Naruto: Shoton of Konoha

by Arch-Daishou00

: For Stormy Rebel, miss you, Joachim, and thank you: "By the actions of the traitor Mizuki. Naruto awakens a rare Kekkei Genkai. And his path has now changed. And in the darkness awakens an ancient threat more terrifying than the Akatsuki, which only stirs thought of myths from a lost and forgotten age." : huge world expansion story, OC. Co-Author: Etheral-23

41. Blood and Tea

Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto

Co-author and Beta: Etheral-23

Chapter 41: Blood and Tea

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XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

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Yuma poured sake into her cup; "So you took my advice?" She sat at a table in a modest room next to a large middle-aged man with shaggy grey hair, fair skin, and coal colored eyes nodded. Dressed in a simple brown kimono with a blue haori over it.

"Several of my men were attacked by an individual with an Amegakure headband. They were covered in senbon like pincushions. No deaths though, this was a message not an example." Boss Jirōchō addressed in a deep serious tone. "As you encouraged we sent our request to Konohagakure no Sato."

"Do we really need more ninja?" Came the argument from a young man in simple garbs with spiky brunette hair and brown eyes. "And why Konoha of all places?" He sat near the open window of the room with a look of displeasure.

"Cause they're least likely to stab you in the back for their own benefit" The white haired young woman quipped as she took a sip of her coup. "At least Konoha has decent people"

The young man snorted in disdain, "Ninjas as decent people. You must live under rocks..."

"Idate" Jirōchō admonished with a firm voice, "I trust Yuma's word, which should be enough"

His back stood straighter, his expression shifting to an apologetic one. "Yes boss, I'm sorry" He said with a tip of his head.

"My offer to kick all of their asses out of here still stands you know" The colorfully garbed woman said with half a grin, "I bet I can make a few of them squeal out their less than legal business to the daimyo"

"If you actually had believable evidence with you, Yuma, I'd be more than happy to let you" The older man replied with a smile, "As it is, doing so would only get us all into trouble with the court. Your warning to the daimyo will have to be enough"

She blew up a raspberry, leaning back on one hand. "He looked perfectly happy to sort all of this out with this dumb race. You'd think he'd wise up and see the Wagarashi are clearly bad people"

"They're good businessmen however" Jirōchō replied, taking a sip from his own cup. "And my clan isn't exactly blameless in this matter; we too allowed this conflict to escalate until blood run on the streets. The daimyo could have easily kicked both of us out"

Yuma grumped; "And who knows who would have taken over the port then. If that fat bastard troll Gatō was still alive he'd jump to have this place in a heartbeat."

"And he was ten times worse than the Wagarashi." Jirōchō muttered as he sipped his sake. "At present this is the best option for us. And having extra pair of eyes in case that Ame shows up again won't hurt."

By the sour expression on Idate's face he did not agree with his boss. But kept his opinion to himself. The priority was claiming the port for the Wasabi Family, and making damn sure the Wagarashi thugs don't get it. He just rather not have a bunch low-life ninja mucking things up, especially those from the damn Leaf.

Jirōchō looked at his cup; "As it also happens I know the new Hokage. Never thought I hear the day Tsunade go back there considering how much she hated that place."

"The right people got her back on track." Yuma cryptically stated as she sipped her sake.

"Well I for one am glad, maybe this will be a fresh start for Tsunade. We all deserve that when things go bad."

'A fresh start eh?' Idate mentally mused as he stared out the window. 'Not if you're a ninja.'

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XxX ~ the following day ~ XxX

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She still had to make a proper decision, there was just so many angles to consider. Sometimes Kuroreimei felt she was going in circles, finding new obstacles that made her hesitate. Long days were spent in mere contemplation, and it was making her council anxious.

Shiva, it was making her anxious...

She needed to clear her head, and found that walking through the streets of Lanka helped her a great deal. It was always relaxing, seeing her people go about their days. It gave her clarity, to once more tackle the issue again with renewed energy.

"Ahh, my queen!" A smith on the street, working on a large, brightly burning piece of metal waved at her with his hammer still on his hand, sweat gathered at the base of his horns from the heat of the forge.

"Good day to you, my lady" A shawled woman nodded her as she walked with a basket of bread on her hands, her pitch black eyes contrasting the bright red of her iris.

Yet another one of her people casually yet respectfully greeted her. His size so imposing he that he took up half of the already busy street, skin a deep green, and his head that of a bull. "A fine day to you, my queen"

Unlike some of her predecessors, Kuroreimei preferred to keep a closer tie with her people, she appreciated the polite and friendly smiles sent her way, without anyone stopping their work or their errands just to bow at her sight.

"My lady" Her aid, a very beautiful young woman with long black hair tied in a long ponytail with orange ribbons, and violet eyes, spoke up. Folding her hands gently in front of her kimono with flowery designs. The sight of her caught the eyes of many in the street, even more so than the queen herself. Though that was expected given her succubus nature. "I've spoken with a resident of Kureva district, they are in need of plans to expand the residencies"

Kuroreimei sighed, dipping her head slightly, the hime cut of her pitch black hair masking her red eyes momentarily. "Again? Of course..."

The island nation of Lanka was neither large nor small, but its city was a compact place, ancient buildings with multiple houses built on top of one another stacked on them. Crowded would be a mild understatement as her people were all clustered together. But it was all they could do given its residents didn't have anywhere else to go.

A mewing sound came from another beautiful woman whose voluptuous figure drew the attention of many. She had long black hair with split bangs, with hazel-gold eyes with cat-like pupils that danced with amusement. Dressed in a black kimono with a red inlay, a yellow obi, along with a set of golden beads, and finally an ornately detailed headband. She purposely left her kimono open at her shoulders, showing off her endowed bosom for all to see. "We're so full the city is about to burst."

Kuro deadpanned; "Do you have to make every statement lewd?"

"Yup~"

"Remind me why I made you a guard, Kuroka, when all you do is shamelessly flirting with every man you come across?"

Kuroka's feline ears twitched as her two cat-like tails swayed. "Because I'm the best spell-caster in all of Lanka my queen."

As much as Kuro wanted to protest, her Nekomata guard was correct on that. The woman rubbed her eyes before looking over to her aid; "Anything else Akeno?"

"The council still wishes to discuss what you saw in that ninja village."

"Tell them I'm still meditating on it" The queen's reply was nearly instantaneous and mechanical, like she had said plenty of times before.

"With all due respect my lady, you've already delayed the meeting three times" Akeno gently said, "The council's patience is growing thin"

Kuroreimei did not immediately reply to that, her red eyes wandering over the various buildings that were clearly on a state of disrepair.

"They have expressed concern as to what is taking so much of your free time deliberating on... whatever it is you are deliberating"

"Hmm"

Akeno let out a soft sigh, "They are worried this is distracting you from your duties"

"My duties seldom ever require my attention anyway" Kuroreimei replied, softly yet bitterly.

The cat eared woman shared a look with the succubus at that response, the former shrugging. "Is... something wrong?" Kuroka asked.

The crowd slowly disappeared behind them as they neared the great walls of the palace, old carvings depicting ancient iconography of the great rakshasas adorning every inch of the great construction. Kuroreimei looked at the towering structure beyond them, still holding the splendor and majesty of ages back.

Then she turned her gaze back to the city. Old and worn, the years having taken its toll on it. The stacked on additions of multiple buildings upon buildings designed to house an ever growing population that could no longer accommodate them. She thought of her people, how they constantly had to ration food, wear the same old clothes every day. It was little better than living in squalor. It was not a fair comparison, but she missed the days Lanka could shine with such beauty.

"A lot of things are wrong" She muttered as the palace gate opened and the three walked inside.

---

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

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Degarashi Port certainly lived up to its name with numerous ships of all kinds docked at its piers or sailing around it. Multiple buildings of various businesses where people were hard at their work. Restaurants, market stalls, and all manners of commerce flowed as this was the sight Team 7 came to as they entered. Karin cleaned her glasses; "The energy of this place is so wild." She spoke, feeling the rampant chakra and emotions of people around them.

Sakura gazed at her with some concern; "It's not too much for you is it?"

"I'll manage, it's like Konoha but more cramped."

Sasuke kept his eyes sharp on the people around them beside Naruto; "Tell us if you sense any other ninja around."

Karin gave a thumbs up while Naruto looked at all the shops; "Man this place looks like it has every business you can think of."

"Port villages like these usually do. Especially with all the trading going around." Sakura addressed as they moved through the crowd. "Though I imagine it's more active than usual with this festival."

A low grunt came from Sasuke; "Let's hope the welcome from Boss Jirōchō is better than who we met near here."

"Seriously..." Naruto quipped dryly; "What was that's dude's deal?"

"It might surprise you, but not everyone likes ninjas" Karin stated matter of factly, "And for good reason too"

"He seemed to have an issue with Konoha in particular" Sakura pointed out. "And some of his skills, you think he might have been a ninja too?" Perhaps one with history with their village.

"Not everyone person who trains is a ninja you know" The glasses wearing girl felt the need to clarify.

"Well whatever it was, it's behind us now. We should talk with Boss Jirōchō" Sasuke said, they'd have enough distractions for the day.

As they continued walking throughout the coastal village, they observed how many people were busy setting up the preparations for this festival of theirs. From the decorations to the stalls, this 'race' of theirs clearly meant a lot to the town, not to mention it brought a good amount of tourism for their village.

They approached the compound of the Wasabi family, a traditionally built large manor. A pair of guards standing on post on the front gate. They didn't waste time showing them their missive with the Hokage's seal.

"Ahh, we were expecting you" One of the guards said, "If you'll follow me, Boss Jirōchō is waiting for you"

As they entered the clan grounds, Karin couldn't help but pick up a flare of chakra that was quickly approaching. It was familiar, one she had felt before. It didn't take her long to remember whose it was.

"Wait" She blinked a couple of times, "What is she doing here?"

Before the others could ask her what she meant, she and Naruto were tackled by a colorful blur.

A blush adorned Sakura's cheeks as she and Sasuke saw both Uzumakis having their heads buried in the endowed bosom of a white haired woman in one of the most daring outfits (though few could top Anko, in her opinion) she had ever seen. Sasuke only blinked as a squeal came from Yuma who smiled; "Aw~ we meet again!"

Neither Karin or Naruto could reply with their faces buried, they soon found air again as the mercenary woman let them go and plopped them in front of her; "What's up you two!"

Naruto only looked wide eyed with a full blush while Karin swayed at being overwhelmed by the woman's intense chakra. "Y-Yuma-san..." The blond slightly stuttered composing himself as he mentally swore he felt heaven itself. "You're here?"

"Yup!" The woman chirped happily with a wink; "Welcome to Degarashi Port."

A middle aged man soon came out of the manor, "So you know these kids?" Boss Jirōchō questioned with humor in his voice as he followed Yuma.

