Teams Eight and Six made their way down the road early in the afternoon. As they were almost to the boarder of Bear the two Sensei had decided to move at a leisurely walk instead of a full out Shinobi run; they explained to the Genin that conserving energy in a potentially hostile environment was the smarter move rather than speeding things along. To the left and right rolling hills of lush green foliage could be seen that slowly transitioned into mountains; even though the road they walk slowly ascended upwards smoothly. Long ago, before the Great Shinobi Villages even, the path had been carved from the mounds of dirt and rock with Ninjutsu. Up ahead the Samurai Outpost that guarded the boarder could be seen. Two large wooden structures with a massive sign connecting them across the top reading 'Lightning Way'.
Two guards stood on duty wearing the traditional plated armor and open faced steel reinforced helmets; a large bear claw, the insignia of the Daimyo's Clan, was engraved upon their chest plates. They were armed with large pikes with swords at their waists; both katana and wakizashi blades. Anko lead her team to the guard on the left. The stone faced man looked her over along with the Genin, pausing briefly on Toru's katana. The sword was originally the weapon of Samurai only, but Shinobi had adopted it over the years. The honorable swordsmen believed Ninjutsu of any kind to be a dishonorable trick, preferring chakra control and meditation to be more for spiritual enlightenment rather than combat, so using a weapon that they cherished and respected for any reason other than Kenjutsu was disgraceful in their eyes.
Clearing her throat to get the man's attention while presenting paperwork, the Snake Mistress said with authority. "Squad Six of Hidden Leaf requesting permission to enter The Land Of Bears. I am Jounin Instructor Anko Mitarashi; under my command is Genin Tora Fuse, Hibachi Adachi, and Ami Seta."
The man took the files the woman offered and looked through them bored. Without glancing up he asked. "Reasons for entering?"
"We're accompanying Squad Eight of Hidden Leaf to full fell a mission request sent by client Lady Mayako Uzumaki of Deadfall Village." Anko explained politely while still showing her authority.
"The guard house received details about the request a few days ago informing us Leaf Shinobi might be coming." The Samurai acknowledged. Glancing over to his partner the older man noticed his younger comrade studying the small blonde shocked. Seeing nothing wrong with the documents, and already having prior knowledge to expect the foreigners, the guard handed the folder back and allowed them passage. "Please enjoy your visit."
When the eight Shinobi had traveled far enough away the older guard approached the younger and asked. "What had you so shocked Isamu? Breaking your composure like that in the face of Shinobi no less."
The young man looked to his senior and explained. "That blue eyed blonde in the reddish orange fox designed wraps with animal prints, his name's Naruto Uzumaki. That team is on a mission to meet his long lost relative and collect family heirlooms; one Lady Mayako Uzumaki."
This time it was the older Samurai that broke composure. Wide eyed he removed his helmet and rubbed the back of his head saying. "Dame, this is going to end badly for someone. We better inform the Daimyo, greedy old lecher probably already knows about this though. Ones things for sure; this is going to turn ugly and we'll probably get caught up in the middle somehow."
"Maybe it won't be so bad Shoichi." The younger guard said hopefully. "There just going to Deadfall Village, in an out quick like; ya know."
The grey haired Samurai just shook his head sadly. Placing his helmet back on Shoichi said astonished. "Isamu, I love your optimism, but whenever Shinobi get involved with anything they bring the elements and all of hell with them. There's no way possible this goes down quietly."
…. Nobuo Mansion ….
Ryoko sat in her father's tea room waiting for him to show. The servants, wearing their traditional tight beige kimonos with the Nobuo Clan's insignia on the left shoulder, greeted the woman at the door and showed her in. The moment she left her 'auntie's house' the day before the plump blonde had taken a carriage ride straight to the Nobuo Estate. She was now waiting to tell her father, Lord Daimyo Yukio Nobuo, there was no longer a legal way to block the Uzumaki Clan from gaining a permanent foothold in Bears.
"Lady Ryoko, would you like some tea why you wait?" One of the young servant women said with a polite bow. The snobbish woman gave the petite brunette a superior look, the girl was nothing but a piece of pretty decoration her perverted father liked having around; no different than the artwork and furniture.
Snapping rudely the plump blonde said. "No, just go be somewhere else."
"Yes ma'am, of course." The Daimyo's employee said dutifully. "Should you need anything please pull the rope and a bell will sound in the kitchen."
As the young girl left Ryoko rolled her eyes at the stupid instructions. Looking to the red silk rope that hung over the table the spoiled woman thought annoyed. 'Like I wouldn't know to pull the rope for service. I've been ordering stupid hussies like her around since before she even knew what that petite figure could accomplish. Those looks well fade just like everyone else's and then where will that trollop be; out on the street with the other former pretty girls my perverted father once employed. I, however, shall be comfortable and warm surrounded by wealth and servants to do my bidding, as soon as I secure a Feudal Ladyship for myself.'
Looking around worried the woman began mentally going over her options. No matter how you looked at it this was not good, Mayako Uzumaki's inheritance and nobility status was her last real hope of a good life in later years. The moment the Daimyo left this world her older brothers would take everything they were entitled to. The greedy woman wouldn't even receive her monthly family stipends anymore, meaning she would be forced to solely rely only on her business investments; though good they would not support her life of luxury. As the oldest son, Ken'Ichi would take the lion's share of property and wealth along with the title of Daimyo Of Bears. Her second oldest brother was a Samurai trained in The Land Of Iron by special request from her father to one of the country's Lords; a man that took the task on only because he was indebted to the old pervert for some reason. Takehiko had never liked the rigors of training and mainly just stayed fit to look good in his armor. Like his sister the man had never married or done much to contribute to the family's wealth, but he had the excuse of leading the Samurai guarding the country to fall back on; an honorable profession in the Daimyo's opinion. The reason for Ryoko's own personal failures in securing a husband and greater wealth for the clan was running the various businesses she weaseled her way into with shady loans; and for her bastard of a dad that wasn't good enough.
