"If your shinobi came about and saw the dear Lady half-naked, they would certainly have wet dreams." Naruto spoke in a gentle tone, his crimson eyes softened as he took view of the Mizukage's figure.

Mei twisted around to face the silhouette of Naruto. She'd not panicked when she heard the voice. She could recognize it in her dreams and intoxicated state. They were inside her house, late into the night. She had nothing but a towel on her. She didn't feel any urge to try to cover up, but just smiled – a bit wickedly. It was spurred on by the fact that Naruto wasn't looking at her, even though he was facing her.

She knew he had changed tactics she turned around.

"What a lovely way to make your appearance."

"I figured this would be the right way as I haven't seen you in a while."

"I'm surprised." Mei folded his hands across her chest, merely for measure just to elicit a reaction from Naruto. But there was none.

He smiled. "I must apologize for entering your house unannounced. I didn't think I would catch you like this."

Mei shrugged indifferently and motioned for the blond to follow. She swayed her hips as she turned. At this point, she wouldn't bother if her towel dropped. But then again, Naruto was the type of person who'd probably look the other way the moment it dropped. That of him frustrated her to no end. He wouldn't even make a flirtatious comment. He was no child!

She led him to the lounge. Her legs were folded, revealing more of her skin. She wanted him to sit directly to her but he sat on the other side and leaned back, staring into the ceiling.

She sighed heavily. Inwardly, a small groan rang like a bell in her mind.

"Do you even like women?" She asked with a stare.

"Hahaha…" Naruto laughed with amusement. "What do you think?"

"I've not seen you with any girl or even heard any rumor." She pursed her lips, a right brow raised, her eyes firmly on his figure.

Did he have time to be chasing woman? The pleasures of life were nothing to scoff about but they were not that important to him. At this rate, he didn't even think about relationships. He was more concerned about his goals.

Naruto glanced at the Mizukage, fully burning her image inside his head. "I have whored myself a couple of times during missions."

Mei stared at him with surprise.

"For what purpose?"

"Getting information."

"But you have the Sharingan."

"I must try all means necessary." Naruto shrugged. "Besides, when dealing with civilians, it is always better to do things their level. Seems fair that way. And sometimes, I just want to have a little fun…" He added with a wide grin.

Mei stared wondering if she was seeing things. When was the last time she saw the blond grinning?

"I somehow don't believe that last part. You and fun don't mix."

Naruto shrugged. "And you? I don't see anyone around here."

The Mizukage frowned deeply for a second before trying to smile but she failed miserably. "I have not found a proper husband," she said almost in a whisper.

"Don't husbands find wives?"

"I'm the Mizukage, who do you think is going to come to me?"

"Ao?"

They stared at each other and then laughed.

"I can't imagine how that would be like," Naruto shook his head. "It is nonetheless good to see you again, Mei. I think this is the longest I have been gone without any communication."

At least there were no formalities this time. Then again, it would have been weird even for him, if he suddenly started talking to her with honorifics given he has already intruded in her house.

"Likewise," Mei smiled warmly. "Admittedly, I'd been missing you."

The Mizukage always tried to drag him away from his shell. For years, Naruto resisted. He had no life aside from killing and plotting. Mei didn't like that for him. He could still point out that she too had no life. It wasn't for the lack of trying, unlike him. Itachi would be a little disappointed. He shook his head – that was debatable. The Uchiha was goal oriented but he still wished a life for others.

"Why don't you get dressed and we take a walk around the village."

"That's new."

"It's night. Not a lot of people."

"Figures…" Mei shook her head with disappointment. "When are you going to start integrating into the village? You know, I'm going to start telling people of your efforts to free this village from its bloody curse."

"That would make things uncomfortable."

"I want you to be uncomfortable. Comfort doesn't seem to do you good." She said as she stood up. She left without saying another word.

Naruto closed his eyes for a second and then stared into the ceiling. His thoughts were chaotic. The back of his mind wasn't even a save zone to store things anymore. It was a crowded abyss that threatened his sleep on a daily basis. The way forward was clear, at least on what he had to do. It was the unpredictability of life that made things complicated. He would nonetheless admit, if all things went accordingly, it would be a snooze fest.

After a couple of minutes, Mei returned wearing her usual blue dress. But she seemed a little exposed. He was armored in his shinobi gear. Rarely was he not armed.

The silence was tolerable. In fact, it was enjoyable as they went outside. The breeze of the night touched the bones. The night murmurs ran rampant within the atmosphere of the streets. Very few people patrolled the streets. People – civilians and shinobi alike were most likely in their houses, spending time with family. Touching moments filled with emotions – a reality he was robbed by the cruelty of life.

One or two recognized their leader and bowed to her.

"I wish I didn't have to come here like this."

"I've never known you for social calls. Some part of me would've been happy if you'd simply turned up because you missed me…" Mei had a serious look about her. "But I knew, the moment you showed up, something must have happened."

"I heard you are going to meet the Hokage."

"That was a meeting we have postponed but yes, it is happening. We haven't finalized were it will take place. Konoha wants you to there in the meeting."

It wasn't unexpected. He figured it had something to do with Iwagakure. The Leaf was displaying considerable restraint in letting him be.

"I have no problem with that."

"Then you'll come with me. I don't need to take anyone else with me if that is the case." She let out a short breath. "But I don't think that is the reason you came late into the night. Where were you, Naruto? What were you doing that you had to disappear for four months?"

"I was in the Land of Springs. I'm friendly with the Feudal Lord there. She has been a huge help."

"She?"

"Yeah." Naruto purposefully ignored the questioning look from Mei. "I was busy collecting materials for my project. The technology in that country exceeds anything in the elemental nations…" he paused and stared into the stars of the night. "When I was passing by the Wave. I saw things that surprised me. What is happening there?"

