Rasa glanced into the trees nervously. They were deep in the Land of Birds. Finally, Shinigami had found them. Many attempts to find the man had been exhausted. When they finally found some breakthrough, he'd been relieved. His relief had turned into joy when a letter with location on where to meet. Of course, this could very well be a trap. It wouldn't be surprising if someone else hired this man to get rid of him. It would be poetic if the order was from the Wind Lord. But if such were to happen, it would mean some traitorous bastard had leaked.

He had taken the risk with Baki. If something happened to them, Gaara would take over the village. Rasa was nonetheless confident in his abilities to defend himself. Baki was after all, a man worthy to be Suna's mightiest Jonin.

"Doesn't look like we have walked into a trap." Baki said, settling on a tree branch.

"We can't be too sure."

"I trust my abilities, but you're right. We're dealing with unknown qualities here."

"Where is he anyway?"

"We came early." Baki pointed out. But there was nothing here. He'd checked. They were in the middle of a forest. He couldn't even sense a single chakra signature nearby. There was not even a hidden building. But was this the general location they'd been told to come.

"Let's be on guard, anyway."

"There is no need for that."

A cold voice suddenly spoke from within the trees. Both Suna shinobi were alarmed, and quickly moved to have their backs against the other in a defensive position.

"Hmm… good reaction. You make sure you're not separated from each other. That way, you can't be picked apart and you have each other's back…" the masked man said, landing gracefully ln the ground.

It was graceful because he didn't make a sound. Rasa inwardly smiled – as expected of an assassin.

"How long have you been here?"

"I just arrived." Shinigami replied, and stopped by a tree, leaning against its trunk with hands folded across his chest. He purposefully kept some distance, just to put them at ease. "But you really don't need to be ready to strike. If mercenaries were known for treachery, we wouldn't be hired by anyone."

"Nobody can trust a man who's loyalty is to money." Rasa replied sharply.

"Then why are we here, Kazekage-sama? There are parameters within which I work. If you have excessive trust issues, I can't work for you. And if I know you plan on getting rid of me once the job is done, I'll still do the job, but will kill you before you kill me."

"That is a unique way of handling things."

"We do what we must to keep our integrity. If we don't have any of that, we can't be trusted to handle jobs. My track record should speak for itself."

Baki couldn't fault that statement. Whenever he has asked regarding the man, they all said he did his job diligently and without fail. He wasn't the one to backstab clients. But a mercenary was still just a mercenary. He was a but a shinobi for hire. He did not pick sides but worked for money. Gaara may argue that shinobi were no different from mercenary but he was wrong in some regard. Shinobi were at least loyal to their villages and fought for the sake of their villages. What of a mercenary?

Baki took out a scroll and threw it at the masked man. "The details are in there. And we would appreciate it if you destroyed that once a mission was complete."

Now, that was something Naruto would not do. He kept a detailed record of all missions he has done. If originals were available, he kept those. Onoki always had verbal agreements and never anything written. Of course, the Tsuchikage wasn't ashamed of hiring mercenaries. As long as they got the job done.

"Of course." Naruto replied, opening the scroll. He went through it and then glanced at the Kazekage.

They wanted him to take out the Wind Lord and his entire Council, bar one man. Naruto figured the man who'd remain alive would be the one set to take the blame. Rasa would make sure of it, just to ensure nothing comes to bite him.

"This is going to cost you."

"How much?"

"150 million Ryo."

"That's excessive! An S-rank mission costs about one million."

"In that rate, it is the shinobi who gets the million. But the rest of it belongs to the village. You're asking me to take out a Feudal Lord of a Great Nation. That comes with many risks. I could end up being a wanted men by other Feudal Lords."

"You're a mercenary, does it matter?"

"It matters when I charge the price. Besides, taking Asuma Sarutobi from the Hidden Leaf would earn me 35 million Ryo. Sasori is worth more than that. Then what of the Head of a Feudal Lord? It has to be worth more than that."

"75 million. We can't go above that."

"You shoved off half of my price."

"That is how much we will pay."

"Okay. Once the mission is done, someone will come to collect. Or instructions will come."

"I have to be there when it happens. I must also get involved in the fight. Just to clear some suspicion from myself."

More safeguarding. It didn't make things tricky, just interesting. It seemed that they were not sparring any effort to cast questions away from them. If Rasa was attacked, then no one would question his motives for raising hell with whoever was going to be left behind. But there was no question that great minds within the Great Five would still look at him with suspicion.

"I have a problem with that."

"What problem?"

"You surviving an attack. It looks failure on my part. I do not fail to carry out any mission." He sighed. "Well, I'll live with it. Will rumors be spread in the Wind Capital?"

"What rumor?"

"That there is someone within the capital trying to gain power."

"If a rumor like that is spread, it is just going to make the Feudal Lord paranoid and he will increase security."

"A mere suggestion from my part. I have no issues with the added security. You're going to pay me after all." The masked man said with indifference. "I'll be awaiting your arrival at the capital."

"You're going there now?"

