I don't own Naruto, or any of the characters from the Manga or Anime.

A Price for Peace

Chapter 51: Approaching Threat

Naruto and Kakashi spent several hours travelling around the large city. Kakashi had marvelled at the sheer size of the city. "Well I am surprised, Tsunade had informed me you were living in a small run down village in a forest. When you told me what had happened since then I evpected maybe a village the size of Konoha. I never expected the city to be this large, it even makes Ame seem small in comparison," the current Hokage mused.

Naruto nodded, he had reacted the same way when he had first seen the city, but upon learning more about the land he was in he began to understand a little more. "Well it helps that before Madara appeared on this side of the mountains they had very few wars. It must be a lot easier to develop and grow a city if there isn't a constant threat of war hanging over your head. The Elemental Nations spent so long at each others throats that any major developments would be seen as a threat to the other nations."

Kakashi could see the reasoning behind this, he could also see that the large walls would make it almost impossible for anyone who did not have chakra to attack the village. Overall it was the strong defences that he supposed each nation had that would help prevent any aggression. Sure it wasn't fool proof, there were several strategies he could think of just on the top of his head that would work to assault such a target, but it was a start. "Well it's a good thing that the major nations have come together in an alliance then. Maybe we can begin to develop parts of the Land of Fire like this, maybe even Konoha."

"Well I'm not sure about the walls, it sends the wrong message in my opinion. I would want to the city to be as welcoming as possible. Plus I think Konoha needs the trees, a Konoha surrounded by giant towers rather than forests wouldn't be the village hidden in the leaves anymore would it?" Naruto replied.

"No I suppose it wouldn't," Kakashi replied with an eye-smile, his face still buried in his precious orange book, only looking up whenever Naruto would point out an area of interest, or he was greeted by one of the many townsfolk who seemed to hold the young blond in some form of reverence.

As the day was starting to come to a close Naruto led the former copy ninja to the central palace complex, "And this is where we live now," the blond declared pointing to the large official looking mansion.

While Kakashi was surprised at the size of the mansion, he was more stunned by what he noticed out of the side of his eye. A large creature almost twice the size of a cow began bounding its way towards them "This is going to cause me so many headaches in the future" he thought out loud when Shukaku came to a stop before them.

"Welcome home Naruto-sama," the Bijuu said politely.

"Shukaku, how many time do I have to tell you not to give me any honorifics?" the blond sighed exasperatedly.

"But Tou-san's legacy should be shown respect. The humans of this village treat you that way, so why cant I?" Shukaku replied, its ears folding backwards in disappointment.

"Because you're my friend. I don't really like anyone talking to me like I am better than them, but I can't do anything about them," Naruto replied with a friendly smile.

"So the Ichibi has returned, and come to you Naruto. It's not the most shocking thing considering you still have some of it's chakra. But I am sure there will be some people not happy that the Bijuu wont return." Kakashi added calmly.

"Yeah, Shukaku's great. He can sense any movement around the village with his sand. Tsunade-Baachan said it works very similar to how her grand mothers seals work around Konoha. Although I never knew they were even there." the blond admitted with a fox-like grin.

"So does this mean that all the other Bijuu will be summoned here eventually?" Kakashi asked.

"Well we're not really forced too, but my brothers and sisters will certainly want to be here with Naruto-sama," Shukaku answered happily before Naruto had a chance to answer himself.

Kakashi gave a sigh and relaxed quite a bit. "That's actually a relief, that will mean that Kirabi is the last jinchuuriki, and there will not be a struggle to claim the Bijuu again once they reform after being released from the Juubi."

Naruto was happy to hear this, but also a little worried about the state of the Elemental Nations. "I would have hoped that everyone would have learned to get along with the Bijuu and let them live in peace."

Kakashi eye-smiled knowing the blond would feel that way. "I understand, it is also a quite popular opinion amongst the younger generation. But as always there are still a few that are set in their ways, the new ideas will win out in the end, at least that's what I believe. But until then it's best that the Bijuu remain hidden and being here with you is probably the safest place for them."

"I find it slightly ironic that the safest place for Bijuu is in the middle of a potential war against a family of crazed Uchiha," Naruto deadpanned.

"I'm more surprised that you know the meaning of Irony," Kakashi chuckled and was joined in by Kurama in his head.

"Hey! I'm getting smarter damn it!" the blond wailed.

To their surprise it was Tsunade that answered, sticking her head out of the window of her office. "You keep telling yourself that Gaki, now get in here so I can give a report to Kakashi."

