I know I said I wouldn't put any more Author's Notes up. I just want to say there is a poll in my profile about the upcoming chunin exams, so check it out.


What seemed like an army of people walked out of the Konoha Theater after the premier of Koyuki Kazahana's latest move, and it wasn't Icha Icha paradise. Makino went to work immediately after the mission was completed and had a finished version on the cutting room floor six weeks later. With a picture of Uzumaki Naruto on the posters everybody in Konoha tried to get tickets for the first show, and that included his old classmates. Of course being heirs of prestigious clans had its advantages so they were all able to attend and sit in the balcony at the premier.

"Who thought Naruto would be the knight in shining armor type? I mean he dethroned a tyrant and saved the princess… sort of. If only we knew back in the academy, eh forehead."

"Yosh, Naruto-kun's youthfulness has increased greatly in the short time he's been gone. It's apparent I haven't been working hard enough. If I cannot get a noblewoman to kiss me by the time he returns I will run around the village until my legs give out, then I shall do it on my hands until my arms no longer support me."

Everybody backed away from the spandex clad teen except for a man that was wearing the same getup, "Lee you are filled to the brim with hot blooded passion, don't underestimate yourself because it is you who are the shining example of youth. We should all strive to emulate you for you are truly in the springtime of your… youth." Gai looked around to see that they were the only people left on the once crowded street, "Where did everybody go? Well you know what this means Lee, laps around Konoha."

The green clad genin saluted his sensei, "Ossu!"

"Now my pupil, EXPLODE!" The two disappeared after reaffirming their sensei student bond, only leaving behind dust outlines that were hugging in the abandoned street.

For their sanity's sake everybody had decided to ignore the green beasts and keep walking. Chouji had finished dumping an extra large bucket of popcorn into his gullet and popped open a fresh bag of chips. Since the rare moment came when his mouth wasn't chewing anything and nobody was talking he took the opportunity to say, "The princess seemed to really take a shine to Naruto. What a lucky guy."

Shikamaru sighed, "I don't envy him at all. Imagine having to deal with all those duties and responsibilities. That's way too much work for a woman, even if she wasn't troublesome. Although having servants waiting on your every need sounds perfect. Oh well it's not like an uncool guy like me could get a princess."

"Ha, the brat is turning into a ladies man just like his father. Although that almost got him killed by Kushina more times than I can count, even before they started dating."

The genin's heads jerked in surprise after hearing the voice behind them, and Tenten nearly squealed with joy, "Why are you here Tsunade-sama?" Asked her more levelheaded teammate.

The blonde pointed her thumb to the side, "Well I was going to wait for it to come out on video, but Shizune really wanted to see it?"

Everybody sweat-dropped because the brunette wasn't around and they couldn't find her, not even Neji's Byakugan could locate her. They all gave the medic a skeptical look and she coughed into her hand, "Well it's not my job to keep track of a grown woman." She then made eye contact with her newest apprentice, "Don't forget training starts tomorrow Sakura. I hope you're ready."

The pinkette gave a determined nod, "Of course I am Tsunade-shishou."

Tenten stared at the younger girl with jealousy, "That's so unfair, how did you manage that?"

The legendary medic gave Sakura a proud look before recounting the story.

Flashback

"This has got to be the worst excuse of a sling I've ever seen. How did any of you get licenses?" Tsunade stormed through the hospital in a rage. She had just returned from her mission with Shizune and it was her first day as head of the medical division… well the first day of her second term. The blonde was doing an inspection of the patients and she wasn't pleased, not one bit. Bandages and medical tape were loosely wrapped; one man had gauze on that was so old it merged with the scab and plenty of other embarrassments that she would be surprised to see in a free clinic.

The irate doctor stopped at one patient and lifted up his arm that was attached to an IV, "Who placed this in here?" A brunette nurse timidly raised her hand and Tsunade's glare forced the frightened crowd to frantically scatter, revealing the cowering woman, "Did he call you fat, or old maybe?"

The woman could only meekly shake her head, "Then why does it look like a woodpecker got at his arm?"

The slug summoner ignored the terrified nurse's babbling and thundered down the hallway as the rest of the staff scampered to keep up. Her sharp honey brown eyes scanned over every patient they went by in seconds, until she stopped at a small section of beds. "Who was tending these patients?"

The medics immediately separated again to reveal a familiar pink haired teen, "You're the brat's little girlfriend right?"

Sakura blushed and weakly shook her head, "We're just teammates."

Tsunade's lips turned upwards into a comforting smile, "Makes sense, better off playing the field at your age. But you can't be shy if you're going to hang around that little buffoon."

The pinkette had a small grin on her face as Tsunade continued, "I'm sorry to say this Sakura but I'm pulling you from the medical program," the girl's face dropped with disappointment while the other medics gasped, "because I'm making you my apprentice."

Emerald eyes widened in surprise and the girl stuttered, "W-what, why?"

The blonde pointed towards the various patients, "Because you've impressed me. All of these are done textbook and I'd hate to leave your development up to chance, or these people."

Before the girl could answer Rin stormed through the crowd, "Hold on a damn minute. Sakura's great because I've been teaching her. Just because you're one of the Sannin doesn't mean you can steal my student."

Honey eyes stared fiercely into cold chocolate ones, "You're right, but being the best damn medic to ever exist should give me some leeway. And on top of that I'm your boss."

"You wish you were my boss. I work independently, answering directly to my contractor and the Hokage. You can't intimidate me like everybody else. Besides, you've been out of the game for over a decade. Maybe you should get yourself up to speed first before taking a student."

Tsunade's eyes narrowed dangerously at the haughty woman and her voice carried enough authority to cow almost anyone, but not a student of the Yondaime Hokage. "Watch your tone. Last time I checked Sarutobi gave me the position."

Rin laughed derisively, "What's it feel like to be the second choice miss Senju?"

"Umm excuse me." The two looked over to Sakura who had weakly interrupted, "Naruto trained with two people and I trained with Rin-sensei and Kaka-sensei too. Now he's just having us hone our existing skills so I don't see why I can't learn under you both."

The two kunoichi huffed and turned away from each other while simultaneously answering, "Fine."

End Flashback

Tsunade finished her narrative and looked around, "And that's how Sakura became my second apprentice, but I still want to know where my first one went. She has the apartment key."


Shizune was in a daze as she walked through town. The brunette had bought a large Naruto plushy and squeezed it tightly to her torso, the blonde spikes covering her blushing face. She needed some time alone to get control of herself. The usually demure medic had a dark fetish hidden from everybody, even her mentor. You see, a young pubescent boy was the only thing that sexually excited Shizune.

She recalled one particularly arousing scene and managed to fight down a squeal while remembering how valiant and heroic the blonde looked, yet somehow managed to retain a youthful innocence and exuberance. A stinky, hairy, disgusting, smelly man that burps and farts and has all those other disgusting habits could never do that.

The brunette sighed and squeezed the stuffed chunin tighter. Her only regret was she didn't spend more time with Naruto before he grew up into one of those brutes. Of course THAT would probably happen again, just like the boy whose scrape she healed and then 'babysat' until the mother came along.

