Sealed Legacy Chapter 41: Uzumaki Chronicles, a naruto fanfic

Chapter Forty-One: Chronicles Of The Uzumakis

A/N: First off, I wish to apologize and say I'm very sorry for this long delay. What happened was that my laptop crashed and everything I stored on it from my new fanfic chapters for Sealed Legacy and Neo Yondaime and all of my important projects, files and programs outside of FFN were lost to it. I've been trying everything I could to retrieve as much as I could from my crashed hard drive but all I was given were errors and data corruption.

I was left depressed as years worth of work and data were lost and I started writing Digimon 02: Epoch as a distraction from my frustration and grief as I had a very difficult time trying to remember what I wrote in my new chapters for Sealed Legacy and Neo Yondaime since they were both very detailed. I was foolish not to back up my work considering that my laptop was a Dell. I'll never buy anything from them again! Now here's the long awaited chapter.

"Your reasons for triggering that historic war must be one for the records," Jiraiya commented, "If I had to take my biggest guess, your reasons involve Uzu no Kuni."

"Completely," Seijiro confirmed, "Those two nations were one of the main reasons why my homeland fell into ruins and why many of my brethren lost their lives. I know this because I was there on that horrific day when Uzu no Kuni was attacked by those allied shinobi nations that sought the Uzumaki clan's extinction. Iwa was among them, but Konoha's Yondaime years later took care of them for me."

"Seijiro-san," Naruto implored, "Tell us please exactly what happened in your past. It would help all of your Uzumaki brethren here to know what really happened if we hear it from someone who was actually there during our homeland's final hours."

Seijiro looked at Naruto with a calm demeanor before looking at Karin, Kansui and Arashi. He looked at Hinata and acknowledged that she had a relationship and bond with Naruto and the Toad Sannin was tied to Naruto in one way or another.

"Let's not talk here in the opening," Seijiro advised, "Let's head to an inn and there I'll tell all of you everything."

"Very well then," Jiraiya agreed with the others nodding their heads in agreement. The group followed Jiraiya to the next town and rented a few rooms at a decent four-story motel. Once settled, the group got together in one of the rooms rented and sat on the twin beds in the room. Jiraiya and Seijiro were the only two standing.

"Alright Seijiro-san," Naruto invited, "You have our full attention now."

"I'm just as interested in hearing your story," Jiraiya commented, "Start when you're ready."

Seijiro looked at Jiraiya and the rest of the group for a moment. Taking a breath, Seijiro stated off, "I was born in Uzushiogakure to Uzumaki Takao and Uzumaki Asami. I developed quickly as a child and was admitted into the Uzu no Kuni's ninja academy after turning five. Three years later, I graduated the academy as a Genin at the top of my class with the dreams of becoming the right-hand man of the next Uzumaki clan leader.

"Incredibly patriotic to our people, clan, and country, I was quick to join Uzushiogakure's forces after the Second World War broke out and managed to survive several scrimmages with Kiri-ninjas over the next five years. I fought to protect our homeland with all my might and ultimately was given the rank of Chuunin just before the fall of our country. When the day did come that Uzushiogakure fell, our clan leader and his greatest army of ninjas and seal masters stayed and took on the majority of the attackers while giving our fleeing brethren time to escape and flee from Uzu no Kuni. Everything was in total chaos: our treasury and supplies were raided, homes were destroyed, buildings were set ablaze and the streets of our homeland ran red with the blood of our fallen Uzumaki ninjas and civilians, from men, women and children, even babies.

"I had to be dragged away by my parents as I wanted to stay and fight to my last breath and kill the attackers. To this day, the sight of our village burning to the ground is forever embedded in my memories and for a time I did have a little resentment towards my parents for not letting me fight.

"But such feelings had to be quickly forgotten as my parents and I became fugitives.

"Homeless and being hunted like animals, my parents and I ran into the mouth of the beast and fled to Kirigakure under disguised names and henge'd appearances to avoid detection. My parents took the names Daisuke and Hikari Hantā, while I took the name Ryu Hantā."

"Same names like the characters in Jiraiya's Ichaichia Paradise books," Naruto noted, "Makes me wonder if there's a connection or if it was pure coincidence."

"Whatever the case," Seijiro remarked, "Those were the disguised names we took for ourselves and we ultimately ended up running to a small isolated island just off Kirigakure's main land. We tried to live under the radar and stay hidden from Kiri-ninjas but as more stories came to us about the hunts of our clansmen, we grew restless. Finally, unable to just sit there and hide, we went to join Kirigakure's forces so we could keep an eye out for our clansmen and help them escape. Once we had proven ourselves to the authorities, we were brought on as a team of hunter-nin and spent the next five years working for the same man that had helped destroy our homeland.

"And in these five years, under my parents' training in Kirigakure, I mastered the Dao blades, which I use as my primary and all sorts of seals and favor the Uzumaki Sealing Technique, Ishiki Fūjin, and a modified version of the Generic Sealing Technique. My parents and I became Kirigakure's best hunter-nin team and were credited with disposing of around 100 wanted ninjas."

"So you and your family willingly worked for that bastard who helped spear head our homeland's destruction?" Karin asked.

"Like I said," Seijiro reminded, "It was so that my parents and I could be on the lookout for any of our Uzumaki brethren that were either hiding or being hunted for. That was why we became hunter-nin so could try to find and help our scattered brethren without suspicion from the Mizukage. And I will emphasize that my parents and I despised the Sandaime Mizukage and his people and our hate for them only grew stronger when we found out that they killed twenty more of our brethren. They even brought their bodies as proof. What made it worse was that of the twenty, fourteen of them were children no older than seven and they and their parents weren't even ninjas but civilians who escaped during the siege against Uzu no Kuni."

Seijiro took a moment to control his emotions after remember that sight all those year ago. Naruto and the others saw that Seijiro understood more about what happened to the Uzumaki clan than any of them combined did and the only other person who could relate to him on common grounds was Honoka.

"That's so horrible," Hinata said sympathetically, but then she remembered Naruto's words about being a ninja:

"Understand that when we become ninjas officially, we will be expected to carry out orders instantly and without any hesitation. If our lead ninja in charge tells us to kill someone we will be expected to complete the job with no shed tears…Didn't it ever occur to you once that the target you'd be assigned to kill one day wouldn't be a ninja, but perhaps an official, a businessman, a merchant, somebody's wife or son, or a civilian? We're being taught to kill both ninjas and people."

Hearing Seijiro's story only served to prove Naruto's point and reveal the grim reality about being a shinobi.

After calming himself down enough, Seijiro continued, "It took every bit of control we had not to allow our bloodlust and rage to get the better of us and blow our cover which would have revealed ourselves as Uzumakis, and recklessly attack in retaliation. It was clear that they were bent on hunting us down and wiping us out. Kumo, we later learned was also in on the hunt for any remaining Uzumakis."

"What did you and your folks do?" Kansui asked.

"We can only imagine what you guys must have felt seeing such a sight," Arashi remarked.

"What else happened?" Jiraiya inquired as he wished Seijiro to continue with his story.

"Though my parents and I had chakra chains like our other brethren however," Seijiro said, "We were specialists in creating the most potent of poisons and only we could create the antidote for our poisons. Even Tsunade with all of her expertise in medicine wouldn't have the capacity to treat or cure our poisons."

"That's quite a bold statement," Jiraiya remarked skeptically, "Because so far there hasn't been a single medical case that Tsunade has never been able to solve."

"Jiraiya," Seijiro replied bluntly as he turned to the Toad Sage, "Very few have underestimated me and lived. And as strong as she is, even Tsunade as a Sannin knows when to be cautious and run."

That was no small talk and Jiraiya knew when to read between the lines. Besides himself, Jiraiya knew that the only other person who could go toe-to-toe with a Sannin on equal grounds was Naruto. And knowing Seijiro's exploits and what he did in the past only served to make Jiraiya and everyone else in the room take Seijiro serious.

"And under my parents' training in Kirigakure, I also built a tolerance to most deadly poisons," Seijiro continued, "While working as hunter-nin, my family and I were plotting to kill the Mizukage and as much of his people as we could. Each day we studied his routines and the pattern of daily activities of his ninjas and people while still working as hunter-nin. We also built our financial assets through our missions as we were planning to escape from Kirigakure after our objectives to kill the Sandaime Mizukage and his ninja forces were carried out."

"I take it that things didn't exactly go as planned," Jiraiya deduced.

"Unfortunately you couldn't be more right," Seijiro confirmed, "Our fame as disguised hunter-nin led to our downfall as one day a Kiri-Chuunin who was walking home saw my family and I dispelled our henge and saw our true appearances. Connecting the dots, the man turned us in to the Sandaime Mizukage. Outraged that he had been duped by us for years, the Mizukage ordered our immediate execution. Thus, we were a little surprised when we suddenly received orders to meet the Mizukage. However, the order was absolute so we headed off.

"Once we were appeared in front of the Sandaime Mizukage, he told us that he knew who we were and ordered the ninjas in hiding to kill us. Forced to defend ourselves, we dropped our henge and fought back. My mother Asami was the first to die as she took a water bullet to protect my father Takao while he drew a seal to teleport me back to the place we had been calling home for the past five years. Once the seal was complete, he teleported me back with a sad smile just before being beheaded. The image of my parents' demise is also permanently embedded into my memories.

"Finding myself suddenly back on the island I had been living at, I pushed my grief and despair back as I knew it wouldn't be long before the other Kiri-ninjas arrived. Packing everything I would need on the road and sealing my family's scrolls, I burned down the house we had been living in before going on the run again. Forced out of Kirigakure, I fled as they sent hunter-nin to track me down and kill me. None of them returned alive and I spent the next nine years training and refining my skills in seals, combat and poisons. I also used my family's scrolls in my training, which can only be opened by an Uzumaki after giving a small blood offering."

"And should anyone outside of the Uzumaki clan try to open one of the scrolls?" Hinata asked.

"The ink will bleed and turn the page black, making the scroll worthless," Seijiro revealed, "Once opened by an Uzumaki however, anyone can read the contents until the seal is activated again."

"I see," Hinata concurred.

"Later," Seijiro continued, "I started traveling all over the known shinobi world and made a living as a bounty hunter. I worked nonstop and became known as The Bloodhound not only because I never let a target escape me but in reference to my bright red hair since I would release my henge when hunting down a target. I even set up my own informant and spy network using disguised kage bunshin to keep me up to date and informed about what was happening or to keep track of bounties that I decide to hunt for. During my missions I wasn't able to find any of my other Uzumaki brethren as they went into deeper hiding around the shinobi world. But during those years, I patiently and carefully planned how I would take out the Sandaime Mizukage and his army while making it look like it was the work of Kumo."

"How did you pull off that feat?" Naruto asked.

"Aren't you eager to learn my secrets," Seijiro remarked.

"I recently dealt Sunagakure and their former ally Otogakure a severe blow after they tried to invade Konoha," Naruto said, "While I didn't kill the Kazekage, I resurrected the Yellow Flash, my late father, and had him wipe out the invading Suna and Oto forces without a survivor."

"Now that's a feat I respect," Seijiro praised, "I gotta hear more about that later. But I'll tell you all what I did. I learned from one of my informants of business food trades taking place frequently between Kumo and Kiri. Kumo was selling goods that were favored by both the Mizukage and his people and among those goods were large supplies of milk, pork and beef imports. Those were the top three favorites of Kirigakure. I had my clones study and learn the routes the Kumo caravans would normally use during their travels, but they had to be cautious not to be noticed or detected since the caravans would always go with heavily armed escorts consisting of Kumo Jounin. My clones even learned where they would lodge and eat at during their frequent travels to Kirigakure."

