Authors Notes: Sorry for the delay!

Shortly after uploading Resident Uzumaki, my keyboard started failing on me to the point that certain keys would stop responding, while others would register double strokes instead of one, causing numerous issues while typing.

Fortunately, I was able to order a brand new keyboard which had just arrived the other day as of posting this chapter. A sleek, Logitech G213 keyboard, and I gotta tell you, it feels so comfortable and relaxing to be able to type and not have to constantly go back and correct mistakes and typos caused by a failing keyboard.

Anyways, expect to see a series of updates from me, hopefully before Christmas time!

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Review Corner

PraetorXyn – Esdeath is currently busy fighting in the Kiri Civil War, though she will be making her debut after Naruto and his girls get back to Berugakure.

YeagerMeister31 – Oh yeah, Kushina is going to feign ignorance and allow Hiruzen to think he is safe. Then, she is going to pull the rug from under him, and take him for everything he is worth. Especially once Corvo finishes his specific mission.

HyperA2019 – I have something far worse then death planned for not only Hiruzen and Jiraiya, but also Kakashi. Since they are the main three that are involved in Naruto's kidnapping.

JintoLin – Yeah, Sasuke is realizing that something is going on involving his blonde haired team mate. Question is, what does our resident Emo King do about it? I do have something in mind for this, but you will just have to wait and see.

Story Artist – While the main three involved in Naruto's kidnapping will be punished severely, Konoha as a whole will have to have to pay for their Hokages crimes, and I have some things in mind.

Romance Breeding – As of right now, I have no plans for any lemons scenes in this particular story, maybe towards the end I will do a scene, but as of right now, there will be none.

DinoKnight9 – In order, Hiruzen will survive, but he will be forced to step down as Hokage when his scheming is exposed to the rest of the Konoha council and the Fire Daimyo himself. The Akatsuki does not exist in this story, because Nagato, Konan and a few of the others are members of Berugakure.

DV – If you enjoy this one, you may enjoy my other story, Darkness Falls. While the harem there is significantly larger, it focuses more on character development and romantic bonding instead of being a smutfest. Though yes, there are lemon scenes in it, but they are few and essentially used to cement a bonding between Naruto and the girl involved.

Exia Zero – Sadly, the harem list for this story is capped out, with the twelve already listed. Though you do make some great suggestions, no doubt. Maybe for another story in the future.

Harem

Anko, Aqua, Esdeath, Kairi, Koyuki, Mabui, Morgiana, Pyrrha, Rory, Sakura, Xion, and Yoruichi

Without further ado, on with the show!

Remember Me

Chapter 12

Day of the Chunin Finals, Early Morning

The sun had just barely crept over the horizon, and already the main street of the Village Hidden in the Leaves was bustling with energy and movement as stall and shop owners set to opening their stores and restocking their wares, whilst would be patrons eagerly browsed, hoping to catch any early bird specials various shop keepers would offer. Amongst the bustling crowd of people, were three individuals stood out the most, each for a different set of reasons. One male and two female.

The lone male of the trio was a towering mass of muscle, standing at six and a half feet tall with a wild and aggressive appearance that had intimidated a number of people that the trio had walked passed, including the unfortunate gate guards upon entering the village. His long face with pronounced cheekbones was marred with a lone scar running down the left side of his face and a black eye patch that covered his right eye. Indicating that the man was no stranger to combat.

This was Kenpachi Zaraki, the Walking Demon of War and first guard of the Berukage.

On the left side of the trio was a beautiful woman with luscious scarlet colored hair standing a good foot shorter then her male companion at only five and a half feet tall. She has a slender, athletic build with voluptuous curves, making her the envy of countless women and the desire of even more men. Her outfit consisting of a custom made armor adorned with a dark blue skirt and a pair of knee high black boots. A pair of silver diamond shaped earrings adorning her ears just under her hair.

This is Erza Scarlet, the Titania, Queen of the Fairies; a nick name earned due to her position with a faction within the village known as Fairy Tail, and second guard of the Berukage.

The last individual, and no doubt the most important among the trio, was the Berukage herself, Kushina Uzumaki. Her burnt orange Kage hat covering the upper portion of her face, shadowing her deep blue eyes that burned with a fiery determination to get her son back and make those responsible pay for what they had done.