The woman would be lured in by his adorableness and snuggle her head into the top of his. Coincidentally nestling him to her breasts, preferably in the middle of her cleavage. Then she'd start swinging side to side while rubbing him up and down her body, feeling how his small frame contoured into her curvy one perfectly. Then Shizune would begin caressing his hair, then neck, his back, tickle his sides then his cute little legs, and before you knew it she'd be dry humping herself to orgasm on his leg.

To this day Tsunade still wondered why Shizune woke her up from a drunken slumber to escape a small town and never return. Fortunately they were running from debt collectors so her master never asked. It was a good thing too because to this day the brunette still didn't know what to say.


Orochimaru elegantly stepped out from a hatch in the earth before locating his chief spy and medic. The silver haired teen was out gathering herbs for a poison, or so he said. The snakelike man stood with his back against a tree, and once the bespectacled shinobi walked past with a basket of herbs he said, "Enjoying the fresh air and sunlight Kabuto-kun?"

The unassuming boy froze in surprise before slowly turning with a smile, "It is a nice change from time to time. But what is it you require from me Orochimaru-sama?"

"I'm about to leave on some personal business before heading back to the main base for the body transfer. I want you to summon Kimimaro, the remaining sound trio, and have your puppet Rinji fetch Guren for me." The snake summoner continued into the wilderness, but stopped before adding, almost as an afterthought, "Are you finished with Suigetsu-kun yet?"

The medic smirked cruelly, "Oh I forgot all about him. Yes we've been done for quite some time. It's just… he keeps saying that he'll do terrible things to me after getting out, so I've kept him in the tank for my own safety."

Orochimaru smirked, "Oh dear, then perhaps Rinji should collect Suigetsu-kun and you can get Guren."

Kabuto pushed his slipping glasses up and the sunlight reflected off of them, "It would be interesting to see if Rinji's abilities are able to match up to the Hozuki clan's, but I'll stick with Suigetsu. Guren could actually kill me if I'm not careful."


Ever since the movie about reclaiming Yuki no Kuni was released Naruto had to change his appearance, but they discovered that nobody recognized Jiraiya so he didn't have to. The blonde spotted a facemask like Kakashi's one day and used that to cover his whisker marks and a started wearing plain black bandana with long ties in back to cover his sharingan.

The shinobi hoped it was enough, but his outfit was quite popular too. Everywhere they went people saw a one eyed blonde wearing it and put the pieces together, so he had to change that as well. The boy found a jumpsuit that was burnt orange from the legs up, except a black T that was on both sides of his torso, though two stripes of orange were on the side, and covered the tops of his arms and shoulders. Since nobody was around to hate on the greatest color ever he had an Uzumaki seal stitched onto the back, in the middle of the T, and had several copies made.

It had been just a little over six weeks since they left the Land of Snow and the two were in Umi no Kuni (Sea Country) to investigate rumors of a monster that was sinking ships. Jiraiya claimed his old teammate used to have a base in the area so it was his responsibility to check things out.

Naruto had finished training with Gamariki ten days after leaving Yuki no Kuni and they had taken up the study of fuuinjutsu, which Naruto took to like only an Uzumaki could. Of course he had the inherent stubbornness of one too, "Dammit Ero-sennin, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard."

"Listen brat I've been doing this longer than you've been alive."

"Then you've been doing it wrong."

Two charcoal eyes met a steely blue one and Jiraiya waved around a weathered scroll, "See this gaki, it's one of the most respected discourses on barrier seals and you're telling me it's wrong."

Jiraiya had been trying to explain the basics of creating a barrier to the blonde. One would create an array to channel chakra across before the edge curled up to form a bubble, wall, or whatever it was designed it to do. That was the most basic and important concept. From there you could increase the layers, change the composition to elemental, create a detection barrier, just like everything else in fuuinjutsu the possibilities were literally endless. There was another way that involved creating 'broadcasters' or 'antennae,' as some people called them, but that involved more advanced knowledge. "Then how would your expert ass pull it off, because I know it wouldn't be your head?"

"I'm glad you asked." Naruto grabbed a blank scroll and the ink jar next to his teacher and began fluently drawing. He created two concentric circles then drew a set of seals inside the smaller one before inverting them and drawing the array outside the large circle.

The chunin held up his creation and began explaining, "The reason that guy is stupid is because the size and strength are static with that seal. With this one you can adjust its strength, and size to a degree. All I have to do is channel chakra into the seal and it flows up from the inner seal, then the outer array pulls the rising chakra towards it, creating the barrier. The chakra can only get so far away from the outer seals so after that point the strength increases. I know it's not perfect but still better than that. The only thing that is static is the effect and shape of the seal."

Jiraiya started grumbling after his student's explanation and began fishing around his vest. Once the man found the stitching for the right seal he channeled chakra into it and a black, leather bound book popped out with a puff of smoke. The sage tossed it to his student and Naruto was able to make out the name Namikaze Minato etched in gold letters at the bottom.

He stared up at his teacher and the man smiled proudly, "I thought something like this might happen so I've kept that close. When I tried to teach your dad the more advanced stuff he looked at it from a higher level and was able to see things I couldn't. He actually learned most of his stuff from Uzumaki Mito before she passed on. After her death she bequeathed the Uzumaki Fuuinjutsu scrolls in her possession to him as, 'an early wedding present.'

Naruto stared at the man wide eyed, "He also learned some stuff from your mom too, but sealing wasn't really her forte. She'd always say her talents lay in the field of asskicking." Naruto gave the book a teary smile as he rubbed the cover affectionately. The orphan was holding a link to his father, a peek into the man's brain.

Jiraiya shivered and looked around quickly, but the boy was so absorbed in the book he didn't notice. The hermit rose and started walking out of the clearing after tossing a roll of bills by his student's feet, "I'll let you read that in private. When you're hungry get something in town, my treat." The chunin nodded vacantly and pocketed the money before opening his book, forgetting the man usually took his money.

Jiraiya went a good distance away before performing the sequence for Kuchiyose no Jutsu, with one extra seal at the end. After slamming his bloody palm on the ground a small cloud of smoke appeared. It dispersed and a small rotund toad that was a dull brick color with bright red markings and wore a blue vest stood there. The amphibian's voice was gruff and sounded quite grumpy, but there was an unmistakable whine buried in there. "What do you want Jiraiya? The salty air is drying out my skin and you know I hate being summoned in my small form. It reminds me how the other toadlets made fun of me for being chubby and warty."

"Calm down Bunta." Hushed the sage, "I think Orochimaru is in the area so I want you to keep an eye on Naruto while I check things out. I'm going into town and renting a boat to visit this 'haunted island' I've been hearing about."

Gamabunta's eyes narrowed, which warped his scar, and he huffed, "Fine, but only because I like the kid so much. And you owe me big time. I hate the ocean."


Naruto finally opened the book after staring at it for several minutes and immediately began reading.

Hello Naruto, Naruto's children, and hopefully Naruto's children's children and so on. My name is Namikaze Minato. I'm writing this book so my descendants can take advantage of the knowledge I've gained and add theirs for future generations. You'll notice that the last page is blank, but when you fill it up a new page will appear so please add your techniques and skills. The book can only hold so many pages though, so when this is filled you can create another one with the guide I've placed inside. Also don't worry about messing up and ripping a page out, the book will form another blank one. But once the page is fully written it can never be removed so write carefully.

