Season 2 Chapter 4
Sakumo sat at his desk, hands covering his face as he contemplated why he let this continue on for so long again? Yes, he understood it was part of the Uzumaki nature but when had Kushina stopped the big pranks again?
A whine left the Hokage, sounding very unnatural for his human status. However, that was very debatable at the moment. Such a debate due to the fact that not only did he have a set of wolf ears atop his head, but laying limp off the side of his chair, from his current mood, was a long silver wolf's tail.
Yesterday, the extra appendages had started appearing on all of the Clans. None were the same, similar species categories in some cases, but technicalities were still present. Prime example being Kambi and Tsume Inuzuka had stormed in sporting much smaller canine tails and different shaped ears. Still Canine, but Tsume's had one ear that wouldn't stop folding down.
The mother and Daughter had only been the first of it all. Practically all of the Clan Heads visited him with different variations of reactions.
Hiruzen had just stared at him. Long monkey tail twitching with his agitation, His ears were more rounded, but very hairy. He was the most normal looking of them all to be honest.
Sakumo had to hold back his laughter when Hizashi had come on the behalf of his brother. The Hyuuga had a very…Beautifully colored crest sprouting from his head as his long tail of peacock feathers trailed behind him.
The gossip of a different Hyuuga's tail suddenly popping up and showing off all his pretty feathers to a civilian woman had gotten around fast. So had the knowledge that apparently that Hyuuga had been visiting that civilian's shop for months but none had known why. Now they did.
Shikaku, Inoichi, and Chouza had visited as a unit. The set of Antlers and deer tail on the nara, not quite unexpected. Chouza had been sporting a set of butterfly wings that were quite beautiful. Inoichi had large bird of prey wings to the man's surprise. Many forgot that the Yamanaka could use their Mind techniques with the different hawks they raised.
Inoichi had admitted though that they couldn't actually use the wings more than to slow down falls or glide from high points. Sakumo had asked who had been the one to test actually jumping from a building to fly. The Yamanaka didn't answer him, but since no one was critically hurt, Sakumo had let it go.
Shibi had appeared soon after and it seemed his clan too got out of it with the least obtrusive changes. The antennas on his head were odd, but again, not too surprising with the theme Sakumo had realized.
Mikoto had visited that morning to confirm that yes the Uchiha were affected too. Kushina as well stood at her side. The Former had a long black tail and round feline like ears on her head. Kushina's….He should have already guessed. Red fox ears with white tips, and a long fluffy fox tail. The Uzumaki had been ecstatic to have her own tail.
The only one Sakumo didn't expect or understand was when Kudorama appeared behind a blood henge and just glared at Sakumo. The man had long white horns sprouting out of his head that swirled and curled back around his head. Then he additionally had the longest tail of them off, covered in iridescent scales with a ridge of spines down the middle.
Apparently even Jiraiya and Orochimaru were sporting similar features with their wife and children.
The children… Kami, they were all loving it. There were very few differences between the adults and children. The nara were the most prominent. Like the women of that clan, the kids only had Deer ears, but this time theirs were covered in spots along with their tail, just like a regular fawn.
"Sakumo?" named man looked up to see his successor and groaned.
"You too?"
Minato smiled sheepish, long yellow tail, spotted with black flicking behind him. Round ears alert on his head. "Yes sir, Cheetah it seems. I'm grateful it wasn't based off my summons."
Sakumo snorted. "Kushina wouldn't have tolerated that and might have actually dismantled the prank. This way, she won't." the man explained with ease, knowing the prankster well enough to deduct that much.
Minato chuckled nervously and Sakumo watched curiously as the younger man's ears tucked back and tail wrapped around his leg for comfort.
"Sir, I uhh…might know who the prankster is. This level of sealing is only at-" Sakumo held up a hand and the younger blonde stopped.
"I'm aware of who the prankster is Minato. I've known since she started pranking Konoha to cope with her traumas. Since she has not been physically caught in the act I request that you keep it to yourself as there is still a bet running for the Konoha prankster."
Minato stared before dropping to a wilted crouch. "I should have known it was her all along. Kushina said she figured it out years ago. She doesn't know how the brat is getting away with it, but she's very proud."
"I think our prankster pays off help when she needs it." Sakumo snorted, ear flicking with his annoyance, yet also hearing his next meeting arrive. "While I'm thinking about it Minato, can you discuss with her how she mixed our human genes with the animal traits we all now hold, without actually experimenting on us? If you haven't noticed, our human ears are long gone and depending on the animal, the senses match to what we've been mixed with."
Minato chuffed before flushing at the more feline sound of it than normal. "Yes sir, I've noticed. Kushi is already hunting her down for a theory explanation."
"Good. I'll leave it up to you three to decide what to do with it."
Minato bowed and took the dismissal for what it was.
Minato appeared back at his home to find practically all the adult Uzumaki and the lone Senju woman piled atop of the only teen amidst them.
"Spill it brat!" Tsunade grinned manically. "This is annoying but incredible."
"No! This is the secret of a Prank Master!" The girl yowled even as her smaller frame finally squirmed from their hands, but being trained as another fox, Kushina grinned and tackled Minashi back into the pile. Yelps, yips, and snarls fill his living room as even Sukitama-sama was wrestling and trying to get Minashi to give up the theory.
Letting out a sigh, minato scented that it wasn't just the Uzumaki rolling around like children in the living room. His eyes turned to find Asuka with Doe ears, sitting out of the way just waiting patiently.
Glancing between her and the pile, his ear flicked before he turned and joined her to sit and watch. He noticed then that she had a notepad with all the physical changes she'd noticed, including senses, instincts, and whatever she was observing with the fighting cousins.
Minato raised a brow when Mariko got in a vicious little choke hold on Kushina in retaliation for stepping on her tail moments before. To Minato, it honestly seemed that despite the youth of three of the vixens, and the strength of the female dragon, it was Sukitama that was getting the most hits in. He signed to Asuka about that in ANBU code.
She snorted. 'Oka-sama, may have been born in a civilian family, but she married a shinobi and learned to defend herself and their family. Plus, Uzumaki. Case closed.' The Nara-senju flicked her wrist dismissively at the end and Minato conceded.
Realizing ten minutes later, they were not going to stop, Minato disappeared and reappeared within seconds of molding his chakra. Back in his seat, he opened up sensei's latest book and smiled at the dedication to Naruto, Minashi's brother.
Minashi let out a heavy breath of air, her senses spread out looking for her Nee-san or Oba-san. Finding that she'd finally lost them, she groaned and dropped into the shade of a tree. Staring up at the partially cloudy sky, a fond smile lifted her lips. Shikamaru would have loved this sort of day. The pain that the blonde once felt thinking of her friends didn't bubble up like it usually did. Instead her lungs expanded, nature energy turned to sage chakra, she exhaled and closed violet eyes.
Not only was she now hidden in the natural energies of the world, further hiding her from Kushina, but she could flicker from one chakra to another. She watched her comrades' counterparts the longest.
She also felt that Kakashi and Ryouta were on their own way back home and would arrive by that evening. Feeling calmer at that knowledge, Minashi didn't fight the feelings of sleep tugging at her. The calm chakra of Konoha, the warm chakra of Kurama flowing soothingly through her coils, the gentle spring wind warming with summer approaching, and the warm sun upon her skin. The Uzumaki fell asleep in moments, enjoying the physical peace around her.
Ruby eyes stared at the Squad Captain that was reporting to the remains of the Royal Family. It was her, freshly twenty, her younger brother -fifteen- and their younger sister -ten in a few months-. Oh, they still had her great-great Aunt, her grandfathers and grandmothers, and a few grand uncles and aunts, but…but their Father, her step mother, their aunts and uncles. Even her older First cousins. All gone. Those Kami-damned Water Shinobi Clans!
