Chapter 36

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or the X-Men

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Lots of computer and internet problems have kept me from posting lately. Things still aren't fixed so I'm posting this (short) chapter from work during my break. Here is chapter 36. Enjoy!

[ ] Signifies sand signs

{ } Signifies a foreign language.

Last Time:

Hokage Tower

The mangled looking Jiraiya led the way upstairs to see the Hokage. He was mixed between worrying about his Godson and enjoying talking to Karin about his books. He saw Shizune at her desk and the dark haired young woman looked at him with shock in her eyes.

"J-Jiraiya-sama? Shouldn't you be in the hospital?" asked Shizune in a slight panic. "What on Earth happened at the Uzumaki Mask Storage Temple?"

Jiraiya laughed weakly and said, "I'm just fine and the Uzumaki Temple is safe but off limits for now. We ran into Team Anko there. I think it would be a good idea to se Tsunade-hime immediately." Looking over his shoulder at his Godson's smoldering glare, Jiraiya said, "No time like the present!"

The dark haired young woman announced them and Team Anko and Jiraiya went into Tsunade's office. Shizune heard Tsunade say with her usual tact, "God damn Jiraiya; you smell like piss, shit and death and look even worse. What the hell happened to you?!"

….After thirty-seven days out on their mission Team Anko was finally home….

Fire Country, Konoha, Hokage Tower

While Jiraiya excused himself to the hospital to be checked over, Team Anko gave their report to the Hokage as well as their written ones they had prepared in advance. Tsunade had a dozen questions for them as a group and just as many of them individually. It was a very long debriefing and the Hokage was surprised that both Sakura and Naruto asked to stay a bit after. After Tsunade dismissed everyone else, she said, "What can I do for you two? Obviously something important is on your minds."

Sakura said, "Chunins Haruno Sakura and Uzumaki Naruto formally request that Team Kakashi be disestablished. Neither of us feel that we can respect Kakashi any longer and do not wish to serve in a regular cell with him anymore."

The Hokage's blonde eyebrows shot up in surprise. "That is a serious request chunins. What do you think Naruto? Could you work with Kakashi if it was a necessity?"

Naruto said, "I could serve with Kakashi if it was necessary Hokage-sama. Sakura and I respect Kakashi's abilities as a ninja but neither of us wish to associate with him as a person. We've discussed matters in depth over the last month and came to the conclusion that his failures as a person and his incompetence as a sensei nearly got us killed on more than one occasion. We will abide by your decision regardless."

Tsunade asked, "How do the two of you feel about serving as teammates with each other?"

"Naruto has my complete trust." said Sakura. "He and I have been to hell and back together. I want to remain his teammate."

"I feel the same." added Naruto. "But we still would need a third teammate regardless and whoever was appointed for that position never showed up."

Tsunade chuckled, "He's currently in ANBU prison. He was a ROOT spy for Shimura Danzo that you nicknamed 'Smiley.' I'm sure you remember what your girlfriends did to him."

Naruto groaned. "That idiot attacked us."

The Hokage shrugged. "Apparently he misunderstood Danzo's orders to 'test' you. I understand his actual target was Illyana. Danzo had an interest in her."

Naruto frowned. "But Danzo was executed for treason. That means ROOT…."

"ROOT is being disbanded and integrated into regular ANBU." explained Tsunade.

"Elder Danzo was executed?" asked Sakura in shock.

Tsunade nodded. "During the trial for his crimes against Naruto and the Fire Daimyo, Danzo tried to escape and his treasonous acts were brought to light. I executed him on the spot. He was too dangerous to let live."

Sakura looked pale. "What about the other two elders?"

"Naruto didn't tell you?" asked the busty blonde.

Sakura shook her head 'no' and Naruto said, "When I found out about things I didn't want to talk about them."

"So what about Homura and Koharu?" asked the rosette.

The Hokage explained, "Koharu was repentant for her actions and is under house arrest for a year and the vast majority of her fortune is going to Naruto." Tsunade sighed. "As for Homura; he is sentenced to death by public beheading and everything he owns is going to be liquidated and going into Naruto's accounts." Both chunins looked green though Naruto already knew about it. Tsunade added, "I'm afraid you must be present for the execution because of the Daimyo's ruling Naruto. I know you'd rather stay out of the public eye but it's a matter of honor since you are a Lord now."

