Disclaimer: I don't own naruto or any of its characters as they are the property of Masashi Kishimoto.
The author of the cover image is indy-riquez from DeviantArt. You can check the link for the original image in my profile.

Chapter 12: Unusual Arrangements.

Naruto could see the sunshine starting to creep into his room, signaling that morning had already come and he could already hear the streets getting steadily busier with civilians and Shinobi alike who probably just woke up minutes earlier. But Naruto didn't sleep, his thoughts had been too plagued with worries for him to be able to. Today was the day that Tsunade would meet with the council and they would decide Kurotsuchi's fate, so he had tried to think of any arguments to bring to the Hokage to keep her from doing something terrible to the Iwa girl. He didn't know if all he came up with would be enough to save the girl, but he had to try. What were his other options? Let the girl rot in prison to receive her punishment, or he could bust her from jail. And neither one was a good option. Letting the girl live a fate worse than death wasn't something he would ever allow but if he busted her out he risked being labeled as a criminal by the council, and he wasn't even sure if he could pull off a prison break anyway, so that would be a last resort if talking to Tsunade didn't work.

He didn't know at what hour was the council meeting, so he didn't want to risk missing his chance. If he went after the council had already made their choice there would be nothing he could no anymore. So he opted for getting up from his bed to get a shower and some clean clothes before heading out.

After quickly grooming himself he left his apartment and started his walk to the Hokage tower. As he walked through the streets, people were finally starting to realize that Naruto was back and some of them started to glare at him with disdain. Even after all these years, there were still people who didn't trust him due to his Jinchuuriki status, but right now he didn't pay their stares any mind, as he had more pressing matters in his head at the moment. He just hoped to not screw this up, if he did, the only other thing he could do was help the girl flee, and trying to help a criminal escape when they were imprisoned in the middle of one of the great ninja villages was a high feat to accomplish.

Before he knew it, Naruto was already at the entrance of the Hokage tower, and after staring at the building with reservation for a moment, he gathered his usual perseverance and made his way inside. He went to the counter and the secretary at the front quickly let him pass as it was still early anyway, so the Hokage wasn't as busy as she usually was, so the process was quick and Naruto rapidly made his way to Tsunade's door. He lifted a hand to knock but stopped himself before he could do so. He sighed as he prepared himself mentally, for he knew that this time he really needed to do this with seriousness. This time, there would be no playing around, no loud complaints, or childish tantrums; no, if he acted like that it wouldn't help his case and in turn, it would be sealing Kurotsuchi's fate. So even if just for this once, he had to refrain from acting recklessly.

After a moment of silently making up his mind, he finally knocked the door of Tsunade's office. He just waited a couple of seconds before he heard the woman say ''enter.'' He stepped into the office and he saw Tsunade in her chair. It was obvious that she herself woke up not too long ago as he could still see small bags under her eyes and a cup of coffee beside her. Also, he noted that Shizune wasn't there yet.

''Naruto? I didn't expect to see you here at this hour.'' Said the busty woman in surprise. ''Don't tell me that in all the years you were away Jiraiya decided to be responsible for once and actually taught you to get up early?'' Joked the Hokage with a smirk before taking a sip from her cup of coffee. ''Anyway, what is it that you want, brat?''

''Tsunade-Baa...no, Hokage-Sama, I have an important request to make.'' Said Naruto with seriousness.

Tsunade was shocked to hear Naruto call her 'Hokage-Sama.' In all the time she had known the boy he had never referred to her in such a way, and as much as she always berated him for that she actually didn't mind too much as she considered him like something akin to family. Honestly, she found it weird and a bit eerie to see Naruto acting so formal. ''O-Okay. So tell me, what would that request be?''

''Before I make my request, first I want to talk to you a bit about Kurotsuchi.'' Replied Naruto with the same stoic face.

''This is about the girl again?'' Asked Tsunade with exasperation. ''Naruto, I'm sorry but we already discussed this, and my decision still stands.'' Said the Hokage firmly.

''Please I want you to hear me out first. Please Tsunade-Sama, just this once as a favor to me.'' Pleaded Naruto, but he was still keeping his calm.

Tsunade sighed with irritation, but for the boy to be asking that of her in such a manner it made it hard for her to ignore him, especially since it was Naruto. ''Fine, just this once. But try to make it quick, will you?''

This time, Naruto allowed himself to give a small smile to the woman. ''Thank you, Tsunade-Sama.'' The woman just waved him off and he nodded before continuing. ''I know that Kurotsuchi was the one who kidnapped me, that is a serious offense, I get it, but it isn't so simple. After I managed to free myself from her, we were forced to get along due to a number of different circumstances that I don't have time to discuss right now. But the point is, that even if we really didn't get along most of the time and we were always on the verge of attacking each other, we eventually managed to tolerate one another and we even worked together very well when the need arose.'' Explained Naruto and looked intently at Tsunade to see if she had anything to comment, when she didn't, she just signaled him to continue.

''But also I discovered that she was a good person at heart, but I won't lie and say she loves Konoha because she doesn't. But I want to try to help her put away her hate.'' Said the blond as he remembered how hate could make a person miserable, as Sasuke had shown him. ''She may be Tsuchikage in the future, and I think that helping her see that we aren't so bad is a good way to get rid of the enmity between our nations. I want to achieve a future where we can have peace, not just with Iwa but with every village. If we never try to do something about it, we will never achieve peace.'' Said the Jinchuuriki with resolution.

Tsunade's face was unreadable as she looked at Naruto, and after the boy paused momentarily she spoke again. ''I admire your ambition for a better future, kid. And I wish I could do something about it, but we can't just let Iwa have her back after what they did, and we can't let her loose in the village either.'' Explained the Hokage.

''I know, and that is why I'm gonna request that you let me watch over her while she is here in Konoha instead of keeping her locked.'' Said the blond in all seriousness.

Tsunade widened her eyes, dumbfounded at the unusual request. ''Naruto, that is way too dangerous. She could try to kill you first chance she gets. And besides, we don't know for how long she'll be here. If she ever leaves that is.''

''I don't care about how dangerous it might be, I know I can handle it. And even if she never leaves I will continue to keep an eye on her.'' Naruto hoped that she wouldn't actually stay there forever, but he had faith that things would not turn that way. Besides, if he became Hokage he could let her return to Iwa once he had a say in it.

''You knucklehead moron might not care about the danger but I do! And all your friends will too. '' Reprimanded the woman.

''I know that what I ask is a lot, but I give my word that I can handle it. Please, Tsunade-Sama I'm not taking this lightly. I'm fully committed to this.'' Said Naruto, and despite his intent to appear serious, Tsunade could see the desperation in his eyes.

''If I were to grant you this, things would be very difficult for you. Not only will you have the responsibility to look after the girl, but everyone else will have a hard time to accept her and that could cause tension between you and your friends. Also, you are not the most popular person among the civilians and it won't help their stance on you if they see you with an enemy ninja.'' Tsunade tried to reason with Naruto.

