grow and face more adversity as the story goes on. About Narumi and Menma, they are pretty much insane but I don't think I'll make them go that far.


(Kiri)

Smiles of joy and cheers of celebration were heard throughout Kiri. The people of the Hidden Mist Village had grown tired of the civil war and many had been against the bloodline purges but were too afraid to speak out. Now, there was no need to be afraid. Yagura was gone along with his regime. The ninja that surrendered on the battlefield after the former Mizukage's defeat submitted themselves to the next Mizukage, Mei Terumi.

Mei didn't want the position as it had never been an aspiration of hers, but the overwhelming support for her to take the position gave her the resolve to become the Godaime Mizukage. The first thing that she did when she became the Mizukage was to get rid of the old requirement to become a genin. She made it clear that under her rule, Kiri would wash away the moniker of the Bloody Mist and instead into a country that every ninja of Kiri would be proud to fight for. It was a new day for Kiri and the future looked bright.

(Mizukage's Office )

Mei sat in her new office across from the small group of Konoha nin that had done so much for her country. It had been five days since the death of Yagura and Mei had been working hard for all of them. Now it was time for Kiri to take it's first major step as a new nation by becoming allies with the nation that sent help when they needed it. The auburn haired Mizukage looked over the group especially the three chunin with a smile.

"When you first arrived to provide your assistance, I was insulted. I thought that it was a joke formulated by Konoha to embarrass the rebels but I was wrong. All of you proved to be major parts in our victory. Without you, I don't believe that we could have defeated Yagura. I also never would have thought that a group of three chunin would be able to take down a jinchuriki kage so it's been a week of surprises. In any case, I underestimated each of you and for that I am truly sorry" Mei said sincerely slightly shocking the Konoha nin.

Kushina took the opportunity to answer the new leader. "Lady Mizukage-" "Mei, to all of you it's just Mei" the Mizukage interrupted to which Kushina nodded. "Mei, we we glad that we were able to help and no apology is necessary. I'm just glad that the civil war is over and I hope that our alliance will become strong" Kushina said with a smile before turning serious. "Mei, there is a great threat to the ninja world" the red head said causing Mei to raise an eyebrow. Naruto stepped forward to address Mei. "Mei, there is a group of swordsmen known as the "Shinigami's Blade". Each member has the power to take out an entire ninja village alone and each one holds a special ability that makes them far more dangerous than any other opponent" Naruto said. "What do they want?" Mei asked. "World Peace" Naruto responded but decided to elaborate upon the looks of confusion from Mei, Ao, and Chojuro. "They believe that the only way to peace is by submission. They want everyone to bow to them. No one will be above another, everyone would be equal as slaves to the Shinigami's Blade" he finished.

Mei was silent as she digested the information that she had just been given. "What can I do to help?" she asked. "Keep an eye out for anyone suspicious and get the Village of the Mist back on track" said Naruto with a small smile which slowly spread to Mei despite the severity of the situation. "And you better get stronger Chojuro because I need a strong rival to clash swords with" Naruto said with a smirk. The blue haired swordsman nodded with a smile. Kushina put her hand on her son's shoulder and nodded with a smile. "Well Mei, it's time that we return to Konoha. We wish you luck and we'll hear from you soon" she said outstretching her hand to the Mizukage. Mei nodded with a smile and shook the hand. Ao smiled at the sight. "Though the relationship between our two villages was broken before, I am glad to see our villages as partners now" Ao said with a smile oblivious to the dark look now on his Mizukage's face. 'Relationship, partners' "Shut up Ao before I kill you" she said with a scary smile.

As the group said their final goodbyes, Yakumo made sure to get the autograph of her literary hero. After being given the autograph, Mei whispered something into Yakumo's ear that caused her to turn a very deep shade of red as she joined Naruto's side. The Mizukage also tried to make one last pass at the eldest Uchiha until the man was dragged away by Konan. Sighing and muttering something about the good ones always being taken, she told them goodbye but not before telling Sasuke to let her know if he ever wanted a shot with her. Her proposition left the Uchiha in a state that required his team to carry him out. When the Konoha group left, Mei sat in her chair and chuckled. Things looked good for Kiri for the first time in a very long time.


