Hey everyone, got another chapter here for you. I hope you are enjoying the story, please head over to the original work written by AmusedLight to read the base fic.
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On to the story.
Upon the newest arrival everyone was stunned by the old man that appeared. Several of the Shinobi teared up seeing their former Hokage and were about to call out to him when another familiar voice called out. It most definitely did not belong the man who appeared in his eighties.
"Not exactly what I pictured when you explained this all to us super gramps." Naruto said as he stepped around Hiruzen.
The mages and similarly the Shinobi gasped at the sight before them. It was Naruto but an older one than the Shinobi we're used to. He wore a black coat with a red armband and his hair was cut much shorter. He kept some of the old orange in the loose fitting pants he wore but all together looked far more mature and experienced. He likely was far more experienced if the bandages covering his entire right arm indicated anything.
"You all look like you've seen a ghost...which is odd because I thought I was the dead one." Hiruzen said with a chuckle getting a small laugh from Naruto as well.
With that the silence was broken and the group of readers surged forward, none faster than Kushina who all but tackled her son and hugged and kissed him with a hundred little pecks all over his face.
The wizards let their counterparts have their time catching up with this older, more mature version of their friend. They were disappointed he refused to tell them anything about the future. Still it was clear they were all happy to see him. Especially after the story had shown how different things could have been. As well as remind them that he could end up gone if they weren't careful.
After catching up with his own people Naruto greeted each of the Fairy Tail wizards, lingering ever so slightly with Erza as well as Natsu and Gray.
Taking his seat, right beside his mom and next to Kakashi who seemed a bit clingier than Naruto was used too, or honestly comfortable with, Naruto tapped the cover of the book before chucking it into the hands of the Third Hokage.
"All you, old man." Naruto said cheekily getting only a chuckle from Hiruzen before he opened the book and began to read.
A full day has passed since the fighting on Galuna Island had come to an end, with the day after the events that took place, the Fairy Tail wizards took their time to leave the island. Sailing off on the pirate ship with the crew that was very happy to escort the mages, with them having taken a liking of Erza.
The readers chuckled at the fact that somehow the pirates she had beaten up and kidnapped had come around to liking the Titania.
With now, the Fairy Tail team was making their way back to the Guildhall, on foot of course, much to the pain of the others, who were either exhausted from the previous fights still, or tired from the long foot journey back home, as a punishment by Erza for their insubordination for taking an S-class mission.
And non-other then Lucy, was suffering the worst, as she was falling behind.
"You don't seem that out of shape Lucy. Surely it's not that bad." Naruto pointed out.
"Naruto she isn't an Uzumaki. We have a few advantages that most folks don't." Kushina explained.
Naruto blinked and looked a bit confused by that, getting dry stares from most of his fellow Shinobi who knew just how ridiculous his stamina was.
"Ugh, I'm tired." Lucy said with an exhausted look on her face and begged. "Can we please consider taking the train back to Magnolia?"
"No."
"But-"
"No, Lucy. that's the end of it." Erza shut her down without even turning her head around as she kept on walking down the road, taking the lead of the group. "You should've prepared yourself better for the journey. Now this is part of your punishment, so if you don't want to have anything more on your case, I suggest you stop nagging."
"You continue to make me wish you were my Shinobi Erza." Tsunade said.
The redhead quirked her head to the side at the thought of that. She smiled at the thought of going on missions as a Shinobi with Naruto and her other new friends from Konoha.
Being shut down hard, Lucy gave up and just kept on walking, while the others had decided to keep themselves quiet, mainly to not agitate or get any attention of Erza on them.
"Agh-hmm."
Erza turned to her right to see the grunting was coming from Gray, who's upper body still was covered in bandages from his previous unfinished fight against his master's former student, Lyon.
"Gray, you alright?"
The ice mage replied. "I'm doing alright." He held his chest. "Just need to rest for a bit when we get back to the guild."
"You do that," Erza commented to that. "After what happened these last few days, it's better we all take a few days of rest."
"Good call Erza." Shizune commented again getting the redhead to grin at more praise. It was nice being recognized for the smaller things she did for the guild and it's members.
"Agree with that." Natsu said with his arms crossed behind his head. "My first S-Class mission completed. That's a win-"
"You're kidding right? You know that you are in so much trouble." Cana said to the dragon slayer just getting a huff and crossed arms as a response from the boy.
"Your punishment will still be discussed once we arrive there." Erza but in. "So don't expect a celebration once we are home."
Natsu's face froze up, regretting now to have said a word. He now continues to walk forwards without bringing out any words that might provoke the redhead. It was then when Happy, who also didn't want to face the wrath of Erza, began to mentally note to himself a question that's been on his mind.
'I wonder what Naruto is doing now.'
"Nothing much." Naruto joked, getting a playful swat from his mother and a small smattering of light chuckles.
