Home always made you feel giddy when you stepped into its land. There was no better breath than the breath of home. Even when he knew they were surrounded by deep waters, there was never the fear of being swallowed. There was only peace and calmness. This quiet and beautiful home of his was safe, cut off from the trembling of the Hidden Villages. The only tremors it experienced were of those coming from the bottom of the sea.
Naruto didn't have to be concerned about an invasion. True, greedy nations invaded before and left this place in ruins. Scattering the few Uzumaki who managed to survive but he would not allow history to repeat itself. The Kyubi would trample on any village. The might of the Uchiha would move men to act against their wishes. For Naruto would not stop at nothing to protect his beloved home.
Itachi advocated this much. Though to the lengths of extreme and questionable loyalties. To give everything to the village to the point of sacrificing your family was beyond Naruto. Yet, it seemed to be the way of life. His own father sacrificed his happiness to protect Konoha.
He wondered if he would fall into the same trap if things came to it.
There were a few houses standing among the ruins. In the same architectural design as the od Uzushio. He could hear voices of people. He could count one or two people going about their business along the streets. It was a village of no more than seventy adults. The Majority were from the Land of Waters. He'd taken them from Kirigakure. They were trying to flee the disasters and so, Naruto gave them a home. There were also many children. Some of them now grown.
Starting a village was no easy task. He learned from Mei. Money needed to circulate. Its value determined what it could buy. You couldn't just make money and buy whatever you wanted. Shops needed to operate. Goods needed to exchange hands. Jobs were required for economic activity. He'd managed this experiment.
Of course, this wasn't truly a normal village. The majority of the people here worked the farms. To call it a farming village was correct.
There was no tallest building.
"Naruto-sama."
The respectful greeting from a soft voice halted Naruto's speeding train. His eyes met the brown eyes of an elderly woman. Relics of the past, yet still pushing through the days while their children died young.
He smiled. "Naoko-san." He greeted cheerfully. "Taking a stroll to exercise the legs?"
"Ah, yes. The legs become dead when you just spend your time sitting."
"You seem to have enough energy to join the others in the farms."
"That work would kill my back."
Naruto laughed. "Maybe you'll stop giving your grandchildren worries when grounded. They won't have to look for you."
"They worry too much. It isn't like I'll get lost…" she closed her eyes, turned toward the side as she heard someone call.
"Naruto-sama."
Ignoring the voice, she looked back at Naruto. "You never stay around. Enjoying your youth that much?"
"I'm afraid so."
"Careful. Not many live to see this age." With those words, she slowly trotted past him. Going somewhere. Maybe the woods. Maybe to stare at the river and imagine herself in the glory days when she could still jump with flexibility.
Naruto's eyes turned to the cold blue eyes. Crimson hair that made him a little envious. "You have been gone for long."
An accusation and Naruto just sighed. He put both hands inside his pockets and walked toward his house. The redhead followed him.
His name was Shinji. A student of his. Someone he was teaching Fuinjutsu. He came across him within the Fire Nation. He was a cold person. Focused on doing nothing more than training to become stronger. Powerful that he may not just watch as the people he loved were killed. His parents, were slaughtered by bandits. Younger sister taken to become a tool. By the time they found her, she was already a corpse.
The world was not kind to the weak. Everyday, someone was kidnapped, killed. Women were sold for sex slavery. Young girls were abducted to be groomed. Some men were captured and their internal body parts removed to be sold in the black market. Naruto had seen such dark worlds. Great Nations didn't bother to police it. It created jobs for them. And it didn't threaten them one bit. No sane bandit would target citizens of a great nation. It would just be courting a painful death. So, it was the smaller nations who suffered greatly.
Glancing at Shinji through the corner of his eyes, he finally responded. "I've been busy."
"With?"
"I owe you an explanation now?"
"Well, you said you'd be back soon. But you didn't."
"Like I said, I was busy. And right now, I just want to go to my house, do some reports and then relax a little. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
He would not say anything more than that. Naruto wasn't particularly happy to be teaching Shinji. In fact, he just wanted to stop. There were others he could teach with better understanding and a not so clouded mindset. He'd tried the best he could to turn Shinji's life around. But he appeared to enjoy misery and being alone. Some people just couldn't be helped. He wasn't about to be cold hearted enough to use Shisui's eyes, but maybe in the future, he would be tempted. At this rate, if Shinji was sent outside, he was going to get himself killed.
Kirigakure
Mei stared at the letter on her desk: a message she'd written with much conviction and hope. The future only looked good if both Kiri and Konoha worked well together. She didn't want trouble but at times, it couldn't be avoided. She nonetheless thought the Sandaime Hokage was a good person. Not stubborn like the Sandaime Tsuchikage and not like the Yondaime Raikage. The man was notoriously greedy for precious bloodlines, even when his village possessed two Jinchuriki.
Then again, things between Kumogakure and Kirigakure haven't always been jolly.
She glanced up when Ao walked into her office.
"Mei-sama."
"I was thinking of sending someone else to send the message to Konoha about Naruto, but I have decided to send you."
Ao flinched for a second. There was no person who knew him that didn't know he possessed the Byakugan. The Hyuga clan was highly protective of its prized Doujutsu. To send him there could create some problems. The Leaf was powerful and if they decided to apprehend him and take the Doujutsu, Kiri couldn't do anything about it. They couldn't win a war with the Leaf. And they had no allies to call. Nobody would even listen. Even if it was a spoil of war, the Byakugan was a Doujutsu belonging to the Hyuga clan.
"It is safe?"
"I'm sending you because of what you're thinking. I don't think they will do anything. Even if they do, we'll just hire someone to get you back." Mei paused; a serious expression settled on her face. "I know this is risky, but it is a risk we must take. We may as well get this out of the way now."