Naruto cringed. "Just what I didn't want."

Tsunade said, "Consider it practice for future Hokage duties. Look at the positive side; you have the option of beheading Homura yourself. I knew you wouldn't want to but in some cases it is required."

"Thanks for that Baa-chan; I don't think I could stomach beheading someone." said Naruto quietly. 'How barbaric. All those animals will probably be cheering at the old fool's death.'

Sakura put her hand on Naruto's shoulder sympathetically. 'I'm beginning to doubt Naruto even wants to be Hokage anymore.' "When is the execution to take place Tsunade-sama?"

"Now that you are all back the execution will be scheduled first thing in the morning." said the blonde Hokage.

"I'll stay hidden until then." said Naruto.

Tsunade sighed and then nodded. "Wear your formal Uzumaki robes for the occasion Naruto. I'll send someone over tomorrow morning to instruct you on the proper etiquette for this situation."

….

Golden Leaf Inn

Shizuki, Tokiwa, Karin and Kitty were temporarily set up in the quarters reserved for foreign dignitaries. Given what a mess the whole Moon Country mission had been Tsunade decided to put their situations on hold for the next few days. They weren't confined to their quarters but were aware that ANBU would be keeping an eye on them.

Karin wanted to join Konoha as a kunoichi and Kitty at least wanted to join as a citizen. She was undecided about becoming a ninja despite Illyana's urges to have her join. Kitty wasn't sure about the killing part because of her background as an X-Man. She also wanted to go back to Earth 616 if possible but for obvious reasons they hadn't had time to research it.

As for Tokiwa, she was concerned about her mistress. Shizuka seemed quite determined to become Naruto's third wife and though he was cordial with her it was obvious he had his hands full with the two wives he had. There was also the issue that Shizuka had a village to lead….

….

Naruto's Apartment

Naruto, Hinata and Illyana sat down together for a quiet meal. "….And that's the situation girls. We knew Homura was going to be executed but it will be first thing in the morning. I was hoping the three of us could blow off tomorrow and sleep in."

"Well, maybe we can go back out to the Uzumaki Temple in the afternoon." said Illyana with her eyes glittering. "That place has many secrets to explore. I'm sure the doors will open for you Naruto-kun."

"As fun as it sounds we should bring Karin with us." interjected Hinata. "She is an Uzumaki too after all."

"Yes, she may be able to open doors that I can't." agreed Naruto.

"I guess tomorrow we'll explore then!" said Illyana eagerly.

….

Konoha Town Square

The next morning Naruto stood there alone on the platform as the Hokage and other dignitaries took their places. Looking down at Homura he watched as the people jeered and hurled insults at the former Elder. The old man's head was on the block and he was fastened down securely. Homura looked beaten and broken both physically and in spirit. Naruto heard that the former Elder's tongue was cut out and cauterized. 'This is almost a mercy killing.' thought Naruto. 'The last I saw of the old man was in the Hokage's Office when I threatened his life. By the gods, what did they do to him in prison?' Homura's eyes looked up at Naruto's. They locked briefly and then Homura looked away beaten and defeated. It was obvious the former Elder just wanted to end it all as people insulted him. Mitokado Homura was utterly crushed….

Many people were cheering for Naruto as well. Their cheers for 'Uzumaki-sama' and 'The Fourth's son' made Naruto feel hollow inside. The blonde ninja was supposed to say something and then swing his arm in a chopping motion to signal the beheading. Naruto looked at his right hand and realized he had the power of life and death over Homura. It made the blonde feel sick. He couldn't go against the Daimyo's ruling but Naruto wanted to just walk away. 'What the hell am I doing here? There is no honor in killing a defenseless old man no matter how rotten he is.' The crowds were baying for Homura's blood by now as well as cheering loudly for 'Naruto-sama.'

The crowds grew wilder and wilder as the Hokage announced the proceedings. It was obvious Tsunade found the situation distasteful but the crowd couldn't see the village leader's face with her Hokage's hat on. Naruto wasn't even listening. The crowd grew quiet at the announcement that Naruto had to deliver to them. Tsunade gently nudged Naruto forward. Naruto amplified his voice with chakra and to those who knew him it had an authoritative and haunting sound that none had ever heard before. "I thank his Grace, the Fire Daimyo for delivering swift justice to my family."