"Of course. I can't just walk in blindly. I must scout the area, check how many guards are there at night. Who are those guards. Where they sleep, who they sleep with. I must also have the entire structure of the wind castle in my head. That way, I know which corner to turn, and how many minutes it is going to take me to get it done and which point is the easiest route to escape."


Mei couldn't believe that there was someone from the Yuki clan who was still alive, and Naruto had kept this person away from them. Kiri was in dire need of bloodlines. Even if she no longer focused on military strength, to have this person with them would bode well for the future of Kirigakure.

Ao had been to the Whirlpools and met him, but it was never stated he was from their country. They had believed he was just someone Naruto found along the way.

Haku just appeared in the village. She would have mistaken him for a sister. But he was a brother. When he came looking for her, she'd blinked with surprise. It was how he represented himself that left her shocked.

She'd been quiet since he presented himself.

"Are you really a member of the Yuki clan?"

Haku smiled. "Yes," he replied, waving his right hand.

Mei noticed the drops of white tears – snow. It was just a little, but confirmation. She stared at him for a little while longer and then leaned against her desk.

"And you never said anything before nor Naruto."

"Yes."

"How come we don't know anything about you? And why are you just showing up now?"

"Naruto didn't say anything. And I'm here because I wanted to see the change in the village. I left this place on the verge of death. It was very different."

"I can imagine." Mei said in a flat tone. The bloody history between normal people and bloodline welders was still fresh in her memory. "Why didn't Naruto say anything? If he wanted to keep you away from us, you wouldn't have revealed your lineage. Where is he, anyway?"

"He should be coming here any day now." Haku answered, still standing. "May I sit?"

"Sure, sorry."

Haku settled down comfortably and then spoke again. "You'll be better served asking him that question. But I don't think there is anything to it. It was never asked, and there was never a need to say anything."

Haku wasn't concerned about what Naruto might say about this. There was never any reason to keep him away. No, it wasn't like he was being kept away. There were just things he had to do in Uzushiogakure.

Hearing the response, Mei smiled a little bitterly. There were still too many things about Naruto that she didn't know. Too many secrets. She wished she could see what happened inside that head of his. Even now, she wondered where he was and what he was doing. This worrying wasn't doing her heart any good. When did she even start worrying about him?

"Why are you here?" she asked again.

"I wanted to see more of this village. I was born here. Unpleasant memories but I was still born here." Haku said with a warm smile. "Naruto's experiments in Uzu are almost over anyway. So, there is free time."

Mei didn't have to ask. Being born with bloodlines, she knew the treachery that was their lives. Haku could have had it worse. His entire clan was wiped out. But then again, so where other clans.

"What experiments was he conducting in Uzu?" She asked curiously.

Haku shook his head. Uzushiogakure wasn't yet a village, but it would become one once Naruto opened it. He chose to have it closed to avoid eyes and sabotage. Haku wished the world was gentle. He wished Shinobi weren't so treacherous and self-serving. Reality, was however, a beast. It was this demonic beast that compelled Naruto keep Uzu small and on hard lock down to avoid prying eyes. Who knew what enemies would do once they learned of the activities?

Naruto hadn't said it in many words. In fact, he didn't say anything about experimenting but Haku could see where things were going. Perhaps the need for Medics was required for this reason. People got sick in the farms. Some got hurt in the seas. The sea could be rough. He'd learned, nature was much more destructive than anything shinobi could conjure.

He stared into the eyes of the Mizukage, pondering how he should reply. She seemed like a nice person. Then again, if Naruto said she was a good person, then she was.

"The functionality of a village based on agriculture and commerce." And there was controlling shinobi in a very subtle way. Haku believed that was the core ambition. Functionality was merely a method of achieving the dream. Other methods included violence. There was nothing but destruction there, and so, Naruto didn't consider such a method.

"There are plenty of villages that base their economy on Agriculture."

"Yes." Haku said with a smile. He had studied those methods. After all, it had been his duty in ensuring things worked out while Naruto went about collecting money with corrupt means. "But on the view of a shinobi village. Hidden Villages cannot survive without support from their feudal Lords. That is because they are just military powers. They demand funding more than they make, unless you're a mercenary."

"Naruto has said something along the lines. He has helped us create new paths in trying to make Kiri independent." She smiled at the thought of a beautiful future she envisioned. Perhaps, Kiri would become the model for other Great Nations.

But of course, they had to do their things without abandoning their military power.

"Uzushiogakure is likely to become a trading city. That is, a place where merchants gather to buy their goods. Not just on agricultural produce but also other goods. Naruto has travelled throughout the world looking for things he could trade and striking deals with merchants all over. Once merchants gather, you'll have people moving into the Whirlpools to stay there. If it grows in the way Naruto intends, it could become, financially, the most powerful village."

"How does this connect to Kiri?"

"Kiri will be the village to reap the benefits of course."

"Does this have anything to do with why Naruto disappeared?"

