Hinata walked next to Kurenai as they headed up the road. Immediately after lunch it was decided to go ahead and leave for Mountain Shadow Manor. Mayako's small cottage didn't have enough room for a team of Ninja, much less two, and the small inn that Deadfall Village hosted was booked full. The inn keeper said he would gladly pay some of his clients double to leave but the elderly Uzumaki had assured him such extremes were not necessary. She had been annoyed with the man when he first suggested his plan but quickly schooled her features into a pleasant smile. The redhead explained tiredly that everyone on her lands behaved similarly since they were all so appreciative of the generosity she showed them. Leaving for the manor wasn't too big an issue since it had been mid-afternoon, and it was only an hour walk; just meant a late dinner really.

Ahead of everyone walk Mayako and Naruto. Both were talking about the Uzumaki Clan so everybody else kind of let them gain a lead for privacy. Sakura had hung back with Kurenai and Hinata discreetly explaining that she was a Haruno; plus, her teammate deserved time alone to get better acquainted with his last living family member. However, much to the indigo haired girl's annoyance, Team Six was staying behind everyone in case of ambush; both Sensei were being somewhat overly paranoid about Cloud.

The reason why this was such an aggravation for Hinata was summed up with two words: Hibachi Adachi. The young Hyuga, because of her shy and gentle nature, could never truly recall hating anyone; then she met this fool brat. The only real interaction she ever had with him was the day of team assignment when he accused her of lying to save Naruto. Since then there hadn't been many times she saw him until this mission. Every time the brunette was behind her the heiress could feel his eyes crawling all over her backside, and her discreetly activated Byakugan confirmed the girl's suspicions; it made her skin crawl.

The boy's wandering eyes angered the kind girl in a way she had never known. It had taken a certain level of boldness for her to wear this Ninja Wrap Gear and Hinata had truly grown to love it. She understood it showed far more of her feminine qualities than her old jacket ever did, but that wasn't an invitation to openly gawk. The little princess had seen many boys glancing her way that made her feel awkward, though not all the time. Hinata had even caught Naruto looking a time or two but never in a way that showed he'd forgotten she was a person, the blonde truly cherished their friendship; Hibachi on the other hand looked at her like she was just an object to admire and fantasize about. As they were on a mission Hinata had no intentions of hurting her objectifier, but the moment they made it home she was challenging him to a full contact spar. The heiress planned to make the brat think of much more painful things every time he looked in her general direction.

Suddenly, from up ahead, came the sound of Naruto's voice shouting out. "Awesome!"

Coming around a bend in the forest road Hinata saw why the blonde had become so excited. Up ahead embedded in the rocks was Mountain Shadow Manor. All you could see was the solid stone front of a four story house sticking out of a smooth mountain face; a large stone mound which went up at an angle giving the whole area a natural overhang. Activating her Byakugan the little Hyuga confirmed what she had already guessed; the whole massive compound was made using Earth Release. She saw numerous rooms, hallways, lounges, two kitchens, and multiple bathrooms. Modern plumbing and electrical wiring had been installed at some point, also by the application of Earth Release. A large square stone wall bordered the large front yard with a giant wooden gate at the front. A middle aged Samurai stood on duty.

Hinata, Sakura, and Kurenai caught up with the two Uzumaki just as the old woman explained. "Oh yes, it's very 'awesome' Sunny; one giant 'awesome' headache. Heating the place in the Winter and cooling the place in Summer can be a frustrating tasks. When I lived here this was accomplished by Fuinjutsu, my niece uses more modern methods because I deactivated the seals upon leaving. Plus it has far more space than anyone truly needs; a nightmare keeping clean for the pore servants."

Hinata noticed a look of sadness appear briefly in the old woman's eyes. It wasn't hard for the girl to read the emotion and understand why it showed. The space within the dwelling was far to big for a small family of two and servants; but not when children came into the picture. At one time Mayako had strived to fill a house this size with little ones of her own, then cruel fate insured it never came to pass. What might have been if she could have given her late husband a heir? He would have been Daimyo fallowed by an Uzumaki blood born son and the fall of Whirlpool could have been avoided all together. The young heiress wondered just how much the elderly woman unfairly blamed herself for the Uzumaki Clan's destruction.

Walking up to a large wooden gate the Samurai guard bowed low to the redhead. "Lady Mayako, why do you honor us with your presence today." Straightening back up the man continued. "If you're looking for Miss Ryoko she isn't home at the moment."

"Oh I figured on that Jun." The elderly Uzumaki said smiling. "I'm sure the moment that overweight cow waddled her way out of my house she headed for daddy; something I was counting on since it gives me a few days of piece to go through my belongings. Me and my guests are here to take inventory of my clan possessions so as to gift heirlooms over to my last known relative. This young man here; Naruto Uzumaki."

The middle aged man looked the blonde Genin over without comment. Turning back to the Lady Of The Lands he spoke with a formal bow. "Then my lady I shall not keep you. Please if you need anything let me know."

The group of Shinobi walked past the man as the gates opened on their own. The Genin all looked around curiously as Mayako chuckled. "Fuinjutsu; it only does that for me. Really annoys my niece."

Hinata didn't hear their client speak as she began looking around the front lawn in shocked confusion. the girl had expected to see a garden or some kind of beautiful landscaping, instead the whole thing was rather bland and boring; not at all what you'd expect coming from a yard associated with a noble manor. 'Miss Ryoko probably doesn't have enough money to afford the upkeep on the grounds. Keeping it trimmed must be all she can financially handle.'

Walking through the front door they were greeted by a plump kind looking maid. "Good afternoon Lady Mayako, what brings you here today?"

"Hello Zuni, your looking lovely as always." The elderly woman spoke with a kind smile. "Me and my guests are going through my belongings. If you could bring us some tea though that would be lovely. Also can Chef Takamoto prepare us dinner later? I'll pay for whatever is used."

Zuni smiled and bowed low, her lightly colored grey hair bob bouncing back and forth. Standing back up the maid stated. "I will bring you tea immediately ma'am, and I'm sure Chef Takamoto will find it no trouble at all to cook for you and your guests; however, you don't need to pay for what we use my lady."

