Disclaimer: - I, SSG-Goku3397, do not own Naruto and any related matter. It all belongs to Kishimoto, the original brain behind the character Naruto. The only thing that I do own is the plot of this story and any original jutsu, seals, concepts and OC's that are present within the story.
"Thoughts / Telepathic Speech"
"Speech"
Letters / Jutsu notes
Chapter 21 – Interlude II
Otohime was watching what was happening in the training field at the back of the Uzumaki Main house while drinking a cup of herbal tea. As she watched the spar, the only thought floating in her mind was that she need to get better as well. She wouldn't allow her future sister wife to outshine her. She also decided to ask Naruto to teach her ninshu. It was an interesting skill and she was intrigued to learn what element she had.
A tentacle of water struck out as another transformed into an icy scythe and tried impale and bifurcate the Naruto clone she was sparring with. Over the past few days, since the review of her skills, Hinata had been working hard in increasing the fluidity of transforming water into ice and vice versa, just like Naruto had recommended. And her persistence is paying off. Her skills had increased and with them her threat level. Especially with the help from the clones.
Hinata was surprised to see the clone pop even as she knew that her strike hadn't touched it yet, causing her to lose her focus. The water she was controlling fell to the grassy ground just as another clone appeared beside Otohime. The clone clapped and said, "Well done hime! You just learned to manipulate the water molecules in the air. I can easily think of multiple ways to pull pranks with it! Soon, you will be giving me a run for my money!"
Hinata blushed at the praise as Otohime hid the bit of jealousy she felt, but unfortunately, Naruto picked up on it but decided not to comment. He had an inkling about what Otohime was being jealous about and decided to offer her the same chance he gave Hinata.
"You know Hisui-hime, if you want, I can teach you Ninshu as well. I am sure that you will need it in the future to keep me in line!" Naruto said with a snicker. Otohime blushed as she realized that Naruto had picked up on her jealousy, but nodded in agreement.
"I hope you have water as well, Hisui-chan! Then we can debate on techniques!" Hinata said in as a way of encouragement.
"Thanks Hinata-chan, but I doubt I have water, do I Naruto-kun?"
"Who knows. We can test you tomorrow morning!"
"Not at the crack of dawn! If I am woken up by having a bucket of ice water, then there will be hell to pay!" Otohime warned with a smile, "I have always been pampered and am not used to waking up earlier than ten in the morning!"
"Don't worry. I wasn't planning on using that anyway. Moka-obasama and Bā-chan would have my hide! Besides, I can already think of several other ways to wake you up!"
"Make sure you do. And it better be pleasurable instead of annoying!" Otohime said with a huff causing Hinata to blush at the hidden meaning behind the words.
Naruto nodded and before dissipating in a puff of smoke, he commented, "Oh! It seems that Hinata-chan is becoming sick again like before!"
Otohime chuckled at Hinata's embarrassment before saying, "You should get over the embarrassment you feel every time Naruto and intimacy is mentioned. Girl, we are going to be married to him soon! Get yourself together!"
Hinata squealed lightly at the teasing and nearly fainted at the teasing before stuttering out, "It's s-so diff-icult sometimes. I have gotten better than before and Naruto-kun has changed me so much, but I still feel nervous at the thoughts of certain situations Hisui-chan."
Otohime chuckled and said, "Then I have to coach you. It would be quite unbecoming of you to be embarrassed at such minor things."
Sasuke went through the circular motions Naruto and Kakashi had taught him. He separated the yin chakra from the yang within his chakra core and allowed them to crash together creating the lightning and then like every time before, he tried to direct it out of his fingertips. Like before, the lightning flowed to his fingers before exploding as soon as it left throwing him back and singing his fingers and hand.
"Stop trying to control the lightning. You need to only direct it and let it take the course it wants after it escapes your body Sasuke!" A clone of Naruto scolded as Sasuke sat up and got ready again, but before Sasuke could continue, Naruto said, "Lightning is an element that flows like water, but with more force and cannot be forced into a path it doesn't want to follow. Clear your mind and then try. Take a rest and meditate to centre yourself and try again!"
Sasuke didn't comment but just sat down to rest and meditate. He was trying to focus when he felt something rapidly approaching his face. Lying back to allow whatever it was, he suddenly felt a hard knock at the back of his head. Sitting up, Sasuke opened his eyes and glared at Naruto.
"What the hell was that for?"
"You need to focus inwards. Not what's happening around you!"
"I was doing just that!"
"Then you would have been hit by the ball of water I threw at you! Try again!"
Sasuke glared for a moment before ignoring Naruto and trying again. This time, he was able to focus as when Naruto threw a ball of water at him again, he didn't even flinch causing Naruto to bend the ball away from Sasuke with a satisfied smile.
Sai was standing with large pots of water based ink around him. As Naruto had suggested. He had found a way to combine his ninjutsu with his ninshu. Going through the motions, Sai caused the ink to rise into the air and form complex animals. The same animals he used with his Chōjū Giga, only directly forming in the air and in in less time. With a smile, Sai caused the creatures to attack each other in an effort to see how well done they were.
The animals proceeded to tear themselves apart and Sai saw that his execution, while acceptable, wasn't up to the standards Danzo had expected of him, or the standards Naruto expected. With that though in mind, Sai continued to practice.
