Book three, Chapter Two: Beginning


Mitarashi Anko was very brazen and uncouth woman with a massive chip on her shoulder. She was a sloppy and hardnosed woman that had her kicks in tormenting people physical or otherwise. Her hedonistic demeanor was a result of years of abuse and betrayal from her former master. And just a whisper of his name would bring forth a sense of rage that would impress even the Kyuubi itself. Due to this, many had coined her a loose cannon. Her reckless behavior had scared many people away. But that sure as hell didn't faze her. She claimed that she didn't need anyone and that her happiness involves dango and the death of the asshole that used her admiration and emotions as a little girl.

It had been tempered over the years, and after meeting Iruka and gotten to know the man, Anko could say that her former self-destructive thoughts on loneliness had disappeared. Iruka, an unassuming teacher at the academy, didn't look at her past or her current demeanor. He saw something past that and had accepted her for who she was. Imagine her fear when she talked to Kurenai about how Iruka had suddenly tore down her walls and she was acting like a lovesick puppy even after all she went through.

That didn't mean to say that she got with Iruka, the man could be as dense as he was nice for his on good sometimes. And the man seemed celibate despite the admiration some of the fairer sex were giving him.

A lot can be said that with the way he had practically raised the blonde hellion, but bad wasn't one of them.

Which was why that knowing that out of all men that she was surrounded with, Anko was glad that Iruka was the one who managed to capture her heart.

She had found herself at the Academy after work more often than not. She could see how the unassuming Chuunin would be so straight laced and passionate with his role as a teacher. Many had been praising his work more than once, being part of Tsunade's program in restructuring the academy to make them more combat ready after their graduation. It was now much more apparent given the results. Now she was at the academy again, but with a different purpose in mind.

As a Jounin, they were required to serve either in a special unit or be saddled with genin. Anko had the quick thinking of applying at the Torture and Interrogation department to be an intelligence officer and occasional recon personnel. No way was she going to be saddled with a bunch of annoying brats that couldn't even survive on their own.

But with the current times and in the foreseeable future, Anko had no choice but to quietly accept the fact that she will be one of the many Jounin that will have to lead a team. And now, as predicted, Tsunade had assigned her with one, although this time, it was different. She had been briefed earlier that this team was a special case.

Imagine her surprise when she found out that the ones she will be leading were the experimental rejects from Orochimaru.

Anko could feel the irony for this one.

Imagine her surprise more, when these three were helping Iruka with moving items around the school, they have seen to take a liking on the man and they seem to have been doing well at it too. Earning quite a few Ryo in the process of their community service.

"Ah, Anko, you're early. I was expecting you to arrive a just in time and make a big fuss." Iruka grinned at her Anko looked sideways trying to contain her blush and replied.

"I-I just wanted to get this over with. No sense in dragging things on if I failed them, right?"

Iruka's grinned turned to a frown, he probably didn't like that, "Now don't say that, Anko. I know you have problems with your former master, but give them a chance, okay? They got discarded and left behind. Something you could associate with. Besides, it wasn't the Hokage who recommended you to having a team."

Anko was livid.

"Who's the bastard who pointed at me? I'll murder that asshole! Give me a name and I'll tear him limb from limb!"

Iruka suddenly paled and thought about lying through his teeth but decided against it. Anko did not like being lied to. She had severe trust issues that no one seemed to take care of. But Iruka was seemingly the only person that Anko can confide in just as much as Kurenai if not more.

"Um… It was me, actually, he he he…" Iruka laughed nervously and Anko felt scandalized, she immediately ran over to Iruka and began shaking him like a ragdoll. She felt betrayed!

"WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS? I THOUGHT YOU WERE A GOOD MAN, IRUKA! WHY WOULD YOU SUDDENLY DO THIS TO ME?"

Iruka, who couldn't reply as he was being manhandled, told Anko to stop and let him explain himself. When Anko had finally let go of him, Iruka adjusted himself and answered her.

"It's because I know you can do it." Iruka said truthfully. He had seen Anko put all of her being in work. And she had shown him her loyalty to the village. She was passionate about proving people wrong again and again. From the time he saw her on her lonesome after Orochimaru's betrayal up until ranking up with her own merits and entering the intelligence team, he had always seen her achievements as a kunoichi worthy of being Konoha's best.

"What's with that answer?" Asked Anko. Iruka answered her this time with more conviction.

"Anko, you may not know this, but back when we were genin, I had always been watching you ever since Orochimaru left you here on your own." Iruka admitted as he turned to Suigetsu, Karin and Jugo.

"I've seen you endure so much unneeded judgement. And I saw you prove them wrong again and again. You never wavered, you never stopped and when you became part as one of the most rigorous and difficult teams of the shinobi force, I was glad that you made it on your own. I was happy that you made it in. But I didn't exactly know how to approach you back then, you were always pushing people away. It wasn't until I handled Naruto that I could find it within myself to talk to you. Seeing as you two are similar in that way."

Iruka then smiled as he continued, "That's why I have complete faith in you."

Anko was quiet for a few seconds as she looked down trying to hide her embarrassment at being complimented by this sissy, seemingly unassuming teacher.

So in what could be the most Anko thing she could do, she grabbed Iruka by the back of his head and proceeded to smother him with her chest.

"You goddamn idiot!" Anko shouted gripping Iruka's head tightly as she rubbed her breast to Iruka's face as Karin and Suigetsu looked scandalized while Jugo decided to avoid looking and remained quiet.

Iruka had managed to pull away, a bit of blood trickled on his nose as Anko's demeanor changed from miserable to motivated. Of course, she had heard Naruto once used the Oiroke no Jutsu against him and it had work. But to see him react to her that way made Anko a little bit happy for herself.

"Alright, brats! The sexy Anko-sensei is here to be your new instructor! Meet me in Training Ground Fourty Four in ten minutes or I'll fail your sorry asses!"

The trio, seeing Anko's commanding presence, had immediately agreed to her decision never once arguing with her while Iruka supported them.

"You can do it, guys! I wish you the best!"


