A love in time 15

"You're late," Jiraiya scolded as his wayward student appeared in the bar seat next to him. With a quick glance over at her, Jiraiya found she was physically in good condition. There was a cool aura around her that irritated him. It reminded him of Minato whenever the genius was around people that knew the real him and not the bright persona he showed to Konoha. "Two days late to be exact. I really hoped you wouldn't pick up Kakashi's bad habits,"

Naruto hummed, gesturing to the bartender for a drink, "I have a lead on a potential Namikaze," She heard Jiraiya suck on his teeth, "I heard Diana is trying to find someone. My gut is telling me it's whoever this person is….so, who are they?"

Jiraiya clenched his sake bottle tightly. He had many conversations with Naruto over the years but he never expected to have this one. "How certain are you that this person is a Namikaze?"

Pouring herself a glass, Naruto replied, "I've never been more certain about anything in my life. Who are they?"

"It could be your grandfather," Jiraiya sighed, rubbing his face tiredly. He had come here to scold her about her destroying temples. In fact, when he kept receiving word that more temples around the area were being burned to the ground, he even received a request from a local lord to look into the incident. "It could be Arashi Namikaze," He looked at Naruto, her eyes void of any emotion. "Diana was obsessed with him. Kept him locked away and monitored for years before he found his chance to escape. Your father once told me he resented Arashi for not taking him with him." Taking a sip of his drink, Jiraiya recalled the mirrored dead look in Minato's eyes. His student was heartbroken and suffered under his mother's thumb. However, it was dangerous to try and take out a dark syndicate - especially one as extensive as Diana's syndicate. "No one knows how Arashi kept out of Diana's radar. When Minato gathered enough power he suffocated Diana's power, but of course, it wasn't enough to take her out. I'd like to believe it was his last gift to his father. Giving him the freedom to live wherever the hell he disappeared off to."

"Haah~" Naruto rubbed the bridge of her nose, "I've got a lot of things to do when I return home,"

Jiraiya assessed the situation, "What do you hope to achieve going after this man?" He wanted to know her train of thought and with the many years, he spent with Minato the best way to find out was by asking.

"You've seen the markings on my adamantine chains?" Jiraiya nodded at her questions, "They're a sign of being descendants of Takeminakata-sama - along with our eye problem," Naruto joked, taking a swig of her drink. "I just want answers,"

"For now?"

For now," Naruto nodded, "I'm leaving at first light if you want to scold me now,"

"What's the point? I know you won't listen," Jiraiya grumbled, kicking her leg for good measure though it only made her chuckle. "I'm coming with you," His words surprised her, "What? Did you really expect me to hang back while you go have a potential family reunion? I'm not missing this opportunity to see you freak out,"

"I'm not going to freak out," Naruto felt slighted, kicking Jiraiya back in retaliation.

Jiraiya wagged his brows at her, irritating her even more, "We'll see about that. I still have a high bet that you'll deck Diana when you see her again," Giving her a small shove, Jiraiya could see she was exhausted. Whatever she was doing, she still wasn't able to hide everything from Jiraiya's keen eyes. "Get some rest,"

Rolling her eyes, Naruto paid for them both before strolling out of the bar. He didn't see the small smile on her lips. She wouldn't admit it to Jiraiya, but Naruto was glad that he was going to tag along. The heavy thuds in her heart seemed to lessen when the old perv announced his plans. Carrying herself to her room, it didn't take long for Naruto to allow her body to sink into the futon and slowly fell into a deep sleep.

Tobirama:

Sitting up in bed, Tobirama felt his skin crawl. He couldn't bring himself to look at the person beside him. He felt disgusted with himself and with the Feudal Lord's family, though he'd never allow such thoughts to pass his lips. Running his fingers through his hair, Tobirama reached out quietly to grab the robe to put around his body before getting out of bed. His ears perked, making sure to listen to each breath his ward passed as he walked around the room and poured himself a glass of water.

The cool water helped ease the tension in Tobirama's body. Looking out the balcony doors, the moon sat high in the sky. Almost mocking him as it glowed softly. Refilling his glass, Tobirama allowed his body to move closer to the balcony. His shift would be over once the sun rose and he would be replaced with another light-haired man. His fellow shinobi felt the same way as him, except for the more ambitious ones. They were more aggressive in their courtship of the Feudal Lord's daughter.

