Well guys was one hell of a break, met my 3 new step siblings, and free climbed a mountain cause why not. I do not have much to say for this part cause I explained it all in that little notice chapter earlier, so enjoy!

KUMO ACADEMY 3 MONTHS LATER

Yugito sighed as she stared outside of the window. She never did know why she was being forced to attend the academy until recently. 'To make friends and to get additional knowledge of the shinobi lifestyle.' The Raikage told her. While she had only recently made friends in the academy, who were all sitting in her row. She couldn't for the life of her get anything useful out of what was being taught at the academy, primarily because she already knew everything that was being taught. Bee despite being a terrible rapper was an excellent shinobi and a great teacher.

Thinking about great shinobi made her think about the mysterious Storm nin who has been watching over her. While his mask did not have any distinct features on it, she could tell it was the same one. After the first month or so civilians have figured out that she had someone protecting her and was no longer an easy target…While she still got the glares and the unfair treatment in most stores, she was no longer being attacked which was enough for her. After a few minutes of thinking about these shinobi Yugito was jarred out of her thoughts by a figure perched on a electrical pole about 100 yards from the academy. 'The Storm nin.' thought Yugito to herself. He was just perched up their staring directly at her…just watching, making sure that she was okay. She blushed slightly. While she wasn't a girly girl by any means she like many other females dreamt of that shinobi in shining armor that would be willing to do anything to protect them from danger. 'Kind of like what he is doing for me.' She thought. Her blush got a litter darker and more pronounced as the Nibi butted in "You know Yugito while that Storm boy is interesting I still think that Naruto boy would be a better mate…" The Nibi paused. "That way I could see Kurama!"She thought to herself.

[The Sensei's voice is from south park…thought it'd be funny]

Before Yugito could even respond to the idea of that stupid blonde being anything more than an annoyance to her Yugito heard her sensei speaking to her. "Yugito are you even paying attention to what I am teaching? M'kay. Basic first aid is not something to shrug off in this line of work m'kay. Say for example in a completely hypothetical situation that is not likely to happen ,you are on a basic C rank mission to escort say a bridge builder…m'kay. To a poverty stricken nation so that he can build a bridge to fix the nation, however the C rank turns into an A rank when several powerful missing nin are payed to kill your client…m'kay. So you and your team battle it out with them and you are hurt…m'kay…what do you do? First aid, so pay attention to the lesson. m'kay.

"S-Sorry sensei" Said Yugito. Flustered that she had been called out in the middle of class. When her sensei turned back to the board to continue the lesson she glanced back out of the window she noticed that the figure was now gone. With nothing left to focus on outside, Yugito went on to pay some attention to the lesson for the day.

MEANWHILE WITH NARUTO

Hopping down into the street near the academy Naruto cursed himself for getting sloppy. He ignored the shocked looks on some of the civilians are the sudden appearance of a Storm ninja as he continued to think. 'Why did I let myself get sloppy enough for her to see me…' His thoughts trailed off as he starting patrolling around the academy on foot. He let his thoughts pause hopping Kurama would chime in an idea that would explain his change in behavior recently, However the Nine Tailed Fox was silent. While Naruto could explain his protective nature over Yugito with his desire to protect a fellow jinchuriki from the same hatred that he endured back in Konoha he could not explain the slight stirring in his chest when he saw her. 'Lust' He thought to himself. While he was young Kurama's presence in his body meant that Naruto was going through his puberty a little quicker than his peers. For her age Yugito was quite the looker and would only go on to become more and more beautiful with maturity, However for Naruto that seemed to be her only positive feature. In his eyes she was hot-headed, bratty, and self centered. During his two month protection mission he noticed that Yugito was starting to care more for others as she hung out with her friend group, but even they could not get her to stop being hot headed or bratty. She still treated him like crap when he did see her in the apartment, although it was starting to die down a little bit as Bee kicked up her training.

Shaking his thoughts from Yugito him mind starting going towards his team and how much they have grown since their bell test. While Naruto, C and Darui became an official Storm Team last week they had been on the official rotation almost since the start of their training. This was done by the Raikage in anticipation of their passing onto an official Storm Team so that they could be put out onto an assignment almost immediately.