"Troublesome blonde!" Shikamaru grumbled as he dodged another spike of rock and retaliated with a wave of rising ice spikes. Naruto chuckled and waved his hands causing a blade of wind to shatter the icicles and fly towards Shikamaru who waited till the last moment before drawing up a icy shield from the wet ground and was surprised when it was easily shattered, pelting him with shards of ice and a blast of heavy wind throwing him back.
Jumping back to his feet, Shikamaru saw Naruto dropping from the sky with a ball of swirling blue chakra in his fist causing the Nara heir to curse and bend the water to carry him away just as Naruto crashed the Rasengan into the ground causing a massive crater to form. "Oi! You trying to kill me you troublesome blonde?"
"Kill no, grievously hurt, yes!" Naruto said with a smile as clapping was heard from the edge of the clearing. Naruto and Shikamaru turned to the source to catch sight of someone that caused Shikamaru to pale.
"Ah… Nara-dono and Nara-san. I hope you like how well Shika is progressing?"
"Keep it up Naruto-sama! I am sure that my son will learn not be as lazy as this bum sooner or later!" Shikamaru's mother said with a grin. "And please, call me by my name, Yoshino! Your mother and I were friends, not as good as she, Hitomi and Mikoto were, but friends all the same."
"It will be my pleasure Yoshino-san. Oi, did I tell you to lie down!" Naruto exclaimed and stomped the ground causing a wave of mud to thrown Shikamaru upright as the boy grumbled. "Up your Resistance Seals by one level and get to jogging. Ten laps around the Training Ground!"
Shikamaru glared at Naruto mumbling about troublesome slave driving blondes as he raised his resistance seal one level before heading off to start his jog. After they were sure that Shikamaru was gone, Shikaku said, "There is a meeting this evening about you know what. All Jōnin, active and retired, are being called. I hope you already have the plans ready."
"Don't worry about it Nara. Just be ready for a long night, because I want to make sure that there aren't any loop holes. One mistake and the consequences can be disastrous, especially with the number of foreign Kage coming this time."
Shikaku nodded, "Then I will have lots of cups of coffee ready. See you later."
Naruto nodded as Shikaku and Yoshino left in puffs of smoke.
A Team of ANBU were nearby throwing earthen tiles into the air were they spontaneously combusted. The ANBU watched in awe as Konohamaru kept training his newly discovered Combustion Bending under the supervision of Naruto and the Sandaime Hokage.
"Again and faster!" Naruto commanded causing the ANBU to throw the tiles and again in rapid succession, Konohamaru shot them down with little effort.
"It seems that he is reaching his limit, doesn't he?"
"That's right Jiji. After this round is over. It would be best if he rested for the rest of the day. The amount of focus needed and the strain on his mind is astronomical, but the amount of dedication he is showing will allow him to master Combustion Bending within maybe a couple of years. I think that with proper focus, we can combust things hidden out of our sight as well."
"That's a very dangerous ability in the hand of the wrong people." The Sandaime commented.
Naruto nodded and said, "I don't plan on telling that to anyone else and I warned Konohamaru not to as well. Other combustion benders may appear in the future but it is best that they don't know the full capabilities."
Hiruzen nodded as Konohamaru finished this round of shooting down tiles with combustion bending and sat down on the ground with sweat running down his face and neck, panting heavily.
"Well done Konohamaru. You are getting better at focusing and rapidly changing your focus. Take the rest of the day off. Go home, get cleaned up and take a nap. You need to rest your mind."
"Sure thing boss!" Konohamaru said as he stood up but before he could leave, Naruto said, "Come by this evening for your Fūinjutsu classes. I know that the beginning sections are boring, but I expect you to become at least an intermediate in fūinjutsu by my clan standards by the time you make Jōnin."
Konohamaru nodded before disappearing in a swirl of flames. After he left, Naruto dismissed the ANBU and turned to Hiruzen and asked, "Why are you really here Jiji? You prefer to take care of the paperwork yourself, instead of letting clones do all of it."
"I came to see my grandson being trained by my successor!" Naruto didn't look amused causing Sarutobi to sigh and say, "I am worried about Ōnoki's sudden acceptance of the invitation to the Chunnin exams. I fear that he is in league with Orochimaru."
"I doubt it. Ōnoki may be a bitter old man, but he hasn't gone senile yet. The fear of my retaliation will stay their hands."
"I hope you are right Naruto, but I would prefer that you prepare contingencies." Naruto nodded to appease the aged Sandaime before dissipating in a cloud of smoke.
Miroku sat down on the cushion with a cup of tea in her hand and Shion beside her. Both wearing the traditional dress of a miko, only of a more formal design. Across from them sat Naruto and Karin. Karin and Naruto had unsealed a bottle of herbal tea that Sakura had forced the two to drink.
"What is so special about that tea you are drinking, Naruto-sama, Uzumaki-san?" Shion asked with a tilt of her head.
Karin chuckled and spoke, "It is a medicinal blend created by Haruno Sakura. She is Naruto-kun's oldest friend and the top rated active Iryōnin Konoha has. She rivals our cousin Senju Tsunade in skills."
Miroku placed the cup of tea on the table in between them and asked, "Why would you need a medicinal blend? Both of you are so young!"
