Land of Whirlpools: Uzushiogakure Ruins
A manly looking figure walked into the destroyed village of the Uzumaki Clan. He wore a black, sleeveless gi with a lion on the back. The lion seal was on his right arm reading 100 %. He wore a full, black helmet that revealed his mouth and black eyes.
The village was littered with destroyed buildings, broken armor, and discarded weapons. As he stared at everything, a group of people in black Anbu attire with mask, which had no symbol, joined him. Not much could be gleamed of this group except that they seemed young.
The man in the gi turned to his people. "I want you to scour every square inch of this village. Gather every head band, armor, weapon, and scroll you can find. Watch yourselves for the Uzumaki were known for their sealing abilities that make Lord Jiraiya's seem sloppy."
"Yes, Lord Chi!" Everyone resounded as one.
The people in Anbu attire fanned out. They began by gathering every weapon, armor, and head band on the streets. These had been left here since much of it wouldn't do a village any good unless you took the time to smelt the metal.
While that was something they were intending to do, Chi knew the Uzumaki had to have hidden pockets of valuable items. Sealed or unsealed. Those pockets were likely hidden under all the devastation, and this group was intent on locating it all.
Konoha
Team Sasuke had finally returned from the Land of Snow. Sasuke had gone to report the mission to Lady Tsunade while Naruto and Hinata decided to head home. They promised to get ramen later as a small date. He now entered his clan's compound.
The buildings were wooden like the rest of Konoha, but there was a great deal of blue and the Uzumaki clan symbol was everywhere. Naruto had always wondered what this collection of buildings were, and now he knew it was his home.
Naruto walked over to his house which was the smallest one on the compound. He moved in because he'd practically grown up in an apartment, so a small place was the most comfortable. Just as he was about to enter, Naruto spotted Tayuya entering the compound.
Since joining Konoha, Tayuya had put her red hair in a ponytail. Her attire consisted of a black, short sleeved shirt with orange trim, matching pants, and combat boots. Her headband was around her right arm.
"Hey cousin!" Naruto immediately ran over and hugged her. "I'm back from my mission."
"You blond idiot!" Tayuya's tone was angry, but she had a noticeable, small smile. "It may be good to see you, but you don't have to hug me every time we see each other."
Naruto ignored her comment. "I was just thinking about coming to see you after I put my things away. How is everything? Are you and Karin settling in okay?"
"Since you've been gone, I've had to chase that stupid cat Tora so many times that I've lost count." Tayuya opened her door and Naruto followed her in. "Compared to that furball, all other D rank missions are a god send. As for Karin, she's doing well." She took out a scroll.
"Since you're here, I have some clan business we need to discuss." Tayuya walked over to her kitchen table and unfurled a map of the various lands before pointing to an island off the coast of the Land of Fire. "This is where our clan once lived. The Land of Whirlpools."
"Really?" Naruto looked at the map. "I had no idea it was so close."
"I've been thinking about it, and I believe we should pay a visit. Our people were warriors and seal masters. It's likely they had hidden or sealed rooms that only an Uzumaki could enter." Tayuya explained. "We could find valuable history and/or training material."
"I'm not sure I could convince Grandma Tsunade to let us go. This village is still recovering, and you two are still on probation." Naruto may not be the brightest guy, but he understood enough. "Still, it could be worth a shot."
"I think I may have the perfect solution." Tayuya stated. "Your friend Daichi has money, so let's ask him to fund a mission. He can even escort us, and we'll offer him a third of whatever we come across." Tayuya explained.
"I don't think Daichi would want anything for this, but he would be doing us a huge favor." Naruto nodded. "I think he'll help us no matter what. Alright, we'll ask him as soon as he returns from his mission."'
"That's for the best." Tayuya rolled up her scroll. "He actually went on a mission with Karin and her team, and we need her if we're going to our homeland."
Village Gates, 2 Days Later…
Team Daichi was quite the sight upon their return. They were perfectly fine; however, a group of 15 people with varying hair and eye colors was a whole other story. It was only natural for Kotetsu and Izumo to stop them while being ready for combat.
Kotetsu said, "Stop right there."
"What's going on her Daichi?" Izumo asked.
"Stand down." Daichi stated. "Despite how this may look, only a fraction of them can handle a fight at this time. Also, there not even looking for a fight in the first time. They're actually here to join Konoha, so if you'd let us by, I'd appreciate it."