When the girls had first notified her that her lost son was within Konoha, she was tempted to gather her shinobi and raze the village to the ground. Oh was she tempted. However, her time as a village leader herself had tempered her impulsiveness, allowing for her to sit back and think things through more thoroughly. No, she wouldn't raze Konoha to the ground, that would be far to easy to accomplish and buildings could be rebuilt anyway. No, she was going to go for the throat and ensure that damnable old monkey and his cohorts would suffer for what the have done.

"I already hate it here." Came the gruff response of the large man as his lone eye scanned over the numerous people, Shinobi and civilian alike, that were filling the streets. Deeming all the shinobi he saw weak and unable to challenge him.

"I am not excited to be here either." Erza sighed, agreeing with her companion. "But look on the bright side, Kenpachi. At least the main event should spruce things up a bit."

The large man merely grunted in response, not feeling that any of the fools in the upcoming invasion would truly be a challenge to him in combat. Though, perhaps one could surprise him. He could only hope.

"Speaking of the main event," Kenpachi began, looking towards the woman walking between them. "Are you sure about your orders to keep the old monkey alive, Kushina-sama?"

"Of course." Kushina grinned, cocking her head to the side to peer at the large man out of the corner of her eye. "Death is far too good for that old bastard."

Turning to look ahead of her, the red haired Kage focused her sight on the faces upon the massive mountain behind the Hokage's tower, namely the face of Hiruzen himself.

"I want him to be alive and healthy when his dirty dealings are exposed for all to see." A sadistic grin spreading across her face.

Chuckling slightly at their leaders intentions for the man who had ordered the kidnapping of her son, the two guards followed Kushina as she weaved through the people that were beginning to populate the streets as the day slowly began, with one destination on her mind.

Hokage's Tower

Hiruzen was pacing back and forth before his desk in a slight panic.

The reason?

The ANBU on duty had just informed him that Kushina Uzumaki had just entered the village accompanied by two guards. And not just any two guards. Two of the most renowned, feared, and respected individuals within the entire Elemental Nations, and perhaps even beyond due to their sheer power and fighting prowess. The mere mentioning of their name would make even the most seasoned of Shinobi's blood to freeze within their veins. And now they were both here within his village, accompanying the one woman he had worked so hard to keep away.

Letting out a long, tired sigh, the elder man walked around his desk and slumped into his chair as he placed his elbows on the desk and rubbed his temples in an attempt to alleviate the headache that was slowly building up.

"Please tell me you have some good news." Hiruzen stated as he felt a presence enter his office via the open window.

"Yeah, I got it covered sensei." Jiraiya stated as he fully entered the office, having just dropped off what he thought was the weapon at the boys place of residence to prepare for the finals. "The seals are air tight, and even added a fail safe, just in case."

"And what exactly is this fail safe you added?" The elder man inquired, quirking an eye brow at his student.

"Well, I know for sure that the gaki can't beat a prodigy like Neji." The white haired Sannin began with a slight smirk. "But, we can't let him get killed by the Hyuga either. So, once the gaki has received a good beat down, I activate the seal and render him unconcious. Proctor calls it, and we're in the clear."

"That is IF Neji Hyuga ceases his assault after the weapon falls unconcious." Hiruzen pointed out. "After all, the boy attempted to kill his own cousin even after the match was called in his favor. I doubt he will be any less forgiving to the weapon after the boy foolishly vowed on young Hinata's blood that he would ensure Neji suffers for his actions against her."

Jiraiya had to frown at that.

To be honest, he had completely disregarded what had happened during the preliminaries and just focused on training the gaki up a bit. During the month he had taken the brat out of the village to 'train' him, which he had only really brushed up on the boy's taijutsu, which was severely lacking. Making the perverted Sannin wonder what the hell the instructors at the academy were thinking. It was one thing to ensure the weapon's strength and power didn't grow to fast, but it was an entirely different matter to set the boy up to die out in the field. Be it from an enemy shinobi, kunoichi, or just some run of the mill bandit.

"Well then, we'll just have to make sure the Hyuga brat doesn't do that." Was Jiraiya's simple response, earning a tired nod from the elder man. "Has there been any news about 'her'?"