Karin and Naruto chuckled before Naruto said, "Both of us are of the royal line. While Uzumaki in general have denser chakra and larger reserves than most, the royal line manifests some special abilities that require greater levels of chakra. While I already have immense levels, I haven't manifested any of them, but Karin-chan here has. She has manifested all three abilities. The blend helps our bodies quickly gain physical maturity and physical peak. We keep to Sakura's prescribed blends at the moment to gain the maximum effect. In fact, even Suiren and the other young shinobi hopefuls of Uzu are drinking it."
"It is also a good blend to combat malnutrition." Karin said with a sad smile.
Miroku nodded in understanding while Shion looked confused and asked, "Why would you suffer from malnutrition Naruto-sama? You are a Daimyō!"
Miroku looked aghast at the question, and was internally angry that Shion would not have read the briefing scroll she had sent her, but decided to wait and see how Naruto reacted. Naruto chuckled, causing Miroku to look surprised. "You may not know this, but I grew up on the streets until recently. The Sandaime decided to protect me from my parent's enemies by completely hiding me and my heritage. Until I showcased my overwhelming power, I was considered an outcast and the Bijū sealed within me."
"What do you mean Naruto-sama? You are the prison of one of the nine great demons?" Shion asked, aghast at the information, unable to understand how that could happen.
"That's right, but calling them demons aren't very accurate. They are masses of sentient chakra and forces of nature created by the Rikudō Sennin when he separated the demonic god Jūbi into nine individual beings before his death. Those of us who have the Bijū sealed within them are called Jinchūriki and the first Jinchūriki was the Rikudō Sennin himself. He was the prison of the Jūbi."
Shion nodded at the revelation before asking, "Aren't you afraid of suddenly being controlled by the beast within you, if the seal weakens?"
"What seal? I had opened the seal a long time ago. As I said, the Bijū aren't malicious demons. They are just misunderstood. Kurama, the Kyūbi is a good friend and a good advisor. His millennia of experience and wisdom is invaluable. He only stays within the opened seal because if he leaves, there is a probability that I would die. He is one of the most trustworthy friends I have." Naruto said with passion causing Shion to blush a bit. Naruto didn't notice it, but Karin did and planned to tease the girl when she had a chance.
"That's interesting Naruto-dono. Are all Jinchūriki like you and… Kurama, was it?"
"Not really. Only we, Kirabi and the Hachibi, Gyuki, and Nii Yugito and the Nibi, Matatabi are in good relations with each other. Though Yugito and Matatabi tend to quarrel a lot."
"That's interesting. I didn't know it was possible to befriend the Bijū." Miroku said with a frown.
"It is, we just have to get through the centuries of hate they develop because of the action of humans and gain their respect. We had to work very hard to be able to help dissipate the darkness from their hearts. Now, we can work together by synchronizing our powers, though we had to conquer our own darkness before being able to safely channel their power. While their darkness has been removed, the dark taint of Jūbi still remains. That is a darkness no one can overcome. If we allow the Jūbi's darkness to overcome us, we lose ourselves to the madness and tend to kill anything and everything in sight. Luckily, I am one of the three who has no fear of that happening."
"Because you have overcome you own darkness?" Miroku asked with intrigue.
"That's right. Besides, Karin here has the ability to restrain Bijū and so even Jinchūriki. With a bit of training, she will be able to singlehandedly hold back all nine Bijū like Senju Hashirama could do with his Mokuton." Karin blushed at the praise.
"What is her power that will allow her to restrain Bijū?" Shion asked with interest.
"I am sure your mother remembers the chakra chains Karin manifested during her spar with Suiren." Miroku nodded in agreement, "It is a special technique only a few in the royal line manifests, my mother being one of them. The solid chakra chains, we call the technique Kongō Fūsa."
"The Adamantine Sealing Chains?" Shion asked in awe.
Naruto nodded before continuing, "That's right. Karin still has a way to go before she has completely manifested the finished technique, but she is getting there. We can channel fūinjutsu techniques through the chains. I am sure that you can understand the implication?"
Shion nodded with wide eyes, "That's incredible. A single touch from the chains and a complex seal can be applied to the target. Truly, the Uzumaki Clan are the leaders in Fūinjutsu. And here I thought that my family was skilled in fūinjutsu."
"We are getting off topic," Miroku said with a smile. "We met here to discuss the treaty that Namikaze-dono and I were discussing before his unfortunate demise."
"Right! We can get better acquainted later. Now I have read through the treaty and have discussed it with my clan elders, my advisors and Kurama as well and have decided that the treaty is sound and requires no changes. I am willing to sign it right here with Karin and Zabuza as the Uzumaki witnesses. The only thing I wish to discuss is the betrothal section." Miroku nodded in understanding while Shion frowned at the mention of the treaty and her betrothal.
"What is it you wish to discuss? I thought it was perfectly clear?" Miroku asked with a slight narrowing of her eyes.
"It is. That's why I am here. Originally, me and Shion were supposed to have met from time to time when we were children. That obviously never happened, so I don't know anything about her and vice versa. Luckily the section is optional, but recommended. My father wished the solidify the alliance with a marriage, though both him and you had left the provision of letting us choose to be married or not." Naruto said causing Shion to look up startled at the information. If she wanted, she could choose not the marry him!
"That's right. Are you here to say that you do not wish to marry my daughter?" Miroku asked with a slightly cold tone of a woman thinking that her daughter was being slighted.