The white haired beauty was now behind the two Uzu's as she patted their heads; "Well these two. This is Naruto and Karin Uzumaki." Her eyes soon peered to the remaining members of Team 7; "Which makes these two Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiha."

A few people in the room perked up as many whispered to themselves, the Wasabi boss gave a nod to them; "I bid you four welcome."

The clan head motioned for them to join him inside his manor, taking off their shoes as it was costume as not to dirty the wooden floors. "You arrive just in time; the festival is scheduled to start tomorrow." He explained as they walked through the halls.

"Tsunade-sama didn't go much into the details" Sakura brought up. "Our orders are to help you with whatever you need, but we are a bit unsure on what the festival has to do with our mission parameters"

"The festival is why you're here on the first place"

Reaching the meeting room, the shinobi plus Yuma entered and knelt. The room was rather sparse, with only a few hanging banners depicting artistic renditions of fishes hanging on the walls serving as decoration. The swordswoman knelt in between the shinobi and the boss, while four young ninja knelt before him a good few feet away.

"Degarashi Port is split between us, the Wasabi family, and the Wagarashi clan. We've been fighting over administrative rights over the town for a long time. Blood has been shed, and unfortunately civilians had been caught in the middle" The clan head said remorsefully. "The daimyo has had enough, and has declared that whoever wins the upcoming Todoroki Shrine Race will be given control over Degarashi"

"You're leaving it all to a race?" Sasuke said incredulously. He found the idea of leaving something so important to a competition like that to be foolhardy. The daimyo should have instead looked at the matter closely and decided which clan had the merits to administer the town, instead of leaving it to a competition of physical skill.

"The race is an event of great cultural importance, I don't expect you to understand" He crossed his arms, "Nearly everything is permitted for the race, which includes the hiring of shinobi escorts. Something the Wagarashi clan has already done"

"They hired Ame-nin" Yuma supplied, "Nasty group"

Sakura leaned in; "Do you know how many, have they attacked yet?"

"Not certain on how many, but some of my people were attacked. No one was killed thankfully."

"They're sending a message." Sasuke deduced; "Trying to scare you to quit."

Yuma nodded; "What I figured too. I would do something, but with no real evidence I can't outright attack the Wagarashi. So the boss here got a hold of you guys."

The Uchiha gave a suspicious look while Karin cocked her head; "You have a reputation of having a good moral code for a mercenary, haven't you tried to sway the daimyo?"

Jirōchō shook his head; "Sadly it didn't work. Yuma is known to have ties to my family since she has done contracts for us before. To the Daimyo and his court they see any action before the festival from her as favoritism."

"Couldn't you at least help with the race escort?" Naruto wondered.

"Oh I'm planning on it. But I can't be everywhere. I'll be fine, but if they outnumber me then our runner won't be" The swordswoman explained, "Which is why I told the boss to hire your village"

That made a couple of the group do a double take in surprise, "You did?" Sakura asked.

"Yeah" Yuma shrugged, flashing a wide smile. "I like your village. Least dickish out of all the Hidden Villages in my opinion"

"Thank you for the endorsement" The Uchiha sarcastically droned.

"You can thank me by inviting me to eat some noodles"

Though amused by their banter, Boss Jirōchō decided it was best to get things back on tract. "You should meet the runner who's participating in my clan's name. He should be here any minute now"

Once more, Karin's chakra sensing abilities alerted her again, this time the sense of surprise at feeling yet another familiar chakra signature was accompanied by a sense of displeasure and annoyance. "Oh you gotta be kidding me..." The Uzumaki muttered in disbelief.

The slide door opened as a squawk came from Naruto and Sakura as the man who had harassed them near the village. Idate knelt down respectfully; "Boss Jirōchō." His tone marked with displeasure before raising his head and soon gawking at seeing the four brats from the Leaf; "They sent you brats to watch me?!"

Somehow Jirōchō could feel a headache coming.

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XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

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A long sigh escaped Kuro as she, Kuroka, and Akeno strolled through the palace. "I suppose I can't keep the council waiting forever..."

"Are you going to speak with them my lady?" Akeno leaned her head a bit. "From what you shared with me and Kuroka-chan this might help us."

"And where have you heard of demons and humans coexisting in this age honey?" The Nekomata quipped back as she crossed her arms. "Whether this Uzumaki boy has Lord Rama's Will or not is irrelevant; we have no idea what will happen if we reach out to them."

"If we present ourselves in a friendly and non-threatening fashion then we can make a good case for Lanka" The ever dutiful assistance replied.

Kuroka shook her head, "No offense my lady, but you put too much stock into one single child who has no authority whatsoever over his people"

"...He may not have been the only one"

"Hmm?" Both women let out a confused sound at the same time.

"There was a young woman there as well. Fearless, driven, I didn't see her fight but... perhaps she too is one."

"So one more human that isn't an ass" The nekomata derided, "That's still not enough to consider-"

"She's the princess of the Land of Fire"

The two younger women paused for a moment, taking in the implications of their queen's words.

"Shiiiiit..." Kuroka hissed out.

"...Something is stirring in the world. Change is coming whether anyone likes it or not." Kuro gazed at the two; "And when it comes, we must ensure Lanka and her people endure."

"Yes my queen." Both chorused as they kept walking.

Rounding a corner their ears catch the sound of fighting as they near one of the palace's large open gardens. "Ara-Ara," Kuro's aid bemused with a smile; "Gōyoku-sama and Mitsuko-chan are at it again."

The trio stopped as two figures moved through the garden at one another with near unblinking speed. One being a towering figure of a man in a velvet robes, holding a naginata in hand. Adorning his face what one would think is a frightening Oni mask with long horns and sharp teeth, but was indeed his face as his long black hair swayed as he fought his opponent. "No wasted action Mitsuko," the man bellowed in a deep assertive tone.

In front of him stood a beautiful caramel skinned woman of average height dressed in a black and red Gi holding an ornate and black bladed O-Katana in her hands. Her long silver hair that went down to her ankles flowed like a curtain as her blade struck her opponents; "Hai, Gōyoku-sensei!" She spoke in a serious monotone as her silver eyes stared with utter focus.

"She is so intense about everything…" The voice of Kuroreimei's oldest child said in exasperation. Truly, she had gotten all her looks from her father. The same blonde hair, the same yellow eyes with slits, the skin of her hands and feet was red, while two long horns sprouted from her forehead. Maikako wore the typical yellow kimono she favored.

Her brother sheepishly laughed, "Mitsuko's just being… well, Mitsuko" Kuro's youngest son meanwhile was very tall and muscular, with long spiky brown hair, with two thick strands falling at the sides of his face. Kyoka was dressed in simple hakama pants and a sleeveless vest.

Close by, sitting on a stone bench was very petite girl in a simple kimono with short white hair and cat ears observed quietly as her feline tail swayed about. "No sleeping while standing Mitsu-Nee..." The young nekomata remarked dully while nibbling on a cookie.

"At it again I see" The queen said with humor in her voice, red eyes twinkling mirthfully.

Her son greet her with a smile, which was shared by her sister. "Mom"

She smiled at them before turning to her youngest vassal. "Have you done your homework yet, Koneko-chan?"

"Got clones doing it" She lazily replied.

"Hmph!" Her older black haired sister huffed in disappointment. "If you aren't doing it yourself then what makes you think your clones will?"

"I dunno" Koneko merely mumbled in boredom as she ate the whole cookie.

Kuroka growled, roughly ruffling the pace between her little sister's ears, much to her discomfort. "We are given the privilege of living in the palace, and you dare disrespect Kuroreimei-sama by neglecting your studies?!"

Koneko grumbles, trying to get her sister's hand off her. "You're the one who always ambushes Kyoka in his room, naked"

A crimson blush adorned her older sister's cheeks, her shaky gaze shifting to the very exasperated and tired queen. "L-L-Lies! Nothing but slander my queen, I would never dare approach your son in such a manner!"

Kuroreimei did not reply; she merely kept her dry gaze on the nekoshou, which only made the young yokai even more nervous. Kyoka sighed to himself, already very much used to the nekoshou's advances. Honestly, Kuro was not blind to how much female attention her son gathered, she was pretty much convinced he suffered from some sort of 'harem protagonist' condition or something. Kuroka was only one example, even her faithful aid Akeno was no exception…

Well, at least perhaps she'd get many grandchildren from it one day.

They all pretty much ignored the sudden gust of wind that made their hairs flutter wildly in the wind. Gōyoku and Mitsuko looked like they were warping all over the gardens, disappearing from one place on to reappear in another, their weapons clashing with such speed and ferocity that the ground beneath them was quickly being covered in cuts and cleaves.

One final clash and a shower of sparks, and Gōyoku shouted, "Time!" the moment their weapons locked.

He and his apprentice parted, and bowed to each other. "Well done"

"Thank you, sensei"

The tall demon with porcelain-like skin turned to the queen, his fierce expression shifting to one of reverence as he bowed. "My queen" His student soon doing the same.

"I see Mitsuko continues to improve" Kuroreimei commented as she approached.

"Indeed" He said standing up straight, "Her growth rate continues to amaze me" There was a detectable measure of pride on his voice. "Now, if only we could work on her..." He trailed off, shifting his gaze to Mitsuko.

The tanned skinned, silver haired young woman kept her bow, her form unmoving. A soft snore emanated from her still figure.

"...narcolepsy"

A round of sweatdrops form on many as they shook their heads. Kuro cleared her throat before taking a deep breath; "MITSUKO!"

In an instant the silver haired woman jolted upright fully awake; "Yes my queen!" She blinked as she took note of the dry looks from everyone; "I feel asleep again didn't I?"

"Yuuuup." Koneko quipped dryly.

"I am so sorry my queen." Mitsuko almost knelt before Kuro stopped her.

"It is fine; we just have a lot of work on your... condition."

Gōyoku shook his head; "So what brings our queen before us?"

At that the raven haired woman paused before exhaling a long breathe; "I've finally decided to speak with the council about the events of Konoha... And the heirs of Rama's Will."

Disdain came as a grunt from Gōyoku as he crossed his arms; "As if those fools could agree on anything other than yelling at one another."

"Some of them are pleasant enough Gōyoku-Sama," Akeno remarked back to which the towering demon man grunted again.

"I... admit the council can be argumentative" Kuro said, "but they are needed. They all survived the Sundering, as you did alongside my father before he died Gōyoku."

The weapon's master growled softly under his breath, he did not like being reminded of those times.

"They believe that if they cover their eyes and ears, ignoring the outside world, it'll all be okay" The queen shook her head slightly. "They think our people are prospering, but they ignore how every year we are running out of more space, how our farmlands are able to only grow the less taxing crops, and how much we have to ration the fish near our coasts"

Rationing everything, down to the last detail. That was the only way their island hadn't collapsed so far. Lanka was their ancestral home... but their refusal to leave it was slowly killing them.