"For how long did you and your spy network study them?" Jiraiya asked.

"Two months," Seijiro revealed, "And during the two months I patiently studied them, I bought a large number of cattle and pigs and began feeding them large quantities of plants known as ageratina altissima, which is also known as white snakeroot."

"What's so significant about white snakeroot?" Kansui asked.

"It contains the toxin called tremetol," Seijiro answered and elaborated, "When those plants are consumed by cattle or by any other animal, their flesh and milk turn into poison. When milk or meat containing that toxin is consumed, the poison is passed on to the consumer. If consumed in large enough quantities, it can cause tremetol poisoning. The poisoning is also called milk sickness, as humans often ingested the toxin by drinking the milk of cows that had eaten white snakeroot."

"What are the symptoms of that poison?" Hinata asked.

"Depression, exhaustion, arched body posture, nasal discharge, rapid or difficult breathing, excessive vomiting and diarrhea which leads to severe dehydration, gradual organ failures and ultimately, death," Seijiro answered candidly, causing Naruto and the others to pale and shudder at that idea of suffering such symptoms.

"What slow and horrible way to die," Arashi commented.

"The victims of this poison have died within four to five days," Seijiro informed.

"But poisoning by white snakeroot can be treated by Tsunade or any other good doctor no doubt," Karin added.

"You think I didn't know or prepare for that either?" Seijiro asked and stated, "I'm a poison specialist, need I remind you? With the white snakeroot I was using, I added my own unique upgrades to the poison that made reversing the damaging effects impossible unless I myself provided the antidote, which I had no intentions of doing during that time. After the cattle had consumed enough of my enhanced white snakeroot, I milked them for many gallons of their milk until it matched the same quantity of milk barrels Kiri was known for purchasing from Kumo. After which I slaughtered all of my cattle and pigs and prepared them as fresh cuts to be used by the Kumo caravan."

"How were you able to infiltrate the caravan despite their armed escorts?" Kansui implored.

"By knowing their favorite restaurants they like to stop in and eat at during their travels to Kiri," Seijiro stated, "I disguised myself as one of the chefs and prepared their meals with my tasteless and odorless knockout elixir which was designed to have a delayed effect. It wasn't until three hours into their resumed traveling that my elixir took effect and they were all knocked out; buying me enough time to make the switch between their fresh cargo and my poisoned cargo. I was careful to make sure they looked completely identical so as to not arouse suspicion.

"Unaware of the switch, they continued on their way after believing they simply had some needed rest. I stayed in the background and followed them in the shadows to make sure nothing went wrong. Thankfully, it didn't as the routine trade between Kiri and Kumo was carried out. However, after the trade was carried out and the caravan and their escort departed on their way, I had an army of my clones ambush and prevent them from leaving."

"Why so?" Arashi asked.

"I needed them for the other part of my plan," Seijiro said and elaborated, "During the next few days, symptoms of the poison began taking their effects and many, including the Sandaime Mizukage were all rushed to the hospital. Kiri was in a state of panic and the intensive care unit and emergency wards of their hospitals were overwhelmed as their Kage, members of his village hierarchy and council and many others were infected and dying from my poison. They didn't know about white snakeroot since it isn't common in Kiri and even if it was, the way I designed it made it incurable, at least for them."

"Were civilians also infected with the same poison?" Hinata asked.

"I'll make myself very clear young Hyuuga," Seijiro stated, "My primary targets were the Sandaime Mizukage, the village hierarchy and his ninja force. Civilian men, women and children who were victimized of my poison were collateral damage."

"In other words they weren't your intended targets," Jiraiya simplified.

"No," Seijiro confirmed, "However their deaths only ensured that those who didn't eat my poison would look at Kumo as the culprit nation that betrayed them. What followed next made that assumption certain."

"And that was?" Naruto asked.

"The Mizukage suffered a stroke after being poisoned and it rendered him paralyzed and unable to speak or yell in any way," Seijiro went on, "While he was at the hospital, I paid him and his hierarchy a final visit while dressed in full Kumo Jounin gear and uniform. Seeing them in the deplorable condition they were in made me see just how far they fell from grace. With the exception of the Mizukage, everyone else in the room who were given sedatives were unconscious…," Seijiro paused for a moment as he remembered that particular event in his life and then continued, "I can still remember the look of shock and anger on the Mizukage's face when he saw me again while being unable to doing anything against me.

"However, I felt more gratified when the look of fear, hopelessness and despair filled his eyes as I explained to him in details how and why he and many of his people were dying from my poison and how I was going to trick his village into going to war against Kumo in order to keep both nations from hunting down and wiping out the surviving scattered remnant of my clan. And to ensure my plan worked, I planted bomb notes around his room and my last two over his eyes. I wanted my face to be the last thing he ever saw as he took with him to the grave the wrath of the Uzumaki that he and his village have incurred while knowing there was nothing he could do to stop me."

'I'm starting to see why many are afraid of this guy,' Karin privately thought.

"With my bombs in place," Seijiro went on, "I left the room through the window and detonated my bombs soon after, killing the Sandaime Mizukage and all of the hierarchy in that medical room. The hospital was in total panic and chaos as they had no idea what happened and why. No doubt there were others at the hospital that were wounded from the explosion, killed if unfortunately caught within the blast radius. Available Mizu Chuunin and Jounin scrambled after seeing the surprise attack, but I made sure that they saw the same team of Kumo ninjas that escorted the caravan running from the vicinity of the attack."

"How did you get the Kumo ninjas and caravan to cooperate?" Jiraiya asked with heighten curiosity.

"I placed them under a puppetry genjutsu that my father was working on for two years before his death," Seijiro said, "That genjutsu was written in one of the scrolls that I had taken with me before my first departure from Kirigakure. While they were under my genjutsu, I ordered them to battle and kill the Kirigakure forces following me and to fight to their deaths. The caravan was easily taken out before a considerable number of Kiri ninjas were killed by the Kumo ninjas before they themselves were killed.

"Kiri returned the severed heads of those Kumo ninjas and the caravan merchants back to Kumogakure as their declaration of war. When Kumogakure and the Raikage saw that Kirigakure had declared war on them and why, they were left baffled and shocked, not understanding why their ninjas and caravan would commit such treasonous crimes and frame them for their acts. Kumogakure tried to explain that they were innocent and had nothing to do with what happened, but with the large death tolls of their civilians and ninjas, along with the brutal deaths of their Sandaime Mizukage and hierarchy, they didn't believe Kumo's explanation as they carried out their declaration of war against them with their allies helping them.

"The two shinobi nations that destroyed my homeland and sought the genocide of our people warred with each other with many casualties from both sides. Kumo forces were overwhelmed by Kiri forces and their allies, forcing the Raikage to order his surviving platoon to retreat back to Kumogakure as he stayed behind by himself as the last line of defense against a combined battalion of 10,000 ninjas. He fought for three days without rest and finally died of extreme chakra exhaustion."

"The Raikage held back a whole battalion of 10,000 ninjas for three days without rest or eating?" Karin asked in disbelief.

"The Raikage himself was a powerful man," Jiraiya stated, "It was even said that he fought the Hachibi to a draw."

"He battled and fight the second strongest bijuu one-on-one to a stalemate!?" Hinata asked in surprise.

"How else would you explain how he battled and held back such a massive battalion on his own for three days straight?" Arashi remarked.

"Regardless, it was a feat that cost him his life in the end," Seijiro said, "Since that war, Kumo and Kiri haven't been on very peaceful terms with each other. As for Iwagakure, Konoha's Yellow Flash took care of them for me, so I didn't go after them."

"You're truly an Uzumaki we wouldn't want as an enemy," Naruto remarked.

"An enemy of the Uzumaki is my enemy," Seijiro stated, "I've seen and lost too much in my life and with you the clan heir, Karin, Kasui, Arashi and Honoka being the first Uzumakis I've found in a very long time, I feel a strong sense of happiness knowing that I found precious people worth more than any amount of money."

"That was quite an interesting story Seijiro," Jiraiya said, "And it helped me to understand why what took place between Kiri and Kumo happened. I can imagine myself doing the very same thing if I were in your position."

"Likewise," Naruto agreed, "And Kumo isn't in any position to demand that Seijiro turn himself over after the atrocities they've committed against my clan and Uzu no Kuni. And Kiri is currently dealing with a civil war, so they already have their own share of problems to worry about Seijiro."

"I would like to know something Seijiro," Jiraiya said.

"And that would be?" Seijiro asked.

"Why are you hunting Tsunade-hime?" Jiraiya inquired seriously. That inquiry got the group's attention as they looked from Jiraiya to Seijiro.

"You figured it out too, huh Jiraiya," Naruto acknowledged.

"I read between lines when he stated how Tsunade knows when to be afraid and run," Jiraiya pointed out, "Something she's been doing for days since we started this mission to find and retrieve her. Seijiro is the reason why we've been having such a hard time getting to Tsunade and why she wouldn't stay put in one place long enough for us to find and meet her."

"My apologies for the troubles and difficulties you and your team has been experiencing in finding this elusive Slug Sannin, Jiraiya," Seijiro apologized, but then clarified, "But I was hired by a loan shark who sought my expertise in finding and bringing the Legendary Sucker to him for the money she owes him."

"The Legendary Sucker?" Hinata asked quizzically.

"…Typical of Tsunade-hime," Jiraiya sighed exasperation as he shook his head, "Always amassing debts and running away when debt collectors are sent to hunt her down to pay back the money she owes."

"Seijiro-san?" Hinata implored, "Why did you refer to Tsunade-sama as the Legendary Sucker?"

"She loses at practically every gamble and bet she plays and she's a major sore loser," Jiraiya explained, "Everyone she ever played against always had joyous smiles on their faces because they know they're going to win against her. Even when we were kids growing up, Tsunade-hime had an addiction to gambling and later drinking, and it almost plunged her into financial ruin."

"How much does Tsunade owes this loan shark?" Naruto asked. Seijiro saw a pen and notepad on the desk. He went over to it and wrote a numerical figure on it. When he showed it to Jiraiya and the rest of the team, their eyes widened.

"How could Tsunade have ended up owing THAT much money?!" Karin asked.

"I'm tempted to turn her in for whatever price the loan shark is paying out for her capture," Arashi remarked.

"Boy, you wouldn't live to see a cent of that money if you tried to engage Tsunade in combat," Jiraiya replied, "In any case, after we find and locate Tsunade we'll deal with the debt she owes so that it doesn't obstruct with our mission to bring her back to Konoha."

"I'm not against any partnership if Naruto is willing to accept it," Seijiro said as he turned his attention to Naruto.

"Why would I be against it in the first place?" Naruto replied, "This team started off with two Uzumakis and in less than a week, this team has five Uzumakis. We're all looking forward to working with you, Seijiro-jisan."

"Seijiro-jisan?" Seijiro repeated as he experimented with the feeling of that honorific, "I like the sound of that."

"Pfft," Jiraiya muttered, "I'm training and teaching the boy and he doesn't address me with any form of respect or acknowledgment of my greatness."

"Alright then godfather," Naruto said, "For now on, I'll address you as ero-jisan."

