Frail and defeated were a far cry from how Shinno had started his day. He was so confident in his victory, that Konoha would burn under his superior might, intelligence, and technology. It had all gone so smoothly it felt like fate. And thanks to Zetsu, he even had enough information to reliably target Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke. His longtime associate never revealed why he wanted them to die in particular but it didn't matter, as he was going to have as many Konoha killed as possible anyway.

It all went wrong. The sky fortress was infiltrated and his ninja killed before initial take off. The Uzumaki and a Hyuuga took turns dismantling him, showing him that rapid regeneration wasn't always a boon. He was stabbed and cut repeatedly. Burned. Electrocuted. Drowned. Made paralyzed by gentle fist strikes. The Uzumaki sealed the Zero Tails as if it were a mere academy exercise. With the Zero Tails gone and his chakra system compromised Shinno had to suffer through a genjutsu of being torn apart by panthers under a blood-red moon.

His current location was interrogation as, he assumed, the village's best went to work. He'd already given up Ay and Zetsu's involvement. He didn't know what more they wanted but the purple-haired woman just wouldn't leave him be. He was so tired and his once muscular frame had withered to near-nothingness.

"What more do you want?" he asked.

"Oh, I'm just curious about something. Seems like you could have been taken in without much fuss but those two boys worked you over. So, what did you do to piss one or both of them off?"

Shinno groaned at the memory. A piece of intel Zetsu had given him about the Uzumaki's relationship with his former associate, Orochimaru. He goaded the boy, suggesting there was more to their relationship than was true. By the time he said she'd do anything for an immortality jutsu he felt a sword through his heart.

He dropped to the ground in shock and when he looked up, those blue eyes weren't even angry. They were filled with pity. The Uzumaki then said something to the Hyuuga about assholes always making things personal and never knowing when to shut up. Shinno was a smart man and had no intention of repeating what he said to Orochimaru's sadistic student. Anko laughed at his silence as she resolved to get the full story from Naruto when he got back.


"Kirabi?" Yugito called, attempting to get her fellow jinchuuriki's attention. He seemed… not distracted but lost or in a state of disbelief. They were currently in the Land of Rivers, as Bee insisted they come support Raikage-sama's planned ambush. It was unusual for him to be so serious.

"Yo, yo, where's big bro's main man to carry out the master plan?" He inquired.

She couldn't answer that as Dodai should have been here, along with the hundred other ninja assigned. But there were also no signs of combat, the scene looked undisturbed. Pristine. Almost perfect. She looked at Kirabi in shock as the real meaning of his question sank in.

"You think Konoha and/or Suna intercepted Dodai's ambush and cleaned up to this extent?"

"Mr. 9-0 applied the pressure and let the pipe burst; treated our best like they were light work. Mighty 8 senses his bro, the Uzumaki's a pro."

Yugito scowled at some of her comrades seemingly being wiped out by one boy without a trace. It made everything Ay-sama said about him seem true, Konoha had prepped a secret weapon with a grudge against Kumo. It also suggested the attack on Konoha failed or the Uzumaki would have been otherwise occupied. They had tipped their hand and were now fully exposed.

"Do we try to catch him?" Yugito asked. Bee didn't answer immediately as he mulled over their options. Crossing into the Land of Wind would be seen as an act of war and while they had all but declared as much against Konoha, they had not with Suna. However, if his brother learned the ambush failed and Dodai was killed he would react with pure emotion; namely rage. He didn't know if his brother could best two of the Sannin and Hatake Kakashi but he knew he couldn't handle all three of the and Konoha's jinchuuriki.

It wasn't even about which was the smart move, there were none. But deciding the least bad option. A sense of dread originated in his stomach and spread ever so slowly throughout his body. Bee feared today may be a watershed, that something irrevocable may happen. If that were the case then he needed to be by his brother's side because whatever his faults that was still his family.

"We creep on the low but push hard in case big bro blows." Yugito nodded and the pair departed without further delay.


Ay noticed Shi subtly stiffen, a sigh his senor nin had become alerted to something concerning. The second of his escort duo was no coward so for something to worry him, even slightly, was worth paying attention to. A low-level drone pulled away the Kazekage's sister, the Snake Sannin following behind her. He felt the need to at least mention this as if this were a hit, he'd let them know they'd hidden it poorly. Onoki was simply quicker.

