A/N: So it admittedly took longer to get this out than what I originally intended. This sort of just took off on me and by the time I realized what was happening it was waaay to long to be just one chapter. So, I split it in half. Therefore the next chapter is already halfway done so do a happy dance!
Dksamuri: Sorry for the confusion but I meant the Gaara's kidnapping and Sasuke's attempted retrieval after his fight with Itachi.
Chewie Cookies: Hope I didn't hit the feelz too hard! And yes, the hint was Minato and Kushina had a less than normal…private life ;)
Serious Sam: Just because you said that, I'm now taking it as a personal challenge to incorporate those items somehow ;)
Hektols: I do agree that Jihibiki and Renge's reasoning for not being there are bullshit. But that's what I was shooting for. I wanted them to seem fallible and more human, and sometimes we, as humans, do stupid shit that's not really justifiable. As for Naruto's inheritance…the idea behind that was the house is so leavened with seals it would be impossible for Naruto to live there at a young age without a seal master there to constantly babysit him. And since Jiraiya was out of the village for his spy network it just wasn't possible.
Chapter 35: A New Addition and a New HQ
The groups had started trickling in at 5. Choji, Shikamaru, and Shino being the first to arrive and were escorting their respective dates to tomorrow's festival—Ino, Temari, and Tamamushi.
The fellow Aburame member wasn't what Naruto was expecting to say in the least. The girl had shoulder length black hair done in a braid and electric green eyes which were mesmerizing to stare at. But that wasn't the most surprising nor distinctive feature about her. No, if anything it was the fact that the girl didn't bundle herself up in clothes like Shino and the rest of their clansmen. Instead, she wore an olive green battle dress with the sides cut out and black spandex pants. Not to mention her shockingly outgoing, bubbly personality. Needless to say it threw Naruto through a loop.
"Don't worry," Shikamaru had muttered as he walked by, "I'm still trying to wrap my head around it too."
Right after them was Sai with Samui, who was blown away by the estate and rather nervous about being seen with her escort at a private party. After those two was Kiba and Hinata, who had gone home to "freshen up" and invite her father and Hanabi to visit as well, along with the Konohamaru Corps. The Hyuuga heiress had decided to slip into a soft lavender silk kimono with light pink bordering and a pair of matching lavender pants. It took Naruto nearly a minute to stop gaping at her before Hiashi forcefully pushed him to the side to allow the group into his house, snickering the entire time while Hinata blushed from his reaction.
Lee and Tenten were the last to arrive, by which time the food had been cooked and everyone was out on the deck eating, drinking, and laughing at each other's stories. Even Samui had managed to loosen up and was sporting a light blush from the sake Renge had been feeding the girls. So when three familiar presences arrived at the estate and rang the door bell, Naruto was confused and slightly on edge.
Opening the front door he was greeted by three people he'd never seen before. The one on the left was skinny, had short spiky black hair, and sported a soul patch on his chin. The man in the middle was the same height with brown hair pulled in a pony tail and was slightly stockier. The last one, however, was a few inches shorter than both of them with short, spiky, brown hair and a goatee. His eyes were sharp, clear, and had an air of authority about them that made even Naruto feel like he should listen to him when given an order. Taking one look at the three men Naruto nodded and said, "Boar…Hare…Commander…How can I help you this evening?"
"Taichou," Commander said with a nod, "I wasn't away you had been briefed on our personal profiles. Regardless, please refrain from using our codenames while inactive."
"Sorry, just slipped out." Naruto said with a shrug. "I haven't been briefed on your personal profiles—I just recognized all your signatures." Noticing the surprised look on all of their faces he continued, "Relax though, this estate is safer than our base of operations…" He trailed off and looked at the three. "What should I call you then?"
"Akira," Hare said.
"Kenshi," Boar said.
"Rei," Commander said.
"Okay," Naruto said with a nod, "why are you here? Or did you guys wanna party too?" He grinned as he opened the door wider to let them in.
"I'm afraid we're here for business, taichou." Rei said stepping in and coming to a stop in the atrium with the other two.
"I received no emergency message," Naruto said tapping his shoulder and going into full commander mode. "Color status?" He was expecting orange or maybe even red—something that required immediate attention.
"Green, actually." Rei answered.