Jiraiya frowned and replied, "Youths today show little to no respect to their elders. Whatever. In any case, I'm sure Seijiro's story gave us a lot to soak in and think about and I'm sure you and your fellow Uzumaki would like to talk and bond with him more. So we'll resume our search for Tsunade-hime tomorrow."

"That's good because I could use a break from three days of non-stop chasing of that Slug Sannin," Karin commented.

"We all could use a day's rest from it," Naruto agreed, "But like ero-jisan said, we'll have to continue where we left off tomorrow before Tsunade make an even bigger gap between us."

"You don't have to worry about whatever distance Tsunade makes between us," Seijiro assured, "It wasn't difficult for me to track and keep up with Tsunade's movements. We'll find her, I promise you. I'm called The Bloodhound for a reason."

"Well your reputation and exploits so far backs up your words," Arashi commented.

"Agreed," Kansui said as he nodded his head.

(Meanwhile In Konoha)

"Again Konohamaru!" Hiruzen ordered as he and Enma the Monkey King stood in front of his grandson who was on his hands and knees on the grass covered ground in the forest. Currently, Konohamaru was dressed in his training clothes, gear and equipment practicing the beginning stages of Iron Monkey Fist. He was seeing firsthand how difficult and draining his grandfather's fighting style was as he also had weights tied around his fingers and toes.

"Jiisan," Konohamaru said, "I can already climb trees using chakra and I can also water walk. Why do I have to climb trees without the use of my chakra?"

"Konohamaru," Enma explained, "We monkeys are naturally known for our strengths in our fingers and feet. Such physical traits give us the ability to easily climb and swing across trees and other obstacles and our agility also adds to our speed and fluidity when fighting or avoiding dangers. Now if you learn to physically strengthen your body and increase your speed without the use of chakra, you'll prove to be a formidable close melee fighter as not being able to use ninjutsu because of drained chakra won't limit you."

"Well said Enma," Hiruzen agreed before he turned to his grandson, "I understand that the beginning stages of this training is difficult for someone of your age to take. But these are the requirements you must master before we start the more advanced and difficult levels of Iron Monkey Fist."

"Yes jiisan," Konohamaru said, "But how long will these beginning stages of this training take to finish?"

"That all depends on you and your determination to prove your seriousness about mastering this fighting style," Hiruzen answered, "Especially if you want to take the mantle of becoming Hokage one day, something Naruto appears to be ahead of you on."

Being compared to Naruto spark a fire in Konohamaru, especially when hearing from his own grandfather that he, Konohamaru, was completely behind Naruto in the race to become Hokage.

"NO!" Konohamaru said, "I didn't come this far to back out now! I will become Hokage and prove my merits to you, Enma-sama and Naruto-niichan!"

Konohamaru, despite his soreness, gradually stood back up on his feet and gave Hiruzen and Enma a determined look filled with confidence.

"I don't care what hell either of you put me through," Konohamaru said, "Naruto-niichan always told me that there are no short cuts in becoming strong and that finding someone or something precious to protect with your life always makes you stronger and harder to beat! I have precious people and friends I want to protect. That's why I won't quit or back down, no matter how hard either of you make things for me! So do your worst!"

"You really take after Naruto in terms of having a role model Konohamaru," Hiruzen commented, "But that very same spirit was what got him where he is today. Take a thirty minute break and we'll continue with your training. I'm sure you-"

Konohamaru fell to the ground flat on his face from exhaustion. Hiruzen walked over to his grandson and found that he passed out.

"The boy put up a strong front despite knowing that he was at his physical limit," Enma noted.

"A useful skill when you can't look weak during a critical life or death situation," Hiruzen replied, "But this is the path Konohamaru chose for himself."

"You said you plan to train him in the same way you trained the Sannin," Enma recalled, "How do you plan on dealing with all of your paperwork in your office while you're spending much of your time training the boy?"

"The same way Naruto multi-tasks with his work," Hiruzen said, "I'm just saddened that I didn't think of using kage bunshin from the start. It would have saved me a lot of headaches over the years."

"You mean to say that you placed one of your clones at your desk to handle all of your work at the office?" Enma realized, "You clever old monkey you."

"I'm never too old to learn," Hiruzen remarked as he knelt down and carefully picked up his grandson. Carrying him, Hiruzen turned to Enma and said, "Let's get him cleaned up and prepare a meal for him to eat. We'll resume his training after he's had some time to eat and rest."

Enma nodded his head and followed Hiruzen out of the training field. As the monkey king looked over at the sleeping form of Konohamaru, many thoughts about the boy raced through his mind.

'If Konohamaru truly carries the same spirit as Naruto,' Enma contemplated, 'He'll no doubt become Hiruzen's best successor of the Monkey Summoning Contract and if possible, surpass Hiruzen himself.'

(Elsewhere In Konoha)

Everyone in town were going about their business and daily routine activities. Tenten in the meantime was leaving the weapons shop with her newly repaired sword that Naruto shattered during the Preliminaries. It was expensive having her original sword repaired but it carried a lot of sentimental value to the weapon mistress in training and her memory of how Naruto destroyed her sword the first time added to her drive to become stronger and battle Naruto every chance she got. Many would have never thought that Tenten would proclaimed herself as Naruto's eternal rival despite the massive power gap between them. Some thought her to be presumptuous while a few others thought Tenten was being truth to her burning youth in finding a worthy opponent to serve as her drive and passion to always push her to improve and become stronger and smarter than before after every match and battle.

For that reason, Tenten was out walking around town looking for Naruto with her sword hanging around her waist. She wanted to challenge him to another sword battle and only stop when her body could no longer continue to fight. On the way, she caught sight of Honoka who was carrying a most unusual sword on her back, a sword she immediately recognize as belonging to one of the legendary seven swordsmen of Kirigakure.

"No way!" Tenten marveled at the sight in front of her, "She also acquired one of the seven legendary swords of Kirigakure like Naruto! But how was that possible!?"

Tenten rushed over to Honoka was who was in a cheerful mood. Currently she was mentally planning her next class session on the history of Uzu no Kuni and the Uzumaki clan's origins. She was thankful that Naruto gave her a detailed account about the long forgotten history of the Uzumaki clan's origins and how their clan and homeland got their names. It was beyond Honoka how Naruto was able to attain such precious information but all he told her was that he was given a detailed vision from their long deceased ancestor who wanted the Uzumaki clan's history and legacy made known to all.

"Honoka-san!" Tenten called out, grabbing the woman's attention. Honoka stopped and turned to see Tenten hurrying over to her.

"Tenten," Honoka greeted politely, "How are things with you? Naruto-kun is out on a mission and hasn't returned yet if you're looking for him, again."

"As disappointing as that is," Tenten replied, "I came to see you actually."

"Oh?" Honoka replied, "That's a surprise. You're looking to challenge me to a sword fight in Naruto-kun's place?"

"Against the legendary Samehada?" Tenten asked skeptically, "That sword will tear me to shreds if you don't do it first."

"You know about Samehada?" Honoka asked with a surprised expression on her face.

"I'm a weapons mistress!" Tenten said proudly, "It's my duty to know about as many different types of weapons and arsenals as possible! I'm just amazed that you managed to acquire such an extraordinary sword like Naruto."

"Well," Honoka said as she retrieved her living sword for Tenten to see, "She did take a major liking to me in exchange for her previous partner who almost killed me."

"She?" Tenten asked quizzically as she stared at Samehada, "You mean that sentient sword is a female?"

"She's a special type of female who likes to behave like a pampered pet from time to time," Honoka remarked as she petted her sword like a house cat. The sword itself purred as its scales vibrated happily in response to some of the chakra that Honoka was giving her as she petted her. Tenten watched the unique yet awkward scene playing out in front of her.

'It's cute and weird at the same time,' Tenten remarked mentally as she watched Samehada feed off Honoka's chakra, "I see your point in how you pamper that sword like a house pet."

"She's docile when she's around people she likes and doesn't pose as a threat to me and my family and friends," Honoha said, "In fact, this sword saved my life from its previous owner before one of Naruto-kun's clone found and rescued me."

"He was that fierce, huh?" Tenten acknowledged, "Is it alright if I listen to how you got the Samehada?"

"Sure!" Honoka agreed as she returned Samehada on her back and started walking together with Tenten, "I'll tell you about it with a bowl or two ramen at the place Naruto-kun loves to eat at! But I will tell you that it was an interesting twist how Samehada switched sides and joined me instead."

"I'm sure Samehada's last owner was really pissed when his sword turned on him," Tenten remarked, "I can only wonder how that guy you fought against is doing with the loss of his sword now."

(Meanwhile In Another Part Of Hi No Kuni)

Itachi and Kisame were standing over the blood-covered Rokushō Aoi who was barely conscious and heavily beaten to a brutal pulp by the former member of the Seven Swordsmen of Kirigakure. Kisame was now holding the sword that once belonged to Konoha's Nidaime, the Raijin no Ken (Sword of the Thunder God).

"Well," Kisame said, "It's not the Samehada, but…"

Kisame stepped aside and took a few good swings and thrust with his newly acquired sword.

"I'm sure I can get used to having the Raijin no Ken as a suitable substitute," Kisame said.

"You have your new sword as promised Kisame," Itachi said before looking down at Aoi, "Now dispose of this garbage and do it efficiently."

Kisame grinned sinisterly before he raised through a set of hand signs and said, "Mizu Bunshin no Jutsu!"

Kisame blasted some water from his mouth and a water clone formed from it. He then performed another set of hand signs and said, "Suiton: Suirō no Jutsu (Water Release: Water Prison Technique)!"

Kisame disgorged water out of his mouth and encased Aoi into a large water sphere, trapping him inside of it. The clone went and place his right hand inside the water sphere to keep Aoi trapped. Aoi couldn't escaped despite his best efforts to. His hysteric movement was causing more of his blood to seep out of his wounds and mix with the water surrounding him.

"Aoi won't be able to hold his breath for long," Itachi said stating the obvious.

"I have no intentions of drowning him," Kisame said sinisterly, "I was simply getting his heart pumping and warming him up for an even bigger treat I'll give to him now."

Itachi said nothing further as he watched Kisame bite his right thumb to draw blood and then race through a set of hand signs before placing his right hand onto the large water bubble and say: "Ninpō: Kuchoyose no Jutsu!"

Kisame summoned two mako sharks into the water dome with the terrified Aoi frantically trying to get out after seeing the two predators. The hysteric movements and blood flow seeping out of the already doomed ninja was enough to send the two sharks into a deadly hunger frenzy as they immediately charged and grisly attacked Aoi, tearing and eating every part of him.

Kisame watched the gruesome display with a twisted smile of amusement while Itachi simply had a look of indifference. After the sharks were done tearing and devouring Aoi, the mizu bunshin of Kisame burst into water and caused the now bloody water bubble to burst apart also, causing the two sharks to fall out onto the ground. The sharks started shaking up and down and sides ways as they were without water to breathe. They then burst into clouds of smoke and went back to their home water realm after their summoned purpose was carried out.

"And that takes care of one unneeded weakened trash," Kisame remarked and then asked, "Should we try to go after the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki again?"

"There's no real hurry to pursue Uzumaki Naruto at this time," Itachi said, "We can always set a future date to go after him. In the meantime, we can carry out other affairs for the organization."

"Whatever," Kisame replied, "So long we get to have some good kills along the way."

"Let's be on our way now," Itachi suggested, "We got what we came for and there's nothing more to be gain from remaining here."

The two Akatsuki members left the vicinity and journeyed to their next destination in another part of Hi no Kuni.