"My my, the two allied nations' escorts seem to be departing. One might assume something nefarious, Kazekage-dono."

"I assure you I wish none here any harm."

"And you, Tsunade-hime? You allow the Snake free reign, should we ready for battle?"

"If you aren't always ready for battle, Onoki-dono, I'd suggest you retire." Any follow up response by Onoki was cut off by the snicker of the Mizukage and the return of the Kazekage's sister and Orochimaru, the Snake Sannin smiling from ear to ear. The wind mistress approached Gaara, whispering something Ay could not hear and watched the child Kage nod. The girl departed briefly but returned with a guest in tow… Uzumaki Naruto.

It was Ay's turn to stiffen. The attack on Konoha was scheduled for today and he was sure the brat hadn't be allowed out of the village since his return. Either Shinno crossed him or something went wrong. Honestly, Ay just wanted the delusional man to cause a lot of structural damage so he hoped the fool managed that. No, what truly concerned him was the contingent of one hundred jonin shinobi he had stationed in the Land of Rivers led by his attendant, Dodai.

The boy didn't have a scratch on him and while that could be explained as far as wounds, even his clothes were pristine. Ay gritted his teeth. It was highly unlikely he managed to avoid his ninja, more than likely Minato's bastard killed them and then strolled into Suna as if nothing had occurred. Ay took the briefest moment to acknowledge the sacrifice of his ninja and the loss of his loyal companion. Dodai would be dearly missed.

Ay was afforded this show of reverence, even if hidden because all eyes drifted to the red-haired shinobi. They watched as Gaara stood up and greeted his fellow container as a friend and an equal, a handshake and a half hug followed by words of welcome. Naruto greeted the rest of the Kage, begging their forgiveness for the intrusion. With no additional seating, Kankuro offered his place and left the viewing area.

Ay finally took a good look at the young man, not having seen any updated pictures of him besides what Rasa provided. Jiraiya had been maddeningly efficient in neutralizing all of Ay's intelligence agents, killing each one until Ay simply stopped sending them. The Toad Sannin hadn't lost a step and it frustrated the Raikage greatly.

Decent height for his age, toned but nothing too impressive. The boy had too much of his mother in him looking very little like his rival in speed. But what Ay noticed, and detested the most, was the boy's ease. All five Kage and this child that has never seen true war stands amongst them as an unspoken equal. The very thought made the Raikage's blood boil. Then Ay remembered Dodai. He was too seasoned to believe his man wasn't dead, killed by a mere child who now stands in the same room as Ay as if he's done nothing. Or as if Ay could do nothing to him. Arrogant. Gallingly arrogant.

Ay barely pays attention to the rest of the exams, children slap boxing holds no interest. He needed an outlet for his rage and grief. He needed to take action but his current circumstances demanded he temper his natural inclinations. The exams ended and the boy Kage gave a speech before closing out the ceremonies. Ay was ushered into what passed for quality accommodations in Suna. The sand rat had requested the Kage and their parties attend a banquet before they departed, starting two hours after the end of the exams. He needed to think, he needed to plan.


Naruto gave Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Kakashi a full accounting of events that transpired to bring him to Suna and the Godaime was furious. At herself for believing Ay would attack Oto first, it was too indirect for him and she'd been too clever by half and put her village at risk. At Ay for both planned attacks. And for her favorite gaki. She saw it in his eyes, the kind of tired that wasn't of the body nor the mind. Just the weight of death and having delivered a great deal of it. Few truly knew what that felt like.

Even fewer knew what it was to be able to kill some of the best of the elemental nations before they could even attempt to fight, surrender, run away or call for help. With all the training they do to perfect being assassins, striking enemies where they are most vulnerable there is still something about the challenge of a fight that gives one a sense of honor, of humanity. When that challenge is gone you can start to feel like a butcher. She'd seen that look on Jiraiya's face before he took in the Ame trio. She'd seen it in her own eyes.

"Are you ok?" she heard Kakashi ask.

Naruto initially shrugged in response but the five eyes on him demanded an actual response. "It is what it is. They were there for a tussle, they got one. I'm not going to sink into the pits of despair over it." Naruto said, pouring himself a glass of water. All watched as a layer of frost enveloped the glass before he took a drink. Tsunade knew that wasn't really the truth; and yet, it wasn't a lie but a resolution to endure. "More importantly, what is to be done about Ay?"