Hargeon town
market
In the middle of the large port town of Southern Fiore. The market area was full with people walking through the streets. With many of its citizens filling the narrow street corners.
"Salmon fish!"
"Good deals here, come by!"
"Three fish for the price of two! Six for four!"
"What a bustling place. It is nice to see the market so full of goods though. I'm sure it means the town is doing well." Mira commented.
That was the market being in full swing, with the fisherman already trying to sell their freshly- caught fish to anybody. Gaining as usual, the customers who would try to negotiate, question and buy their food.
Walking amongst the busy crowd, was a group of cloaked persons, who took little to no attention from the many citizens who were used to this.
"They stand out like a sore thumb." Kiba scoffed.
"What do you expect from someone who dresses in orange even now. Still he sneaks around somehow." Sasuke said, sounding somewhat offended that Naruto could manage an element of stealth while dressed like a caution sign.
Naruto just laughed off their comments and waved Hiruzen to move on.
"Why is no one paying attention to us?" The second person asked, right behind the one leading figure. "We're in the middle of a busy open market wearing disguises. Isn't that suspicious to them?"
"Believe me, the town folks are not new to the underground activities of Hargeon." The leading person said. "It is still a port city, so smugglers come and go here, they are as normal as fishermen and traders."
"So they just turn a blind eye? Ninja on easy mode." Ino groused.
"And the authorities?" The soft feminine asked. "What are they doing about it?"
"They got their hands full with trying to stop the smugglers out in the sea, so they don't pay attention to those who already arrived here. Of course, a few of those hands are dirty, after slipping some notes into them."
"Always better to bribe than to fight. So much easier." Kakashi said getting nods from most of the Shinobi getting surprised looks from the younger mages.
"Corruption, you say?" The third cloaked person scoffed. "Typical-"
"I'd better shut my mouth about it, if I were you!"
"Put him in his place. Talking down about Fiore like that when his own home is…" Macao said with a grumble.
Not even the Shinobi could disagree on that point. After all what was some bribery in the face of genocide?
The leader smeared before stopping his tracks, and looking around before entering another corner, reaching one of the port town's narrowed streets that was the most densely and also closed off population parts of the city port.
"We're almost there." The leader of the group stated. "You can take your hoods off, in here, you're safe."
After being told that, the group began removing their hoods, revealing it to be the Shinobi; with Tayuya, Hotaru and Utakata in the back, watching their back, and Ao, Chojuro with Naruto at the front, who was leading the group into the city.
Chojuro looked upwards to the closely laid buildings and questioned. "Are you sure it's safe to show our faces here?"
"I'm sure of it, this part of town, most people avoid." Naruto replied as he kept on leading the group, walking slowly as where close by to their destination. "Mainly because its the old Red-Light District that had been closed off."
The group looked around, noticing the area that they walked themselves into was really closed off, and looked like a slum from the outside. With sunlight barely touching the streets, with old business having closed, from bars, massage parlors and even backdoor areas. It was clear to see they were in a ghetto.
"Perfect place for hiding out or conducting some less than legal business. Not to mention all of them except Naruto and Tayuya would likely be fugitives in Fiore. Illegally being there and all." Jiraiya said.
Hotaru was not fond of this. "I don't like this."
"Believe me, I didn't either." Tayuya told her as she kept looking back at their trail. "But I promise you, once we get to the address, you won't have to worry anymore."
"Why's that?" Utakata asked. "If I may ask?"
Tayuya simply replied. "Simple, I live around here."
"What, around here?" Hotaru asked, surprised by it. "In this place?"
"No, I live around Hargeon, been for a couple of years." Tayuya stated, correcting the new arrival while keeping it vague as possible. "It's close by enough, but far away from the authorities."
"I kinda wanna see my others fuckin house now." Tayuya idly thought out loud.
"Then why tell us about it?" Utakata questioned. "We could be spies."
"Because you aren't the first ones to arrive here with those intentions." Naruto replied, slowing his pace. "And you wouldn't be the last one. Plus, you two seem alright."
Stopping next to a wooden door, Naruto began knocking on it multiple times waiting for a response.
Tayuya asked. "You think they're in there?"
"Shady business it is then. I knew it was either that or some sort of safehouse." Jiraiya said.
"That much was obvious Jiraiya. Super spy..pfft" Kushina said causing the Super Pervert to deflate.
"Have to be. It's Friday." Naruto answered to her before knocking again. "The old bat's gotta be there."
"Who are you two talking about and why are we knocking on this door here?" Ao spoke up with his line of questions. "All this is highly suspicious and I-"
"This guy complains way too much for his own good." Natsu complained.
"Naruto could have just left him to fend for himself on Galuna Island. He should be thankful." Sakura said.
"Shut it." Naruto told off the veteran Kiri-nin. "Hey, old man!"