The two guards scanned the face of everyone there and seemed to be weighing their options. That was perfectly logical since they were the ones on duty. If they just let these fifteen people by, would they really be doing their job. Eventually, the two of them stepped aside.
"Keep in mind that the Anbu will be watching." Kotetsu informed.
Daichi and his fellow Chunin knew this wasn't a bluff. The Anbu would have taken note of this and were likely observing from various hiding spots around them.
"Noted." Daichi then turned to face Team Guy. "You three should get some rest and head on home. I'll handle the report and introducing the clan to Tsunade." The Genin nodded before walking off. "The rest of you should follow me, and do not wonder off."
Tsunade's Office
Tsunade had just finished reading the report of the mission. She'd been ready for anything, yet Daichi had still surprised her. Not only did he and the Genin of team Guy help the actual Soshi Clan, but they also helped the Fuma Clan. To top it off, Orochimaru was involved.
She looked from the report to Daichi, Tomiko, and Genyumaru. The rest of the Soshi clan were in the lobby with Anbu watching them from the shadows. Despite Daichi being the reason they had Zabuza as a Shinobi, she couldn't take that at face value.
"We'll have to hold a council meeting to vote on this, but I think your clan will come to be accepted." Tsunade finally stated. "We'll also need to send your clan to T&I. If you comply, it'll not only look good, but I'll promise none of your people will be harmed."
Once you're accepted, we'll need to set up a date to test the Shinobi of your clan to see where they rank within our village. Depending on the rank, each Shinobi will be put on probation for one month during which you will only be allowed to do D rank mission.
Once the month is over, you will be eligible to take on missions befitting your ranks, but you will not be able to take them on alone until another month has passed. As for those of a younger age, they will be eligible to join the academy. Are these terms agreeable?"
Tomiko and Genyumaru bowed. "Most Agreeable Lady Hokage."
Tomiko added, "They are far better terms than we were expecting."
"You and your team have done well." Tsunade had turned to Daichi, " This mission will be labeled as an S rank." She turned to Genyumaru. "I expect we will be properly paid for such a mission once the amount is made."
"Of course, Lady Hokage." Genyumaru smiled. "In addition, our loyalty rests with the Leaf."
Tsunade nodded. "Daichi, you may go."
"Understood Lady Tsunade." Daichi walked up to Genyumaru and held out his hand. "I look forward to working with you in the future."
"Same here." Genyumaru shook the offered hand.
Daichi walked out of the office.
Streets of Konoha
Daichi was walking the streets of Konoha and wondering what he should do now. "Maybe I should see how Udon is coming along with his training, or I could see if Naruto's back. We do need to talk.
He was snapped out of his thoughts by Naruto who tapped him on his shoulder. "Hey Daichi. Been couple weeks, huh?"
"Hey Naruto." Daichi smiled as he turned to face his friend. "Good to see your back man."
"From what I've heard, it sounds like we both had some crazy missions." Naruto smiled. "Two in your case."
Daichi nodded. "Yeah, we did I suppose."
"Now that you're here, I have a favor to ask." Naruto stated. "In fact, my clan has a favor to ask. It'd probably be best if you heard it from Tayuya though."
Daichi nodded. "Lead the way."
Uzumaki Compound: Tayuya's Home
Tayuya, Naruto, and Daichi sat at the table with the Uzumaki head explaining what they needed.
"So, you want a mission to the Land of Whirlpools." Daichi smiled. "I'm willing to do my part and help you retrieve your legacy."
"Thank you, Daichi Ryu." Tayuya stated.
"Yeah, I knew you'd help us Daichi." Naruto smiled. "Let's go to Grandma Tsunade tomorrow."
Tsunade's Office: Next Morning…
Tayuya, Karin, Naruto, and Daichi stood before Tsunade's desk with the Uzumaki head holding a bundle of ryo which was more than enough to pay for an S rank mission. The Fusion head had given it to the Uzumaki as part of his 'payment'.
"We want to arrange an escort mission to the Land of Whirlpools. I believe it would be classified as a B rank, so a single Chunin should be able to escort us. We've heard great things about Daichi Ryu and would like him to be the one to escort us." Tayuya stated.
Tsunade knew full well what this was, but they had played their cards right.
The Hokage looked to Daichi. "You're okay with accepting this mission?"
Daichi smiled. "I am."
Tsunade addressed Naruto. "Alright brat, I'll approve your mission."