"Kukuku, clearly he doesn't return to Kumo. Nor his escorts." Orochi chimed in. Tsunade didn't immediately respond. Her fellow Sannin wasn't wrong. Ay had to die, it was the removal of a potential reasonable actor, Darui, that bothered her. Well, one of the things.

"That could get messy," Kakashi added but didn't disagree. Ay played his hand and was exposed that didn't go unpunished.

"I can do it clean, and being in two places at once is no problem," Naruto said after taking another drink, savoring the cold liquid.

"No chance for an ambush, Shi is a sensor. He made you before any of us knew you were here," said Kakashi.

"That's fine. Besides, Ay knows. If what I've been told about him is true, he'll want to show it down so the sensor will do half my job for me"

"I could go as additional backup," Orochi offered.

"No," Tsunade said, voice firm indicating there would be no argument. "Orochi, I need you with me as we go back with our participants." The two males in the room could tell that wasn't the whole truth but let it drop when Orochimaru didn't protest.

"So, do I have the all-clear?"

"Let's see how this dinner plays out. If Iwa has sided with Kumo they may reveal it there. If so, Onoki needs to also be dealt with. Could you handle that, Naruto?"

"yes."


"What's wrong, Old Man?" Kurotsuchi asked. Her grandfather had been pacing since they entered their suite and hadn't stopped. She'd withheld asking until the rooms were thoroughly swept and she was reasonably sure it was safe to speak.

"Ay was angered when the Uzumaki joined us. That by itself means very little, the man has been preparing for war against Konoha and using Minato's boy as a propaganda tool from the start. No, it wasn't the anger that vexes me," Onoki explained as he continued to pace. He thought back to Ay's expression, the slight widening of the eyes, rapid blinking followed thereafter. Then the anger sat in. Of all the sitting Kage, he was the worst at hiding his emotions having always led by strength and strength alone.

"He was surprised. Before anything else, he was surprised the boy was there."

"That's not so shocking, Onoki-sama. You don't expect a jinchuuriki to just show up somewhere," Akatsuchi reasoned.

"No, I don't think that's it. It is well known the Kazekage and the Uzumaki are friends. I think Ay has something planned and the boy being here jeopardizes it. There may be an opportunity here. If Ay's little scheme fails then it is possible he will fall. If he dies that increases our bargaining power and we could cut a great deal with the newest Raikage. If any or all of the Konoha party dies then it's war and we let the two fight it out and potentially pick the scraps. Maybe an alliance with Kiri to target the weakest village. Maybe add Suna as well.

If both Ay and the Namikaze hellspawn were to perish then wouldn't that just be a reason to celebrate? Both villages dropping in power and prestige. A power vacuum would serve us well. Set us up nicely for the future," the old man muttered.

"Yea, but what if the entire Kumo delegation dies?"

"Then the new Raikage would likely be that insufferable Kirabi and he isn't fit for the job but also won't be moved to fight out of vengeance. We need Darui to survive."

"If the Raikage dies?" Kurotuschi asked. Onoki nodded and neither of his companions said anything more but Kurotsuchi thought her grandfather made things needlessly complex with his waffling for an advantage. She held no love for any village but her own and detested the Yellow Flash like all right-thinking Iwa nin, but the benefits of war seemed way to hypothetical and abstract to her. Kumo had already shown itself to be untrustworthy when they tried to kidnap the Hyuuga heiress, regardless of how Ay tried to spin it. She worried her grandfather was moving past aged wisdom to the realm of a relic unable to contend with or absorb new ways of thinking.


"We really need to get our intelligence network up to par," Mei said in frustration. Like the other Kage, she saw Ay's reaction and knew something was awry. The problem was, what information she had was so sparse she could do little but speculate. And while it wouldn't serve her to be ignorant of the tensions of the other villages, it was of no great value to get involved. Kiri wasn't weak but it was not the time to test its hard-won stability, not unless absolutely necessary. Maybe there would be a play, some advantage to exploit but from where Mei sat doing nothing was the correct course for now.

"Things may come to a head tonight. Stay diligent but do not make unnecessary moves. Let these mainlanders handle their own problems, as of right now none of them are active threats to Kiri."