"Huh?" Naruto said intelligently getting a snicker out of Akira and Kenshi.
"Jihibiki suggested we stop by to discuss this matter."
"I see," Naruto said slowly before turning and motioning them to follow. "They're in the back."
The small group walked through the house and exited out the back, laughter and shouts greeting them as soon as Naruto pulled the door open.
"Impressive sound proofing," Kenshi muttered to Akira as everyone stopped and turned to look at the newest additions.
"Naruto-kun, who are these people?" Hinata asked finding her voice first. She'd been helping herself to the sake and, like Samui, was sporting a pink blush from the alcohol as well. "I've never seen them before."
"This is Kenshi, Akira, and Rei," Naruto lied as he calmly motioned to each man respectively. "We've been on a couple of missions together, gotten into some sticky situations, and we've become pretty good friends."
Everyone smiled and greeted them, accepting what the blonde said except for Hinata. She instead narrowed her eyes slightly and nodded, but said nothing else.
The look didn't go unnoticed and Rei leaned over to Naruto and asked quietly, "Did you tell anyone about us?"
"Of course not," Naruto said not keeping his attention on the rest of the group as they returned to their conversations.
"Well I believe Hinata-sama has detected a lie."
That got Naruto to blink and look at Rei, "Impossible," He turned his head back to the woman in question and caught her glancing at them out of the corner of her eye. She went back to listening to Renge tell a story and Naruto started to sweat, "There's no way she could tell, right?"
"It would appear your girlfriend knows you better than you think." Kenshi said smugly, elbowing the blonde in the ribs.
"Oh good, everyone's here now!" Jihibiki said appearing in the doorway behind the small group and effectively cutting off any response Naruto was going to give. "Naruto, if you'd please follow me over here. Everyone else, listen up!"
Naruto followed his grandfather, confused on what was going on but choosing to remain patient. He could see the hop in the old man's step and the eager grin on his face and Naruto couldn't deny the excitement he felt beginning to build in his own chest. The two walked over to the head of the table and were quickly joined by Renge and Tsunade—both who seemed to be just as eager. Feeling the energy practically jump through the air, Naruto focused on his grandfather.
Seeing that everyone had quieted down, Jihibiki began. "The Uzumaki clan has been around since the founding of the shinobi arts. They were one of the first original clans to utilize chakra, and pioneered the way for future ninja." He turned slightly to Naruto and continued, "Thousands upon thousands of Uzumaki have lived under the spiraling crest once recognized throughout the world as one of the biggest forces to be reckoned with," he glanced at Hinata and caused her to blush, "and—god willing—thousands more will someday prosper under the very same banner.
"Through five different eras—five different time periods—the Uzumaki have dwindled slowly in numbers—but we survived!" Jihibiki declared emotionally and raised a fist in the air in defiance. "Our pride was stepped on, our lives destroyed, and our honor tarnished…but here we are, and there's no way in hell we'll ever give up!" This was met with a cheer from the group as the combination of sake and Jihibiki's emotions get everyone excited.
"If there's one thing the Uzumaki have had throughout time," Jihibiki continued, "it's a leader to look up to in times of darkness. Even during the Nomadic Era, they had someone to turn to, to put their beliefs in, and bear the responsibility of the clan's wellbeing. However," Jihibiki's became softer as he looked to the ground, "it was during the Nomadic Era that the last leader failed the clan and nearly saw to their annihilation…"
Naruto felt a pang of sadness shoot through him and he instinctively reached out and clasped his grandfather's shoulder, and in doing so he elicited a sad smile from the old man. Looking up with a mixture of pain in regret, Jihibiki reached into his robes and pulled out a weathered scroll. Holding it out to Naruto, his next words shocked everyone mute.
"Therefore, I would like to formally step down from the position due to my inadequacies and nominate a successor. I hereby nominate you, Uzumaki Naruto, for the position of Uzumaki clan head." Jihibiki gave a small smile at the look he received from his grandson. "However, due to my failings as a leader my decision for a legitimate heir falls into question! So, according to Uzumaki law we will put it to a clan vote with majority rule!"
Jihibiki then turned to the table and spread both hands wide. "All in favor of electing Uzumaki Naruto as the new clan head?"
"I!" Karin shouted, shooting her hand up so fast she nearly fell back and almost knocked Neji out of his seat.