Quietly unlocking the balcony door, Tobirama felt his eyes widen as he almost dropped his glass. The moon's glow reflected off the soft blonde hair, as it gently danced in the wind. Wearing dark coloured shinobi gear, Tobirama held his breath as it was rare for his old companion to wear clothing that fit her properly. Her head turned awfully slow until her blue eyes met his with a welcoming smile on her lips. "Naruto," He whispered carefully, almost worried his voice would make her disappear.

"It's been a while, Tobi," Naruto turned her face back to the moon.

Closing the balcony door behind him, Tobirama approached Naruto while placing his glass down on the railing. Standing beside her, he was quick to take in her appearance. He had only seen her at a distance but seeing her up close, Tobirama could appreciate her clearly. Seeing her hand on the railing, Tobirama reached out and wrapped her hand in his. He could feel her squeeze his hand back before he lost his concentration and his hand slipped and mingled with hers. Licking his chapped lips, Tobirama muttered, "I've missed you," Part of him felt shame and the other part felt vulnerable. When she looked at him again, Tobirama could see that she felt the same.

Naruto felt the corner of her eyes sting, "I've missed you too," She refused to look towards the sleeping body beyond the doors. It wouldn't fair well for her heart. She could see herself in Momo's position when she looked at Hamura. Naruto avoided Tobirama for as long as her heart allowed it but now that she was close to meeting Itachi and her supposed grandfather, she was looking for comfort. "You look tired,"

Tobirama snorted, rolling his eyes, yet his lips couldn't hide his smile. Once again, it felt like they were never apart for long. "I don't want to hear that from someone who looks worse off than me,"

Naruto chuckled, touching her dried cheeks. "My skin hasn't been kindly lately," observing Tobirama, she could feel it more than see it that he continued to carry a heavy burden.

"Are you being teased again?" Tobirama focused his chakra and tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. Her eyes sparkled as she focused only on him. "Even while looking on death's door you are still the most beautiful woman I have laid eyes on," His words were firm as her cheeks blushed lightly. Her smile held sincerity as she leaned her cheek into the cup of his hand. Taking this opportunity, he mentioned as he once again lost concentration, "You kissed me,"

Naruto's face was quick to turn tomato red, waving her hands aggressively in front of her, "N-no I didn't!" The yelling didn't help her case, neither did Tobirama's knowing gaze. Puffing out her cheeks, Naruto grumbled, "Fine. Yeah, I did. You gotta problem with that?" She threatened.

"No," He shook his head, calming down her little rampage, "I was curious as to why,"

Taking in a deep breath, Naruto knew Tobirama wouldn't let it go and answered, "I wanted someone I trust to be my first kiss,"

Tobirama picked up several meanings behind her words. He decided to be forward, "What do you mean by that?"

"Hmm, I wonder," Naruto didn't answer him, giving him a cheeky smile and allowing him to think and come to whatever conclusion he came to. Stretching her back, Naruto decided to change the subject, "I think I found my grandfather,"

Tobirama allowed her to take over the conversation. "You think? What's the catch?"

"That he's not real or someone gets to him first," Naruto didn't elaborate as she looked over the growing village. It was a precious sight for her, seeing the beginning of the Capital. "And he's in the Land of Darkness," She could feel Tobirama grow restless. "I'm going to say this once again but I'm not in the Land of Darkness but I will be making my way there to meet this man. Once I get the answers I need I will be leaving and won't go back,"

"Where will you go after the Land of Darkness? Will you travel towards the Land of Fire?" Tobirama was curious about her thought process. He had peaked into her life when the mirror would allow him to and she seemed to be travelling around the Nations lately.

Naruto thought about her answer for a few seconds before answering, "That depends on the answers I get at the Land of Darkness. What about you? When are you able to go home?"

Tobirama clicked his tongue. "Eight weeks. Give or take. Depends on my behaviour," He loosened up when his friend laughed. Gesturing down towards the gardens, he asked, "Care for a walk?"

"Are you allowed to leave your post?" She teased, but Naruto caught the slight edge to her voice. Tobirama noticed too. Her eyes widened when a clone appeared beside Tobirama with the clone holding a hand towards her.