Research and development center:

It had been a week since Naruto's return and the ninja populace within Konoha were discussing among themselves about the recent evaluation that Team Seven's returnee had underwent. Among the many of the rumors going around, the one to strike the interest of the people was the fact that Naruto can now achieve flight and had been going at the research and development bureau at least once a day.

Tsunade had authorized him to be part of the research and development on seals and as a result, he was given the rank of Jounin as he was asked to be part of the Fuinjutsu specialist corp and be one of its members. Tsunade had reminded him that this was out of necessity as very few people had delved into Fuinjutsu and the dwindling of the Uzumaki certainly had done them no favors in sealing techniques. Of course, by no means was Naruto's new rank as a jounin was a result on his Fuinjutsu knowledge, his skill also played a part for his promotion as a shinobi overall making him earn the rank. But Tsunade had given her another objective, to aim for the sealing team to become independent again and earn enough supporters to be a Hokage candidate in the future.

So his rank of Jounin was not only there for political gain, it was there because Naruto was qualified for that position in a much needed attempt to bolster Konoha's forces. Something that Naruto had no qualms in disagreeing.

As much as how the village's medical branch had stagnated when Tsunade was gone, the sealing team within the village were in the same position after the deaths of Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina. The blow of the second war had been devastating to the sealing team with the destruction of the Uzumaki who were helping Konoha in their own sealing research and development and Minato and Kushina were doing their best in reviving the department. But after their demise, even with the Sandaime's help, the sealing team just couldn't muster up enough members to maintain their own department. No one seemed interested and the sealing team had no choice but to be absorbed by the research and development department where they were forced to do their work inside.

They were on the verge of being dissolved entirely where it not for Ryuugamine's work and interest in all things research. And when presented with another opportunity to innovate their field courtesy of Jiraiya and Naruto's appearance a week ago, they took this as a challenge immediately and the team began to work as they all gave their inputs and began their experiments in earnest. It was an opportunity not to just show the populace of the importance of the sealing team, but also to get the necessary funding and members so that they could go back to being independent again.

Naruto had been their saving grace, but Ryuugamine and Tenten were the ones that kept them afloat in the last three years with small innovation after innovation that they could help with.

Tenten, who makes it a point to visit every morning, did not seem surprised at the fact that Naruto was talking to Ryuugamine-sensei discussing seals. But for what purpose where they concocting a new seal, she did not seem to know. She merely shrugged it off as Ryuugamine being a nerd in seals and wouldn't bother him with it. Tenten was surprised, however, when she was given a chance to try another experimental weapon in her hands.

Not one, but two!

She looked at the weapon presented before her, it was a large axe, with its blades about as long as an arm of a fully grown man and curved perfectly like it came from a circle. The matrix of the seal was looking more like a spider web as the multiple lines placed on it stretched to the blades themselves. The core of the seal, from what she could tell, was placed neatly inside a red colored gem at the stalk of the blade with the sturdy wooden handle being at least one and a half meters in length. She could tell the nice polish of the handle was made of ironwood, the toughest wood known throughout the continent that even blades couldn't cut through. She surmised that the material for the wooden handle was made to lessen the weight of the weapon.

The second, however, was what she was getting giddy for. It was a spear, three meters long, silver in color. The tip was pointed upwards as it reflected the sun back with its silvery polish. Beneath the tip of the spear was a hollow circle about the size of her hands, with three golden rings each side of the circle. It was the Shaku staff design that Ryuugamine-sensei had done earlier.

"Tenten-san! I'm glad you made it! With Naruto-san to help me with the seals, I only had to focus more on the creation of these weapons! You could not believe the amount of time I had to save just to make them!" Ryuugamine exclaimed this as he ran over the weapons he had made and then motioned for her to come closer to inspect them herself.

Naruto had grinned and puffed his chest out for his work, "The seal specifications were strange at first, but we managed to create these things in record time. All Ryuugamine-san here had to do was ask for my help in them. A little Uzumaki sealing knowhow and these babies are as good as they are going to get!"

Tenten first held up the axe. As she noticed, the axe was heavier than what she would have assessed earlier. The weight of the head of the axe was seemingly compensated by the fact that the handle was light and her grip on it didn't seem to slide despite the smooth surface.

"Wow, this thing is heavy! Heavier than Gurenjigoku (Pyroclasm) at least!" Tenten commented as she tried to swing the blade, noting that for her to effectively use this axe, she would require two hands on it.

Ryuugamine said with pride as he continued, "And as promised, I applied the two doton jutsu inside as well. The first is a copy of the Doton: Dochu Eigyo no Jutsu (Earth Release: Underground Projection Fish Technique)"

"Underground movement?" Tenten asked and the R and D officer nodded.

"Yes and the other is Kyudobakufu (Surging Earth Blast). Although the second one is dependent on your swinging power, Tenten-san. But I doubt it would be useless in your hands."

Tenten raised an eyebrow and looked at the axe. Another promising work accomplished by their scientists. Naruto then pointed to the spear and said, "The next one is pretty sweet! The spear is Raiton based! The sealing matrix and core isn't obvious but it's written in the inner part of the large circle and stretching to the rings. They're made to align with the core seal on the main ring once you gather enough power for them. Ryuugamine-san programmed in them with about the same amount of jutsu as the axe, Tenten."

Ryuugamine was about as enthusiastic about this as the blonde as he continued, "The first is an offshoot of the Raikyuu (Lightning Ball), it's a jutsu that deploys multiple balls of electricity at once and they are used more as a defensive measure by replicating themselves and firing at the enemy that you target. The distance is about twenty meters from my calculations while the second one is linked with the first one…"

As Ryuugamine began his enthusiastic lecture. Tenten looked at her new weapons and felt excitement upon touching them. And she had the perfect names for them as well.

Masento (Demonic War Blade) for the axe.

Raidensou (Spear of Thunder and Lightning) for the spear.

But more to that, Tenten looked at Naruto with curiousity and asked him why he was spending his free time here.

"Okay, I know rumors have some truth to them, Naruto. But what exactly are you doing here?"

Naruto grinned and kept a finger up to his lip and said, "It's a secret project."