Princess Uzumaki Aika felt her eyes fill with tears as the next Captain reported to the Elder Council and the Remains of the Royal Family of the results of what would be later recorded as the War of Water.
Gone….they were all gone. None of them were even of age yet! How…How were they supposed to rule their people? Taro, her otouto was still such a child, such a responsibility was too great for him. He was too spoiled, raised too much to be a prince focused on wealth and leisure than on their people. He still needed to grow up. Aika had been doing her best to teach him in their parents absence but it was difficult when still doing her own studies and research while also raising Emi.
Aika didn't know what to do…. She wanted to scream and cry, thrash and throw a tantrum. How could they leave them alone like this!?
The Uzushio Eldest and First Princess took a deep breath, wiped away her tears and straightened her spine. No matter if she was five years too young before her own coming of age ceremony, she must step up. Taro wasn't fit to lead until his priorities changed. Emi was much much too young. It seems that research she had been doing just in case Taro never changed…would come in handy. She never thought she would have to use it.
It was less than a week later that Aika had scheduled a meeting regarding the Crown. She had scrolls with everything she would need to convince her Elders to allow her the right to take her place as Queen of Uzushio in place of her Father's King seat.
"I, First born daughter of King Uzumaki Tatsuya, ask of you esteemed Elders, to hear my advocation of my right to inherit my Father's position as Leader of our people." Aika spoke like the Hime she was trained to be. Calm, clear, concise, proud, strong-spined. She would not bend in her decision to take upon this duty that was her right by birth.
The elders were sharp tongued in their retribution against Aika. How dare a meer princess think she could rule over their people in whole. She did not know the full truth of the rest of the world. She's barely done her time on mission duty. She wasn't even a full blooded Uzumaki. Just a child of a mainlander whore that caught Tatsuya's fancy. The people would revolt against her taking the crown.
Aika held her calm facade. She let the elders talk, degrade her, demean her, spit at her hard work. They knew nothing. She would provide them proof that they were wrong before this meeting would be over. She Never went into anything without being prepared to win. All they have ever seen or heard was her progress as a princess. They would learn that she was a kunoichi born in a shinobi clan and she had been spending these years mastering her craft just as any other kunoichi of their people.
Aika wasn't blind or deaf to her great great Aunt's silence. She was calmly smoking her pipe in her place of honor as the Oldest Uzumaki alive. They couldn't NOT allow such an elder of wisdom a place on the council. Aika had a lot riding on the elderly woman's opinion, but this was also the same woman Aika had taken her Hime lessons from alongside her Fuuin lessons.
The Princess flared her chakra violently, stunning the older men into spluttering as ten chains appeared from Aika's back and wrapped around each of their mouths, leaving her Aunt alone.
"Are you done squabbling and picking on me like ill informed bullies or are you ready to act like the advising council of our people and Listen to your current Eldest Royal." Aika flashed churning Ruby eyes at the elders and they settled down as Aika recalled her chains. "Good. I can address all of your concerns and put them to rest. In the end I will have proved that I am the perfect candidate to Lead our people in this hard time and help them to recover after such devastating losses to our family."
The disgruntled looks left her elders and her own Grandfather hummed as he pulled out and lit his own pipe, a smirk playing on his lips, pride in his eyes.
"Then speak, granddaughter. The Floor is yours."
Aika felt a storm of pride swell in her chest. She'd passed the first test. Nodding, she pulled out the first scrolls and shared her work as an accomplished Kunoichi to her elders. She wasn't some meek princess. She was one of their best Naginata wielders, still taking lessons under their current master, but she wasn't far off from beating him. Same went for her Dual wielding Katana status. She was one of their best taijutsu practitioners and had a large part in their recent ninjutsu developments as they were all of her creations.
She was constantly working with their GrandMasters in furthering her Fuuin studies for the betterment of their people's daily lives and health. She would be testing soon to be one of Uzushio's youngest Masters in three generations.
Aika talked and talked, never letting up on everything she'd collected and trained for years to accomplish. Not only in her drive to be a good princess, to protect her people, but when she saw her brother's attitude showed no signs of improving, she knew she would need to step up one day. She never thought it would be this young. She thought she'd get a chance to challenge Taro to a battle for the right to accent, proving her strength.
Yet, instead she would be going directly to the council. The Council was further convinced when she brought out her final trump card.
Uzushio's own Historical Records and Linage. She will not be the first female leader of Uzushio. Hundreds of years ago they were a matriarchal clan, founded by their ancestor Otsutsuki Kamera, Only daughter of the Rikudo Sennin. Final proof that a woman in charge did not mean that the village would fall apart, if anything, their Clan was the strongest when led by a woman. Proof in their meticulous documentation of their family histories.
Aika finished almost two hours later feeling that storm in her chest grow as she saw the small smiles and pride twinkling in the eyes of her Grandfathers, uncles, and the Sharp red eyes of her Great Aunt crinkled in pride.
With her sound arguments and proof of her legitimacy through skill, knowledge, and linage, Aika left that Council room with unanimous votes to Crown her as Uzushio's next Queen.
"You will not be disappointed." Aika bowed to her elders.
"WHAT!?" Taro shouted rising halfway from his seiza as the Council of elders announced their decision to the rest of the Royal Family and the Aides and advisors remaining or the recent heirs to such positions.
Aika stood there in a beautiful Headchain collected and refurbished from her ancestors' treasury. Her great great Aunt had been the keeper of the Royal Headpiece. A sign of not only Aika's royal blood, but also of her new position as Heir Apparent until her coming of age where she will be Formally Crowned Leader and Queen of Uzushio.
"I am the first born son!" Taro continued.
"You may be first born son, Prince Taro, but you are not First born child of King Tatsuya." Great Great Aunt Hisako hummed calmly. "Now, remember your place and return to your seat."
Taro grit his jaw but returned to proper seiza. Burning Blue eyes upon Aika who was kneeling before the Elders facing the inner court of Uzushio.
Taro clenched his fists the more his elder sister's accomplishments were revealed. How did that half breed get so strong?
Emi smiled as she prepared tea for her Ane-sama. Aika had taken position as Crown Princess seriously and the recovery from the War of Water was going much smoother than the chaos it was before her appointment. Emi couldn't be more proud to have such a strong sister. She was glad she could be of help to Aika-ane, even if it was only pouring tea during her few breaks in the day.
Aika didn't have any time to rest once she was Crowned officially. She knew this would happen, and while she was exhausted mentally, it was so rewarding to see how her people were bouncing back after such devastating losses. Already she had new policies ready to share for approval with the Elders, and enact them so that something like this never happened again.
Thus, her time as crown princess flew by. Oh, she didn't get lazy behind her desk like many that still objected a female leader assumed. She was still a Kunoichi and even took time to lead missions if they required the skills only she had. Thankfully her Grandfathers were her biggest supporters and made sure that no one revoked her seat in her absences.
Before Aika knew it, five years had flown by and she was twenty five. Emi had taken charge with their great great Aunt to plan her Coronation. The ceremony had been beautiful and gone off without a hitch. She was Officially the Leader of Uzushio, the First Queen of Whirlpool in many many generations.
With her higher status, she couldn't leave the island as much as before, but it didn't stop her from building alliances. They needed strength now more than ever.
Sure, their numbers were starting to recover after the devastating losses with her removal of the birthing restrictions. But they were still weakened.
Aika sat on her raised dais and looked at her Elders to the sides, her siblings sitting before her, and her aides kneeling to the sides taking notes of this meeting.
"Uzushio needs allies. I plan on having all three of us join betrothals in the coming years." Aika spoke clearly and calmly to her two younger siblings. She didn't want to force them into this, but they needed to understand that they still needed to accept. "Speak now if you refuse to aid our people and village and I will seek other options."