"Watch your mouth, boy-"
"He just lives in his own world, huh?" Asuma said shocked by the attitude of the jonin from Kiri. Really he was way too inflexible and whiney.
"SHUT THE HELL UP!"
That shout caught the group off guard, except for Tayuya and Naruto, who saw the door open slightly, revealing a bald man answering the door, with a scare through his face. Facing the person who was knocking.
"Ugh, Naruto." The man at the door groans at his sight. "Do you know what time it is?"
"Yes, its two in the afternoon." Naruto told him, smelling something and guessing. "Have you been late drinking last night, or what?"
"I did, or I tried at least." The guy behind the door replied, struggling with the hangover. "Anyway, why are you here? Don't tell me a new shipment already has arrived."
'Shipment?' the group, minus Naruto and Tayuya mentally noted.
"Curious...I have an idea what they are talking about though." Shikamaru said.
"Of course you do Shika." Ino said with a roll of her eyes.
"There's no shipment, Kazuo, and don't mention it again." Naruto warned him before getting back to the main point. "Now let us in, there's something we need to discuss."
"Who are these?" The man named Kazuo noticed the group, and recognizes one. "Isn't that-"
"Now."
"The two of you are a bit different, that's for sure." Lucy said to Naruto getting a shrug from the blond Shinobi.
"I mean. Different experiences lead to different personalities but I really don't think he is all that different from me." Naruto replied.
The door swiftly opened, and the group walked right in. And when Tayuya entered as last, she closed the door and locked it from the inside.
All that was being observed from a distance, by the mysterious Zalty, who stood on top of a rooftop and smiled at what he had witnessed.
"Not good." Gray mumbled. The rest of the room had to agree.
"Interesting development." Zalty chuckled right before he felt a presence from behind him, and he turned around to face the source of the presence.
"I see you've finally arrived, Siegrain."
The wizards and Shinobi eyed Team Erza as they all shifted slightly at the sight of Siegrain and Zalty meeting.
Standing there was indeed Siegrain, one of the Ten Wizards Saints and a member of the Magic Council, who for some reason was very comfortable to be on the same rooftop with a person, who undoubtedly showed to be relaxed around this unknown dark marge who just a day earlier was involved in smuggling, forbidden magical practices and other unspeakable crimes.
Yet, all did not look good at the surface of things.
"You still keeping that disguise on, or will you finally bless me again with your real beauty?" The blue haired mage asked. "Ultear?"
Gray sighed sadly, while most of the readers were stunned at the sudden appearance of the beautiful woman.
Poof!
Indeed, emerging from the smoke, was Milkovich Ultear, another member of the Magic Council.
Smirking, she crossed her arms and said. "You wouldn't believe who I just saw enter the house I was watching."
Siegrain chuckled. "Don't bother with your games, Ultear. I know exactly who you are talking about." He walked right up towards the woman's side and looked down. "It's Uzumaki, and he's got some interesting individuals with him."
"He is far too well informed on the actions of Naruto. I don't like it." Kushina said with a frown.
"Agreed." Makarov said with a small scowl. Thale Naruto 'Siegrain' was stalking was after all a member of his guild and he couldn't help feeling protective of the boy. Especially after meeting him in person and learning about the struggles he had faced in life.
"Wait, you knew?" Ultear asked, confused by him. "How?" She just got back from Galuna Island, after seeing the non-native parties having departed from it, leaving her as the last person to leave from it.
"Oh please, even you must know that explosion a few days ago would've warned the surrounding area. It was even heard in Hargeon, some fishing boats even reported that they felt it while off the coast." Siegrain told her while observing the door. "A fishermen's ship wanted to sail for Galuna island, but luckily I managed to convince them away, long enough for the Royal Navy to arrive to clean up the mess."
The explosion was that powerful?
Ultear asked. "What did you tell them?"
"Volcano eruption, and that the island was deserted." He replied. "Those fools really just bought it and went away with it. Not knowing a full Shinobi fight was going on. To which, if I may ask: I presume your contact did not survive."
"Those rogue Kir-nin you mean? Yeah, they're all taken out." Ultear said, unfazed by the reality of it. "They died in two days of fighting. With their leader going out as last."
The readers were quiet at that. None overly happy about people being killed but also understanding that someone like Kenji was too vile and dangerous to leave alive.
"You mean Kenji Sotoki? Yeah, he died quicker than I expected. A huge disappointment, if I can say." Ultear said, having been told he was an top Shinobi. "Died at the hands of Uzumaki, same for half the smugglers and his team, with another one of his commanders."
"Right, with Uzumaki being the primary reason for their demise." Siegrain stated. Having been reading the updates, his colleague had given him yesterday. "Now, we know that he's been getting help also, from others."
"You mean the four newcomers from Kiri?" Ultear questioned, bringing up. "Including the two hunter-nin?"
