Previous Translations: Yorokobi - Pleasure/Delight/Joy
Yokubo - Desire/Lust
Kajo - Excess
Shifuku no Kurushimi - Blissful Throes/Blissful Suffering
Tatakainouta - Song of Battle
Zeitakuna Kutsu - Luxurious Torment
Hentai-ryu: Erokenho - Pervert Style: Erotic Fist Art
Konton - Chaos
Kanzen - Perfect
Henka - Change
Harakainokeru - Dispel
Aka-en - Red Flame
Aoi-en - Blue Flame
Kiiro-en - Yellow Flame
Orenji-en - Orange Flame
Tankoshoku-en - Pink Flame
Maho - Magic
Chishiki - Knowledge
Unmei - Fate
Nozomu - Hope
Hoho no Chenja - honestly this one is a mess, but roughly means Changer of Ways
Ryuketsu - Bloodshed
Chikara - Strength
Meiyo - Honor
Budo - Martial Arts
Ikari - Rage
Jumon - Incantation
Himitsu no Sewanin - Secret Caretaker(Keeper of Secrets)
Sento - Combat
Same no On'na - Shark-Woman
Maebure - Harbinger
Shibari no Ashikase - Binding Fetters
Kanpeki - Perfection
Reikan - the closest English word would be Inspiration, but it specifically refers to 'a divine creative impulse'
Sekkyo-sha - Preacher
Aijin - Lover
Kaen Hosha-ki - Flame Radiator (Flamer of Tzeentch)
Himeiwoageru - Which Screams (Screamer of Tzeentch)
Shikkan - Disease
Ai - Love
Zetsubo - Despair
Mi Haito - Undivided/Not Divided
Shibo - Aspiring
Koki - Exalted
Chakra no Bato - Coruscating Chakra/Chakra of Coruscation
Gyokai - Industry
In case someone somehow doesn't know, Hi - Fire
Don'yoku - Greed/Avarice
Yokuatsu - Tyranny/Oppression
Yami no Chichi - Father of Darkness/Dark Father
Raimeiton - Thunder Release, what Naruto has decided to name his mix of wind and lightning chakra
Shuryoju - Hunting Beasts (same word for plural or singular), an alternate name for Fiends of Slaanesh, best word I could find for them
Konton no Omo - Lord of Chaos
Kemonojin - a very jank way of translating Beastmen into Japanese, basically would mean Animal-Human
Gyumao - Ox Demon King
Eiyu - Hero
Gyumahime - Ox Demon Princess
Kajomahime - Excessive Demon Princess
Renkinjutsu - Alchemy
Jiraiya could see his newest blonde student was angry, the young hermaphrodite had maintained an angry expression the entire trip. He and Tsunade weren't sure the entire harem of the young blonde was needed, but even Hanako was willing to collaborate it seemed. Shizune was present as Tsunade's aide, but the Hokage didn't want to bring too many, she felt uncomfortable leaving only jonin like Gai, Asuma, and Yamato present to defend Konoha but she took solace that besides Kakashi those three were her strongest A rank shinobi.
The members of the Uzumaki household had all unanimously and non-verbally agreed not to bring up the alarming proclamation Naruto made last night, Hinata wasn't even sure how to approach talking her future husband out of it but she had resolved herself to stand with Naruto whatever happened. The former heiress was surprised by her own resolve, although the consequences of what would happen if things went wrong weighed heavily on her.
Naruto stepped ahead of the group to strut past the guards of the capital, who were understandably alarmed by the large group of shinobi, but seeing them coming through the front gate with the likes of the Godaime Hokage and Jiraiya they wisely let the group pass and march up to the capital. That was where more experienced and hardened guards waited, "We'll have to ask the accused to disarm-" one of the men at the palace gates began.
His request was cut short by an oppressive feeling as Naruto turned a glare on him filled with malicious intent, the blonde was clearly contemplating murdering the man who stood in his path but neither guard moved to raise the alarm, glancing nervously at Jiraiya and Tsunade for assistance, "I'll hold your swords." the Gama Sennin offered, not wanting the situation to escalate too far. Instead the young hermaphrodite scoffed, handed his Raito to Hinata, his katana and ninjato to Karin, his wakizashi to Kin, and his nodachi to Tayuya.