"Konoha has taken charge. I think they are trying to improve the Wave for their benefit. It's likely it would be paying large sums for protection. Worse, if it takes off, it might threaten our country's shipping business."

Naruto's frown only deepened.

He hadn't killed Gato just for Konoha to hijack the progress and reap where they did not sow. They would reap the benefits when they hadn't bothered to rescue the country in its time of need. And now they dared go in. he shouldn't have just looked the other way after killing Gato. He had labored for the Wave to be freed but not for Konoha to suddenly become a helping friend.

"That is a problem."

"I wouldn't know. I don't know what you plan." Mei replied in a flat tone.

Naruto wanted to ignore her sharp tone but he couldn't. "I have kept so many things from you. I can't fault trust issues… It may seem hard to believe but I have trusted you for a long time. Perhaps it is the wiring not to say anything about my activities. There is nonetheless no excuse for it."

"You even kept the fact that you had a member of the Yuki clan from me."

She didn't shout, but it was obvious she was displeased. Displeased was putting it mildly; she was mad. Naruto could understand her frustrations. She had opened her home, told him everything and yet he kept to himself. A relationship had to be two-way. They were more than just partners. He had to treat her in a way that symbolized the depth of their relationship.

Relationships were truly complex. But depths in them meant a door to various emotions would be opened. If he'd been thinking those emotions, he'd be wearing a Kiri headband, and maybe he wouldn't have done even a quarter of the things he has done.

"I honestly didn't think that was an issue. In any case, I became a mercenary because I wanted to make money. Bounty hunting made money but not quite enough. Besides, with being a mercenary, you get to see other sides of nations, the dark sides that they don't want people to know. I'll admit, I have been cruel to those at my mercy. But I've come to the point where I really don't even fear death. So, the deaths of others hardly means anything.

"Despite it all, I have a goal. And that is to change the shinobi world. I could have gone back to Konoha, fought my way through as my sensei had wanted. But I couldn't bother with people who held no love for me. I could have become a hero here, but fame isn't what I want. I was denied that by the village that gave birth to me.

"Uzu comes into the picture for this goal. But what Konoha is doing in the Wave might prove to be a problem. It is something that can be solved but I would have to come into negotiations with them. The problem with that is I have done something… bad…"

"What did you do?" Mei asked with a stare.

"I took the apprentice of Konoha's Sannin, Tsunade."

"Took?"

"By force."

"You're going to be the death of me. Why would you do something like that? If she goes to Konoha, you're in trouble!"

"I'm well aware." Naruto admitted. "I'd asked her to train some people from Uzu in medical ninjutsu."

"And you thought she would accept?" Mei looked at him incredulously.

Naruto shrugged indifferently. "I still have some hope for humanity's kindness." He said. "She refused even after I offered to pay. I replied by taking her apprentice. She is in Uzu, beginning training."

"You like trouble, don't you?"

"No."

"Couldn't you have found someone else? Do you have to do things in such a manner?"

Mei now understood why Naruto refused to be part of Kiri. He'd admitted it before and she'd not understood his reasoning. But his blatant methods made her see the light. She couldn't have it anymore. She had to change his ways of they were going to have a fruitful future. His plans wouldn't even prosper if he continued to act in such a manner. He was likely to be killed before anything set off.

Naruto stopped walking, causing Mei to come to a halt. He held out his right hand as he replied.

"I understand people. There is always a reaction to an action. I'm conscious of any consequence that may come from my actions. The debacle with Iwagakure has taught me this much. Of course, if I wasn't betrayed, none of this would be happening?"

"Betrayed?"

"I am good at my job. I may have been reckless in going to Iwagakure. But I was careful. Someone ratted me out," Naruto shook his head and then started walking once more. At this rate, they were just strolling through the streets with no destination. "At least I have toned it down. You won't receive trouble from Iwagakure."

At least for now. Once Onoki knew what he had to know about him, he would attempt to get rid of him, even if it meant declaring war on him. For now, Naruto had to watch his back, because if he blinked, the Tsuchikage's people would knife him from behind.

"What did you do?"

"I spoke with the Tsuchikage to clear up the misunderstanding. Of course, he'll still want me dead but he'll be subtle about it."

"I don't want to know what you said to him." Mei shook her head. "I was beginning to fear you may do something disastrous."

"Well, I did give that impression. But if I went down that path, I would not achieve anything."

"And the Tsunade issue?"

Naruto was silent for a couple of seconds. "Personally, it doesn't matter to me if she reports to Konoha. I have reasons and nothing happens. But I'll admit I overlooked how it affects you. The Wave being in the state it is now also complicates things."

"Why couldn't you have asked someone else who would be willing? We have good Medics here in Kiri."

"None of them are her level."

"Does it matter? As long as they can save lives."

Naruto smiled. He'd told Shizune he just wanted his people to be able to save lives but he'd not told the complete truth.

"I suppose not." He said. "I'll handle the issue when it arises. I am going to be there, so there'll be questions for me. It will determine how we move on in the future. I'd have liked to move on without deals with the Leaf."

"You hate that village that much?"

Naruto smiled sadly. "Hate is such a powerful word. I don't like it. It caused me nothing more than suffering and sought to deny me the right to a good name and existence. They celebrated my disappearance and then blamed me for Itachi's actions. I couldn't be no more than six and yet they somehow found it fit to blame me. It actually sickens me that my parents died protecting that village."

Mei was surprised, so much that she came to a halt for a moment. For the first time she heard such words filled with mixed emotions from Naruto. He generally didn't discuss anything. After all, he had kept it from them that he was from the Leaf. But hearing what he thought of it wasn't liberating at all. In fact, it left her conflicted. How did she handle communications with the village from now on?