"No, I mean Tayuya Uzumaki." Siegrain corrected. "Resident of Hargeon, and family member of Naruto Uzumaki. Also, a member of our own little underground community."
"If they know what's good for them they won't risk pissing me off by going for my family. No matter how distant." Naruto growled.
The rest of the room saw the obvious similarities between this Naruto and the other at that moment. Perhaps he didn't truly change all that much after all just put up less of his goofy side.
"You mean the Elemental Diaspora?" Ultear asked with a raised eyebrow. "What about them?"
Chuckling, Siegrain brought up. "Tell me, would you be surprised to hear that Hargeon is a crossroad of this community? Where many have arrived through this fine city port to enter Fiore?"
That being true, that Hargeon, was not only one of Fiore's main ports in the south of the kingdom. With it also being a giant attractive city for people coming and going.
And many of those who came, were unofficially here.
"Pretty much confirming my earlier thoughts." Shikamaru commented.
Meanwhile
SLAM!
"Are you out of your fucking mind?!"
"He seems like a pain to work with." Gajeel said getting stares from his guild mates that he completely missed.
The yell came from an infuriated Kazuo, who now had Naruto in a closed off room, sitting in a chair, at a table, having an one-o-one conversation on what had happened the last few days, who he brought with him, and what they wanted.
And it was the last part that got the bald man to flip out. To which Naruto was prepared for an reaction like this, and was going to try to reason with him.
"Listen, Kazuo. I know you're upset, but hear me out." Naruto began calmly, "Let me at least explain-"
"No, let me explain it to YOU, Naruto. The absolute bullshit scenario you've got us in now!" Kazuo abruptly interrupted him. Not taking this good and pretty much freaking out now. "Ten minutes ago, the only worry I was supposed to have for today was to visit the doctor for my heart medication. From the damn stress of paying off my debts with the navy."
"His hollering and slamming things around can't be helping his condition." Wendy said in worry.
"No doubt." Tsunade and Shizune agreed with the girl.
"That I can understand, yes." Naruto agreed.
"But NOW, I got to deal with this!" Kazuo stated, putting everything in a row. "You're bringing me the news you were responsible for that explosion on Galuna island, killed a whole squadron of former KM-hunter ninja, and bring me two active ones here in my hideout - Including Ao with that Byakugan eye."
"Yeah, I get that." Naruto said, unfazed as the bald man walked right behind him, been walking around in circles. Often even rambling that he was doing.
"He's a real character, this guy." Jiraiya said.
Kazuo sighs. "Of all people, I have to come across that cunt."
"Vulgar." Carla said with a sour face.
"Maybe but it seems like a fair description to me." Erza said somewhat coldly.
"From what I have been told, that is an understatement." Naruto offered
"I wouldn't go with profanities, but sure." Naruto agreed, the veteran Kiri nin was a pain in the ass the moment they crossed paths. "But you know its not about him, Kazuo, its about-"
"That civil war having finally ended, just like you told me." Kazuo repeated, having heard the news about his home country's latest development as the first thing they've discussed between these four walls.
"So what will you do now?" Naruto asked about this topic. "Will you bring it up to the others?"
"It will take time, of course. With most of those who are from Kiri living up Northern Fiore." He turned back to answer correctly. "But I doubt they all are going to be happy the news."
"Kazuo, I know for a fact some of them still live around the Hargeon area." Naruto said in response, knowing first hand. "Especially those who are helping you with the shipments-"
"Don't talk about that!" Kazuo snapped at him. "They can hear you-"
"I'm not that much of an amateur." Naruto grumbled, getting a few chuckles even if some sent a doubtful look toward him.
"I've already placed an anti-spying seal in this room." Naruto told him back, glaring himself. "And don't try and cross paths, Kazuo. Remember last time?"
The two barely could walk in a straight line, with Naruto and the former Mist-nin having been former acquaintances on previous jobs. With the last job, with both having finished it, ending with the two being barely on good terms.
But they knew that their small beef could not get in the way of the bigger picture.
"That's mature of both of them. Still this Kazuo really needs to work on his attitude." Mira said not all that impressed with Kazuo personally.
"Let's end this bullshit now." Kazuo sighed, and then got back to the point. "Alright, what do you need from me?"
Naruto pulled out an envelope, and shoved it forwards. To which Kazuo opened it up and saw what the content was before turning to the young blonde.
Who then pulls out four scrolls, and hands lays them down on the table for Kazuo to read what was on the description.
"I see..."
"Hear me out."
"Seems to be going smoothly in the end after all." Kakashi said with a small hum in thought.
Outside, the five were waiting in the hallway. With Ao standing by the closed door, in hope to listen into the conversation, with little luck off course.