"Not at all. My parents wanted the marriage, and I would abide by their will as long as Shion is in agreement. It is only up to Shion to finalize the decision." Naruto said causing Miroku to smile as Naruto turned to Shion and said, "I would advise you to think deeply about it Shion-hime. I am under the Clan Restoration Act and am forced to take multiple women as my wives. Two of whom has already been selected."
Shion thought for a few moments before saying, "I was quite against the marriage at first. I only knew that a young Daimyō was to be my future husband. I had expected someone much older, probably in their late twenties early thirties. To find that you are roughly my age is quite pleasant, but I would like some time to decide whether I will marry you or not. Instead, I would like to get to know you a bit better before I make my decision. I would also like to meet your other fiancée before deciding. Is that alright with you?"
"That's more than alright. I would have suggested it myself, if you had accepted without more thought."
"That's good Naruto-dono, but I have to ask, you are very busy, so why did you come here yourself and not send a messenger?" Miroku asked with a smile.
"There is another thing I wish to discuss. My Sensei, the Ōgama Sennin, Gamamaru has extremely strong clairvoyant abilities. Much like your, and your daughters own clairvoyant abilities, though he can focus it to search through multiple possibilities. Sensei's powers come from his connection to nature itself, and recently, as my connection to nature grown, I have started having visions as well. Uncontrolled as they are, they are still useful. In time, I expect to become as skilled in far seeing as sensei is. He saw a possibility of Shion learning under us and becoming a formidable far seer in her own right. I came here personally to offer our aid in teaching her. Even if she decides to decline the marriage, the offer to teach her still stands. Sensei, doesn't do anything without reason, even if it is not apparent to anyone other than himself. So him asking me to take this offer to you was shocking. I hope that both of you would consider the offer."
Shion and Miroku were shocked at the revelation. After a few moments of quite silence, Shion spoke up, "But I only see my own death and those around me!"
"That's because you aren't trained enough yet, dear. I can see approaching events when I focus enough, though only a single event, not a collection of possible events, like you said Naruto-dono."
Shion nodded in understanding as Naruto explained, "To Nature, time is irrelevant. Echoes of events that could have happened, have happened or can happen, are always felt by those who are connected to Nature. Gamamaru-sensei and I are interested to see if we can help Shion gain the knowledge to tap into this immense lake of events and witness possibilities without being as connected to Nature as we are."
Miroku nodded before commenting, "So let me guess, you are here to escort her back to Konoha, if she accepts this apprenticeship, even if she declines the marriage?" Naruto nodded causing Miroku to sigh and say, "I must confess, I have already seen Shion training under you, so I had believed that Shion had accepted the marriage. I didn't think of a possible apprenticeship to be the cause as well. And here I got my hopes up, as the only other vision I saw was Shion dying alone at a young age. Murdered by cultists of Mōryō."
"That's a vision I have gotten as well, but I also saw her alive as well while I am fighting a released draconic demon who I believe is Mōryō. I had gone to sensei with this vision and he meditated on it before telling me that the first Shion who died was a bodyguard of her who had used a forbidden technique to permanently transform into her. So, as you can see, the visions aren't absolute. We are interested in helping Shion reach levels in clairvoyance that only the Great Sages exhibit."
"You have given us much to think about Naruto-dono. From my vison, I have seen you leaving the day after tomorrow for Kumo. May we give you the answer tomorrow evening?"
"I already know the answer, but you can confirm it tomorrow at dinner, if you wish." Naruto said with a mischievous grin right before Karin said, "Naruto, my Ketsueki Bunshin contacted me. It seems that we need to head to Uzu no Kuni on the way to Kumo. It seems that the basic rebuilding of the village is done, but no one can access many parts of the village and no one dares to approach the palace because of the blood seals."
"Why do we need to head there? I will send a Ketsueki Bunshin there Karin."
"Oh right! I completely forgot."
Turning back to Miroku and Shion, Naruto said, "A good night to you both. It seems that I have to create another Ketsueki Bunshin, and it takes time to prepare the jutsu, so if you will excuse me…"
"Of course Naruto-dono. We will see you in the morning. Come Shion, we must discuss much in private!"
As Miroku stood up to leave, Shion followed and before leaving the girl bowed to Naruto and wishing him and Karin a good night, straightened up and left. Naruto and Karin following their example, and left for their assigned quarters.
"Shion, don't cause problems for Naruto-dono and his group!" Miroku said with a teasing smile.
"What do you think I will do Haha-ue?" Shion asked with a scowl.
"Let me see… Escaping your guard. Throwing tantrums when you don't get what you want. Running your mouth before thinking of the consequences. Shall I go on?"
Shion blushed in humiliation as Naruto chuckled and said, "I doubt that she can hide her presence from me or Karin, and getting out of our range before we discover her missing is a moot point as Karin can sense up to ten miles out while I can sense up to a hundred. No shinobi can cover that much distance before they are discovered, let alone a civilian."
Shion pouted at the discussion before saying, "Do you really think I will do that again?"
Everyone turned to the girl and said in a monotone, "Yes!"
"I was angry with Haha-ue!" Shion growled out causing Karin to say, "Then we need to make sure that we don't anger you. We don't need any more, deadly disappearing acts!"