"I might not be able to go, but he can," Tobirama gestured towards his shadow clone. It was one of his latest creations. "Once he disappears, I will inherit all of my clone's memories. Essentially, I'll be with you in a different way,"

Naruto frowned before she reached out and grabbed his cold hand. She gasped when the clone pulled her towards him and held her in his arms before leaping them off the balcony and into the gardens. Knowing Tobirama would lose his grip on her soon, Naruto was quick to steady herself on the ground as Tobirama looked at her apologetically. "It happens," Naruto waved off his concern, looking up at the balcony to see the real Tobirama wave down at her.

"You will like this garden. It was a gift to the Feudal Lord's favourite concubine," Tobirama gestured towards the stone path and they both walked steadily through the gardens. Only the moonlight and the soft glow of the fireflies illuminated their stroll. "Have you had a Black mission yet?"

Black Mission. Naruto knew Tobirama was talking about a seduction mission. "No, not yet," She didn't see his shoulders relax at her answer. Tsunade hasn't assigned her one despite being of age. Naruto knew it was partly because she was travelling and partly due to Tsunade's soft spot for her. Though Naruto wondered if Kakashi would even allow her out of the village once he heard she got a Black mission. Looking around the tranquil garden, Naruto asked, "Is the concubine still alive?"

Tobirama frowned, "What makes you ask?"

"The garden is beautiful," Naruto replied softly, crouching down to take in the delicate daises, "And well maintained. I see no weeds and the path is kept clear. The Feudal Lord must love his concubine more than anything…more than his wife," She glanced towards Tobirama, his pupils shaking, it seems he was well aware of the Feudal Lord's affections, "I wouldn't be surprised that there's a target on the concubine's head. Is she pregnant? Does she have a son? I have so many questions," Naruto hummed, standing back up before she approached the Senju. "Politics and love don't mix well together. It can be a thick poison to the weaker lover."

Tobirama felt a sudden change in Naruto. The calculating and darker side of Naruto had emerged. Running his fingers through his hair, Tobirama clicked his tongue. "I had hoped this walk would ease your mind,"

Naruto chuckled, stopping just shy of her companion. Tilting her head, she held onto his gaze and replied, "It would be foolish of me to rest my mind. Especially when I'm with you,"

"I take full offence to your words, Naruto," Tobirama warned her, though there was still friendliness behind his tone.

"Sometimes whenever I open my eyes in this world I wonder if it'll be my last time seeing you. It's a frustrating feeling." She searched his eyes, hoping he understood her words but she didn't go further. She wasn't ready to have that discussion with Tobirama just yet. "The concubine is going to die in the future. Should you choose to interfere, it won't just affect you and your clan, but every clan that walks within the Fuedal Lord's castle. I recommend you allow her to die,"

Tobirama swallowed thickly, he didn't enjoy seeing this side of Naruto but she spoke the truth. At this time, he and his clan didn't have to power to protect the Feudal Lord's favourite woman. The woman had no political backing and birthed no sons. "I never entertained the thought of being tangled in the Capital's messy drama. Though you should know, the concubine is pregnant," He hoped with these words Naruto would show compassion. They didn't.

"That won't matter. Should it be a boy, he will mysteriously die at birth. A girl has a better chance of surviving, however, based on the affection I've seen placed into this garden, should the girl look like her mother she will be in danger." Naruto's voice was firm, she was making Tobirama view her as a shinobi, not just as his friend. He was good at politics but he lacked in relationships. "The political world will always be like this. It will force you into a bad hand, it will force you to ignore the innocent, it can consume you."

"Then you should know once the concubine dies the entire town will go into lockdown should it be found she was murdered," Tobirama pushed back, "I know what you are thinking. You want me to leave beforehand. I do not know how or when she will die. I also cannot simply leave,"

"No, you can't," Naruto agreed, "Eight weeks you said?" Tobirama nodded, "Assuming the concubine is heavily guarded and the Feudal Lord visits her chambers at night. She will be most vulnerable when she bathes. The guards cannot enter the baths and the handmaidens are alone with the concubine. She trusts her handmaidens, there's no reason for her to doubt them."