(Kiri Gates)

The Konoha crew had just exited the gates of Kiri when a Kiri ANBU caught them. "Kushina Uzumaki Namikaze?" asked the ANBU looking at the red headed jounin for confirmation. When Kushina nodded, the ANBU quickly handed her an envelope before using the shunshin to leave.

Kushina examined the envelope that she had been handed and looked on the back to see that it had the seal of Konoha. Upon examination, she opened the envelope and read the letter that had been sealed inside. As she read the contents of the letter, her face grew deathly pale. After she was finished reading the note, she fell to her knees in shock and the letter fell out of her hands. Naruto and Tsunade immediately went to calm Kushina down while Jiraiya picked up the letter and read the contents himself. His reaction was similar to Kushina's except he was able to keep from falling to the ground. As Kushina and Jiraiya were stunned silent, the rest of the Konoha ninja looked between the two for a response or explanation.

"Jiraiya, what was in the letter?" asked Tsunade as she rubbed Kushina's back in an attempt to calm the woman from her shock. Jiraiya was silent for a long while before finally being able to muster up the ability to pass on the message. "A member of the Shinigami's Blade attacked Konoha" Jiraiya said causing everyone's eyes to widen except for Naruto's which just narrowed. "The member took out the entire Hokage Mountain, all of it. Minato took him on and killed him but was injured badly in the process" he finished leaving everyone in shock except for Naruto who stood up quickly. "We need to get home fast" Naruto said but got no response from his fellow ninja.

Shaking his head at their states of shock he shouted "Guys!" causing everyone to look at him. "I know that you're all shocked and afraid but we have to get to Konoha as fast as possible" he said which seemed to cause a small amount of relief to enter into the group. Slowly standing up, Kushina nodded, proud of her son's resolve. "Naruto's right, we have to get there as soon as possible. Jiraiya, can you summon a toad to take us to Konoha?" Kushina asked which gained a doubtful look in the Toad Sannin's eyes. "I can try Kushina but I can't promise anything right now" he said before biting his thumb and yelling out "Summoning Jutsu". Unfortunately, nothing happened.

Naruto looked down in thought after Jiraiya's failed summon attempt. "Let's get some distance from Kiri and I'll get us home in an hour" Naruto said confusing Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Konan but receiving a look of understanding from his teammates, his sensei, and his mother. At Naruto's declaration, the group took off quickly in the direction of Konoha.


(Kiri)

The Konoha group had traveled for about twenty minutes before Naruto called for them to stop. "Okay everyone, I recommend that you stand back" he said as the group moved away from the blonde chunin. Biting his left thumb and rubbing it on his summoning tattoo, Naruto shouted "Summoning Jutsu". Once the words had left his mouth, a field of mist began to surround the immediate area until a large blue serpent rose from the mist itself. When the serpent completely rose out of the mist, it reached just above the tree line and had caused more than a few trees around it's area to fall. Lowering it's head, the serpent focused on it's summoner. "Naruto, I sense no battle nearby. For what reason have you summoned me?" asked the serpent as it spoke to the blonde. "Hello Celeritas, thank you for answering my call. I have not called you for a battle. There has been an attack on my village and my father has been injured. I was hoping that you could get us to Konoha seeing as how you are the fastest of the serpents" Naruto said in a respectful manner.

Celeritas gave a subtle nod before turning in the direction of Konoha. "I shall get you near Konoha in less than an hour" spoke the serpent. Naruto smiled at the answer to his request. "Okay everyone, climb on Celeritas' back with me" said the blonde as he had to jump using chakra to reach the serpent's back. The rest of the group were shocked at the sight of such a powerful beast existing much less being summoned by a teenager. Eventually, everyone became focused enough to join Naruto albeit quite slowly.

Once everyone had settled on the serpent's back, Kushina took it upon herself to be the advocate for the environment. "Naruto, we can't just run through all the trees between us and Konoha" said the Uzumaki. Naruto chuckled and Celeritas nearly smiled at the comment. "Don't worry mom, the environment will be fine. Oh one more thing, the way that we're about to travel has to be kept secret. It will also take a small toll on you guys since it's your first time" Naruto warned. Before the rest of the group could ask for clarification, mist started to rise from the ground and overtake the group as Celeritas started to move in a circle. Celeritas began to spin faster and faster before the creature became unrecognizable. Just as it couldn't spin any faster, it vanished in a swirl of mist.