While Karin said that with a teasing grin, the underlying reminder was still there. It was her actions that had led to Taruho and herself nearly losing their lives. If Naruto, Karin and Suiren didn't appear in time, she didn't want to think what could have happened.
"Cheer up. I am sure that you would like to see the world after being cooped up in the Temple Complex and the Palace for all of your life Shion-hime!" Suiren said with a cheerful grin before she focused her concentration and created a crystal brooch in the shape of Tartarian Aster flower in violet and yellow colouration. "And a gift for you. If you feel you are in danger, just channel a bit of chakra into it and I will be alerted."
Shion took the small offered brooch with a smile and said, "Thank you. It is beautiful. May I ask how it will alert you, if I channel my chakra into it?"
"It is created by me and has a bit of my own life force within it. That link will alert me."
"Shion, may I have the brooch for a moment?" Naruto asked with a smile.
"Sure, but why?" Shion asked with confusion as she handed the crystal brooch to Naruto.
Naruto just smiled and said, "I am just adding a Hiraishin beacon seal to it. If you channel chakra into it, I will be alerted and can teleport to you in a blink of an eye."
Shion blushed at the implications as she took back the brooch and placed it on her kimono before turning to both and said, "I will treasure this gift always. It is the first time someone has given me a gift with the thought of my safety in mind."
"Alright, all of you. I will summon a toad to ride on until we reach the border outpost between Kusa no Kuni and Hi no Kuni. We will stay the night there before heading off again. KUCHIYOSE: GAMANATSU!" Naruto exclaimed as he summoned a large blue-green toad with very streamline body.
"Yo, Naruto-sama! Where to?"
"Hey Natsu, we need to head to the Border Outpost between Kusa and Hi. I want you to pass through Mori no Kuni, into Tsuchi no Kuni and then turn back to Kusa and finally Hi. Avoiding Ame is imperative. Can you get us there by night fall?"
"Night fall? Who do you take me for, Gamafuyu? I will make it by late afternoon! Hop on everyone!" Gamanatsu said with pride.
Naruto just chuckled as he picked up Shion and jumped up onto Gamanatsu's head with Karin, Suiren and Zabuza following his example. Placing Shion upright on her feet, Naruto nodded to Suiren and Karin, causing the girls to move to stand beside the girl and placed their arms around her waist to hold her in place.
"Alright everyone, use your chakra to hold on tight, or I won't be responsible if you fly off." Shion looked startled at the information but realised that Suiren and Karin were holding her as she couldn't do that. Naruto turned to Miroku and said, "I hope to see you in Konoha for the Chunnin Exams Finals Miroku-dono!"
"I will be there Naruto-dono. Don't worry about it!"
"Good! Alright Natsu, let's get going!"
"Alright them. Hold on for your lives, it's going to be a bumpy ride!" Natsu exclaimed right before leaping high into the sky. All Miroku heard was the whistling of the wind and the screams of Shion, Suiren and Karin."
A squad of Iwa shinobi were patrolling the border between Tsuchi and Ame when they saw a gigantic blue-green toad leaping towards them. Three panicked and prepared to strike at the toad but their leader stopped them before they could start an international incident.
With a pale face, the leader said, "Don't be foolish. The toad is a carrier. It is carrying people somewhere. Besides it isn't headed towards Iwa. The path is curving towards Kusa. And do you even know who summons toads?"
"Everyone knows that Taicho. Jiraiya of the Sannin and Uzumaki… Naruto…" The man trailed of in realization and paled in fear when he caught the blond hair of the shinobi standing on top of the toad. Behind him were three girls and finally behind them, the man recognized Zabuza. "Uzumaki Naruto and Momochi Zabuza are on it!"
The other three paled in fear and quickly all four scrambled to hide before they were spotted. They had just barely hidden themselves when the toad flew above them. A faint voice belonging to a young boy was heard saying, "You need to re-read the Bingo Book boys. I knew you were there before you noticed us!"
Two of them fainted in shock while the third asked the captain, "Taicho, do you have a new bingo book on you?"
"Yeah!" He said handing it to the other man and waited for him to read it. After a few moments, the man fainted in shock. Fear clearly exhibited on his face. The captain sighed and picked up the book and read the entry before he too fell unconscious with only a single thought. Naruto felt them preparing to strike out at him before he stopped his men!
"I can see Natsu moving towards Kumo, Jiraiya. Do you want me to join up with them?"
"I would like that Fuyu. It seems that he is in a great hurry. We need to see why."
"As you wish Jiraiya," Fuyu said as he quickened his pace to intercept the Gamanatsu before he moved too far away.
"Jiraiya, Fuyu! Get out of the way. I need to reach Kumo by nightfall!" Natsu exclaimed as Fuyu and Jiraiya reached the place Natsu had landed.
"Wait up Natsu. I am sure you can still make it to Kumo by nightfall, even if we take a bit of time to catch up with Fuyu and Jiraiya." Naruto said as he jumped off Natsu's head and landed right beside Jiriaya on Fuyu's head.
"What's the hurry Naruto? From the looks on the girls faces, they don't look like they enjoyed the ride!" Jiraiya said with a grin.