Tsunade, Shizune, and Jiraiya were becoming increasingly worried about the attitude of the usually cheery young blonde, his sour mood was understandable but they couldn't shake the feeling something was wrong. Thankfully the guards accepted this at least and allowed the group to continue, the Hokage had sent a message ahead stating they would be arriving and when, so she wasn't surprised to find a few courtiers already present for the trial.
What did surprise her, her assistant, and Jiraiya was the presence of Danzo Shimura, the crippled old war hawk making idle small talk with an older courtier, "What the hell are you doing here?" the Gama Sennin snapped, too surprised and set on edge by his appearance to bother with subtlety. Tsunade couldn't blame him, she hadn't informed Danzo of the trial nor had she invited him, she wasn't even aware he'd left the village which was a security concern alone.
Danzo shrugged, "Forgive a prying old shinobi, but with my retirement I have nothing better to do, and with such a high profile trial how could I resist?" he asked and it took Tsunade putting a hand on Jiraiya's shoulder to stop the man from pointing out that the trial was not supposed to be high profile, but his earlier outburst had already attracted attention.
Naruto glanced at Danzo, he didn't know the man but he decided already that he didn't trust the man. The one eyed old man wrapped in bandages smelled of antiseptic medicine, rot, and septic underneath the bandages. The blonde was unable to resist crinkling his nose up at the smell as he turned to face more arrivals. Most of the room bowed when the Daimyo himself entered the room, notably Naruto didn't bother and his harem followed his lead, Tsunade noted with some alarm that even Hinata and Isaribi kept their bows shallow and quick.
The Daimyo himself was surprised by the display, "Ah, did no one announce my entrance?" he asked, worried about a miscommunication. Maemi was surprised at how uncertain and passive he seemed, she expected someone with at least some spine.
"Apologies, Nagi-san held things up and we should get this over with quickly, given the situation." A man matching the Daimyo in age commented, a scar on his face and an eyepatch indicating he likely had some combat experience. Maemi could tell by the way he carried himself he was likely some kind of military advisor, perhaps a former shinobi.
Nagi stood fully, "I accept blame for this, however I wish to state that with the current state of affairs I confess I didn't consider it might take so long for the accused to come before us." he explained quickly, then he felt an oppressive feeling like the very life was being choked out of him and he jolted with visible alarm and fear on his face. Those with military experience glanced to Naruto, giving themselves away to each other as they watched the hermaphrodite glaring at the courtier with open hostility.
"You pulled shinobi from open war zones, putting lives in danger, to level false accusations against my magnificent self." Naruto growled, "Your life is the only penance we will accept." he warned coldly.
Nagi was visibly sweating, fearing for his life for the first time since he began his self imposed mission to deal with someone he was confident was trading slaves, "False?" he asked, "While they lack the courage to accuse you openly, I see why now, you're truly a terrifying individual." he acknowledge as he managed to collect himself, showing impressive willpower for a young courtier with no martial experience.
"So you don't even have witnesses?" Hinata asked incredulously, "This is an insult to my future husband and Uzumaki clan!" she insisted with an accusatory point towards the courtier.
The young man took a deep breath to try and compose himself, but was still visibly sweating as he continued, "The witnesses have spoken privately with Daimyo-sama and his inner circle of advisors." Nagi insisted and those in question nodded, Naruto decided to commit their faces to memory, "First of all, you, Naruto Uzumaki, are accused of slave trading, witness testimony states you purchased the one called Haku from Zabuza Momichi, which adds dealing with nukenin to your crimes, and that you purchased Hinata Hyuga from her father." he pressed on.
"I was not bought!" Hinata shot back heatedly, "That was a dowry!" she added quickly, furious and embarrassed that she was even considered one of the slaves.
Haku stood up, "If I may speak, I am the one called Haku," he began politely, "Naruto-sama defeated me, plainly and simply." he said, which wasn't entirely a lie.
"What of the bandaged slave and the other Kiri nukenin?" Nagi questioned, "It seems like Naruto Uzumaki is making deals with Kirigakure nukenin, likely he has ties to the rebel faction, can we afford a war on three fronts to protect the slaves of a single shinobi?" he asked the court at large, causing some murmuring.
Hanako's eye twitched, "Fuck yourself!" she snapped, "I may hate it but this brat beat me, to insist otherwise is an insult to my honor!" she snarled at the prosecuting courtier, "If you think I'm so easily bought and sold then come fight me yourself!" she added as Karin tried in vain to calm her down.