"Humans are not kind to our people, mother" Kyoka interjected, "Where else would we go? The only other option is to live in seclusion, hiding in remote villages inside the mainland"

"As if that were any different than what we already do" Gōyoku scoffed with his white brow furrowing. "I remember a time when this city was a glorious thing. Home to a strong and prosperous people, but now all I see are content smiles from people who don't know any better. Complacency leading to ignorance. Idleness breeding weakness" He grunted, "There was a time when demons were proud. Now look at it all... I agree with you, Kuroreimei, this is no way for true demons to live"

"This is why I'll make them see we need to do something, now more than ever." Kuro spoke in a steel determined tone. "I will not lose the home my ancestor created for us all. We will make Lord Ravana proud."

"Yes my queen," They all chorused with a small bow.

---

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

---

"Oh he was he that bad?"

"That Idate-teme goes out of his way to be an ass Yuma-San."

"He's lucky I didn't throw a fireball at him..."

The beautiful white haired lady only kept her grin as she giggled, walking beside Team 7 through the port. Per Boss Jirōchō request after Idate and Naruto with Sasuke almost came to blows, he told everyone to cool off. And suggested to go meet the local smith in town. A very odd request in the first place, but the way and how he said that got the kids' attention. Yuma however only kept her smile as she walked with them through the area.

"So what's so important we should see this smith? Our equipment is fine;" Sakura questioned idly

Yuma playfully shrugged; "No clue." Yeah, neither the rosette nor redhead bought that but kept quiet. The white haired swordswoman crossed her arms behind her head, pursing her lips in a pout. "Maybe I can get them to look at my swords this time"

Once more, having no idea what she was talking about, the group of young ninja just ignored it. Yuma led them to a smithy near the center of the town, a place called 'Benjiro's workshop'. Not a creative name, but Naruto had come to learn from Tenten's father that blacksmiths were the practical sort, most of them left the naming, that of weapons and places, to other people. The smoke coming from the shop's chimney indicated the owner was hard at work.

Karin could feel four chakra signatures from there. One small and sparkling, one large like a raging fire, and two other sources of energy that felt neither small nor large, but they had a particular feeling to them she couldn't really place.

Entering the store, Naruto noticed the place was like any weapon's shop he has seen in the past. Plenty of shelves, and counters with different types of weapons in display. A larger counter near the wall where the money was exchanged, nothing out of the ordinary.

The person at the counter though was a small girl (perhaps no older than Konohamaru), reading a manga. She was almost doll-like in appearance, with her white hair, pale skin, and big red eyes. Her burgundy kimono had several orange leafs weaved on it as decoration. She looked up to newcomers and tilted her head the moment she saw Yuma.

"Emica-chaaaaan~!" The swordswoman greeted loudly and cheerfully.

"You're just wasting your time you know"

...Wow that was blunt in the group's opinion. Yuma let out a whine before smiling with a wink; "I will not give up! They will look at my swords before I leave here."

"GODSDAMNIT WOMAN!" A very deep and rough voice roared from another room; "WE'RE NOT LOOKING AT YOUR FUCKING SHIT ALREADY!"

"I will even offer sex for Amaterasu's sake! Give a girl a chance!" Yuma yelled back

"NOT INTERESTED IN BONY ASSES WITH JUST A PAIR OF GOOD TITS!"

Team 7 only blinked for a few minutes as Sakura looked to the little girl; "Is your father not in a good mood?" she questioned politely

Emica gave the rosette a blank look; "That's not papa."

Not a moment later a tall muscular man in smithy garbs with short and spiky red hair came out to the main area. With two strands of hair near the opposite sides of his face, his amber eyes took note of the people inside the shop. "Yuma, as you can see they are, again, not going for it." The man remarked in a deep and mellow easy going tone. He looked to the kids and their headbands; "Welcome to my shop Konoha. Benjiro Uzumaki, this is my daughter Emica Uzumaki."

A pin could have dropped in the room as everything went silent. Save Yuma who had her hand over her mouth as her shoulder shook, oh she wished she had a camera!

"Uhhh" The blacksmith stared confusedly at their stunned expression, "Anything wrong?"

"It's obvious the one with the glasses is an Uzumaki too" His little girl commented with the banality one would when talking about the weather.

That made the spiky haired man do a double take, staring intently at Karin, he slowly approached, taking a better look at the girl. "I'll be..." He took in the every detail of her skin, face structure, and of course, her hair. "Is it true?" He asked, barely above a whisper. "A-Are you really..."

Once Karin found her voice again, she quickly replied. "I-I am!" She placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder, "We both are"

Benjiro blinked a few times, no doubt taken aback by Naruto's very non-Uzumaki features. "Oh, I uh... I see" His mouth twisted into a joyed smile, before dropping, only to form again. No doubt the man was going through an intense series of emotions. "I'm sorry, it's just I haven't seen another Uzumaki in... decades"

"W-We're from Konoha!" Naruto said with a blinding smile on his lips. "My mom's Kushina! There's also Aunt Lyn, uncle Saito, uncle Samenosuke-!"

"Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait" Benjiro help up his hands before running them through his messy locks. "Kushina? As in, the princess?"

Sakura nodded quickly also smiling; "Yes sir."

"I heard she, well, died twelve years ago..."

Naruto gave an uneasy look as he ran his hand threw his hair; "It's complicated, but my mom is back! Are you..."

"I'm not a part of the main family no. Mine was in the smith branch." He knelt down beside the young blond and redhead; "But then again we're all cousins anyways so doesn't matter!" He chuckled as he patted both on their respected shoulders; "Damn it is good to hear and see some other Uzu still around and good to hear the princess is still alive too"

This was... surreal! Neither Naruto or Karin knew how to feel at the moment as they started to converse with their fellow Uzumaki. Sasuke gave a look to Yuma and back to his team. For the Uchiha he felt both happy but also envious of the two. He shook away a bit of the resentment that he felt as well; 'I shouldn't think like that. Won't do me any good.'

Sakura leaned to Emica; "Nice to meet another Uzumaki."

"I'm adopted." she looks back to her manga as she turned a page.

Benjiro deadpanned with low grunt as the rosette froze awkwardly at the girl's monotone and blunt words; "Well, she's not wrong. Her village was attacked by bandits. No survivors except her; I killed the bandits and took her with me. Never looked back."

"Oh" Sakura muttered at the somber revelation. Though the girl in question did not look particularly upset by the reminder, maybe she was too young to understand or remember. Maybe she had dealt with it in her own way, she certainly had a... 'Uzumaki' attitude about her. No doubt after years of being raised by one. "That was very kind of you"

"Just did the right thing" He humbly replied. "So, shinobis huh? No doubt hired for the festival. And you're with Yuma" He looked at the young woman, "So that means Boss Jirōchō" He grumbled, "Maybe we can finally kick out the Wagarashi"

"Have you had problems with them?" Sasuke asked, they had seen a few of that clan's thugs threaten people in the street after all.

"Pfft. This guy?" Yuma snorted, thumbing at Benjiro. "He kicked their asses once; they don't dare mess with him anymore"

"Cowardly dumbass punks" The smith sneered in disgust.

Naruto found himself liking the guy already.

"So uh" Then, it was like his mood did a complete shift. He was looking at Yuma with hope and just a tinge of desperation. "Maybe you'd like to have your blades looked at... by me, perhaps? You know, since I'm a smith too?"

"No thanks!" Yuma brightly replied. "I wanna get them checked out by the short stacks!" She said loud enough for the person on the back to hear them.

"FUCK OFF!" Shouted that gruff voice once again.

"Oh for gods' sake, would it kill you to be polite about it?!" Another much softer voice shouted. They noticed some type of accent they couldn't quite place.

"Oh..." Benjiro looked very disappointed. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. No I get you; those two guys are... just so fucking good it's even not funny. Of course you'd want them to look at your weapons, and not" He sighed, "And not me. You wouldn't be the first one"

"Everything all right?" Karin asked feeling Benjiro's fluctuating emotions.

The older man sighed; "Part of me can't really complain, I've learn a lot from these two. But at the same time all that I've learn in the art of smithing was amateur hour compared to these brothers..."

"Your skills are hardly amateur Benjiro-san," the softer male voice spoke up in a polite manner; "We just been smithing a very, very long time."

Team 7 blinked as man in garbs like the older Uzumaki stepped into the business with black hair pulled back in a ponytail and braided beard. But what got their attention was he was Naruto's and Sasuke's height. "Oh so it was more than just Yuma. Hello, call me Shinji." The man waved pleasantly. He glared into the room connected to the shop; "Least introduce yourself."

"Why the fuck should I?" The gruff voice spoke but grumbled. Soon another man with a bald head and thick black beard came forth, but dressed in thick leathers mixed with armors. Various tools were attached to his belt. He grumpily glared over at the bunch for which the kids only looks wide eyed; "The hell's your problem?" He too like Shinji was the same height as the boys of Team 7, but that wasn't the most eye-catching trait…

"Uh, you're blue..." Naruto and Sasuke chorused.

And indeed the man's visible skin was as blue as Karin's kimono shirt. "No shit... about like your balls are going to be when I punch 'em!"

"No punching the potential customers!" Shinji quipped back before sighing. "Don't mind my brother, he's-"

"An ass." Emica dryly finished as she kept reading her manga.

Benjiro rubbed his eyes as the blue short man laughed; "And that's why I like this little fucking munchkin."

"This is my brother" Shinji interjected, giving the blue man of equally short stature a glare. "His name is-"

"Brok" The gruff brother finished for him, and for some reason Shinji gave him a very exasperated and angry look.

"Brok?" Sasuke repeated incredulously at the... unusual name.

"We talked about this!" Shinji hissed out, not as quietly as he would have liked. "We need to use local names!"

"Yeah, yeah whatever"

The four shinobi exchanged a confused look with Benjiro; the older Uzumaki merely squared his shoulders, showing he was just as clueless as them.

"Soooooo" Naruto drawled, "How come you're blue?"

"Naruto!" Sakura snapped mortified at his lack of tact.

"What? It's a legitimate question"

It was actually little Emica who answered, almost as if quoting from a book. "It's called argyria, a skin condition caused by excessive exposure to chemical compounds of the element silver, or to silver dust. It is mostly found on miners or smiths who touch too much raw silver without proper protection. Though in this day and age it's very rare to see it"

"...Well you are a bit smarter than the average kid aren't you?" Karin muttered, honestly impressed by the display of knowledge coming from someone younger than her.

"My brother and I are traveling smiths" Shinji politely said, "We go all over the nations selling our wares"

"They came here for the festival" Benjiro added, "After seeing their work, I just HAD to invite them over. Damn nearly got on my knees to beg them for some tips. Let them set up shop here… which I'm starting to regret"

"Ain't our fault folks here can tell whose work is of superior quality" The blue short man smugly said.

"Brok!" His brother admonished him.

"Oh no, he's right" The older Uzumaki admitted, before addressing his other guests. "The way these two work is simply impossible. Seriously. They somehow improve weapons with a few simple touches, sometimes even just hitting a sword once with a hammer… and somehow that makes it stronger!" He stressed the last words through clenched teeth, like he was about to pull his hair out trying to figure out just these two secrets.