"She arrived this morning, just before you actually, with two guards. Kenpachi Zaraki and Erza Scarlet." Hiruzen stated, watching as the color drained from his student's face at the mention of the two guards names. "They were last seen stopping at Ichiraku's, no doubt to catch up with the father and daughter the run to establishment."

"There is no chance those two have identified the boy yet, have they?" Jiraiya inquired after composing himself.

"So far, no." The Hokage answered. "It's one of the places that is under constant ANBU surveillance after the duo had befriended the weapon."

"At any rate, we should make our way to the stadium." Hiruzen continued as he stood up from his chair. "I want you to remain beside me during the matches. Especially with that woman and her two guards present. Not to mention, we also have the Raikage and Kazekage attending as well."

"Not to mention, Orochimaru is still lurking around." The toad sannin stated, earning a nod from his sensei.

"I've already instructed my ANBU to be on high alert for anything suspicious." The Hokage informed his student. "For now, we have wasted enough time. Let us be off."

"Right behind you, sensei." Jiraiya said, not exactly looking forward being within close proximity with the very woman that was the mother of the boy he had conspired to kidnap.

Chunin Stadium, Storage Area

Nervous.

That would be the best way to describe Naruto Uzumaki right now as he paced back and forth in the small back room, and even then, that word alone did not fully describe the whirl of emotions raging within him at this moment. He was excited, nervous, and afraid, all in one maelstrom of emotions.

He was excited, because this would be the last day that both he and Anko would have to spend in this cesspool of a village, and by the end of the day, both of them would be heading towards a better future in Berukage with his other fiances.

He was nervous because not only did he have to worry about the old bastard that had ordered his kidnapping, and his traitor of a 'sensei' Kakashi, but now he also had to worry about that frog fucker of a Sannin that was suppose to be his godfather. Not to mention the countless other shinobi and kunoichi within the village that would follow the old bastards orders without question.

Lastly, he was afraid because if they failed to escape Konoha, not only would he suffer if caught, but so would those who were helping him. No doubt, the old bastard would force him to watch as they broke down and tortured each of his fiances in inhumane ways, just to mentally break him into being their perfect weapon. Naruto didn't even want to consider the methods the old bastard would authorize to break him. Especially with his himes involved.

"You're thinking too loud, Naruto-kun." A soft voice spoke from behind him, as he felt a pair of slender arms wrap around his mid section.

Letting out a relaxed sigh, Naruto turned within her hold so that he was now facing her, wrapping his own arms around his blue haired princess and gazed into her beautiful blue eyes. Leaning in, he gave her a light kiss on the lips before smiling.

"Thank you, Aqua-chan." He smiled, truly thankful for the distraction from the depressing thoughts that were entering his mind. "I'm just worried is all."

"Naruto-kun," Aqua smiled, bringing her hands up to his face and cupping his cheeks. "You're not in this alone, remember that. Not only to you have all of us, but Anko-chan as well, and don't forget your mother is here as well. You're coming home today."

"The snow cone is right, Naruto-kun." Morgiana stated as she entered the room, giving her blonde fiance a kiss of her own to help calm his nerves. "And not only is Kushina-sama here, she also brought Kenpachi and Erza as her personal guards."

Hearing this, Naruto's eyes widened to comical proportions. Almost feeling sorry for any who would dare to get in the way of his mother now. Almost.

"Honestly, I think she brought them mostly to keep everyone safe from her." Xion commented with an amused grin.

"Pfft, those two were the first to volunteer to lead an invasion force against this shit hole when we reported that Naruto-kun was here." Rory added, earning a slight giggle from the budding swords mistress.

"Everything will be fine, Naruto-kun." Kairi simply stated, approaching the blonde and giving him her own kiss to reinforce her words. "As Aqua-chan said, you're not alone."

'Trust in your mates, kit.' A deep voice rumbled within his mind. 'Their resolve will see to it that by the end of the day, we will be far away from this cesspool and back where we belong.'

"Thank you." He smiled, as well as inwardly thanking his big brother figure. "All of you."

No words were spoken between the five girls as they encircled around their beloved fiance and wrapped him in a gentle hug.