"I," Renge said raising her hand with a chuckle.
Jihibiki turned to Naruto who was staring at him in shock and gave him a soft smile. "I," he said just as gently before breaking out in a huge grin. "Uzumaki Naruto, the clan has voted and the decision is unanimous—we have deemed you worthy of carrying the title as clan protector! Do you accept?"
Naruto stood in shock for a few seconds trying to process everything that was happening. Finally, he managed to close his gaping mouth and give a weak nod. Accepting the answer, Jihibiki unrolled the scroll and set it down on the table. There were three names, two Naruto didn't recognize and then Jihibiki's at the end. Said elder then pulled a ring out with the Uzumaki crest and slipped it onto his finger. Grabbing Naruto's hand, he pricked the blonde's thumb with a tack that stuck up from the center of the ring and allowed his blood to run down and swirl around the seal.
"Sign your name in blood." Jihibiki ordered before pricking his own thumb and allowing his own blood to mix with his grandson's.
Naruto did as he was told and when he was done he stepped aside for Jihibiki. The old man then took the ring and pressed it firmly to the scroll underneath Naruto's name while channeling chakra through it at the same time. The Uzumaki crest glowed a brilliant crimson color before slowly dimming until it was black. Naruto then let out a yelp of surprise when the very symbol burned into his skin on his right ring finger. Looking up at Jihibiki in confusion, the old man smiled widely and rolled up the scroll before turning to the rest of the group.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he said clapping Naruto on the back, "I give you the fourth Uzumaki clan head!"
Everyone broke into loud cheers, even the three Anbu, and congratulated the newly minted clan head. After things finally died down Tsunade stepped forward and presented another scroll to him. Opening it and scanning the contents, Tsunade began explaining to the rest of the group.
"This is an application for a request to be recognized as an official clan of Konohagakure no Sato and a place on the council." Tsunade said motioning to the document in Naruto's hands. "If you'll notice, I've already taken the liberty of filling in my name and insignia." Reaching into her robe and pulling out an elegant gold calligraphy pen she offered it to Naruto and said, "Would you please honor this village with the prestige of calling the Uzumaki clan one of their own?
"You sure you want that kinda headache, baa-chan?" Naruto asked with a chuckle, getting a few laughs from everyone.
Tsunade just gave him a knowing grin, "Something tells me it won't be my problem for much longer."
Smirking at her, Naruto grabbed the pen and quickly wrote his name down in a flourish. Pausing for a moment, he smiled and quickly drew a chibi version of himself below shooting a peace sign before Tsunade could react. Then clenching his right hand, he channeled chakra to it and pressed it against the paper next to his name. The new seal on his ring finger grew crimson again and when he removed it the Uzumaki symbol sat there in black ink. Looking up at his adoptive mother he felt his smile explode into a full blown grin as he handed the paper back to her.
"Almost there," he said soft enough for only her to catch since everyone once again exploded into a round of cheers.
Wiping a single tear away she gave him a loving smile, nodded, and then wrapped him in a hug. "I know," she whispered back and failed to keep a small sob from escaping, "and I'm so proud of you!"
Stepping away it was then Renge's turn to step forward with yet another scroll.
"Dammit," Naruto declared in mock frustration, "I haven't even been clan head for more than five minutes and I've already done more paper work than baa-chan does in a day!"
Everyone chuckled while the blonde Hokage folded her arms and grumbled under her breath about disrespectful brats. Renge then cleared her throat and presented Naruto with the final scroll.
"If there was one thing our clan was known for other than our mastery of fuinjutsu, it was the dedication, support, and loyalty we show to our family. In our entire history, never once was there a report of murder or betrayal between members of the clan—something surely no other clan can boast." Sweeping her hand out towards the group she eyed them and said, "However, this loyalty, commitment, and loving support doesn't always fall to family directly linked by blood." Her eyes stopped on Sai and she smiled in a way that made them sparkle. "Sometimes it's the people we're closest to who provide the best of what we need."
Naruto and Sai locked eyes and both smiled before sharing an unspoken conversation.
Do you know what she's getting at? Sai asked, cocking an eye brow. Not a damn clue what the crazy bat is saying, Naruto replied.
