Baki felt relief as he entered the Kazekage's office. One never truly felt safe outside of home. Anything could happen. Iwagakure was not the novel for friendship. The Tsuchikage was known for being brutal with neighbors, even if it was mostly on the urgings of his Feudal Lord. There was a thought that he could be taken out. If not by Iwa, then by Konoha.
It wasn't entirely unreasonable to think the Leaf would plot to have any bubbling relationship with Iwa burst before it reaches anywhere.
Rasa was busy at work with Gaara. He was truly preparing his son to be the next Kazekage. Perhaps there would be a smooth transition. It wasn't like the Yondaime Kazekage had any other choice. Who would he appoint? Baki was needed to secure the village in fighting. Kankuro wasn't the brightest nor the strongest. Temari could, but Rasa didn't value her that much. A skilled kunoichi, but she was a tool that could be sold at any time when the situation demanded. That left Gaara as the only viable choice. And Baki did think the redhead would actually make a fine Kage.
Maybe even better than his father.
"Well, don't keep us waiting." It was Rasa who spoke. He didn't even look up from his papers.
Baki first settled down before responding. "It went well. They'd demanded we cut off Konoha. But I rejected that…" he then explained everything.
Once Baki was done, Rasa turned to Gaara who stood beside him behind his desk. "What do you think about Iwagakure's end goal?"
"War with Konoha. Or at least they are thinking about it. They'd already offered to help if we took that route."
Gaara really didn't approve of that effort. Sure, the relationship with Konoha could take years to repair. But dining with Iwagakure would be dangerous to them. They really didn't need pity now that they basically controlled the Wind Country. Funds from the Feudal Lord would flow into the village. After a couple of years, they would repair the damage caused by poverty. Dining with Iwagakure was just simply trying to earn another ally, and perhaps a partner in case Konoha attacked.
But really, that was just unlikely. Even in the worst possible scenarios, Gaara didn't see the Leaf launching an attack on their beloved home. It wasn't because they lacked the strength. It was just that it made no sense to them. Why reduce their military strength when they wouldn't gain anything to compensate for those losses?
Rasa nodded in agreement with Gaara. "I wouldn't be surprised if down the line, they ask us to help them invade Konoha. But we're not thinking about that now. We need an ally." He frowned a little. "I heard Konoha was meeting with Kirigakure."
"Kirigakure is just a weak village. Nothing quite like its peak powers."
"I expect that from Gaara." Rasa stared at Baki with a disapproving look. "We don't know anything about Kiri. We cannot make judgements. If Konoha gains Kiri as an ally, it has gained a powerful friend in the corner."
"Then they are also looking to other nations… considering their movements in the Wave, they are looking to plug the gap that has been created from our actions."
"It is wise of them." Gaara added his views. "They can no longer trust us. We've become unreliable and they don't have good relations with both Kumo and Iwagakure. If one of them was thinking of attacking, they wouldn't hesitate. But if they have Kiri in their corner, anyone thinks twice."
It was most likely that Konoha anticipated that Suna would move toward Iwa and was taking correcting steps to ensure it wasn't alone.
"Are we going to take Iwa's deal?"
"Of course." Rasa replied firmly. "We can't afford not to. We'll have to be wary of treachery nonetheless." He smiled as he thought of something. "We should suggest a political marriage when we meet them…"
"With who?" Baki asked cautiously.
"The Tsuchikage has a granddaughter. I would suggest Kankuro but that would be denied. That only leaves Gaara. It will be a marriage in name only, but we could have them keep their respective homes and then conclude that there be children in the marriage, one lives here and another lives in Iwa with the mother. We ensure Iwagakure never betrays us."
Baki glanced at Gaara. Rasa had just spoken as if the boy wasn't even there. While the Kazekage spoke, there was really no physical reaction in Gaara.
"What do you think?"
"Does it matter what I think? If it benefits Sunagakure, then so be it."
Rasa nodded. "Sacrifices must be made for the sake of the village. Of course, this is merely a suggestion. And I'm not sure Iwa would accept. Kurotsuchi is the beloved granddaughter, Onoki isn't going to use her like that when there is no danger."
"She is also likely going to be Tsuchikage at some stage."
"Yes… but so is Gaara. If Konoha and Kiri make a fruitful relationship, they have a problem."
"What of Naruto?"
Rasa frowned. "We don't know anything about his power. But as you say, Iwa says he is dangerous that it even put on a heavy bounty on his head. If they say he is dangerous, he must be dangerous. Given that they changed their tactics in dealing with him, and are doing things covertly, they must have been threatened. If he can get a Great Nation like Iwagakure to do this much, then he is indeed truly dangerous. For our cause, we have no issues with him and do not want to make an enemy of him. We must nonetheless know what we must about him."
"He is the son of the Yondaime Hokage and a Jinchuriki of the Kyubi, with the Sharingan… He can't be that easy…" Baki said grimly. "Testament to it is Iwa requesting our help."
"We'll agree to help but only when it is possible for Iwagakure to deal with him effectively. Information, we will provide. But direct confrontation will not be possible unless it is to backup Iwa."
Somewhere in the sea
Mei watched the waves splash into the boat with a lot in her mind. How Naruto took something so small across the ocean was beyond her. She'd gawked when he took the boat. They were shinobi, they could run across the water, but chakra was not limitless, unless you were Naruto. She sighed; worrying was truly a waste of her emotions.
She glanced at him; he sat toward the back, head resting on the palm of his hand, elbow on the frame of the boat. The Mangekyo Sharingan seemed to pulsate with power. He was obviously deep on thought.
"Is what the Hokage said true?"
It took a moment, but those hypnotic eyes glanced toward her. "Blindness?"
"Yes."
"The Mangekyo does destroy vision. The more you use it, the worse your vision becomes and eventually, you become blind." Naruto closed his eyes, and kept them closed. "When you do this, you stop the chakra feeding. Kakashi keeps his closed and lifts it when in need. If not, he doesn't. but then again, his chakra levels are puny."
Maybe it was some curse for the immense power the Uchiha received. The abilities of the Mangekyo Sharingan were just unmatched. But they put a toll on anyone. Even him. He was just used to it that he didn't bother.
"Only you would say someone as famous as Hatake Kakashi has puny chakra levels." Mei said with a laugh.
Kakashi's fame couldn't be underestimated. The man was known in all lands. He was known to have copied over a thousand jutsu. Kiri didn't even have a shinobi of his caliber.
"And are you becoming blind?"
"No…" if he ever went blind, he could simply switch to Shisui's eyes. But he got Kabuto for this reason. "But I did suffer the effects. It was mind-boggling when I started to become blind. I quickly solved it."
Mei nodded, accepting Naruto's response.
