Mei closes the scroll she was given and sighs, running her hand through her hair. Before her stand Naruto, Hinata, Chojuro, and Kiri who'd just returned from their mission, Awaji who'd traveled with them. as well as Jugo who they'd picked up along the way, and Saizo who'd returned with them from his own mission.

On their journey back, they'd written out a detailed report on the events that transpired to be given to the Mizukage upon arrival. She'd just finished reading and is honestly still processing everything.

"So, the theory of sealing and unsealing the Great Beasts is known to us, simply not how it was executed?" She places both arms on the table in front of her, keeping her composure.

"Yes, my Lady." Awaji bows. "However, as soon as we are able, the Uzumaki clan will begin deciphering everything in the scroll Lady Mito had left behind. If this is within our power then we will attain it, and follow in our ancestor's footsteps."

Mei smiles. "We put our faith in you, Elder. We leave this in your capable hands. I will alert my fellow Kage of everything you'd told me, and we shall discuss it further at the next Kage Summit."

Naruto looks agitated. "Yeah, we found out about the Beasts, but now we have to wonder why Uzumaki are apparently working against us. Why would they want to unleash those things..."

Awaji closes his eyes and bows his head. "I fear many an Uzumaki have been mistreated over the years. Our abilities, our special chakra… They are seen as convenient tools, and the people wielding them were seen as no better. I can understand how that would lead one on such a path, as I'm sure you've witnessed for yourself over the years." Awaji opens his eyes, keeping them fixated on the ground. 'But now I understand why I suddenly lost track of many brethren…'

Mei sighs. "Our Hidden Mist has been no better, in truth. Wielders of kekkei genkai such as myself were feared and ostracized, which led to many skirmishes. The Kaguya clan comes to mind as one such case; displeased with their treatment and being very vocal about it. Simply put, they were wronged and now wish to get back at those who wronged them."

"But you still became the village's Kage, right?" Naruto points out. "The village changed its ways."

"I may have become Mizukage but don't think it was an easy task. Don't think I didn't have to fight tooth and nail or that I didn't shed blood. The village may have mellowed since but many's views haven't changed; many still believe I shouldn't be here, although the Fourth War helped change such perspectives. However, others may not share the Five Great Nations' newfound viewpoint."

Naruto clenches his fist. "Even though we went through so much to bring peace... Our villages united and fought together; we showed we can work together!" Naruto's gestures become more animated/

Hinata places a hand on his arm. "And progress has been made, but I fear we still have a long way to go still."

"You're correct." The Mizukage nods. "We've only just begun building this… new world. We'll get there, don't worry."

Chojuro nods to Naruto. "I can assure you the Hidden Mist will fight to keep the peace."

"That's right!" Kiri pumps his fist."We won't let the past repeat itself."

Mei smiles at their eagerness before turning her attention to Jugo. "Now then. What do we do with you…" She puts up her hand just as Naruto tries to begin talking. "I'm well aware of your thoughts on the subject and while I believe they're admirable, he has crimes to answer for. Attempted assassination on a Kage is no laughing matter. And he IS an escaped convict, as well."

"I understand that completely." Jugo nods firmly. "If things were entirely up to me, I'd take whatever punishment I must, but I fear my lack of control makes that… difficult."

Naruto steps. "See, he can't control his powers. Even if you lock him up again, if nothing's done about that, then it won't help!"

"We have measures in place for that. Seals that can prevent him from weaving chakra. His previous escape was because we were in the middle of getting back to our feet after the War, this time proper measures will be taken."

"Or!" Naruto begins his offer. "If you want him to actually pay for his crimes, then give him the option to. Let him actually contribute positively in some way instead of being locked away where he can't do anything to atone."

Mei sighs. "Naruto, you've already made this offer before, haven't you? With Guren of the Crystal Style and Gozu the Mudwall. Your word carries a lot of weight, but there's only so many people even you can vouch for."

"Look, his entire life he's tried to control but his powers but couldn't. Now he has the chance to. It's like you said, with people being afraid of kekkei genkai users. Shouldn't he be allowed to at least have his wits about him?"