Tenten was puzzled more and more but decided not to look further and tested out her spear. It was definitely lighter than the axe, she could spin it well just like any other spear. But the minute she dropped the spear to the ground, she could already feel the pull of her chakra to the spear as it glowed a little.

"That thing begins collecting chakra as soon as it remains still?" Tenten asked and Naruto nodded.

"It's an unintended effect of the seal when we programmed the jutsu. But I wouldn't worry about it, if I were you. It gathers and stores chakra until a certain point. And it's beneficial because it needs a ton of chakra for the second jutsu."

Tenten was looking even more bewildered by the second. Naruto was now speaking in more technical terms that she was afraid that something was terribly wrong. But Ryuugamine-sensei was looking like he was taking this in stride as the man nodded and adjusted his glasses.

"Speaking of which, Naruto-san, care to look over the seals that I applied to my previous works to see if there's a glaring flaw in them? I've been doing this for years, yet I can't seem to find someone good enough to see if my work needs improvement. Also, about that last weapon I've been working on, your notes and Jiraiya-sama's notes are interesting! I think I have enough application to apply that seal I've been working on, but I need a huge amount of ore to create the necessary chains."

Naruto shrugged, "Sure, send them over to my apartment and I'll see what I can do with them. Though don't expect me to give them to you fast. I've got more work to do and I have to look at your notes extensively."

Ryuugamine nodded with enthusiasm and replied, "Yes! That is all I ask!"

Having an Uzumaki looking at your seal work was an opportunity Ryuugamine was not letting go anytime soon. Naruto was already tasking them with such a difficult task of creating a seal that would mimic a power generator. It was the least bit Naruto could do in helping them with their other projects!

As Tenten went ahead and began practicing with her new weapons, Naruto stepped outside of the building and noticed a bird circling atop of the place. Naruto had been briefed to his new rank that it meant he was being notified of a mission.

When he arrived at the office, he was met with Sasuke and Sakura who were waiting for him. However, Kakashi was nowhere in sight.

"I've got a mission for you three."

The three nodded. Naruto looked at Sakura who was now wearing her jounin vest over her attire. About the same time as he was, Sakura was now designated as a Jounin as well. This time, it was Shikaku who delegated the rank as Sakura was asked to become Shizune's assistant as the medical corps head. Naruto noted that Sakura now had a diamond seal on her forehead, a core, Naruto noted, to have multiple matrices inside that were interwoven to Sakura's chakra.

The seal, however, was not as prominent as Tsunade's, not yet, he noticed. Meaning that Sakura's seal wasn't as potent as Tsunade's. In fact, the color of the seal was paler in comparison

"We've been recommended by Nami no Kuni for this man. He aims to have you three act as bodyguards to a VIP."

It was then that a man with grey hair walked in, the man had a ponytail tied up behind his head and wore a pair of glasses to cover his wrinkled face. The man had a mustache and a beard to be about as grey as his hair. The man wore a maroon colored suit and his looks told the trio that the man was anxious and weary.

"My name is Sandayu Asama. I am a vassal of Kazahana Sousetsu, Daimyo of Yuki no Kuni. I am here to ask for your aid in this mission to guard your query, Fujikaze Yukie…"

Sakura raised an eyebrow at this, "Fujikaze Yukie? Oh, that actress from those Princess Fuun movies that Naruto loves so much!"

Naruto chuckled at that and said, "Don't deny it, Sakura, you liked them too…"

"Well, the actress was really good for her role. I'm a fan of her work."

"Sakura, Naruto, act your rank." Sasuke said to the two and both of them gave an embarrassed laugh before they let Asama continue.

"Yes, well, Fujikaze Yukie is her stage name, her real name is Kazahana Koyuki, Sousetsu-sama's daughter and rightful heir to her country."

At this, team seven eyed each other carefully and looked back at Asama who was gritting his teeth as he continued.

"We are the remnants of Sousetsu-sama's retainers. His brother, Kazahana Dotou, usurped power more than a decade ago and has been ruling our country with an iron fist."

Team Seven looks at Makino solemnly and lets the man continue, "I have asked multiple countries for help in this matter but we were turned down seeing as they didn't want to get involved with our problems considering as we are a relatively small country in the far east that have little to offer in an alliance."

"Then, we stumbled upon Nami no Kuni for some shots and filming for the enxt movie and with their help, they had pointed me to Konoha. I was hesitant. A village of the five main powers would not seem interested in a small country like Yuki no Kuni, or at best, send a force to invade our lands to make it a vassal state. But the people there have assured me that Konoha was different. I have invested my house's entire fortune for this opportunity."

Sandayu then dropped to his knees and bowed to the three out of desperation, "Please, allow us safe passage and help us in freeing my country from Dotou."

The three now looked at each other seriously before they looked at Tsunade who nodded, "I was surprised by this mission as well. He knows the political implications of such a move. But he knows that only foreign aid can help his group now. Kazahana Dotou is an isolationist Daimyo. He has turned the entire country as his prison and diverted all of its resources into maintaining his empire, effectively impoverishing his citizens and causing starvation. Many of the retainers of the former daimyo had rebelled as a result. But Doto had overwhelmed them with relative ease. This is an A-rank in importance, Team Seven, your mission is to protect Fujikaze Yukie. You are not to engage enemy hostiles unless your client or you are endangered. International missions like these should be handled carefully especially now in these trying times."

The three nodded in unison as they see Sandayu still bowing at them.

"I thank you for your acceptance."

Naruto was the first to speak, "Old man Sandayu, stand up."

The blonde then continued, "There is no shame in asking for help. You should only be ashamed of it when you ask people to do something questionable in your steed. But we all understand your situation. It's not the first time that we had to deal with a despot. But at least this time, our client is honest with what is going on."

Sakura and Sasuke nodded with Sakura smilling as they headed out.

Tsunade then said to Sandayu with a smile on her face, "There you have it. Your payment will be received tomorrow. Although we have a better deal for you, Sandayu-dono."

The man stood up and Tsunade continued, "We are looking for a down payment system as assurance. But we are willing to extend the pay for one year in increments from your household or from Kazahana Koyuki. That way, it wouldn't be a blow too much on your assets . And an alliance sounds like a better long term deal, don't you think?" Sandayu could finally see some hope from himself.

