Shinigami

by The Omnipresent Sage

When Itachi reported to the Sandaime after the Uchiha massacre, Hiruzen had one request for the Uchiha. "Please take Naruto with you." Itachi was loyal. What could go wrong?

14. Chapter 14

Shizune closed her eyes and took in the natural breath that surrounded him. The hideout was aesthetically pleasing. She could imagine spending the rest of her days here if there was no planned return to Konoha. Though the issue was never discussed, she knew, their lives of freedom would not last until their deaths. If hard times knocked at Konoha, they wouldn't wait for Anbu to look for them — they would rush back. She'd even disobey her master and go back on her own if she needed.

As gusts of wind danced with the leaves, Shizune stared into the heavens. The tall trees that surrounded the house didn't go above it. The sunlight reached the place and according to Shin, there was a stream of water nearby.

The house itself was wooden. The doors and windows were shut. It seemed totally out of place. it was not a house you found in the middle of nowhere.

Tsunade had no patience for the aesthetics. Shizune had to rush over to her as she walked toward the stairs. They hadn't talked much she found her. The matter of importance was finding this place and avoiding the hounds who wanted their money. Much to her disappointment, it seemed that her master had tripled her gambling habits and drank twice as much. Even now, she wasn't completely sober. Shizune thought this place would get her to calm a bit.

The stair case had four steps. The moment they stepped into the second one, marks appeared. It caused Tsunade to jump back instinctively. Shizune remained — she had trust that this wasn't a trap. Maybe her trust was misplaced. But nothing happened to her. She stopped at the door.

Shin said there were traps. To deactivate them, a sat of hand seals were required. He placed her right hand on the door and a large Uzumaki crest appeared on it. She noticed, some of her chakra was absorbed.

She did a ram hand sign, followed by a tiger and then a rat. She waited for a second before the symbol disappeared.

Before she could do anything, Tsunade was already back beside her and twisted the door knob.

They were welcomed by a sitting. There was a small round wooden desk with three chairs surrounding it. By the window on their right, a large couch was placed there. Adjacent to them, there was a narrow passage. On their left, a door frame.

Tsunade released a heavy sigh.

"Well, it looks like there is no danger." She said casually and then strolled toward the black couch. She ran her hand on it. There was no dust. "Someone was here recently." She said as she slumped down.

"It seems so…" Shizune had ran her fingers across the round table. The area was nice and neat. It was small, but still neat. "I'll check the other rooms."

Tsunade nodded. "Be careful."

"Of course."

"Really. This place might look like it is not protected but it is. There were visible marks on the trees as we came here. There is also a reason it looks this safe."

"I understand."

Shizune didn't go toward the passage, she went toward the other room. It was a kitchen — a small kitchen. But a complete kitchen with cupboards, a sink, a stove and a fridge. Now that she thought of it, there were light bulbs, and yet, there was no power. The fridge wasn't even on and there was nothing in it.

The cupboards and some foodstuffs in them. All edible things but nothing that could rot away quickly. The cupboard holding the sink had three buckets of clean water.

Shizune left the kitchen and returned to the sitting room.

"It is a full kitchen with everything."

"He must have used this place as a living house when moving around." She glanced into the ceiling and saw the light. "Electricity?"

"There is none."

"Then why the lights?"

"I don't know." Shizune shook her head and walked toward the passage. It had a dead end with door doors on either side. The room on her right was empty. The one on her left was a bedroom with a large bed. It was covered well. She walked in and sat on the bed. It was comfortable. She stared at the wardrobe and then walked over. It was empty. She checked the drawers; they too were empty.

She left the bedroom and walked toward the empty room.

She stood at the doorway and looked around once more. The entrance to the basement was supposed to be this room. She walked over the window and opened it. A fresh breath of oxygen calmed her nerves.

She backed away from the window. It didn't take long for her to find the mechanism that opened the entrance. The entrance itself was in the narrow passage.

"Tsunade-sama…" She called her master.

Footsteps told her Tsunade was coming. It was a dark path below. With her master, they walked down the stairs that seemed to extend beyond the foundations of the house itself. Once they reached below, lights flickered above, illuminating the room.

Tsunade stared below and noticed something.

"Fuinjutsu?"

"What?"

"There is a seal that is absorbing our chakra. It is either converting the chakra into electricity or the Fuinjutsu itself is lightning based?"

"There are those?"

"Well, not Fuinjutsu but Juinjutsu…" Tsunade shook her head.

The room was huge. Its floor size was bigger than the entire house. There were swords placed on the walls and shelves, but with few scrolls. What was glaring was the amount of kunai and Shuriken on the right side. They were just lying there.

Shizune walked over to the bookshelves and picked a scroll. When she unfolded it, it was empty. She picked another one and unfolded it. It was written gold. But placed it back and faced her master.

"Everything seems to be in place."

Tsunade nodded and they walked back into the stairs. The secret door closed on its own as the lights died out.

Tsunade immediately walked toward the kitchen to check something. She went toward the fridge and pulled it to see what was behind it. The plug was plugged on the wall. But there was a piece of paper on it. She tore it off and inspected it.

"What is it?"

"It's a tag." Tsunade said. "He stores lightning chakra inside the tags and then uses it to power the house. It is like an explosive tag but unlike explosives, it doesn't release all the chakra at once. He must really have a lot of chakra to be doing this."

"Can we use them?"

"No." Tsunade didn't push the fridge into place. "The owner of this place probably stores the chakra while away and uses them when here…" she said walking back to the couch. She laid on her back and then closed her eyes.

Shizune sat on the chair.

"Giving us this place means he can reach us whenever he wants." She said.

"Yes."

Then she was going to be seeing more of Naruto. It didn't make her happy. Honestly, Shizune didn't know how that made her feel.

"Why didn't you go to Konoha or come for me anyway?"

