Ch 19 The Shadow and the Hunt

You all should know just what fight is gonna happen here. Though I'm sure the event at the end will be a surprise to y'all. BTW I'm changed the Taki mission from before to after the Chunin Exams. You'll understand why soon enough I think. Oh and a last reminder italic plus bold means it's a biju talking in mindscape or thinking to itself. Crap almost forgot to mention I don't own Naruto only my own OC.

-Ame-

Within the highest tower of Ame Pain and Konan stood before two members of the Akatsuki. "Shisui and Kisame Konoha has been weakened by Orochimaru's attack and the Sand's betrayal. Go and retrieve the Kyūbi. It is time for this world to know pain." Nodding both nukenin shunshin away after nodding to their leader. "Pain are you sure about this? Your clan lives on in Konoha..." Before she can say more Pain silences her with just a stare as other Akatsuki enter the room. "The clan has chosen it's side. They joined Konoha and have defended it so they must know pain as well."

-1 week later-
-Konoha Main Gate-

For most of Konoha it was a normal day but for the two eternally unlucky gate guards Chunin Izumo and Kotetsu a unusually large caravan heading towards the gate is not something they wanted. Especially when the one leading the caravan is a very familiar, and very loud, blonde genin. "Didn't they leave a few weeks ago with just a few genin and a Jonin?" Nodding to his friend Izumo motions for one of their fellows to alert the Hokage. As the caravan comes to a stop Anko and Kakashi step forward bearing papers for their team and the caravan behind them.

"Anko-san didn't you leave with just five genin? What's with the caravan and the Scarecrow." Laughing a bit at Izumo's understatement Anko points to, again no one's surprise, her blonde genin. "Blondie here just had to save Yuki's new Daimyo and somehow convinced her to work with Konoha." For a moment the gate guards laugh before they notice both Jonin and the other genin's faces. "Wait...wait you're saying a GENIN saved a daimyo!? And somehow convinced her to work with Konoha?" Nodding at Izumo's questions Anko tilts her head towards a Yuki official who's walking forward.

As the Yuki official stops beside the Jonin and Chunin the Hokage and a few others arrive. Stepping forward the man bows to the Hokage and the Konoha shinobi behind him. "Good morning Hokage-sama, my name is Sandayū Asama, and I am here at the request of my Daimyo Koyuki Kazahana of the Yuki no Kuni. She wishes to establish a alliance and trade deal with both your nation and village." Surprised at the arrival of a daimyo's emissary and his statement Hiruzen nonetheless slightly bows to man before welcoming him and the other's from Yuki to Konoha. While the wagons are escorted to near a Military Police building for security Sandayū alongside Kakashi, Anko, Teams 8, and Team 10 head to Hiruzen's office.

A few moments after entering the office Hiruzen puts down Kakashi's written report before sighing. "So not only did Naruto defeat the usurper Dotō Kazahana but somehow convinced his niece, the Daimyo, to not only retake her throne but also now ally and trade with Konoha?" Nodding Kakashi closes his book and nods even as Naruto rubs the back of his head in embarrassment while Sandayū laughs. "Teams 8 and 10 you're dismissed. The pay for your upgraded mission will be sent over either tonight or tomorrow. And congratulations on another successful mission." Bowing the five genin quickly exit the room while the Jonin and Sandayū remain behind.

"So Sandayū-san, I must ask besides the actions of my shinobi what prompted your Daimyo to seek a trade and defense treaty with us?" Before answering Sandayū pulls out a single scroll and opens it before handing it to the Hokage. Confused at his silent answer Hiruzen quickly begins reading the scroll before he looks up sharply. "Is this true? Is your Daimyo one hundred percent sure of what she's claiming?" Before Sandayū can answer though Hiruzen holds up a single hand and creates a half ram sign causing seals all around the room to briefly glow and spread before fading. "Now you can answer." Nodding Sandayū pulls out a small photo of the machine's inner workings reveal a complex mixture of seals and traditional machinery. "Koyuki-sama is positive her father's generator is a chakra generator. She says the notes he left behind plus it's effects point to it being partially incomplete but still extremely potent."

Confused at what Sandayū is talking about both Anko and Kakashi look at each other. Noticing their looks Hiruzen opens the scroll more and lays it out across his desk. "Back when the village's were young some sought to artificially increase their power with tools like chakra generators or even minor chakra beasts. As you both know your reserves grow not only from a increase in your yin and yang energy but also from extensive use. A chakra generator is a way to somewhat enhance this process without the shinobi having to use all or most their reserves daily. It's now believed the machines worked by drawing in unstable natural energy and converting into chakra and then pumping into a user who would channel it back into the machine. Thinking of it like river turning a waterwheel only to direct that water back to it's source."

Surprised at the machines usefulness both Jonin wonder why such machines seem to be so rare. Noticing their looks Sandayū sighs as he knows the truth about the machines. "I can see you're both wondering why generators aren't used more if they're so useful. The reason is simple they will eventually drive their user's mad or destroy their bodies. As your Hokage said the machine runs off unstable natural energy. Theoretically it's a limitless source of power if you can control it but most can't. Eventually it drives you mad or causes tumors to develop within your body. Because of this the use of such machines has been mostly abandoned. The machine our former Daimyo found seems to have been from your land though we don't know who or why it was left in our lands. But thanks to Koyuki-sama's father we have a safer use for it as a way to bring spring to our frozen land at least for a few months a year."

Nodding Hiruzen realizes immediately part of the reason Yuki wants an alliance with Konoha so badly. "You want to finish the generator don't you? That way Yuki could be warm almost year round despite it's northern position." Nodding Sandayū isn't even surprised when the man known as The Professor realized what Yuki needed. "Tell me what would Konoha get from this deal though?" Looking back at Kakashi the old samurai realizes he understated the effects the usurper's armor had. "Tell me Hokage-sama how would you like for your Anbu to be equipped with chakra armor?" Immediately Hiruzen looks up at the man as the implications of what such a thing would entail begin to form. "That would be quite the boon to my shinobi. Even if we only allowed a few of our best to utilize the armor."