The man had wholeheartedly agreed.

Team Seven had to prepare as each of the trio had gone home to pack for the mission. Naruto after finishing up his packing, decided to make his way to the Hyuuga mansion and had asked to talk to Hinata before he goes.

Naruto had been dreading the day on how he could say to Hinata the heap of trouble he was into since his arrival. The fact that Jiraiya had went and disappeared yet again for his espionage missions had been driving him nervous ever since when he dwelled on the fact. But Naruto had to be honest to Hinata or else the hammer was going to be falling harder on his head.

"Naruto-kun?" Hinata noticed him who had a bag behind his back as he said looked nervous. Hinata noticed this right away and Naruto became even more nervous when the four sprites of her summons trailed behind her followed by Hiashi. It seemed she was just finishing up her training.

"To what do we owe you of visiting, Naruto? I'm sure you have a mission to get into."

Hiashi noted his bag behind the blonde and thought that Naruto was going out on a mission. His guess was right.

Naruto looked a little fidgety and was avoiding eye contact with the Hyuuga patriarch as he took a deep breath and said, "W-well you see…"

And Naruto's tale began.

He told the Hyuuga how he had a suspicion that he was being targeted by a kunoichi from Nadeshiko village and how it came to pass. Naruto sang like a canary as he told them of the promise Jiraiya had to make to save his own hide while Naruto was thrown to the wolves. Finally, he told them that his suspicions of being targeted stemmed from the fact that there was no statement in Nadeshiko's laws anywhere saying that they couldn't challenge their prospect more than once.

By the end of his tale, Naruto looked like his soul was sucked out of his body.

"I see…" Hinata looked serious for once and began to think calmly as she looked at his father who was hiding his amusement of it all.

She did not like that one bit.

"I understand why you had to say this, Naruto. You didn't want a misunderstanding to brew especially if this person were to suddenly arrive here and issue her challenge to you without you to defend yourself. I applaud your honesty of the situation and we'll make sure to approach this as carefully as we can." Hiashi replied and the four sprites behind them seemed to nod in agreement.

Hinata however, was trying to control the inner rage that was building up. She had never thought of someone else going after Naruto so aggressively even if he already said his piece. She knew how considerate Naruto was in other people and she was prepared to fight for him if given the chance. But the fact that she was going out with him made her a bit laxer than intended. She was starting to hear waves of Naruto's popularity within the village. He was slowly building up quite a reputation to the female populace their age and lower but all of them backed off when they knew Hinata had been the first to act and receive Naruto's affection.

But now, some foreign woman was trying to take Naruto away.

She couldn't have that.

"Naruto-kun, what's her name?" Hinata asked, her voice having a threatening tone to them as she maintained her composure.

Naruto, for the first time, was left speechless and possibly a little bit terrified at Hinata's tone.

So he gave the best answer he could come up with.

"What?"

Hinata wasn't having any of that.

"Naruto-kun, I know you're a very considerate boy and I thank the sage for your understanding of others and thank you for your honesty. But I need a name. You will give it."

Hinata was slowly but unconsciously activating her Byakugan.

Hiashi could feel knives sprouting at his feet and stabbing them at that. His daughter was giving off a sliver of killing intent when she spoke.

He didn't know if he should be terrified or proud that his daughter could scare off anyone with that look. The four sprites were looking at their summoner as if they were a little uncomfortable.

"S-Shizuka." Naruto stammered out and Hinata nodded.

"Suzaku-sama…"

The red bird flinched when Hinata looked at the creature.

"I am taking your trial. Now."

The red bird shivered as the rest of summon looked at their fellow summon in astonishment. The normally temperamental and fearless summon that they had come to know shivered at Hinata's gaze. A visage of a raging lioness escaped from her.

When Hinata had walked off with a purpose in mind, Naruto gave a shaky wave to her before she was out of sight. Hiashi still couldn't think of what to feel for this new attitude that his daughter was showing. If any of the elders saw this, they would immediately back off to whatever scheme they were plotting.

With that in mind, Hiashi was somewhat assured that his daughter's future wasn't so muddy now.

"S-See you when I get back?" Naruto waved to where Hinata had disappeared to and Hiashi looked at the boy.

"Boy, I used to think you were a no good troublemaker. I thought if she were to mingle with you, nothing will come out of it. But after seeing her improve and then that? I don't think that will be the case anymore. If she were to be your wife someday, my only advice to you is to not make her angry." Hiashi commented and Naruto gave a silent nod.

"I-I wouldn't dare."

Hiashi nodded

"Yes, for both our sakes."

When Naruto had arrived at western gate, he saw Sasuke and Sakura talking and immediately jogged his way to them. The two noticed him immediately and Sasuke spoke.

"Took your sweet time getting here, stupid."

Naruto scowled at that and replied, "Whatever, dick. I had to go to the Hyuuga to finish up something."

The two raised an eyebrow at that.

Sakura was the first to ask, "What was it about?"

Naruto stumbled a little and then began to talk, "I'm being targeted."

The two again looked at each other and Sasuke asked, "By another group?"

"By a single person." Was Naruto's quick reply.

By this, Sakura was the first to scowl and ask, "What did you do this time?"

"I didn't do shit! Ero-sennin made a stupid promise and he dragged me into that stupid promise of his! He didn't want to be married so he passed the buck to me when it happened!" Naruto shouted and Sakura had immediately stopped.

"Married?"

Naruto sighed at this and replied.

"I'll tell you on the way. I had to talk to Hinata because I didn't want any misunderstandings to occur especially when I'm not around and that thing is due any moment. So I had to prepare if ever if it comes down to it."

It was then that they met with Makino, the director, and the film crew. Naruto made a note to list the people in the crew to look them over. For now, they had to be introduced to their protectorate.

A few minutes later, after looking around, the trio had met with Sandayu as he approached the three of them and had them knocking on the lodge that the actress, Fujikaze Yukie, was currently staying at.

To Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura, this was Kazahana Koyuki and Sandayu had practically briefed them to never call her that if they didn't want to anger the actress.