"You're not going to do anything, are you?"

"What do you think?"

"I'm just trying to make sure." Mei said. "At least from now on, please consult with me if you're going to do something. You are not my shinobi but we're related."

"I understand."

"Why don't we go for drinks?"

"At this time?"

"No better time than now. Besides, it is something we rarely do. Conversations with you are always too serious."

"I'm not that suffocating, I am?"

Mei smiled slyly. "Who knows?"

They bought drinks at a bar and then went straight back to Mei's house. They couldn't sit at the bar because it was too crowded. They settled at the rooftop, laying on their backs watching the stars dazzle and each with a bottle on the side.

"Couldn't this have waited?"

"I just happened to have arrived at this time. And I'm not staying for too long. I must be in a ship tomorrow, heading back to the Fire Nation."

"Something important?"

"Hmm… a deal to finalize with the people who control the Fire Nation." And he needed to go back to Suna to collect his pay. He didn't want those people cheating him his hard earned money.

Once he receives his pay, he could start hiring people to begin building his goods trains. He had all materials needed. But he would still need more steel from the Hidden Rain to begin things in earnest.

"What deal?"

Naruto didn't answer the question. "I've been thinking… Perhaps this is a good time I finally join the ranks of Kirigakure. Haku of course, remains in Uzushiogakure to lead it. But I can become a part of a village… wear Kiri's headband" he smiled sadly. "To be honest, I've always wanted to wear a headband. To be a proud shinobi representing ones village. I already have Uzu, but it's more of business. I'll of course spend most of the time there. We will need to form a partnership with my home village. Maybe I don't need to wear Kiri's headband, but that of Uzu."

"You just made some contradictory statements." Mei replied with a deep frown.

"Such is the state of mind when it comes to such issues. At any event, Haku will begin formal negotiations with you." He closed his eyes for a moment. "It is just that if Uzu grows, I wouldn't want to be part of another village. But I can do so to ensure neither betrays the other…" he smiled. "I suppose I'll have to proudly wear my Uzumaki colors from now on. And it would make the Leaf squirm if Kiri wore our symbol as well."

"Are you trying to spite them?"

Naruto shrugged. "You can count me as a partner. A shinobi registered in your books…" he closed his eyes. "But Uzu will always get first preference."

"I understand. Considering your contributions to what you have done for our village, the Village Council would not disagree. The shinobi will not disagree. We owe you much for the success we have. You may not be a hero in Konoha, but to us, you're a hero and I want our villagers to be aware. The shinobi already know you and what you have done for us."

"A hero, huh?"

"I want you to stay the whole day tomorrow, to make this discussion with the Ao, then I'll take it up with the Council. Once we are done with this part, I'll have audience with the Water Lord."

"Fine… I can delay a bit."


Sunagakure

Onoki's greed was otherworldly. But perhaps it came naturally for shinobi. They all did what was best for their villages and would not sacrifice if they did not benefit. Everything was a transaction. You give, you get. And some of these people preached the good news. Perhaps no one better than the Leaf but it has done many corrupt things for profit.

Rasa was staring at a letter from the Tsuchikage. The man who brought it was still standing in front of him. The letter was to be burnt to ashes once he finished reading, so not to leave evidence of the communication.

He glanced at the stone faced man and then at the letter. After a minute, he handed the letter to the shinobi. The man accepted it and departed from the office without saying a word.

Rasa turned his gaze toward Baki, who sat in front of his desk, an expressionless mask on his face. Rasa mirrored this look as he spoke.

"In the past war, we held neutrality, and even stopped Iwa's attempts to advance through our country. Our relationship with Konoha was good, not not enough to support it. At any event, we came out friendlier with the Leaf than Iwa."

"That is when excluding Danzo's schemes." Baki remarked with contempt.

"Yeah. Those failed. And it can't be questioned that the Sandaime Hokage didn't order it." Rasa replied. "The Tsuchikage wants to form a relationship with us. He says, to open trade channels, to exclude Konoha in our deals."

The main purpose was to rob Konoha of a friendly nation. Not that the Leaf currently had any laughs with them. Suna's actions of late meant there would be no easy route to peace. He could try it. But Rasa didn't have to. If Iwa could stand on equal footing with him, then he could dine with the Tsuchikage, for the better of his village.

"Konoha will be isolated."

"Yeah." Rasa agreed. "The relationship with Kumo is non-existent. Kiri cannot be counted. It has lost its bloodlines but we must nonetheless not underestimate it until we know its exact power. Kumo might be the strongest Hidden Village at the moment."

"The Raikage won't turn to us… so we can forget about him."

Baki was a little envious of the Hidden Cloud. It held two Jinchuriki and the fastest shinobi in the Elemental Nations. Just those three were enough to make any army sweat.

"He respects power. So, he won't turn to us. We are weak… that is why even people like Onoki want to take advantage of us… We will play their game… but I do have an agreement with the Sandaime. It nonetheless does not stop us from forming trade relations with the Stone… I'm going to send you there with what we require and if the Stone can supply."

"And the issue with the Feudal Lord?"

"We know nothing. At any event, it is not the business of Iwa to enquire."


The Following Day

Ao smiled at Naruto. An alarm rang on his head – he rarely did this kind of thing. Perhaps it was because Naruto never had them in his confidence but kept them at arms length. Mei could trust but it was up to him to be cautious. Shinobi were capable of anything. Even the ones who seemed like they couldn't harm a fly could turn out to be mass murderers. Maybe he was just being over-cautious.

It was nonetheless time to discard this.