"Ah yes. He went to look for a faster method of transportation. Not for people but goods. Imagine the kind of trouble merchants have in order to get things like fruits into Suna? The desert… anything fresh can get rotten along the way. But if there was a transport that could waltz through the desert?" Haku shook his head. "That's not why I am here anyway. I understand you're surprised to see me. But I was hoping if I could be left to wonder about the village freely. I won't depart until Naruto comes here."

"You're sure he'll come?"

"I sent a message to one of his hideouts to inform him of my presence here and progress report on some of the things he'd asked me to do."

"I don't want to know but yes, you're free to take a stroll."

"Thank you."


Wind Capital

When his eyes flashed wide, Rasa jumped into flight mode remembering the last scene he saw before he blanked out. When his senses didn't detect any threats, he trusted his eyes. A white ceiling and the foul smell of medicine. He wasn't dead but alive. He'd truly thought that man was going to kill him. He breathed in a sigh of relief. He just had to know what had happened.

He glanced around; Baki was standing by the door, hands folded across his chest and Gaara was by the window.

"You're awake."

The cold voice from Gaara. There wasn't even a hint of concern. He supposed he deserved it. He didn't even expect his son to shed a tear for him if he were to perish.

"How long have been out?"

"A day."

"Was I injured that badly?" Rasa asked. He really couldn't feel any pain in his body, aside from some muscle stiffness. And it didn't seem like he had any bandages. Which mean there were no injuries.

"Your wounds were not bad. We had Lady Chiyo heal you. But you still didn't wake up. It took a while for us to realize you were hit by some powerful Genjutsu."

As long as he was fine, Rasa could enquire about this later on. Right now, he wanted to know if the mission was successful or not.

"Are we safe to talk?" He asked in a serious tone.

"Yes."

"What happened?"

"There is uproar in the castle. They are still fighting but it should work out. Every target was liquidated and nobody is suspecting us."

"So far…" Gaara added. "But given the way the attack was carried out and your death scare, I doubt anyone will suspect you. The fall guy has already been apprehended."

"He must be silenced."

"Unnecessary."

Baki explained when it seemed that Gaara wasn't going to do it. "That man did something. That man who was supposed to take the fall confessed to the plot and hiring Shinigami. He laid out what he wanted to do."

"Isn't it suspicious if he just confessed like that?"

"He attempted to seize power. The people who control things from the shadows then started to accuse him based on the whispers they'd been hearing. The Family of the Feudal Lord took action. When his family was threatened with extermination, he confessed."

Rasa nodded. Originally, there was no plan for the man to confess. He was just going to deny it. But rumors had already been spreading. The more he denied it, the more guilty he seemed. Basically, it wouldn't matter if he was telling the truth or not. People were high on emotions. They were angry and needed to blame someone for this. Mercenaries don't just kill people. They were hired. And whoever hired this one had to be someone closer to them.

"Why did both of you come? Who is left in Suna?"

"Kankuro."

"Are you serious?" Rasa glared at Baki.

"You don't seem to hold a high opinion of him."

"He is a fool and shouldn't be trusted to protect the village. What the hell were you thinking?!"

"He is also the one who still sees you as his father," Baki put in. "Temari is there."

Rasa blinked with surprise. "Temari is home?"

"Yes. Konoha released her. She came back just after you left."

That was surprising. Did they know something he didn't? what were they planning? Did they just think she wasn't worth it? Whatever the case may be, he was happy he wouldn't have to deal with Gaara's not so subtle glares.

"What do we do now?"

"We head back home. We can't get involved In internal politics."

"Aren't you going to take over the country?"

"We don't have to do anything. Our people will do it. We stand on the sidelines and they'll do everything for us. Finally, Suna can move forward. Konoha will no longer get our missions. We will become stronger!" Rasa said confidently. "But we must first state that we leave. For more medical attention and to ensure the capital handles it's issues. Gaara will nonetheless stay, to protect them in case that mercenary comes back to attack them."

Rasa allowed himself a moment to smile. Even if other nations suspect them, they wouldn't do anything to interfere. And he would have people inside to keep the noises from other nations.

He'd pulled this off. He'd managed to get this done and there would not letting up. Suna would run toward a path of prosperity. He would finally fulfill his role as Kazekage. Successors would build on a strong foundation. He would have nothing to worry about if Gaara succeeded him.

"It is a pity our relationship with Konoha has been damaged badly."

"It is going to get worse once missions stop going there."

"A consequence of the decisions we took." Konoha wasn't going to trust them easily. It would be difficult to rebuild. But he could look elsewhere. They'd never had good relations with the Earth, but perhaps that could change. "We must start preparing to have good diplomatic and trade ties with our neighbors."

"Don't forget about paying that man."

"Did you gather it?"

"Just half of it." Baki grimaced at the thought of a mercenary telling secrets because they couldn't pay. It wasn't that they didn't have the money. But paying that kind of money from Suna's coffers would leave a very gigantic dent.

"That's a problem." Rasa put on a thoughtful look. "There is no other solution other than to get the rich to contribute."

"We got the half from them."