A beautiful woman had opened the door and looked displeased when Sandayu was seen in her sights. She had long straight black hair with a pair of pale blue eyes. She looked down to Sandayu and then to the three shinobi behind him and asked.

"What?"

Sandayu was nervous at first and said to the actress, "Yukie-san, I'm pleased to inform you that we managed to hire three Jounin from Konoha. They will be the ones who will serve as your bodyguards for the remainder of the filming."

The woman gave a sigh as she went inside and allowed the three to enter.

When the three entered inside, she plopped down on her seat and gave an apathetic look at the three and looked unimpressed.

"Sandayu, don't tell me our budget for protection services were cut. I wanted three jounin at the least not a bunch of freshly minted teens to serve as my guard."

The three remained silent. Naruto looked indignant at this but remained quiet. Jiraiya had to beat his head many times about the proper act of patience. He wasn't going to ruin his reputation any time soon.

"Ah, but the Hokage has given me these three, trained by three legendary shinobi themselves. We have Uchiha Sasuke, the one in the black and red, trained by the infamous Hatake Kakashi, a child prodigy and member of the ANBU."

The old man pointed to Sasuke while Sasuke remained silent. Not caring about what the woman had said as Sandayu then pointed to Sakura.

"We have the student of the Hokage herself, Haruno Sakura, a rising star in battlefield medicine. With her, our safety is ensured."

Then Sandayu pointed to the blonde, "And finally, we have Uzumaki Naruto, apprentice of the legendary Jiraiya and along with the Hokage, is part of the Sannin. Naruto-san here is an expert in Fuinjutsu. I'm sure we can't find any better bodyguards than these three that Konoha can provide."

"Then why couldn't we get the other two?" Yukie asked, she was pertaining to Hatake Kakashi and Jiraiya.

Sasuke was the one who replied, "They are on important business. Hatake Kakashi is overseeing something in our borders and Jiraiya can't be bothered with this mission."

Naruto had to inwardly shake his head. If anything, Jiraiya would kill at the chance of meeting a pretty woman.

But the man was doing something more important such as running his spy network.

"Whatever. If that's all there is, then I suggest you get out of this place and watch from a distance. If that is all, then goodbye."

When the lodge had its door closed and the four were outside. The three had walked to a fair distance and Sakura was the first to speak.

"Wow, what a horrible person."

Sakura had heard of a saying that to never meet your heroes. As they would show behavior that would ultimately leave them disenchanted.

Naruto was seriously thinking of foregoing to ask for the woman an autograph. If anything, his mood was soured by the way she looked down on them.

"Please understand, Koyuki-sama had lost her father and had to run away from home. Her hardships have made her the person she is today."

The three looked at Sandayu for a moment and Naruto replied, "Look, old man Sandayu, I understand. But her own personal tragedies shouldn't be an excuse to treat other people like trash. I mean, our jobs aren't exactly sunshine and rainbows either, but we try to at least be civil any way we can."

When Sandayu had left with an apology, the trio looked at each other and sighed.

This was the Wave Mission all over again.


Fire Country, Southern border:

Mizu no Kuni had finally quelled the civil war in Kirigakure. The newly appointed Mizukage had finally allow herself to take a look at the outside world to see the current political climate after two years of winning the bloody civil war. The village had finally quelled, tensions were less and many of the rogue elements of the civil war had been destroyed. The Shinobi Gatana Shichinin shu had all but dissolved after the unrest. Their swords were either gone and missing or destroyed beyond repair except for the Hiramekarei. So Kirigakure had no other choice but to move on and hopefully, create more swords in the process.

But for now, Kirigakure, though stable, is vulnerable. With a diminished shinobi force, dissolution of the Shinobi Swordsmen and three extinct clans under its belt (The Kaguya, the Hozuki and the Yuki), Kirigakure was weak. So now, they had to look outward for an alliance to deter any oncoming foreign threats. As such, Terumi Mei, Godaime Mizukage, had set forth towards the nearest power that can hopefully agree to a mutual defense treaty even if it means dragging them to conflict that the other village was currently in.

Their sights turned to a country that had suffered as much as they have to look into what programs that they could learn for their shinobi force to keep them standing. She had received news that Konoha had suffered three tragedies in a span of a decade. The unleashing of the Kyuubi, the massacre of the Uchiha clan and the invasion of Sound and Sand. Yet its walls remain standing despite the apparent extinction of the Uchiha clan, despite the attack of the known strongest bijuu in existence and despite two military organizations attempting to crush it.

Which was why Mei was accepting of this idea since in her view, Konoha has not much leverage that it can pull against them.

A man with light blue hair and a pair of seals for his ears wearing a black eye patch to his left and blue robes spoke to his leader.

"I'm surprised that the council is in agreement to your plan, Mizukage-sama." Ao, her senior bodyguard replied. A veteran of two wars, Ao had been the Mizukage's right hand man during the civil war. It had been Ao who had been her strategist and source of information when tangling with Yagura's forces, an instrumental part of her side. He was the one who had given her multiple chances of victories that she took allowing her to finally end the reign of terror of the Yondaime Mizukage.

The Mizukage, a red haired woman of beauty with green eyes wearing blue robes and a blue and white colored hat with the character of water written at the front of the hat replied.

"Only a fool would think that Kirigakure isn't in dire straits, Ao. We have lost much in the civil war and we currently do not have the means in keeping our borders safe. The last thing we want is a power vacuum to consume our country. We need this alliance. We cannot let the old ways of thinking hamper what is true. It is either we ally ourselves with Konoha or we dissolve. Kumogakure has been in a constant increase in arms despite a general trend in disarmament and Iwagakure is remaining silent. Suna is in no position to be threatening which is why it returned to Konoha as an ally. Right now, Konoha is our best bet for this alliance. And I would advise you not to let your pre-conceived ideas take over your judgement. You are my right hand, Ao, and even though you have been brilliant in my side, you must also be open to this idea as well. Kirigakure is our home and I refuse it to be consumed by the times. It must remain standing."