"She has two exclusively assigned to her," Tobirama offered some information, "One brought from her home village, her childhood friend. The other is a gift from the Feudal Lord, her family has been loyal to the Feudal Family for 4 generations." Naruto's eyes slowly began to shine once more, "It could be the childhood friend. People change when they are envious of others they grew up with." Naruto shook her head, "No? The loyal family?" Tobirama was surprised when Naruto nodded her head. "What makes you so sure?"

"Whoever you're guarding, from the balcony they have a clear view into the Concubine's wing." Naruto said, ignoring the way Tobirama's jaw tensed, "The Feudal Lord is currently visiting his Concubine. They're very affectionate. Now that you've mentioned their histories it wasn't hard to distinguish between the two handmaidens. The loyal handmaiden is very good, I would've assumed the childhood friend too, but she let her mask slip just for a second when the couple shared a kiss in front of her. It was truly an ugly face," Stepping back from Tobirama, she gave him some space to breathe before asking him, "Have you ever seen envy on someone's face before, Tobi?"

"I cannot say I recall," Tobirama followed behind her as she explored the garden. It was an interesting conversation. One they've never shared before. Putting together each other's experiences to determine the very possible future of one's life. He wondered if this is what it'd be like once they found each other.

"It's disgusting and funny,"

Tobirama hung back as her fingers hovered back and forth through the rose bushes. Although the conversation was slightly morbid, it didn't deflect from Naruto's glowing appearance. The soft light from the moon would fool any man into seeing her as a fairy. Tobirama's throat constricted. She would be a dangerous kunoichi to encounter on the field, especially if she was ordered to seduce them.

"I can only assume, now that you've told me her family is loyal, that the handmaiden grew up with the Feudal Lord. Perhaps in his younger years he became hormonal and whispered sweet-nothings to her or she simply always had him in her heart. Then to see him welcome in a concubine with no status and gift her such a well-manicured garden as a token of his love. It's no surprise she would succumb to an outside influence to kill the Concubine that took away her lover's gaze." Naruto shared her thoughts, it seemed like a bad romance novel but it was happening in reality. She wouldn't share with Tobirama that this upcoming murder had been pounded into her head by the Elders. The Concubine's death would lead to a more refined vetting process and stricter house rules that would protect even the offspring. However, Naruto wasn't too sure how the Concubine was murdered. It was all hush-hush. As former students of the Nidaime, they never mentioned Tobirama being trapped in the Capital. Naruto deduced that she must've given Tobirama some advice to leave safely. "If I had to guess," Naruto gestured to the patch of grass below the rose bush, "She was slowly being poisoned via skin absorption during her baths."

Tobirama leaned over her shoulder. He noticed the crudely torn grass but he couldn't determine the weed. "I assume this is poisonous," Her blonde head nodded, she had keen eyes.

"If you want to delay her death until after you've left," Naruto pointed to the ragged weeds, "Then I suggest plucking out at least half of these weeds you see in the garden. Leave enough for them to regrow. The handmaiden should know as well to not over harvest. You can drag out the process a further 4 weeks, depending on how poisoned the Concubine is now." Glancing beside her, she noticed the change in Tobirama's posture and asked, "Is everything okay?"

"Yes…no, I'm not too sure," Tobirama mumbled, "Part of me is thrilled to speak to you about our shinobi lifestyle but there is also a part of me that is not happy about this,"

"Tobi," Naruto said softly, noticing the anguish in his ruby eyes, "We're growing up. Actually, I should say that I'm growing up. It was different for me when I saw you age as time went on but for you, I suddenly returned older than expected. Are you perhaps anxious about the missing years you weren't around in my life?"

Tobirama let slip a bitter chuckle. She was right on the money. "Naruto," Tobirama took his time to gather his thoughts, "I feel at ease when I am around you. I would like to believe it is the same with you." He saw her agree with him before he carried on, "We have trained and learnt a lot from each other over the years. I understand this is incredibly selfish of me but I stand by what I said to you that day. I do not want to see you disappear from my side without a word. I allowed you to walk away that day, however, I do not want a repeat of that today,"

"Tobi-"

Tobirama held up a hand to cut her off, "I know what you are doing. Distracting me in this conversation so my mind does not linger on the fact this may be our last meeting for the next year or so. I want…no, I need you to be around me. I need you to discuss with me your plans and I will do that same. Just do not…" Clenching his fists, Tobirama felt his chest tighten as he betrayed all previous thoughts of focusing on his clan and war as soon as he locked eyes with his friend again. Tobirama knew he wasn't good at expressing his feelings but he knew if he didn't tell Naruto what he was thinking she wouldn't know - despite her being so good at reading him. "Do not abandon me, please,"