Nodding Sandayū realizes he has Hiruzen seriously considering the alliance. "If that is all Hokage-sama I humbly ask to be dismissed. Apparently Naruto convinced Koyuki-san to let him and his friends watch her latest movie early." Dismissing the emissary Hiruzen creates a shadow clone and has it resume his work while he heads out to find and speak with Jiriaya. As his clone mumbles about lazy originals Hiruzen chuckles as he lights his pipe while exiting the office. "Once you get low use the seal the Uzumaki left to recharge. I feel like the meeting with Jiriaya will take sometime." Instead of exiting the building though he heads deep within it's basement towards the vaults holding the village's most closely guarded secrets.

Entering the main vault he's not surprised to see Jiriaya sitting before one of the two *All Seeing Crystals the village had. "You know you could go visit them Jiriaya. The Uzumaki are more than happy to allow those in the know to their hidden room." Shaking his head Jiriaya ends his jutsu causing the view of Minato and Kushina to fade away. "I know Old Man...but I just can't. He...he was like a son to me. Seeing him and her like that in person wo..would just be too much." Nodding at the familiar statement Hiruzen nevertheless notices his former student was filling out his reports while he was watching them. "I'm sure he viewed you as a father too Jiriaya. He talked about you almost as much as he did Kushina and his team..."

Remembering how hard Minato took his students deaths both men go quiet as they think back to the potential that team had. "You know sensei...If I'm gonna take the kid away for awhile it's only right he learned about his dad. I already plan to teach him the Rasengan soon and I know Kaito is teaching him his mother's style of seals." Nodding Hiruzen wordlessly agrees to Jiriaya's plan before sealing the door behind him. "What news has Crow sent to us? Your message made it seem like it was at least high A rank in importance." Taking out a small, but exquisite, scroll Jiriaya gently opens the scroll revealing a meticulously drawn picture on one side while lines of writing cover the other. "That is a understatement Old Man. The Akatsuki have begun to move and they possess a truly frightening level of combat power if even half of what he says is true."

Looking over the picture Hiruzen can easily recognize multiple S-rank nukenin along with a few unknowns. "So that's where the Mad Bomber of Iwa and the Tailless Biju went. If they can control shinobi of that caliber this is far above even A rank Jiriaya." Nodding Jiriaya can't help but wonder why exactly the partial of imagine of the Akatsuki's leader seems so familiar. "It's unusual for so many S-rank nukenin to work together right?", seeing the Hokage nod Jiriaya points at the partial image, "According to Crow this one unknown is the reason why. He calls himself a god and apparently is strong enough to defeat all of them. Though I have no idea who he is but he goes by the name Pain from what Crow has said." Taking a long pull on his pipe Hiruzen thinks back to the many enemies he'd faced and heard of before shaking his head.

"Whoever this Pain is he's unknown to me. But if he's able to control a organization of S-rank nukenin he must be powerful. Have your spies find anything they can about him no matter how small or unlikely it appears." Nodding Jiriaya pulls out another scroll bearing the mark of one of his agents in Takigakure. "Let's move on to this issue Old Man. I feel like they've taken the wrong view of what happened to us in that failed invasion." Taking the scroll Hiruzen opens it begins to read while his face goes from blank to shock to pure rage at what it implies. "Have your sources double and triple check. If what he's hearing is right we need to find a way to intervene."

-Training Ground 14-

Sitting just beyond the wall, but within the Village's barrier, Training Ground 14 was a seldom used area. Larger than most other areas it was primarily used for rare times when multiple teams trained together. Today though the field echoed with the sound of light sparring between a few individuals. At the center Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyūga fought at half speed while all around them clones of Naruto either sparred either with or without Naruto's blade or sat near the edge and worked on a seemingly neverending pile of seals. Briefly calling a halt to the match Naruto smiled at his oldest friend who still blushed at his attention. "You're getting way better Hinata-chan. I didn't perfect those moves for months but you got them in just a few days. What would you like to work on now?"

Suppressing her blush Hinata considers for a moment before she notices a clone of Naruto practicing focusing wind chakra over a kunai. Thinking back to the Academy she realizes they never really discussed what effect water natured chakra would have in a enemy. "I...I would like to see what happens when I use water natured chakra in my jūken." Nodding Naruto creates three clones and has them stand before Hinata. "Alright guys this is gonna hurt but don't move." Laughing at his clone's angered stares Naruto steps back as Hinata falls into her clan's opening stance while slowly gathering water chakra in her fingers. As Naruto watches dark blue chakra seems to encase her fingers before she blitzes forward and strikes one clone in the chest.

Even expecting the memory and sensory feedback Naruto still flinches when the phantom pain hits his chest. Rubbing his chest he can see Hinata and the remaining clones watching him. "That did not feel good Hinata-chan. It felt like you jammed a bunch of needles into my heart." Confused at Naruto's description as it doesn't match how the standard Jūken strike feels Hinata channels water chakra into her right ring finger and jabs a clone's arm. "So..Sorry Clone-san." To her amazement instead of blocking his tenketsu Hinata watches as it seems to cause the chakra network to leak. She watches mesmerized as more and more chakra flows into the area and out of the clone.

After a moment the clone blinks before he dispels causing Naruto and the remaining clone to rub their arms as the phantom pain hits. Turning to the last clone, who backs away a bit, Hinata repeats the movement only using standard chakra. Seeing the clone's tenketsu be blocked she prepares to repeat the blow on it's left arm using water chakra. Striking she focuses not on the tenketsu itself but her own chakra. What she see's shocks her as the water chakra lances through the clone's tenketsu and network like needles. As her chakra is absorbed though she can only watch as the clone's chakra begins leaking through where her blow landed. Eventually the clone's chakra level dips to the point it dispels itself but Hinata doesn't notice.

Sitting down she begins mulling over what she's learned and tries to think of ways to incorporate it into her developing style. Sitting down she seems to fall into a trance leading to Naruto shrugging his shoulders and drawing his blade. Looking down at the curious red and blue swirls along it's length he channels wind chakra into it. Whistling to draw the attention of his clones he holds up the sword and a kunai. As some of his clones prepare to charge from Naruto's back three chains extend and place barrier seals around Hinata. "On three...one...two...three!"

Rushing forward Naruto channels wind chakra into his blades even as the first clones charge to meet him. Sliding under the first strike he slices the clone's legs with his kunai before throwing it into another. Rolling forward he jumps up and over two more using his chains to block their strikes. Landing amongst his clones he smirks as his clones surround him. "Boss you sure you want to do this?" Nodding for a moment Naruto and his all have the same smirk across their faces before suddenly one near the edge of the field jumps up and begins shouting something.