"We also don't want to draw attention to other people. We have no choice but to take from the village's reserves. If we draw out more, people start questioning why we want such money just after such an incident." Gaara explained. "We have to trust that the new Feudal Lord will be quick to bail us out. That is the reason for this, isn't it?"

"You're right." Rasa conceded. "We can't afford to piss off that man and raise more suspicions."

After all, Shinigami wasn't just some no name shinobi. He was the real deal. He was a man Suna didn't want to infuriate. Rasa could understand why Onoki has often used the man and made no attempts to liquidate him once he was no longer useful. Despite being himself, he must have realized his village was better served turning the other way instead of flipping a page of treachery.

It may not be that expensive for Iwa, but for Suna, that was a good they could only admire from the market.


Konohagakure

When the Sandaime Hokage walked into the office, Kakashi wanted to get out from behind the desk and allow the old man to sit. But he merely smiled and shook his head.

"You're the Hokage now."

Hiruzen still found it a little laughable that it was Kakashi who was Hokage. In his Prime, he had three exceptional students. One of them a once in a generation genius, and another, a medically renowned medic nin. Then there came Minato. Perhaps the greatest gift Jiraiya gave him was the Fourth. Like the other two, he too was gone. Of those four, one them could be Hokage. If the cruel hadn't occurred, Minato would still be Hokage. There would still be Uchiha in the village.

There was none of that. It was just him.

"I'm still getting used to the idea."

"You'll get used to it in no time. But things will not get any easier for you given that we seem to be heading toward troubling times. Or at least a moment that may define tomorrow."

"You heard about the Wind."

"Yes. I received the message on my way back."

"Iwagakure also sent a message about Naruto. They are not withdrawing their charge, but sent us an updated page of their bingo book entry. It merely lists him, and removes the bounty with no mention of what he did. They didn't say anything else."

"That is a message enough."

"It is curious about why they would do something like that."

"Indeed. But they are unlikely to explain. Knowing Onoki, it must have been something extreme. While stubborn, he does what is best for his village. He was the one who made proposal to stop the War with Konoha once Minato started to decimate their forces. We will eventually find out."

"And Suna?"

"It affects us what has happened. Given what he said to me when we spoke, I think Rasa planned this. It means we will no longer get missions from the Wind Lord."

"No Kage has ever dared to take down a Feudal Lord." Not even Konoha could make such an attempt even at the height of its powers. Feudal Lords were not just some powerless creatures. They were the Lords who had the power to even destroy this village. They treat them as nothing more than weapons to fight their little problems. They just had to throw money and each Great Village would jump.

"First time for everything. I didn't think he would make such a move. But we can't focus too much on it. We have our own problems." Hiruzen sighed tiredly.

The corrupt bureaucrats in the Fire Capital gave him a tough time. They were talking about territory expansion when he was asking for help. No, he'd been begging for it. He'd not groveled but had come close.

"We received some of it but on a loan which we must pay back."

"We can simply push that to the Wave."

"Yes. Even without income from the Wind, The Wave will replace it and it will make our village financially stable."


Who didn't know about Minato's son at this stage? Almost all rogue shinobi knew him. The bounty Iwagakure had put on his head was alluring. But to see him casually stroll before her and then sit beside Shizune, left Tsunade with somewhat mixed feelings. Haku had warned her he would come again – but she didn't think he would come like this.

She was fairly sober, so if he tried something, she would deal with it.

"You took your sweet time."

"Were you waiting for me?"

"Your man told me you'd come and that you could do something bad. I was interested in seeing what you'd actually do to force my hand."

Naruto smiled. Why would Haku say something like that? Then again, he always did think of the worst for him. It wasn't something he didn't earn. He'd displayed little kindness. It was nothing but a cold hearted calculation to do whatever he needed, with whatever means necessary. Even now, he could do the worst. He could use Shisui's eyes on Tsunade. It wasn't totally unthinkable.

He was nonetheless mindful. Not of her own wellbeing. He didn't care. But if he took her, Konoha wouldn't just sit back. They were only tolerant of him because of the Sandaime and his guilt. But if he took Tsunade, he'd have trouble. He didn't need the hell. Not when he had to deal with Onoki's schemes. The only way he was going to solve that was to reveal to the Tsuchikage that he was Shinigami. But that was a matter for another day. For now, he got a temporary solution and he would run with it.

"He has a loud mouth, but perhaps not so false." Naruto admitted. "It is nonetheless an honor to meet you, Tsunade-sama. I have travelled throughout the shinobi world, but there is no other Kunoichi as famous as you in the field of medical ninjutsu."

Tsunade wanted to laugh. Despite what had been said, the blond was talking to her in a respectful manner. This certainly couldn't be the same person who Haku was afraid of. Then again, it could be a mask.

"What do you want?" She asked with nonchalance.

"I must apologize for just appearing like this. " He said. "You took my money."

"I was given it."

"I want it back nonetheless."

"I used it."

"Well, that's a problem."

"For you." Tsunade stared. "Well, are you going to do something about it? Don't tell me that you had it left on purpose just so you can claim I owe you then deliver the service you want."