"I'll pay for it." Mayako said flippantly. "That horrid cheap niece of mine will make you and Takamoto pay if I don't."

The plump woman sighed, resigned to the fact Mayako was to stubborn to ever be persuaded any other way, and said. "As you and your guest will be busy in the private storage room, I'll just leave the tea in the bottom floor lounge."

"The only lounge." The redhead muttered. Speaking more kindly she said "That will be fine, thank you."

Hinata once more fallowed silently as the group exited the formal greeting room; smiling happily at Naruto practically skipping with excitement. The blonde's exuberance was so apparent almost everyone couldn't help but smile; well those that liked him anyways. Hibachi and Ami looked like they found the whole thing annoying while Tora was stoned faced as always. Honestly, the little heiress wouldn't be surprised if the Kenjutsu Practitioner awoke the Sharingan soon.

Examining her surroundings Hinata noticed further proof of this Ryoko's financial lacking. The greeting room to the manor had been an elegant grand display of wealth; polished wood floors, modern leather covered furniture, grand pictures of art, plus to top it off a silver and gold shogi set on a small black oak table in a corner. Now the hallways they walked through seemed empty and the rooms Hinata glanced in were dust, unkept, with coverings over the furniture. Activating her Byakugan the heiress studied each area throughout the house and realized less than half was being used. Frustrated by the stupidity of it all the little bluenette blurted out. "Lady Mayako, why does your niece live here if she can't afford to keep the whole place running?"

The elderly woman had been lost in thought as she guided everyone to the storage room. Turning to look at Hinata over her shoulder she asked. "What was that dear?"

"Your niece Ryoko, why does she live in this house when she doesn't have the money for its upkeep?" Hinata asked again, this time more politely.

It took a moment for Mayako to register what the quiet girl was asking; mainly because of the way she spoke of Ryoko. For years the redhead had spoke of the fat blonde being her niece in a mocking manner, but Hinata's tone had been sincere; throwing her off for a second. Coming out of her slight stupor the Uzumaki explained. "It's because she is a shallow woman that wants to act important. The Daimyo cut her out of his final will when she turned thirty because Ryoko was still unmarried. She still gets a clan stipends, or what I call her child allowance, but that ends when the Daimyo dies. Honestly, I believe the conniving bi… woman was hoping there was some way to rob the taxes normally used to maintain the manor; luckily I brought that plan to a crashing halt. So now all she can do is maintain enough of the place for appearance sake to entertain honored guests, pretending she is still relevant."

Hinata tried to wrap her young mind around the stupidity that was Ryoko Nobuo. She wondered why it was so important to the woman to remain in the spotlight; she herself had never liked it much. The demands of being a heiress, the duties involved, were staggering. The Hyuga Elders wanted her to be the strongest of her generation because as the 'probable' future leader of the clan her authority had to be fully respected. Many had turned their noses up when the girl began to teach herself how to make medicinal salves and ointments, saying all a true Hyuga Heir or Heiress needed was Juken; they all launched protests when it was discovered she was learning Genjutsu. Hiashi had been forced to hear complaint after complaint regarding why he allowed his eldest daughter to learn an inferior art. It was enough to dishearten the young bluenette; making her wish she wasn't the heiress so therefore not having to live with other peoples' extreme expectations.

Looking up as everyone stopped Hinata saw two magnificent double doors made of steel. The imposing structures were decorated with Uzumaki Clan Swirls and ancient pictures of various battles. The Kanji for reinforcement with a squiggly circle around it was drawn on a paper tag holding them closed. The Hyuga Heiress realized that they had walked all the way to the back of the first floor middle wall; were the house ended and the mountain began. The elderly Uzumaki must have added this room specifically to store her belongings before moving away. Looking to the redhead quickly at the sound of hand signs the young girl saw a frown upon the elderly lady's face. She wasn't the only one to notice either as Kurenai also looked inquisitive.

"Is something wrong Mayako?" The Genjutsu Mistress asked.

"Not really dear." The woman said still frowning. "I can tell that the tag has been tampered with but it never failed to keep out intruders. Probably those bastards from Cloud trying to steal my clan secrets; they actually tried to buy them once."

Sighing in exasperation the old woman continued. "Oh well, please fallow me."

Hinata became puzzled as Mayako began leading everyone to the left. She soon entered a small empty room located at the furthest left side corner of the manor and faced the back wall were a small closet was located. She opened the door to show everyone present the empty space with an exaggerated flourish. Closing the door the elderly woman made hand signs and opened it again after a minute. All the Genin were shocked when it was revealed to be a different room stacked from floor to ceiling with scrolls and books.

"How!?" Naruto asked excitedly. "Was that Fuinjutsu!?"

Hibachi rolled his dull grey eyes at the stupidity of the idiot blonde. "No moron, it's a magical room."

Anko began rubbing her forehead at her student's own stupidity, knowing already Mayako was about to put him in his place. The elderly Uzumaki gave the rude brunette a raised faded red eyebrow and asked. "Alright little smart man, if you're so intelligent why not explaining how it works so everyone knows."

The rude boy looked away blushing angrily as he had no way of knowing the answer. Mayako studied him for a second, satisfied he had been humiliated enough, and explained. "I switched the closet you saw before with the storage room you see now. This manor was built long ago in the basic shape of a four story square box; the closet was added later extending further into the mountain. When I was younger and realized this I created a larger second room behind the closet with the opening facing inward towards the mountain. Both rooms rest on a earth cylinder of sorts and when my Fuinjutsu is activated they rotate clockwise. Right know the closet's opening is facing inward towards the mountain. a barrier keeps earth types from entering or finding the place; until now no one but me knew it existed."

Everyone nodded their heads thoughtfully at the explanation, but Ami had another question. "Why didn't we feel vibrations of hear anything as the rooms moved?"

The elderly woman smiled down kindly at the purplette's question and explained. "My Fuinjutsu works highly similar to an Earth Release Technique known as Swimming Through Stone Jutsu. This jutsu allows a natural born user of Earth Release to travel underground without the normal tells; like tremors or surface ground disruptions."