Before the clone can finish his statement he is forcefully dispelled with a single shuriken going through the smoke. On alert the clones around the field quickly take up position between the edge and Naruto and Hinata. "Oi Hinata! Somethings happening get up!" Opening her eyes Hinata quickly notices the clones and originals alert stances. As the barriers around her drop Hinata rushes forward to stand beside her friend while activating her Byakugans. To her shock moving ever closer to the field are two unknown shinobi, one with reserves similar to Naruto, wearing similar cloaks. "Na-Naruto-kun there are two shinobi heading here. One has reserves like you. The other seems familiar somehow..."

Out of they dissipating smoke two older men in black coats with blood red clouds step forward. "I don't like the look of that taller one..." Lifting his head the shorter individual reveals a face that hasn't been, publicly, seen in Konoha for years Shisui Uchiha. "Well look at you Naruto all grown up. And with the Hyūga heiress too..." Taking a step back Naruto and Hinata prepare to escape as the two before them stare them down. "I'll give you one chance to surrender Naruto. Wouldn't want your friend to get hurt right?" As Shisui says this his right hand falls down upon his tanto's handle while his partner laughs and looks up. Staring down at the two genin both can see that his teeth are shaped like a sharks while his skin is blue. "Why give him that Shisui? Just let me shave his legs off and cripple the girl. That way they won't know we were here till we're long gone." As the blue nin says this his hand goes to the handle extending from the bandaged thing on his back.

"Easy Kisame. We don't need to resort to those methods just yet...Naruto surrender and I'll let your friend go. It's not like you or her can even hope to match one of us." Gritting his teeth Naruto seriously considers surrendering before Hinata stuns them all by stepping in front of him. "If...If you want Naruto-kun you'll have to beat me!" Even as Hinata says this she shakes in fear until Naruto steps beside her smiling. "Thanks Hinata-chan...But that won't be necessary cause we're getting outta here. NOW!" Before either nukenin can move the clones before them throw down dozens of smoke bombs and rush forward. Forced on the defensive solely due to the sheer number of clones Shisui nods to Kisame who unwraps the thing on his back revealing a massive sword like object.

Smashing aside nearly a dozen clones at a time Kisame clears out the area near them before Shisui disperses the smoke with a low level wind jutsu. Seeing the two have ran Kisame scowls and almost runs across the field before Shisui stops him. "They didn't run. He's using seals to hide..." As Shisui stares across the field his eyes change from coal black to red as his fully matured Sharingan look out across the field. Near the edge of the clearing Naruto and Hinata hide behind multiple layers of barriers and concealment seals. Acutely aware that they stand no chance against the nukenin Naruto considers firing off his larger sealed away jutsu to draw the village's attention.

Slowly but surely his right hand moves towards the scroll attached just above his knee but at the last moment he freezes. Across the field Shisui's eyes have locked onto their position and he hasn't looked away. "Get ready to run Hinata-chan..." Before either of them can even twitch Shisui disappears and reappears right before them. "Found you." Drawing his tanto the Uchiha channels enough fire chakra into it for the blade to glow red before slashing the barrier. For a second Naruto thinks his barrier has held before it shatters. Forced to move the two immediately try to flee but are stopped as multiple clones of Shisui step out of the forest. "Last chance Naruto. If you don't surrender I will let Kisame take your legs and the girl will be crippled."

Forced back to the center the two genin nervously stare back at the nukenin before them. "Why...Why do you want Naruto-kun?" Laughing at the Hyūga girl's question even as he steps forward Kisame lazily swings his sword around before settling it on his shoulder. "I don't care about the boy. We just want what's inside him little girl. Now why don't you just leave before I have to shave the skin off you?" Much to Kisame's amusement instead of backing away Hinata instead throws a small volley of shuriken at the former Swordsmen. Laughing at her bravery he nonetheless nods to Shisui while preparing to finish their mission.

Just before Shisui moves to attack though he turns as a flock of crows land before him. "It's been a long time Itachi..." As more crows land some coalesce together into a very familiar form. "It has Shisui, why did you come back you know I and the clan wish for your death." Spitting on the ground contemptuously Shisui smirks evilly at his former friend and cousin. "Like I care what that band of weaklings think. They're a disgrace on the Uchiha name." In less time than it takes to blink the two Uchiha have crossed blades while Kisame simply stares at them. Turning to face down the two genin he steps forward before jumping back again as Golden chains slam into the ground around him. "Step away from those two you fishfaced creep."

Out of the woods halfway between Kisame and his partner Kaito and Kakashi step forward glaring at the Kiri nin. "Well well well Copycat Kakashi and the God of Seals Kaito Uzumaki. My lucky day I get to take a jinchuriki and kill two high value bounties." Drawing his own blade Kaito's glare at Kisame is as cold as the sea while Kakashi seems to radiate hate as well. "Try it fishboy."

Blitzing forward the two quickly force Kisame back as Kaito's chains prove capable of standing up to Kisame's blade while Kakashi easily dodges the strikes with his Sharingan out. Forced away from their target they can only scowl as another set of Jonin take the two away. "Kisame we need to go now!" Clicking his teeth together Kisame nonetheless nods before performing four quick seals and releasing his jutsu massively. "Suiton: Great Waterfall Jutsu!"

Forced to avoid the massively overcharged jutsu the Konoha Jonin are unable to stop the two from getting away. Sighing as the water is slowly absorbed by the ground Kakashi, Itachi, and Kaito are quickly joined by other Jonin and Anbu. Seeing the two have escaped the large group quickly heads back towards the village seeking to cover the others. As they near the Main Gate they see the Hokage and Jiriaya waiting before the gate with his Guard and more Anbu. Stopping before the Hokage they nod when he asks if they escaped. "So the Akatsuki have begun to move already..." Walking back into the village they notice Naruto seems to be shaking a bit until Hinata hugs him before she's taken away by her family. "It's time I stepped down and had Itachi assume the mantle."