"I understand."
"If the Sandaime has questions, answer them. You will admit to them that Naruto has been here. I've not have explained Naruto's time at the village in the letter nor have I said anything about Uzu. You will not say anything either. You can admit he isn't a shinobi of ours."
"If they don't react well?"
"Be polite and on your way. I will send people to shadow you just in case someone decides to attack you on the way back."
"What has he said about this?"
Ao didn't want to do anything that would make Naruto feel as if they've betrayed him. Regardless of what the Leaf may think, Naruto has always been good to them. In fact, the blond was a lot more useful for the future prosperity of the Mist than Konoha. With Great Nations, it was always give and take.
Mei shook her head but said the opposite. "It is fine." She said. "You may want to sit down for what I am about to tell you."
Ao did so, and so she told him.
He sat, shocked.
After a minute or so, he finally found his voice. "That is troubling."
He hadn't thought the troubles were led by something that bad. No, it was a disaster. There was no way this could be sorted with just words. Iwagakure wasn't a forgiving village. They destroyed anything they felt was a threat to them. And if Naruto went that far, nothing more than his death and laying claim to the Kyubi would appease them.
"This is going to cause a huge scandal once it gets out and our connection with him is revealed."
"Yes. No doubt, even if the Tsuchikage accepts that we had nothing to do with it, he will demand that we capture him, to prove that we had nothing to do with it."
"That would be putting us in an impossible situation."
"There is one way for us. Even if can be many things to others, he is one of us. We will not deal with Iwagakure aside from denying any knowledge. We will not engage with them on anything. They are not going to start a war. Our territorial position makes us difficult to evade. Even if there is an invasion coming, we can always stop it."
Iwa would have to carry its army through the seas by ships. Those could be destroyed before they even reached the shores of the water country. Mei was only worried about the tension and what Naruto would do about it.
"When did he tell you about this?"
"Before he left." Mei said. "He said he would deal with it. I think things are going to get difficult, but he didn't seem concerned about it."
Ao smiled. "He has never seemed concerned about a lot of things."
"Which makes me worry about him. I don't think he has a death wish, but you worry. He has accepted that death is part of life and it can happen to anyone."
"Why did he do it? Was he really trying to kill the Tsuchikage?"
Mei shook his head. "Reasons don't matter at this point. But if he wanted to kill the Tsuchikage, he would have done it. Perhaps it is why isn't bothered by it."
Ao nodded. "So, that won't be brought up with Konoha as well."
"Yes. If they know about it, we deny knowledge. It happened before Naruto came to our village."
"I understand. Though, claiming ignorance isn't going to cut it all the time."
"I know but we don't have much choice." Mei said firmly. "On your back, stop by Uzushiogakure."
"I would have to circle the Island to enter on this side. The Whirlpools destroy any ships on that side of the sea." Ao said. He'd only been there once. But that was some years ago. "Why?"
"I just want to see what is happening there. Naruto doesn't talk much about it."
"I'll be intruding."
Mei shrugged. "It's not like you'll get kicked out… if you do manage to find the village at least." She said with indifference. "Check for me how things are between Suna and Konoha."
"Of course. When do I leave?"
"Tomorrow morning. I've already sent a message to Konoha to alert them of your visit."
Konohagakure
Jiraiya wasn't thrilled that things looked to be steadying between Suna and Konoha. But he was pleased. A temporary halt toward war and death was welcomed. He didn't have any delusions that things would be permanent. Nothing agreed by shinobi was ever permanent. The deal would be struck to ease the tensions that return things to normal. But as soon as things became convenient to the other party, a conflict would arise. It had come out of nowhere here. And it could just pop out of the blue in the future.
He glanced at his aged sensei and then Shikaku. Idealist and deeply entrenched in the notion of peace, those were his thoughts. But even at times like this, he wondered if he would ever see a peaceful world. Worse, he had no student. He had nothing but regrets. At least, the Ame orphans were doing well in the Hidden Rain. He could look at it and smile – but the bigger picture remained a gloomy reality that threatened his hopes and peace of mind.
"Jiraiya." The Sandaime Hokage called to bring the Sannin back to earth. "Anything from your side?"
The Toad Sage shook his head. "I didn't receive Anything from my people. It seems that Rasa does want to sort out things. He is however, bringing his son with him."
"The Jinchuriki?"
"Yes."
"Hmm…" Hiruzen glanced at Shikaku for second before speaking once more. "As long as they aren't planning anything bad. But we can't rule out that Iwa won't try something."
"It would be a good chance to make it seem as if we both want to kill the other. And if something goes wrong, we're in trouble. And would just go back to the drawing board, but this time, we would be making plans for war."
Shikaku wasn't afraid of Rasa plotting something. He was afraid of the Tsuchikage trying to drive a wedge. Historically, both Suna and Konoha have never been in the same happy hour with the Hidden Stone.
"I'll have my people on the lookout to ensure that nothing happens."
"Worse case scenario if something happens, we'll have to execute that plan." Hiruzen added with a grim look on his face. "But let us hope that things proceed smoothly and we broker some agreement with Suna."
"Continued conflict was doing more harm to Suna than us." Shikaku said. "They'll want to make an agreement that stops things. Rasa knows he can't take on Konoha. He took this decision also knowing that we would not invade his village as a result."
"My fault." Hiruzen admitted. "He hasn't been the only one who has taken advantage of things."
"Don't beat yourself too much sensei. You've led the village well. Nobody complains. This is why even at your age, we all happy you continue to lead."