''I'm not afraid of hardships, and I'm already used to the unkind stares of everyone. I'm gonna make them change their mind about me someday anyway, even if they hate me now.'' Naruto persisted. ''I'm just asking for a chance, just one. I promise I won't fail you, and I never go back on my promises, that is my ninja way.'' Finished Naruto with his fist over his chest.

Now there were no doubts in Tsunade's head that Naruto was completely serious and would do everything within his power to keep his promise. She had seen before how much the boy could accomplish when he really put his heart and mind into a task and she suspected that he would use that same willpower this time. She put her elbows on her desk and rested her head on her hands with closed eyes as she went through everything in her head.

Naruto silently waited for Tsunade to speak, anxious to know what her answer would be.

After pondering on the issue for a few minutes, Tsunade gave a deep sigh. ''She will be under ANBU watch at all times and won't be allowed out of the village. You will be responsible for anything she does and should she in any way, shape, or form, hurt Konoha or any of its inhabitants she will be executed for the transgression.'' Said the woman with authority.

Naruto's face lit up at hearing the Hokage's words. ''So, that means...''

Tsunade nodded plainly in confirmation. ''Yes Naruto. That means that I will give you and the girl a chance.''

Naruto couldn't help but jump in celebration at the news. ''Alright! Thanks, Tsunade-Baachan you are the best!'' In his joy, he completely dropped his serious act.

''Don't make me regret this, brat; or I swear I'll make you regret it even more.'' Said Tsunade with a frown.

''You don't have to worry about a thing, Tsunade-Sama. I swear I'll have everything under control.'' Responded the Jinchuuriki with a smile.

''I hope to god that's the case'' Thought Tsunade with a hand on her temple. ''Get out of here before I change my mind. And I'm gonna call for you in about two hours or so to discuss further details about it, but for now, you are dismissed.''

''Roger!'' Answered Naruto eagerly and proceeded to go for the door before the Hokage interrupted him again.

''And one more thing, Naruto.'' Said Tsunade which caught the blond's attention. ''Next time, drop the formalities. They don't suit you.'' Said the woman with a smile.

Naruto gave one of his trademark smiles in response. ''Got it. And thanks again for listening to me, Tsunade-Baachan.'' Said the blond before exiting the office and leaving Tsunade alone.

''What a way to start the morning. That's Naruto for you.'' Thought the grinning woman before taking a sip from her coffee again.

Naruto exited the Hokage tower with a victorious grin on his face. He was so relieved to know that Kurotsuchi wasn't gonna have to suffer in that cell for much longer. Well, as long as she behaved herself once she was out but he could think about those small details later.

''Hey, is that Naruto-Kun?!''

Naruto stopped in his way to look at the source of the voice and found all the integrants of team Gai just a few feet away from him.

''You are right Lee, that is Naruto! Hey, Naruto how are you doing?!'' Yelled the female member of team Gai, Tenten. She was a fair skinned girl with brown eyes and brown hair that she kept in two buns on both sides of her head. She wore a white long sleeved blouse, red Hakama-like pants, and fingerless gloves.

Naruto waved at them in greeting and approached them with a toothy smile. ''Hey guys! Long time no see!''

''Likewise, Naruto-Kun! Is good to see you again!'' Replied Rock Lee with a thumbs up. He was a fair-skinned young man with black hair in a bowl cut, his black eyes were comically round and on top of that, he had very thick eyebrows. He was dressed in a green spandex jumpsuit, wore orange leg warmers, had bandages around his arms, and used his forehead protector in his waist like a belt. The only part of Konoha's uniform that he wore was the flak jacket.

''We weren't aware that you were back.'' Said Neji. He was a member of the Hyuga clan and was Hinata's cousin. He had pale skin, long brown hair that reached his lower back, and as a Hyuga, he had pupil-less white eyes. He used a long sleeved white Kimono with matching pants and a gray apron tied around his waist. ''I heard rumors that you went missing, but it's good to know that you are fine.'' Said the Hyuga with a smile.

''Yosh! And I'm glad to see your flames of youth have continued to shine as bright as ever in all these years! You have grown quite a bit, Naruto-Kun!'' Replied Gai mirroring his student's pose by giving a thumbs up and a bright shining smile. He was the Sensei of Team Gai and also was its leader. He was a tall and well-built man, had high cheekbones and thick eyebrow. He had black hair and he had it in a bowl cut. His attire was exactly the same as his green-clad student, save for the missing bandages in his arms. All in all, he was practically a copy of his student right down to the ridiculous eyebrows and similar mannerisms.

''Is so good to see you guys! You too, bushy brow Sensei!'' Said Naruto cheerfully. ''And yes, I went missing for a while. It's a long story, but everything is fine now!'' Said Naruto trying to play the issue down to not make his friends worry unnecessarily. ''And by the way guys, What are you doing here this early? I didn't really expect to find anyone else here.''

''This? This is nothing. We have been up for a few hours already.'' Said Tenten with a sigh. ''with Gai sensei's training regimen one can just dream of a proper sleep...'' Though the girl.

''Tenten is right, Naruto-Kun! We have just finished our morning exercises and were on our way to ask the Hokage for our first mission of the day!'' Exclaimed eagerly the eccentric Sensei.

''Gai-Sensei always says that a rigorous training of both mind and body is what will take us to the path to being an extraordinaire Shinobi!'' Said Lee with the same enthusiasm as his sensei. ''In fact, why don't you join us, Naruto-Kun? It would be a good way to let loose our flames of youth!''

Gai's face brightened at his student's suggestion. ''Great idea, Lee! You can accompany us in our daily routine, Naruto-Kun! You can even use the time catch up with Lee, Neji, and Tenten!'' Said The man with vigor. ''What do you say, are up for the challenge?!''

''Ummm...'' Said Naruto with uncertainty, wondering if it would be prudent. He did want to spend more time with his friends so it might not be such a bad idea. But as he debated about it, he looked past the expectant faces of Gai and Lee to see Neji and Tenten behind the green duo with alarmed looks on their faces as they shook their heads and hands in warning to the blond. ''Ummm...Maybe later. I kinda have something to do right now.'' Responded Naruto with a nervous look and a sweatdrop on his forehead.

''Well, don't worry about it. There will be plenty of chances in the future and you are free to join us anytime you want!'' Said the man with no apparent disappointment to his declined offer. ''I'm sorry, Naruto, but we'll have to leave you now. We still have a long day ahead of us, after all!'' Said Gai before starting to go to the Hokage tower.

''I'll see you later Naruto-Kun! I'm anxious to test myself against the new skills you got from your training trip!'' Said Lee was he passed Naruto with a wave of his arm while following his sensei.

''See you later, Naruto. I hope to catch up with you soon.'' Said Neji with a friendly smile as he too left.

''See you around, Naruto!'' Said Tenten as he passed by the blond.

''I'll see you guys around!'' Said Naruto, happy to have seen his old friends. But before he left as well, he remembered something and turned around to call the girl back. ''Hey Tenten! Can I talk to you for a minute?!''

