Karin sits on Naruto's sofa hugging her knees, with Jugo right besides her for support. Naruto himself paces around the room while Hinata sits with a concerned look, worried about Karin.
Tsunade sighs. "I'm sorry. I didn't know just how deep this all went."
"It's fine." Karin's voice comes out muffled. "I wasn't exactly opening up about it, either. I don't… I don't want to go back."
"Of course you're not!" Naruto swings his arm dismissively. "You belong with us and no one's gonna change that, right, Granny?"
"Naturally." Tsunade reaffirms. "Still, this all creates an awkward situation for everyone involved. Why didn't you say anything before?" She leans back in her chair and rubs her temple. This is just going to be one headache after another.
"I didn't want to jeopardize the Union." Karin explains. "I thought I could just tough it out but I couldn't forget everything that happened. And apparently neither can Taiga."
"Look, you don't worry about Taiga; I'll keep her in line. Would probably be better if you just stay here for the time being. Try to limit your time outside the compound."
"That's fine." Karin nods. "I'm used to being a prisoner, anyway."
Naruto takes a rushed step to the sofa, stopping in a crouched positiohn in front of Karin. "No, that's not what this is! Granny just want-"
Karin interrupts him with a bump him on the shoulder. "I'm kidding, cousin. I know. It's probably better for me, anyway."
"I'll be here, as well." Jugo nods in reassurance.
Hinata turns to the Hokage. "You don't think the Grass would try something, do you?"
Tsunade shrugs. "You of all people should know that anything should happen during negotiations."
"That's…" Hinata's shoulders slump, remembering the incident that led to her uncle's death. "The Hidden Cloud's different now, even if I had my reservations at first."
"I know they are, and I trust the Raikage to not do something stupid, at least for now. But the Grass? Difficult to say. I'll keep some ANBU around just in case." She warns Naruto.
"I spend most of my day meditating." Jugo adds. "I should be able to sense them during that time."
"We should warn the rest of the clan, as well." Hinata says.
"Yeah, they gotta know." Naruto agrees.
"That could cause a panic, and alert Taiga and the rest that we're arming ourselves." Tsunade cautions. "It could backfire."
"Doesn't matter." Naruto is firm. "If you think something can go down, the others need to know so they can react in time. I'm not keeping secrets."
Hinata nods. "I agree. Keeping this a secret would only lead to more destruction should the Hidden Grass actually try something. We'll tell them not to let it be known anything is amiss."
"Alright, if that's what you think best. It's your clan, after all."
"Our clan, right, Granny?"
Tsunade chuckles. "Yeah, I suppose it is." She stands up and straightens her clothes. "And Karin?"
"Yes, ma'am?" Karin looks up.
Tsunade walks over and places a hand on her head, lightly caressing the girl. "Don't you worry about a thing. We'll keep you safe."
"Thank you." She gives a light smile, her first in a while now.
"I'll stay with you 'til this all blows over." Naruto declares.
Kairn shakes her head. "No, don't. Last thing I want is to keep you locked with me." She stands up and pats him on the shoulder as she turns to leave. "You have work to do. Just try not to mess up too much without me."
"If something comes up, we'll call you." Jugo reassures him and goes after his friend.
Hinata sighs. "I don't know how we can continue knowing this could all turn sour."
Tsunade chuckles. "That's how the shinobi world is. Every single negotiation's been done with the assumption the other side's going to stab you in the back. You just have to make sure to show them that's not a good idea."
"Is that still how the shinobi world is?" Naruto asks. "After everything?"
"Will be for a while, but we're trying to make sure it doesn't. We'll get there." Tsunade stretches her arms, feeling them going a bit stiff. "Hinata, will you come with me? I could use your help today with the Union."
"Of course, Lady Tsunade." Hinata bows her head before turning to her boyfriend. "Will you be alright?"
"Yeah!" Naruto reassures her with a quick hug. "You got important stuff to do, right? Don't worry about me."
-x-
Karin leans on a railing to catch her breath. "Not really how I thought this would go. Thought I was done hiding and cowering."
"That's not what we're doing." Jugo stands by her side.
"Sure feels like it."
"We're much better off than before. We're free to live actual lives, we're treated like normal people, and we do good work."
Karin chuckles and steps away from the railing. "Maybe you're right. Sorry. I'm not exactly in the best place right now."
"You've seen me in a lot worse places."
"And you've done good." She pats him on the chest. "Come on, let's go meditate in that garden of yours." She begins walking down the streets, inviting Jugo to walk with her.
"The statues don't disturb you anymore?" He follows.
"No, I guess not." She then adds to herself. 'Maybe it's the company…'
Darui places down an empty pick on the plate and picks up another dango.
"These really are great." He says while chewing the latest set of sweets.
"Don't talk with your mouth full." Samui reprimands him.
He gulps down the food he was chewing. "Sorry"
Chojuro laughs. "I do agree, though. Better than what we have in the Mist."
Kurotsuchi picks up another set of dumplings herself. "Maybe it's all the moist air. Ruins the flavour."