Shooting them both a glare as if she heard their conversation, Renge continued. "This here is a request for a formal acceptance into the clan." That got everyone to blind and Sai to drop his mouth a little. Renge then turned to him and smiled darkly, "If you're really sure you really want to be a part of this clan…then sign on the dotted line."
Sai took the scroll and looked down at it, his eyebrows knitting together. Everyone held a collective breath as they waited to hear what the artist's finally decision would as all eyes watched him unwaveringly. Finally Sai looked up at Karin, Renge, Jihibiki, and Naruto and smiled.
"Well, I guess I can't let you fire crotches have all the fun! Someone's gotta help dickless even out the color palette."
Said Uzumakis face planted while everyone else burst into laughter.
"I regret asking him already…" Renge grumbled pulling herself up. Yanking the scroll out of Sai's hand after he'd signed it, she then turned to Naruto and offered it to him. "All we need is your signature and the little shit is ours."
Naruto looked at the scroll for a moment before grinning evilly. Signing the paper and applying his seal once more, he handed the paper back.
"We'll see who is regretting what in the end." He said and his grin was quickly mimicked by his grandmother. "Is that it?"
Receiving a nod from the three elders he smiled widely and slammed his hand down on the table. There was a large poof of smoke as the contents in the table were unsealed and when it finally cleared everyone was shocked to find four mini kegs of fire whiskey from Mt. Myoboku sitting on the table.
"Then let's get this party started!" Naruto cheered to which everyone else returned in a loud shout. While everyone was in the process of cracking open the contents and pouring them amongst themselves, Naruto leaned over to his grandfather and asked, "Is there a reason our fellow Anbu were summoned here by you?"
Jihibiki gave a sharp nod, instantly going into serious mode while still keeping the happy demeanor. "Round the others up and meet me at the staircase," he said before motioning for the three Anbu to follow inside.
Making his way through the crowd slowly, Naruto smiled and shared small talk with everyone as they congratulated him on his ascension. Making eye contact with Shino across the deck, he gave the slightest jerk of his head towards the house. The Aburame nodded and meticulously untangled himself from Tamamushi, who apparently was an extreme lightweight and rather…clinging. Naruto was then about to make his way to Shikamaru who was currently talking with Choji and Neji while Temari leaned against the lazy Nara's shoulder when Hinata blocked his path.
"Congratulations, Naruto-kun!" She said brightly and rushed him with a hug.
Naruto chuckled and returned it. "Thanks, Hime."
Stepping back with a blush, she reached out and managed to grab his hand causing the blonde to blush as well. "W-Would you like to sit with m-me?"
Naruto felt his heart skip a beat when she spoke and he was forced to take a calming breath. He'd forgotten how bold she tended to be when she started to drink. It was cute, but at the same time slightly off-putting. A gentle squeeze of his hand brought him out of his thoughts.
"N-Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked shyly glancing down at the ground.
Giving her the genuine smile only she ever saw, he returned the squeeze and said, "In a minute Hina-chan. I've got to take care of something inside first and then I'll be back out, okay?"
"C-Can I help?" Hinata asked, perking up.
"Ah…sorry, but no. It's…" He struggled for the words. He didn't want to lie to her but he realized there was no other way around it.
"It has to do with those three other men, doesn't it." It was more of a statement than a question and Hinata looked down to try and hide her eyebrows furrowing together.
"It does," Naruto said with a sigh, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. "There's no reason to worry, okay?"
Hinata frowned for a moment before looking up and ensnaring him in her lavender orbs. "Promise," she asked and internally she berated herself making it sound more like a plea.
Naruto chuckled and nodded his head. "I promise. I'll be back soon," he said giving her hand another squeeze.
Hinata paused for a moment before giving a nod and slowly letting Naruto's hand slip from hers. Taking a step back to let him pass, she held the hand that was just in his—already missing the warmth of his hold. Naruto gave her one more smile before moving past her and towards Shikamaru.
If there was anyone that looked like they were ready for a rescue, it was the lazy genius. His conversation had been brought to an end when Ino started going on about some pointless new fashion trend. Normally Temari wouldn't bite on such a pointless topic, but said topic happened to be about decorative fans. Naturally, the wind mistress immediately dove headlong into the conversation effectively leaving both Shikamaru and Choji on the outs.