Tora gave the woman a thoughtful look, acknowledging her playful manner, and asked. "What's behind those large elaborate doors we first came to; nothing?"

Chuckling Mayako explained. "Oh no, there is something there alright. A large stone hand giving a one-fingered-hand-sign that has nothing to do with jutsu."

Seeing shocked and amused faces as everyone understood, Mayako asked. "Can Naruto and Sakura accompany me inside first before everyone else? We can handle some clan related issues privately."

"Well, I don't mined if Kurenai Sensei and Hinata-chan come." Naruto said quickly. "I'd prefer not keeping secrets if I can help it."

"Yeah, I'm with Naruto on this one." Sakura agreed. "Whatever you tell us we will most likely explain to them later anyways, especially if it could interfere with training, so it would save us the trouble of repeating everything."

The three Genin of Squad Eight looked to Kurenai for a response. The raven haired Jounin thought it over saying. "If you have no objection, Lady Mayako, I would like to hear what is said; especially anything pertaining to my students. I promise on my honor to never reveal anything we speak of today to anyone; unless there exists some kind of danger to Hidden Leaf Village or my students themselves."

"That's reasonable." The redhead agreed. "Team Six can wait out here then, unless there are more objections."

"None from me or these worms." Anko said with a sadistic grin. "I need to have a private chat with little Hibachi-kun anyway regarding proper conduct while in the presence of a client."

The sock cap wearing boy turned pale and gave Kurenai a pleading look for help. The red eyed Jounin ignored the terrified boy. Sighing she led her team to fallow Mayako into the secret room muttering. "Now I kind of want to stay out here and watch."

The door closed behind Team Eight automaticity with a small click. Hinata looked around curiously at the shelves lining the walls full of small scrolls. There was also a larger duel cylinder scroll open on a special made stand that took up the whole back wall; the only thing you saw between the connecting rolls was a large Uzumaki Clan Insignia. No decoration or comforts had been added to the space at all; just a modest sized space full of information and history.

Mayako approached the large scroll and said proudly. "This was the artifact I was telling you about Sakura. It is known as the Uzumaki Scroll Of Created Born Abilities.

Sakura's eyes lit up at the news until her mind snapped to an important bit of information. "Wait, shouldn't it be the Uzumaki Scroll Of 'Natural' Born Abilities?"

Chuckling the old woman explained. "That, my dear, is what we led the world to believe."

All of Team Eight stood in complete shock by the redhead's words. Naruto's mind was reeling as it processed everything told to him and everything he had thought already known. Bewildered he asked. "You mean the Uzumaki really did cross bred with other worldly demons?"

Mayako looked confused by the boy's question until suddenly bursting out laughing when realizing were it came from. "Hahahahahaha! I forgot about that stupid book! Hidden Whirlpool: Facts and Fiction! Hahahahahaha.

It took a while for the old redhead to calm down to say. "Come on Naruto, do you really think one of our clansman wrote down the Uzumaki secrets and sold them in a book!?"

"Well that's what the stupid thing said!" The blonde defended himself angrily. "People thought we used demons to gain various powers and abilities!"

Mayako finally gained complete control and apologized. "I'm sorry Naruto, I wasn't making fun of you. It's just no one has brought up that book to me in ages; plus your face when you asked the question. We'll get back to the truth in a moment, but first I would like Sakura to stand before the scroll and mold chakra."

The pinkette, still confused by the demon talk, walked forward and stood before the scroll. Nervously the young Kunoichi gathered her chakra and simply held it; waiting patiently for something to happen. Finally, a creaking could be heard coming from the scroll as it started unrolling from the left while being rolled up on the right. It stopped on a picture showing a nondescript person setting lotus style inside a larger outline of himself. The caption 'Strength Of Inner Self' was at the top of the page.

"I don't get it." Sakura said confused. "What the hell does that mean; believe in myself or something. I agree with the message but how does that give me a 'special' ability?"

Mayako stood silently thinking about how to approach the subject as the scroll returned to the Uzumaki Insignia. It made sense, especially with the way the young girl's chakra seemed to be suppressed, that this would be her ability. Turning to the pinkette the old woman asked kindly. "Sakura, stop me if I'm wrong, but I'm guessing you have a strong mind for facts, a photographic memory, and a natural skill with Illusions?"

At the girl's proud happy nod the elderly woman continued somberly. "Sakura, dear, have you ever in your life heard a voice in your head … telling you to do foolish or, …violent things?"

Hinata observed the conversation along with Naruto and Kurenai Sensei. She watched scared for her friend as Sakura's proud smile turned to shocked fear. The pinkette began rubbing her left arm while hugging herself; the Hyuga had never seen the confident girl look so lost.

"Sakura, I'm not trying to upset or humiliated you. I just need to know if you have or not." Mayako explained in a stern kind voice. "It would explain your lack of chakra density the Uzumaki were known to possess; you could have accidentally blocked it mentally out of fear."

The pinkette's green eyes became misty as she began recalling an early childhood fear. Sniffling she explained. "When I was younger, … every now and again this angry sounding voice, one that sounded a lot like my own, would demand I do things that would get me in trouble … or sometimes possibly hurt. Some of the things were violent, like the time it demanded I .. s-stab my mom when she denied me candy. I thought it would take control of me sometimes when it came, like I would black out and wake up after the voice did whatever it wanted. When the voice came it felt so powerful (sniff, sniff), so much stronger than myself. I tried everything I could to repress the voice and never told anyone it existed; struggling to just make it go away. (sniff) The voice started coming less and less, getting angrier at my ignoring it, until one day it stopped all together."

Mayako took the young girl's hands in her own trying to comfort the crying child. "Sakura, this voice that you heard was your absolute opposite self, an Ido, brought upon by a chemical imbalance in your brain. One you were born with because of your Uzumaki Ability."

Sakura calmed down a little and asked. "What exactly is my ability?"

The old woman took a moment to answer. "It's kind of like telekinesis, moving objects with thought, but it can only be preformed through a specific Illusion; … your Ido."