"Remember to act like normal when we go out there, at least until after my match is over." Naruto reminded his girls. "Since that frog fucker put an incapacitating seal on my blood clone, he will no doubt know that something isn't right when it fails to work."

"Not to mention the old bastard will recognize the Whirling Tides style taijutsu you will be using against the arrogant Hyuga. Not to mention your change in attire as well will no doubt garner his attention the moment you step onto the floor." Morgiana pointed out. Gone was the orange monstrosity that he had been forced to wear. Replaced now with a pair of black ANBU style pants and shin guards that accompanied his combat sandals. For his upper body, he wore a simply black mesh sleeveless shirt that allowed those that looked to get an eye full of his developing muscles, and to wrap up his new attire as a long red colored coat with a golden yellow inner lining. "Think it's too late to set up a camera to record their reactions?"

"Probably is, though it would be amusing to see their faces when they realize all of the planning and machinations crumbling through their fingers." The blue haired beauty chuckled as she imagined how each of their facial expressions would look.

"Everyone ready?" A voice inquired from the door way, prompting all to turn to identify the owner of the voice.

"We are, Mabui-chan." Naruto replied with a small grin as the dark skinned teen approached him, wrapping her in a hug.

"Good." She smiled as she leaned up and kissed him before turning to the rest of the girls. "Raikage-sama has been in contact with your mother Naruto-kun, and he has issued my team the mission to ensure that you are returned to Berugakure, where you belong. Don't worry, Omoi will still follow through on his vow to ensure those precious to you will be unharmed."

Hearing this, the whiskered blonde was surprised. While he knew his fiances and his mother would do all within their power to ensure his and Anko's escape was a success, he wasn't expecting the Raikage of all people to commit a team specifically to get him out of the village. Though, he shouldn't be surprised, after all the whole reasoning behind the arranged marriage between himself and the mocha beauty before him was to solidify an alliance between there two villages.

"So this is where everyone is hiding." A teasing tone came from the door way, exposing one Anko Mitarashi as she sauntered into the room with her usual sashay. "Ready to get out of this shit hole, Whiskers?"

"Damn straight." Naruto grinned, now feeling far more confident then he was earlier, now that he physically had all of his himes to support him.

"Good, cause your mother just arrived." The snake mistress grinned. "And the old goat is in a panic trying to make sure his little secret doesn't get out."

"Damn, really wish we had a camera to see that." Morgiana commented, earning a chuckle from the group.

"That being said," Anko voice turning serious as her pupil-less brown eyes swept across the group before her. "Be careful, all of you."

"We will, Anko-chan." The whiskered blonde smiled as he approached his snake mistress and brought her into a firm hug, giving her a light kiss on the lips. "We know the old bastard is going to get desperate, that means you be careful as well. He knows that you are precious to me and he has already tried to have Sakura-chan killed in order to hurt me. And I am willing to bet he purposely sent you in hopes that you would have been killed after Orochi-teme showed up."

"Speaking of that, what is up with you and the Cherry Blossom?" Anko quirked an eye brow, as she had noticed the former fan-girl had become a lot closer to her blonde lover. While she was well aware of the pinkettes intention of pursuing a friendship with the blonde, the looks she had been giving him were more then just of friendship. It was clear that the girl had fallen in love with him.

"Honestly, I don't know for sure." The blonde sighed, thinking of his complicated relationship with Sakura. Sure, they had kissed but it was never really spoken that they were a couple, unlike the moment of passion between himself in Anko, in which the snake mistress had out right declared that she was going to be one of his wives. Much to the blondes amusement.

"From what we saw in the Forest of Death, she seemed to have fallen for you, Naruto-kun." Kairi commented.

"Yeah, I kind of figured." Naruto nodded. "Considering how she initiated a kiss with me during the Uchiha's match when she dragged me into the hallway to talk."

"Oh, so the little Cherry Blossom got bold, did she?" Anko grinned. "Did she use tongue?"

At this, Naruto couldn't help but blush, suddenly finding the wall far more interesting. This of course brought a teasing grin to the faces of the girls around him.

"Oh, she did, didn't she!" The snake mistress exclaimed, her grin never leaving her face.