"Don't even bother, old man." Tayuya said, sharpening a piece of wood with her kunai to try to break the time. "Naruto has activated silencer-seals. For situations like this."
"Really?" Chojuro turned to her in surprise. "Even when we fought alongside each other, he doesn't trust us?"
"Well, he still doesn't know them. Not to mention I doubt it is all that much about trust as it is just covering all his bases." Makarov said.
"I believe the saying is better safe than sorry." Hiruzen added getting a nod from his counterpart.
Hotaru nervously took a glance between everybody who was present in the room right before turning back to her master, who seem to just listen in on the conversation. "Don't take it like that, it's just standard procedure." Tayuya replied, waving her hand off. "He does that every time, for both his security and the others. Information like that cannot be risked to be leaked."
"Like what kind of information?" Ao asked, wanting to know at least something about all of this secrecy."
"This guy is way too nosey for his own good. It's annoying." Laxus grumbled.
"I won't say much, because I'm not an idiot by telling you about it," Tayuya said, halfway mocking the veteran Kiri-nin before continuing. "But I will say, that the people here will fix your problems."
"How-"
The door opened, causing the group to turn to see Naruto walking out of the room, as he closed it right behind him.
"Okay, we're done here." Naruto told them while making his way through the hallway, with the others following. "Everything's going to be settled, just need to wait for a bit."
"Wait, for what precisely?" Chojuro asked, a bit concerned.
"For the right documents, of course. It takes a time before Kazuo gets it all prepped up. Especially now, he's taking advantage of after hours pay. Greedy bastard."
"So he was a forger. Makes sense." Jiraiya said.
Hotaru questioned. "This Kazuo guy doesn't sound like he's a friend of yours." She added. "Are you two having problems or something?"
"Nah, it's just him being an ass, that's all." Naruto calmed the girl's doubt down. "He's always this guy who complains and complains, but does the job right when being paid right."
"What is it that he provides precisely?" Utakata was the last one to ask.
"Documents, but let's wait until he's finished with those and I'll explain more." To which Naruto gladly answered shortly. "Meanwhile, let me please offer you to eat on my costs."
"I-"
"Gladly!" Tayuya jumped in, not skipping a chance to eat on someone's else costs. "Where to?"
The group chuckled even Tayuya smiled slightly. It was kind of nice to see a lighter moment.
"You'll see."
Magnolia
"Give me another one please, Mira dear!"
"Coming right up!" The eldest Strauss sister happily was tapping another barrel of beer before handing it over to her sister. "Lisanna, table three."
"On it." The younger sister nodded as she picked up her plate and began serving the other guild members, walking past Master Makarov, who was reading a small scroll message he'd just receive in his office, right before he decided to go back down to the bar.
"You both work very hard it seems." Kushina said.
"It honestly isn't so bad, just rowdy." Mira replied.
"Hmm."
Mira noticed the master reading something and recognizes the scroll. Knowing only one person who would use that.
"That a message from Naruto, master?"
"Little extra curious there, Mira?" Lucy teased. She was disappointed it didn't even phase the woman as she eyes up Naruto briefly before simply smiling over at Lucy.
"Hmm?" Makarov turned his head around to the bar maid and answered. "Ah yes, it is from him. Telling me the mission was a success, and that he'll be back tomorrow. He also told me that Erza and the others are on their way back."
Mira nervously stated. "I guess they weren't all too happy to see Erza, right?" Knowing fully well that when they broke the rule of taking an S-Class mission, that they would be in big trouble once they came back.
"Rightfully so." Erza said with her nose in the air.
"Not only that, apparently, they also completed their own mission." Makarov stated, taking a puff from his pipe before continuing. "Having cleared the island from that curse, they were given the reward and thanked by the villagers."
"So two missions finished with one stone. Perfect!" Mira cheered as she grabbed a few empty glasses from the counter to clean in the back. "And this time, no collateral damage."
Makarov paled at her words.
"Please don't." This caused Makarov to mumble to himself. "There's no need to jinx this."
"What other me said." The old master whispered getting laughter from the other readers.
"Then perhaps for once Fairy Tail has been given a break." The elder master turned his letter down and saw who the person was that joined in on the conversation and saw it was Yajima, his old guild mate.
"She's really poking for that bad luck." Choji said a bit surprised at her carelessness.
"Makarov."
"Yajima," The orange wearing small man smiled. "Its nice to see you, coming to pay a visit?" The two shook hands, just when Mira turned around and tried to be at service.
"Would you like something to drink?"
"No dear, no, thank you. I just came here to pass by," Yajima declined before turning to his friend and asked. "Is it possible to talk in private somewhere? It's important."
"I like him, it's good you have him as an ally among the council." Naruto said, having been informed of the last few chapters, this Yakima easily made it into his good books.
"Yes, Yakima is an excellent friend. For me and for Fairy Tail." Makarov replied.