"What do you mean!?" A terrified Sakura asked. "That monster that wanted me to stab my mother over candy!? How is that possible!?

The redhead shook her head sadly. "Your chakra's reaction to the chemical imbalance is what causes both the Ido and the telekinesis; they're two sides of the same coin. By calling up the Ido Illusion you can endow it with telekinetic power so the thing can effect the real world; a trick that will make it seem solid and real. As you become better with the Illusion you can make it bigger, faster, and stronger; possibly boss level summons level or better."

"Yes, ok, but it still wanted to hurt my mommy!" Sakura exclaimed. "There's no way I'm bringing that thing out into the real world, especially with the way we've been arguing lately! It can stay locked in my head till the day I die!"

Mayako sighed exasperatedly. "Dear, don't you understand? That power is yours to control not the other way around. Meditation and emotion control are the key to harnessing this strength. With it you could crush virtually any foe that crossed your path or tried to harm what's most precious in your heart; especially mommy. This Ido will clash with your kind nature because it isn't a kind creature, it was literally created from every negative emotion you ever had, but in the end it will summit because it is still you; just in the negative. (1)

The young Kunoichi wiped her eyes and hugged the older redhead. Stepping back she went and joined her team as Mayako indicated for Naruto to step forward; but the boy hesitated. "I already know what I have."

"I'm sure you do Sunny." Mayako said smiling. "However, this is tradition and you may have more than one ability; the scroll will show us everything."

The blonde shrugged and walked forward. Standing before the scroll he molded his chakra like Sakura had done. Like the pinkette it took a moment for the artifact to read his chakra. After doing so it moved left slowly and stopped on the first image shown; giving no sign it planned to move again.

"Yumegan!" Naruto proudly exclaimed. "I'm already getting the hang of it to. I'm really good with Genjutsu and I can do this far-sight-mind-image-sense thing already; it's awesome!"

'You've barely scratched the surface child.' Mayako thought astonished studying the image of a four tomoe eye surrounded by hundreds of drawn stick people. 'For one with your level of power to posses this ability is godly.'

Turning to the blonde as the scroll once more returned to the start page, the old woman spoke. "I believe it's time to tell you more about our clan and how it came to be."

Turning to the rest of Team Eight she continued. "The book Naruto read states that the Uzumaki Born Abilities are results of evolution just like other Kekkei Genkai. The actual truth, taken from private Uzumaki records, four Kekkei Genkai were actually the result of divinity; Sharingan, Byakugan, Mokuton, and the Dead Bone Pulse. All the higher chakra changes and so forth appear to be the actual function of evolution."

Kurenai nodded her head slowly thinking it over. Curiously she asked. "Ok, I'm guessing we're going back to the legend of The Sage Of Six Paths. Where do the Uzumaki come in?"

Naruto and Hinata looked between the grownups excitedly; Sakura was also curious but her mind was still on other things. They had all learned about the Legendary Sage during there first year of the Shinobi Academy, supposable the father of all jutsu. The elder Uzumaki studied the children for a moment to make sure they were fallowing along and continued. "A lot of knowledge has been lost to the Uzumaki over the ages, but this we know to be fact; the Sage had two sons. His oldest son gained the Sharingan Dojutsu, his second son gained physical strength and chakra which also gave him Mokuton; though some accounts clash with this possibility stating wood jutsu came a few generations later."

"These facts though did led to a startling revelation; Sharingan can potentially mature into Rinnegan." The woman explained in a serious tone. "This is where the Uzumaki come in."

"Lady Mayako, all you've revealed so far, how are the Byakugan and Dead Bone Pulse the result of divinity?" Hinata asked timidly.

The redhead smiled down kindly at the young girl and explained. "Uzumaki records show that the Sage had a younger brother. It was he who first possessed the Byakugan and possibly the Dead Bone Pulse; my clan was never completely sure on that last one either. What is known is his two daughters possessed the Dojutsu and body augmentation; his oldest the eyes and youngest the bones." (2)

The little bluenette nodded her head thoughtfully and Mayako continued. "Anyways, back to why Sharingan's potential to become Rinnegan is related to the birth of the Uzumaki Clan. Whirlpool Historians could never determine why, but both of Hagoromo's sons started fighting; fallowed by their children and allies. In fear a corrupt user of Rinnegan would one day rise because of the constant bloodshed, the Sage used his greatest ability, Creation Of All Things Jutsu, to gift his second son's only daughter a Dojutsu to counter the Rinnegan; this girl became the mother of all Uzumaki."

"Yumegan!?" Kurenai asked shocked. "Your saying Yumegan is neither evolution or divinity but a … designer weapon; one the Sage Of Six Paths himself forged?"

"Yes." The old woman said strongly. "The ultimate power the Yumegan was designed to weld was the very power that created it; Creation Of All Things Jutsu."

Naruto was in awe at this revelation. "You mean I'll eventually be able to just create anything I can think of?"

"No, even the Sage himself couldn't do that." The elderly redhead stated crushing the boy's dream.

"But the name of the technique is Creation Of …." Naruto began only to be cut off by an exasperated Mayako.

"Use your head boy!" The old woman exclaimed. "Names can be misleading at times. Earth Release: Swimming Through Stone Jutsu is a good example of this; you don't actually swim through stone and it works just as well with lose soil. Creation Of Whatever I Have The Chakra To Pull Off At The Time Jutsu didn't nearly sound as impressive. With every technique there is always some kind of trade; always. If the Sage could have waved his hands and created anything he wanted then …. well I don't know what but the world would be a whole lot different and better off probably." (3)

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Mayako asked the blonde. "Naruto, do you remember the story about how the Sage imprisoned the First Bijuu within himself then broke it into the Nine we have today; just so they'd be easier to handle more or less?"

The young boy nodded his head so the elderly woman continued. "He was able to do this because the chakra of the First Bijuu became his, so when he created the Nine Bijuu of today he had the chakra to trade."

Team Eight stood silently contemplating everything until Hinata questioned quietly. "How exactly did Yumegan create the Uzumaki Clan though?