Tsunade didn't immediately reply and when she did, it was in a dismissive tone. "I didn't think anything bad was going to happen to you. Besides, he made the effort to ask, so there was probably some truth…" she paused for a second before adding. "I also wanted to get away from you for a while. You can be nagging at times… and you deserved some time away from me."

"You could've said that a little better."

Tsunade just shrugged. "Did you at least manage to free your mind or do something fun?" Shizune had already given her the general picture of what happened in Uzu. She wasn't bothered with the details.

"How could I when worrying about you? And it turns out for a good reason. I really cant leave you alone for a while!" Shizune raised her voice. "I'll leave tomorrow and try to settle some of your debts. If I could, I would lock you here just so you don't do anything…"

"You're giving me a headache, Shizune."

"Ah," Shizune ignored her master's words. "I forget, I came back with some plants. There are probably more here we can use to create medicine."

"We can talk about that tomorrow; I want to sleep."

Kirigakure

The Mizukage didn't raise her head when Naruto walked into her office. She kept her eyes on her work. Naruto wasn't dense enough to believe it was not intentional. She was displeased about something and he honestly didn't see where he had gone wrong for her to act in such a manner.

"When did Kisame arrive?" He asked causally.

"You arrived last night and didn't bother to see me." She said as she lifted her head, facing him with an expressionless mask.

"It was late," Naruto replied with a slight wave of his right hand. He was trying to be dismissive, but it was clear there was an issue with Mei.

"It was around 8pm." Mei gave him a long stare, making it clear to him that 8pm was not late, contrary to his protestations.

"I was tired and di not wish to bother you."

"It was still 8pm."

Naruto fell silent for a couple of moments. "Since when did we do things like that?"

"Forgive me for getting the wrong impression. I wont expect anything from you," Mei said in an icy tone. Her face fell on her papers once more as if she considered the matter closed and was dismissing his presence.

Naruto would have winced in a normal situation. He finally settled down. "I apologize if my actions have offended you or sent an unintentional message," he paused and waited for Mei to face him once more. Once she did, he continued speaking. "There were things I had to do, and I was honestly tired…" he revealed a worn out expression that took Mei by surprise.

"You're not getting enough sleep?"

"Yeah… my mind is also very tired. I'm always thinking about things. It is becoming a little unhealthy. I want to go back to Uzu and rest for a couple of days."

"You just arrived and already you want to leave? Why can't you rest with me?" the Mizukage asked with emotion.

"I did not think that was an option." He was saying that, but he honestly wanted to avoid the emotional drain. Besides, Mei influenced his choice that it bothered him a little. Without her around, he could afford to take reckless decisions.

"You're not a child, are you?"

He was not, but relationships of such nature were indeed difficult. Women were truly complicated creatures. Strangers of the night did not burden him with emotions. They came and went. Some got paid some didn't mind – they just wanted to enjoy the pleasure of life. But to be in relationships of serious nature meant emotions. To be considerate and to burden yourself with the worries of the other.

Naruto couldn't say his relationship with Mei was to that degree but she was telling him. He wanted to avoid it or at least delay it. Emotions got in the way of rational thinking. Or maybe he was just afraid.

"We can have this discussion later on. I suppose I'll have to stick around." Naruto said with emotion. "It is still morning. Let us not ruin the day."

"Are you saying I am ruining the day?"

Naruto shook his head. "Maybe that came out wrong. But we can just save that for later and discuss other things."

Mei stared at him for a minute before motioning for him to speak.

"The Journey to the Rain was a success. Brutal, but we succeeded. Hanzo is dead and my friends now control the country."

"Do they or do you?"

Naruto smiled. "They do. I'm afraid the man named Yahiko has an even greater dream than I do. Besides, they are powerful shinobi that I would not dare try to fight."

"That is something, coming from you."

"Nobody is absolute." Naruto shrugged. "Anyway, I will develop a relationship with them on behalf of Uzushiogakure. They will also begin the process of creating the trade routes in the coming weeks. I have already discussed the minor details with them. And also through the Fire Nation. What remains is the Hidden Leaf. The Feudal Lord demands Konoha take a share of the shinobi to be hired. So, I must negotiate with them."

"What must I know about Amegakure?"

"Well, it is now led by a man named Yahiko and his two friends, Konan and Nagato. The latter is from my clan. They all war orphans who seek to create a better world and will no doubt challenge the rule of the Great Nation. Once they grow, they will demand recognition for their later as a Kage."

Mei stared at Naruto. He was moving toward a revolution. But at least, in Amegakure, he was not manipulating people but working with people who could share his dream.

"What did you mean they had bigger dreams than you?"

"Exactly that. World domination if things are not going well." Naruto replied flatly.

"No wonder you work with them." Mei shook her head. "I would rather not associate myself with people like that. If they are going to destabilize things that drag us to war, I don't want to be a part of it."

"I understand. But if they are attacked because they grow in power?"

"It is another situation."

"Then we are clear. I am going to help them grow powerful enough to be considered a challenge to the Great Nations."

"Just as you're helping us regain our strength."

"Your voice means something to the other Kage when there is power behind it. Without overwhelming power, they'll treat your words as meaningless."

"But overwhelming power creates fear. And with that fear, comes war."

"That just speaks of how wrong the shinobi world is, doesn't it?" Naruto asked with a smile.

"Yes… was there anything else you did?"

"Aside from fighting Kisame… no."

"Utakata?"

"He isn't going to be a problem. I'll go for him once I have settled things on my end. I thought Kisame was more important. Not just in terms of power but the restoration of the Great Swordsman."

"We haven't been able to get him to commit to anything." Mei said with a bit of frustration. I thought under the circumstance in which he left, he would be redeemable."

"Then?"