(Fire Country)

A circle of mist started to form about fifteen minutes away from Konoha. Thirty seconds later, the form of Celeritas along with the Konoha ninja that were on it's back appeared still spinning. Once the spinning gradually ended, Naruto jumped off the serpent without any sort of effect on him. The rest of the Konoha group however were holding in their own vomit, too afraid to let it out and get some on the fearsome creature they had used to travel. Slowly, the group got off of the serpent and immediately fell to the ground holding their heads and puking their guts out. Naruto and Celeritas watched with amused looks on their faces before the blonde dismissed his summon which left in a cyclone of mist.

It took ten minutes for the Konoha group to stop throwing up and regain their senses. After finally being able to stand up, Sasuke looked at Naruto with an angry expression on his face. "Naruto, what the hell was that?" yelled the Uchiha. Naruto crossed his arms with a smile. "That was Vortex Travel. Celeritas is the only serpent with the ability to use it making him the fastest serpent and probably the fastest creature alive" Naruto answered. Looking around at his surroundings, Naruto nodded when he recognized the area they were in. "Now, if we hurry we can make it there in ten minutes" Naruto said before turning and jumping trees towards Konoha. Everyone else slowly followed mumbling about why Naruto didn't use his summon in the civil war or to just get to Kiri.


(Hokage Office)

Minato sat in his office while Shizune gave him a medical evaluation along with her assistant Sakura Haruno. Looking at the pink haired aspiring medic, Minato couldn't help but feel a bit of shame after what his lost son had done to her. As he continued to look at her, Sakura noticed and asked "Is something wrong Lord Hokage?" raising her notebook. Minato shook his head. "No, I just, I never apologized for the actions of Menma and I want you to know that I am truly sorry Sakura" he said with a look that held a bit of sadness in it. Sakura shook her head at the apology. "You don't have to apologize Lord Hokage. You weren't the one who sent me to the hospital. Besides, I'm happy now that I've found my calling" said Sakura with a smile. The pink haired medic's response caused a small smile to appear on Minato's face and a chuckle to come from Shizune. "Your calling indeed. She has a future in medical ninjutsu and her chakra control is better than most chunin level medics right now. Pretty soon, she'll be the one doing these evaluations on you for your reckless behavior. And from what I've seen so far, Naruto's reckless behavior as well" she said with a grin.

The blonde Hokage smiled at Shizune's comparison between him and his son. "Well you know what they say, like father like son" the blonde said with a wide smile which earned him a hit to the head from Shizune and a giggle from Shizune. "Idiot" the dark haired medic muttered before stepping away from her patient. "Well, your ribs and shoulder are healing normally but you have to stop exhausting your chakra. I swear, you and your son give off more chakra than a jinchuriki. I shouldn't have to tell you this Minato" she said sternly which got a sigh from Minato. "I know Shizune, but out there it was all or nothing. Sometimes, I have no choice" Minato said getting a nod from Shizune and with that, the two medics left the office as Orochimaru entered. Seeing his second in command arrive, Minato stood up.

"Orochimaru what's up?" asked Minato. Orochimaru shook his head at the question. "The ninja community has applauded your actions against the civilian council but supporters of the civilian council are spreading it around that you are becoming a tyrant" the Snake Sannin answered which caused Minato to laugh and quickly hold his ribs afterwards. "Let them say what they want, this is a ninja village protected by and run by ninja since it's founding. Did Ibiki and Anko get anything out of the council members I sent to them?" Minato asked which got a smile from Orochimaru in response as he set a stack of papers on Minato's deck causing the man to groan. "Money laundering, conspiracy, bribery, the list goes on and it's detailed in those reports" the Sannin said getting a nod from the Hokage who stared at the reports for a long moment before looking back at Orochimaru. "I can't get a handle on what the Shinigami's Blade. They attacked the Leaf but the real intention was to kill me. Why, I don't know other than the glory of assassinating a kage. They have my children which means they have plans that involve the Kyuubi. Ugh, I can't figure out what they are gonna do next. It's so calculated yet so random at the same time. All we know is that the goal for them is peace by submission which I'm guessing won't be voluntary" Minato said holding his head.

