Naruto: Archer and Loner
Well, here's another chapter for you all. I know the last chapter was a bit short, but I'm hoping to get the flow of writing back again and have some decent, long chapters for you all. As always, neither Naruto nor Bleach belong to me.
The Woes of Politics and Love
Naruto stood outside of the Hokage tower along with Kiski Uzumaki and Zabuza Momochi after dealing with another asinine council meeting.
"These pointless meetings are getting ridiculous," Naruto grumbled.
"It is a part of life, Naruto-sama," Kiski replies. "You're going to have to learn to deal with it otherwise you'll find yourself backed into a bad deal."
"Exactly, runt," Zabuza adds. "Even in the Mist village the Seven Swordsmen had to deal with politics. And paperwork. Give me a room full of blood thirsty people any day. Just don't put me in front of paperwork."
"I'll be glad once Himsha-sama is able to teach me more about politics," Naruto says.
"Uzumaki-sama," a voice calls out. Naruto looks down the road and sees Shikaku Nara and Shibi Aburame making their way to the group. "I'm glad I caught you before you headed home," Shikaku says. "It'd be troublesome to have to bother you at your clan compound."
"Very true, Nara-san," Shibi states. "I also am glad for this chance meeting. There are things the Aburame clan must speak about with the Uzumaki clan."
"What do you need, Nara-san, Aburame-san," Naruto asks.
"I will let Nara-san get his business out of the way first," Shibi replies.
"Troublesome," Shikaku mumbles. "Uzumaki-sama, I have cleared my schedule for today so that you and I could sit down to discuss the direction you wish the Uzumaki clan to go in when it comes to the village politics. Plus, I need to inform you of the previous council meetings you have missed out on due to previous obligations."
"It has been a while, hasn't it, Nara-san," Naruto replies. "I have time from now until this evening if that is amenable for you?" Shikaku nods. "And you, Aburame-san?"
"I have arranged for a dinner tonight hosted by the Aburame clan to cover the discussion we must have concerning our two clans," Shibi states.
"That sounds wonderful," Naruto exclaimed. He turns to Zabuza with a wide grin on his face, "The Uzumaki clan would be glad to join the Aburame clan tonight, right Momochi-san?"
Zabuza gulped the lump in his throat and replied tersely, "Yes, Aburame-sama, we'd be very happy to join the Aburame clan for dinner tonight."
"I will make sure the Uzumaki clan is ready for tonight, Naruto-sama," Kiski states. "By your leave." Naruto nods. Kiski walks over to Zabuza and grips his arm, vanishing in a shunshin.
"Tonight might be quite interesting," Shikaku states, chuckling.
"Yeah. It'll be interesting how tonight will go between the Aburame clan and Uzumaki clan," Naruto replies. "It should be most entertaining."
"Well, Uzumaki-sama, I must bid you a good day," Shibi states. "I have preparations to handle for tonight. I shall see you later."
"Well, Nara-san, where shall we go to discuss what has occurred," Naruto asks.
"As troublesome as it might be, I believe my office at my clan compound would be best," Shikaku states. "Follow me."
Nara Clan Compound: Shikaku's Office
Naruto sat in the quite comfortable office looking around at the earth tones that colored the room. 'Seems like a good place to relax instead of feeling as if the stress of life is overwhelming you. Maybe I should see about having the Nara's decorate my clan office,' Naruto thinks to himself. He turns his head as the door behind him opens showing Shikaku Nara walking in with an armload of files. Shikaku walks around the desk and plops the files down. Naruto blanches at the sizable stack of files.
"Don't worry, Uzumaki-sama," Shikaku states with a chuckle, "The majority of this is my paperwork for my clan. Only a small part concerns the Uzumaki clan and the council meetings."
"That only slightly reassures me, Nara-san," Naruto replies. "And you can just call me Naruto for this meeting. Honorifics will just get in the way. I asked you to be my proxy in the council because I believed you could represent me the best."
"Very well, Naruto. I agree with you and you can use my given name too," Shikaku replies. "Well, like my wife always likes to say, 'get it over with fast like ripping off a band-aid.' We'll start with the majority of the meetings and what they mainly covered."
Naruto nods as Shikaku opens up a folder and passes the first page to Naruto.
"As you can see," Shikaku starts, "The majority of the meetings were mainly about ways to strip the Uzumaki clan of wealth, knowledge or power within the village. The majority of the complaints have been from the civilian council. Two complaints were headed by Danzo and Homura. One complaint was headed by Hiashi Hyuga."
Naruto's eyes widen at the mention of Hiashi. "When was the complaint from the Hyuga voiced," Naruto asks.
"That complaint was voiced just a week ago," Shikaku replies. "This occurred after I was informed of your 'interference' within the Hyuga clan."
"So the Hyuga are being dishonorable," Naruto asks.
