Hello all fellow humans. I almost wanted to skip this arc but decided against it. This arc should only be 2-3 chapters so hopefully, you enjoy it.

"Speaking"

'Thinking'

Enjoy.

Baki shook his head and looked down in disappointment. The constant screaming from the council only brought him more shame. After the embarrassing defeat handed by them from Konoha, everything went to shit. Orochimaru promised them glory but yet failed to deliver that. Lied about his forces being top-notch Jonin but were Chunin level with only a handful strong. They were left to attack Konoha and were stopped by a single boy.

"Naruto Uzumaki… He managed to defeat Gaara before doing any damage to the Leaf!" He yelled and smacked the table in front of him. The smack was loud, loud enough to stop all the arguing and eyes darting towards him.

"Well, Baki, do you have a solution for this crisis?" A calmer council asked. He nodded, looking around and glazed into every single member until his eyes stopped at Temari. He cleared his throat before talking, "With our forces crippled and reputation ruined, we have no choice but to go with the extreme ways. Recent reports have identified Iwa Ninjas closing in from the north. They received the news from our terrible attempt and are taking advantage of that. At this point...The Land of Wind will no longer live." Baki's stern voice echoed throughout the room. His eyes shedding no emotions despite the situation they were in. Each of the members widened their eyes in shock and fear. All of their: frame, money, power, existence, and freedom will be stripped from them.

"What must we do?" A member asked.

"...We must become allies with the Leaf again." He responded.

"No! They will do the same as the Iwa Ninjas! They'll take everything from us and leave to rot in hell!

"You fools! That doesn't matter! They have Rasa! The Kazekage of this very village!" Baki outburst struck them to their thoughts. He noticed the silence before calming himself down and proceeding, "Konoha can't afford for our land to be conquered from Iwagakure. They would need to defend themselves from the: west, north, and if you count the Lighting Country, east. Now, with this information, we could come up with an agreement. But, that might not include our freedom and Kazekage."

The council listened in awe at their momentarily Kazekage. Due to Rasa being captured by Konoha, they instituted a leader, thus; Baki. They never truly realized just how much they had fucked up by attacking Konoha.

Baki looked around the room and saw the stares from his people. It completely flabbergasted him that he was the only one who thought about this. Pinching the bridge of his nose and gazed at the corner of the room. The Sand Sibling minus Kankuro sat there, listening to every word. Gaara had his arms crossed over his chest and his face held nothing. Temari on the other hand tried to hide her emotions but the stress was breaking her down.

"Arranged marriages have historically been prominent in many places. While it's dwindled, they are very proficient in keeping an agreement between both parties." Baki finally said his plan.

The member simply looked at him in interest until an invisible light bulb appeared above one of them.

"We could marry one of our female ninjas to Sasuke Uchiha!" He proposed with many of the others agreeing with his idea.

"Remember, Konoha won't accept someone from a low power family. She must be on par with Sasuke himself, especially if we want the Kazekage back." Baki reassured them.

They all nodded and silenced soon followed. The multiple glances at Temari were only received by harsh glares from her. Baki noticed this and could only nod. She was the only promising ninja which they could offer. He almost denied this on behalf of the girl's feelings and father but they had their hands tied.

"I have one." He said, bringing the attention back to him. From the corner of his eye, he saw Temari looking directly at him. His glance was caught by her and he probably received the harshest look he had ever seen. Looking down in empathy before sighing deeply, "Temari Sabaku."

Not a second later an intense feeling surrounded the room. Raising the temperature by a couple of degrees and a few of the council members started to furiously sweat, the sound of bodies dropping unconscious. Baki had to contain himself from not shaking right there and then. He moved his head to the left and surprisingly the killer intent was from... Gaara? His eyes glared into the souls of everyone. Sand started to violently swirl around him in a very imitating way before flooding the room, grabbing onto everyone's ankles.

"I forbid that from happening." Gaara's stone-cold voice echoed throughout the room. They couldn't do anything but watch Gaara take control of the meeting. This was never a possibility in their minds. Why would Gaara be protecting her sister?