"Relating to?"
"Magic Council." Yajima stated, not giving much away, but it did not take long before the guild master of Fairy Tail figured it out.
Makarov nodded. "Of course, follow me." He walked towards his office with his friend and told Mira. "Dear, look after the hall, I'll be gone for a few moments."
Mira complied. "Yes, master."
"And don't interrupt me, unless its urgent." The guild master stated. "Come, Yajima."
The two began getting attention from the other bystanders in the guild hall, with some obviously staring at the two elder mages, they soon turned their gazes back to what they were doing before. With even Mira facing back to her counter.
All except one pair of eyes that was observing the two men, from the second floor.
"No doubt it's me, and this is before my wake up call so I'm going to stir up trouble." Laxus said sadly.
"We all lose our way sometimes. But you have people to help you find it again so it'll all work out." Naruto said with a grin.
The Shinobi smiled at their blond. He really was something special and the guild members all smiled as they heard Naruto's words. Laxus simply nodded at Naruto in appreciation before sharing a familial glance with his grandfather.
Makarov's office.
On top of the Third guild master's desk laid a bunch of open documents, classified documents. With the mark of Magical Council of it. With the only persons who had access to this information were only a small amount of people, including those from within the council, especially Yajima who now had given Makarov access to some of those documents.
With Makarov's reaction of reading it being the obvious giveaway as he puts them back on his desk with a frustrating sigh.
"Ah, poor kid." Makarov sighed upon having finished reading it. "So it was that, worst case scenario."
Makarov nodded sadly to the fact one of his alternate's children had such burdens placed on them. He then brightened in surprise as Naruto changed seats and took a spot beside him and Erza. Laying a hand on his shoulder he smiled brightly.
"Don't worry about me old man. No doubt you guys will give me a hand if I ever need it." He said with a smile.
Makarov found the boy's grin to be incredibly infectious.
Yajima sadly nodded. "Unfortunately, yes. The report, Naruto had sent to us around twelve hours ago, stated that indeed the smuggling ring consisted of former, Hunter-nin from the Mist village. Including former ANBU's, if I am correct."
"How many?" Makarov asked, not raising his head. "How many deaths?"
"The special cleanup teams of the Royal Navy that have arrived at Galuna, estimate that around fifty bodies were found in the collapsed smuggle cave." Yajima told him, sitting across Makarov's desk as he recalled the report from his head. "With the autopsies pointing that most of them died from the explosions that Naruto told us caused. Or from the rumble in of the whole cave."
Makarov asked. "Anything else?" Wanting to know more about one of his children's' secretive missions.
"I have to wonder how much is told to your other self about Naruto's secret missions." Kurenai said aloud.
The room collectively disliked the idea of Naruto possibly being made to keep things from Makarov. Especially if he might need help later on.
"From what I've been told, remnants of four missing bodies have been found, all places of possible corpses being removed, with blood being found there." Yajima said, showing a few pictures he pulled out, for Makarov to see.
Four pictures of places of deceased, with only disturbing amounts of blood, burn spots and even flies being captured on film.
"He is performing just like a hunter-nin." Jiraiya said.
"I actually had planned on putting Naruto on course to being a hunter-nin once he made chunin. Sadly I died first." Hiruzen said simply getting the others to cringe at the nonchalant way he referred to his own death.
"Why?" Levy asked.
"When Naruto was still in the academy he played elaborate games of cat and mouse with even my ANBU. Iruka found him relatively easily because he had used many of the same hiding spots and while he doesn't broadcast the ability is a far beyond average chakra sensor." The Third explained getting shocked looks from wizards and Shinobi both.
Makarov flinched when he saw those pictures and had to turn away for a moment.
"Any idea where those bodies could be?"
"It might be possible Naruto has taken them, but I wouldn't be surprised about it." Yajima suggested before adding. "You know that what he told us once, that he'll examine them and try and find information-"
"From high-profile enemies who might have something useful on them. Yeah, I know that Yajima." Makarov finished before pulling out his pipe. "Naruto told me about the protocol is."
"As another thing, the villagers who lived there." Yajima brought up. "They told the Royal Navy that they thought the explosion was a volcano outburst. But I believe they know more."
"As if those people would inform on their saviours." Neji scoffed.
"The same village that had an S-class quest for that cursed spell?" Makarov asked.
"Exactly, yes." Yajima answered. "But I believe they know more. More than they're willing to talk about to authorities." The council member stated before rounding it up. "Even with them being secretive, Naruto's report to us will make things clear. So the only thing I am asking is this."
Makarov questioned. "What do you mean?"
"Do you believe Naruto has killed all of those people by himself?" Yajima asked this brutal, honest question that would've been hard to ask the man who considered all guild members as his children. "Because I believe that, even with the back-up with one of his allies, there's something he's hiding."