Teams were put into a 3 part rotation. Rotation 1 is basically time off. It gives Storm nin. Spending time with loved ones, train and hone their skills in a safe environment, and to experience all that the village that they fight to protect has to offer. In the event that something major happened and the other rotations needed assistance, then these nin were the first ones called up. Rotation 2 was the domestic deployment for Storm nin. Every team on this rotation were deployed to major military, industrial, or residential areas of the Lightning Nation. Some locations included but were not limited to were: The Nation's capital city Jesu, Dargai, Naju, Solgol Fortress, and Haran Port. While they had assigned duties during this rotation there was still ample amounts of time for Storm ninjas to train and hone new skills in the field. Storm nin in Rotation 2 were also required to do consistent boarder patrol, high valued persons (HVP) escort. The final and most dangerous (depending on the political climate) of all of the rotations was Rotation 3. This rotation was international deployment. This consisted of espionage on foreign nations, Covertly interfering with missions from other nations, and protection of allied nations. It was the most dangerous because in the event that a Storm nin is discovered in the act of espionage then one of two things must happen by any means. Either the witness is eliminated, or the evidence in completely erased…The Storm nin included. Each Storm nin knows that death is a major possibility in their line of work. In order to prevent their village from entering a war prematurely the Storm ninjas are trained and willing to activate a basic kill seal that is located on their person that will not only kill the user, but also destroy their body on the molecular level…Leaving no proof that it was a Storm nin that was spying.

While each rotation lasted 4 months so that way each team does one of these rotations once a year, however it was not uncommon for Storm nin to be taken off of the rotation following a major fight, injury, or sickness. Thankfully for the members of the Storm program, Rotation 3 has been mostly the protection of international assets instead of spying lately. This meant that deaths while in this rotation were minimal. While Naruto and his team were just put into the rotation system and were assigned to Rotation 1, they had entered the rotation a measly 2 weeks before the rotations shifted. Naruto would not know where he would be deployed to until the night before he left.

'Im excited to put my team to the test against actual threats.' Thought Naruto to himself.

"Yes I too am anticipating seeing not only how creating bonds as improved your skills, but also how much that old man's teaching have had an impact on you…just watching it is clear he is quite powerful even in his old age." Said Kurama finally speaking up.

"Kurama Sensei! when did you wake up?" Said Naruto in his mindscape.

"Just now" Lied Kurama. He had heard everything his host had said about the Two Tailed Host, but chose to not respond fearing that even he, A body of hatred, demonic chakra, and hundreds of years worth of experience did not know anything about females and what went on in their minds.

"Well sensei what do you think of our team from your view?" Asked Naruto.

"Well since the other two humans decided to make you the team's leader I am very confident in the team's tactical skill since I taught you advanced combat maneuvers and that man taught you espionage and small team management." replied Kurama.

"I know that but what about skills…Individually and in conjunction with the other two members?" Naruto asked. A little annoyed that he had to restate his question.

Brushing off his student's clearly disrespectful attitude Kurama responded. "Well Darui's usage of a mixture of mid and close ranged lightning jutsu is valuable to the team and his ability in that field can only be compared to yours, that leader of yours you call the Raikage, and maybe even the man who trapped me in here." Started Kurama, but that last man mentioned was to a whisper so that Naruto could not hear. That was for not however as Naruto did in fact hear that last bit, but chose not to bring it up, instead waiting for Kurama to continue. "C is very useful in both Medical and long-range supression allowing both you or Darui to go in for the kill and is by that logic alone very useful for the team's dynamic. Now as for you…You ability to use 3 different elements effectively in many different ranges, the basics of seals, and with that sword of yours you are a clear presence on the battle field…especially since you figured out how the scrolls worked.

Flashback 1 1/2 months earlier

After a rather intense training session with his team and Rashii sensei Naruto sat on his bed sighing. His latest task was researching various kenjutsu styles that could compliment his sword's various abilities. After scouring the Shinobi Library and testing out all of the different that Kumo had to offer they could not find a style that Naruto or Rashii felt would work with the sword. Thankfully for Naruto Rashii was one of the few people in the elemental nations that knew of the sword and its potential. He had stated that there was style developed just for each of the three swords and that they would have to find it.

