OMG I am so sorry for the wait and then the chapter glitch i hope you guys have a good night
Ohh and P.S: thankyou 777torn777 you are the real hero here
When the world stopped spinning I could see that I was in the hotel room Tazuna had purchased for our stay in the capital. The hotel room was quite large, perhaps the penthouse suite I think? I appeared to be in some form of a waiting room with both Tazuna and Daisuke in the hotel meeting area waiting it seems.
"Tazuna, Daisuke did you need anything?" I asked calmly. "I was just here to tell you that the supplies for our trip to wave are prepared, we can leave when you are ready." Tazuna responded with a small bow.
Daisuke bent down and whispered into Tazunas ear I could see Tazuna stiffen "I request to be allowed to leave the meeting sire?" Tazuna asked I nodded he seemed to quickly scamper off to his room.
Daisuke turned to me "My Lord, would you please call Hibiki out into the open?" I nodded and called her down to us. "why did you need to clear the room out, especially sending Tazuna out?" I questioned.
"Well first I am going to seal the room." he seemed to pause briefly in his disclosure to Hibiki and me, thinking of "Hibiki please seal the room." almost immediately Hibiki used the seal on her upper right arm above the elbow.
The tattoo seemed to slither down her arm to the floor; the seeling array split into four chains, snaking over to the corners of the room. When the seeling formula reached each of the edges of the room, it spread around the room to meet covering the internal dimensions with the privacy seel.
"What did you want Daisuke? I assume it deals with national security as you had Tazuna removed from the room." I questioned the old general.
"My lord, I am giving you a debriefing from a messenger that came from Wave, he is resting downstairs with the off duty soldiers awaiting our return orders." Daisuke paused and continued with a slightly grim voice
"one of our trade convoys were raided off the coast of noodles by pirates from the country of noodles, this has happened only once before." he seemed to pause,
"an ambassador from the Noodle government says they were civilian pirates, and that pirate attacks have been rising." Daisuke only paused to scoff.
" if it were any other country than the land of noodles I could have believed that there were no pirates affiliated to their government, but the land of Waves and the land of noodles have always fought over the Kaizoku strait." the old general explained.
"Wait what is the Kaizoku strait, and where is it located?" I asked in honest confusion; Daisuke started to rummage through his yukata, seemingly looking for something. He produced a small piece of paper folded into a tiny flower, Daisuke made a tiger sign while sending chakra to the flower. The flower unfolded into a small map of the elemental continent, where he pointed at the stretch of sea between the peninsula where noodle country is located and the coastal shelf of the land of water.
"the Kaizoku strait is what allows the land of Wave to cheaply export goods to wind or tea without expensive land caravans. Furthermore, it is less vulnerable to bandits and raiders, nor do we have to pay tolls to countries we pass through." Daisuke paused to trace his finger along a stretch of sea between the westernmost islands of water country and the noodlese peninsula.
"This is the most valuable navel trade route in the continent. the government of noodles always tries to use its position along the route to levy taxes from other minor powers including our nation of Wave." Daisuke finished his short debriefing, allowing me to formulate an idea.
I thought more about what I could do to prevent the Naval raids the more I realized I could do nothing right now my only aggressive vessel was a patrol ship that probably could only make it to the land of noodles before returning for food repairs and munitions; let alone the long trips my trade convoys need to make.
I remember Sarutobi Jiji talking about a situation like this he said the best thing to do is to document the attacks and try to prevent them, but start convincing your people to rally behind a cause you can steer towards your goals whether that would be an embargo or military action.
"for now we do nothing until I can arrive at Wave country, does the land of noodles have any ninja villages or any economic treaties with other villages?" I questioned Daisuke he nodded as he began to speak "no the Land of noodles daimyo is a greedy and shortsighted leader. There is no evidence but, it seems that he employs state-sponsored brigands and pirates to steal from the other minor powers; I really doubt any minor nation would allow an ambassador from noodle country into there capital, let alone to meet their Daimyo."
"I think we will adjourn for the night. Daisuke would you please give me a scroll to write my orders on? Hibiki would you remove the privacy seal." I lightly ordered the two
Haruto, Daisuke reached into his sleeve and produced a small scroll and handed it to me with a slight bow. " you two are dismissed for the evening we will reconvene tomorrow." I could see Haruto and Hibiki nod. Hibiki quickly knelt down held a half ram seal, all the seeling formula started to move in reverse towards Hibiki climbing up her arm, her and Daisuke both left shortly after the selling array retreated.