"I hope that other me and the guild don't push Naruto away out of suspicion." Makarov said.
"I have faith in you all, and even if our others end up fighting I'm sure they'll make up again." Naruto said.
"I agree, I know my other is probably curious but I can't imagine her turning her back on someone as close as Naruto." Erza added.
Mira was about to tease the redhead a bit but the Hokage continued reading before she could causing her to pout.
"Hiding what?" Makarov asked for clarification from his friend, feeling like he was being interrogated. "You're not insinuating Naruto might be involved in those supposed-"
"I am starting to have growing suspicious, but yes." Yajima stated while he crossed his arms. "I believe the boy might be involved in those clandestine operations."
"He wouldn't do it for a bad reason though. Boss would only do something shady if it meant it was to help everyone." Konohamaru declared resolutely.
Hiruzen smiled at the loyalty his grandson held for the boy he knew would and had changed the Shinobi world.
The clandestine operations that the small elder spoke of, were supposedly unknown ships that would make its way from different parts of the Elemental shinobi continent, and with many of them wanting to reach Earth Land, with Fiore being one of the many destinations that were marked.
Of course, many of those ships were that from smugglers who woul bring in illegal goods, drugs, weapons and other contraband, but there were those 'ghost ships' that were coming in more. With those ghost ships being found by the Royal Navy, with no documentation, no traces of illegal goods and then send back off from the Fiore docks.
Yet in the last six months, more and more of these ghost ships kept appearing, with no end in sight.
"I'll have to discuss this with Naruto," Makarov stated to his friend. Adding in. "I want to make sure I hear his version of what happened, and then we'll discuss further."
"Thank you for hearing his side of things before jumping the gun." Kushina said warmly to the small guild master.
"Of course, I am his master after all." Makarov said while Jiraiya couldn't help but frown at the sound of that.
•••
While the two men were having their conversation, they were being eavesdropped by Laxus, who was just standing outside his office, and heard everything.
No emotion was seen on his face as he disappeared in a flash of lightning.
"I was worried about something like this. No doubt I am gunna cause trouble for you." Laxus said with a guilty voice.
"It's gunna work out. I'm sure." Naruto answered. His faith never wavering.
Later, that night
The sea
Dozens of miles off the coast, away from Hargeon precisely. A cargo ship was seen sailing with no lights off the coast, without warning the local authorities, and going off a sea lane.
This was one of those 'ghost ships' that were out there, late at night and taking part of the clandestine operations the Magic Council knew existed and took place on a daily basis.
"So I was right. Naruto is smuggling people into Fiore to give them a better life like himself and Tayuya." Shikamaru said.
"That's just the boss for you." Konohamaru said with a grin.
And on the deck of that ship, stood a few familiar faces who were taking part of this illegal voyage, with some having even participated on these multiple times.
"I hate doing this, fuck." Tayuya began, cursing like always, she was patting herself because of the cold air and the fact she didn't wore anything warm. "Tell me why I decided to tag along with this?"
"Because you got no choice?" Naruto said, he was the second person to be there. As he was standing beside Tayuya, on watch as they waited for something. "Remember, you still have a debt to pay."
"Fuck your debt." Tayuya spoke, breathing the cold air from his mouth. "And why are we doing this meetup point? Can't the ship just not dock at the harbor?"
"Because of your recent stunt at Galuna, we can't." Kazuo answered, coming out from down below the ship's brig, telling her the reason. "More Navy ships are patrolling the area near the docks. Luckily, I managed to bribe one captain into looking the other way for a few hours."
"Fiore Royal Navy, at your service." Tayuya replied. "Heep-Heep fucking hurray."
"I mean it works out in this case." Gray suggested. Though the idea of corruption being good seemed twisted.
With the ocean being a bit rowdy, there was luckily no rain pouring on them. As this weather was precisely what they needed for now, because the risk of sailing in a storm were to big to go out on a important voyage like this.
"Kid!"
Tayuya groans. "Oh, not him again." The three turned around to see Ao, Chojuro, Hotaru and Utakata walking out, and coming up the deck. With Ao looking like always, strict and full of complaints.
Kazuo began. "Not now, old man, we're-"
"This guy takes absolutely zero input from his situation. How is he a jonin?" Kakashi said in slight horror.
"I want answers, now!" Ao stated loud and clear, "You're dragging us to the middle of the damn ocean, in the dark, after hours, on a unmarked ship and without any words."
"Ao, please, calm down." Chojuro pleaded. "There's no need for this heating up."
Hotaru joined in. "Please. Master Ao, don't pick any fights here in-"
"I didn't ask for your opinion, brats!" Ao shut them down harshly, before turning back to the others. "All this secrecy, and we're supposed to trust you to the point we're here in the middle of the ocean?"
"He's such a jerk. Someone should kick his ass." Natsu said.
