Alrighty guys pretty good feedback from the previous chapter! I apologize for the action less chapter, but you guys seem to enjoy the story and plots I am trying to set up. This is story has been my attempt to blend two sides of Naruto while keeping it realistic and not going down the over done 'dark half' plots. This chapter sees a year long time skip so that I can get Naruto in Kumo and get Eri through half of her training. The time skip will also expose more of the existing people such as Minato, Kushina, and Eri's personalities more as the shock of Naruto's 'death' gets less and less. Anyway lets get on to the chapter!

1 YEAR LATER SOUTHERN KUNI (Lightning)

It was early morning in one of the countless mountainous valleys in the Lighting nation when Naruto was standing at an impressive 5' 8'' and was staring down the remaining 2 members of a Forest Black Ops team that had been tracking him for the past week or so. They thought an attack at dawn would surprise him but they didn't realize that he had been awake for 3 hours at this point. The 3 other members lay dead in various forms with a mixture of burns and slashes marking their bloodied bodies. If the 2 members were scared their masks covered it up, but Naruto smirked as he flashed through hand signs 'water style: Raging Waves!'. A torrent of water rushed from Naruto's mouth flooded the battlefield but then quickly dissipating leaving the battlefield coated in a thin layer of water and getting rid of any dry ground through most of the entire valley. While the Black Ops were pushed back and drenched by the water they were overall without a scratch.

"Heh, looks like your running out of chakra if that is all you do" sneered one of the Black Ops. The other, clearly the leader chose to stay quiet opting to try and think several steps ahead of his opponent.

Naruto ignored the comment in favor of smiling from cheek to cheek for all to see as he aimed the hilt of the Sutōmufangu towards the ground, used his chakra and a little bit of Kurama's to activate the blade, which the Forest Black Ops where more than aware about, but tensed up when the blade crackled with electricity and much to there surprise the electricity flashed towards them using the water on the ground and on their clothing from earlier as a conductor to increase the damage. The leader being a battle-hardened veteran jumped on to a nearby rock to avoid the attack, while his comrade was taken so far by surprise that he could not react quick enough and he screamed as the electricity fried him from the inside out. The leader could only grit his teeth behind his mask has another one of him comrades has been killed at the hands of this monster.

Naruto, on the other hand, was enjoying the sense of power and control that he had while in combat. While he has yet to get a real challenge from bounty hunting and this renewed threat from The Hidden Forest he understood he was fighting mid to high B rank ninjas at most and could be beaten by a higher ranking ninja in a battle of attrition. He decided to keep his opponent on his toes by using a Wind Style: Daitoppa to force him off of the rock and into the electrified water, however, when doing so he had to deactivate the sword in order to go through the hand signs, thus weakening the electric current in the water.

When the leader of the team was forced into the water his muscles started tensing and lightly spasming forcing him to rely on half ditched taijutsu and his short katana for protection. Naruto smirked, having found out earlier this year he had an equally strong affinity to lighting he was not nearly as affected by the electrical currents in the water. Taking out two kunai he charged the slightly disabled Black op. The kunai clashed with the short blade and it became a battle of strength, however the leader had one last spasm in his arm which faltered his strength this was the opening Naruto had been waiting for and he took one of the kunai off from blocking the blade and went for a stab to his gut.

The leader watched in horror and slow motion as Naruto funneled wind chakra into the Kunai to increase its damage and sharpness. When the blade reached his gut his insides exploded at the force of the stab and the chakra entering him. Vomiting blood his grip on his short sword was non existent and the second kunai stabbed into his shoulder blade. His mask fell off to expose a older man with a scar going down from his forehead to right below his left eye. While his last bit of strength he spit some blood onto Naruto's face before embracing death.

Taking out the kunai Naruto wiped the blood off his face with his sleeve while grumbling about stupid Forest ANBU not realizing they were Black ops and not ANBU. He packed up his things and began to walk away thinking about the many changes that had happened over the course of the year.