Ao, though skeptical, had trusted the Mizukage's judgement. Certainly, ideas differ with others back home but they could not refute nor could they afford to go against the current Mizukage. They had, after all, just came from a civil war that killed many outstanding shinobi both from their side and the opponent's. And no machinations of any kind can budge the current enlisted shinobi to ever side against the current Mizukage as they had grown weary from all the fighting that they had to go through in the last protracted war.

"I-I want to agree with Mizukage-sama." The last member of their group replied, and the Mizukage turned to the youngest member of the group who was the current wielder of the Hiramekarei.

The boy wore glasses and a light blue long sleeve shirt over his mesh armor. His pants were a mix of different shades of blue and white to serve as camouflage within Kirigakure. This boy was Choujuro, a boy that Terumi could tell had a promising future to be the leader of the swordsmen in the future. She has high hopes for the boy, whose main concern for her was his crippling shyness.

"I'm glad you agree with me, Chojuro." Mei smiled at the boy who blushed at her gesture.

"You're being too soft on the boy, Mizukage-sama. Coddle him too much and he'll be useless in the future."

Mei stopped when something entered her thoughts.

'Future?'

Ao, who was clueless as to what the Mizukage was thinking, continued to talk, "My wife always said, a man can't be trusted to protect someone when they can't even be good husbands."

'Can't be trusted? A husband!?'

Mei began leaking killing intent.

"Ao, shut up or I'll kill you."

Ao tripped at the Mizukage's words at that and looked at their leader questioningly.

They had to stop now though, as they were now officially in Fire Country, a shinobi from Konoha had ordered them to stop. Surprisingly, it was none other than the infamous Copy Ninja, Hatake Kakashi who was looking at them with an indifferent expression, the man had yet to reveal his sharingan which meant that he meant to come at them with no threat on their person.

"You are now approaching Fire Country, sorry to be a little bit paranoid, but we are currently in a state of war preparation. Please state your business in Fire Country before entering our borders officially."

It was the standard meet and greet during wartime or anything close to it for unidentified affiliations. Kakashi could tell they were from Mizu no Kuni, the dead giveaway was the hat that signified the Mizukage. And the leader came with only two bodyguards. Which meant that she came by her lonesome for less than hostile means.

"I am the Godaime Mizukage, Terumi Mei, I am here in a gesture of good faith to act as negotiator for an alliance with Konoha."

A Kage making first contact for an alliance was an unusual sight in itself, Kakashi thought. Usually, they sent for representatives first before the Kage. It was a sign of wariness despite going in presumed good faith. To see the Kage herself to be the ones who wished for better negotiations must mean a sign of desperation within Kirigakure.

Kakashi shook his head. He did not want to delve into politics long. So in courtesy, he replied.

"I am terribly sorry, Mizukage-sama. But in Konoha's current disposition, we are currently in high alert for suspicious activity. You must remain here for a given time and I will send a letter to Hokage-sama alerting her of your presence. For the meantime, we have a room prepared for guests in our outposts. I ask for your patience. We have been weary as of late."

The trio wondered at this as Kakashi sensed their curiosity.

"Recently, it has come to our attention that an international terrorist organization has managed to destroy and take over a ninja village. We have assessed this threat level and we have warned our allies of such. It is safe to say that we are taking precautionary measures in the event that it comes to our doorsteps and they definitely will."

Mei looked surprised at this and asked the infamous copy ninja, "What is the name of this organization? Maybe we can provide more intel?"

Kakashi nodded, seeing as Kirigakure was in possession of the Sanbi and Rokubi.

"Akatsuki."

The Mizukage frowned. There have been rumors going about in her ranks of an organization with that name and that Kisame became a missing-nin to join that group. They paid it no heed back then seeing as they were still under civil war but now that the war was over, and things were investigated further. The Mizukage couldn't help but scowl at the messages she received.

There was a certain organization involved that seemed to ally themselves to Yagura. No descriptions were ever said, but this organization also had a hand in Hoshigaki Kisame's defection.

Ao and Chojuro looked at her as if waiting for her orders and she finally talked after thinking things over.

"Hatake Kakashi-dono, if you would please, tell me more about this Akatsuki. I may have something that can connect our story to yours and we can further solidify this alliance."

Kakashi nodded and wordlessly guided them to the outpost during their trek, the Mizukage handed over to him her scroll and proposal for an alliance. Kakashi accepted wordlessly as they made their way to their lodging. The rest of the shinobi from Konoha were surprised seeing the Mizukage herself and let her into the structure. As one of the ANBU kneeled behind Kakashi and he spoke.

"Senpai, what is it that you wanted me to do?"

Kakashi then handed over the scroll given to him earlier by the Mizukage and said, "Direct orders, take this to the Hokage immediately. As soon as you do, we will have a small platoon escort Mizukage-sama and her body guards."

The masked ANBU with the tiger mask nodded and Kakashi added, "Tenzo, make it as quick as possible."

Tenzo nodded and vanished in a swirl of leaves.


Yuki no Kuni:

Kazahana Dotou, a man of high ambition, took control over Yuki no Koni in a hostile takeover by killing his brother. Under his rule, it saw the rise of his own henchmen and retainers as they tightened their grip on the country. Its military advancement was nothing to sneeze at as its soldiers were shifted from Samurai to Ninja. Many of the old retainers of the former daimyo saw this as a front against them and the lordship and they rebelled against the man and some, deciding to prioritize their survival, had sworn fealty to their new Daimyo.

As the better part of the decade rolled, the country saw a massive effort to quell the rebel factions and crushed them under Dotou's heel. The many rebels, who had joined the cause primarily out of their service to Sousetsu, now resorted to infighting due to the problem of succession as their heir apparent had been missing for years and the group had no one to place as their leader to amass enough followers. The result was numerous former retainers of the killed Daimyo having multiple people who they would like to place as their leader in the event that they topple Dotou. The disagreement had forced these retainers to fraction that had placed the country in a deadlock. Its many civilians being forced into poverty as they felt their hopes wither with every single day.

Still, even with Dotou's isolationist policies, the man had reached out to the nearest country to buy weapons and even services to add to his already numerous ninja that were former missing nin.