Taro lowered his head to hide his burning eyes. "As you command, Ane-jou."
Emi bowed her head but raised it to meet her sister's gaze with her own Violet eyes. "I will do what is expected of an Uzushio Princess, Ane-sama."
Aika nodded and took the scrolls her personal aid handed over at her silent request. "None of this is official yet. I will be taking you both with me over the next month or two as we visit Mainland and island Clans. I plan to hold our own personal marriages for more influential clans on the mainland. However, the other Clans need to be visited so we know where our allies lie. Prepare for a two month journey."
"Hai." Her twenty and fifteen year old siblings agreed and left the receiving room.
Aika watched in the trees as her personal guards greeted the gate guards standing before the massive walls of their sister Clan. It had been a few generations since their alliance with the Senju had been renewed. In her father's own time, their relationship had been strained due to the bloody war the Senju were still involved in.
Finally a proper receiving party was at the opened gates. Aika signaled to her siblings, personal aid, and they dropped to the forest floor.
The middle aged man before her bowed a greeting, his long brown hair falling over his shoulder.
"Uzumaki-sama, You honor us with your personal visit." Senju Isamu bowed to the Queen visiting his Clan.
Aika just barely tilted her head back in greeting. Despite being in a many layered kimono, she was still a kunoichi beneath the fabrics and most importantly, she was the leader of her lands. Her station was higher than Isamu's.
"It has been far too long for our clans to reunite." Aika spoke, waving gently for Isamu to raise his head. "My father was paranoid about being dragged into your blood war. While I will still not allow such to happen, the Uzumaki are willing to talk trade, strengthened alliance, and joint mission sharing."
"Then let me introduce you to my children and we will then move to a more appropriate place to further discuss our alliance. I will also have it seen to, that you and yours are in our best accommodations."
Isamu waved to the five children that had been patiently standing behind him and watching the bright Colored people with awe on their childish faces.
"My Eldest Daughter Shizuka, She's sixteen this fall. My Eldest son and Heir Madoka, Fifteen. Second son Minoru, thirteen. Second daughter Mizuki, ten. My youngest son Shuji, eight."
Aika met the brown gazes of each child, her smile kind, her eyes soft especially on the two girls.
"It is wonderful to meet you all." She waved to her brother first. "This is my younger brother Taro, he is twenty. And this here is my baby sister, Emi, she is just recently fifteen. I do hope you all will get along as you will be seeing much of each other during our stay."
Aika and Isamu and their respective councils met two weeks later for final discussions on their alliances. The Senju would provide stability, strength, and protection along with being good trading partners. The Uzumaki would provide some of their more common knowledge, healing practices, and even assist in training some of their warriors on their island home. Cementing this arrangement would be the marriage of Taro and Isamu's eldest daughter Shizuka. Due to differing customs, their betrothal would last until Shizuka was at least eighteen as an Uzumaki did not come of age until they were twenty five. This would be marrying Taro at twenty two, but he'd not rejected it.
The only debate that had lasted for a while was the talk of children. Any child of Shizuka's that produced Mokuton would return to the Senju Clan to be raised as a senju, not as an Uzumaki. Aika was understanding of such a demand. She would do the same for any born with the adamant chains. Those were an Uzumaki Bloodline just as the Mokuton was a Senju Bloodline.
Thus, once the ink was dry, Shizuka was packed, the Uzumaki continued their travels onto the next alliance, going the long way to avoid the Uchiha territory and the hostile Hagaromo territory. Just with the Senju, the Nara had also been forewarned for their pending arrival. However the Nara were there to greet them properly.
In much ways the meeting with the Legendary Triad alliance of the Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi was like meeting the Senju. Just without the former connections. Being neutral Clans, there was no hostility initially from them. General curiosity, inquisition, and healthy paranoia.
Discussions with the Nara Head were some of the most enjoyable, mind whirling, and exhilarating talks Aika had ever faced. From the feel of the Head's chakra, he too was enjoying their talks. Days passed before finally they came to an end and finally agreed to begin the actual talks for an alliance between the Uzumaki clan and the Nara Clan. They would not get the entirety of the Triad alliance, but having the Nara backing them would be enough.
Emi was then introduced to her own future betrothed. The second son of the Nara head, Shikamako, the child was only eight, but was a genius of their clan. He also was fascinated with Emi, so the formal alliance and betrothal discussions went smoothly. Unlike Shizuka who would be moving to Uzushio with them, Shikamako was too young. Aika also would not budge on the fact that it was her siblings that needed to stay on the island and their betrotheds would move to uzushio. The senju had been somewhat okay with that since it was a daughter marrying out. A common practice.
However Aika had expected some backlash about a son joining his wife's family. Instead, she was met with little resistance, only after confirming that Shikamako would not be required to move until he was at least sixteen. Then they could marry when they were ready due to Uzushio's of age being twenty five. The Nara relaxed at that information and from then on, didn't play as many word games with the Uzumaki council.
Thus, when their treaty was signed and ink dried, Shikamako and Emi exchanged summoning partner details so they could stay in contact. From then on, it was then a longer hunt to find the nomadic Hatake Clan.
Aika had reached out to them and received word of their general location they would be at, but as a test, Aika would have to hunt them down if she wished to further discuss alliance with the elusive clan.
She'd apparently impressed them by even finding them the first time via summons. Now, to find them in person and gain their allegiance through their traditions. Something she was more than skilled to do. The rest of her group stayed back at the small town to rest while she did what was needed.
It took two extra days than Aika had wanted, but she finally sensed out her elusive prey and set the trap for her intended target. Oh, she had long since found the camp of the Hatake, but she was going big after observing the Wild Clan for a week. She'd identified not only the Alpha and Luna, but had also identified their children. Her target was the eldest. She'd learned from her research that the Wild Clans weren't as particular about their heirs as other Noble or Shinobi clans were. Theirs were all about strength. All three Children of the Alpha were strong, but the last two were daughters. Thus, leaving the eldest son for her pickings.
Tracking a practical wolf in human form was tricky with that sensitive nose of his. However Aika was an uzumaki. She made a seal to hide her scent as she laid in wait for her prey. She was the summoner of Eagles. She was a predator of the skies. Eagles could take down wolf if they were determined enough. Thus, she waited in her perch as the eldest wolf pup neared her trap.
The young man, maybe a few years her junior, paused before stepping on her seal circle. Her eye twitched. The Wolf's hackles rose instinctively as he instead started to step back, silver hatake eyes sharp and looking for what had his instincts risen. Aika couldn't let him retreat further. Her chains shot forward at her will to push the wolf into the trap. He leapt away and dodged her chains shooting for him. Those sharp eyes noticed her hidden seals and began avoiding them even as he dodged her chains.
"Tsk." Aika shot out from her hiding spot and clashed her katanas against the Wolf's shining white saber. The young man's eyes widened at the sight of her Uzumaki red hair and sharp Ruby eyes.
Pushing back, the two separated and eyed up their opponent. The Wolf tilted his head one way, then the other, sniffing the air, making a confused noise before she saw the spark of interest and accepted the challenge in those wild silver eyes.
He twirled his saber and lowered into a ready stance, baring his teeth in a smile and a deep growl resonated from his chest.
Aika smirked, twirling her own katanas in hand and setting back into her own stance. Just as his saber glowed white, hers glowed blue with her futon chakra adding extra sharpness to her own blades.
With a shout, the wolf charged and Aika reciprocated.
Alpha Hatake Katsu turned his head from observing his two youngest pups wrestling as they waited for dinner. He scented a change in the winds and the return of his eldest pup. His Luna Kiku slid up to his side sensing his change, and turned to also watch the edges of their current camp.
There from the shadows of the woods, walked their eldest pup, but it was the bright red hair of the female at his side that brought a sharp smile to Katsu's lips. So the queen sea witch had accepted his challenge.