Hiruzen smiled – but he knew, maybe Konoha would have been in a better position had he done better. They wouldn't have lost Itachi. They wouldn't have lost Minato. The fact was that the military power of the Leaf has been on a downward spiral over the past couple of years and he did nothing to change it.
"And Orochimaru?"
"Nothing as yet."
"You think he'd plot something?" Shikaku asked curiously.
"Orochimaru can do anything." Hiruzen answered. "We do not know what he plans or his thinking. He has Sasuke, but we don't know what he plans to do after. We still cannot allow him to get Sasuke's body."
He was saying that, but there was hardly anything he could do. Maybe he said it to comfort himself. Orochimaru was difficult to track down. Even if you tracked him down, he was not easy to deal with. Very few could stand against him in battle.
"I haven't been focused on that." Jiraiya admitted.
There was something much more serious and that was Naruto. The Uchiha may possess the Sharingan but his attitude left much to be desired.
"Naruto, huh?" The Professor smiled sadly. "We cannot allow ourselves to get caught up in this. We need to be on alert, always."
Hiruzen was sure if Sasuke ever found out the truth, he could turn on the Leaf. There was only one path available for him since Itachi was now dead. Untimely, but nothing ever happened according to their wills.
"Before I die, I want to ensure Orochimaru is dead. Many suffer because of him. And I allowed him to leave Konoha." Hiruzen said firmly. "Once we sort out this thing with Suna, I will relinquish the mantle and allow Kakashi to take over. Shikaku, you're to send a message to the Daimyo about this."
"Hai."
"Do you perhaps have any objections?"
Shikaku shook his head. "There is no one more suitable to take over from you at this point. It isn't like before when we had many shinobi."
Uzushiogakure
Naruto's weapons room was only accessible when he was present within it. If not, nobody could enter. It was heavily fortified. With more protection than a Kage or even a King. It was Naruto's treasure. The things he loved more than anything.
The underground room was circular, a large symbol of the Uzumaki clan drawn on the ceiling. The walls on the right and left had different masks. The wall adjacent to the entrance had different weapons placed in their respective holders. Each weapon marked. This safe shop of Naruto.
Haku turned to the center of the room where Naruto sat in a meditative position. The only thing that linked him to this room in battle were his earrings. As the blond said, this was a secret, and something only he knew.
"You just returned and you already you're in the company on your weapons." Haku said in a quiet tone before sitting behind the blond.
"There is much peace here."
"So much peace you didn't even bother to tell me you'd returned or even check up to see how things are going."
"You sound displeased."
"Of course, I am."
"I trust your abilities."
"You brought me here to look after your village?"
Naruto shrugged. "Perhaps I have not been fair. But you seem to enjoy this job of being leader so much, I thought it best to just leave it to you."
"And you're not good at it?"
"I have no love for it. I'm a shinobi. I am more focused on cutting down people. And I am good at it. Staring at paperwork and dealing with people isn't good." After all, when there are problems, he cut down the shinobi to remove the problems. There was none of that when in this village.
"Which is why I told you to stop thinking about fighting for a little while. Leave your swords and just be normal for once."
Ever since they met, Haku has not known Naruto to be far away from his swords. There was a certain amount of joy he took when fighting. It wasn't to say he enjoyed killing people. He had no qualms in killing but there was no enjoyment. Maybe it was because he spent much of his life training and he got some thrills from crossing swords with people. The problem was that his opponents tended to die.
Naruto glanced at Haku for a second and closed his eyes once more.
"I'd feel naked."
"By being normal for once?"
"Don't try to change me."
"But you want to change others."
"I have power, I can do whatever I want."
"Then some of us will be free to as we please as well. A Hypocrite doesn't do much in convincing you to change your ways."
Naruto shifted to face Haku. He could speak in a stern tone, yet keep a warm face. It was the sort of thing that disarmed you. Naruto still had a hard time believing that this was the same person he found on the brink of death, starving. Then again, when you've seen death, you tended to appreciate life more than those didn't think they would die. Keeping Haku was the best decision he made. He wouldn't have been a waste in Kiri but he was better served being around him.
"You look healthy." Naruto said with a smile.
"I'd thought you'd come back with scars."
"I heal nicely."
"A pity some of us don't." Haku replied. "You know I worry about you every time you leave the village. I know you're always heading to battle. You should let me come with you. That way, I can watch over you."
This wasn't the first time Naruto was hearing this. He sighed and then slowly stood up. He took a step toward Haku and then helped him stand up.
"Come," he said as he walked over to the dark stairs that would cease to exist once Haku exited.
The room they appeared into was like a library. The hall was empty but walls were mounted with shelves which contained scrolls and books. It wasn't everything to do with the Uzumaki but about the Uchiha clan as well. And some collections he took while handling missions. There were some mission reports.
He slowly walked out of the room and into a passage. The back of the house was a view of the stream that cut through the village. Naruto settled down gracefully and waited until Haku had sat down before he spoke.
"How are things?" He asked.
"Things are rotting because we have nowhere to take them."
This wasn't really a normal village. The island was filled with farms. And the majority of people worked in the farms. They were hardly around. Farming was good. Agriculture provided a method for income. There was no need to depend on the Feudal Lords. There were various ways to maintain a village and its economy. The experiment was working well. But with farming, you needed people to buy into your produce each season or else it would just be a waste. Naruto wasn't concerned with the waste. As long as the soil was fertile and there was enough supply to cause a great change in the shinobi world, then everything was successful.
"We must get in contact with merchants to start selling the produce for the coming season. We have enough to show them the freshness of things." Naruto said in a thoughtful tone. "I have met many people during jobs. There is nowhere I haven't traveled. So I know where to go."
"I have no doubt but how do we transport things from here?"