"His decision to follow Sasuke Uchiha was his own. His decision to go against the shinobi law was his own."

Jugo places a hand on Naruto's shoulder, giving him a light smile before turning to the Mizukage. "I'm well aware how my actions look and I don't plan on playing the victim. While it's true I'm not always in control, I did indeed choose to follow someone no matter their intentions, if for nothing else that I believed that was the only way for me to be in control. However..." He glances over to Naruto, "With your grace, I'd like to be a force for good and help you build the new world you speak of."

She takes a long, hard look at him. "Chojuro, Saizo."

"Ma'am." They both stand at attention.

"You fought against him. Your thoughts?"

Chojuro looks between the people in the room, surprised to be put in the spotlight. "While it's true he displayed a lack of control, it's also true that Naruto has a way of giving him control back. I was… uncertain at first, but Jugo of the Scales has shown to not be as described and truly remorseful."

Attention is then placed on Saizo. Naruto nervously gulps. Saizo Kyorin has shown to be more on the rough side and doesn't quite have a sentimentality. Being raised in the time of the Bloody Mist, he might not be as lenient in his opinion as Chojuro.

Saizo sighs (A/N: Sighzo). "I'm in agreement with Chojuro. If utilized properly, I believe he can be an asset. And Naruto Uzumaki may be able to utilize him properly."

"Wait, really?" Naruto does little to hide his surprise.

The Ninja Swordsman shrugs. "I've seen no evidence he himself is malicious in any way."

"Very well." Mei nods. "I'll relay this to the other Kage, as well. For now, do what you can to help him with his… condition and after that, we'll see. Dismissed."

Naruto's grins widely. "Alright! You won't regret it."

Jugo bows deeply. "Thank you for your generosity."

At the door, Naruto comes to a halt and turns around. "Ah, one more thing. Is there…" Naruto begins to sound hopeful but realizes it may be too much to ask, "Is there any chance there're any Uzumaki here in the Mist?"

"I did hear Lord Kazekage got a small group, but we've had no such luck, I'm afraid."

Awaji nods in confirmation. "I've also never heard of any Uzumaki making their way to the Hidden Mist."

"To begin with, we've never truly been open to outsiders. I suppose any remnants of the Uzumaki clan thought they'd have better luck elsewhere."

"Yeah. Figure it's worth a shot anyway, right?" He gives a faint smile before turning away and closing the door behind him.

With that, the group leaves the Mizukage's building to meet the Hidden Mist Village and rest after the grueling mission and tiring travel.

Chojuro and Kiri turn to Naruto and his team. "I hope we can work together again."

"Yeah." Naruto smiles and shakes hands with both of them.

Hinata bows. "It was an honour working with you."

Saizo very unceremoniously leaves, only bothering a wave as he walks away. "Might see you around, might not." And he Flickers away.

Chojuro scratches his cheek in embarrassment. "Uh, I apologize for him. He's not one for things like this."

Naruto laughs. "It's alright. Take care, alright?"

Chojuro and Kiri bid their farewells, leaving the group to themselves. They head on outside the premises of the structure, which goes a bit beyond the building itself, having some small gardens out front. A wall, standing just above Jugo in height separates it from the streets.

As they approach the gate, they can hear some signs of struggle. Grunting, kicking, all around a lot of movement. When they pass, they see Kotori, Shoto, and Yokumaru about where they'd left them, except rather than waiting by the gate as they were meant to, they've chosen to instead walk on the wall and have some extra training.

Yokumaru and Kotori are currently in the middle of a spar on the side of the wall, trying to push each other off and neither really getting the upper hand. With the training on the boat, they're now able to stay stuck on vertical surfaces while maintaining focus on other things. They even Flicker about while fighting, but there's some close calls where they foot nearly slips off before they can plant it firmly back.

Shoto, meanwhile, is sitting seiza style on the wall, slightly away from the spar, his body staying in a horizontal position although he's visibly straining himself in his fight against gravity.

It's impressive how quickly they took to the training after only 3 weeks, give or take a few days.