This book contains everything I've learned about seals that go beyond the basics. Fuuinjutsu is a diverse art that is only limited by the imagination. Naturally I could only focus on a couple of areas, namely barriers and space-time manipulation. I would also like to explain a theory for a side project I never really started because the Flying Raijin took all of my time and focus.

I once fought a rogue member of the Tsuchigumo clan and he possessed the ability to project seals through the air without the use of paper. For years I thought they created them from pure chakra until my lovely, intelligent, and caring wife, who is not looking over my shoulder, called me an idiot and said they shaped the ink into the seal before projecting it. Despite being wrong I was fascinated with the idea because of the potential, however it needed more time than I had to give.

This is what I theorized. Fuuinjutsu at its core is using ink to channel chakra into a shape. The seal's creator uses the ink as a medium, like hand seals, to dictate where the chakra will go. Once the circuit is complete and the chakra density sufficient the seal will activate and will react depending on how the chakra is being molded. I wanted to take the ink out of the equation completely and just mold my chakra into the seal. Despite not going anywhere it helped lead to the Rasengan, and my ability to apply seals simply by making contact was a step I created to learn it.

Naruto sat back to digest what he just read, and before the book absorbed him again the chunin created some clones to brainstorm Rasengan ideas. Usually the blonde would have his copies go over books and scrolls, but he wanted to personally read this one.

After the bunshin went away to start thinking Naruto fell back into the manuscript. The teen wasn't really learning anything about techniques, just trying to get a feel for his father through the writing. He lost track of time, and it wasn't until the clone group interrupted him that the boy realized it was well past noon and he was starving.

The shinobi had an annoyed look as he stared up at his copies, "Why didn't you just dispel?"

His bunshin looked at each other nervously, "Well it looked like you were really into the book so we didn't want to disperse because it might not sink in, but we can dispel now."

Naruto put the book down and grumbled, "Don't bother, if I think it needs more work I'll leave you guys here to keep thinking on it while I recharge."

What appeared to be the spokesclone nodded, "Okay, well we went over all of our missions and figured out we need a good defensive jutsu, something like that snow kunoichi's shield except not shitty. The Sensougouheki is cool for lightning and projectiles, but against anything else it's useless."

The chunin got up from under the tree and nodded, "Try creating it."

The bunshin all tried to form a flat version of the Rasengan, but it blew up in their faces and they dispelled. Naruto sighed and tried to decide if he should leave clones behind or work on it later, because the constant flashes of memories would be annoying. The teen's belly interrupted his thoughts and he vowed to get to it after lunch. Gamabunta followed quietly, but he couldn't fight down the bad feeling in his stomach, the toad hoped it was seasickness. He probably shouldn't have had that third helping of ma's cooking.


The room glowed yellow from the artificial lighting reflecting off the stack of twenty-four carat gold ingots. A short skinny man, a little over five feet tall that had shoulder length grey hair in a ponytail with a white buttoned up lab on coat stood in front of the stack. It was about twice the height of the scientist, and if he decided to lie down on the ground it would take three of him to approach the pile's length. The man could spend hours a day staring at the gold. It was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen, almost erotic in a way.

His mood was broken by the sound of slapping footsteps echoing in the underwater base, and the complaining of his… pet. "I've done everything you asked me to Amachi-sama, when are you going to change me back?"

The man's beady eyes glinted with anger, "Shut up you wench, my assistants never came so the research has been slowed. I'll do it when the process is ready."

"Kukuku." Amachi would know that laugh if one hundred years passed, and to him it felt like they had. However the silky smooth voice that followed sent shivers down his spine, "That's no way to talk to the girl, it's not her fault those two incompetents died. Besides, Isarabi-chan might have willingly helped if you told her the truth."

Unlike her tormentor the girl was entranced by the shinobi's voice, "How do you know my name sir?"

The pale man stepped forward and gently slid his fingertip down the part in the middle of her hair, "I am aware of many things child. For example, I know the process can never be reversed." Her charcoal eyes shot open before they stared accusingly at the scientist, however the serpentine's comforting hand fell on the girl's shoulder, "But I didn't say it was hopeless. Amachi sent me a letter detailing the finished process and how he used it on himself. It doesn't look like he has scales to me. Well Amachi, do you have scales?"

"N-n-no Oro-o-Orochimaru-sama. I d-don't have scales." Stuttered the petrified man.

The teen looked pleadingly at the snake summoner, "Will it work on me."

Orochimaru smiled at her. Unbeknownst to Amachi the serum that he received so long ago was extracted from Juugo's glands. Isaribi was the result of an experiment to see what the nature chakra would do when not delivered through a seal.

For years the subjects became mindless beasts so Orochimaru lost interest and left. Amachi thought he was doing his master's bidding though and stayed behind. The scientist sent reports that were thrown away more often than not, but one day a letter came saying a subject retained their sanity. After that he became very interested. Isaribi was a diamond in the rough and the nuke-nin loved glittery things.

"Of course I can dear, however I would like to try something else first. If it doesn't work we can do it the other way." The half transformed girl nodded meekly and Orochimaru's neck extended to deliver the juuinjutsu and bit a patch of scales on her left shoulder while wondering if the placement had any affect.

Isaribi gasped in fear, then pain, before falling to the ground unconscious like every other recipient. However that's where the similarities ended. The seal expanded and covered her skin in a wavelike pattern while absorbing the scales. Once it wrapped around her body the comatose girl was outlined in black chakra before it covered her completely and exploded outwards. She stood up and when the malevolent energy finally died down, although it still leaked off her body.

Isaribi stood there in Kaima form and tears started falling from her sickly yellow eye. Orochimaru stuck his hand through the vile chakra like it wasn't there and reassuringly patted her on the back, "This doesn't feel like the second level of the seal, but there's still more energy than usual. Try powering down."

It took almost ten minutes, but the two scientists were patient and the black chakra eventually lessened before Isarabi was just covered in the wave like markings with no scales. "Remarkable, it was like level one and a half." Theorized the pale man.

Isaribi stared at her body and rubbed the areas that used to have scales before prostrating in front of the man, "Thank you so much, I don't know what to say."

"Oh you don't have to say anything, but I can offer you more. Would you like to come with me, come to a place where you will never be judged for who you are or what you were? Do you really think those people in the town will suddenly be accepting when you appear? Let me tell you something Isaribi-chan, people love to point fingers, to hate. They need something and be scared of and to look down upon just to feel better about their miserable existence."

The sealed girl lifted her head and smiled, "Yes Orochimaru-sama, I want to come with you."

The serpentine man looked down upon her, "Is there anything you would like to do before we leave? I doubt you'll ever be back"

Isaribi's smile turned bloodthirsty, "Well now that you mention it… is Amachi important to you master?"

"Kukuku, of course not dear, do what you will."

The man fell to his butt and pushed backwards with his hands, so petrified he didn't think to activate his Kaima form and try to escape. "You don't need to do this Isarabi, I never really lied to you. I was trying to reverse the process, I didn't think you would want to complete it." His former experiment's yellow eyes held no pity, only eagerness as she launched forward.