Naruto burst into laughter.

"Not at all. That was Haku. He seems to think that you can just throw money around. I work hard for it." He smiled and then spoke sternly. "You're going to pay back that money."

Shizune didn't question that Naruto was dead serious. But there was nothing about his posture that changed. There wasn't even a hint of tension. He was as he came. She worried though. Tsunade had already exchanged the gold bars for money. And she gambled all of it. Losing it all. They were just finishing their meals and then depart to the next Town.

"I've used it all." Tsunade said with indifference. "Is that why you came? To collect your money?"

Naruto didn't respond to Tsunade but glanced at Shizune through the corner of his eyes. She flinched and turned away. Staring into the Sharingan was a stupid thing.

"Is your master this difficult to deal with?"

"Yeah."

"Hmm…" Naruto sighed. "I understand why you can't help. I don't need to question Haku about why he failed. He had a feeling you'd refuse to help. But considering his kindness, I thought you'd be a good judge of character. Anyway, you can't do it because of your loyalty to Konoha. If the Leaf knew you were training others, it would be pissed off. Your own grandfather was the Hokage…" he smiled, amused. "Then again, my father was the Hokage as well. He is considered Konoha's greatest Hokage. The man gave away the gift of life for Konoha to have a future."

"And yet you're here."

"So, are you." Naruto was silent for a couple of seconds. "You really don't want to help?"

"Explain to me what you want to do."

"I don't think anything would change even if I explained."

"You shouldn't have bothered to come here then."

"I suppose." His left head shot out in a blur and grabbed Shizune by her throat. Tsunade attempted to stop him, but he kicked out the table with his knee, sending it toward her.

The Slug Princess punched through the table, breaking it in half. And then quickly stood up. She didn't bother with the panicked expressions of people in the restaurant. She ignored it all and stared at the blond – who was just sitting there, legs folded, strangling Shizune to death. The poor woman was helplessly gasping for air.

What kind of physical strength did he even have that he could do that to her with just one hand. Shizune kept weapons on her person. The fact that she wasn't trying to reach them meant that he was doing something to her.

She gritted her teeth in anger. His mood had switched in seconds. And he was deceptively fast.

"You're not going to leave here. I'll send you to Iwagakure myself even if you're Minato's son."

"I doubt you have the ability."

Tsunade stomped her foot on the floor, cracking it. The restaurant was empty by now. She then released a murderous killing intent I an attempt to scare him but it was her who received the deathly doze.

She was left frozen for a second when Naruto countered. The devilish killing intent he released sent chills down her spine. It was beyond normal. To think someone so young could dwarf her killing intent with such cruelty.

"Aside from your monstrous strength, you are nothing. Then again, you're a Medic nin. It shouldn't be surprising." Naruto said coldly. "But I would be interested in seeing how you heal when cut up while you have your jutsu released."

"What do you know?"

"Just enough," Naruto said. "Look at the door."

Tsunade glanced, only for a brief second. There was a sword, stabbed next to the frame. The second she glanced there, Naruto disappeared in a blur, appearing next to his sword. Tsunade didn't even need to think about how fast he had moved or if it was the Yondaime's jutsu, she lunged toward him.

Boom

She wanted to crush him. But he was quick. Really fast for her that her fist crashed through the wall, shattering it and Naruto had already gone. He was standing by the street, Shizune now on his left shoulder, holding his sword with his right hand.

"As payment for the money you took, I'll hold this woman hostage. You'll come looking for me, with my money, and I'll return her."

"Spare me the bullshit!"

"Nasty words, Tsunade-sama."

"That nonsense is what you plan to say whenever someone asks."

"Well, am I lying? Did you not take my money?"

"I will kill you if you take her away."

"Well, we all have dreams." Naruto said with shrug. "If you want her back, come to Uzu. Well, if you can get into the island. The Whirlpools are quite rough and no ship goes through. If you can fly, you're in luck. If not, well, I'll just hold onto her a little longer."


Shizune's body tensed when she came to. She realized she was most likely abducted. She slowly rose from the wooden floor and glanced around. She was lying in the middle of small room. It was eerily quiet. She glanced toward the entrance. It was wide open. There didn't seem to be any door. She didn't feel any pain and felt her weapons were still with her. So, her body had not been touched.

She was fearful though. She had indeed been captured. What had happened to Tsunade?

Slowly, she stood up and walked toward the exit. As soon as she went past the door frames, she saw the outside. There he was, sitting by the staircase, leaning against the frames. He had a far away look.

For a moment, she thought of attacking him. He was wide open, and didn't react to her presence. But considered attacking futile. She didn't know the situation or where she was. Besides, he showed great physical strength when he grabbed her. Attacking him would only make things worse. Still, a part of her really did want to attack. It was a futile thought sponsored by hope.

After a couple of seconds, she shoved the thoughts to the back of her head, eased the tension in her body and took a small breath to calm herself.

She looked around. It was rather peaceful. The atmosphere seemed to filled with natures love. It wasn't anywhere she knew. How long had she even been out?