After spending a few months physically growing and preparing himself and getting stronger through exercise Naruto began learning more elemental jutsu through Kurama. While they focused on wind based jutsu they also went over a few water based ones as well. Unfortunately Naruto didn't find out about his affinity for lightning until just recently. He had also tried to learn more about he sword and get better with it. Tried being the key word. The smaller of the two scrolls found in the temple had not writing on it but Kurama assured him that it must be unlocked some how and that he should just try to learn without the scroll. What followed was weeks of little progress and endless scratches and deep cuts along his arms as the sword's wind element and later electric element appears to backfire on him when training, Which he covered up with thin black bandages wrapped up the length of his arms 'But it always works in the heat of battle' thought Naruto. He has yet to see or use a water move through the sword but he was positive that it has one. He had also learned from the fox the basics of Fuinjutsu allowing him to do the first couple of levels of sealing. The final change was his tactical mind. A year of avoiding Forests ANBU and hunting lower level bounties has made him quite the battle tactician as it has allowed him to over come odds such as being out numbered or out classed in a certain field. No longer do his opponents underestimate him as not only do Forest ANBU know very well what he is capable of (for most things) but word in the Bounty community was that a kid was taking bounties and news spread very quick about which region he was in and things like that.

Naruto about to leave the valley when he was snapped out of his thoughts when two figures landed several meters in front of him. One was a large and burley man, while the other was feminine and thin, but around his height. Then he heard it…the rhymes. "YO YO YO YugtiTO what have we here? A fighter whose lit like a lighter!" said Bee as he moved his hands in a ridiculous fashion.

Yugito just sighed and glared at Bee "What does that even mean!"

Bee not missing a beat he beamed at his student. "Yugito not everyone can catch these fly rhymes yo!"

Yugito and Bee were about to continue arguing but were interrupted by an irate Naruto "Umm..can I help you guys?"

Yugito glared at Naruto was hate and retorted "No but I'm going to kick your ass for what you did to us in Rakubi and for getting my grounded from training for two month!" She rushed Naruto with her fist cocked ready to punch him into a new Fanfic but before she could even move three steps Bee had her caught by the wrist. "Yo not now ! I have to tell a tale of mine to !"

Naruto looked in shock at how he realized that he was Nine-Tails jinchuriki 'But wait…did he say two?..if she's the two tails jinchuriki then that means…' "He must be one as well" finished Kurama.

Yugito looked livid and clearly ignored the meaning of his rhyme "NO! I want to make this idiot wish he had never been bor-!". She couldn't finish her sentence as Bee tightened his grip on her wrists making her wince in pain and then looked at her with fury she never knew he could possess.

"Yugito! This is a matter that is beyond you! No student of mine will behave that way and I need to you leave us…go to camp now!" Yugito looked fearful now and looked like she was about to protest, however Bee's harden look made her stop. "I said now!". With that she left the valley going towards the makeshift camp they made a few miles away.

Naruto looked on with confusion wondering what this possible jinchuriki could want with him. He got into a defensive stance and though he knew just by looking at him that Bee could defeat him easily he would put up as much of a fight as possible.

Bee waved him off. "Na I don't want to fight you." again the rhyme in his words was gone making Naruto assume he was being serious. Slowly lowering his defenses Bee began to approach him. Bee walked past Naruto and motioned for him to follow. They walked past the bodies of the Forest Black Ops and Bee glanced back at Naruto as if asking him to explain. Naruto simply shrugged his shoulders and retorted 'Meh they attacked first." They hopped off in the opposite direction of where Yugito went and jumped between the narrow valleys and mountains towards an unknown destination.

"So cut to the chase…Bee? was it? what do you want to talk to me about?"

"I know what you are…a jinchuriki just like little Yugito and just like me…"

Naruto retorted "so what does that have to do with anything?"

"You are by yourself so that means you've probably endured the same pain that we have as well. The pain of being alone, being hated most of your life without even knowing why everyone hated you."

This made Naruto pause from responding. He had endured that same pain in Konoha…it seemed like a lifetime ago but it was always in the back of his mind fueling his training and his desire to be stronger.

Bee saw how Naruto reacted to the assumption and knew that he had indeed went through the same torment that He and Yugito went through in Kumo. Granted the abuse has been dying out as Bee has been making bigger and bigger strides in the ninja world, but Yugito however hasn't made such a name for herself yet and so he has been taking her on basic missions and away from the village when he can. While this has led her to become a bit spoiled it has kept her away from the hate so it was worth it for now. He was broken out of his thoughts when Naruto finally responded. "So what if I went through that pain. That loneliness…It only serves to make me stronger."