Temari watched in shock as Gaara stood up for her dignity. Her killer intent being overshadowed by his didn't surprise her, the fact that Gaara protected her was something entirely different. She was outright pissed at her name being brought up as a solution. They had taught them every single outcome their career could lead in; including death. Suna's academy was something to not scoff at, hell, they were even educated on seduction missions as well. 'But this? No! I'm Kazekage's daughter for crying out loud!' She thought as a vein appeared on her forehead.

"What do you suggest, Gaara?" Baki asked, finally composing himself.

He dropped his killer intent down before speaking. "A new plan or someone other than the Uchiha," Gaara said.

'Good, he knows the importance of keeping this alliance alive.' Baki thought.

"Well then, who else would you choose?" A brave councilman asked.

Gaara turned his towards the voice, scaring the person before turning around. His killer intent lessened at the scared expression on his sister. Despite trying to put on a mask he was able to see through it all. A timid and uncertain girl laid behind it. After the fight with Naruto, everything changed for him.

"Will you like to continue with this, Temari?" Gaara whispered and Temari's eyes locked onto his. She almost awed in surprise at this new Gaara. Shutting her eyes and clenching her fists in frustration. If she denied this then they would probably become pawns to those Tree-huggers! It was almost the same as surrendering to Iwagakure. Suna will be nothing more and wiped from the future. Could she do that to her home? At the same time she was giving away her freedom but it was much better than the village, right? Temari swallowed the spit in her mouth before answering, "we continue with the original plan." She responded.

"Do you have anyone in mind?" Baki asked.

Temari and Gaara once again looked at each again. Their eyes connected and an unspoken conversation broke between the two. They nodded in agreement before facing the council and Temari spoke up.

"Naruto Uzumaki!"

"What do you think they called us for?" Kiba asked with his arms behind in his head. Akamaru comfortably laid on his head.

"Maybe they're going to promote us," Shino suggested in his usual monotone voice.

Kiba lips curved upwards, "heh! They might just promote me straight to Jonin if they saw what I did during the attack!" Kiba boasted and Akamaru barked in agreement.

"It's best if we don't get ahead of ourselves," Neji said and received a glare from the Inuzuka heir.

"Yea!Yea! Just watch!" Kiba said.

It's been a day since the attack on their village. While they managed to defend against it, they didn't come out without tons of casualties. Konoha 11 had been called in by the council to discuss their performance in the Chunin exams and Konoha Crush. So here they stood, in front of two doors they led into the meeting.

Kiba eagerly pushed open the door and revealed the council waiting for them. The room was lit by lights and a single table sat in the middle. The table was shaped into a U and at the opening was a lone chair. It was silent, almost too silent for their tastes as the various councilmen gave them long stares.

Kiba's smirk instantly dropped when he saw his mother glaring at him.

Naruto looked around the room with great interest. On the left side of the table was the Clan Heads, and the right side was the Civilians. He received irritated looks from the Civilians but chose to ignore them. His eyes darted to the single chair that stood at the opening. The Hokage's hat leaned slightly on the headrest.

Three strong taps caught their attention.

"We have called you here to talk about your performance yesterday. As you know, our village was attacked and we sustained major damage. Over 600 ninjas died that day and to ensure Konoha does not seem vulnerable, we must take better measures." A man said, now standing in front of the Genins.

Naruto watched the man with a keen eye, 'Danzō Shimaru.' He remembered Nohime talking about the man. She gave him numerous warnings to stay away from the man if it was political or physical. Being able to tide the Civilian council to his side and win many debates or changes in this very room.

"Now, we shall start," Danzo said and pulled out a Chunin vest. "Shikamaru Nara."

"Why... I should've just quit from the beginning." Shikamaru whispered to himself and took the vest.

"You have shown great strategic skills and keen thinking. Knowing exactly when to quit or outplay your opponent is a great skill for a Chunin. Staying calm despite being in a difficult situation and bypassing that extreme pressure, graduations." Danzo said and a series of claps rang throughout the room.

"Troublesome..."

"Sakura Haruno."

Sakura's smile brightens the room by a margin. Barely able to contain herself and grabbed the vest rather quickly.

"Your expertise in Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, Genjutsu, and Medical Jutsu was rather impressive. Having planned and thinking on the spot is something we need on the battlefield. You have also shown advancement in elemental Ninjutsu that something only Chunins should know, graduations."