Orochimaru shook his head. He too had been trying and failing to predict what their next action might be. Thinking about the Shinigami's Blade, another thought crossed Orochimaru's mind causing him to look up. "Minato, I have a request" Orochimaru said getting a confused look from the Hokage. "Lately, bits and pieces of my memories have been coming back to me and I've had one strong recurring memory. In Oto, there was a boy named Kimimaro. He was a boy with the last Bone Pulse kekkai genkai who was dedicated to helping me in whatever I wished no matter the consequence or the wish. He is deathly ill and still in Oto. I believe that Tsunade could heal him and that he would be a great asset to our ranks as well so I request leave to infiltrate Oto and recover Kimimaro for the Leaf" Orochimaru said with a blank face. Minato looked at the Sannin for a long moment before smiling. He saw in Orochimaru's eyes that it was more than that. Orochimaru didn't want to recover Kimimaro just for the good of the village. After all, a father knows another father's concerned look when he sees it. "Okay Orochimaru but I want this quiet. Do you need any backup?" asked the blonde which got a shake of the head from Orochimaru. "No Minato" Orochimaru said before leaving. Just as he was about to leave, Orochimaru said "Thank you" without turning around and he left.


(Konoha)

Naruto and the rest of the group had made it back home and just stared at the spot that the Hokage Mountain used to be in both shock and anger. The Hokage Monument was a symbol of the Will of Fire that had been passed on from Hokage to Hokage. It was a heavy strike at the people of the Leaf. Shaking his head and knowing that this was only a precursor of much bigger things to come if the Shinigami's Blade were not stopped. Getting out of their shock, the group walked through the village but anger began to raise within the group as they heard the conversations in the street. 'I heard that the Hokage has gone mad', 'The Hokage needs to step down after letting this happen', 'We never had to deal with this with the past Hokage' were the comments made by the villagers as they gossiped about things that they knew nothing about.

It seemed like hours had passed in the walk from the gates of the village to the Hokage tower. Confusion and anger filled each of the ninja as they continued to hear the traitorous thoughts of their fellow villagers. Quickly entering the tower, they made their way to Minato's office and entered without a knock.

Minato was going over the reports that he got from Orochimaru when Kushina and her squad walked in. Seeing his wife and son, he stood with a wide smile. "Welcome back. I take it that things went well in Kiri?" he asked. No one answered his question and Minato's smile dropped as he noticed that each of the ninja in front of him had an angry look on their face. Kushina stepped forward. "Minato, what happened while we were gone?" Kushina asked. Minato sighed at the question and looked at Team 11. "Naruto, Yakumo, Sasuke, maybe you should leave" Minato said but Kushina shook her head quickly. "No Minato, they stay. Tell us why the villagers are questioning your abilities as Hokage" she asked with a stern look on her face. Minato put a hand on his head as a migraine was starting to form before he answered. "I told you in the message about the attack. Well after the fight, the council held a meeting without my knowledge which resulted in me alienating the civilian council by sending them all to T&I. I didn't expect all of you to get here so soon, so I've been trying to do damage control for now. Speaking of which, how did you get here so quickly?" Minato asked and everyone looked at Naruto. "Serpents" was the only word that came out of Naruto's mouth before he went into his own thoughts.

The Hokage nodded at the short explanation. Summons could do incredible things so using a summon to get from Kiri to Konoha quickly wasn't out of the question. "So how was the mission?" Minato asked again. The expressions of the ninja in front of him quickly changed. Kushina, Konan, Itachi, and Tsunade looked at the three chunin in pride as Naruto, Yakumo, and Sasuke just smiled. Jiraiya however looked at the ground. "The mission in helping the rebel side to secure Kiri was a success. I have the treaty with me sent from the new Mizukage, Mei Terumi" Kushina said with a smile as she put a scroll on her husband's desk. When she returned to her position, she dropped a bombshell that none of the three chunin saw coming. "Minato, I would like to nominate Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze, Yakumo Kurama, and Sasuke Uchiha for the position of jounin" which gained nods from Itachi and Tsunade. Naruto, Yakumo, and Sasuke were completely shocked. Minato looked at his wife and Itachi seeing a level of pride he had never seen before. "I take it this is referring to something that happened during the civil war. Perhaps it would be best if you explained to me what happened and why they should be made jounin" Minato said.