Bee knew that feeling all too well. Its how he felt until he found what happens when he has special people to protect. "What I am getting at Naruto is that while that hate and ill will can make you feel stronger it is the will to protect your special people that let you find true strength."

Naruto looked over at Bee, his eyes widened. 'Is it true that something like a loved on or place could allow me to become stronger.' He looked down and the ground as they were jumping from valley to valley. He had never had that kind of feeling before about a person or a place. "It can be. It was the desire to protect the village and the peace that led to the First Hokage creating the jinchuriki in the first place. While I hate him for what he did to me and my kind, I respect him for his reasoning never the less." said Kurama from their mental link.

Naruto nodded in understanding to the words that Kurama spoke. If it made even the strongest of the tailed beast respect a man that captured him…It was clearly note worthy at the very least. "So while I have never experienced these feelings that you are mentioning, why the hell are you bringing it up?". Spoke Naruto. His tone becoming increasingly agitated as he had no way of getting stronger that way as he had none of these bonds.

"What if I told you Kumo could provide these bonds?" That simple sentence was enough to make both Naruto and Kurama widen their eyes in shock at the bold statement that was just said…and the hidden message it was implying. "I saw some of those ninjas died from lightning attacks and a blade…Kumo excels in the first one and is one of the best in the other category. It will provide you the physical growth you desire and you will gain bond with its people or at the very least the village itself to allow you to grow in the ways you are currently lacking. enough about that for now..we are here." Naruto looked around and saw they were on a large mountain over looking a wide valley. His eyes narrowed when he saw a patrol of Ninja with uniforms he couldn't recognize make a hand sign causing a large rock to move revealing a cave and then the ninja walked inside disappear into what appeared to be a hidden base. "So it would appear the intel was correct…" stated Bee his eyebrows burrowed in thought and his hand rubbing his chin. "Bro needs to hear about this."

"What is that place Bee?" asked Naruto. If there was one thing he hated it was to be out of the loop of information.

"I cannot tell you now, however, if you were to say join Kumo and become a high enough ranking ninja then I would be allowed to maybe tell you." Said Bee with a shit eating grin on his face as he knew that would be the tipping point for him.

"…Fine let's go to Kumo." Said Naruto with a sigh. Worst case scenario he would stay at the village for a short time and leave after gaining the knowledge about lightning jutsu.

"Well alrighty if we leave for camp now we gonna be hella fine!" rapped Bee indicating that the mood and tone of the conversation would no longer be serious. Naruto thought about just trying to kill him outright for that ridiculous rapping but thought against it.

MEANWHILE UZU ISLANDS

While Naruto had a life-changing offer made to him, the family he never knew he had was having an amazing moment themselves. Eri had just finished the first stage of the Rasengan. She stood at an impressive height for her age (8) at 5' 3'' and her blonde hair was now down to her mid back. She had been given the first stages of the Rasengan by her parents as a birthday gift, and while 3 weeks seems like a long time to complete the first stage for her age it was unprecedented. It was this feat that strengthened Minato's confidence that he made the right decision in taking Eri to train in Uzu. While Eri was jumping up and down while Minato and Kushina embraced their daughter some of the other ninjas stared with smiles on their face. Just a perfect family…nothing could be wrong with this picture.

After a bit of a celebration Kushina was walking down the coast by herself. It was a lovey night for a walk and the full moon's light shone off of her hair. It also allowed her to reflect on her family and the changes that have happened in the past year. She had been spending most of the year getting her daughter physically ready to use her chakra chains, while her father has been teaching her the basics of wind and water jutsu. She trained non stop, day in and day out, at first to avenge her brother and to be a great ninja in the name of them both…now it seems like that has changed. She has become very self centered after years of training under both her parents and the several great ninja that left with her father. Kushina frowned when she thought of how selfish she has become. The recently introduced the idea of them going back and mentioned how Eri would have to become an academy student.

Eri replied "No I wont. Not only am I too good for the academy my father will put me on the strongest chunin team there is…right dad? she said with sad puppy dog eyes. While her father jokingly agreed if not to placate the child Kushina did not agree with that behavior, but what could she do? She already lost one child…she didn't want to lose her second as well.