After interjecting that Naruto in fact did have the scrolls that came with the sword but were blank Rashii paused in thought. After a moment of thinking he told Naruto to try reading them again.

Now he was back in his room. laying down on his bed, he could hear Yugito fixing up some dinner after just getting back from the academy. After fetching the smaller of the two scrolls he unraveled the scroll expecting the same blank paper to greet him. His eyes widened as he saw text in place of the emptiness that had once been there.

"Hello warrior, if you are reading this, then you have began the first step to truly learning how to use this weapon. You see when I created the 3 swords I made each of them bound and react to a specific emotion using seals and rituals to the gods. With the Hi no Haretsu being bound to anger and frustration, the Chikyū sheipā to determination. and the Sutōmufangu is bound to both Willpower and love. This blade (the Sutōmufangu) I made special as it is for my home nation. You see I had hoped that by creating this weapons it would put everyone on an even playing field and the people of this war stricken land would see the futility of warfare…of course as I am writing this I have seen the error of my narrow-minded vision. Enough about me. You are probably wanting to know more about the scroll you are reading. If you are reading this scroll then the advanced seals I put on that detect yin and yang chakra activated, allowing you to read a portion of the scrolls contents. To simplify this, you have enough of the emotion that is bonded with the sword to unlock the entirety of the basic level content of the scroll, including the base of the swords style, Harikēn-fū (Storm Hurricane). The more of the emotion you have and the more the seals deem you worth the more the scroll will reveal to scroll is separated into 4 levels: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Master…" Naruto read to himself out loud. Naruto stopped reading in favor of looking at the different techniques and information. True to the scrolls words only the basic section of the scroll had any text on it.

Wasting no time Naruto shot out of his room. He was so excited that he blew right past a now upset Yugito, Ingoring the profanity that followed his rushed exist Naruto headed straight for the nearby training grounds and didn't leave for the next 12 hours. training himself into the ground 'Wow I knew bonds would make me stronger but this is ridiculous!' Naruto thought to himself as he was finishing up his training and sleep was finally taking over him.

Flashback End

Kurama chuckled when he remembered how happy the kid was to finally make noticeable progress in using the sword. Sure Naruto could use it to a very basic degree but not without it backfiring on him in some way shape or form. The fox knew that if he had a dollar for each time he almost lost a limb to that sword he'd be rich.

Naruto was also lost in his own thoughts. 'Well I guess we will see when we get deployed.' Naruto walked off into the crowded streets surrounding the Academy. Making sure that Yugito stayed out of trouble.

MEANWHILE IN RAIKAGE'S OFFICE

Ae was looking over the newest reports he had received from the Storm nin deployed further south on the coast of the Kaizoko Sea. 'So Rakubi is looking to us for diplomatic annexation?' he thought to himself. He was surrounded by not only Rashii, but also several other trusted advisors Fuzuki and Himari. Both around the same age as Rashii but unlike Rashii they were long past their prime and could no longer preform the duties of a shinobi.

Ae looked at a map that was provided that explained the situation further. "Konoha, Hidden Forest, and Hidden Waterfall Villages are putting massive amounts of military and diplomatic pressure on Rakubi and its limited Shinobi forces to open their borders to unrestricted searches across its lands effectively putting Rakubi under Konoha's control."

Fuzuki stepped forward to explain. "With Rakubi being one of the only ports with active trade with the Rice Country Konoha and it's allies believe it to actually be a stronghold of Orochimaru…or at least a major supply point for him." Ae nodded in understand.

"However, Storm have concluded that Orochimaru has little to no presence in the city and it is an unjustified and aggressive attack on Konoha's part." concluded Rashii.

"Fuzuki, Himari…What is the Fire Country doing?"

It was Himari who stepped forward. "Well Raikage sir." She started. "The Fire Daimyo is very hesitant to do anything at all, what with Konoha being the most aggressive of all of the 5 great powers at moment…While the Fire Country is mobilizing two armies of foot troops in the event of retaliation from another power its navy has yet to move, This can only mean that the navy will be dormant during the occupation, or it is getting refitted…My bet is on the first option."