(Back In Konha; At The Hyuuga Manor)

Hiashi was presently sitting by himself in his private study sipping warm tea and reviewing one of his clan's scrolls. Soon his private time to himself was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Yes?" Hiashi asked as he looked at the door.

"Father?" Hanabi asked, "Are you busy now?"

"No," Hiashi answered, "Is there something you need?"

"May I have a moment to speak privately with you?" Hanabi requested humbly.

"Yes," Hiashi granted, "Please come in Hanabi."

Hanabi slid the door opened and walked in. She closed the door soon after and walked over to her father and sat down on one of the sitting mats on the floor. Hiashi looked at his daughter who clearly had a nervous look on her face.

"You're clearly troubled about a matter that you wish to discuss with me," Hiashi deduced, "Tell me what's on your mind please."

Hanabi lowered her head a little as a clear blush appeared on her checks. Taking a breath, Hanabi said, "Father…is it possible for a man to love and be with two women at the same time?"

Hiashi blinked a few times, being totally caught off guard by his daughter's inquiry. He expected a lot of possible things to be asked by her, but that question wasn't one of them. Keeping himself together, Hiashi asked, "What brought this up? Does this have to do with Naruto?"

Hanabi felt her heart pumping faster and harder as her face turned redder. Still, she meekly nodded her head in open honesty to her father. Hiashi sighed, knowing that this was delicate topic to discuss with his daughter who was maturing faster than many girls her age.

Hanabi continued, "I know Naruto-kun is in a relationship with onee-sama. And I'm aware how much onee-sama loves Naruto-kun and vice versa. Yet despite knowing this, I…I…"

Hiashi saw that Hanabi was struggling to get what she wanted to say out of her mouth. Therefore…

"You wish you were the one Naruto loved and was in a relationship with," Hiashi finished for Hanabi. Unable to look her father in the face, Hanabi nodded her head and replied, "Yes, father. I tried keeping my feelings for Naruto-kun in check and under control, even going as far as promising onee-sama that I wouldn't try to rival and fight her for him."

"But you're finding it difficult to hold true to your word," Hiashi construed. Hanabi tried to hold her tears back, but they silently ran down her face in spite of her best efforts.

"In the past, I used to look down on Naruto-kun as a lowly talentless orphan was known as a troublemaker and village outcast," Hanabi openly confessed, "And I never knew or understood why you allowed Naruto-kun to be around onee-sama or to associate with our clan despite knowing about his reputation. But it was that very reason that moved me to wonder what it was about Naruto-kun that led you to allow him to associate with our clan and have ties with onee-sama. Onee-sama frequently refused to answer my questions about Naruto-kun and told me to ask him my questions myself. In doing so, I went beyond the Byakugan's power in having sight beyond sight."

"You went beyond the Byakugan's power in having sight beyond sight?" Hiashi asked skeptically, "Are you being metaphorical now?"

"It other words," Hanabi clarified as she wiped away the tears still running down her face, "I went beyond what I saw on the surface about Naruto-kun. I got to see the true Naruto-kun, the side of him that onee-sama sees and loves. The inner person of his heart that I came to cherish and love as well. My time with Naruto-kun started out as friendship but…The more I got to know Naruto-kun, the more time I spent with him, the more I desire to be with him, to stay with him. And whenever I see another female around him, I have this uncomfortable feeling spite, anger and jealousy. I know Naruto-kun is older than me by a few years, but I found that to be of no importance so long I can be near and with him."

'I wonder if this was how Hinata felt towards Naruto when she was Hanabi's age,' Hiashi considered.

"I know it's foolish of me but…," Hanabi sobbed as she placed her hands over her face, "…sometimes I wish I was born first and met Naruto-kun before onee-sama or that Naruto-kun was a boy my age," Hanabi sobbed a little louder, "Why…does my heart…hurts so much father…?!"

As Hanabi's emotions overwhelmed her, Hiashi felt rather uncomfortable having to talk to Hanabi about this. He knew that talking with a cold and iron clad demeanor would backfire and make matters worse and considering that this was a delicate matter that would deeply impact on his youngest daughter's future, he knew he had to choose his words carefully.

'It's times like this I wish my wife was still alive to give me insight on how to handle our daughters' emotions and love attachments,' Hiashi privately groaned, 'Having her input on this sensitive matter would have helped me a great deal. And the fact that Hanabi asked me if a man can love and be with two women simultaneously means that she's been secretly contemplating on the idea of Naruto having both her and her sister. I never knew Hanabi was fostering such thoughts and feelings at her age now. She growing up much faster than I honestly expected her to.'

Hiashi sighed and rubbed the top bridge of his nose as he felt a headache building up. He felt more at ease having a heated argument with his father and the clan elders than having to handle this topic.

"Hanabi?" Hiashi asked as he waited patiently for his daughter to calm her sobbing down. It took a minute for her to get herself to calm down enough to talk coherently and hear her father out. Hiashi asked, "What exactly is it that you feel towards Naruto when you spend time with him?"

Hanabi took a moment to think about her father's question and wondered how she could properly explain it. After a few minutes, Hanabi said, "Naruto-kun has been like an older brother and very dear friend to me who ultimately became my teacher. I don't know how to exactly explain it since I feel a student falling for my teacher, a friend falling for my friend and a sister falling for my brother though we not related."

'In other words,' Hiashi reasoned in his mind while seeing his daughter's confusion, 'While you're in love with Naruto you don't know in what sense considering that you aren't familiar with romantic love exactly.'

Hiashi took several minutes to be meditate on his daughter's situation. Hanabi fidgeted a little under her father's glances here and there as he wondered what he could be thinking about.

"Are you disappointed and ashamed of me and the fact that I have feelings and attraction for onee-sama's boyfriend?" Hanabi asked meekly with her head lowered fearing her father's possible disappointment in her.

"I'm not angry, disappointed or ashamed of you Hanabi," Hiashi reassured, "Your feelings and attractions are natural considering the amount of time you spend with Naruto and the experiences you had with him. Expectedly, when two people of opposite genders spend a lot of time with each other and develop a bond with each other, romantic attraction will eventually develop between both persons. But in some cases, such attractions are one-sided and in other cases depending on circumstances and the individuals involved, one of the persons, be it male or female, may just have fantasy love."

"Fantasy love?" Hanabi asked quizzically.

"An infatuation in other words," Hiashi simplified, "It's when someone is filled with foolish, shallow, or excessive passion towards someone or something. Usually their feelings are superficial and not based on the right reasons for being attracted to someone."

"Like fangirls and fanboys," Hanabi remarked.

"Very much so," Hiashi concurred, "But that's not what I'm sensing from you based on everything I've heard and seen from you for some time now; otherwise you'd have easily gotten over Naruto and moved on from him already. The fact that you're going through this and experiencing these new emotions and sensations that you're trying to understand and control means that you're growing up and maturing…notably faster than I counted on.

"But in spite of this, as your father, I'm happy you didn't feel too embarrassed or ashamed to confide in me about this. I know that it must have been hard for you to be this open with me about your feelings, though I'm sure if your mother was still alive it would have been easier for you to talk with her about this and get better advice from her in how to cope with and control your attraction to Naruto. This shows me that despite your feelings and desires, you took into consideration your sister's feelings instead of selfishly doing something behind her back that you'd have later regretted."

Hanabi looked up at her father and asked, "What can I do to prevent that from happening? It's not like I can ask onee-sama if she'd be willing to share Naruto-kun with me when I'm older…," with a blush on her face, Hanabi lowered her headed and confessed, "…Though I really want to."

Hiashi cleared his throat on hearing that, as it brought back Hanabi's earlier question that revealed that she had been secretly contemplating on the idea of Naruto having both her and Hinata.

"At least you're honest," Hiashi replied despite his awkwardness, "Though I don't know what the future has in store, but for now, let's discuss how we can help keep your affections for Naruto under control."

"Yes," Hanabi respectfully complied, but then asked, "Father, you're not going to discuss what I told you with the clan elders, are you?"

"What you choose to confide in me about as your father is none of their business or concern since it doesn't affect the future of our clan in any way," Hiashi stated, "If Hinata was in your position, my stand on the matter wouldn't change. You have no need to worry about our private discussion becoming public knowledge to the rest of the clan."

"Thank you father," Hanabi said appreciatively.

(Later That Day; With The Tsunade Retrieval Team)

"AACHOO!"

"OK! That's just weird!" Arashi remarked.

"Naruto and Hinata sneezing at the same time multiple times?" Kansui noted.

"How the hell is that even possible?" Arashi asked.

"Someone must have thinking hard about them both at the same time," Karin teased, "I wonder who it was."

"Don't buy into that ridiculous superstitious nonsense!" Naruto chided, "It was just an unexpected coincident."

"Unexpected or not, it's still weird," Arashi commented.

"Stop making an issue over trivial matters please," Seijiro requested, "It's not something our clan leader needs to be concerned with."

"Thank you," Naruto said before he saw Hinata make her way towards the door.

"Where are you going?" Naruto asked.

"I have something I need to take care of," Hinata said, "I'll be out for a bit."

"Would you like for me to accompany you?" Naruto offered.

"Actually," Hinata said, "I'd rather do this alone…it's something important that I have to do. Please understand, Naruto-kun."

"Alright Hinata-chan," Naruto consented, "You're strong enough to take care of yourself and can handle any challenge."

"Thank you," Hinata replied before she gave him a short kiss and left the room quickly. After Hinata left the motel, Naruto sighed to himself as Karin approached him and said, "I'm sure you want to know what she's up to. Too bad I don't know either so you could bribe me into letting you know."

"And speaking of letting me know," Naruto remarked as he turned to face Karin, "I'd like your input on something, in private."

Naruto gestured for Karin to follow him out of the motel room. She complied and left the room with Naruto.

"What do you suppose he wanted to talk with Karin about?" Arashi asked.

"My guess is as good as yours," Kansui said, "It must be something important if it's a private matter we can't sit in on."

Meanwhile, Naruto and Karin went to the next room Jiraiya rented out for them and locked the door behind them.

"So what did you want to talk with me about?" Karin asked.

"I've been meaning to get this from a female's point of view and I know I can get good resource material from you," Naruto stated.

"What do you wish to know?" Karin inquired.

"How would you describe horniness for a woman?" Naruto asked straightforwardly. Karin smiled and giggled perversely before she licked her lips.

"That's one of the best questions I thought you'd never ask me Naruto-kun," Karin remarked, "And since this is you asking me…"

Karin burst into a cloud of smoke and after the smoke cleared away, Karin stood in the exact form and appearance of Hinata.

"I think you'll find this appearance more to your taste as I answer your question, Naruto-kun," 'Hinata' commented in the perfect imitation of Hinata's voice and demeanor.

'I hope I don't come to regret this considering that this is Karin's nature,' Naruto thought.

"To begin with," 'Hinata' started off, "Horniness for a woman is a 1000 times more intense than that of a man's."

"How so?" Naruto asked as he took out his pen and notepad and got ready to write.

"A man feels an urge to give," 'Hinata' explained, "A woman however feels a great need to receive, like a thirst needing to be quenched. You see, "thirsty" is the term we use to describe our arousal because that's how we understand being horny and truth be told, we're the thirsty ones. A man's horniness is not a thirst. It's a feeling of richness. He feels compelled to give himself to a woman, like a rich person who wants to give to charity."

