"No, Naruto-Chan you are not ready for the use of sage mode."

Naruto couldn't believe his ears. The toads were denying him? In the past two year of being allied with the toad clan of Myoboku Naruto had done nothing but increase the already good opinion of the toads within both the shinobu world and within the different summoning clans, Gamabunta himself had assured Naruto of that. What was the reason he was being denied the knowledge then? Did the toads have a bad opinion of him, did they see him as an impulsive, irresponsible child? Was this their way of saying they didn't approve of Naruto's actions that led him to become a father at fifteen? No that also couldn't be it, if the toads held a puritan attitude then they would have parted ways with Ero-Sennin as soon as they met him. For the life of him Naruto could not figure out why.

"Fukuaku-Sama, Shima-Sama, may I ask why I'm being denied? I have done nothing but what you have asked of me and have helped give the toads the good reputation we hold."

"Naruto-Chan, you have done nothing wrong. While the bigwigs across the Elemental Nations may teach that Jiraiya-Boy is the first Toad Sage and Hashirama Senju was the first user of senjutsu in history this is far from the truth. Jiraiya was the first who has signed the toad contract in over two hundred years he is far from the first to ever be allied with us. I'm sure you have heard of the Rikudou Sennin right? The progenitor of Chakra, creator of Ninshu, precursor too ninjutsu? While in truth he isn't the true progenitor of chakra he did create the art of Ninshu. What he did not do was discover Senjutsu, or natural energy.

Let me teach you a little about the history of the summoning clans before I answer your question Naruto-Chan. The members of greater summoning clans like the Myoboku toads, Shikkotsu slugs, or Ryuchi snakes are called sage creatures. We are born with a deep connection with nature as long, long ago the stories say simple animals started to settle and breed in areas extremely rich in natural energy like Mount Myoboku. Aside from the strange flora and fauna in our homes there are individual facets of our habitats that facilitated our evolution from the mindless toad you might find by the river into the mighty creatures we are today. Here in Myoboku it is our rich oil that comes from deep in the ground. Our tadpoles mature in the oil and come out senjutsu enriched. In Shikkotsu Forest its the leaves the baby slugs feed on, Ryuchi Cave it's the warm stones the eggs rest on before hatching.

Before humanity was given chakra reserves that were large enough to be moldable animals had the strange powers humans only talked about at night, tucked in their shelters where they felt safe. Every once in a while, the pre-chakra humans would stumble across our homelands or some of our people around the world. Very rarely we wound find a human we felt connected with, and we would train these humans. We taught them the usage of senjutsu to travel their lands and to spread the glory of our clans. The toads to date have attempted to teach 8452 people the usage of senjutsu. The toads are considered miserly in who we teach Naruto-Chan, the Ryuchi snakes teach anyone who ask because they enjoy watching the torment that appears within those who ask.

Of the 8452 people we have attempted to teach the usage of senjutsu to do you know how many lived Naruto-Chan? Twenty seven, out of 8452 trainees twenty seven have passed, Minato-Chan and Jiraiya-Boy have been our only successes in over four hundred years. The youngest sage in Mount Myoboku history was a sixteen year old girl. My own grandfather taught the girl almost six hundred years ago. She passed but just barely, she had permanent webbed hands and feet, toad cheeks, and her body shrunk by over four inches. Age is almost as big a factor in sage training as chakra reserves. When senjutsu permeates a human body it can get stuck, causing many deformities. Once a human stops growing, normally between the ages of seventeen and twenty, Senjutsu becomes almost seventy percent easier to harness. In accordance to the laws of the Myoboku Toad Clan I cannot teach you the usage of senjutsu until you reach the age of sixteen. I believe you turn sixteen in five months, ask again then and I can teach you."

It was safe to say Naruto was surprised, who knew the history of the toads was so rich? Over eight thousand sage trainees, with a less than one percent rate of success? This talk sure gave him an even healthier respect for his father and Ero-Sennin, becoming a sage is absolutely nothing to scoff at.

"Pa, you don't understand, I don't have five month to sit around on my ass. In two months there will be people hunting us. I cannot go into it out of respect for Izumi's privacy but there are people after her, and in two months they will be hunting her down. Please Fukusaku-Sama, if there is anything you can do to help us I would be indefinitely in your debt."

Pa looked at Naruto from across the small table in his hut. He scratched his small beard until an idea came to him.

"Naruto-Chan, I will be sending you back to the human realm now, Go to your Izumi-Girl and explain to her what we have talked about. Convince her to be upfront and honest about her history to me. If she can tell me her backstory I may be able to find a solution to your problems so you will be safe in two months."

After thanking the old sage profusely Naruto followed the mans instructions to a tee. Even going as far as asking Kurama to help him tell Izumi exactly what the old toad word for word. Izumi hesitantly agreed to tell the toads her life story, if Naruto trusted them she thought she could as well. After summoning Pa to the Uchiha hideout and explaining her side of the story, Fukusaku was dumbfounded. Humans are very strange creatures, why would they pit one young human against so much trouble in her young life? Fukusaku, not for the first time mind you, was very thankful he had been born a toad and not a human.