Katsu stood up from his pile of furs and let out a howl that silenced the chatter of his Clan. All eyes turned to their Alpha as he moved with his Luna right behind him to see the results of the Queen Sea witch's challenge.
All eyes turned to the Eldest pup of their Alpha and the redhead at his side.
Katsu stood at his impressive seven foot height as he stared down the smaller woman. Hell she was still practically a pup herself.
"So you accepted the challenge, Queen of the sea witches." Katsu barked out.
"Alpha Hatake Katsu, It was a worthy challenge to earn the respect of a Clan such as yours." Aika didn't bare her neck, but still acted as if she was speaking with another King.
"Yes!" Katsu grinned wider. "Now, I see you did your scouting and studying. A worthy warrior wolf you've hunted for yourself. Warrior Raiden, announce the results of outsider challenger Queen Uzumaki Aika's Hunt for our alliance."
Raiden hummed and then pulled off his leather tunic. There bared on his neck, chest and back were black seal ink, bruises, cuts, and bandaged wounds.
"Queen Aika is a predator worthy to stand with the pack. She has the eyes of a bird of prey, the claws of a tigress, and the strategic mind of a wolf." Silver eyes finally turned from his Alpha, his father and to those predator ruby eyes. "I have accepted her Mating Hunt and submitted to her."
Murmurs went around the clan, but Katsu just raised his hand and they were silenced. Luna Kiku stepped forward and smiled.
"Then May Okami-sama Bless your mating-"
Aika stepped forward and held the Luna's gaze, asking to speak without rudely interrupting her. Kiku hummed and nodded for her to speak.
"Warrior Raiden has agreed to mix our separate traditions. We have not gone through your clan's full mating hunt traditions. I have marked him as mine with my personal seals, and I bear his bite, but consummation has not occurred. I personally have just come of age in my own clan and just as for my siblings in their own betrothals, we seek to wait until our betrothes are at least eighteen or twenty years of age. Depending on your own Clan's views."
Kiku's brows rose as she tilted her head at the Sea Queen. "Interesting."
"If this is any offense to your traditions, myself and Uzushio are willing to negotiate."
Katsu hummed as he stroked his silver beard, predator eyes holding Ruby that weren't looking away from his own.
"Come, Queen Sea Witch, we will talk in my hut. Pups, follow."
Katsu and Kiku listened to why Aika had sought them out to start with. How she didn't seek them out just for a strong husband, but also an alliance between their clans. Protection for Uzushio, and rare supplies for the Hatake. The Uzumakis would also offer a limited supply of their sealing knowledge to ease the Hatake daily lives, and make their nomadic lifestyle a hair easier if they so wished.
The discussion was less intensive than the Nara, less detailed than the senju since no one like crossing a hatake. Very few could even find them let alone create an alliance with them.
Yet, Aika had risen to the challenge. Hunted herself a mate/husband, and was now cementing an alliance between their two powerful Clans. Trade route protection, new land to explore freely, supplies, protections, and much more.
In the end, the treaty was signed and Aika was able to call her people to the nomadic camp for a celebratory feast held by the Hatake for a successful hunting and mating of Raiden and Aika. Aika was even blessed with a traditional Hatake outfit to dance around the evening fire with her new spouse. Sure, it wasn't official in their own lands yet, but according to the hatake they were a mated pair. Consummation would occur once Aika and Raiden were ready.
Thus, a week later, the Uzumaki Royal Family Cross Whirlpool waters, through the protective barrier, and danced over eddies, with not only a Senju bride, but the Queen's own Hatake consort.
Within six months Aika and Raiden were officially wed by Uzumaki traditions as well, the invitation being sent out to the hatake to join the second celebration. Aika and Raiden after further discussions agreed to be wed instead of waiting. Raiden knew all that he needed about his mate, and didn't wish to wait anymore. She was of age, he was of age in the eyes of his pack. Thus, they planned their wedding and to finally consummate the joining of their bodies, their families. Aika even realized that this man was a Good man. She very quickly fell in love with her wolf. Raiden's own feelings had long since been equal to her own. He would tell her on every anniversary of their hunt from then on, how he fell in love with her the moment he'd seen her. A true bird of prey descending to claim her prey. Never had he'd been more happy to lose a battle than when she'd pinned him and claimed him. He would never regret accepting her challenge.
What Raiden had a hard time accepting was his mate's insistence to allow that snake near her. Taro was a poisonous snake that was a threat to his mate. No matter what her own feelings were towards the younger man, Raiden would never trust him. He could Smell the distaste the man felt for his own sister. He could Hear the contempt in his voice when he called Aika by her title. What proved to Raiden each and every time was his mate's capacity to love and forgive. She tried so much over their years of marriage to get her brother to release his anger and hatred, to understand she took this burden so that he could live the free lifestyle he wanted. He had very few Royal responsibilities because Aika and Emi did so much. Even Raiden himself took on duties to assist his Queen. Even Taro's own wife took on duties. Yet Taro socialized, did missions here and there, but otherwise was free to do as he wished.
Raiden and his new sister-in-law Emi agreed that it was only fueling Taro's separation. When Taro finally came of age, Aika tried to aid her brother in growing up now that he was an adult in the eyes of Uzushio. Yet, with his new found position as the Head of the Branch Families, he only plotted further against his sister. Found supporters that wanted to make him the ruler of Uzushio. Supporters that didn't want a woman in charge.
The Royal Consort would have none of that. With his wife's permission, he created a special force of their people that hid deep in the shadows and would protect their Queen.
It wasn't too long after Emi had destroyed any bad rumor about her sister that Taro made the mistake that marked his downfall.
Aika stared down into the tea she'd just drank. Scentless, tasteless, yet, she could feel it on her tongue, in her blood, in how her stomach was twisting and turning.
Ruby eyes glanced at her brother sitting with some of his administrators even as they, as a Royal family, were hosting Senju as they celebrated the birth of Shizuka's first child. The new mother was glowing as she showed off her child to her siblings and father. A boy, an Uzumaki boy with bright red hair and Hazel eyes.
Aika controlled her breathing, ignored her brother shooting her looks beneath his lashes, watching her, waiting for a reaction. The twisting glee in his chakra as she set down her empty saucer. It seemed soon she would have no Choice. But…how…how could she lead her people if she couldn't protect her only brother? If she couldn't save him?
Reaching to her left, she grabbed her husband's hand, distracting him from the conversation he was having with Emi's Fiance who'd recently moved to Uzushio.
Raiden looked down at her white knuckle grip over his hand, and placed his own over it, looking up to meet her gaze, his own long silver hair hiding his expression from their guests. Silver eyes burned as he took a deep breath, freezing as he scented it. The poison in her system, the blood filling her mouth. She was swallowing it down, but soon, soon she wouldn't be able to.
Aika absently registered Raiden making an excuse for them to be pardoned for a few minutes. Keeping her composure, Aika lasted until they turned a corner away from the hall and ended up puking up dinner and cups of blood into garden running along the engawa of the inner garden of the Royal Mansion.
Raiden snarled as he held her and held back her hair. He signaled to her private guard to start the investigation and send for the Family Healer. Thankfully, Aika was Uzumaki and couldn't be taken down easily. However if their allies had seen her vomiting blood, it would destabilize all the hard work she'd done to get them.
Because of the Senju, Triad, and Hatake movements to, from, and around Whirlpool, the other Water Clans had stayed far away. Those were too many powerful Clans to piss off from the mainland.
Aika stared at her pacing husband, her teary-eyed baby sister, and let out a sigh, despite still being on bedrest a week later since the poisoning incident.