Nii Yugito, a kunoichi from Kumogakure no Sato, watched as the civilians of the country suffer in poverty in their less than ideal homes for the climate. She had seen men and women freezing to death while shinobi of the land showed no care to its people. Surely, she surmised, that this form of injustice did not escape the Raikage's ears.

So she wondered why the Raikage would involve himself in this region of conflict. It was not politically savy in any way. But the Raikage had to have a reason. The man had noticed Dotou's rise to power and the shinobi and kunoichi in his ranks must have worried the man hence they were sent as delegates.

'Probably to know and gauge the country's military ability.' She had thought as the Jinchuuriki of the Nibi no Nekomata thought about her leader's reasons.

She thought it a little bit ludicrous, however, seeing as there were miscreants rising at the eastern border of her country. They were nothing to be worried about, but their numbers were steadily rising and the number of ninja sent to quell the unrest were growing as well. They had yet to find their ring leader or benefactor for that civil unrest. And it irked her that she was being sent to a diplomatic mission such as this when there was so much going on in her country.

'This is for the village.' Yugito thought. She had wished sometimes she could be as carefree as Killer Bee, but that man could be described as weird as they come.

Her thoughts were put to a halt when they finally reached Dotou's hall. Inside the man sat on his throne, a smirk on his face as she and her team of Atsui and Shi entered the hall.

Yugito subtly looked around, noting the man's extravagance and wealth, a stark contrast to the starving and freezing people of the country.

'Quite an ego this man has.' Yugito thought, she looked at her teammates for the mission and they seem to have the same impression as well.

"Welcome, Kumo Shinobi, to my country. I trust that my men have treated you well on your way here?" The man asked and Yugito was the one who answered.

"Yes, we were treated fairly when we have arrived. They gave us additional clothing having miscalculated the climate in your country."

Dotou gave a nod and continued, "Good, it would be a dishonor to my name if delegates such as yourself were to be treated poorly as I see a great deal of problems coming from Kumogakure if ever this deal were to fall apart."

Dotou motioned for one of his men to grab a scroll and handed it over to Yugito.

"This is how much money I am willing to spend to buy some of your weapons and services. The rebels have been a thorn on my sides for far too long. If you could accomplish this task, we will give you an additional payment plus an exclusive deal of us buying more of your arms and services."

Yugito looked at the scroll and carefully read the contents. The amount Dotou was willing to pay was exorbitant and enough to buy twenty teams worth of A-Rank missions. Money that could have been spent on its citizens.

Yugito could not agree with the man's policies, but being as a shinobi of Kumo, she could not jeopardize the mission.

She accepted.


Fire Country, western border seaport:

Team Seven had managed to arrive at the port in record time concerning the sedate pace that they were going. It had taken them three days' worth of travel just to arrive at the port. In that time, their query, the actress Fujikaze Yukie, had slowly come to the realization that they were heading back to Yuki no Kuni.

As a result, she had runaway multiple times only to be caught again and again by Team Seven.

By the fourth attempt, Sasuke was thinking that it just became pitiful and had knocked the girl out with the sharingan's hypnotic ability.

By the time they had made it to the ship and with the crew, Koyuki had woken up in her room, with Naruto standing guard by the door.

"Slept good, princess?" Naruto asked with a grin and the woman glared at him as she imagined boring holes to that annoying smile.

"Would be sleeping better if we weren't heading to that hellhole." She answered and looked down, a sigh escaping her lips. Was this all that her life would amount to? Will she die going back to her homeland?

Feigning ignorance, Naruto tilted his head to the side as if looking confused, "Why? It's just Yuki no Kuni. I don't think we have much room for concern."

Yukie gave a bitter laugh and looked down holding her head with her hands in fear, "Oh please, stop it with your shtick. I know what Sandayu is planning. I know who I am. I know who he is. I know for a fact that he told you what your mission specification is. He's done it multiple times since we began to make this stupid film. He's planning to send me to my death."

Naruto's expression changed from curiosity to serious in less than a second and said, "If that's true, then you should already know by now on what to do."

Koyuki growled at the blonde and shouted, "DON'T FORCE YOUR IDEALS TO ME, YOU STUPID BRAT! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT I'VE BEEN THROUGH! YOU DON'T KNOW HOW POWERLESS I AM COMPARED TO MY UNCLE, YOU HAVE NO FUCKING IDEA!"

Naruto remained silent as Koyuki continued, "I am the daughter of a daimyo and legitimate heir, but so what? My father is already dead. I don't want any part of the scheme that destroyed my home! Why can't you understand that I'm powerless against a tyrant?"

Koyuki began to pant in her outburst as Naruto then asked, "You done?"

Koyuki just became angrier. But Naruto raised an arm and motioned for her to stop her next set of outburst.

"Sit yourself down and let me say my piece before you bitch at me again."

Koyuki didn't take kindly to that but stopped when Naruto's eyes shifted from deep blue to scarlet red. His pupils became a slit and the oppressive nature of his chakra had rendered Koyuki silent.

"Sit."

Koyuki did as she was told.

"Good." Naruto's eyes changed back to their deep blue eyes as he stared down at Koyuki.

"I'm not here to tell you what to do as right but to do what is necessary. Not for me but for you. How long are you going to keep running away? You'll never know peace if you just run away from your problems. Look at you, wallowing in your own self-pity thinking that you can't do anything. That's pathetic! You can't even rise up to resist your uncle. You're just waiting to die at this point, never having lived your life."

Koyuki looked down gripping the sheets of her bed as Naruto continued, "You hate yourself, don't you? You hate your powerlessness, you hate the fact that you can't do anything against your uncle and how disgusted you are with yourself for having to run away. But you never did anything about it. You kept running away and when time took its course, you've come to reason with yourself how others are stupid for having to raise up their arms to defend themselves. You hated the people who fought for something, because you gave up even before raising your arms. So tell me this, how can you die if you've never even lived? If we were friends, if you wanted help then you should have done so! I can help you if you let me!"

Koyuki stopped as Naruto opened the door. Her former resentment changed to self-loathing.

