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Chapter 27: The Mission to the Land of Waves

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Sasuke had been mulling over the decision to go to Wave. On one hand, he's happy that they're finally tackling that area, but leaving Konoha brought memories of that time where they had to leave for Sand for a routine diplomatic visit. What if something happens once more? They had been lucky that time that Sand is connected to Konoha via a railway system. But Wave will be different. Since they are not diplomatically tied, there is no transport system like the train that they've used to go to Sand, nor are there military checkpoints to fallback to should something go awry.

And so the possibility of more troubles have worried him, especially since they wouldn't be able to call for back-up right away.

"What's worrying you Sasuke?"

Sasuke turned his head up to see his brother entering his office.

"I've been thinking niisan… Maybe this trip to Wave could be dangerous for us." Itachi frowned. It's not like his brother to get cold feet, especially since he knew that Sasuke had been looking forward to taking Wave under the Uchiha's control as well.

"What's wrong?"

"The last time we went out of Konoha we had ended up with a damaged train. We're lucky we were able to come home quickly after that. But I'm just thinking…" Sasuke's eyes were contemplative and Itachi slowly understood what his brother meant.

"You're afraid that something like that will happen again?"

Sasuke gritted his teeth. "It's not that I'm afraid niisan. I'm just thinking that it would be unwise for the two of us to come. What if something happens? Then we're both… we…" Sasuke stopped himself, the rest of his thoughts unspoken. We both could be in danger.

Itachi chuckled, as he took his seat on the comfortable leather couch.

"You don't have to worry about that Sasuke. We'll take some ANBU with us. We'll be running with a larger escort this time, too. Besides, we have to thank the clones for that now. We can run with a fewer police corps and use the Numbers to reduce casualties among the ranks." Sasuke's eyes flashed in recognition. Itachi have taken to calling Shin's clones as the Numbers, being that they have been named with numbers.

Though still slightly uneasy, he relented and eased back into his chair, slightly reassured. He still have some reservations about this trip. He had hoped to just send a garrison there and be done with it. Wave is far from Konoha, beyond the Land of Fire's borders. It's within the Land of Water's striking distance, presenting a serious security issue.

Though he knows that if the Land of Wave were to be absorbed under Konoha's banner, it would effectively be absorbed into the Land of Fire's jurisdiction. And even he's not sure as to how the politics of that will work out. So most likely the whole arrangement would be close to a protectorate one. Or a very strong alliance. Either way, getting the Land of Wave indebted to Konoha would elevate Konoha to a special status, making them on equal parity with the Fire Daimyo. So making sure that the negotiations succeed in the Uchihas' favor is very important here, especially since the Land of Fire's daimyo still isn't aware of this whole arrangement.

Sasuke frowned at the thought. Annexing Sunagakure has angered the Wind Daimyo to a degree, already. Can they really risk the Fire Daimyo as well? What will the fire Daimyo think that Konoha under his land will be occupying a legitimate country from beyond its borders? Is there an arrangement that won't be misconstrued as the Uchihas seeking even more power than they already have? The power of two ninja villages in one, allied with the hidden village of Rain is bound to make its neighbors even more angry or insecure. Will the added strength of a whole country make the other villages make their move somehow?

He sneaked a glance to his older brother. Sasuke could only hope that Itachi had thought this whole deal much more carefully than he did. Because as painful as it would be to admit, Sasuke is aware that Itachi is more knowledgeable about foreign affairs than he ever could be. The young alpha would always just consult what his older brother had planned and run with it, considering that Itachi had been the one to establish the Uchiha's rule in Konoha at the behest of their father.

Whether he liked it or not, the rule over Konoha had mostly been handed to him in a silver platter. And he hasn't bothered himself in understanding the intricacies behind how it worked. Still, the prospect of Wave coming under Konoha's protection is an exciting proposition. Sasuke thought that it would a perfect opportunity to flex his power to a certain omega, after all. Wheels turning in his head, the alpha turned to his desk and resumed signing the documents- one that would approve their excursion to the Land of Waves.

"Don't worry about it Sasuke. I've taken care of everything." Itachi would assure the alpha, catching the worried look that the younger Uchiha had plastered on his face. He'd do anything to give the world to his younger brother, after all. Suna, The Land of Waves, it would only be the beginning. At least he has his father to thank for this opportunity. He may not have been as ecstatic with regards to the coup when it was first orchestrated all those years ago, but now that he's the one pulling the strings, it's much easier to do what he wants. And thinking back on it, he's glad that things turned out the way they did. Otherwise he'd never be able to give his younger brother the life he deserved.

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Naruto's mind was reeling, after hearing that they'd be making their way for Wave, he can't help but think of Boruto and Menma. Naturally as the Hokage's personal guard, Naruto would have to go with Sasuke's escort. And while Menma will have his own team and mission to occupy him, Naruto faced a tough decision with Boruto.

Complicating this decision however was the next few exchanges that would take place in the briefing room. Naruto glanced at his son's team standing in front of Iruka-sensei. And while it escaped him why Sasuke had requested for their team personally, there's already a nagging feeling at the back of his mind and at the pit of his stomach that he won't like what the Hokage had in mind.