"But I must admit, I gave away a little too much."
Mei scoffed. "Yeah, right." Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Is that what you're thinking about?"
"No… I'm thinking about life. The choices we make…"
Talking to Sasuke made him remember the teachings Itachi imparted. He had most of them in a bin. But the fundamental principles were there. He could not have gotten a better teacher. The Sandaime blessed him in that way. A pity, the world was intent on screwing him up. What was even sadder was that even in his deathbed, Itachi thought of his brother. Jealously was an ugly thing. Naruto had learned it. He despised the feeling. But shaking it was difficult.
For the most part, he'd fulfilled his role. It was just one thing remaining. Of course, if he had to kill Sasuke, then so be it.
He smiled sadly at the thought. "Do you think someone like me can live a long life?" He asked in a quiet voice.
"Why not?"
"I have killed many people. I think, at the end of the day, someone will kill me. I cannot even imagine reaching the same age as Ao."
There was sadness in his voice. It wasn't just his fear that made him hesitate to form relationships, it was also this idea. Naruto has never painted himself as a saint. Perhaps he believed that one day, someone would eventually make him pay for all he has done. There have been some good, but he has killed many people as well. Kill and you will be killed. That was the life of a shinobi. You live to battle and died in the battle. That was perhaps when you have fulfilled your role as a shinobi.
Mei however, had other ideas.
"No wonder you're fine with violence. It is because you have convinced yourself that at the end of the day, you will get punished."
Some people committed heinous actions because they had no moral fiber. Some were just pure evil. Others would commit crimes for the sake of their goals. People justified their means because of their ends. But Naruto did not justify anything. It was to say he walked around killing and destroying everything. He just thought his actions were not always right, and he was fine with it, because, eventually, fate would come for him.
"You're more complex than I thought. When I know more about you, the more I realize you're not so simple."
"I think I'm not that difficult to figure out. Once you understand a person's motives, and their methods for achieving that, you'll understand them."
"If they are honest with their motives. And it isn't always easy to understand someone. I can rationalize the thinking, but it doesn't mean I understand."
"Understanding and agreeing with someone are two different things." Naruto glanced at the water. A very large creature was passing below them. There were many fish in the sea. Some harmless, some deadly. "I generally don't think of living a long life. Not because I will be punished but because nobody is invincible. Besides, as I have learned, death comes to all despite how powerful we are. Perhaps I have just resigned to that possibility."
"That is just sad. You may as well not be alive if you're just waiting for death to come." Mei's voice was just flat. Her expression did not betray this feeling of her voice.
"Hahaha…" Naruto chuckled. "Perhaps you're right. Which is why I'm thinking about these things." He said before changing the subject. He no longer wanted to talk about death issues. Besides, it was getting personal and Mei didn't seem like she enjoyed it. He didn't need that when he was going to go into a major battle. "We spoke about creating a network of information. Your idea of having an office in Konoha made me think things differently. I'm thinking of just forming shinobi bars in each of the Great Villages and Major Towns. Of course, I wouldn't be the owner. It would create security issues and I wouldn't be able to operate. It then means I must find someone within those places to start the bars and manage them. I will put people there. It is much easier to know what is happening in the Elemental Nations from ramblings of drunk shinobi in bars."
"You're going to need a lot of money for that."
"Not an issue. But, if I do this, I may get broke, considering I'm still trying to build rail infrastructure." Naruto admitted. "But the rewards are worth it. Besides, there will be help."
"Just don't do anything reckless and I meant it when I said I need to be informed before you do something. I don't want surprises." The Mizukage said in a stern tone, her eyes staring directly at Naruto without flinching.
"I heard you." Naruto said with a slight shrug. "It isn't like I'm going to be doing anything secretly that is reckless."
"You can be careless."
"When I was a child." Naruto stressed. "Once Uzu becomes public, Iwagakure is likely going to think about the past. At which case, the danger increases. If you're going to have any diplomatic relationship with them, you may have to try harder. But for my case, if the worst case scenario occurs, I can only have peace when there is no Iwagakure."
"It worries me when you say things like that, because I know you're not joking." Mei said in a quiet tone. She seemed almost sad.
"From a logical point of view, it is reasonable but I won't do anything like that…" he smiled sadly. "I'm just realistic. It is the same principle they apply. I'm a threat to them, and they must kill me. They are a threat to me, what must I do?"
"Diplomacy."
"You're not that naïve, Mei." His voice was cold, piercing through Mei's defenses. "In this world, some people you cannot win over. Shinobi will always choose destruction. Life is like that. There are times you can agree, and some times, you can't agree. It doesn't always mean we must resort to violence. But fear and sometimes, greed force us to act in such a manner. Uzu was destroyed simply because of fear. Couldn't diplomacy have worked? Those with power are right, and those without a wrong."
"But it doesn't mean we mustn't try."
"Of course not. If we didn't, there would be no peace. We must try." But if all else failed, destruction was the only way forward. He had to be practical. It was him or them. "We must always push to our limits to find non violent solutions. That way, we have no regrets. I have seen how Iwagakure acts. They deserve no pity from me…"
Of course, Naruto would know better given the missions he has done for them. Nobody was without blame within the Great Five.
"Will the issue with Konoha not really cause any damage?" Mei asked in a worried tone. "I have a feeling you went to Iwa simply because of its part in the destruction. You don't talk about Kumo. Its almost as if the village does not exist to you."
Naruto smiled. "Not at all. I don't really know the past, neither do you. But the destruction could have happened before Konoha could do anything. That is a legitimate worry. It is also unlikely that the were Uzumaki who survived the destruction. When my mother was in Konoha, Kumo tried to kidnap her because of her powers. That leads me to believe that if they let survivors, they would have taken them. Survivors must have been people who were outside of the Island. So, there could be reasons that Konoha did not betray Uzu."
"But that's not what you said."
"It was just to make them uncomfortable. When they go home, they'll talk to the Sandaime, he'll tell them the truth. And I'll eventually know this truth."
"Why go through such a roundabout way?"
Naruto smiled. "The Sandaime Hokage likes to keep things to himself for people's own safety."
"And the offer to Konoha? One moment you seem hostile and the next you're dealing with them. You previously said you didn't even want to deal with them."
"They are likely to reject my offer because of security issues. Even if they accept it, it is nothing personal, just business…" Naruto replied with indifference.
He glanced to the side and pointed at something, causing Mei to look.
"I didn't know there is an island so close to the Wave."
"Orochimaru used this as an island. That girl, Karin with Sasuke… she is a fellow Uzumaki and she was once locked in there. Orochimaru used it as a prison. It is now my island. It is in part, a secret prison, and a where I base my Shinigami operations. I wanted to show it to you."