"Alright, alright." The whiskered blonde waved it off, trying to hide his embarrassment. "It was just a kiss. I'm not even sure if it was just a heat of the moment thing or if she actually has feelings for me."

"Well, we will have to cross that bridge later." Aqua frowned. "After we get back to Berugakure."

Silently Naruto nodded in agreement. While he didn't necessarily like the idea of having to leave Sakura behind, he knew this was probably his only chance to get back home, where he belonged. Not to mention with so many people risking themselves to ensure he made it back to Berugakure safely, he couldn't ask them to endanger themselves further. All he could do was pray to Kami that she would be safe and that once he was out of the village, Hiruzen wouldn't attempt to use her as bait to lure him back.

"Don't worry Naruto-kun," Kairi said as she wrapped the blonde in a hug. "Once we get back, I am sure Kushina-sama will have something in mind."

"Indeed." Rory nodded her head in agreement. "When we were last in contact with her, she informed us to only focus on getting you out and that she had something big planned for the village as a whole, but didn't specify what it was."

"I am willing to bet it has something to do with the old man himself and the rest of the governing body as well." Xion added with a thoughtful expression as she speculated what her soon to be mother in law had planned. Knowing how Kushina worked, it was guaranteed that it would not be pleasant for those on the receiving end.

"Anyways, we should head out to the arena floors." Aqua stated, earning a groan in dissatisfaction from everyone.

"I know, I don't like it any more then the rest of you." The blue haired young woman sighed. "But we have a mission to complete, and we will complete it."

"Right!" All of the girls exclaimed as Naruto chuckled at their enthusiasm.

With one last exchange of hugs and kisses, Anko not missing her chance to further fluster the poor teen as she firmly pressed her generous mounds of flesh against his chest as she brought him for a deep and passionate kiss. Letting out a yelp in surprise when said blonde had proceeded to pinch her ass, earning himself a wicked grin from the snake mistress as if to promise that she would get him back.

One by one, they slowly filtered out of the back room that had secluded themselves within. As Naruto left, he couldn't help but smile. Knowing that by the end of the day, he would be well on his way home.

Chunin Arena

Hiruzen could feel the sweat forming along his brow as he waited for his fellow Kages to arrive with their guards to oversee the finals and give their thoughts and recommendations for which of the finalist would be worthy of their promotion to the rank of Chunin based on the skill used in their matches. Not only did he have to worry about that Uzumaki bitch and her body guards, whom happened to be two of the most renowned names within the entire Elemental Nations. Something that did not sit well with the aging Hokage, since the village of Berugakure was known for producing the most powerful shinobi and kunoichi then any other village within the nations, naming Berugakure the strongest of all the Hidden Villages. A title, Hiruzen thought, should belong to Konoha, and Konoha alone.

"Hey you old goat." A cheerful voice broke the conspiring elder man from his inner musings. "Been awhile, hasn't it?"

Turning to his left, he felt his heart jump to his throat as the form of Kushina Uzumaki with both Kenpachi and Erza standing behind her greeted him. Swallowing to attempt to calm himself, he stood to greet his guest, as was expected of him.

"That it has, Kushina-dono. That it has." He gave a smile as he greeted the woman. Behind him, Jiraiya was eyeing up the woman's two body guards. Not surprising, the perverted Sannin's eyes stopped at Erza's breasts before a cold chill ran up his spine, prompting his eyes to meet the eyes of the Valkyrie that burned with a hidden fury raging behind them.

"Hey, Kushina-chan! Good to see that you made it!" Jiraiya greeted, shaking off the feeling of death as he turned his attention to his former student's widow. "I gotta say, your girls from Berugakure are truly a sight to behold."

Meanwhile, the toad sage could only perverted giggle to himself at the inside joke that it seemed only he was in on. Though the scowl upon Kushina's face made it clear that she was very much aware of what he was thinking.

"Do remember Jiraiya, that you still have a standing restraining order that states you must remain one hundred yards away from the girls, at all times." The Berukage reminded the perverted sannin, causing him to shy away in embarrassment, as he had not informed his sensei about that little fiasco. "And I swear to Kami, Yami, and even the Shingami that if I find that you have put any 'inspirations' of them in that trash you call a book, I will personally see to it that you will suffer for the rest of your days."