At first he had wondered why Sasuke and him were headed to the mission control room, especially since following the Uchiha's reign, the mission control office had been more or less independent from the Hokage's executive office. Unlike the procedures of old were the Hokage himself has to assign the missions, the village's military council and its representatives have been given that privilege, owing to the growing responsibilities of the Hokage. Itachi had consolidated much of the civilian council's power to his office during his reign. To avoid being overwhelmed, Itachi had relegated the task of mission assignments under the supervision of the Uchiha's military division, an office that had been under Fugaku's direct jurisdiction.

Naruto found out that this was to enforce Fugaku's control over the Hokage's office. However, as Itachi's reign continued, more and more Uchiha have become loyal to him instead, even those in the upper echelons of the Uchiha's military and thus Fugaku's influence over both the military and in turn his hold over the Hokage's executive office of Konohan government had faded as of late. And thus much of the military control had fallen under Itachi and much of the Executive control under Sasuke. By now, there is barely any distinction between the Uchiha's military and the civilian Uchiha Police Corps, simply because almost every Konohan is now considered a recruit of their military.

Though now that Naruto thought about it, maybe the blurring of this distinction had been intentional, simply to ensure that the office of the Hokage remained supreme over the civilian council and its very small remnants. With the combination of the Uchiha Police Corps and the Uchiha's Military Division, even the combined forces of the rest of the clan heads would be at best on equal grounds with the Uchiha's fighting force, making a coup much more difficult even if the clans were to ally together. If the clans wanted to topple the Uchiha's regime, they would have to sow discord first between the Police Corps and the Military Division. But even then, they would have to contend with the ANBU division which have been restructured to become fiercely loyal to the office of the hokage. So over time, the Uchihas have assured their hold in Konoha, slowly but surely trying to plug up any holes that the clan heads can ever exert their rule.

Though on paper, this again is not specifically written, perhaps to lull the clans into compliant and submissive complacency. It makes them think that they still hold power. On the other hand, the clans would say that they're only allowing the Uchihas to do as they like, insisting that the clan laws still hold sway over Konoha. Regardless of who truly holds the true power in Konoha, the balance of powers is tenuous at best; with much of its workings wrapped in propaganda favoring those depending who you ask. It could shift to any side in a moment's notice.

The omega have been aware of this arrangement over time since he had become one of the Uchiha's most trusted field operatives. Being the one lone jounin capable of performing the task of multiple squads on the field had its perks after all. It's not that hard to come by certain rumors. Of course on paper, Fugaku still remained a powerful figure in the Uchiha's hierarchy, hailed as supreme even beyond that of the Hokage's office; if nothing else just to appease his supporters among the Uchiha clan. Because like it or not, he still remained a very popular figure in their clan. But at this point, it's really not certain who holds real power in the village, and all sides aren't willing to test it lest it all comes crumbling down.

"Really? We can finally get a B ranked mission?" Naruto's head snapped up at the sound of his son's voice. If Sasuke and him are here, then that must mean that they're the clients for Menma's team's mission.

"Yes Menma. Your team has grown strong enough to handle what it takes to go outside the village. Your task is to accompany the Hokage in a very important diplomatic meeting. While escorting a VIP is strictly an A-ranked mission and is considered to be on the Jounin level, Hokage-sama has requested your presence personally. Your task is classified as B-ranked however, since there's less danger involved here. But the pay grade will reflect a low A-ranked. Isn't that great?" Iruka smiled as he glanced over at Naruto and Sasuke. It would be a very interesting scenario to see Naruto's entire family working as one towards a common goal. As he looked on however, Iruka had to hide a frown as he noted the conflicted look on Naruto's face. So Iruka decided to allay some of his fears by explaining further.

"Now you don't have to worry much. Aside from that, a squad of Jounin, a force of ANBU teams and a contingent from the police corps as well three squads from the special Numbers division would be accompanying you in this mission." Iruka added, mostly for Naruto's benefit. That seemed to have done the trick.

He saw Naruto visibly relax as he heard that more backup will be coming with them. But the genin team didn't seem to mind as much. Instead of being insulted that they won't have full credit for this mission, they are more excited at the prospect of finally getting a taste of a mission that is way beyond their rank. Even a B ranked missions are strictly Chuunin territory. And yet it's being assigned to them as genin.

"Finally!" Sarada exclaimed as she threw her fist to the air. "We can show off the results of our training. This is so exciting, Menma, Hima-chan!". Over the course of working together, it is apparent that their team had become more and more closer as they faced mission after mission. Plus, Menma and Sarada's unique experiences in their expanded family have made them more in tune and in sync with each other, much like how Naruto and Sasuke had been when they were younger, Iruka mused. He had seen their mission reports, monitored their growth and it is almost scary just how perfect their teamwork have grown over the course of their genin days.