"Shikamaru," Naruto said managing to halt the conversation the kunoichi were having temporarily. "Mind if I talk to you in private about something?"
"Lead the way!" Shikamaru said springing up from his spot. Shooting a glance back at Temari he saw the slightest hints of a pout and sighed. "I'll be right back, okay?"
She clicked her teeth before grinning. "You better be!" She said giving him a quick swat on the ass.
"Troublesome woman!" Shikamaru muttered as he rubbed the spot and started to follow Naruto away.
"Any chance I could be included?" Choji asked, not exactly wanting to be left alone in the proverbial sea of estrogen as he now caught a glance of Tenten making her way over.
"Sorry Choji, but this is between me and Shikamaru." Naruto said with a sympathetic smile. "But why don't you go find Kiba, I think I heard him mention something about a drinking competition soon."
"That's got me written all over it!" Choji declared as he jumped up and barreled his way through the small crowd.
Making their way to the back door, they were met there by Shino and Sai, who had managed to slip away from Samui while she sat enraptured by one of Renge's stories.
"Let's try to make this quick before we're missed," Sai said, opening the door and following in behind everyone else.
Hinata watched Naruto go inside, a small frown forming as she saw his shoulders ever so slightly sag.
"You see it too don't you." Karin said, suddenly appearing next to Hinata with the same frown. Hinata let out a small gasp at the red heads sudden arrival. "You can see it in the way he walks. It's as if he's carrying the entire weight of the world on his shoulders…"
Hinata looked at Karin in surprise before turning her attention back to the blonde. She was right. Naruto almost appeared to strain under an invisible weight.
"Has he said anything to you?" Hinata asked.
Karin shook her head. "Nii-sama is open about a lot of things, but this…whatever it is…I can't seem to get him to budge on it." Karin looked down with a frown and wrapped her arms around herself. "I hate it."
"Hate what, Karin-chan?"
"I hate how I feel so useless in this family." Karin said looking up at Hinata. Her voice was tight and her face strained to keep her emotions in check. "I hate how they're all in on something. Jiji…baa-chan…Sai…Naruto-nii…They're all up to something but they won't tell me what! It makes me feel so…so…worthless."
Hinata quickly moved to her friend's aide and moved them off to the corner of the deck away from the group. Setting her down on a swinging bench, Hinata waited patiently until Karin was ready to talk.
"Thanks," Karin finally said taking a deep breath and letting it out while sitting back. "I just feel like I need to prove my worth to them. That I'm not just some weak kuniochi, but someone worthy of holding the name Uzumaki."
Hinata couldn't help but let out a giggle at hearing that, which caused the red head to shoot her an angry glare.
"Is that funny to ya or somethin'?" Karin spat out.
"Sorry Karin-chan, you misunderstand." Hinata said with another giggle. "Naruto-kun adores you. Don't forget he threatened to destroy the village just to see you safe at home, a village he nearly died to protect just a few weeks earlier. I don't think you have to prove anything to any of them. It may be true they're up to something, but I'm sure Naruto-kun has his reasons for keeping it from you."
"Probably doesn't trust me…" Karin said looking away and folding her arms. A sharp pain to the back of her head had her yelping. "The hell was that for?!"
"Don't you dare doubt Naruto-kun for one second!" Hinata scolded while jabbing a finger into her chest. "If I had to guess why he's keeping it from you, it's because Naruto-kun cares about you so much he doesn't want you to worry about what's happening! He probably wants you to relax and finally find happiness after being without it for so long! He'd rather shoulder that weight so his little sister can finally enjoy herself! So don't you ever doubt him, understand?"
Karin stared at the Hyuuga heiress in shock until she finally managed to nod dumbly. Finally a grin spread across her face and she burst into laughter.
"Man, I can see why nii-sama's whole world revolves around you!" Karin said between breathes.
"Th-That's not true, Karin-chan!" Hinata said blushing while holding her cheeks and looking away.
"Oh please, he'd do anything just to see his precious little Hime laugh!"
"Says the girl who swoons whenever Neji-niisan smiles at her." Hinata shot back.
"Says the pot to the kettle," Renge said with a grin, appearing behind them.
"EEP!" The two girls shouted in unison causing the rest of the party to burst out in laughter.
"Baa-chaaaan!" Karin whined while trying to resuscitate a startled Hinata.