He chuckles in response. "Maybe it is."
Karui, Ittan, and Kiri all nod sagely, having known it'd be wise to show their friends and allies this place.
"We've had time to do reconnaissance and establish a network here." Ittan laughs.
"And that involves more sweet shops than a single village needs?" Kurotsuchi raises a brow.
Ittan shrugs. "The Leaf have a sweet tooth, who knew?"
"You didn't strike me as someone who enjoys this kind of food, Karui." Samui turns to her former teammate.
"You… pick up on a few things when you live with the Leaf's Akimichi clan." Karui rubs the back of her neck.
"You're lucky." Ittan muses. "The Akimichi sound better than the Inuzuka. Those people are… wild, to say the least. Especially the leader." He shudders.
"Which clan were you with, Kiri?" Chojuro asks.
"Sarutobi. Sounds like I lucked out in the draw there." He chuckles.
"I'll trade you." Ittan offers.
"What? No. Tough it out." Kiri protests.
The Stone shinobi presses. "Come on, man, remember when I saved your ass back in the war? Would've been Zetsu food if I wasn't there."
"Yeah, and I saved yours a few times, too! We're even!"
"Dude, come on, you gotta get me outta there." Ittan gets in Kiri's personal space; the Mist shinobi needing to push him back.
"I'm pleased to see everyone getting along." Gaara interrupts the… moment… appearing out of nowhere, followed by his brother and sister.
"Kazekage?" Kurotsuchi raises a brow.
"What're you doing here?" Darui asks.
Gaara observes the shop, his hands behind his back. "I've been told this place is… 'incredible'."
Temari scratches her cheek. "You guys, too, huh?"
The other representatives laugh. "Pretty much."
Darui looks to Gaara with a bit more serious of an expression than the previous mood had. "Kazekage, do you think the Union will actually grow?"
Gaara remains silent for a moment, still focused on the selection of sweets. "I know it will. The only question is by how much. I take it you worry about Taiga Hazama?"
Darui nods. "And the Hidden Star to an extent, but, yeah."
Kurotsuchi laughs. "Not like that'll be a loss."
She's given looks by everyone around.
"What? We're all thinking it!" She defends herself.
Gaara orders the dango he wants and is swiftly given a plate of his own. "If we do want the Union to succeed, we must rid ourselves of that kind of thinking. A united shinobi world will require everyone."
"Yeah, yeah." Kurotsuchi waves dismissively.
The large group stays together for a while longer, enjoying the Hidden Leaf's delicacies- some of them for the first time and others for a number of times they'd rather not disclose.
It's definitely an alien experience for them, being in a foreign village as allies. Despite how long it's been, it's not something that goes away so easily. Some have had the opportunity to travel between villages and see them all, while others now permanently live in other villages as representatives. Some haven't had the chance to travel a whole lot in these 2 years since the Fourth War ended.
Just as they're preparing to end their little break, a commotion nearby grabs their attention.
"Hey, watch it!" A loud boisterous voice calls out.
"You watch it, kid." Another voice responds. A voice that Samui very clearly recognizes- one of her Genin.
She sighs and stands up. "I'd have thought they'd be able to keep their cool."
"Need any help?" Darui offers.
"I got it." She dismisses the offer, "They're my kids, after all." and goes to where her girls apparently are.
When she rounds the corner, she does indeed see her three Genin squaring off with a Leaf shinobi, a slightly older boy with a blue scarf wrapped over his shoulders.
"Hey, as guests you really should mind your manners." Konohamaru warns.
One of the girls stands in front, getting in Konohamaru's face. "We mind our manner around people who matter, so back off, kid."
Konohamaru grows increasingly more annoyed. "That's it, you wanna be taught a lesson, then fine!" He opens his palm, allowing chakra to gather. The violent swirl of energy kicks up the dust around him. "Last chance to rethink how you talk to me."
Samui quickens her step, deciding this isn't exactly a moment to be left on its own. Before she can move, however, another figure steps in.
The blur of an orange cloak steps in and grabs Konohamaru by the wrist, releasing the swirl of chakra.
"That's enough." Naruto scolds Konohamaru but also extends the warning to the girls. "You know better than to use that here."
"I was just gonna scare 'em off, Bro." Konohamaru whines.
The girls smirk. "Like that was going to happen." As they turn around, ready to leave victorious, they're met by their sensei, looking much sterner than she usually does.
"Just where do you think you're going?" Samui crosses her arms. "How many times were you told not to stir up trouble."
"He starte-"
Samui raises a hand, halting the excuse before they can continue. "You were told. No excuse can justify any other behaviour." She looks to the girl who was apparently taking charge of the confrontation. "I thought you understood best, Umai."
Umai lowers her head. "I apologize, sensei."
"Not to me." She motions to the Leaf Genin.
Umai sighs and turns around. "I apologize."
Konohamaru tries to turn his head to pretend he didn't hear it, but Naruto squeezes his hand.