The crowd cheered wildly. Naruto was supposed to say something about purging evil from Konoha but the blonde's thoughts lost whatever else he was supposed to say. Seeing the bloodthirsty crowd in front of him made Naruto want to vomit. Some were already cheering for him to become the next Hokage. 'These people don't deserve my protection. They are animals.' Naruto's voice took an angry tone and he said disappointedly, "I look at the citizens of Konoha here and only one thing comes to my mind: The evil that men do lives on and on."

Everyone was too stunned to react and Naruto made a chopping motion that signaled the executioner to remove Mitokado Homura's head. There was dead silence as Homura's head hit the ground after one clean cut. The wet thump of the decapitated head echoed across the village. Naruto's voice boomed and he said, "These proceedings are closed. I want each and every one of you to look at that head lying there and reflect on just what you have been cheering for." His voice was dripping with so much indignation and displeasure that not one head in the crowd wasn't lowered in shame. Naruto left the platform in a body flicker.

"Naruto-sama….he is angry at us?" asked a shopkeeper.

"He seemed so displeased…." commented a man.

"We were cheering for an old man to be killed…." said a young woman. "I think Naruto-sama is ashamed of us."

"These proceedings are closed." announced Tsunade. "Everyone is free to return to their homes."

People mulled around a while and soon the mess was cleaned up. The citizens of Konoha had a lot to think about….

….

The Hyūga Compound

Ryoko was sitting with her boyfriend Neji. She had witnessed the execution and Naruto's speech. Ryoko looked a bit dumbfounded. "Is Naruto-sama always that….forceful Neji-kun? I got the impression he was seriously angry."

Neji gently hugged Ryoko. "Ryoko-chan, how would you feel if you just got back from a long trip and found out they were having an execution in your honor? Worse yet, the civilians were treating it like a parade."

The reporter cringed and said, "Since you put it that way….people were practically screaming for that ex-Elder's death."

Neji nodded. "Knowing Naruto he wouldn't have wanted Homura killed. He's very forgiving even towards his enemies."

"But the Fire Daimyo decreed that Mitokado Homura was to be put to death." said Ryoko.

Neji nodded. "And Naruto had to uphold that decision but like most of the ninjas present he considered it a solemn occasion, not a street party. The attitude of the citizens was disgraceful."

Ryoko wondered what to write down. 'Naruto-sama is a very just and honorable man who treats even his enemies with respect and kindness….I really need to interview him personally but he vanished like the wind.'

"Neji-kun, do you think you could introduce me to Naruto-sama?" asked the biographer. "He seems to be a very complex person to write about."

"Should I be jealous?" teased Neji as they shared a kiss.

She giggled, "No, but I do want you to meet my family. I really like yours."

….

Naruto's apartment building

Naruto slipped into his apartment building under henge and several ninjas saw who he was as the blonde resumed his normal appearance inside the lobby. In spite of the fact the ninjas weren't as bad as the public they still addressed him as a Lord. "Uzumaki-sama, can I help you?" asked one of the chunin guards.

Naruto said quietly, "I live here. I don't need any help thank you."

"I had no idea we were neighbors." said a blonde chunin kunoichi with an inviting smile.

Naruto simply said, "I prefer to keep to myself, thanks." He then took the stairs up instead of the elevator.

A brunette kunoichi looked a bit confused. "I heard he was really outgoing."

"Judging by what he said at the execution an hour ago he's probably in a bad mood." said a jonin coming in. "Uzumaki-sama seemed really disgusted with the way people were cheering at an execution. I thought he was a bit harsh but then again it was more like a zoo than a solemn occasion. I guess his heart wasn't in it."

The desk receptionists (a retired kunoichi) said, "Well, I missed the whole thing but public executions are bloody things. I guess the only one left is old Koharu and she's hidden from the public eye."

"So how long has Uzumaki-sama lived here anyway?" asked the blonde kunoichi.

The receptionist answered, "It's only been a few months. When he got back from training with Jiraiya-sama he moved here."