Said girl turned around with surprise. ''Oh, What is it, Naruto?''

Naruto closed the distance with the girl and clapped his hands together in front of him as a form of request. ''I wanted to ask a favor from you if it was alright.'' Asked the blond.

Tenten looked surprised and wondered what could Naruto want from her. ''Sure I guess, go ahead.''

Naruto smiled with happiness at seeing the weapons specialist accept. ''Do your family still run that weapons shop?'' Inquired the Jinchuuriki.

''Yea we still do actually. Forge and all. Why do you ask? '' Said the girl and raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

Naruto smiled at that and proceeded to inform the girl of his idea. ''You see, I was thinking that...

-Somewhere else in Konoha-

Kurotsuchi was laying on her side as she rested on the small bed of her cell. She hadn't slept at all since Naruto left, heck she didn't even know what time it was due to the fact that natural light didn't reach the inside of her cell. So she didn't even know if it was morning or evening, but she could at least guess that she had been laying like that for at least half a day if her guess was correct.

Since she first woke up in this place, her mind had been plagued with all kinds of worrying thoughts. Not only was she probably going to spend the rest of her life being tortured in this stinking place but she also remembered what the crazy Akatsuki member had said back then in the Land of Hot Water, that her home had been attacked by that bastard and his friends. She wanted so badly to know how were her family and friends doing. Were they okay? Were they injured during the attack? She didn't even want to think of them dead, and the worst of all was that if that was the case she would never know now that she was a prisoner. And probably everyone in her village considered her dead, now that she thought about it.

She wanted so badly to see her father, and Akatsuchi, and even her grandpa. One of the things that really ate at her conscience was that the last time she had a proper conversation with her dad they ended up arguing. And now she would never have the chance to apologize. But If she was going to die in here she wasn't gonna allow the Konoha bastards to see her tears, as her dignity was all that she had left. And for all she knew, they could take that away from her too. She wasn't stupid, she knew what usually happened to female prisoners, especially ones with a Kekkei Genkai like her. The best she could hope for was a swift execution. She was either gonna be tortured to death, left to rot in her cell for life, or just executed, and she would rather just die and be done with it than being tormented for these assholes amusement.

She wanted to be strong during these dark times and face her troubles with her head high to show her enemies that she wouldn't break so easily, but with everything that was happening she found that she couldn't do it. It took all her willpower to not break down right there and tears were already threatening to fall from her eyes, but she didn't want to give the Konoha bastards the satisfaction to see her in this state. That's why she was laying on her side facing away from the door, wishing to just cease to exist altogether than have to endure the fate that awaited her.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the door of her cell opened. She gave a small jump of surprise and quickly turned around to see two ANBU entering her room and flanked her, as each of them positioned themselves on opposite sides of her bed. She looked warily from ANBU to ANBU as she stared warily at their porcelain masks.

''What do you guys want?'' She tried to sound defiant, and she winced in shame at her own tone of voice as even she could hear the fear in her voice.

Both men stared at her silently for a moment, before one of them answered. ''We are here to take you to the Hokage. Please cooperate or we will be forced to take you there by force.'' Then, they went to grab her by her straitjacket to make her stand up, but the girl growled angrily at their touch and shook them off with a snarl.

''I get it. I can stand by myself so keep your hands to yourselves, you assholes!'' Said the Iwa Kunoichi as she jumped from the bed, refusing the ANBU's assistance. She shivered when her bare feet touched the cold floor of her cell; the Konoha medics had taken all of her clothes and given her hospital garments when they treated her injuries, and those weren't neither comfortable or warm.

Once she was up and ready, both men walked to the girl, one positioned himself to the front of Kurotsuchi while one stayed on the back and commanded her to follow them. ''Walk.'' Said the ANBU plainly.

Kurotsuchi begrudgingly obeyed, knowing that trying anything as she was flanked by two ANBU would be suicide as long as she couldn't use her Jutsu due to the straitjacket, which not only it didn't let her make hand seals, but it also seemed to keep her from using chakra.

They slowly but steadily made their way out of the T&I building. Once they were out, Kurotsuchi squinted her eyes when the sunshine hit her face. It had been days since she last saw the light of day and her eyes needed to adjust to it again.

People were staring at her as she was escorted to the Hokage tower. Even if she wasn't wearing anything that gave her away as an Iwa Kunoichi, the fact that she was restrained and being flanked by two ANBU was enough to make people conclude that she was a criminal, and as a result, she was drawing a lot of accusatory and judgmental stares. However, the girl barely paid them any mind as in her head she was going through all the possible reasons the Hokage could have to see her herself. The woman could have just as easily given an order to make Kurotsuchi's life a living hell, so it was weird to ask to see her directly. Maybe she wanted to intimidate her, or maybe she enjoyed making her enemies miserable in person. But her best guess was that the Hokage wanted to personally confirm that she was the granddaughter of the Tsuchikage, and out of all the possible reasons, that one seemed the most likely to the pink-eyed girl.

Their walk didn't take long and Kurotsuchi could already see a huge tower that was taller than all the buildings around, and the Kanji for ''Fire'' on the front made it obvious that it was the residence of the Hokage. She stared nervously at the structure as she approached it. She wanted to be strong and act tough, but knowing that she was soon going to be face to face with the most powerful person of her village's worst enemies scared even her, especially since in her current state she was defenseless; not that it would matter too much even if she could defend herself as she was in the middle of an enemy village. She was good, but even she would fall within seconds if an entire village was after her blood.

Once they entered the building, they went straight to the stairs, not even bothering to talk with the secretary. They stood in front of a door and one of the ANBU knocked firmly on it.

''Hokage-Sama, we have brought the prisoner.'' Said the man with formality.

''Bring her in.'' Was the simple response they got before the man opened the door and stepped inside, leaving the door open for the girl and the other man to come in.

Kurotsuchi stood frozen with reservation in front of the open door which earned her a push from the man behind her. She glanced back momentarily to shoot a glare at the ANBU before reluctantly stepping into the room.

Once inside the office, she could see the Hokage sitting on her desk with a stern look on her face. Jiraiya was standing to Tsunade's left and a silver-haired Jounin with one eye covered was standing to her right. And she was surprised when besides the Cyclops was the familiar face of Naruto. She also saw that four ANBU were already in the room, two on each side, and once her two escorts entered, they too joined the rest of the ANBU guarding the room, leaving her standing alone in the middle of the office.

She felt very small in the presence of both Sannin and the one Jounin that she could only assume was Sharingan Kakashi, and that was without taking into account the six ANBU total around her. She looked over to Naruto, wondering what could the idiot be doing here. She imagined that he was still going to try and convince her that he didn't mean any of this, but she didn't care what the blond moron said, as in her eyes he was still responsible for making her Konoha's bitch and no amount of pleas would make her forgive him.

When Naruto noticed the girl looking at him, he gave her a sheepish smirk, but it was quickly erased from his face when the girl answered with a cold glare. And a chiding look that Kakashi gave him made Naruto get serious for the occasion.

''Kurotsuchi from Iwa, right?''