When they left, I let out a sigh while sitting down at a desk positioned in front of a window in the bedroom suite. I grabbed a dip pen and placed into the ink reservoir: "Search the Gato industries records for any evidence that Noodles sells their grain to Gato INC if found reduce the buying price by fifteen percent; as well as reduce the wages for the farmers in our plantations in the land of noodles."
I put my pin down and slump into my chair; there was one question on my mind. 'is this right the people of Noodles have done nothing wrong, but if I do this, hundreds will die. The ones to plunder my nations vessels will live, the ones ordering the pirates will only get fatter. Is this the right way?'
I started to feel a warm tugging at the back of my mind pulling me into what feels like sleep, but I know it will take me to the fuzzball.
I could hear the rhythmic breathing of the fox with the gentle sound of water dripping into a larger body of water. I groaned and jumped up, running to where I know where fuzzbutt is. "what'd you want red and grumpy?" I asked with a smirk to try and annoy him, it seemed to work as he tried to bat me with his claw.
"you know I try to help, and he acts like a neutered Uchiha, this is last time I try to help your ass. ungrateful bastard." I could feel my eye twitching as the fox started muttering. "what do you want?" I asked with a slight sigh as I decide to get this over with.
the nine-tailed fox laid down so his muzzle was resting on one of his paws and let out a sigh "I want to reward you for leaving that Wretched village; I will not give you any more of my chakra, but, I will give you advice." I must have looked confused as the Kyuubi explained further.
"Look kid I have been stuck in that accursed village since the First Hokage. I am a Bijuu, I am a free spirit, an eagle amongst rodents, but I like my brothers and sisters were caged never to feel the light of day or literally smell the roses; That's not to say it was not deserved we can be calamity at our worst, we were feared and we paid the price."
"Enough about me. Before you came here, I could see that you were distraught about what to do to the land of noodles. You need to understand that you have decided to become the daimyo of the sovereign nation of Wave. You cannot afford to act with mercy in a world that will give you none." the Kyuubi spoke with a stern voice, as he let out a sigh and paused as if waiting for a question.
"but is there any other way? the Noodlese people will suffer because of my decision while those responsible will only get richer."
"kid, in my experience, when two nations fight only the poor, the weak, and the outcasts of society are hurt; for example, when an army conquers a city they do not brutalize the rich, they plunder, they rape, and they kill only the poor of the city. The rich and influential are usually left alive, barely a hair on their head is hurt, but their pride and coffers. That is the Feudal world." the great Bijuu takes a breath while his face softens back to a cocky smirk.
"though you do not have to let your army act like a band of savage brigands. You can change the world to be more peaceful, but it will take dedication and a lot of sacrifices. Though try to remember that the people of Noodles will suffer regardless if you place sanctions on them or not. especially under a daimyo who willingly levies taxes that purposely starves the people to keep them weak and beleaguered."
before I could even respond the Kyuubi spoke "it seems it is morning and one of you soldiers are calling you." after informing me the Kyuubi breathed in deeply and quite literally blew me away.
I woke up with a start almost jumping out of the chair I was using. I could hear the Ashiguru lightly knocking "my lord, it is time for breakfast." I could listen to the young-sounding soldier calling out, "could you bring me some breakfast ramen and call Daisuke, Tazuna, and Hibiki, please." I could hear the Ashiguru give an affirmative and left.
_Some where in the land of fire_
As I entered the hideout with my partner Kisame walking down the narrow dark passages to the meeting room, I thought about the new information I had learned from one of my Keishi informants, and what could be going on in fire country to allow such a thing to happen.
"Come on why did we need to come and report to grumpy eyes, you know he is just going to be pissed we did not nab the Kyuubi brat when we had the chance," Kisame spoke in feigned exasperation
"With Naruto now being both the CEO of Gato Inc and Daimyo of the country of Wave, it makes him too visible to just simply kidnap anymore," I responded as we reached the hideout main sealing chamber.
we both took our respective positions on the large sealing structure, we then cast the magical lantern body technique soon other members started to appear until we had all gathered.
Then a deep voice echoed around us "why have you call for a meeting ahead of schedule?" the voiced of Pain questioned me. Before I could respond, Hidan spoke up "this can wait, right? I had a sacrifice picked out." he sounded like a petulant child who was told to wait until after dinner to have a dango.
"I have an update on the condition of the Kyuubi Jinchuriki. apparently, when Kakashi and team 7 aided the land of Waves, the people hailed Naruto as a hero; with the previous daimyo dead, the samurai who were not present during Gato's occupation of Wave, elected him to be the Daimyo of the country."
I could hear Pain audibly groan "Ok this is a problem, not one that we couldn't work around, but, a problem none the less. You were right to report to me before taking any action; your new orders are to gather more funds for the organization and keep tabs on the nine-tailed Jinchuriki." he paused and let out a sigh.