'Takehiko protects the country.' The bitter blonde thought incredulously while fixing her hair bun and wrinkled pink kimono; the almost twenty hour carriage trip had not been easy. 'My idiot brother couldn't protect a bottle of wine from himself much less our lands from common thugs; not even sure he knows how to swing those two sword decorating his hips correctly. It's the Shinobi from Cloud that keep us safe.'
Remembering the many times she found her honorable Samurai brother passed out with some cute servant girl was a daunting task; he was even worse than their father truthfully. Ryoko was sure that Ken'Ichi would cut little Takehiko off as well but the bastard had their father's protection. 'The Great Samurai Worrier' that Lord Daimyo Yukio loved bragging about to anyone who'd lessened, already owned a castle and lands to the north that shared a boarder with The Land Of Lightning. Their father had seriously said it was supposed to allow him to be in a better position to protect the nation from Lightning should they decide to attack.
Looking up as the red entrance curtains were pulled back by two beautiful raven haired twins all dolled up in makeup, the plump woman watched her father hobble in. At the age of seventy Yukio looked more like ninety, an undiagnosed illness had been slowly killing him for two years. Bald and skeletal thin while sporting a long narrow white goatee, the man had purposely removed his eyebrows because he thought the look was more refined. However, despite his advanced illnesses and age, the man's lecherous eyes lingered on the two young servants kneeling at the entrance awaiting orders. Finally turning from the lovely ladies he addressed his daughter sharply. "Well, what do you have to report."
"The hopes that this Genin was Uzumaki in name only have been dashed." The blonde explained frustrated. "It would appear his mother was in fact one Uzumaki Kushina."
Yukio twirled his beard between the fingers of his right hand thinking upon the information. "What to do, what to do?" He muttered to himself out loud. Looking up sharply the cruel man spoke harshly to his daughter. "Hungry, what am I saying of course you are, anyone could tell that by your looks alone."
Giving his usual sleazy glance to the servants the Daimyo of Bears spoke more kindly. "Dears, can you bring me and my lovely daughter some dango and tea please?"
Both twins rose as one quickly to do as asked. With all manner of grace they possessed the young servants left in a hurry, eager to be out of the lecherous man's gaze. Though all the cruel man ever did was look, save for those few servants that were welling to provided more than tea for compensation, or foolish hopes of marriage, the Daimyo had a way of making one feel as if they needed a bath after being in his presence to long. Of course the ladies he hired never used the 'employee perk' private hot spring; well those with sense anyways. Way to many mirrors on the walls and ceiling to hide cameras.
Waiting patiently for the tea and dango neither father or daughter spoke. The twin servants came back soon and placed a tray between the pair; plus a very large plate of dango. As Ryoko was cruel to almost everyone around her, except those few she wanted something from, the women employed at the estate had little sympathy for the blonde. She ate more when upset or stressed and the Daimyo was always a good pressure point for both factors.
"Thank you dears, that well be all." Yukio said stroking his beard importantly; his own horrible attempt at flirting that would probably be childish and sweet coming from an older man without such wondering eyes. "We'll ring if we need anything more. I'm sure my sweet Ryoko well want something else to eat before long."
Waiting for the two ladies to leave and his daughter to fix him a cup of tea, the old man spoke angrily. "You stupid girl, it doesn't matter if he's a blood Uzumaki or not. We well hire a Medical Shinobi from Cloud and have them lie. Leaf will argue the claim to be false causing the case to be judged in Iron by a Samurai Court; the usual method for two nations arguing without bloodshed. Whatever Medic the court employees we simply bribe to lie for us as well; unless they want to start a war, and I assure you idiot they don't, Leaf will not attempt to refute the ruling."
A snide look graced the blonde's face as she rebutted her dad's plan. "Your bribes won't work father because that old bag has a trick we never considered; Uzumaki Scrolls that only one of her blood kin can open. Such objects could be authenticated easily by any Shinobi with training. Do you really think Hidden Cloud will allow themselves to be laughed at and mocked to ensure our family's holdings, because that's what will happen if they try and back us. Leaf will tell the whole world just how stupid they are and have the proof to show. The other three Great Shinobi Villages, probably a few minor ones as well, can possibly verify the Uzumaki Scrolls to be authentic themselves; you can't bribe the whole Shinobi World. This case will never go to Iron because even the Samurai wouldn't be stupid enough to hear us out."
Yukio sat trembling in rage at the information. He hated admitting it but his daughter was correct; they had no leg to stand on. Mebuki, seeing her dad finally lost and without plan, voiced her idea. "All is not lost father. We can still reacquire the lands your grandfather foolishly gave that woman when he named you Daimyo. The dead…."
"Shut up." The old lecher said coldly cutting his daughter off. Taking a sip of his tea the man calmed down and explained. "If that boy were to die in The Land Of Bears, the Hokage would come for all our throats. I've already contemplated how that scenario would play out. Leaf would kill us all and Cloud would demand compensation for the insult, after all we're their clients. So, to avoid a war, The Land Of Fire would absorb our lands into their own by right of conquest then gift them over to The Land Of Lightning as a way of making amends. Hidden Cloud would 'reluctantly' except their Daimyo's ruling and agree for piece."
"Surely Cloud would protect us father! Like you just said we are their clients!" The horrid woman asked swallowing a stick of dango.
"Wake up you stupid child!" The old man said harshly. "Do you think Cloud would cry over our graves? Hell, I'm worried they'll kill the brat just to pin it on us; then let the scenario play out as I explained. We're worth more dead than alive in the current situation and we need to be smart; don't give in to foolish ambition. You give a Shinobi legal reason to rob you blind and you'll be lucky to have enough money for your own funeral."