Sakura nodded multiple times in rapid succession before walking back to her friends. Never taking her eyes off the vest. She would have no doubt shouted out by now but that was something to not do at the moment

"Sasuke Uchiha."

Sasuke smirked before walking up to take his vest.

"Your Ninjutsu and Taijutsu showed great promise for the future. The quickness and tactics you used was something that impressed us. Knowing various jutsus' from two different elements is something a Genin should not know and thus you've been promoted. Not to mention, you're proficient in Shurikenjutsu, graduations."

"Now, for the final one. Naruto Uzumaki."

"For something so difficult among our corps, Fuinjutsu was nothing to scoff at. Being able to go toe-to-toe with a Hyuga in Taijutsu and beating him must have been difficult. Your prowess in Ninjutsu and knowing two elements are promising. Great strategic and sharp mind against your opponent(s). The level of significance with your dojutsu was a great help in this choice, graduations."

Naruto proudly took the vest and his eyes shined for a second before sealing it away.

Danzo saw the dampen look in the Genins and decided to change that. "Rank does not matter." He said and the Genins gave him a confused look. "Konoha needs help more than ever. Every generation must surpass those before them. It's a constant cycle that we must keep no matter the situation. Becoming a top-notch Ninja is something you must thrive for. To show your promising powers is something we need. The Will of Fire is a kindle in your heart, now you must help it grow." Danzo said and noticed he managed to lift the spirits of the Genins that stood before him.

He didn't like preaching about the Will of Fire, but for Konoha, he must. He couldn't have ninjas brooding around and not getting stronger. Especially since they were Clan heirs. Konoha couldn't afford to have such weak Ninjas.

"Dismiss. Stay, Uzumaki-san." Danzo said with a stern voice.

Naruto took note of Danzo's respectful tone to his name. Further noticing the council interestingly looking at him. The doors closed behind him, meaning he was alone with grown-adults.

A new voice spoke up, "We have urgent news, Uzumaki-san." A female walked up to him. 'Koharu Utatane.' Naruto's eyes and quickly analyze the old woman, before raising his eyebrow in confusion, "about?"

"Firstly, our relationship with Suna has gone down the drain. They hope to rebuild this broken bond with a different approach we expected." Koharu said.

"Why does this concern me?"

"They requested a political marriage." A new voice spoke up.

From behind Koharu appeared a man, much similar in age.

Naruto's mind started to work overboard from this new information. 'They want to put me in a political marriage to rebuild our bond with Suna, but why? Why not just completely conquer Suna as our own?' His Dojustu turned on from this new thought process. Although, they couldn't see because his eyes were closed. 'Why me? I don't have a strong standing in the village, only military wise. Sasuke or Neji would be a better candidate, so why me? Unless Suna specifically requested me or the council doesn't want Suna to have an heir with the Sharingan or Byakugan. I have a damn furball in me and now I'm forced to marry a Kunoichi against my will!' He thought and managed to suppress his feelings.

"Who is it?" He asked.

The Elders smirked at how fast he processed the information.

"The daughter of the Kazekage, Temari Sabaku."

It was a miserable day for Konoha. They emerged victorious once again but at a heavy cost. Many lives were lost in the battle against Suna and Oto, most importantly; the Hokage. Hiruzen Sarutobi was the Third Hokage of Konohagakure. A disciple of the village's two previous Hokage, Hiruzen was a powerful ninja, hailed as a "God of Shinobi". Though he was only ever directly the teacher of the Sannin, generations of Konoha shinobi benefited from his wisdom during his lifetime. Unfortunately, his past mistakes and old age caught up to him, losing in a deathmatch with his former student; Orochimaru.

It was hell. A gloomy, rainy day is one of the shadows. The raindrops impacted against the gravel floor. It caused small puddles among the roads. Children would intently step into them for fun, unknowing of the reason they were there. It always did seem to rain on the occasion of a funeral, maybe it was best since it masked their tears.

The majority of the ninjas came to say goodbye to their beloved leader. He died protecting them with his last breath, until the very end but ultimately, couldn't have luck this one last time. They looked down in sadness, the silence that rang over them was suffocating.