"Well Izumi-Chan, after hearing your story I have no doubts you are an honourable and compassionate enough for a temporary alliance with the toad clan. If Akatsuki is expecting you Itachi persona in a little over two months we have enough time for my plan. In two months I want both of you, Naruto-Chan and Izumi-Chan, to come to Mount Myoboku and stay there until your little tadpole comes out. First we need permission from Galbraith and the ravens but he should agree easy enough. If the ravens agree then I will call a meeting of the Sage Creature Council. I need all of their permission to have a human child born in my realm. Since Naruto-Chan is the father it isn't a completely unallied child. It will probably just be a formality getting permission but they may ask a small favour of you to complete. Galbraith and Gamabunta have a meeting coming in two days, so asking him won't be a problem. I will try to set up the meeting with the council to be in one month, so even if they don't agree you have another month to prepare an alternate route. Stay safe Naruto-Chan, Izumi-Chan."

The following weeks were hard for Naruto and Izumi, while Naruto tried to throw himself into training Izumi had started feeling morning sickness. Hormone imbalances, mood swings,and constant nausea made their life hell. Izumi would go from the intelligent, confident woman she was to a mass of nerves, jumping at the slightest sounds in fear of Zetsu ready to catch her fraternizing with her supposed prey. The future hung over the pairs head, even if they lived long enough to give birth to their child how were they supposed to raise the child well. Can a child learn and forge bonds while on the run? Would a life of constant running scar their child before they even had a chance to truly live? How would Naruto return to Konoha if he's in a relationship with one of their biggest criminals? These questions plagued their minds constantly. Nights were especially rough for Izumi as she leaned heavily on the support Naruto gave to her both mentally and physically. When Fukusaku finally let them know they were going to be reverse summoned to the Sage Creature Council meeting they were nervous but they couldn't be happier to finally have an answer on how their future may look.

With a poof of smoke Naruto and Izumi were summoned in front of a large building made completely out of graying marble. As they traversed through the vast, empty halls there was a foreboding air around them. The air was especially humid but they still shivered as they slowly made their way to the meeting area. The empty halls made every sound momentous as it echoed across the cavernous walls. After three minutes of walking in silence with the toad elder they reached a large door. Large was an understatement as it was over forty feet of solid stone, chiseled and stylized to show scenes of many different animals all engaged in conversation. When Fukusaku pushed open the heavy marble door they entered the Council's chambers. If they thought the halls of the buildings were expansive the room they entered almost seemed like another world. Gamabunta was the biggest being Naruto had ever seen in his life but the room he entered was obviously made to house dozens of beasts his size if needed. The far wall must have been almost four hundred feet away. Looking up Naruto scanned the walls, slowly peering up as his eyes followed the designs. Coloured murals of different animals fighting, eating, and arguing covered the walls. There was no roof on the chambers, obviously meant so aerial creatures had easy access. To the left the walls slope away to reveal a vast body of water so aquatic animals had a place to feel comfortable. Izumi and Naruto both knew there were a vast array of summons but they were in awe of all the species depicted in the designs. Every animal they could imagine, creatures of legend, beasts they couldn't fathom, all were present in the huge expanse of summons under the leadership of the council. Fukusaku led them into the centre of the room as they finally met the council.

"Hello Fukusaku-San, I see you have brought the humans that would like a boon of us. Explain the favour you seek and the council will ask appropriate reparations be met by you for us to answer your call. I am Caltrea of the Lion Clan. I represent the Sage Creatures of the land. To my right, representing our avian brothers is Harudo-Sama, Leader of the Eagle Alliance. To my left and in the water is our aquatic branch leader, Wade-Sama of the Shark Pack. Explain both your situation and what you must ask of us. Hopefully we will find a path we can follow that will lead to contentment for us all."

Caltrea the lion spoke with charisma and pride, just like the stereotypical image of lions. He was twenty feet tall and seemed like a powerful warrior. When he spoke Naruto could feel the vibrations in his bones. His muscles tensed and flexed with every minute gesture he made while speaking. He cut a figure of a powerful but intimidating leader. The Eagle Harudo was the smallest of the three Summons, being only around six feet tall. In sharp contrast to the powerful figure that was Caltrea, Harudo seemed to be the brains and wisdom of the Council. He was wizened and shrunken in on himself, just like Fukusaku the toad. Even with his less than intimidating image it was obvious the eagle was not to be underestimated. He gave off an immense aura of both nobility and honour, he seemed to be a leader many people have come to respect from the long time he has been in the service of the Council. By far both the largest and scariest was Wade the shark. Only the head of the aquatic creature was visible from Naruto's position on land but that was more than enough to get the general idea. Whenever Wade's humongous maw opened hundreds of teeth seemed to gleam from the hidden depths inside the cavernous mouth. Each of the numerous teeth were over four feet long of jagged weapons of death. Wade seemed like a person no one could cross and live to tell the tale.