Himawari's cheeks reddened under Sarada's proclamation. To think that their first mission outside the village walls is an important escort mission with the Hokage. Though they were exposed to the project before, this would be their first as officially genin. Besides, their initial foray outside the village didn't end well. So even she's excited for the coming change in scenery. She had been bored of chasing after cats or going after the odd village thief assisting the civilian police in their tasks. And while she can appreciate the safety of the village walls and the adults in the village, she too had been itching for an adventure outside the village.

"Isn't that great, Kore! I know you three have been wanting to get out of the village for a while now." Konohamaru quipped as he grinned at his team. He's no doubt that these three can make it out there, now, considering their growth. "Now your client for this mission is the Hokage himself. What an honor!"

The three genin turned to the Hokage at the side.

"Papa!" Sarada said. Menma on the other hand was focused on his dad who was at the side of the Hokage.

"The client will explain your mission, now. But you'll have the option of rejecting this mission should you feel that it's too dangerous for you." Iruke explained.

"Are you kidding? Of course we won't refuse!" Menma shouted. "This is the chance of a life time!"

"Pipe down Menma. Hokage-sama will further explain." Konohamaru explained.

"Right. As you know you will be accompanied by a special detachment from the Konoha's military. But this is only for the trip to Wave. The return trip home will be solely us. The teams that Iruka-sensei mentioned will be remaining in the Land of Wave as garrison and border patrols. So the return trip will be much more dangerous. Are you still up to it?"

"Of course we are!" The three genin chorused, excitement written all over their face.

"That's what I'd like to hear." Sasuke said proudly. "This will be just like old times, right Naruto?" Sasuke turned to his omega, who's strangely been quiet through the whole exchange.

"Right. Like old times." Naruto said as he remembered their old mission to the Land of Waves. But his voice lacked his usual enthusiasm; worry evident on his face.

"Alright. You three better prepare for the mission. I'll be briefing you at the rendezvous point by the main gate. Dismissed!" Sasuke said authoritatively.

Once the genin team has left the room, Sasuke turned to his omega. He had not missed the look of worry on Naruto's face earlier. And he wanted to console his omega if he could. This trip to Wave is supposed to be something that his omega can enjoy, not something to dread. The alpha have something planned ahead, after all.

"Is there something wrong Naruto?"

Naruto turned to him with uncertainty, his golden eyes filled with worry.

"I don't know how to put this Sasuke but I'm worried about Boruto. Can I take him with me? I'll be more at ease if I can watch over him."

Sasuke thought about it for a moment before thinking of something.

"Boruto is not a trained ninja Naruto, are you sure? I mean, I think it would be wiser if we'd leave him with Shisui-san. Besides, nothing can get in or out the Uchiha grounds."

Naruto looked torn for a moment, wanting to keep Boruto by his side; but seeing the wisdom behind Sasuke's words. He finally acquiesced to the alpha's suggestion.

"Alright Sasuke. I guess you're right."

Smiling to his alpha, Naruto summoned three reinforced clones and gave them his orders to maintain strict guard around the Uchiha compound.

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The assembly at the gate had been an amazing sight, much to Menma, Sarada and Himawari's surprise. Six of Naruto's clones were at the front of the Hokage's carriage their tails sharpened like scythes, claws gleaming against the sun. Their eyes were red as they stood vigilant to any potential threats. This had been the first time that Menma had seen his papa in action.

While Naruto would usually don his Jounin attire in any mission, this time he's in his ANBU attire with a white haori rimmed with orange flames. He had forgone his Kitsune mask since this is a diplomatic escort mission. Naturally the clones were in the same ensemble. Their sight have made the entire procession something to behold, the haori bellowing like capes as the six clones in front advanced protectively in front of the carriages. Scattered amongst the trees were various ANBU teams and lastly, Konohamaru's genin team were flanked by the Number's and Jounin divisions. There were four carriages this time. One for Sasuke and one for Itachi, and the two were empty carriages, meant to act as decoys should an attack happen. Sasuke and Itachi had to have a separate carriage, a security measure that should something happen to one, there would still be another left to lead the village.

Sasuke himself was surprised at the assembly. He had not really gone out of the village without the train. And so he had no idea that this is how the Hokage's security detail would entail. The original Naruto is naturally with Sasuke in his carriage. The omega had originally wanted to patrol the convoy with his clones. But the alpha requested his omega to stay with him. And so the omega finally relented and allowed himself to be seated at Sasuke's side, blushing as his alpha's arm snaked its way around his waist.

"Relax, Naruto. Shisui will protect Boruto. You have nothing to worry about, okay?" The alpha reassured his omega once more, kissing the man on his forehead and pulling him closer to him. Naruto smiled weakly and despite his alpha's assurances, something at the pit of his stomach was telling him that something terrible will go wrong in his absence.

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Preview for the Next Episode…

"So, the Great Naruto bridge huh?" Sasuke teased his omega. The sight of the long imposing bridge was truly something to behold. The Land of Waves have grown more prosperous ever since the completion of that bridge.

Naruto blushed at the honor given him. But he still gawked at the massive bridge in front of them.

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A/N: I hoped you enjoyed it. My apologies for the long wait. As always feel free to tell me what you like or don't like about it.