Naruto felt her gut drop. The corner of her eyes stinging once more as Tobirama revealed such a vulnerable side to him he had never shown her before. To her, Tobirama always stood strong and always knew what to say - even when he was curt. "Tobi," She whispered, his eyes trembling as they struggled to hold her gaze, "I could never abandon you," Her heart trembled, "But we both know this can't go on forever,"

"Perhaps not forever, but for now it should be okay,"

"You're supposed to be the smart rational one here," Naruto felt a giggle slip past her lips. It was a serious moment but Tobirama was behaving out of character. "Fine, I agree. Not forever but I'm going to add on, if you appear before me half-dead again then I'm going to walk away for good," Her words pierced his heart but it also hurt her too, "Seeing you like that…" Her breathing grew harsh, "I never want to see you like that again,"

"As long as I am not half-dead," Tobirama nodded, a fraction of a smile on his lips, "I can do that. If, not that it will ever happen, but if I dare to appear before you dying and I recover, I will hold no grudge once you walk away from good."

"I can agree to that," Naruto felt her smile grow as they squatted near each other. It was odd seeing him in any colour other than blue yet the white robe suited him well. He truly looked like he came from noble blood with an unmeasurable weight on his shoulders. His white hair looked soft as the wind gentle tousled it that her eyes were drawn to him more than usual. "I feel a but coming on,"

"You are correct. There is a but," Tobirama nodded, "Should we ever cross paths in person allow me one day of your time,"

Naruto narrowed her eyes, "What are you planning on doing?"

"Hmm, I wonder," Tobirama repeated her answer, grinning as her cheeks flared up. He wasn't too sure whether it was from annoyance or shame. Perhaps both. "That's for me to know, Naruto,"

Naruto clicked her tongue, "How annoying," looking back from where they came from, Naruto bit the inside of her cheek as she felt bitterness consume her. "I need to get going,"

"You're leaving already? After such a touching moment," Tobirama joked but when Naruto didn't respond to his words he followed her gaze. He could see his original body on the balcony talking to a long-haired brunette. They were both wearing matching robes. "Naruto," Tobirama looked back at her, "It doesn't mean anything. This is just a mission,"

"I'm well aware. You don't have to explain these things to me," Naruto couldn't hide the edge to her tone. "We're just friends,"

"Naruto," Tobirama mumbled, reaching out to her. Only for Naruto to take a step back. Biting the inside of his cheek, he approached Naruto and blocked her view of the balcony. He didn't like it when she would avoid him. Grabbing a hold of her shoulders, Tobirama forced Naruto to look at him. "Please look at me,"

Bitterly, Naruto forced her eyes away from the pair to look at Tobirama.

"We're shinobi."

Sighing through gritted teeth, Naruto nodded just as Tobirama's fingers slipped through her body. "We're shinobi," She agreed, "We understand sacrifice more than anybody else," Taking in a deep breath, Naruto relaxed her shoulders and said, "I really have to go, Tobi. The longer I stay here the more I want to go haunt your ward," She tried giving him a cheeky smile but it didn't hold up to the intense look in his eyes.

"I'll find you. I promise, Naruto." Tobirama swore, ignoring the sad look in her eyes. She didn't believe him. Part of him couldn't understand why she wouldn't let him find her and another part was afraid of her answer once he asked.

Shaking her head, Naruto turned around and muttered her farewells over her shoulder, "I'll see you around, Tobi," Not giving him a chance to reply, Naruto took off in the direction she knew the Kyuubi would be grazing.

Kyuubi heard her first before seeing her. Quickly changing from his Biju form into his human form, Kyuubi was quick to brace himself and wrap his future ward in his arms. Holding her tightly, Kyuubi took in the sobbing woman and growled low in his throat. "You're an idiot,"

"It's hard," Naruto's lip trembled, digging her face out of Kyuubi's chest to look up at him. The number of times she came crying to him was shameful for her but Naruto felt comfortable enough to find solace with Kyuubi. Although his face was stoic his eyes were clouded in worry. "I'm going to fucking hit those Gods hard. I swear by it,"

Patting her head gently, Kyuubi nodded as she spewed her threats towards the New Gods.