"The Uzumaki clan head with several of our famed swords suggests otherwise, Mei-sama," Ao remarked.

"Well, he seems like a reasonable, young man. I'm sure he and I could reach a satisfactory agreement given the chance."

"O-or I could challenge him, Mei-sama," Chojuro offered.

"Why use violence when words will suffice, Chojuro-kun? And Ao, I doubt he holds a grudge for actions committed generations before he was ever born. He wasn't raised an Uzumaki so he wasn't taught to hate us I bet."

"If something does happen, Mei-sama, what would you have us do?" Chojuro asked.

"Nothing, stay out of it. And until something does happen we will match the graciousness shown to us by our host."


Ay was pacing across the room and that was never a good sign. His heavy footsteps adding a slight tremor to the ground. Now free of enemy eyes, the large Kage was venting his anger with abandon.

"The little shit!" he yelled as he clenched his fists. "He killed Dodai, killed our ambush unit. Son of a whore. And now they plot. I guarantee they are planning to take us out."

"Ay-sama, we don't know Dodai is dead. We don't know anything. Maybe he used the hiraishin to get here and left before the attack on Konoha ever started."

"You don't even believe that!" Ay bellowed to his second-in-command. Darui merely adjusted in his seat. Ay wasn't wrong, he didn't believe that but it was also true they had no confirmation about anything. He was simply advising restraint.

"Raikage-sama, we're currently at a disadvantage and we have to assume the Konoha contingent plans to act. Maybe we should slip out tonight and not give them the chance," Shi suggested.

"RUN!" Ay yelled. "YOU EXPECT ME TO RUN FROM THEM?"

"Yes, run. Because this isn't about your ego," Darui cut in, losing his patience. "You said you'd lead Kumo to greater heights, that we'd finally be free to be what we were always meant to be. Fine then but you have to be alive. Revenge will have to wait."

"You never understood, Darui. You're so used to the status quo you can't even see the effects. I'm done letting Konoha decide. I'm done tailoring my actions to them. Kumo is the strongest village, I am the strongest Kage and when I say I will avenge my ninja I will do so. Tsunade, Orochimaru, Kakashi, and the brat die. It's just that simple. But you two will leave tonight along with our participants. Don't stop, don't look back."


Gaara quickly read over the note that was delivered to him by the panther cub. His facial expression remained passive betraying none of his thoughts. It wasn't good. He'd hoped this could be the start of something different, a break from the cycle of bloodletting that only justified more of the same. But Ay had attempted to attack Konoha, planned to assassinate Tsunade and company. That couldn't be overlooked, especially not by Konoha. Known as the peaceful village they still had to remind the other villages their cooperative streak had limits.

"Thank you, little one," Gaara said as he scratched the summons under its chin gaining a pur in response. The courier dispelled and Gaara turned to his siblings and explained the contents of the letter. "Whatever is to happen won't happen here, of that I am certain but it appears we must ready for war in earnest."

Temari and Kankuro both frowned. War was such a heavy word and an experience none of the trio had, something that could not be said for the other major villages. Training and education can take one far but they knew there were limitations and this was not something you generally wanted to do while learning on the job.

"Shit," Kankuro exclaimed. "Is there a way out, a way to resolve this?"

Gaara shook his head. Even if Ay were willing to deal, and there would be no reason for Tsunade to believe it nor ignore what he'd been planning. Unless he was willing to submit a significant form of restitution but it was highly unlikely. Gaara would continue on, however. Maybe things wouldn't change tonight but it could be a step toward progress.

"We only have about an hour before dinner is to begin. If you would both oversee the final arrangements, I need to finalize my own. His siblings acquiesced and departed Gaara's office.


The hour quickly passed and the Gokage and their guards, plus Naruto, were seated at the large circular table as several servers in service whites brought out the first course of the kaiseki. As the appetizers were sat and the wait staff exited, all waited as Gaara shared some words.

"I appreciate you all for indulging my request and not immediately returning to your villages. For too long, the five great shinobi villages have been separated and mistrustful, only forging alliances to better fight our wars. I do not believe that can be solved over one meal but I hope it can, and you will allow it to be a start. The grudges of old limit us. With that being said, please enjoy."