This was what Ryoko had been worried about; bringing up memories of the Great Uzumaki Blunder. Yukio Nobuo was a man that believed how one lived their life didn't matter in the end, only how history portrayed them. To that end he wanted to go down as the greatest Daimyo The Land Of Bears had ever known; a title only achievable in his eyes by increasing the wealth and size of the Nobuo Clan's holdings. It was why he listened so eagerly to the sweet lies Hidden Cloud spoke when they promised the Land Of Whirlpool would belong to Bear; it was all the great perverted man had ever dreamed of. With one move he doubled the size of the nation's lands and tripled the accounts of his clan, only to lose it all in the end.
Cloud had rigged the outcome to always be in their favor. History books say Hidden Leaf was the overall victor in the Third Great Shinobi War but everyone knew the truth. The alliance between Hidden Leaf and Hidden Whirlpool was one of such power it had threatened the world's balance of strength. Both were great powerhouses at the time and could almost together challenge everyone else in open conflict; this was the true reason for the Raikage approaching Yukio in the first place, and why he had been so generous in the original negotiations. Cloud only wanted the threat of Whirlpool gone, they didn't care what happened after that honestly. Crushing Hidden Leaf would have been their preferred outcome but not a necessary one.
The contract agreed upon by Lightning and Bears stated that Cloud would protect the boarders for a negotiated set price, as well areas to stage secret bases; only the territory marked out in the agreement showed Whirlpool as the area were most of these 'secret bases' would be located. Since The Land Of Bears couldn't hold up to their end of the agreement after surrendering the territory to The Land Of Fire, something they were forced to do by Iron's ruling so as to peacefully end the conflict, the original contract became void. Out of necessity Yukio had been forced to make a more expensive Workers/Trade Agreement with Cloud, the bastards had the gall to state the higher price was for security reasons; the last ninja village to work with the Nobuo Clan had misfortune befall them when they were betrayed.
One other black spot on her father's rule was Mayako Uzumaki. When it was discovered they couldn't have children the Daimyo at the time, Yukio's grandfather, had given both his oldest son and daughter-in-law land to live on before naming his grandson as the next Daimyo; Yukio's father had died from sickness soon after his only son was born. Their was a stipulation that was heavily stressed though; the land would go back to the Nobuo Clan upon the death of both recipients if the Uzumaki and Nobuo Clans were still in good standing. Betraying Whirlpool obviously voided this clause but there was still protection under the Laws Of Inheritance; until Naruto Uzumaki came along.
Ryoko had been hoping that the old bat would leave her the land out of spite if no other option presented itself; Mayako knew the plump woman's family couldn't stand her. With the land secured the bank accounts associated with the taxes would also fall under the greedy woman's control. The people paid taxes to the account and the bank paid government workers, the Feudal Lord or Lady Of The Land's salary, and the Daimyo his dues. Once the hatful blonde got her hands on it, she had been planning to raise taxes under the guise of Public Works then robbing the thing blind; long as she didn't get to greedy her brothers would never know.
Overall her father didn't care who got the land so long as it was a Nobuo Clansman that owned it. However, unless they could find someway to block the blonde Genin from claiming ownership that wasn't going to happen. Ryoko watched him mull things over waiting for his decision but didn't see anyway they could legally keep the land; or more importantly how she could get it.
The rude woman polished off the plate of dango as the brown haired girl from earlier came through the curtain holding a second silver kettle. Politely smiling the young woman said. "Sorry to bother you both my Lord and Lady, but I thought you could use a fresh pot of tea."
"Girl, we would have rang the kitchen bell if we had wanted anything." Ryoko spat angrily; the nerve of a servant that came before being called.
"Now, now, Ryoko dear, there's nothing wrong with the pretty thing being diligent." The Daimyo said smiling with fake kindness. Turning to the servant Yukio instructed kindly. "Just place it down on the table dear. Shomei isn't it, one of the girls hired last week?"
"Yes sir." The woman answered with a cute giggle as she exchanged the tea pots. However, standing up the young girl didn't leave right away; she just stood seemingly lost in thought.
Ryoko, who was steadily getting angrier by the second, looked up at the servant with wide hazel eyes. "Do you need something girl, or has your head gone so empty the memory of your manners got lost among the cobwebs?"
"Ryoko." The Daimyo said annoyed. He didn't need anyone getting on to his subordinates as the man was quite capable of doing it himself. Turning to Shomei he said in a polite warning voice. "Thank you dear, that will be all."
"I'm sorry for my rudeness Lord Daimyo. It's just I was trying to find the words to voice a question; I've no practice speaking to a man of your grace you see." The brunette said once more with a cute smile. "It's just that I overheard the twins talking about a woman named Uzumaki Kushina. I've always loved history, my lord, and the name struck a cord in my memory. Wouldn't she be the youngest child of the last Whirlpool Daimyo?"
The only daughter of Yukio held her breath to scared to move as she waited for the worst. Usually speaking aloud about the Uzumaki Clan in the wrong place to the wrong person was enough to get a commoner publicly flogged in Bears. To remind the Daimyo of his greatest failure so boldly in his own tea room, without true permission to speak no less, was going to get this girl flogged and jailed; he didn't even employ redheads because the sight of their hair made him angry. However, the most incredible thing happened; the old pervert began chuckling happily. "Why yes dear, she was at that."
Giving a polite bow the woman left with the cold tea pot. The old pervert was so lost in thought he didn't even bother ogling the girl's backside. Looking up quickly he asked Ryoko. "Did you open Mayako's correspondence with the Hokage!? Do yo remember the names of the Shinobi traveling with this Uzumaki Genin!?"
"No father." The bewildered woman stated shocked. "I didn't think they were important."
"Ba, your useless." The Daimyo stated aggravated. Looking to the red curtain the old man called out. "Shingo!"
A Samurai with a large bushy white beard and mustache walked through the curtains. Approaching respectfully he bowed low to the tables occupants. "You called Lord Daimyo."
"Do you remember the names of the Shinobi that came through Lightning Way this afternoon!" The skeletal thin man asked looking excited. "The courier pigeon we received two hours ago!"