Leading his soon to be successor and a few others back to his office Hiruzen takes a long draw from his pipe. "Itachi-san has she finished your Kage robe yet? It's time for the next generation to step forward and lead the village." Nodding Itachi says his robe has been finished and that he has even selected his own advisors to replace Homura and Koharu. "Then it's settled next Friday we will hold the ceremony announcing your ascension to Godaime Hokage. I will send word to our allies via our fastest hawks and I am sure many of them will arrive. Afterall it's not often one get's to see a man step into the role of a Kage especially one so young."

Over the next week and a half Konoha's civilians and shinobi work overtime to prepare for Itachi's inauguration. Dignitaries from the capital and allied nations quickly arrive while various clans from across the Hi no Kuni send their own representatives. As the week goes by Itachi spends more and more time with the Sandaime learning more of the village's secrets and internal workings. As this all occurs Itachi learns of the full truth of the Kyubi attack. Taken to a hidden medical suite hidden from the rest of the village he comes face to face with two legends of the village. "So they survived that night. Have they shown any signs of waking up?"

Shaking his head Hiruzen absentmindedly takes out his pipe and rolls it between his fingers. "They have not except for a few twitches here and there. We believe they can still sense the world around them but for some reasons their bodies refuse to wake. It could be the strain of that night has left them in a limbo like state...But we still have hope." Bowing one last time to the comatose bodies of Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki he has a small smile when he notices their interlocked hands. "According to Tsunade and all the others they shouldn't be doing that. But no matter what if they're next to each other their hands inevitably reach out to each other. If any are bound by the red string of fate it's them..." Bowing one more time to one he viewed as a hero Itachi and the others soon left the medical suite.

As the hour of his inauguration draws closer Itachi grows increasingly nervous over what it means not just for him but for others. In his room he puts on his Kage robe admiring how the woman combined his clan's symbol with the stylized flames below the kanji for Godaime Hokage. "The clan fans to the flames while the flames protect and strengthen the clan." Looking at himself in the mirror after putting on the robe he can almost see his father standing beside him smiling. "I will protect the Clan for you Otousan." Turning around he notices Izumi and his mom standing behind him smiling. "Look at my son. You're going to be a great Hokage, Itachi-kun." Hugging her eldest son Mikoto quietly whispers to him that his father would be so proud of him.

Stepping forward Izumi hugs Itachi before giving him a chaste kiss on the cheek. "I hope your new job won't take up all your time Godaime-sama." For the first time in awhile Itachi is left completely speechless and blushes for quite some time. Blinking a bit the embarrassed and shocked Jonin slowly shakes his head before smiling a bit as he pulls her closer. "I am sure I'll make time for you Izumi-koi.." Before either can say or do anything else though Mikoto clears her throat causing the two to jump apart. Laughing at how embarrassed the two are Mikoto can't help but picture her relationship with Fugaku when they were both just Chunin. "It's about time you two. But we have to go he has to be at the Hokage's Residence in a few minutes."

As the trio steps into the entryway Sasuke opens the door revealing most of the clan standing in two lines outside the family's home. Seeing Itachi the Uchiha begin to clap and cheer for their future Head as he steps out. Waving and smiling Itachi heads for the center of the village followed closely by his family and love. Nearing the village center he isn't surprised at all when he sees most the village has turned out for the event. Looking up discreetly he can see and sense dozens of Anbu and Military Police watching him and the crowd. Waving to various friends of both himself and the clan Itachi smile grows a bit larger when he realizes most the hate they fostered has finally died.

Upon entering the Residence he sighs at the coming ceremony. "If only he was awake..." Shaking his head he quickly stands straight and heads towards the roof to meet with Hiruzen and the others. Straightening out his robe Itachi nods to the Anbu in the room who surround the small group and lead them up to the roof. Reaching the roof Itachi bows to Hiruzen and his advisors one last time. "Itachi-san, are you ready?" Nodding Itachi stares across the roof to where he can hear the crowd below.

As Hiruzen steps near the edge of the balcony he performs a quick summoning jutsu causing a aged and scarred chest to appear. Making a small cut on his palm Hiruzen presses it against the trunk causing a multitude of seals to appear before a quiet click is heard. Opening the chest Hiruzen shows a large jewel the size of a heart to those present. Within the jewel Itachi and the others can see a myriad of colors seeming to dance in tandem from a dark green and blue to pale white and golden yellow. Walking forward to the balcony carrying the jewel on a cushion Hiruzen places it on a small wooden column that rises from below him.

Subtly activating a seal so that all can hear him Hiruzen motions for the crowd to be silent. "People of Konoha! The last few weeks have been a trying time. We have lost friends and family but the village has survived. Thanks to the bravery and skill of our shinobi Konoha not only defeated Orochimaru's attack but killed the traitor. But as you all know I was gravely wounded in the final exchange. Because of this and my own advancing age I have decided that it is time for a new Hokage to step forward. The man I have chosen has proven himself time and time again as a true son of Konoha. I present to you Itachi Uchiha the Godaime Hokage!"

Stepping aside Hiruzen bows slightly to Itachi as he steps forward wearing not just his robe but the Hokage's hat. For the briefest moment the shinobi and civilians present are silent before they begin to cheer for Itachi even as his family and love step forward behind him. Gently handing him the jewel of the village to Itachi he smiles when he lifts it above his head. Channeling his chakra into the jewel the crowd watches amazed as a deep red joins the green, blue, white, and yellow flowing within. As Itachi cuts off the flow of chakra into the jewel each color seems to dance together even as the crowd below cheers.

Placing the jewel back in Hiruzen's hands Itachi steps forward and raises his hands. "My friends and family of Konoha, I thank you all for your support. This is not a role I take easily but I hope I can live up to the legends who stood before me. From this day forth I am the Godaime Hokage!" Lifting his Kage hat Itachi stares down at those watching as they begin to cheer once more for their new Hokage. As the cheering goes on a chant begins from various spots in the crowd that soon sweeps all into it. "Godaime! Godaime! Godaime!" As the chant continues and grows louder Mikoto, Sasuke, and Izumi step forward to stand beside Itachi while Hiruzen sends the jewel and it's container back to the vault. "So Godaime-sama what's going to happen now?" Turning to Izumi Itachi smiles and grabs her hand before gently squeezing it.