"Wow for real?" Naruto said impressed, eyes going wide.

"No wonder you want your swords looked at by them" Sakura commented to Yuma, the young woman pouted.

"And I still don't get why!" She took out one sword and pretty much shoved it into Shinji's gloved hands. "Come on, just one look, that's all I'm-!"

"AHH!" The stout smith dropped the weapon like it was on fire, he quickly reached behind the counter and pulled out a spray filled with sanitizer, spraying it all over his gloves zealously. "Gotta disinfect, kill all the little monsters…!"

That got a look from all the four genin, before slowly turning over to the blue skinned man with a questioning look.

"Oh yeah, my delicate little brother here is a germaphobe"

"Seriously?" Sakura incredulously said, "He's a smith!"

---

XxX ~ next morning ~ XxX

---

Having gone over everything she needed to speak of to the council, Kuroreimei called for the long delayed meeting at last. Sitting in a large round ornate room was the queen with Akeno dutifully at her side. Around her were ten beings of various sizes and shape and race. From an Ogre, Tengu, Oni, Rakshasa, and even to a Lamia. All sat with the queen on comfortable cots.

"I would like to call this meeting to order. I apologize for making you all wait, but there was much to process during my time in Konohagakure."

A low grumble came from a giant red skinned ogre; "And what could have been so profound that garnered this long wait? The humans will be as they always been."

"Do not be rude to our queen Kriug." A Lamia in simple but ornate but revealing garbs glared.

Kuroreimei ignored it and moved on. "My trip to the mainland carried a purpose. The old wise one had called to me, telling me of a vision he saw"

Murmurs rang throughout the councilors, knowing full well the old oracle seldom spoke to anyone except for that very purpose. His visions were often heeded, as they were rare in number. They could only guess as to what was so important their queen had to personally travel to the human lands.

"He told me the time for our people to hide was over" Those words brought about a great silence. "We can no longer remain as we are"

"Pardon me, my queen" An old kappa tentatively asked, "But what are you saying?"

Kuroreimei took in a deep breath, this is it. "I'm planning on opening dialogue with the human lands again"

As expected, there was outrage. Many voiced their concerns in loud argumentative words.

"You highness, you cannot be serious!"

"Dialogue? With the humans? Absurd!"

"Enough!" Gōyoku, standing at his queen's side, exclaimed much louder than the stirred councilors. "There will be order in this council!" As the members settled, he grunted, waving his hand to Kuroreimei. "My queen, we all would like to know why you would take such a risk"

The red eyed woman pulled out a scroll, unfolding it in front of her. It was an agricultural report; "The eastern farmlands had to decrease their yearly production to preserve the soil" She opened up another scroll, this one regarding the city's infrastructure. "Two sectors in less than five years have required more expansion for housing" Another scroll, another subject. "The standard food rations are in need of an overhaul. Again, for the second time this year"

She pinched the bridge of her nose, before looking at every one of her councilors. "My lords and ladies, you know as well as I do that Lanka is overpopulated and underfed. Every year we have less room, every year we have to make more compromises"

The room was filled with mutters again.

"Lanka has been a refuge for demons everywhere" She said, her words clad with thick emotion. "But it is no longer serving the needs of its people properly. If we carry on like this, we risk a collapse within the next decade. We need more room, we need more food, and that will only happen if we trade for the humans, and settle in the mainland once more"

"Nobody here is denying the state of our land, my lady" The lamia replied, her expression one of concern in her scaly features. "But... opening trade with the humans? Seldom have our people had peaceful coexistence in this age"

"The human masses are quick to violence" A gray feathered tengu said, his voice stern. "It is even worse if their leaders encourage it, or ignore the issue altogether. What guarantee we have of there being any among capable of keeping the peace?"

"I have seen two." Kuro let out a long sigh; "And they bare the Will of Rama"

The whole council fell silent.

"We have not met in a very, very long time" The queen said, "One is even the heir to the Land of Fire. You know what this means, there are people out there, fate-bound to protect the peace. To bring change to the lands"

"Change?" The rakshasa councilor, a member of her clan, expressed his doubt. "What guarantees this change will be beneficial for our people?"

"Indeed" Kriug remarked; "Two people can't change the masses."

An Oni shook his head; "Lord Rama did, and he was but one man."

"He was more than just a man, which is why he accomplished so much." the Ogre addressed with a shake of his head; "The oracle was a waste of time."

The Lamia gave a look to Kriug; "Have you gone deaf? The Heirs of Rama keep appearing on this world. Does that not mean anything?"

"They are not Rama," the Kappa quipped; "Inheriting his resolve does not turn people into him. Humans have shown time and again unless there is a competent ruler, the masses act foolishly. And it is as always fear that drives them."

The Tengu nodded; "And fear brings hatred, and death. Nothing will be changed now."

Kuroreimei's eyes narrowed in growing irritation, "So you will ignore the wise one's vision, why he sent me to Konoha, at a time where I saw two Heirs of Rama no less. That means nothing to any of you?" She demanded, standing up. "Fate stares at you directly in the face; this is a sign from the gods!"

A heavy silence fell upon the chamber; the councilors exchanged looks of apprehension and disbelief. Kuroreimei just needed one, just one that would believe, that would have hope and voice it, if so then they could-

The tengu councilor slowly shook his head, "The gods have not helped us in generations, Kuroreimei"

Her heart fell.

"Visions and prophecies are easy to interpret in multiple ways, we cannot be certain of what the old one's meant" He stood up, his large wings folded behind him. "You will not have my support"

"We have endured this long, we will endure more" Another councilor said, "I too do not support your motion to open dialogue with the human lands"

"Nay, me neither"

"Nor shall I"

With every rejection, Kuroreimei felt herself the last embers of hope dwindle.

The last of her council left the chambers, leaving her alone with Gōyoku and Akeno. The large demon's pale face might as well be made of stone, it was unreadable. Kuro let herself fall to her seat, feeling very tired, "I'm not wrong, am I, Gōyoku?" She asked the weapon master who merely turned to face her. "There can be something better for our people"

His dim blue eyes stared at her for what felt like an eternity, "I was there when your father tried to lead our peoples through the devastation, as the world crumbled around us. Many difficult choices were made in the name of survival, and that has cost us much in the long run. We have lost our strength, we have lost our way" He turned and left, his dark robes trailing behind him. "This is no longer Lord Ravana's Lanka; you must come to terms with it, my queen"

Akeno knelt beside her queen; "You tried..."

"Trying won't save us my dear..." Kuro spoke grimly; "If we do nothing, we all will die..."

Gōyoku observed his late friend's daughter before peering back to the departing council... 'Weak.'

---

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

---

"Okay," Karin huffed as she and her team along with Idate took refuge in a hidden cave. "So we're not only being chased by a Konoha traitor who stole the Nidaime's sacred sword. But also a group of Amegakure Nin since said Konoha traitor went to them..."

Aoi Rokushō... A name not forgotten in the Leaf Village for his theft of Tobirama Senju's Sword of the Thunder God. Out of the team Naruto recalled him a little when the blond was younger in the Hokage office with Jiji. He was one of the few people who smiled at him back then so he thought he was alright. Guess you really can't judge a book by its cover.

The festival had started at sunrise with every manner of activity going on throughout the port. Benjiro mentioned he and other businesses get a great deal of money during this time. But what everyone was waiting for was the race. Idate and his opponent of the Wagarashi wasted no time when took their positions and the flare went off.

Team 7 kept to the shadows as the two runners begun their battle for the port. Barely a mile or two out of the village was the Wasabi runner ambushed by Aoi and three other Ami Chunin. Team 7 was caught by surprise with the Konoha traitor and then his attack with the Nidaime's sword. The Konoha crew plus Idate got roughed up but escaped thanks to some clever work from Sasuke and Naruto. The five found a small but deep enough cave to where they could catch their breath and mend some wounds. Unfortunately Idate had caught the worst of it, especially on his legs.

"Why does nearly every mission outside the village go to hell every time?" Sakura groaned as she bandaged Idate's arm and legs.

"Well we did know we'd be facing enemy ninja" Naruto pointed out.

"And what are the odds of us running into a Konoha missing-nin, one with the Nidaime's own sword even?" The Uchiha rhetorically asked.

"Okay, you got me there"

Sakura and Karin, in charge of tending to Idate's wounds, inspected him closer. "Fortunately you have nothing life-threatening, and your legs should be fine to continue the race"

"Hmph..." The runner, in a display of his usual attitude, did not even thank them.

"Yeesh, would it kill you to be nice?" Naruto asked, fed up with him. "We're risking our lives for you and your village"

"Because you were ordered to" Idate snapped at the young blonde, "You don't really care about this place, ninjas don't care anything, or anyone" He sneered in disgust, "If it comes to it, they'll even order you to let your teammates die for the sake of a mission"

"Then you don't know Konoha" Sakura replied, anger lacing at her words. "We value our teammates above anything, even the success of mission"

Idate smiled cruelly at them, "Tell that to the White Fang"

That was a very low blow, given who their teacher was. Naruto couldn't hold back his anger, growling and standing up with the intention of punching Idate in his stupid face. But the moment he took a step forward he was held back by Sasuke, grasping Naruto's wrist.

The Uchiha's eyes narrowed as he stared at the runner analytically, as if trying to piece something together. "How do you know that?"

"Eh?" Idate lost his previous sneer, growing nervous under his gaze. "E-Everybody knows that"

"Correct, everyone affiliated with major ninja villages knows it. So it surprises me that someone who works for a bourgeois family in a small nation, one barely even important enough to warrant the attention from even minor ninja villages, would be so informed as to know the details of what happened to the White Fang"

Their gazes focused on the runner once more, his lips pursed as sweat run down his brow.

"And that man Aoi, a missing-nin from our village... he talked to you like he knew you. And from your very horrified reaction at the time, I say you knew him as well"

They could almost hear him gulping.

"You are a missing-nin from Konoha too, aren't you?"

"I-I have no idea what you're talking about!"

"Lie." Karin quipped in a serious tone; "And before you say bull my sensing abilities let me read how your chakra flows with your emotions, I can read you like a book. And right now you're terrified and anxious."

Idate only looked wide eyed as Sasuke spoke up next; "And my eyes don't miss anything." The runner paled as he saw Uchiha prized Doujutsu glaring right at him. "So don't bother with some lame excuse."

The young man peered at all of them apprehensively before his shoulders sagged as he sighed; "Fine, I was a genin from Konoha. Happy?"

"And apparently a hypocrite bad mouthing shinobi when you're one too." Karin snarked dryly.

"WAS..." Idate snarled through his teeth. "I was permanently rejected from the chunin exams, by my own damn brother!"

Naruto crossed his arms; "Got to be more than that with Aoi knowing you."