"Yes sir." The Samurai said straightening up. "The ones with the young Uzumaki were Haruno Sakura, Hyuga Hinata, and their Sensei Yuri Kurenai. Do you require the other team as well."
"No that will do." The Daimyo said with his charcoal black eyes gleaming. The Samurai bowed once more then left as Yukio once more addressed his daughter. "Summon your brothers, we're going to need the whole family for this. I have a plan that can allow us to keep our lands and gain Whirlpool in the bargain!"
"How!?" The scared woman asked bewildered. Swindling Whirlpool from The Land Of Fire would definitely bring down the wrath of the Hokage.
"Do you remember from your studies the biggest deference between most nations and the Five Great Shinobi Nations? The Daimyo of each five has an equal; the ruling Hidden Village's Kage." Yukio explained straightening up a little in his seat. "The government is much like our own; a Daimyo at the top, his ruling Feudal Lords and Ladies governing his lands beneath him, the military, and so on. However, the Hidden Villages themselves work this way to; Kage at top, Shinobi Lords beneath him, Shinobi by rank, and so on."
"Yes but the Kage answers to the country's ruler." Ryoko said confused.
"No they don't." The Bear Daimyo said smiling deviously. "They don't pay taxes and they don't answer to the Daimyo unless he himself pays for a mission. Hell, technically the Hidden Villages are paid by the country they exist in through military funding. Remember the end of the last war? First Leaf and Cloud stopped fighting 'fallowed' by Fire and Lightning. Why do you think that is? If the Daimyos had full control over the Hidden Villages then they would have ordered the ceasefire first, not the Kages. Look at that stupid Workers/Trade Agreement we have with Hidden Cloud; it's with the Raikage alone. The Lightning Daimyo gave his blessing but had nothing to do with it."
"Ok, father." The blonde said confused. "I still don't see how this information get us Whirlpool?"
The old pervert continued excitedly. "Ryoko, you never paid attention to your tutors did you? Unlike the other four Great Shinobi Villages, Hidden Leaf has Civilian Lords and Ladies not just ruling Shinobi. Something to do with accumulated debt after the First Great Ninja War, the Hokage sold Lordships to wealthy Civilian Clans that had money but no real status or land of their own. The Haruno is an Noble Civilian Clan and the Hyuga are one of the most powerful Noble Shinobi Clans of Hidden Leaf."
A maddening gleam shown from the old fool's eyes as he said. "When I went to the meeting and signed over my rights to the area, that bastard Fire Daimyo looked me straight in the eye and said 'I look forward to the day Whirlpool rises once again'. At the time it made no sense to me but it does now. Kushina Uzumaki was alive back in Leaf, and now that she's dead her son Naruto Uzumaki has taken the mantle of The Last Royal Uzumaki; sole successor to The Land Of Whirlpool."
Shaking her head in disbelief Ryoko asked dumbfounded. "You really think the Daimyo of Fire will emancipate The Land Of Whirlpool and just give it to this boy? Do you have any idea how much land and money he would give up? The shipping ports alone…"
"It doesn't matter!" Her father exclaimed spit flying from his mouth in his crazed excitement. "The Hokage and his Shinobi Lords will force him to. That boy is the only one that can bring the Uzumaki Clan back and the Leaf Shinobi will demand it be so; it's the only way to negate their shame at failing their former allies. The boy's teammates alone are evidence to this fact; the Hyuga and Haruno must have bribed the Hokage to get those two girls close to the boy in hopes of marriage."
The plump blonde just stared at her father concerned; the old man had finally lost his mind. This conclusion was brought on by finally realizing were this was going. "You want to try and wed this boy to Kin'Ichi's daughter; my fourteen year old niece Yasu?"
The senile old fool smiled like some evil mastermind that had just pulled of some nefarious plan. It was that look that struck a memory in his daughter's mind; one from when she herself had still been a young woman full of useless hope regarding a possible marriage. The bastard had acted the same way right before signing the contract that doomed Whirlpool and made him the most hated Daimyo Bears ever produced. He saw a chance to change the history books back in his favor and he was taking it; charging in blind for foolish ambition after only moments ago warning Ryoko to not do that very thing.
There was more though that the lecherous old fool didn't understand that his only daughter did; the competition. Though the hefty woman hadn't remembered the names of Uzumaki Naruto's teammates she recalled the pictures. Yasu's almost black purplette long hair, odd colored pink lips with eyes to match, dainty figure, and complexion so pale it made fresh paper look grey, could definitely compete with those two Kunoichi in looks; but they could still break her neck and move on. Also, should romantic feelings bloom between the boy and her niece, it was doubtful the Hokage, or anyone else from Fire, would allow it to stand. Ryoko had tried telling her dad that the dead couldn't inherit but maybe saying 'marry' would have been preferable.
"Shingo!" The old Daimyo called again. The same Samurai from before entered and bowed to the man awaiting orders. "Send a courier to my Aunt's house in Deadfall Village. Inform her the family would like to meet the Hidden Leaf Shinobi. Also make it known that I Yukio Nobuo, Daimyo of The Land Of Bears, cordially invite the young Heir Naruto Uzumaki to be my guests for dinner tomorrow evening."
"Yes Lord Daimyo, right away." Standing back up he asked. "Does my lord's cordial invitation also extend to Heiresses Hinata Hyuga and Sakura Haruno?"
"What's that?" Yukio asked sharply.
"As you well know, my lord, we Samurai do keep up with the on goings of the Shinobi World." The man explained politely. "Both young Kunoichi are the heiresses of their respective clans."
Thinking it over the Daimyo of Bears said officially. "Yes, I also extend my cordial invitation to the young ladies."
Shingo bowed and left to do as asked. He would assign his fastest runner to deliver this messages. The Daimyo muttered out loud confused. "That's interesting, I thought both girls would be lesser members of their families'. Then again, if the Haruno and Hyuga are competing for the right to Whirlpool through Uzumaki blood, they must be pulling out all the stops."