Thinking about her first child brought a tear to her eye she couldn't help about feeling sad about the baby boy she had never got to raise. She was not openly crying as tears fell down her face she also thought back to how Minato reacted. At first, he seemed to be genuinely upset and saddened by the loss of his first child he has lately seemed to harden his heart and decided to instead put all of his time into Eri. No longer does he cry over the loss of their child in favor of trying to prevent losing their second. It saddened her that the man she once knew was willing to sacrifice another…a baby no less to save him and herself, where as she was willing to die right then and there if it meant her baby would get a better future.

She knew full well how the Hidden Leaf Village treated people that were different then them and she knew that Naruto did not have a good life prior to somehow ending up in a Kiri Prison…She frowned at that last thought as she (without Minato's knowledge) took a few days to travel to the Water Nation and inspected the prison herself. Despite the entire nation being under lock down and the prison being rebuilt and upgraded to prevent another event like the one a little over a year ago from happening again she managed to sneak into the warden's office with ease. Of course such an important event was well documented and she found a massive list of everyone who had either died or unaccounted for following the event, and Naruto was on the unaccounted for side of the list. Now there were several explanations for this that ran through her mind, but the one she held on to for so long was that her boy managed to escape.

Again her thoughts went back to Minato and she frowned. If he wasn't focused of Eri or her then he was focused on the stupid prophecy. He was adamant that Eri was the chosen child to bring either peace or destruction to the land and well…she knew as well as anyone that prophecies are about as concrete as the water that surrounded the island and that proved true when the Toad Sage spoke of a second part of that prophecy. 'The chosen child will rake around the lands like a great storm. Whether it is that of a calming rain or a raging thunder is up to the parents of this child.' recited Kushina in her mind.

"Mom!" Yelled Eri. This yell had brought Kushina out of her thoughts and she looked over to see her daughter bouncing towards her excitingly in her standard training jumpsuit (think OG Naruto's jumpsuit but like dark blue and slate white). "Let's go training mom!" she said as she finally reached Kushina's spot on the beach.

"Right now but its so late? Don't you think it would be better to rest…you just spent the entire day finishing step 1 of the Rasengan."

"It's okay mom!" She said as she struck a combat pose. "I've got endless energy you said so yourself!"

Kushina chuckled at her child's antics and caved it. "alright go get ready and meet me at the training grounds…Ill be there in a minute."

Before she finished her sentence Eri was already running towards the ground happy to get more training in. Leaving Kushina to her thoughts even if only for a minute. "I miss you…Naruto." She said before leaving to go train her daughter.

MEANWHILE IN BEES CAMP

Yugito was sitting by a decent sized fire poking at it with a stick absent-minded. Her thoughts were on her sensei's behavior and that stupid blonde brat. She remembered they were going to check out a spot that Bee needed to looked at before heading home to Kumo. He had seen something in a report they had picked up and while she didn't know what it was she knew it was important…And then he said he felt a chakra source that they needed to go see. He said it was that blonde boy they had seen in Rakubi, and she knew that she had to go extract revenge on him for making her miss out on so much training. She tightened her fist to the point that the stick broke. Just thinking about the blonde made her blood boil. Her thoughts were broken when she saw Bee walking back into camp. Her eyes showed relief as it was quite late but then they narrowed when she saw he was talking to none other than the boy she wanted to beat the living shit out of. She was about the move to attack him but stopped when she remember the anger on Bee's face when she tried that last time.

She saw them talking and smiling and Bee rubbed his hair in joy but saw Naruto smack Bees hand away in a similar way that she and Bee always interacted. A piece of her felt jealous of the boy. Even though she knew very little about the boy she was watching this boy try to butt into her life and take her sensei from her…That was unacceptable, however despite being hot-headed she knew that she couldn't act on it now…It would have to wait.

"Yo Yugito! we're back and guess what. wants to come to Kumo with us…" Bee paused in order to find a rhyme. "And I think that's Fine!". Yugito was quite but it was clear she was not happy. "Anyway we need to rest in order to be the best! I will watch first and then Ill way one of you up!" said Bee not even trying to rhyme that sentence as it was very difficult for him.

Naruto Pitched his tent on the other side of camp as far away from Yugito as possible, and both kids went to sleep. Bee on the other hand chuckled at Naruto's Antics and thought about what the meeting in the next few days would entail.