"I'd always wondered how people get into contact with you and how you get into contact with them given that you seemed to operate alone."
"Well, I have helpers."
Konohagakure no Sato
When an Anbu informed him from his home that Kakashi had returned, Hiruzen had not wasted any time before preparing himself. When he arrived at the war room, he found both the active Hokage and Shikaku waiting for him.
He settled across the two and then spoke.
"I thought Jiraiya may return with you."
"He did return but is occupied with Sasuke."
Hiruzen raised an eye brow. But he knew that Sasuke was hunting for Naruto. "You captured him?"
"Naruto fought him…" Kakashi smiled. "Well, that is an exaggeration. Long story short, he appeared and confronted Naruto about his brother. Naruto took him, and fought him. They spoke. He is here, and said he wanted to speak with you. It is about the Uchiha massacre."
Hiruzen closed his eyes. If it was about it, then he knew. Besides, he had a feeling Kakashi was leaving something out.
"I see…" the Third opened his eyes. "And the talks? How did things go?"
"It went well with Kiri. But there might be a problem with Naruto. But our main goal went accordingly." Kakashi said.
"What is the good news?" Shikaku asked.
"They were willing to meet our demands. When it comes to Naruto, the Mizukage offered us the Three-Tails. It currently doesn't have a Jinchuriki and said if we sent someone, Naruto could seal it within them."
"That is risky. We don't know if that could be used against us. Naruto uses the Sharingan." Shikaku reasoned. "In case something happens, we could have another Kyubi rampage in the village. We managed to survive without much damage in the last one because of Minato."
"I have to agree with Shikaku on that." The Third said with a nod. "But you didn't just accept it like that, did you?"
Kakashi eye smiled. "I told them that Jiraiya-sama would be present for the sealing. And Naruto had to send the seal to us so we can study it. If possible, Jiraiya-sama would be the one to perform the sealing."
"That means Naruto is skilled in Fuinjutsu." Shikaku said with a slight frown. "But it shouldn't be surprising. We'll have to select someone to be a Jinchuriki. And given our lack of strength, we have to train them to use this power. That means, we have to select a worthy shinobi. Someone who can be trusted without question."
"And we must do so in secret. We can't let others know about this and the village has to be in the dark." Hiruzen added.
"What of someone from the Anbu?"
"We'll have to give it more thought. But that could work. We can't select a child because we may need the power at any moment." Hiruzen said. "What is your view on this? You're the Hokage?"
"Shikaku-san can create a list of people. We can then select from there. We have time to think about this." Kakashi answered. "They also agreed the Kyubi would be brought back to Konoha toward Naruto's end."
"That is something we can't think about it. We get the Three-Tails. I'm more surprised that they even gave us this much. I wasn't expecting it." Shikaku said. "At least this solves one thing."
"Indeed."
"The Mizukage has suggested opening an office in here for Kirigakure. I suppose that is to symbolize our friendship and make it easier to communicate." Kakashi paused for explaining Naruto's plans.
"That is dangerous. We can't have him take charge of our food security. He could starve us if we ever went to war." Shikaku was quick to denounce the idea. "If it is from merchants, it is fine. If we are agreeing to it, we need to have control. But for merchants, there shouldn't be problems."
"I thought of the same." Kakashi said. "It's surprising he received approval from the Feudal Lord and we didn't hear anything about it."
Hiruzen put on a worried expression. "Naruto said Danzo had been trying to control the Kazekage. If he came here, he must have done it for that power and of course, for the Uchiha massacre. We must consider that this could have played a part. But it isn't unthinkable that the Feudal Lord could have agreed. It advances the country and puts more money into his coffers, thus making him even more powerful."
"Then if we have that concern, we must send someone from the Hyuga clan to check if no one in the Fire Council isn't under the influence of Genjutsu." Shikaku suggested.
"That would be good."
"I'll make arrangements with Hiashi."
Hiruzen nodded. "Were you at least able to sample Naruto's strength?"
Kakashi smiled a bit grimly. "I think when we eventually know, we will be very cautious. He made short work of Sasuke. And Jiraiya-sama said he has already faced Orochimaru and the battle went his way. From what Kirigakure has said, he became a hero there without using the power of the Kyubi. We can even assume he has access of the Mangekyo abilities of Itachi…" he paused, allowing them to absorb his words. "He also seems to have an ability to teleport to his sword."
"Hiraishin?"
"No." Kakashi shook his head. "It isn't it. But something similar. The answer lies on his sword. The Mizukage also said Naruto can fight in all shinobi forms without any problem."
Well, he was Minato's son alright and it truly showed he was trained by Itachi. Had things not gone wrong, Konoha could have gained a powerful shinobi. Hiruzen wanted to laugh at his misfortune.
"One understands why Iwagakure wants him dead." He said. "You said there could be problems with Uzu."
"Yes." Kakashi nodded, his face became tense. "The village is alive, from what he said. And he has demanded that we stop wearing the Uzumaki crest because we betrayed Uzushiogakure. The way he said it and the fact that he didn't repeat it means it is likely not something that is a deal breaker."
"He said we betrayed Uzushiogakure?" Shikaku asked wearily. "Well, the village was destroyed and despite our relationship with it, we failed to protect it. But there was really nothing we could have done even if we were at the height of our powers…"
"Perhaps we could have done more." Hiruzen said. "But it is an issue I will solve. I will speak to him about it."
"You also have to speak to Sasuke. What he said bothered me."
"Yes."
"There is something you must know…" Shikaku said to Kakashi. "Sunagakure is leaning toward Iwagakure. And it is possible they might become allies. We could of course, try to meddle to stop it from happening. But if discovered, we would be in danger. The Sandaime and I deployed a plan in Sunagakure. It meant that if Sunagakure ever took the decision to invade, the Kazekage could be killed."
Kakashi was silent for a couple of moments. "Is it still active?"
"Yes."
"We see how things are moving. If Iwa and Suna ever come to a situation where an attack if Konoha is planned, you'll have to make a decision. It is important due to who it will affect and how it will affect Sunagakure." Hiruzen said in an aged tone.
This job really came with its secrets and the difficult decisions to make. Being a former Anbu, Kakashi knew the cold hearted decisions that had to be made to protect Konohagakure. It was his role now.
He closed his visible eye. If Iwagakure and Suna decided to attack, it could be doom for this village. It was a combined effort of three Jinchuriki. Konoha had none. They had no Uchiha. They had no Yellow Flash. The Sannin were gone. It was just Jiraiya.
But they would soon have the three tails. That helped a bit. He couldn't speak about Sasuke at the moment.
"You'll give me details?"