Naruto seemed to deflate, his head hung low, simply nodding his head walking into the mansion. Gone was any Uchiha symbol or sign of the empire, no grandiose statues or oppressive images, the walls were an off white and marble that seemed to lift the room making it welcoming yet if Naruto was being honest a little cold. He didn't pause to allow his former sensei to examine the room simply leading Kakashi up a large spiral staircase. Tsunade's office was at the end of a long hall containing many rooms that were used from everything from offices to baths.

"Well it's about time." Tsunade signed, taking a sip from a bottle of sake while filling out a form. "I was wondering when you would get here Kakashi."

Kakashi's eyes widened slightly. "You knew I had sealed a clone of myself in the letter?"

"I guessed as much," Tsuande replied. "Why else have a time release seal, I guessed it was either a clone to train Naruto one last time, or a list of your jutsu, but I also knew you wouldn't have enough time to do the latter; not while you're Hokage."

Seems that I still have quite a bit to learn about surprises, you were able to see right through me." Kakashi's clone sighed. "Still it begs the question; if you can see through something like that, how can you never tell when someone is bluffing when you play cards?"

A tick mark appeared on the busty kunoichi's forehead. "I can tell, it's more that I have terrible luck."

"I see, my apologies," Kakashi replied with a bow.

"Alright Kakashi enough of the small talk, there are some things we need to go through before your clone returns." Tsunade replied, suddenly all business.

Kakashi saw the change in her demeanour and instantly became serious. "Yes I have heard from Naruto that things on this side of the mountains have changed significantly.

"Yes, after going through everything we know, I have a theory, that young Karin seems to agree with, and it ties into Madara's goal with the final Tsukuyomi," Tsunade replied. She folded her arms atop the table and leaned forward.

Kakashi was interested but saw little reason why this was important. "Is this not a little late, Madara's plan failed the moment black Zetsu turned on him to revive Kaguya."

"Madara was a very meticulous person, even able to fool my grand uncle into believing he had killed himself similar to how Naruto did, he had plans for almost any outcome and was rarely trusting of anyone. So why did he simply go along with black Zetsu's plan? Upon seeing this place I think the moons eye plan was a means to an end. Madara always wanted Konoha to rule over all the nations, while my grandfather preached for peace between independent nations."

"Well the Moons eye plan would bring peace in a round about way," Kakashi mused.

"Yes but not the type that I think even he would be satisfied with long term. He was very manipulative, using Obito and even to a degree Zetsu to do his bidding but I think he planned for his men from this empire to take over. They would control both empires. Maybe he had planned to use the Juubi to open a passageway across the mountains to allow the Uchiha clan he rebuilt in his image to control the Elemental Nations." Tsuande proposed.

Naruto seemed a little unconvinced. "I don't know. The two Uchiha leaders that I fought had no idea where Konoha was, although they were very interested."

"Maybe, but what Tsunade suggested does match with Madara's past actions. He wanted to be in charge, to rule over everyone. It's possible that these Uchiha you fought were simply either not high enough up the pecking order to know, or not old enough to have any information on the plan. Regardless, we stopped Madara and Kaguya so it's a not really an issue." Kakashi replied.

Naruto nodded his agreement. Even if Madara had planned on having the Uchiha clan rule over the Elemental Nations it wasn't going to happen anymore. Tsunade however was a little more pensive. "While I agree for the most part, I wouldn't rule out the possibility of Madara having more than one plan for the empire. Madara wouldn't want to have all his eggs in one basket, and to be honest trusting everything to Obito must have been a long shot. My guess is initially he had planned to use the Zetsu army to give the empire's forces far superior numbers to any of the individual hidden villages. With Obito and the Akatsuki acting as either a distraction or as a long shot to make his goal easier."

"So you're suggesting that the empire on this side of the elemental nations may be working on a way to make it to the elemental nations?" Kakashi mused; he had to admit her proposition did have some validity. He had been risking far more than a simple gamble when he left Obito with Zetsu in hopes of them collecting all of the Bijuu together and reviving the Juubi.

"Whoa, are you serious Baa-chan? I mean sure we were able to pass the insurmountable peaks, but that was because I have Kurama, and you can't be killed," Naruto queried. He didn't like the sound of more war coming to the Elemental Nations, not when he had sacrificed everything to stop the fighting.

Tsunade nodded dimly, she didn't like the prospect any more than Naruto did. "I sorry but do think it's a very real possibility, I also doubt they will be attempting to cross over the mountains, but that just means instead of going over-"

"They will did under. It may also explain why Obito was found by Madara in the Land of Earth." Kakashi finished for the former Hokage.