IN KUMO 2 DAYS LATER

After an uneventful couple days of traveling they Finally arrived to the great gates of Kumo. Naruto stared in awe as he had never been to another great Hidden Village with the exception of Konoha and Forest, which were meh at best. After getting checked into the Village by the two eternal Gate guards, Misaki, and Machi, they walked down one of the main roads towards the Kage Tower. Kumo was built in a large valley surrounded by large mountains, with the Kage's Tower being a large, narrow mountain in the middle of the Valley. The first tier of the Village was on the ground floor of the valley and was home to the traditional Japanese style wooden structures. This tier had the Civilian: housing, markets, schools, bathhouses, restaurants, and the Arena which was used for the Chunin exams when they were in Kumo. The second tier was also on the valley floor but was higher on an incline, thus significantly higher up than that of the first tier. It held the Shinobi housing, Academy, Clan compounds, and shinobi market. This tier also used traditional wooden buildings. The Third and final tier was home to Civilian Noble: Housing, The Shinobi Archives/Library, The shinobi bath houses, The Storm Building, Training Grounds for ninja of all ranks to use, and of course the main entrance to the Kage's tower. It was the only tier that had most of its building carved out of the mountain with the only wood being used in the entrances of the buildings. It was also home to a massive natural spring which not only fueled the bathhouses, but also created a large waterfall that landed on the edge of the Second tier, which in turn created a good-sized pond, which funneled water into a medium-sized river that snaked through the second tier, created a waterfall that fell to the first tier, then the river led to a large lake where a civilian park was at. The river was the only source of greenery around the village and gave Kumo an addition sense of life.

Naruto noted how each tier was connected via a large series of staircases/ramps, and bridges to get to the Kage's Tower. Marveling at the massive village around him Naruto didn't notice the stares, and glares being directed at Yugito. He also didn't notice that fact that she had separated from the group in order to be alone. While Bee had realized her absence he knew she need ed time to think and reflect on her behavior. Eventually after a hour of walking and gawking in Naruto's case through the Village they arrived at the entrance of the Kage's Tower. Walking through unopposed they quickly went through the large heavy wooden doors that led to the Raikage's office.

"Yo yo yo Bro whats a hippin and a hoppen yo!?" asked Bee as he once again went through the annoying hand gestures that went with his raps. Ae (to not confuse his name with the letter and also same as the cannon 4th Raikage) sighed as he heard his stupid younger brother's rapping, but when he looked up he saw a young blonde boy next to him. Despite being around the age of 12 (he is 12) he looked like he held himself quite high…He had the look of an experienced shinobi and that thought made him a bit sad.

"Bee…who is this boy? You didn't lose Yugito already did you?" Said Ae his tone getting a little dangerous making even Naruto tense up.

"Na na you got it all wrong you see, Yugito went home as safe as can be," Bee said has he waved his hands in a jokingly defensive gesture. "And this boy as you can see is none other than the Nine-Tails JinkuriKI!" rapped, sorry, said Bee as he tried to rap.

Ae's eyes widened in shock 'The Nine-Tails!' I thought he got killed in that prison riot a year ago!' thought Ae to himself. However Ae composed himself quite quickly and responded. "But why is he here?"

Then Naruto responded "Because…I wish to become stronger…" Naruto paused trying to find the right words. Ae narrowed his eyes at that response. Ninja with a desire to get powerful for no reason are the ones that become the most dangerous. Ae was about to tell this brat to leave his office when Naruto continued. "not only is your village skilled in Lightning style jutsu and swordsmanship, Bee and Kur-the Nine-Tails told me the true way to strength is through bonds and while I currently have no bonds I wish to create some here…in Kumo."

That response was something that Ae would have rather heard…and he was glad he did. He turned to Bee and asked one simple question. "How strong?"

Bee looked over at Naruto and then back at Ae. "Honestly…I have not seen much of his skills in battle, but I have seen the aftermath…Id say a rough guess of his combat skills somewhere around high Chunin to low Jonin…and his stealth is easily mid to high Jonin as he managed to escape me and several other Jonin in plain daylight back in Rakubi." Bee paused as if thinking about what his next words would be. "I would put him in a Storm training team to allow him to get access to the training he needs and to also teach him about Teamwork to the highest degree, then when a mission of decent level comes around and we feel he is ready…that will be his test to see where he goes from there. To pt him anywhere else would be a waste of skill and potential, also we would be wasting village resources and time teaching him stuff he already knows." Bee finished his assessment of Naruto and Ae nodded in understanding.