"Caltrea-Sama, Harudo-Sama, Wade-Sama. As you know, today I have brought both my own Summoner Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze and the Summoner of the Raven clan Izumi Uchiha in front of you so we can have permission to protect their upcoming child. Due to an unfortunate series of harsh situations and painful betrayal at the hands of her own father Izumi-Chan here was forced to kill the leadership of her clan for the continued longevity of her home village. After this she was forced on a long term undercover mission into an organization of S rank criminals. They believe she is a man named Itachi Uchiha, a persona Izumi here was forced to live in since the age of five. Against all odds Izumi has managed to fall in love with who her target was supposed to be for this organization, young Naruto here.

In one month time Izumi is obligated to meet with this criminal organization, Akatsuki. While she is skilled in infiltration there is still no known knowledge in how to hide the chakra signature of a fetus. If she goes to this meeting her cover will be blown and they will kill her. Consequently, if she does not go to this meeting Akatsuki will grow curious as to why and will send their intelligence operators to find her. While Naruto and Izumi are both quite skilled for their young age they can not fight off this organization, especially if the stronger of the two is currently weighed down by the fact that she is pregnant. What I have come to ask the Council today on behalf of my summoner, his mate, and their unborn child is refuge. While I have allowed Naruto to stay in Mount Myoboku for as long as needed and Galbraith of the Ravens has allowed Izumi to stay in Myoboku as well I am well aware for a non allied human child to be born on summon land could be a problem. I ask for permission for this pair to stay in Myoboku until their child is born. I would also ask for the rights to allow this child to stay on Myoboku until their parents deem it safe for them to return to the human realm."

Harudo ruffled his feathers and let off a caw, seemingly to clear his throat.

"Fukusaku-Sama, both you and the Toad clan have been well respected for generations. For you to ask a favour of the Council on behalf of your summoner and his fledgeling family speaks a great deal on your opinion and loyalty to them. I personally can allow this but the Eagles will require a service down for us by the humans. We were refound by Butsuma Senju during the late days of the Warring States Period. When After both he and all his sons died our contract was left in the hands of his second son Tobirama Senju, the Nidaime Hokage of Konoha. While not being as good a summoner for us as his father or elder brother we did enjoy having him allied with us. When he was killed by Kumogakure's Kinkaku Force in the First Shinobi War Kumo took the contract off his dead body and have kept it as spoils of war. So far four have tried to sign our contract and none have been to our liking. What we require is that you acquire our contract through any means necessary and return our contract to Konoha for the next generation to take our tests. We enjoy the forests surrounding you village and believe your 'Will of Fire' belief may lead us to finding a new worthy summoner."

Fukusaku nodded and asked both Naruto and Izumi if the terms were satisfactory. Both quickly agreed but had no clue how they would get a powerful contract away from Kumo who was famous for their militarization. Caltrea stepped up next and it seemed he would be the next to speak.

"Fukusaku-Kun, you and I have been friends since I was a young cub. When the Lions had to wage war against the traitorous Ocelot Tribe you fought alongside me when I asked for your help. I require no service from you my friend as I am always in your debt for saving my life countless times."

He gave off a powerful roar that shaked the chambers. Afterwards he gave the old toad a sly grin which Fukusaku returned in a similar manner.

"The Shark Pack acknowledge the need to protect your pups through any means. When I myself was giving birth to my eldest son my mate had to kill dozens who thought they could attack me in my moment of weakness. We will agree to your request no matter what if it is to protect your pup. That being said we ask of you to do us a service, and even if you deny us we will allow you to give birth in our lands. The Sharks have always worked in the ocean that surrounds the land that has become Kirigakure. We have allowed Hoshigaki to sign our contract for three generations. The latest Hoshigaki that holds our contract is Kisame, a member of the Akatuski group you have infiltrated Izumi. Kisame has brought disdain on the Shark name, he is seen as a senseless slaughterer, a man who has killed allies in cold blood for no reason. We cannot disbar him from our contract as several young sharks follow him because they dill the need to slate their bloodlust through senseless massacres. I would ask you to kill him and give our contract to a different clan of Kiri, maybe the Hozuki they would fit well with our in water fighting style. I ask you do this but do not require it."

Naruto stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"Horudo-Sama, Caltrea-Sama, wade-Sama. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my soul for allowing this. You have saved the life of both my mate and my child and for that I could never repay you. I will work on the tasks you have set for me and I will not rest until it is done. If I die I will ask my comrades to and my village to undertake this task. Rest assured your will shall be done and if you ever have need of me to do something for you again, call upon me and I will answer. Thank you again."

By the end of his speech Naruto was tearing up, his family was safe! When Fukusaku lead them out of the building, everything was a blur. He had a set plan for the future and goals he must reach. When he and Izumi were led to a small housing unit near ware Ma and Pa lived they collapsed on the futon ready for a deep and dreamless sleep. Both were emotionally drained after a long day of ups and downs. Finally having good news was something they could celebrate in the morning, for now sleep was needed.