"Where are we?"

"Fire Country."

His voice was different. He seemed to be very relaxed. "What are you going to do with me?"

"You're not really afraid, are you?"

"I'm a kunoichi. And you don't seem like you want to hurt me."

"That is true…" Naruto said. He still didn't face her. "Please sit. And let go of those senbon."

"You noticed." She had grabbed them on reflex when he replied.

"I'm a shinobi. I don't think you'd be harmless like that."

Shizune debated for a moment and then sat down. She couldn't tell where they where. But maybe they were indeed in the Fire Country. This looked like a hideout. If it was, it was going to be difficult for anyone to find her. She shook her head – it was only going to be Tsunade who looks for her. There was no one else.

Her existence was truly miserable. Even if she were to be killed, only Tsunade would be sad. Everyone else was dead. It was bitterly laughable. She had nothing to be proud of. She has spent all year following and taking care of her master. Even in training, she wasn't the sharpest to even surpass her master.

"Are we in the Land of Fire?"

"It is rather natural, isn't it?" Naruto asked lightly. "It took some time to make. But you could say it is unique. I find it much more settling to settle in the presence of nature than in human creations."

"Is this where you hide?"

For the first time, his eyes turned toward her. His posture may be relaxed with a little warmth in his voice but his eyes still maintained the same intensity as before.

"Who knows? I forget. I travel a lot."

"What happened to Tsunade-sama."

"Nothing. I suppose she will go to Konoha to request help in trying to retrieve you. You know her secrets and perhaps some of Konoha's secrets."

"I'm not going to tell you anything." Shizune stared defiantly.

Naruto smiled. "So many have stated. But before these eyes, there is no refusal. You'll tell me and you'll teach my people medical ninjutsu."

Shizune worried. The calmness in his tone bothered her. She shifted uncomfortably. "Why?"

Naruto turned away from Shizune and faced the green leaves that surrounded them. "Sometimes, you can learn the best jutsu. Do seemingly the impossible, but you soon realize it can be all meaningless. Jutsu destroys and kills. It cannot save lives."

That was a different answer than what she expected. The surprising part about it was that it was rational. Then again, he hadn't displayed in any of irrationally. Shizune was beginning to understand that this person was no simpleton. He wasn't just a fool who went around kidnapping people.

"Perhaps I should have studied medical Ninjutsu. Then again, I didn't have much of a choice. My father decided that I would become a fighting shinobi, not a medical nin." Naruto continued to speak in a quiet tone. He seemed to be talking to himself than to her. "I must still apologize for this. You have done no wrong and I have taken you against your will. I can understand the discomfort and any ill feelings. Your sin is being knowledgeable with medical Ninjutsu."

"I don't remember saying I'm knowledgeable."

Naruto did not entertain this. "I won't treat you badly and I would rather you do want I want willingly. If it can be avoided, I would rather not use force. You gain enmity by such means."

"Good thing for you, I came here willingly." Shizune replied with sarcasm, a roll of her eyes.

"I didn't think you could do sarcasm. The mood around you and your master is that of a depressing one. So are the reasons for her refusal to go back to Konoha." He shook his head. "I've apologized for dragging you here."

"And that makes it alright?"

"I suppose not. You should rest, we have a long journey ahead of us."

"Where are you taking me?"

Naruto did not give her an answer.


Shizune had wanted to ask if Naruto was human or not. They had traveled while the sun was still out and straight into the night. He did not sleep but kept walking. He did not stop for anything. When she got tired, a clone picked her up and the continued the journey. Throughout the night, they walked. Sometimes he ran. He'd only rested for about an hour when they were about to leave the Fire Nation into the Wave.

Her stomach was grumbling. She was worn out and needed to sleep. But the circumstances around her did not allow her to sleep.

As soon as they entered the Wave, he'd transformed and loudly pondered about tying her up to a tree so he could secure a boat. He'd shrugged and then told her to stay in place while giving her some food and water. He was gone for little over three hours. By then, it may have been around 10am, but it was still morning.

Shizune wasn't used to this. When she traveled with Tsunade, they used hotels. The forest wasn't kind to people, especially women.

"Come on… let's go."

Those were the only words he said to her upon returning. Shizune had considered fleeing before he returned. But she doubted she would get far. This was an island. She didn't know what was happening inside. She couldn't risk anything.

And so, she had simply waited along the tall trees while filling her stomach with the food had captor offered.

They traveled toward the sea. A small boat was hidden along the bushes. He carried it and then dragged them toward the water. She wondered if he was seriously thinking of entering the sea with such a small boat. It couldn't withstand waves of the ocean. But he seemed like he knew what he was doing. So, she had quietly trotted into the boat, settled peacefully. The boat could accommodate up to eight people. There were three clones who were guiding it. But it had some mechanical attachment that propelled it forward. The clones kept it steady and directed its path.

"Why are we doing this when you can teleport?"