"You both are crazy! How the hell can anyone enjoy such a wild ride!" Karin exclaimed in anger, her face flushed red giving her the appearance of a tomato. Seeing her like that reminded Jiraiya of Kushina right before he was clobbered, so he decided to hold back the retort he was about to make and turned to Zabuza.
"What about you Zabuza?"
"Not as pleasing as I expected, but as a shinobi, I will endure it for my mission. Though I worry about the condition Shion-hime is in. Her stomach doesn't look like it is agreeing with her tough exterior." Zabuza said with a nod at the Miko-in-training, who was holding her mouth, trying not to barf.
"I completely forgot that. Sorry Shion I should have thought of that, but you should have told me. I would have applied a seal to counteract the gravitational effects." Naruto said as he jumped back onto Natsu's head and placed a hand on Shion's forehead before retracting it. A small Uzumaki swirl formed on her forehead before branching out all over her face and down her neck. Most assumed that it was also extending all across her body hidden behind her clothes.
"So Naruto, what's the rush?"
"Nothing. I just wish to head to Kumo to discuss the treaty with Uzu they are offering. I didn't feel like leaving it hanging for after the Chunnin Exams. They treaty may come in handy, as you know. Anyway Jiraiya, this is Shion. The daughter of Miroku-dono and heiress to the Throne of Oni no Kuni. She is the one Gamamaru-sensei was speaking of."
"Ah right. I believe Minato was in talks with Miroku-sama about a treaty and a possible marriage contract. Nice to meet you Shion-hime. Let me tell you. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"Like wise Gama Sannin. There are rumours that you are Naruto-sama's Kyōfu. Is it true?"
"Very true, though to protect him, I had to abscond from his life until recently. Naruto, you should warn Ē while you are at Kumo. He should bring his brother with his regular guards. Manda and a few of his fanatic followers have decided to become contracted to Orochimaru. The Snake Summons has exiled them, but like all rogues, the will still cause problems."
"Thanks for the info Jiraiya. We need to get moving now. How long will you stay in Konoha?"
"About a week before leaving again. I will be back by the time the second phase of the Chunnin Exams end."
"Hey Naruto-kun, what about our seals?" Karin asked with a pout, trying to convince Naruto with her cuteness.
"Very cute Itoko, but you will have to try harder. Besides…"
"You are a shinobi. The life of a shinobi is about endurance. It is your duty to endure for the sake of the mission and the good of your country and allies! Suck it up and endure!" Jiraiya exclaimed with Naruto and Zabuza nodding in agreement.
"Oh well, can't blame a girl for trying." Karin said with a chuckle as she caught hold of Shion's waist again with Suiren doing the same as Jiraiya jumped back to stand atop Gamafuyu's head.
"See you later Naruto, everyone!" Jiraiya said as everyone nodded in farewell before Jiraiya turned back to Fuyu and said, "Alright Fuyu. Let's get going!"
"I will see you back home Natsu! We should have a race to see who is the fastest now. I have been training bro!" Fuyu said as he jumped on towards Konoha.
Natsu just chuckled and said, "Hold on tight, because here I go!"
With that Shion, Karin and Suiren screamed again as Natsu went flying high into the sky with a great leap, destination being Kumo!
"Can you please repeat that Patrol Unit 23? I am not sure I heard you right. Over!" The kunoichi sitting in front of the long range radio asked with shock.
"Repeating command… Patrol Unit 7 relayed message from Patrol Unit 2… Uzumaki Naruto and four others are headed towards Kumo riding a large blue-green toad with a streamline body structure. ETA three hours. Over!" The voice of a man said over the radio.
The kunoichi quickly wrote down the message and pressed the answer button, "Got that Patrol Unit 7. You may return back to your duties. Over!"
"As you wish Command! Over and Out!" The man said before cutting the connection. The woman slumped into her seat for a few moments before straightening up and called out, "You, Rookie. Take over for me. I need to meet Raikage-sama immediately!"
The rookie looked startled as his commanding officer rushed out of the room without a second glance with a note in her hand. The Commander of the Communications Department rushed through the building to the Raikage's office at the top of the building.
As the woman approached the Raikage's office, his secretary Mabui stood up and said, "The Raikage is in a meeting at the moment. You will have to wait an hour before you can meet him."
"Can it Mabui. I have a message that need to be given to Raikage-sama immediately!" Mabui narrowed her eyes at her old classmate. Neither got along well, but Mabui knew that she wasn't someone to blow something out of proportions.
"It better not be something mundane Kagami, or it will be your head." Mabui said as she walked out from behind her desk and approached the door. Opening the door, Mabui poked her head in for a few moments before retracting it and motioned for Kagami to enter.
Kagari nodded to Mabui and entered the office and saw that the Raikage was sitting behind his desk with Shee, Darui, Kirabi, Yugito, and Team Kirabi sitting in front of his desk or standing around the office.
"What is the meaning of this interruption Kagari? What message could be so important, that it couldn't wait another hour?" Ē asked with a glower.
Kagari gulped before she straightened her back and walked up to the desk and handed him the note. Ē raised an eyebrow before reading the message. Placing the message on the desk, Ē nodded to Kagari and dismissed her with a wave of his arm. Kagari bowed and walked back to the door, intent on leaving before she angered her short tempered Kage. Just before Kagari left the room, she heard Kirabi, Yugito and Shee gasp before saying, "Kyūbi is close!"