Murmurs of appreciation fill the room then the attendees begin their meals in earnest. Mei was surprised by the colorful array of small dishes arranged on her plate, having assumed the desert village wouldn't be so bountiful. More courses were brought out as polite conversation was had. This seemed to offend Ay as he decided during the futamono course to speak for the first time.

"So, you want to cement our stagnation into an alliance, Kazekage?" Everyone took notice of his disrespect.

"If we are stagnating how could continuing to do as we've done solve it?" Gaara asked, choosing to ignore the slight.

"That's simple, we allow the strong to prove out and rule. Because strength is what determines our course. Not politics and backroom trade deals. Power, the ability to make one act against their own interests outside of their own volition. Everything else is just window dressing."

"Sounds like chaos, the weak constantly seeking to unseat the strong. How would that be an improvement, Raikage-sama?" Mei asked.

"If you can't control your people you shouldn't lead your people. If you can't keep your village you shouldn't have it. In the Warring Clans era, we lost the weaker clans."

"And all the potential within them, not to mention all the talent untapped by non-clan ninja. Romanticizing the past doesn't help us progress," Tsunade said.

"Kukuku, besides, by that logic Konoha should be the only remaining hidden village. Would you have preferred us to have slaughtered all of Kumo?" Orochimaru added and took delight in Ay's frown.

"You would have failed if you tried but what came of any of the wars we waged? Nothing. Nothing fundamentally changed because Konoha will only allow their vision of growth while stamping down anything that threatens it. You win wars because you fight to outlast your enemy, not actually defeat them. The Sandaime called off Minato when he had Iwa under his sandals. And what, you expect to do something similar with his bastard?" Ay finished by staring at Naruto; a Naruto more interested in his soup than the ravings of a soon to be dead man.

"Can he even speak without permission? If you think he has what Minato had you're deluded."

"You're very loud."

"So he does speak. Tell me, boy, do you think you are your father's equal?"

"I honestly don't see how that's a concern of someone who decidedly wasn't my father's equal. Nine may not equal ten but it's still greater than seven last I checked."

Darui and Shi tensed when they saw the scowl on Ay's face. The man looked ready to attack. And in truth, he wanted to. Ay wanted to say damn the consequences and murder the arrogant brat. Kill each of them, let them see how powerless they would be against his lightning armor and his speed. But now wasn't the time. He couldn't enjoy it here.

"It's interesting you say that as in a different world I could have been your father. How about that? Matter of fact, I'll sign a peace treaty right now if you call me Otou-sama. C'mon, say it."

Naruto took at as a sign of maturity that he hadn't murder Ay, Darui, and Shi as a matter of reflex. He considered it a mark of personal growth. Oh, he was furious. That this man would call attention to the attempted kidnapping, that would have no doubt led to repeated bouts of sexual violation, to goad him was beyond anger-inducing. But he had his mission and it was not the time to act. However, Ay would have to be punished.

"Somewhat surprising you don't have a child of your own, a man of your age. I guess manners weren't the only thing Dodai failed to teach you. Maybe he can try again once you return to Kumo." Ay didn't know what angered him more, the boy having the balls to taunt him or the bored look the little bastard was giving him as he said it.

Ay felt a hand on his shoulder just as his rage was nearing its zenith. He turned and saw Darui trying to silently communicate an obvious truth, it wasn't the time. But it would be, soon. He'd put the Uzumaki through the wringer and show him what a true Kage fought like. Then he'd end his life and the rest of them. Eventually, all of Konoha. None of them were a match for B and him. Only the surety of his future victory stayed his hand. The boy would have one last night.

"His discourteousness aside, the Raikage has a point. Shinobi alliance work when there is a mutual enemy, not when created to avoid one. The very idea that any of us would permanently join some kind of agreement that reduced our authority for some nebulous benefit in the future is absurd. I don't like war, I've seen more of it than any in this room but words are cheap. Our actions are what carry real value and if it must be war then it must. Getting too comfortable in an alliance is just asking to be taken advantage of eventually."

"If you lack honor you cannot see it in others, Onoki-dono," Tsunade said. "Our actions only carry weight because of the death we cause, no more and no less. If you treat an agreement as just a maneuver then that's all it can be. The question is what do you want specifically? And how can war gain it?"

"I want an end to Konoha's continental hegemonic order," Ay said.