"A Cordial Invitation father!?" The nervous Ryoko asked shocked. "You expect those Shinobi to honor such a thing? Yes, the rule of polite etiquette is for any Noble visiting another Land to except such an invitation when given by another Noble, definitely more so because your are the Daimyo Of Bears, but it's still a Civilian Custom."
"They'll honor it, Civilian Custom or not, because if other nations hear that Nobility from Leaf ignored my invitation it will paint The Land Of Fire in a negative light." Yukio explained triumphantly. "The clients of Ninja are Civilians daughter, and none pay nearly as well as Lords and Ladies; especially a Daimyo. Naruto Uzumaki can attempt denial by arguing the fact I was responsible for the destruction of Whirlpool, and the young Heiresses can argue unity with their teammate, but in the eyes of most of the world's Civilian Nobility this won't be enough. I can say giving Whirlpool to Fire was my way of attempting to heal the wounds caused by war while striving for peace. Saying this Cordial Invitation was my way of walking further down the road to peace will carry a lot of weight."
The man polished of his cup of tea and stood up jovially. "Ryoko, get with your brothers and let them know what was decided." With a gleam in his eyes he happily called out looking towards the entrance. "Girls, I'm ready for my sponge bath."
The raven haired twins that had escorted him in earlier returned holding the curtain for him to pass. The old lecher looked eager to be leaving; having come up with a plan to possibly make the Nobuo Clan more wealthy than ever before the man was ready to enjoy his favorite pastime activity.
The spoiled blonde looked down at the table sorely, even if by some miracle this harebrained plan worked it still left her out in the cold. This wouldn't get her Mayako Uzumaki's lands and Feudal Rank. Looking down at a napkin on the table, the one her sickly father had used throughout the meeting to wipe away tea from his chin, reminded Ryoko of just how little time she had to secure wealth for herself. Blood flaked the white linen; sprayed out in a small amount every time the asshole breathed. Sourly the greedy woman range the bell to order more tea and dango; as well to send someone to find her oldest brother.
In the walkway just outside the tea room Shomei looked on coldly from the shadows. Watching the old lecher walk away, while being supported unnecessarily by the two twins he was trying to grope, truly disgusted the brunette. Running fingers through her brown locks the woman chuckled darkly at just how easy it was to get fired and rehired over the two years she'd slowly been poisoning the bastard to death; all to avoid suspicion. The toxin she used was an undetectable unique compound only one with her abilities could make. Very soon Lord Daimyo Yukio Nobuo would spend his remaining hours in agony, struggling to beg for death as he watched his family slowly butchered.
'I need to inform my employer that everything is set.' The assassin thought coldly. 'He'll be quite happy scapegoats are heading hear willingly rather than us needing to find some. Fool has no idea what's really going to happen when the axe falls.'
…. Deadfall Village …..
Naruto looked around curiously as he walked down the small village's Main Street. Surrounding the Leaf Shinobi were small shops that sold various wares produced by the farming community; such as soybean, rice, wheat, leather goods, and more. Among the shops were small restaurant stands that sold food advertised to be local favorites made from local produce. The people seemed quite happy as they went about their lives.
"Sensei, where are we going exactly?" The blonde inquired.
Kurenai turned briefly to look at her only male student and explained. "The mission scroll contained instructions to met at a local restaurant. We just tell the staff we've come to talk with Lady Mayako."
"That's odd." Ami said offhandedly. "You'd think we would go to her manor or something."
The raven haired Jounin answered the girl in a bored tone. "No doubt there is a castle or manor associated with the Feudal Title of these lands, one the current Lord or Lady would live at as long as they ruled, but I don't see Mayako Uzumaki using it. Such a dwelling would require a good amount of money to maintain which places an unnecessary burden on the Citizens with higher taxes. The fact a ruling Feudal Lady, especially one from such a rich land like Bears, could only pay for two C Ranked Missions, instead of including a more expensive B or A, speaks loudly of Mayako's financial obligations. Most likely the majority of her money is tied up in businesses and loans to better help the people that live on her lands; she would needs plenty of collateral in her accounts to cover everything. This means the money readily available to her is rather small."
The Genin walked on silently fallowing their leaders until Sakura made the comment. "Sounds like this woman is one of the better Feudal Ladies to live under. It's to bad though; if she can't leave it to someone with the same ideology as herself these people will be in for a lot of financial hurt when she passes on."
"How so?" Naruto asked turning to the pinkette.
Sakura looked at her teammate and explained. "If a corrupt person gains control of the lands through inherited Lordship, they would also gain control of the money and accounts associated with the title. They could raise taxes or call in out of date payments on loans that Lady Mayako is more lenient with. This could allow someone to legally steal away businesses to sell off for profit or just outright control; raking in all the dough for themselves."
Naruto pouted angrily before saying. "That's so wrong. How could anyone be so greedy? Taking away something someone else built just for more money."
Kurenai and Anko exchanged knowing looks with one another; both Jounin had figured out the true reason for the little family reunion long ago. The Snake Mistress turned to the Jinchuriki and explained. "It's unfortunate but that's the way the world we live in works. Simple truth; when one person succeeds it's usually because another failed. Maybe not always but most of the time this is fact. Your big dream is to one day be Hokage but if someone your age has that same desire, and you gain and hold the seat for decades, that other person will ultimately fails." (1)
The young boy remained deep in thought about the Special Jounin's words all the way to the restaurant. He came out of his depressing contemplations regarding someone losing just so he could win to take in the establishment. Horuka's was a odd looking dinner that featured a square stone building, a place for storage and food preparations, circled by a square polished bar with stools; bottles of alcohol cover every square inch of the outside walls. The red oak roof extended far past the building to cover an outdoor stone tiled area, and was supported by brick pillars. Several decent sized tables with built in charcoal grills covered the dining floor.