"If they spend too much time in transit, they'll get spoiled. I know this much. Storage seals."
"But you'll still need to transport them."
"Did you know? The Sky nation had developed a method of transport that had never been seen. And now, it has died with them. The Land of Springs has what you call trains. A unique method of transport in which they move. I'm not interested in moving people, I am interested in moving goods to far away lands in short periods of time."
"You want to implement this method of transport?"
"Yes."
"But it isn't going to get done before the next season."
Naruto smiled. "How much do you think I have collected from my missions and bounty?"
"A lot."
"Yeah. And I couldn't help myself when I visited the Wave. Gato who had occupied the country was loaded with money. I helped myself with some of it. But did leave some for the people. I can use this money to buy materials and establish routes. We can then use these routes to deliver goods for other merchants and then charge them a certain fee."
"But your interest isn't just making money."
"Merchants keep a supply of information like no one. They are able to go everywhere without suspicion. I want to keep that network of information. And be able to control the flow of information. Spread rumors if I want. But that is just one thing. Maybe by then, we'll have already gone to Kirigakure to settle there…" He smiled. "If Kiri was part of it… wouldn't it become the most powerful village?"
"You want to stir trouble?"
"Hahaha.." Naruto shook his head. "Of course, not. But if it does arise. It arises. We'll still have to sort out troubles with Iwa. Otherwise, they'll be a nuisance."
"That is something that isn't going to be sorted soon."
"Maybe." Naruto said. "But can you imagine that kind of tomorrow?"
"I didn't think you were plotting this for Kiri."
Naruto had his hidden thoughts, but he hadn't thought the blond would be thinking about returning to Kiri. Then again, his return was conditional to his reputation. It had been something Naruto had always feared.
"Mei has made it clear to me that I am always welcome in her village. She has proved to me that she is a better person. I can trust her." Naruto said in a firm tone. "But I must still solve this issue with Iwagakure. Otherwise, I would just be inviting problems to the Mist."
"How are you going to solve it without stirring more trouble?"
"I don't know yet. But I'll find a way. Even if it means blackmail and the like. Such a method is not lasting. But if it brings some temporary reprieve, I'll take it."
Haku shook his head. How he wished he could see more of Naruto's kindness in difficult situations. He could smile now but when situations became tricky, he threw out all emotions and became a different person. He was going to earn more enemies than friends. But if you asked him, he would simply say he didn't care.
"And Konoha."
"No issues, for now that is."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"I went there and we had an agreement. The Sandaime will see it through. As long as I don't do anything against it, there won't be problems."
Haku stared. "You're not planning on doing anything, are you?"
Naruto smiled innocently. "What do you make of me?"
"You're capable of anything."
"Don't worry. I have no intentions of doing anything. I am focused on this business and Uzu."
"And Iwa." Haku added.
"Of course."
Sunagakure
Rasa stared at the youngest of his three children, Gara. At some point, he'd called him a failure. For his inability to control the beast within him. Worse, he'd even tried to kill him. The life of Shinobi was treacherous. But it was new with a parent trying to murder his child. A little boy who knew no right or wrong. Had the situation in this village regressed to the point of catastrophe proportions, he may not have changed his tune. He had come to see that Gaara's power was needed for the future of the Hidden Sand.
And so, he made amends.
But Gaara has never smiled before him. He has never called him father. To the boy, Rasa was the Kazekage, nothing more. It pained some parts of him. His eldest child wouldn't shed a tear if he died one day. Temari resented him. She looked after her younger brothers. As a father, he was proud. The siblings go along. Yet as a father, he had no place. He could imagine; if he ever joined them in their dinner table, it would become deathly silent. Gaara would be the first to walk. Temari would soon follow, but not before casting a glare toward him. Kankuro would be hesitant, but sibling pressure would force him to follow.
And so, Rasa never tried.
They lived in the same house. Yet, in different worlds. He spent the majority of his time in the office. Only going home to rest. Some days, he slept in his office. But he spoke to them. For missions. Gaara, usually for his training. Some dark thought at the back of his head thought if he ever gave an opportunity, Gaara would wrap his sand around him and crush him.
The made him smile wryly. Failings of a father. His wife was no doubt staring at him with disappointment.
"You're going with me to the River Country." Rasa said to Gaara.
"I thought you were going with Baki?"
"Change of plans." Rasa said.
This was because of a letter he received from the Tsuchikage. Rasa considered things – but Onoki wasn't the type of person he was willing to work with. After all, the Tsuchikage was likely to stab him in the back the moment their objective was completed. He wouldn't have forgotten Suna's actions in past wars. Though the weakest, nobody dared brace the desert.
"I received a letter from Iwagakure. The Tsuchikage is offering to support if we decide to wage war against the Leaf." Rasa silently stared at his son. "What do you think would be the best option?"
"Would they really back us?"
"Iwa and Konoha are not friends. Not even a little."
"Konoha is at the weakest point in its time. Historically, it has never been this weak. If Suna combined its strength with Iwa, we could win. Iwa does have two Jinchuriki."
Gaara gave a rational response – as expected. Rasa considered this much. They could defeat Konoha with the help of Iwa. But at what cost? Even Iwa doesn't betray them, the price paid would already be too much. He might not survive. At some levels, Suna may even be too crippled to move. A war they would win, but poverty would be their reward.
"If you were the Kazekage, what would you do?"
Gaara didn't know if he was being tested or the man genuinely wanted to hear his thoughts. At any rate, he knew his father didn't intend for him to be his successor if he were to die anytime soon.
"Suna's finances are too crippled for war. The Feudal Lord won't help us. We are not in a position to go to war. Sitting with Konoha to find temporary peace is the correct action."