"I think it's time I told the woman I love how I feel about her." Acting like he's gagging Sasuke turns away while Itachi pulls Izumi against him causing Mikoto and Hiruzen to smile. "Now now Godaime-sama we're in public this isn't the time for that." While Itachi raises one eyebrow in amusement his mother and brother simply roll their eyes at his behavior. "Alright Itachi-kun let's head to the reception. Though I would like to ask who you will have replace my former teammates as your advisors and as elders." Turning to look at the, once again, former Hokage Itachi can only smile in a way that makes Hiruzen sigh. "I'm one of them aren't I..." Nodding Itachi can only chuckle a bit before looking around. "I was thinking of the Eternal Genin. He easily has the skills and mind of a Jonin but as you know refuses promotions. This would be a good way to have him remain a genin but also be able to help the village in a greater way."

For a moment Hiruzen is surprised before he begins to laugh in amusement at Itachi's unusual choice. "That will be quite the surprise to him I believe. But I think you can convince him to do it." Nodding Itachi has a small smile on his face as he and his party enter the reception hall. As the various dignitaries rise and clap for the new Hokage he raises one hand to stop it. "Thank you all for coming. And for your support but let this time be of celebration for all of us in Konoha and the Land of Fire." Moving towards the head table Itachi briefly wonders if his days will now solely consist of shaking hands, carefully wording his responses, and dealing with others who may not hold his views instead of training or going on missions. As the reception goes on Itachi notices that the ones he's meeting with seem to be following a protocol of native then foreign dignitaries.

-next day-

Sitting in his new office Itachi and three clones go over the various reports on the genin who participated in the Exams and fighting afterwards. "This years batch seems unusually talented even for clan heirs. I think at least three of them have what it takes to be Chunin if we considered the ones who did not make it to the final exam." Nodding the original looks over his clone's reports and nods at the ones selected. "You all are in agreement then?" Looking at each other all three clones nod before nodding once more to the original Itachi. "Then it's settled. Those three will be the ones Konoha promotes to Chunin. Have you also agreed on the promotion recommendations for the other villages?" Again each clone nods before handing Itachi three sealed envelopes bearing the symbol of the other Great Villages.

Dispelling his clones Itachi calls for one of his aides to take the envelopes and send them to their respective villages via hawk messengers. "Now to call our own and promote them. Should I call them all or just the three?" Putting the issue to the back of his mind as he works on the various reports, laws, and affairs Itachi notices his meeting with the *Iburi Clan representative is in a few minutes. Stretching in his chair Itachi looks out the window at the faces of his predecessors and where his face will soon be. After a few minutes he turns to face the door as the man enters and bows.

"Hokage-sama thank you for agreeing to meet with me." Responding in kind Itachi motions for the man to sit across from him noticing the small seal at the base of his neck. "It is a pleasure to see you again Nikko-san. Tell me what has your clan decided when it comes to the treaty we offered." Smiling the man pulls a small scroll from his robes bearing both the Clan Village's crest. "They have agreed Hokage-sama, thanks in part to the actions of your Kazama...or perhaps I should say the Uzumaki. We will begin the move here in the next few months once the purchase of the land construction of our homes has begun. And I am sure many of my kinsmen will be happy to join the village's forces. The help given to us all those years ago has allowed us to leave the caves and tunnels we had been forced to live in. I can not thank your village and their clan enough for what it means to us."

With tears in his eyes the man bows again thinking of how his children can now run free without fearing the wind. Rising and stepping around his desk Itachi puts a hand on the man's shoulder. "You do not have to bow to me Nikko-san. It was a honor to help your people live free once more. You owe us nothing." Sitting across from the man Itachi takes the scroll and opens it. Seeing the clan's seal of approval for joining the village he calls for one of his Anbu to deliver it to the Council Chamber for the next meeting. "Let us move on my friend. Tell me what does your clan do outside of utilizing their quite unique bloodline?" Thinking for a moment Nikko snaps his fingers before pulling another scroll out.

Opening it he reveals a massive and interconnected series of mines, caves, and tunnels that seem to stretch far across the land. "Due to our unique abilities and past problems we have always been a clan forced underground. Because of this we have obviously become quite adept as miners. With the added benefit of us being able to escape even the worst cave-ins it has gifted us a supply of resources we don't or can't use. I believe we plan to slowly sell them to various companies and blacksmiths while only those who wish to will join your village's shinobi." Taken by surprise he notices that the scroll seems to detail a variety of resources and the amount harvested so far. While most the metals, gems, and substances seem to be as expected he quickly focuses in one one particular line.

Jabbing a finger at it he immediately gets Nikko's full attention as he goes from laidback to completely serious. "Is this correct? Has your clan truly found a vein of chakra metal within the land? And have your truly harvested 112.5 kilos of it?" Nodding he pulls out a small ring formed from the silvery metal and hands it to the new Hokage. "It is buried very deep and even we have to go slow at mining away at it. Tell me Hokage-sama have you ever heard the theory on how such a metal forms?", when Itachi shakes his head Nikko points at the map, "Some theorize it is a crystallized form of chakra created after a biju makes it's home in a area long enough. My clan has compared our map to historical ones and figured out the dreaded Kyūbi always seemed to disappear in this area. We believe it's chakra slowly seeped into ground and changed it to this metal overtime. It would explain why it is so hard to find as the beasts no doubt found or made places they alone could reach."

Holding the ring up Itachi pours his chakra into it and is surprised to see a small white flame rise from the top. Ceasing the flow of chakra he smiles as the flame dies down and a faint network of red lines are left in the metal. "If your clan is willing to sell it the village will buy all the chakra metal you have. Our Research and Development Department has recently designed a new standardized chakra blade. But they lack the metals necessary for it. I'm sure they and our Anbu forces would fight tooth and nail to secure your stockpile even if I wasn't offering the buy it all." Nodding Nikko smiles as he and Itachi begin working on a deal for the clan's supply of various goods. As they work on the clan's joining of Konoha and the trade between them and it's people both sense a spike in chakra near the Senju Compound.