Orochimaru ignored the dying man's wails as his newest disciple tore him to shreds and just stared at the gold. 'Amachi was always a short-sighted fool, focusing on the goal for the goal's sake. The scientist could never see the big picture because of his hyper focus. What good was knowledge if it was useless? Still his desire is what allowed the boob to amass this fortune. It's a shame he wanted to waste it on this worthless project.'

The yellow-eyed man smirked and turned around when the shrieks stopped to see limbs and blood splattered across the walls and floors while the girl jumped on his broken torso. 'Well, it wasn't totally worthless.' "Is there anything else you'd like to do child?" Isaribi looked towards the mainland longingly and the snake smiled, "Don't take too long, I'll get you when I'm finished. Or you can get me." The girl's step had that bounce it was missing for so long as she hopped through the opening into the sea.


Naruto knew something was wrong almost as soon as he left the clearing. Smoke rose up in the distance, and shrieks of fear and pain reached him well before the town was visible. From his perch on a treetop the Jinchuuriki watched the villagers stampede through the narrow streets like cattle while parts of their town burned. They all seemed to be running away from a singular point that was clear of flames. The chunin noted the location and sped toward it, jumping on rickety shacks to avoid the mob.

What he came upon surprised him, and made him suspect Orochimaru really was involved. This had to be the sea monster Jiraiya came to investigate. It was about six inches taller than the blonde and covered in lime green scales. The beast's forearms bulged and short fins that extended down the backs of them. It also had a large dorsal fin in the middle of its head with two long ears that came down to its neck that looked like ponytails.

Naruto guessed it was a she because of the dress, but after training with a cross dressing toad he wasn't jumping to any conclusions. The blonde could feel the Kyuubi's chakra flaring because of the gruesome scene around him and pushed it down, "Why are you slaughtering these people? What did they do to you?"

The creature sneered, revealing a mouth full of dangerously sharp teeth, "They deserve to die. I was treated like an outcast and shunned by everyone. Called a freak and a monster, now that I have the power to make them pay I will."

The Jinchuuriki let out a throaty growl. "You weren't a monster until your first victim, no matter what anybody said. Now you're just a beast."

"Shut up! What do you know?"

Isaribi launched a ball of water at the chunin that was easily eight feet wide. Naruto hopped left and started running towards the creature while avoiding several smaller shots. The blonde cocked his fist back and the girl flinched in panic when he got close. The move was only supposed to be a feint but the chunin wasn't one to pass up an opening so delivered a solid left cross to her chin.

She rolled across the ground and regained her feet before facing down the charging shinobi. The creature leapt into the air and spread its claws to deliver vicious slashes, however she left her torso wide open and Naruto shoulder checked the beast before the deadly swipes made contact.

Isaribi gasped as the wind was knocked out of her, but needlelike teeth pierced the Jinchuuriki's neck in response. Her dangerous jaws weren't near anything vital and Naruto quickly jabbed the monster in the stomach before it could start thrashing. The creature opened its mouth again and the chunin dropped before sweeping his opponent's webbed from underneath her. The mutant fell backwards before howling in pain when she bounced off the ground and Naruto's heel drove her back into it.

The untrained girl slashed wildly at the Jinchuuriki's calf, but he was able to pull his leg away and the sharp claws only nicked his skin. The blonde ignored the scratches and avoided more blasts of water as she regained her feet, "We don't have to do this. I know what it's like to be alone and hated and I have a friend who gave in when he was younger. He turned his life around and so can you.

Her yellow eyes stared hatefully at the boy, "No, you don't understand me. Stop saying that!"

The scaled mutant sent dozens of water bullets at the blonde and he was forced to take cover behind a sturdy building. Despite the raw power now in her possession Isaribi knew there was no way to beat the kid… on land at least. Anger welled up inside of the creature as she looked around the town that ostracized her, but she shoved it down. The girl managed to figure out which direction the river was, but had no idea how to get the shinobi over there. She didn't know how to maneuver an opponent in the heat of battle, and the boy was too skilled to just run past.

The sea monster's finned head turned after hearing some rubble move and a small group of ten people ran across the street, in the direction of the water. She let out a triumphant howl and charged them while Naruto futilely called for her to stop. Isaribi's wickedly sharp claws easily disemboweled a middle-aged woman before she turned and ripped a chunk out of a child's torso that left his organs exposed. After the quick strike the beast leapt away from the remaining citizens before the blonde got close. Naruto could only ignore the people's cries of pain as he gave chase, hoping he could stop this before more innocents were slaughtered.

The transformed teenager's head turned to see the blonde had an angle to intercept her up ahead, however a trio of giant water balls launched towards a crowd of people slowed him down. The shinobi responded with a Daitoppa, but it only destroyed the one closest to him. The other two flattened the townspeople into the earth. Naruto fought down the hot tears as he forced chakra to his legs and exploded towards their killer. She saw him coming and adjusted her path to intercept a group of small kids that used to bully her.

Isaribi hissed in glee as she raised her claws for some payback and the boys all huddled together. Blood sprayed through the air as the monster slashed her claws, but all the children were unharmed. The one eyed shinobi absorbed the blow with his arms then brought his fists together and raised them above his head. The sliced skin flopped and leaked blood, which turned his hair red, but anger pushed the boy past the pain and his fists came down on her head like a hammer.

The mutated girl saw stars as she collapsed to the ground, but she also saw a bridge over the river between the blonde's legs and remembered her plan. Naruto formed a Rasengan in his palm and the kid's eyes went wide as they recognized the jutsu, but before he could bring his the swirling storm of chakra down a high-pressure stream erupted from Isaribi's mouth. It launched the four boys into the running waters and she quickly dove in after them.

The monster made sure to tear apart the helpless children in front of the blonde and let their torn carcasses sink before speeding towards him. Their blood turned the water crimson as Naruto prepared a kick, but he found the move was ineffective underwater as it spun him around. The chunin craned his neck to see Isaribi lower her dorsal fin and head-butt his side. Bubbles exploded from the shinobi's mouth and he had to try not to inhale water after she drove him into the rocky bottom.

The chunin's arms held the girl at bay, but her claws easily tore into them while reaching for his vital areas. Naruto ignored the pain and just tried to buy some time while he used wind manipulation to pull oxygen from the water into his mouth. With refilled lungs the Uzumaki channeled chakra into the water around him and used his family's chakra control exercise to create a whirlpool. The two combatants were ripped away from each other and flung in opposite directions, but the sea creature quickly gathered itself and shot towards the shinobi like a bullet.

Naruto formed some seals and used the Mizu no Tatsumaki to create a large twister that forced his opponent to veer to the side. Then he whipped through another set and launched two Hahonryuu, one on either side of the cyclone.

Isaribi chose to go right and the torrent of water sent her backwards, but it did the same thing to the Jinchuuriki. Naruto smirked as the beast made a sharp u turn and launched a Hahonryuu towards the bottom after it got close. The blonde was rocketed upwards as the high-pressure stream blasted the girl into the rocks.

The chunin refilled his lungs again as his opponent scowled at him. Naruto sent a taunting smirk her way and she charged up at him. The shinobi formed some seals and launched another Hahonryuu, but Isaribi swam around it and under the Jinchuuriki. The shinobi lost track of her so stopped the jutsu as she appeared from nowhere and gripped him in a bear hug so tight a whirlpool wouldn't rip them apart.