"He has been waiting for you. If he can't stay, we have no choice. You wont give him his sword but will send him into your prison. He will decide what to do with his life there."

That was just much better than committing the man to death. She would just removed him from the picture without spilling his blood. And maybe after living in prison for a little while, he would come to his senses. Naruto had said the main purpose of the facility was reeducation. But she thought he was treating it as some sort of an experiment.

"I will do as you command." Naruto said as he stood up. "I'll see you later."

"At my house."

"Of course."

"Be hungry."

"I'll leave room." Naruto replied with a smile.

"What are you going to be doing all day?" Mei asked curiously.

"I'm going to teach kids at the orphanage. Get some sleep after and then I'll look for Kisame, sort out his issues. I hope, it goes well."

"So do it."

Naruto nodded and turned away from Mei. He took a couple of steps and then stopped, turning slightly. "Say, what do you think about killing Orochimaru and taking over his village? I could set it up as a merchant village were all things are traded."

"Perish the idea!"

"Why not?"

"Wasn't that for Uzushiogakure?"

"The location is not ideal. Somewhere in land is necessary. I was just bouncing the idea since I am going after the Sannin."

"I don't agree with it."

A couple of minutes later

As soon as he stepped outside of Mei's office, Naruto was confronted by Ao. he ignored the man and stepped out of the tower. It was only when they were in the streets that the Jonin finally spoke.

"Mei-sama values you highly."

"Tell me something I don't know." Naruto's eyes narrowed toward the Jonin. "What is it that you want, Ao-san?"

Ao cleared his throat. "You and I have never been close. There has always been that distance. And I admit, your reclusive attitude meant I couldn't really trust you. You didn't even tell us anything about yourself. I'd always thought there was an ulterior motive."

He really shouldn't have worried. Naruto even took care of orphaned children. He didn't mingle with other shinobi, but it wasn't to say he was rude to all and dismissed anyone who came to him. He was anything but that. If you chatted him, he'd respond in kind. The hard part was always finding the right time to talk to him. Because if he was around the village, he was with Mei.

"I didn't necessarily have a problem with that."

"I know. But you're one of us and it is only fair we work together." Ao said in a firm tone.

"Oh, so, you're not giving me an option in the matter."

"Yes."

"That's interesting. It seems everyone these days wants to be friends with Naruto Uzumaki. I wonder why I am so attractive…" Naruto replied with a smile.

He didn't consider himself good mannered. He was mildly mannered at best. So, why did people want to be friends with him? Was it that important? Was he some genie who granted wishes to those who he considered friends? Was there a blessing to those who dined within his shadow?

"Company." Ao said as he saw Kisame walking toward them. "He seems displeased…" the Jonin added.

"Losers can't be grinning in happiness."

"You'd say it like that?"

"There is no need to be gentle with man like Kisame."

Ao stepped in front of Naruto and held up his right hand. "Kisame…" he warned. "We're in the middle of the street and it is still morning. It would be best if you didn't make a commotion."

Kisame rolled his eyes. Who was Ao to tell him what he could and couldn't do? He pushed the man away from him and stared directly at Naruto before lunging. He was upon the blond in the blink of an eye, but his huge fist stopped just inches away from Naruto's face.

The reason be stopped was because Naruto didn't even make an attempt to dodge.

"That's cruel." Kisame complained. "And no fun. You can't have any fun hitting a stick. The least you can do is fight back after what you put me through."

Naruto shrugged. "You're the one who refused my offer."

"Would you have accepted it if situation was reversed?" Kisame asked and then grinned. "Aren't you a former Konoha shinobi?"

"I was born in Konoha but was never its shinobi." Naruto corrected.

"It doesn't matter."

Naruto glanced at Ao. "It's fine." He said. "It seems Kisame wants to talk to me. I'm heading toward the orphanage. If you need me, you know where to find me."

"Hai." Ao didn't protest. "Kisame."

Kisame didn't reply to the man. He just followed Naruto.

Even in the morning, the people of this village still recognized the blond. The waved at him, acknowledged his existence.

"It doesn't sit well with me that an outsider managed to save this nation from disaster." Kisame said as they strolled through the streets.

"Some of us do what we can. And some of you choose to run."

Kisame snorted. "That's rich coming for a man who ran from Konoha because they hated him. Even worse, you're the son of Konoha's former Hokage. Compared to you, I did nothing."

Naruto laughed. "That's a bit cold."

Well, he had not returned to Konoha because the village held no love for him. There was no other excuse. He could give other reasons, but none made it possible for him than this. Kisame was not wrong. Perhaps he was being a hypocrite but it didn't matter.

"But the situation is different. I didn't forsake a village in need. You did…" Naruto said. "Tell me… what was your role. I know some details, but I want to hear it from you?"

"Give me my sword."

Naruto didn't object to the request. He took out a small scroll and handed it over to Kisame. The man grabbed it and then stopped as he unfolded it. A summoning scroll. He placed his hand on the marks and his sword appeared in a puff of smoke.

Kisame threw away the scroll and then held his sword with a grin. He held it up against Naruto.

"I could attack you now or even submerge this street in water."

Naruto stopped and glanced at Kisame with an expressionless mask. "Do you want to die that badly?"

"Hehehe…" Kisame grinned. "I'm sure I'd put up a good fight. And would at least take your leg or arm."

Naruto sighed and continued walking. People in the street were already making way. Fear was a dangerous thing. He smiled toward those who looked with a reassuring smile.

"Its not good to scare people like this."

"You're no fun." Kisame replied with a flat look. He caught up to the blond and then asked. "Why did you not return to Konoha? This is the first time I hear that a child of a former Hokage has abandoned his village. Worse, not just any Hokage but the Yellow Flash."