Renge just cackled before motioning them back towards the table. "C'mon, as much as I love to see you connecting with my future granddaughter-in-law, I think everyone's missing you at the table."
Giving a sigh, Karin dragged a still blubbering Hinata back towards the rest of the party.
Naruto and the others found Jihibiki, Akira, Rei, and Kenshi at the base of the stairs waiting patiently for their arrival. Walking up to Jihibiki, the blonde commander cocked an eyebrow asking the silent question.
"We'll discuss it upstairs." Was all the elder Uzumaki said before turning and hobbling his way up the steps.
Looking at the rest of them, Naruto shrugged and followed his grandfather. At first he thought they would go to his bedroom, since earlier while everyone was busy preparing for the party Jihibiki had shown him all the privacy seals. To his surprise though, they took the next staircase and soon found themselves out in the night air overlooking the party as well as the village.
"The hell Jiji?" Naruto asked looking at him in confusion.
Jihibiki simply cracked his crazy grin and made a few hand seals before slamming his foot on the ground. Suddenly the air around the four railings shimmered and then grew still—the evening breeze that blew through the air suddenly ceasing to exist. Then a massive table exploded out of nowhere in a cloud of smoke and when it finally disappeared there was a collective gasp from the group.
Across the top of the table was a 3D scaled model of Konohagakure complete with mini civilians going about their daily lives, which Naruto could've sworn looked like they were moving. Upon closer inspection he realized they were in fact moving and looked up at Jihibiki in a mixture of shock and horror.
"Witchcraft," Naruto asked squinting up at his grandfather.
"Seals." Jihibiki corrected and pointed at certain places in the city. "Your father had been working on this map for quite some time, but he never finished it until just after he became Hokage. Genius really," he said as he began to walk around it. "He used multiple sensor seals to triangulate objects in motion while at the same time utilizing chakra sensing seals in tandem to allow a better gauging of chakra levels of said objects in motion."
Stopping just in front of them he pointed to a tiny pale figure standing next to a cart.
"This is a normal civilian. You can tell because of the whitish blue associated with the figure." He then turned his attention to another figure that was making their way down the same street. "This person here is a ninja because their color is much darker. As it stands a genin is pale blue, chuunin is blue, and jonin is dark blue."
"So judging from the technology present," Shikamaru said taking a step closer to look at the map, "this will be our new base of operations for tomorrow night?"
"Correct," Jihibiki said.
"This will significantly help with our planning as well as when the operation becomes a go." Shikamaru stated.
"Just wait, it gets even better." Jihibiki said quickly with a grin. "Shino, send ten of your kikaichu out into the village and attach them to random people. It doesn't matter who."
Shino hesitated just for a moment before nodding and allowing ten of his beetles to fly away from his body.
"While we're waiting for the beetles," Sai said gaining the room's attention, "how was this map created with the buildings? There's sensor seals for people, yes, but how is the architecture accounted for?"
"My guess would be some type of terrain mapping seal for size, shape, and depth and layered with elevation sensors for height," Naruto offered up looking at his grandfather. Seeing his blank look he shrugged and said, "What? It's what I'd do."
Jihibiki's blank look quickly changed to one of sheer joy and he let out a sharp laugh before clapping the blonde on the back.
"I must say Naruto-kun, you've certainly come a long way in just a month!" The old man allowed his smile to grow even more, "That's exactly what it is!"
"This is probably a stupid question," Akira said trying to hide his grimace, "but is this room secure?"
His answer came in the form of deadpan stares from the three Uzumakis.
"You're on the Uzumaki clan's secret estate…" Jihibiki said.
"Where the memorial stone alone is guarded by over a thousand seals…" Sai continued.
"In a room designed by my father…" Naruto finished. "No, by all means let's make sure this place is safe and run a sweep."
"Taichou…please stop." Akira said rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I'm sorry."
"Jihibiki-san," Shino interrupted, saving Akira. "My insects are in place."
"Okay, here we go!" Jihibiki said rubbing his hands together. "Shino, activate Justice and come over here."
Shino did as he was instructed and when he was standing by Jihibiki's side the old man then indicated to two seals shoulder length apart on the table.
"Place your hands on those seals," he instructed. "The seals will do the rest."