"Good luck with that," Tsunade said with a snort. Soon talks cooled down and return to polite topics but the tension never fully left as all knew one wrong word could spark conflict. Fortunately, the dinner ended without incident and all returned to their rooms.

Well, all but one as Kakashi was currently looking at a closed, locked and sealed door to what was to be his room for the night. It had been unyouthfully commandeered by Naruto and Orochimaru, neither making a secret of what was to transpire. Kakashi rubbed the back of his head and looked toward Tsunade who only rolled her eyes.

"Fine, brat, but don't get any ideas or you'll be introduced to a game I call Kakashi ball. Got it?" she said as she entered her room, Kakashi not far behind.

"Mah, mah, Tsunade-sama; I would never try anything untoward."

"Uh-huh. You'll be taking the couch."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."


As Tsunade and Kakashi were settling into their temporary arrangement, Orochi pushed her lover against the door as soon as she was sure their privacy was protected. Eagerly, she pulled him down into a kiss briefly realizing he'd grown a little. Her finger assaulted his clothing, she dispatching it with the same ruthless efficiency she would any other enemy that stood in her way. His armor, shirt, and mesh were quickly removed before he returned the favor or removing her kimono.

A blink of an eye, or at least that's how long it felt before they were in the shower exchange long kisses and exploring each other's bodies. Until Naruto settled on her most sensitive area, going over it in slow, circular motions with his middle finger. Gradually the speed and pressure would increase until she was experienced her first climax of the night.

Time went hazy again as she came down from her orgasm as they were now in bed. Naruto was content to pay further attention to the same area, this time utilizing his tongue as Orochi ran her fingers through his crimson locks. And again she was brought to climax, the events of the night decidedly not in her original plan as she was to be in control. But it was a wonderful derailment and she'd have allowed it to continue if not for the cocky grin adorning her lover's face. That simply wouldn't do.

With ease, she reversed their positions and straddled the object of her obsession. She smiled when she heard a familiar moan. 'Not so smug now, Naruto-kun' she thought as she watched his eyes shut tightly in response to her machinations. It was her turn to don a smirk as she rode Naruto, putting the durability of the bed to the test. Orochi kept her pace, even as Naruto sat up and pulled her toward his body, his breathing labored. They soon found their mutual release and shared a final kiss before parting.

Lying on his chest, Orochi heard Naruto chuckle at seemingly nothing. She looked up, her yellow orbs expressing the unasked question. Naruto, looking down at her understood.

"I love you, ya know," he said and laughed again when she went wide-eyed. "I'm not saying it so you will or for any reason other than it's the truth and I want you to know, 'ttebayo," he assured her.

Even with his reassurance, Orochi was thrown for a loop. She never thought of her relationships in terms of love. Sure, she'd do anything for Tsunade and Koharu as they would do the same for her and helped her when she was younger manage her impulses. Was that love? They'd never said it, had they assumed she knew or that she wouldn't care? But even in comparison, she knew Naruto was different. The potential life growing in her womb was a testament to that. Was that love?

She'd known for some time he'd be hers, that he was already interested only eased things along. He was to be hers and in exchange, she'd see to his happiness and the safety of what he valued. It was a perk of not fighting his fate. Yes, he made her happy. He challenged her to grow, to consider things in ways she'd never have before. Even Jiraiya's crappy belief in peace sounds more reasonable coming from Naruto. Yes, his smile often makes her feel funny and when hugs her from behind and lightly kisses her neck her pulse would quicken. Those were just biological responses.

Sure, she could enjoy his company even if they were just quietly reading, her feet propped up on his lap. And yes, she'd willingly subject her body to the trauma that is pregnancy to give him a child. But that was only because she was hi… Orochi's thought process halted. Did she really see herself that way? She'd need to talk to Tsunade, she was sappy and would know. Besides, it was time to share the good news.

"Naruto-kun, can you enter Sage Mode?" she requested. He nodded, having given her time to sort out her thoughts and not taking her silence personally at all. As if he were born to it, Naruto allowed the surrounding natural energy to enter his chakra system, instantly balancing it with his own source of power. For one who has never experienced Sage Mode, it was almost indescribable, the sensation of being connected to and aware of life. Its beauty, its flaws and all the complexities therein. And it happened so fast, the serene mindset allowed a Sage to not be overwhelmed by the onslaught of new information.