The booming voice of Tsunade made Kurotsuchi gave a small jump of surprise when she realized that the Hokage had finally started addressing her.

''Y-yea...'' Said dumbly the pink-eyed girl. Even despite preparing herself mentally for the encounter with the Hokage, it did little to appease her nerves.

''It is to my knowledge that you were sent, along with a large squad of Iwa Shinobi, to attack and capture our Jinchuuriki. Is that correct?'' Inquired Tsunade in her same stoic tone.

''That was the mission given to me and my comrades, yes.'' Murmured Kurotsuchi with reservation.

''I must say, it was pretty bold of Ohnoki to send his own granddaughter. I guess that he considers you pretty capable, wouldn't you say?'' Inquired Tsunade.

Kurotsuchi narrowed her eyes, it seemed that her guess had been correct and the Hokage wanted to confirm with her own eyes that she was related to the Tsuchikage. ''I wouldn't know, ma'am.'' Said the girl with formality.

Tsunade was surprised, she had heard that the girl was brash and overconfident, and here she was trying to act calm and collected if a bit submissive. She figured that the girl was smart enough to know the magnitude of the trouble she was in to refrain from acting cheeky. ''Anyway, I'm sure you are aware that what you and Iwa did is a very serious offense to Konoha, and depending on how things play out it could even lead to war.'' Tsunade remarked coldly the last part.

Kurotsuchi gulped at the Hokage's severe declaration. Even if she had always hoped for the chance that Iwa would finally give Konoha their dues, she knew that this could be the worst possible timing to start a war with them; they lost a large force of talented ninja when they tried to capture the Kyuubi, and if the Akatsuki really invaded Iwa and stole their Bijuu then they were in a terrible position to be picking fights right now.

''And by all accounts, I should have you executed, or at the very least lock you up for life.'' Said Tsunade with a glare directed at the Iwa Kunoichi, an action which made Kurotsuchi shiver in anticipation for her sentence. ''But I won't do either.'' finished the blonde.

Kurotsuchi's stomach was tied into a knot due to the sheer dread she felt right now. If they weren't gonna kill her or imprison her then that only left one thing, and if she heard that they were gonna turn her into a breeding stock so that Konoha could have their little army of Yoton users, then she might as well throw herself at the Hokage right now and hope for one of the ANBU put her out of her misery.

''Instead, I'll let you stay in the village as a 'guest' of sorts.'' Said Tsunade.

''...Come Again?'' Responded Kurotsuchi, completely puzzled.

''I'm saying that I'll let you wander freely around the village while you stay here. Of course, you'll always be watched by a squad of ANBU at all times and high-security places like the T&I division are off limits. If I see you go anywhere near there I'll make you a permanent resident in there.'' Warned the Hokage. ''Also, Naruto here has volunteered to take responsibility for you throughout your stay.'' Informed Tsunade as she looked over to the Jinchuuriki, and he, in turn, waved cheerfully at the Iwa girl.

Kurotsuchi's astonished face amused everyone in the room. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. It had to be a joke at her expense to make her hopeful and then crush her spirit once she felt safe. ''Wait a minute, are you serious? What do you get from this?'' Asked the confused girl.

Tsunade frowned at the girl's disrespect. ''I'm not doing this to gain anything, girl. What I do, I do it out of the goodness of my heart to give you a chance to live decently while you are in here.'' Said Tsunade seriously. ''You'll stay in the apartment next to Naruto so he can keep a better watch over you. Also, your rent and your expenses will be covered by him.''

''What!? You didn't tell me I was gonna have to pay for her!'' Said an upset Naruto.

''You accepted to take responsibility, and I'm not spending the village's money on her!'' Tsunade scolded the blond and Naruto hung his head in defeat.

Meanwhile, Kurotsuchi just stood there dumbfounded. Her mind was a mess and didn't know what to think. For all she knew they were still going to use her to get the Yoton on Konoha, but instead of forcing her to breed, maybe they hoped she found some Konoha prick and let herself be seduced by him? Honestly, who the fuck knew at this point.

''On another note, these are the ANBU that are going to be keeping watch over you.'' Said Tsunade as the ANBU guarding the room stepped forward and lined themselves so the girl could see them better.

Kurotsuchi watched intently at the row of masked individuals, and aside from their leader, which seemed to be a purple-haired Kunoichi with long hair, they were just average ANBU.

''Sooo...just to clarify, you are going to allow me to wander around the village as I please, while being watched over by the idiot and a squad of ANBU, is that correct?'' Asked Kurotsuchi with doubt.

''Yea, that's the gist of it.'' Confirmed Tsunade.

''Anything else?'' Asked Kurotsuchi eagerly.

''Just one thing.'' Said Tsunade before leaning forward in her seat with a threatening glare. ''If I hear that you hurt Konoha, or any of our people in any way, I'll make sure that you return to Iwa in a box. Is that clear?'' the blonde told the girl as she channeled some of her killer intent.

Kurotsuchi nodded stiffly with a sweatdrop on her forehead.

''Good.'' Said Tsunade with a small smirk. ''Now that we got the ground rules out of the way, I guess we can get you out of that thing.'' Exclaimed the female Sannin before she gave a signal to the ANBU.

The purple haired ANBU nodded and pulled out her Katana as she closed the distance between her and Kurotsuchi, an act which made The Iwa prodigy tense up when she saw the woman pull her blade before the long haired woman reassured her. ''Relax, I'm just going to take off that straitjacket.'' Said the woman calmly as she grabbed the annoying garment, and in a swift cut, Kurotsuchi's arms were free again.

Once Kurotsuchi regained full motion of her limbs, the first thing she did was stretch and massage her sore arms, but she stopped when she remembered something. ''Could I have my clothes back?'' Asked the girl to the Hokage.

Tsunade looked at the girl curiously, not expecting that to be her first request. ''Sure, I'll have them delivered to your new apartment later.'' Said the busty woman and Kurotsuchi just nodded. ''Now, since this matter has been resolved, you can all just go. Naruto, take Kurotsuchi to her new place, after that you can do whatever you want. She is your responsibility now. And don't forget to take the key to her apartment.'' The Hokage reminded the blond.

''Leave it to me, Tsunade-Baachan!'' Said Naruto with a grin as he grabbed the small key on the desk. ''Let's go, Kurotsuchi! I can even show you where I live, is right next door of your apartment!'' Exclaimed Naruto before grabbing the girl by the arm and sprinted for the exit to lead the way.

''You don't have to grab me, moron! I can walk just fine! Hey!'' Said the Iwa girl to the eager boy as she was dragged away.

Now that they both left, so did the ANBU now that their job had begun, leaving Tsunade along with Jiraiya and Kakashi.

Now that everyone else had left, Tsunade took the liberty to address her old teammate. ''What do you think about this, Jiraiya?'' Asked the blonde. Even if Jiraiya liked to act like an old fool most of the time, she knew that the man was wise, and his insight on the matter interested Tsunade.