For the next ten minutes, Kushina, Itachi, and Tsunade described everything that they witnessed the chunin of Team 11 achieve. By the time that the explanation was over, Minato was completely flabbergasted. A group of chunin with the ability to kill a kage that was a jinchuriki as well. It was impossible but Team 11 had done it. Only months ago, Itachi had said that this team had the potential to surpass the legendary Sannin and it seemed that the Uchiha's prediction was coming true. Turning to Team 11 and looking at his son in particular, he smiled. "Well Team 11, after hearing such a compelling argument from such influential ninja, I must say that I'm inclined to believe them. Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze, Yakumo Kurama, Sasuke Uchiha, I hereby promote you three to jounin" said the Hokage proudly. Sasuke smiled at the announcement and said "Thank you Lord Hokage, we humbly acce-" "I'm sorry Lord Hokage but I must refuse" interrupted Naruto causing everyone to look at him strangely. "This was my first mission as a chunin and I feel like I need more experience in the ninja world before I'm ready to accept the position of jounin" Naruto said with a smile. Yakumo looked at her boyfriend and smiled at his answer. "Lord Hokage, I also refuse for the same reasons" she said with a smile. Everyone now turned to look at Sasuke who's jaw was slightly ajar from his teammates' rejection of such an offer. "But I, we, sigh, I refuse as well" said Sasuke who looked at the ground mumbling about stupid blondes having to be noble.

The adults smiled at the wisdom and patience shown by the members of Team 11. They were a prime example of the Shodaime's Will of Fire. "Very well, this mission started as a high A rank but I think that due to the circumstances it should be upgraded to an S rank" Minato said writing something down on a piece of paper and handing it to Naruto. "Take that to where you get your mission pay. Team 11, good job" Minato said which got a smiling nod from each of the members of Team 11. Naruto stepped forward but stopped for a second as a flash of pain went through his head. Shaking it off, Naruto took the payment scroll and Team 11 left. After Naruto, Yakumo, and Sasuke left, Tsunade decided to leave and check up on things at the hospital while Konan dragged Itachi out quickly. With only Kushina and Jiraiya remaining, Minato noticed the serious looks on their faces. Kushina spoke first. "Minato, Menma and Narumi appeared after Team 11 fought Yagura. Naruto fought and beat them but the leader of the Shinigami's Blade was there. The leader injured Naruto and took Menma and Narumi with him. Minato, they aren't just angry or confused anymore, they tried to kill their brother" Kushina said causing Minato's eyes to widen.

Jiraiya stepped forward at Kushina's announcement. "I need to interrupt with a request Lord Hokage" said Jiraiya formally, shocking Kushina and Minato. "Lord Hokage, I request the opportunity to leave and search for Menma and Narumi. Now that Orochimaru is back within our ranks, I won't be missed" said the Sannin in a sad tone before looking at the Hokage in the eyes. "For some reason, the toads are not responding to my summons so could you summon Fukasaku for an explanation?" asked Jiraiya looking at the floor. Minato didn't move for a long moment as he took in the seemingly defeated demeanor of his teacher before nodding and summoning Fukasaku. With a poof of smoke, the elder toad appeared on Minato's desk. "Minato boy, what's wrong?" asked the old toad when he appeared. Minato simply pointed behind the toad at Jiraiya.