"So where does Uzumaki-sama live anyway?" asked the brunette. "He looked like he needed some cheering up. I've got some good imported wine I bet he'd like."

"You know that's classified." grouched the receptionist. "The only reason I know is because I have to collect the rent."

….

Naruto, Illyana and Hinata's apartment

Naruto unlocked his door and quietly and entered the front room. Hinata and Illyana were there waiting as they'd taken a shortcut via stepping disc. Hinata had a sad look on her face. "People are monsters. They were enjoying the whole spectacle like it was a circus. You were right to admonish them Naruto-kun."

Illyana hugged Naruto as he closed the door. "I love you Naruto-kun." she whispered. Naruto embraced her before he did the same with Hinata.

"It's been a really long morning." said Naruto tiredly. "I wonder how much backlash there will be for what I said."

"There shouldn't be any backlash." said Hinata sternly. "What you said was perfectly within the dictates of your station even if it was considered harsh by some."

….

Hokage Tower

Later; Tsunade was taking a break from the stupidity of the people under her protection.

Flashback….

Several of the more prominent citizens of Konoha (read: merchants and minor nobles) were shocked that Uzumaki Naruto-sama wasn't dancing a jig at Mitokado Homura's execution.

"It must be because former Elder Koharu is still alive!" declared a fat merchant. "No wonder Uzumaki-sama is so upset. Something must be done about her."

A noble said, "He is simply disgusted that he had to dirty his hands. Mitokado Homura deserved to die and Uzumaki-sama didn't want to watch the trash be disposed of. I don't blame him one bit."

The arguments went back and forth between the citizens for a while before Tsunade said authoritatively, "Has it ever occurred to a single one of you that you were treating the execution of a condemned criminal like some kind of celebration? Did any of you see a single ninja cheering? No? That's because it should have been carried out in silence! This wasn't a village dance or party! Someone died!" Tsunade was leaking killing intent and she said, "All of you get out."

Flashback end….

"Gods I need a drink." thought Tsunade aloud. She looked at another 'request' to have a festival welcoming the Fourth's Legacy home. Pulling out her red stamp she said, "Denied." 'Naruto has enough issues as it is. The way he was glaring at the crowd I'm worried he'll leave the village. I need to sit down and talk to him. Jiraiya's useless in this case. That idiot has driven a huge wedge between him and his apprentice with those stupid books….even if Jiraiya is turning over huge profits….' "Wait a minute! Huge profits! Naruto and his girls should get a cut of that pie! Shizune!"

….

Naruto, Illyana and Hinata's apartment

The three lovers barely had time to sit down for tea together when Hinata received a message from Neji to come to the Hyūga compound if she could. He explained the situation with Ryoko so Hinata would be prepared for a possible questioning. Neji also asked Hinata to treat Ryoko kindly because she was his girlfriend. That caused Hinata to raise her eyebrows. 'Neji-niisan has a girlfriend? This is a shocker. I will have to ask Aunty Hana about this girl.' "It seems that Neji-niisan has a girlfriend." said Hinata. "I'm going over to the Hyūga compound to investigate this matter personally." Hinata chuckled as Naruto looked shocked and Illyana looked delighted at the opportunity to tease Neji.

Illyana said, "I wonder if we should tag along to interrogate Neji properly." That was when they heard a knock on their door. "I'll get it…." said the sorceress darkly. The blonde kunoichi opened the door and saw Anko in her combat gear. "Ummm….Anko-sensei? What is going on? I thought we all had a few days off."

Anko said, "Sorry kids, ANBU duty. Get your gear on Naruto. Your specialty is required."

Naruto sighed, "Really Anko? ….Let me get my stuff on." Naruto trotted back into the bedroom. When he came back he said, "Go ahead and have fun with Neji. I may be struck for a while."

"You'll probably be stuck all day." said Anko. She said apologetically to Hinata and Illyana, "Sorry to kidnap your boyfriend. Let's go whiskers." She placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder and the two vanished in a body flicker….

"Well that sucks." grouched Illyana. "Maybe I'll go see Kitty and make sure she's alright. You go ahead Hinata-chan."

Hinata smiled. "I'll take pictures. I'm going to get my combat gear on. Come to think of it I need an upgrade."