Walking up the decorative stone path to the main entrance, Kurenai approached the greeter and said. "Hello, we're Hidden Leaf Shinobi meeting Lady Mayako Uzumaki. We were instructed to come and wait for her here."
"Oh yes ma'am." The elder bald man said respectfully. "Lady Mayako is a part owner. We keep a table open for her at all times for occasions such as this. Please fallow me and I will have someone go inform the good Lady you've arrived."
The greeter led Team Eight and Six to a large table and grill towards the back. The balding man then waited for everyone to be seated before saying. "I'll have someone bring over menus and tea. I would prefer to wait for Lady Mayako before ordering unless you're all hungry and don't fell like doing so."
"Tea will be fine." Kurenai said smiling. The man walked away leaving the Shinobi to themselves.
Ami looked around questioningly and said. "This place looks nice and all but I wonder what they do about bad weather?"
Anko opened her menu while addressing her student. "They probably have temporary walls they can erect. Honestly, if Lady Mayako is a partner in more than name, this place probably has barrier seals that can be activated to keep out wind, rain, and uncomfortable temperatures."
"People use Fuinjutsu for that?" Hibachi asked doubtfully.
Anko looked over at the light hair colored brunette and gave him her patented grin. "You can use Fuinjutsu to seal away objects bigger than this village into a peace of paper no bigger than the palm of your hand, you can use it to block attacks from enemy Ninjutsu and even the Nine Bijuu themselves, but you have doubts about weatherproof barriers."
The former academy bully grew offensive and gave the older Kunoichi a snotty look. "I didn't say it wasn't possible Anko Sensei, just that people who trained in the sealing arts wouldn't bother."
The Snake Mistress studied her student for a moment while shaking her head sadly. "Anything profitable is worth learning to do fool. Fuinjutsu is an obscure art amongst Shinobi nowadays; however, there are Civilian Companies that specialize in basic ward construction. Doubtful they could come up with anything strong enough to keep out enemies, but the weather is a little easier to handle. Lady Mayako, being an Uzumaki, would have no problem in constructing those kinds of wards herself; probably could do them in her sleep."
Hibachi turned away with a grumpy face, upset his Sensei put him in place so abruptly. Anko noticed the boy's temper and began to comment again when Kurenai stopped the words with a subtle kick. The purplette Jounin looked to her friend to see what was so important to disrupt a teaching / poke-fun-of-stupid-pupil moment and noticed the raven haired woman looking towards the bar section facing them.
Fallowing her companion's gaze the purplette saw two Cloud Chunin setting on stools drinking sake. Both looked to be young men laughing while having a good time. Neither appeared to have noticed the Leaf Shinobi yet but that could change quickly. Most likely these two potential enemies were stationed at a small base somewhere in the current vicinity.
Regarding the relationship between the Land Of Bears Samurai and the Shinobi from Cloud, the Samurai guarded the actual points of entry along established roads while the Shinobi kept a lookout for those attempting to sneak into the country by less obvious means; most countries used this system since honorable Samurai appeared more trust worthy to traveling tourists than scary Ninja. However some villages, depending on size and stature, will use either Samurai or Shinobi as police. Deadfall Village apparently used Hidden Cloud as their law enforcement.
Anko was worried; this could turn into a real situation. Since they came through Lightning Way, Cloud had no true way of knowing they crossed the border because the Samurai wouldn't bother informing the patrolling Shinobi unless a true threat was apparent; two teams of Genin weren't very threatening. It had been the Hokage's hope, as well everyone else's, this mission could be pulled off quickly before the Raikage even knew they had been in Bears. If these two Chunin saw them they would report it immediately.
"Can you place a Genjutsu to cover use." The Snake Mistress asked urgently.
"There's issues with that." Kurenai said studying the men. "If they sense my technique it will draw suspicion; which in turn could cause a negative response. They seemed relaxed and slightly inebriated but that doesn't mean they're completely impaired."
The Genin noticed their Sensei's apprehension and looked towards the bar. Hinata spotted the problem immediately and crouched down slightly in fear. Ami and Hibachi looked unsure how to respond while Sakura gave out a loud gulp. Tora didn't really give away his concerns as he looked to Anko for guidance. Naruto looked curious towards the Chunin and spoke out curiously. "So, those are Shinobi from Hidden Cloud."
Kurenai, anticipating the blond would do something stupid, quickly ordered. "Stay quiet everyone. We don't need to draw unnecessary attention to ourselves if we can help it. Hopefully they'll leave soon and we can go about are mission in piece."
"What are you worried about Sensei?" Naruto asked. "Their only Chunin; you could take them easy."
Tora looked at the blonde with a face full of annoyance. "You're an idiot. If we get into a fight with Cloud Shinobi it could cause a major diplomatic issue. We would have to prove beyond any doubt they started it or Hidden Leaf would be liable. At best a formal apology would have to be given and us jailed for an undetermined amount of time, at worst we would be outright executed. Also, just because they rank Chunin doesn't mean they're pushovers."
Naruto gave the Kenjutsu user a deadpanned look and pointed to the older women. "Two Jounin." The Jinchuriki then pointed towards the Cloud Shinobi. "Vs two Chunin; I don't see how they would be much trouble."
"It's why they're Chunin that counts jackass." Ami said rudely. "Either they posses a good bit of battle skills combined with high levels of strategic planning and intelligence to be effective against strong opponents, or they posses such overwhelming power that the rank of Genin is no longer suitable but not enough experience to be Jounin. We also don't know if they're alone." (2)
An alarmed look graced the boy's face as he closed his eyes prepared to sense outward for hidden enemies. Kurenai stopped him with a hand on his shoulder saying. "You aren't the most subtle sensor around Naruto. More often than not you give yourself away every time your perception field activates. If you want to sense outward you can, just take a deep breath and relax before you do so as to expand your field gently; far less chance of being detected."