"Konoha did not want me. Why should I force myself on those who rejoice at my disappearance. Being there would have ruined their happiness. My father may have been the Yellow Flash, but it has nothing to do with me. I did not belong there, and so, I looked for where I could belong and call home."

"I didn't expect you to give me a straight answer."

"It is not like it is a secret. I'm not ashamed of my decision. In fact, I am proud I have become what I am."

"You've done well for yourself." Kisame said a bit sarcastically.

"Sure…" Naruto rolled his eyes. "Maybe I shouldn't have killed Zabuza. But I wonder if he would have been accepted here. He too had once thought of freeing this village from its bloody rule. Alas, he was weak."

Kisame was silent for a couple of moments before finally questioning Naruto's earlier question. "I'm not telling you."

"That's not fair."

"I didn't force you to speak."

"Fair enough." Naruto conceded. "Then, why you left?"

"I was just tired of my role. It is not fun being forced to kill your fellow shinobi to protect secrets." Kisame replied with indifference. "Its bad enough when the man you reported to ended up being a traitor as well."

"Well, Kiri was already on a downward spiral. When there is corruption in the structure and leadership, it is easy for those under the structure to be corrupt. You could call it systematic corruption." He smiled. "Humans are like that. But as you have seen for yourself, this place has changed. Your role will be different. No longer serve to protect secrets and kill your friends. Here, your role is to protect them."

"And you? What is your role? What are you after? You're not doing this because you like this place."

"Well, I like it. I consider this place my home as well…" Naruto said. "What is my goal? A revolution, Kisame. To systemically change the shinobi world. Call it a social experiment. I want to see if it possible for shinobi to live differently."

"The other Great Nation are not going to like that."

"Zabuza fled because he had no power to change things. But I am not afraid. And I have friends. In a couple of years, I will have money. Money and power mean influence. If the Great Nations cannot accept my change, then we will be at war. Either they destroy me or I destroy them."

A the visual image of bloody battles, Kisame grinned. "It seems like it is going to be fun."

"Then I suppose you'll be tagging along."

"For the battles ahead."

They arrived at a fenced building. "This is an orphanage I built and continue to fund. I sometimes come here to take care of the kids myself. At some point, I was in their position but I was hated and neglected. To the end, I was forced to live off my own."

"I have no appetite to babysit brats."

Naruto shrugged. "Between death, being locked up, you'd very much prefer freedom. In fact, you could have decided to abandon your sword. But you came here because there was nothing better you could do. But there is something here to do. I welcome you to Kirigakure and hope you raise better shinobi who can appreciate comrades and protect them with everything they have… they must be loyal, not to the mission, but to what the village stands for."

"What does this village stand for?"

"You'd have to ask the Mizukage."

Mei's house

Naruto had arrived earlier than she expected. Mei had been a bit nervous when he showed up. After all, she had been acting weirdly in the morning. It didn't seem to be on Naruto's mind. Or maybe she just couldn't read him. She thought the latter was much likely. Which was why she was surprised when he offered to cook.

It hadn't been something forced. He was quite natural about it. And seemed much happier – a lot happier than Mei had ever seen him. The meal was delicious. After this, she wouldn't complain if he offered to cook for her every now and then. It couldn't be an every day thing. She was not the man in the relationship.

The thought made her frown? Where they really in a relationship? Well, not according to Naruto. Mei didn't want to beat around the bush for too long. She was getting old—not that she would admit to anyone. Naruto was still young. He could postpone marriage and children for the next ten years and he wouldn't even be worried about dying without someone to carry his name.

They hadn't spoken much about anything of substance while they ate. She had enquired about his day and the meeting with Kisame while he probed about the situation with the village.

After eating, they sat in the lounge. Mei chose to sit beside him. She didn't want him to be far. She wanted to be closer. To be able to feel his warmth, to smell his scent and grab him in case he decided to flee the scene.

"I forgot to ask… but how did things go with Jiraiya?"

Naruto glanced at Mei for a second and then closed his eyes. Perhaps now was the best time to be vulnerable. His defenses were always at the maximum and his expression barely revealed anything he didn't want to reveal. But maybe, just maybe, he could let his guard down. It wasn't like Mei was going to twist a knife through his back or use anything to manipulate him.

"Can a rest on you?" He asked.

It wasn't the usual flat tone. Even though he wasn't looking at her, Mei sensed the emotion in his voice.

She smiled and held out her right hand.

Naruto slowly fell on Mei's lap. He didn't face her but lay, with his eyes closed, his body twisted in a feral position. So, close, he could feel the heat coming from her body, her unique scent. She felt relaxed, with no intention in her body.

The Sharingan was not eating away his chakra. He was ignoring the memories of those he has killed. Nothing haunted his thoughts. There was nothing but calmness. As much as he tried to avoid it, there was something intoxicating about being in someone's embrace. He was not anything Konoha pictured him or the hero this village saw, but just Naruto—the child of Kushina and Minato. He was but a grown man with emotions like all people.

"I wasn't glaring at him. And nobody was threatening anyone." Naruto said, answering Mei's earlier question. "I thought I would not want to do anything with Konoha. Man is persistent, it seems. I've not always thought myself as being irrational. When he made an offer for friendship, there was really no rational basis to reject the idea. But of course, we are all allowed to be irrational at times…" he spoke in a whisper but Mei heard him.

"That would be childish."

"Don't you wish you were a child at times? To be ignorant of everything and be happy without care?" He smiled sadly. "I've never experienced that. But when I see the kids at the orphanage, I dream."

Mei placed a hand over his hair, caressing him. She'd never felt his body being cold before. There was always warmth generating from his body. She thought, it had something to do with being a Jinchuriki.

"We've had it rough. But all the more reasons we must enjoy our lives now when we have the chance." Nothing was ever easy. To survive and live another day on Kiri had once been a miracle. The bloodline discrimination, the systematic corruption that defined Yagura's reign—it was all a bloody chaos that sent many to their deaths.