"Having fun?" Naruto approaches Shoto.

The Teshin boy looks back. "They seem to be. Couldn't last as long against me, though." He hops off and lands on his feet.

"So you got stuck a spectator, huh?" Naruto laughs.

Kotori and Yokumaru notice and stop, hopping off and joining up with them. "All done?"

"Yep, now we just have one thing left." He looks back to Jugo. "You ready to leave?"

The man nods. "I believe so."

"Wait, leave where?" Kotori looks between them.

"You remember Mount Myoboku, right? He's gonna go there for a bit to train, like we did." Naruto goes through the motions, and slams his hand on the ground. In a puff of smoke, Fukasaku appears on his shoulder.

"All done, huh, boy?" Fukasaku asks.

"Yeah." Naruto nods in response.

Kotori looks dejected. "Can't you train here with us, instead?"

Jugo smiles and kneels down. "Sorry, but I can't here." He pats her on the head. "I promise I'll come back, alright? I still owe you guys for saving me out there." He pats the boys on the shoulders and stands up. "I'm ready."

"We'll see each other soon, yeah?" Naruto bumps fist with him.

Hinata bows her head. "All the best with your training."

"Alright." Fukasaku hops over from Naruto's shoulder to Jugo's. "I'll bring him back good as new." He brings his hands together and the two of them disappear as abruptly as Fukasaku had appeared.

"Don't suppose you got somewhere to go, too, Gramps?" Naruto looks back to Awaji.

The old man laughs. "Not right now, no. I'm not due to return for another couple days. Until then, I shall make the best of my stay here. For now, however, I believe rest is important. That wobbly ship has not been good for my legs." Awaji bows and takes his leave, as well.

"Now then." Naruto gathers his family. "Let's get something to eat, yeah?"

Since there's some time to spare before his departure, Awaji invites Naruto and Hinata out for a drink on his final night, both as a sort of celebration and simply to catch up. They find a fine establishment to sit in.

Awaji takes a sip from his sake cup. "Another five months, I'd say."

"Hm?" Naruto cocks his head. "Whaddya mean?"

"Another five months until the Uzumaki clan can fully move into the Hidden Leaf Village. It's been an arduous task but with the aid of Lady Tsunade, we are getting closer to our goal."

Naruto gives a light smile, although it's not one of happiness. "And you're going through the entire process while I don't really do much of anything for the clan…"

"Nonsense." Awaji cuts him off. "You're preserving the peace and you're spreading the good name of the Uzumaki clan! That's far more important than what I can do for the clan. In the end, a clan leader needn't do everything themselves. You lead by example, you lead by marching onward and protecting and supporting those around; you can leave the administrative minutia to me to worry about." He smiles.

"If I may ask, Elder, why is there another five months delay?" Hinata sips some more sake in Naruto's cup.

"Mostly, it's how long it will take to build a compound for our clan. From what I understand, an unused area of the village has been cleared for us so a district specifically for the Uzumaki clan can be erected. There's also the details of people needing more time to prepare to uproot their lives. They've their jobs and businesses they have, so we wish to make certain they can provide for themselves and their families once they move to the Leaf."

"Sounds like it's not exactly easy to do." Naruto takes a sip of his sake.

"No, but it's worth it." Awaji smiles. "But enough about that. That will be solved as it comes. How has your life been as teachers and parents?"

Naruto laughs. "A lot busier than I thought."

"And yet he's always eager and willing." Hinata giggles. "In truth it's quite frightening, still. We had good examples to follow but we may not have the full experience to follow it well."

"Every time I try to explain something, I try to remember how Kakashi-sensei taught us or Jiraiya did. Keep thinking how much stronger they'd be with someone else as their teacher." Naruto chuckles.

"Oh, I'm sure that's not the case. The kids are motivated by your passion and driven by your example. Your abilities and your deed shine just as brightly as Kakashi Hatake or Jiraiya, and the children see you for who you are, and see what a positive influence you are not just on them but on the whole world. Your fears will subside, I assure you." Awaji smiles to the couple.

"Thanks, gramps."

"Of course. What's family for?"