Turning to look at the long time summoner, Fukasaku sighed when he saw Jiraiya. "Hello Jiraiya" the old toad said. "You wish to know why we have not answered your summons I presume?" the toad asked which gained a silent nod from the man. "Jiraiya, there have been discussions among the toads about whether or not you are still worthy of summoning us. We told you the prophecy that was received from the Great Toad Sage but many feel that you are making a negative impact on the prophecy itself" he said expecting an argument but Jiraiya simply nodded causing Fukasaku to feel bad for the man that had made the toads famous among the elemental nations. "Jiraiya, it is only talks. Shima, Gamabunta, myself, and many of the other toads still believe in you" the elder toad said in an attempt to raise the man's spirits. It seemed to work as Jiraiya raised his head with determination in his eyes. "Fukasaku, I am going in search of Menma and Narumi. I have dishonored the toads but I ask that when the time comes, you assist me one last time" he said looking at the toad. Fukasaku looked at the man that he had known since he was just a genin and nodded. "We will, but it will not be the last time that we assist you Jiraiya" Fukasaku said, nodding before he left in a poof of smoke.

Looking at the Hokage, Jiraiya asked "So may I take time off to search for Menma and Narumi Lord Hokage?" Minato nodded at the request. "Be careful Sensei" Minato said which caused Jiraiya to smile for the first time in a long time.


(Underground Konoha)

Danzo sat in a large room along with many of the former civilian council members and his two fellow elders along with a number of ROOT and corrupt ninja. "Minato Namikaze has become arrogant and believes that he is above the people of Konoha. This must not stand. The village of Konoha is run by the people of Konoha and we must emphasize that point. The time of his reign must come to an end and so I ask all of you to help me in taking back Konoha from this fool. He is a boy playing Hokage and does not know what is best for us so we must remove him from power" Danzo said getting a chorus of agreement from the council members and the corrupt ninja. Danzo smirked at their eagerness to depose the Yellow Flash which would lead to him getting the position that had been held from him for so long. The position that he deserved. He would become the Hokage.


(Shinigami's Blade Base)

Tsuranabi sat in his office with a frown. The defeat of Kuro was unexpected but was only a minor setback in his plan. He would have been upset had he not made a discovery that would lead to Naruto unlocking his fullest potential. And when Naruto reached his fullest potential, he would take it all and become the strongest being in the elemental nations. It wouldn't matter how big of an army, how many rebelled against him, he would be far too powerful by then. One boy stood in his way of his world of true peace. Just as he started to plan his next move, Sashira entered his office and told him that Menma and Narumi had awoke and their bodies were restored. Leaving his office with a smile, he couldn't help the excitement that filled him.

Left on Tsuranabi's desk was a map of a place that had been forgotten by the ninja world. A small village but significant nonetheless known simply as Paradise. It was there that Tsuranabi's plan to have Naruto unlock his full potential would occur.


(Paradise)

The sun shined brightly on the village known as Paradise. Simply a peaceful village that had never known conflict in it's entire history. A small girl with long black hair ran through her peaceful village trying to get home. When she reached her house door, she quietly opened it and crept in. Noticing that her mother had her back turned still cooking, the girl silently crept towards the stairs to get to her room. "Where were you?" sounded the voice of the mother who had still not turned away from cooking. The girl sighed and walked into the kitchen. "I just went to play that's all" the little girl said approaching her mother reaching only her hip. The mother turned to look at her daughter with slight concern in her eyes. "I've told you not to leave without me" the mother lightly scolded. The girl turned and pouted which caused a smile to appear on the mother's face as she bent down to her daughter's level. "Aiko, I just want you to be safe" the mother said putting a hand on the girl's face.

Aiko nodded at her mother's explanation. "I know mom. I just wanted to play" the girl said looking at her mother who stood up and went back to cooking. "Okay, just let me know when you go out next time" the mother said causing a smile to appear on Aiko's face. "I will Mom I promise" she said before going upstairs. Halfway up, a short moment of pain flashed through her head but was gone quickly. Shaking it off, Aiko went up to her room.


Author's Note: Hope everyone like this chapter. Couple of things. First and foremost, MERRY CHRISTMAS (eve) ! Thank you everyone for all of the support that you have all given this story, it means a lot to me. I've decided that Sasuke will have a love interest but I won't say who it is. Also, I'm bringing in Kimimaro for reasons that will be seen later on. Jiraiya will find the twins but I won't say whether or not he dies. Also, Paradise is key for a couple of reasons that will be explained later. See you next chapter and Merry Christmas!