Naruto put his hands behind his head with a smile. "Thanks Grandma Tsunade." He picked his bag up and slung it over his shoulder. "Let's go!"
Daichi picked up his bag. "You're the client."
Daichi followed the three Uzumaki's out of the office.
Aboard a Boat, Later…
The group had managed to charter a ship to the island, so they were well on their way. Naruto was currently leaning against the railing and staring out over the water.
Daichi approached and leaned his back against the railing. "Ryo for your thought?"
Naruto turned to face his friend and sighed. "It's just hitting me that we're visiting the Land of Whirlpools. That was my mom's home before she came to Konoha, and I'm not sure how to feel about it."
"I may have family out there, but before I made up with them, they may as well not have existed." Daichi looked up at the sky. "Regardless of what the Land of Whirlpools may have been, Konoha is your home. It's were your family and friends are."
Naruto nodded. "Thanks, Daichi."
The two friends bumped fist.
Tayuya approached them. "Hey love birds, we're coming up on the island."
Daichi looked at her skeptically before looking at Naruto. "Have you gotten used to her yet?"
"Kind of." Naruto stated. "She grows on you."
"What do you mean kind of?" Tayuya asked with a raised eyebrow.
"He just means that not everyone gets you Lord Uzumaki." Karin chimed in as she joined them. "We do, and we appreciate you."
Land of Whirlpools
Daichi lead the Uzumaki Clan into the village. "It's not as bad as I thought it was going to be."
The buildings were in poor shape with holes, scorch marks from fire and lightning Jutsus, and cracks in the earth; however, he was expecting a lot more. The Fusion head also didn't see any broken sets of armor, weapons, or torn cloth anywhere.
"The villages that destroyed our home must have turned the place over to gather anything they could get their hands on." Karin stated.
Naruto was looking around. "So, this is the village of the Uzumaki Clan?"
"It is." Tayuya nodded. "My father told me all about it." She pointed at the pathway they'd walked down which had taken them through two stones that stood across from each other. "Those stones used to be a part of an archway and one was at the other entrances."
She then moved her hand over the structure of a house. "This village used to look a lot like Konoha." The group began to walk forward. "You had your restaurants, homes, and their own academy. The leader had a sizable office near his home rather than a tower."
"Well, if there is a hidden room, it's likely under that office or around it." Daichi stated before the group moved on over there to find that it was one of the few building left relatively intact. "Looks like I'm up."
Daichi wove some hand signs. "Fusion Clone Jutsu." A clone of Hinata appeared. "Byakugan." His eyes became white and the veins around them popped before he used his vision to scan the area. "Follow me."
Daichi entered the office and moved the chunks of destroyed bookshelves off the ground revealing a visible seal on the ground. In addition, there were decayed books, and shattered desk parts everywhere.
Tayuya keeled before the seal. "Good, it's just a blood seal."
"What's a blood seal?" Karin asked.
"You and Naruto need to remind me to teach you two Fuinjutsu." Tayuya nodded. "In this case, it's pretty much what it sounds like. A seal written in one's own blood. If your blood is the same as that which flows through the sealer, you can open it by dripping some of your own on it.
Of course, that wouldn't be good enough for the Uzumaki Clan, so they added a Chakra Seal into the mix. Since a true seal master of the Uzumaki made this, substitutes just won't work. Naruto you will supply the blood while I supply the Chakra."
Naruto obeyed and cut his thumb before allowing blood to drip onto the seal. At the same time, Tayuya's hands glowed blue and she placed them on the seal. This caused the blood seal to glow blue. The floor then popped open revealing stairs which led into the earth.
The Shinobi walked down them until they entered a large room. They marveled at what they saw. There were weapon racks filled with finely made weapons ranging from swords to trench knives to naginatas. Not only that, but there were various armors as well.
There were also shelves of books on sealing and the Uzumaki's history that lined two of the walls to the right and left. The back wall was filled with scrolls on sealing, weapon and Taijutsu styles, and Ninjutsu.
Daichi had moved to the weapon racks. "The Uzumaki really knew had to craft their weapons. There's at least two of any type of weapon even those that are unconventional for most Shinobi to use."
Tayuya moved over to the books. "Look at all this history. All of it was written by Uzumaki members, and there's an extra copy of each book. Then there's these sealing scrolls." She pulled one out and opened. "Konoha has nothing on these."
"There's even a small section on medical seals and Jutsu." Karin added.