"I'm not even a slave," Isaribi spoke up bashfully, "please do not pry, I have my reasons to live with Naruto-kun under the protection of the Uzumaki in Konoha." she attempted politely.
"Isn't it suspicious that they all came together?" Nagi asked the court again, ignoring the protests of the supposed slaves.
Naruto grit his teeth but the next to speak up surprised the Konoha delegation, "Oh?" Danzo asked, "How is that strange? It seems to me you talk in circles, they are either his property or live with him for other reasons as family, future wife, and live in maid." he guessed at the roles that would raise the least eyebrows, "What would be strange is a courtier insisting on the arrest of a powerful war asset when we're busy with a war on two fronts. Are you perhaps Iwa's agent? Oto's? Or are you a pawn who doesn't even know who moves him I wonder?" the Shimura rambled slightly but it halted all conversation and had the Daimyo nodding in agreement.
Nagi sputtered at the accusation, "I would never!" he insisted, "I merely seek to ensure no law breaking is going on in Konohagakure no Sato that would reflect poorly on Daimyo-sama!" he argued.
Danzo raised an eyebrow before turning to the lord of the land in question, "Daimyo-sama, may I speak freely?" he asked and the old man nodded, "Hokage-sama, permission to divulge S rank military secrets?" he asked, surprising the two Sannin that he'd even ask. Shizune was pretty sure Danzo shouldn't be privy to such things, except things that existed before his enforced retirement.
Tsunade was hesitant, she couldn't tell what Danzo was up to but surprisingly he seemed to be helping, "Granted." she said finally, surprising Jiraiya. She still didn't trust the one eyed old war hawk, but she wasn't sure if Naruto would be fine without the Shimura's help.
Danzo cleared his throat, "Naruto Uzumaki is the Kyubi no Jinchuriki, a Koki Ninso in the Konton Gundan, and a high profile shinobi that has overcome near every opponent he's come across, defeating A rank threats and even standing up to S rank threats for far longer than expected for his age and lack of experience." he praised calmly, "The price on his head is likely the only reason to be worried, and with Chigiri still in the middle of a civil war we have nothing to fear from Mizu no Kuni, while Iwagakure's forces have offended Kumogakure no Sato and Kaminari no Kuni with their actions in Mokuno-gai." he explained, "Of his exploits, his first two C rank missions were met with A rank threats, both missions succeeded with no casualties on his side. An A rank mission to Yuki no Kuni turned S rank, success with no casualties on his side. Even the feared Janin were taken down by himself and his future wife there."
This explanation understandably raised some eyebrows from the court, Tsunade and Jiraiya exchanged a nervous look as Shizune checked to see how the Uzumaki household took it but they were all just watching Danzo curiously. The biggest concern of the two Sannin was that Danzo should not be privy to those things, indicating he kept a better eye on things than they realized.
"Without the so called witnesses having the guts to face the one they accuse in person I would assume them all liars, and I suspect Hiashi Hyuga would take offense to being accused of slave trade by a court that didn't even deem fit to invite him to these proceedings." Danzo continued as Nagi turned pale as the court swiftly turned against him with muttered words of agreement and nodding along with the retired shinobi's words, "Put simply, Naruto Uzumaki is a valuable war asset, and continuing this farce of a trial comes off as an attempt to make your esteemed court seem like a joke, with all due respect, Daimyo-sama." he finished.
Naruto was surprised, he'd arrived in an angry and foul mood, but he was curious about Danzo after that. He wondered why the man had helped him, especially since he could tell Tsunade and Jiraiya didn't trust the man. Maemi was just relieved that her master didn't actually need to defend himself, if things escalated into violence she wasn't certain how things would have gone. Partially the Imp was slightly disappointed though, she was curious if Naruto could succeed at a coup but she decided it was safer to let things play out so far.
"Hold it!" Nagi denied, refusing to let it end there, "Have we forgotten why Naruto Uzumaki has a bounty in the first place? Murdering a shipping magnate like that is why we suffered supply line shortages leading up to the current conflicts!" he attempted to remind the court. Naruto noted with some annoyance that the Daimyo was apparently easily swayed, nodding along with that as easily as he did Danzo's speech.
Then the blonde registered he was being accused of murdering Gato, "Hey that guy was a tyrannical bastard who used his business for shady dealings and hired a nukenin to kill the client my magnificent self had to defend in Nami no Kuni!" he snapped suddenly, "That dumb bastard might have even lived if he hadn't been stupid enough to reveal what he was doing to us shinobi." he added with a grumble.