"Ow, okay fine! Apology accepted."
"And?" Naruto says expecting an addition to that sentence.
The boy sighs. "I'm… sorry, too." He then rips his hand free from Naruto's grasp.
"See? All good." Naruto grins.
"You really have changed." Konohamaru mutters.
"You three go." Samui releases her Genin. "Try not to cause any more inconveniences. Naruto won't always be around to save you."
"Yes, sensei." They do just as instructed.
Samui sighs and walks over to Naruto. "Allow me to apologize, as well. I didn't think they'd do something like this."
Naruto laughs. "It's alright. I can't really fault them. I did something similar at my first Chunin Exams. How are you, Samui?"
Konohamaru looks between the two of them. "You know her, bro?"
"Yeah. Samui let me, Hinata, and Kotori stay at her place when we were in the Cloud."
"I see." Konohamaru squints his eyes as if examining the woman.
Samui chuckles. "I'm well, thank you. It's good to see you again after so long."
"Yeah, what's it been like, a year?" He looks behind Samui, the road the 3 girls from earlier took. "Are those…"
"My Genin team, yeah."
"Hah. You really became a Jounin sensei, huh? Didn't think you'd already have a team ready for Chunin."
"They were already capable kunoichi right out the Academy, but I'd like to think I polished their skills. And this boy is… your student?" She looks at the young Genin.
"Uhh, kinda but not really?" Naruto scratches his head.
"Whatcha talking about, bro? You taught me a whole bunch over the years! When I win this thing and become Chunin, it'll be thanks to you."
Naruto laughs and shrugs to Samui. "Well, there you have it."
"So, you're in the Exams, too. Then you might clash with my girls in due time."
"Try not to be too sad when I win." He puffs out his chest.
Samui smiles, being reminded a bit too much of Naruto in this boy. "I'll try. Would you two like to join us? Some of us happened to gather at a sweets shop. I'm sure there's plenty of people who want to catch up with you, Naruto."
Konohamaru rejects the offers. "I gotta go train for the Chunin Exams, I don't have time to waste!" He declares. "You have fun, bro, I got to train!"
Naruto chuckles. "Alright, don't slack off."
"Never!" Konohamaru high-fives Naruto who goes off with Samui.
As the young Genin prepares to leave, a very familiar and very annoying voices speaks to him.
"Pathetic." Hanabi stands atop a nearby fence, not actually looking at Konohamaru while addressing him.
Konohamaru whips around, glaring. "What was that, Hyuga?!"
"I said 'pathetic'. Three girls barely out of the Academy and you lowered yourself to a petty punk. This is why you won't succeed, Sarutobi."
"You can talk tough all you want, but you better keep those eyes on me if you wanna see what a Chunin looks like."
Hanabi sighs. "And you talk empty." She turns around to leave, shaking her head.
Konohamaru walks away fuming.
Over at the Amaguriama sweets shop, Samui rejoins the group with Naruto in tow.
"Hey, whatcha all doing here?" Naruto greets them, taking a seat next to Gaara.
Samui wordlessly sits with Darui, with everyone save for Naruto noticing that she sits a bit closer than one normally would. That closeness definitely causes Karui to raise an eyebrow, having not seen her former team leader be like this.
"Well, well, the hero's got time for us?" Kurotsuchi chuckles.
Naruto laughs. "Yeah, you know, I figured you'd all be lonely without me."
"Definitely quieter, that's for sure." Karui jokes.
"We were admiring the variety of foods the Hidden Leaf has to offer." Gaara states. "It's definitely a unique flavour."
"Oh, you ain't seen nothing! Just stick with me, I'll show you all the good places!" Naruto declares.
"By that you mean the one ramen place you go to?" Temari raises a brow.
"I mean… yeah…" Naruto becomes flustered. "But it's really good! You all gotta try it!"
Chojuro smiles. "Maybe we should. We have some free time, after all."
"Then let's go" Ittan stands up and offers to go get more food.
The entire group of 11 shinobi stands up and after returning the empty plates that once had their dango served on them, they make their way to Ichiraku Ramen, with Naruto leading the way.
Darui and Samui lag behind a bit, intertwining their fingers as they walk side by side.
Kaidomaru sits atop a concrete pillar, looking over the Leaf. Not as much as the giant stone faces but still looking over. A village that will most definitely be his enemy one day. He's not sure exactly when they'll clash but it's definitely going to happen.
He will keep his identity a secret as long as he can, his own Uzumaki clan, his involvement with the Great Beasts… The Hidden Leaf and Naruto Uzumaki will be the greatest thorn in his side.
"Can I help you?" He asks, not looking away. "Is it a rematch you want?"
Sasuke steps on the pillar next to the one Kaidomaru is sitting on. "You gave back the Sharingan."
"I did. Thank you for reminding me, I'd forgotten." He remarks.
"I'm not in the mood for jokes."
Kaidomaru looks at him from the corner of his eyes. "No, you don't seem the type."
"Why? After everything you went through and all the cryptic messages and threats. What's your endgame, Sakata?"