Mayako cleared her throat before explaining. "The Sage used the chakra his granddaughter inherited from him through her father, while she was still in the womb of his daughter-in-law, to create Yumegan. His granddaughter, in fear her uncle would try and force her children to fight for him one day, used Yumegan to gift her sons and daughters power while in her womb so they could better protect themselves. She was also able to gift up to at least four or five generations abilities as they developed after conception. Every special born ability of the Uzumaki Clan is a designer weapon."

Sakura began to get angry at this statement. Glaring at the redhead she asked coldly. "If the abilities of your clan were all designed, then why is mine so flawed. I thought at times my mined was cracking."

Mayako looked sadly into the young girl's angry eyes. "No one is perfect Sakura. The Yumegan Wielders who created the Uzumaki Clan's Special Abilities were human, not gods. A lot of the powers my clansmen can inherit are double edged swords; impossible jutsu with a high cost."

Kurenai gave the old woman a dubious look. "Yumegan Wielders, you mean Naruto can create powers for his children one day?"

"Possibly." The redhead contemplated. "There's more on that in the training scroll I'll be giving to him today. It's a curtesy among the Uzumaki to only study the clan scrolls that pertain to yourself, unless you're a parent or Sensei of a child that needs help, so I've never exactly seen the Yumegan's information and training scroll; I just have a general understanding thanks to Clan history."

"Well, that's about all we really needed to do." Mayako sighed dismissively. "You can go ahead and let Squad Six in if you want but really there's no need. All I'm going to do is make two separate copies of everything for both teams to transport back to Leaf. I'll also find and make copies of anything Sakura and Naruto might find useful as well."

"All right then." The raven haired Jounin excepted. "We'll wait outside then."

"Can I help you Miss Mayako?" Naruto asked giving his best big blue eyed look. "I have more questions about our clan."

"I'd like to ask a few of my own." Sakura jumped in. The look in her green eyes was troubling as she was still trying to get a grip on her personal phobia. Even at a young age the girl liked reading, so understood what mental insanity was to some degree. Memories of years thinking something was wrong with her brain would not fade easy.

"That will be fine dear." Mayako was quick to assure kindly.

Kurenai turned and led Hinata out of the storage room. In the bedroom Anko stood leaning against the far wall reading an orange covered book. The Genin of Squad Six stood around looking bored; Hibachi sporting a black eye and Ami a bruised hand. Kurenai walked up to her fellow Jounin and explained what was happening with Mayako. Pointing her chin towards the angry looking dark purplette she asked. "What happened out here with your Kunoichi-in-training?"

Anko looked up to wear her friend was looking. "Usual, idiot boy makes inappropriate comment about girls with big jugs fighting style, wondering how such a girl could fight effective without her chest getting in the way, in front of Kunoichi teammate with mean right hook; though I think Ami was more angry about the fact Hibachi said she wouldn't understand the complication."

Kurenai face turned red with anger as she looked over at Hibachi. However she got a pleasant surprise when she looked down at an angry faced Hinata. The little heiress growled out low. "If he's so curious I'll gladly give him a demonstration back home."

…. Dinning Room, Evening ….

Naruto sat at a long table glaring down at the most pristine looking roasted duck he had ever seen. Angrily the Genin wondered just how Chef Takamoto made such a delicious looking bird; it just wasn't fair. He tried so hard to cook canned beans and he turned them into inedible charcoal, but this Guy comes along with a delicious looking meal. Glaring up at the tall man in the apron, the young Uzumaki looked for bandages fingers or burns marks on his clothes and saw none. Growing angrier the little Jinchuriki crossed his arms pouting.

The chef noticed the boy's annoyance and became confused. "Sorry young man, is there something wrong with the duck?"

Cold blue eyes glared up definitely at the older man as the blonde grumbled. "Oh no, nothings wrong at all. The duck is cooked to absolute perfection."

"Ok." The man said becoming more confused while drawing out the o; it didn't help the other children were giggling. "If you need anything more please let me know."

Takamoto bowed politely and left quickly to check on the adults, eager to get away from the strange blonde boy. Everyone began making plates of fried rice, duck, and steamed vegetables; however, Naruto refused to even touch the bird until Hinata made him with puppy dog eyes. Hibachi watched on jealously as his most hated enemy became easily wrapped around the finger he wanted to be.

Sakura noticed the look the brunette was shooting her teammates and asked hotly. "What crawled up your butt Hibachi?"

Embarrassed he had been caught staring the rude boy blushed and quickly looked down at his plate. "Nothing that concerns you Sakura."

At the other end of the table sat the adults watching everything. None of them missed the way Naruto glared at the chef or the jealous look Hibachi had shown. Takamoto approached the women and asked. "Is everything satisfactory ladies?"

Mayako gave the man a polite nod. "Oh yes Chef Takamoto, everything is as splendid as always. Your duck is absolutely fabulous."

The tall man looked at the other bird he had prepared to see much of it gone already. "Thank you for the praise Lady Mayako." He said bowing respectfully. Straightening back up he asked hesitantly. "Sorry, but did I do something to offend your young relative? He seemed angry with me for some reason."

The three woman began chuckling to the man's annoyance until the elderly Uzumaki explained. "Naruto has the same curse that all males that share my last name posses; he can't cook to save his life."

Takamoto laughed finally understanding the situation. "So my skill in the kitchen annoys him. I could possibly show him a few tricks if he's staying awhile."

Kurenai looked around at the stone walls thinking out loud. "Well, this house is made from a mountain so he'd definitely have a hard time burning it down; though if there is some way to do so my student would definitely find it." Looking up at the cook she cautioned. "There is a Ramen Chef back home who is a good friend of Naruto's, Teuchi Ichiraku, that's trying to teach him to cook. I've already had to replace seven fire extinguishers. One quote from Teuchi that I love is this; 'I'll be Hokage before that boy can successfully boil water'."

Takamoto gave out a loud laugh at the statement. Getting control of himself he said. "Well then never mind. Please if you need anything let me know."

"Actually there is one thing if you please." Mayako said before the man could leave. "Some of my niece's finest sake."

"Of course my lady, I'll have Zuni go grab a bottle for you immediately." The chief stated and hurried off.