''I think that the council is gonna be a thorn in your side for a while. I doubt they will be too happy about this.'' Said the toad Sage with crossed arms.

''I can handle those old farts just fine. I want to know what you personally think.'' clarified the Hokage.

''Honestly, I don't like the girl. Is pretty obvious that she would kill us if she had the chance, Naruto included. But she also doesn't strike me as stupid, as long as security around her doesn't get lax she shouldn't try anything.'' Replied Jiraiya. He accepted that he was probably a bit bias against the girl as he had first met her when she and her friends were trying to skin him alive along with his student, but even if he wasn't, the girl was still an enemy, and the fact was that she was going to be loose in the village made and that made him feel uneasy, even with all the security around her.

''I know what you mean, I have similar thoughts myself.'' Said the woman in reflexion. ''What about you, Kakashi? What is your take on this?'' Asked the woman to the copy ninja.

The Sharingan wielder looked at the woman serenely before answering. ''While I do think that is prudent, even necessary, to keep tabs on the girl, I also think that we should give Naruto more credit. He seems to really like the girl, and he has always been good to see the good qualities in people. What I mean to say is that I trust Naruto's judgment, and he is the only one of us that has spent considerable amount of time with the girl to form a better understanding of her character.''

''Aren't you putting a little too much faith in Naruto's judgment? I mean, he is Naruto after all.'' Inquired the woman with a raised eyebrow.

However, Kakashi stayed firm in his opinion. ''Naruto isn't a little kid anymore, Tsunade-Sama. I think that he has earned the right to prove himself, and I'm choosing to have faith in him.'' Said the copy ninja with conviction.

''You might be right.'' Said Tsunade with a sigh as she rested her head on her folded hands. She just wished she could share Kakashi's confidence.

-Konoha's streets-

Once Naruto and Kurotsuchi were outside, and halfway through the street, the girl finally pulled her arm away from the blond's hold. ''Don't touch me, you asshole!'' Shouted the girl at the perplexed Jinchuuriki.

''Uh? What's wrong, Kurotsuchi?'' Asked the blond, bemused.

''Everything! That's what's wrong!'' Yelled the girl to the Genin's face. '' I told you I didn't want to see your face again, and I meant it. The only reason I haven't choked you to death is because I would be dead before I could.'' Remarked the Iwa Kunoichi. It was true, even right now she could feel the nearby ANBU hiding in the trees and nearby roofs around her, they weren't even making an effort to hide their presence.

''I know is not ideal, and if I could get you to Iwa I could, but this is the best leniency I could make Tsunade-Baachan show you.'' Replied the blond apologetically.

''I'm still a fucking worthless captive for all of you, pricks. No matter how much you want to sugarcoat it. And like I would buy that you are the reason I'm not in that cell anymore. There is no way you can influence the Hokage that much.'' Said the girl with disdain.

''But it's true! I gave it my all to make Tsunade-Baachan get you off the hook, if at least a little bit.'' Insisted an annoyed Naruto.

''Oh, you are my hero'' Said the girl sarcastically with her hands together in mock-swooning, obviously not believing him at all. '' Let me remind you something, and this time don't you ever forget it.'' Said the girl with a glare as she closed the distance between them and grabbed the boy by his jacket to make him lean towards her. ''You are not my buddy, and we are never going to be friends. So get that out of you thick skull. My biggest regret is that I didn't stab you in the back when I had the chance, as everything in my life has been going downhill since I met you.'' Said the girl in a low, dangerous tone, before letting go of the blond.

Naruto looked shocked for a moment before his face morphed into a look of sadness and anger and just settled to look at the ground with a cold look. He had really made a great effort to get her out of her confinement, and while he didn't expect her to be bouncing with joy he had at least hoped that she was more mellow.

''Hand me the key to the apartment. I can find the way on my own, I don't need your stupid ass.'' Said the girl expectantly with an outstretched arm.

With the same stoic face, Naruto pulled the small key from his jacket and threw it at Kurotsuchi for her to catch before he turned around and started walking away.

Kurotsuchi easily caught the key and addressed Naruto once more. ''And you better not bother me again, I don't care that you live next door.'' Warned the girl.

Naruto suddenly stopped and glanced back to the girl, and gave her the coldest and harshest look Kurotsuchi had ever seen the blond give her. ''Fine, do as you wish.'' Said the Jinchuuriki with restrained anger before resuming his walk.

Kurotsuchi was momentarily stunned at the idiot's unusual behavior but quickly shrugged it off. ''Hmmmp, whatever.'' Was the only thing the girl murmured before she too left.

-A few hours later-

Tsunade was currently sitting on a large table in a conference room, along with Jiraiya, and the Konoha council, which consisted of herself, Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Shimura Danzo.

Homura was an old man with Grey hair and beard. He used thick round glasses and used a sand-yellow robe with a white sash.

Koharu was an old woman with graying hair that she kept in a twin bun and her eyes always seemed to be closed. She wore a black Kimono with a white sash.

Danzo was also an old man, but unlike his fellow elders, he still had black hair. His hair was shaggy and his only visible eye was squinted, just like Koharu, while his right eye was bandaged, and had an X-shaped scar on his chin. He used a white shirt that was covered by a dark robe that concealed his right arm and legs, leaving only his left arm uncovered. He also used a cane but since he was sitting he had it beside his chair.

''Now that we are all present, we can start the meeting.'' Declared Tsunade with authority.

''Then allow me to voice my concerns first.'' Said Homura with severity. ''We have been informed that a Kunoichi from Iwagakure has been apprehended.''

''And still, for some reason, she has been allowed to roam free in our village.'' Continued Koharu with the same severe tone of her partner.

''She isn't free per se; she is being watched by ANBU the twenty-four hours of the day, and has Naruto watching over her on top of it.'' Said Jiraiya in Tsunade's defense.

''The point is that she is an enemy. She shouldn't be anywhere in the village aside from locked in a cell.'' Said Danzo coldly.

''Danzo is right, you shouldn't be so lenient to an enemy, Tsunade.'' Agreed Homura with the war hawk.

''I had my reasons for what I did and I'm standing by them.'' Said Tsunade calmly.

''Yea, we heard about that too. We know that Naruto asked for the girl's punishment to be revoked. That boy has always had more heart than brains, but you should know better, Tsunade.'' Said Homura.

''However, we can still get something out from this situation. Put the girl in my care and soon I'll have her conditioned to do anything we want, even spy on Iwa for us.'' Suggested Danzo.

''So you are saying we brainwash her?'' Inquired Jiraiya.

''It would certainly give us an edge over Iwa if we give her back as an undercover agent. And if she actually reached the position of Tsuchikage we could practically rule Iwa from the shadows.'' Elaborated Danzo.

''I have already taken care of her myself and I'm not handing her to you, Danzo. If she does something that can compromise us then by all means you can have her. But unless that happens, I don't want to hear anything about the issue again. Do I make myself clear?'' Said the Hokage sternly, and with her glare she dared anyone to say otherwise.