After being in deep thought for several minutes Ae finally spoke up. "Okay. Rashii divert 6 teams of Storm nin to be deployed to Rakubi for border patrol when the next rotation happens, Fuzuki get 68 chunin and Jounin ninjas arranged into teams of 4. Get Hada Eizo, and Izumo Nobuo to head up these ninja. They will join forces with existing Rakubi nin to create a large enough standing force to dissuade any attacks. And Himari I need you to draft a letter to the Lightning Daimyo. Ask him for a good sized fleet to help protect Rakubi Harbor. And ask him for a small force of samurai for a police force, but make sure he knows that the samurai are optional." Everyone nodded at their instructions and left the room to complete their task. Each person that was in that room knew that war could be coming in the near future.

RAIKAGE'S OFFICE 1 WEEK LATER

Ae was looking over his desk, which was covered in maps, documents, and scrolls containing information about various Ninja within Rakubi's small ninja program. The only other person in the room was Rashii. In his hands was a scroll containing the teams that he had hand picked to be deployed to Rakubi following the next rotation that was set to happen in only a few days. They sat in silence before Ae picked up two letters and read them both. "It looks like things are going in our favor…thank the log." Ae started. "Rakubi agreed to our terms, but they also offered to send promising cadets to Kumo every other year for them to be integrated into our own ninja program…which the condition that they serve around half year deployed to Rakubi." Rashii burrowed his eyes in thought

"While it would provide a small boost to our ninja program it would also strengthen our relations with the locals…Some of the population are not quite happy with the idea of losing their independence…" Said Rashii sagely.

Ae nodded his head in agreement before showing the second letter in his massive hand. "The lightning daimyo has also agreed to our request for assistance in this matter. Not only has he given us command of a 40 ship strong fleet, and supplies for such a military venture, but he has also sent 120 samurai to act as a military police force in Rakubi so that our ninja can be focused entirely on the border…He is sending them in two days time in order to avoid a massive storm that will be brewing over the Kaizoko Sea in one week…Thta gives use enough time to get our ninja to the harbor where the fleet is based in."

"Reading over the note Rashii decided to input his own thoughts. "It also says here that the city state's citizens will also be give full citizenship into the Lightning Nation…That was kind of him to do so…he must believe that will help with our efforts there." Again Ae nodded in agreement. "But enough toying around let me see the Storm teams that you will be sending off to Rakubi…"

Rashii handed him the list and Ae looked over each and every single word with a critical eye. This operation would be very delicate and he could not afford failure because the wrong Storm ninja was chosen. He nodded his head approval of Rashii's Choices until his eyes scanned the last team. "…Naruto Uzumaki, C, and Darui…" (A/N Neither C or Darui actually have last names…so idk.) Ae looked at it for a second before looking up at Rashii.

Before Ae could ask however Rashii explained his choice. "I know why you are questioning my decision, but let me explain myself…While this operation is important it will not be the most dangerous. At worst I would expect light skirmishing with Konoha and its allies. Furthermore Naruto's team while young and inexperienced is easily one of the most balanced and successful teams to come out of our training program in decades." While Rashii was talking Ae eyes bulged out of his head in shock.

'For Rashii to make such a bold statement in shocking to say the least. I knew they were going to be strong but for so much progress to be made for Rashii to have that confidence…impressive.'

"-Also Naruto has been excelling in Fuinjutsu to the point where he is already making level 5 seals and his own seals that he is creating are level 6 and 7…also let us not forget that you were doing similar mission before the Third Great Shinobi War…Lord Raikage." Concluded Rashii. Ae had to admit that he had him there. He had been doing high profile missions since he was 11 years old.

"Fine! They can go on the deployment…Just make sure we do not lose them. They are a great asset to this village."

Rashii nodded his head. "Of course Lord Raikage…Its not like they will be fighting the Fourth Hokage or something." Both men laughed knowing that such a thing would not happen.

After a little more chit chat Rashii left the room to go inform all of the Storm ninja of their assignments for the upcoming rotation that would be happening in two days.