"Endgame?" Kaidomaru slowly stands up. "My endgame is to not get any more of my people killed. Apparently someone dangerous is after the Sharingan, as well, so if anyone's going to be attacked for them, I'd rather it not be us. I already told this to the Hokage, you could've asked her about it."
Sasuke remains motionless, staring right at his foe. "I had to hear it from the source. I didn't hear anything about the mask. Where did you get it from?"
Kaidomaru shrugs. "I found it while scavenging Obito Uchiha's lab. He had a few of them." A lie but maybe Sasuke wouldn't know the full details. Obito did keep a few masks, after all.
"And it just happened to have an ability unlike anything anyone had ever heard of?" Sasuke grows more suspicious.
"Anyone besides Madara Uchiha and Obito Uchiha, that is." Kaidomaru continues to spin his web. "They possessed more knowledge than you, I can say that much for certain."
"Let's make one thing clear- I don't trust you or anything you say. You're up to something. I'll be keeping an eye on you."
"Well, if that's what you truly believe then your first mistake was telling me about it, Sasuke Uchiha." Kaidomaru hisses the name. "Your lot have already caused the world enough grief, don't think I'll take your threats sitting down. I'd advise you don't ruin things more than you already have. You're a relic. Your eyes a relic. A time best forgotten."
With that, Kaidomaru hops off the pillar and onto the balcony below, connected to his room. Inside, his three companions are calmly sipping tea, aware of the situation but not concerned about it.
He pulls the curtain closed and nods to Takeshi, prompting the Anbu captain to go through his hand signs, to create an invisible field that surrounds them. The energy emanates as an expanding sphere originating from Takeshi's hands and encompasses the whole room.
"The room is clean. I triple checked." Takeshi informs them.
"Thank you, Takeshi.." Kairomaru lowers his hand.
"And now you've given away your eyes." Kūga says.
"True, but the Uzumaki clan is already fully equipped and we have a few spares that were… 'lost' when the Kappa attacked Hakone Town. We've no further use for them."
"And now any possible suspicions may be alleviated." Mizushi says.
"Now we just have to play our part." Takeshi says. "Be the allies they expect us to be as we bide our time."
"I hope it comes sooner than later. If I have to see one more Inuzuka, I'm going to rip their throat out, I swear." Kūga crosses her arms.
Mizushi remains standing with his hands behind his back. "We've remained patient for so long, we can't allow everything to crumble at the very end."
"Yes, yes, I know." She waves dismissively. "So now we just need to play the role of the happy allies to this little Shinobi Union."
"Precisely." Kaidomaru. "Just until I can figure out how to empower this thing."
Kaidomaru places a hand to his face, a jutsu formula spreading and surrounding his eyes. One of his eyes changes into a red colour with a swirling pattern.
[Mangekyō Sharingan]
However, his other eye is different. Rather than red, it turns a pale white, veins popping on his temple.
[Byakugan]
"It's only this accursed Byakugan that refuses to evolve further, but I'll get there if it's the last thing I do." Kaidomaru declares.
Taiga Hazama walks through the streets with some of her more trusted shinobi. She uses the opportunity to not only to explore but also to scout. Finding the Uzumaki clan district is an easy enough task; it's not exactly hidden.
However, they're prevented from going anywhere near it.
An ANBU Flickers in front of Taiga, holding out his hand. "You do not have permission to enter the premises."
Taiga narrows her eyes. "I'm just here for some socializing. Talk to an old friend."
"You do not have permission to enter the premises." The ANBU repeats himself in a sterner voice.
Taiga snarls. "Fine." She walks away with her entourage.
When they get further away, one of the Grass Jounin says quietly so only their group can hear. "There's ANBU stationed all over the village. I believe they might be following us."
"For ANBU, they're not doing a good job of hiding." Another states.
Taiga sharks her head. "Because they're not trying. They're a warning. That Hokage, if she thinks she can keep my property from me…"
One masked ANBU in particular watches from the nearby rooftops, undetected. He takes out a brush and small scroll, painting a few tiny mice that spring to life from his scroll and skitter away.
"Don't get too close." Sai warns his creations. "But whatever you do, don't let them out of your sight."
Kotori watches in awe as Mutsu uses his paper jutsu to float in the air, two small paper wings protruding from his back. His control is clunky so he can't move freely in all dimensions just yet but he can move up, down, and to the sides.
"Wooow. You can fly!" She cheers.
Mutsu smiles widely. "Kind of. Mom taught me a lot of things I didn't even think were possible."
Kotori conjures a feather in her hand and holds it up. "Hmm. I wonder…"
"I'd advise not to try." Shoto warns.
Kotori nods. Well, if you think I shouldn't… then I will!" She hops onto some higher ground.
"Wait, NO!" Shoto calls out.
Yokumaru looks around nervously. "Is that really a good idea? You've never tried anything like that."
"Yeah, but it makes sense, right? I can make birds and birds can fly, so I should be able to fly, too!" She surmises.