His gaze turned to Haku, who sat beside Naruto. He was the complete opposite of Naruto. And Ao had learned, the Yuki was very loyal to Naruto. But, he was still a good person, someone who got along with Choujuro.

He leaned back on his chair, placed his hands on the rectangular table. The other person in the room was Mei. She sat beside him. They faced the two from Uzushiogakure. It felt weird just thinking about that. Haku belonged to this village. If you asked any Jonin in the village, they would tell you Naruto was part of them, just reclusive. If you went to the orphanage he ran, they would tell you, he was a proud shinobi of the Hidden Mist.

"I have already briefed Ao about some details," Mei said to Naruto.

"That makes things better. Ao tends to look at everything with caution and eye of suspicion."

"It can't be helped if he is dealing with you. You make everyone suspicious." Haku said lightly in response to Naruto. "I have not had the chance to speak to Naruto, so, I won't say much."

"It is fine." Mei said with a slight shake of her head. "We just want to handle formalities. There will be documents to be signed after. But it is good if we discuss what we need from each other. As far as I'm concerned, you're growing rice and wheat in Uzu, yes?"

"Yes." Haku replied. "We tried maize last year, but it didn't go well. Vegetables in some parts of the Island are grown as well, but not in large quantities as wheat. Potatoes grow well.. Naruto has mixed some lands to grow sunflowers. They are growing well, but require some special attention with fertilizers."

"You still fish?"

"We have the tools, but don't that anymore. We can restart, we just need to find a market."

"Pirates?"

"They don't come around Uzu."

Mei nodded. "We've stopped on the Seven Swordsman." She stared at Naruto.

He smiled. "Why are you giving me that look?"

"You were supposed to take Choujuro with you to hunt down Kisame."

"Things came up. But I'll do that."

"I want him alive. He left the village under different circumstances and I believe that if handled carefully, he could become a great asset to the Mist. He could well become the Leader of the Seven Swordsman."

"That would leave just Utakata."

Mei nodded. "He needs to be found. We have the general location."

"I have already collected the Sanbi from for you."

"And we want those two."

"You're asking an awful lot from me."

"It's not like it is impossible for you." Mei shrugged.

He would basically be responsible for remaking Kiri's military power. Naruto had already collected other swords. This was going to take some time off his already busy schedule. There was much to do, and he was just one man. He also had Sasuke to deal with. This was slightly a drag, but he would welcome the challenge.

"That can be done."

"If Kiri regains its strength, Kisame leads a new generation, and we have both our Bijuu, I will have people build a monument for you and list all your achievements."

"Mei-sama…" Ao looked at his Kage a bit helplessly.

"It's nothing less than what he deserves." Mei said flatly. "Naruto is an important part of us…" besides, she wanted to tie him down to this village to ensure he never left them.

Military strength was important. She wanted to move away from violence and wars but this was still a shinobi village. It needed to be able to defend itself and impose where necessary. Power was important for influence. Currently, none of the Great Nations would listen to them because they didn't have the military and economical power to make anyone listen.

"Uzu needs to be defended. Some of Kiri's shinobi will need to be stationed in the island." It was Haku who spoke, navigating away from the talk of monuments.

"These shinobi must be under our control. They must be living in the island full-time." Naruto added.

"How many?"

"We can discuss the number when we move forward."

Mei glanced at Ao before nodding. "I can make the arrangements. We will have those who can volunteer to go live in Uzu."

If they could have Kisame and their two Jinchuriki back, then losing even a thousand shinobi would be worth it. The return of Kisame meant the restoration of the Seven Swordsman. Two Jinchuriki were invaluable, Mei could take this much.

"We will discuss the matter further with the Council and the Feudal Lord. But there shouldn't be a problem."

Naruto nodded. "The journey ahead will be difficult. My secrets. And the power that rises. It will always be a threat to others."

"Which is why we need to have the power to defend ourselves."

"But before that, a network of information. Once trade routes are established, I will have people passing information along those routes. It will keep us ahead on what is happening with other Great Nations."

"Don't you have a network of information already?"

"For my purposes. Some things you can't mix." Naruto replied. "And when you speak to Konoha, what is going to happen there?"

"We."

"Ah, yes we." Naruto smiled. "About this arrangement. Is it going to come up?"

"Of course. We'll have to disclose it. It isn't like it is going to be secretive."

Naruto nodded. With Konoha making moves in the Wave, he had to pick up his gloves and move faster. But still, it puzzled him how the Sandaime had made this move. It was unlike the old man. But then again, the old man had experienced setbacks that felt like a stab in the back. With so many failures in his life, he must have felt the pressing need to make drastic decisions as not to end his reign as Konoha's longest serving Hokage in a whimper.

"I'll meet you in the Wave for the meeting. There is somewhere I must go."

Moments later

Naruto had his hands folded across his back as he walked with Haku, heading toward a ship to sail toward the Fire Nation.

"When did you arrive here?"

"A week ago?"

"And your stay?"

"Pleasant."

"What have you gained?"

"I just wanted to see things in this village. It is different from when I left."

Naruto stared into the road head. People were constantly changing. Nothing remained the same. Yet, fundamentally, there was something never changing. You couldn't expect decay to rule forever. Once there is death, there would be life. Agriculture teaches this much; in death, there is life. It was a cycle. Kiri was bound to rise again. The rot that once corrupted its very being had eaten it until it was on its knees. Once the rot was flushed out, a new life had began.

"There will be changes in Uzushiogakure once the shinobi from Kiri arrive. You'll be much busier. But I will be around more. I'll spend my time between here and Uzu…"

"I figured this much…" Haku admitted. "Did my appearance cause you to come here and make such plans?"