Seeing Nikko trying and failing to suppress a small laugh Itachi looks between him and the Compound. As he watches a pillar of pink smoke seems to rise over the area which finally breaks Nikko's composure. Noticing Itachi's expression and the unspoken question behind it the clan leader slowly reigns in his laughter as shouts of pain echo from the area. "It seems my daughter has found the one she knew as Tenzō. I fear that boy may have severely underestimated how scary she can be when she's angry." Thinking back to the reports he'd read Itachi realizes who he's speaking of and a small smile momentarily appears. "Well I hope she isn't too hard on him. Tenzō is one of my better Anbu when he isn't following his former captain around." Around the room muffled sounds of laughter can be heard from shadowed places arranged in a unusually ordered fashion.

Sharply looking up at the shadows Itachi silences them even though he agrees before looking back down to the papers. "Let's finish working on this treaty. So we can soon have your clan join Konoha and prosper alongside us." Nodding Nikko looks back down at the trade agreement between the village and his clan. As both men resume their work they ignore the shouts of pain that randomly come from near the Senju Compound. Eventually the sale is finalized and both men come away smiling as it truly benefits both quite nicely. Just as Nikko is signing the paperwork the door to the office slams open and a young woman in a pink kimono with snow flakes running down it drags a familiar Jonin in much to Itachi's amusement. "Ahh you must be Yukimi-san, can I ask you to release Tenzō-san? I do have a mission for him and I need him at the very least conscious."

Nodding the girl drops the man before sitting beside Nikko even as he struggles to hold in his laughter. "Forgive me Godaime-sama." Waving off her apology as needless Itachi, and the shadows in the room, have to fight to keep smirks from their faces as the young man rises to his feet. Gingerly rising he lightly glares at Yukimi before bowing to Itachi showing the edges of his happuri style headband. "Forgive me Hokage-sama, I did not mean to intrude upon your meeting with the Iburi Clan today." Still holding back a laugh Itachi simply nods to Tenzō who steps back against the wall behind Yukimi. "Now if there will be no more distractions Nikko-san if you please." Motioning towards the scroll between them Itachi hands Nikko a pen.

With a smile on his face Nikko signs the agreement for the sale of the chakra metal to the village with the agreed upon discount for the security provided for it's move. "Now that it's signed. Tenzō-san I have a mission for you and your team. Head back to Headquarters and retrieve no fewer than eight larger storage scrolls. You and your team will go with Nikko-san and Yukimi-san to retrieve a large amount of chakra metal the clan has just sold to the village. I expect you to work with them to make the move as quick and secure as possible."

Eyelids twitching under his mask Tenzō can only nod even as Nikko and Yukimi chuckle at Itachi's order. Leading the two out the room Tenzō nonetheless is somewhat happy with his mission as he hasn't had the chance to speak with Yukimi since he last visited her clan. Watching the trio leave until they're out of sight Itachi motions for his next guest to enter. Entering almost as he's fearful of what's in the room a young man wearing a yellow kimono with a turquoise haori over it. "Shibuki-san, it's a pleasure to meet you today." Bowing low to the seated Kage Shibuki nearly jumps when a Anbu appears next to Itachi before he shunshins out again after handing him a scroll.

Trying to pass off his scare as something else he tightens his headband straightens out his haori. Taking a seat the moment Itachi motions to the couch across from him Shibuki nervously fidgets with his headband as Itachi quickly opens and reads the scroll given to him. "So Shibuki-san, you are requesting a team to escort you back to your village? Given your nature as a Village Head this would typically be a B or A-rank mission but given how secure Taki no Kuni is I believe that's not necessary here. I believe a it's a C-rank at best especially as I'm sure your own shinobi will be watching the area as well. Due to the invasion my Chunin and Jonin have been spread thin but I believe one of my newest teams will work here.", looking out to his secretary Itachi considers the information Jiriaya had brought him earlier, "Please send for Team 8. I believe this mission is perfect for them given their skills."

Nodding one of the Hokage's guard quickly leaves and heads for Training Ground 9 where Team 8 is. As Raidō nears the training ground he has to duck as a clone of Naruto is sent flying his way and strikes a rock face first and dispels. Seeing this Anko calls for the spars to halt letting both her team and Kurenai's split up. While most the genin split apart quickly Naruto and Karin nearly continue fighting until Anko summons a snake. "Break it up you two. You can see who's better after we know what or who the Hokage wants." Reluctantly splitting apart the two pull back their chains before smiling and high fiving at how fun their short soar was. "Your chains have gotten better Naruto-nii." Momentarily letting one slide out and around his left arm Naruto smiles and nods. "And you've gotten better with your kusarigama Karin-nee."

As the two Uzumaki collect the seals their clones had made Anko and Kurenai listen to Raidō as he explains who and why the Hokage called for. "Alright thanks for the message scarface. Oi brats get over here! We got a mission! See yah Kurenai." Taking charge of her genin Anko waves to her friend as they follow Raidō to the Hokage's office. "So Raidō any other news for me? Has he decided on any promotions yet?" Smiling Raidō continues to jump from rooftop to rooftop and without looking back holds up three fingers. "He thinks three of our genin deserve promotion. No idea on who though he had his clones do most the work."

Nodding Anko yells for her team to hurry up as they race through the village's center. It's only when the group nears the building that she finally lets up and allows them to slow down. Landing on a balcony on the floor below the Hokage's office Raidō and Team 8 quickly head for Itachi's office in silence while working their way through a crowd of civilian workers and shinobi guard. As the group arrives outside Itachi's office Raidō waves goodbye as he rejoins his platoon smiling at how Naruto is acting just like a certain red headed woman he knew years before. "He's definetly her kid...Good luck little Uzumaki."

As Itachi calls for the team to enter Naruto straightens the tanto on his back as he follows Anko in. "Hokage-sama I heard you have a mission for me and the brats." Noding Itachi motions to Shibuki who nervously nods at the three genin and their Jonin leader. "I do. This is Shibuki-sama and he's the leader of Takigakure. As a valued ally he's requesting escort back to his village in Taki no Kuni. And given recent affairs I can't afford to send a team of Chunin or Jonin with him. But given your own skill nko-san and that of your team I am sure he will be safe. Go retrieve whatever supplies you'll need for a week long mission. I expect you all to be on the road no later than 11." After bowing once more to their Kage and Shibuki Anko and the others quickly leave and rush home to alert their families and grab their mission gear.