From inside Naruto, Kurama paced his cage with worry. This burden was too much for one person to handle. Growling deep in his chest, Kurama wanted to ignore the thought for as long as possible. However, he could see that he was running out of time. Soon, he will have to advise Naruto to lean more onto Madara - her chosen time partner.

Itachi

"Are we really doing this?" Kisame grumbled, "Fuck the mission. We can just kidnap her and take the Kyuubi," He glanced over at his quiet partner, his Sharingan activated and alert.

"It's not that easy. The Kyuubi Jinchuriki is the most cunning out of them all. Don't let your guard down around her," Itachi warned, his voice cold enough to make Kisame shiver.

"Oi oi you aren't playing favourites with the Jinchuriki cause she comes from your hometown,"

"Kisame," Itachi warned, pausing in his step to glare at the shark-man.

Kisame held up his hands, "Hey, I'm just teasing you. I'll be careful. Even Konan warned me about her,"

"Konan?"

"Ahh you haven't heard," Kisame wasn't surprised. Itachi wasn't that interested in others in the group. He kept to himself and it was up to Kisame to keep the Uchiha updated. "When Deidara and Sasori went after the Ichibi and managed to kidnap him the Kyuubi brat was nearby and practically devoured them. Their bodies were a right mess that Zetsu didn't have much to clean up,"

Itachi skillfully hid his surprise. "The Kyuubi Jincbuuriki did all that?"

"Yup," Kisame nodded, "It was like a massacre," He gauged Itachi's reaction and frowned when the Uchiha didn't budge. "Where's the meeting point with this brat?"

"We're already here," Just as Itachi replied, the duo were surrounded by adamantine chains that wrapped tightly around their bodies.

"Urgh, what the fuck," Kisame struggled, only for the chains to clench tighter around his body.

"If you play nicely, I won't drain you of your chakra either. I prefer having this conversation with conscious people," A light teasing voice floated around the meadow. "I'm surprised you didn't try and dodge my chains, Itachi-sensei,"

"I'm sure your secondary and third trap would've deployed had I tried to escape," Itachi replied calmly, his eyes scanning the meadow but couldn't figure out where the voice came from. "You have business with the Akatsuki," Itachi felt her behind him but he couldn't turn to face her.

"Yes," Naruto whispered in Itachi's ear. Seeing goosebumps rise on his neck, Naruto took it as a small victory. Her heart trembled to see her beloved sensei again but she kept her excitement to herself. He looked more handsome than before as the baby fat that used to line his jaw was gone. Gone was the young teen she knew and in his place is a grown shinobi. She wanted to speak to him candidly but there were many eyes and ears around. Moving before the two Akatsuki members, Naruto had a lazy smile on her lips as she said, "I have two missions for the Akatsuki,"

"How can we trust you? Considering we're enemies," Kisame growled, the chains digging uncomfortably into his flesh.

"True," Naruto hummed, tapping her lip in a teasing manner. "However I have use for the Akatsuki. What Konohagakure won't know won't harm her, will it?" she could tell Itachi was getting nervous about her behaviour. It wasn't what he was expecting. "One, I hope you can track down and give me Orochimaru's most current location-"

"Naruto!"

Naruto sighed as Jiraiya soon joined her.

"You never told me about Orochimaru!" Jiraiya grabbed her arm with a hiss. "I know you're not stupid enough to go after him to get revenge."

Shrugging off Jiraiya's grip, Naruto didn't break eye contact with either Akatsuki members. She wasn't afraid of Itachi's eyes. "You're right, I'm not stupid. Orochimaru has answers that no one else has."

"Done," Itachi nodded, not completely sure why Naruto was seeking out another Sannin. He planned to get more details out of her later. "What is your second request?"

"I need your eyes," Naruto gestured towards Itachi, "Well, more specifically, I need your special eyes to translate a few things," Naruto cleared her face of emotions as she saw a flicker of emotion pass through Itachi's eyes before they slowly morphed into the similar eyes of Madara and his brother.

"Be careful, Naruto," Jiraiya warned as he looked at Itachi's chin.