"How close Shee?" Ē asked with a frown. The message said that they were roughly three hours away.
"They seem to be approaching at civilian speeds, so I would say about ten minutes."
"Bee, Yugito. You two go and await his arrival. I believe that he is here to discuss the treaty and the marriage proposal. Better yet, all of us will go. Darui, Shee, alert everyone. Naruto-dono and his group are to be showed the utmost respect. Anyone who so much as glares at them is to be imprisoned! Spread the word!"
"Hai Raikage-sama!" Shee said while Darui just nodded as both vanished in puffs of smoke.
"Yugito, Samui, you two be especially pleasant. Both of you have a reputation of insulting and demeaning any suitor. We cannot afford to alienate him. If we do, then my plans to forge a lasting alliance treaty with Uzu and through them Konoha will go up in smoke!"
"No need to worry, while you have Kirabi!"
"And you keep your rapping to a minimum! In fact, don't speak at all unless necessary!" Ē growled out as a vein throbbed on his forehead. "Now, Karui, Omoi. You two along with Samui will be their guides while in Kumo. make sure to behave in a manner befitting Genin of Kumo!"
"Hai Raikage-sama!" Karui said with a bow.
"As you wish Raikage-sama. Besides if we don't, we may inadvertently anger Uzumaki-sama, that will lead to a declaration of war between Uzu and Kumo. The war will then draw in our enemies to side with Uzu. In the end, Kumo will be destroyed!" Karui would have stopped him but decided not to as that kind of behaviour before her Kage was inacceptable to her.
"Omoi. Please give your mind some rest and stop overthinking things. Now let's go." Ē said with a sigh as he stood up and headed towards the door to his office. Mabui looked surprised at the Raikage suddenly using the door to exit. "Come on Mabui. We need to go greet Naruto-dono and his entourage at the gates. Darui and Shee should have already spread the news and my orders. And make sure to remind me that Kagari is due a bonus."
"Ah… Alright Raikage-sama!" Mabui said with a blink of her eyes. She was completely surprised at both the news and the Raikage's sudden use of the door, even though he was quite excited.
"Kaminari no Kuni is quite beautiful!" Shion exclaimed as she looked around her, staring at the large number of mountains and hills surrounding the path they were following. The path itself was carved out of the face of sheer cliffs.
"I will say. I used to think that Nami was beautiful before Gato took over. This is truly a beautiful place. The sunrises and sunsets would be very beautiful to watch." Suiren said with a smile.
"Kusa was such a drab place. Long grass, as high as men are tall. I used to feel like an over grown ant. Now witnessing, these mountains make me feel like my existence has no meaning to the greater world."
"And you said that the trees around Konoha made you feel small, Karin-chan!" Suiren said with a teasing tone.
"Quiet! I believe we aren't alone any longer!" Zabuza said as he looked up towards the bluffs above their heads. The Suiren and Shion looked up with Zabuza but Karin frowned before focusing her mind to search for the presences. After a few moments she said, "That can't be right. I can't feel any presence from them, yet we don't seem to be under a genjutsu."
"You would have picked up on the barrier, if you had split your concentration Karin. I see that you need to train your sensory perception more. That will be remedied when we return to Konoha. As for the presence, there are none and we aren't in a standard genjutsu. The barrier is designed to create a feeling of being watched. A beautiful use of a genjutsu seal. Kumo was also alerted to our presence when we passed the barrier. We are going to reach the gates soon."
"A Genjutsu Seal? I thought that they were highly unstable and has no way of keying someone into the barriers the seal creates there by affecting, allies and enemies equally."
"That they do, but this is the route for visitors. You don't think they would use the same road for their shinobi do you?" Naruto said as they finally came in sight of the gates. Karin shuddered as the feeling suddenly vanished and she could feel the barrier they passed through.
"I see what you mean. That was an unpleasant experience."
"It was meant to be Karin. That is the first line of defence. A good one as well. Ibiki would love it." Naruto said causing Zabuza to chuckle and say, "That sadist would love anything that plays around with the mind."
"I see that your knowledge of seal has increased since we last met Naruto-dono. You are right in that the defence is a Genjutsu Seal, but may I ask how you know of the secret path?"
"It is only logical that there would be a second path used by the shinobi. Besides I can sense the shinobi traffic a couple of hundred feet to the southwest of here."
"Damn presence suppression barriers. They just don't work as well as I hoped. You are really good. Welcome to Kumo."
"It is a pleasure to be here Ē-dono. This young lady is Shion, the Princess of Oni no Kuni. The blue haired young lady is Makesshō Suiren, head of the Noble Makesshō clan of Uzu and a student of mine. The other young lady, the one with red hair and eyes, is my cousin and the heiress presumptive to the throne of Uzu, Uzumaki Karin. I am sure that Zabuza over there need no introduction."
"Indeed not. The Kirigakure no Kijin, though I believe that everyone is starting to call you the Uzu no Kijin. Welcome to Kumo. Please keep your sword sealed while in the village. As to you ladies, I welcome you to Kumo and wish you all a pleasant stay."
Zabuza nodded while Shion spoke up for the girls, "Thank you for your kind words Raikage-sama. I speak for all three of us when I say that it is nice to be here and that your village is most spectacular."
Ē nodded with a smile before saying, "This is my brother and Jinchūriki of the Hachibi, Kirabi."