Rasa smiled. "Temporary, huh?"
"Konoha isn't going to make dramatic changes. The truce will just allow our shinobi to work more."
"Thus improving things a little but not to the point we want. Our village is still in an unfavorable position. Perhaps if we take more time to prepare, we can be ready for anything."
At the end of the day, his decision did not benefit the Sand. He did nothing more than invite a sandstorm. The village was already buried. And he'd just added to its misfortune. At least, he could bring a halt to the rot. Maybe the Wind Lord would soften his stance. Just enough for them to be able to breathe.
"Was I wrong?"
"I am not in a position to make that call."
"I'm asking you." Rasa replied in a sharp tone.
"You did what you thought was right and it failed. I cannot say you were wrong nonetheless. A negative outcome doesn't mean the decision was wrong. There were just other things missing."
"A good leader would've spotted that."
He should have known it wouldn't work out. Perhaps he overstated the Sandaime's kindness. But with the loss of the Uchiha, just after the Kyubi rampage and the loss of the Yondaime Hokage, he could be forgiven for thinking he had a strong hand to play. Ultimately, Hiruzen was no pushover. He was the Professor, and wasn't going to be bullied by anyone.
"Recent events in Konoha made me think perhaps things could be different. The Third was willing to sacrifice one his own to avoid war with Kumo even though the latter was at fault."
"Suna isn't Kumo."
"Yes; I should've known better. I should have seen the value in working with Konoha. Perhaps we could have come to a compromise with the Leaf over the Daimyo's actions." Rasa stared into the empty space. Just wondering how things could have been if he took a different route. "At any event, you're coming with me. Your presence will be merely a show of power. Nothing more."
Gaara should have known. His father wanted to show to the Leaf that he had something they didn't have. Despite his mental reaction, he simply nodded and asked if he could go prepare for the departure.
Rasa nodded.
"What did he want?"
Gaara registered his sister's voice and then faced her. She was standing by the kitchen, her beloved fan still pressed against her back. She looked bruised. Training, at seems. She was always training with Baki. To become better. There have been suggestions she could be used as a political tool to solve Suna's problems. She wanted to become strong enough to avoid that pitfall. Though, if their father decided, there was nothing they could do about it.
Temari was the one person Gaara had learned to love. It took him time. A painful time. He'd roamed in darkness. Wandered across streets with a cloud of loneliness. Had he looked behind, he'd have realized she was always there, holding an umbrella for him in case it ever rained. To him, there was no one more important than her. Not even his beloved Sunagakure.
"He told me I would be leaving with him." Gaara replied, his tone blank. He walked over to Temari and pulled a chair before sitting.
"Want me to make you something?"
Gaara shook his head.
"Baki sensei told me he'd be staying behind. I didn't think he would be taking you." She frowned deeply. "Is he thinking about attacking Konoha?"
"No; he is going there with every intention of brokering a truce. I'll be there at his corner as a symbol of power."
Temari snorted. "Because that is all you're to him."
How she wished their mother was alive. Maybe that man resented Gaara because she died giving birth to him. Things had been different before. And now their father was just a man who applied his principle of value even to his children.
Temari glanced at her brother and then smiled. "At least things are different when he isn't trying to have you killed. And he has shelved ideas to sell me off to the Feudal Lord."
That had been a real plan. She was old enough. A kunoichi and had been trained to fulfill any role as a child of the Kazekage. A lady. A child being married off to a fat old man pushing toward death. She would have been married off to that kind of man for Suna's sake. Probably now, her belly would've been fat, with her second or third child.
"I do not think he has." Gaara said. "But I will not permit anything like that to happen," he added in a hardened tone. And he meant it. His sister would not become a political tool.
When Baki walked into the office, Rasa stared at the man with an expressionless mask. He didn't trust anyone more than this man. In fact, he trusted him more than his children. He wouldn't put it past one of them to even poison him. Maybe that was just his paranoia getting the best if him.
"How is the training going?"
"She is getting better." Baki replied. "She is the best when it comes to wind usage. However, I fear that she depends too much on her fan. Without it, she becomes useless."
"Isn't the same with Gaara?"
Because of his automatic defense, there has never been a need for Gaara to train. He didn't even fight with his opponents. He just stood still and played with his sand. There would be a day someone would be fast enough to bypass his defenses and he would be exposed.
"I have spoken to him about it." Baki replied. "He will work on his physical training."
"Good. They have to be useful. I fear Kankuro won't meet the standards of his siblings. The others are already powerful," Rasa shook his head. "Any leads on the intruder?"
"No. It seemed that he just vanished into thin air."
"That's disturbing. We have more worrying issues to deal with, nevertheless. We have to keep Iwagakure at bay. I wouldn't be surprised if the village does something against Konoha, just to force us work with it."
"They'd go that far?"
"Everyone is always thinking about what is good and valuable to them. It would be good for Iwa if Konoha is brought to its knees. They won't do anything now. But maybe after we have sorted out things with Konoha. The betrayal would be infuriating then."
"What do we do?"
"Play our cards right. Of course, we have to make Konoha trust us that if such happens, we will be able to deny it. One of my children may even be used if that happens."
"Temari?"
"Yes." Rasa nodded. "If marrying her off to the Feudal Lord won't do, then sending her to Konoha could. I nonetheless pray nothing comes to that point. I'm not sure how Gaara would react to it. He is too fond of his sister."
Uzushiogakure
While in backwards flips, Naruto was being followed by ice splinters, spitting out from the ground. They were moving faster than he was. As he faced the ground, one protruded below, its sharp end moving toward his belly. He held out his gloved hand in a flashy movement. He caught the splinter on the sides, breaking it as it was about to pierce through his abdomen.