The air was crushed out of Naruto's lungs and his airways were blocked so he couldn't pull oxygen in, form seals, and his palms were pointed upwards so a Rasengan was useless. The blonde was trapped and the black spots in his vision were making it hard to focus his chakra. The Jinchuuriki thought he was going to die, but a memory from his last near death experience flashed through his head.

Chakra swirled around Naruto's palm before forming a Rasengan. Isaribi smirked as she watched the chakra bleed away from the technique, unlike the one he used in town. However the ball suddenly glowed bright blue and exploded, sending blades of chakra everywhere as the shield collapsed. However it damaged Naruto as much as Isaribi.

Still, it gave the blonde space and he was able to create another bubble of air before jetting towards the surface with a Hahonryuu. The Jinchuuriki looked down at the sea monster as he rose to the light, but she didn't follow. Instead the beast swam towards sea while leaving a trail of red. Once the chunin's head rose above water he sighed in relief, until he saw the carnage around him.

It was apparent that the creature entered from the river because of the sheer amount of bodies and damage in the area. People were crushed into the ground and rows of houses were torn apart by water blasts. Limbs were scattered everywhere along with chunks of human flesh, mothers were reaching for their children's corpses, and the bodies of their husbands were almost always nearby. They were usually slaughtered with weapons in their hands and he doubted they had a chance to use them.

The boy vomited and ran away from the scene, but as he rushed through town it was impossible to not see the victims' gruesome deaths. Children's eyes stared vacantly upwards, and many times the heads weren't attached to bodies. There was even a large pile bunched together in the corner of a soccer net, like the girl kicked them there for fun.

In the main area of town restaurants and other businesses were destroyed with the patrons still inside. Whole streets were ripped up by blasts of water leaving people half buried under rubble or flattened. Naruto purposely ignored the massacre as he ran back to the clearing and threw himself into training, his appetite forgotten. He had the Rasengan variation, but now it needed fine-tuning and the boy didn't want clones to break his focus.

The problem with the technique was that chakra went everywhere after the blast so he was liable to get damaged by it. There was no way Jiraiya would ok a technique that caused him as much, if not more pain, than his opponent received. As far as the boy could tell the problem lay in the shell. The blonde was able to push the memories from the village away as he focused on the swirling chakra in his palm.


Orochimaru just gave the scroll containing the gold to one of his snakes when he felt another presence nearby, "I must say you've gotten quite sneaky. Back when we were genin it was never hard to find you, even though I never wanted to."

The man's golden eyes stared at an innocuous spot on the wall before his old teammate seemed to materialize, "Kukuku. Hello Jiraiya, it's been quite some time."

A hard look was on the usually jovial man's face, "I'd say not long enough, but I can kill you so I guess it's worth it."

The serpentine man placed a pale hand over his heart, "You're being so cruel. Is that anyway to greet your old teammate?" The sage's face remained stony, "I see, well as we are there's no doubt you could kill me. I have no answer for your trump card, but I'll fix that in time."

"You have no time left Orochimaru." Jiraiya channeled chakra to his legs, but a sea snake burst from the water behind the nuke-nin and swallowed him before diving back in. The sennin cursed and rushed through the base towards the exit. He made it out quickly, but his traitorous teammate had a good lead and was moving fast.

The hermit pushed the boat off shore and ripped the tiny engine off the back before forming two Rasengan and shoving them into the water. The boat zigzagged all over the choppy surface before he got the hang of it and sped off in pursuit.

Orochimaru was sitting on top of the serpent and tittered when Jiraiya pulled up on his left "You were always an idiot, but nobody could call you uncreative."

The toad summoner didn't answer instead formed a seal-less Kage Bunshin that used Doton: Dorosandon (Earth Release: Mudshot) to launch a wave of mud balls at the snake like man. Orochimaru managed to contort his body into unnatural positions to avoid the barrage. Once he was able to set his feet a snake burst from his open mouth with a sword protruding from its. Jiraiya slowed down to avoid the thrust, but the kusanagi slashed as the reptile looped around and took a chunk from the back of the sage's long mane after dispelling his clone.

He cursed and craned his neck to see the shoreline was getting closer, however he felt something moving in the water. The hermit was able to sense its intention well in advance and veered the boat. Something green and scaly launched out of the water, right where his vessel used to be. The creature gracefully soared through the air and landed on the snake before transforming into a girl around Naruto's age with black hair, however she blacked out right after.

The traitorous member of the Sannin grabbed the teen's shoulder before she fell and nodded towards his old teammate, "Well I've got everything I came for, ta ta."

The serpent disappeared in a puff of smoke along with its passengers and Jiraiya cursed at the missed opportunity. Orochimaru even admitted he couldn't win. Instead the sennin looked at the damaged boat and cursed, 'How am I going to explain this to the guy I rented it from.'

The sage shrugged before forming two more Rasengan and heading back to town at a leisurely pace. After arriving at the docks Jiraiya found that he didn't have to say anything to the owner because he was eviscerated, lying in a pool of his own blood and vomit with eyes wide open in terror. The hermit sighed and closed the dead man's eyes while saying a short prayer. Once finished he ran through the town so fast it was a blur until the smell of blood, human waste, and bile left his nostrils. After several miles he slowed down and headed towards the area where he left his apprentice.

Some of the worry left him when Naruto was lying in the grass, but the defeated way he laid there didn't let it completely vanish. The hermit sighed and sat down next to his godson. The boy's blue eye cracked open after his mentor took a seat and he smiled weakly, "I got the variation down ero-sennin."

Jiraiya's eyebrow raised, "Did you now? Well let me see it."

The blonde rose to his feet and held his palm up before forming the Rasengan, except strands of chakra were leaking from the top. When the sennin looked closer he noticed the technique was almost see through because of the escaping threads. Naruto pointed the ball away from them before flooding it with chakra. The sphere glowed bright blue before thin blue blades exploded outwards about three or so feet before dispersing, "It does some damage, but it's mostly shallow cuts. The technique is really for defense. It can deflect or disperse everything I've tried.

The chunin formed a Kage Bunshin and it powered up the variation, "I don't know any Katon though, so can you use one?"

Jiraiya index finger and thumb formed a circle before he lifted them up to his smiling lips and said, "Katon: Boya Kasui" (Small Fire Stream).

A jet of fire about two feet wide burst out of the circle when the sage breathed into it. The clone raised the Rasengan and the resulting blast managed to stall the flames momentarily, but after the chakra died out the copy was overtaken. Naruto sighed but Jiraiya gave him a hearty pat on the back, "Hey that's actually pretty impressive so don't get down on yourself. No technique is ever perfect, and you just made it so I'm sure it'll improve with time." The blonde gave an appreciative smile to his godfather, "Now teach it to me please."

The boy's blue eye narrowed before gaining a mischievous glint, "Nope, I'm more of the do it yourself kind of guy. If I tell you how it works then you won't learn anything."

Jiraiya huffed as Naruto started setting up his tent, "I was going to teach you something awesome, but now you'll get my first original technique and it's only a D-rank."