"Yes." The Sandaime nodded. "I said I would offer my advice to you. You have to take decisions yourself, but I will offer suggestions. I know I am intruding, but listen; you should consider strengthening out ties with Kusa and Takigakure. If war breaks out, they could be helpful."
Kakashi shook his head. "Your suggestions make things easier for me. I'm still getting the hang of things. And I sometimes get overwhelmed by the job at hand that I don't have time to think about other things." The Fifth Hokage said earnestly. "I don't know what I would do without you. I wouldn't have even pushed for our introduction in the Wave. Shikamaru has run me through it and I have seen it myself, it will benefit us greatly."
"It is a pity I wasn't more useful when I was active. But we are on the right path. I know I will resolve the Uzushiogakure issue with Naruto. But with Sasuke, it is another matter." He stared at Kakashi sternly. "You'll find out, if things don't work out, he may have to put down to protect Konoha."
"And let the Uchiha die?" Shikaku asked. "We need the power of the Sharingan." He smiled bitterly thinking of Danzo. "If that man was around, he would have Sasuke brainwashed and use him to make Uchiha babies before getting rid of him."
"But we are not Danzo." Kakashi was quick to say.
"Indeed."
But the village had once commissioned the Hashirama cell experiments.
Uzushiogakure
Naruto's project was really taking shape. As soon as they touched down the island, Mei saw the port. There was a lot of activity there. The steel tracks were rooted to the ground. She could hear the sounds of steel clashing from the trees. This was truly reality and she was living it.
"Where you are getting the steel?" She asked as the journeyed deep into the forest.
"I got this most the Springs. Their technology is excellent." But he would need to procure more from Amegakure. It was perfectly shaped for this given its industrial nature. "For the rest, we will buy from Amegakure. It is heavily industrialized and the most industrialized nation among the Elemental Nations."
Mei nodded her head. She'd already heard about the technology in the Springs. Even technology that enhanced shinobi abilities. Kirigakure was also making some developments but it appeared that Naruto would bring about a real change in how shinobi live their lives.
"When is Kirigakure getting its tracks?"
Naruto glanced at the Mizukage with a raised brow. "I don't recall every saying I would build anything in Kiri. Besides, if you want me to build something, you have to pay me."
"You're being ridiculous." Mei blinked. "Well, you used to make me pay when you first had to gather the swords. I cant believe I paid you!"
Naruto laughed at her anguish. "Things were different. I was there but not there."
"You're my shinobi now. You can't demand payment!"
"Well, nothing is for free. Business is business. I didn't kill hundreds of people to do charity."
Mei scoffed. "The kids at Kirigakure will beg to differ."
"Well, you got me there," Naruto smiled. "I'll let you do the Ame routes yourself. It would be much better to connect the port with the village and the capital. I'm going to do the same with the Fire Nation. I'll connect its ports with the capital and Major Towns. I suppose I'll have to visit Suna to make a proposal. They'll be happy, I'm sure."
"You haven't discussed things with them?"
"No…" Naruto shook his head. "Must take things slowly. I don't have the funds to start things at once. Besides, once it gets running and people see the benefit of it, it becomes much easier."
"Then you could have done so without talking to Konoha."
Naruto didn't really disagree with that. "I could have."
"But?"
"Sentiments… based on the memory of my teacher. I respect him. And while I may betray some of his wishes, his greatest desire I cannot reject." One could argue Itachi loved his brother more than anything. But it was the same brother the Uchiha was willing to manipulate to protect Konoha. If Itachi had lived and Sasuke attacked Konoha, he would stop him. Then it could be argued, even if his love for Sasuke was unconditional, Konoha was his greatest love.
"So, I was right. You would never do anything to harm Konoha. But protecting it is something different."
"That is indeed true. I don't think I can stomach standing in guard for those people." The thought of it terrified him. Shisui's eye would have to be used on him for him to put his life on the line for the sake of the Leaf.
Mei put a hand on his right shoulder and gently squeezed while giving him a smile.
About an hour later
Naruto's house was a decent place. It looked like a compound really. A wooden building, yet its insides were eerily silent, especially in the passages. The room she assumed was the office was obviously protected by some sort of barrier. But it was the large volume of scrolls that impressed Mei. She didn't have this kind of reading material, and knowing Naruto, it was nothing useless. There could be secrets here.
While she observed the corners of the office, Naruto was already sitting with scrolls spread around the desk, a focused look on his face.
She walked over and sat across him. He didn't even twitch. For a moment, she thought it disappointing that he would be so focused to forget her presence. But she quickly shoved the thoughts to the back of her head.
"And here I thought you were going to show me around the village."
Naruto lifted his eyes for a moment before replying. "I have to quickly depart from this village. Finding Kisame and getting Utakata is a priority." That aside, he had duties in Amegakure.
"This isn't important?"
"I'm not saying that. I'm saying I need to first get work out of the way. The only reason I came here is to choose which seal to hand over to Konoha. I have to determine carefully because seals are valuable. Not to mention, they require expert minds to be able to operate."
Mei folded her hands across her chest with a thoughtful look across her face. She understood that there was some complex mechanism when it came to Fuinjutsu. Some of it was truly difficult that even the most skilled Shinobi couldn't deal with. For Naruto, Fuinjutsu seemed to hold some sentimental value. To Kiri, he gave some barriers, but nothing more than that.
"You could have just handed them the Bijuu without offering a seal."
"I considered that but dismissed it. I want something that I can exploit. And besides, I need to test out its strength." He removed his gloves on his right hand.
Mei saw the tattoos visible on the palm of his hand. She knew there were some that only became visible when he activated them. His fingers glowed with chakra along the tip.
"This is called the Five Elemental Unseal. I have already told you that most seals can be undone, like Genjutsu. This is one Fuinjutsu that can possibly undo the sealing of all other seals that are used by different Jinchuriki. But it doesn't work on the seal within me. It is a complex jutsu." His fingers stopped glowing. "The seals I created are in principle supposed to be stronger than this. If this gets tested and it works, I'll be happy. But Konoha will have a valuable work of art."
An artist who only painted for himself.
"No wonder you never want to reveal the secrets to your sword."
Naruto smiled at the accusation. "I don't think I am that secretive. But what can I say about one seal on my sword? Hmm... How do I teleport? Well, it's basically just some of summoning jutsu…But at an extreme level." He said. "The problem with this seal is not just its strength, it is in the ability to do something other Jinchuriki cannot do. Summoning techniques require a contract, and some sort of blood. If you summon an animal, it is only for a short period of time. Madara was able to summon the Kyubi because he controlled it. I created a seal that would allow the Bijuu to be summoned from the seal. It is not exactly the Bijuu itself but a clone is created. It is easier to say a clone. In practical terms, the Bijuu itself doesn't leave the seal but large chunks of its chakra does so."