In the distance was a lone boy who sat on a tree. Overlooking the unfortunate event from afar. His hair overshadowed his eyes which held no emotions. His lips curved slightly downwards before returning to its usual demeanor. His ears perked up when someone jumped up to his position. He glanced at the person before returning to the funeral.

"As you know, Konoha needs a leader right now. The Daimyo has personally requested me to search for my old teammate as a replacement. I decided to bring you along on the ride." Jiraiya said.

"When?"

"It's best if we leave tomorrow. We don't want my clumsy teammate to wander off too far." Jiraiya answered.

He nodded in confirmation. Jiraiya looked at the blonde in empathy. He knew Naruto and Hiruzen were quite close, he would say grandfather and grandson. The only thing he could do right now was to leave the village to hopefully distract him. He disappeared without another word.

Naruto never took off his eyes from the multiple pictures of Hiruzen that they had on display. His wrinkly face and smile he wore so proudly. He scanned the crowd and found his dear friend, Tenten. She too had the same look on her face.

"Don't worry, Tenten-chan, you'll never experience such a thing again…" He said and clenched his fists in anger.

"Say, kid," Jiraiya said, glancing at his pupil as they walked down a dirt road surrounded by bright green trees. They were currently on their way to bring back his precious teammate; Tsunade Senju, in hopes of her accepting her job as Hokage. Of course, this wouldn't be easy as she was quite stubborn.

"How did you get that kusarigama?" He asked with interest.

Naruto sent him a look before flicking his wrist and said weapon appeared in his hand. Handing it off to the pervert. Jiraiya expected it with a keen eye. Analyzing it with every turn and curve on the blade.

"During a mission." Naruto answered.

"As expected." He said, giving back the weapon. "Do you have a name for it?

Naruto negatively bobbed his head.

"The holder may or may not choose to name their weapon, for an example; Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. They were an organization consisting of only the greatest blade-wielding shinobi of their generation that Kirigakure can produce. The swords of the Seven Swordsmen are passed down from generation to generation since the First Mizukage's era. They're considered mystical blades, and together, the Seven Swordsmen are capable of bringing down an entire nation, regarded as being the strongest shinobi in the village behind the Mizukage. Their weapons are what truly make them strong or bring them fame. They cherish their weapon more than their lives as they considered them as one." Jiraiya said, surprising the blonde on his wise thinking for once.

Naruto gave him a long look before bringing his eyes forward. "I'll think about it."

"You seem to attract salamanders now and then, Naruto," Jiraiya commented.

Naruto crouched down as a small brown salamander crawled down his arm and ran off in a different direction. He watched the small creature disappear within the crowd. He simply nodded and followed the great Sannin which led them to a hotel.

"Get a room and make sure to not wait for me! I have some business to take care of!" Jiraiya excitedly said with a perverted grin. Naruto looked behind the Toad Sage to see a black-haired attractive woman winking at the pervert. He shook his head in disapproval before walking into the building in hopes of getting a bed for the night.

Quickly paying with his money if he might add and locating the room. Walking in to see two beds and a lamp between the two. A small table stood by each of the beds and the walls were green. Overall, it was a comfy place for now.

"This will do."

It was very strange being in a different village then Konoha or Wave. In Konoha, he received glares. In Wave, he received looks of recognition. But here, this was different. No one knew him and that was calming for him. A simple glance at his vest and headband and they never thought about him again. This again brought him back to his situation.

"Political marriage." He said. 'With Temari? Of course, I can't deny it. I'll be stuck in this loveless marriage to bring together two villages. This was nothing he had expected when he was called into the meeting. He had only met the girl once and now they were getting married? He didn't like it at all.-' His thoughts were interrupted when three knocks on the door alerted him.

He waited for someone to talk but not a sound was made. 'Jirayira wouldn't knock, so, who is it?' He thought and activated his dojutsu. His eyes glared at the door when he noticed who it was.

'Itachi-san...who is that with him?' He thought. A clone appeared next to him and nodded, knowing what their plan was. The real Naruto slowly lifted the window before jumping out and the clone headed towards the door.