Naruto's eye flared with determination, "I don't care as long as it helps me get stronger. I know I've been pestering you for jutsu, but I want to become a better shinobi so what happened in that town never happens again." The boy looked down at his hands, "I was too weak to stop it. The girl had no training and I still let her get the best of me because I was reminded of my childhood. I, I could've saved them Jiraiya-sensei."

The man sighed and made a bench from stone with his chakra for them to sit on before creating a fire pit, "Listen Naruto, if you learn one thing from me I hope it's this. You can't do it all. Tragedies are going to happen despite your best efforts. If you blame yourself for everything that goes wrong it'll eat away at you until you're nothing but a shell of your former self. There was nothing more you could've done today, I sensed people alive in the town so you definitely did more than you think. If you measure failure and success based on everybody living then you'll always be a failure. I like to look towards the future to determine if I was successful in something. If it allows the generations that come after us to live, prosper, and be happy then it was a success. Because of you the people will be able to rebuild Naruto, and that counts for something."

The boy's blue eye stared at the ground and Jiraiya sighed, he didn't expect the teen to get it immediately. "Why don't you go catch some fish or something? I'll get the firewood and rustle up the ingredients for a stew."

His student nodded before heading towards the stream and once Jiraiya thought the teen was far enough away he formed a Rasengan and started to modify it. Did the chunin really think a member of the Sannin, legendary ninja, and overall badass would need him to explain a jutsu? Naruto may have the sharingan, but the sage had a seasoned eye and was able to pick apart the jutsu at first glance.

The boy weakened the shell at the top of the Rasengan and the space allowed the chakra to seep out so he had to constantly feed it. Then once it was ready he would overload the ball with chakra. Since it was already flowing out the extra burst of chakra would continue on the designated path before the shell burst outward. Because chakra has an elastic quality the middle of the shell pinched together as the top stretched and exploded so it didn't have any other exit except outwards. Jiraiya let the swirling chakra dissipate and smiled in the direction of his apprentice, 'He doesn't show it all the time, but there's definitely a little bit of you in there too Minato.'


In the northeastern part of Ta no Kuni there was a steep hill. It had two large rivers on either side and was just over one thousand feet above the earth at its highest point. The 'peak' itself was one hundred and fifty feet long with a width that varied from eighty to one hundred twenty feet, and the base was a little over eight hundred feet long. The waterways were fed from two different springs in the mountains and at some points were nearly half a mile wide before they converged into one river about three quarters of a mile past the hill.

The one easy way to the summit was a path that looped around it with several checkpoints that were heavily guarded. The only other way was straight up the northern slope because the other three had several sheer drops that would make ascent suicide for an army. However a charge up the north slope wasn't much better because the grade was thirty-two degrees at some points. If a commander tried that approach and somehow managed to get past all the traps, archers, and cannons they'd be easy pickings at the top. It was a perfectly defensible position and that's why the new Daimyo chose it for the location of his home.

There was nothing gaudy about the building at the top. It sat in the middle of the widest part was carved from the hill itself. The walls were twenty feet high, and extended the width of the peak at its narrowest points. There were also cannons and catapults dotting its length. The building itself was circular, only fifty feet high, but it was forty feet wide and dug into the ground about twenty feet. The inside was sparsely furnished but filled with enough supplies and weapons to withstand a siege for years. It was also a veritable maze to confuse intruders and guests so they couldn't get a feel for the layout.

The Daimyo of Ta no Kuni, Amakusa Shiro, was related to the previous ruler but never in line for the throne, nor did he want to be. The man was a hair over six feet tall, had sharp, angular features, and brown hair in a ponytail that reached the base of his neck. His slate eyes gleamed with intelligence and cunning, and he sported a finely trimmed goatee to show respect for the Amakusa's customs. The lord was practical as the fortress, his office and wardrobe showed it. The floor was bare stone and the desk was carved from it. The only decorations that hung were a large world map on the left wall, a detailed map of Ta no Kuni on the right, and behind him was the code of law so his guests would see that when looking upon him. No pictures were hung because that would show visitors a potential weakness to exploit, expose his humanity.

The only other thing besides the stone desk was four cushioned chairs, one behind it, and a mannequin that proudly displayed his old special forces armor. Tan shin and forearm guards along with chest armor that was imbued with seals and an Oni mask hung on the wooden doll. The man wore standard grey shinobi pants with the ends tucked into bandages that wrapped up to the middle of his shin, and his black, long sleeved spandex revealed his honed muscles as he reached for the next paper.

As a boy Shiro looked upon his slovenly relatives that basked in the luxuries handed to them with disdain. He was never very close to the other children in the court, but he met people with beliefs he could respect after befriending the guardian clan of the royal family, the Amakusa.

The Land of Rice never adopted the village system, instead the clans pledged allegiance, and taxes, to the Daimyo. They were then given the right to divide his country into territories they would protect and take a tithe from. When the Amakusa demanded the largest and most populated piece the other clans weren't in a position to refuse. Afterwards they were given the honor of guarding the Daimyo's family in recognition of their strength.

The clan was so large and powerful because it had a unique practice. The Amakusa would take in anybody under the age of fifteen, but they only had five years to pass an intense course. Many failed and simply became vassals, including those born into the Amakusa, and performed domestic duties that were needed. They lived a comfortable lifestyle and were still respected as clan members, but those who passed were given the name Amakusa and treated as a blood relative with limitless opportunity. Because of this they didn't specialize in anything, however if you were to ask one they would say winning was the specialty of the Amakusa.

Shiro practically grew up among the clan, spending less and less time with his blood relations as he got older. When the time came for his friends to begin the program he asked the clan leader for permission to take part. The boy was allowed to enter with the condition he would become a vassal if he failed, just like everyone else.

At first the 'royal' child was humored in person, but mocked when they thought he was gone. However Shiro reveled in it, finally he had to earn something instead of getting it handed to him on a golden platter. Their mocking drove the boy harder and he passed in less than two years. Then the degrading whispers became awed ones as Shiro continued to grow until there were only a few Amakusa stronger than him.

His birth family could hardly recognize their forgotten son when he returned with finely honed muscles, tan skin, and the stray whiskers that would eventually grow into the clan's traditional beard. Thankfully the stay was brief. The teen had only come because he was the eldest child and needed to pass the right to succeed their father to his younger brother, and forfeit his inheritance.

The family looked at him strangely after, unable to understand why he gave away his position and wealth. But Shiro didn't understand how people existed as they did, it just didn't seem like living to the teen. Politics was for weak men with deceitful minds. Always surrounded by fake people with honeyed tongues. Stroking anybody's ego to curry favor, then slandering that person to rivals. These frail men were ignorant of the outside world. Never leaving the gates of the wealthy districts in their various gilded palaces except to attend festivals or high court in the capitol once a year, possibly more if necessary. The only travelling nobles did was on the main roads to other large cities, but the pompous fools still claimed to know what was best for the nation they governed.

Shiro was the one who explored the countryside and saw what it had become. The basic infrastructure of Ta no Kuni was decaying and there was more traffic heading out of the country than in. Villages had to be abandoned when dams broke and perfectly good farmland was overgrown because there was nobody to cultivate it. Famine was clearly on the horizon if this trend continued.