He flipped once, still holding the splinter he broke. He landed on both lands, skidding slightly and then did a quick 360 degree spin, before hurling the ice toward the still Haku.
Seeing the incoming projectile, Haku noted its speed but still not enough. He leaned to the right slightly, and the projectile whizzed past him, just above his left shoulder.
When Naruto suddenly vanished, Haku held out his right hand.
Naruto appeared behind Haku, slightly in mid-air, his right leg weaved through the air, planting on Haku's back. The second it connected, Haku turned into a log. His kick shattered the log into wooden splinters.
While still in mid-air, he glanced up, seeing hundreds of ice needles raining down on him. His first reaction was to try to get a hold of his sword, but he wasn't carrying one on his back. Summoning one was possible but he decided against it. He allowed his body to land gracefully before inhaling large amounts of air through his mouth while going through hand seals.
"Katon: Great Fire Ball no Jutsu."
He spew out an extreme amount of heating flames from his mouth. The flames created as huge cloud above him. The ice needles collided with the flames and were immediately turned into steam.
Haku flashed in front of the open Naruto, just in front of him. He drove his right fist toward the blond's chest. The punch collided, causing him to stop releasing his jutsu, while sending him skidding backwards.
Haku didn't stop. He lunged, picking up a swinging high kick aimed at Naruto's head. The kick was blocked by Naruto's left hand. When Haku noticed Naruto's right hand outstretching, he waved his right hand.
An ice spike burst out of the ground, causing Naruto to leap away from him.
He landed gracefully, and stared at Haku.
"You know, your movements are sometimes predictable. You block physical attacks with your left hand only when you want to capture."
Naruto raised an eye brow. "That's a minor thing."
"Really?" Haku held out his right hand.
Naruto sensed something below and through the Sharingan, saw movement. The ground he stood on froze. He wasn't able to move away in time to avoid his legs getting frozen.
Haku was already moving when his legs were getting frozen. He appeared in front of him in a blur, launching a kick straight into his chest. The kick knocked the air out of him when it connected. It had enough power to send him flying even when his legs were frozen.
While airborne, he glanced behind, and saw a mirror. Another one popped up in front. He knew it wasn't going to be anything good. The mirrors released large ice spikes, sending them toward him in the blink of an eye. He was forced to switch to the Mangekyo and activate Susanoo in a flash. A ribcage formed in around him, just in time as the spikes neared him. The spikes hit the Susanoo, crumbling as they hit an impenetrable force.
Naruto landed down, an expressionless mask on his face. He deactivated the Susanoo and stared at Haku, who was smiling.
"Because of that minor thing, I was able to do that. The ice had already formed around us before you even landed."
"You look a little smug, I want to step on your throat right now."
Haku held up his hands. "We should stop now."
"I'm not satisfied."
"If we continue now, you're going to come at me at full force just because I dared make you use Susanoo. We don't have expert medical services in the village to treat fatal wounds."
Naruto took a huge breath, and glanced up.
"Fighting tougher opponents without my sword becomes a little difficult. But it just shows you I need to improve."
"We always have to learn."
"Yes…" Naruto nodded. "But I'm pleased you have grown to this level."
"You were not example merciful in training."
Naruto waved off Haku's tone. "I did what was best. You've become a fine shinobi as a result."
"There could have been other methods."
"But I used the one I knew best."
"Torture. Your sensei didn't torture you."
Naruto shrugged. "You were a shell, ready to die. I wanted to see if you'd snap. Besides, you were too gentle for my liking. Still are. I had never seen anything like that. Still have yet to. But because of you, I have learned that people are capable of kindness. We just choose not to show any."
"Are you talking about yourself?"
Naruto ignored the question. "There is one medical kunoichi who can help us. From your reports, people are getting sick in the farms. She is a legendary shinobi."
"You want to bring her here?"
Naruto shook his head. "No." He said. "But that would be easy." He said with a smile.
Haku sighed. He didn't know if Naruto took joy in manipulating people. "Does Kiri even know?"
"Know one must know. This is between us. Once people start to know about that power, they question even the little things. The human mind can make you crazy and think in a paranoid manner. You'll even start to question if everything you've done was by choice. I do not want that."
"Why didn't you use it on me?" Haku asked curiously. "Or the Mizukage?"
"Because I too was given my freedom. I wanted you to have your freedom as well. Mei is a delightful person. She is one of the few people I can trust. I can't bring myself to do that to her. She has not treated me badly."
"If she knew how much you valued her, she'd be delighted." Haku said with a small smile.
"No doubt."
"You're not going to use it on the Tsuchikage, are you?"
"If suggestions are what is required to make him stop coming after me, then so be it." Naruto shrugged. "But not now; I want to see the extent of his stubbornness." He then changed the subject. "I'll give you possible places Tsunade could be and you can take the two medics Kiri gave us. Leave them with her to train."
"You think she will do that?"
"I don't know. But pay her. Offer her gold. She doesn't have to teach them the best of her abilities just enough for them to be able to save lives. We only need three months. You're kind enough that she won't think bad of you."
"I don't like it when you use me like that."
Naruto laughed. "If it was me, she'd flat out refuse." He said. "I'll leave tonight. Will be gone for about three months. Or less. It will depend on how long it will take for the spring to make my things. Handle your duties in the meantime. Ah, Choujuro should come from Kiri. Leave a message for him to go back, I will see him when I return."
"You're going to leave the Iwa issue unattended."
"I can't do everything at once. When I return, I'll stop by there."