Danzo shrugged, "Well, from what I hear the people of Nami no Kuni could confirm that story, I believe Naruto Uzumaki's Kami is even revered there as a result of those actions?" he questioned and there was some more nodding from courtiers who had heard similar.
"There is a lack of evidence regarding Gato's crimes, however that man was not one of our citizens, although he did pay tax on some docks that we lost out on those docks have since been snatched up by other shipping companies." One of the older courtiers spoke up lazily, "Acting like a foreign investor dying is the end of the world does seem suspicious." he added dryly, Jiraiya realized that the man who spoke up had been speaking with Danzo when they arrived.
"There seems to be a lack of evidence on all fronts." Danzo mused carefully as Nagi looked visibly panicked by the way things were turning out.
"So," Naruto began as he crossed his arms, "my magnificent self, and the Uzumaki clan of Konohagakure no Sato, are insulted." he said with a snarl at Nagi, "In short, cut yourself open." he demanded of the courtier that accused him. No one expected the rather archaic response, but to the surprise of the older Konoha shinobi in the room Hinata herself nodded in agreement, even Karin gave a hesitant but firm nod.
Danzo hadn't been expecting that but he made no comment as the courtiers muttered among themselves, "Surely such an extreme response isn't needed for-" Nagi tried to excuse himself to the court.
"The court of Hi no Kuni can either hand over your head or consider Uzumaki to be enemies." Naruto threatened bluntly, crossing his arms and staring down his accuser with a hate filled glare. That was enough to alarm Danzo, Tsunade, Shizune, and Jiraiya. The room became tense as Haku noticed the Daimyo's hidden guards tense up, the situation seemed like it might escalate as Naruto's glance shifted between the hidden positions of the guards, giving away he knew where they were and setting them even more on edge.
The Daimyo hummed thoughtfully, "A very bold threat!" he praised after a tense moment, "It's true that Nagi-san has caused a grave insult, I dare say any major clan would demand similarly, although I don't think I've ever been forced such an uncouth ultimatum!" he scolded, "Ah, but even as young and unrefined as you are, you carry the authority of a once great clan in decline well." he decided with a nod.
The tense air in the room became confused and awkward as the Daimyo spoke up, surprising many who weren't already used to the man, "She seems to carry herself with a bit more authority than she has, and do we really want some clandestine pleasure den operating in Konohagakure no Sato?" one of the advisors spoke up, the man looking like a monk himself. The bald man gave a slight glare at the horned young blonde for his arrogant attitude, some of his dislike Maemi could tell was a result of her master's inhuman nature.
Naruto returned the glare in kind, "My magnificent self is a hermaphrodite," he began bluntly, " and the harem of the Kajo no Koki Ninso is none of your concern, whether my magnificent self won them on the battlefield, payed a dowry to their parental figures," he continued and both Haku and Hinata felt like that was about them, "or simply welcomed them into the Uzumaki household for other reasons is not your concern, it is only the concern of our household and Slaanesh-kaasama!" he insisted heatedly.
Naruto's familial choice of honorific for a relatively new deity had some eyebrows raised as courtiers muttered again among themselves, the monk who had spoken up looked particularly incensed by the rebuttal. Nagi decided to try again, "See? An inflated ego, a disproportionate sense of authority! This shinobi is clearly a threat!" he argued.
"Do you want a threat?" Naruto asked dangerously, his tail whipping up to rear behind him threateningly and despite the distance the young man felt sweat drip down the back of his neck as his voice caught in his throat at the killing intent the young blonde directed with the rather blatantly implied threat.
Danzo frowned as he considered the way things were going, "Any shinobi of good standing would be offended and aggravated to the point of forgetting certain manners by your accusations." he pointed out, "Daimyo-sama, I believe I have had my say, Naruto Uzumaki is a respected A rank chunin, vital war asset, and many minor allied nations who have set up shrines to his Kajo no Kami even consider him something of a spiritual guide." he addressed the leader of the land politely, "To prosecute him without evidence is to invite trade sanctions from Yuki no Kuni, Tori no Kuni, and even Na no Kuni, if they don't decide to go to war over it." he finished, surprising the Sannin with how alarmingly well informed he was about the bonds Naruto had formed.