Still his grandfather did nothing. Shiro learned from his friends that guarded court the senile fart continued to sign unfair trade agreements while accepting bribes from the countries to line his pockets. Rage almost overtook the shinobi, but his brothers managed to calm him down before doing anything rash. Then that man came.

Orochimaru appeared and offered him and his family, his true family, a chance to change things. The serpentine ninja was a legend and his mere presence was enough to convince the most hesitant Amakusa to join. After the legendary shinobi sided with Ta no Kuni's strongest clan the others got in line before getting taken out. The traitorous member of the Sannin could probably kill most of the smaller clans himself.

What came next was a nearly bloodless execution, except for Shiro's blood relations. With the other clans secretly retracting their support to the Daimyo it was easy for their personal guards to kill them with no repercussions. They were slaughtered to the last child.

Then came the deconstruction all the old noble's mansions, palaces, vacation homes, and any other property before selling everything related to the old regime for funds. Unfortunately the new Daimyo couldn't reverse the trade contracts immediately. That could lead to outside intervention from an angry government, but he had managed to pack away enough to start rebuilding the country and he took to it immediately.

Large numbers of displaced peasants were collected and pooled together on the most fertile land. Agriculture did an immediate one eighty and they were now producing a surplus, although the mass emigration under his grandfather made that easy. Once the agricultural economy started recovering the remaining workers started rebuilding the roads and dams. Soon enough the old farms would be usable again and the country could continue to grow. And the trading agreements expired at the year's end so Shiro could finally demand better prices. Now that he was firmly entrenched the cost of blood wouldn't equal the extra money the other nations would be spending, they would have no choice but to bend. The Daimyo had a content smile on his face that only grew larger before he spoke, "Hello Kotaro."

A jovial looking man with long black hair and a thick beard that extended past his belly button appeared out of nowhere. He had a round face, though it was impossible to tell through his facial hair, and wore a black hakama with white trim around the edges, a white belt, and wooden geta.

His name was Amakusa Kotaro, head of the clan and Shiro's best friend since childhood. Unlike most leaders the man didn't inherit his position, instead the shinobi claimed it by emerging as the clear cut favorite after a series of challenges designed to test one's physical and mental aptitude, "One of these days I will sneak up on you Shiro."

"I don't see why you bother, you helped design the security for the building and know it's almost impossible not to know when somebody is approaching me."

The shinobi made a point of playing with his untamed beard while his friend continued filling out paperwork, "Well when I do sneak up on you it'll expose a flaw and possibly save your life. You should be thanking me for my efforts."

The Daimyo finished his papers and glared at his friend, "Stop doing that, you know why I had to shave it off."

Kotaro hands dropped to his sides, but he started fidgeting uncomfortably, "You have a visitor."

Shiro's eyebrow lifted, "Oh, there were none scheduled today."

The clan leader coughed into his hand, "Well he kind of just appeared outside the building and asked to see you."

The slate eyed man had a sinking feeling in his stomach, "Well out with it, who's here?"

The Daimyo couldn't help but frown after hearing, "Orochimaru-sama," and had to suppress a sigh. It had been such a pleasantly long time since the man's last visit and whenever he showed up it was always to ask seemingly impossible things, but the worst part was it's impossible to say no.

"Send him in."

The doors opened and the head of Otogakure no Sato gracefully strolled in before offering an awkward bow, like he wasn't used to the motion. "It is good to see you well Shiro-sama, too much time has passed since we last spoke. Tell me, is everything about the building acceptable? Just say the word and I'll have my Doton users return."

This was how it always began, the niceties and generous offers that cost the man nothing. However the tables would soon turn and he would 'ask' for some 'insignificant favor.' Still the Daimyo had to tread carefully because the Amakusa was the only clan he knew was absolutely loyal. His family had been the big bully on the block for too long and most, if not all the minor clans would side with the snakelike man over Shiro. "No, everything is perfect. I couldn't ask for more."

"We'll see if you say that after you hear what I'm offering."

Orochimaru summoned a four-foot long snake that was half a foot wide and two scrolls came out of its unhinged jaw. The twisted shinobi picked up one with an amused grin and unsealed the contents. The two Amakusa's eyes shot open when the smoke cleared and sizable portion of the office was filled with gold ingots and nuggets of various sizes. They were speechless for nearly a minute before Shiro managed to speak, "What, what is this?"

The snake summoner dismissed his pet and placed the other scroll on the smooth stone desk before taking a seat, "I'm glad you asked. This is approximately forty percent of the gold in my possession, that other scroll contains another fifty. I haven't been keeping track of the minor loans I've taken out but I'll assume this pays it off while giving me some credit, and I'd wager that other scroll makes it unlimited. I know the trade contracts are coming up and you're assuming the other nations will cave at the negotiation table after such favorable trade contracts for so long…"

The serpentine man let the thought settle for a moment, "However if you begin to improve your infrastructure now it can give the country some leverage. Discreetly turn that into liquid capitol, then buy a large amount of concrete from Iwagakure and pay up front. After get some lumber from Fire country and iron from Tetsu no Kuni (Land of Iron) with cash as well. After showing you have money and will take the best offer other countries will listen. I can assure you Hi no Kuni has no desire to see the Land of Earth gain a wealthy trading partner."

Shiro and Kotaro stared at each other, the two friends knew each other so long they could almost have full conversations with their eyes. It was another deal with the devil, but one had already been made. It's not like he could steal their souls twice. The Daimyo nodded, "Thank you for your generosity, but can I ask why you need unlimited credit?"

Orochimaru chuckled, "Kukuku, of course you may Shiro-dono. We are friends after all." An awkward silence settled over the three before the pale man said, "Well, are you going to ask?"

Kotaro's smile became strained as he tried to interpose, "I think we're a little overwhelmed at this… I don't even know what to call it. We've never been very material, but this is too much for any man to take in. It could tempt even the stoutest of monks. Would you please explain why you're just giving it over Orochimaru-sama?"

"I believe I gave permission to the Daimyo to ask, no?"

The Amakusa leader stopped smiling for what seemed like the first time in years, or the last time he saw the snake, but stepped back when his friend coughed, "Why do you need unlimited credit Orochimaru-dono?"

The serpentine man nodded towards the world map, "Because Ta no Kuni never formed a shinobi village it hasn't been a player on the world stage, but I have seen the birth and death of two great wars. Believe me when I say the winds of change are blowing and the landscape looking more uncertain, the fourth war is on the horizon. We are in a tenuous position because of the treaty that ties us to the Land of Fire and its allies. They may not appreciate the fact that I am in charge of the village and I doubt Iwa or Kumo would sign a treaty with us during the war. Otogakure and the Land of Rice could very easily find itself standing alone in the middle of giants."

Orochimaru stood and approached the Daimyo's armor before lightly running a finger over the fine metal, "You could be wearing this quite soon Shiro-dono… I am taking steps towards rectifying the problem, but without being allied to a great nation we wouldn't have enough steel or coal to arm ourselves for a long war. The major countries rose to prominence because of their natural advantages, the smaller ones were cut from the leftovers."

The former Konoha-nin seemed to glide over to the world map and pointed at Ta's neighbor to the northwest, "Yu no Kuni has little natural resources like us, but it's blocking the way to Shimo no Kuni which holds large ore, coal, and lumber deposits. Not to mention it would give us access to the other ocean without having to circumvent Kumo."