"A Jinchuriki would be able to summon a Bijuu into battle without fighting himself. And it avoids capture. You could literally fight in two places at once."
"Yes. And I don't want that. I'm trying to think of a way to modify the seal but maybe I could. It would be a good advertisement for the Uzumaki."
"Needless to say, once Utakata returns, his seal must be modified to have this ability."
"We'll discuss that once I have found him."
Mei nodded but before she could reply, Haku knocked at the door. He didn't come in until Naruto motioned for him.
He greeted her with a warm smile and then sat beside her.
"How are things?"
"Proceeding smoothly," Haku replied. "And your end?"
"Fine. Shizune?"
"Not complaining but she demands to know what her master is doing."
"I will get a report sent on that. But she is not in Konoha. It is really a curious case. I'd expected her to go back. But she hasn't. it makes me curious at what she has done and if she intends to just wait for the time period before making any moves."
"Isn't it great that she didn't go back to Konoha. Talks would have gone differently," Mei said.
Naruto shrugged. "Maybe." He said. "I'm going to leave the island in a couple of hours for Amegakure. You'll take the Mizukage back to Kirigakure and then come back as soon as you can. Shizune shouldn't try to escape, no?
"I don't think she will."
Naruto nodded and turned his eyes to the Mizukage who had a curious look about her. "Amegakure is a friend. I plan to help Ame grow to the point where its leader is recognized as a Kage."
"Doesn't Hanzo still lead the village? I didn't think you had an connection with him."
"I don't."
Mei frowned. "Battle?"
"Yes. There is a group that has been operating in Ame for a while now. Since the Third war, I assume. I have known them for a while. They want to remove Hanzo and have requested my help. When I leave here, I'm going for battle. It might lead to a civil war, but matters not, Hanzo will be killed."
Amegakure was often used as a Battlefield. But she couldn't understand how things would come to the point where the man as powerful as Hanzo needed to be removed from power. She needed more details. But a part of her really thought she was on the wrong side of history.
"What is really happening?"
Naruto leaned back on his chair. He took a short breath and then explained. "The Akatsuki was formed by a group of orphans who lost their parents during past wars. They wanted to advocate for peace and did so. Hanzo first loved them and even encouraged them to continue. The organization grew and as he grew, Hanzo became paranoid. He lost the principles he once carried. It is similar to you, they don't believe Hanzo has the best interest of the village. And want to take over. True, you could say he isn't like Yagura. But for more than ten years now, they have been in dialogue with Hanzo. He has done everything possible to sabotage them, even plotting to have them killed when he worked with Danzo from Konoha. He failed, but they did nothing to avoid plugging the village into a civil war. It has become unavoidable now. If they don't act now, Hanzo acts."
"I understand what you're saying but won't Kiri be thought to be getting nations under it? If the Tsuchikage looks at this, he thinks something is amiss… even if there is nothing."
"I considered this. I had always known things would turn out like this. Some people, you can reason with but some, you cannot no matter how hard you try. I didn't want to become a part of Kiri because I such things. If you're concerned, we can go apart."
Mei didn't know what made her uncomfortable; she didn't know whether it was the fact that he replied in a casual manner or her words. The former made her smile bitterly. It made her realize that regardless of what she thought, Naruto would do what he'd set out to do. Had she no influence on him? Then again, this appeared to be preordained plans.
"I'm not saying that. I just worry about Kiri's image." She said in a slow tone, eyes firmly on Naruto, trying to get a read on his expression but there was nothing to read. He didn't even look at her for that long; his eyes went back to his scroll.
"You fought for you village, you should know the feeling." He said quietly. "Show Mei around, Haku. I want to get this done as soon as possible. After Amegakure, I'll have to visit Sunagakure… and then make two steps to collect Kisame and Utakata."
"How long will you be in Ame?"
"A month at least. I have to stay for battle, and purging of Hanzo's loyalists. After then, we make orders. I shouldn't take long in Suna. So, I'll come back in about two months."
Time was never enough. Naruto always had to be on the road. There was no time for anything else aside from work. Haku worried that he took on too much. When would he rest?
"Ah, I suppose by then we should free Shizune. I'll prepare a gift for her and her master…" he closed his eyes for a second and glanced at Haku. "She should have imparted enough knowledge, yes?"
"It depends on their ability to absorb. But we prepared them. I have no doubt they'll be good medics."
He nodded and faced Mei. "I'm sorry I can't show you around. But as you can see, things have to be done."
A couple of Minutes Later
The village itself was quiet but nothing unexpected. Soon, it would be crowded and she would have Kiri shinobi running around here. Given that Naruto was likely to be based here, they would be under his command. It wouldn't matter in terms of Kiri's strength – as long as Kisame and Utakata returned. What gave her comfort was that Naruto was seriously going to return them to their homes.
Mei should be happy all things considered but she was not. She was deeply worried.
"Is Naruto always like that?"
"Shouldn't you know? He was around you a lot of time." Haku replied.
"He came in and went. And besides, it was understandable. We always had work to do." Was she just not understanding it because he was no longer working with her? Well, at least she now understood why he didn't even think about having a life aside from duties.
"It is just a little more now." Haku answered in a heavy tone. "Because development is only starting, he has more in his plate. And there aren't people to help him out."
"Can't you?"
"He needs me to take care of Uzushiogakure. And the things he does, mostly only he can do. You mustn't think too badly of him. There is just too much ground to be covered."
Mei couldn't argue with that. Naruto was talking about entering into battle that may result in a civil war. That was going to be brutal. Then he would make a trip through the desert to see Suna. Both Kisame and Utakata had fled from Kirigakure. It wasn't like he was just going to collect them. Kisame was a man known to have chakra comparable to a Bijuu. He had to face that man. And upon returning, she figured he would begin to open Uzushiogakure. Konoha would probably come around to fetch the Three-Tails.
"I wish there was something that could be done."
"It is just for the next couple of steps. Once foundations have been laid, we can watch things." Haku still thought Naruto would be busy. There was still Orochimaru to consider. And he would eventually turn his eyes toward Kumogakure. Hopefully, nothing bad comes out of that. "Travelling between Kiri and Uzu will also get easier. I suppose when he returns, he will conclude this."
Mei raised an eye brow. "Something I should know?"
Haku shook his head. Naruto was so much used to doing things on his own that he didn't even tell Mei the things that concerned her. "He was writing a teleportation portal."
"Tell me about it."
"Do you know how his teleportation works with his sword?"
"He said it like a summoning technique."
Haku smiled. "He once told me it was just a high level of Shunshin…" he said. "Well, that is one way of putting it but not technically." Haku replied with a smile. "You probably don't even know that Naruto does do hand seals before he can teleport."