"Digging so far, that's insane it would take years!" Naruto gasped.

"But don't forget how long ago this empire was founded," Tsunade proposed.

Realisation struck the blond, in a rather chilling way. "Over one hundred years ago, they could be almost finished."

"True in that time it could be done, but I doubt he was able to start work on day one, or even had that particular goal initially. Otherwise he it's likely that he wouldn't have bothered with the moons eye plan at all. The numbers he gained simply from the Zetsu clones would have been enough to overpower any nation while they were separated by past grievances." the former Hokage reasoned.

"Still I would say it may not take them that much longer to break through. Difference is that there are no more Zetsu clones, and our nations are no longer divided," Kakashi added with a smile.

"That's true, but now we have two positions that the Empire was not expecting. One; you know to be ready should they appear, and two; Naruto has started a rebellion on this side of the mountains, that should draw their attention towards us." Tsuande finished sitting back with a broad smirk.

"Well then, Naruto it looks like I have one last mission for you. I need you to prevent this Empire from ever reaching the Elemental Nations, we have seen enough war for one lifetime," Kakashi said turning to his young pupil.

Naruto sighed, he had no desire to fight the empire, so long as they left him and his men alone. He was however not as ignorant as to think that it would ever work out that way. He also knew of the risk they posed to the newly found peace in Konoha. "I'll do my best Sensei, but I can't just run head first into the centre of the empire and tare it down. That would be suicide, even for me," he said honestly.

"I don't think we should change our plan too much for now anyway," Tsunade interrupted, she paused to pour another saucer of sake, taking a quick sip before continuing. "easiest way to win this war is to get the people to believe in what you stand for. If we act as the aggressors the civilians will fear us and could prove unhelpful when the time comes. But acting in retaliation as we have planned to do and treating our citizens well will draw more support to us. You can't fight this whole thing alone Naruto."

Naruto was about to answer when a small trickle of sand began flying in through a nearby window until a small version of Shukaku formed on the blonds shoulder. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I can sense a small creature fast approaching, it appears to be using, or is controlled by chakra."

the three occupants of the room tensed Naruto quickly made a clone that took off across the city. "If anyone knows what this is it will be Shougo,"

Tsunade nodded wholeheartedly agreeing with the younger blonds actions. A few minutes passed in almost absolute silence before the door opened and Shougo walked in, the exiled Uchiha cast an interesting glance at Kakashi but didn't say anything about his presence. "Naruto's clone informed me of what's going on. It's clearly a message from the empire, I know the technique they're using and it's not used as an attack."

The three Konoha ninja relaxed but the Bijuu did not, instead Shukaku focused on the window. "It's here."

In through the window landed a small white dove, with a sharingan eye. The dove looked around the window as if examining the group before it. 'It's a sharingan jutsu similar to the one used to control me when I attacked Konoha,' Kurama explained to Naruto.

"The bird is being controlled via a Genjutsu," Naruto quickly informed the group.

"That's right, a jutsu taught to all high ranking members of the Uchiha clan in order to communicate over larger distances." Shougo added. With some hesitation he lent forward and removed the letter, the bird seemed torn shuffling uncomfortably as the letter was removed. "The ting is probably acting up because you were supposed to take the letter Naruto,"

"Well what does it say?" Naruto asked growing a little impatient.

"Wait a second; before you open it we should check it for traps," Both Kakashi and Tsunade chorused together.

Kakashi held out his hand to Shougo to take the letter. "Here let me open it. If a bomb goes off I'm only a clone anyway, and it's about time I head back. I can already imagine the headache I am going to get from using this jutsu for so long."

Shougo was a little unsure who this man with the gravity defying hair was, but it seemed as though Naruto and Tsunade trusted him enough. "Uh sure here you go... uh?" he paused handing over the letter.

"It's Kakashi Hatake, Rokudaime Hokage of Konoha, and Naruto's jounin sensei," he said happily taking the letter before quickly hopping out the window and moving a safe distance away before opening the letter. All occupants of the room flinched, expecting an explosion that didn't come. A second later Kakashi had returned. "I believe it seems to be a letter of parlay. This Gouhara Uchiha wishes to speak with Naruto."

Kakashi handed over the letter for everyone to read. "Well it's a good thing that it's not a trap then," Tsunade scoffed.