"We'll get you some better combat clothes." said Illyana. "You need something sexier." Hinata soon departed and Illyana went to get her own gear on.

Illyana was turning the lights off before leaving when there was a knock at the door. Sighing, Illyana opened the door and saw ANBU Ferret. "ANBU Ferret-san, what can I do for you?"

Ferret said, "Good, the Hokage needs you three. You need to report to the Hokage Tower immediately genin. Tell Uzumaki-sama and Hyūga-sama."

Illyana growled, "I'm the only one here. Naruto-kun already got kidnapped by ANBU for a job and Hinata-chan is out on Clan business."

Ferret sagged. "Well, I'm one for three. Unless you have some dire circumstances please report to the Hokage Tower."

….

Hyūga Compound

Hinata showed up at the Hyūga Compound unannounced and was enthusiastically greeted by the gate guards. The former Heiress exchanged greetings with many of her clansmen but her eyebrow was starting to twitch at the repeated question of when she would become Heiress again. She informed them that she had come to see Neji and kindly asked to be taken to him. Neji was soon informed and went out to greet his cousin along Ryoko.

"This is your cousin that has been traveling with Naruto-sama?" asked Ryoko.

Neji nodded as he led Ryoko along by the hand. "Hinata-sama is the one that Naruto swore a blood oath against me. They are close." 'I just wonder how close….' "Anyway, Hinata-sama is a very kind and forgiving person and completely forgave me despite my behavior. We have since reconciled and have become true cousins." They couple heard several clan members talking excitedly that Hinata-sama was there and Neji said, "Why she hasn't resumed the title of Heiress is beyond me."

When Neji arrived he all but had to fight through the well meaning crowd of Hyūga Clan members talking to Hinata. "Hinata-sama; thank you for coming." he turned and gently pulled his girlfriend to him and said, "May I introduce my girlfriend Iwaku Ryoko, Ryoko-chan, this is my cousin Hyūga Hinata-sama."

Hinata shook Ryoko's hand and said in her proper way, "I am very pleased to meet you Iwaku-san; please call me Hinata."

Ryoko felt a strange rush of power when Hinata shook her hand. 'Her eyes, they are different from the others….' "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance as well Hinata-sama, please just call me Ryoko."

Neji said, "Come Hinata-sama, have some tea with Ryoko and I. There is much to talk about."

The group of three went over to the veranda on the side of the branch house and sat down. Several ranch members stopped to say hello before Hinata started the conversation and said, "Neji nii-san indicated you are a writer in his invitation Ryoko-san. What is it you write about?" She knew from Neji's note but figured it would be easier for Ryoko to bring things up this way.

Ryoko soon explained that she was writing about Naruto's life story and was interested in getting Hinata's input since she was close friends with Naruto. "It's been rather difficult to research Naruto-sama and I was hoping you could help me get an interview with him once he cools off from that spectacle this morning. I could hear the anger in his voice."

'She is perceptive.' thought Hinata in approval. 'She also seems very affectionate towards Neji.' "Naruto-kun is very busy but I'll see what I can do. I don't wish to discourage you but Naruto-kun may not wish to have a book written about him."

"He is a great hero both in Wave Country and here." said Ryoko. "His story deserves to be told. Everyone says he will be Hokage someday. If nothing else it would be good publicity; don't you think?"

Hinata started, "Well, I-"

That was when the former Hyūga Elders Hiroto and Harumi showed up. Hiroto said, "Hinata-chan, it is so good to see you! I trust your mission was a success?"

Neji felt the subtle killing intent rolling off his cousin as she turned to face their Grandfather. "What can I do for you Hiroto-sama?" she asked curtly.

Hiroto said, "Harumi and I heard you were here and naturally came to see you my granddaughter. You are our Heiress-"

"Hanabi is the proper Heiress of the Hyūga Clan or have you forgotten again?" asked Hinata.

Harumi said, "Surely you've had time to reconsider over the last month."

Hinata kept herself from growling and said, "My stance has not changed."

"When will you be moving home then Hinata-chan?" asked Hiroto.

Hinata glared and said, "I am quite happy where I am. You two should know when to back off by now." Her eyes were glowing menacingly.