"You don't even know how." Shoto reminds her.
"Yet."
"Mutsu…" Yokumaru pleads to get him to stop Kotori.
Mutsu rubs the back of his head. "I don't know, I think it'd be fun."
Shoto sighs. "Here I thought you were the Yokumaru-type, but you're apparently more the Kotori-type."
"What's that mean?" Kotori puffs out her cheeks. "Whatever, just watch. Mutsu, how do you do it?"
"Uhh, I don't think it'll work the same for you. I can turn my body to paper so I control it that way. Your jutsu doesn't work the same way, does it?"
Kotori focuses her chakra as he usually does, thinking of a condor, the largest flying bird she has in her arsenal. Instead of summoning the entire bird, she only summons the condor feathers behind herself. Large black feathers materialize and come together on her back, magnificent black wings flapping once, causing a gust to blow over the area in front of her.
Once done, she breathes in and focuses once more.
The wings flap violently and fly upward! But leaving her behind on the ground.
Kotori looks up to the wings flying without her and pouts.
"I mean… yeah." Shoto says as if expecting this to happen.
"You know, you're being very unsupportive right now!" Kotori argues.
Shoto shrugs. "I'm just being realistic. You're not going to get something like this on the first try. If it was this easy, everyone could fly."
"We could try to brainstorm something." Yokumaru tries to offset some of Shoto's attitude.
"It's not like there's a guide for these things." Kotori grabs one feather that falls down from the wings. "All I have is the name of a dead clan and a little book with some vague descriptions. I have to learn all this by myself." She looks down at the feather.
Shoto shrinks back and mutters. "Sorry."
"It's fine." Kotori dismisses the wings, ready to try it again.
"Why're you so set on the flying now?" Yokumaru asks.
"'Cause it looks fun!" She grins, trying to push away the previous mood. "If I'm a bird, I should be able to fly. Makes super sense."
"You're… not actually a bird, though…" Yokumaru stares.
"Details." She waves his worries away.
Without them realizing, another presence had stepped within their small circle. A young boy of dark brown hair with a tuft of lighter brown. Kashiwama slams his hands on the ground, erecting a pillar of earth that reaches Mutsu up in the air.
Kashiwama stares the Rain boy down, arms crossed. "State your name and intentions."
"Um…" Mutsu looks around confused. "Sorry?"
"What're you doing." Kotori facepalms.
"I'm making sure this one's good." Kashiwama continues to stare.
It takes a flock of sparrows to fly up and peck him on the head to make him get down from there.
"Ow, ow, ow." He shoos them away. "What was that for?"
They fly back to Kotori where she keeps them active just in case they're needed.
"Don't antagonize my friend!" She warns.
Mutsu flies down, releasing his jutsu. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to cause trouble."
"You're not, don't worry." Shoto reassures him. "Kashiwama's just… different."
Kotori sighs. "Well, may as well introduce you. Mutsu, this is Kashiwama Senju, our classmate. Kashiwama, this is Mutsu. Yokumaru and I met him when mom and dad went to the Hidden Rain to help."
"I see." Kashiwama extends a hand for a handshake which Mutsu takes.
"It's… nice to meet you?" Mutsu sounds a bit apprehensive.
"Alright, I've decided to help you train." Kashiwama declares.
"We didn't ask…"
"It'll be fun. We can bond."
"Speaking of bonding, I'm surprised Genzai isn't around, too." Shoto chuckles.
"He went to find his brother. Something about wanting to help him train for the Chunin Exams."
"So… you're bored?" Shoto raises a brow.
"... Yeah, kinda." Kashiwama finally admits.
Kotori shakes her head and pushes Kashiwama to get him moving. "Come on, let's find somewhere to train."
The rest follow.
The Leaf is definitely a touch more lively than before. It might not be obvious to an outsider but the locals definitely see the traffic. Shinobi from a total of 10 different villages are roaming the streets and buying or just exploring.
In all this commotion, Naruto managed to bump into an old familiar face. He and Shibuki are roaming the streets themselves, catching up on old times.
"It's still such a shock to see you all grown up." Shibuki laughs. "Somehow in my mind you were still a fresh Genin."
"And you haven't changed a bit! Well, maybe you look a bit older." Naruto leans in to inspect Shibuki's matured face.
"Seven years tend to do that."
"The Waterfall doing okay?" Naruto asks.
"Yeah." Shibuki asks. "Can't say it's all been easy but we've managed. We definitely took a big hit when Fuu died." His expression turns solemn. "We had a chance to stand close to the Great Villages but now? That's all washed away."
"Fuu?" Naruto cocks his head. "Fuu… Oh, Fuu! She was Chomei's jinchuriki, right?"
"Um, yeah?" Shibuki looks up with a furrowed brow. "She was our jinchuriki and, wait, why do you know that?"
"I met her." Naruto states without a care as to the implications.
"When? She wasn't even in the village when your team aided us."