They remain for a while longer, making small talk before parting ways. The next day, they all send Awaji off as he leaves back or the Land of Fire.

Over the course of the next two months, the kids' training resumes as normal. As per the usual agreement, Naruto and Hinata are given missions that allow at least one of them to be close by so the kids are never left alone for too long, while the other is assigned more serious missions. Thankfully, there are days in-between where both can take a rest.

With the help of Ganryu, Hinata found a suitable place to hold the kids' training, a more remote park on the outskirts of the town. It's a wide plain with a large lake in the middle, connected to the wider sea by a river that starts off narrow but eventually becomes wider as it leaves the village; all of this surrounded by lush trees. It's isolated, with not a lot of traffic so they shouldn't get interrupted. There, Hinata is the first to give them the final part of their current training- walking on water.

Kotori puffs out her chest. "We already got the trees down! How difficult could water be?"

Yokumaru looks nervously at the lake. "I don't know, I feel like it'd be different on liquid."

"Well, why don't you all try." Hinata motions to the water. "Simply do what you've been doing so far and attempt it."

Confident in her abilities, Kotori walks over, focuses chakra at her feet and strides forward. She doesn't even get one step before she plops into the water face-first.

"Kotori!" Yokumaru runs over to her in a panic. He kneels by the edge of the lake and reaches out to grab hold of her.

As her face emerges from the water, she begins flailing around helplessly. "Help!"

"Kotori…" Hinata remains oddly calm.

"I'm drowning!" Kotori cries out again.

Even Shoto runs over with Yokumaru, the two boys quickly grabbing each of her arms to pull her to safety.

"Kotori!" This time Hinata is more firm.

The struggling stops. Holding onto both Yokumaru and Shoto, Kotori stands up. The water barely reaches her knee.

"Oh…"

The boys both let go, sighing. Whether it's from relief or exasperation, it's difficult to say.

"Seriously, you…" Shoto facepalms.

"Would you boys like to attempt?" Hinata walks over, pulling a towel from a storage scroll.

Kotori steps out of the water and takes it, drying herself off.

"I think we get the idea." Yokumaru nervously chuckles.

Hinata takes some time to get more items from her storage scroll. Namely a large cloth to lay on the ground for them to sit on, some snacks and drinks, and a fresh and neatly folded set of clothes for each other.

Kotori, still dripping wet, looks at the last item, then to Hinata, then back to the clothes, and finally to Hinata again. "... You knew this would happen." She says in an accusing tone.

Hinata only smiles warmly, inwardly having fun with this.

Shoto immediately takes off his shirt and pants, and goes up to the water. She takes a pause, calming his breathing. He activates his Earth Spear on his legs to regain the sense of having a jutsu on his soles, being careful throughout the whole process. Finally, he steps into the water and falls.

"It's nothing like the trees!" He protests, splashing the water.

"Why don't you all put on something a bit lighter that won't matter if it gets wet, and we can continue."

As instructed, they all take off their usual clothes and put on the fresh sets Hinata had prepared in advance. Kotori's wet clothes are set to the side to dry, as much as they can given the humid climate in this part of the world. With the kids now dressed in more water-friendly clothing, she walks over to the edge and sits down on her side. The kids follow her. When they come to the edge, she simply places a hand on the very surface of the water, not letting her hand sink but be on the very surface; a very light push away from being submerged.

"Place your hands like this." They follow as instructed. "Savour this sensation, the feeling of your hand staying just staying above water. Keep in your minds how your hand feels, how the water envelops your palm." She takes her hand off. "Much of chakra control is about visualization. Keep this visual as you try to stand on water. Don't focus on the water, or its movement, or anything besides this feeling."

She stands up and takes a step back, leaving the kids to figure it out for now. They stay for a while longer with their arms pressed against the surface of the water.

After several minutes of focused concentration, Kotori and Shoto stand up at the same time. They share an intense look, both determined to get the hang of this first. They gently place a bare foot down, letting it hang on the surface as they gather chakra, and when they lift their back foot to fully step on the water, they both fall with a splash, their feet slipping on the mud underneath causing them to fall down on their butts. Their fresh clothes are already soaked and they haven't even started.