"I'm proposing a secret war against Yu no Kuni and Shimo no Kuni with the latter being the prize. Yu's shinobi village shouldn't even be called that anymore, and the standing army is weak because it's surrounded by vices, they can barely keep control of regular criminals. Oto could easily steamroll through there without open conflict. All we have to do is stir up the populous. Start sabotaging roads, dams, manufacture fake disasters, supply bandit and nuke-nin cells, anything to make life hard. Once it becomes apparent their village can't do anything they will naturally hire us because of the discounted price of missions. But why do I need more money?"

The man's golden eyes narrowed as they stared at the gem he so coveted, "Shimo will be a little more difficult to subdue. The village is small in numbers, but the environment and proximity to Kamanari no Kuni have hardened them. However I have confidence we can keep it isolated and win without major cost before subduing the population and setting up a governor. They absolutely hate Kumo and won't want to reveal any weakness to them, but they could get a message to Konoha by sea. Oh my you are importing all that lumber, steel, and concrete. You could easily build some ships and bases. It's such a coincidence too because I already have a fleet admiral in mind."

Shiro was torn, this put him in serious danger. If the major nations found out they were trying to subdue two countries the intervention would be swift and brutal. The alpha dogs didn't want another one to grow up. Still, if Orochimaru could pull this off Rice Field Country would be a big dog too. The resources of Yu and Shimo, their population, and former shinobi would make Ta no Kuni an elite nation, and if it failed he might be able to make Orochimaru the scapegoat.

After considering it for several minutes the brown haired man nodded, "You have your credit, but I want a detailed strategy, progress reports, and a complete record of your expenses as they develop."

The snakelike man inclined his head, "Of course, you are too kind Shiro-dono. I shall be in touch."

The Daimyo let out a sigh of relief after the deadly shinobi sunk into the floor and his barriers indicated he left their range. Still, if someone could bypass the system Shiro would bet on Orochimaru. The Amakusa's system never sensed the man until he passed the final and most powerful detection ward. "You play a dangerous game old friend."

The brown haired man stroked his trimmed goatee out of habit, "We already had a foot in brother and he wasn't going to let us take it out. At least this way we get something."

Kotaro nodded absently but still looked troubled, "He may bring us to new heights, but Orochimaru is not the foundation I want to build a country on. He doesn't seem very stable."

Shiro could only nod because he completely agreed, but they were trapped. The Daimyo handed him the other scroll before saying, "I doubt this is ninety percent of the gold in his possession, but its still more liquid capitol then we've ever had. Get somebody in here to seal the rest of this up and put these in a safe place… places. Also get somebody to look over my armor to see if the snake did anything, and if not have them wash it until his stink is gone."

The bearded shinobi gave a respectful bow and put the scroll in his sleeve before heading out to fulfill his orders. Once he was gone the Daimyo slumped in his chair and sighed, it was still strange giving orders to Kotaro. Shiro reached into his hidden drawer before pouring himself a generous saucer of Sake and sipping. The one good thing about this job was the booze.


So it ends, and like all my other chapters it went longer than planned. The hardest part (and reason) was definitely the Isaribi Naruto fight scene. The girl had gobs of raw power, but no training. Not to mention the Jinchuuriki could relate to her and didn't want to just kill her. That's why she was able to put up a fight, but if Naruto wanted to end it at the start he could've. I think I did a good job, but let me know.

Also if you're curious I'd put the blonde at high chunin level around this time. So compared to his peers only Lee, Neji, and Gaara are around the same level. Although with proper strategy somebody like Shikamaru could win in the right circumstances. Maybe Sakura or Sai too because they knows him so well.

The Shiro and Kotaro scene was so long because they could potentially, if you guys liked them, become more involved. I think it would be interesting to explore the power struggle between Orochimaru and them. But Kotaro and Shiro will be back regardless so I wanted to describe them, the government of Rice Field Country, and flush out their character a little bit. Also they're high jounin level, a shade below elite. To give you a better idea Kakashi would win 9 out of 10 times against either individually (the tenth he slipped on a banana peel in the deadliest warrior simulation program), but they'd run over him in a straight up 2 v 1 fight. And before anyone calls me a communist… well I'm not a communist. They just used some things like collective farming and state funded work to get the country on track, even though those don't work in real life. The goal is to restore the villages and cities so life can return to normal.

Also hoped you guys like the Rasengan variation, I was watching some Naruto Jiraiya training scenes and watching it blow up in his face inspired me. Then there's the whole seals idea. It won't be like he can magically make them appear everywhere with a thought and do everything. There will be a process to learning the technique and making it work. It won't be easy at all and will need massive overuse from his Kage Bunshin, so they really can't work on anything else. Naruto is probably the only person who can use it. And though I keep saying anything is possible with fuuinjutsu, but it's a complicated art so he can only delve into so many areas. Even Minato only got into two areas so it won't get out of control. I will also explain the concept more in theory later. I won't just say it's my story and I can write it how I want cuz like whatever, whatever I do what I want… Anyways the whole thing is based of Kishimoto's universe so I'm trying to use his laws, or at least the ones he doesn't contradict later. I will say the concept involves some ideas taken from the rasengan… or the rasengan came from a concept related to that move, so there is a basis and it sounds plausible, I think. Like I said, got the idea from the Tsuchigumo arc and ran with it. Hopefully it's not too farfetched, although I am bracing for the hatemail.

I'm also beginning to understand why Onoki said Madara wouldn't need anyone's help at the Kage Summit.

-Operaman Bye Bye


Jutsu List

Futon: Daitoppa

Kaima Form- The user transforms into a sea monster with several advantages for marine combat. Once transformed the user can breathe underwater, sharp claws and teeth allow the Kaima to efficiently attack opponents in the water, the webbed appendages and fins allowed for increased speed, and the user and can shoot water blasts from its mouth. However they can't do that too much or the body dries out.

Mizu no Tatsumaki

Suiton: Hahonryuu

Pulling Oxygen into Lungs-can be done by Futon users to breathe under water, but not over long periods of time because of the inefficiency and buildup of C02.

Rasengan Variation- Because of the weak point in the 'top' of the chakra shell the strands leak out of it and set up a pre-existing flow instead of random blades grinding together. Because the chakra leaks the technique needs a steady supply. Once ready the user will flood as much chakra as possible into the technique. Because of the current the new chakra will flow outwards and stretch the shell out, causing the middle to pinch. Eventually their will be too much chakra and the casing will explode allowing a veritable storm of chakra blades that can stop or deflect most attacks. Not a lot of offensive capabilities because of short burst, shallow cuts are the only result but there is always the chance of hitting a vein or artery, but imagine it with wind chakra…

Doton: Dorosandon (Earth Release: Mudshot) C rank- The user launches a sticky mud ball(s) at the opponent that can bind, choke or create sticky patches on the ground for traps.

Toton no Jutsu (Transparency Technique) D-rank- Jiraiya's first original jutsu, it allows the user to become invisible as long as there is no sudden movements. Interestingly enough it was the first technique he taught to his sensei, the Sandaime Hokage. The boy created it for the purpose of spying on girls in the hot springs.