Naruto scratches his head. "It's… kinda difficult to explain? See, during the Fourth War, I met up with all the Tailed Beasts and I also met the spirits of their hosts since they were kinda brought back to life for a bit. It's… weird. She seemed nice, though. Even more energetic than me."
"That's… I feel like I'll need a more detailed explanation than that. When you said brought back, did you mean the Edo Tensei? The Second Hokage's infamous jutsu."
"Yeah, that's the one! All the jinchuriki were brought back to fight us but we freed them and they managed to pass on peacefully."
"I see." Shibuki closes his eyes and exhales in relief. "At least it's good to hear it was resolved. I do agree, though- she can match your energy quite well. I'm sure you would've gotten along if you'd met."
"Maybe." Naruto smiles. "But her spirit still lives on through Chomei and me. Gonna honour the last jinchuriki best as I can."
"Thank you. I'd like to honour Fuu, as well, but I don't know how I can when her killer is attempting to join the alliance. I heard… you played a role in the Hidden Rain's pardon."
Naruto's mood dampens slightly. "Konan's different now."
"So I've been told. I'm not as inclined to believe people can change so easily."
"I don't think it was easy at all. She lost her friend, the last remaining person she was really close to. Almost lost her life but now reunited with her son. It's been a lot. Just… please, give her a chance."
Shibuki looks to Naruto with stern eyes. "Many people didn't get a second chance because of her. That's not something easily forgiven. However, I've promised to try. I want this Union to succeed so I'll grit my teeth."
"Thank you."
"Heeeeey! Naruto!" Sasame runs right toward them, her ginger hair lashing behind her as she waves enthusiastically. She stops right in front of them and grins. "Found you! And… you're Shibuki, right? Hidden Waterfall's leader."
"That's right. You're from the Hidden Mountain."
"I am. Kinda. It's been only about a year since we've been a part of it, though." She rubs the back of her head. "Sasame Fuma, nice to meet you."
"Fuma? Then you're from what was once the Land of Rice Paddies." Shibuki recalls the news of the two lands merging. It's news that spread through the whole shinobi world like wildfire; it's difficult to not know it happened, especially since his land borders the Land of Woods.
"Yes, sir."
"Sounds like you're really well informed, Shibuki." Naruto notes.
"I have to be." He responds. "A leader has to know everything about their neighbours, after all. Be they friend or foe." He then looks between the two of them. "You two know each other, then?"
"We do!" Sasame answers. "Naruto helped me get my clan back to their feet a few years ago. I don't think the Fuma clan could've survived without him and his teacher."
Shibuki laughs. "Then we share that in common. You certainly have a way of helping people, don't you, Naruto?"
Naruto looks away, trying to hide his reddened cheeks. "Well, you know…"
Sasame smirks. "Since when were you the modest type? Would've thought you'd be pounding your chest with pride at what a hero you are."
"Right?" Shibuki laughs. "That's much more in-character."
Naruto grumbles. "Why does everyone feel the need to gang up on me."
After having a good laugh at Naruto's expense, Sasame looks between with a hint of nervousness. "I know I probably shouldn't be asking, but…" She turns to Naruto, "How much do you know about the meeting?"
"Gra-" He stops himself, masking his near slip-up with a cough. "Lady Hokage told me what happened. Shibuki kinda filled me in, too."
"Right. You know, I really hope this thing goes through. It'd be great if we could all be allies. But from the look of things…"
"This is the nature of negotiations." Shibuki explains. "Not everyone is going to agree on everything. You can't allow something like that to get you doubting. All in all, it could've gone much worse."
"Maybe it could've." Naruto shrugs. "But there's a lotta people who want it to happen so I know they'll try to make it happen. We just gotta trust 'em, okay?" He gives her a reassuring grin.
As the group walks down the streets, making small talk, it doesn't take long for them to run into a somewhat odd sight. As they turn the corner, discussing the future of the Shinobi Union, they see… another Naruto, with shinobi from the Hidden Star.
"Naruto?" Sasame stares between the two of them.
-x-
A few minutes earlier
Naruto seems to have a lot of fateful encounters this day. Two Shadow Clones already met up with old friends and this one is not that different.
Sitting on a bench at a nearby park three shinobi from the Hidden Star mull over their village's fate and its potential status in the Union. Sumaru, a young man of shoulder length green hair, Hokuto, a young woman whose brown hair is tied up in a spiky ponytail, and Mizura, a pale young man with short dull purple hair except for two longer bangs framing his face.
Sumaru is by far the most animated and clearly does not care who hears him. "So what if this Union is the future?! You're saying we should just abandon who we are?!"
Mizura shrinks in his seat and mutters. "No, that's not…"
Hokuto stands up in her friend's defence. "Lay off it, Sumaru. You think you're the only one affected by any of this? This might come off as a shock but we care about the village just as much as you!"
"Yet you have no problem with their unreasonable demands?"
A voice interrupts their argument. "Geez, I think the Hidden Star can hear you." Naruto approaches, giving a mock salute. "Yo."