"Go on," Naruto encouraged gleefully as he wrote down everything he was being told. Imitating Hinata's shy and meek nature, 'Hinata' continued, "We women get thirsty and horniness to us is this burning need to be satisfied; an urge to be fed and calm our hunger. But worse because when we get "hungry," we feel it in our whole body.

"Imagine a hunger that's concentrated in your waist area or that focuses only in one small little opening in your body. For us, we feel like our bodies are starving to be rubbed, to be touched, to be embraced, to be filled, like an inner itch; like a cramp in reverse, this desperate need for the velvet force of penetration and having him inside of us. The desire for a man's embrace is not only physical but also mental and emotional as we yearn for that connection with him, the desire to be one with him in heart, mind, body and soul.

"When the urge leaves our love canal, electrical current shoots through our heads as these electrical current rewires our mind to its original state. When we feel a man's warm and protective arms wrapped around us as he holds us close to his bare body, his flesh, while feeling and listening to the sound of his heartbeat, it puts our souls at ease knowing how much he loves, desires and cherishes us. His loving and reassuring words of love and affections is our source of security that he's ours and assures us that we would have many more nights of hot passion and carnal gratification."

'Damn I wish Hinata-chan was here now and not running personal errands,' Naruto thought as he wrote down the last of what 'Hinata' explained, 'I wonder what she went to do that she couldn't tell me about…Oh well. While I'm here, I might as well begin writing the first chapters of my novel series, The Moon's Eye Above The Fireworks.'

Naruto summoned twelve kage bunshins before Karin dispelled her henge, changing back to normal.

"What's with the clones," Karin asked mischievously, "Do you need me to choreograph certain positions with them on the bed?"

"No," Naruto answered, "They're here to start writing the first twelve to thirteen chapters of my new book series. I've gathered enough ideas to start writing my novel series, and that hot snake charmer Anko that said I can use her as the main female character since Hinata-chan turned it down when I offered it to her first."

"Can I be a character in your story too, and not some side character?" Karin asked, "You owe it to me after the number of times I've helped you, not to mentioned how I helped you save Lee's and Hayate's lives. Plus, it would help your story if it includes a female perspective of things. I already gave Jiraiya some pointers but you and I are Uzumakis by blood, it's only right that I give you deeper input on how women think."

"Karin," Naruto replied, "You had me at "Can I be a character…"."

"Sweet!" Karin cheered, "Do I get royalties out of this deal?"

"Of course but we'll discuss that later," Naruto said.

(An Hour Later)

Jiraiya was in another by himself working on his next book for his series. His concentration was interrupted by a knock on his door.

"Yes?" Jiraiya asked from his desk.

"It's me and Seijiro-jisan, ero-jisan," Naruto replied from behind the door. Jiraiya groaned at the annoying nickname Naruto decided to address him by, but chose to drop it and replied, "What do you want?"

"There's a most important matter I must discuss with both you and Seijiro privately," Naruto said seriously, "And I think now would be a good time to talk about what I've found out that your spy network has been spending years trying to find out."

Hearing Naruto's words sparked a flame of interest in Jiraiya as he set his pen down and got up to open the door. Opening it, he found Naruto standing by the door with Seijiro at Naruto's right hand side.

"Hurry and come inside now," Jiraiya invited as he stepped aside and allowed the two Uzumakis to entered the room. Closing the door, the three ninjas went further into the room with Jiraiya sitting back down by his desk. Seijiro sat down on the nearby seat while Naruto sat on the closest bed to Jiraiya's desk.

"So what was it you wanted to discuss with us?" Jiraiya asked.

"Ero-jisan," Naruto started off, "You've been hunting the Akatsuki for quite a number of years, yes?"

"That's right," Jiraiya said, "Ever since Orochimaru defected from Konoha and became a missing-nin. My pursuing Orochimaru was what led me to discover the existence of the Akatsuki."

"How many members do you know of?" Naruto asked.

"Didn't we have this discussion before weeks ago Naruto?" Jiraiya reminded.

"We did," Naruto said, "I never forgot about that. But there's something you must know now."

"And that is?" Jiraiya asked.

"I'm going to share with you an S-class secret that stays only with the three of us," Naruto said seriously, "It's not to be disclosed with anyone outside this circle. Do you both understand this?"

"Yes Naruto," Seijiro agreed.

"I may have my doubts," Jiraiya said and then agreed, "But I'll go along and see where you go with this."

"Good," Naruto replied and stated, "I have an insider within the Akatsuki."

That was a bomb that neither Jiraiya nor Seijiro was expecting to hear. A series of questions raced through Jiraiya's mind as he tried to fathom how Naruto could have pulled off what he and many others would have considered an impossible feat.

"Impossible!" Jiraiya retorted in disbelief, "How could you manage to get insider to infiltrate that organization without being discovered!? I spend years trying to find out as much as I could about them and you're telling me that you managed to plant a spy within the Akatsuki after recently learning about that organization!?"

"That's right," Naruto answered straightforwardly, "And as for the identity of my spy, it'll remain anonymous. But what my spy uncovered will prove useful to both you and Seijiro-jisan considering that you two respectively have spy networks of your own. For starters, I now know the identities and names of all the members of the Akatsuki thanks to my spy."

What Jiraiya heard was like gold to him regardless of how skeptic part of him felt about what Naruto was saying.

"Ero-jisan, Seijiro-jisan," Naruto said, "There are members within that organization that you both know personally."

"We're listening," Seijiro said as he gestured for Naruto to continue.

"Seijiro-jisan," Naruto started off, "Your rival Kakuzu, in his earlier life under the servitude of Takigakure as an elite ninja, took on a mission to assassinate Hashirama Senju, the Shodaime Hokage. That mission, however, ended in failure against the Hashirama who was revered as the God of Shinobi. Despite the insurmountable danger faced on the mission, what awaited Kakuzu's return to his village was the stigma and harsh punishment associated with the failure of his objective.

"In response to that treatment, a wrong levied against a shinobi who had put life and limb on the line for his village, Kakuzu came to hold a violent hatred for Takigakure as he escaped from imprisonment. In his flight from the village, Kakuzu killed the village elders, took their hearts, and fled with knowledge of the village's most prized kinjutsus. Like you Seijiro-jisan, he made a living off bounty hunting on the black market, however he tears out the still-beating hearts of powerful shinobi to extend his own lifespan and arsenal.

"Some time after his defection, he became affiliated with, and joined, the criminal organization, Akatsuki. During his early years in Akatsuki, Kakuzu had four partners that he eventually ended up killing due to his short temper, and would come to use their hearts for his Earth Grudge Fear. Eventually, he found a new partner, Hidan who was convinced to join, taking an interest in Kakuzu, thinking of him as a pioneer of immortality. This made Hidan a perfect partner for Kakuzu as he can't not be killed because of his own, similar immortality despite their mutual dislike of each other."

"That's quite a lot to swallow," Seijiro remarked.

"That's putting it lightly," Jiraiya commented as he took in everything he just learned from Naruto, which was much more than he counted on, "What else can you tell us Naruto?"

"Do you remember Nagato, Yahiko and Konan, ero-jisan?" Naruto asked as he looked directly at Jiraiya.

"They're part of that organization I presume," Jiraiya said gravely. Naruto to nodded his head and said, "There's a lot more to the story about the three of them since your time with them."

"You have my attention," Jiraiya said, knowing he wasn't going to like what he was going to hear.

(Later That Evening)

The Naruto clones were together in the room with Karin discussing and editing the first twelve written chapters of Naruto's manuscript, a task they spent hours doing. They were even debating on concepts about how the book cover and artwork would look like. They also were examining pictures of ninja and non-ninja young women Naruto peeped at in the past and deciding which type would depict which female characters, either as protagonists or antagonists. Anko's image was already decided to be use as the main female protagonist after Naruto made a deal with Anko about using her in his story in return for royalties made off the story.

A knock soon come from the door. Karin went over and opened the door to find Hinata standing at the door.

"Is Naruto-kun by any chance inside?" Hinata asked.

"I'm with twelve of his clones as we're working on his new book series," Karin said, "You're welcome to join and put your input into the story."

"That's OK," Hinata respectfully declined, "I'm looking for Naruto-kun as there's something I want to show him."

"Is it something special you have in mind for him?" Karin asked, "You've been out all day and only now you're returning."

"I've been busy," Hinata said.

"If you're looking for Naruto-kun, he's in a meeting with Jiraiya and Seijiro-jisan," Karin said, "They've been talking about who knows what for hours in the other room. Perhaps they're done now, who knows."

"Thank you," Hinata said appreciatively and bowed, "I'll be on my way then and see if I can get Naruto-kun."

With that Hinata went on her way to Jiraiya's room as Karin went back inside and closed the door. Reaching Jiraiya's room, Hinata knocked on the door and waited for a reply. A moment later, Naruto appeared out from the door.

"Hinata-chan!" Naruto greeted happily, "Where have you been all day? It's late!"

"I'm sorry," Hinata apologized and explained, "I was out taking care of something very important that I want to show you now."

"Now?" Naruto asked quizzically. Hinata nodded her head, "Yes. Are you too busy to come with me now?"

"No, not at all," Naruto said before he turned to Jiraiya and Seijiro back inside the room, "I'm stepping out with Hinata-chan. We'll return and see you guys later."

"Be safe now," Seijiro advised as Jiraiya simply nodded his head to Naruto. Naruto placed his sandals on and left the room with Hinata before leaving the motel with her. Once outside, Hinata took Naruto by the hand and guided him to their next destination.

"So where are you taking me?" Naruto asked curiously.

"I-It's a…sur-surprise Naruto-kun," Hinata stuttered as her nervousness was starting to manifest despite her boldness to carry out what she had been planning to do all day.

"A surprise?" Naruto asked.

"Y-Yes," Hinata said, "It's something th-that I wanted t-to treat…you to."

The couple spent a good amount of time walking out of the town and into the darkened woods as the shadow of night blanketed the surrounding region. Hinata continued holding Naruto's hand as she continued guiding him to her intended destination. She pushed herself not to cower and back out now after coming this far and putting so much effort to make everything she planned perfect.

"We're quite a distance from town Hinata-chan," Naruto noted, "Are you sure about this?"

Hinata giggled and said, "Like I said Naruto-kun, it's a surprise."

This aroused Naruto's curiosity further as he wondered what Hinata was up to, but he chose to follow along and see where Hinata's surprise would take him. After another ten minutes of walking, Naruto found himself standing in front of what was a beautiful scenery of a majestic waterfall and a running crystal clear river. The night skies were also littered with sparking stars with the full moon at its brightest over the running waters. The surrounding region was smooth and grassy giving off a serene atmosphere.

"This place is beautiful Hinata-chan," Naruto praised. Hinata guided him to the next spot by the falling waters which turned out to be a picnic sight that was nicely set up with a large blanket, food, drinks and towels.

"A late night picnic and swim?" Naruto asked with his intrigued heightened, "Now that sounds like fun!"

Hinata then pointed to the waterfall for Naruto to see. Naruto looked to find a silhouette of a female dancing on top of the water by falls in a very poetic and graceful display. The moonlight reflecting off her added to her elegant movements as he took notice of the waters dancing around her like a charmed serpent following the charmer. Naruto's left eye then caught sight of Hinata's clothes neatly folded with her sandals sitting next to her clothes and towels.

"Wait a minute," Naruto realized, "Is that Hinata-chan?"

"Hinata" stated, "I was simply sent to retrieve you."