"No." Naruto shook his head. "I wasn't hiding you. But it was the movement within the Great Five that forces my hand. Suna has killed its Feudal Lord and will be moving toward Iwa's embrace. Nothing good will come out of that. You have Konoha moving its playing field right at our doorstep."

Really, he could have done with a little peace, but there was no rest, especially for the wicked. The threat to his life would only grow. Those nervous about his very being would speak in hushed tones within dark alleys, to those with the power to bring him closer to death. What they didn't know was that he was death.

"It seems nothing can be achieved without death," Haku shook his head.

"You'd get along with the Sandaime Hokage." But not with Itachi. But then again, they were fundamentally different people. If ordered, Haku would still do what needed to be done, but not in the scale of the man he had come to view as a brother.

How cruel life was. Naruto didn't think he would ever forgive this world. It took everything from him. Perhaps one day, he would get his wish and destroy it.

"Shizune is at Uzu. She should be getting to work."

"Why are you insistent on this?"

"My sensei died because of illness." Naruto closed his eyes, swallowing bitterly. "I constantly tell myself that if I had known, if we had a skilled medic, we may have been able to extend his life. But we could do nothing. I watched him wither. Leaving me alone to carry the burdens of this world."

Death was the true horror. Pain could stop. Wounds could be healed but nothing healed death. The dead were gone forever. The emotional gap caused by their deaths remained. He felt nothing to the deaths of his parents because he didn't know them. But their absence left a gaping hole of loneliness. Perhaps he was still lonely. And he wanted to continue like that until he dropped dead.

"Nothing is as dreadful as being helpless to save the one person you care about." He clenched a fist. "I was mad at my inability to do anything. But I don't want my people to just watch while their loved ones die. I want them to have hope."

"Do you have hope?"

"Hope for what, Haku?"

"For something better? You're not trying to form friends. I asked about this. Despite spending years in this country, many people do not know you. They have great things to say about you. They did see you in action, but aside from that, nobody is close."

"Well, at least even if I'm dead, they'll have good things to say."

"That is just sad."

Naruto ignored Haku's words. "When you get back, you'll find that the rail tracks from the farms to the port are being set up. It will take some time to complete but all materials are there. Treat Shizune well."

"Of course. And the backlash from this?"

"It will be handled." Naruto shrugged. "Pressing times are ahead. Much more pressing than Tsunade. I must consider aligning Shinigami to Uzushiogakure."

"Won't people claim it is you?"

"Doesn't matter. But the danger arises to Uzu because of it. In due time, I'll also have to come out to Onoki."

"He'll want to kill you."

"He already wants to kill me. At any event, I'll have to convince him that working with me is much better than being at war with me. If it cannot be avoided, then I'll have Iwa's Jinchuriki storm the village until there is nothing but ruble."

Haku sighed. That was just being extremely excessive. Even if it was kill or be killed in this world, killing innocent people who had no war was just too much. He couldn't make that argument to Naruto. Not when Iwa was responsible for the destruction of his home. Iwagakure's wars have killed many innocent people and the people lived off that. He couldn't even tell Naruto to be better than those people because the blond didn't want to be better than those people.

A little ironic since he wanted to shape the shinobi world. You could only infer that he wanted to become better than the current crop of Kage.

"I wish things don't come to that point."

"Yes… yes… a much more subtle method is getting the people who guard him to just kill him. They can then commit suicide afterwards. I have had enough time around them to plant such seeds."

"You misuse your power. And couldn't have that been the first thought?"

"I've been engaged in too much violence and destruction, it has become second nature to me…" Naruto smiled. "But violence is the only language shinobi understand. Good words, even if they drip from a silver tongue can only do little. If you want to drive change, you must ram through with violence. We must nonetheless be careful. If such violence breeds too much hate, even the good can be taken apart. Men become irrational beings when they are consumed by hate."

"Violence will only breed hate."

"Men will always hate, Haku. We are people. If you love, you will hate. Pain is a part of life because we are not perfect. If we are not perfect, then we will always collide. It is creating structures strong enough to withstand hatred. For now, we just have to limit our exposure to this hatred."

Sometimes, listening to Naruto did have benefits. He was realistically philosophical at times. Haku credited Itachi for this. How he wished he could have met the man. He appeared to have been the opposite of Naruto, but still a man of sound wisdom.

Hake thought perhaps things were different, Naruto could have become a famous shinobi known for his wisdom and good deeds. If he'd not become exposed to the hate in Konoha, he may have been striving toward Hokage. It was all just "ifs". The present was stared at him with violence.

"What of you, personally?"

"I am on this journey because I have fought a good battle against my demons. I'm not filled with hatred. The greatest battle you can fight isn't against your greatest rival, but against yourself. I have conquered. That is why I lecture you."

When Haku fell silent, Naruto spoke again.

"You must reconcile between your thoughts and reality… Look at Samurai… they have been around for ages. Their world is built on respect and honor. Of course, they too have their faults, but are much more civil than us. Despite that, when it is necessary, they do what they must." Naruto glanced up into the sky, the Mangekyo came to life for a second before he stopped walking. "Make sure things run smoothly. I don't intend to go back to Uzu in the next couple of months unless something forces me."

"And Shizune?"

"When I do come back, I'll take her back to her master… if she is done."

Konohagakure

"It isn't often we get to sit like this," Ino said to her former teammates. They'd grown. Chouji did different things. She practiced in the Intelligence unit and Shikamaru followed the route of his father. "You're looking a little under the weather…" she turned her gaze toward Chouji. "Happy as always," she smiled.

"I have more free time." Chouji replied and then put something into his mouth.

It was Shikamaru who was the busiest. Fate was perhaps being cruel to him for all those days he spent counting the clouds. If he wasn't being dragged into a diplomatic mission, he was in a game of mental maneuvering with his father. It was all really a drag. But they all had to do something for Konoha. He just sometimes wished he had Chouji's free time.