"He won't stop!" Raiden snapped. "Let me find more clues and pin the snake! This is treason! If you can't bring yourself to kinslay then-"
"Rai!" Aika barked firmly, halting her husband. She rarely raised her voice. Silver eyes met watery Ruby. "He's…he's my baby brother. I've lost all of my younger first cousins, my older first cousins, my aunts and uncles, my parents. All because I'd been recovering from a mission and couldn't join them to defend our lands. Taro and Emi are all I have left of my family."
"Ane-sama…. Taro-nii should still be punished." Emi whispered.
"We don't have solid proof." She gave a sad smile. "He's learned to cover up his actions by using others to dirty their hands in his place. Even this time, will not lead to Taro, no matter that we know it's him."
Emi bit her lip, tears wetting her lashes.
"Do not worry Imouto. Return to your fiance and focus on planning your wedding." The younger redhead nodded and bowed, dismissing herself.
Aika turned her gaze to her tense husband. "Love." She called. He twitched. "My mate." She called again and pained silver eyes turned to her. "Come rest with me." She held her arms and Raiden let out soft whimpers as he did as asked and curled into his wife, curling around her, trying to protect her from dangers.
Swift as a kunoichi, Aika raced through the trees of Fire Nation. She didn't need to look back to know she was still being followed.
A little over two years since the poisoning incident, there had been many 'accidents' since then. Aika had escaped each one with the skills she'd earned over her life. Skills that only her husband knew of as they sparred often together, plus she hid nothing from him. But her little brother who was getting bolder and bolder in his attempts to take his sister's crown? He knew none of her special tricks. She was one of Uzushio's youngest Grand Masters, the Queen of Uzushio. She was no damn push over.
An ambush on her way home from a meeting with the Triad Clan, was going to be the final straw. There was no doubt the paper trail would lead to her brother.
Tears burned her eyes, at that knowledge. She would have no choice now. Raiden had been getting more and more insistent to stop letting her brother go. He swore on his own saber that the next time Taro threatened her life, the snake would pay and would not get away.
Twisting from a pretty nasty fireball, Aika returned her focus to the fact that she'd been driven to additional squads.
The Uzumaki had to hand it to her brother. He really wanted her dead before she had her own children. Something she'd finally agreed to plan for with her own husband. Taro must have gotten word from one of his spies and planned accordingly.
Calling up her chains, she finally took a breather to actually fight her ambushers instead of trying to outrun them. Two squads of Uchiha, three squads of Shimura and three Aburame Shinobi.
She targeted the Aburame first. Their allies could weaken her over time. She couldn't allow that. Thus, throwing kunai she quickly etched a seal on with chakra, futon, and will alone, she sent the three kunai flying. They landed in body parts of the aburame, but it's the reaction afterwards that killed them. The seals were purposefully defective. Fire and wind exploded from the seals, turning into mini fire tornadoes as the three shinobi screamed. Their screams were drowned out by the clashing of metal on her chains as she defended and fought with them against the shimura and dodged the uchiha flames. Using their lack of teamwork against each other. Frying shimura with uchiha fireballs, and landing enough hits on the uchiha to seal their chakra away, making them easy targets moments later.
When all her ambushers were finally dead, Aika wasn't unscathed. She was physically and emotionally exhausted. Calling up her most loyal summons, her white Eagle let out a cry as she took to the skies to search for any other pursuers. When none were revealed, the Summons instead led Aika to a place she could rest and clean up. Once arrived she wrote a letter to her husband and sister that she was running late, but would return home unharmed.
Aika herself kneeled by the river and started taking off her ruined traveling clothes. Hissing as wounds pulled, but determined to get clean and get their blood off her skin and out of her hair.
Stripped down to her breast bindings and koshimaki, Aika stepped into the warm river and let the river wash away the blood. Using some of the soap and cloth she packed, she was able to further scrub her skin and hair. Dunking under the water, she sat on the bottom of the river and just breathed. Letting the river wash away her tears, clean her wounds, and calm her heart.
She was disturbed from her meditation when she felt an Uchiha signature nearing. He didn't seem to be in a rush, but there was definitely anticipation bubbling in his chakra.
Moving closer to shore, yet still under water, Aika grabbed the waterproof katana she'd stashed there for easy reach in the sands.
Rising just until her eyes were out of the water, she saw a teenage boy frowning at her discarded clothes and traveling pack. He stood and looked around with sharingan eyes until they latched onto her still in the water. Aika, rose up, blade hand still hidden, long tresses flowing down her body and still partially floating in the water.
To her surprise, instead of attacking, the Uchiha boy just stood there and very quickly turned Red. His Sharingan deactivated and his eyes turned to the sky. Oh, he was smart enough to not give her his back, but the respect for her privacy was almost cute. He rambled on about if she was alright and what she was doing out there, and could he get anything from her.
Aika instead slowly moved out of the water until she could smoothly walk on it to the shore. The teen's face only got redder even if he wasn't looking at her. Well, until she swung her Katana to rest at his throat. The Teen stiffened, eyes active once more and holding her own Ruby eyes.
"Are you the back up?" She questioned.
The teen blinked rapidly, confusion fluctuating in his chakra and Aika had her answer.
"Back…up? For what?"
Ruby eyes narrowed. "The ambush the Uchiha, Shimura and Aburame were hired to plan against me."
"But you're Uzumaki." the Uchiha stated slowly. "We've always wished no qualms with the Uzumaki–." His mouth snapped shut before a dark look passed over his face. "Father." He practically snarled before calming and meeting her gaze with the eyes of a future leader, eyes she recognized in the mirror. "Do you know the bounty on your head's worth?"
Aika hummed and did a quick calculation. "Knowing the person that wants me dead, there was no monetary value since he's been cut off from his assets. My guess would be payment in Fuuin techniques or even myself as a prisoner as long as I didn't make it home."
The young man went paler than he was. "Kami, if father gets a hold of sealing…he can force others to do what he wants instead of losing soldiers by killing dissenters." he whispered to himself.
Aika wasn't surprised and lowered her blade. "You are Uchiha Tetsuo, Heir to the Uchiha. I am Uzumaki Aika, one of the Royals of Uzushio."
Tetsuo's eyes widened on her. "You know of me?"
The redhead huffed and moved to her back, knowing that he wouldn't attack her now and trusting that knowledge.
"Of course. Just because we are on a tiny island doesn't mean we don't keep up with mainland gossip. Your father especially has been the hottest topic. Bloody Tyrant of the Uchiha is one of his more common nicknames rumored."
Tetsuo grunted as he started to make a fire pit without being asked. "It's not wrong. Father killed off his own siblings to become Clan Head. He's completely mad. I'm doing my best to alleviate the damage to my clan, but he's so blind with power and greedy to kill off the senju that he doesn't care who gets affected."
Aika sighed as she finished dressing and joined the Uchiha by the fire, handing him some fresh fruit she got from the Naras. Obsidian eyes widened at the fresh apples but took it with a muttered thanks.
"We are in similar situations then, little Uchiha."
Tetsuo choked on his bite and glared at her, only to see her smirking at him.
"Little!? I'm taller than you!" He flailed.
Aika shrugged. "My mother was short."
"I'm older than you!" he countered, pouting now.
Aika raised a brow. "Hm,...are you sure about that?" She smirked.
Tetsuo opened his mouth, paused and frowned, staring at her. Aika just ate her apple with twinkling ruby eyes. She saw when Tetsuo made the decision to ask the question no man should ever ask a woman.
"How old are you Aika-san?"
"Himitsu." She countered back smirking before the smirk dropped. "Ne, are you expecting company?"
Tetsuo paused before suddenly he was tackled into the water by a brown lump and a joyous shout.
Aika just sat there peeling another apple and eating the shavings as the two teenage boys fought in the river. Only stopping when Tetsuo told his idiot of a friend that he had company.
Shuji finally brushed his mess of brown hair out of the way and looked back to the shore. Brown eyes stared and stared before he jumped up and pointed to her.