To the side, Yokumaru has taken a different approach. He's sat on the grass and has both feet out planted on the water. When he feels he has a grasp of it, he props himself up but when his feet sink, he just bumps back on the ground with only his feet getting wet.

Kotori and Shoto share an embarrassed look and just copy what Yokumaru's doing.

Hinata giggles from her spot on the blanket.

This particular training is much more difficult than the tree walking. The very nature of the water makes it difficult to set foot on; at least trees are something physical you can safely touch without sinking. There's also the fact that every single minor movement of the water disrupts their chakra control. They very soon figure out that being next to each other spells disaster, as one's mistake sends ripples through that interrupt the other two. It's a mess.

Being apart does help but it also means they have to more or less shout at each other to have a conversation and give each other tips; either that or run over to talk and then go back to their designated spot. They do eventually get used to it.

Their water walking training is done in intervals, with some more standard training done in-between to keep them on their toes and make sure they don't lose their edge. Taijutsu sparring, shuriken and kunai training, ninjutsu… and most of that done while standing horizontally on a tree, too!

-x-

At one point during their, a presence interrupts their training. Well, not so much 'interrupt' as the figure is too far from them to truly prevent them from training, but they're definitely someone who garners their attention. From the woods not too far from their chosen spot, a young girl walks out.

Her short blonde hair is slicked back. She's dressed in a striped blue shirt with light blue arm warmers and black pants. By her side are two shorter blades, wakizashi. And this girl, no older than the three of them, simply walks over the water with no issue.

They stop their training for a moment to simply stare in awe.

Not long after, a man wanders into the field but him, they recognize. Saizo Kyōrin, fully dressed in battle attire, walks up to a young girl who simply nods at the older man's arrival.

Without any ceremony, the girl lunges at Saizo, drawing her blades and unleashing a vicious series of attacks. Saizo does draw his Shibuki but the blade is not covered in explosive tags and he only uses it as a shield.

The girl moves quickly and violently, her swords moving swifter than the kids' eyes can see, only to be further enhanced when she runs electricity through the blades. Flashes of lightning emanate every time her swords meet Shibuki, but Saizo seems unfazed as one would expect.

Even Naruto can't help but look at the display that goes on for a good while. At one point, Saizo looks over in their direction and motions the girl to stop. They walk over.

"Naruto." Saizo greets the Leaf ninja. "Sorry, I didn't mean to cause a show. Didn't interrupt your training, did I?"

"Not at all. Actually I think seeing that display may have helped more than anything." Naruto extends a hand for a handshake, which Saizo returns. "So who's this?"

Saizo gives a somewhat unnerving smile as he looks back to the girl who's come by his side. "This is my own protégé, Buntan Kurosuki."

Naruto's eyes widen at the name.

Saizo looks at him from the corner of his eyes to gauge his reaction before turning back to his student. "Buntan, I believe you're familiar with Naruto Uzumaki."

"I am." She says in a whisper.

"Wow!" Kotori stands on the edge of the grass, looking at Buntan's feet and the chakra gathered around them. "You can already walk on water, and even fight?" She looks up with a grin. "I'm Kotori Uzumaki, nice to meet you!"

"Yokumaru Kigatsu." The boy introduces himself.

"Shoto Teshin." He gives the traditional greeting of bowing with his fist against his palm.

Buntan looks over the three of them with narrowed eyes, looking completely unimpressed. "This is all the great Naruto Uzumaki is capable of teaching his students?"

"Hey, what's your problem?" Shoto stomps forward.

Naruto places a hand on his shoulder. With a simple nod he conveys for Shoto to step down.

Naruto kneels by the water and looks at Buntan. "Hey, I know this might be weird to ask, but are you-"

"Not interested." Buntan turns around and walks back to the middle of the pond.

"Please forgive her demeanour." Saizo says. "She's not usually so… abrasive. But you're right- she's related to Raiga Kurosuki. She's his daughter."

"I… never knew he had a child."