After the man was gone the elderly Uzumaki nudged her head towards the kids. "Want to get 'em drunk? Think of the entertainment value. Might even get Naruto and Hinata to kiss."

Scoffing Kurenai stated. "Knowing my luck they would do a lot more than kiss, and I don't feel like explaining to Hiashi how I help the blonde menace nail his oldest daughter. I already helped him cop a feel."

Anko did a spit take chocking on water. Gaining control of herself she asked shocked. "What!?"

Kurenai recounted her teams True Test and how she through Hinata into Naruto's arms; planting his face directly in the heiress's chest. Anko and Mayako began laughing hard as most of the children shoot them questioning looks. The Genjutsu Mistress looked down the table in time to see Hibachi use the distraction to glance enviously at Naruto again.

Turning to her friend the raven haired woman asked. "Anko, what is wrong with your team's knucklehead? He keeps giving my own little knucklehead angry jealous looks."

The Snake Mistress looked down towards Hibachi and shrugged. "Think the little idiot likes the way Hinata fills out her uniform a little to much. Probably wondering how he could still the princess away from the prankster; doesn't help he outright hates Naruto because of his own parents' bigotry."

Kurenai gave out an annoyed grown. "Great, I know Hinata knows he's staring but Naruto himself hasn't a clue yet. If the blonde knucklehead does find out what's going on we will have a fight on our hands; one everybody back home will quickly try and blame solely on Naruto."

"Why's that?" Mayako asked suspiciously. "Do people hate my little clansman for some reason."

Kurenai, thanks to prior permission from the Third Hokage, quickly explained about the Kyuubi sealed with in her student. The redhead gained an annoyed look contemplating out loud. "I figured Naruto was the new Jinchuriki with his mother gone, but I hoped it wouldn't effect his childhood."

Both Kurenai and Anko gave the woman questioning looks. It was the purplette that asked. "What's that about Kushina?"

"You don't know?" Was the Uzumaki bewildered response. "When the First Hokage fought Madara Uchiha in the Valley Of The End, his wife Lady Mito Senju, formally Uzumaki, sealed Kyuubi within herself to help defeat the traitor. Judging by what I know to be true about Kushina and her natural born talents, she was chosen to carry the burden upon Mito's death; that's why she moved to Hidden Leaf at a young age. Most of the clan was told by her father, the Daimyo at the time, it was to keep strong ties with The Land Of Fire, which I suppose it was at that, but not because they needed a new Uzumaki Jinchuriki."

"If Kushina was Kyuubi's Jinchuriki then how did it escape to attack our village?" Anko questioned suspiciously.

The old woman's face fell as she told her guests a tragic truth. "During child bird a Kunoichi's chakra fluctuates erratically. This isn't a problem unless something on your person requires a constant steady supply of chakra; like a prison seal. It would seem that despite best efforts and planning Naruto's birth caused his mother's seal to break as the locks weakened; freeing Kyuubi."

The two Leaf Jounin exchanged startled looks, both thinking the same thing. Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage and father of Naruto, was arguably the best Fuinjutsu Master in the world at the time of his death. There was no way in hell he would have failed his darling Kushina in her hour of greatest need, not unless someone interfered. That meant someone was responsible for the deaths of Naruto's parents as well many others; Kurenai herself lost her father that day.

Anko turned to Mayako to ask her more questions but stopped seeing a nervous looking Zuni approaching with a small ceramic bottle. Giving a bow as she handed the sake over, the maid explained. "Sorry to bother everyone during dinner, but a Samurai carrying an official letter from Lord Daimyo is here to see Lady Mayako."

"What does that fool pervert want now." The elderly woman grumbled to herself. Looking up at the plump woman the aggravated Uzumaki indicated for her to show the currier in.

Down at the Genin side of the table Hinata was trying to force more vegetables upon a stubborn Naruto. The blonde turned away pouting as the little heiress held the plate of steamed greens under his nose. Sakura gave out an annoyed sigh and growled out. "Just take the damned things already before I shove plate and all down your throat."

"Oh come on Sakura-chan, Hinata-chan, there so yucky." The boy wined. "I've eaten enough as it is."

The young heiress put the dish of steamed greens down when she saw a young man in plated armor enter the kitchen. The teen, who looked barely older than the Genin, was wearing the traditional Samurai Armor and opened faced helmet. With proud purpose he approached the adults side of the table and presented a scroll to Lady Mayako with a respectfully bow. The look of distain was easily apparent on the elderly woman's face as she excepted the scroll.

Hinata watched as their client's eyes scan the written message; with each word her anger grew. Disgusted she past the scroll to Kurenai and shooed the young Samurai away. The boy's face was expressionless as he left to wait outside the Dinning Room. The heiress watched as all three adults began heatedly discussing the contents of the scroll; at one point Mayako pointed towards the door the young boy had gone through and made a slit throat motion. Anko looked thoughtful at what was suggested but Kurenai looked annoyed. The indigo haired girl read a sharp 'no' from her Sensei's lips.

The three adults stood as one, Kurenai and Mayako came over to the kids while Anko used body-flicker to disappear in a puff of smoke. The Genin grew quiet seeing the angry worried faces of their client and teacher. It was Squad Eight's Sensei that spoke first stating. "We have a problem."

Holding up the little scroll the Genjutsu Mistress continued. "This just came addressed to Lady Mayako from the Land Of Bears Daimyo inviting her to visit. The Daimyo has also sent a Cordially Invitation to Heir Naruto Uzumaki, Heiress Sakura Haruno, and Heiress Hinata Hyuga to accompany his aunt to dinner at his manor."

"What!?" Came the outraged reply from the Jinchuriki. "Why the hell would I want to meet the man that was responsible for the massacre of my clan!?"

Mayako sighed while rubbing both hands on her faded red hair, trying to find the right words to placate the upset child. Looking into the young boy's eyes she began. "Naruto, you've told me your dream is to one day be Hokage. If that dream ever comes to pass than you will be burdened with the roll of leader, meaning you must make decisions that better help your people as a whole even when you don't always agree with the choices given; such as meeting with scum and forming alliances despite the fact you may wish said person dead."