Hiroto raised his hands in surrender and said, "There is no need for anger Hinata-chan. We just wanted to check on your well being."

"Then you have done so." growled Hinata. "Be gone." She said as her eyes fully activated and showed the reticle patterns that often meant death.

Harumi bowed and said, "We'll be going now Hinata-sama. It is good to see you are in good health." Hiroto said likewise and the two left in haste.

Hinata closed her eyes and calmed herself. She turned to Neji and Ryoko and said, "Forgive my impropriety. Those two are relics of the past that should know better than to try and manipulate me."

"Ah, of course." said Neji. "I'm afraid it is in their nature to meddle in the affairs of others."

'Scary….' thought Ryoko.

….

Hokage Tower

Illyana arrived at the Hokage Tower promptly in a stepping disc. She checked in at the tower front desk and went upstairs to see Shizune. The dark haired woman looked up at Illyana and said, "Ah, Illyana. Good timing. Are Naruto-kun and Hinata with you?"

"I'm the only one here Shizune-san." said the blonde sorceress. "Naruto-kun was already called away for ANBU duty and Hinata-chan went to see her clan. I don't know if ANBU Ferret caught up with her or not."

Shizune looked pensive for a moment and said, "Let's go see Tsunade-sama." Knocking on the Hokage's door the dark haired woman said, "It's Shizune. I have genin Illyana Rasputin with me."

"Bring her in." said Tsunade. "Ferret just informed me of the situation." Shizune led Illyana into the Hokage's office and Tsunade said, "Have a seat genin. I have a business proposal that I think will brighten your day a bit."

"A business proposal?" asked Illyana.

Tsunade nodded. "You see, I've been rather concerned with Jiraiya's situation regarding his last couple of books." Illyana growled and the Hokage held up a finger to forestall any arguments. "I realize you cough*justifiably*cough want the pervert dead but he's far too valuable to Konoha's security to let you three attempt to murder him again….especially considering you nearly succeeded last time."

The sorceress asked, "What do you suggest Hokage-sama?"

"I'm suggesting that you each get a cut of the profits Jiraiya is making off of your characters." said Tsunade. "It could end up being a major scandal of course if Jiraiya tries to fight it but since you are all legally Konoha ninjas I can rubber stamp it through as your Hokage. What do you say to 10% of the profits for each of you three?"

Tsunade would have sworn she saw the image of Darkchilde appear briefly and Illyana said, "No need to be so stingy with Ero-sennin's money. Let's make it 20% each for a nice, even 60/40 split with the pervert. I'm sure Hinata-chan and Naruto-kun would agree as long as there is a clause in there that Jiraiya can't reveal our true identities."

Tsunade sweat dropped, 'No wonder Anko likes this girl. She went straight for the jugular.' "I think that is within the realm of possibility. Let's write up a proposal to present to Jiraiya's publisher…."

….

Haruno Residence

Sakura and Ino were in the pinkette's room talking about the mission to Moon Country. "Damn Forehead, it sounds like you had quite an adventure." said Ino. "Shame you didn't get to meet the Fire Daimyo though. That would have been cool. Did Naruto-kun say what it was like eating with the Daimyo?"

"He said that he didn't feel safe at all." said Sakura. "From what Naruto told me everyone there had some sort of agenda and dealing with enemy ninjas was much more comfortable to him."

Ino laughed and then realized Sakura was dead serious. "Naruto-kun really thought it was that bad?"

The rosette nodded. "The Fire Daimyo invited him to become one of his Twelve Guardian Ninjas and Naruto said he wanted to run away screaming and not look back."

"How did the knucklehead get out of that without insulting the Fire Daimyo?" asked Ino worriedly.

"Naruto said he wasn't experienced enough yet and that he hoped to serve in the future." said Sakura. "It was all a total lie of course but everyone seemed to buy it I guess."

"Wow." said the blonde kunoichi. "Then you guys had all that craziness at the Uzumaki Temple. I guess it's still off limits. I saw the place just passing by it and thought the old place was on the verge of collapse. Hard to believe it's fit for a King now."

Sakura nodded. "It had to be seen to be believed. Until Naruto and his cousin Karin fully explore the place ANBU has it under watch. There could be some serious traps in there."