Old shame became clear on his face "I… helped him steal the Nidaime's sword"

"Of course you did" Sakura mumbled, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "But why?"

A depressed sigh escaped Idate's lips, "I failed the Chūnin Exams, at the final tenth question, and I and my squad were doom to forever be genin..."

"Wait" Naruto, forgetting his anger for a moment, frowned in confusion. "But the question turned out to be a trap didn't it? Like, you choosing you face the unknown problem was how you could pass"

"That's... not how it went for us" The runner slowly said, "They did ask us a tenth question, what to do in a very specific situation. Turns out my answer showed I was willing to sacrifice my team's future for my own gain" He bitterly said in a self-deprecating manner. Naruto felt it was very hypocrital coming from him after everything he said about their home.

"The Chūnin Exams are always different, Naruto" Karin explained to her cousin. "Our group just got one version of it"

"Guess that makes sense" The blonde Uzumaki shrugged before asking Idate, "So Aoi told you, what, it was a secret test that could help passes if you got him the sword?"

"Yeah"

"Hmm" Naruto hummed, "I know what that's like"

"Realized too late he was planning to defect to Ame, offered me the same chance. I said no, feeling like a complete idiot for having trusted him... And then my brother showed up"

Sakura leaned up beside Naruto; "Who's your brother anyways?"

"Ibiki Morino"

Karin sharply turned to her team as all three stiffened up with a pale look; "THAT'S YOUR BROTHER!?" Both Naruto and Sakura screeched.

Idate cocked a brow; "He's still alive?"

"Yeah, that lunatic was our Chunin proctor," Sasuke grumbled.

A long sigh escaped the young Morino; "Least he's alive. And still an asshole." He shook his head; "When my brother caught up to me, Aoi and Ame nin ambushed us. Tortured Ibiki for information." Idate lowered his head with shame. "During the torture the house we were in was caught on fire. Aoi and his goons ran off and thought my brother died in the fire. After that I ran off, found myself in Degarashi Port. Tried to steal money from Boss Jirōchō. He kicked my ass and… offered me to work for him" He muttered, "He gave me a chance, just like that"

Naruto scratched his head; "Didn't you try to find out if your brother was alive at least?"

"I was done with the Shinobi life after that mess and what Aoi and I both did. I tried to leave it all behind, everything..."

"And here you are now" Karin said.

"Yeah" His gaze became downcast, "And with this delay Fukusuke now must have the advantage. Looks like I truly was a good for nothing after all..."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever" Naruto crossed his arms, giving him a harsh glare. "Just rest and save your energy, when Sakura and Karin give you the all clear we're continuing the race"

Idate looked at him like he just said something stupid, "Are you even listening? It's over. I can't do this" The weight of his failures came crashing down on him. "All I ever do is make more trouble for everyone, my village, my brother, now boss Jirōchō-"

"I don't care" The shoton user snapped, "We still have a mission to do, and that is stop that clan of thugs from getting their hands on the town. So you're running whatever you like it or not, because even if you think you are worthless, you still owe Jirōchō for all he did for you. This is NOT about you; this is about all the people in Degarashi Port, you ASSHOLE!"

The others were rather taken aback by Naruto's callous words. Naruto kept an angry gaze; "Or are you that big of a pussy to give up?"

Idate was surprised before a low snarled escaped his lips; "Fuck you kid! You think I can't do it!?"

"I don't know, did you get your balls cut off?! Or are you the fastest son of a bitch in the Wasabi family!? Can't tell right now because you're being a little chicken shit!"

In an instant Idate was right in Naruto's face; "I AM THE FASTEST SON OF A BITCH IN THE ENTIRE GODDAMN NATIONS, BRAT! AND I'LL WIN THIS THING!"

"YOU FUCKING BETTER!" Naruto roared back as both grind their forehead against one another.

Sakura and Karin only blinked at the shouting match between Idate and Naruto. A deadpanning Sasuke faintly smirked; 'Tough love with some reverse psychology. Not bad dobe...'

"AND THEN I'M HAVING SEX WITH YUMA-CHAN!"

'Too much info...' Karin, Sakura, and Sasuke sweatdrop.

As Idate continued to hype himself, before being restrained by Karin and Sakura so he could properly regain his energy, Sasuke tuned them out and instead focused on keeping watch through the cave's entrance; make sure their enemies wouldn't find them.

Honestly, Naruto might act as crass as he wanted, but Sasuke understood his intentions. Hard not to, that moron always wore his heart on his sleeve. He may be concerned for Idate, but what truly pushed Naruto to see this mission through was his relatives in Degarashi. He couldn't blame him, if the Wagarashi clan got their hands on it, then that would mean bad times for the people of the port, which included that Benjiro guy and his daughter.

The Uchiha suppressed an annoyed sigh, of course Naruto would, yet again, find more survivors of his clan. He was lucky like that. It brought ugly feelings of jealousy from the Uchiha, feelings he could really do without.

To know that Naruto had a home full of friendly and loving smiles waiting for him, while all he had left was an empty place, inside an empty district...

There was no one waiting for him there anymore, no kind uncles who would regale him with sincere smiles, no stern but honorable father whose respect he wanted to earn, no loving mother waiting there for him with a warm meal. Just the silence.

...Although, things hadn't been so silent in his home lately. Not since she appeared.

Despite his many protests, Kushina would barge into his life, adamant to truly be a part of it.

And did not matter if she was there for ten minutes or an hour, Kushina come to check on him. Or make him lunch or supper, ramble and ramble nonsensically he tuned her out at times. How in the name of Amaterasu did his mother put up with this crazy woman?

Still, as much as he complained, and quite vocally at times, Kushina was there for him. And always ready to tell a story about his mother.

That... That felt good. Learning things about his mother he never really knew of. But also (and he would NEVER admit out loud); having Naruto's mother constantly visit him made his days feel a little bit better.

To have someone there, knowing there was someone who genuinely care for him. He'd even go as far as to say he hadn't seen anyone shown him the same amount of warmth since his own mother. Tch, that woman still made things so much more difficult for him, now thanks to her he dreaded the silence of his home, coming back to it and finding himself alone again.

Part of him hated it; it felt like weakness, to depend on someone like that...

But the other alternative, loneliness, now that he had experienced something he hadn't in a very long time, was even more frightening.

He looked at the team behind him, arguing, talking about banalities, and generally being loud. So loud.

Sasuke thought of Sakura's simple concerns. Of Karin's insight and intellect. Naruto's drive and determination, especially how he swore to be at his side the day he finally faced Itachi.

...Gods damn it all, he never thought he'd come to feel like this again. The feeling of having people is a part of his life like... like a family.

It was both terrifying and heartwarming. A part of him was scared it would be taken all away again, he had a few nightmares to validate that fear. Yet for whatever reason, he did not fully listen to it. The Uchiha shook his head; 'Not the time to be thinking of that.' "We need a plan for Aoi and those Ame clowns."

"I've heard stories about the Raijin no Ken." Karin reasoned as she adjusted her glasses. "We have to be cautious dealing with him."

As a budding amateur in the art of sword, Naruto thought for a moment; "Mom and Uncle Saito told me there are two kinds of swordsmen. One who truly learns the craft. And the other who just uses it as a tool. The way Aoi was using the Nidaime's sword... I don't think he really knows kenjutsu."

"Whether he does or not is mute," Sasuke quipped; "He's dangerous either way. So we fight smart."

Idate grunted; "Got an idea then kid?"

"We'll wing it" Naruto shrugged with a confident smirk. Idate tried to fight it off but it was infectious.

---

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

---

Dusk settled over Lanka as most of it residents settled into their homes for the night. Mitsuko strolled through the halls through the palace finishing up her rounds. 'Remember to see Gōyoku-Sensei when your shift is done,' she mentally told herself as she turned a corner.

Mitsuko often forgot things, her mind liked to drift, her attention caught whenever an interesting sight appeared. She was often told bugs were not that interesting but she disagreed, such tiny creatures, crawling through the smallest spaces or flying around flowers. It showed her how varied life truly was. She could spend hours watching bees or ladybugs.

In fact, as she finished her round to arrive at the garden, she noticed some fireflies already dancing about in the air. It was fortunate that her teacher was already waiting for her there, otherwise she would have gotten distracted again.

"Ahhh, there you are" His mask-like face shifted into a smile. He was kneeling in the halls where the palace's stone walls opened to the large garden before them. A jug of sake next to him with two cups. "Come, share a drink with him"

It was one of Mitsuko's favorite pastimes, drinking with Gōyoku-sensei, the man's stories were very fascinating to him. She had learnt more than the art of the sword from him. Mitsuko knelt at his side, and he graciously filled the cups, offering one to her. She welcomed it with a grateful nod and took a sip.

"These are complicated times I'm afraid" He sighed, staring deeply into his cup. "Kuroreimei is under a lot of pressure"

"She always is" Mitsuko merely replied, her silver eyes shifted to a small group of fireflies that were now moving over a pond.

"What is your take on all this, Mitsuko?" Her teacher asked, the contents of his cup still untouched. "Do you believe in what she is trying to accomplish?"

"I follow her will" As it was her duty.

"Well, there must be more to it than that" He prompted, "You too have thoughts and feelings of your own in the matter. This is Lanka's future we're talking here"

"I trust her" She softly replied, her voice a near monotone as she filled her cup again. The Sake was especially delicious today.

"That's it huh?" Gōyoku said with a bit of laughter in his voice.

"Yes" Mitsuko nodded. Kuroreimei had given her a home when she was alone, directionless, purposeless. That home was filled with kind people, people who quickly became her family.

Her mentor stared at her for a moment, his expression unreadable. "So, if you ever had the choice of leaving this place, does something better for yourself, you wouldn't take it?"

"My life can't be better than this" To most people, it would have sounded like a pessimistic statement, but those who knew Mitsuko understood she said those words from the heart. She was very happy hear, she wanted for nothing.

"...I see" Gōyoku let out a heavy thought, his very pale features shifting into a disappointed expression. "It seems I cannot convince you otherwise, that is a shame"

Mitsuko's eyelids began to feel heavy. Strange, she did not do anything today that would leave her any more tired.

"I saw so much potential in you, child. And your progress was simply out of this world"

She set her cup down, suddenly feeling very dizzy. Was it one of her sleeping spells again? No, her bouts of random sleep always struck without warning.

"In the years you've lived with us, you have become undeniably powerful. Even more so than our queen and some of our oldest compatriots... perhaps eventually you'll even be stronger than me"

Her strength failing her, Mitsuko nearly fell to her side. She prompted herself up with her hands, stopping her fall as her vision grew blurry.

"I wanted you to join me, but I see now Kuroreimei's weakness has infected you as well"

"Sen...sei?" She muttered weakly.