"Alright Bee I trust you on this…and if this backfires on us in anyway, shape, or form…Ill kill both of you." Bee nodding jokingly knowing it was a joke, but Naruto took a deep bow and thanked him profusely…'out of his character to say the least' thought Bee. Now we need to decide on other things…like where he will be staying for example." continued Ae. "We are low on housing for now and he will eventually get old enough and enough money to buy his own place, but for now why don't we have him rooming with Yugito?" Both Naruto and Bee gasped at this idea, Naruto because she hated his guts and would make everything awkward, and Bee gasped because he was realizing all of the funny shit that come out of this. Before Naruto could even argue Bee yanked him by the collar of his flak jacket and ran out of the room

"Thanks, bro you won't regret this ya know!" said Bee as he left the room.

Ae having no paper work left just turned around and stared out over his village watching people going about their daily lives. The sun starting to set Ae started to leave but to his surprise there was a fresh set of paperwork on his desk…He started to cry "DAMN YOU PAPERWORK!"

IN YUGITO'S APARTMENT 25 MINUTES LATER

Yugito was sitting on her couch siping tea and reading a book called the 'Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi' and while she loved the book to no end she despised how the Protagonist's name was Naruto. She hated that name with a passion and she vowed that one day she would force that damn boy out of her life one way or another.

Her thoughts were broken when her front door got kicked in. She screamed, her hot tea got flung in the air, and she threw her book at her assailant right before getting drenched in hot tea. After she saw it was Bee who had kicked in her door she yelled at him and charged him hell-bent on demolishing him down to the last atom of his existence, however something behind Bee made her stop. It was that damn boy. Naruto, sure enough there he was obviously trying to keep his composure only to fail and eventually burst out laughing at her misfortune. Before she could do anything however Bee said the words that made her heart stop. "Yo yo Yugito! Say hello to your new roommate yo!" She looked up at him dumbfounded.

"Wh-what did you say?"

"I said he's ya new roommate fool! ya fool!"

Yugito stood there stunned. Her one place of peace, her sanctuary from the glares and the anger…was about to be the home of the boy she hated the most. Standing there she watched as Bee and Naruto walked past her and down the small hallway leading to both the master and guest bedrooms. Opening the door he beckoned Naruto inside and turned around and looked at Yugito. "Aww don't worry Yugito! before you know you two will be friends!" and with that he looked into the bedroom and told Naruto he would pick him up tomorrow morning. This made Yugito hurt as she thought that Bee would not be training him no more.

As he was walking out Bee said in a serious voice "Yugito, I will also be picking you up later tomorrow after the academy lets out for the day." This made Yugito sigh as she really hated the Academy…she had no friends there at all. "And one more thing…If you bother that boy at all I will be grounding you from training for 1 week."

"1 week!" shouted Yugito. "What if he starts it!?"

"Trust me…he won't start anything. If anything I doubt you will hardly know he is even there." Said Bee with a quip, before moving away from the door trying to close it knowing the lock was the only way to close it now.

Yugito stepped away from the door and processed everything that had happened. She picked up her book and put it way and then went back to room to take a shower then go sleep on everything that had happened that day. All the while not hearing a single sound from the guest bedroom.

MEANWHILE IN UZU

In the same building that housed every other meeting the same group of ninjas from the last meeting were gathered around the table with notes, maps, and documents scattered about. Minato started the meeting when everyone was present. "Alright guys starting this meeting we will once again go over Eri's training for this new year." Everyone nodded. "I will continue to teach her the steps of the Rasengan, while Kushina teaches her the chakra chains…while Raidō, Genma, Iwashi are taking over her elemental training seeing as Kushina and I have giving her the base she needs to expand on those skills." The three ninjas nodded. "Finally I expect everyone of you guys, myself included, to challenge her to one sparring session a month in order to keep her battle senses up to par, is that understood?"