MEANWHILE IN UZU

Everyone was gathered around a large bonfire in the middle of a forest clearing near the main ruins. Drinks were being had and Eri was sitting with her parents and Rin while they are laughed and talked with one another. Minato had sneezed a little while earlier and had joked that someone must be talking about him, causing everyone to Minato stood up got everyones attention. "Everyone! I just wanted to say thank you for sticking with me and my family during these long 12 years…Thank you for packing up and leaving everything behind in the name of the village, and finally thank you for helping in the training of my daughter." Eri beaming at the slight form of praise that she was receiving.

"Now the reason we are thanking you should be obvious by now" Said Kushina as she took Minato's hand and stood up. "The time for training is done and we all have to return to Konoha. While we originally planed for 3 whole years for staying and training Eri. Things in Konoha are not in a good place, so instead we need to head back and prevent the village from entering a conflict it cannot win right now."

Genma decided to speak up. "Lord Hokage if I may ask what has happened that requires such urgency?" Everyone else looked up to Minato wondering the same thing with the exeption of Rin who had been the one to personally inform her sensei of these events.

Minato after taking a moment to decided what to tell them he started. "Konoha in their attempts to weed out and weaken Orochimaru had decided to pressure the city state of Rakubi into essentially being annexed in the Fire Country. Thinking it would take out a major supply route for Orochimaru" As Minato took a second to think about what else to say each ninja around him Widened their eyes in shock. 'Such a bold move will not be treated lightly by the other nations.' thought everyone around the fire. "Konoha and it allies have been sending patrols into Rakubi's borders and have already had light skirmishes with its ninja… But what makes the situation dire is that Rakubi has gone to Kumo for annexation and protection and the Raikage accepted it…If the Third Hokage continues to pursue his rouge student any longer then it could lead to war with the other nations…That is why we must return." Everyone nodded their heads in understanding and that is when Kushina spoke up.

"Rin has arranged for a boat to pick us up in four days time, which gives us time to pack up and train for a little bit longer. The boat will drop us off in the Tankani Port in Wave Country and from there we will make our way to Konoha. If everything works out we will be there after 5 or so days of travel. But everyone be ready within 3 days…there is a major storm that will coming through the area and we need to beat it if we want to get back on time." Everyone nodded at the slight change in plan and looked up to Minato when it looked like he was about to speak.

"Now enough of the heavy atmosphere…Lets celebrate each other's accomplishments in the last few years!" Everyone cheered and continued drinking and chatting, indicating that Minato had succeeding in improving moral among his followers. While Kushina took Erin to talk to other people Rin had walked up to Minato. "

Minato-sensei can I talk to you real quick?" Minato looked a little surprised at the some what somber expression on his student's face given the light atmosphere but agreed never the less.

"Sure lets talk over here for some privacy." They walked down the forest path that led back towards the compound they were living in. "So…whats on your mind?"

"Im worried about Kakashi…He has lived the last 12 years thinking that he had killed me and 11 years since he thought that you and lady Kushina died…Wh-What if…he doesn't accept us back? What i-if he hates us for abandoning him?" By this point Rin was in full tears. It was clear to Minato that this had been on her mind for quite some time.

Rin had a break from the crying when she felt a hand on her head. Looking up through her teary eyes she could see that Minato had something to say. "Rin…I would be lying if I said Kakashi hasn't been on my mind recently…In fact I think of him and Naruto quite often. While we were too late to come home to Naruto to show him love and compassion, it is not too late to the same for Kakashi…I told you I left him there to be close to the village…to the will of fire. It is what he needed in order to heal mentally and emotionally. And if I know my student, and believe me I do…He will welcome us back with open arms like nothing ever happened." He finished his little speech with a heart warming smile that put Rin at ease.

'Sure…he has to welcome us back! We are his family…' Thought Rin to herself. She was broken from her thoughts when Minato beckon for her to follow.

"Now come on…let get back to the party." And they walked back into the clearing and joined in the festivities…everyone blissfully unaware of the hardships that laid ahead.

MEANWHILE IN HOKAGE'S OFFICE

While everyone else was making their plans and moving their pieces like a complex game of chess the Third Hokage was doing the same thing. After losing the son of his predecessor because of his weak willed style of leadership. Hiruzen had changed after he found out about Naruto's fate. He had sent envoys to the Hidden Mist in hopes of bargaining for his surrogate grandson's life, He failed, He tried being there for Naruto, he failed, he tried making Naruto's life easier by passing a few laws in his favor, he failed, He tried to send a rescue party made up of ANBU to go rescue the boy. They reported that most of the prisoners had died in a massive riot…including Naruto, once again…he failed. His life despite being praised by so many as a success as the 'God of Shinobi, he himself knew that he failed so many people, both alive and dead.