Shino placed his hands on the seals and a moment later ten figures on the map randomly turned red. Gingerly removing his hands from the seals revealed the figures remained red even after lost contact with the bug user.
"I tweaked the map a little to allow compatibility with the Night Angels." Jihibiki explained as he began to once again walk around the map. "And as shown the benefits vastly improve our chances of this mission going off without a hitch."
"That's the understatement of the century!" Shikamaru said excitedly, his eyes taking on a glint Naruto rarely saw. The eyes of a motivated genius. "By using Justice, Shino can mark every single target with his insects and watch them in real time! With someone here to coordinate the mission, we could very well have a zero casualty on every side!"
"Exactly!" Jihibiki replied just as excited.
"Then let's rendezvous here tomorrow at 1800 hours," Naruto said taking command. "Well go over the mission briefing one more time before setting out."
"Yes sir!" Was the chorused response from everyone present.
"Great," Naruto said with a nod before smiling. "Then let's get back to the party before we're missed."
"Naruto," Shino said getting the blonde's attention as the group descended the staircase. "Is it wise to be having a party on the eve of one of the most important missions in the history of our village?"
Naruto simply smirked. "I believe Rei can answer that for you Shino."
Shino merely cocked an eyebrow and diverted his attention to the Anbu commander.
"It is important to know when to relax, Shino." Rei explained as they turned the corner and descended the last staircase. "Especially in high class missions, operatives need to know when to cut loose and blow off steam. It's why most Anbu shinobi spend the day before any mission doing menial tasks to relax or cut loose for a bit. Knowing how to calm your nerves is just as important as knowing how many steps the door to the right is from the entry point of a hallway."
Shino nodded in understanding and was silent until they made it to the kitchen.
"Still," he said, "should everyone be drinking? We should be in top physical condition for our assignment tomorrow."
"Oh come on Shino!" Naruto said in exasperation, wrapping an arm around him. "We're young! It's nothing a glass or two of water before bed and a little sleeping in can't cure!" Seeing the Aburame still wasn't convinced he added, "Besides, we have the best doctor in the entire elemental nations here to patch us up if we really need it."
"I suppose you have a point…" Shino muttered.
"Good man!" Naruto said as he opened up the back door.
"NARUTOOO!"
"Hina-OMPF!"
Naruto was sent toppling backwards when a blue and lavender streak slammed into his chest. Looking up in a daze, he was met with the drunken smile of the Hyuuga heiress as she squeezed him as tight as she could.
"Naruto…" she said seriously before trailing off with a hiccup, "-kun…don't yoush ever, ever, ever, leave me—" another hiccup, "alone again!"
"I—um…okay?" Naruto asked more than stated to which he earned uproarious laughter from the rest of the intoxicated party. "How much has she had?!"
"Not mush," Karin slurred red in the face as well. "Only like…" she trailed off as her head slammed into the table and she started snoring.
"Yesh! That many preshishly!" Neji declared shooting a hand up into the air. Unfortunately he did it with a little too much vigor and quickly found himself crashing backwards out of his chair.
"Damn whippershhhnappers," Hiashi mumbled, his eyes closed and propping himself up with an arm. "Can't hold their booze…"
Realizing they weren't getting any answers quick, Sai stepped forward. "By a show of hands, who here is sober?"
As if by some miracle of god, everyone—even Karin, Neji, and Hiashi—suddenly shot their hands into the air with cheer.
"Naruto-kun," Hinata said softly catching the blonde's attention.
She looked up at him through her blush and puckered her lips in a small pout, her kimono parting just enough for Naruto to make out the black lace bra she was wearing underneath. He instantly found himself fighting down his own temperatures in more than one area.
"I've only had three drinksh," she finished before returning to burying her face in his chest. "Mmm, I wanna shleep on you so bad." She purred out rubbing her cheeks on his chest and stomach.
"On him or with him?" Temari asked with an evil grin.
"Both," Hinata said without missing a beat.
The following silence was so quiet a mute could have been heard.
"Oh my…" Tenten muttered with a blush, subconsciously leaning back into Lee.
"Sai!" Naruto hissed looking up at him. "Help me out here!"
"Why?" Sai asked in confusion. Whipping out his godforsaken book he began to flip through the pages. "It says here all you need to do is close—a hook line that makes them go all in. Do you need one?"