"Never really seen it."
"Well, he probably does one hand seals now. If not, he shortens this by activating the seals on his wrists. The Jutsu Naruto wants to create involves creating a dimensional void. He explained that seals technically create a void within which they store things. How big and how one interfaces with it depends on the formula. The Jutsu he has been creating involves creating fixed places possible for transportation. That is, there are three points. A B and C. A and B are the entry and exit points. C is the whole dimension. It is complex and requires good chakra control."
"You speak as if it is done."
"It is not." Haku replied. "I'll say it again, you need not worry about Naruto's workload. What you can worry about is his lack of attention to the idea of having a life. There a complex reasons but that is something to worry about."
"He admitted as such." Mei said with a sad smile. "I just worry that things can turn out to be violent enough to lead to a war."
"Admittedly, Naruto isn't afraid of that."
"That is my worry. Naruto understands the nature of the shinobi world. He is realistic and has no time for idealism."
"Some of us are kind in nature. Even if the world points swords at us, we would rather focus on disarming it. Naruto has been at pains to point out to me that nobody has lived long enough by doing that. You give a shinobi a chance to live, they'll eventually find ways to stab you in the back. Kindness in the shinobi world is seen as weakness. But it doesn't mean that we mustn't be kind. You see Naruto's generosity and some people see his ruthlessness. I do wish he was a lot more subtle."
To those who deserved it, Naruto showed kindness. Even if you did not but were receptive, he would show generosity. But the moment who you growled at him, Naruto did not waste time to strike.
How Mei wished she had met him earlier when he didn't think this way.
"Can we not influence him."
Haku thought it funny. "Perhaps you can if you become close enough. But it must not be on emotion. He was trained by a man who murdered his entire family. You must come with reason to persuade him. If you can do that, he'll see things differently."
"Reason, huh?"
Haku nodded and then changed the subject. "When I accompany you back to Kiri, we should sit and finalize our formal agreements. It will make things easier for the way forward."
Naruto's House
Shizune was certain she'd been silent as she trotted in behind Naruto's House. Haku had given her a room here. Of course, she couldn't go anywhere she wanted. Some rooms were protected by barriers. Some scrolls would only show what was within them Naruto's chakra came into contact.
"It seems you've been comfortable enough. But that is to be expected. Haku is a decent human who would do everything to ensure you're comfortable."
He was standing within his garden. Shizune liked to call it the garden of death. She walked over there, put her hands on her hips and stared.
"Taking some poison?"
"I have a mission. Assassination techniques vary. Sometimes, you can kill by making them ingest something deadly. Sometimes, you just give them this just to make them uncomfortable."
He still wasn't looking at her.
"Is that all you think about?"
Naruto turned around, with a smile on his face. "You should know that all these can be used to create medicine. And such plants sell very high in the black market."
Kabuto would be useful in this part, creating medicine for him. He would be selling such things for a high price. A skilled medic wasn't always available but you could buy medicine at any time for merchants. He didn't need Shizune or Tsunade in this scheme. Their usefulness would end once the former departs from the island.
Naruto walked over to Shizune and stopped in front of her. "I plan to reproduce and have a huge garden for this. Admittedly, such plants are rare to find. I have travelled in all lands, and some are still elusive and some only grow in certain conditions…" he tilted his head to the side. "But enough of that… how are things working out for you?"
"I'm not complaining."
"Then I can't have complaints as well. I'll be leaving and when I return, I will be taking you back to your master… I'll even give her some more money to gamble…" His eyes glanced behind the medic nin. "You're back. Had a pleasant time with Haku?"
Mei stared between Naruto and Shizune and then folded her hands across her bust. "We ended up going to the office to tie up some diplomatic things."
"Like?"
"Military alliance between Uzu and Kirigakure. You tend to be reckless in handling things…"
"And here I thought I handled diplomatic talks well…" Naruto shook his head. "Shizune-san, that is Mei Terumi, the Godaime Mizukage…" he then said to Mei. "This is Princess Tsunade's student, Shizune. She is quite the medic…" he put on an expressionless mask. "I am already on my way out of the village."
Mei frowned deeply. "I thought you were going to spend the night. We also need to talk."
"We will talk. There is a battle waiting for me in Amegakure. I cannot delay it any longer. Once that is done, I have to travel for both Utakata and Kisame. When I return, there will be rest, we can talk then. For now, these things have to be removed from my plate."
A week later, Amegakure
"Welcome, to the Hidden Rain." It was a bold welcome from Yahiko. The man was flanked by both Nagato and Konan.
It was bold because he had to sneak into the village. They didn't want Hanzo knowing they had recruited someone. The element of surprise was important in getting through to the finish line without a full blown civil war. If Hanzo caught wind of any plan in motion, he was going to launch a preemptive attack – and that would lead to war.
"Thank you." Naruto bowed slightly. "Konan, Yahiko-san, it has been a while."
"Indeed it has." Yahiko replied. "You have been quite the busy person."
Naruto smiled – the man no doubt referred to the predicament with the Hidden Stone. "I have been busy on other counts – not precisely on the Stone issue."
Yahiko nodded and then pointed at a chair. They were in a top floor of the largest building within the Hidden Rain. Nobody in the Akatsuki knew he was here – just the leaders.
"I'm curious, did you really try to kill the Tsuchikage?"
It was Konan who asked the question. The blue haired woman was unsmiling. Naruto thought she was the sharpest of the three.
"No… if I wanted to kill him, he would've been dead." He said in a dead serious tone. "I'm not into arbitrary actions with no rational bearing." He finished with a slight shrug of his shoulders. "But that isn't the reason we are here today."
"We have to know the person we're dealing with." Konan replied evenly. She then softened her tone slightly. "But you're right… we have come this far and need to plan ahead before Hanzo becomes wiser."
"A little thing will set him off… he has already become paranoid." Nagato spoke for the first time.
"We want this done as quietly as possible. A civil war will only add more pain to the people of this nation. We do not want to add to that – but I acknowledge that sometimes, we may have to suffer a little for the greater good. However, if we can do this without a full blown battle, it must be so. The longer Hanzo remains in power, the longer we suffer. Amegakure and her people continue to weep. I want to put a stop to it." Yahiko proclaimed seriously.
If there was something dangerous; it was a man with ambitions. Even without power, a man with ambitions would do anything possible, even if it meant bending the moral code, to achieve their goals. Yahiko had a goal. An ambition – he was a man who thought he was rightly in place to change the shinobi world.
He appointed himself God to determine what was wrong and right.
He could not be blamed. The small Nations have suffered injustice because Great powers used them as battle arenas for their power struggles. Change had to happen. If you didn't consider yourself the right person, you could do nothing. Naruto smiled inwardly – Itachi would frown upon hearing such thoughts from him. He'd taught him better. Self sacrifice for the greater good.