"Naruto…" Sumaru walks over to him. "Did you know about this?"
"About you being loud? Yeah, I gathered." Naruto jests.
"No! About your Union wanting us to stop calling our leader Hoshikage!" Sumaru explains.
"Yeah, I heard. Is that why you're shouting at each other?" Naruto walks around Sumaru and smiles at the others. "Hey, you two. How you doing?"
"Hey, Naruto." They both greet.
"Don't ignore me!" Sumaru remains as loud as ever.
Naruto sighs. "Look, man, I just found out today, alright? It's not like I make any decisions about the Union, that's Gra- the Hokage's job. Is it really that bad, though?"
Mizura sighs. "Please don't get him started."
"Of course it is!" Sumaru protests. "How would you like it if you were told you can't use the title Hokage?"
"But that's not gonna happen. The leaders of the Five Great Villages are called Kage, it's just how it is." Naruto answers. "No one would make that demand."
Sumaru clicks his tongue. "And here I thought you'd understand. Guess I was wrong about you." He storms off and sits on the next bench over.
Naruto scratches his head. "Look, we're not kids anymore, y'know? I learned we gotta look at the bigger picture. It's not always about what we want but what's best for everyone."
"Thank you for understanding, Naruto." Hokuto leans back, giving up on convincing Sumaru. "Gotta say, I'm surprised how much you've changed."
"I keep getting told that…"
Another voice interrupts their conversation. "Naruto?" He turns around to see Sasame, Shibuki, and… himself.
-x-
"Hey, guys." Both Narutos greet the group they weren't with until now.
Everyone raises a brow and stares at them both.
"What?" The Naruto ask, confused.
"You were a Shadow Clone the entire time?" Hokuto asks.
"Maybe." One Naruto shrugs.
"Or maybe I'm the real one." The other Naruto adds.
"This is weird…" Sasame blinks. "There's two of them."
"There's a lot more out in the village. It's really convenient!" Naruto grins. "This way I can talk to everyone at once!"
Shibuki laughs. "I'd expect nothing less from you, Naruto." When he stops, he takes a closer look at the people the other Naruto was with. "You're Star shinobi, huh?"
"And you're…" Sumaru stares. "The Hidden Waterfall leader. You were going on about how we should stop using Hoshikage as a title."
Shibuki turns to him. "It's only natural."
Hokuto gets up and stands in front of Sumaru. "Don't start again. Just drop it. This isn't your call to make and you're only going to get us thrown out."
"Maybe it's for the better." Sumaru storms off, heading down the street.
Hokuto facepalms. "I'm so sorry."
"It's alright." Shibuki reassures her. "You seem to be much more relaxed about what was said at the meeting."
"It's not like… I'm not upset about it. The whole reason we've been isolated is because we didn't want to be a larger nation's servant, we didn't want anyone else to dictate how we should live. But I suppose that's what it means to be a small village in a small nation, huh?"
"I'm afraid so." Shibuki nods. "It's not easy for any of us. Waterfall, Mountain, Frost, Grass… even Rain. We've all had to follow someone else's orders if we wanted to remain on top. Even with this new Union, we're not going to be equals but we're not going to be stepped on like we have. It's a necessary step and we're all making sacrifices."
"I guess," Mizura contemplates, "it's not fair to just think about ourselves. It's like you said, Naruto, we have to think about what's best for everyone." He looks up to the two Naruto. "Um, which one of you was it that said it?"
Sasame looks to the two remaining Star shinobi. "Say, how do you two know Naruto, anyway?"
"Oh, he helped us a long time ago. Practically saved the village from being taken over by someone we trusted." Hokuto explains, brushing her bangs as a distraction from the embarrassment that they were betrayed by one of their own.
Shibuki chuckles. "That's exactly what happened in the Hidden Waterfall, too, not long after I took over."
"Same." Sasame nods. "How many people have you saved, Naruto?"
Both Shadow Clones rub their heads. "These things just keep happening around me, y'know? I'm just glad we were able to help."
"I suppose it's safe to say none of us would be here if not for you and your team." Shibuki looks over the gathered group. "I suppose that fact is enough reason to at least try to get along with the Rain. I make no promises, however."
One of the Naruto pat him on the back. "You won't regret it, I promise."
The other Naruto addresses the group. "How about we all go for some ramen? Celebrate our reunion."
"I suppose I could go for some." Shibuki agrees.
"Sure!" Sasame sounds eager.
Mizura and Hokuto share a look before turning to the rest. "Yeah, let's."
"Alright!" The two Naruto drape their arms over each other's shoulder, beginning to walk towards Ichiraku Ramen. As they walk, one of them disappears in a puff of smoke, leaving behind only one Shadow Clone.
Shibuku stares at them as they all follow. "Which one was that?"
The others shrug.
Outside of the Hidden Leaf, Naruto, one of many, walks in between the trees to a spot very special to him. Passing through the forest enough to where the surrounding trees no longer block his vision, he sees the marked stone he was looking for.