The Daimyo nodded, apparently finally coming to a decision, "Nagi-san, to let you get away with such flagrant accusations against someone of such standing, and such military value, sets a terrible precedent. Naruto-san, would you accept his exile as penance?" he bargained, his military advisor seeming fine with it while the monk looked annoyed by the decision.
Naruto's eyes narrowed and Nagi felt like the gaze of a predator washed over his naked form in the wilderness rather than that he was gazed at by an enemy in court, the blonde considered the offer as Nagi would be beyond the protection of the Daimyo's court, "Fine, my magnificent self will accept that much." he agreed after thinking about it. Tsunade released a breath she didn't know she'd been holding, baffled that the younger blonde had gotten away with that.
The Daimyo chuckled, "What a theatrical shojo the head of the Uzumaki clan is!" he said with a bemused smile, "Ah, but I do enjoy kabuki, are we done then?" he asked casually as Nagi had a panic attack. Maemi could hardly believe the luck of her young master, while Naruto wondered how the Daimyo was supposed to hold his authority until he caught the eyes of the inner circle and realized the Daimyo was just a figure head at best.
"Daimyo-sama, was that wise?"
The military advisor scoffed, "Are you so blinded by your own self righteousness to not notice, monk?" he asked.
The Daimyo of Hi no Kuni chuckled, "Ah, such a dangerous young head the Uzumaki clan has now." he mused, "Tsunade Senju, Jiraiya, and even Danzo Shimura supporting, uh, her? Well in any case it's better to have Konohagakure no Sato remain as our allies." he said calmly, "Uh, who reccomended that Nagi-san join my court again?" he wondered.
A bespectacled man fiddling with an abacus shrugged, "I believe it was Hajo-dono, but I agree with your decision and our esteemed military advisor, Daimyo-sama." he said, "I hadn't even realized it, but those nations Danzo-san mentioned have indeed been cooperative, part of the reason we've maintained prosperity despite Gato's company going under and losing trade with the land now called Oto no Kuni is thanks to vegetables bought from Ta no Kuni at a good price and rice from Tori no Kuni." the man explained plainly.
The monk sighed, "Hedging our bets that a yokai will remain benevolent seems dangerous to me, but I see I've lost this round and I cannot deny Nagi's actions were suspicious." he acquiesced, "I would still advise against allowing such an arrogant and self assured bakemono from obtaining more authority, and I have my doubts about them truly being Uzumaki." he said, wanting to have his opinion heard.
"Tsunade Senju has ties with that clan, if she vouches that the Yokai Ninso is an Uzumaki then I will believe her. Perhaps he is part Uzumaki and part Hanyou?" The Daimyo explained with a simple smile as he pointed out an option the monk hadn't considered, "After a heart pumping trial like that I am in the mood for kabuki, anyone else?" he asked jovially, his advisors exchanged exasperated glances at the easy going lord they were supposed to help.
"Well, that Nagi bastard is as good as dead." Tayuya said bluntly as they left the capital, "What a waste of time and resources he was." she muttered with a shake of her head. Tsunade and Jiraiya glanced at the uninvited and retired shinobi with them, clearly still not trusting him.
"Hm, an inexperienced whelp like that?" Danzo asked, "I'll be surprised if his rivals let him leave the capital alive." he confirmed casually. Hanako and Isaribi were confused, wondering if all the Daimyo courts worked in a similar manner. Haku and Hinata were pretty sure that was slightly abnormal, while Kin, Karin, and Tayuya didn't care much as long as the issue was resolved.
"Who are you again?" Naruto asked bluntly, he'd never actually met the man, he just didn't like the way the man smelled.
The retired shinobi scoffed at the lack of recognition, "Danzo Shimura, a retired old man looking out for Konohagakure's best interests." he said, meeting the eyes of the young blonde he'd assisted for a moment, "Don't make me seem like an old fool now, rude chunin" he requested simply with a slightly chastising tone.
Naruto grinned, "Of course, my magnificent self is the future Hokage after all." he bragged proudly, Jiraiya and Tsunade were surprised that Danzo was willing to help but couldn't deny his words were likely the reason Nagi's prosecution fell short. Shizune was just relieved the bold nature of the blonde had amused the Daimyo, rather than offended him.
Maemi wasn't sure whether or not she should call the bluff of the old shinobi who claimed to be retired, but decided that since he'd helped Naruto she'd keep quiet for now and warn her master privately later.
Tsunade sighed, "I know he thinks fondly of some of us in Konoha, but I still can't believe you got away with that." she commented with a shake of her head.