"Yes!" said everyone around the table, though Kushina was a little quieter than everyone else. 'This will just serve to inflate her ego even higher.' though Kushina.

Minato continued. "Alright now Rin you have the latest spy reports correct?" She nodded "Great let's hear it!" stated Minato with great enthusiasm.

Rin cleared her throat and started "As it would seem this last year has been quite busy in activity. The Sand and Rock nations have called for a Kage Summit in order to finish the Fertile Crescent Dispute." Everyone widened their eyes in shock for Kage Summits were quite rare and usually led to a war one way or another. "Everyone but the Hidden Cloud and Water villages have agreed to the Summit, which is being held in the Hot Spring Nation in a months time, but procrastination from both sides seems to keep pushing the Summit back."

While the other ninjas looked confused Minato and Kushin nodded in understanding. This makes sense to them as it meant that both sides are trying to gain a leverage both politically and militarily before the summit in order to get the majority vote on who gains control of what land.

"The Hidden Cloud and the city-state of Rakubi have entered into a military agreement, which sees Cloud ninjas overseeing the training of current and future Rakubi nins, which also allowing the Hidden Lighting Nation to store a small fleet in their major harbor."

'A lightning fleet having a base that far south…that is an aggressive move by Kumo.' was the thought around the table.

"Konoha has also stepped up their search and destroy missions in the Rice nation, but also have started similar joint operations with Forest ANBU in the River, and Waterfall Nations…This matter will also be a topic of discussion in the Summit."

'Damn what is that old man thinking stepping up an already controversial offensive…or perhaps…it isn't the old man's doing…Danzo you son of a bitch!' Thought Minato as he was going through the possibilities of why The Third Hokage would do such a thing.

"Finally there are whispers of a powerful criminal organization that are acting as sell swords to many minor conflict zones around the elemental nations…They are rumored to be coming from the Hidden Rain Village although those are just rumors."

"We won't need to worry about them for now…But keep an eye out for them…we don't need them getting out of hand," said Kushina as she didn't like the idea of a massive criminal organization running around in these dangerous times.

Rin nodded and took note of Lady Kushina's order.

Seeing that no one had any questions or concerns Minato called the meeting over and decided to call it a night. Walking back with Kushina they talked about the meeting, life, and their daughter's progress. When Kushina brought up Naruto. "When we get back I think we should add Naruto's name to the memorial stone." said Kushina as they walked back in the night. The only sound being the pattering of their sandals hitting the dirt path.

"But what if the civilians get upset about it…They were not big fans of Naruto if the reports had anything to say about it." Said Minato in a somewhat casual tone. Kushina was not having it however and turned to him angrily.

"So we just forget about him! W-We just say oh sorry son since we made you a jinchuriki and we have a new child we are just going to forget about you like nothing ever happened!" Kushina was opening sobbing at this point, not believing that Minato could be so dismissive of Naruto like that.

"Kushina i-its not like that and you know it! Do you know how hard it was to leave him there!?" Minato turned and stopped Kushina by grabbing her by the shoulders. "When I accepted the title of Hokage I had to put the village first above all else! When I faked our death that was me failing my job as Hokage and putting my family first!" Looking deep into her eyes he saw only pain. Sighing he calmed down and let go of her before saying. "Ma-Maybe we can make a private shrine to him in the compound so that those that truly know his sacrifice can honor him properly…and not have the villagers tear it down the second it is completed."

Kushina looked into her husband's eyes for any signs of betrayal. After finding none she conceded and hugged him tightly. "Thank you…thats all I want." Minato sighed and returned the hug. 'Maybe you didn't forget him after all' thought Kushina as they continued to walk in the night towards the compound…This was going to be another busy year.

Boom another chapter done! I will not be able to do several chapters in such a rapid pace as I have an unusual amount of time off this week. Anyway let me know what you think of the longest chapter I have ever written before (6.7K words)! There is a poll on my profile about the Storm Fang so go do that, Also the next couple of chapter will time skip around until we get to a Year from this chapter, so that we can go ahead and have Minato and the gang rejoin Konoha and we can have Naruto get into his 'team' and have the main plot progress! don't forget to leave constructive reviews the last couple at the time of writing this were perfect examples. One being what to do and the other what not to do…Doesn't have to be positive, but just constructive. See ya!