"I was almost certain I wouldn't get the chance to be happy. I'd just condemned myself to misery."

"You hated yourself that much?"

"It was not self-hate… I just didn't want to hope. Life gave me Itachi and then as we started to grow closer, it ripped him away from me. I was certain then that I was doomed for misery. So, I thought why not go out with a blast?" He turned his body slowly, and faced Mei. He still had his eyes closed.

Mei covered his eyes. "It is a little weird talking to you with your eyes closed."

Naruto opened just one eye and smiled. "My vision is not that good."

Mei had already removed a hand over his eyes. She stared at him curiously, remembering the conversation he had with Kakashi.

"I'm certain you told the Hokage that you were just fine."

"Of course, I lied. I wasn't going to tell him I was going blind. Being a Jinchuriki slows down the process. But it is hardly something to worry about."

"You just said you're going blind." Mei replied with a hard stare.

"Yes. But there is a solution to it. There solutions actually. Both are within range. So, it has hardly been a consequence…" Well, one of the option was actually experimental. Kabuto would come through when it comes to it. "For now, it is fine."

"Really?"

"Well, if there was the danger I would go blind, I would be reckless with my actions."

Mei was silent for a couple of seconds before nodding her head. "And Konoha?"

"I want nothing to do with it."

"I should have expected that."

"I have homes now." Naruto replied flatly. "Were you really bothered I didn't come to see you last night?"

"Of course I was."

"We didn't really discuss what our relationship is and the parameters around it. I'm not against changing it, but I want to ease into things. The future is still long."

"For you." Mei replied with a stare, her lips curled up downward slightly with discontent.

"It's not like you're going to die tomorrow but I understand the meaning." Naruto retreated to the back of his head for a couple of moments before raising his head. He then got up and held out his right hand.

Mei took it with a curious look on her face. She let out a startled sound when he suddenly picked her up with firm hands. In the blink of an eye, they were in the bedroom. Gently, he placed her down and then got above her.

Mei felt the heat in her body rise. She felt so excited that she could hear the sound of her heart racing. She was defenseless as he hovered above her, and she felt incredibly weak. She didn't even have the energy to hold out her hand to touch his gentle face. His expression exposed a platitude of emotions, just as hers.

He placed his right hand on her throat, and for a second, covered her mouth.

"A King had two wives. The older and a much younger one. The King favored his younger wife more than anyone and gave her more authority than the first wife. When the King died, she rose to power with the support of the King's second son. Grieved, the first wife hired me to take her out in order to reclaim what belonged to her.

"The woman was beautiful. A young delicate flower. I spent a week studying her. A transformation Jutsu and I was in her bed, making out." He once more put a hand on Mei's mouth, and tightened his grip on a throat. "I held her like this. She was shocked. How could her lover do this to her? I revealed myself. She cried, begging to be spared. Even offered her body and to pay whatever I wanted. She promised to even make me the right hand. But I just strangled her to death." Naruto removed his hands from Mei, giving her a blank stare. "That is me. Do you want to be married to such a man?"

Mei would admit, the expression on his face was terrifying. But she was not afraid. Not even a little. She'd not even been afraid that he would kill her when holding her down. Closing her mouth meant she couldn't use Jutsu. Not to mention, Naruto's physical strength was not something she wished to test.

Did it matter what he was telling her? It did not. It wasn't like she didn't know he was capable of cruelty.

"Who was her lover?"

"The Second Prince. It turned out, he and her plotted to kill the King because he came second and thus would not inherit anything. She whored herself to the King, while slowly poisoning him that toward his death, it was a natural thing."

"Nothing you say will scare me away from you."

Naruto truly wondered about that.

He lowered his head, gently capturing her lips. Her warm breath rubbed on his noise. He could feel the taste of the food they'd eaten.

He closed his eyes, pouring himself into her. The exchange was slow, yet filled with passion. His heart trembled with joy and warmth. His mind ran out of control, filling him with intoxicants that raised his blood pressure. He didn't want to stop. Naruto felt as if he was in another world, the bed didn't even exist, it was just him and Mei.

After what felt like eternity, he pulled away and then pulled her dress from her shoulders, lowering it enough to expose her sizable twins. He gently cupped both and then assaulted the left one with his tongue, waging war with her nipple.

Her moan felt like a jolt, energizing him. Naruto's member beat as blood filled it, hardening it.

He stopped himself.

Mei had a look of disappointment when he stopped. "I thought you said you wanted to ease into things."

Naruto leaned in toward her right ear while his left hand slipped between her thighs until he reached the center. He poked about and then whispered, ignoring her moans.

"Well, I am going to ease into you."

Mei giggled in response. "I did not expect to hear that from you."

"People change when they are in bed." Naruto had seen weird fetishes. Some people enjoyed being spanked and some like being throttled.

The Following Morning

To wake up in the embrace of someone was truly a special moment. Mei touched Naruto's hands and smiled. He was sound sleep. How she wanted to turn around and look into his disheveled face. But if she tried to turn, his eyes would snap open.

It was already past her working hours. But nobody was going to knock to her door to tell her she was late, unless the Feudal Lord suddenly showed up to her office.

After sleeping in for a couple of moments, Mei lifted his hands and turned around. Her fears were confirmed—their eyes met. But his gaze didn't have the usual sharpness in it, they were soft. And the smile that was on his face had warmth which made her smile.

"Sorry for waking you up, but I have to go to work." Mei said in a quiet tone.

"You don't seem like you want to go."

"You want someone to break the doors to look for me?"

"Well, that would be embarrassing."

"I'd have to quit my job!"

"But we could just kill those who see you in a compromised situation."

"I worry you could serious about that."

Naruto laughed. "Maybe a little…" he said. "Last time I slept this peacefully, I was in the Land of Springs."