"I actually called you because there is a mission."

"One of your choice?" Ino folded her hands across her chest. "I heard you were going back to the Wave. You're not planning to drag us along with you, are you?"

"Orders from the Hokage."

"You just don't want to go there alone." Ino sighed and then smiled. "But it has been long since we went out as a team."

"You said orders from the Hokage, but you're asking us like this."

"Well, you could refuse. I'm the only one under orders."

"It's not like we can refuse you." Chouji shrugged. He didn't even get that much chance to leave Konoha. Perhaps the Wave had some nice dishes he could try. "What exactly are we going to do there?"

"There is going to be a meeting between Hokage and the Mizukage in the Wave country. I've made preparations, but while the meeting is being held there, we'll be ensuring everything goes smoothly."

"Logistics?"

"Yeah. Jiraiya-sama will be providing security. We'll be in constant contact with him."

Ino stared at Shikamaru. "Why something like this? I know Kage don't usually meet… something else expected to happen?"

"Naruto is also going to be present in the Wave for the meeting."

Shikamaru really didn't want to meet the blond – even though the Sandaime encouraged it. If anything, Naruto seemed like a person who attracted trouble wherever he went. He didn't need that headache. In fact, he wanted to avoid it. He nonetheless understood the situation. It would be interesting as Naruto was the same person who liberated the Wave from the clutches of Gato, despite not really taking any credit for it.

The threat there was that Iwa might try something. Konoha's movements in the Wave were also making some people on the Land of Water shift uncomfortably. Precautionary steps had to be taken in full force.

"The Naruto? The Yondaime Hokage's son?"

"Yeah."

"You're drooling, Ino." Chouji said with a laugh.

"Shut it!" Ino glared.

There was always gossip in the Intelligence division about the blond. It really was curious. From the fact that he was with Itachi and that he'd been in this village and had killed Danzo along with his goons – It was something Konoha kept hidden. One of those secrets even she wasn't supposed to know. In fact, she was even tempted to tell someone.

"You probably want to stay away." Shikamaru said to Ino. "He is a dangerous person."

Ino rolled her eyes. "As if one doesn't know. What happens after the meeting? I sense there is more to it…"

"Our real objective is to set up a military police structure that will be responsible for policing the Wave, but not its security. This is just to ensure there is order in the streets and crimes are handled."

Nothing above the rank of B would the police force be allowed to handle unless a specific request is handled by the Feudal Lord. If a danger of B-rank and above arose, Konoha had to be alerted. The system was designed to benefit Konoha in a greedy way. But then again, Konoha wasn't going to have its Jonin stationed in the Wave. It would mostly be Genin and Chunin.

"How long?"

"We should be done in a month or two. We still have to hold more discussions with the Feudal Lord regarding their authority."

If they were given more authority, then they could even arrest the Feudal lord for crimes. He didn't want that. He wanted limits and Konoha was using those limits to get every penny it could from the Wave.

"Well, at least we'll spend time together. It is a pity Sakura has to stay behind."

"That reminds me," Shikamaru started, looking straight into Ino's eyes. "Sasuke has apparently left Orochimaru and is presumably looking for Naruto. There is a possibility that he might appear."

The Uchiha had never been truly close to any of them, bar Sakura, a little. And then Sai. But he was still their former friend.

"You want me to tell her?"

"Up to you." Shikamaru shrugged.

"Better not give her any hopes." Ino sighed. Sakura's obsession with Sasuke was frightening. She'd thought as she aged, things would get better. Nothing had changed. She was still just a Genin who really didn't do anything aside pretend to be a shinobi.

Perhaps if she was motivated enough, she could take things seriously. Then again, she was limited due to her stamina and chakra levels. Basic medical ninjutsu she could do.

"When do we leave?"

"Tonight?"

"Short notice!" Ino exclaimed. "If we are going to for that long. I need to make preparations and say goodbye to people. I must also take leave from my duties."

"You sit around reading and sorting out reports." Chouji replied with a blank stare.

"I do not! I also do interrogations with my father."

Chouji faced Shikamaru and then laughed.


Valley of the end

Naruto sat on Hashirama's head, staring down at the waterfall. He wondered what kind of battle it had been. Shinobi of today were nothing to beasts of the past. He could understand why no one in this generation became powerful enough to be called a 'god of shinobi'. Not even the Sannin breached that level.

'Kyubi.'

'What?'

'You were in this battle. What kind of a monster was Hashirama that he was able to defeat Madara, who had you in his corner? Being a wielder of the Sharingan, I understand its powers.'

'You are nothing but an insect compared to him.'

Naruto laughed in response. 'Are you bitter about something?'

The Kyubi didn't reply immediately. Naruto couldn't be compared to Hashirama or Madara. But he could attempt to glance at them. Rarely, did a human exist who possessed as much chakra as Naruto. The Sharingan was implanted, but he didn't have suffer when it's in use. It was only taxing when he started to use the abilities of the Mangekyo, especially Susanoo. But even if he was fighting against an Uchiha, he would still outlast them in battle.

'Of course, I'm going to be mad. I lost my freedom because of that battle. I have been imprisoned in you Uzumaki since then. Curse Minato. I hope that Shinigami masks gets destroyed and you don't get to free his soul.'

It was amusing. The Kyubi had nearly been free after breaking free from his mother, but Minato was there to shove him back into another Jinchuriki.

'Blame Madara and his blessed eyes.'

'It must be some curse for having resisted being captured. But at least I'm not stuck in a pitiful Jinchuriki. It can be understandable why I am in you and unable to break out.'