As he was about to close the door, she heard Koyuki sniffle a little and uttered, "I know that, already."

When Naruto was outside, he had asked for Sakura to take over.

"Pissed you off?" Sasuke asked and Naruto shook his head, "It's the other way around. I think I just have a knack for that shit. Come on, let's get on deck. I need to inform Makino that the VIP is awake so that we can start filming. The sooner we can get this over with, the sooner we can go back home."

"I've managed to talk with the crew of the ship. They say they were a bit relieved that we're on board. They said Yuki no Kuni attacks merchant ships that get close to their borders. Pirates aren't as much as a problem, but Yuki Shinobi are said to be the ones responsible for the attack."

Naruto groaned. "Perfect, just what we need."

Sasuke smirked, "Speaking of which, I think I'm starting to see pattern with you."

Naruto raised an eyebrow to his friend and asked, "What?"

Sasuke then answered, "You are a favorite amongst noblewomen."

Naruto had to trip himself at Sasuke's answer at that, "What?"

Sasuke simply shook his head and chuckled. Sasuke never chuckled. Naruto was sure as hell didn't know what Sasuke meant and the Uchiha kept that secret with him.

"Never mind. You'll see it someday."

"What?" This was eating Naruto's mind.

"Dobe, don't even bother asking anymore. I'm not telling, it's better that way."

Whatever, Sasuke can be an asshole and vague all he wants. He just wanted this damn mission to end as soon as possible.

A few hours later, Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura were at the crow's nest with Sakura glaring at Naruto.

"What?" That was the fourth fucking time he's been asking that question this day. Will somebody just fucking tell him something!?

"Naruto, I want you to promise me that you are going to shut up when we're addressing Koyuki throughout this whole mission. Your candid but well-meaning honesty is a nice change of pace for other people to have. Especially for troubled young women. You don't know the effect that you have on people like Koyuki. Anytime and she might fall for you."

"NOW HOLD JUST A GODDAMN MINUTE THERE, SAKURA, I DID NO SUCH THING!"

Jiraiya's voice was laughing in his head at this. All the while as if the man was whispering to his ear, 'Harem protagonist.'

It seemed to echo to Sasuke as well as he was laughing quietly with that amused gaze of his.

'This… fucking bastard!'

"Naruto, please. You have to realize just how strong your charisma to other people are. You sway people with your emotions, you sway people with words and even simple logic. But you're the one person in our group that can do all three at once. Look at what you did to Hinata. Mind you, I've been rooting for her all this time to get together with you, but I think I understand now why you were readily challenged by that girl from Nadeshiko and why it's dangerous for you to talk to Koyuki."

Naruto rolled his eyes at this, finding it completely unbelievable. There was no way in hell was he a smooth talker! Just no way!

"But other than that, I think we need to come up with a strategy in dealing with our enemies." Sakura said this, Naruto now sitting down with his team, began to device their objectives one by one.

Sasuke was the first to speak.

"We don't have enough intel to gauge the strength of Dotou's army. But what we do know is Sandayu's faction is numerous enough that we can do our jobs well. The Hokage's mission parameters said that we are not to intervene unless danger is directed at us. But I don't think she wasn't implying to be proactive."

Naruto nodded, "A defensive position isn't something we would want to be in. And protecting Koyuki is our prime objective. So our best bet is to place Koyuki to Sandayu's stronghold while we sabotage Dotou's place. I doubt Sandayu's Samurai can pull it off, so we'll be the ones who will have to destroy Dotou's headquarters and possibly kill the man."

Sasuke nodded while Sakura remained quite a bit perturbed how this was going to be messy.

Naruto on the other hand, began thinking deeper, "Or we could pretend to give Dotou what he wants and from there destroy everything from within."

Sakura and Sasuke shook their heads at that, with Sakura speaking first, "Too risky. Who is to say that Dotou might just kill her immediately before he gets what he wants? She is the heir apparent after all, and the rebels would unite under her knowing that Sousetsu had a legitimate heir."

Naruto shrugged, "Okay, but I'll be saving that for later if shit hits the fan. I doubt Dotou would immediately kill an invaluable asset to quell the rebels. If he can get her to speak on his legitimacy, then I'm sure the rebels would surrender. No immediate hassle for him, and he gets to have more for his army."

Sasuke and Sakura were impressed at Naruto's insight for once, Sakura was the first to comment. "Wow, I guess you're right. I never thought about that."

"ICEBERG DEAD AHEAD!"

Their impromptu meeting would be cut short, however, when they felt the ship steer hard to the left as the iceberg managed to graze the ships side and land locking the wooden ship to the iceberg itself.

The trio jumped on deck then on to the iceberg itself to see the damage.

They could see a crack in the hull, and new if they were to set this thing back, water would flood through the ship and it would sink. Although minor, they may have to take a few hours to repair the ship.

Makino, the director, saw the iceberg and visualized in his mind and then suddenly had an outburst.

"BRING THE CREW OUT IMMEDIATELY, THIS IS GOING TO BE THE PERFECT SHOT!"

The trio had no choice but to let them film the place even though it didn't seem like the perfect time to do so. The cold chilling winds were at full force today and Naruto was thankful that his outfit haori gave him enough warmth underneath the cloaks that they were issued with. Sakura, who now wore a pair of long red arm warmers with fur near the entrance of the sleeves as well as a pair of legwarmers was kept warm as did Sasuke who wore the same cloaks only his had fur by the cloak's neck area and his sword was strapped on his back outside of the cloak.

As the crew began to prepare their equipment, the trio remained vigilant. And Sasuke was the first to notice that they weren't the only ones present on the iceberg itself.

Up on to the top of the iceberg standing perfectly still were three shinobi. One with grey to blue hair with a lean build, another, a man with a stocky build and purple hair and one with hair pinker than Sakura's all of them wore armor and uniforms that symbolized their home's shinobi gear.

Wordlessly, Sasuke turned to his companions and pointed to the three Yuki Shinobi staring down at them.

They were in for a fight.

Little did they know that this was going to be the start of their own legends.


To be continued…

No, Naruto is NOT harem protagonist. LOL

Read and review, folks!