Stubbornly the blonde crossed his arms pouting and growled. "Well, that maybe true and all, but I'm not Hokage yet so I'm not going."

Kurenai messaged her temples felling a headache coming on. Trying to be patient the woman comely explained. "Do you remember from your personal studies about the Uzumaki Clan, that the Leader Of Hidden Whirlpool and the Daimyo of The Land Of Whirlpool were one and the same? Why this is so important is because it shows the lines of succession within the Uzumaki Clan fallowed bloodlines, the ruler is chosen by birthright instead of overall power and ability like other Kages. Your Grandfather was the last Daimyo of Whirlpool, making your mother the heiress of your clan, and with her passing that right falls to you alone; even if it was never said many people throughout the world, Shinobi and Civilian alike, recognized you as nobility the day you were born."

Several shocked faces looked between an angry defiant Naruto and a strict looking Kurenai; despite everything they had learned over the last few days not one had made the connection that the blonde was a heir. Seeing she was getting through to her student the Genjutsu Mistress continued. "Even if you never become Hokage you will still be a leader within our country one day. Upon your eighteenth birthday, the age Civilians recognize you as an adult, the Fire Daimyo will name you the Feudal Lord of the Whirlpool Territories; therefore, your behavior right know can have a negative impact on The Land Of Fire. If you offend the wrong people, Daimyos, Feudal Rulers, even wealthy Civilian business owners, they will take their money elsewhere which financially hurts everyone back home."

Mayako, seeing the boy begin to speak in anger again, interjected quickly anticipating the next point Naruto would try making. "The fact the bastard is responsible for our clan's massacre is irrelevant to Civilian Lords and Ladies, all because he gave the lands he stole to Fire. In the minds of the those feeble headed fools, his actions, though forced, signified a strive for piece. If you allow your emotions to keep you from going further down that road to peace, unnecessarily endangering the people depending on you to maintain world harmony for as long as it is reasonably possible, especially if you have no other argument than simple hatred and anger, it will show you to be a poor selfish leader. Truthfully, there will be many more times in your young life when heart and head disagree on what to do, and you must have the wisdom to understand which is giving you the most logical advice for the good of everyone; that is what great leaders do."

Seeing she had gotten through to her clansman, Mayako gave Kurenai a snide look and explained with mock anger. "One plan I did come up with to avoid the whole mess was killing the messenger; saying he never showed up. Some people seem to think it was a bad idea though."

Kurenai rolled her red eyes at the old woman's playful stubbornness that reminded her to much of Anko. "How many people would honestly believe a Samurai tripped and broke his neck on a smooth flat road?"

"It could happen." Mayako stated smirking. "Besides, it's not always what you know but what you can prove."

Ami looked between both adults and asked. "Where did Anko Sensei go?"

"She went to send an emergency message to Lord Hokage by way of her fastest snake." Kurenai explained. "Hopefully he will order us to carry out the mission and ignore the Cordial Invitation; begging off the Daimyo's request saying we are Shinobi first, Lords and Ladies second. We have Shinobi duties to attend back home."

"Could that work?" Sakura asked with hope shining in her big green eyes.

"Your Genin child." Mayako stated deadpanned. "What duties could you possibly posses that would merit blowing off a Daimyo's Cordial Invitation?"

The pinkette's face fell as she realized the truth of the statement. "We're doomed."

…. Nobuo Manor ….

Samurai Shingo made his way quickly across the private gardens of the manor fallowed by two younger guards. At this time some of the maids were having afternoon tea and Shomei took hers outside. The old guard had become suspicious of the pretty brunette when she showed signs of having an in-depth knowledge of the house and grounds. Usually it took new hires a couple of weeks to figure out their way around, but she had a solid mental map within the first week. Checking his belief in records the man discovered the woman had quit, or done something to get fired, repeatedly for the last two years; changing something subtle about her appearance each time she was rehired under a new name. It hadn't been easy finding every record entry related to the girl by pictures alone, luckily the name Shomei was used frequently, but the persistent man had found them all; a troubling trail dating back two years.

When the Daimyo first started getting sick everyone close to him was vetted. One of the first aliases the girl used was one of the suspects looked at; however, after leaving employment the Lord continued to get sicker so she was exonerate. With no real clues to poisoning or a confirmed diagnosis from a doctor, Yukio's sickness was eventually ruled to be natural; until know. Shingo had sent an emergency correspondents to Lord Takehiko and grabbed two seasoned veteran Samurai that had experience battling Shinobi. The girl being a Kunoichi was the only explanation as to why her subtle disguises worked so well; Genjutsu.

Finally crossing the pristinely kept lawn and flowerbeds the Samurai saw their target on a bench under a Willow Tree. Studying the lovely brunette girl, innocently drinking tea in her tight work kimono, reminded the honorable Shingo just what a perverted fool his master truly was. The old guard wasn't exactly blind to the shortcomings of those he served, but it wasn't a Samurai's place to judge his masters. The bearded man truly longed for the day Master Kin'Ichi took the Daimyo Throne; he was far more honorable than his father, brother, or sister. It would seem that wondrous day was a long way of once again since the poisoner was soon to be apprehended; with luck the damage she did could be reversed.

"Maid Shomei!" Shingo spoke loudly. The woman turned her chocolate colored eyes to study the man, not once showing startled surprise that they were there; meaning unusual situational awareness for a Civilian. "You are to accompany me and my men to a detaining room for questioning regarding irregularities in you employment history. Also to discuss your possible involvement in the poisoning of Lord Yukio Nobuo, Daimyo to The Land Of Bears."

Shomei gave no reaction to the accusations except to take a sip of tea. Placing her cup down the brunette stated. "I've been killing that old pervert for two years and not once has anyone accused me of anything." Giving a cold laugh the girl asked. "May I ask, how did you figure it out Samurai Shingo?"

"Your knowledge of the grounds is to great for someone working here for only week." The old guard explained. "Now come quietly, I've no desire to harm a woman. I'm aware you must have some degree of training with Genjutsu so therefore are a Kunoichi. If you overpower us to escape or continue your mission it won't matter; I've already sent word to Lord Takehiko."