'That reminds, I must summon my father's soul and get your other half. I'm not completely satisfied with having just one part of you.'

'You're still not going to he able to use my full power because of this damn seal.'

'I'm planning on forcefully releasing you and then seal you again in a different seal if I can't get the key.'

'I hope you do it soon. It will be a better yet chance for me to escape. Your chakra isn't powerful as your mother. You're going to he severely weakened.'

There was no time to reply as Nagato made his appearance, walking in from behind the blond.

"Your chakra levels have grown well over the past years."

Naruto glanced at Nagato through the corner of his eyes and then stared back into the rushing water.

He first met the man years ago. A meeting of chance, but one he was glad to have taken. Nagato wasn't just anyone. He was the wielder of the Rinnegan, a man of considerable power. He really wouldn't even want to face the man in battle having seen what the Rinnegan can do.

After all, those are the eyes of the Sage of Six Paths.

"I have been in constant battles. And I never miss the chance to train." One method of building stamina was the constant use of Susanoo when training with his clones.

Nagato settled beside him, one knee raised.

"It is good to see you, Nagato. One can tell how healthy an Uzumaki by how their hair radiates. I believe it is a symbol of vitality we hold."

"And of you?"

"I curse my father for robbing me the chance to be truly Uzumaki. Not that it matters anyway." Naruto smiled. The clan was dead. Greed of the shinobi world ensured of it.

"Then I thank my father for allowing my mother's genes to pass onto me." Nagato replied with a smile. "It is a pity there are only a few of us alive."

"And all children of poverty."

"But it is poverty that has taught us valuable lessons in life. If not for it, we wouldn't be here. Admittedly, I do wish my parents hadn't been killed. I wouldn't have to suffer."

"But we did and that shaped us." He could never forget how he suffered. He couldn't forget his past. In some ways, he was thankful that it didn't break him and to the Sandaime for realizing the folly of his actions and sending him to be with Itachi. "You guys must be pleased with the troubles of Konoha and Suna subsiding."

"We are but it is only temporary. If things are not handled with care, our home will become ravaged by wars we have no part in."

"The small people always suffer when giants battle." Naruto shook his head, clearing some disturbing thoughts he just had. When always clothes in a mask that results in destruction, you tended to become violent by nature. "Have you taken control of Amegakure?"

"No… that is the reason I wanted to speak with you."

Naruto sighed. They had the power to topple Hanzo. He wad far from the good man he once was. There was no shinobi who had honor in battle as much as the man showed. The Sannin were prime examples. He let many live who impressed him or showed some spirit. Naruto blamed Danzo for his fall from grace.

"Yahiko?" the man was steadfast in his believes.

"Yahiko is aware that if we use force, it will be a civil war that will tear this nation apart. We want power, but he doesn't want people to suffer because of it. He believes they have already suffered enough."

Yahiko was an interesting person. Naruto did think the man had a god complex about him. He was just glad that it was not Nagato. If the man had such a complex, they would all suffer. The Rinnegan made him a literal god.

"When you love your home, and its people, that is what you think. Does he think he will eventually win Hanzo over?"

Nagato shook his head. "He has decided to step down as leader of the Akatsuki. But his final order is that we remove Hanzo from power. It has been coming, but we all see that Hanzo is no longer fit to continue being leader of Amegakure."

Now that was a surprise. Nagato was the most powerful but he didn't think Yahiko would have Nagato lead Amegakure by virtue of being leader of the Akatsuki. He was greater man than he indeed gave him credit. A wise man.

Yet, Naruto still debated on who between the two had more darker thoughts. Yahiko was by no means a saint. But perhaps he even knew Nagato would refuse. The likely reality was that Nagato would become the leader the leader of the Akatsuki and Yahiko of Amegakure. The orange haired shinobi would venture into his path of bending this world into his perfect image.

Regardless of his thoughts about Yahiko, there was no question he loved his home. Both Nagato and Yahiko could destroy others to protect their home. Itachi would no doubt approve.

"How much support does Hanzo has?"

"I'm saying we cannot remove him without risking a civil war. His backers continue to support him. While the majority of Amegakure shinobi will turn over us, some remain committed to him."

"I see… you came to me because of this issue. Yahiko wants to avoid war if possible."

"Yes."

"It must much easier to rebuild after destruction than taking over a falling giant." Naruto said in thought. "But you have your methods. Then again, my plans will not work well if Amegakure gets occupied in a civil war."

"My suggestion is that you come to Amegakure. Both of us can storm Hanzo's compound… we will use our overwhelming forces to ensure the important pieces of Amegakure are guarded. While we attack, it is natural for those loyal to Hanzo to reveal themselves and gather at the compound to try to save him."

If one said Yahiko and Konan were limiters on Nagato, it would not be a false characterization of things. Without them, Nagato would have wrecked Hanzo long time ago and purged all those around. But Yahiko could steal unleash him once he became leader of Amegakure.

Experiences make people grow, even if they didn't want. Nagato has gone through a lot in his life. There were many comrades who betrayed them. Both Yahiko and Konan have been hurt as a result. Many other comrades have been killed as well. If not for his power, treachery would have destroyed them.

These Experiences can make a man lose faith in humanity. But Nagato has not. And that was important. A man who had no faith in humanity would go on a rampage, destroying everything because it was all worthless.

"Hmm… I can come." It would be good to raise his fame. Power was the key. Without any strength, it was impossible to do anything. Nobody even listened to you. Words of a weak man were nothing but ramblings of a coward who did not understand the workings of those with power.

Hanzo was no small man. He was the very man who made the Sannin famous.

It was just a pity that he had fallen from grace from once being a great man.

"We can't go now?"