Marked with the symbol 師, for teacher, with one kunai atop it connected to two other kunai lodged to the side, this is the spot he and Konan had picked to honour their sensei. And as expected, Konan herself is quietly sitting in front of this very stone.
Naruto walks out from behind the trees, not attempting to mask his presence. "Figured you'd be here."
Konan turns her head lightly and smiles. "I suppose I should expect nothing less of a Sage, to find me so easily."
Naruto walks over and sits down with her. "Didn't use my senjutsu. I just… thought you might be here."
"Yeah. I was just… thinking. If I'd realized my mistake earlier, if I'd tried harder to convince Nagato… Sensei would still be…"
Naruto interrupts her by placing an arm around her shoulder, pulling her into a hug. "Don't."
Konan remains silent for a moment, stunned by the hug, but gives a brighter smile than before. "You know, I'm older. I should be the one reassuring and encouraging you."
"Maybe. But you didn't really get to have a childhood, did you? I was blessed with a home, with friends… I didn't have to risk my life to survive like you did. So don't feel like you gotta be an adult when you didn't get to be a kid first."
Konan wraps an arm around him, as well. "That definitely sounds like something Jiraiya-sensei would say. But I still have to be somewhat of an adult, for Mutsu's sake."
"Hey, I'm still a kid and I adopted Kotori. You'll be fine."
Konan laughs, joined shortly by Naruto.
The two remain at the marker for a much longer time than any of them intended. They share stories of Jiraiya, be it of him as the Toad Sage or the Pervy Sage. They reminisce of the lessons he taught, some useful, most useless. But mostly they sit in silence, just enjoying each other's company.
As the end of the day comes and the sun sets, both Hinata and Kotori come home at the same time, bumping into each other at the front door. Hinata is visibly mentally exhausted and Kotori is visibly physically exhausted. And muddy. And grinning despite that.
"Hi, mom!" She greets.
"Kotori." Hinata smiles, her mood slightly lightened. "You look like you had fun."
"Yep! Trained with Yokumaru, Shoto, Mutsu, and Kashiwama! I was trying to learn to fly!" She briefs Hinata on her day.
"To fly?" Hinata raises a brow.
"Yeah. Mutsu could do it with his papers so I thought I could maybe do it with my feathers. It… didn't work." She gives a bashful laugh.
"Maybe I can help you figure it out." Hinata hugs the girl and opens the door. "For now, let's see if Naruto is home."
"Okay!" Kotori beams at the offer.
As soon as the door opens, they're both struck by the intrusive smell of charred meat and smoke. Hinata runs in, worried that their home has burned down. She doesn't see any damage done to any of the main rooms but all becomes clear when she and Kotori enter the kitchen.
Naruto is at the stove, trying desperately to put out a burning pan.
Hinata runs over and grabs a lid, taking the pan from Naruto and placing the lid over the pan and smother the flames.
"Uhhh…" Naruto stammers. "Welcome home?"
Hinata sighs and slumps her shoulders.
"Sorry?"
Kotori waves her hand in front of her face, trying to keep the smoke at bay. "I don't think what you were planning worked."
"I, uh, thought you'd be tired from working all day, so… Well, yeah, no, it didn't work." Naruto explains.
Hinata can't help but laugh at the situation. "Oh, Naruto... " She rests her head on his chest. "Thank you for trying."
"Should we order something instead?" Kotori asks.
"I think that might be best." Hinata agrees. "Something more filling than ramen, maybe?"
"I'll... send a Clone to grab us something." Naruto conjures a doppleganger to do just that, as the family instead heads to the living room to relax on the sofa until food arrives. "How was your day?" He asks.
"Tiring." Hinata sounds like it. "Yours?"
"It was good. I met up with a lot of people today. Well, my Clones did, at least. I went to talk to Konan. Got back not long ago."
"I'm trying to learn to fly!" Kotori declares.
"Flying?" Naruto raises a brow. "Can you even do that?"
Kotori shrugs. "I dunno."
"Given her skillset, it may be possible." Hinata surmises. "We don't really know enough about it, unfortunately."
"Then we gotta help you figure it out!" Naruto grins. "How about we do some training later?"
"Alright!" Kotori jumps at the offer.
"But before that," Hinata interrupts her joy, "You need a bath, young lady. So do I, actually."
Kotori looks down at her dirty clothes. "Oh, right. I'll go get it ready." She runs off to the bath to prepare it for the two of them.
Hinata lazily rests her head on Naruto's shoulder.
"Hey, don't go falling asleep now." Naruto chuckles.
"I won't." Hinata says drowsily.
Naruto kisses her on the top of the head and pulls her closer. "Just a little bit longer."
Name meanings
Umai (ウマイ, Umai) = 'clever'
Author's Note
Before I began writing, I didn't actually know how old Samui is. I always thought she's from Naruto's generation but she's actually from Kakashi. In Shippuden, Samui is 29 years old and Darui is 26. At this point in the timeline, they're 31 and 28 respectively. So in case anyone thought Samui is young, she isn't.