Naruto seemed to think it over but just sat back and did nothing. The raven haired Jounin observed her student for a second to make sure he was calm. Satisfied she turned to Ami with a stern look. "First dear, name calling is not allowed. Second, you're correct that they could have allies close by and we don't know their individual strength levels."
Anko ignored the interaction between her friend and student to continue watching the potential threat; which was why she saw Mayako walking up to the greeter's desk. The old lady was wearing a lovely purple kimono with the Uzumaki Insignia on the back. Her faded red hair was braided, rolled in a bun, and had a tail going all the way to her waist. Two senbon needles held the bun in place. She talked briefly with the greeter before heading the Snake Mistress's way.
Kurenai had also witnessed the arrival of Mayako. The raven haired Jounin hoped this would go unnoticed by the Cloud Chunin; a hope that was crushed the moment the elderly woman walked past the small kitchen area. The redhead paused to shot the two young men cold looks that expelled a killing intent felt by the whole place. Both potential threats mockingly raised their glasses in a toast and downed the sake. Turning her nose up the proud woman continued on to met her guests.
'Damn.' Team Eight's Sensei thought as she watched the gaze of both Chunin fallow Mayako to the table. The taller one saw Kurenai's red eyes glancing his way and raised his glass in greeting. 'Now the Raikage will know we're here.'
Approaching the table the elderly Uzumaki addressed the Jounin Sensei. "I'm glad you made it so quickly."
As one the Leaf Shinobi stood and bowed to the Feudal Lady. The redhead scoffed saying. "Please none of that nonsense. I've never truly felt like some noble fool lady anyways; not even when I married my late husband. Save all that formal stuff for my relatives if you have the unfortunate tragic luck to meet them."
Everyone sat down and the waitress immediately came over. Smiling politely at the elderly Uzumaki the young woman exclaimed. "I'm glad you could join us Miss Mayako. What would you care for today?"
"I would like salmon and an assortment of vegetables dear." The elderly woman explained. "I'm not sure what everyone else wants."
Anko looked up at the waitress and ordered. "Plenty of beef and pork; also more tea and a pot of honey."
The waitress left and Mayako turned to the two Jounin. "Suppose the first thing to do regarding the mission is to go over the Uzumaki Relics in my possession. Admittedly they're not very valuable but some are important pieces and one holds great significance to future generations of my clan; a large scroll detailing every special born ability an Uzumaki can possess. I also have several scrolls detailing special Uzumaki Fuinjutsu Arts.
Naruto began bouncing in his seat the moment he heard the news. Excitedly he whispered in awe. "Really, you have a clan training scrolls?"
The elderly woman smiled at the blonde before passing him a small scroll from her inside breast pocket. "Here you go sunny. Have a gander at this one."
Ecstatically the Jinchuriki took the small blue scroll from his clan elder and opened it; however his face changed from happy to confused as he looked down at blank paper. Bewildered the blonde began to rapidly unroll the thing. Three feet of parchment later he found a picture of a younger Mayako sticking out her tongue. Underneath was the caption 'Welcome to the family'.
"Haha, very funny." Naruto said with an upturned face as everyone around him snickered. He began rolling the scroll up but the old lady snatched it from him. Placing a finger on the picture Mayako made the scroll wrap itself up tight. The redhead then smiled and reached passed Hinata to hand it to Sakura. "Here dear, you try. Maybe you'll have better luck than the knucklehead."
The pinkette was uncertain but did as asked. Opening the scroll she unrolled it all the way to the picture of young Mayako. Shrugging she passed the scroll back to its owner. "Guess not Miss Mayako."
The redhead had a big happy smile on her face rolling the paper back up like before. She then handed the scroll to Hinata. The young Hyuga looked at the woman confused but decided to humor her. The shy heiress attempted to open the seal but couldn't get her thumb under the edge. Looking down frowning the girl tried to hand it back to Mayako but the old woman refused to take it. "Pass it around the table please."
Hinata shrugged and reached across Sakura to hand the scroll to Kurenai. The red eyed Jounin had no better luck than the lavender eyed girl and passed the object to Anko. The process continued until the last person, Tora Fuse, tried but no one else could open the little blue roll of paper. The Kenjutsu User handed the scroll to Mayako and waited for an explanation.
"So, only two." The redhead sighing sadly. "Oh well, it's two more than yesterday."
"Only two of what?" Hibachi asked confused.
Anko gave her student an annoyed look saying. "You really need to learn to think. Obviously only certain people could open that scroll. My guess anyone with Uzumaki Chakra."
"What!" Sakura exclaimed. "Then there must be a mistake. I mean, … I'm a Haruno."
Mayako smiled kindly and explained. "Yes dear you are indeed a Haruno, but you're also a throwback."
The pinkette's green eyes showed confusion at the statement so Kurenai explained. "A throwback Sakura is someone distantly related to a clan that gains inherited power; like if someone back home awoke the Sharingan or Byakugan at random. Just because they posses the Dojutsu doesn't mean they themselves are Hyuga or Uchiha; just related to them. Technically the clans wouldn't even have any legal control over them either." Seeing understanding dawn in her student's face the Genjutsu Mistress thought darkly. 'Not that such legal hurtles would stop the Uchiha or Hyuga from doing everything possible to gain control of the situation; marriage or murder judging by the distant relatives power and cooperative nature.'
Sakura turned to Mayako and asked. "So if I'm an Uzumaki in a Haruno wrapper, why don't I have tons of chakra like Naruto?"
The redhead chuckled at the cute question. "Uzumaki are known for the strong chakra we posses that allows us to do unnatural things in almost every area of the Shinobi Arts; mainly Fuinjutsu. It also grants us longevity and the ability to survive most things that would outright kill others. The description of an immensely strong chakra nature has been misconstrued from story to story suggesting immense reserves of power instead; that's not always the case. The Uzumaki Clan did produce more Shinobi with natural born Kage level reserves than any other clan, just not all the time." (3)
Kurenai looked between both her pink haired student and the older woman puzzled. "Even more so than her reserves of chakra Sakura doesn't have the strong dense overall nature that the Uzumaki posses. How can she have the unnatural chakra abilities of an Uzumaki without the clan's known density level?" (4)
Mayako studied Sakura closely to get a better feel for her chakra and determined what the Jounin explained was correct. Looking back to Team Eight's leader the old woman said reassuring. "It's probably a latent born power that has yet to bloom. Their could be other factors involved as well. There's an old clan relic in my possession that can hopefully provide us with more answers."