"What does she mean, Jiriaya?" Hiruzen turned to his student.

"It's nothing sensei, just a misunderstanding…"

"This pervert was caught peeping on the women's side of the bath house, while minors were inside at the time." Erza growled out, her eyes fixated on the shrinking form of Jiraiya.

Hearing this, Hiruzen could only slowly lower his head into his waiting palm. Letting out an exasperated sigh. Of all the things his student could get caught for, it had to be something as salacious as this. Misunderstanding or not, such a thing no doubt left an incredibly dark mark on the toad sage's record.

"Look, I didn't know they were in there okay." Jiraiya tried to defend himself, though in reality he was only digging his own grave. "I had just witnessed a group of delectable beauties enter the hot springs and desired to get inspiration for my next book!"

"That really doesn't help your case at all." The Hokage sighed, shaking his head in embarrassment.

"So old man," Kushina spoke, turning the elder mans attention back to her. "Have you heard any news about my Sochi yet?"

It was a question the old man had been dreading would come up.

"Unfortunately not, Kushina-dono." He replied with a sigh as he cast his eyes to the arena below him as a few of the finalist began to filter out onto the floor. In doing so, he failed to notice the slight smirk on the woman's face. "All my shinobi have standing orders to be on the lookout for the boy whenever they leave the village, sadly each time they come back empty handed."

"I see." She replied, turning to her two bodyguards and giving them a small nod, prompting the two to take their seats behind where she would be seated. "I thank you all the same old man."

"Have you ever considered the possibility that the poor boy may have been killed already?" Hiruzen ventured carefully. "After all, it's been seven years and there hasn't been any word from his kidnappers, not even a ransom demand."

"No." The red haired woman replied. "I know that my sochi is alive, and I know that we will be reunited soon."

"I see." He gave a soft smile. "I wish I had your optimism, Kushina-dono."

Taking her seat, Kushina inwardly smirked at the fact that the old fool has convinced himself that he is playing her, when in reality she is the one playing him. Without a doubt, this will be her greatest prank she has ever pulled on someone since her genin days.

"I must say Kushina-dono, that your girls are quiet well trained." Hiruzen commented as he spied the group of girls from Berugakure gathering on one side of the arena away from the other finalist. "Are you sure they are just genin?"

"In Berugakure, we have extremely high standards for our academy." She stated proudly. "We do not disillusion any of the students about tales of heroics with brave shinobi saving princesses and the like. No, we give them the brutal truth as to what it means to be a shinobi or kunoichi of the village, and what is expected of them."

"Isn't that a bit cruel, Kushina-dono?" The elder Hokage inquired with a frown. "They are children after all."

"No, what is cruel would be to suddenly give an inexperienced and mentally weak Kunoichi a seduction mission to secure vital information." Kushina replied evenly. "These missions are too often solo missions, and if the kunoichi is ill prepared, it could lead to her death or worse, capture."

"What would be cruel," She continued. "Would be to send an inexperienced team full of genin with their heads filled with tales of heroics on an assassination or extermination mission and have them freeze up after their first kill, thus putting the rest of the team in danger due to their inaction."

"We counter that by going into full detail of what can be expected from aspiring Shinobi and Kunoichi in their first and second years, going over various techniques and strategies." She elaborated further. "By their third year, the students will witness live executions to get them familiar with the concept of death. As well as being given mock seduction and assassination missions with random Chunin being their targets. By their fourth and final year in the academy, those who have not dropped out are fully prepared to enter the Shinobi world."

"As it should be." A voice thundered from behind the small group. Prompting the five present in the booth to look at the source of the deep voice. Standing at the entry way as a dark skinned man with a muscular build. His blonde hair combed back, as a small moustache and goatee adorned his chiseled face. Behind him was another man of a similar build, as well as a young woman.

"Ah, Raikage-dono." Kushina greeted the mountain of muscle that had just joined them in the booth with his own two guards. "Glad of you to join us. Good to see you as well, Yugito-chan, and B!"

"Bah, none of this 'Raikage-dono' crap, Kushi-chan!" The large man barked out with a laugh as he approached the red haired kage, his arms stretched out wide, inviting the woman into a hug. An invitation she took with a laugh.