Naruto wasn't phased, looking at the Sharingan head-on. "Ahh, so that's the Mangekyo Sharingan,"

"You're foolish to look me in the eyes," Itachi warned, he was on alert. He had so many questions about what she just said. Everyone that knew about the Mangekyo Sharingan was limited and Naruto was certainly wasn't one of them. The only person he could guess was Kakashi. "I'm sure my replacement warned you about these eyes," He flared his fingers around his eyes, making its appearance seem more sinister.

Naruto ignored the dig towards Kakashi. Itachi had unknowingly confirmed to her that Kakashi had the Mangekyo Sharingan. If she had known this before, she would've sent copies to her sensei to translate. Keeping the information in the back of her mind, Naruto decided then and there to get Kakashi to translate the tablets as a precaution should Itachi screw her over. "I'm not the foolish one here. I'm well aware of the power the Uchiha clan holds. Go on," Naruto egged Itachi, "Try it." Itachi hesitated, a sly grin on Naruto's lips turned feral, "You can't? I wonder why?"

Jiraiya frowned, looking up he noticed the stoic look on Itachi's face seem more rigid than ever. "What's going on, kid?" Jiraiya nudged, trusting his student not to get them screwed over.

Naruto pointed towards the black markings on her chains. "As long as I have more chakra than my opponent then I can bind and seal whatever I wish. Well," She could see Kisame continuing to struggle against her bindings, "That is a very basic explanation." With a wave of her hand, the chains surged towards the Akatsuki's neck and transformed from a golden chain into a golden collar with the dark markings becoming more prominent. "I believe you'll need your hands for what's next."

"You brat," Kisame tried to pull out Samehada but struggled to even lift his fingers. "What the fuck?!"

"Just because the chains aren't suffocating you doesn't mean they've disappeared," Naruto warned, with a slight twist of her wrist the collars grew tighter around the two as a warning before releasing.

Jiraiya was in awe. He had never heard or seen the adamantine chains morphe like this before.

Naruto unsealed one of the many stone tablets she had and placed it before Itachi. "The cost of my second request depends on the authenticity of your translations,"

Itachi's eyes scanned the tablet quickly. His ears picked up on Naruto's words. "Translations. There's more than one?" Quickly deciphering the tablet he looked at Naruto. She nodded before he spoke, "Why do you want to know about the Gods?"

"That's for me to know and for you to translate," Naruto's voice was firm, drawing a line between them. "Will you translate the stones?"

"You don't have another choice but to rely on me. My foolish little brother doesn't possess these eyes and Kakashi's eye is not enough alone," Itachi was confident, Naruto had no other choice but to turn to him for help with whatever she was planning. How she figured out that the Sharingan was able to translate these words were beyond him. Sasuke was aware of the stone tablet below the Uchiha compound and knew he needed their bloodline to read it but Itachi was confident that Sasuke was too arrogant to seek outside help.

"You're right but not completely," Naruto agreed with what Itachi said. "I'm limited in translators but I will find a way if you lie to me about these translations," Pulling out a scroll and tossing it into the air, Naruto unsealed several bags of gold that hit the earth with heavy thuds. The bags covered the ground around the two groups. "I may regret funding the group that wants my death but right now I have none."

Jiraiya glanced at Naruto. Her eyes were firm and although her words caused him some confusion, the confidence and unwavering look in her clear blue eyes left him trusting her. This time, she reminded him so much of Kushina. No matter what bullshit she spouted, her confident gaze was enough to pull them through whatever rough patch they were in. It was rare for Jiraiya to see Kushina in Naruto but he was glad there were remnants of her within the blonde girl.

Kisame felt his jaw drop with each loud thud. How on earth can one little girl be so rich? Looking around, the Sannin didn't seem surprised and Itachi looked like he could care less. Kakuzu would be wetting his pants seeing all this money and the organisation did need some funds. "You'll definitely regret giving us this money, kid."

Naruto laughed lightly, nodding in agreement, "That's a problem for future me."

"You don't seem worried," Kisame pointed out, ignoring being collared like a dog for now.

"Why would I?" Naruto shrugged her shoulders, feeling arrogant in her behaviour. It was rare for her to show off but she coveted the feeling when she allowed it. A secret pleasure. "It'll be fun to fight against the Akatsuki. I also don't see myself dying to your…" Naruto wiggled her fingers towards them, "...group."