It was these reason that he has tried so hard to take out the one last failure in his life…Orochimaru. While most of his failures as a Shinobi and a leader have thankfully only affected one or two other people, Orochimaru was different. He was an evil, vile man that didn't mind hurting others for his own gain. While Hiruzen knew that people were being negatively affected by his choice to hunt down Orochimaru so aggressively, he knew in the long run it'd be worth it.

Looking down at the maps and documents His eyes scanned a report from Rakubi and his eyes widened. 'What! Rakubi went to Kumo for annexation and Kumo actually accepted it!' Thought Hiruzen to himself. "Well this surely changes things." Said Hiruzen to one on as the office was empty. "Well the most logical thing to do is wait it out and see if they actually go through with the annexation…and if they do then we will send some small teams in to test their defenses over the course of a couple of days to save face in the international community…" With a course of action planned Hiruzen made his way home for the night. 'Oh Minato how I wish you were here…Konoha needs a true leader, not someone as weak as me.'

THE NEXT DAY STORM HQ

Everyone was gather in a large hall deep within the Storm HQ. Naruto, C, and Darui were all sitting together and were anxious for their assignment. All three were in standard Storm attire. Black somewhat baggy black ANBU style pants, the pants also had metal plates located in the front of the thighs, and lower leg for increase protection without being too bulky. The thin white flak jacket was accompanied with a white chest plate that would protect its wearer from basic damage. Each was also wearing a cream colored light hooded coat that was worn open exposing the outfit, however it was tied together at chest level with a simple string to prevent it from fluttering too much. Unlike some of the veterans of the Storm program who had been on some tough missions and killed strong opposites Naruto and his team's coats were a basic cream color with no embroidering, whereas the veterans had elegant phrases and images embroidered with in their coat in various colors to give a sense of individuality.

Each face was covered by a mask that was in the form of an animal. (Just like in Konoha) Naruto and his team were given birds for their mask. C had the falcon, Darui had hawk, and Naruto was given Eagle. Naruto had protested a little at not being about to choose his mask, as he wanted fox, but the Raikage and Rashii didn't really give a shit.

They were all conversing amongst themselves before Rashii appeared on the stage and immediately got into the meeting. "Alright we are here to hand out assignments for those going to Rotation 2. Teams 1-4 are to go to Jesu, Teams 5-9 go to Dargai, Teams 10-15 go to Solgol Fortress, Teams 16-21 go to Haran Port…" This went on for several minutes and as ninja filed out of the room to get ready for their journey to their post Naruto perked up when he heard the final assignment. "Finally Teams 41-45, and Your team Naruto are to head as a group to the port city of Rakubi…It was recently annexed to our country and Konoha has been sending small forces into its borders. When you get to the city report to one Hada Eizo and he will be your commanding officer for this rotation." Everyone nodded and filed out of the room. While Naruto and C were clearly excited for such an important deployment Darui had other ideas.

"Man why couldn't we get a more dull assignment like Jesu or Naju…At least Naju has really good hot springs from what I hear."

Hearing his comrade's complaints Naruto slapped Darui on the back, getting a angry glare in return. "Aw come on Darui it wont be that bad. Whats the worst that could happen? We fight some SS rank ninja like the Forth Hokage?" The three boys laughed at such a prediction, while Kurama growled in anger at hearing the name of the blonde bastard that was responsible for trapping him.

'Well it could be worst…He did give me a very powerful host and student.' Thought Kurama as he drifted back off to sleep. Not knowing what was about to happen.

Welp thats a wrap on this chapter! It was a bit shorter than my last few but some very important events are coming up that demand their own chapter or two. Again sorry for the massive delay, but I hope you guys enjoy this chapter regardless. Now I need to inform you guys that The next chapter might also be delayed a little bit due to me starting my next semester of college. That might also mean I will be doing a chapter every two weeks instead of one but we will see. Anyway see y'all next time!