Even with her hazy vision, she could still sort of make out his demonic face, so angry and filled with disgust. "This is why I cannot allow you to interfere tonight"

---

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

---

To Kuro it happened in a blink. One moment she was in prayer to Lord Shiva before going to bed, then the next came the emergency bells rang throughout Lanka. She was quick to exit her room as was her son and daughter with weapons at the ready. "What's going on?!" Maikako questioned out loud.

"YOU'RE HIGHNESS!" A kappa ran from the hall towards them; "Someone is attacking at the eastern shoreline taking some of our people! And nearly all members of the council were murdered!"

"What!?" Kuro's heart sank as a knot formed in her stomach. "Show us!"

The group wasted no time as they ran through the halls of the palace and out through the city. The queen and children gasped as fires raged throughout the area as some of their citizen lay dead. Rage boiled in the queen as they made a dash for the shoreline. Getting closer they could hear fighting. Magic that resembled Kuroka's blazed through the area as they could hear her roar out with utter rage.

Reaching the shore Kuro's eyes glowed a bright blue with slit eyes as she saw people in armor placing many of her citizens in cages on several ships. Maikako roared as she saw the insignia on the armor of one of them, a red whip wrapped in a circle, its color a bright red; "The Blood Leash!"

Slavers from the mainland, but what were they doing here? How did they find Lanka?!

This was unprecedented, for generations their island had remained safe, she couldn't understand how this was happening.

But now was not the time for doubt, she needed to be a queen and defend her people. "Soldiers, with me!"

The warriors quickly formed rank and followed, at her side her children stood valiantly. Kyoka took out a long katana, this one shimmering with energy, while Maikako's flames erupted around her like wings from her arms. They marched through the streets as her people run for safety. She conjured forth mists of freezing wind, coating the slavers in her sight in ice, they were powerless as her son's blade cut them down, and her daughter's gusts of flame reduced to them to charred remains.

"Where is she?!" Kuroka roared in fury, spectral spheres of energy swirling around her, descending upon the slavers with fury as the most painful of curses struck them. "I know you have her! Give her back!" The queen had never heard the nekoshou with such rage in her voice before.

Kuro approached one of the cages in a cart, freezing the lock she tore open the gate, and her people rushed out. "Oh thank you! Gods bless you, my queen!" A man tearfully cried out in gratitude.

Kyoka took a regiment of soldiers and continued forth, while the rest of her forces struck down stragglers. "I need a report, someone tell me what in all the hells is happening here!"

A guard, who despite the wounds on the side of his torso walked up to her. "They struck under the cover of the night, your highness, we didn't see their ships until it was too late"

"How they did find us?" She muttered in horror, "Where are Mitsuko and Gōyoku?" They needed their help more than ever.

"We haven't heard word from them, my lady" The soldier replied. "If they're fighting somewhere, we don't know. The main force of the slavers is still at the bay"

The queen quickly strategized, "Get the soldiers here to evacuate the area, I and the others will take care of it"

"At once!" He saluted with a fist to his chest.

The queen quickly turned to the rest of her soldiers, Maikako standing in front of them, awaiting her commands. "We join Kyoka and the others, let's move!"

Her soldiers roared as they charged beside their queen to save their people. On one of the Blood Leash's ship stood a towering muscular shirtless man with tribal flame tattoos on both his arms crossed them on his massive chest. From the waist down he wore black hakama pants with armored ornate boots. His long spiky white hair flowed in the wind as a malicious smile graced his lip; "I thought demons would put up a better fight than this," his voice was deep and authoritative. He soon chuckled; "No matter..." He turned his gaze to a cell where a frightened Akeno held an unconscious Koneko; "With these products we will have more money than any merc band across the nations!"

At land Kuro's forces battled the Leash's thugs back to the shores. Kuroka had seen to become only more feral as she tore into any Slaver that got close to her; "GIVE ME BACK MY SISTER!" She roared as her magic blew up several men in gory fashion. So blind in her fury she did not see several Leash men had come from behind her. They were dead before they drew closer from Kyoka's sword that sliced them in half.

"You're not thinking clearly!" The prince yelled as Koneko glanced at him and the dead men meant to attack her.

"They took my Koneko and Akeno!"

"And what price they will fetch!" Amidst the chaos, the towering man casually leapt off his ship and strolled through the chaotic shores, ignoring men and demon that are fighting and died. There Kuroreimei saw him, and understood he was the man responsible for all of this. "Demons as slaves? Such a thing is so exotic that people will be paying more than they usually would for a simple human. An actual cat girl? I can think of many blue blooded spoiled brats that will pay a good deal for someone like her. And a succubus? Well" He grinned cruelly, "Let's hope the stories are true"

Kuroka roared, going on all four as a savage beast as waves of dark magic emanated from her, taking the form of a wild cat aura. She charged, ignoring Kyoka's pleading cries. She nekoshou had abandoned all reason, all she could feel was burning hate for the human before them. Darting between the people fighting, jumping over corpses and obstacles, Kuroka leapt towards the man, razor sharp nails growing from her fingertips, ready to cut him to ribbons.

Then the man swatted her away like she was nothing but an annoying bug. A simple backhanded strike and she was sent flying away. Kyoka swore to himself as he jumped in between her trajectory and caught her, worryingly looking at her bruised face, she had been knocked out cold.

"Well, at least you people have fire, I like that" The man smirked.

Kuro growled to herself, the blue glow of her eyes shifting to a fiery red as flames erupted from her fists. "Who. Are. You?" She seethed the words. "How dare you come to my land, and make slaves of my people?"

"The name's Goro, if there are to be introductions" He shrugged his huge shoulders as he crossed his arms. That hateful smirk still on his face. "And I dare simply because I can" One of his mercenaries fell from a roof, dead, having lost his bout against a warrior of Lanka. He frowned at the fallen body, with the same irritation one would give a broken tool. "Hmph, I will admit you are getting a bit troublesome. Think it's about time I call off the raid" He let out a sharp whistle, far too loud for it to be natural, no doubt the sound of his voice was amplified by a technique. "Pack it up, we're leaving!"

"You heard the boss, take the merchandise we got and tail out of here, quickly!" One of his soldiers ordered, "Move it, move it!"

"You're going nowhere!" The queen of Lanka growled, the fury of her ancestors burning through her body. "You will answer for what you did!"

She called forth flames from the air itself, her daughter Maikako joined her in their fury, calling forth the most powerful flames they could muster, enough to incinerate even a giant to ash. A sphere of pure fire shined like a miniature sun, illuminating the night. Kyoka, having gently handed Kuroka to a medic, stood before the flames. His red and white armor gleaming with light, raised his sword, and sphere of pure hellish flames began to be absorbed by it.

Goro raised a brow and whistled, "Interesting"

Kyoka's blade shined with a pure white blaze, the heat emanating from that sword would be able to evaporate any body of water remotely even close to it. He held the blade in his hand with a refined stance, ignoring how hot the blade felt this close to his face.

The towering man hit his chest with his fists, "Bring it, boy!" They swore they could see his skin starting to dark. "Show me the bite of your steel!"

Kyoka let out a war cry, and disappeared with a gust of wind raising behind him. His blade held true, his target set, he would avenge those who had fallen and bring his people back to safety, Koneko, Akeno, everyone!

The slaver awaited him with a savage grin, seeking to take the blade head on. Kyoka raised his blade and brought it down upon him.

CLANG!

Yet it never reached him, no, a dark blade met his instead. This blade wrapped and purple flames, these fire creating ice and cold instead of heat, such that it even managed slowly douse the burning fury of his blade.

Kyoka's eyes widened in shock. He knew that sword, he knew the black armored figure before him. Though it was not often he was dressed for war, with a large dark and jagged yoroi type armor, there was no way he could mistake that long dark hair, those unnatural blue eyes inside black pools, those large white horns on a pale face that almost looked like a mask.

"Gōyoku...sensei?"

The towering Demon said nothing before his fist sunk into the young man's stomach. All the air left Kyoka's lungs as he was sent flying back. A visibly stunned Kuro looked at the old demon that had been at her and her father's side for centuries. "Gōyoku... why?"

"For too long I've watched as the once proud and strong demon kind cowered in fear of the outside, when once upon a time the world knew to fear us. No more..."

The queen and her soldiers only look in shock; "You betrayed our people..."

A low growl came from the old demon; "They are NOT my people. My kind were great and mighty, these pathetic remnants are nothing but shadows of our former glory" His sword glowed brighter in purple flames as he raised it over his head; "The weak and cowards who hide in these lands, who disgrace Lord Ravana's name, should have died alongside the old world!" He roared as he slashed downwards and a giant beam of pure flames ripped through the ground.

Kuro's screamed was drowned out by Gōyoku's attack and everything went dark.

---

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

---

Idate huffed and worked through the pain as he ran despite the pain in his legs. In the shadows Team 7 kept vigil for Aoi and the Ame. Under his every carefully measure breath he chanted the words, 'You gotta win', over and over. It was a simple truth; there was no other way this could end. His defeat meant the Wagarashi's control over the port, it meant failing the boss and his clan. Even if he had lost his pride as a ninja, he would still act on his pride as Idate, retainer of the Wasabi clan. That alone was what gave him the energy to keep going.

Focus and will, control, that was the essence of a runner like him.

"Contact!" He heard Karin shout.

Fortunately, he wasn't so focused on the road before him that he missed the barrage of kunai coming from him. He swiftly dodged to the left, only to see multiple senbon raining down above him.

"They're here!" Naruto shouted, coming out of their cover to raise a wall of crystal that blocked the metallic needles.

Multiple ninja of the Rain, dressed in their makeshift diving attires, emerged from within the foliage. There were many more than last time...

Idate darted in between his attackers, leaving them behind for the others to take care. He skidded on the ground as he dodged the sweeping strike from an Ame-nin's kunai. Multiple small fireballs struck the ninja, his body collapsing into liquid.

"Water clones!" Sasuke shouted as he and his teams defended their charge. "We need numbers!"

"Got it!" Naruto summoned ten clones to aid in their defense. "Keep going Idate, we'll handle them!"

As much as Idate didn't want to, he put his faith in those kids as he kept running ahead. He had gotten to the shrine and taken the orb all that was needed was heading back to the village. And crossing the rope bridge from the island. The young Morino took note of his opponent Fukusuke was already crossing. 'No way in hell is he beating me now!'

Idate charged ahead only to be struck by blade made of pure lightning. He yelled out in pain as he fell on his back. There stood in his way was the traitor Aoi in his dark purple sleeveless suit, his spiky green hair flowing in the wind. His violet eyes glared with mock and arrogance. "I'm afraid you're not going further Idate."

A growl came from the runner as he held his chest; "Get the hell out of my way!"

"Oh, was that a backbone I hear? Think you can actually take me o-"

"FINALLY!" The loud voice of a woman stopped the missing-nin's words as Yuma (to Idate's and Aoi's surprise) stood up from out of bush. She yawned lazily as she rubbed her eyes; "What took you so long Idate?"

Morino's mouth dropped before shaking his head; "Where the hell have you been?!"