The rest of the council members realized that Tsunade had made up her mind regarding the girl, and whenever she did that there was no convincing her, so all of them, even Danzo, nodded reluctantly in understanding even if they thought this was a big mistake.

''We should rather discuss what we should do about Iwa itself.'' Reminded the Hokage.

''That's a good point. They attacked Jiraiya and attempted to take our Jinchuuriki, that transgression can't go unpunished.'' Said Danzo

''We have Ohnoki's granddaughter with us. We can demand compensation if we threaten to make the girl answer for their crimes.'' Suggested Homura.

''Actually, this would be a good opportunity to get rid of them. They have recently lost both of their own Jinchuuriki, and their village, along with their defenses and forces, had been badly damaged. They haven't been this weak since the end of the last war and since then we have recovered our strength. We have the clear advantage over them.'' Said the war hawk.

''War is a serious matter, Danzo. By inciting any form of open warfare between two great Shinobi nations you could be starting the Fourth Great Ninja War if the rest of the Nations want to take advantage of it.'' Warned Jiraiya.

''Not if we strike swiftly and eliminate them before such a thing could happen.'' Insisted Danzo stubbornly.

''The risk is still too great, Danzo. As Jiraiya says, war is not to be taken lightly.'' Homura agreed with the toad Sage.

''We still have to do something, though. We can't let them get away with this either.'' Said Koharu.

''And believe me, they won't.'' Said the Hokage firmly.

''Do you have something in mind, Tsunade?'' Inquired Homura expectantly.

''I do in fact.'' Replied the beauty with a smirk. ''I'm thinking that we should arrange a meeting with Ohnoki to discuss a way for them to make up to us.'' Tsunade's opinion surprised everyone.

''And you think that Ohnoki is just going to accept to meet with us?'' Said a baffled Danzo.

''I'm going to let him know that we have his granddaughter. I'm going to use her to blackmail him, tell him that he will be jeopardizing her wellbeing unless he agrees to the meeting.'' Said the blonde coldly.

''I'm surprised to see you resort to such methods, it's not like you.'' Noted Homura and Jiraiya nodded in agreement.

''He is the one who forced my hand. I have to make him answer for what he has done and if I have to resort to blackmail, I will.'' Proclaimed the Hokage in a commanding tone.

''And what if he still refuses?'' Asked Koharu.

At that question Tsunade leaned in her chair and rested her head on her hands, pondering on an answer.

Everyone was anxiously waiting for her response, and after a couple of minutes of silence, Tsunade finally spoke. ''If he still does, then Danzo's idea might have some merit.'' At that, everyone went upset with shock, save for Danzo who smirked.

''Hime, you can't really mean that!'' Said the altered Jiraiya.

''Even if we can beat Iwa we'll still take heavy loses!'' Exclaimed Koharu.

''It has taken us years to recover from the Kyuubi attack and the Uchiha massacre. This would only set us back even more!'' Added Koharu.

''If Iwa refuses to answer for their transgression then we will have to make them. I don't want war either but doing nothing could be just as bad.'' Said the Hokage with seriousness. ''What message do we send to the other villages when someone tries to take our Jinchuuriki and kill one of our strongest ninjas and we just let them? As you said, after the Kyuubi and the massacre not only have we struggled to keep ourselves strong but also to make the other nations think we are strong, especially in recent years after the Oto invasion. If we back down from something like this we might be cementing our reputation as a weak village and we could soon see more attempts from the rest of the hidden villages because of it.'' Explained Tsunade.

''It seems like this situation might end up in disaster either way, no matter what we choose.'' Said Homura solemnly.

''Let's hope it doesn't come to that.'' Said Tsunade trying to ease the tension. ''Don't misunderstand, I'm not jumping at the chance for conflict, but if they leave us no choice that is what we are gonna do.'' Declared their leader.

''And how do we proceed right now?'' Asked Koharu.

''Send a letter to Ohnoki telling him about his granddaughter's imprisonment, also tell him to meet me at the ruins of the Kannabi outpost. That would be the best place I can think of for a meeting.'' ordered the Hokage.

''At Kannabi outpost? You mean the one that was being built in the last war to oversee the Kannabi bridge?'' Asked Homura.

''Its construction halted once the bridge was destroyed and has been abandoned since. It would be a good place for a meeting in these circumstances. Nice thinking, Hime.'' Complimented Jiraiya. He knew that in this situation when two enemy parties needed to meet, the best place to go would be a neutral location like that one.

''You are not seriously thinking of going yourself, right?'' Asked Danzo coarsely.

''Of course not, I'm not stupid. We'll be sending Shadow Clones.'' Chided the blonde. ''And if Ohnoki is smart he will do the same.''

''Is that your final say?'' Inquired Koharu.

''It is.'' Said Tsunade plainly.

''Then I guess this meeting is over.'' Assumed Danzo, already preparing to stand and leave.

''Indeed. You are all dismissed.'' Declared the Hokage.

At her command, all the members of the council left the room one by one, and as soon as Tsunade was alone she collapsed in her seat with pent up stress. Today had been a hard day for her. Sometimes she wished she never accepted the position of Hokage and let Jiraiya be stuck with it or something. But for now, she wanted to enjoy the precious moment of tranquility she had, for she knew that there were still more struggles to come and she should relax while she still had the chance.

-Konoha's streets-

It was dusk by the time the meeting was done, and after finally being free, Jiraiya resolved to find Naruto to see how he was taking his new responsibility. He started by going to Ichiraku Ramen and sure enough, as soon as he entered he spotted the familiar sight of orange sitting on the counter.

''Here you are, kid. I see that you already let Teuchi-San know that you are back.'' Greeted the Sannin with a grin.

''Oh, hi Ero-Sennin.'' Naruto greeted Jiraiya as well but without his usual enthusiasm, which puzzled Jiraiya.

''If it isn't Jiraiya-Sama! Please have a seat!'' Said Teuchi, the owner of the restaurant. He was a middle-aged plump man with graying hair and squinted eyes. He was wearing his usual uniform which consisted of a white Kimono with an apron tied around his waist and a small chef hat. ''You should have told us that you two were back. Ayame already went home but if she had known Naruto was coming she would have loved to welcome him personally.''

''Sorry for that, Teuchi-San, things had been complicated as of late and it slipped our minds.'' Jiraiya apologized.

''Well, that would explain why Naruto is so down. He has barely eaten his bowl since he ordered it. I hope he didn't lose his liking for ramen while you two were away.'' Said Teuchi with worry.

''Is that so?'' Jiraiya eyed the blond suspiciously. ''Well then, I better make him some company, so I'll have an order of whatever the kid is having.'' Said Jiraiya to the ramen chef, and through their previous conversation, he noted that Naruto didn't even react to anything they had been saying.

''Of course, Jiraiya-Sama.'' Exclaimed Teuchi before getting to work on another bowl.

After finishing ordering, Jiraiya sat next to Naruto and stared at the blond as the boy picked his Ramen with the chopsticks but he wasn't eating any. ''What's up with you, kid? I didn't think it was possible for you to look so down with a bowl of ramen in your hands.'' Joked the toad Sage.