Kisame snarled, excitement boiling within him. It had been a while since he came across such a bitch. "Hoho let me go and I'll give you a good round, kid."

"Kisame," Itachi warned, his voice just a pitch louder than usual. He felt something off about Naruto. He noticed it before but it was faint and wasn't a worry but now, it was more overwhelming since it was still mostly hidden. The indescribable bloodlust gently oozed from her person. Now, Itachi believed the blonde before him brutally killed Deidara and Sasori. Long gone was the soft, cry-baby blonde that would cling to him whenever they had to depart for the day. "Not today. It will be a drawn-out battle but in the end, you will lose against her,"

"No way!" Kisame didn't believe his partner.

"Haven't you noticed?" Itachi tried to warn his partner from going against the Uzumaki chains to attack the blonde, "Jiraiya-sama doesn't look phased to step in."

Kisame, although tempted to also fight one of the legendary Sannin, observed the old man. Itachi was correct. In fact, the old man seemed to fuss around the blonde like a Grandpa. The Sannin barely gave them a second of his thoughts. "If we attack together we can take her down and bring back both the money and Kyuubi,"

"It's not that simple," Itachi sighed, his partner was too bloodthirsty of his own good. The difference between his partner and his former student was that one was able to hide it more efficiently and that's what made his former student more dangerous. "If you haven't picked it up already, the Uzumaki used to be my student. My only student,"

"What does that have to do with anything? So what, she's a genius too," Kisame grumbled, urging chakra into his limbs.

"Fool," Itachi clicked his tongue, "My only student knows me well. Well enough to develop a jutsu to block me from using my Sharingan to its full potential,"

Kisame finally clicked, "She wasn't joking was she?"

"No, and chances are she's weakened you somehow without you noticing," Itachi gestured to the sword on Kisame's back, "Samehada is looking thin,"

"W-what?!" Kisame struggled to turn his neck but sure enough, his sword has shrunk by over half its usual size. "Do you have a plan? What if she doesn't let us go?"

"Are you done chatting?" Naruto pushed Jiraiya's face away from hers as he tried to nag her into telling him why she wanted to see Orochimaru. She knew it was going to be a long conversation as they made their way towards her supposed grandfather, "I have other places to be. Do we have an agreement?"

"I assume you have a way of communicating between us for the translations," Itachi enquired, wondering how Naruto would keep contact or track them.

Humming lightly, Naruto tilted her head, deep in thought. Nodding her head, Naruto clicked her fingers and soon the collar disappeared from Kisame's neck but not Itachi's neck. Tossing Kisame a scroll, Naruto explained, "That scroll has two functions. One: simply is a sealing scroll to take that tablet with you. The other fuinjutsu key can be used to send me correspondence. Just place whatever you want to send to me in the middle and activate the fuinjutsu. I will, of course, keep in touch with you in the same way and send you more translations when you're done with one."

Kisame caught the scroll, quickly sealing up the heavy stone before the unpredictable blonde did something else. "How can you know we're kept true to the translations?" He asked as the confidence the blonde displayed never wavered.

"I have my ways," Naruto replied vaguely. "Of course, this is just a down payment and payment for your first translation. I will pay you accordingly as our relationship deepens." Just before departing the meadow, Naruto made sure to comment, "Ahh but Orochimaru has higher priority than these translations. For that one, the Akatsuki won't get payment until I have his location in my hand as agreed upon with your Second-in-charge."

"You will regret this, Naruto," Itachi warned his former student yet she was unphased by his words. Instead, she only looked at him intensely.

"Perhaps," Naruto wanted to speak more with Itachi but it wasn't time. She needed to head towards the Land of Darkness. "Ahh you probably don't care but it was nice to see you again, Itachi-sensei,"

Itachi stiffened at her cheerful smile before she disappeared. As soon as her and Jiraiya's chakra signatures disappeared, the collar around his neck disappeared with them. Bringing a hand up to rub his neck, Itachi looked over at Kisame and asked, "Have you ever heard of Asura?"

Neither Itachi nor Kisame would know that Naruto already knew about the translation of Asura's tablet. For Naruto, it was a test for Itachi to confirm her findings of him.