"Waiting to be tagged in by you and the kids. Where are they?" The buxom white haired beauty asked as she helped Idate stand. All the while ignoring Aoi outright who looked rather perturbed.

"They are facing a bunch of Ame who came with Aoi. You need to help them!"

"Nope."

A visibly stunned look crossed Idate's face; "Nope?"

"I got faith in those brats. They can take down some chump change Amegakure bozos."

"Hey!" Aoi quipped angrily but was still being ignored.

"We needed you for heaven's sake! I could have died because him and those other Ninja!" Yuma waved off Idate's venting.

"And you're still breathing."

"Am... Am I honestly being sidelined?" The Konoha missing-nin muttered to himself.

"So, you should really get on with the race, that Fukusuke guy has the advantage"

"I know!" Idate stressed through clenched teeth. "But in case you haven't notice, there is THIS guy blocking my way!"

"Eh?" It was like she had just realized they weren't alone, "Oh right. Yeah, yeah no problem, I'll take care of him" She casually said, stretching her arms over her head and popping her joints. "You go on ahead"

"...Are you for real?" Aoi said with exasperation. "Just who do you think you are?"

She grinned widely, resting a hand on her right katana. "Reiken Yuma, at your service"

"Yes, yes, the merc working for the Wasabi. I know that" The Ame-nin said bored drawl. "I heard about you, 'Spirit Blade Yuma', very interesting tales. But after having seen you around town enough I realized they were just tall tales. Honestly, all you've done throughout your stay here was getting drunk, eating a lot, and sleeping around like a whore. Generally acting like a buffoon, for someone of your reputation, I have to say I'm not impressed"

There was just no way someone as moronic as this woman before him could ever possess the skill the rumors painted her as. She was just an adequate warrior at best, who got lucky just by beating bandits of little worth.

"Trying to slut-shame me ain't gonna work" Yuma derided, picking at her ear. "Could have gone for another angle, like my height. Now THAT I'm sensitive about"

"Yuma, be serious!" Idate shouted, "This guy has the Raijin no Ken!"

"So?"

"So?!" The runner replied incredulously.

"A sword's only as good as the wielder" She pursed her lips, giving Aoi a look over. "And all I see is some rank amateur playing swordsman when he knows nothing about the art." Yuma bluntly snarked earning a sharp growl from the former Konoha.

"How dare you whore."

"Oh," Yuma played hurt before snorting with a deadpan; "My guess you use the Nidaime's sword cause your 'other' sword doesn't measure up~" She laughed as she dodged several strikes from now an enraged Aoi. "Get going Idate-kun. Offer still stands if you win!" She sang out as she drew the traitor ninja away from the bridge.

That was all Morino needed as she mad dashed across the bridge.

Frustration and anger bore on Aoi's face as the female mercenary dodged and ducked effortlessly from the glowing blade of the Raijin no ken. "Just die already!"

"If you actually knew how to use a sword I might be cautious." Yuma quipped with a grin on her lips; "But you're so sloppy, I've seen kids who attack better with their eyes closed."

"A lot of talk from a bitch who hasn't even drawn her blades!"

"Oh honey I've been called worse by better people who can actually use their 'sword'!" Aoi's eye twitched as he got the innuendo and attacked with more aggression.

Yuma deftly dodged to the right, throwing a right fist at the lower side of his torso, directly over the area of his kidney. His outfit offered no protection, so it could not absorb the blow, he staggered. Coughing a few times as he felt the bile rise up in his throat, but he fought it down, Aoi wouldn't allow himself to show any sort of weakness before this woman.

His grip tightening on the weapon, he attacked with a flurry of strikes, the sword making sizzling sounds of electricity with each swing. But the woman managed to keep her distance, dodging each of his attacks without even drawing her own damn swords to block.

"You barely trained with it, haven't you?"

A quick backhanded strike made his head turn, and his body recoiled in pain from the swift blurry of punches over his torso. Two blows to his stomach, followed by three precise strikes that traveled upwards before a palm strike to his chin sent him staggering back.

"You never really learnt how to wield a sword"

Aoi began gasping for air, his muscles ached with each breath. He gave the colorful dressed woman the most hateful glare he could muster. A loud groan of anger pointlessly trying to mask the pain he felt.

"And yet here you are, mocking people left and right" Yuma shook her head, her own blue eyes narrowing as she looked at him with disgust. "You know, I hate people like you. Bullies, people force themselves over those they know can't fight back. Assholes who love ruining lives just for the kicks. Lying to yourself about how strong you are"

His knuckles popped, turning white.

"No wonder you had betray your village to rise through the ranks of another, there was no way someone like you could have ever been acknowledged for his own efforts"

Aoi shouted in rage, overcharging the Raijin no Ken with as much chakra as he could muster. He charged at the woman with blind fury. To hell with the mission, the Wagarashi, even Idate, all he wanted right now was to kill her. His blade was Tobirama Senju's own legendary weapon, there was no way he'd ever lose against a buffoon like her with this!

He brought down his energy blade upon her, seeking to cut her in half.

Yuma's arm moved with a blur, drawing her left sword and holding it in a reverse grip, completely stopping Aoi's strike with just one arm.

Aoi's breath was caught on his throat, cold sweat trailing down his neck. His arms struggled as he tried to force down his blade, yet her sole arm was enough to hold him back, with barely even a shudder on her part.

His heart froze upon seeing those blue eyes of hers, they... it was like they could see right through him, something BEYOND him.

"That blade in your hands is empty... because your heart is"

Azure energies coated Yuma's sword, and the Raijin no Ken's blade was cut in half. The energy fizzling out of view as the edge broke.

His stance broken upon the sudden loss of his blade, Yuma's blade twirled in her hand. She brought it down with a flash of metal and chakra, cutting Aoi from shoulder to hip, a stream of blood gushing out.

Yuma's blade was sheathed as the man was dead even before he hit the ground. The Raijin no Ken slipped from his hand as he fell, so Yuma knelt down and picked up the now inactive hilt. "Oh~, now the Nidaime made you right." She could feel the love in the hilt's craftsmanship, in every last detailing. She glared down at the now dead Aoi; "Trash like you are an insult to us real sword masters." Noticing movement from the corner of her eye she grinned as she saw Team 7 running up to her.

"Yuma-san?!" Sakura yelled out as the kids ran up to her.

She waved with her free hand with a bright smile; "Sup!"

"Knew I felt her close by." Karin remarked as she ran beside Naruto; "also felt-" Her words died in her throat as the kids stopped beside Yuma and saw the lifeless body of the Konoha traitor; "That's why I stopped sensing him."

Yuma extended her hand to Naruto; "I think your new Hokage would like this back. Being it's a part of her family's heirlooms." The blond looked wide-eyed along with the others as he gently took the legendary sword of the Nidaime. "How you handle those other Ame idiots?"

Sakura groaned as she ran her hand through her locks; "They had to be well paid given how persistent they were."

"Took them out permanently." Sasuke remarked with an even tone.

That got Yuma's attention with a cocked brow; "So you have killed before?"

"Yeah," Naruto spoke up as he looked up at the woman; "Not comfortable with it, but some people don't leave us a choice in the matter."

"Good." The white haired beauty nods before she thumbs to Aoi's body; "You can have his bounty, Boss Jirōchō is paying me."

---

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

---

Fukusuke had nearly jumped out of skin as Idate had soon appeared beside him running like a man possessed. The people at the port cheered the moment they saw see the two racing back, all were clearing clamoring for the wasabi champion to win. Both were neck and neck as dust erupted from their adrenaline fueled legs. Sweat dripped of their brow, giving every last drops of their energy to achieve victory.

Idate saw the Boss waiting at the finish line, he saw his kind proud smile, and suddenly his strength doubled.

Fukusuke watched in desperation as Idate was suddenly in front him, one second away from reaching the finish line, the winner and new owners of the Degarashi port cheered the loudest as the Wasabi family proved victorious!

When Yuma and Team 7 arrived to a large party was going on throughout the entire port with the Wasabi Family flags held up proudly. A cheer came from Naruto, Karin, and Sakura while Sasuke kept his cool but smirked seeing their side won. Boss Jirōchō offered them all a hardy thanks for aiding them in claiming the port. Informing Yuma he'd pay her tomorrow, he told the bunch to enjoy the party and relax for the night. Not surprising the Team ended up back at Benjiro's smith as the older Uzumaki seemed just as happy as the rest.

"Not long after Idate won the Daimyo's guards took in members of the Wagarashi family. Turns out someone from the court had a lot of dealings with them. They were moving things around to make sure the Wagarashi won"

Karin sighed; "At least they are long gone now."

Emica who now sat on a barrel munching on candy nodded; "Karma wins." She remarked in her usual dry monotone.

The blond shook his head; "Yuma-san said she was going to party at the bar, so we figured we come here."

"Hehehe" The blue skinned stout smith let out a rather perverse giggle that reminded Naruto too much of Ero-Sennin, "I think she's going to make good at that promise with the boy" He took the bite of a rather large piece of meat, Naruto was not sure which type of animal it belonged to.

"Brother, please!" The fidgety of the two brothers said aghast, setting down a tray of chicken wings (using mitten gloves over his OTHER gloves of course...) before waving a hand at little Emica. "There are children present!"

"I hear worse things from TV" The little white haired girl replied as she took a sip from her soda with a straw.

Sakura gave Benjiro a deadpanning look, "You should put on Parental Control"

"You think I don't?" The smith groaned, leaning on his shop's counter, the dirty yet now empty plate that was his meal pushed aside. "That imp keeps figuring the password, every time"

"Something tells me you're too smart for your own good" Naruto decided as he looked down at the young girl.

"I would rather be a smartass than a dumbass" She said, her lips shaping into a faint smile. "Like you"

...Naruto then decided that smacking the girl wasn't worth getting Benjiro mad at him. He shook away those thoughts as he looked up at the spiky haired Uzumaki with an excited grin. "So, you guys will be coming with us right?"

Father and daughter exchanged a look, "To where?"

"Well, to Konoha, duh. To be with the rest of the family!"

"Ah..." The smith pursed his lips, and Naruto suddenly got a bad feeling. "Hmph, sorry kid, but we're not"

"You're not?" Karin now asked with some surprise

"I run a business here as a smith. This has been my home for some time, and things just won't get better because the Wagarashi are gone. I need to do my part for the town, which means keeping my business afloat for the people here."

Naruto was about to speak till Sakura butted in; "There is also the issue of how much work he would get in Konoha, we're not lacking on smiths and craftsmen."

"I have my pride as a smith, I can't shake that away." Benjiro shrugged; "But I can come and visit on my off days." The two young Uzumaki perked at that. "Can bring Emica and see the family."

While a little down, Naruto and Karin understood the reasoning. The blond smiled; "Whenever you can visit come look for us." He soon deadpans; "My mom is the loudest person in village, you can't miss her."

"Says the guy who is also the loudest person in the village." Sasuke droned.