Mei lost her smile. "What is your relationship with Princess Koyuki?"

"An acquaintance. She is married you know."

"Isn't it a political marriage with another Feudal Lord?"

"Marriage is marriage."

"And you have the morals to respect that."

"You really have a low opinion of me."

"Am I wrong?"

"I wish you were."

"You're not going to go today, are you?" Mei asked, a little worried.

"No." Naruto shook his head turned around, facing the ceiling. "I'll stay today. I should leave tomorrow in the afternoon. Haku awaits me."

Mei nodded and then slowly got up. She covered up herself before leaving the bed. Naruto glanced at her for a moment before closing his eyes.

'How I wish I didn't have to see you.'

Naruto heard Kurama's voice and then laughed. Because he loosened the seal, the Bijuu was keenly aware of what transpired around him. He really didn't even need to worry about where he slept. As long as the Bijuu didn't take a nap, it could always guard him.

'You never complained before.'

'This is different. Your happiness bothers me.'

'You don't have to be jealous like that.' Naruto replied. 'When I'm tired of living, you'll be freed in Uzushiogakure. That way, nobody will try to steal you.'

'You're not worried I would destroy your village?'

'You hate humans but you're not going to go on your way just to destroy them. The people in my village shouldn't have problems with you.'

'Humans never change. When you die, even if you wish differently, someone is going to try to seal me within them.' Kurama replied with contempt. 'Didn't you promise Konoha you would hand me over to them?'

'My father holds another piece of you. I'll hand them that part.'

'Couldn't you have done so before?'

'I wasn't going to offer Konoha anything. I wouldn't have even offered the Sanbi. I just didn't object to it because it wasn't my choice to make.'

'You respect that woman a lot.'

'She has earned it.'

Mei returned from bathing while covered in blue robes. He laid on the side to look at her as she went through her wardrobe.

"What are you going to be doing the whole day?"

"I don't know." This was new. He always had something to do. But to be free like this wasn't really a bad thing. "Maybe I'll visit the academy and inspect village defenses with Ao."

"Come to my office around 1 with lunch."

"What should I bring?"

"Surprise me."

"Sure…"

After she finished dressing up, Mei walked over to the bed and climbed. She gave her a kiss on his forehead. "Try to integrate a little. It will be good for both of us and the village. And settle the issue of Kisame today. By the end of the day, we must be sure on what to expect."

"Hai, Hai, Mizukage-sama."

She pinched him and then got off the bed. "I'll see you at lunch."

A couple of hours later

Naruto had wandered around the streets for about an hour and then went to the orphanage. He just checked things and then found Choujuro.

He was supposed to have taken him to the battle with Kisame. But Naruto supposed the two could go look for Utakata. He already knew the location—he just had to clear it with Mei.

They stood in the middle of a rocky training ground. He had spent a few moments with Choujuro here. He'd trained with many shinobi. It was the only other thing he did to kill time and he wanted them to experience fighting someone powerful. It always pushed them to their limits and helped them grow.

"Attack me… I'll defend." Naruto said to Choujuro.

Choujuro nodded and darted toward him, holding his sword with both hands. Upon nearing him, he lunged while holding onto his sword tightly. Instead of attacking, he blurred out of view, flashing behind him with a downward swing. His sword had transformed into a hammer.

Naruto dared not to block the attack. He leapt away and the sword crashed onto the ground, raising debris. Choujuro ignored it, picking it up before lunging at him in incredible speed.

Naruto was only holding on of his swords. Choujuro was in front of him the second he landed. He held the sword across him, placing the palm of his right left hand on the side of blade to reinforce his defense. A clang sound echoed as Choujuro's sword clashed into his. The weight of the attack sent him flying backwards with trembling hands.

Choujuro flashed above him as he was still being carried by the momentum. His sword was still in the shape of a huge hammer. He swung the sword toward him, attempting to crush him. Before the hammer could hit him across his chest, Naruto held out his sword for it to absorb the blow. It made little difference as upon colliding with his sword, he was sent rocketing down.

Boom!

He crashed into the ground with his back, getting buried into a small crater.

It took a couple of seconds for him to get up. But when he did, he had a look of displeasure. "I think I told you before that as long as you hold the advantage, don't give it away. Being in control of a fight is the most important thing to victory."

"Wouldn't you have been hurt?" Choujuro asked. "This is still a sparring session."

"You need not worry about me. If you can hit me hard enough, that is. I can recover, but if I hit you hard enough, you probably won't recover." He summoned his second sword. "I'll attack you, as pun…" he trailed off when instead of waiting for him to finish talking, Choujuro lunged at him.

Naruto charged ahead, swallowing his words. They collided on the ground, Choujuro trying to push him for dominance while their swords clashed.

"You're only holding one of my swords. You shouldn't get dragged into a pushing battle with me because the second strike could still come. After our swords clashed, you should have either retreated or attacked with other means."

Choujuro glanced down and Naruto's second sword moving toward his abdomen. The other thing that gave him time to avoid being pierced was the blue beast which appeared out of nowhere, swing its huge sword toward Naruto from behind in a downward slash. He quickly jumped away, knowing Naruto would focus on defending than attacking him.

Without even turning around, Naruto hold both his swords in an cross sign just above his head. Samehada crashed heavily into both swords. The blow was powerful, causing his feet to dig into the ground, his knees to bend slightly as he struggled.

He was surprised when Choujuro joined on the attack. The Jonin's didn't charge toward him, but his sword glowed with chakra and took the form of a long sword. He then slashed it across him. It was bound to cut through just above his knees of he didn't block it.

Naruto channeled chakra into his legs, and arms, bent down slightly and then jumped up. the new strength pushed Kisame away, while he avoided the long chakra blade from Choujuro.