"Yes and no, Naruto," Shikaku states. "The complaint was more of a request for you to not learn anything of the Hyuga style taijutsu and to insure any offspring would be fully protected."
"The Hyuga clan could've come to me and asked this boon," Naruto says. "They didn't have to bring it to the council's attention."
"Very true, Naruto," Shikaku says. "However, Hiashi is quite proud and after you dealt with the issue of the caged-bird seal, both his and the Hyuga clan's honor took a major hit. He might've felt that it would look bad if he made this request to you in person."
"Understandable. So, the Hyuga issue will be tabled for now. I will talk to the Hyuga clan members at my compound to decide on the best way to handle this without causing the Hyuga clan to suffer any more loss of honor," Naruto states firmly. "What other concerning issues do you have that need my attention?"
"Well, Naruto," Shikaku says, "It concerns what the Uzumaki clan contributes to the village. Currently you are a ninja, so you contribute protection. However, that is all you currently do."
"What do you mean," Naruto asks.
"An example of contributions to the village, look to the clans. The Hyuga and Inuzuka clans provide scouts and hunter ninja's, the Nara and Akimichi clans provide herbs and nutritional knowledge and the Yamanaka clan provides intelligence gathering," Shikaku states.
"So I need to find something to contribute outside of my ninja duties," Naruto asks.
"I'm afraid so, Naruto," Shikaku replies. "It may be something small, but you must contribute to show that you care for this village."
"And the fact that I protect everyone by housing the Kyubi doesn't count," Naruto states in a growl.
"I consider that a major contribution, however, there are many who won't agree with me," Shikaku states sadly. "You have plenty of time to figure out something you can contribute to the village. All the Clan heads agree that you need time to figure out what you want to contribute."
"Thank you again, Nara-san," Naruto states as he stands up. "You have represented the Uzumaki clan better than I imagined. Please continue to do so."
"It was no problem, Uzumaki-sama," Shikaku replies. "I had quite a blast tweaking the council's noses when they tried to gain power over your clan. Even if it was troublesome at times."
Naruto bows to Shikaku while chuckling, "I am in your debt, Nara-san. If there is nothing else, I'm afraid I must bid you good day," Naruto says.
"Not at this time, Uzumaki-san," Shikaku states as he bows back to Naruto. "You have a good day. Would you be so kind as to let my wife know that we were working in here and not just goofing off?"
"I will do that, Nara-san," Naruto chuckles as he leaves the office. 'At least I have an idea of who to look out for when it comes to the councils,' he thinks to himself. After letting Shikaku's wife know they had been busy working, Naruto made his way out of the compound.
Aburame Clan Compound (Evening)
Naruto sat back in his chair patting his full belly. The dinner the Aburame clan cooked was amazing. Plus, seeing Haku and Shino constantly exchanging blushes during dinner while Zabuza glared at Shino was quite entertaining for the young Uzumaki. Shibi Aburame stood and tapped his spoon against his glass, quieting everyone at the table.
"Tonight has marked a new beginning for the Aburame clan. We invited the Uzumaki clan here since it concerns a ward under their care. Our clan heir, Shino, has decided to court young Haku Momochi. So tonight we honor our guests and the young couple," Shibi states while raising his glass in a toast. Everyone stood and raised their glasses towards the young couple and toasted them. Both Shino and Haku were blushing madly. Although, the only part of Shino that could be seen red was his ears. Naruto stood with a nod to Shibi. Shibi sat down and waited for the young Uzumaki to say his peace.
"I've known Shino from my days at the academy. Even though he hardly talked, he was always kind to everyone around him. I met Haku on my first mission outside the village. Zabuza and Haku were hired by Gatu to kill a civilian bridge builder. Even though Haku was supposed to kill us, she refused. Her heart is as pure as fresh snow. Here's to an alliance between the Uzumaki and Aburame that is strengthened by young love and friendship," Naruto says with a smile. He raises his glass and toasts the young couple. "I thank our hosts for a wonderful meal and evening. However, we're all ninja so we have to be up early tomorrow, so I'll bid you all a fond goodnight."
"Thank you, Uzumaki-sama," Shibi says. "I hope you have a wonderful night. Please, let us meet in the future to discuss an alliance between our clans on paper." Naruto nods as he and Zabuza stand up to leave. Zabuza looks over at Haku who has a serene smile on her face. He walks over to her and she looks up at him.
"Haku, I think tonight you should spend it here in the Aburame home so you can talk more with Shino and Aburame-sama. I'll see you tomorrow," Zabuza says with a smile.
"Thank you, Zabuza-sama," Haku replies. "Have a good night."
"You too. Don't stay up too late talking to Shino-san," Zabuza replies with a cheeky grin. He walks over to Naruto and they make their way out of the compound.
Wow. This one came out pretty good. I'm actually happy that I was able to crank out two chapters today. I'm hoping my muse sticks around for a while so I can at least get past the Chunin exams.