He was truly a bad student.
"Nagato told me that is your wish." Naruto closed his eyes. He imagined a great battle in Hanzo's compound. The slaughter of shinobi clad in masks for protection from Hanzo's poison. "I am ready for any form of battle."
"And your price?"
"Simply cooperation." Naruto then smiled. "Besides, Nagato is a fellow Uzumaki. Our clan has been butchered by the Great Nations. Survivors must help each other."
"I thought you meant the brotherly Uzumaki bond as a joke."
"Maybe, a little…" Naruto replied. "Amegakure sits more at the center of Three Great Nations. It can be raised to become the Sixth Great Nation. You can only influence the shinobi world if you're a Kage. Small nations carry little weight in their words. Even if you're not a Kage but if you hold enough power, they will listen. I can help you with that. That is my price."
"More help as a price?" Konan asked with a raised eye brow. "It ends with what you hope to achieve, doesn't it? You're helping yourself."
"Indeed, Konan-san." Naruto didn't deny it. "I need Amegakure… On the bright side of things, once you have taken Hanzo out, I can smooth things over to gain an ally with Kirigakure. We can twist Suna's hand in the process. The next option would be Kumogakure. The Raikage might be an emotional man, but if there is one thing he understands, it is power."
"Power led to your ancestral home being destroyed."
"Because Uzushiogakure allied with Konoha. It had its power and that was a concern. The Greatest power in the shinobi world has to be Bijuu. Uzu could render that useless. But you're not weak. If they choose to threaten you, it shows that they truly do not deserve to be world leaders. They are corrupt people who only care about their status as world leaders and will do anything to sustain that power."
Yahiko nodded his head in agreement. "It seems we will have a fruitful relationship." He said with a smile. "You must forgive us at times. We have been betrayed too many times by people we thought were friends. We have stayed like this because the three of us have been stronger together. Our bond is unshakable."
"Nagato has told me about that."
"I'm sure he has." Yahiko glanced at Konan for a second and then spoke again. "Nagato tells me you're willing to storm Hanzo's compound with him. You understand the risks? Hanzo isn't a weak person and his poison is his greatest strength."
No battle was without risk. Someone always died in battle. Success was not always guaranteed. In some ways, Naruto had resigned himself to such a reality. If he died in battle, he wouldn't regret it.
"I understand the risks."
"Hanzo never leaves his compound these days. His only focus is retaining power. He no longer even trusts anyone. His guards protect him every minute of the day and night."
"So there is no getting to him without alerting anyone."
"Yes. We used to have meetings with him. Being able to get closer to him. But these days, he does not get closer us. We cannot even set up meetings with him."
"I have run many scenarios on getting to his compound, but there is no possible outcome in getting in without the use of force." Konan added with full conviction in her words.
"But if we quickly remove Hanzo, I'll be in position to quickly assume control of the village. Hanzo surrounds himself with those who control the village with him. He moved them closer in fear of betrayal." Yahiko said. "We have to be swift. Once we remove the leaders, there is no organization, the army becomes disorganized and will act randomly. But we can act quickly because such acts will be isolated and there are many who will turn to our side. We have earned the favor of this village by our acts. It was why Hanzo has not acted recklessly without any provocation even if he thinks we are after his power."
"What happens when we storm his compound?"
"Konan will go out to secure the village's borders. Our most loyal are always ready. We haven't told them anything, but once an order is sent out, they'll move without question. We already have people within Danzo's ranks, but admittedly, no one closer." Yahiko said. "I will remain here to send out orders to secure important structures in the village. There could be those who chose to attack such structures in frustration."
"The main problem is Hanzo then."
"He remains the most potent threat and without him, we reign. His people have become too comfortable in his power that they think he cannot be defeated. His defeat will be a shock and it's swiftness will show those who dare go against us that we too are powerful."
"We are aware that there will be those who might try to sabotage us. But we will not immediately go on a purging spree. Those are not our ideals. Those who wish to fight, we will be put down and those who wish to join our ranks, will be permitted."
They didn't want to commit mass murder because it might turn people against them. But from what Yahiko had said, it seemed evident that they already have support of the villagers. It should be easy for them to control the village.
"If you don't want to kill people needlessly, I have wonderful prison facilities. It is a place where they can be rehabilitated and returned to Amegakure."
Konan stared at him. "Rehabilitation?"
Naruto smiled. "I have done many missions. I have killed many people without second thought. But I understand that it cannot always be the way. If the world of shinobi is to be fundamentally changed, we must create a system were death is not the sole solution. Of course, those who kill must be killed. But some others, we can send to prisons. Villages already have them, but we don't use them in the right way."
"But what do you mean by they will be rehabilitated? And shinobi don't like keeping prisoners because of the costs."
Naruto shrugged. "I'm not worried about costs." He said before replying to Yahiko's question. "There are methods to teach people right ways and other methods of control. If we think of jutsu as limited only to Ninjutsu, our comprehension of things become limited and as well as methods of solving things. Shinobi favor Ninjutsu, that is why it is easy to kill. But there are different methods of fighting. We will get to that on another day. For now, there is Hanzo to deal with."
"You'll be going alone with Nagato and there will be no support coming."
"That is fine." He could use this to test Susanoo against large number of shinobi. But Hanzo, could be dealt with in different ways without getting closer to him. "How are we going in and when?"
"Tonight." Nagato was quick to say. "We cant waste time. We will go in through the air as you suggested and fall onto his compound. We will be able to take anything that comes. If we have to fight till morning as many come, then so be it. We have agreed that if reinforcements are coming from the village once the attack is initiated, they will not be stopped. They will be allowed to come. You and I will have to deal with them."
Naruto smiled. "Well, it is just going to be the two of us. They'll feel energetic about taking us," he said. "I must warn you though, I am merciless in battle. I will cut through anyone who I face."
"It is necessary this time. We need to be as quick as we can. You must not focus on anything else until you have found Hanzo. We cannot let him escape. He has to be your first target."
"But we do not know exactly where he is and if there is an attack, he might be sent to safety." Konan admitted.
Naruto turned to Nagato. "Do you have a jutsu to destroy the compound at once?"
"Why?"
"I could be wrong, but when it comes to tracking movements, the Sharingan is better. If the compound is bombarded by a wave of attacks, everyone is disoriented. There is no time to ask who is where and organize. It is just creates chaos. In that chaos, it would be easy to locate Hanzo. And I will need to be watching everything from above."
"It will be dark. The visual prowess maybe limited. I know Hanzo's chakra signature. Even if chaos is created, if we get closer enough, I can pinpoint him."