"Aika-Ane-sama!" Shuji beamed and rushed to hug his favorite person beside his own blood big sister. He was instead caught and lifted by two Golden chains even as Aika continued to eat like the refined Queen she was.
"Annneeeeee!" Shuji whined and squirmed.
"You are soaking wet. I am finally dry. You also are not gentle with hugs and I'm still working on healing my most recent wounds. When you have settled down Shuji-kun, then I will release you."
Like a whip crack Shuji lost all humor and really stared at his Ane-sama.
"Aika-ane…did Taro-san-"
"Don't ask questions that you already know the answers to Shuji." She hummed, taking another apple and preparing one for her brother by marriage. "I'm aware Shizuka and Emi both write to you. While I thank you all for keeping my brother's acts secret from Isamu, it doesn't mean I want your pity."
Shuji sighed and relaxed in her chains, earning his release. He sat on her left and took the offered apple.
"Raiden-nii isn't going to let it go this time."
Aika paused even as Tetsuo had rejoined them by the fire. "I'm aware." She whispered. "But i…I can't kill my own baby brother. It goes against every promise I gave to our parents before they died. I became who I am today to protect Taro and Emi, not…" She trailed off, feeling her eyes burn again. "I, I know he doesn't deserve it, but I'd almost rather he died on a mission, so at least in some way he could still be honored as a member of the Royal Family."
Tetsuo snorted. "You and I both. There are times when I dream about tearing my father's throat out because he'd sent another child out to die again, just to keep others in line."
Shuji let out a sad huff. "Father Sold my elder sister to the Uzumaki, which honestly saved her. Mizuki was given to a widowed cousin of ours and…she died in childbirth." The Senju's face was scrunched in pain. "She was only sixteen. Minoru and Madoka both died in the stupid war between our clans. The only reason father didn't send me sooner was because I can grow trees." Shuji demonstrated by growing a sprout from between his feet and then plucking it out. "I'm….so tired of this war. I'm so tired of losing my family. One day I'll marry and have children, but how can I do that in good conscience when all that will happen is they will be sent off to war?"
"Thus why Raiden and I have waited to have children." Aika said softly into the crackling fire. "I know my wolf desires pups, but I've known I couldn't put my own children at risk with Taro around. But now, I'll have no choice but to soak my hands in my own brother's blood when I swore to protect him."
Shuji bit his lip and looked to Tetsuo who'd gone quiet. The Uchiha had a thoughtful look on his face as he looked between his best friend and the Uzumaki Princess. Sure he didn't know her title completely, but she was Royal…she was probably heir like him and Shuji….
"What if…you don't have to?" Tetsuo said slowly a plan forming in his head and he saw when Shuji realized it too.
"And you won't have to kill your father." Shuji whispered grin growing "And neither will I!"
Aika sat there blinking rapidly as she too picked up on where the uchiha was going. "A Triad alliance." the uzumaki whispered and looked between her brother by marriage and the boy's best friend. "That…that could Work!"
"We will have to be careful so that we don't worsen relationship between our clans." Tetsuo hummed.
"And only our most trusted advisor can know." Aika agreed.
Shuji's eyes filled with tears. "We can stop this war!"
Aika looked up from her desk of paperwork as the Senju Heir stood with his bandaged squadron. Grief in brown eyes.
"Shuji-kun?" She started to rise before she was handed a scroll that was standard mission packed. A body scroll.
"Taro-sama…was lost. We were up against a Magnet Release User during our mission in Wind Country. He fought to the end, but it wasn't enough. Him and one of my shinobi were lost in escaping the failed mission."
Aika nodded silently accepting the scroll. "T-t-thank you f-for bringing him home." She choked out around her tears. She knew, she knew, but it still hurt. Her baby brother…gone. She wished it hadn't come to this.
"Dismissed." She told the Senju Squad and waved for her Guards to show them to the VIP guest rooms. She herself turned and Raiden moved to hold her in his arms. Her wolf whispered that it was the right thing to do, she did more than what he deserved. He will be honored instead of forgotten.
Shuji watched his father between his fighting with Tetsuo as the poison went to work. Poison Tetsuo had acquired from the Hagaromo Clan and passed to Shuji before this battle. Shuji had made sure his father had drank just enough to slow his reaction time. The harder he fought the quicker it activated before finally with a shout of pain, and a hollar of triumph, Isamu was cut down and Uchiha Shin stood victorious. Shuji called for a retreat and Tetsuo was able to convince his father to return home to celebrate.
Shuji looked at the heads of silver that had joined them. The Hatake had come to their call at Aika's request. Aika had already lost one brother. Shuji was like another brother and she wouldn't lose him too. Thus the Hatake would join the Senju ranks temporarily until their injured had healed. Thus, Raiden stood with his hatake Armor once more, and fur lined hooded tunic just behind the young Senju Clan Head Shuji.
Shuji ordered his temporary commander to fight Uchiha Shin while Shuji took his normal strong opponent Tetsuo. Fire and wood flew between the new clan head and current heir as the battle raged on. None noticed that only Shin's loyalists were dying at the Hatakes' mechanisms. Already given the scents to hunt down and eliminate. Everyone else was only harmed enough to be removed from the battle.
But it was a final deep snarl that shook the air. Eyes snapped to the Senju's Hatake general. The tall man had Shin's arms busy with kunai and saber, and in result his sharp teeth had free range to rip out the Uchiha Head's throat. Sinking deep, Raiden did to Shin what he wished he could have done to Taro. What Shin deserved to be honest. With a wet gurgle the Uchiha head fell to the ground grasping at his torn throat. Tetsuo called a retreat even as his father died on the return back to their compound.
It wasn't six months later after a ceasefire was called by both Uchiha and Senju, that the two warring clans had agreed to meet on neutral grounds and discuss terms for the beginnings of a peace agreement.
Thus, just as the two young Clan heads were settling down to make history at the Nara Compound, both Heads, their closest advisors, and a few of their supporting elders and guards, there was a knock at the meeting hall.
Shikamako Nara stared at the door curious before the announcement was made.
"The Uzumaki Queen has arrived."
Shikamako called for her entrance, as he'd rather enjoyed her company, and wondered just what she was up to joining them while the Senju and Uchiha were here.
Standing as did the Uchiha and Senju parties, as she was still the Ruler of her own Country, everyone bowed when she entered.
"Greetings Nara-dono, I do hope you don't mind if I join this little meeting two of my allies are having and one of my allies longest rival clan has joined." Shikamako looked up to Aika to see that she wasn't alone. She stood with her husband, her closest aid, and even had a few of her elders and her own personal guards.
However it was the reaction of some of the Uchiha that caught his attention. They were staring at the Hatake beside the Queen.
Shuji moved first to greet his Ane-sama. He gave her a shallow bow of his head before staring at those sharp ruby eyes.
"Ane-sama." He smiled sadly. "How have you been?"
Closing her eyes, Aika took a breath and released it. "It is difficult. Taro was a troubled child, his loss is still fresh in my heart and will not be leaving. I thank you and your squad for at least returning with his body. He rests with our parents now."
Shuji nodded and bit his lip before breaking formalities and pulling the older but shorter woman to his chest.
Raiden twitched and bared his teeth in warning to the Senju who wasn't paying attention. Despite the low growl emanating from the Hatake.
Aika let the hug go on for a heartbeat more before gently urging her little brother away. "Formalities Otouto. I need to greet Nara-dono's other guests."
Shuji huffed but stepped back as Tetsuo moved to greet the higher ranking woman. The Uchiha Head bowed just as shallow as Shuji had. He rose back up to meet Ruby eyes.
"Uzumaki-sama, It is an honor to meet you. It is rare to meet one with such talents as you these days."