Within thirty minutes the team meets their client and Anko at the gate and wave to the gate guards as they take off for their mission. It's immediately clear to them that despite being the head of a shinobi village Shibuki is not as fast as most shinobi they know. As the kilometers race past the team spends much of their time talking to Shibuki in turn while clones of Naruto surrond them. As the day goes on Anko looks up sharply as the point clone signals to her and the others.

"Alright brats I think it's time we stopped to eat. That clearing to the left of the road seems nice enough to me." Nodding the three genin subtly prepare themselves while Naruto's clones slowly close with the group. Just after landing in the clearings cemter the groups forms up around Shibuki as nearly two dozen thugs come out of the woods before them. "Well well looks like they detected us. But we'll be nice won't we boys?", as the presumed leader looks at his men they all laugh cruelly, "Tell you what Leaf scum hand over everything you got and we won't hurt you too much."

"Yeah we're not gonna do that for some no name Oto punk who managed to survive the invasion." As Anko pulls out two kunai a very scary smile grows on her face while the thugs around her and her team draw closer. "NOW Blondie!" Before any of the thugs can react they hear the sounds of burning tags coming from behind forcing the group to scatter as they see clones throwing kunai with lit tags wrapped around them from behind. The moment the gang is forced apart Naruto, his clones, and Shino blitz forward.

Releasing his hive in a seemingly endless black wave Shino is the first to meet their enemies as eight men are caught and quickly collapse as their meager reserves are devoured by the hive. Before their fellows can react and strike back Naruto rushes into their midst with his clones with his tanto drawn. "DIE!" When the first man attempts to strike he's rebuffed as a chain shoots out of Naruto's back and knocks him back with a blow to his chest. Bleeding from lacerations left by the chain's barbs he attempts to block Naruto's blade only to be stunned as it cuts cleanly through his own. The last thing he sees is a faint green glow coating it and extending a centimeter or two from it's tip.

As his blade cuts deep Naruto is protected as his clones catch up and cut down another three men who attempted to stab the genin in the back. With half their numbers already dead or down most the highwaymen begin to flee but three rush forward with their own weapons drawn. Staring at the dead man Naruto freezes and his hands begin to shake as his mind catches up to what he just did on instinct.

Noticing how Naruto has frozen Hinata moves forward and runs through a series of handsigns. "Suiton: Water Bomb Jutsu!" Firing repeatedly Hinata forces the remaining men back from Naruto even as one grabs him and pulls him back. As Hinata begins aggressively targeting them two of the former Oto nin quickly run through their own signs before slamming their hands down. "Doton: Stone Wall Jutsu." Covered the trio nods before jumping to the top of the wall and again slamming their hands onto it. "Doton: Rock Shuriken Jutsu!"

Even as the water drips down it's surface the wall's face comes apart as dozens of stone shuriken fly out of it at the Konoha shinobi and their client. Seeing the attack coming towards Hinata and the others Naruto's eyes widen as his chains quickly shoot out of his back. "*Fuin: Chain Barier!" As Naruto's chains shoot up from the ground before his team a barely visible barrier seems to connect them as the shuriken slam into it. While the dust settles Anko decides it's time for her to finish the fight and summons one of her larger snake's before jumping on it's back. "Anko-sama I see you've called me again. What do you require." Nodding she points at the barely visible enemy shinobi through the dust. "Of course Aoda-san. We have a few followers of the traitor before us. How would you like to help me eliminate them?"

Nodding the blue snake shoots forward the moment Naruto's barrier drops and quickly shatters the wall the Oto nin created. Forcing them apart he easily bats one away sending him flying into a tree across the clearing that he drops lifelessly from after striking it. Staring in horror at the massive summon the other two recklessly charge forward nonethless knowing they can't outrun it. The first manages to dodge Aoda's tail only to be stopped cold by Anko with a kunai stabbed deep into his left arm. Pinned to the ground he can only shout in pain and rage as his partner is struck down by Aoda with a contempous strike from his tail. Twisting the the kunai just a bit Anko forces the man deeper into the ground before striking him across the back of his head knocking him unconscious. Cautiously rising even as she keeps an eye on the man she motions for her team and Shibuki to join her. As the run forward to meet her she creates a single clone that wordlessly restrains the unconscious nin before roughly lifting him up.

Still in shock the three genin can only stare as the clone heads towards Konoha while Anko takes a soldier pill to replinsh her reserves before smirking at her team and Shibuki as Aoda comes to a stop beside her. "Anko-sama if that will be all I will return now. And the Sage has expressed a desire to meet with you soon." Returning home in a masive burst of smoke the blue snake leaves it's summoner just as shocked as her team before she shakes her head and smiles in a slightly warmer way to them. "Good job brats. Now let's move before these cowards friends come back for some more." Quickly leaving the area Anko pushes her team hard to get way from the area especially Naruto who seems to have retreated into himself over what just happened. Sighing quietly at what he and Shino had to do she vows to speak with bow of them the moment they stop for the night. Looking back one last time she sees the crows and other carrion birds have already begun to circle above the area before they begin to dive one by one.

-Taki-

Within a dilapdated home just barely within the village's hidden home a mint geen haired girl whistles happily as she relaxes atop her ramshackle home. Lifting her right hand she smiles when a small Rhino beetle lands on one of her fingers and seems to look down at her. "You know Chomei it's real boring here without Shibuki-nii.." From within the girls mind a laugh that is both deep and light echoes as the girl's first friend chuckles at her unusually calm state. "Relax little one he'll be home soon."

Sighing internally the girl nonetheless nods before sitting up as her little friend tells her a few of her village's shinobi are coming her way and don't seem too mad for once. "Hey maybe Shibuki-nii is right. They might be coming around finally." Wordlessly her much larger friend buzzes in a way that signifies she'll believe it when the sky rains grubs for her to eat. "Somehow I doubt that little one.." Sitting up the girl waves to her fellow Taki nin even as they draw closer to her house with what could best be described as slight scowls upon their faces. "Hey what's up you guys? What are you three doing way out here? Do yo.."

Silencing the girl with a curt look the eldest shinobi, a councilor of the village, motions for her to come down from the rooftop while pulling out a small scroll from his pocket. "The council has a mission for you. You and the two others here will go out to our outpost near Tsuchi no Kuni. They are in need of some supplies and our forces are stretched thin dealing with the surge of criminals that followed Orochimaru in his foolish invasion of the Leaf."