A huge wave lifted the boat. She heart skipped a beat. But she faced him, waiting for a response. He was calm. Didn't seem bothered by the water slapping the boat. Some drops showered into the boat. But it just kept moving forward.

"To small distances." If Shizune wasn't staring at him, she might not have heard him. "I'm going to sleep. Try not to wake me up. The journey is going to be a little longer. If you want to take a piss, go ahead. If you're hungry, hold it in. Whatever the case may be, don't wake me up. I'm really tired."

"At least tell me where we are going."

"Uzushiogakure."

It didn't take long for him to fall dead into sleep. Shizune laughed. There were clones watching, but they were still just clones. And to think he would actually dare to sleep in such a moment. She was a medic, she could do something to make him regret his decision.

She considered it for a moment and then shook her head.

She glanced back at the Wave. And then far to the direction of the Fire Country. She worried about Tsunade. What was she doing? Was she getting help? Could she survive? She was powerful but had become very careless she was always around to watch her back.

Shizune could only hope her master was fine.


Uzu was truly hidden in Whirlpools. The boat had stopped at a good distance. She'd tried to snooze, but when the boat stopped, she became wide awake while Naruto continued to sleep. It was already fall, but she could see it clearly, colored by the orange illumination of the sun on the sea. The hundreds of whirlpools that twisted the water with violence and intolerance to any boat. There was just no getting past that. This was nature's defensive system.

How had this village become invaded when it had this kind of protection?

"A perfect defensive mechanism, don't you think?"

Shizune nearly jolted. Along the day long journey without eating, the clones hadn't said a word to her, even if she'd attempted to talk. Naruto suddenly speaking when he was dead surprised her. Had it been late into the night, and she was alone, she'd have jumped into the water.

"If it was perfect, an invading force wouldn't have made it here." She said that with some mild contempt. Perhaps an attempt to spite him.

Naruto smiled. "Perfection doesn't exist. Of course, ships have always found a way to come into this island. It is only natural that even invaders would succeed." Naruto stood up. "It is a pity that Konoha couldn't help us out in a time of need."

Those sharp and cold words struck Shizune straight in the face.

"You sound displeased by it."

"Why wouldn't I? There was no way the Leaf didn't know about it. But they did nothing. I was robbed of family because of it. And yet despite their treachery, they still wear the Uzumaki symbol. It is rather mocking to my clan."

For the first time, Shizune sensed contempt in his tone. It was hidden, but it surfaced for a brief second.

The relationship between the Uzumaki and Konoha was supposed to be strong. But it had not received help them in their time of need. And the clan was now extinct.

"We heard that the son of the Yondaime Hokage was running around the shinobi world with no part in Konoha. Jiraiya-sama once came to us while looking for you. He didn't divulge much details but said you'd gone missing. Why did you leave Konoha? Is it because of this?"

"Curious, aren't we?" Naruto smiled. He didn't answer her question but jumped into the water, and took a couple of steps while floating on the water. He did hand seals and slammed his hands into the water.

Shizune's eyes focused when she saw the water calm. Slowly, the Whirlpools died down. Slowly, Naruto returned to the boat.

"I don't need to tell you that what you saw ought to never be said to anyone, even in your dreams."

Obviously, if he could stop them like that, then there was a gap that could be exploited. There was something that was making more Whirlpools to fill the gap. You just needed to know where to cancel the jutsu keeping the Whirlpools active. If they were like this, there was just no entry.

Shizune simply nodded.

"In the near future, you're going to see a checkpoint here. Something of a bridge that will create a port. It will be protected by the Whirlpools. The sea isn't bottomless around here because we're closer to the island."

"What are you really planning here?"

There was no answer.

Now that she thought of it, Naruto never answered all of her questions. He answered convenient things and spoke when he wanted to.

When they arrived at the island. There were more than 11 ships docked. There was some unloading of materials. She didn't question any of it. Naruto waved at the people, and spoke to someone. He pointed around and handed out a couple of scrolls before returning to her. They then ventured into the forest.

Shizune wasn't sure she'd been awake along the journey. What she knew was that she had immediately entered into some dream the second she entered the forest. And the next thing she knew, she was standing next to Naruto in what was a village. There were a lot of empty buildings. She could hear the voices of children playing in the streets. A few people walking about.

She followed Naruto into a stream that cut across the street. She stopped at the bridge to look at the ruins. War wasn't a pretty thing. It left nothing but destruction. The Uzumaki faced their destruction here. Buried here with no one to help avenge them.

After a moment, she ran toward Naruto. There was a free standing house. It was built differently from the other houses in the village. It had the same style as the houses in the compounds of clan houses in the Leaf. They didn't enter through the front but went behind. It didn't look like there was anybody present.

The first thing she noticed was the garden. The sound of birds chirping. A thick mist at the base. She noticed the same mist was in the forest.

Naruto was already settled on the stoop at the back of the house. Shizune remained standing, watching the garden. There were different flowers she'd not seen before. Some she recognized. They were used for medical purposes. It became apparent that this wasn't just some normal garden.

"What is this?"