A ruby brow lifted. "Oh?"
Tetsuo's lip twitched, thankfully none but Shuji, Raiden, and Aika could see do to their positioning.
"Hai. I've heard from the Shimura and the Aburame that they have been calling you the Typhoon Mistress of Uzushio."
Aika hummed as mischief filled her gaze. "Good. Maybe they will rethink ambushing me again."
Raiden let a hiss out between his teeth at that memory, but choked on it when Aika jabbed her elbow back. Ruby eyes glanced up and over her shoulder to her much taller husband.
"Husband, please settle down. Nothing like that will happen again. Oh, right, Uchiha-dono, this is my Husband and Consort Uzumaki Raiden, formerly Hatake Raiden son of Alpha Hatake Katsu."
Tetsuo held out his hand and Raiden took it, both holding their forearms. "It is an honor to meet you Consort Raiden."
Raiden tilted his head this way and that before letting out a chuff at the Uchiha. "An Honor as well Uchiha pup. You have the eyes of a proper Alpha. Not like those that came before you. Yours are free of greed which I approve of."
Tetsuo felt his shoulders relax, released the Hatake, and met Ruby eyes of the Uzumaki Queen. "If the Senju are in agreement, I do not reject your addition to this meeting. I would be a fool to not see this opportunity through and make Allies with the Uzumaki as well."
Aika's smile was courtly, but her eyes were those of a pleased predator. "The Senju would welcome the Uzumaki to this meeting." Shuji said formly.
The trio of Leaders then looked to the Neutral Host. Shikamako's dark eyes flitted from one Leader to the next. One that had lost a brother who he knew had been after her crown, but too soft hearted to kill him herself. One that had a tyrannical father that needed to die without it being further kinslaying after what the man had done to his own. And the final one who had a somewhat decent father, but a man that was no better than the former Uchiha Leader.
The pieces clicked together easily for the Nara head. He didn't know how the full pieces clicked together, but it wouldn't be a surprise if the Uzumaki and/or Uchiha had a hand in weakening the Former Senju leader that lead to his defeat at the Former Uchiha Head's sword. It was obvious from imformats and the Uchiha reactions that the Hatake at the Queen's side had been the one to tear out Uchiha Shin's throat. And from what was just revealed, Taro, the Queen's little brother and constant assassin, was 'lost' honorably on a joint mission with the Senju. Joint missions weren't uncommon between the Uzumaki and Senju.
Shikamako looked between the three leaders and didn't speak a word about his suspicions. Instead he smirked.
"Then let us begin this meeting between three future allies with our Neutral ones as host, witness and curator."
Aika took her husband's hand and was led to a seats the Nara lower ranked members were quick to prepare for their group.
"Here is your tea Mina."
Aika jolted and looked up at the server. The Nara girl looked at her. "Mina?" Aika asked.
"Minashi." Raiden called touching her shoulder. "Wake up Minashi."
Aika blinked rapidly as her vision went hazy.
Wake Up Minashi!
Minashi jerked and bolted up right. She shivered automatically at the evening chill in the air. Looking around the training ground she'd hidden herself in she realized the sun had long since set and the moon was high in the sky.
"Minashi?" Blue eyes snapped to see her best friend crouched beside her with a worried frown partially hidden by his mask.
"Ka-Kakashi." She panted as past and present realigned in her mind and Aika faded to the background.
"Yeah." The Hatake deadpanned. "I've been looking for you since returning." something soft and fluffy smacked her face and Minashi spluttered and pushed his wolf tail away. "Unfortunately I had stopped at my House before reporting to father, thus I wasn't warned about the Konoha prankster acting up again."
The blonde Uzumaki rolled her eyes and let her own spot brindled tail flop into her lap. "Like you were the only one."
Kakashi huffed before looking at her with sharp eyes. "How long have you been out here? It took me forever to wake you up. I was starting to get worried."
Minashi smiled at him sheepishly. "Gomen Kakashi, I was talking with Kurama and lost track of time. He has some good stories and sometimes we forget to distort the time in the seal."
"Baaaakaaaa." Kakashi drawled out but held out his hand. "Come on, if you're hiding out here, then you are avoiding Kushina-san?" Minashi nodded. "Then you should come back to my house for a late dinner."
Minashi's stomach decided to remind her that she hadn't eaten since lunch with a loud gurgle.
"Oh? Is Sakumo cooking?"
"If you ask nicely." Kakashi smirked and pulled her to her feet with himself. They stood there suddenly encased in silence as both realized something.
"You…grew." Minashi whispered as she was for the first time in a while really noticing that Kakashi was starting to tower over her. Oh, she's noticed before that he'd been a couple inches taller than her, but with Hatake Raiden still fresh in her mind, it only hit all the more strongly.
"You haven't." He teased back and then shocked her by reaching up and smoothing out her hair around her ears. Pink tinted Minashi's cheeks as she looked at Kakashi's chest instead of his face. Her traitorous heart picked up at this private attention, and she scolded it because she knew this Kakashi didn't care for her in the same way she did for him.
"Nii-san said Namikazes are late bloomers." She huffed in rebuttal, pouting to cover up her embarrassment of her earlier reaction.
Kakashi snorted and held out his hand. "No matter. Let's go home. I'm hungry."
Minashi stared at his hand and took it but their hands didn't drop. Kakashi just continued to stare at her expectantly.
"What?" She tilted her head at him confused.
The taller teen just raised his only visible brow at her. "I'm not stupid Mina, I know you know Minato-san's jutsu along with your shishou's."
The blonde pouted at her best friend. "Just because I know them, doesn't mean I can use them."
"Yes, and I'm a cat." He deadpanned dryly. "Teleport us already Mina."
The blonde pouted but did as told to one of the seals she had at the Hatake compound. It was Minato's version, but done with her own formula. Not the formula she used as Kitsune and especially not the new one she hadn't even finished working out yet.
"You just wanted a short cut home." She accused following him out of her room in the Hatake House. Kakashi snorted even as he tossed an arm over her shoulders.
"Well, I did spend my precious time tracking you down despite your sister, brother and cousins already trying to find you. All while not exposing you when I found you." He snickered before grunting when Minashi jabbed her fingers into his ribs, causing his arm to drop protectively over it. Minashi walked away, nose in the air, playing offended as she followed the scents of food to the kitchen.
"I was hiding just fine."
Kakashi's chuckles followed her into the kitchen even as they found Sakumo and surprisingly Mariko there. One Wolf and one vixen working together to make a late dinner. Minashi, still a little distracted by her earlier dream?Memory? Didn't even tease Sakumo or Mariko. Instead she grabbed a drink and sat down even while Kakashi and Sakumo started an informal report of his mission with the smaller nuances of his and Ryouta's mission.
Minashi instead mentally poked Kurama who'd been suspiciously silent.
You already know what that was brat.
'Kamera's memories?'
Correct.
'But I thought I would have to actually dig into them to witness them…not…not feel like I just lived them in real time.' Minashi let out a sigh and lowered her head to her arms. 'This isn't going to become something regular is it?'
I do not know Minashi. All I know is that you were dug so deep that even I couldn't pull you out. The only reason the Wolf brat was, was entirely due to how close the memory was probably to ending.
Minashi stared at her thighs as her mind whirled on what she'd learned from Aika Uzumaki's life.
"Ne, Mariko-oba?" She called aloud.
"Hm?" The distracted Redhead vocalized back as she worked on keeping an eye on the stirfry.
"Was the Mainline Uzumaki family ever actual Royalty?" The blonde asked looking up to see her Cousin pause and looked at her over her shoulder.
"Why do you ask?"
"Kurama said we were." She lied smoothly.
Mariko and even Sakumo's brows rose at that. Kakashi looked up from where he was sneaking bites of eggplant, mask down in the safety of their home, and trusting the two Uzumakis to ignore it.