"for now the rest of us will continue with the original plan Itachi, Kisame you have your new orders. There will also be a lower level agent that is sent to meet with you every two months on Nagi Island, understood."
Before any of us could move Pain's voice echoed once more, "remember we cannot afford to let the world know about us before we are ready. Deidara, Sasori when do you think you will be able to capture the Ichibi Jinchuriki?"
I could see the Hiruko puppet shift a little. Before the deep gravely voice of the what was human is heard, "there have been unfortunate circumstances that prevented us from infiltrating Suna. Orochimaru's little war on the leaf village sadly killed off my higher ranking operatives in Suna, that would have been able to lower the security field. I will need at least three years before any of them get promoted; to a sufficient level to be able to infiltrate without raising alarm."
"Then you will have the time you need. As for the rest of you aside from Itachi and Kisame, the previous orders still stand. You all are dismissed." as Pain spoke his final words, the Akatsuki started fading until Kisame And I were left. he decided to break the silence "great we're stuck doing chunin work." he bemoaned "do you think he is doing this to us because we failed the first time?"
"no, Nagi island is a week away by boat from Wave, no, Pain has something up his sleeve. Otherwise, we would not be placed so close to our target. We need to prepare for our journey to Nagi. find any information on rogue ninja in the area to complete the first part of our mission; the second part will be waiting for information from Wave."
I could see Kisame nod in understanding and start walking to the shadow-filled exit and disappeared through the doorway. As I stood there alone, I could only wonder what was the Hokage thinking? Letting naruto to leave the village. I sigh and begin to leave the hideout.
_The capital of the Land of Fire_
After my breakfast, I quickly dressed in my formal attire, this time, I remembered the ring of waves. As I was sliding the ring on my finger. I heard a knock at my suite door, "Enter." I beckoned.
Daisuke was the first to enter followed closely by Hibiki and Tazuna, the three of them lightly bowed in greeting. Tazuna spoke up first, "lord Naruto, why have you called us?"
"yes, I called you three to inform you we will be leaving the Fire capital to head to Wave country tomorrow. Tazuna would you gather the supplies for our journey? Hibiki would you accompany me as my shadow in my meeting with the Fire Lord. Daisuke would you get your men ready for our return trip to the capital, and have the messenger that arrived last night deliver these orders?" As I gave each of the three of them their commands, they bowed and left to fulfill their orders Hibiki stayed waiting until I was ready to depart.
_Fire daimyo's palace_
Every time I am lead through the ordered corridors of the Fire daimyo's castle. I marvel at the ornate beauty contained in every inch, from the floors to the ceilings a level of opulence is displayed that I have never seen before visiting the capital. As I was being led to the Tea room through the winding hallways. I began to ponder on what lord Hiroshi wants from me; as he seems to have everything he could want from my people. He is already using Wave to launder resources into his land... what more could he want from me?
As I was lost in my thoughts, I had made it the tea room where I would meet with Lord Hiroshi. The Ashiguru leading us stopped three paces in front of me and bowed, "my lord, we have arrived." the soft voice of the young soldier spoke up. I nodded and lightly waved him away as I turned towards the door and knocked twice.
I hear the confident voice of the fire lord ring through the door, allowing me to enter. If yesterday was like walking into a grinning wolfs den than today was like meeting the cat who ate the canary.
Hiroshi looked no different from yesterday, other than he is seemingly wearing a pendant shaped like a small rectangle with a beautiful ruby set in the center. I bowed to him in respect "greetings lord Hiroshi I pray for your health and long life."
After I had finished speaking the Daimyo had motioned for me to sit across from him. much like yesterday he offered me a cup of tea "try this, it is a green tea with lavender blossom."
I accepted and took the glass he had poured for me, I received a small drink and savored the flavor. I tried to ask what Hiroshi wanted from me, but he interrupted me "I wished to inform you of the winter equinox festival at the end of the year. you will be attending, won't you?" Hiroshi asked with an unreadable smile.
"No, I do not believe that I will be able to attend as I will be busy with the reconstruction of my nation. Especially after Gato had destroyed many of the industries to make room for his own businesses."
Hiroshi started to chuckle, but, the jovial disposition faded from his eyes. When the fire lord spoke again, his words sent a chill down my spine, "we will see. This meeting is over. I believe you have a country to rebuild."
I felt a small chakra burst from Hiroshi. almost immediately, his ninja appeared before us "escort the young lord to where his carriage is housed and gather up his entourage that is throughout the city to the same location."