The original Naruto quickly scanned his surroundings until he found Jiryira toying with the same women from before. He flared his chakra and the Sage eyes flickered towards his direction.

'Damn pervert.'

-Scene break-

Naruto's clone opened the door to be greeted by the sight of two men. Both wearing identically clothing; a long dark cloak with red clouds on it. He identified the first person, Itachi second person stood not too far from his partner. The most imitating him was the giant sword which was bandaged on his back.

"You haven't changed, Itachi-san," Naruto said as his mind rendered through his past life.

(Flashback)

-5 Years Ago-

"Is this the only option?" An eight-year Naruto asked the teenager beside him.

Itachi looked up into the clear and peaceful sky. The refreshing cold air bumping his soft skin and giving him a warm feeling. His eyes peacefully looking up at the full bright moon that stood high into the air before looking at the blonde boy next to him.

"I'm afraid so. The elders managed to convince Hokage-sama and here we are." Itachi's smooth voice broke the silence.

Naruto looked down at the streets of Konoha and his eyes flared up. The lights brighten Konoha as if it was a heartwarming place to say, but that wasn't true. Itachi was one of those few who understood him, Naruto Uzumaki, not as the demon fox that attacked the village eight years ago. He had protected him the most he could but due to Konoha's fragile state, he wasn't always there.

"You can't just let the civilians live? Or think of something else?!" Naruto said as his voice started to pick up in volume.

Itachi looked away with a smile at Naruto's attempt at trying to stop him. "The elders didn't leave me no choice. The Uchiha curse will only continue if I let that happen." His response caused the emotions in Naruto's eyes to disappear. To wither away and be replaced by nothingness.

"...But promise me this," Itachi said and Naruto's eyes darted to him for a second before looking away. "Keep my brother on the path he was destined to walk. This event will reveal two roads to him, without aid; I'm afraid he won't bring the Uchiha back to its original glory."

"You were my first friend and now here you stand, breaking ties with me because of loyalty... If Sasuke poses a threat to me then you'll become the last Uchiha to walk on this land. I'll try my best to keep him from straying that path." Naruto responded.

Itachi could only smile at his friend's answer, "it seems that's the best I can get from you. Until we meet again, Naruto-kun." He said and his eyes shined a bright red in the dark. Naruto's body fell in a slump as two arms wrapped around him before he could fall. Itachi placed him down as regret started to cloud his thoughts. He quickly shook those thoughts and disappeared from the area.

"Naruto-kun, you will come with us," Itachi said in a tone of authority.

"Itachi, it'll be a pain in the neck if this kid moves around and... Maybe I better chop off a leg in case... Now then..." Kisame said as he grabbed the hilt of his sword and walked closer to Naruto.

Itachi's voice stopped him in his tracks, "long time no see...Sasuke."

Naruto looked behind Itachi to see his teammate not too far. His Sharingan glaring at his brother's back. Kisame also noticed this and decided this was far more interesting. "Huh... Sharingan... Moreover, he resembles you a lot."

"He's my younger brother."

"Itachi Uchiha... I will kill you!" Sasuke said with hatred in his voice.

'How did Sasuke know his brother would be here?' Naruto thought.

"It's just like you said...I..." Sasuke yelled as he formed his strongest attack in his arsenal. The sound of a thousand birds filled the hallway as Sasuke's arm started to peel from the power of his jutsu. "...will kill you!" He shouted and charged at his brother and dragged his attack along the wall, causing great damage in his run.

Moments before Sasuke could kill Itachi, his attack was deflected towards the wall and made a huge hole in it. Debris flew everywhere as smoke escaped the hallway. The sound of the Chidori cracking before turning off. Instead, Sauke's grunt and wrist being crushed were heard.

Naruto quickly started to perform hand seals as Itachi broke his little brother's wrist. Using the right amount of chakra until...nothing happened? Looking to his left to see Kisame swipe his massive sword and a smirk appeared on his lips.

'He can suck anyone's chakra? No, It's his sword.'

"Exactly, my sword Shark Skin has the ability to to...cut through and eat chakra," Kisame said as his sword started to move on its own like some sort of animal.