Shomei began a dainty giggle that quickly evolved into a full blown belly laugh. Catching her breath she explained to the confused man. "Your lecherous master's second born son, the middle child of the three entitled runts of Bear, you told him I was poisoning his daddy. Who do you think has been paying me to kill him. He wasn't happy when I explained the poison would take a few years, but it beat something that could be detected easily and stopped."

"You lie!" Shingo accused harshly. "Lord Takehiko, the Commander of our country's Samurai, a traitor. The honorable second son of Lord Daimyo would never betray his family."

The brunette rolled her eyes at the bearded fools stubborn belief in his employers. "The plan was to kill daddy pervert and big honorable brother with the same poison. Then Takehiko's nephew and niece would both die together in some kind of tragedy. This would make your Samurai Commander the Ruling Daimyo. Unfortunately the plan was taking to long for Takehiko's liking so we've found away to speed things along."

The old Samurai's eyes showed fire as his anger steadily grew. "Oh, how is that?" He asked through clenched teeth.

The young girl took a sip of tea and explained. "The Leaf Shinobi. When they arrive tomorrow they'll be used as scapegoats to murder everyone but Takehiko. Truthfully your Commander has been trying to find anyway he could to speed things along for a while now, he really is impatient, and Shinobi seemed the easier answer; however, the Daimyo's hatred of Shinobi makes it difficult to get any to visit. Luckily for us Uzumaki Naruto has the one thing that bastard could never refuse, well besides boobs and a tight butt; land and money."

Trembling in rage Shingo demanded. "Stand up and come quietly, or we will be forced to kill you."

Shomei sighed seeing a shocked look come over the the old face of the proud Samurai. She watched as his eyes slowly feel to study the katana blade point sticking out of his chest. The assassin's eyes actually shown a small amount of regret and sadness as she commented. "You place far to much trust in a Samurai's honor old man. Not a good idea when they're standing behind you with swords."

With his last ounce of strength the dying man turned his head to look at the guard standing behind him. "Why, you betray our masters?"

"Which masters do you speak of Captain Shingo, the Daimyo or Lord Commander?" The younger man asked regrettably. "The only way to faithfully serve one is by betraying the other."

The light left the old Samurai's eyes as he fell face first into the dirt. Shomei schooled her features into a mask of indifference saying. "Leave, I will dispose of the body."

The murder angrily looked down at the girl still sitting on the bench. "He deserves full honors, Kunoichi, and I will see that he has them."

The killer held his katana in a threatening fashion while his companion stood ready, hands on the hilt of his own blade; both daring the girl to attack. The brunette was steadily growing tired of the two idiots that seemed to think she was no threat; plus she had respected old Shingo. Standing up Shomei faced both men and gave a dainty laugh and smiled. "My, so big and imposing; shame on you for treating a girl so ungentlemanly."

It happened literally within the blink of an eye. The youngest of the two Samurai blinked and the lovely brunette disappeared from sight. Quickly turning to his partner confused he saw a headless body falling backwards. Spinning around while pulling his own katana he watched Shomei casually break the very blade that killed Shingo in half; in no time at all she had disarmed the murder and decapitated him with his own sword.

"My patients grows thin fool." The Kunoichi harshly said still facing away. "Go while you are still able. I'll deal with the bodies myself. They're absence will not go unnoticed but luckily this all ends tomorrow, so it won't matter to much."

The last Samurai left quickly knowing he was no match for the girl alone. Shomei watched him leave thinking. 'Yes, it all ends tomorrow. The 'honorable' Nobuo Clan will finally pay for their treachery. Every last one will die an agonizing death starting with the fool Samurai Commander. I wonder what will be worse for him; the fact he won't be Daimyo or the elaborate death that is planned.' Thinking it over a sadistic smirk came over the brunette just as the Genjutsu wavered over her brown hair, showing for a second its true red color. 'Oh yes, the death will be far worse.'

Author's Note

(1)-I got the Ido from the Yakumo Kurama arc. Her and Sakura don't compare. I'm not going to bother explaining Yakumo's power since I never understood it. She could make Genjutsu real I get, but the how, the mechanics, were never really explained. Did she set the Hokage's Office on fire with an actual lightning strike or the Illusion of one? Could she Command your chakra to harm your body or was it your mind hurting you since it believed all of what was happening to be real? Don't remember the show clarifying either way.

Sakura can't just whip out her Ido and kick Orochimaru's butt all over Konoha; she needs to figure out how her power works first. More on her ability later.

(2)-I fully admit I can't remember every detail of the series, but how accurate am I right now about Byakugan and Dead Bone Pulse. Were the Hyuga and Kaguya the descendants of Hagoromo or Hamura? Not really important to the story since I'm changing things up a little anyways; just curious. Yes, I know most was the result of retconning by the writers for the story's sake but did the Manga ever give an in-story answer? Also the Uzumaki Clan didn't know everything that's why Mayako is getting some stuff wrong.

(3)-I'm sure someone will say anyone with Rinnegan can use the Creation Of All Things Jutsu, but once again I don't recall an in-story answer to this. If Madara's Rinnegan gave him Limbo Clones and Sasuke's granted him teleportation, did Hagoromo's grant him the Creation Of All Things Jutsu? Yes I'm aware that Sharingan Genjutsu Izanagi was a weaker version of Hagoromo's jutsu, but could a Rinnegan perform it or was it strictly a Sharingan Jutsu?

Naruto will be able to temporarily create anything out of chakra, but it all fades away eventually. Why the Bijuu didn't fade away is because they are living beings and their chakra is special, Uzumaki Abilities were created as the individuals grew naturally in the womb and can't be fixed or repaired after birth. Naruto can't break Kyuubi down and remake him because his ability will never be as strong as Hagoromo's. Rinnegan can't create something stronger than itself and neither can Yumegan. Also, this will not devolve into another Naruto-has-Creation-Of-All-Things-Jutsu-so-therefore-is-unbeatable story. Won't gain technique until he can fully open third eye which isn't happening anytime soon. It will also be restricted by time limits and rules.