"Many don't. That's why, as you can assume, she has much to prove." Saizo looks at Naruto's student. "Make sure you become strong."

"We will!" Kotori declares.

Saizo nods and Flickers away, after his student.

"Sensei, did you know her?" Yokumaru asks.

Naruto shakes his head. "No, but I knew her father. I'm the one who killed him."

"What? You did?" Kotori gasps.

"It's what shinobi do, isn't it?" Shoto says. "There's always been fighting, like between the Tesshin and Hyūga clans."

"Yeah, but that doesn't make it any easier. Especially today, a lot of people have had to put aside old grudges from the Third Great Ninja War and after. It's a slow healing process, but kids like her haven't had the chance to process it."

"Do you… think she hates you, sensei?"

"I certainly wouldn't blame her." Naruto pats Yokumaru on the back. "Come on, let's keep training." He stands up but keeps an eye trained on the path Saizo and Buntan took, wondering what the future will hold for these kids.

~X~

In the woods, Saizo quickly catches up to Buntan racing through the trees.

"They're just kids." Buntan says as soon as they meet up.

"So are you." Saizo shrugs.

Buntan glares at him. "They're untrained."

"All the easier for you to defeat them, isn't it? If you want to get to Naruto Uzumaki, the best way would be through his students. Become better than them in every way possible."

"Yes, sensei."

-x-

With newfound determination igniting them, it still takes the better part of the first month of training but eventually…

"AAAAAAHHHH!" Kotori shouts, bringing the attention to her. She's standing on water!

Everyone looks at her in awe, with Naruto going up to her with a grin. "Good job!"

She's wobbly but firmly standing on the surface. "See? Light as a feather!" She gives a thumbs up, a grin on her face as wide as can be.

She steps out of the water and Naruto pats her on the head.

Not long after that, empowered and motivated, Shoto manages to stand on the surface, followed soon by Yokumaru.

-x-

To the side, Kotori also had her own little project going that she focused more on once water walking training lessened. In order to better her own jutsu, she took to studying about birds native to the Land of Water and its many islands. She took a liking to the macaw with their pretty feathers and especially their ability to talk. Ganryu helped her a bit by finding a place where macaws are raised not far from the Hidden Mist, and Hinata received permission to leave on a short trip so Kotori can interact closer with the birds.

Acting as a sort of reservation and sanctuary of many birds, the place they're taken to is a treasure trove of information for local birdlife. With a special document granted to them by the Mizukage, they're allowed to get a closer look and be in contact with the birds.

Kotori admires the macaw. "Hello, pretty."

Squawk. "I'm pretty, you're ugly." The parrot speaks.

"Ow, that's a bit rude…"

Squawk. "It's the truth."

Kotori grumbles. "This isn't how I pictured this conversation going…"

Squawk. "Tough luck."

A man from the reservation walks over in a hurry. "I apologize, this one's a rescue. He was… not raised in a well-mannered environment."

"I see no problem with it." Shoto laughs. "Can I keep it? I think we'd get along."

Kotori puffs out her cheeks and glares at him.

"Let me show you some of the others."

The group is led further inside, where Kotori spends some time taking in information about the various birds she sees. In the end, she does have to pick and choose which ones to focus on for now. She decides to learn the most about the macaw and another bird that catches her eye.

On the surface, it's kind of odd-looking, with a mostly orange to black colouration on the back and yellow on the front. A blue face contrasts its red eye, and the feathers on its head are long and look like permanent bed hair. But the most… interesting thing about the Hoatzin? It smells.

Yokumaru and Shoto hold their noses as they approach Kotori playing around with one particular hoatzin.

Yokumaru whines. "Why would you pick this one? There's a lot of other birds here that don't smell."

The bird caws at him, as if it understood the insult.

"You know," Shoto coughs, "I'm not even in the mood of joking that it smells as bad as you look, it's that bad…"

"Well, you two can keep being negative about it, while I enjoy its company!" She huffs. "Besides, Elder Awaji is right. My jutsu takes whatever a bird can do and just… makes it stronger. So when I learn how to better control my birds, this cute lil' guy will be really deadly, yes you are!" She coos at the smelly bird.