"Listen up, man-"
"No, I'm getting really tired of your shit, old man." Tayuya barked back against the older man. "Can't you just for once, I mean once! Not being an asshole?"
"She makes an excellent point." Kushina nodded with her clanswoman.
Naruto and Kazuo sighed at this, while Utakata just observed the debacle. With the other two, Chojuro and Hotaru, feeling a little antsy about the confrontation of the two individuals who could not stand each other from the moment they met.
"You're really getting on my nerves, girl." Ao ended, condescending her with that last word. "You should've learned better to-"
"Respect your elders, back in my day, blah fucking blah!" Tayuya spoke, repeating those words in a mocking tone. "You are a damn old relic who will not catch up with the times!"
"Watch your-"
"You watch out where you're standing, pal!" Tayuya pointed her finger at him. Warning him. "Because we're in the middle of the sea now, with your body not fully healed, I can throw you off this thing and feed you to the sharks!"
SHINK!
"He really should get his ass beat." Naruto said with narrowed eyes at Ao.
The situation then had fiercely escalated, when Ao had pulled out a kunai, and aimed it at the female redhead, just as she herself had pulled out her own knife. Just as thunder could be heard, and the first rain droplets could be felt falling down.
"Great, now it's raining." Kazuo sighed in annoyance at this. "And you now want to fight it over, on a ship in the middle of the ocean?"
The standoff really didn't seem to bother both Kazuo, Naruto, and not even Utakata, while Hotaru and Chojuro were close to freaking out.
"Hmm, he has the jonin chill down. I'm so proud." Kakashi said while giving Naruto a glance. The younger Shinobi smirked at Kakashi and winked.
'Best student.' Kakashi easily labeled him as as he smiled under his mask.
"Wanna go at it, old man?" Tayuya began. "Because I'd love to."
"Don't underestimate me, I've fought battles before you were even born." Ao warned her. "I have no qualm putting you down."
"Me neither" Tayuya replied, ready to make her move.
"Are they really going to fight there?" Lucy said in worry.
"Well they can all walk on water except maybe Kazuo so it's not that big of deal." Happy replied.
"Wait-"
"There it is." Naruto spoke up. "Kazou, I see it."
Ao demanded. "Seeing what?"
FLASH!
Nearly blinding them, everyone on deck of the ship, causing some even to scream out what was going on. Then, when the lights turned away, it was now clear what it was.
A transport ship, and it was coming right for them.
"Ah, finally they arrived." Kazuo spoke before ordering his crew. "Prepare for boarding party!"
The ship of Kazuo, also began setting course for the other direction, heading up to meet the fellow sailors.
The tension broke down as rain kept on pouring on those were still on deck. Silence now had prevailed on this meeting between ships as the soaking wetness of their clothing didn't seem to bother any of them.
It was then when the two ships finally stopped right next to each other, with Naruto waiting for the boarding ramp. And it dropped, indeed right in front of him, with a wet splash that soaked his boots.
"This is a pretty well organized operation." Tsunade said, eyeing Naruto. She really hoped future her was offloading as much paperwork onto Naruto as possible.
Naruto entered first and walked up the ramp, towards the other ship as he was met with a group of men in raincoats as he pulls out a bag.
"Here."
The first man that Naruto encountered took the bag, and opened it up to see it was filled with cash, enough cash.
"This chapter has really driven home that money makes the world go round." Lisanna said with a frown.
"Bribes are easier to trust than 'honest' people." Jiraiya said getting frowns from the wizards and begrudging nods from the Shinobi.
"Let him in."
Having entered the inside of the ship, Naruto was being escorted by one of the smugglers, who did not say much except for the blonde to follow him, which he complied to.
If you look at first hand, the cargo hold of the ship looked like it was only carrying nothing, no shipments, not even crates, let alone even ropes or anything.
"They should at least have empty crates so they look less suspicious." Naruto said getting Shikamaru to nod in agreement.
"Hold it."
Naruto stopped his tracks and watched, as the smuggler reached for the wooden planks of the floor, and began pulling on it. And then a whole section of the floor was lifted, revealing it to be a secret hull. What was inside of it?
In there, was a secret floor, where a room full of people were hiding, all looking up to the only entrance and exit of their cramped situation.
All those faces with different emotions printed on them. All until they heard these words coming out from Naruto's mouth.
"Ladies and gentlemen, congratulations." He began to speak up. "You've all made it safe, welcome to Fiore."
"And their first face in their new home is such a friendly one." Makarov said with a grin.
Hiruzen snapped the book shut and held it up. The thing disappeared and reappeared in Lucy's hands.
"Wait, I already read." She argued.
"So?" Happy asked causing her to glare at him as she opened it up.
Alright so here is yet another chapter of Reading: Shadow of Fairy Tail. I hope you enjoyed everyone.
Till Next Time