Haku was silent. That statement worried him – not about what Naruto would do but about what could happen. He really did think Naruto had a death wish at times. If Iwa decided to attack, they could kill him. Naruto wasn't invincible. He was just human with limits. He could be killed. And if he had to stop that, he could be forced to make drastic measures. And that would just lead him to a lonely life.
"Please think about your welfare for a little bit."
Those warm words made Naruto stare for a second. Perhaps life had more meaning when you had people who didn't want you do die. Death was the end to everything. Humans came and go. It was the one thing that never changed. People were born. People died. They just had to play their roles and then meet their deaths. Nothing would be taken to the afterlife – if it was there. What was a legacy? Such things became undone.
Naruto only had death about him. He walked with the death god around. He was death. And one day, death would consume him.
But in the meantime, he could at least be happy. And not be so miserable that if his mother were to see him, she'd shed tears.
"How has your time been like in this place?" Naruto asked as they started to walk back to the village.
Haku smiled. "It has been wonderful. I have learned a lot of things. Helped people. The kids at the orphanage make me very happy. I'm happy you brought me here."
"Doing good, huh?" Naruto stared ahead, an expressionless mask on his face. "You have any personal goals?"
"I'm content with my life."
"People like you are the ones who happily die for their friends."
"What is wrong with it? There is a saying, 'greater love hath no man that he may give his life for a friend."
"Insanity," Naruto replied but he smiled. "But that is the ultimate sacrifice, a true symbol of love. We are always willing to die for those we love. Parents do the same. My mother did the same. But I don't want you dying for me."
"If there is ever a time for that, I am not sure I can let you die." Haku said with emotion. "You saved my life. I've done more than I hoped I could with my life. I am thankful."
"I rescued you out of pity. But I think for you to die for me, would be a waste. If I am to die, then so be it. Use your life the way you see it fit after I am dead. I did not bring you here to be a human shield." Naruto said in a hardened tone. He then smiled sadly. "There is also a part of me that thinks I am not worth saving."
"Maybe to others, but to me, to be people in this village, you're worth saving."
"That is because I become what you want me to be. When I leave here, I am nothing more than a mercenary who will kill anyone for money. Sometimes I hunt bounty. As long as there is money, I have killed. Do you know what it is like to kill someone?"
"I have never killed anyone." And Haku truly didn't see himself doing so. Though, in terms of what Naruto taught, enemies were to be eradicated. But maybe the blond was conscious of his feelings toward death that he never gave him anything difficult to do.
"One day, you will. Because there is just no other way. You might kill to protect me. Or someone else. That is the way things go in this world. Death is the only thing that allows us to escape this nightmare."
Naruto glanced up into the heavens. The clouds were parted. Maybe they would hug and darken. Maybe they would just drift further way from each other. In rainy days, Itachi had dragged him outside for training. He was always blinded. The sound of rain drops made it the perfect environment to train his ears to listen and detect the change in the air currents. It was a brutal training but at the end of it, even if blind, he would be able to avoid danger in a battle field.
He shifted his eyes toward Haku for a moment.
Maybe Itachi's miserable life was getting to him. He didn't want to go the same route. He didn't want to be in the same position as his parents. But life would lead him there. He knew it. Some things couldn't be avoided.
"You should really stop thinking about death."
Naruto smiled.
"I wish."
Unknown Location
Maybe it was arrogance or just curiosity, if it was possible to conflate the two, but in his sick bed, Orochimaru stared at Sasuke, with every intention of telling the young Uchiha the truth about his brother – at least the part about his death. It would make him an interesting weapon against the Leaf. He still did wish for the Leaf to be sunk and partly, he wanted to see how Sasuke would react to the news. There were just confusing emotions within him, but the Sannin wasn't clouded. He was perfectly sane.
"What do you want, Orochimaru?"
That cold glare, it never got old. Orochimaru grinned. "You could show a bit of respect, Sasuke-kun."
"You haven't given me nearly enough… and look at you now?"
"My host is giving out and you were supposed to be my new one. But you're not ready." If that situation with Naruto proved anything. More needed to be done for the Uchiha to reach the right heights. Otherwise, he would simply become another host that would give out after some three years.
"Is there something you want?"
"I want to tell you something very important and it concerns your brother."
Sasuke's glare intensified. There were only rare occasions that his brother came up. Orochimaru knew the name of Itachi was off topic. Then again, it had triggered some childish reaction out of him. Something that made him very predictable.
"What?"
"We must first talk about Naruto. I told you he was trained by your brother. Let me give you a little bit of history – Naruto is the son of Minato Namikaze, Konoha's yellow flash. He is also the Jinchuriki of the Kyubi. In the same night of the Uchiha massacre, he disappeared from the Hidden Leaf. It became obvious that he left with Itachi, but it was a question of on whose will. Konoha did not say anything about him, and they were not looking for him.
"They only changed I think at a certain point. It was when I became suspicious of things. The Sandaime is said to have been fond for young Naruto as he was the son of Minato. If he had disappeared against their will, they wouldn't just be quiet. He was Minato's legacy. You could say, the legacy of Konoha's greatest Hokage. If he was with Itachi, then was it possible that they left together because that was an order from above? But why would it be so when Itachi had just committed a great crime? But what if his actions were also an order?"
Orochimaru grinned madly at Sasuke's changing expressions. He was getting the reaction he wanted. It was all just hints, but the Uchiha was smart enough to make the connections. Whether he would go after Naruto or the Leaf was the big question.
"Are you suggesting that Itachi murdered my family because of orders from Konoha?"
"I'm saying it is a possibility." Orochimaru shrugged, purposefully. "One person who can tell you what happened is Itachi. He has all the truth."
"Where is he?"
"Dead."
"What?"
Orochimaru laughed seeing Sasuke's look of disbelief. "Itachi has been dead for a couple of years now."