"Just don't summon it around us, alright?" The two of them take a step back to go look at some of the more colourful birds around.

When they leave, Hinata turns to Ganryu who'd accompanied them all this way to assist them. "I can't repay you all the help you've provided us."

The man raises his hand in front. "Oh, no, there's no need at all. I'm simply accommodating the guests I'm in charge of, that's all. It's what I signed up for."

"I find it unlikely that something like this fits within your job description. You've immensely aided Kotori in training her jutsu; Naruto and I will make certain to repay you in kind."

A bead of sweat drops from his forehead. "Really, there's no need. Consider this me repaying Naruto for the trouble I put him through when we first met."

"Aha, so it truly wasn't about doing your job?" Hinata giggles.

"At any rate!" Ganryu begins speedwalking. "We best return to the village before it gets dark."

Along the way, Kotori gleefully conjures the feathers of macaws and hoatzin.

From the Hidden Cloud, Kotori learned to summon condors and sparrows. From the Hidden Stone, she learned to summon ostriches. From the Hidden Sand- hawks and falcons. And now from the Hidden Mist, she adds macaws and hoatzin to her arsenal of avians. The booklet she got from the Raikage doesn't hold all the answers; it has little information on the macaw and absolutely nothing on the hoatzin, so she'll have to get the hang of it herself eventually. For now, however, she's happy to have made progress.

Hinata purchases some reading material for her that goes into greater detail about these birds' lifestyle, they plumage, everything. After all, the more she knows about the bird, the better her summons are. She just needs a bit more time before she can summon them as adults, which is where her jutsu really shines.

-x-

Barring that, the two and a half months pass by without anything major happening. Naruto and Hinata continue to go on missions, most of which involve going to sea. Whether it's hunting down pirates, or transporting goods, or guarding VIPs, the usual shinobi work. They do have traffic in many directions- some travelling between islands within the Land of Water, but some going to the lands that surround it- Lightning, Frost, Hot Waters, and Fire. Some missions even involve taking on escorts from those lands for the return trip. All in all, it's business as usual.

-x-

When the two and a half months pass, Naruto's group is sent off by a fairly large party of people. Mei Terumi herself is present, as are Chojuro, Kiri, Gonbee, and Ganryu.

Hinata bows to them. "Thank you for taking care of us these past months."

Mei chuckles. "Oh dear, there's no need to stand on such formalities. If anything, you've been the ones taking care of us, but sadly now it's time for you to go and take care of each other."

"Are you looking forward to getting back home?" Kiri asks.

"Ah, well…" Naruto shares a look with Hinata. "We're not actually going home just yet. We got word from granny Tsunade that the Uzumaki clan are still getting their lives together so they won't officially move to the Hidden Leaf for a few months, so there's not much of a rush."

"So we've decided to ask for an extended leave. From now on, we'll focus on the kids' training full-time until the time comes that we must return." Hinata adds.

"So long as you've thought this through." Gonbee steps forward and offers a handshake which is readily returned. "I've no doubt you'll face a myriad of problems along the way but you've proven you can overcome them."

A shadow crosses over Mei as she stiffens. 'Marriage… problems?'

"Just be careful you don't miss out on your clan's revival." Gonbee laughs. "Wouldn't look good to be late to the scene."

Mei grips her sleeve. 'Late to the scene?' She walks over to Gonbee and places a hand on his shoulder with more strength than he expected. She leans in and whispers in his ear. "Shut up or I'll kill you."

Gonbee freezes.

Mei then turns to them with a smile as if nothing had happened. "I do hope we can meet again soon. When we hold the Kage Summit in the Hidden Leaf, we'll come and say hi."

"We'll be waiting." Naruto grins.

They all wave as they go about on the road. Their final leg of their year long mission has come to and end and they're free to return home, when the time is right for it, that is.

As of now, they just have to focus on taking care of each other.

TRIVIA

Buntan Kurosuki debuted in the "School Trip Arc" (Boruto episodes 25 to 32).