"Actually I am not entirely sure that it is. In fact, this might actually be good news for us. Gouhara-hime is no fool, and unlike most of the empire she has witnessed Naruto's strength first hand, she knows a trap will not work. I would suggest that we agree to meet, however we need to do it on our own terms. Say welcome her here with no more than two guards," Shougo suggested.

Tsunade had to agree it was a decent deal, if nothing else they could get some information on the empires movements. "I agree, it's a decent suggestion. Alright fine, we will agree to a meeting here in the city in two weeks and we will assure the safety of her and the two bodyguards of her choice."

Tsunade quickly wrote a response and handed it to Naruto. "I guess I need to sign this huh, I mean she did address the letter to me," he chuckled signing the letter before returning it to the dove that had stood like a statue ever since the letter had been removed. Once securely attached however the bird took off at lightning quick speed out the window heading north.

"If that is all I really should go, I have stuck around long enough. It was good to see you again Naruto, Tsunade-sama," Kakashi said seemingly in deep thought before he disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"So he didn't come over the mountains like you did then?" Shougo asked, a little unsure of what to make of Kakashi.

"No he was a time release clone that was activated once Naruto opened the letter he left him for his birthday. He was only here for today," Tsunade replied.

(Meanwhile)

Tetsu was tired, he had trained the soldiers so hard that even he felt like he needed a good nights sleep. However before that he had to meet with Gouhara. The lights of her palace were just flickering to life illuminating the grounds, the tall yet sparse trees that lined the pathways still cast a heavy shadow on the pathway from the setting sun. Servants still fussed around the ground making everything look perfect for the temperamental princess lest her ire be directed at them.

With a sigh he pushed open the doors into the foyer, his body seemed to lag behind as he stumbled up the stairs towards Gohara's office, when the door opened he found the princesses attention was set firmly out the window, she didn't even turn away as she greeted the rusty haired officer. "It's about time Tetsu-chan, I was getting worried you would have disobeyed my order." The albino princess still wore the same dress as earlier however she had a white fur jacket pulled over her shoulders as the nights were beginning to cool as the empire began to head towards winter.

"Never, I always comply with my orders Gouhara-hime," Tetsu replied with some fatigue evident in his voice.

"Yes I know, you are the ideal soldier," Gouhara mused almost condescendingly, her eyes never drifting off the window.

The curiosity finally got the better of him "Are you expecting something?" he asked tentatively.

For the first time since his arrival Gouhara turned to face Tetsu, she seemed to be in rather good spirits. "Why yes I am as a matter of fact. See earlier today I sent out a message to our dear upstarts to the south in order to parlay."

"Do you expect them to actually agree to such a thing after the whole placement trials mishap?" Tetsu asked in all seriousness.

A serene smile spread across Gouhara's face, as if she knew something that Tetsu just simply couldn't comprehend. "Of course they will, I am sure it will be on their terms, I am guessing even in the filthy little pit they call a capital."

"Well we could use that time to have our men infiltrate the city," Tetsu nodded liking the idea more and more.

"A thought that will have instantly gone through Shougo's little head. No any dirty tricks will be of no use to us here, I am sure a limit will be set on the amount of bodyguards I am permitted. Surely it will be a low enough number so as to be under constant surveillance.

"So in other words, you plan to use this as an opportunity to pursue your infatuation with Naruto." Tetsu surmised.

"Yes that is a bonus," Gouhara replied in a sing song voice, almost longingly. "But more than that it is an opportunity to inform him on how the empire will act. I can inform him that the empire will stop at nothing to destroy him."

"I am sure Shougo will have informed him of that already, Hime. You are also putting yourself at risk, he's far too dangerous to confront alone." Tetsu replied.

Gouhara's smile seemed to grow even more, she unconsciously licked her lips. "Oh I know, in fact after going to the capital I am even more confident in Naruto-kun's strength. Ojii-teme and the crown prince; even together Naruto-kun's chakra dwarfs theirs."

"Then why?" Tetsu was cut off when for the first time in their conversation Gouhara had a flash of annoyance cross her features, he was left stone silent with a glare.

"Because as much as it pains me to say, I would not be able to defeat them by myself." For the first time in his life Tetsu saw anguish on the beautiful albino's face. "I hate them," she seethed, the ground cracking from her use of wind. "I want to see them suffer, to experience the utter humiliation that they put me through. I can't, but Naruto-kun... he could. Oh how great it would be to see the hope and life leave the old mans eyes and his bastard son too! Let them rot, Or better yet make them watch as I become empress," the anguish turned to ecstasy as she described what she would do to the emperor and crown prince if she ever got the chance.