Sad she'll probably miss Shibuki's return she neverthless accepts the mission with a smile. Rushing into her house to get her mission gear she misses the dark look that passes between the three that quickly disappears as she comes rushing out with her usual scroll and other gear ready to leave. "Go." Quickly making for the village's hidden entrance and exit the girl once again misses the elder shinobi's cruel smile as she and the other two take the first turn.

"We'll finally be free of that demon and Fu. I can not wait to tell that fool his little pet went "rogue" on mission." Spitting towards the girls home he considers burning it down but decides to wait till after the affair is done before heading back to tell his fellows it has finally begun. Unnoticed by the man the same rhino beetle that rested upon the girl's finger buzzes angrily before taking off in the same direction she left for. If it could think in terms like a person it's simple mind would be repeating a mantra of wishing to protect it's queen.

-night-
-1 days travel from Konoha-

As the team sets up for their first night on the road to Taki Anko and Hinata both notice that Naruto seems unusually quiet and standoffish from them and the others. "The Great Villages were made to keep kids out of war yet in that they have failed. I am sorry you had to do that Blondie.." Calling the team and Shibuki over Anko hands each of them a simple dinner with a large cup of lavendar tea. "Alright you four eat up. I'll take first and second watch tonight, Goggles you get third watch with Stutters, and Blondie you're lucky tonight you get to sleep since you've used so much chakra today."

Nodding silently Naruto quickly finishes his food before being asked if he can be dismissed to double check on the seals around the camp. Knowing that the truth is he just wants to be alone Anko sighs before nodding and watches him go with his head down. If she was truly as cruel as some claimed she might have made a comment about seeing a few tears on his face just as he looked back from the camp's edge but she remained silent. Sighing to herself she finishes her own food before creating a single clone to wash the groups dishes as they finish.

As she considers following Naruto into the woods she smiles slightly as she notices Hinata leaving a simple Bushin behind in her tent as she takes off after Naruto. "Just this once I won't even act like I noticed. She can help him more than I possibly could.." As the heiress disappears into the gloom she quickly activates her Byakugan to search for Naruto and sees him sitting high in a tree crying. "Oh Naruto-kun.." Running up the tree silently Hinata draws close to Naruto without him noticing her. Knowing he needs her support more than anything else in a fit of bravery Hinata closes the distance between them and hugs him from behind. For a moment Naruto is shcoked and stops crying as he realizes someone is hugging him. "Hi...Hinata-chan wh..what are.."

Placing a finger on his lips Hinata shakes her head silencing him before tightening her hug and pulling his head into closer to her heart. "Shhhh Naruto-kun it's ok...You don't have to hold anything back with me. I care too much about you to let you tear yourself apart like this." As Hinata gently hugs him Naruto's mask finally cracks and he quickly turns and begins to cry while holding his face against her navel and wrapping his arms around her. Despite the deep blush that's covering her entire body for once Hinata doesn't freeze up but simply rubs his back while cradling his head over her thighs. Without meaning to she quietly begins humming a song her mother always sang to her whenever she had a nightmare.

Sleep, baby, sleep,

Oh, my baby, sleep,

How lovely, How lovely,

As she quietly sings the lullaby to Naruto his tears slow and he begins to calm down as his emotions finally begin to settle. Despite this neither one moves even as the end of the song comes and goes the two remain together and Hinata continues to rub Naruto's back while craddling his head. After a few minutes have passed Naruto slowly rises blushing quite openly even as he smiles at his first and best friend. "Thank...Thank you Hinata-chan." Smiling at her crush Hinata does something she's only dreamed of and tilts Naruto's head down before gently kissing him on his forehead where his headband usually rested.

Just before either can say anything though they hear someone loudly clear their throat from the base of the tree. Looking down they realize Anko is sitting there ostensibly looking out into the forest around them before she looks up and cracks a rare and genuine smile up at them. "Oi you two I know star gazing is great and all but leave it to the Naras when you're on mission." Nodding the two both blush from the tips of their ears to the ends of their toes as she walks off whistling the tune to Hinata's lullaby. "Come on Naruto it's time we got back to camp."

Smiling for the first time since the fight earlier Naruto nods and lets Hinata help him up before he surprises her by picking her up bridal style and copies her by giving a kiss to her bare forehad with a grin. "Thanks Hina-chan. I needed that." Nodding even as she covers her beet red face with her hands Hinata doesn't say a word but internally she's on cloud nine as Naruto carries her back to camp in his arms. Snuggling up closer to him Hinata can only sigh and silently prays the next time this happens is after a date.

As the two enter the camp they see Shibuki's small tent guarded by Anko's clone while Shino is sitting beside the fire. Holding up a hand the two see his insects crawling and buzzing incessantly across it while he occasionally nods at it. Putting Hinata down to both Genin's disappointment Naruto starts to walk up before freezing as Shino without looking holds his other hand up motioning for him to stop. "I am glad Hinata-san helped you Naruto-san. But I am...okay I think..."

Before Shino can say another word both Naruto and Hinata have him enveloped in a hug. Ever so slowly Shino's hands drop until he suddenly places them over theirs. "Shino-san you don't have to hide your emotions from us. We are your teammates and more than that your friends. If you need to talk we'll listen..." Tightening her grip on him Hinata quietly begins to hum the nursery song she had sung for Naruto.

Smiling Naruto begins to hum alongside her after a moment even as his chains seem to come out without his prompting to wrap both of them up in a tighter but truly soothing hug. Watching from the treeline Anko smiles at how the two slowly get Shino to talk about how he feels. Vowing to give the kids some time off when they get back to Konoha Anko disappears back into the woods as the hug breaks up slowly.

*-my name for the crystal ball Hiruzen had in episode 1
*-yes they survived in this story TBH I love their bloodline so expect them to pop up every now then
*-base version of the barrier Kushina formed when she restrained Kurama in the show it's strong but chakra heavy

Hope y'all liked my little fluff part at the end there. And yes our favorite blonde still doesn't realize just what he feels for Hinata and how she feels for him. But don't worry it ain't gonna take a moon mission this time lol. Oh and before I forget boy next chapter is gonna be fun. See y'all when it's done cause it'll be fun for me and you. Peace out!

Rewrite-4/11-4/13/2021