The moment he was in the air, Kisame twisted around, holding his sword with both hands. Naruto knew what was coming and tucked his knees into his chest while holding both swords on his left side where Kisame's attack was coming.

The sword slammed into his sword with a boom sound. It sent him crashing into the rocks.

Luckily, no attack came and he slowly recovered, dusting himself up.

"Are you trying to break my arms?" He asked Kisame as he walked back into the clear terrain, where both Kisame and Choujuro awaited him for the real round to begin.

"Wouldn't even make up for the burns you gave me." Kisame replied with a shrug. "You really are one tough bastard."

Naruto smiled and sheathed his swords. "Not really. My hands sting… I might have broken a bone or two…" he replied calmly.

"I've seen you take worse." Choujuro said. "Are we going to continue? I'd like to see how you fair against me and Kisame."

"Normally, I would be against teaming up with someone, but you're tough."

"We will continue, but only after we have spoken."

"You enjoy talking, do you?"

"The message goes across." Naruto replied before settling down. He glanced at Choujuro. "Have you narrowed down the members?"

"Yes." Choujuro nodded. "Ao-san has been helping me. We haven't released the swords yet."

Naruto nodded. Collecting them had been a huge task. Naruto had taken measures to protect them for the time being. Only Mei could release them from where they were stored. Once out, they would be in danger. For this reason, he had developed a seal which would help protect the swords.

"I must know once things are done." He said. "Each of you will be branded with a storage seal. When not in battle, you can store the swords there. Or even if you're being chased, you can store it there to avoid it falling into enemy hands."

Kisame really didn't care about that, he just had questions for Naruto. "What are those swords? They are just special as Kiri's swords."

"My treasures. I have more, but this ones are better. That is why I refused to take one of the swords I gathered. But, what just makes them special is the Fuinjutsu engraved in them. Things are sealed in them, and they are able to seal things."

"While also holding the ability to channel different chakra elements."

"Ah, you did see some of those abilities." Naruto replied with a smile. "I take it you've decided to forge ahead."

"I don't have anything better to do."

"Indeed." Naruto actually agreed. "Well, Choujuro will be your lieutenant. He is a skilled Jonin. You'll have little to do with me. But I may give you missions."

"What is your role in Kiri?"

"I'm just a shinobi like everyone else."

"Only difference is that you sleep in the Mizukage's house." Kisame said with a grin.

"A little bit of respect." He cautioned in a cold tone. "Mei is the leader of this village and I won't condone anyone disrespecting her."

"Me too." Choujuro agreed.

"Scary…" Kisame replied with a chuckle. "But it seems you're the boss. You're the most powerful person in this village."

"I merely help. My power is at the disposal of the Mizukage. She gives me orders, not the other way around. I'm still a leader of my nation but when I'm here, I am her subordinate."

Naruto had never treated Mei as anything less. She was a powerful Kunoichi and she did not rise to her position because he held her hand. She marched there and held fort. He merely assisted her and would continue to do so until she said it was enough.

"While we're at it, how about this, Kisame." Naruto said to the shark. "The Jinchuriki of the Six-Tails needs to be brought back to the village. You think you can defeat him?"

"Just tell him where he is and I'll drag him by both six tails…" Kisame grinned. "If I don't cut them up." He added.

Naruto smiled. "Good," he said. "I'll speak to Mei-sama and I'm sure she'll be happy. A test of loyalty, if you like."

He then stood up and summoned both his swords. "I won't be around to do this often. In fact, after today, you might hardly see me… give it your all. Come with every intention to kill me…"

"I can go all out?"

"I never did get to see all your power. But yes, you can do that."

Kisame grinned and then shot Choujuro a look. "I'm not going to tell you to get out of my way. If you stand in the way, you'll get hit."

Mei's Office

It wasn't lost to Ao that Mei seemed more happy than usual. He wasn't going to ask, lest she misreads him and sends a chilling threat. The reason for her happiness need not be guessed.

He glanced down and stared at the letter from Haku.

"It seems everything is going well."

Mei nodded. "We did choose those who liked Naruto the most. It makes it easier for them to settle with their families. From what Haku has said, the village has welcomed them and is ready to receive the last batch."

They went just sending shinobi to Uzu. Some had requested to go with their families to settle there. So, the choice was made, if you wanted, you could leave with your family. It was just going to make Uzu an extension of Kirigakure. No one would be happier than the Feudal Lord.

"I have rounded up them. Once the order is given, we will help them depart."

"And transport?"

"Three ships have been arranged."

Mei nodded. "The Feudal Lord wants to meet Haku. I'll have to arrange for him to come here. He already knows Naruto…" she paused for a second before adding. "I do think he just wants an excuse to go to Uzushiogakure and show his hand. He doesn't want to think we're ignoring him."

Ao smiled. Mei had worked hard to foster a good relationship with the Feudal Lord. That was always necessary for the better functioning of the village. Their Lord had helped him greatly after Yagura. But the structure Naruto helped them to create meant that they didn't depend on him as much as they used to. They still needed him, but would soon no longer require it.

"You're going to let him go there?"

"Yes… it is harmless anyway…" Mei really didn't think even Naruto would take issue with it. "Naruto's plans are going to hit ground soon. The issue with Iwagakure has remarkably died down and we don't have to worry about a feud with Konoha. It seems that our relationship with them will be fruitful."

"I worry about their situation with Sunagakure. It is no question they are doing this because they do need allies. But what if we get dragged into war?"

"If it happens, we will deal with it. But we cannot run away from it. This is the shinobi world." Mei said firmly. "We will have to seek out both Suna and Iwa to see if we can form alliances with both. If we succeed with either, it means we can have influence on anything."

"If you put it like that, then I have no complaints." Ao replied.

Mei fell back to her chair and adopted a thoughtful look. "I was hoping to make Naruto Mizukage."