Jiraiya nodded, "Yeah, that was reckless, what were you thinking?" he asked with a raised eyebrow at his young student.
Naruto frowned as he considered that, scratching behind his back right horn idly, "My magnificent self shouldn't be bowing to weaklings like that." he decided with a shrug.
Danzo hummed, "You should be more careful, while the Daimyo may not worry about it since he feels he dealt with the situation, his advisors are likely wary of you after that display." he warned helpfully.
Naruto shrugged carelessly, "Let them be wary." he decided, feeling no need to elaborate on that confident statement. Tsunade, Shizune, and Jiraiya exchanged worried glances before the group continued the return to Konohagakure no Sato.
Shibuki was surprised at how powerful Konoha shinobi were, if even chunin and genin could match his jonin. Kakashi had insisted that his cell were just built different, whatever that meant, but it still bothered him to have his elite so outclassed. Shino had held a choke point alone for over an hour, allowing Kiba and Sakura to flank the enemy reinforcements while Sasuke and Kakashi attacked an Iwa encampment.
Shikamaru and Ino were running information between the different squads and had ended up saving his own teams more than once, Shibuki couldn't help but feel that the Konton Gundan formed in Konoha was perhaps a bit too terrifying if such a small squad could do so much, Sasuke and Kakashi returning without a scratch having routed an entire regiment of chunin was even more proof of that.
"Iwagakure definitely had a numerical advantage when they joined this war, but they've slowed their advance after what we did in Kusa and here in Taki." Kakashi mused as he looked over a map with Shibuki, they were camped outside of Taki. Shibuki felt it was safest to let as few people know where his village was as possible, the fact Kakashi's students proved trustworthy made him feel a little guilty about it but the jonin made no attempts to negotiate his shinobi stay in Taki and the few iryonin of Takigakure were more than happy to assist from the encampment they'd set up a slight distance from the hidden village itself.
Sasuke, Shikamaru, and a pair of Taki jonin were present as well, "From what I've heard, the Sandaime Tsuchikage will turn the tide on any front he appears on so we've been lucky so far." the beaked Uchiha mused, "Orochimaru might be a problem too, and those Akatsuki guys are working as mercenaries too, plus Amegakure hasn't made a sound but they sit in a similar position to Taki and Kusa, although they have the distinction of being home to Hanzo so even though their village isn't as hidden as other minor villages I'm not sure if Iwa will attack them unless the Tsuchikage himself wants to risk a fight with Hanzo." he rambled, voicing his thoughts on the situation as a whole.
"Let Hokage-sama worry about the other fronts for now," Kakashi said with a shake of his head, "We need to focus here, Takigakure is flanked by both Iwa and Oto." he pointed out.
One of the Taki jonin cleared his throat, "We've had an easy time with Otogakure scouts for the most part, but we lost another patrol in that direction." he spoke up, "Honestly, if you weren't helping run interference, their combined efforts might have combed out our location, which would be all the Tsuchikage needs to crush us with his Bakuha Butai." he pointed out gratefully.
Shibuki nodded, "Our best bet against him would, unfortunately, be to hope he's gotten old enough that a team of jonin empowered by the Eiyu no Mizu could handle him." he lamented with a frown.
Sasuke considered that, "An old man feared for his ninjutsu..." he muttered, "Actually, Sakura and I might be able to handle him if push comes to shove." he realized idly, his comment sounding like pure arrogance to most.
Kakashi realized immediately what his student meant, "I'd rather you not test Sakura-chan's choker against that man's ninjutsu, it's said to be a level above even most Kekkei Genkai." he warned, "Although I have to admit, you might have a point." he sighed, "Sasuke-kun can counter ninjutsu with a special Mahojutsu, I don't understand it fully but when it comes to countering a ninjutsu or genjutsu specialist my team is best for it." he confirmed to the surprised Taki shinobi.
"I vote we wait for Naruto to get back." Shikamaru spoke up as he reclined with a stretch, "I heard he took down one of Iwa's strongest shinobi already, I don't think I could hold back anyone on that level so the more back up we have for that the better." he pointed out.
Kakashi chuckled at the show of faith for his blonde student, "Well, I doubt we'll get to pick that fight." he warned, "He's from the same generation as our own late Sandaime-sama, I heard he even survived a fight with the likes of Madara Uchiha." he added and Sasuke struggled not to jump in surprise at that information, the name cropping up again so soon taking him by surprise.