However, Naruto just continued to play with his ramen with a sad look on his face. ''I'm sorry, Ero-Sennin, I don't mean to trouble old man Teuchi and you. I'm just not in a good mood, that's all.''

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow at that before talking again. ''And where is your new rock-headed friend? I thought she would be with you.'' asked the man while glancing around the place. Jiraiya noted the frown that appeared on Naruto's face at the mention of the Iwa Kunoichi. ''As I thought, this is about the girl.''

''So, I take things aren't going as you wanted with her?'' Asked the older man knowingly.

''I just wanted to get along with her, but...'' Naruto started before he trailed off.

''What happened?'' Inquired Jiraiya with concern.

Naruto gave a deep sigh before answering. ''She told me that she wishes she never met me and that she wants nothing to do with me, among other things, but you get the main idea.''

Jiraiya frowned at hearing about the girls attitude, but he supposed it was expected; obviously the girl wasn't gonna take kindly to being forced to stay in Konoha, as she was still their prisoner even if her cell was the whole village. ''We did warn you it wasn't gonna be easy.'' Jiraiya reminded the blond.

''Don't get me wrong, I didn't expect her to be delighted either when I helped her, but I had hoped that at least she would be a bit more civil, you know. I thought that maybe we could be friends.'' Explained the Jinchuuriki while he kept stirring his soup.

Jiraiya stayed silent for a moment, trying to think of something to say to the blond, but in the end, he just settled for asking him another question. ''Do you regret helping her?''

Naruto stopped stirring his soup at the question as he thought about the answer. ''I still don't regret it, Ero-sSnnin. I know that was the right thing to do. But she almost makes me do it, and I think that is the worst part of this.'' Admitted the Jinchuuriki. He didn't like to think that way because he knew that the girl wasn't bad at heart, but he also couldn't deny his frustration. He practically begged Tsunade to have mercy on the girl, he was paying for her expenses, and he had accepted to take responsibility too should Kurotsuchi do something bad. Taking all that into account, it was resulting very difficult for the blond to not resent the pink-eyed girl.

Jiraiya realized where the boy was coming from, but before he could give an opinion, someone else entered the ramen stand.

''Here you are, Naruto. I've been looking everywhere for...Oh, Jiraiya-Sama! I hope I'm not interrupting!'' Said an ashamed Tented as she stood at the entrance of Ichiraku.

''Don't worry about it.'' reassured Jiraiya.

''Hi Tenten, what's up?'' Asked Naruto with surprise.

''Don't tell me you already forgot? I already finished that little task you asked of me.'' Replied the weapons user as she took out a scroll and held it for the blond to see.

Naruto finally perked up at hearing the news and even gave a small grin. ''Really? Wow, that was fast!''

''Well, what can I say? I work fast.'' boasted the girl as she handed the scroll to Naruto who promptly took it. ''By the way, who is it for? You told me it was a favor for a friend, right?'' Asked the girl curiously.

At Tenten's words, Naruto's smile vanished once again. ''Well, I don't know if she is my friend. To be honest, I'm not even sure if she will accept it.'' Said the blond solemnly and Tenten raised an eyebrow at the Jinchuuriki's answer.

''Wait a minute, kid. Don't tell me you got that for Kurotsuchi.'' Guessed the toad Sannin.

''Uh? Am I missing something here? Who is Kurotsuchi?'' Asked a confused Tenten.

''It's a long story.'' Said Jiraiya once again, it seemed that he had been saying that too much lately.

''Anyway, whoever she is I sure hope she likes it. I put a lot of effort into it.'' Tenten voiced her thoughts. Even if Naruto had already paid for it, she still didn't want to hear that her work would go to waste.

Naruto said nothing as he stared at the scroll in his hand when Jiraiya finally thought that enough was enough and addressed the Jinchuuriki again. ''Naruto, why don't you go and give it to her instead of moping around?'' Said Jiraiya sternly.

Naruto stared at Jiraiya intently before talking. ''But I'm not sure if she will take it.''

Jiraiya gave an exasperated sigh at the blond's attitude. ''You won't know until you do, so you might as well just do it. You aren't doing anything right now, so why not?''

Naruto thought about it for a moment and finally decided that Jiraiya was right, and with determination, he made up his mind to go and talk with Kurotsuchi. ''You are right, Ero-Sennin. I won't know until I try, right?'' Said Naruto as he gave the Sannin a grin.

''Now that's the Naruto I know.'' Exclaimed Jiraiya with a smirk of his own.

Naruto nodded and quickly finished his ramen in a few seconds as Jiraiya and Tented stared wide-eyed at the speed with which he devoured his meal. With a content sigh, he put the bowl down and dropped some money on the table to pay for the ramen. ''Thanks for the food, old man! I'll see you and Ayame later!'' Said the boy before he hastily left the ramen stand.

Jiraiya stared at the spot where Naruto had been just a moment ago before he too stood and paid for his own bowl even if he didn't eat at all. ''I'm gonna go after Naruto. It was good to see you, Teuchi-san.'' Said the Sannin as he left with the intent to see how Naruto handled his problem.

''Likewise, Jiraiya-Sama. But what do I do with the ramen?'' Said Teuchi as he held the bowl of soup.

''You can give it to the girl.'' Shouted the Sannin when he was already halfway across the street.

Teuchi turned to Tenten, who had silently watched the whole interaction, and put the bowl in front of her on the counter. ''Here you go, miss.''

Tenten stared at the bowl of ramen before shrugging and sitting down on a nearby chair. She wasn't particularly hungry but free food was always good, right?

Naruto didn't take long to reach the familiar sight of his apartment building and didn't waste any time to rush up the stairs, but instead of going to his apartment like he usually did, he instead stopped when he reached the door to the apartment next to his. He stood anxiously in front of the door and after building enough confidence he knocked on the wooden surface. He waited for a moment before the door opened and the annoyed face of Kurotsuchi appeared on the other side of it. Someone had apparently brought her her old clothes as she wasn't wearing the hospital garbs and she was using her usual red uniform instead.

''Hey Kurotsuchi! I see that you found your apartment!'' Said the blond cheerfully.

''I think I clearly remember telling you to not bother me again, dumbass. What is it that I need to do to make you understand that?'' Said the annoyed girl in anger.

''I know that but I wanted to...''

''Shut up for fucks sake! I don't give a crap what you want, just get out of my sight!'' Interrupted the irate Kurotsuchi before she slammed the door on Naruto's face.

Naruto stood stunned in place and Jiraiya appeared beside him almost immediately after.

''You were right, she is acting like a bitch.'' Said Jiraiya trying to strike a conversation with the blond before he glanced at the Jinchuuriki and saw him gripping tightly the scroll on his hand with a look of repressed anger on his face.

''I should have known. Maybe it's true, maybe too I'm stupid and naive that I thought that I could change her mind.'' Said the blond through gritted teeth.