Naruto was looking at everything. "So many cool Jutsu to try. I could even pick up an awesome weapon to use."
Tayuya looked at Daichi. "When you used the Byakugan to scan the area, did you notice any other hidden rooms?"
"This is the only room like this in the entire village which tells me a few things personally." At this point, Naruto had started listening. "The Uzumaki knew they were going to fall. Those that escaped likely did so on their leader's orders.
This room was prepared so that the remaining Uzumaki could return the clan to its former glory. Even though they knew the Uzumaki were finished, it doesn't mean they were going to go down without a fight."
Naruto rested his hands on a nearby shelf and gave a slight smile. "I had no idea I came from such an awesome clan. I'll have to do my best to live up to them."
"We all do." Tayuya picked up 9 scrolls and tossed three each to Naruto and Daichi. "Let's get this stuff sealed up. Daichi, those three sealing scrolls are yours. Whatever you fill them with are the Fusion Clans to keep."
Daichi nodded. "I'll fill two of these scrolls with weapons. Of course, if I take some of the rarer finds, I'll have to remember to only take one depending on the weapon. There may be a few treasures among…"
The whole group got to work sealing the contents of the room. Daichi snatched up various swords, axes, naginatas, trench knives, daggers, and other weapons. He then searched though the scrolls and sealed up what he could find on Taijutsu and weapon forms in the third scroll.
Once the contents of the room had been sealed, Karin suddenly sensed someone. "There's someone unfamiliar in the office above, and they're waiting."
Naruto prepared to move, but Daichi stopped him. "I know you're a capable guy, but this is technically a mission where I'm supposed to protect your three. Even if I can't take whomever it is, I got to put in the effort. Stay here and I'll whistle if you need me."
Naruto didn't like this, but he had to admit that it made sense. "Alright, you can handle this."
Daichi started to climb the stairs and emerged in the office only to immediately duck allowing a kunai to sail over his head as something thrust it forward. The Fusion head grabbed the arm and threw the attacker out a hole before following.
Outside
Daichi stepped through the hole to see that his opponent seemed like a rather young guy. It was hard to tell since the person was wearing full, black Anbu attire with no symbol of allegiance to be seen.
"I don't know who you are pal, but I don't appreciate the threat on my life." Daichi got into a stance. "Tell me what this is about, or I can force it out of you."
The guy got back to his feet. "That's my line."
Daichi stopped upon what he saw through the eye holes of the mask. The guy's eyes looked like the Sharingan with three tomoe except for one little factor. The irises were orange rather than red.
"Neat parlor trick." Daichi commented. "Here's a little advise. If you want to mimic the Sharingan of the Uchiha Clan, there a crimson red rather than fiery orange."
"Sharingan?" The guy's eyes went wide before he charged Daichi with his head down. "You don't know what you're talking about!"
Once he was close, the guy looked up and Daichi no longer saw that strangely colored Sharingan. The opposing Shinobi went for a punch, but Daichi caught the fist only to be blindsided by a kick to the head as the opponent before him vanished.
"Genjutsu." Daichi had been knocked aside but caught himself with his hands before flipping to his feet. "Sensory Shutdown Jutsu!" His eyesight was removed. "I'll give you an A for effort, but that won't work twice."
Daichi could now sense his opponent in front of him and the three Uzumaki below the earth.
"For a Shinobi you're pretty cocky." The shinobi stated.
Daichi substituted himself with a log causing the Anbu to look around frantically.
"Earth Style: Headhunter Jutsu!" Daichi dragged the Anbu into the earth before jumping out and coming to stand in front of him. "Not cocky. Just confident." The Shinobi was struggling only to stop as Daichi pointed his sword over his head. "Now, let's have a little chat."
Just as he was about to ask a question, there was a new chakra signature. A signature which suddenly appeared. Before the Fusion leader could act, he felt a palm slam into his chest. It wasn't Chakra infused, but the strength behind the attack made up for that.
It was enough to casually send the unprepared Chunin tumbling down the street. The new attacker was in fact the man in the black gi and black helmet. He looked back at Daichi to make sure he was fine.
When the guy saw that Daichi was starting to stand, he bit his thumb and wove the hand signs for the Reverse Summoning Jutsu. Both opponents vanished before Naruto, Tayuya, and Karin came running onto the scene.
Lion's Den: Jungle
The black dressed Anbu and Chi appeared within the home of the lions. The pair were currently alone in a dense part of the jungle.