"Well, he's not wrong." Mariko hummed as she turned back with a thoughtful look. "However when Great Grandfather Ashina took his Seat as Leader of Uzushio, it was also the combination of two of the three remaining Royal lines of the Original Main family."
"Three Royal Lines?" Kakashi asked curious now too.
"Yes." Mariko nodded bringing the food over so they could eat and chat. "There was the Great War of Water seven Generations of Uzumakis back. In this war, Uzushio lost over fifty percent of our population."
Sakumo hissed through his teeth. "That is a blow."
Mariko nodded grimly. "Ah, I thought the same thing. Our Clan has never really been big because we've always had to watch our population living on an island. But it apparently was so empty then. In that loss was the Current Leader and his generation and many of the other branch heirs. Thus, leaving only the Two Princess and Prince of Uzushio. There is something to remember however, times were much different then and Uzumakis didn't come of age until they were Twenty Five. This due to our long life spans."
"Understandable." Minashi shrugged. "What happened though?"
"Well, from what I remember of my own lessons, it was the second born child Prince Taro that was technically next in line for the throne, but he was still young. Thus, the first born Child of the King at that time instead stepped up and proved her worth to rule their people and to protect her younger siblings. She created alliances with many Mainland Clans, protected the remains of our clan and even lifted the birthing restrictions so that the population would go through a baby boom and increase numbers again. She was one of uzushio's most powerful Queens in history." Mariko glanced at Sakumo. "She was also the reason the Hatake Clan has always had a close relation to the Uzumaki as her Consort was a Hatake."
Sakumo tilted his head humming. "I think I remember once reading about that in some of my Clan lessons. It's why my father didn't hesitate to take an Uzumaki bride when the CRA demanded repopulation of our clan."
Kakashi twitched. "CRA?"
Sakumo nodded at his pup. "Hai, but do not worry, it is an old law that has since been made optional and not necessary. Sandaime-dono and I have learned that if Clans are less pressured they will repopulate on their own. We only interfere when it comes down to names."
"Thus me having two!" Minashi shook her head amused.
"Ah, but your nephew may one day be noted as a Namikaze instead of Uzumaki depending on how his chakra manifests and if Kushina and Minato have any more children. Redheads will automatically be Uzumakis, but you are proof that even blondes are too hard to categorize if they are more Namikaze than Uzumaki."
Minashi stuck her tongue out and Sakumo reached over to slap her head in retaliation. She ducked snickering.
"Continuing," Mariko cleared her throat at the practical father and daughter antics. "Uzushio has always defined it's Royal Lines by three due to these siblings. There was the Aika line, Taro Line, and Emi Line. When Aika took the crown, Taro and Emi's line became secondary Royals and leaders of the branch lines including civilian lines. Emi's line had stronger focus into the medicinal arts where as Taro's line was focused on the merchants and trading. Aika's line has always held the most power with controlling the military forces and political connections. She was the one that arranged marriages for Taro and Emi through the Senju and Nara respectively."
"Sadly it was only three generations later when there was another loss. Uzushio's Sealing Masters were working on a sealing experiment that was supposed to change their way of living for the better. In the resulting explosion, all but two of the eight heirs; two sons and one daughter of the Aika line were lost. The Taro line had always kept small due to unknown reasons and were down to only one daughter heir. Even the Emi line had lost two of their six successors in the explosion."
"They combined lines." Sakumo guessed and Mariko nodded.
"The Aika line daughter was already promised to the Senju to renew the alliance. Thus Great Grandfather Ashina's second cousin once removed, Married the daughter of the Taro line, producing another daughter of the Taro line. She then was betrothed to Ashina. Due to this crossing and combining of lines, Uzushio's power was reworked. Great Great Grandfather was still Uzushio's Ruler and Leader, but his cousin Arashi was instead his Civilian representative for international politics. He became the public 'daimyo' despite his standing below his Cousin and later son-in-law, Ashina. It allowed Grandfather Ashina to focus more on the military standpoints even if he still was the final say on anything Arashi wanted to do."
"Wouldn't that create tension though?" Kakashi asked curious taking his finished plate and Mariko's own. Minashi was cleaning up hers and Sakumo.
"Yes and No. Once Arashi apparently retired, Ashina took total control back under his title. He was both Uzumaki Clan Head, Leader of Uzushio, and Ruler of Whirlpool. Thus, providing all of those in his line with the title of Prince or Princess. The Emi line took over Lead council for the branch lines and it had been that way since."
"Why didn't Ashina-oji claim the King title again?" Minashi frowned.
"To prevent the Daimyos of the mainland from taking it as a hostile move." Sakumo answered as the teens returned to their seats and poured tea.
"Correct." Mariko hummed. "Ashina-oji instead adapted the title to Lord so not to entice hostile reactions from the much larger mainland Lords. This was later solved for Fire and Whirlpool countries with the marriage of his first born Princess to the Senju Heir Hashirama who as we all know became the Hokage of Konoha."
"So….Technically, We are Princesses." Minashi concluded with a playful tone in her voice.
Mariko hummed contemplatively. "Well, Yes. We are the Last four princesses of Uzushio. Even Cousin Nagato is technically a Prince as well."
"Making my nii-san a Consort?" Minashi's grin was wide and teasing, Mariko snorting into her tea, coughed and turned away as she regained her composure.
Sakumo barked out his own laugh. "Oh, kami, he's married into Royalty? Kushina is never gonna let him live that down when she's reminded of that little fact."
"I mean we were already part of the Mainline family, the little nugget of being actual royalty is just the icing on top." Minashi snickered.
Mariko cleared her throat as she got her composure back. "Yes, it is. So tell me Minashi, how did Kurama-sama know about Uzushio's history?"
Minashi's eyes widened as she looked at Sakumo before shrugging. "I mean, he's a millenia or so old. He's always seemed to have stories about everything."
"Hm." Mariko's eyes twinkled knowingly and guessing what she meant. "Well, if you want more detailed records, you would have to look in the old Uzushio Archives. Our ancestors were pretty adamant about recording their own history due to how long we lived. So if you are searching for details to sate that curiosity Kurama has sparked, you'd have to start in Uzushio. Because of the invasion, even I wasn't able to leave with much. Kushina wasn't sent to konoha with much either. Knowing Miho-oba-sama however, I'm pretty sure everything of importance was locked away just to spite the invaders."
Sakumo nodded slowly. "Reports around that time were of how it was a slaughter, and not just of the people of uzushio. Very very few if any made it out alive from Iwa, Kiri, and Kumo. Even when Konoha went to check on the state of Uzushio afterwards, none could touch the island let alone get past the whirlpools that had grown even more dangerous. Many nations tried, but could never get to the 'spoils of war'. Thus Uzushio was left to be forgotten."
"That's sad." Kakashi frowned. "Does that mean that all the Uzumaki lost were never buried?"
Mariko's face turned sad. "Hai." she whispered.
Sakumo felt her eyes before he even turned to look. Like he thought, Minashi was boring holes into his head, the burning determination and want in her gaze was enough for the unasked question to fill the air.
The Hokage hummed and sat back arms crossed thinking on if he should allow such a thing. Knowing the uzumakis like he did, no doubt All of them would want to go. That would be a strategic nightmare. Honestly it would probably end up being a full mission because if the remaining Uzumakis did make it onto the island, the knowledge they could find there would be priceless.
"Do not speak of this further. If I am to approve of such a thing, this will end up being an S-ranked mission covered up with a family vacation. I will not let such a thing leak already and risk the safety of any Uzumaki." Sakumo said even as he absently continued to plan for such a thing, missing Minashi's jaw dropping as hope bloomed in her eyes. He even missed Mariko's head snapped to him hearing the 'family vacation' part and knowing that she too would get to see her Home.