"Alright, alright Ay-nii-san." Kushina laughed as she hugged the large man. "Glad you could make it."

"What kind of Kage would I be if I didn't show up to show my support for my own genin that have made it to the finals?" The now identified Ay inquired in a humorous manner. "Not to mention, it would be unbecoming of me to not show my support for my allies as well."

"What do you mean, allies?" Jiraiya voiced in confusion, as his spy network had not made any mention of any alliance between Kumogakure and Berugakure. The last he had heard was that they were in talks of solidifying an alliance through the arranged marriage between Kushina's son and some girl from Kumo, but he had figured that once the brat had disappeared that all the talks would have ceased. It appeared as if his network was lacking on that front.

"I am curious as well." Another voice sounded, alerting the eight occupants to see the Kazekage standing at the entry way, a veil of cloth covering his face, as he usually wore. "Last I had heard, the alliance between your two villages henged on a marriage."

"Mmm, you seem to be quite knowledgeable of things outside your village, Kazekage-dono." Ay spoke, his voice losing the cheerfulness it once had moments before. "You wouldn't know anything of what happened to the boy, would you."

Silence fell over the group as the unspoken insinuation floated over them.

"Of course not, Raikage-dono." The Kazekage replied, raising his hands in a placating manner. "I would not be so foolish as to orchestrate the kidnapping of such a public figure as the heir of the Uzumaki Royal Family."

Hiruzen felt a chill travel up his spine, as he could of sworn that that specific statement was focused directly at him. Due to how on the nose it was.

"Well then." The elder Hokage decided to step in before things escalated further. "Now that all of the visiting dignitaries are here, we can proceed with the finals."

"Yes." Ay said, turning his attention away from the Kazekage and taking a seat beside Kushina as he two body guards sat directly behind him. "I am eager to see how each of the finalist will stack up against one another."

"Indeed," Hiruzen agreed. "There are a lot of promising prospects this year."

"So I have heard." The large man stated with a slight grin, sending a knowing wink to Kushina. "I am particularly interested in the boy who defeated one of my most promising swordsmen."

"Ah, yes." The elder man coughed slightly, feeling like he is being put on the spot. "I was surprised myself when I witnessed their match."

"His performance in the finals will decide if his initial victory was a fluke or not." The Kazekage simply stated in a neutral tone.

"Ha!" Jiraiya scoffed. "I trained that gaki myself over the month. There is no way he will lose to that uptight Hyuga."

While he knew his statement would come back to bite him in the ass later, when the brat ultimately failed when he activated the seal, a small blow to his ego would be a small sacrifice to pay in the greater scheme of things. Especially when the boy is finally broken and molded into the perfect weapon to secure Konoha's future at the top of the Elemental Nations, where it belongs.

"Oh, this Genin must have made quite the impression if one of the legendary Sannin had taken interest in him." Kushina stated with a curious look on her face.

"You could say that." The toad sage responded, before a harsh look from Hiruzen prompted him to keep his mouth shut before he accidentally reveals too much. "I just saw a bit of myself in him."

"I see." The Berukage replied before turning her attention back to the arena floor. A ghost of a smile forming on her face as she saw a lone blonde boy, standing just off to the side of the others. For the first time in seven years, she was able to see her son. 'Just you wait sochi, you'll be home soon.'

"Well, suppose I should start things." Hiruzen sighed as he walked to the banister, allowing him to fully look down at the finalist. His eyes immediately searching for his weapon. Frowning slightly when he saw the boy in his change of attire. Shaking it off for now, he turned his attention to the gathering spectators. Applying chakra to his throat to allow his voice to carry out over the arena, he spoke.

"Thank you everyone for coming to the Chuunin Exam Finals!" He called out, welcoming the villages guests that had traveled from all over to spectate the finals. Everyone from representatives for various Daimyos that were unable to attend, to a mere traveling merchant. And each of them a prospective client.

"We will now start the main tournament matches," Hiruzen continued. "Between these sixteen participants who had striven and made it through the preliminary rounds!"

"Mmm, if there are suppose to be sixteen, then two are missing." The Kazekage observed, prompting the elder Hokage to look back at him through the corner of his eye.