Shikamaru noticed the jolt but assumed that it was just a standard Uchiha response to the vilified ancestor of the clan who had betrayed the Shodai Hokage, "All I'm saying is I can't hold that many enemy jonin in place, so if his whole Bakuha Butai comes along, or they bring along one of those S rank mercenaries," he continued, not knowing the true significance of the Akatsuki himself, "then I'd say Shibuki-san pulling out the Eiyu no Mizu might be our only chance at victory." he commented.
Shibuki sighed, "At that point it might be required just to force a draw so we can retreat with minimal losses." he muttered, "Without one of your Sannin to match him, I don't really like our chances, no offense Sasuke-san." he finished.
"Well now I just want to fight him more." Sasuke muttered petulantly, Kakashi couldn't resist a chuckle at his competitive student. The two Taki jonin exchanged a worried glance, convinced Konoha shinobi were insane. The fact Sakura and Kiba had been openly collecting skulls from their kills further supported that theory, the pink haired kunoichi even taken to wearing them on her belt after she'd cleaned them.
"Alright, Danzo, spill it, what are you up to?" Tsunade demanded to know once she had the man in her office with only Jiraiya and some Anbu present, she was still suspicious of the man.
"Dear me, I assist my home and suspicion is my reward?" Danzo asked with a sardonic smirk, "I already said didn't I? I am watching out for the future of Konohagakure no Sato." he answered with a shrug, "I can't blame you for not believing me I suppose, our ideals and how we go about things are opposed." he acknowledged, "However, whether I like it or not, Naruto Uzumaki is graced by a genuine Kami, his continued loyalty to Konoha and his desire to protect it remaining genuine are in my best interests."
Jiraiya frowned, "Well now, I happen to bear the same mark, feel like helping me too? In fact, Tsunade-hime is marked by all of them if I understand that eight pointed star correctly." he questioned, still not trusting the motives of the old rival of his sensei.
"I don't think any of us understand it," Danzo mused, "in any event, with both Orochimaru and Iwa knocking on the borders of our lesser allies, Naruto's Daemon contract is practically a necessity, not to mention his status as the Kyubi Jinchuriki making him the only one besides either of you who could hope to match S rank threats, without killing himself like Maito Gai would need to do at least." he explained plainly.
"That's uh, quite the praise." Jiraiya confessed, taken aback.
Danzo shrugged, "Results speak for themselves, facing chunin before graduation, overcoming every adversity when his C rank missions go horribly wrong, fighting and even defeating jonin before even attempting the chunin examinations?" he listed in a questioning tone, "Please, I may be a stubborn old man, but I'm no fool. To call the religion he's spread a cult is disingenuous at this point. It's obvious his team are this generations Sannin, and I will not let some wet behind the ears courtier turn such an asset into another Orochimaru." he explained.
Tsunade frowned, Danzo was not the first to compare the traitor of the Sannin to the unnaturally cheerful blonde, and said young blonde had displayed a rather dark side that day, "I see, then consider yourself dismissed and your assistance appreciated." she decided with a polite nod, figuring she could offer that much at least for his assistance. Danzo returned the nod politely, stood, and made to leave.
Jiraiya sighed once the crippled shinobi was gone, "I seriously can't get a read on that guy, my guess is he wants Naruto-kun to trust him." he assumed, "We should do our best to survive and keep guiding that kid, he needs good influences."
Tsunade couldn't resist a scoff, "Right, because a lecher like you and an alcoholic gambling addict like me are such good role models." she muttered sarcastically, although she knew the other Sannin understood that the old war hawk had paradoxically likely stopped bloodshed with that action.
"Hey!" Jiraiya took offense, "You may be right, but we have some good principles at least, and I don't appreciate you talking so poorly of my one good remaining teammate." he said, unable to resist a grin as he finished. Trying to lighten the mood and distract them both from the fact that Naruto had very nearly declared open war against the Daimyo, mostly because he didn't want to think about which side he would have taken.
Tsunade couldn't resist a smile, "Go try your smooth moves elsewhere Jiraiya, still not interested." she rebuffed bluntly, although she was glad the man had lifted the dour mood. Jiraiya just laughed at the rebuttal as he left with a wave, deciding he'd go do exactly as suggested before leaving the village to search for Otogakure no Sato yet again.