"Yo yo yo, nice to meet you yo!" Kirabi said causing everyone but Naruto to sweat drop at the horrible rap.
"Nice to meet you as well Kirabi," Naruto said as he raised his fist to Kirabi, surprising everyone there. Kirabi just smile and knocked fists with him for a moment before frowning.
"Are you sure Nine?"
"Very Eight!"
"What's going on?" Ē asked with a frown.
"Something between us Jinchūriki and our Bijū. We will tell you later, when there are less chances of us being overheard." Naruto said with Bee nodding in agreement causing Ē to reluctantly agree.
"This is Nii Yugito, my niece and the Jinchūriki of the Nibi."
"Nice to meet you Naruto-sama!" Yugito said with a slight bow when Naruto raised his fist to her as well. At first she hesitated, suspicious of the raised fist, but decided that it was a harmless gesture and bumped her fist with his. It was a life changing event for her.
Yugito stumbled causing Naruto and Kirabi to catch her before she fell. She looked up with wide eyes, shock clearly visible in her eyes. "You alright Yugito?"
Ē asked with surprise. Yugito was not someone to be effected like that. what really happened between Jinchūriki when they fist bumped? Yugito straightened up as she schooled her features and said, "I will be alright Raikage-sama. The transfer of memories and thoughts between us just took me by surprise. Why didn't you ever use this method Bee?"
"Because I didn't know of it until now!"
"It is a ninshu technique that can be learned by anyone. A very fast way to transfer knowledge of events and communicate. No chance of lying as well." Naruto said with a chuckled, "Besides, we Jinchūriki can use it instinctively because that's how we really communicate with our Bijū."
Everyone nodded to what Naruto said before Ē continued, "This is my Secretary, Mabui."
"It is an honour to meet you Naruto-sama!" Mabui said with a bow. Naruto just nodded with a smile in acknowledgement.
"The young blonde is my niece, Nii Samui. The red-haired girl with a dark complexion is Karui. The boy sucking on a lollypop is Omoi. Together they are the Genin Team of Kirabi and from time-to-time, Yugito steps in as intermediate Jōnin Sensei."
All three bowed to Naruto and as one said, "Welcome to Kumo, Naruto-sama and friends! We hope that you have a pleasant stay with us."
Naruto nodded to the group and said, "Thank you. Are you three taking the Chunnin Exams this time at Konoha?"
Before the three surprised Genin could answer, Ē said, "That's right. They are the best we have. With them, we are going to be sending three more teams, though I expect at least one of them to make it to the finals."
The three Genin blushed at the praise from their Kage as Naruto said, "That's good, because I have a warning for them. All three of you, I can sense more than adequate chakra reserves and by the flow of the chakra in your coils, I would say that you are very skilled. Don't underestimate the Rookies from Konoha. I have personally trained each and every one of them and one is my apprentice. Sarutobi Konohamaru is only ten, but if any of you face him, go all out or be humiliated. For a shinobi, nothing is as it seems!"
Ē chuckled and said, "Wise words Naruto-dono. Heed his words you three. Now, while you are in Kumo, Karui and Omoi will be your guides. If you need anything, just ask one of them."
"We will be sure to do as asked Ē-dono."
"Now, I am sure that you all travelled a long distance, so these two will escort you to the quarters we have prepared for your arrival. I am sure you remember them, but I will introduce them again. These are Darui and Shee. Two of the best Jōnin Kumo has and my personal bodyguards."
"Good to see you again Darui, Shee. Hope you haven't had major problems on your missions lately."
"Not at all Naruto-sama." Shee said with a smile.
"But it seems that you have been solving one after another. Eh, Naruto-sama?" Darui said with a laid-back grin.
"That I have. Good night to all of you. Ē-dono, I would like an audience with you first thing in the morning. There is much we need to discuss. Yugito-san and Samui-san should be present, as well as Bee."
"Of course Naruto-dono. Have a restful night!" Ē said before he, Team Kirabi, Mabui and Kirabi left using Shunshin.
"If you would please follow us…" Darui said as he waited for Naruto to give him permission. Naruto nodded causing Darui to turn and walk towards the hotel where important dignitaries and their entourage were usually housed in Kumo.
A/N:
Japanese Translations
Miko = Priestess
Iryōnin = Medical Ninja
Ōgama Sennin = Great Toad Sage
Haha-ue = Honourable Mother
Kusa no Kuni = Land of Grass
Hi no Kuni = Land of Fire
Mori no Kuni = Land of Woods
Tsuchi no Kuni = Land of Earth
Taicho = Captain
Kyōfu = Godfather
Itoko = Cousin
Kirigakure no Kijin = Demon of the Hidden Mist
Uzu no Kijin = Demon of the Whirlpool
Japanese Jutsu, Style and Weapon Name Translations
Chōjū Giga = Super Beast Imitation
Rasengan = Spiraling Sphere
Fūinjutsu = Sealing Arts
Kongō Fūsa = Adamantine Sealing Chains
Ketsueki Bunshin = Blood Clone
Hiraishin = Flying Thunder God
Kuchiyose: Gamanatsu = Summoning: Gamanatsu
Shunshin = Body Flicker
A/N: OH LOOK! Another early Update. I hope all of you enjoy it! And make sure to leave a comment.
SSG.