"Oh, I forget you're the better sensor." Naruto shook his head. "Then we are ready to go. I'll just need to prepare a little because it seems I'll have to burn a lot of chakra. When faces large numbers, Kenjutsu becomes limited. Ninjutsu is effective in such circumstances."
"You can use this room. And maybe you'll need to discuss a few things with Nagato. We will prepare things on our side." Yahiko said as he stood up.
That Night
Prowling in the night like a hunter – this life has become the highlight of Naruto's life. Sometimes, he wondered if he would ever stop or even change into something different. Perhaps in the future but for now, it was stealth and a bloody scene that would always be on this wake. Even now, he could see nothing but a blood filled ground, a pile of bodies surrounding him. It was going to happen exactly that way unless he was killed.
"You seem lost in thought."
Naruto glanced at his fellow Uzumaki and then below the ground. They were flying above in one of Nagato's summons.
"I'm just thinking about how violent I am." He said with a laugh. "You get sentimental at times. That is life…" he shook his head. "It seems we have arrived."
A sprawling complex was visible below them. It was just like one of those compounds you found in the Hidden Leaf. There were a couple of houses. You really couldn't tell which one Hanzo used because they were all identical and had the same security. The lights flicked at every corner as if were the sun. shinobi in masks roamed the place. They were armed and ready for battle. The moment you dropped down, they would swam all over you.
"I will go in first. This bird can launch aerial attacks. Once I start attacking, you'll scan the area and come down with what you see. I'll quickly try to locate Hanzo while the bird carries more attacks."
"Got it…"
Nagato held out both his hands. They transformed into mechanical weaponry. Without warning, he jumped from the bird. As he was jumping, he released blasts from the canons he'd created. The chakra blasts were directed at four houses toward the center of the compound. The second they hit their targets, they exploded, destroying everything.
Before Nagato even reached the ground, the alarm had already rang.
He landed within flames caused by the explosion in one of the houses he destroyed. There was nothing but debris, he noticed five bodies laying around. All around, armed shinobi were shouting something. Survivors were being pulled from the debris. Not exactly as he intended, but it was fine.
"Intruder!"
"It is just one!"
"He came from above!"
"Secure Hanzo-sama!"
From their movements, it was easy to see where Hanzo was located.
It didn't take long for Nagato to be surrounded.
"It is one of the Akatsuki! The Rinnegan user!"
"Hanzo-sama wants him alive if possible!"
Nagato stood still, waiting for their movements. One shinobi lunged. He decided to just use one of the Rinnegan's ability to be sure of Hanzo's whereabouts and if there are any escape routes. He held out his right hand as the man lunged. But seven more also lunged in from behind him.
Well, it wasn't going to be easy.
Before he could repel them, he glanced up, sensing Naruto crashing down like lightning. the blond was like a thunder bolt striking the ground.
He didn't turn around, he simply shifted his right hand behind, aiming at the men. "Shinra Tensei."
The force hit all the men at once. He'd put a little of chakra behind it that when it crashed into them, it hit them like a shockwave, its effects coursing through their bodies, causing pained screams. Their screams became distant to Nagato as they were sent flying backwards.
Simultaneously, Naruto crashed onto the back of the man who had charged in front. The result of it was a loud pained scream as the man was buried into the ground, a broken body. It seemed as if he'd been bent unnaturally. He was silent, eyes wide with blood dripping from his mouth as Naruto straightened up.
More loud explosions rocked through the compound as his summon chirped, dropping chakra bombs.
"You found him?"
"He is coming." Nagato replied without moving. But pointed behind Naruto. "I thought he would try to flee. But he has indeed grown arrogant that he thinks he can take on anyone who dares threaten him."
"It explains why attacks are slow. The master must handle them." Then again, if you were Hanzo and you were the one who gave the Sannin their fame, if two men attacked you, you wouldn't flee, you would face them head on.
"They are coordinated much better than we thought. But it just means we don't have to look for him."
"And not hurrying means more shinobi will be on their way here." Naruto jumped over to Nagato and stood on his left side. The Mangekyo Sharingan was already activated. A ribcage of chakra slowly formed around him.
Nagato glanced at this but said nothing. Even within the darkness that was created with the destruction of the house. The sounds of more men crying and chakra bombs exploding, his Rinnegan focused on the image of Hanzo. The man was coming, riding his summons, with an army of shinobi behind him.
This was the man who caused them so much trouble. His friends were nearly killed because of this man. Yahiko was once led into a trap that wounded him badly. So many other friends have been lost in missions Hanzo sent them in pretense.
Tonight, it would be the end of it. By morning, Amegakure would wake up to a brand new day. To a new future away from this man's grip.
"You…" Hanzo said, staring at Nagato. "Sharingan user… one that has the Mangekyo… it is not often you get to see this…" He stood calmly on his summons, his shinobi were ready to attack. "I have always thought you were the real leader. If I remove you, the Akatsuki will no longer have the power… But I must express my disappointment, I gave you everything and yet you conspire to take my power from me…"
"We once respected you and happily worked for your ideals. But under Danzo's influence, you changed. And we have lost respect for you. You are no longer the man you once were. You have become trash; that is why you must die. You have lived past your glory."
Hanzo replied by waving his right hand.
Men lunged toward the two. Nagato did not move.
"Lightning Wheel!"
It was only a burst of lightning from his side and then he saw a circle of lightning in front of him, right around the rushing Hanzo loyalists. A second later, Naruto landed in front of him
Bodies dropped to the ground. They were so cut cleanly that they did not tear apart in half until they hit the ground. It was only then that blood works started.
"I had that."
"I know. I just wanted to introduce myself. He may have lost himself, but he is a legendary shinobi… past his peak but still a legendary shinobi…" Naruto said to Nagato before stepping up a little. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki… Hanzo-san, is a pleasure to be able to fight a man of your achievements. It would have been an honor but you're no longer the man you once were. Regardless, I feel I must apologize to you because we are going to slaughter everyone here. Your defeat will become a stepping stone. In a few days, Naruto Uzumaki will become famous for having been part of a battle that killed the legendary Hanzo the Salamander. While I apologize for the disrespect in that regard, I must also thank you for this service you about to do for me." He bowed slightly.
Nagato thought it was ridiculous that Naruto said those words earnestly.
"Shall we?"
"After you."
End of chapter
I know i said the paring would be with Mei, and I don't plan on changing that, but as you can see, it is difficult to start that relationship. If I start getting to it now, I'll just be forcing it. It is just the current mindset of Naruto and the way things are flowing, makes it impossible for him to take relationships seriously. He really doesnt see the importance at the moment.
I'll allow the relationship to develop a little more before I try again.
The Omnipresent Sage