"Like hell!" Naruto shouted managing to stand up with Hinata still wrapped around his chest. "Gimme that," he said ripping the book out of his hands.
"It's okay, you can have it." Sai said pulling out a second. "I have a spare."
"I need a drink," Naruto grumbled making his way to the table.
"Here, here!" Renge cheered as she waved a glass around before downing the contents.
Smacking her lips she sat back with a sigh and surveyed the surroundings. Karin was awake again, and had managed to weasel her way into Neji's lap. Said Hyuuga was blushing like mad and attempting to stay as composed as possible. He was failing. Kiba and Choji were both two sips away from becoming part of the floor—their drinking competition quickly coming to a halt and ending in a tie. They were currently sharing a deep and philosophical conversation on why toast always landed butter-side down. Shino had rejoined Tamamushi on the patio couch and was quickly put to use as a cushion. Samui quickly made her way over to Sai, feeling slightly uncomfortable since she didn't really know anyone and clung to him like a life line. It seemed the fire whiskey was loosening everyone up. Even Tsunade was currently poking fun at Hiashi for his daughters being less of a light weight than he was.
And the younger group wasn't fairing much better. They'd been allowed one glass each and that was all it took. Konohamaru was currently re-enacting his valiant efforts to protect Hanabi from her would be attacker. He was at the point of the story where he jumped in to save her and dramatically leapt onto the deck railing for emphasis—only to miss and crash into the yard. This lead to a round of laughs and Hanabi doting over him with a blush of her own. Udon was currently reciting poetry to Moegi at the top of his lungs and judging by the look on her face she was either completely captivated or absolutely mortified. Tenten and Lee looked on in mirth, the bun haired weapons mistress leaning back into her taijutsu master's hold as they swayed back and forth gently to the light music Renge had put on earlier.
By now the sun had begun to set and the sky was painting itself reds and oranges. In the slowly dying day, automatic deck lights began to flicker to life and illuminate the deck in a warm ambiance. A crisp breeze, not to cool but filled with the smells of autumn, gently flowed across the backyard and elicited a rueful smile from the elder Uzumaki.
"It's good to finally see life in this place." She said.
"It most certainly is," Jihibiki said taking a seat next to her. Grasping her hand, he brought it to his lips and gave it a kiss.
"I can't thank you enough for what you've done." Naruto added setting Hinata down in a seat across from them and then taking a seat next to her. "All of this," he gestured to the surroundings, "is more than anything I could ever ask for."
Pouring out three cups and passing them around, Jihibiki rose his glass which was mimicked by the other two. "To second chances."
"Two second chances," the other two repeated softly before downing their cups.
Naruto coughed and thumped his chest. "Man, I always forget how hard that first drink bites."
"I'm long past that," Renge said with a chuckled as she poured another round.
"It's only been like twenty minutes," Naruto said with a humored smirk. He could spy the oncoming of a blush on her face.
"Bah, long enough to nearly finish one keg!" She crooned as she threw back another glass.
"Sweetie," Jihibiki said in concern and started reaching for her glass, "maybe you should—"
He was cut off when he received a kick in the shin from Naruto under the table.
"Have another round!" Naruto finished as he poured all of them the last bit from the keg. Holding his glass up, he said with a smile, "To family!"
"To family!" The other two chanted, and this time they were joined by Karin, Sai, and Hinata.
Naruto threw his liquor back and noticed the faraway look that suddenly overcame his grandmother's eyes. Setting his glass down gently, he watched as her eyes began to dart this way and that as if she were watching an invisible scene. Tears began to form and her lips quivered ever so slightly before a soft sob finally escaped them.
"…My family…"
Jihibiki slowly wrapped her hand in his, and rubbed her back with the other. She tried to reach for her glass, but the alcohol finally caught up to her and she ended up knocking the cup away. Her body shook violently as she was wracked with another set of sobs.
Everyone fell silent and allowed the elder to morn in peace. It during this lull in sound that Naruto's thoughts turned to the conversation he'd had with Kurama earlier. He'd said to ask her when she was good and drunk. He had to admit now was a better time than any.
"Hey baa-chan," Naruto said catching Renge's attention. "All those years ago…Why…Why did the bridge burn?"