"You think that Naruto is really that powerful? The crown prince has been trained since he was born to be the absolute strongest in the empire" Tetsu questioned. He was concerned for not only Gouhara but for his own safety. He was Gouhara's most trusted adviser now that Shougo had rebelled, a position that in it self was rather risky to ones health. But if she went into open revolt against the empire he would be branded a traitor to the empire due to his position, yet if he went to another member of the royal family with the information he had on her he would never be trusted again at best and executed for deserting his post at worst. "It's not my place to question your motives or actions Gouhara-hime, but if the emperor found out about this it would mean your death."

"I am aware, in fact he has already ordered us to our untimely deaths, we have already been through this. For the empire as you know failure is not an option; it shows weakness," Gouhara replied.

"Then I believe we should start making plans for when our attack on the south fails." Tetsu didn't like the idea of needlessly sending his troops to their deaths, but they had no real choice.

"Oh my is little Tetsu-chan going to help me overthrow the emperor?" Gouhara asked in a sing song voice. "My little pet is all grown up."

"It's by necessity, you are my commanding officer, your orders are absolute," Tetsu replied.

Gouhara deflated slightly. "You really are all business, you really need to lighten up."

"If I do, then we we will be in an even worse position than we are now," the blood wielder replied almost casually.

Gouhara decided to let that one slide and summoned a large map of the empire, unrolling it atop her desk. "Fine let's go over some contingency plans,"

(Later That Night)

Naruto's clones began dispelling after carefully marking the current pages of their individual books, and for the first time in a long time for the blond he could say that he legitimately felt smarter at the end of the day. The clones that were delegated the books on sealing made the most progress, in the back of his mind he wondered if that was due to the fact that he was an Uzumaki. By far the topic that went the worst was his fathers notes on time space manipulation, the topic was just so far over his head that even as much as he wanted to learn he knew that at least for the time being it would be impossible.

So for now Naruto was going through the mass of scrolls that had still been unorganised. Most of these were Jiraiya's, and that was due to the fact that the Toad Sage had never bothered to organise them himself. There were a few of his parents things thrown around here and there, mostly their belongings, he had found his fathers old jounin flack jacket that had obviously been sealed away by Jiraiya or Hiruzen after Minato's death, upon trying it on he found that it fit him quite nicely, He also found a set of his fathers signature kunai once more making him wish he was able to at least understand some of the theories covered in his fathers scrolls.

Karin meanwhile was sorting through Kushina's scrolls. She had been sorting through jutsu scrolls looking for more advanced techniques to try with her chains. Mixed in were her clothes and a few odd ninja tools including an immaculate sealing set. "Whoa, hey Naruto-kun come look at this!" she called upon unsealing yet another scroll.

Naruto quickly moved over to see Karin holding a Katana with an blade that would reflect even the dimmest light. The hilt was wrapped in blood red cloth that matched Karin's and Kushina's hair, finally there was a Uzumaki symbol at the end of the hilt. "That must be Kaa-chans sword,"

"It's beautiful, and look at the blade, that must be chakra conductive metal," the kunoichi added.

"It's a shame I'm not much of a weapon expert, I'm better suited to Ninjutsu, but I bet a sword like that would work great with your chakra chains, you should take it," Naruto reasoned.

"What really? But it's your mothers, you shouldn't give it away," the kunoichi protested, she had never been given anything so beautiful or valuable before so she was slightly overwhelmed.

Naruto chuckled at her stunned expression and gave her a quick kiss. "I'm not giving it to just anyone. I'm giving it to you; if you can use it to protect yourself then that's all I care about." Naruto replied with a smile. Now how about we find Kaa-chans old Kenjutsu scrolls, I bet the Uzumaki style will be in there,"

END CHAPTER

Okay this was slightly shorter than my last few, but just felt this was a good place to stop. I had to by myself a new laptop, well I didn't really have too, more that my old one was a little out dated and not really good for anything other than word processing and once the track pad and keyboard started playing up I just decided it was time for an upgrade.

Regardless this chapter was used to set up the next arc and get the main plot pushing forward again. There has been a lull in the action for awhile so expect some soon. While I push forward with that I have to decide what I want to do with Gouhara, I certainly do not want to kill her off so quickly having developed her character a fair bit but she will not be staying as the main villain. Let me know what you guys want to see, Can't promise I will use anything though. At the moment I am positioning her more in a Orochimaru type role; a side villain with her own motives, But obviously she has a different character to the snake Sennin, (who was my favourite antagonist in the series.)

Anyway until next time... which may be awhile because I want to play the shit out of God of War.