"Sounds like a job for Team Kakashi then." said Ino humorously. "Assuming you can find another member to join your motley crew."

The rosette sighed. "Naruto and I asked for Team Kakashi to be disestablished. Neither one of us wants to serve with Kakashi any longer."

"What…?" asked Ino in shock. "But Kakashi-sensei-"

"Kakashi is an incompetent sensei." said Sakura quietly. "The only reason I know anything is because my Master Tsunade-sama took me under her wing. Naruto learned from Jiraiya to some degree before he apprenticed under the Toad Sages. Naruto and I talked a lot and thought long and hard before we came to this decision. Naruto despises Kakashi as you already know. I talked to Kakashi way back before the mission started and concluded that Naruto was in the right about how he felt. Even if Tsunade-sama keeps the Team intact both of us have lost all respect for Kakashi."

….

Hyuga Compound, Main Family dining hall

Hinata accepted an invitation from her Father and Aunt to have lunch with them. Hanabi was there as well. "I'm so happy to see you nee-chan." said Hanabi happily. "Hana Kaa-chan has big news!"

The former Heiress smiled. "Hana Kaa-chan? I take it a marriage is in order Aunty Hana, Father?"

Hana blushed and smiled happily. She was positively beaming. "Not only are Hiashi-kun and I getting married; you are going to be a big sister again."

Hinata gasped and then dashed around the table and hugged Hana as the older woman laughed. Hinata then gave a more formal hug to her Father. "I'm so happy for the both of you." said Hinata with tears in her eyes.

"I'm going to be a nee-chan too!" declared Hanabi happily.

"Yes you are." said Hinata. "Being a nee-chan is a lot of fun but it's also a big responsibility to set a good example for the baby."

The Hyūga dining hall was filled with happy chatter after that….

….

ANBU Headquarters

Naruto was arguing with Ibiki. "You're the only one that can crack these Uzumaki!" growled Ibiki. "That's why we saved them all till you got back."

"I'm working on it along with twenty clones." spat Naruto. "Look here Ibiki; I've got eight little fingers and only two thumbs; I'm working on it!"

Naruto looked at the pile of intercepted sealed scrolls that cryptography claimed were from the Land of Water.

'I wanted to go out to the Uzumaki Temple and explore damn it.' thought the orange loving ninja mutinously. "Oh well, I'll figure out this damn seal and-Ibiki; get back here!" yelled Naruto.

Ibiki growled at the lack of respect (not to mention he was planning to see Ayame for lunch). The ANBU interrogator came back in and Naruto said, "Look at this."

"It looks like a bunch of squiggly lines to me." said Ibiki flatly.

Naruto said, "Morino, this is Shimura Danzo's work." His blue eyes turned to ice. "I need blood samples and I can crack these in minutes."

Ibiki's eyes widened. "You're positive?" Naruto nodded. Ibiki immediately wrote out some orders and said, "How much blood do you need?"

"Just a vial will do." said Naruto.

….

Twenty minutes later….

"These are communications with the Mizukage Yagura from Danzo." said Anko with a gasp. "That old bastard's still causing trouble and he's been dead for weeks."

Ibiki's eyes widened. "Naruto, start your clones reading! I'm giving you clearance. The gods only know what's been going on between Yagura and Danzo. I want a complete picture yesterday!"

….

Naruto's blue eyes snapped open as his last clone dispelled. "Danzo was supplying ROOT Agents by the dozens and weapons to Yagura's regime. In exchange Danzo was to receive captured bloodline users as payment. Danzo has a prison in the remains of Whirlpool Country….my people's homeland."

"Write a preliminary report for the Hokage Naruto." said Anko. "We just get home and an international incident is brewing."

"There's never a dull moment." agreed Naruto.

Ibiki nodded. "There is no rest for the wicked."

….

POSTSCRIPT:

Well, it's been awhile since I've been able to post and things will probably be slow a while longer. The chapter turned out a bit rough because of me having to write it in bits and pieces here and there. This marks the beginning of the Hidden Mist Arc. There are still lots of things to square away in Konoha before it really gets rolling though. I'm going to be switching gears again to another core story, either Curse of the Ryugan or Trapped under Ice. I haven't been able to update either for a long time. See you next time. Blue out. 1/25/17