With that, "Hinata" dispelled into a cloud a smoke, revealing herself to be a kage bunshin the entire time. A moment later, Hinata stopped dancing on top of the water and walked over to Naruto, revealing herself to be completely nude, barefooted and completely wet.

"Hinata-chan?" Naruto greeted, feeling his arousal and lust growing while looking at the sight of her.

"Naruto-kun," Hinata said as she reached and stood in front of him before she kissed his lips briefly and pulled away and continued, "I want to continue where we left off at in the bathhouse the other night," Hinata reached for his vest and removed it along with his shirt, "With no interruptions, no holding back."

(Warning: This scene will have a mild lemon though nothing graphic. You've been warned, so if you don't want to read it, please skip to the next scene.)

Naruto, standing in front of Hinata, removed his sandals with his pants still on. Hinata stepped forward and planted kisses under his chin and neck as she reached for his belt and pants and undid them. Gently, she tugged his pants and boxers down to his ankles, freeing his erection from its confinement as she allowed him to step out of his boxers and pants, thus being completely barefooted and nude with her.

"So what do you want to do now Hinata-chan?" Naruto asked. With a shy and submissive overtone, Hinata replied, "Since you're always the one to teach and instruct me, I feel I should follow your lead in doing to me as you wish."

"Do you remember what I told you on that day when I gave you those gravity and chakra restraint seals?" Naruto asked as he took Hinata's right hand and placed it over his chest, allowing her to feel his heartbeat as he placed his right hand over where her heart was beating.

"I remember," Hinata said with a smile, "You said that our hearts beat as one. I never forgot how poetic you were and still are. But now…"

She moved closer and wrapped her arms around his shoulders in a tight embrace and kissed him passionately as she felt his arousal at her crotch. Hinata led him to the spread open blanket lying on the grass and lied down on it on her back with Naruto hovering over her, "I want us…to join…as one."

"The desire for a man's embrace is not only physical but also mental and emotional as we yearn for that connection with him, the desire to be one with him in heart, mind, body and soul."

It was funny how Karin's earlier words came racing back into his mind as he gazed down into Hinata's eyes that were filled with affections, desire and want for him. A moment later Naruto leaned in and kissed Hinata and rather than just taking Hinata right there and then, Naruto slowed himself down and decided to caress, kiss, suckle and explore every part of her body, making her feel beautiful, cherished and desired. Naruto's actions and attention to her body drove Hinata wild and heightened her anticipation as she already felt her love canal becoming wetter with her juices as it longed for Naruto's dowel to enter and fill her to the brink. Her moaning served to encourage Naruto to continue his foreplay on her body, stimulating Hinata's lust and craving for Naruto to satisfy her.

'Is this really happening?' Hinata wondered, 'Is this another dream I'm going to wake up from like before?'

Before Hinata could answer her own unspoken question, Naruto's face reached her lips and he kissed her hotly as he rested his arms on the blanket before guiding his stiffened rod to her moistened receptive canal.

"Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked, immediately gaining his attention.

"Yes Hinata-chan?" Naruto asked.

"Is this a dream?" Hinata asked, "Is this all one big dream to wake up from?"

"Even if it is," Naruto replied, "It would be worth every minute so long I get to spend and have this moment with you."

"Naruto-kun!" Hinata said happily before she kissed his lips and held onto Naruto as she braced herself, feeling every part of his stiffened man part sliding inside and opening her wet passage for the first time. For Naruto, there were no words that he could use to describe the mental and carnal sensations he was experiencing as he descended into Hinata until he reached her sensitive barrier. Naruto stopped and gave Hinata a look that was more of an unasked question that she was able to understand.

"It's OK Naruto-kun," Hinata assured, "I'm sure about this. Make me yours."

With that reassurance, Naruto in one thrust, fully submerged into Hinata, causing her to moan loudly from having Naruto completely in her for the first time, giving their virginity to each other for good. Naruto's mind was doing somersaults as he savored the sensuous feeling of being joined with his girlfriend while feeling her wet and nude body underneath his nude body. Sure he had wet dreams of Hinata and read many stories from Ichaicha Paradise about such erotic scenes and he also watched a few movies with those graphic moments. But it was a whole different dimension when actually engaging in such physical intimacy.

Naruto allowed Hinata time to adjust to the feeling of having him in her knowing that her first time would be excruciating at the start. Soon though, she moved up and down a few times signaling she was ready to continue. At that moment, Naruto and Hinata forgot about everything else and the world around them as they made love in the blanket of the night. They took each other for all they were worth with no restraints, no holding back as Hinata verbally encouraged her lover to claim her, to have her, to love her. Naruto complied while telling Hinata how beautiful she was and expressing his desire to always be there with her, for her. He repeatedly called her his Moon's Eye Spring Rabbit during their lovemaking. Every moan, every groan Hinata made from their rhythmic movements only made Naruto more aroused with passion and lust.

For Hinata, being brought up in a traditional household, she knew very well how her father and clan wanted her to be married off ceremonially. She knew how they wanted her to stay chaste and remain a virgin until she was wedded off to a worthy suitor. But at that moment, she didn't care about traditions, customs or what her father and clan wanted. All thoughts of them were forgotten. All that mattered to her was having Naruto and staking her claim on him, desiring his love, time, energy and attention. She wanted him to be hers and to make him happy by what means necessary, even if it meant giving her body to him as he gave his to her.

After a while, both teens reached their climatic peak and surrendered to their need for orgasmic release, relishing in the bliss of carnal gratification. Naruto's eyes rolled to the back of his head as Hinata's canal contracted and tightly squeezed down on his shaft. Hinata moaned loudly as she felt Naruto release inside her as he held onto her for another minute until he was completely drained. While holding her, he kissed her neck and the bottom of her chin a few times and said huskily, "I love you, Hyuuga Hinata. You're mine now, my beautiful Moon Rabbit."

"Yes Naruto-kun," Hinata said lowly, "I love you too. I belong to you now. And you belong to me."

Naruto rolled and allowed Hinata to rest on top of him while they were still intimately connected. They took the time to regain their strengths while Hinata felt and listened to the sound of Naruto's heartbeat. A cool breeze blew by but the warmth of Naruto's body was enough for Hinata.

(End Of Mild Lemon Scene)

"Hinata-chan," Naruto said.

"Yes Naruto-kun?" Hinata inquired.

"We did this without the use of…," Naruto left the sentence off as Hinata understood his unfinished statement.

"Don't worry Naruto-kun," Hinata assured, "I won't get pregnant for now. I had one of the female members of my clan secretly teach me a special medic jutsu that acts as birth control."

"Really?" Naruto asked with interest, "When was this?"

"The morning before I left my clan's compound to meet up with you and Karin for this mission," Hinata revealed, "The way we made out at the Hokage Tower and on top of the Hokage Monument the night before this mission, I knew it would be a matter of time until we could no longer control our urges so…I took the needed precautions."

"I'm happy you did," Naruto said in relief, "I must confess that I was negligent and stupid in not learning to do so myself. I'm happy you prove to be smarter than me in that regard."

"Don't be so hard on yourself Naruto-kun," Hinata consoled, "Even if I did get pregnant for you after this night, I would be honored in having your child regardless of what anyone else said about it. With you at my side, I'm strong enough to take on any challenge."

"You are aware that this changes everything between us," Naruto said, "I'm sure it won't be long until your father and others find out about us consummating our love for each other intimately."

"I know," Hinata admitted, "No doubt I'm sure to face disappointment from both my father and the clan. Pfft…not that disappointment from them would be a new experience for me anyway. I did this because I wanted to."

"Aren't you a rebellious clan heiress all of a sudden," Naruto teased, causing Hinata to giggle and snuggle closer to him as she rested on top of him.

"I have you to blame for that Naruto-kun," Hinata playfully replied, "Becoming more like you everyday and copying your mischievous habits."

"Oh you loved it," Naruto snickered before he kissed her forehead and said, "Regardless what happens, through thick and thin, we'll have each other."

"Yes we will," Hinata agreed, "No matter what, you're all I need Naruto-kun."

"So, Hinata-chan," Naruto asked, "Do you want to go for a swim or return back to the motel where the others are waiting?"

"Let's stay like this for a while longer," Hinata suggested, "And then let's go for a swim together. I'll even show you some new tricks I learned with water manipulations."

"You had me at "Let's stay"," Naruto teased before Hinata smiled and moved to lean down to kiss his lips.

(Three Hours Later)

Naruto and Hinata, fully dressed and washed up, made return back to the motel. Naruto was carrying Hinata bridal style as she snuggled closer to him, smiling contently while enjoying the feeling of being treated as his princess. All of things Hinata used for their picnic were sealed away in Hinata's small scroll which was in a pocket inside her jacket. Much earlier, Naruto had summoned a platoon of clones and had them scatter about to be his eyes and security in the event of bandits or thieves appearing and attacking them. So far, everything was peaceful and serene, just the way he wanted it for both himself and Hinata.

By the time they reached the town, Hinata had already fallen asleep peacefully in his arms with her head on his right shoulder. Naruto, having no other choice, carried Hinata's sleeping form all the way back to the motel where the others were waiting. Upon their arrival, he knocked on the door of the room Hinata and Karin were sharing. When the door opened, it revealed Karin barefooted without her glasses on in only her panties and t-shirt which did little to cover her navel. Naruto was used to seeing Karin and Honoka in little clothes on but that didn't stop him from getting aroused by the sight of them.

"So you finally returned with Hinata," Karin said stating the obvious, "I hope you both enjoyed your time together without her getting sick again this time."

"I think the look on her face says it all," Naruto remarked, causing Karin to take a good look at Hinata's peaceful yet happy sleeping form. Looking back at Naruto, Karin asked lecherously, "How was she for your first time with her?"

"Karin!" Naruto growled with a deep blush on his face.

"C'mon Naruto-kun," Karin replied, "As a woman, I can see the afterglow on her face, a look I've never seen from her up till now."

"You're not going to go blurt this out to everyone, are you?" Naruto asked.

"Why would I?" Karin replied with a lecherous smile, "I'm more interested in hearing how "thirsty" she was and how you quenched her "thirst" until she was completely satisfied. I'm sure I can use your explanation and attention to details to get me off before I head to bed."

"Karin, really!" Naruto retorted with blood threatening to burst out of his nose, "Look! Let me place Hinata in bed and be on my way, unless you want me to fetch Uzumaki Arashi and have him quench your thirst to be satisfied."

"You wouldn't do something that mean would you?" Karin asked before Naruto burst into a cloud of smoke and took on the form and appearance of Arashi.

"Karin," 'Arashi' said with sultry, "Allow me the pleasure of screwing you hard in my bed and conceiving my children with you. You can ride me as much as you want for as long as you want."

"That isn't funny!" Karin retorted with a shudder, "Fine! You win! Though Arashi and Kansui are actually fast asleep in another room down the hall."

'Arashi' burst into a cloud of smoke and changed back to normal. Karin stepped aside and allowed Naruto inside as he removed his sandals before heading to place Hinata in bed. Karin closed and locked the door behind her as Naruto placed Hinata on the bed and removed her sandals and jacket. After setting her sandals down by the door and Hinata's jacket on a nearby chair, he went over to Hinata and covered her with a blanket.

"By the way," Karin said as she went over and retrieved a thick bound book resting on the nightstand by her bed, "Your clones and I got a lot done with the first volume of your new story, all twelve chapters. They even managed to incorporate me into the story as you promised."