Naruto sighed as he relaxed in the shared bath with his entire harem, even Hanako under the condition they didn't have sex in front of her. The blonde was a little disappointed but he was just relieved to relax after the scare he'd had, being worried about losing anyone he loved had stressed him out more than he thought possible. Haku still elected to wash Isaribi's hair for her, the purple haired young woman enjoying the attention.
Since they couldn't enjoy what they normally did Karin and Hinata both tried to wash Naruto's hair, which resulted in a small argument, "I'm first wife, I should get to wash his hair." Hinata insisted.
Karin scoffed, "As first wife you should just be pampered alongside him instead." she argued right back.
"Not it." Tayuya said in a flat tone.
Kin looked around and realized that only left her, "Fuck." she grumbled.
"Why don't you get pampered, Oneechan?" Hinata shot back, using the title with some slight sarcasm.
"Why don't you just take turns?" Maemi asked, "We have conditioner too, and it's not like hair is the only thing that needs to be washed." she added with a smirk.
"Don't you encourage that!" Hanako snapped, throwing a bar of soap at the Imp with accuracy and force that startled the Muse and knocked her into the water.
"You're lucky that didn't dispel me." Maemi grumbled as she surfaced, her eyes shot a glare at the former nukenin who had struck her.
Naruto laughed at the antics, "Just get along and relax everyone, be merry because tomorrow my magnificent self goes back to war." he instructed, his cheery attitude contrasting disturbingly against his choice of words.
Hanako frowned, "How can you be so casual about war?" she asked, "Bloodshed, death, people killing each other like that. I get it has to happen, some people just can't get along and conflict is inevitable, but still, you almost seem like you enjoy it." she explained her question.
Naruto blinked owlishly, "Because it's enjoyable." he answered bluntly, "It's romantic isn't it? Putting your life and ideals on the line against someone else doing the same." he asked as Haku and Isaribi frowned in concern.
"That's kind of fucked up." Tayuya pointed out, "But I get it, feels right to slaughter dipshit enemies trying to kill you." she agreed, Kin shrugged but nodded to show she thought the same.
Karin and Hinata exchanged a worried glance, "Um, Naruto-kun?" the former heiress asked, clearly concerned, "Do you enjoy killing?" she asked.
Naruto frowned, "Not really, but defeating a strong enemy makes my magnificent self feel alive. It's better if they survive so we can have a rematch but some people," he trailed off as his frown deepened, "some are too dangerous." he muttered, "Some people would try to hurt or destroy what my magnificent self has enshrined, to defile the beautiful things that should be loved and cherished, those people dying does bring joy." he answered with a pensive expression.
Haku couldn't argue with that logic, but the fact such people existed upset him and he wasn't sure if he could ever find the same joy in ending those who needed to be put down that Naruto did. The pretty boy wasn't even sure if he could kill even those described, even if he agreed it should be done on a logical level he just didn't have the heart.
"You really aren't a kid, are you?" Hanako asked, Naruto just grinned and shook his head in response. Isaribi didn't appreciate the reminder that she and Hanako were technically the oldest women there, especially since she still physically looked Haku's age.
Karin sighed as she relaxed into the hot bath, "I wish I could help more, but-" she began hesitantly.
"Don't." Naruto denied, "Your life is precious to my magnificent self, don't you dare shorten it, we have plenty of iryonin to provide help." he insisted with a serious expression, "You're needed here, helping to guard others pecious to us." he added firmly. Karin hadn't expected that but smiled and nodded, the blonde had found exactly what she needed to hear.
Hinata smiled as well, cuddling up to Naruto as the interaction assured her he was still kind despite how much battle had hardened him. Then Karin swiftly moved to start washing his hair and the two first girls of the harem glared at each other again, another argument threatening to happen until Kin moved to help the former heiress with her own hair.
Maemi smirked, proud of the development of her blonde young master. She was confident that before the expanding war ended, Naruto would achieve Apotheosis. It was just a matter of who he needed to defeat to earn it. The Imp did think it was a slight shame that there was no regime changing uprising, but that could wait.
"Oh," Maemi recalled what she wanted to bring up, "Danzo Shimura was lying about being retired for some reason." she told the horned blonde getting his hair washed.
"Huh, weird." Naruto commented, "I wonder why, but he seems helpful. He doesn't smell very healthy though, so he must be pushing himself pretty hard if he's still working covertly." he mused, not guessing for a moment that either Sannin was unaware of this.