Sasuke started leaking his killing intent. He was furious that this man kept him believing that his brother was alive when he was dead. He was furious that he wouldn't be able to kill him with his own hands and avenge his clan.
"I didn't know until Naruto showed up." Orochimaru lied, just to soften the blow. "The person who knows what happened is Naruto. He knows everything and why Itachi did what he did. If you can find him, he will tell you the truth… and he has your brother's eyes."
"Where is he?" Sasuke snapped, ready to hunt down Naruto.
"Are you forgetting what happened here?" Orochimaru asked with a grin.
"He caught me off-guard."
"Kukukukukuku…" Orochimaru laughed. "If you say so, Sasuke-kun. But be careful, he is not an easy person to deal with."
"You've not answered my question."
"He is sometimes is Kirigakure and sometimes in the Whirlpools. I recommend you not go to the latter, you will surely die if you go there. As at now, I don't know where exactly he is."
"As a thank you, I won't kill you." Sasuke said before turning away from the Sannin. He left the room, filled with Orochimaru's mad laughter. His threat was nothing more than a joke to the Sannin. He wanted to go back and show him he could do it, but he just decided to walk away.
Once Sasuke disappeared into the dark passages, Kabuto stepped out if the shadows and walked into the room.
"Was it wise to just let him leave?"
"He is fine like this. Besides, his body isn't perfect either. We need to finish our research before I can take his body. For now, I can let him roam free."
"If Naruto kills him?"
"Kukukhkuku…" Orochimaru laughed gleefully. "I don't think Naruto-kun will do that. Judging from his words when he was here, it is likely he is interested in Sasuke's development. We have always thought it was impossible for Naruto to have just killed Itachi. Something must have happened. At any rate, once those two collide, some truth will come out."
Kabuto nodded. "What should we do about your current state, Orochimaru-sama?"
"Get me Guren. Tell her it is time for her to fulfill her role. Use that boy as it will be necessary. Once it is done, I will go back to the Ryuchi cave to finish my training. We can build a host powerful enough to wield all that power before we get to Sasuke. I want to ensure that he lasts. For that, we need more experiments. Fortunately, we have acquired enough cells from him to experiment without his presence."
"I will immediately look for Guren." Kabuto then asked. "If I don't get her in time, you'll use the other host?"
"Yes." Orochimaru stared. "There is a point I thought you'd betrayed me. I sometimes haven't been able to figure you out. If you were planning to do that, you'd do it now. I trust you with my medicines and without the Sound four and Sasuke, it would be easy for you to stab me in the back."
Kabuto put on a surprised look but quickly replaced it with a smile. "Even in death, you are my only master, Orochimaru-sama."
Amegakure
Yahiko stared down at the streets of the Hidden Rain. It was like a dream for him. Some years ago, a mere runt, running and stealing food just for survival. A state brought because of wars the Rain didn't even start. But thanks to the mercy of Jiraiya, they were here, running strong and Ame had finally stopped crying. The wet land sometimes became dry, but there was nothing wrong with it. This was their beloved home.
Had things gone Danzo's way, he probably would've died.
When Nagato walked toward him, Yahiko spoke in a serious tone.
"We have so far been working well with Hanzo, but I don't think he is suitable for the position of leader anymore."
"We could've killed him when he plotted to kill us with Danzo."
That could have happened – but Hanzo was being lied to by Danzo. They cleared that. But that man has continued to mistrust them. If they'd chosen battle, it would have started a civil war. They would win – they had Nagato with them, but Yahiko had been concerned about the bloodshed.
"I heard from one of our people that Danzo has been killed."
"Even though he was tricked, Hanzo continued to talk to Danzo." Yahiko shook his head. Those in power always wanted to keep it. They would do anything to stay in power. "He will feel isolated now and may do something reckless. If the situation between Suna and Konoha spills out into war, we will get dragged into it. And this land will suffer."
"What are you suggesting?"
"What do you think?"
Nagato was silent for a moment. "Should we gather our men and head to Hanzo? We force him to relinquish his rule in exchange for his life?"
"If he stays here, he might try to do something and I don't think he will want to go away without a fight but we will try to talk to him and exile him from the village, along with his family members. They do not have The Rain's best intentions and are only interested in power. If we want to have our ideals to come to life, then we need to take this step," Yahiko smiled and faced, Nagato. "This will be my last act as the leader of the Akatsuki. You will become the leader, of this village. We will integrate most of our forces into the village. A few elite will remain as the Akatsuki to carry out our duties."
Yahiko has always said because of his power, Nagato was the rightful leader of the Akatsuki. But Nagato thought he wasn't suited for the role. He wasn't the same child Jiraiya had trained. The troubles of life, the constant betrayals from even within the ranks had scarred him for life.
Nagato chose not to focus on the issue. "If Suna and Konoha fail to come to an agreement, it means even sensei hasn't found the way to true peace."
"That is not something easy to bridge." Konan said as she walked over to the balcony, holding a small child. "We have learned that even if we want what is good, some people just cannot change. We have so far only managed to stop Hanzo from trying to have us killed by allowing ourselves to be used by him."
Yahiko welcomed Konan, talking the child from her.
"In doing so, we have not progressed. We have stabilized this village but it means nothing if there is conflict outside. As we are now, we can't do anything because Hanzo still fears us. If we go out, he will do something reckless." Nagato said in a hardened tone. "I will go and speak to Jiraiya-sensei about the situation with Suna."
"It will give us a picture of what to expect." Yahiko said in agreement. "You should take some men with you."
"Unnecessary," Nagato said with a shake of his head. "I will go alone. You two remain here making preparations for how we move Hanzo."