Naruto went over to Karin and took the manuscript of his new novel series from her.

"Great work Karin!" Naruto thanked and asked, "Where are my clones now? I sense that they didn't dispelled themselves yet."

"They're in another room working on the next set of twelve chapters with the input I suggested and gave to them," Karin revealed, "The manuscript for your second volume."

"Wow!" Naruto marveled, "They're not playing around! I wonder when they'll be done with the manuscript for the second volume."

"In a couple of hours at the rate they're going," Karin said, "Many will love your new series I'm sure, especially with the artwork they're incorporating into many parts of the story. That was my suggestion."

"Cool!" Naruto praised, "I'll wait till my clones dispel themselves so I can get a full and complete understanding of everything they accomplished in my absence."

"Why wait when I can tell you all about it myself," Karin offered as she took the first manuscript from him and began discussing with him everything both his clones and her accomplished.

(Meanwhile)

Seijiro was sitting on the floor alone on the roof of the motel building with an opened scroll in front of him. While Jiraiya and the others were doing their own things, he was busy tracking Tsunade's movements through his spy network and making sure her trail didn't start growing cold as she had hoped. Seijiro wanted to make sure that he and the rest of the team tracked down and found Tsunade by the next night as he grew tired of her constantly skipping town whenever he and the others got very close to finding her.

"You won't escape us this time Tsunade," Seijiro said lowly to himself with a grin on his face, "I'll see to that personally."

(The Following Morning)

Hinata was lying in bed with the morning sun gradually shining over her closed eyes. She stirred a little before she yawned and stretched. But as she did, she found that she was being held down by something, a pair of arms. She looked behind her to find Naruto, sleeping soundly next to her in the same bed while holding her close to him. Her face blushed dark red until her mind rewind and recalled everything that happened last night. She smiled contently as she remembered her lovemaking with Naruto.

"Slept well my Moon's Eye Spring Rabbit?" Naruto asked as he opened his eyes to look at Hinata.

"Waking up with you being the first thing I see in the morning is the best way to wake up," Hinata replied with a bright smile on her face.

"How did you enjoy last night?" Naruto asked. Hinata snuggled closer to him and replied, "Heavenly. The best night of my life. I have no regrets. I didn't know such pleasures for the human body exist."

"Oh I'm sure I can show and teach you more pleasures with my tongue if you like," Naruto remarked with a grin.

"You're such a pervert Naruto-kun," Hinata giggled.

"Oh yeah?" Naruto replied as he grabbed and kissed Hinata hotly as he rolled and rested himself on top of her before holding her in his arms again. Hinata embraced and kissed him just as passionately as she felt his full weight on top of her. Naruto reluctantly removed his lips and tongue from Hinata's mouth and moved his lips over to her left ear and whispered, "I could just take you right here and now if it weren't for the others being in the motel with us."

"Aren't they waiting for us as we speak?" Hinata asked. A knock came from the room door.

"Hey Naruto-kun!" came Karin's voice from the other side, "I hope both you and Hinata are quite done resting up. Jiraiya, Seijiro-jisan and the others are getting ready to continue our journey so we're going to have to leave soon."

"Does that just about answers your question Hinata-chan?" Naruto replied before he pecked Hinata on the lips and got up off her and stood up from the bed.

"Give us thirty minutes Karin," Naruto replied through the door.

"Whatever," Karin said, "We'll be waiting."

Karin left the door and went about her business, leaving Naruto and Hinata to themselves.

"C'mon let's get ready to leave," Naruto advised, "We can have some grown up "fun time" later."

Hinata blushed while knowing what he had mind when he said "grown up fun time."

(Later That Evening)

The group had been traveling all day for miles going with the leads Jiraiya and Seijiro obtained until they finally managed to lock in on Tsunade's exact location with Hinata and Karin working together. Currently the group was standing outside of a casino parlor, where Hinata and Karin confirmed Tsunade's location inside.

"I see a high level genjutsu over a blonde haired woman who's starting to get nervous and is looking to make a rapid exit through the doors past the poker tables," said Hinata said with her Byakugan activated.

"That's Senju Tsunade without a doubt," Jiraiya confirmed.

"Finally!" Karin stated with a breath of relief, "We found that damn woman!"

"I advise that we don't all go in towards Tsunade all at once," Jiraiya instructed, "Naruto and I will go in first while the rest of you make your appearance as subtle as possible but close enough to be on standby. Seijiro, should she try to try to make a quick exit, intercept and make sure she can't run anywhere, otherwise she'll take off faster than Maito Gai without weights."

"There's a bit more to this Jiraiya-sama," Hinata informed, "Evidently, Tsunade-sama has someone with her, a young woman who's following her close by."

"An assistant or an apprentice of sorts no doubt," Kansui figured.

"Or a possible wildcard," Arashi suggested.

"Whatever the case," Naruto said after a long silence, "We'll deal with both Tsunade and whoever this woman is that's tagging along with her. You guys all know what to do, so let's execute the plan."

(Inside The Casino)

Senju Tsunade had very good hand and presently the exit looked pretty friendly right now because her winning streak for the past couple of days was a warning sign that something was going to happen. Regardless, Tsunade was determined to get one more good game in and she had every intention of skipping out on paying her debts yet again considering the large amount of money she won over the span of nearly a week. Tsunade was preparing to end the game and leave the casino with Shizune sensing what her teacher was about to do.

'Here we go again,' thought Shizune with the pig in her hand letting out a sigh while wondered what she did in her past life to make her be the pet of the Legendary Sucker. When she looked and saw two figures approaching them, one she immediately recognized and the other she never saw before. Tsunade however was too focused on the game she was winning to take notice of the newcomers slowly approaching them.

"We have a winner!" the table clerk said, "Senju Tsunade!"

Tsunade took this as her sign to cash in all her winnings and skip town again right after. Just as Tsunade finished collect all of her winnings and was about to leave with Shizune and Tonton…

"It's been a long time Tsunade-hime," Jiraiya greeted as he and Naruto approached the table Tsunade and Shizune were at. Tsunade's eyes widened on hearing and seeing Jiraiya standing right in front of her.

"Jiraiya!" Tsunade shouted, "What!? Why are you here!?"

"That's a very good question Tsunade," Naruto remarked, "Considering that we've been looking for you for the past couple of days and would like to have friendly chat with you peacefully away from this spot and at another table."

Tsunade looked at Naruto and asked, "And who are you boy?"

"Don't call me boy!" Naruto retorted, "I'm Uzumaki Naruto, son of Konoha's late Yondaime!"

"So you're Kushina's son," Tsunade replied.

"You knew my parents," Naruto said coolly, "Not surprising to say the least in light of everything that happened in my life. But we're not here to talk about me. We came to find you Tsunade, so how about we go talk at another spot with some shots of sake?"

"Now you're talking my language!" Tsunade said lively, "Though you're too young to drink!"

"Screw that!" Naruto replied, "Old enough to kill! Old enough to drink is what I say!" Naruto then turned to the younger of the two women, "By the way, who are you?"

"I'm Shizune," Shizune introduced, "I'm Tsunade-sama's apprentice and assistant."

"It's a pleasure to meet a woman as beautiful and exemplary as you Shizune," Naruto replied respectfully with smile on his face. Tsunade had a raised eyebrow after hearing how Naruto addressed Shizune. Shizune herself was a little flustered by how Naruto complimented her.

"Thank you, I suppose," Shizune thanked.

"There's no need to feel embarrassed," Naruto grinned, "Any man with good sense and eyes in his head knows beauty with an edge when he sees it."

"I can talk from personal experience," Jiraiya remarked.

"With bruises and deep scars to show for no doubt ero-jisan," Naruto mocked.

"Shut up brat!" Jiraiya retorted, "And don't try to play all innocent when you yourself are one of my most advent readers of my book series!"

Tsunade frowned at both of them, already drawing conclusions about what she thinks Naruto's character and abilities are.

"Anyway," Jiraiya suggested, "Let's head to another table and talk there like the brat suggested."

The group went and did just that after Tsunade went and cashed in all the money she won from her last game. Tsunade and Shizune sat at one side of the table as Naruto and Jiraiya sat at the side facing them. Tsunade ordered a large bottle of sake with two cups since Shizune wasn't up for drinking and Naruto wasn't serious about wanting to drink despite having a moderate drinking habit with Hanabi. After getting her ordered sake and cups, Tsunade proceeded drinking her sake like water from a fountain.

"It's been a long time Jiraiya," Tsunade said, "Are we to expect Orochimaru to show up and join us?"

"No," Jiraiya said, "Plus, Orochimaru has recently caused Konoha a great deal of trouble. Not mention that he carries a strong hatred for the Chuunin next to me."

"Chuunin?" Tsunade asked as he turned to Naruto, "Why does Orochimaru hates the boy so much?"

Tsunade poured herself another shot of sake and started drinking it. Just as Jiraiya was about to answer…

"That's not important," Naruto said, "And I told you not to call me boy. What's important is why we were sent out by the Sandaime-jiisan to look for you."

Tsunade stopped drinking her sake when she heard that and looked at Jiraiya who sighed, knowing that there was no point dancing around the truth.

"For what purpose did Sarutobi-sensei sent both you guys out to find me?" Tsunade asked suspiciously, considering that it was a fellow Sannin that was tasked to find her.

"I'll be straight with you Tsunade," Jiraiya said humorlessly, "By order of the Hokage, you are to return back to Konoha immediately. It's not an option or a request."

Tsunade's eyes narrowed dangerously when she heard what she heard from Jiraiya as she leaked bloodlust. Though she had sake in her system, but she was still sober and a dangerous opponent to take on in a one-on-one fight. Shizune and the pig with her named Tonton got nervous when they felt the level of bloodlust pouring from the Slug Sannin.

"I told Sarutobi-sensei that I would never step foot back in Konoha again!" Tsunade snarled, "And he dares order me back to that accursed village!?"

"Tsunade," Jiraiya said patiently, "We don't have to make this difficult. I know you carry a grudge against Konoha for your bad experiences but-"

"Bad experiences!?" Tsunade retorted, "That damn abominable village robbed me of everything and everyone I loved! I don't care that Sarutobi-sensei is ordering me to return! I won't go back, even if he was offering me the position of becoming Hokage!"

"That's an interesting thought," Jiraiya remarked, "Why not return and take Sarutobi-sensei's position as Hokage? He'd be more than happy to return to his retirement. You'd be a most suitable choice."

"You take it!" Tsunade replied with disinterest.

"Funny you should say that considering that Sarutobi-sensei did choose me for the position of Godaime and asked me to become the new Hokage," Jiraiya revealed, "But I told him that I'm too free spirited to remain in one place and that I'm needed for my spy network."

"Such modesty ero-jisan," Naruto remarked, "But I can honestly see you as Godaime much more so than this broken woman in front of us, and that's saying something."

"Broken woman?" Tsunade repeated as she leaked more bloodlust, enough to cause Shizune and others to move and back away from her with a frightened Tonton in Shizune's arms, "You're how old again?" Tsunade remarked and warned, "You're still wet behind your ears, so don't presume to know me."

"I know enough about you Tsunade," Naruto replied undeterred, "I know instance that after you gave Nawaki that necklace around your neck after he became a Genin, he was killed in his first mission. Orochimaru himself remarked how you wouldn't be able to identify your brother's body and how there weren't any medics on the battlefield. Nawaki's tragic demise was the reason why you tried to persuade Sandaime-jiisan and the hierarchy to establish a system to train ninjas to be medics on the battlefield in order to reduce the likelihood of future casualties.