"Really!?" The pinkette asked hopefully. "Speaking of these Uzumaki Relics just wear are they exactly, back at your house?"
"No dear, the small cottage I live in wouldn't hold them all." The elder explained as she took a sip of tea. "I have a room in Mountain Shadow Manor that I keep sealed and secured to hold my possessions."
Seeing curious looks cross several small faces the Uzumaki explained further. "Shadow Mountain Manor is the small castle associated with my lands. I lived there until my husband past then moved to Deadfall Village. Now that brat niece of mine, Ryoko Nobuo, has taken up residence. Unfortunately, I couldn't make a good enough argument to keep the horrible woman from doing so; her Daimyo father insisted upon it. Luckily, since I don't live there, taxes aren't used to cover upkeep and expenses; one of my greater wins against my in-laws."
Anko gave the woman her classic smirk. "Sounds like the 'honorable' Nobuo Clan doesn't like your financial decisions very much."
Mayako returned the smirk chuckling. "Oh yes, one off the small pleasures I take in this life is financially hurting the Daimyo and his family. If not for me there would be far more broken homes in The Land Of Bears as well a much fatter Nobuo Clan. Though, as you can all see by that garbage setting at the bar, they have had a few victories over me. The Daimyo pays for the protection of his people so has absolute say on which lands get what, Land Of Bears Samurai or Cloud Shinobi. The establishment in the village cater to them reluctantly so as to avoid trouble; though the fact they have money and pay well helps."
Naruto looked to the elderly Uzumaki asking sincerely. "Though I'm sure the people are better off with your rule than they would be with someone else's, don't you think you'd be happier living somewhere different; like Hidden Leaf? Spending all your time and energy to make the Nobuo Clan miserable can't be to easy. I understand what they did to our family but why waist all your time on revenge when it won't change anything. In the end our family is still down to two we know off and one throwback."
Mayako sighed sadly at the truth of the young blonde's statement as she looked into his bright hopeful eyes. 'To be so young and full of optimism'. The redhead thought sadly. "I agree with everything you say Naruto, and I understand what your asking, but it's not that simple; the people would suffer. If I wear to leave than the Daimyo can attempt to take away my Feudal Ladyship by saying I'm being neglectful of my duties. He would then place these lands under the control of an individual much like himself, meaning higher taxes and financial loss for everyone. No, I can't move away to somewhere the past doesn't trouble me no matter how much I might want to."
Naruto turned somber at his elder's explanation; he had somewhat been hoping to convince her to move to Hidden Leaf. The young boy wasn't so selfish as to ask Mayako to abandon the people of Bears just for himself though. The old woman studied the boy's sad face and asked. "You speak with a voice of experience regarding my petty revenge?"
Naruto began picking at his Ninja Wrap left sleeve pouting. "There's a boy back home that waists his time on vengeance. We attended Konoha Academy together. No matter who tried to be nice to him and become his friend the guy refused to let anyone else in to help his hurt and pain. Sasuke Uchiha, perhaps you heard what happened?"
The woman gave a small nod as her mind recalled the tragic story. The entire Uchiha Clan, save for Sasuke himself, had been brutally murdered by the boy's own older brother Itachi. To make matters even truly darker was the fact both boys' parents had been among the victims. Clan Head Fugaku Uchiha and his wife Mikoto had been murdered by their oldest son just so he could prove his power; or at least that was the only motive anyone could find regarding the deranged boy's actions since he never gave one.
Soon the sad talks ended as the waitress came with their order. Naruto began reaching for the already seasoned pork but Sakura beat him to it. A look of fear had crossed her green eyes when she saw what the blonde was about to do. Everyone looked on amused as the pinkette exclaimed. "We've been over this already; what is edible for you is not always edible for others! Not everyone has your inhuman iron stomach!"
Naruto sat back with a grumpy pout as everyone else laughed or, in Hinata's case, giggled. Mayako gave the Jinchuriki a sympathetic look and explained. "Something else hereditary it would seem; never met an Uzumaki Male that could turn on a stove without causing some kind of catastrophe."
The grumpy Jinchuriki ignored the old redhead as he glared down defiantly at the charcoal grill. With Fire in his eyes the boy thought angrily. 'No matter what it takes, with the help of Ichiraku I will defeat you! No matter what I will cook the best meal anyone has ever tasted! BELIEVE IT!'
Author's Note-
(1)-Pore Konohamaru
(2)-The first example described Shikamaru during the Chunin Exams. The second describes Naruto, Neji, and Sasuke during the Chunin Exams. Honestly, with the power and strength they all three showed how could the Leaf Village still call them Genin. Why weren't they promoted to? Also believe Shino should have been promoted but he never actually got to display battle skills in the finals.
(3)-Best example Karin, she was strong but I don't think she ever reached Kage level.
(4)-I remember someone saying Sasuke had a very intense chakra; possibly Kabuto. I think intense chakra works better with fire and lightning while a denser chakra works best with earth, water, and wind. The Uzumaki were known for having the densest charka of anyone. Naruto's chakra is so dense that at times it becomes visible to the people around him and that is not just because he is a Jinchuriki. What is wrong with Sakura will be explained with a special ability I'm going to give her soon.
Also-Sorry there wasn't any action in this chapter. Maybe some in the next not sure. Defiantly going to be some in Chapter 10. Original plan was for Cloud to be the bad guys in this mission story but I had a better idea; just taking a long time to set up all the dominos.