Ao showed no surprise. He always had a feeling she would say something like that. She'd always say as long as someone came, she'd retire. Making Naruto Mizukage meant that he would be forever tied to the village, and with Mei.

"He isn't going to accept it."

"I know." Mei said conceded. "It isn't something I am going to say now. There are still things we both need to do. He is also still young. Once things have settled, then we can talk about it. But I want to ask if you would have issues with it."

"If I do?"

"Then I wont propose it. I'll wait until Choujuro has grown and give him the reigns."

"I'll reserve my judgement for now." Ao said. "But considering the reaction of our people, I don't think most people will complain. Some shinobi were watching him happily while he sparred with Kisame and Choujuro. I'm going with a group along with him to check if the defenses are still operational. A training session has been arranged with some of your strongest for tomorrow morning."

Mei raised an eye brow. The sparring session with Kisame had caused quite a bit of commotion.

"Who arranged the training session? Naruto's rule has to stay away unless requested."

"I arranged it."

"Why?"

"I thought it would be best for everyone to get along. We have Kisame and need to integrate him with everyone else. There is no better place to start with among the elite of the village. You have their support, you have nothing to worry about."

"I arrange time to observe as well."

"Hai."

"Make preparations for send the last people to Uzushiogakure. This time, you'll go with them. I want you to observe how they settle and how others are settling, as well as the mood in the village."

"Will it be safe for me to leave with Kisame still around? I still don't trust him."

Mei smiled. "Don't worry. But if you can't help it, you can take him with you."

Later that day

Darkness has already covered Kirigakure by the time Naruto returned to the house. The lights in the streets flicked beautifully, just as the people who strolled through them. Parents wandered along with their children. Maybe out to the movies or a night out as a family. Seeing this had made him more tired than usual. When he arrived at the house, Mei was waiting for him with a bright smile.

She told him he stank and was forced to take a bath first.

When he came back, they had dinner before Naruto suggested they take a walk. Mei didn't seem open to the idea.

"Why?"

"I probably won't come back here in a while."

"Define a while." She was staring at him, her displeasure seemed to grow when he spoke.

"A month or two."

"You're incredible." Mei said in a flat tone.

After everything, he was still going to abandon her for that long. She wanted him to be around. She knew the thought of coming back home to find him waiting for her was a pipe dream, at least for now. So, she expected him to show up every now and then. Who stayed away from someone they loved for that long when it was possible to make the journey?

"Don't be like that."

"You can leave now."

"One can't joke."

"You weren't joking. If miraculously were, when did you start making jokes?"

Naruto sighed. This was really a drag. It wasn't really an argument but this was something they had to work on and maybe he would have to improve on how he communicated with her.

"Why do you really want to take a walk?"

"I leave tomorrow. Even if I come back here, I wont have that chilled moment to be strolling around."

"Fine…" Mei relented.

It didn't take long for them to get on the streets. Arms locked like normal people. There was no one guarding them. Whenever he was with Mei, everyone rested. He could take care of her, and if there was something, he could hold fort until they showed up. It worked like that and not even an order needed to be issued by her.

"When I go back to Uzu, I have to sort out the issue of your shinobi. They need to be assigned jobs to feed themselves. There is also the issue of paying you the protection fee. We can't simply dish out that money. And jobs can't just be assigned. There is no Feudal Lord who will give us handouts. So, I'll have to spend time with Haku working out ways we can keep village finances afloat without drowning.

"I'll have to also prepare for the first route. Ame is preparing and once ready, I have to head out to Konoha to negotiate with them about shinobi. There is also training for those we will receive. It is honestly going to be time consuming. But I'll have to do. Haku knows nothing about Fuinjutsu, so, I have to make time myself to teach."

"Whose fault is it that he doesn't know?"

"I'm a little greedy when it comes to Fuinjutsu. But I need now to start selling seals to raise money for the village." Naruto replied. "As you can see, it is not that I don't want to come around here. I enjoy this, but Uzushiogakure needs me now. I never stay around there for too long, so, it means some things pile up."

Mei didn't like it but she understood. He was also a leader of his village. It was also a critical time for Uzushiogakure. It needed him. She didn't have to be selfish.

"How goes the teleportation jutsu?"

Naruto waved at some people who greeted them respectfully as they walked past them. "I don't remember telling you anything about it."

"Haku told me."

"I'll sit on it once when I go back. It just needs some touch ups and a little bit of research on how I am going to make it work."

"Once it is completed, Uzu and Kiri will be connected."

"Yes." Naruto nodded.

Mei smiled. She would patiently wait for that day to arrive. "Utakata?"

"How about you send Kisame to do it? Ao already has candidates for the next generation Swordsmen. They can call it a field trip. Something they can use to gain experience and see how Kisame can lead them."

"If he slaughters them and makes off with the swords?"

"That would be a disaster. But there are no chances of that happening. He is not that disloyal. I understand your reservations but I have fought him. If he does this, then he would earn a bit of your trust…" Naruto glanced at her. "Why is it like this is on me when you're the one who wanted him brought back."

"You're the one requesting this."

"I'll take responsibility if anything happens." Naruto said.

"Lost lives can't be returned."

"I know."

"Fine. I'll speak to him about it." Mei then leaned on his shoulder as they slowly walked. "Ever thought of having children?"

"No."

"I want them."

Naruto closed his eyes. Of course she wanted children. "Let's see how the world develops. I'm still young… I don't see myself being a father yet. I'll admit, I'm still a little irresponsible. You might be ready for that, but I'm not."

"I'm not saying now. I'm saying just know that at some point, once things have settled, it is an issue we will have to deal with. Before we even speak of marriage, expectations must be clear."

End of chapter

I've had time to think and don't enjoy writing this story anymore. I'm abandoning this child.