"Lord Chi, why did you pull me out of there?" The Anbu asked. "I could handle him."
"This is not a matter of handling that Chunin, Taiko." Chi replied. "You let your hot-headedness get the better of you. Your opponent didn't want to fight, so you should have realized he was a genuine Leaf Shinobi. What's more, you revealed your Sharingan to him."
Taiko wanted to argue but his lord was right. "I'm sorry."
"It's not me you should apologize to." Chi stated firmly. "It's your fellow clan members and the lion Yonnin who deserve it. Kazamae has risked everything to give our clan a future after the mistakes of the past. Word of our eyes will reach the Foundation putting us in danger."
"Danzo." Taiko clenched his fist.
He never met the man, but he trusted Kazamae and Chi. Kazamae had been there the night of the massacre and was the reason their clan was alive today. Lord Chi had guided the survivors, every one of them children, into becoming better than their predecessors.
"I messed up." Taiko sighed. "What are we going to do?"
"We will return home, make sure everyone knows what happened, and ensure we are ready. I will also be contacting Itachi since Izumi and their children are in danger now." He approached Taiko and put a hand on his shoulder. "Learn from this before you make a mistake we can't fix."
Taiko nodded. "Yes, Lord Chi."
Aboard the Ship, Night…
Daichi had explained what he could of the encounter with the black dressed Anbu and the figure: however, he had been blind at the time due to Sensory Shutdown Jutsu. Still, it was a peculiar encounter. The Anbu may have been antagonistic, but he didn't seem like a bad guy.
Now on the ship, his mind turned towards something else about their fight. "I assumed that his Sharingan was fake, but his voice did not portray that. His tone sounded genuinely shocked when I brought it up. Still, the Sharingan shouldn't be orange. What does it mean?"
Naruto had walked on over. "Ryo for your thoughts?"
"I'm just trying to figure out the answer to a question when I don't have all the details." Daichi waved it off. "Nothing that worrisome. In the end, what I experienced was unexpected, but that hardly matters when the mission was successful."
"I suppose that's a good point." Naruto stated. "If you aren't bothered by it, all the better then."
Daichi looked at Naruto before staring out over the water. When they set out from the Leaf, he knew it hadn't been the time to discuss Sakura, but now seemed like as good a time as any. Who's to say Tsunade won't have missions for them upon their return.
"Hey Naruto, I know this may be out of the blue, but you like Hinata, right?" Daichi asked.
"Yeah, I suppose I do." Naruto blinked in confusion. "I mean, I've really liked spending time with her, and dating her comes easy." He rubbed the back of his head. "Not to mention she's nice, kind, gentle, and strong. Why do you ask?"
Daichi didn't really know how to say this, but he had to start somewhere. "Nothing's happened between Sakura and I and nothing will unless I have your permission." He looked down at the water. "I'm just going to say it. Naruto, I want to date Sakura."
"You want to date Sakura?" Naruto questioned. "I thought you couldn't stand her."
"I couldn't." Daichi shook his head. "She didn't really like me either, but things changed. She's a strong willed Kunochi that doesn't really like Sasuke anymore. She already wants to take things further than friendship, but I told her I had to talk with you."
"Talk with me?" Naruto asked. "Why would you need to talk with me? I may not have gotten it, but I knew how important finding a girl to marry one day was to you. If you like Sakura, who would I be to stand in the way especially when I have Hinata?"
"I figured you'd say that." Daichi looked at Naruto. "The reason I brought it up with you is because I may have feelings for Sakura, but there's no telling where we'll go. You are my best friend. In the end, I didn't want to hurt you even if it meant losing out in the love department."
"You really are a true friend Daichi." Naruto smiled. "I'll make it easy. I'm with Hinata, and even if I'm not in the future, you're free to date Sakura. No more having to check in with me, and I'm happy for you. That's the truth. Believe it."
"Thanks, Naruto." Daichi stated.
The boat sailed on back to the Land of Fire as Naruto and Daichi started catching up more on everything that happened since their missions.
Lord Chi is actually someone all or many of you should know. He's a character who was meant to die, but Kazamae changed his fate as well as the fates of a certain clan. Taiko is a very minor character, in a filler arc, who was part of this clan I'm referring to. I don't think it would be hard for you to know the clan I'm referring to, but I will be interested to see if any of you know who Lord Chi really is.