The clone looked ahead to see Sasuke on the floor in pain. He tried once again to bring out his chakra as Kisame was bringing down his sword to crush him. Just before he could do that, smoke appeared where the clone was. Kisame's sword came to a stop as something stopped it.

"What?"

"You guys just don't know me much, do you?" Jiraiya said with a grin.

Kisame chuckled at the man's presence. "You are, after all, Master Jiraryia, one of the Legendary Sannin…" He said, Jirayira standing in front of him with the same woman from before on his shoulder. "Seems like you released the Genjutsu that we put on that woman."

Kisame took a step back as the frog that blocked his sword disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

"I can't let you have Naruto… This is perfect… I'll get rid of you two right here!" Jiraiya said.

"Don't butt in…" Sasuke's weak voice attracted their attention. He wobbled slightly on two feet before gathering the balance needed. "The one that's going to kill him is...me!" He said with hatred in his eyes.

"Right now, I have no interest in you…" Itachi calmly said and caused Sasuke's glare to deepen at his older brother's words.

"Don't mess with me!" Sasuke yelled and charged at Itachi with his fist ready. This was nothing to Itachi, his eyes predicting the attack and kicked Sasuke across the room, smacking against the wall and falling to the ground.

The clone saw this and readied himself to help his teammate but Sasuke interrupted him.

"Naruto, don't butt in! I've lived for this very day...for this very day!" Sasuke yelled as his eyes transformed back to the Sharingan.

Naruto watched as the same result was displayed. Itachi completely outmatched Sasuke by miles and broke him even further. Sasuke needed a long way to go before achieving his goal: killing Itachi Uchiha. The painful screams of his teammate filled the hallway as Itachi put him under a Genjutsu. It was almost terrifying just how far Itachi would go…

"Hasn't changed at all… Using Tsukuyomi: Nightmare Realm on your little brother." Kisame said as Sasuke's screams continued.

Suddenly the ground behind Kisame broke up. The real Naruto popped out with his weapon in hand. The Kiri rogue Ninja widened his eyes in surprise that a mere Genin was able to sneak upon him.

'Impressive, the one who opened the door was a clone the whole time…" Kisame said as his sword collided with Naruto's. He tried to grab the blonde only for Naruto to appear in front of him. Swinging his blade in hopes of carving Kisame in half. His attack was stopped short as Kisame grabbed his elbow and kicked him into the wall.

Naruto quickly stood up to attack but the walls around him started to change. Instead of the familiar hotel walls were pink bumpy walls with veins running through them.

"Ninja Art: Toad Mouth Trap," Jiraiya said with his hands placed on the ground. "How unfortunate, Itachi, Kisame. You guys are already inside my stomach." He said with a grin.

Naruto watched as Sasuke was sucked into the wall, escaping Itachi's wraith. Kisame had to forcibly abstract his sword before running to his partner.

"It's useless!" Jiraiya yelled and commanded the walls to chase after the wanted criminals.

"A wall of flesh is charging at us!" Kisame warned and looked around as the walls caved him. "The wall is faster. At this rate…"

The real Naruto and Jiraiya ran after the duo and turned the corner to their surprise. A hole leading outside which were surrounded by black flames

"They're gone," Naruto said.

'I cannot believe that this wall has been torn through…" Jiraiya thought with a calculating look. The black flames caught his attention.

Naruto walked closer and inspected the burning flames. From his sensei's look, these walls must have been powerful only to be broken through. Subscounsily his dojutsu turned on and stared at the flames intently.

"Don't get too close!" Jiraiya warned with a stern voice, a scroll in hand. Unraveling the scroll and it started to suck in the flames. Seconds later, it was gone without a trace.

"Those flames are powerful. They came from Itachi-san's eyes…" Naruto said and was brought out of his focus when his eyes turned normal.

Jiraiya looked at his apprentice strangely at what he said. "How do you know th-"

"Dynamic Entry!"

And finished! The political marriage is now in action so far. As you can see, Naruto doesn't like it but needs to do it for the village. Temari and Naruto's relationship won't just be full of sunshine and rainbows. It's going to be a lot of work for the two as they understand each other further into the story. The next chapter will be Naruto's training, meeting Tsunade, and the Sannin's fight. Leave a review or pm on your thoughts! Until later, stay safe!