Jiraiya looked sympathetically at Naruto as he put a hand on the boy's shoulder. ''Don't take it at heart, kid. People's feelings don't change overnight and she is just getting used to this situation, just give it some time. Tell you what, you can give the scroll to me and I'll make sure she gets it and you can go home. It's been a long day for us all after all.'' Said the Sannin comfortingly to his apprentice.

Naruto nodded silently, agreeing with his master. So he handed the small scroll to the Sage and after that, he just continued to walk straight until he reached his own apartment and disappeared inside.

With a solemn face, Jiraiya watched Naruto go. And once the boy was out of sight, instead of going away he opted for facing the door in front of him with a frown. He had tried to keep his cool around Naruto, but on the inside, he was pissed off at the girl's thankless behavior. It seemed that the girl still needed to know her place.

Meanwhile, inside the apartment, Kurotsuchi was huffing in annoyance. Even if she had just told Naruto to piss off she wasn't sure if that would be enough to keep the knucklehead idiot off her back. She had already been in a poor mood early in the day and on top of it, she spent most of the afternoon and evening asking around random villagers for Naruto's address, knowing that if she found where the moron lived she would find her own place. But eEven if she wasn't happy that she would be living among the Konoha assholes, it was much better than staying in a cell.

She was starting to walk away from the door to continue getting a feel for the place when she heard someone knock on the door once more. She frowned in exasperation before turning around and rushing for the door. ''Are you deaf or what, you...'' Kurotsuchi's words died in her throat when she opened the door and found Jiraiya standing outside instead of the blond Jinchuuriki she was expecting.

''Hello there.'' Greeted Jiraiya in a cheerful tone. ''I wanted to see that you had properly settled in. Can I come in?'' Asked the Sannin inquisitively.

''Uhh..Sure.'' Said the dumbfounded Kunoichi as she slowly stepped aside to let the man in.

Jiraiya calmly entered the apartment and started to glance around the place. He noted that it was a humble apartment, which was to be expected if it was the same complex that Naruto lived in. He could see a little kitchen in one side of the room and a small living room on the other. The living room was just a small coffee table in front of a single sofa, nothing fancy. And at the end of the hallway he could see a door that presumably led to the bedroom and another door on the opposite wall that he figured must lead to the bathroom.

''I hope that you find the place comfortable, even if it probably isn't up to the standards you are used.'' Said Jiraiya amicably. He had a guess that the girl being the Tsuchikage's granddaughter was probably used to living in luxury.

''It's fine, I guess.'' Answered the girl plainly.

''Oh before i forget, Naruto asked me to give you something.'' Said the Sannin as he pulled out the scroll that Naruto had previously handed him.

Kurotsuchi grimaced at the mention of the orange wearing ninja. ''I'm not interested in whatever that fool wants to give me, so you can just throw it away for all I care.'' Said the girl with disdain.

Jiraiya was starting to get irritated, but he refrained from showing it. ''Maybe you should take a look at whatever is in it. He went through the trouble of getting it for you and he is serious when he says he wants to be on good terms with you.'' Insisted the white-haired man.

''Look, I already made up my mind and I'm serious about not wanting to have anything to do with him. So if that is the only thing you wanted to say, please let me be.'' Responded the girl as she started opening the front door for Jiraiya to leave, but before she fully opened it, Jiraiya slammed the door shut with a strong arm keeping the girl from trying to open it again.

Kurotsuchi widened her eyes in shock as she stared at the Sannin who was currently glaring holes through her and focusing his killing intent on the Kunoichi.

''Your attitude is really starting to get on my nerves, you inconsiderate brat.'' Said the furious Sannin. '' I know that you are angry and displeased about your forced stay in here but frankly I don't give a crap.''

Kurotsuchi just continued to stare frightened at the man, and when Jiraiya saw that she wasn't gonna add anything he continued.

''If it was up to me and Tsunade you would be rotting in a cell right now and the only reason you are not is because that 'moron' that you are so set on hating, begged Tsunade so that you would be spared from that and maybe even worse things, and in fact, is because of him that we didn't leave you to bleed out back there in the Land of Hot Water.''

Kurotsuchi frowned feeling ashamed in realization once she knew that as she hadn't considered that the reason Naruto had brought her here was to save her life.

Jiraiya continued his tirade, however. ''I don't know how though you think you are, but don't forget that you are in an enemy nation and if you hope to get out in one piece you would be wise to make some friends, and you are shitting on the only one willing to be one, and to be honest I don't know what he sees in such a selfish bitch like yourself, but you should learn your place; this isn't Iwa and that behavior of yours is not going to do you any favors here.'' Said Jiraiya to the still stunned girl. ''I just want you to keep all of that in mind. Have a good night.'' Finished the toad Sage as he left the apartment and slammed the door behind him when he left.

Once Jiraiya was gone, Kurotsuchi let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding as she tried to relax. That had been a scary experience, having someone as powerful as Jiraiya channeling all his killing intent on her almost made her faint. But still, the Sannin's words left her thinking. So Naruto had said the truth and he really was responsible for getting her out of prison. The thought made her feel guilty after how she treated the blond. To be honest, the tension of the day had really put her on edge, and her natural reaction was to take it all out on Naruto even if he didn't deserve it, especially when he had apparently tried to help her at every turn.

As she went through all that in her head, Kurotsuchi noticed on the floor the scroll that Jiraiya had been holding and she presumed that the man had dropped it in his rage. She remembered that the man had said that Naruto meant to give that to her and with curiosity she reached to grab the scroll. Once she had it in her hands, she opened it and realized that something was sealed inside if the single kanji on the paper was anything to go by. So, she channeled a small amount of Chakra to her hand and passed it over the sheet of paper, and sure enough, after she did, something materialized out of the smoke it produced and she got a hold of whatever it was.

When she realized what she was holding, she widened her eyes in surprise and delight. It was her mother's blade! She inspected the handle and pulled the weapon out of the scabbard to inspect it and she could confirm with absolute certainty that it was the same blade. ''But I left it back in The Land of hot Water, and also I saw that sadistic bastard snap it in two'' Though the puzzled girl and it dawned on her that Naruto must have grabbed it while she was unconscious, and on top of it he had the blade fixed. She gripped the sword tightly with a frown on her face, feeling ashamed for her behavior towards the blond. Now she realized that not only had he saved her from bleeding out after the encounter with the Akatsuki, but he also did everything in his power to give her the closest to comfortable living conditions as she could get while she was here, and if that wasn't enough, he had taken care of her mother's heirloom.

Saying that she felt like shit was an understatement, and was at that moment when she finally managed to comprehend that Naruto's attempts to be her friend were totally legitimate and pure. So with this new information, she resolved to apologize to the boy tomorrow, and she hoped that he didn't resent her much after how she acted towards him today, but at least she would attempt to make things right.

Author's note: Just like the past chapter, this one also was been very satisfying to write as I had a lot of these scenes planned since forever. I know that I probably dissapointed a lot of people who were expecting a prison break, but nevertheless, I hope that this outcome was to your liking as well.

So, now that I got that out of the way, enjoy the chapter! and as always please review or give your opinion if you have the time :)