Taking a deep breath, Naruto narrowed his focus to his immediate surroundings, to Orochi and himself… and a partial presence. Not fully life, slighter. Like Kurenai-sensei when he remotely checks on her but even fainter… Naruto was now the one to go wide-eyed as his toad-like eyes stared into Orochi's slitted pupils. She nodded at his unasked question and found herself in a tight embrace, though not enough to cause any pain, with her Maelstrom thanking her.

"How far are you along? Is this why Oba-chan didn't want you to come with me to face Ay? When can we know the sex?"

"Kukuku, calm down, Naruto-kun," she said, not having seen him this excited since before his training trip. "Eight weeks; yes; another eight to twelve weeks."

"This is so awesome. I can't wait to tell Shika, Shino, and Kurenai-sensei; although, can we wait until after she has her baby? I don't want to steal her thunder, 'ttebayo."

"Of course, Naruto-kun. She's due soon so it's no problem to wait."

"Ya know, you're really throwing my grand seduction plan out of whack, Orochi-chan."

"I thought it was a plan to woo me," she said with a teasing grin. Naruto shared it before it dropped.

"Shit," he said. "Ay isn't in the village. Damn it, I have to run them down," he said as he got out of bed. He channeled chakra to his right hand and placed it over his left pec. A seal activated and he was fully dressed and armed. Naruto quickly activated another seal on his left wrist as he approached Orochi, kissing her deeply and placing an object in her hand. "Think about it and give me your answer later," he said as he dashed out the window, his Sage Mode buttressing his already impressive speed. Orochi opened her hand and found a black ring box.

Once he was out of the village, Naruto performed an impressively long shunshin. And another and another. Until he was standing in front of the two large chakra signatures he'd sensed. He knew the two, they were well known as Kumo's guardians; Kirabi and Yugito Nii. Naruto was surprised. Not to see them, that was whatever, no it was something else entirely.

"I'm not surprised your Raikage is a coward but I am a little shocked he'd let the other Kage know it," Naruto said. Kirabi snickered while Yugito sneered. He didn't much care how they felt about it. Naruto made a wood clone to deal with them.

"Wait-o, Mr. 9-0. Didn't come for a test of might, let's avoid a pointless fight; fool ya fool."

"You really do rap when you talk? Honestly thought Jiraiya was being a little racist on that one. And sure, you two stand down and we don't have to fight."

"Do you really think we'll let you run down Ay-sama so you can try to kill him?" Yugito yelled at the Uzumaki. She promptly found herself unable to breathe, move, or even think as Naruto applied a great deal of pressure on her.

"I think that anything you do is a meaningless gesture and I don't have time to teach babies how to breathe in my presence. You're outclassed, girl. Don't make a jerk of yourself."

"A deal I'm proposing based on the brotherhood of the chosen. Ay is a hothead but I can't let him wind up dead. Take us in his place and that'll change his pace."

"That's a stop-gap measure. He'll simply bide his time until he can attack us to free the both of you or he'll kidnap someone of high value to Konoha to force a trade. He won't be reasoned with so he doesn't get reasoned with. He gets me and that has one outcome."

"If Ay betrays I off myself without delay. Word is bond."

Naruto looked at his fellow container while thinking. Kurama would have alerted him if he were lying so he wasn't. True, he could run down Ay, the wood clone could stall these two. However, this might be the only way to avoid war. It was a low percentage play but maybe it was the kind of foolish bet this world needed. He needed to know why Kirabi was going this far.

"Why put yourself in a jackpot for Ay? He caused this and he should suffer the consequence."

"Family, 9-0."

'Shit,' Naruto thought. "If you'd pulled that shit an hour ago we'd be brawling right now," Naruto said before his clone and he blurred in front of Yugito and B respectively. Each placed an assorted sealing array on them, one was a hiraishin shiki and the other a bomb. He explained the latter to them and made sure they understood what would happen if they stepped out of line. Kirabi understood his compliance was the only thing keeping his brother alive as Gyuki relayed something about 9-0 felt very familiar and very dangerous to him.

"Let's go back to Suna, I hope Oba-chan doesn't kick my ass," Naruto said and the trio of containers made their way back to the nearest shinobi village.