"Oh shut up!"

Emica looked back; "You're really loud." Naruto's head dropped with a faint smirk coming from the Uchiha, he actually might like this kid.

"You did a good thing for this town" Shinji smiled as the young genin. "Under the Wagarashi family, Degarashi Port would have fallen under hard times, but thanks to you the right people is in charge now"

"We can't all the credit" Sakura smiled, humbled by his praise. "Idate was the one who won the race"

"And you supported, his victory is as much yours as it is his"

"I agree" Benjiro said, smiling gently at them. "You kids did right by a lot of people here"

"'Course we did!" Naruto replied with that beaming smile of his. "Wouldn't have had it any other way"

Shinji's smile turned nostalgic for whatever reason, "You like helping people, don't you?"

"I mean, yeah. Might be a ninja, but I'm not some asshole without morals or anything. Not like that Aoi-teme was" Naruto recalled some of those horrible people he had met on his travels. Gatō, who choked the life out of a village for just a bit more wealth, terrorizing them with a grin on his face. Orochimaru, who casually destroyed lives around him in his pursuit of power. "Whenever I see people like the Wagarashi, I get really mad, even more so when they're hurting people for no reason"

His teammates looked at the blonde. As a ninja, morality should not get in the way of their assignments, but Naruto would always do whatever he felt was right. Some would call him anathema to what a ninja should not be, but then he wouldn't be Naruto, their friend.

"You like seeing people happy" Shinji summarized, "Safe, protected... You'll go out of your way to do it, I can see that in you" His voice was a bit distant. Brok ceased his feasting upon that roasted leg, his own expression unreadable.

"Yep!" Naruto's smile only grew wider. "Wouldn't be able to live with myself otherwise!"

That brought a smile to Shinji's lips; "You're a good kid Naruto."

A bashful chuckle came from the blond as he scratched the back of his head. Brok however said nothing as looked at the boy before resuming eating.

---

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

---

A content sigh escaped the germaphobic smith as he and his brother bid farewell to Benjiro and the Konoha kids. Leaving the port behind as they ventured into the road surrounded by trees. "Good to know kids like Naruto are still running around. Right-"

"By the All-Father's beard if you call me that stupid fake name I will belt you with my hammer Sindri." Brok growled with a glare

His brother deadpans "It's called being incognito... Dwarves aren't exactly seen in these parts you know."

"Do I look like I give a rat's ass?"

Sindri rubbed his eyes and let out a long groaned sigh; "Well at least coming here proved interesting. Definitely not boring." A grunt came from his brother; "A port saved, a stolen relic returning home, and bad guys brought to justice."

"Oh yeas, straight out of a fairy tale. Whoopdee-fucking-do" Brok grunted, readjusting the weight of his tool sack over his shoulder.

"It wouldn't kill you to show some cheer when a good thing happens"

"I feasted with them didn't I? And I didn't let out a single fart! I'd say I was in the right mood"

His fidgety brother let out a sound of disgust, like he was choking on something. "So crass... I can't believe you're my brother"

"Right back at ya" They continued through the road in a silence for a moment, only the sound of the crickets could be heard in the starry night. Brok's expression shifted, as if trying to find the right words to say something. He finally just gave up and stopped, making his brother turn to face him with a tilt of his head. "Okay, I'll say it; I know what you were doing with the kid back there. You think he's like 'them'"

"...That combination of love for life, for other people, and the need one has to protect the innocent" Sindri said with utmost reverence. "We saw many heroes like those before, remember?"

"Yeah, yeah. I remember" Brok replied with hostility in his voice. "I remember because that's in the past. So if another damn Heir appears so what? Changes nuthin'... can't change the past" He muttered as he continued his pace once again, this time it was Sindri who did not move.

"That Naruto is just like Eluf's grandkid"

Brok came to a stop once again, letting out a long sigh.

"Well, young Gunnar to be more specific, heh, Eluf he has too grandchildren many to keep track off" Sindri let out a soft laugh, fondness clear in his tone. "Kids like them, people like them, they're what this world needs"

Brok's gaze became downcast, "The world had heroes, and it did not help." The two of them could not help.

Once upon a time, they stood as allies of those people, the defenders of the world. The Order of the White Lotus, the Sage Brotherhood, crafting armors and weapons for their warriors, outfitting their champions with the finest gear they could muster.

Their craft was the art of making, their talents involved reforging, and fixing... how do you fix a world that quite literally breaks apart before you?

The blue dwarf shook with head with a snarl. "Why are you so mopey about it anyway?"

"Lately I..." The younger of the siblings paused, "Lately I've been thinking we made a mistake. Traveling around, just forging for the sake of forging. It used to mean something before, we had a purpose, and we were doing the right thing" Sindri paused for a moment; "Gunnar and Naruto... Those two could be-"

"No."

"You know I'm right."

"We left that behind for a damn good reason. After the world got broken by those fucking nutjobs, we damn near lost everything. Almost our lives included." Brok spoke in utter seriousness. "The Sages tried and that went belly up, we both knew we we're done with it all." The blue dwarf shook his head; "Don't care what that bodiless fey sprite says, nothing can be fixed."

"...It won't be if we do nothing." Brok gave a double take as he heard the steely tone from Sindri; "That was our problem. We gave up. And that is not who we are. Or ever been! Naruto and Gunnar reminded me of that."

Brok gave his brother an even look; "And what do you suppose we do about it? A jaded son of bitch and germaphobe isn't the kind of people who sway others."

"No, but we equip the people who do. Kids like Eluf's grandson, like this young ninja we met" Sindri walked to his brother. "Because you and I know what they are; Heirs of Rama, the people who stand in the middle of the storm and show their true selves by smiling throughout it all"

Brok rubbed his eyes, "Just because one or two appear every generation-"

"And we know very well they're not the only ones" Sindri firmly said, "This isn't just a case of a few of them appearing at the same time. What the sages said, they're right, their time has come again. The age of heroes has returned... And they're going to need all the help they can get"

His blue brother looked intently into his eye, "How do you still hold on to hope like that, even when it seems impossible?"

"Because I know what hope can bring you, if followed with endless determination" The younger brother smiled, "We saw it, time and time again. With Rama, with Sigurd, with all the brave heroes who fought for this world"

Brok let out a long sigh, "Sometimes I think I'm too old to have hope again"

"We're the Huldra Brothers" Sindri reminded him with a proud smirk, "With our hands we made Mjolnir and Gugnir. We do the impossible"

Brok didn't want to have hope, not after the horrors they had witnessed. Yet somehow that neurotic brother of his kept on looking at the horizon, while he just dragged his feet and moped about the past like some daintily wallflower of a maiden. He once forged some of the greatest weapons this world had ever since, such than even the gods themselves praised their works as unparalleled. It was shameful, the fire of his forge had long since dwindled, and all he did nowadays were pieces of crap barely worth the sweat he poured into them.

He stood by the brave heroes who challenged the shadow that nearly consumed the world, people whom he called comrades, even friends... What would they say of him, if they could see him now?

The gods would be disappointed at his cowardice. Brok knew he was.

"A smith's work is only as good as the effort he puts into it huh?"

Upon seeing his brother's growing smile, Sindri felt his heart swell with joy.

"AHAHAHAH! Why not?!" Brok laughed boisterously, lifting his brother in his arms and giving him a tight hug.

"Ahhhh! Don't touch me, don't touch me! Did you even shower today?!"

Brok only laughed as he sat his brother; "Well it will be one hell of a ride!" He pulled out a stone with a carving on it. "Let's go back North and have a chat with that blabbermouth head." Lifting up the stone it begun to glow a blue hue. Close by a dozen if not more stones glowed as well and begun to move.

Stacking together, the stones slowly created what looked like a door. "One more time!" Brok snorted as the brothers opened the magical door. Upon closing the glow faded as the rocks fell as if nothing happened.

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Admit it, you WERE NOT expecting that.

Alright we know we introduced a lot of characters and that can be overwhelming, which is why we're listing them all

The Huldra Brothers need no introduction.

Benjiro's model is Mikoto Suoh from Project K

Emica's model is Anna Kushina from Project K

As a reminder Yuma's model is Musashi Miyamoto from Fate/Grand Order

Kuroreimei's model is Yuuko Ichihara from xxxHOLIC

Her son Kyoka is Ryoma from Fire Emblem

Her daughter Maikako is Ibaraki Douji from Fate/Grand Order

Goro is based off of Susano'o from Warriors Orochi

Akeno is Akeno from Highschool DxD

Koneko is Koneko from Highschool DxD

Kuroka is Kuroka from Highschool DxD

Mitsuko is Okita Alter from Fate/Grand Order

Hope you enjoy what we have in store for this

Also, the profile for the next character, remember you can look it up in the Shoton Index in Etheral-23's profile

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Saito Uzumaki

Appearance:

Hajime Saito from Rurouni Kenshin as a redhead

Basic stats:

Strength: C

Intelligence: A

Speed: A+

Stamina: B

Chakra level: A

Taijutsu: B

Genjutsu: C

Ninjutsu: B

Personal attributes:

Kenjutsu: S

Trained from a young age in the art of the blade, and refining his craft through decades of struggle for survival, Saito has reached the level of the masters. Methodical and lacking any sort of flare, his style faithfully takes the concept of 'simple is best'.

Uzumaki bloodline:

Being a pure born member of the Uzumaki clan, Saito possesses an exceptionally strong lifeforce, chakra and stamina.

Fuinjutsu: A

Befitting a member of the Uzumaki clan, Saito has a natural talent for seals.

He employs a series of sealing arrays on his blade with a specific purpose; to create a space-time dislocation that causes multiple attacks that come from many directions, even if he is many meters away from his target.

First seal selects an area of his choosing for lock on, creating a warp in space around it, while the second seal redirects the sword slashes to be transported inside the area of effect.

(basically it's Vergil's attack from DMC)

Bio;

Calm and collected, Saito is a man who keeps a level head even in the most dangerous situations. He is insightful and wise, the struggles of his life having shaped him to endure and look after the people around him.

A survivor of the Fall of Uzu, Saito alongside Samenosuke, Lyn and Maya traveled the lands since an early age, keeping their heads down and doing what they could to survive. Fearful of their enemies finding them, they even passed on the chance of taking residence in Konoha, until it was too late and they heard about Kushina's supposed death.

Saito sees Samenosuke and Lyn as his treasured siblings, while he and Maya fell in love and even conceived a son, Soujiro.

But even though they had endured the loss of their clan, life never stops testing you, and lost Maya during complications at childbirth. So he raised his son alongside Lyn and Samenosuke, always doing everything he could to make sure he was safe, even if he never stopped to consider what was healthiest for Soujiro. His love for his son is matched by his concerns for keeping him and his family safe.

Kushina's notes:

Always looked up to Saito-ni as a kid, I wonder what would have become of him had Uzu not fallen, though he isn't exactly part of the succesion line, I think he would have made a great clan head.