"Dan supported you after Sandaime-jiisan explained that they have neither the time nor resources to start such a training medic system while Konoha was at war with Kumo and Amegakure. But later your lover Dan was mortally wounded and bled to death in your arms after you tried to save him. The common fact about both Nawaki and Dan was that they both died with dreams of becoming Hokage one day while wearing the very necklace you wear around your neck, the one that was once worn by your grandfather, Senju Hashirama, Konoha's late Shodaime Hokage. You blamed Konoha for their deaths and ran away ever since, drowning yourself in gambling and drinking while having debt collectors after you. If you were to sell that very necklace, you could wipe out all of your acquired debts and still have enough money to buy a whole mountain.

"Now tell me, do you still find me presumptuous Tsunade?"

Tsunade had a shocked and speechless look on her face, as did Shizune.

'How does Naruto knows what he knows?' Shizune wondered as her mind raced through many possibilities. Tsunade turned to Jiraiya and the Toad Sage said in his defense, "I told Naruto nothing! And that's the truth! Sarutobi-sensei told him nothing neither! Both Orochimaru and myself were just as shaken and disturbed by how Naruto knows what he knows, but I swear on my life I told Naruto nothing about your past regarding Nawaki and Dan!"

Tsunade knew Jiraiya wasn't lying to her, but it didn't change the fact that what she heard from Naruto's mouth left her shaken. Tsunade returned her gaze back on Naruto.

"How did you come to find out about Nawaki and Dan?" Tsunade with a look that said she wanted answers.

"My sources are my own Tsunade," Naruto remarked, "You don't need to know. What you need to know however is that Sandaime-jiisan wants you to return to Konoha and we'd like for you and Shizune to return with us peacefully. So please make this easy for us and comply."

"While I'm startled that you know sensitive things about my past Naruto," Tsunade replied, "It doesn't change my decision not to return to Konoha and I don't take orders from a low-ranked Chuunin like yourself."

"I'm not only a Chuunin, Tsunade," Naruto said, "I'm also the official Uzumaki clan leader and member of Konoha's Shinobi Council."

"Naruto is not making this up Tsunade-hime," Jiraiya confirmed, "Everything he said is true."

"How can he be a clan leader if he's the only surviving Uzumaki?" Tsunade asked.

"We beg to differ Tsunade," Seijiro rebuffed as he, Karin, Kansui, Arashi and Hinata stepped forward and surrounded the table, "As you can see, we're surviving Uzumakis who were found my our rightful clan heir turned clan leader."

Tsunade took a careful look at each of them and saw the trademark red hair the Uzumakis were known for. Upon seeing Hinata however, Tsunade said, "You're a Hyuuga. You're not of the Uzumaki clan."

"While it's true that I'm the Hyuuga clan heiress," Hinata replied respectfully, "What's also true is that I'm considered the future matriarch of the Uzumaki clan seeing that I'm in a serious relationship with Naruto-kun. And like Naruto-kun, I'm also a Chuunin."

"Tsunade," Naruto said, "You have Uzumaki blood running through in your veins as your grandmother was Uzumaki Mito, which means you fall under my clan's jurisdiction regardless of your Senju heritage. Therefore as clan leader with the Hokage's backing, I'm requesting that you return with us to Konoha."

Tsunade snarled lowly seeing how Naruto was using her blood ties to his clan against her and since it was proven that he's the official leader of his clan, he was within his rights to call for her return.

"I will have you know Tsunade-hime that you're at a major disadvantage," Jiraiya enlightened, "Because not only has Sarutobi-sensei dispatched us to find and retrieve you, but the oldest Uzumaki of this group has been hunting you for some time now as he's been employed by a loan shark to find you so you can pay back the large amount of money you owe. In fact, Uzumaki Seijiro's expertise in tracking and finding you heavily rivals my own, which was why it was so hard for my team and I to find you as you constantly kept running from town to town for reasons we didn't understand back then."

"What!?" Tsunade shouted as she turned to face Seijiro, 'So he's the one that was the cause of all my winnings and why I was sensing bad vibes every time!'

"I'm known by many as The Bloodhound," Seijiro revealed, "I'm sure you've heard of me."

"Yes," Tsunade confirmed, "Your exploits have reached even my ears. But it's still not enough to intimidate or persuade me. My answer to you, Naruto and Jiraiya is still "No" and that's final!"

"I'm not under the authority of the Hokage as I've been employed by another man to have you pay back the money you owe him, whether you want to or not," Seijiro said calmly though with a serious undertone, "I will complete my mission by whatever means necessary, even if it means fighting you."

"Tsunade," Naruto warned, "Though we truly rather not have to, but we're under direct orders by Sandaime-jiisan himself to use force as a last resort if we have to. Sandaime-jiisan made it very clear that he wants you brought back to Konoha by any means necessary, even if it means arresting you!"

"You two Uzumakis have balls to think you both can challenge me!" Tsunade retorted.

"Don't test us Tsunade," Naruto warned coldly, "We've faced worse than you. We've done worse than you. There are reasons why Orochimaru and others like him are wary of Seijiro-jisan and I, as you should be."

"Tsunade-hime," Jiraiya interjected as the mediator, "We don't want this turning ugly and a clan of Uzumaki ninjas with infamous violent tempers literally surrounding you will cause all of us indescribable grief. We rather negotiate and persuade you peacefully to return willingly to the village your grandfather built as his surviving legacy."

"The village my grandfather built?" Tsunade remarked cynically, "That village no longer exist! What's there now is worthless refuse and a useless shell of its former glory!"

Naruto burst into a cloud of smoke and when it cleared, the new appearance Naruto took put Jiraiya into a mental state of panic as he knew this wasn't going to end well.

"Onee-chan!" Naruto said in the perfect voice imitation and appearance of Nawaki, only it sounded saddened and hurt as if he was crying, "Uzumaki Mito-obaachan and Senju Hashirama-ojiisan would be sadden and heartbroken if they were alive to see that you chose to abandon and forsake your homeland and people that you once swore to protect! I'm very saddened and hurt to see that you've changed from the onee-chan I always loved to someone who who holds no love for the homeland I wanted to become Hokage to so I could live up to jiisan's memories! How could you abandon and forget about me and my dreams?"

Naruto henge'd into Dan and perfectly mimicking Dan's voice and character, Naruto said with a saddened and heartbroken overtone, "Tsunade, what happened to you? Why have you changed from the woman I once loved to a woman who carries scorn and hate for the homeland I gave my life for? I once dreamed of becoming Hokage to Konoha while having you at my side. Why did you choose to forget my dreams and love for Konoha?"

Tsunade's head and gaze lowered to face the table as she was experiencing multiple waves of emotions with many memories of Nawaki and Dan rushing through her mind. The fact that Naruto mimicked Nawaki and Dan so perfectly startled and frightened Tsunade and Shizune since Dan was Shizune's late uncle. So many questions about Naruto rushed through Tsunade's and Shizune's minds as they again wondered how Naruto knew what he knew. Naruto soon changed back to normal.

"I'm sure that display you saw gave you a good idea how Nawaki and Dan would feel if they saw you as you are today," Naruto remarked. There was a brief moment of silence around the table. But shortly thereafter, that calm was replaced with a burning bloodlust radiating off Tsunade.

"Shit!" Jiraiya cursed seeing the danger, "This is bad!"

"I'll kill you!" Tsunade threatened as her rage exploded, causing her smack the table away in pieces and lunge at Naruto and grabbing him by the throat. Naruto however burst into a cloud of smoke, revealing himself to be a kage bunshin.

"What!?" Tsunade shouted, seeing that she was tricked as other bystanders cleared and got our of Tsunade's way, knowing about her feared strength.

"That was a sloppy Tsunade," Naruto said from the ceiling he was standing upside down on. Karin summoned her chakra chains as her fellow Uzumaki brethren got ready to fight. Hinata activated her Byakugan and readied herself for a serious battle. Shizune didn't like how things turned out and she wasn't willing to fight her fellow Konoha ninjas as that would be considered treason to the Hokage who was ordering their immediate return to Konoha. She held onto Tonton and decided to stay neutral to the upcoming fight to happen. Naruto dropped and flipped down to the floor next to Hinata as Tsunade confidently stood her grounds. Jiraiya went and stood between Tsunade and Naruto while facing his fellow Sannin.

"Tsunade-hime," Jiraiya pleaded, though his voice carried a serious overtone, "Please! It doesn't have to come to this!"

"I'll deal with you later Jiraiya right after I'm done educating the boy about the consequences of using my loved ones as tools against me!" Tsunade retorted sharply.

"Nawaki and Dan would be far from happy to see how you've changed so drastically from who you used to be Tsunade," Naruto remarked.

"Shut up!" Tsunade yelled as she suddenly dashed and delivered a solid punch to Naruto, sending him flying through the casino and ultimately through the wall of the establishment.

"NARUTO-KUN!" Hinata yelled with a shocked and frightened tone after seeing what happened to her lover. Not wasting time, Tsunade raced through the casino and pursued Naruto through the newly made hole in the wall with the others chasing after her. She hurried over to the Jinchuuriki lying motionlessly on the ground, only to find that what laid in the rubble was a Naruto clone that puffed out.

"Looking for me?" Naruto asked loudly from the roof the establishment they were previously inside of. Tsunade looked up to see Naruto standing on the roof as Shizune, Jiraiya and the others came rushing through the hole in the wall. They stopped and stood their distance from Tsunade as she was looking up at Naruto.

"Years ago at the ninja academy," Naruto said, "I first took out Sandaime-jiisan and showed that I could have killed him if I wanted to. A little more than a month ago, I fought against Orochimaru in a one-on-one death match, and twice I almost killed him in that fight, forcing him to retreat. A few days after that fight, I fiercely battled Jiraiya to a stalemate."

"Is that suppose to intimidate me?" Tsunade asked coldly.

"No," Naruto replied, "I'm just pointing out that fighting you will just complete the circle. I'll give you one last offer to comply in returning back with us peacefully."

"After that stunt you pulled using my memories of Nawaki and Dan against me just moments ago I'm in no mood to negotiate with you!" Tsunade replied as she cracked her knuckles and gave Naruto a look that said she was going to fight him head on instead. Naruto narrowed his hardened eyes dangerously at her and gave her the same look he gave Orochimaru.

"Fine! We won't do things the easy way!" Naruto declared as he summoned his Kiba Blades and charged them up with lightning dancing around and between the blades, "We'll now do things the Uzumaki way! Ninpō: Ikazuchi no Kiba (Ninja Art: Lightning Fangs)!

By drawing together his twin swords, Naruto sent electrical essence into the clouds, and a moment later he started firing highly charged lightning strikes from the skies straight at Tsunade in multiple directions, forcing her to retreat and keep from being struck as Hinata and the other Uzumakis with her moved in and looked for opportunities to attack and take Tsunade down. The citizens and tourists in the vicinity ran for their lives as all hell was breaking out. Jiraiya knew he had to do something fast before things got worse though he knew that Tsunade was at a serious disadvantage with Naruto armed with what he knew about her and with his clan and Hinata backing him up…

A fierce battle between Naruto and Tsunade is taking place with Hinata and his Uzumaki clan members backing him up. Will Jiraiya find a way to resolve this fight and convince Tsunade to return? Or will Tsunade be arrested and forced back to Konoha as ordered by the Sandaime Hokage? Find out next time.