"No," Naruto shook his head. "I have a couple of things to attend. Kirigakure is going to be holding talks with Konoha. I have to be there. They probably want to deal with the Kyubi issue. Once that has been handled, I will come. We will discuss my plans."

Nagato stood up.

"We will be awaiting your presence. We will draw battle strategy in the meantime."

Uzushiogakure

This village was truly peaceful. People here were ignorant of the trivial matters of the shinobi world. Ask them about farming, they would take a chair. Perhaps even Tsunade could have found some solace here instead of spending time gambling and drinking in an attempt to drive her sorrows away.

As she walked through the streets, Shizune had come to realize that everyone knew everyone in this village. The moment a stranger appeared, they reacted. What made things easier for her was that she was a guest of their Naruto. They loved him. Some kids worshipped him. For many of them, he had saved. There had been a couple of moments she considered telling them that their beloved Naruto-sama was a wanted criminal and had even kidnapped her. She held herself. There was also the idea that they would stone her for slandering their beloved leader.

She came to a halt, standing in front of the biggest building. After a couple of moments, she entered the building.

The main office's door was hung open. What welcomed her was a large brown desk, filled with stacks of papers. The walls on her right and left were mounted with shelves. There were scrolls with no labels on the shelves. She turned toward the shelves with curiosity and then tried to take one out. But a barrier appeared in between and blocked her fingers. She turned to face the man sitting behind the desk with a curious look.

"Those are important documents."

"Why keep them in the open like this?"

"They are easily accessible here. Besides, as you have experienced, nobody can touch them."

What was she expecting? This was the village of Uzumaki. What were they famous for? Seals. Just damn seals. Shizune had only seen one or two of them. Truly, the invasion had brought the clan to extinction.

She moved over to the desk and sat on a chair, staring straight into Haku.

"How has your stay been?"

"Aside from the fact that you kidnapped me, just fine." It did feel like she was doing something useful.

Haku smiled. "Well, I did warn you."

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?"

"You don't look miserable."

"I worry about Tsunade-sama." Shizune admitted. "I have been taking care of her for so many years and acting on suppressing her impulses. Without me, I'm afraid she might cause havoc."

Haku sympathized, but there was nothing he could do about it. Naruto didn't want Tsunade here. Shizune could do her job and then be sent back to her master.

"I'll try to get updates regarding her situation."

"Thank you." Shizune said. "What kind of training did you give to Suzune and the others? They don't just have an abundant knowledge in medical ninjutsu but they are deceptively good kunoichi who can hold their own in battle."

"Naruto has travelled around the shinobi world. He has collected a vast amount of knowledge. You'd be shocked if you saw his library. They have been given the opportunity to learn and understand medical procedures and anything they can with medical Ninjutsu. But as you know, knowledge without application is nothing. To apply knowledge, you need technical skills. That's why he said only three months."

"For basic training. But they already know basic things."

Haku smiled. "Perhaps he meant basics at being an expert."

Shizune rolled her eyes. "I should have known better. Well, it isn't like I have a choice. If I don't teach them necessary skills, you're not going to let me go, are you?"

"That is up to Naruto."

"And you?"

"I am just a student."

"You're the complete opposite of your master."

Haku smiled. "That depends… he doesn't teach me most of the things he does. In any case, I keep hold of his core beliefs. If something were to happen to him, I would carry on with his mission."

Amegakure

Nagato found Konan and Yahiko standing by the balcony, watching the streets of the Hidden in silence. Their child no where around. Perhaps in the fields with some other kids.

"I was beginning to worry." Yahiko turned around to welcome Nagato. "You may be powerful but you're still human."

Nagato stood beside the two and stared down at the streets. Some years ago, he'd been welcomed by them. Given food when he'd been knocking at deaths door. These two had given him life. He cherished it. And it has been his mission to protect them and their goals. There were no better friends than this. He honestly didn't know what he would do without them. He didn't even want to think about such a reality.

"I found Naruto."

"Can we really trust him?" Konan asked with concern.

Yahiko smiled. "He seems like a good person. But we must see more of him before we can do anything. What did he say?"

"He is willing to offer his assistance in dealing with Hanzo. And then talk about what I told you before."

"Good. When he arrives, we can finally turn Amegakure around. We can finally work toward peace."

Yahiko held out his right hand, and then stared into the dark clouds that hovered over the village. They would rule the shinobi world. They would see out their dreams. Peace would be within their reach.

"I do have a request."

Yahiko sighed. "You don't want to become the leader of this village."

"Yes." Nagato replied without surprise.

"Konan and others discussed and we knew you'd refuse. There is no question you're the strongest. We can't keep putting you in the front lines. If something happens to you, we may not have the power to do anything." Yahiko smiled. "But it is fine. I have already stated I will quit being leader of the Akatsuki. You will become leader of the Akatsuki and I will take over as leader of Amegakure."

"Then you'll be pleased to know that Naruto wants to help Ame become a great Nation."

"We should demand nothing less of us. Being a small nation has seen us being used as a stage for when the Great Nations fight. Amegakure will no longer be used. This nation will stop weeping. And for that to happen, we must challenge the Great Five. If we cannot challenge, we will achieve nothing. They will continue to trample on us as if we're ants to them."

"But challenging them means they'll see us as a threat."

"That is a reality we must face. If they cannot accept us, then neither can we accept them. We are the ones who have suffered due to their wars. We cannot be abused, murdered, and then be expected to simply say nothing. We must speak for ourselves, and if it means trampling on the Great Five for our voices to be heard, then so be bit." Yahiko was silent for a moment. Emotion returned to his voice as he continued. "But we must protect our home. We must do this in a way that sees our people suffer less. We cannot forget that they have suffered greatly. We cannot compound to their sufferings."


End of chapter