"It appears you are correct, Kazekage-dono." Ay agreed. "Specifically, it appears the Uchiha, and an Oto genin are absent."

"Forgive me for interrupting, Hokage-sama." The newly selected proctor for the final matches spoke out from the arena floor, catching everyone's attention. He was an average height male, with shoulder length brown hair which framed his face. Wearing his hitae-ate like a bandanna, with the Konoha emblem located on the back of his head. "But there has been some minor changes to the matches. I ask the contestants to double check to see who you're fighting."

'Mmm, it appears that that Dosu guy dropped out.' Kurama mused from inside the vessels mind. 'Though, more then likely he was killed over the month long break.'

'Yeah.' Naruto mentally agreed. 'And some how I get the feeling that it was that Gaara guy that killed him. He reeks of blood and death.'

'Seems the Uchiha isn't here either.'

'Well, considering who he is with, are you surprised?' The blonde retorted, earning a snort of amusement from the fox.

'Bet you the brat will get special treatment, even if he shows up late.'

'That's a sucker bet, and you know it.' Naruto snorted.

"Alright, this is the final test." The proctor stated, breaking the blonde from his inner conversation. "I am Genma Shiranui and I will be the proctor for these final bouts."

"The arena is different, but the rules are the same." Genma continued. "There are none. You fight until one of you die, or acknowledges defeat. But if I determine that the fight is over, you will cease all attacks. Understood?"

He received a choir of affirmations.

"Now, the first match of the exams will begin!" Genma called out, looking to the finalist. "First up will be Neji Hyuga against Naruto Uzumaki! Those not named, clear the arena and wait in the contestant's booth."

In the Kage Booth, Hiruzen felt a feeling of dread wash over him as he felt multiple pairs of eyes burning into his soul. Swallowing thickly, he allowed himself to gaze over to where Kushina sat. Her usual warm and kind violet eyes turning suddenly cold and foreboding.

"Is there a particular reason that that boy has my sons name, Hokage-dono?" She inquired in a curt and professional tone.

"That child was a nameless orphan, left abandoned on the streets after the attack fourteen years ago." Hiruzen began he well prepared sob story, in hopes to allay the woman's suspicions. "After your son disappeared, I decided to give him the name, to honor your lost boy."

Kushina was silent for a few moments, seemingly digesting the short explanation the old man had told her, allowing her eyes to drift towards the arena once more. Before turning her attention back to the elder man.

"I see, that is very touching." She responded after a handful of seconds. "However, I am curious as to why you decided you had the right to give him my clans name. You are aware that the Uzumaki clan still has plenty of enemies within the Elemental Nations. I am hoping you were not intending to make the boy a target. Not to mention any traveling Uzumaki could lay claim to him, by clan rights."

Both Hiruzen and Jiraiya silently cursed themselves. As well as cursing the boy for refusing to accept his new identity.

"I had not considered that." Hiruzen lied smoothly. "I suppose in my desire to pay tribute to your son, I got a little too carried away. After the exams, I shall see to it he is given a more suitable name to not cause any issues in the future."

"Very well." The red haired woman nodded, allowing the matter to settle for now.

On the arena floor, both Naruto and Neji stood across from one another. Neji as expected, dropped into his Jyuken stance. Whilst Naruto dropped into a stance that made the old bastard's blood freeze in his veins.

'Shit.' Hiruzen swore.

Additional Authors Notes: And that's a wrap!

I know, not a lot of action in this chapter, but a lot of build up of whats to come. Don't worry though, most, if not all of the next chapter will be nothing but fighting an action!

Now originally, I was going to have Naruto and Neji's fight end of this chapter, but as the chapter was already running on long enough, I decided to have some fun with Hiruzen and make him squirm as both Kushina and Ay verbally and mentally teamed up against him to make him sweat.

That leads to my next note. No, Kushina and Ay are not in a relationship with one another. They have more of a sibling relationship then anything else. As of right now, Kushina will be staying a single widowed mother.

On to my last note, since I am sure some of you will ask about it. As of right now, Naruto and Sakura are not an official couple. Yes, they kissed, but that was it. In the next chapter she will finally be introduced formally to the rest of Naruto's fiances.

As always, be sure to leave your thoughts and comments in the reviews!