"A garden of life and death. There are flowers that will kill you and some that give life."

"At the hideout, I recognize that tree from the hideout. How come I didn't see anything from the front of the house. Those trues are too big."

"A barrier." Naruto replied calmly. "You're welcome to move around the house. You can take some leaves or seeds and play them if you want. Do something to keep yourself busy. I'm going to do some work."

"I would rather eat something and then get some sleep."

"Let me show you the kitchen then. Count me when you cook."

"Aren't you taking this too easy. I could make you some poison."

Naruto smiled. "You're a medic, you don't kill people."

"Unless they are kidnappers."

"Fair enough. But you can't leave this island without my permission. I'll explain why you're here later on. Should be some time before it gets dark. In the mean time, behave. And don't try anything."

"If I was going to, I would have while in the boat or when going go the Wave."

Naruto stared at her with a flat smile.

"You're not naïve enough to think that I didn't have my guard at all time, do you? You don't think I just left you with your concealed weapons because I didn't think you could do any harm, do you?"

Shizune frowned deeply and clenched her jaws. She knew she was being watched by a hawk. It was frustrating. She knew the moment he got away with her, it was over. Why didn't she make things difficult? Because Naruto seemed like a person who'd just drag her simply because she would heal herself. Making things difficult would only make her feel pain. Since he took her openly, there was a chance he would return her to her master.

It still didn't make things easy. She really didn't know whether to laugh or just be mad. She didn't laugh because of her worry for Tsunade. And she wasn't mad because her abductor has shown that as long as she cooperated, he wasn't going to treat her harshly. In fact, along the journey, she has been a companion.

"Just know, I'm not naïve enough that just because you're treating me well, I'll start to take sympathy."

"Well, bummer. But still, I wouldn't want you to be close to me. You're loyal to your master and would never do anything to betray her. Simply, I don't require your sympathy for my cause…" he shook his head. "That may be a lie. It's quite complicated."

"Nothing complicated about it. You're trying to show your human side while forcing me to do something for you."

"Sounds bad when you say it like that."

"Because it is?"

Naruto shrugged with indifference. "Doesn't matter. Right and wrong are determined by winners…" he smiled. "Of course, morally speaking, my actions are wrong. But I would still repeat them."

"Why did you even bother asking for help? You should have known she would refuse."

"That is enough talk for now."


By around 10pm, Shizune was at the top of the village's tallest building, watching the streets. There seemed to be some festivities. A lot more people than there had been when she came in.

She glanced at her right and stared at Naruto, wondering just what he was thinking.

"Where are these people coming from?"

"There are farms all over the island. These people are just civilians. Most of them had no homes when I brought them here."

"How did you bring in so many people without arousing suspicion?"

Naruto shrugged indifferently. "Haku said he left my people with you."

"Tsunade sent them away."

"They must have gone to Kiri then." Naruto said in a thoughtful tone. "I have a simple request for you. You have your secrets. And I have mine. I wouldn't share those secrets with anyone, in terms of jutsu I mean. I do not want your secrets. I just want you to teach a few people how to save lives. We have had people getting sick and dying simply because there is no one to provide care. Even with all my power, there are things I can't do. Before this place achieves its goal, I want it to be prepared to deal with the challenges."

"You abducted me just for that?"

"Didn't Haku explain?"

"I thought he was missing something. You just want your people to be taught basic skills?"

"Well, I could have you do more, but that would be counterproductive. There is no need to burn bridges. I might need you some time in the future."

"And yet you kidnapped me."

"This is me being nice. I didn't even fight your master."

Shizune couldn't help it; she rolled her eyes in response. Another night, and she would be without her master. Where was she? Who was she with? What was she even doing? At least, she was a Sannin. She could protect herself, unlike her.

"You earlier asked me why I asked when I knew she would refuse. Well, I sent Haku because I wanted to hope for better for people. Tell me, have I asked something unreasonable?"

"No."

"But willingly, it could not be done because you just don't train other people. You don't just give away your knowledge. But why is that? It is because people are selfish. They cant care for other people. It's disgusting considering your master is a medic. Out of her loyalty to Konoha, she would have refused, even if it meant helping innocent people save lives."

"She wouldn't have refused if you showed her this much. She had helped people along the way." Shizune said with confidence.

"Help people? Don't you mean you have helped people?"

"I do so on her behalf. She trained me."

"I wonder about that. But I do not know her, so I'll reserve my judgement. In any case, there are three more Kunoichi you'll train. They are good people. They know the basics and have been trained to control their chakra perfectly. I understand that one thing is absolute in medical ninjutsu and that is perfect chakra control. They have been trained to control their chakra perfectly and have read some medical ninjutsu. For three months, you shall teach them."

"If the cause is just, I don't think I would refuse to help out. But you could be lying to me. You brought me here forcefully after all. Tell me, what is it that you want to do?"

"What you want to ask if I'm going to attack Konoha, yes?"

She nodded.

"No. I don't like the Leaf, but I have no plans to attack it." He then smiled. "But of course, that may well be a lie."